The Golf Practice Podcast

Andy, Pete L, and Dasa are back on the pod talking about how working at The Golf Practice has impacted their own games. Dasa opens up about a rare rough round, experimenting with new putting mechanics from Stan Utley, and the tension between coaching and playing. They get into swing changes, chasing speed, when (or if) to make adjustments, and how AI might fit into the coaching mix.

Andy is joined by Peter Donahue as they discuss their latest ideas, insights, developments, and practices from their coaching and own golf games. 

Peter Donahue joins Andy as Andy shares about his time at Lookout Mountain and Sweetens Cove with New Club Golf Society. They discuss New Club, the golf courses, and Andy gives a breakdown of the journey of his golf game over three full days of golf.

Peter Donahue joins Andy to discuss Rory Mcilroy and Bryson Dechambeau at the 2025 Masters. They talk about the many ways this week taught us what golf is. They cover the parts of golf we seemingly can control and the parts that are still confounding and mysterious.

Peter Donahue joins Andy to discuss the upcoming Masters Tournament. They spend most of the time hearing about Peter's experience playing  the back 9 of Augusta National, and then discuss why watching these tournaments on tv can be so valuable and enjoyable.

Peter Donahue joins Andy to discuss his new theory on the low hum at the core of the game of golf. They also talk about how this metaphor can help provide a structure for understanding why certain mental routines work, while painting a bigger picture of what we are going for.

Andy is joined by Dasa Urbankova to discuss a phenomenon of Andy chipping the ball in the hole only when he's not trying to. They explore different headspaces to be in while playing golf, and talk about how important it is to be in a good space when playing. They end with some big picture ideas of how people's understanding of what golf is can impact their mental space and approach to the game.

Jantzen joins Andy to discuss their golf goals for the 2025 season. They cover their goals in three categories: Perfomance, Approach to the Game, and Philosophical.

This is a clip from a 2021 episode titled Hot Cup, Cold Cup. In it, Andy, Pete L and Jantzen discuss a Yale study that causes them to question free will, ownership of their golf games, and more!

Peter Donahue joins Andy as he shares an update from a friend of the podcast who has undergone a coaching experiment, and found great success, using artificial intelligence as his golf coach.

Peter Donahue joins Andy live from Lisle. They check in on recent coaching experiences, and Andy shares changes to his approach as his coaching has ramped back up.

This is a clip from a 2020 episode. Peter Donahue shares his story of playing Pine Valley in the middle of the night with only a hickory 2 wood!!

Pete L and Dasa join Andy to check in on how things are going at the two The Golf Practice locations. They discuss a speed training challenge going on and Andy offers a new perspective.

In this episode Andy Hayes is joined by Steve Schreck as they delve into the intricacies of golf coaching, discussing their experiences, insights, and evolving techniques. They explore the importance of building awareness in players, addressing misconceptions about learning the golf swing, and the significance of creating a supportive learning environment. The conversation highlights the balance between technical adjustments and individual swing styles, emphasizing the mental aspects of golf, including fears that can increase tension and impact performance.

Jantzen joins Andy for a wide ranging discussion on coaching, learning, and the new strategies they are using to help people get better at golf.

Andy is joined by Peter and Pete L. following the Vikings latest loss. He asks them the question, what should you do if you never reach your goals?

Peter joins Andy to share some stories about some new students he inherited from Andy, as well as the philosophies and methods he's using with them. They also explore various aspects of golf coaching, focusing on the importance of personalized instruction, the challenges of teaching different students, and the significance of experimentation in learning. They discuss the complexities of golf, the lurking fear of the shank, and the necessity of adapting techniques to fit individual needs. The dialogue emphasizes the value of variety in practice, the distinction between learning and performing, and the role of marketing in golf instruction.   03:40Teaching Golf: Lessons and Experiences 07:32Addressing the Shank: A Student's Journey 17:20Innovative Teaching Methods and Learning Process 24:55The Power of Collaboration 26:37Complexity of Problem Solving 34:31The Fallacy of Cause and Effect in Learning 36:13Subtle Changes Leading to Major Improvements 38:25Redefining the Role of a Teacher 41:58Empowering Students Through Intrigue    

In this episode Pete L, Dasa, and Andy play the role of cultural commentators to discuss what's In and Out for Golf Culture in 2025.

Peter Donahue and Andy sit down for an update on The Golf Practice Lisle, and discuss the frustrations that come from delays and waiting. Andy shares about the history of Advent and they talk about how waiting is something baked into the way the world works, and suffering comes when we forget that. 

In this episode of the Golf Practice Podcast, hosts Andy Hayes, Pete Leinenweber, and Dasa Urbankova explore the intersection of mindfulness, sports, and personal growth. They discuss how applying mindfulness techniques can enhance performance in sports like bowling and golf, the nature of happiness, and the importance of living in the moment. The conversation also touches on the perception of time and how adults often rush through life, missing opportunities for joy in everyday experiences. In this conversation, the speakers explore the stress associated with timeliness in the workplace, the impact of sports on personal identity and outlook on life, and how past experiences with sports teams can shape one's perspective on success and failure. They discuss the triviality of being late to work, the emotional weight of sports memories, particularly in relation to the Minnesota Vikings, and how these experiences can influence personal growth and resilience.   01:08 Pete's Bowling Mindset 06:24 The Pursuit of Happiness  11:40 The Perception of Time and Living in the Moment 17:23 Finding Joy in Everyday Challenges 22:14 Traffic 30:08 The 98 Vikings

Pete L, Peter Donahue and Andy sit down and react to the Chicago Bears latest firing of their coach. They then discuss how the brain likes to make simple explanations for what may be complex, random events, and share how this applies to learning golf and why the wrong mindset can lead to a lack of growth and imnprovement.

In this episode of the Golf Practice Podcast, Andy Hayes and Peter Donahue share their experience with golf coach Michael Hebron, who spent two days at The Golf Practice last week. They talk about how golf coaching has evolved, the importance of understanding learning and memory, and how engagement impacts the process. They also touch on using improv techniques in coaching, the difference between immediate and mediated learning experiences, and the role of body movement and emotional awareness in golf. The discussion highlights how teaching methods shape a student's understanding and enjoyment of the game.   02:32 The Impact of Michael Hebron on Golf Coaching 07:20 Understanding Learning and Memory in Golf Instruction 18:05 Improv Techniques in Coaching 20:29 Exploring Communication and Learning in Golf 24:50 Immediate vs. Mediated Experience in Golf Training 32:57 The Importance of Emotional State in Learning 47:48Mastery and the Joy of Learning Golf

Peter Donahue joins Andy to discuss student observations over the past few months. Peter talks about the difference of "golf swing golf" and "shot making golf," and the two discuss why one is better than the other, and how you would learn to play one vs. the other.

Pete L. and Jantzen join Andy for their annual Half Baked Golf Ideas discussion. They share some fun ideas that would benefit the game of golf. They discuss a "Bunker Buy Back Program," "Pinch Golfers," "Advanced Club Cleaner," and much more!   00:00 Welcome Back and Introduction 01:54 Half-Baked Golf Ideas Explained 08:14 The Bunker Buyback Program 12:32 Club Cleaning Sanitizer: A New Solution 20:31 Pinch Golfers: A New Competitive Concept 31:45 Reverse Housing Development Golf 45:10 Golf Citizenship: A New Rating System  

In this episode of the Golf Practice Podcast, Andy Hayes, Pete Leinenweber, and Dasha Urbankova explore various themes surrounding golf, competition, and personal growth. They discuss the excitement of recording their first video podcast, reflect on experiences in competitive golf, and delve into the importance of questioning beliefs and understanding the connection between happiness and performance. The conversation also touches on the nature of awareness, the experience of nervousness in golf, and how to apply these insights to improve performance and well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Tournament Highlights 03:16 Questioning Beliefs and Personal Growth 06:04 Exploring Happiness and Awareness 09:17 The Connection Between Scores and Self-Identity 12:21 Finding Peace Beyond Performance 15:05 The Role of the Mind in Golf and Life 21:27 Understanding the Mind's Mechanisms 22:20 Navigating Nerves in Golf 24:53 The Role of Expectations in Performance 30:07 Awareness and Self-Perception 36:33 Embracing Emotions and Natural Reactions  

Peter Donahue joins Andy to share stories of success and mastery in their year of golf.

Pete L and Dasa join Andy as they dive deeper into Byron Katie's work on questioning their beliefs. They identify their one main belief, and discuss how it could be holding back their experience and performance in golf.

Pete L and Dasa join Andy to do "the work," a practice developed by author Byron Katie. This practice invites people to question their thoughts, and through this process, their thoughts lose their power. Pete, Dasa, and Andy apply this practice to different areas of their golf game, and find some surprising results!

Dasa and Pete L. join Andy as he shares about the best stretch of golf he's ever had. They discuss what leads to good play, what tends to get in the way, and much more!

In a special episode live from the patio at Canal Shores, Peter Donahue and Dasa join Andy to have a fun conversation about past mistakes they've made when learning the game of golf. Peter also shares some great stories about his experience this year coaching JV golf, and the crew is joined by Evanston Township High School golf coach Jed Curtis for a 5 minute check in on the hottest golf team in Illinois.

Pete L. and Dasa join Andy to share a few highlights from their trip to Sand Valley. They discuss a thrilling final match, bonus golf, and a 1 club challenge. Andy also shares thoughts on the Bluey episode, "The Sign" and how it relates to his current relationship with golf.

Peter Donahue joins Andy to recap their trip to Sand Valley and the best rounds of golf Peter has played in years. They cover his process and practice of experimentation and self discovery that allowed him to play with trust and freedom. At the end he shares brief highlights of a tour of The Lido.

Dasa Urbankova, The Golf Practices's newest coach, joins Andy to discuss mental performance in golf. Andy recaps his swing journey over the past year, and they discuss how Dasa has helped him with the mental side of the game. Andy also talks about the magic he has found in golf  since getting his mind on the right things.

Danny Fisher joins the podcast for the fifth time, this time to discuss his recent experience playing in the NV5 Invitational at The Glen Club. 

Andy is joined on the podcast by 2024 Captains Pete L, Caleb Nilson, and Steve Schreck. They recap past trips and draft their teams for the 2024 event.

Jantzen joins Andy to check in on the state of their golf game, as well as recap their trips to play Sedge Valley and Eagle Springs.

Peter Donahue joins Andy to discuss how everyone has experienced their own version of Rory McIlroy's finish to the US Open and then they give their thoughts on how to overcome the performance hurdles and milestones we all face.

Clark Willard of Hickory Revival joins Andy and Jantzen to discuss his journey with hickory golf and the work he now does restoring the clubs and making them more accessible for people across the country to play. You can find more from Clark at www.hickoryrevival.com and on Instagram @hickoryrevival.

Peter Donahue joins Andy for a wide ranging conversation covering some philosophy from Peter Rollins, the unavoidable existence of chaos, as well as some thoughts on true gravity. They talk about the importance of your approach and mindset to golf, as well as how to "put yourself in the best position to succeed."

Peter Donahue and Andy share a perspective on the cliche "one shot at a time" gained by their time at Sweetens Cove. They discuss how this experience has changed the way they see their golf now, as well as other possible practices within the game of golf.

Peter Donahue and Pete L. join Andy as they come up with a conclusion on the usefulness of par. They discuss the many reasons they think par is not the most helpful way to measure a round of golf, and offer some alternative ways people could describe and measure their rounds.

Peter Donahue and Andy discuss their trip to Sweetens Cove. They talk about the course, the camaraderie of their group, as well as new friends Kevin, Tyler and Jim Hartsell.

Peter Donahue joins Andy to discuss the benefits of making swing changes, things to avoid, and the best way to go about it all.

Peter Donahue joins Andy as he gives an update on his "new swing," and how it is working taking it from practice to the course. They discuss how much change is too much, as well as what is the sweet spot to look for when changing something in your swing.

Pete L and Andy join you live from the car, to and from a round of golf in February at Spring Valley Country Club. They discuss their mindset going into the round and what they are hoping to get out of it. Then they are back immediately following the round for a recap. The audio for this episode improves at the 8 minute mark.

Peter Donahue and Jantzen join Andy to discuss their experience learning from Hank Haney over the past few months. In this episode they cover: - Haney's approach to coaching - Haney's swing theory - How their own coaching has been influenced by Hank And much more!

Peter Donahue, Pete L. and Andy sit down for a special holiday episode on the theme of hope. They discuss the benefits of being a hopeful golfer, and share how the golf is a great place to practice being hopeful.

Peter Donahue joins Andy as he shares a big picture theory of the golf swing. They also discuss how the brain works in big picture concepts rather than small details, and how so many people miss this when teaching and coaching golf.

Peter Donahue is back with Andy as they continue their discussion on learning golf in a way that fits with how the brain learns best. This week they cover: - How important is having the correct information? - How to avoid swinging as if you were forging a signature. - Why golf instruction is so much more technical than other sports. - This episode also features an all-time Peter Donahue story relating someone raised in a communist culture moving to a democratic state to the way we could learn to putt.

Peter Donahue and Andy continue their discussion about brain compatible, student first, golf lessons. They share their ideas about why 'melee' is a valuable exercise, and talk about why traditional 'teach/fix' golf lessons don't work.

Peter Donahue, Jantzen, and Andy recap their year of playing hickory golf. They tell stories of acquiring clubs, difficulties and joys faced on the course, and much more! They end sharing their goals and helping each other come up with a plan for their golf going forward.