Episodes

Today's episode, Mark again pulls up motion capture data from elite players—this time, Rory and Bryson. Here, he focuses in on a comparison the angle of the trail elbow. After quizzing Lou and Greg about how these Tour players differ, Mark gives instruction on what is an overlooked element of a golf swing, so that we can apply these motion capture insights to our own golf improvement. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfie...

SMS - 180 in Fairway, Greens Hit, Scratch-10-20

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. Here's a great expectations podcast: in this episode, Lou has Mark and Greg guessing how often a scratch, 10-, and 20-index player will hit the green from 180–185 yards. Listen in and you'll get a good idea of what a realistic number is—and how you need to improve! Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes long) about an interesting golf stat. We will discuss what you can learn, and most importantly, how yo...

Learning from Tour Player Swings

Tony Finau and Rory McIlroy: both elite players, and both capable of absolutely smashing drivers. But how? In this episode, Mark grabs Lou's Stat host microphone and quizzes Lou and Greg about some of the measured movements in Finau's and McIlroy's swings. What do they do alike—and in what ways are their swings profoundly different? And most importantly, what can "normal" golfers learn from these outlier players? How can this data help us improve in ways that are tailored to us a unique golfers?...

Qualifying for the US Senior Open

Greg Chalmers continues his roll! In today's episode, Greg recaps his qualifying round for the 2024 US Senior Open. He, Lou, and Mark talk about the qualifying site he chose, his work going into the day, his choice to play without his caddie (a detail that got Lou very interested), and his hopes for the tournament itself. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield ...

SMS - Tee Shot, 10 Handicap, Driving for 0 SG

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. Today is an all-time reality check in expectations management. If you're a 10-index golfer, how far do you need to hit a tee shot into the fairway to break even in strokes gained? What about in the rough? Lou puts this question to Greg and Mark, and the answer will probably surprise you as much as it does them—and it might give you different ideas of your goal when you're standing on the next tee. Each of these will ...

Preparing for the Senior PGA Championship

Recorded before last week's Senior PGA Championship, this episode features discussion with Greg, Mark, and Lou and Greg prepares for his first Champions Tour major. We know, with the benefit of hindsight, that Greg played really well, finishing third. Here, we'll listen to how Greg got ready for the tournament, tweaking some of his equipment (especially his putter), honing his practice, and getting some competitive reps before the Major Championship. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly ...

Home Launch Monitors

What used to be the exclusive property of fitting studios, high-end coaches, and touring professionals is now accessible for the amateur golfer. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk home launch monitors. What kinds of options should you consider? What benefit could such a device be to your game? And what might the future hold for this golf improvement technology? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: ht...

SMS - Upper Percentile Driving Distances

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. How long is 267 yards? Not in distance, of course: but where would a male golfer whose median drive is 267 rank among his peers? Today, Lou poses that question (and also 284 yards) to Mark and Greg, and the answer will probably surprise you. Expectation management, for the win yet again. Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes long) about an interesting golf stat. We will discuss what you can learn, and m...

Practice Swings

Practice swings: useful? Necessary? Time-waster? What are your practice swings for? What about practice swings when you're practicing? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about practice. Should you take a practice swing? If so, for what reason? What should you be trying to accomplish? Here is practical advice to maximize your practice time and get you in the best position to hit your best shots on the course. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgo...

Team Golf

Today's topic: team golf. This discussion is wide-ranging. Mark, Lou, and Greg discuss their own experiences playing team golf, and how it differs for them from playing individually. But then the discussion shifts to team golf at the collegiate and professional levels, and whether the team component helps—or hinders—the enjoyment of being a golf fan and spectator. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https:...

SMS - Special PGA Championship Edition

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. On this major weekend, we have a special episode: this week, Mark asks the questions! Mark has some trivia—even Greggie-related trivia—from the history of the PGA Championship, and this week pits Lou vs. Greg in answering the questions. Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes long) about an interesting golf stat. We will discuss what you can learn, and most importantly, how you can apply this on the golf ...

Repairing Pitch Marks

It's one of the basics of golf etiquette: repair your pitch marks. And yet, almost universally, golfers complain that the other guys don't do it. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg tackle the topic of pitch marks. They float some theories as to why there are so many unrepaired craters in the greens and why the normal campaigns to get more people fixing their ball marks don't seem to be working. There might be more to this than you expected. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newslett...

Pre-round Warm-up