Episodes

The 2024 US Open at Pinehurst was electric! A memorable course and a memorable finish give Mark, Lou, and Greg and lot ot talk about. In this episode, they discuss the course (and the role of luck vs skill), the broadcast, Rory's putting woes down the stretch and his quick exit, and Bryson's triumph and celebration(s). Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on ...

Learning from Tour Player Swings, Part 2 (Lag)

Today's episode, Mark again pulls up motion capture data from elite players—this time, Sergio Garcia and Billy Horschel. Sergio is famous for his lag: that deep angle he gets between his lead forearm and the club shaft as he transitions into the downswing. In this episode, Mark asks Lou and Greg to compare that angle between Sergio and Horschel (for the relevant images, check the podcast X account below). Once again: measured data sometimes tells a very different story than single images. Where...

SMS - Percent of US Male Golfers, Plus vs High Index

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. Managing expectations isn't just about individual shots. What percentage of golfers reach a plus index? And how many golfers maintain a relatively high handicap? In this Saturday stat, we join Lou, Mark, and Greg to talk about the ends of the bell curve of the handicaps. 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, ...

Champions Tour Midseason Recap

Right now, we're about halfway through Greg Chalmer's first season on the PGA Champions Tour. In this episode, he and Lou and Mark recap the season thus far. In addition, they talk about Greg's road ahead: what he needs to do the remainder of the season to secure status on the Champions Tour next year, so that he won't have to keep qualifying into tournaments (though he's been doing that really well). Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscri...

Lexi Thompson and Golf Social Media

In recent days, Lexi Thompson announced her retirement from professional golf. In this episode, Greg, Lou, and Mark talk about the reasons behind her decision. What is it like to travel on a tour for 15 years? How is a person supposed to handle being accessible online, where every anonymous person can make the cruelest comments about you? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline ...

SMS - 5 Index Players, Age 20s vs 60s, SG Short Game

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. Sometimes the stats confirm long-held suspicions. Sometimes they overturn them. In today's episode, Lou asks us to consider two 5-index golfers. One of them is in his 20s; the other in his 60s. Which of them, on average, has the better short game? And by how much? Greg and Mark register their guesses, and then the three of them talk about how differing golfers of all ages can make improvements to their games to give t...

2024 Senior PGA Championship Recap

Greg Chalmers played his first Champions Tour major—and was this close to winning the whole thing! In this episode, Greg joins Mark and Lou to talk through the event, including the tense final stretch, in which Greg had the lead before he was overtaken on the final few holes. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark Crossfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4golfo...

Learning from Tour Player Swings, Part 2 (Trail Elbow)

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