Episodes

In this episode of the Hack It Out Golf podcast, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk coaching—and when to consider changing coaches. With some big name Tour players either changing coaches or making headlines from seeing new coaches, it's a good time to consider the reasons that you might find benefit in a different instructor. Greg will talk about his own experience with coaching on a Tour level, Mark brings his experience with years of coaching, and Lou has had a handful of coaches (including Mark). Whe...

Saturday Morning Golf Stat - 500 yards, Shots to Hole Out, Scratch and 20 Index

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. Following up on last week's episode, this week we're sitting on the tee of a 500 yard par 5 with a scratch golfer and a 20 handicap. On average, how many shots will it take each of them to finish the hole? Lou poses this question to Mark and Greg, and after sorting through the answers, they consider how these averages should shape our expectations as we head to the course. Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 ...

Go For It or Lay Up?

The advice to lay up to your favorite yardage simply refuses to go away, and people who really ought to know better continue to advocate for a strategy that is objectively unsound. In this episode, Mark and Lou (minus Greg, who was out owning the Champions Tour) attack this myth again. They also give important clarification: in rejecting "laying up to a preferred yardage," are they advocating attacking every green? (No.) This episode is an important refresher of the data-driven reasons to get th...

Masters Preview

It's the first major of the year! In this episode, Mark, Greg, and Lou talk about the 2024 Masters, offering their projections for winners, notable missed cuts, and what Tiger Woods might do this year. Along the way, they talk about their own experiences at Augusta. Settle in for a great intro to one of the best week's in the golf year. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline M...

Saturday Morning Golf Stat - 400 yards, Shots to Hole Out, Scratch and 20 Index

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. In this episode, we're sitting on the tee of a 400 yard par 4 with a scratch golfer and a 20 handicap. On average, how many shots will it take each of them to finish the hole? Lou poses this question to Mark and Greg, and after sorting through the answers, they consider how these averages should shape our expectations as we head to the course. Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes long) about an interes...

The Galleri Classic Recap

Last week, Hack It Out co-host Greg Chalmers continued his first season on the Champions Tour by qualifying for the Galleri Classic. Once again, he needed to play very well to continue to earn spots in upcoming Champions Tour events. In this episode, he's joined by Lou Stagner and Mark Crossfield as he recaps the week, from the Tuesday Qualifier, to playing the pro-am with a Hack It Out listener, to regaining a round after a disastrous hole. Come along on Greg's Champions Tour journey! Where to...

10K MOI Drivers

Most years, the new driver releases boast about their new higher ball speeds and being the longest ever. This year, a major talking point for a few of the driver releases is their higher forgiveness, boasting 10K MOI specifications. In this episode, Mark leads Lou and Greg in a discussion of MOI, marketing, and whether these new drivers are likely to help your game in a way that you'll notice. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark...

Saturday Morning Golf Stat - Scratch and 15 Index, 150 Yards FW, SG Break Even Point

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. 150 yards in the fairway is considered by many golfers to be a really ideal spot. Expectations are high; is a birdie in play? In this episode, Lou asks Greg and Mark what a scratch golfer and 15-index golfer should think of as being a good shot: one that, relatively to their handicap, loses no strokes. These answers are absolutely key for managing your own expectations on the course, giving yourself credit when you've...

Secret Weapons Every Golf Bag Needs

Serious question: are the clubs in your bag the very best clubs to help you shoot your lowest scores? Or are you (perhaps) refusing to use (totally legal!) gear that might help you play better? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about three clubs that you really need to consider owning and using if you want to play your best golf. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline ...

Cheap vs. Premium Balls

Does your ball matter? Do you have a particular model ball that you play? Or if we opened your bag right now, would we discover two dozen random balls that you've found in the woods and water? In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg talk about the difference a good ball can make for your game, and what you should consider the next time you purchase a sleeve or a dozen. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: http...

Saturday Morning Golf Stat - 20 Index and Scratch, 40 Yards in the Rough

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. In today's episode, we begin by refreshing the difference between average and median, and then the question is about median proximity to the hole for highly skilled and higher handicap golfers from 40 yards in the rough. Lou's numbers alongside Mark and Greg's guesses set the table for an important discussion for how best to shave off strokes in your short game. Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes lon...

Was the Players Field Weak?

Last week's Players Championship was a great event, ending with a dramatic, heartbreaking lip out. Historically, this tournament has tended to have one of the strongest—if not the strongest—fields in professional golf. Obviously, that was slightly less true this year, with yet another major competitor having decided to play on the LIV Tour. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg discuss some of the history of the fields at the Players and what its current state is. Where to find us: Mark Crossfi...

Facing Your Golf Fears