Welcome to Hack it Out Golf!

Episodes

Nov. 21, 2025

SMS - 120-130 Yards in Fairway, Low Indexes, Green Hit Front Pin vs Back Pin

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. We know it's a bad to be short-sided. But there's one pin location that makes us blind to the danger. In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg how often low single-figure indexes miss the green from 120–130 yards when the pin is in the back of the green versus the front of the green. The difference is not trivial, and should be something you keep in mind next time you head to the course. Each of these will be a mini-e...
Nov. 21, 2025

SMS - 120-130 Yards in Fairway, Low Indexes, Green Hit Front Pin vs Back Pin

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. We know it's a bad to be short-sided. But there's one pin location that makes us blind to the danger. In this episode, Lou asks Mark and Greg how often low single-figure indexes miss the green from 120–130 yards when the pin is in the back of the green versus the front of the green. The difference is not trivial, and should be something you keep in mind next time you head to the course. Each of these will be a mini-e...
Nov. 19, 2025

Changes to Masters Qualifying

Is Greggie going back to Augusta? In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg discuss some adjustments that The Masters has made to the qualifying criteria. Out are the winners of some alternative field events; in are winners of some international events. Can Greg punch his ticket by winning the Australian Open (again)? Should the field be expanded? Will Lou ever get Greg's bag? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twit...
Nov. 19, 2025

Changes to Masters Qualifying

Is Greggie going back to Augusta? In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg discuss some adjustments that The Masters has made to the qualifying criteria. Out are the winners of some alternative field events; in are winners of some international events. Can Greg punch his ticket by winning the Australian Open (again)? Should the field be expanded? Will Lou ever get Greg's bag? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twit...
Nov. 16, 2025

LIV Goes to 72 Holes

Now entering its fourth year of play, LIV has announced that this season's events will be contested over 72 holes. In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg discuss this change. Why is living abandoning its signature identity? Does it matter? Does it add credibility to its events? And how do things look for the future of this rival to the PGA Tour? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4gol...
Nov. 16, 2025

LIV Goes to 72 Holes

Now entering its fourth year of play, LIV has announced that this season's events will be contested over 72 holes. In today's episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg discuss this change. Why is living abandoning its signature identity? Does it matter? Does it add credibility to its events? And how do things look for the future of this rival to the PGA Tour? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4gol...
Nov. 14, 2025

SMS - Tour Pro Putting From 30 Feet

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. In a blatant attempt to rig the game for Greg, Lou asks Mark and Greg about Tour Pro putting stats from 30 feet. This episode is full of great data that will help you have the right mindset over these mid- to long-range putts, and for seeing whether attempting to rig the game works out. 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 mo...
Nov. 14, 2025

SMS - Tour Pro Putting From 30 Feet

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. In a blatant attempt to rig the game for Greg, Lou asks Mark and Greg about Tour Pro putting stats from 30 feet. This episode is full of great data that will help you have the right mindset over these mid- to long-range putts, and for seeing whether attempting to rig the game works out. 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 mo...
Nov. 12, 2025

What Is an Amateur and Changes at St Andrews

In today's episode, Lou, Mark, and Greg revisit and expand some of their recent discussion on professionals regaining their amateur status, pulling on a lot of threads of what is a challenging conversation with (pardon the pun) a lot of pros and cons. Then they discuss the announced changes being made to the Old Course at St Andrews. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark...
Nov. 12, 2025

What Is an Amateur and Changes at St Andrews

In today's episode, Lou, Mark, and Greg revisit and expand some of their recent discussion on professionals regaining their amateur status, pulling on a lot of threads of what is a challenging conversation with (pardon the pun) a lot of pros and cons. Then they discuss the announced changes being made to the Old Course at St Andrews. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfonline Mark...
Nov. 9, 2025

Should Bunkers Be More Hazardous?

Today's episode is inspired by another listener question: should bunkers present more of a hazard—especially for professional golfers? Mark, Lou, and Greg engage in a really insightful conversation that reaches to the foundations of what golf is "supposed" to be. Most amateurs struggle mightily from bunkers, but especially on the biggest tours, the sand often seems more predictable than the surrounding rough. Can—or should—anything be done about that? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly...
Nov. 9, 2025

Should Bunkers Be More Hazardous?

Today's episode is inspired by another listener question: should bunkers present more of a hazard—especially for professional golfers? Mark, Lou, and Greg engage in a really insightful conversation that reaches to the foundations of what golf is "supposed" to be. Most amateurs struggle mightily from bunkers, but especially on the biggest tours, the sand often seems more predictable than the surrounding rough. Can—or should—anything be done about that? Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly...
Nov. 7, 2025

SMS - 150 Yards in Fairway, Hole Out in 4 or Less, Scratch, 10, and 20

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. From 150–159 in the fairway, how often would you expect to close out the hole in 4 shots or less? In this episode, Lou brings that question to Mark and Greg for scratch, 10, and 20 index golfers. This is another good episodes for setting meaningful expectations for yourself on the course—and giving you goals for your next handicap improvement. Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes long) about an interes...
Nov. 7, 2025

SMS - 150 Yards in Fairway, Hole Out in 4 or Less, Scratch, 10, and 20

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. From 150–159 in the fairway, how often would you expect to close out the hole in 4 shots or less? In this episode, Lou brings that question to Mark and Greg for scratch, 10, and 20 index golfers. This is another good episodes for setting meaningful expectations for yourself on the course—and giving you goals for your next handicap improvement. Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes long) about an interes...
Nov. 5, 2025

The Schwab Cup Playoffs Begin!

The Schwab Cup Playoffs are underway! In this episode, recorded after the first playoff event (the Dominion Energy Charity Classic) and before the second (the Simmons Bank Championship), Greg joins Mark and Lou to recap the first event, talk about the marvel that is Bernhard Langer, explain what went slightly sideways in his closing round, and what he's aiming for as the Playoffs conclude and the offseason begins. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgol...
Nov. 5, 2025

The Schwab Cup Playoffs Begin!

The Schwab Cup Playoffs are underway! In this episode, recorded after the first playoff event (the Dominion Energy Charity Classic) and before the second (the Simmons Bank Championship), Greg joins Mark and Lou to recap the first event, talk about the marvel that is Bernhard Langer, explain what went slightly sideways in his closing round, and what he's aiming for as the Playoffs conclude and the offseason begins. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgol...
Nov. 2, 2025

Lou's Scotland Trip Recap

Previously, Lou previewed with Mark and Lou his upcoming trip, with the Princeton Golf Teams, to St Andrews. In this episode, he takes us through the trip: the practice rounds at Jubilee, the tournament format, the food, the weather, and his thoughts on the Old Course. 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/4golfonline ...
Nov. 2, 2025

Lou's Scotland Trip Recap

Previously, Lou previewed with Mark and Lou his upcoming trip, with the Princeton Golf Teams, to St Andrews. In this episode, he takes us through the trip: the practice rounds at Jubilee, the tournament format, the food, the weather, and his thoughts on the Old Course. 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/4golfonline ...
Oct. 31, 2025

SMS - 5 Index, 75 Yards in Fairway, Up and Down vs 4 or More

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. Today's episode: good golfers, simple shot. How often will a 5-index player get up and down from 75 yards in the fairway? At the other extreme, how often will it take him 4 or more shots to hole out? Lou puts this question to Mark and Greg, and the answer may well shock you as well. Learning to avoid the big numbers continues to be the theme of effective scoring. Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes lo...
Oct. 31, 2025

SMS - 5 Index, 75 Yards in Fairway, Up and Down vs 4 or More

Welcome to the "Saturday Morning Golf Stat" from the Hack it Out Golf Podcast. Today's episode: good golfers, simple shot. How often will a 5-index player get up and down from 75 yards in the fairway? At the other extreme, how often will it take him 4 or more shots to hole out? Lou puts this question to Mark and Greg, and the answer may well shock you as well. Learning to avoid the big numbers continues to be the theme of effective scoring. Each of these will be a mini-episode (10-15 minutes lo...
Oct. 29, 2025

Playing on Different Grasses

If you play golf at more than one place, you'll find that the playing surface for our game varies considerably. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg take a listener question about playing from different types of grasses. You'll learn some of the basic characteristics of turfs and techniques to deal with grabby grasses—along with some inside info on Greg's home course. Mark's tip on using the Divot Board to practice chipping at the end of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcFmNCZimM4 ...
Oct. 29, 2025

Playing on Different Grasses

If you play golf at more than one place, you'll find that the playing surface for our game varies considerably. In this episode, Mark, Lou, and Greg take a listener question about playing from different types of grasses. You'll learn some of the basic characteristics of turfs and techniques to deal with grabby grasses—along with some inside info on Greg's home course. Mark's tip on using the Divot Board to practice chipping at the end of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcFmNCZimM4 ...
Oct. 26, 2025

What Can Normal Golfers Learn from Tour Pros?

You probably don't have the golf skill of a Tour pro, or else you'd likely be a Tour pro. But there are other facets of the professional's game that any golfer can learn from. In this episode, Mark, Greg, and Lou pull insight from Greg's 30 years on tour to give advice for preparation and strategy that can help you score, no matter your level. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfon...
Oct. 26, 2025

What Can Normal Golfers Learn from Tour Pros?

You probably don't have the golf skill of a Tour pro, or else you'd likely be a Tour pro. But there are other facets of the professional's game that any golfer can learn from. In this episode, Mark, Greg, and Lou pull insight from Greg's 30 years on tour to give advice for preparation and strategy that can help you score, no matter your level. Where to find us: Mark Crossfield's weekly newsletter: https://www.crossfieldgolf.com/subscribe Mark Crossfield on Twitter: https://twitter.com/4golfon...