In this episode, we dive into the next phase of the golf improvement journey—what happens after the big gains. Zach reflects on cutting his handicap from an 8 to a 4 in a single year, only to discover that going lower isn’t just harder—it’s a different game entirely. We unpack the illusion of linear progress, the brutal reality of plateaus, and why sustaining or advancing your game with limited time and increased life demands might require a shift in mindset. This is a brutally honest look at what it really takes to keep improving.

00:00 – Milestone Episode & The Season Ahead

05:00 – From 8 to 4: The Easy Part of Improvement

15:00 – The Reality of Plateauing and Life Constraints

25:00 – Rethinking Goals: Inputs vs. Outcomes

35:00 – Cost per Round, Family Tradeoffs & Changing Priorities

45:00 – Playing Muirfield: A Brutal But Beautiful Experience