Digest

Adam and John continue their discussion on divots, explaining how optimal impact conditions change depending on swing speed. They explain that faster swing speed players, like pros, tend to have a deeper angle of attack, more forward shaft lean, and take deeper divots. On the other hand, slower swing speed players need less shaft lean to create optimal height, which usually correlates with a shallower angle of attack and less of a divot. They emphasize that taking a divot is not a prerequisite for good golf, but rather a result of other factors like swing speed and turf conditions. They also discuss how turf conditions can affect divot depth, with firmer turf leading to shallower divots and wetter turf leading to deeper divots. They then delve into the diagnostic use of divots, explaining how the location of the divot relative to the ball can indicate swing flaws. They also discuss the role of club bounce and the thickness of the sole in divot depth, explaining why pros prefer lower bounce clubs for more consistent contact with the ground. They then transition to a discussion about low point position and its relationship to angle of attack and divot depth, explaining how John's neutral angle of attack and low point position prevented him from taking divots before he changed his swing path. They conclude by outlining a progression for improving impact, starting with getting the low point in front of the ball, then focusing on depth, and finally working on the hand path. They also discuss Tiger Woods's approach to divots and how he intentionally hit shallower divots when he was playing his best, emphasizing that taking a divot is not the only way to play good golf.

Outlines

00:00:00

Welcome and Birthday Greetings

This Chapter welcomes listeners to the episode and celebrates Adam's 40th birthday. They discuss the significance of turning 40 and the realization that time is precious, leading to a discussion about prioritizing personal experiences over financial optimization.

00:00:21

Adam's Pebble Beach Experience

This Chapter focuses on Adam's recent trip to Pebble Beach, where he played two rounds. He shares his experience playing the course, his struggles with putting, and his debate about releasing footage of his round, which includes several three-putts. He also discusses the challenges of playing at sea level and the elevation changes on the course.

00:01:50

John's Recent Golf Experiences

This Chapter focuses on John's recent golf experiences, including a qualifier where he hit 17 greens but struggled with putting. He also discusses his ongoing elbow injury and the progress he's made in his recovery. He shares his struggles with wedge shots and his determination to improve his putting.

00:24:00

New TrackMan Numbers and Angle of Attack

This Chapter delves into the new TrackMan numbers for PGA Tour players, which show a slight increase in ball speed but still a negative angle of attack. Adam and John argue that hitting up on the ball is still the most efficient way to maximize distance for most golfers, especially those with swing speeds below 110 mph. They discuss the importance of focusing on the fundamentals of impact and the dangers of trying to stitch together different moves from different players' swings.

00:40:00

Scotty Sheffler's Footwork and Swing Your Swing

This Chapter explores the topic of Scotty Sheffler's footwork and whether it's fundamental or incidental to his ball striking. Adam and John discuss the concept of "swing your swing" and the importance of focusing on the fundamentals of impact. They argue that while Sheffler's footwork is unique, it's not something they would recommend teaching to other players. They also discuss the importance of understanding the reasons behind a player's movements and not just focusing on the results.

00:53:57

Victor Hovland and Joe Mayo

This Chapter discusses the recent success of Victor Hovland, who has been working with Joe Mayo. Adam and John explore the fascinating dynamic between Hovland and Mayo, noting that Hovland has a unique swing and has been working with different coaches. They discuss the importance of finding the right coach and the challenges of making changes to a finely tuned machine like a tour professional.

01:01:40

Do I Need to Take a Divot?

This Chapter addresses the question of whether golfers need to take a divot. Adam and John discuss the correlation between swing speed and divots, noting that higher swing speed players tend to take deeper divots. They also discuss the concept of Newton's divot, which explains how the club head deflects down into the ground at impact. They conclude that while taking a divot is not a prerequisite for good golf, it's often a result of higher swing speeds and optimal impact factors.

01:09:18

Divot Depth and Swing Speed

This Chapter delves deeper into the relationship between divot depth and swing speed. Adam and John explain that faster swing speed players, like pros, tend to have a deeper angle of attack, more forward shaft lean, and take deeper divots. On the other hand, slower swing speed players need less shaft lean to create optimal height, which usually correlates with a shallower angle of attack and less of a divot. They emphasize that taking a divot is not a prerequisite for good golf, but rather a result of other factors like swing speed and turf conditions.

01:15:18

The Importance of Low Point Position and Hand Path

This Chapter focuses on the importance of low point position and hand path in relation to divot depth. Adam and John explain that low point position is closely tied to angle of attack, and that hitting the ball at the lowest point of the swing will result in a neutral angle of attack. They also discuss how John's neutral angle of attack and low point position prevented him from taking divots before he changed his swing path. They then outline a progression for improving impact, starting with getting the low point in front of the ball, then focusing on depth, and finally working on the hand path. They also discuss Tiger Woods's approach to divots and how he intentionally hit shallower divots when he was playing his best, emphasizing that taking a divot is not the only way to play good golf.

01:21:23

Mailbag Questions and Podcast Format

This Chapter concludes the episode with a discussion about the podcast format and the importance of listener feedback. Adam and John acknowledge that they don't always know what they're talking about and that they rely on listener feedback to guide their content. They express their preference for mailbag questions and random tangents, as they provide something for everyone. They also discuss their plans for future episodes, including deep dives into specific topics like angle of attack, spin rate, and driver and iron practice.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main takeaway from the new TrackMan numbers for PGA Tour players?

  While there's a slight increase in ball speed, the average angle of attack is still negative. This reinforces the idea that hitting up on the ball is still the most efficient way to maximize distance for most golfers, especially those with slower swing speeds.

• Why is Scotty Sheffler's footwork a topic of discussion?

  His footwork is unique and involves a lot of movement, particularly after impact. Some argue it's incidental to his ball striking, while others believe it contributes to his success. The debate highlights the importance of understanding the reasons behind a player's movements and not just focusing on the results.

• What is the "swing your swing" philosophy and why is it controversial?

  It emphasizes finding a swing that works for the individual golfer, regardless of whether it conforms to traditional instruction. It's controversial because it suggests that every golfer has unique tendencies that shouldn't be completely removed, which some instructors disagree with.

• Do you need to take a divot to play good golf?

  No, you don't need to take a divot to play good golf. It's often a result of higher swing speeds and optimal impact factors. However, if you're chasing it just for the sake of it, it could lead to problems in your swing.

• What is Newton's Divot?

  It's a term coined by golf instructor Dave Tuttleman to describe the phenomenon of the club head deflecting down into the ground at impact. This deflection is caused by the loft on the clubface and the force of the ball striking the club head.

• Why do higher swing speed players tend to take deeper divots?

  There are two main reasons: 1) The club head deflects down more at impact due to higher swing speed and loft. 2) The ball's peak height is higher with higher swing speed, leading to a more downward landing angle.

• What is the importance of understanding the reasons behind a player's movements?

  It's crucial to understand the reasons behind a player's movements, not just focus on the results. This helps avoid trying to copy moves without understanding the underlying mechanics and potentially harming your swing.

• What is the main goal of golf instruction?

  The main goal of golf instruction is to help golfers achieve optimal impact, which involves factors like ground contact, face contact, face direction, speed, path, angle of attack, and dynamic loft. Once these factors are optimized, the swing will likely look a certain way without forcing it into positions.

• What is the importance of finding the right coach?

  Finding the right coach is crucial, especially for tour professionals who are finely tuned machines. The right coach can help identify areas for improvement and make changes without disrupting the player's overall swing.

• What is the role of results in golf instruction?

  Results are important, but they don't always tell the whole story. It's important to consider the underlying mechanics and the reasons behind a player's success or struggles. Sometimes, a change in coaching or technique can lead to a positive result, but it might not be the only factor.

• How does swing speed affect divot depth?

  Faster swing speeds lead to deeper divots due to a deeper angle of attack, more forward shaft lean, and the ball's higher peak height. Slower swing speeds require less shaft lean and a shallower angle of attack, resulting in shallower divots.

• What is the relationship between low point position and angle of attack?

  Low point position is closely tied to angle of attack. A low point in front of the ball typically results in a more ascending blow and a shallower divot, while a low point behind the ball typically results in a more descending blow and a deeper divot.

• What is the importance of hand path in relation to divot depth?

  The hand path through impact plays a significant role in divot depth. Pros take deep divots by having their low point in front of the ball and their hands pulling up and in through impact. Trying to force a deep divot by hitting down on the ball can negatively affect other aspects of the swing.

• What is the role of club bounce in divot depth?

  Clubs with more bounce have a more rounded leading edge, which helps to prevent the club from digging into the ground at impact. Clubs with less bounce, such as blades, are more likely to dig into the ground and take a divot. Pros often prefer lower bounce clubs for more consistent contact with the ground.

• What is the significance of Tiger Woods's approach to divots?

  Tiger Woods intentionally hit shallower divots when he was playing his best, emphasizing that taking a divot is not the only way to play good golf. He achieved this by hitting a more drawing shot and a lower vertical strike on the face.

Show Notes