The Sweet Spot - Golf Podcast - podcast cover

The Sweet Spot - Golf Podcast

Adam Young/Jon Shermansweetspotgolfpodcast.podbean.com
A deeper look into golf improvement. Adam Young and Jon Sherman provide real, actionable game-improvement advice for golfers of all levels. If you want to take your game to the next level, this is the podcast for you.
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Episodes

Preparing for Tournaments, Practice, and Avoiding Big Mistakes (Scott Fawcett Part 2)

Scott is offering a 30% discount on both DECADE Elite and DECADE Foundations for Sweet Spot listeners. Use promo code sweetspot on the DECADE website: ⁠⁠https://decade.golf/⁠⁠ Also, ⁠⁠this link⁠⁠ will automatically apply the coupon code. In Part 2 of our conversation with Scott Fawcett from DECADE Golf, we shift from shot shaping into how golfers can actually prepare to score better. Scott shares what he’s focusing on as he gets ready for tournament golf, including 20- to 40-foot speed control, ...

May 18, 20261 hr 10 min

Scott Fawcett on Shot Shaping, Double-Crosses, and Stock Shots (Part 1)

Scott is offering a 30% discount on both DECADE Elite and DECADE Foundations for Sweet Spot listeners. Use promo code sweetspot on the DECADE website: ⁠https://decade.golf/⁠ Also, ⁠this link⁠ will automatically apply the coupon code. Check out Jon's new YouTube Channel with Pete's Golf called Golf Gear Explained: https://www.youtube.com/@golfgearexplained Scott Fawcett from DECADE Golf joins us for another wide-ranging conversation, and this one quickly turns into a deep dive on one of golf’s mo...

May 11, 202659 min

Why Your Worst Golf Is 90% Mental w/ Jared Tendler

Purchase Jared Tendler's new book, Everyday Golf Psychology here Join the free community Jared created around the book here In this episode, Jon and Adam are joined by Jared Tendler to break down the biggest misconceptions in the mental game and the release of his new book Everyday Golf Psychology . They explore why golfers are obsessed with “finding it,” why that mindset is fundamentally flawed, and how real improvement comes from managing variability—not eliminating it. The conversation dives ...

May 04, 20261 hr 21 min

How To Knock Off the Rust After a Layoff

This episode focuses on how to manage your game after a long layoff, particularly an offseason. Thanks to our sponsors PuttOUT, HackMotion, Rag & Bone, Warby Parker • PuttOut Golf offers some of the most intuitive putting training aids available, and the AirBreak putting green stands out for its ability to simulate real course conditions. Unlike standard flat mats, it uses adjustable pumps to create a variety of slopes, helping golfers better understand the relationship between speed and lin...

Apr 27, 20261 hr 19 min

ClubFitting, Are Handicaps Fair, And the Fix Most Golfers Miss

This episode explores a few common traps golfers fall into, starting with the overreliance on club fitting as a “fix” rather than a tool that can only accommodate your tendencies. Jon and Adam make the case that real improvement comes from skill—especially your ability to identify and adjust strike patterns. They also break down the handicap system and why matches can feel unfair, but ultimately argue you’re better off accepting the variability and focusing on your own performance. Thanks to our...

Apr 20, 20261 hr 7 min

Why Your Body Is the Real Reason Behind Your Swing Flaws w/ Dave Phillips

In this episode, we’re joined by renowned coach and co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute, Dave Phillips, for a deep dive into how the body truly drives the golf swing. We explore why there’s no single “perfect” swing and how understanding a player’s physical capabilities is critical to building a repeatable, efficient motion. Dave shares behind-the-scenes insights from working with elite players like Jon Rahm, including how limitations can actually become strengths when properly mana...

Apr 13, 20261 hr 17 min

You’re Thinking About Golf Completely Backwards

To learn more about Adam's 8-week course, visit this link: https://www.adamyounggolf.com/8wk/ This episode explores why many golfers struggle to score well—not because of their swing, but because of how they think on the course. We break down the concept of “fast vs. slow thinking” and explain how most players use these mental systems in the wrong order, leading to poor decisions and unnecessary mistakes. You’ll hear real on-course examples of how emotional, instinctive decisions can derail a ro...

Apr 06, 20261 hr 11 min

Why Most Golfers Never Break 80 (The Data Is Clear)

This episode dives into the 2026 Shot Scope data report to uncover why most golfers struggle to break 80. Using data from hundreds of thousands of rounds, the discussion reveals that scoring isn’t about making more birdies, but about avoiding costly mistakes and managing difficult situations more effectively. It walks through each part of the game—off the tee, approach play, short game, and putting—to show how small inefficiencies compound into higher scores. The episode also challenges common m...

Mar 23, 20261 hr 10 min

The “Either/Or” Fallacy in Golf Instruction

In this episode, Jon and Adam explore one of the most common reasoning errors in golf instruction: false dichotomies. Many debates in golf are framed as “either/or” arguments—technique vs feel, steep vs shallow, mechanics vs athleticism—when the reality is far more nuanced. Jon and Adam break down how these faulty binaries show up in instruction, social media discussions, and the way golfers interpret advice. They explain why this type of thinking can slow improvement and create unnecessary conf...

Mar 16, 20261 hr 33 min

The Mental Trap That Creates the Yips w/ Jason Kuhn

Former Navy SEAL and performance coach Jason Kuhn tackles one of golf’s most frustrating problems - the yips. Jason shares his unique special forces background, struggling with the yips himself, and working with elite athletes across multiple sports, and explains why the yips are often misunderstood. The conversation dives into the psychology behind performance breakdowns, why trying to “fix” the problem can sometimes make it worse, and how golfers can change their relationship with fear and pre...

Mar 09, 20261 hr 27 min

What Can You Control In Golf?

In this episode, we revisit what you can control in golf and what you cannot control, and how it's crucial in your development as a player. We talk about the big five from Jon's book The Four Foundations of Golf, and you'll get some much-needed perspective on your game. Thank you to our show sponsor Pestie Pestie delivers pro-grade, customized pest control right to your door — the same treatment the pros use, tailored to your location, season, and climate. The DIY kit includes everything you nee...

Mar 02, 20261 hr 40 min

Was Ben Hogan Wrong About Shot Shaping?

This episode tackles a classic Ben Hogan quote: “You only hit a straight ball by accident… so you’d better make it go one way or the other.” We break down what that really means, and whether trying to shape every shot is actually helping your game or quietly widening your dispersion. Using real launch monitor data, on-course experience, and some ball-flight physics, we explore why tighter shot patterns matter more than how the ball curves in the air. Thank you to our show sponsors Ultra Pouches ...

Feb 23, 20261 hr 2 min

Will AI Kill Golf Instruction?

In this episode, Jon and Adam explore where golf technology is heading after some eye-opening demos at the PGA Show, including AI-powered swing analysis and voice-interactive simulator coaching. They wrestle with the big question: will these tools actually make golfers better, or are we overestimating what AI can realistically diagnose and communicate? The conversation then shifts into a practical experiment using AI to simulate optimal target strategy, revealing just how many strokes golfers ca...

Feb 16, 20261 hr 11 min

How Golfers Should Train for Speed, Longevity, and Fewer Injuries w/ Chris Finn

To access your free evaluation from Par4Success, vist this link: https://par4success.com/sweetspot Chris Finn of PAR4Success unpacks what actually matters in golf fitness - and where most golfers go wrong. In this episode, we discuss: Research-driven insights on aging, mobility, strength, and power, including what truly correlates with clubhead speed. Overspeed training myths, why more volume often backfires, and how golfers should think about mobility vs. flexibility. Building a proper physical...

Feb 09, 20261 hr 17 min

How Grip Technique Can Change Your Swing w/ Shauheen Nakhjavani

Renowned swing instructor Shauheen Nakhjavani joins us to discuss how different grip techniques can alter your golf swing. Find out why the older information might not apply, and how good match-ups are the key to helping control wrist angles and your clubface direction Thank you to our show sponsors Warby Parker and Cash App Warby Parker gives you quality & better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the going price. Our listeners get 15% + Free Shipping when they buy 2 or more pair...

Jan 26, 20261 hr 18 min

The Real Signs You’re Becoming a Better Golfer (Part 2)

Sign up Jon's Weekly Newsletter ⁠Here⁠ Sign up for Adam's Weekly Newsletter ⁠Here⁠ In this episode, Jon and Adam explore a simple question: what does actually getting better at golf look like beyond just shooting lower scores? They break down practical, experience-based signs of improvement - from losing fewer balls and avoiding compounding mistakes to making better strategic decisions when things go wrong. The conversation dives deep into course management, adaptability, mental crutches like mu...

Jan 19, 20261 hr 10 min

The Real Signs You’re Becoming a Better Golfer (Part 1)

Sign up Jon's Weekly Newsletter Here Sign up for Adam's Weekly Newsletter Here In this episode, Jon and Adam explore a simple question: what does actually getting better at golf look like beyond just shooting lower scores? They break down practical, experience-based signs of improvement - from losing fewer balls and avoiding compounding mistakes to making better strategic decisions when things go wrong. The conversation dives deep into course management, adaptability, mental crutches like mullig...

Jan 12, 20261 hr 23 min

The Truth About L.A.B. Putters w/ Woody Lashen & Sonny Burgo

In this episode, Jon and Adam are joined by club-fitting experts Woody Lashen and Sonny Burgo from Pete's Golf to unpack what’s really going on with the surge in zero-torque style putters, most notably from L.A.B. Golf. They explain who these putters can genuinely help, who they can hurt, and why no putter technology is ever a one-size-fits-all solution. The conversation expands into how elite fitters think about face rotation, weight, loft, grip styles, and even the yips—and why confidence and ...

Jan 05, 20261 hr 8 min

The Art of Reflection on Your Past Year w/ Kent Osbourne

Before you can think about your goals in 2026, you have to reflect properly on your last year. In this episode, we revisit a conversation with performance coach Kent Osbourne on specific steps to make this happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 22, 202552 min

Why Trying Not to Think About Your Score Makes Golf Harder

In this episode, Jon and Adam tackle two difficult questions golfers wrestle with all the time. First, they dig into why trying not to think about your score often backfires - and how understanding scoring ranges, perspective, and better mental “redirects” can quiet the obsession without pretending it doesn’t exist. Then they break down the real pros and cons of online versus in-person lessons, including when remote coaching can actually outperform local instruction. Thanks to our show sponsors ...

Dec 15, 20251 hr 18 min

The Flaws You Should Never Fix (And the Ones You Must)

In this episode, Jon and Adam dive into a new framework Jon calls the “In Spite Of” model - an honest look at the flaws every golfer has, and how you can still play great golf anyway. They unpack why some quirks should be ignored, others need ongoing management, and a select few truly deserve your attention. Along the way, they share examples from tour pros, their students, and their own games to show how imperfect swings and tendencies can still produce excellent results. The conversation wraps...

Dec 08, 20251 hr 8 min

A 15 Handicap Tries to Go Pro w/ Tom Coyne

Everyone wants to know how good they could get with unlimited time and resources. Renowned author Tom Coyne joins the show to discuss the time he tried this for his best-selling book, Paper Tiger. We also discuss some of his work for the Golfer's Journal's newest book release - Quiet, Please. To learn more about this project, you can visit https://www.golfersjournal.com/ Thanks to our show sponsors Aura Frames, HackMotion, LMNT, and The Indoor Golf Shop: If you’re scrambling for a meaningful hol...

Dec 01, 202555 min

Gene Parente Busts Myths With His Golf Robot

In this episode, we bring back Gene Parente from Golf Laboratories to break down some of the most eye-opening robot tests we’ve ever discussed on the show. From wet-vs-dry performance to why a 95 mph swing can keep up with 105 when you optimize impact, Gene explains the data in a way every golfer can actually use on the course. We also dive into mini-drivers, three-woods, gear effect, and the hidden physics that make certain clubs way harder to hit than you think. If you love understanding the w...

Nov 24, 20251 hr 18 min

Wild Playing Partner Behavior & Swing Shaming

In this episode, we discuss how Adam was "swing shamed" on social media and how it reveals some truths and myths about swing aesthetics. Jon also recounts the wildest behavior he's ever seen from a playing partner in a recent tournament. We discuss how to deal with distractions and how to avoid becoming one yourself. Thanks to our show sponsors The Indoor Golf Shop, HackMotion, Ridge, and Ethos: Level up your swing this off-season with HackMotion — the ultimate wrist and clubface feedback tool t...

Nov 10, 20251 hr 5 min

When NOT to Hit Driver & Beginner Fundamentals

In this episode, Adam and I take a deep dive into when you actually shouldn’t hit driver —because despite what modern analytics say, there are times when it makes sense to leave it in the bag. We talk through how to evaluate risk vs. reward off the tee, why certain holes (like tight doglegs and pinched fairways) punish driver, and how to make smarter decisions that protect your score. Adam also shares one of his best breakdowns of beginner fundamentals —grip, ball position, posture, and the comm...

Nov 03, 20251 hr 28 min

How to Filter Golf Advice

We revisit our episode on how more golf advice (especially on the swing) is available than ever. But is consuming too much of it making you better or worse? We discuss common mistakes and how best to filter out information—even from Adam and Jon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 27, 20251 hr 49 min

Making a Swing Change at the Highest Level w/ Mackenzie Hughes

PGA Tour winner Mackenzie Hughes joins the show to recap his 2025 season. He discusses how seeing Chris Como and Scott Hamilton are reshaping the concept of his golf swing, how maintaining identity is hard for pro golfers, and the goals he's set for himself in 2026. Thank you to our show sponsors DeleteMe, LMNT, and the Indoor Golf Shop If you want to take your hydration to the next level without sugar and all of the other dodgy ingredients in sports drinks, then you need to try LMNT. They just ...

Oct 20, 20251 hr 12 min

You’re Not Chunking or Thinning It - You’re Missing Your Arc Depth

In this episode, Jon and Adam unpack one of golf’s most overlooked fundamentals — arc depth , the vertical dimension of your swing that determines whether you strike it pure, fat, or thin. They explain how it differs from attack angle and plane, why it’s the “hidden force” behind contact quality, and how you can train it using simple feedback drills. Jon also shares lessons from a conversation with Sir Nick Faldo about confidence under pressure, preparation, and finding a go-to shot when it matt...

Oct 13, 20251 hr 6 min

Why Golf Makes You Angry (and How to Stop Sabotaging Your Game)

In this episode, Jon opens up about a recent tournament where he lost his temper on the course for the first time in years and what it revealed about perfectionism, ego, and expectation management in golf. He and Adam break down why anger shows up for golfers of every level, from the feeling of helplessness to tying our self-worth to our scores. The conversation explores how to recognize when frustration crosses the line into self-sabotage, and how philosophy and rational thinking can help you r...

Oct 06, 20251 hr 18 min
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