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

In this episode, we analyze Zach's golf practice data, discussing the relationship between club path and angle of attack before focusing heavily on the nuances of club selection in the wind. We highlight the importance of realistic expectations and the concept of 'unteachable lessons' in both life and golf.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

01:14 Golf Practice Sessions and Strength Training Impact

03:28 Analyzing Swing Data and Path Deviations

11:52 Shot Shaping and Wind Conditions

22:53 Analyzing Shot Patterns and Club Selection

23:54 Overcoming Pride in Club Choice

24:53 The Bandon Story: Lessons from a Caddy

27:03 Understanding Wind Effects on Shots

30:33 Unteachable Lessons in Golf and Life

37:45 The Importance of Setting Realistic Expectations

Zach and I discuss some playful 'Podcast Bros Beef' over new recording software AI's clipped edits, which accidentally made Zach appear 'insane.' We also delve into Zach's golf game progress, covering his simulator training during the off-season, swing path improvements, and balancing workouts with practice to avoid injury. The conversation transitions to a spirited debate sparked by a Twitter post from a popular online golf instructor criticizing the term 'swing rebuild,' leading to a discussion on significant versus minor swing changes. They reflect on a compelling podcast episode by Adam Young and John Sherman, which features the impressive golf journey of Will Knauth and highlights the importance of tournament play, consistent practice, and motor learning principles. Key takeaways include the relevance of fitness, unconventional employment, and the skill required to excel in varying golf environments from practice ranges to competitive play.

00:00 Podcast Bros Beef: AI Edits Gone Wrong

01:49 Golf Game Update: Swing Speed and Training

05:17 Simulator Sessions: Practice and Enjoyment

11:51 Fitness and Golf: The Energy Connection

17:37 Internet Fight: Swing Rebuild Debate

19:17 Legal Insights and Swing Rebuilds

19:36 The Subjectivity of Swing Rebuilds

19:49 Navigating Online Golf Content

21:40 Marketing vs. Education in Golf

23:27 Personal Swing Journey

25:34 Comparisons to Tiger Woods