The 18STRONG Podcast: Golf | Golf Fitness | Mental Game | Nutrition

Mike Bentley is one of the leading biomechanists in the world and has been innovating technology for golf for many years. Mike’s contributions have been helped create some of the best tools in golf (like the K-Vest) to analyze what the body is doing during the golf swing. Most recently his talents have been focused on creating one of the most advanced sensors to track exactly what your club is doing and being able to link that data directly to each swing via motion capture. This creation is now known as BLAST Motion. In this episode, Mike and I had the chance to chat about the influx of data that is now available through all of these new technologies and how we can sort through it all so it makes us better golfers. In particular, Mike explains how the BLAST Motion technology has been helping both pro and recreational golfers make the connection between the “feel” of the club and what the data says. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Mike Bentley’s Background * Former tour player competing throughout Asia, Australia, and the United States. * He has worked with many of today’s top 100 instructors and has directed world ranked PGA, EPGA, SPGA, & LPGA Tour players. * Bentley pioneered an objective teaching system that analyzes 3D motion and ground reaction forces to evaluate movement patterns. * He is considered an industry expert in 3D motion capture technologies and analysis. * His extensive research and expertise spans Inertial, Electromagnetic and Optical technologies. * Mike is one of the founders of K-Vest and BLAST Motion. Highlights from this Episode * His dad was a PGA professional and he got the engineer/mechanical bug from his grandpa, always working on cars and racing. * Mike tells the story on his progression from tinkering with cars to helping develop some of the most sophisticated technology in the world of data capture for golf and other sports like MLB * We discuss BLAST Motion in detail and how the professionals are using it, including Brad Faxon and Jeff Sluman (who went from the 33rd ranked putter to 1st on the Champions Tour since using the sensor) * Mike shares what he feels are the most important things we should be focusing on when it comes to feedback and data vs. some of the things that may not be quite as important. * Mike shares with us the keys to being a great putter and how simply knowing what your club is really doing can be a complete game changer. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore One or 2 of the Most Influential People, Books, or Experiences in Your Life? His Grandpa, his Dad, and several other professional mentors such as Marilyn Pink, Ph.D. and Frank Jobe M.D. Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and His Dad at Augusta National What are you excited about in your near future? All of the new innovations and people that he feels they can help with this technology.  More than just golfers, but being able to analyze movements and the body for many different tasks. Where to Find Mike Bentley and BLAST: website: www.Blastmotion.com Facebook: BLAST Golf Twitter: BLAST Golf and BLAST Motion Other Links Mentioned K-Vest

In today’s episode, Mike Subach joins us to share his experience in the world of performance.  Mike specifically sheds some light on how much stress can impact our ability to heal, rest, move, and especially perform! Aside from working with many individuals and athletes on their performance and correcting their limitations, Mike also recently went through an injury/surgery of his own which gave him first hand experience on the challenges of regaining proper movement, control and strength. In this episode, we cover many topics, much of which revolves around how we can overcome some of the daily stresses and postures in our lives and why that is so important when it comes to our golf game. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below:   Highlights from this Episode * Mike shares his background and how he got into the training business after spending some time in the world of “big pharma” * Mike shares an incredible story about having emergency surgery for a burst appendix and what he has been going through the past couple of months with his own rehab. * Mike works with lots of athletes, but he explains why his philosophy ALWAYS progresses per the following. . . * Make the person better at . . . * Being a Human * Being an Athlete * Their specific sport * We discuss some of the technical pieces that Mike looks at from Day 1 with his clients that many people never think of, including Resting Metabolic Rate, VO2 Max, and Respiratory Exchange Rate, and why they are so important. * Mike explains stress in relation to fight or flight like I’ve never heard it before, and why stress could absolutely be sabotaging your fitness and performance goals (but it can also be a very beneficial thing for performance when controlled properly!) * We also discuss some of the typical bad patterns and compensations that many of us fall into and how to address them * We talk about the brain, central nervous system, and how important daily habits and routines are for creating long lasting changes * Cardio is such a misunderstood piece, Mike breaks down some reasons why you would want to do different types of cardio and what he specifically likes to do with his golfers * “Build better physical economy”- Mike explains how having better movement patterns and control is much more economical when it comes to oxygen expenditure and overall performance. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore One or 2 of the Most Influential People, Books, or Experiences in Your Life? His college guidance counselor Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? And what course? Mike wants a rematch with his Dad on the Radisson course in Syracuse, NY What are you most excited about/What’s your mission? Mike is very excited about being able to slow down in his personal and professional life.  After his injury, he has enjoyed having to take a step back and get back to the basics, while also laying a little bit low regarding training. Where to Find Mike Subach: Facebook: Mike Subach Instagram: @MikeSubach Other Links Mentioned Ali Gilbert on the 18STRONG Podcast (episode 008) Having Trouble Leaving a review from your iPhone or desktop? CLICK HERE to see how on your iPhone!

Kaitlyn Sharpless is quickly becoming one of the “IT” female trainers in the world of golf.  It seems like she is everywhere!  And that includes right here on 18STRONG.  Not only is she our featured guest for this episode, but she is also one of our featured coaches here, and has provided a ton of great videos and content, which can be seen by going here. Kaitlyn has a very fresh and enthusiastic outlook on training for the golfer.  Here company Felix Fortis Golf literally means Happy Strong Golf, which when you meet Kaitlyn, is exactly what you’ll get.  A happy and strong person, in and out of the gym or golf course.  She is a firm believer that strength is a major component to a solid golf training program, and thus is a huge advocate that we are all athletes in some capacity, and thus need to work like one to stay happy and healthy, for our game and also LIFE! Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Kaitlyn Sharpless’ Background * Founder of Felix.Fortis. Golf Strength & Conditioning * Kaitlyn is on a mission to “bridge the gap” between the golf world and the strength world. * Her experience of an over-use lower back injury while playing for Methodist University’s Women’s Golf team  sparked her interest in connecting human movement and the golf swing. * Her strength & conditioning philosophy boils down to helping golfers move better, get stronger, avoid injury and play the game of golf we love to the best of one’s ability. * If  golfers are playing with physical limitations they are unaware of- they are sticking a square peg through a round hole and setting themselves  up for injury. * Some of her credentials include: Master of Science, Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association, PGA Member, USAW Weightlifting Coach, Level 2 Titleist Performance Institute Junior Coach, Level 2 Titleist Performance Institute Fitness Professional, K-Vest Specialist Highlights from this Episode * Kaitlyn shares some stories of her grandpa (“Pap”) and how he was very influential in creating her love for golf. * She explains where the name of her company Felix.Fortis.Golf came from and how it applies to the way she trains. * We discuss her background as a collegiate level golfer and some of the physical struggles that she encountered and how she got over them. * This led to her interest in TPI and the strength and conditioning field. * Are golfer’s athletes? Kaitlyn gives a resounding YES to this answer and explains why. * She shares some of the biggest misconceptions regarding fitness and golf and how she overcomes them with her clients. * We discuss several tips on simply being a happier, stronger golfer in order to play the best game of your life. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore One or 2 of the Most Influential People, Books, or Experiences in Your Life? Her Grandfather “Pap” Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? Gary Vaynerchuk Thomas Plummer What are you excited about in your near future? Her new online training platform Where to Find Kaitlyn Sharpless: website: FelixFortisGolf.com Facebook: Kaitlyn Sharpless

Summer time is here, which often means golf trips, family vacations and time spent at the pool, lake, etc.  This can also mean slipping a little on the workouts, diet and training regimen. Just this past week, I took a trip with my family to Table Rock Lake, where we had an incredible time.  I played some golf, we fished, we boated, swam and took in lots of scenery.  And I have to say, it took some will power to not just say “forget it” when it came to the diet, workouts, and booze.  And in all honesty, in some ways I would say I succeeded, and in some, not so much

Don Saladino joins us again in this episode to share some of his experiences and lessons learned in the golf fitness business and also around the topics of creating routines, habits, and structure that allow for more success, happiness, and balance. Running one of the most successful golf fitness businesses is no easy task and there are a lot of components required above and beyond just the training part.  Don has some exciting news to share for any up and coming golf fitness professionals and also shares some of his secrets to living a more productive and fulfilled lifestyle while building a successful company and family life. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below:   Don Saladino’s Background * For more info on Don, you can listen to his 1st episode on the podcast (episode 30) HERE! * Don owns and operates Drive 495 in New  York. * Started Drive 495 with his brother 9 years ago * His younger brother was a golfer and he decided to help his brother gain some size, speed and distance. * Started out as a golf fitness facility and has just grown from there. * Don has worked with a number of celebrities in prep for movies. Highlights from this episode: * Don announces his new location and explains how it is a completely different animal than Drive 495, but is a very exciting new opportunity and challenge. * Don shares some very exciting news about the new internship/educational program they have started at Drive 495, giving the fitness professional the opportunity to learn from the best in the world about not only the training aspect, but all the behind the scenes of creating a very successful business. * We delve into some of the habits and routines that Don believes are crucial to not only his success, but in creating a more productive and rewarding life/career for anyone, including the golfer. * We even talk about some of the bggest challenges he and his brother have face in their businesses and what it’s like to separate the family part from the business part. What are you excited about in your near future? Don’s has a lot of great projects going on.  He is especially proud of Drive 443 and the internship program, but is also stoked about his partnerships/current projects with a few other companies including Greyson Clothiers, Garden of Life nutritional products, and Revolution Golf. Where to Find Don Saladino: Facebook: Don Saladino Twitter: @DonSaladino Drive 495: driveclubs.com Drive 443: Drive 443 Revolution Golf: www.RevolutionGolf * Don’s Revolution Golf Products Other Links Mentioned Drive 495 Internship Greyson Clothiers Garden of Life Having Trouble Leaving a review from your iPhone or desktop? CLICK HERE to see how...

Austin Einhorn from Apiros Performance joins us in this episode to share his experience working with high level athletes but utilizing some very unique and in many ways transformative methods to enhance their movement, body awareness, and overall athletic potential. Austin came from a background of traditional strength training education, but soon realized that there were some missing pieces when he started learning some other more rehabilitative and therapeutic techniques.  It was then that he discovered some of the principles of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and some other techniques that really opened his eyes to a whole new way of working with athletes.  He has since been honing his craft and is now working with some of the top athletic programs and professional athletes in many different sports. Today Austin shares some of his knowledge and expertise to help us learn to move better and train smarter. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Austin Einhorn’s Background * Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist * Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercise Trainer * Certified Microgate Expert * Flow Genome Project Coach * Consultant to Chinese Olmypic Staff & Athletes * Stanford Men’s Volleyball Volunteer Assistant Coach * West Coast Representative for Microgate * OptoJump advisor for Houston Rockets & Seattle Seahawks * Amatuer Photographer Highlights from this episode * Austin tells us his story and experiences from his schooling to now, where he is working with some amazing professional and collegiate athletes, teams, and institutions. * Some of the athletes he works with: Dwight Lowry (San Diego Chargers), Stanford Volleyball, professional/amateur golfers, soccer players, etc. * We discuss some of the technology that Austin uses in his training, specifically the Optogate and OptoJumper/OptoGait * Austin discusses his thoughts around traditional strength and conditioning and why we’ve gotten it wrong for so many years. * How to get the brain more involved in our training. * Blocked practice vs Random practice. * Why creating movements in training that replicate the sport is so important. * Austin describes his prescription of “movement vitamins” and what it would look like for a mid 40y.o. golfer that comes to work with him. * Austin’s final piece of advice is to simply question everything you do before you do it (even what he is telling you) and to simply work on moving better. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore (He’s never seen CaddyShack, which I gave him as a homework assignment!) One or 2 of the Most Influential People, Books, or Experiences in Your Life? The coaches and athletes he has had the chance to work with over the years that have help him create his path in the sports performance world. Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? It would have to be a “fivesome.”  is buddy Patrick, Dr. Michael Gervais, Josh Waitzkin, and John Kiley What are you excited about in your near future? A new video library that he is creating at Apiros Performance Where to Find Austin Einhorn: website: ApirosPerformance.com Facebook:

Trillium Rose, Head of Instruction at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, MD and motor learning specialist joins us in this episode to share her experience in the world of golf, and especially in helping golfers improve through the use of practicing better and smarter. As a golf instructor, Trillium soon realized that most golf instructors taught the “WHAT” to do, but the real issue is not the “WHAT,” but the “HOW.”  And after years of working with students, she decided to challenge herself by going back to school, The Teachers College at Columbia University, to dig into the reasoning and true science behind how we learn. The combination of her experience as a golf instructor and her studies in motor learning have made Trillium one of the most respected golf instructors in the world, and is one of the “go to” people when it comes to the discussion of skill acquisition and creating effective practice. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Trillium Rose’s Background * Head Director of Instruction at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland * Graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University with a master’s degree in Motor Learning and Control * Formal education in the science behind how people acquire and adapt skills * Her area of expertise is in designing and implementing curriculums specifically with targeted practice plans. * Recognized as one of “America’s Best Young Teachers” by Golf Digest (2012-2015) followed by a “Best Teacher in State” by Golf Digest (2013-2015). * She has been honored with a distinction as a US Kids Master Teacher (2013) and US Kids Top 50 Teacher (2009, 2010, 2012). Highlights from this Episode * Trillium walks us through her story and her tim spent with Jim McLean and the many lessons learned from him. * She discusses her shift from teaching golfers WHAT to do, to when she started to realize that she needed to teach them HOW to do it. * Trill talks a bit about being a woman in what is still a very man dominated profession and industry, which has some part in her decision to go back to school and study motor learning * We talk about many different situations of practice, especially why it’s so hard to take what you’re doing on the range over to the course. * So much of our retention has to do with replicating a true round of golf as possible. * The more you can make your practice have some sort of pressure, like using games, or keeping stats, etc the more realistic you can make it to a round of golf. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? CaddyShack One or 2 of the Most Influential People, Books, or Experiences in Your Life? Jim McLean Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? The President What are you excited about in your near future? She is coming out with a Top Secret tool for golfers that she can’t share just yet, but it is going to be something that will help you before you even get to the lesson tee. Where to Find Trillium Rose: website: TrilliumRose.com Facebook: Trillium Rose Twitter: @TrillGolf Other Links Mentioned Jim McLean Golf Woodmount Country Club

Dr. Kyler Brown from Austin Sports Therapy joins is an expert in working with athletes and other individuals to overcome injuries, or other issues that may be impairing their performance, whether than be on the course, on the field, or simply in everyday life. Kyler’s background as a former collegiate athlete and his training as a chiropractor have helped him develop a very integrated approach to healing and treatment.  Rather than simply look at a diagnosis of one particular body part, Kyler explains why it’s so important to treat the individual as a whole instead of separate pieces. This is important for you to make educated decisions about any possible medical intervention you may need, but also simply to help guide your approach when embarking on your fitness, performance, and practice. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Dr. Kyler Brown’s Background * Doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic West in San Jose, CA * Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician * His specialties include Active Release Technique (masters level), Cox Flexion Distraction, Diversified Spinal and Extra Spinal Rehabilitation Techniques, Selective Functional Movement assessment (SFMA), Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and detailed biomechanical assessment protocols. * Dr. Brown has experience working with elite athletes including NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, NHL, and Olympic athletes, professional tennis players, English Premier League players, and NCAA and world champion triathletes. Highlights from this Episode * Kyler’s gives us his background as a collegiate basketball player and his journey into chiropractic care * He explains his philosophies as they pertain to treating clients/patients with the mindset that a particular injury or symptom may just be one piece of the puzzle.  There may be several factors (many times that are not obvious) that are contributing to the cause * Without fixing the root causes, which can be limitations in mobility, stability, or other factors, symptoms may be alleviated temporarily, but likely will return, or contribute to something more serious. * Kyler works with Nick Watney (PGA professional), who has had recent back issues which have sidelined him for a while. * We discuss the decision to take the “long and slow” approach with Nick and why, when dealing with your athletic or personal goals, you have to weigh the short term wants (immediate rewards) with the long term needs (overall health). * This can be a very difficult decision both for you as the individual and for the medical practitioner. * Kyler not only works with athletes, but also does a lot of consulting in the corporate space. * So we dig into some daily hacks that you can input into your work day or daily routine to help move better, feel better, play better and simply set you up for more success in your game and log range health. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? CaddyShack (no question.  I think he was almost offended that I even asked) One or 2 of the Most Influential People, Books, or Experiences in Your Life? All in all, he credits the experiences that he has had in the clinics.  Not just at Austin Sports Therapy, but especially some of the relationships and mentors that he had in his early clinical experiences.  One in particular being with Dr. Rob DeStephano at La Palestra Center for Preventative Medicine in New York City. Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? Jim Nance, but under the condition that Jim is calling play by play for his round of golf!

What does every golfer on the planet want?  To prevent bogies!!  Yes, of course we all want to birdie every hole, but let’s face it, most golfers are not single digit players and if they could play better than “Bogey Golf” they would be ecstatic. There is a lot that plays into making your game better.  Putting, chipping, working on the range, fitness training, mental game training, and much, much more.  Recently we released the book The Golfer’s Guide to a Bogey Proof Workout, which became an instant best seller on Amazon for golf books. In this book I describe some of the most important factors that you should take into account when starting a golf fitness program.  But, as with any book, there can always be more info added and it can spark many new conversations. One of those conversations that I have recently been having with quite a few people is about some of the other variables that can make a huge impact on not only your golf game, but your lifestyle in general.  Which has led to a whole new focus of 18STRONG which is not just helping golfers create better golf workouts, but an overall lifestyle that will support a their game, their goals, and ultimately their quality of life. In this episode, I give you a glimpse into the main topics of the book as well as some of those key “Bogey Proof Lifestyle” elements! Creating Your Bogey Proof Lifestyle 1.) Have a Plan of Attack * Create goals that give you direction in your training, practice, diet, etc. * Consistency: Consistency is more important than intensity in the long run * Progress: If you don’t challenge yourself, you won’t grow or get better * Accountability: Either you have to get good at being accountable or find someone that will be 2.) Create a Balanced Program Refer back to Episode #65 “How to Choose the Right Exercises for your Program” To many of us do the things we like to do in the gym vs what we really should be doing.  It’s important to pick a selection of exercises that will balance out your weaknesses and not make the gap between your dominant side/strengths even more drastic. * Push vs Pull * Upper vs Lower * Left vs Right * Strength vs Flexibility * etc 3.) Nutrition is Imperative “You can’t out train a bad diet” Refer back to Episode #72 “10 Nutrition Guidelines to Live by on ON and OFF the Course” The bottom line is that your nutritional habits affect everything: How you feel, how you perform, whether you reach your goals, How bad do you want it? Competing Commitments: When there is a battle in your head over 2 things that you really want.  You have to make that decision each time the temptation arises. Eg. Telling yourself you want to loose 20lbs., but that chocolate long john donut looks really good right now.  You are competing with your commitment to your goal and your desire for the donut. 4.) The Quality of Execution Quality is much more important than quantity. We have to pay attention to the posture, tempo, muscle contraction, or movement that we are working on. Don’t just do the exercise to get it done.  Do it with the thought of executing it well. Thus the reason that I am not a huge fan of high intensity bootcamp style workouts.  Form is often sacrificed for time and more reps. 5.) Challenge Yourself If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. Progress has to be forced with a new stimulus. In other words, we have to challenge ourselves to grow, in any situation.  You don’t get better, stronger, faster, leaner,

Shawn Stevenson is the man when it comes to sleep.  Literally, Shawn wrote the book on sleep.  I have to say that in recent months, I have been hearing more about the importance of recovery and sleep in some mainstream conversations, which is awesome.  But this guy has been talking about this for years.  Not not just talking, but studying, digging into research, and presenting it in a way that millions of people are loving! With his revised best selling book Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health and Bigger Success, and his #1 Health and Fitness podcast, The Model Health Show, Shawn is bringing an awareness of the importance of sleep to the masses.  And in today’s episode, he expands on why you, as a golfer should take notice.   Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Shawn Stevenson’s Background * Best-selling author of the recently re-released book Sleep Smarter: 21 Eseential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health and Bigger Success * Host of the #1 Health and Fitness podcast in iTunes The Model Health Show * Diagnosed with degenerative disc disease at age 20, told he had the spine of an 80 y.o. * Was an athlete, but was sidelined with this pain * Started studying physiology/anatomy and nutrition * Started living a healthier lifestyle regarding exercise and eating * Lost 30lbs in 6 weeks and his pain was eliminated * Since the last time we had Shawn on the show in January 2015 (Episode #21): * His podcast has been downloaded nearly 5 million times!!! * The new version of Sleep Smarter is hitting the best-seller list everywhere! * Shawn is traveling all over the place speaking and sharing his mission with some of the biggest names and on the biggest platforms * To get you hands on a copy of the new book Sleep Smarter, go HERE and buy a bunch of copies to share with your friends and family!   Highlights from this Episode * Shawn and I catch up on where he and his podcast were the last time he was on the show about 15 months ago and how far he’s come since then * I ask Shawn about his story of getting to this point and ask him to share some of his speech from the night of his book launch party, highlighting the thought process behind having a big idea and goal, and going for it, all in. * We jump into gut health and it’s effect on sleep, which is incredibly mind blowing * We talk about why I go to bed between 9-10pm like an old man, but how it has made me way more productive and less tired * Shawn explains how sleep helps a golfer ingrain movement patterns by utilizing REM sleep * We talk a little supplementation * Shawn explains why he doesn’t believe in naps (even though he took one 24 hrs before this interview * We really dive into sleep apnea and what can be done based on the variety of tests and rteatments have been tried What are you excited about in your near future? Obviously, the new book.  Continuing his mission of spreading the importance an true science behind sleeping better. Where to Find Shawn Stevenson and his Book Sleep Smarter: Shawn’s website: theShawnStevensonModel.com

Hoyt McGarity is one of the founders of True Spec Golf, a “brand agnostic” club fitting company that is changing the way golfers can find the perfect clubs for their swing.  In most club fitting situations, a golfer is limited when looking for a custom fit due to only having a single brand to choose from or a somewhat limited selection due limitations in what brands of shafts and clubheads work together. Hoyt and True Sec Golf have not only solved that solution, they now own that solution, which is a universal adapter known as Club Conex.  They have seen incredible growth in the company in just the last year, going from one location to having plans for 14 in total.  And that doesn’t include their mobile solution. Listen to this episode with Hoyt to find out why you should be getting fit for clubs, what you should be looking for when you do, and why if given the choice of taking a lesson or getting custom fit, Hoyt would definitely tell you to come see them at True Spec Golf first! Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Hoyt McGarity’s Background * Learned the game and fell in love with it when he was introduced to it by his uncle around the age of 6 or 7 * He started caddying at the age of 12 and worked at some of the top clubs in his area * Played golf in college at Lynn University in Florida * Turned pro after college, but once he was introduced to the Trackman, he was hooked. * He quickly started to dig into learning as much it as he could and decided to go into business with his partner Kyle Monfort * Since then the company has exploded and they are growing extremely rapidly * They recently purchased Club Conex, which is a game-changing universal adapter that allows club fitters to quickly switch out any shaft and club head, opening up a whole new world of options to all club fitting. Highlights from this Episode * Hoyt takes us through his story from his very beginnings of golf, his time playing professional golf, and the birth of True Spec Golf * We discuss everything under the sun when it comes to club fitting * who should get fit * when should you get fit * how often should you get fit, or get a check up (Hoyt likes to call it “Blue Printing”) * Hoyt gives the best answer I’ve heard yet on why you should definitely get fit for clubs even if you are “working on your swing” (I mean let’s be honest here, when AREN’T you working on your swing?) * Hoyt shares some stories about working with several tour players and * what they were looking at * what changes they did or didn’t make * what it’s like for the guys on tour when it comes to club fitting and changing equipment * You might be surprised to hear how limited some of the tour pros actually are when it comes to what they can and can’t play * Hoyt shares some of the experiences he’s had working with a wide variety of people from Brandt Snedeker to Gary Woodland, to James Bond CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore One or 2 of the Most Influential People, Books, or Experiences in Your Life? His Uncle (introduced him to the game of golf) Name the 2 most interesting people you’ve played golf with? Justin Rose Sean Connery (aka James Bond) What are you excited about in your near future? The growth and new opportunities with True Spec Golf, Club Conex, and simply helping their golfers get better Where to Find Hoyt McGarity:

Jason Lindsay from TOPTEAM Fitness is an expert in athletic performance, especially when it comes to golf performance.  Working with Division 1 golfers, like the ones at UNC Charlotte as well as professional golfers, and other athletes, Jason and his team have a plan for every athlete and individual that walk through their doors. Not only do they help them with their specific sport or workouts, but they address nutrition, medical/corrective needs, and create a winning blueprint for them to follow and take ownership of. On top of his fitness facilities, with his consulting company, Project 360, Jason not works with professional and collegiate level golfers to develop a plan for their growth and development, he also helps fitness business owners and entrepreneurs build their businesses.  He does this by coaching/mentoring them to create or adjust their business plan in order to maximize profits and exposure based on their individual situation, space, location, etc. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Jason Lindsay’s Background * Jason is the owner of TOPTEAM Fitness and JWL Project 360. * He is a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. * Certified by the Titleist Performance Institute as a Level 3 Fitness Professional, Level 2 Junior Coach, and Level 2 Power Coach. Accredited by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Specialist. * Jason’s passion for physiology and biomechanics has led him to work in the wellness and strength and conditioning field for the past ten years. He has experience with touring professionals on the PGA Tour and currently works with players on the Web.com Tour and the LPGA Tour.  * Jason is the official fitness consultant for, one of the top College golf programs in the nation, UNC Charlotte Golf. Jason’s mission is to provide each client with a unique comprehensive golf fitness and wellness plan. His companies pride themselves on maximizing performance while decreasing the risk of injury through the application of functional movement, strength and conditioning, chiropractic care, massage therapy, nutrition, and biomechanics.   * He specializes in business consulting to optimize revenue generation at each golf facility, using his established and progressive business model.  * Jason also consults with Life Fitness Highlights from this Episode * Jason shares his background growing up in Southern California and what brought him to Charlotte, NC * Discusses how going through Jason Glass’ mentorship program and connecting with Greg Rose/TPI really helped him develop his vision and mission for what he is doing now * Jason discusses what they do at TOPTEAM Fitness to help build stronger and more competitive athletes; including their full discipline approach * Jason walks us through what a week of training looks like for one of his professional golfers when she is competing that week (this is specific for her, not a generalized program design) * Sunday-Travel day * Monday- “break the travel” therapy dominant, foam rolling, etc * Tuesday- Core and bodyweight workouts, soft tissue * Wednesday- likely practice round, some soft tissue * Thursday- Quick burst exercises, short bouts, high intensity (day of 1st round) * Friday- Off * Sat/Sunday- depends on whether she made the cut, if so, likely more recovery and soft tissue focused *

George Gankas, best known in the social media world as “GGSwingTips” is a golf instructor like no other.  In fact, a buddy of mine, “Fish” from FishFit Golf referred to him as the “Happy Gilmore” of golf instruction.  But I don’t want you to get the wrong impression.  This doesn’t imply that George is a newbie on the scene disrupting the sacred game of golf; Quite the opposite, in fact.  George is a definite student of the game, but he brings tons of personality to his instruction, which is why I see the “Happy Gilmore” connection as a huge compliment. George works with the top junior golfers in the LA/Cali area.  And as you can see by his Instagram following of more than 20,ooo people, he keeps his lessons fresh and fun, but gets results with his clients.  From making videos on his back patio, to sharing crazy trackman data from his guys “smashing balls” off the tee, the way George communicates his lessons, and the commitment he has to his students is simply captivating. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below:   George Gankas’ (GGSwingTips) Background * Grew up in California * Wrestled and played volleyball * Started Caddying at Sherwood Country Club * Started playing golf in his teens and began playing competitive * Once he started teaching and getting results with his students, his schedule started to fill fast and these days he’s working with clients basically from sun up to sun down, 6 days a week. * He started an Instagram account a couple of years ago on a suggestion from a friend and has simply been putting up some videos from his lessons, and it has grown from there! * George works with some of the top ranked junior golfers in the country Highlights from this Episode * George gives a little background on how he started playing golf and what brought him to the teaching ranks * He talks about his athletics as a youngster, primarily wrestling and volleyball, which he feels played a big part in his length off the tee * George and I talk about his playing days, several of his experiences out there, and what ultimately led him to want to start teaching * George has a special talent for working with junior golfers and making sure that they are not only getting better, but learning how to manage the game and have fun at the same time * He shares some of his thoughts around working with juniors, and the idea of specialization for players as they are growing up * He stresses a “learn to smash the ball” philosophy, in which he wants his juniors to first learn how to use their body and the ground more effectively to create speed and power, then they can earn to manage and improve ball control * We talk a little about how the golfer uses the ground during a swing and what kind of transition he likes to see with his players * We chat quit a bit about how I got hooked on his Instagram channel and how great his videos are, like this one . . . CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore One or 2 of the Most Influential People, Books, or Experiences in Your Life? Chris Como Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? Tiger Who is the best player you’ve ever played with? Danny Wax What are you excited about in your near future? Super excited about all of his players and the success they are having.  He would also love to work with more PGA players in the future

Zach Johnson has a Green Jacket.  Zach Johnson has the Claret Jug. And this week, he gets to introduce the two! In 2007 Zach Johnson shocked the golf world with his masterful short game to win the coveted Green Jacket.  In this special Masters episode, Zach walks us through some of the stories from not only his winning weekend at Augusta National, but also from the very first time he played in the Masters, which did not quite go as well! We also have the opportunity to chat about quite a few other things like Sea Island, Georgia, the St. Louis Cardinals, and of course his amazing win at the Open Championship at St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf! Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Zach Johnson’s Background * Grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa * Played College golf at Drake University * Turned Pro in 1998, playing on the developmental tours * Won 3 straight Hooters Tour events in 2001 * Topped the money list on the Nationwide Tour in 2003 * Won his 1st PGA Tour event in 2004 at the Bellsouth Classic * Qualified and played for the Ryder Cup in 2006 * Won the Masters in 2007 * Won the Open Championship in 2015 * Zach has 12 PGA wins * Resides in Sea Island, Georgia Highlights from this Episode * Zach chats a little about his love of baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals (not the Cubs). * He talks about Sea Island, Georgia, where he lives and what an incredible place it is.  Not only is it great for the golf and accommodations for the tour pros, but it’s he loves it for it’s community. * Zach takes us back to his first Masters in 2004, what it felt like, what it meant and how he played * The he compares that experience with the year that he won the green jacket (2007), and what that meant to him as a golfer. * He breaks down some of the details of what goes on that week, what it’s like to go back every year knowing that he has a locker in the Champions’ locker room, and can play here for as long as he chooses (kind of). * The Green Jacket.  Where it’s been, what he did with it the year he had it, etc. * Zach then tells us how his win at St. Andrews was different in many ways than the win at the Masters, and what it has meant for his career. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? CaddyShack, no question. Cards or Cubs? Cardinals.  He grew up routing for St. Louis Baseball. Where to Find Zach Johnson: website: ZachJohnsonGolf.com Charity: The Zach Johnson Foundation Twitter: @ZachJohnsonPGA Facebook: Zach Johnson Other Links Mentioned 18STRONG.com/SuperSpeed Ep 69 Troy Van Biezen Ep 33 Jim Holtgrieve Having Trouble Leaving a review from your iPhone or desktop? CLICK HERE to see how on your iPhone! CLICK HERE to see how on your desktop!

Cornel Driessen has worked with the worlds greatest golfers.  Literally, the #1 ranked golfers in the world.  His list includes Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Charl Schwartzel, Ian Poulter and others.  Not a bad crew, huh? As a physical therapist and a strength coach, Cornel feels that there really isn’t a distinct line that dictates whether a client is in need of “therapy” or “athletic performance” because in actuality, “movement is therapy.” All of his efforts with his clients/players is basically boils down to making sure they are moving well and preventing injury.  While each player has his own specific needs regarding injury prevention and optimizing performance, the foundation is laid in the balance of their movement. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Cornel Driessen’s Background * Studied physical therapy in undergraduate and gradaute school * Worked in South Africa in the physical therapy and strength and conditioning fields * Started his own clinic and began working with some of the best athletes and coaches in all of South Africa * Started to develop protocols specifically for certain athletes and sports and eventually was introduced to several professional golfers * Works with some of the greatest palyers in the world, including Jason Day, Charl Schwartzel, Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, etc. Highlights from this Episode * Cornel shares his background and how he came to work with such an “A-List” group of golfers * We discuss the importance of analyzing and treating movements when working with his athletes, or any individual for that matter * A surprise appearance from Jason’s son Dash wanting to hang out with his buddy Cornel (#podbomb) * Golfers are athletes. . . * We discuss the backlash in the media around lifting weights and how the guys are training today * Cornel explains why his players train the way they do and how they progressively build up to lifting weights through a detailed regimen * His players have to “earn the right to lift” * We specifically talk about Jason’s career, from his injuries to his successes * Cornel makes it very clear that there is a tremendous team approach around all of his players and that in order to protect each of them as a player and a brand, it takes high level communication from several individuals that all have the well being of the athlete at the forefront * We discuss some of the characteristics that Cornel sees in his players that make them so special, such as grit, determination, dedication, etc. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore One or 2 of the Most Influential People, Books, or Experiences in Your Life? Several people.  Doesn’t want to leave anyone out! Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? Tiger and Earl Woods in a practice session before Tiger became Tiger. What are you excited about in your near future? Optimizing his guys! Where to Find Cornel Driessen: Twitter: @CornelGolf Having Trouble Leaving a review from your iPhone or desktop? CLICK HERE to see how on your iPhone! CLICK HERE to see how on your desktop!