The Sweet Spot - Golf Podcast

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 into frustration, pressure, and negative thinking, with a focus on identifying root causes and using simple, repeatable logic to respond more effectively on the course. They also discuss why golf isn’t “90% mental,” but why your worst golf often is—and how improving your C-game is the fastest path to lower scores. The episode ultimately reframes how golfers should think about improvement: less about perfection, more about awareness, perspective, and learning how to “suck less” when it matters most.



Thanks to our show sponsors Rhoback, LMNT, and Ethos:

Staying properly hydrated is critical for performance, and electrolyte imbalances can lead to fatigue, cramps, and brain fog—exactly what you don’t want on the golf course. That’s why we recommend LMNT, a zero-sugar electrolyte drink trusted by athletes and everyday golfers alike. They now offer a convenient 12 oz sparkling version with great flavors like pineapple, lemonade, and black cherry—perfect to grab before a round or workout. Sweet Spot listeners can get a free sample pack with any purchase at ⁠⁠drinklmnt.com/sweetspot⁠⁠.

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Rhoback makes some of the best golf apparel we’ve worn. Their polos are incredibly comfortable with moisture-wicking fabric, plenty of stretch, and a crisp collar that works on and off the course. They're got a couple of new releases for spring - the Highlands Hoodie—lightweight with great mobility for golf—and the Brookline Vest, a perfect layering piece for cooler tee times. Get 20% off your first order ⁠⁠⁠https://rhoback.com/⁠⁠⁠ using promo code SWEET.

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Protect your family’s financial future with life insurance through ⁠Ethos⁠. Ethos makes the process simple and 100% online—you can get a quote in seconds and apply in as little as 10 minutes, with coverage options up to $3 million and some policies starting around $30 per month. There’s no medical exam required—just answer a few health questions online to get started. Learn more and get your free quote at ⁠https://ethos.com/SWEETSPOT
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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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 line while keeping practice engaging. The new AirBreak Max expands on the original with a larger surface and putts up to 10 feet, and Sweet Spot listeners can save $120 on the Max or $60 on the original at ⁠puttout.golf/sweetspot⁠.

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If you’ve listened to us for a while, you know we’re big on meaningful practice and clubface control—and that’s why we recommend HackMotion. It acts like a virtual coach, analyzing your swing, identifying issues like flipping or casting, and giving you personalized drills with real feedback. Used by over 70,000 golfers worldwide, it’s one of the most effective tools we’ve seen for improving your swing. Right now, you can get up to $50 off the new HackMotion 4, or $70 off the previous version, while supplies last at ⁠⁠https://hackmotion.com/sweetspot

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Rag & Bone makes premium denim designed for both comfort and durability, with a wide range of fits and styles to suit different preferences. Their jeans feature built-in stretch and a proprietary multi-step process that creates rich color and a broken-in feel that improves over time. With over 20 years of craftsmanship behind their products—plus high-quality essentials like tees, knits, and jackets—Rag & Bone focuses on wardrobe staples made to be worn for years. Use promo code SWEETSPOT to get 20% off your first order at https://rag-bone.com/

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Warby Parker makes it easy to find stylish, well-fitting glasses without the usual hassle or high prices, with frames starting at $95. Their app allows you to virtually try on different styles from home, so you can see exactly how they’ll look before ordering, while maintaining a premium feel and quality. With over 300 retail locations, options for glasses, sunglasses, contacts, and eye exams, plus coverage from many major insurance plans, Warby Parker offers a streamlined, flexible eyewear experience. Get 20% off any additional pair of prescription pairs at warbyparker.com/SWEETSPOT
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 show sponsors HackMotion, PuttOut, Rhoback, LMNT, and Ultra Pouches

If you’ve listened to us for a while, you know we’re big on meaningful practice and clubface control—and that’s why we recommend HackMotion. It acts like a virtual coach, analyzing your swing, identifying issues like flipping or casting, and giving you personalized drills with real feedback. Used by over 70,000 golfers worldwide, it’s one of the most effective tools we’ve seen for improving your swing. Right now, you can get up to $50 off the new HackMotion 4, or $70 off the previous version, while supplies last at ⁠https://hackmotion.com/sweetspot

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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 line while keeping practice engaging. The new AirBreak Max expands on the original with a larger surface and putts up to 10 feet, and Sweet Spot listeners can save $120 on the Max or $60 on the original at puttout.golf/sweetspot.

•

Staying properly hydrated is critical for performance, and electrolyte imbalances can lead to fatigue, cramps, and brain fog—exactly what you don’t want on the golf course. That’s why we recommend LMNT, a zero-sugar electrolyte drink trusted by athletes and everyday golfers alike. They now offer a convenient 12 oz sparkling version with great flavors like pineapple, lemonade, and black cherry—perfect to grab before a round or workout. Sweet Spot listeners can get a free sample pack with any purchase at ⁠drinklmnt.com/sweetspot⁠.

•

Rhoback makes some of the best golf apparel we’ve worn. Their polos are incredibly comfortable with moisture-wicking fabric, plenty of stretch, and a crisp collar that works on and off the course. They're got a couple of new releases for spring - the Highlands Hoodie—lightweight with great mobility for golf—and the Brookline Vest, a perfect layering piece for cooler tee times. Get 20% off your first order ⁠⁠https://rhoback.com/⁠⁠ using promo code SWEET.

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Ultra is the ultimate guilt-free pouch — delivering instant focus and mental clarity, without nicotine or caffeine. New customers can use code SWEETSPOT to get 15% off at https://takeultra.com/⁠https://takeultra.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 managed. We also discuss the role of technology, biomechanics, and AI in the future of coaching—and where human coaching still matters most. Dave also discusses how he co-founded For Wellness with Phil Mickelson, and the benefits of the products for health and recovery. If you’ve ever wondered why your swing changes or how to build more consistency, this conversation will change how you think about improvement.



To learn more about For Wellness, visit their website here: https://forwellness.com/

To learn more about TPI, visit their website here:

https://www.mytpi.com/



Thank you to our show sponsors HackMotion, Pestie, and Ridge:

If you’ve listened to us for a while, you know we’re big on meaningful practice and clubface control—and that’s why we recommend HackMotion. It acts like a virtual coach, analyzing your swing, identifying issues like flipping or casting, and giving you personalized drills with real feedback. Used by over 70,000 golfers worldwide, it’s one of the most effective tools we’ve seen for improving your swing. Right now, you can get up to $50 off the new HackMotion 4, or $70 off the previous version, while supplies last at https://hackmotion.com/sweetspot

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Pestie has made handling pest control surprisingly simple. It’s a customized, do-it-yourself kit tailored to your location, bugs, and climate—and it costs about a quarter of traditional services at just $35 per treatment. Everything you need is included, and it’s safe for kids and pets while using products approved for schools and hospitals. Sweet Spot listeners can get 10% off at pestie.com/sweetspots

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If you’re tired of bulky wallets, Ridge offers a slim, modern solution that fits comfortably in your front pocket. Their new 2.0 model is lightweight, durable, and modular—holding up to 12 cards and cash while barely taking up space. Made from premium materials like titanium and carbon fiber, it’s built to last and backed by a lifetime warranty. With over 100,000 five-star reviews, plus free shipping and a 99-day risk-free trial, it’s an easy upgrade. Use promo code SWEETSPOT at ridge.com/sweetspot to get 10% off.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 round, and why better players rely on more deliberate thinking before the shot. We also discuss the dangers of overthinking during execution and how it can lead to paralysis over the ball. The goal is to help you recognize your own patterns and make smarter decisions that lead to lower scores.



Thank you to our show sponsors LMNT, Rhoback, and Ethos:

Staying properly hydrated is critical for performance, and electrolyte imbalances can lead to fatigue, cramps, and brain fog—exactly what you don’t want on the golf course. That’s why we recommend LMNT, a zero-sugar electrolyte drink trusted by athletes and everyday golfers alike. They now offer a convenient 12 oz sparkling version with great flavors like pineapple, lemonade, and black cherry—perfect to grab before a round or workout. Sweet Spot listeners can get a free sample pack with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/sweetspot.

•

Rhoback makes some of the best golf apparel we’ve worn. Their polos are incredibly comfortable with moisture-wicking fabric, plenty of stretch, and a crisp collar that works on and off the course. They're got a couple of new releases for spring - the Highlands Hoodie—lightweight with great mobility for golf—and the Brookline Vest, a perfect layering piece for cooler tee times. Get 20% off your first order ⁠https://rhoback.com/⁠ using promo code SWEET.

•

Protect your family’s financial future with life insurance through ⁠Ethos⁠. Ethos makes the process simple and 100% online—you can get a quote in seconds and apply in as little as 10 minutes, with coverage options up to $3 million and some policies starting around $30 per month. There’s no medical exam required—just answer a few health questions online to get started. Learn more and get your free quote at ⁠https://ethos.com/SWEETSPOT
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices