The Sweet Spot - Golf Podcast

This episode explores whether golfers should follow a specific swing model or focus more on the impact conditions that actually determine ball flight. We discuss the Mo Norman method, why different swing systems can work for certain players but fail for others, and how understanding ground contact, face contact, and face direction can give golfers more flexibility when making changes. We also look at how AI and new visualization tools can make complex golf concepts easier to understand and experiment with. Finally, we revisit approach-shot strategy, why most golfers miss too many greens short, and how taking enough club and simplifying your target selection can improve both decision-making and execution.



Thank you to our show sponsors: The Indoor Golf Shop, HackMotion, Lagoon, Sleep, and Ultra Pouches

HackMotion gives golfers real-time feedback on wrist mechanics so you can stop guessing and better understand what your hands are actually doing throughout the swing. It can be used indoors with foam balls or even without a ball, making it especially useful for focused off-season practice. Right now, listeners can save 20% on the sensor, with discounts up to $200, plus there are no subscription fees and every purchase includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. Head to https://hackmotion.com/sweetspot

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The Indoor Golf Shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has everything you need to build or upgrade your home golf setup, including top launch monitor brands, hitting mats, nets, impact screens, and custom enclosures. They are running some of their biggest Black Friday sales starting right now. When you bundle a complete simulator package, you can save up to 20% on your launch monitor, mat, screen, enclosure, and more. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopindoorgolf.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see their latest deals or speak directly with their team about the best setup for your budget.

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Lagoon Sleep helps you find the right pillow for your sleep position and body type with a quick two-minute quiz, giving you a more personalized setup for better rest and recovery. Their adjustable pillows are trusted by elite athletes and can help with neck support, cooling, and waking up without aches or pains. Sweet Spot listeners can get 15% off by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lagoonsleep.com/sweetspot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and using promo code SWEETSPOT.

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Ultra Pouches are nicotine-free and caffeine-free pouches designed to provide smooth energy, focus, and mental clarity without the usual crash. They’re made with ingredients including Enfinity® PX, L-theanine, Alpha GPC, and vitamins B6 and B12, and come in five flavors ranging from Cool Mint to Blue Razz. They’re an easy option to keep at your desk, in your gym bag, or anywhere you want a quick boost without nicotine or caffeine. New customers can get 15% off at ⁠⁠TakeUltra.com⁠⁠ with code SWEETSPOT
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In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, starting with a debate about whether shaping the golf ball actually gives you a larger margin for error. Jon takes us inside his dramatic club championship victory, sharing the unexpected challenges and mental strategies that helped him come out on top. We also discuss how slow play can negatively affect your decision-making in tournaments and why unconventional strategies, like hitting a controlled driver instead of a fairway wood, might be worth experimenting with. Finally, we put AI golf swing analysis to the test, with some surprisingly accurate predictions and some major misses. Throughout the episode, we explore the importance of challenging conventional wisdom, testing what works for your own game, and learning to handle the unexpected.

Thanks to our show sponsors: The Indoor Golf Shop, Avro, Housecall Pro, and Benchmade Knives

The Indoor Golf Shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has everything you need to build or upgrade your home golf setup, including top launch monitor brands, hitting mats, nets, impact screens, and custom enclosures. Their team can also help design everything from residential simulators to full commercial facilities. When you bundle a complete simulator package, you can save up to 20% on your launch monitor, mat, screen, enclosure, and more. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopindoorgolf.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see their latest deals or speak directly with their team about the best setup for your budget.

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Avro is a refreshing functional beverage powder you can add to your water, built around naturally fermented PharmaGABA, which has been studied in humans for its relaxation-related response to stress. Avro can’t fix your swing, but it can support the calm headspace you need to commit to your shots and play your best. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://avrogolf.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code SWEETSPOT20 for 20% off your order

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Housecall Pro helps home-service professionals, including plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and contractors, run their businesses more efficiently by managing scheduling, customer communication, estimates, invoices, and payments all in one place. On average, Pros using Housecall Pro save more than 8 hours per week. Ready to save time and win more jobs? For a limited time only, our listeners get 50% OFF base plans for their first 3 months at housecallpro.com/SWEETSPOT

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Benchmade makes premium, high-performance knives designed to last a lifetime, including their versatile Station Knife, which is perfect for everything from everyday meal prep to cooking outdoors. Made with premium CPM-154 stainless steel for exceptional durability and edge retention, Benchmade knives also come with a lifetime warranty and free sharpening services. Benchmade knives are built to last and designed to work — shop now at Benchmade.com.


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In this episode, Jon and Adam are joined by elite mid-amateur Matt Lowe to break down one of the most unconventional games they’ve seen at a high level. Matt explains why he plays extremely fast, shapes the ball both ways under pressure, rarely hits full iron shots, and relies heavily on instinct, feel, and a lifetime of experimentation rather than launch-monitor data or rigid routines. They also discuss the work it took to build his ball striking, why he now practices far less and leans on “go-to” shots when his game isn’t cooperating. Matt also opens up about his long-running struggles with putting and the mental side of the game, despite having one of the best competitive seasons of his career. And you'll also hear about his social media "explosion" at the U.S. Amateur. The conversation is ultimately a fascinating look at how an elite player can break many conventional rules of modern golf and still perform at an exceptionally high level.



Thank you to our show sponsors: The Indoor Golf Shop, Avro, Momentous, Warby Parker, and Monarch

The Indoor Golf Shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has everything you need to build or upgrade your home golf setup, including top launch monitor brands, hitting mats, nets, impact screens, and custom enclosures. Their team can also help design everything from residential simulators to full commercial facilities. When you bundle a complete simulator package, you can save up to 20% on your launch monitor, mat, screen, enclosure, and more. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopindoorgolf.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see their latest deals or speak directly with their team about the best setup for your budget.

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Avro is a refreshing functional beverage powder you can add to your water, built around naturally fermented PharmaGABA, which has been studied in humans for its relaxation-related response to stress. Avro can’t fix your swing, but it can support the calm headspace you need to commit to your shots and play your best. Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://avrogolf.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code SWEETSPOT20 for 20% off your order

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Monarch is a personal finance app that helps track everything in one place — accounts, investments, savings goals, and spending. Instead of only showing what has already been spent, Monarch helps users plan ahead, map out bigger purchases, monitor cash flow, and see whether they’re actually on track. Features like AI Insights, the Weekly Recap, and the AI Assistant can help flag spending changes, upcoming expenses, and patterns that are easy to miss. Sweet Spot listeners can get their first year of Monarch Core for half off — just $50 — with promo code SWEETSPOT. Visit: ⁠⁠⁠monarch.com

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The supplement industry can be hard to trust, but Momentous is built around quality, transparency, and third-party testing. Every product is NSF Certified for Sport®, tested for contaminants, banned substances, and label accuracy, so you know exactly what you’re putting in your body. Get up to 35% off your first order at ⁠⁠⁠livemomentous.com⁠⁠⁠ with promo code SWEETSPOT.

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Warby Parker Sport combines the look of everyday sunglasses with performance features designed for golf, running, tennis, hiking, and other active pursuits. The lightweight frames include no-slip nose pads, an expanded field of vision, and contrast-enhancing polarized lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays while helping reduce glare and distortion. Right now, buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at WarbyParker.com/SWEETSPOT.


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Everyone talks about swing tempo very generically. Terms like “swing smooth” have been thrown around for decades, but in this episode, we talk with an expert on swing tempo: Jon Novosel Jr. from Tour Tempo. Find out why it has been one of Jon's favorite practice methods for years, and learn why training for tempo the right way can benefit your swing.



Thanks to our show sponsors: The Indoor Golf Shop, Avro, Monarch, Ridge, and Ultra Pouches

The Indoor Golf Shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has everything you need to build or upgrade your home golf setup, including top launch monitor brands, hitting mats, nets, impact screens, and custom enclosures. Their team can also help design everything from residential simulators to full commercial facilities. When you bundle a complete simulator package, you can save up to 20% on your launch monitor, mat, screen, enclosure, and more. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopindoorgolf.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see their latest deals or speak directly with their team about the best setup for your budget.

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Avro is a refreshing functional beverage powder you can add to your water, built around naturally fermented PharmaGABA, which has been studied in humans for its relaxation-related response to stress. Avro can’t fix your swing, but it can support the calm headspace you need to commit to your shots and play your best. Visit ⁠⁠https://avrogolf.com⁠⁠ and use code SWEETSPOT20 for 20% off your order

•

Monarch is a personal finance app that helps track everything in one place — accounts, investments, savings goals, and spending. Instead of only showing what has already been spent, Monarch helps users plan ahead, map out bigger purchases, monitor cash flow, and see whether they’re actually on track. Features like AI Insights, the Weekly Recap, and the AI Assistant can help flag spending changes, upcoming expenses, and patterns that are easy to miss. Sweet Spot listeners can get their first year of Monarch Core for half off — just $50 — with promo code SWEETSPOT. Visit: ⁠⁠monarch.com

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Ridge makes premium everyday gear including wallets, power banks, luggage, and more—learn more about their big holiday sale at ⁠Ridge.com/sweetspot

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Ultra Pouches are nicotine-free and caffeine-free pouches designed to provide smooth energy, focus, and mental clarity without the usual crash. They’re made with ingredients including Enfinity® PX, L-theanine, Alpha GPC, and vitamins B6 and B12, and come in five flavors ranging from Cool Mint to Blue Razz. They’re an easy option to keep at your desk, in your gym bag, or anywhere you want a quick boost without nicotine or caffeine. New customers can get 15% off at ⁠TakeUltra.com⁠ with code SWEETSPOT
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Use code PG25 to get 25% off all gear at https://zerorestriction.com/



In this episode, Jon and Adam break down how golfers should adjust when wind, rain, cold, and other tough conditions start changing the game. They explain why headwinds hurt more than tailwinds help, how wind magnifies curvature and distance errors, and why simply taking more club is often a better option than trying to manufacture specialty shots. They also discuss how rain and cold can affect ball flight, distance, swing speed, and even the way your body moves, along with the importance of having the right gear and warming up properly. Just as important, they explain why expectations need to change when the weather gets difficult and why fighting the conditions usually makes things worse. The goal is to treat bad weather as a different challenge, make smarter adjustments, and keep a tough round from getting away from you.



Thanks to our show sponsors The Indoor Golf Shop, Avro, Lagoon Sleep, and Ethos:

The Indoor Golf Shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has everything you need to build or upgrade your home golf setup, including top launch monitor brands, hitting mats, nets, impact screens, and custom enclosures. Their team can also help design everything from residential simulators to full commercial facilities. When you bundle a complete simulator package, you can save up to 20% on your launch monitor, mat, screen, enclosure, and more. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopindoorgolf.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see their latest deals or speak directly with their team about the best setup for your budget.

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Avro is a refreshing functional beverage powder you can add to your water, built around naturally fermented PharmaGABA, which has been studied in humans for its relaxation-related response to stress. Avro can’t fix your swing, but it can support the calm headspace you need to commit to your shots and play your best. Visit ⁠https://avrogolf.com⁠ and use code SWEETSPOT20 for 20% off your order

•

Lagoon Sleep helps you find the right pillow for your sleep position and body type with a quick two-minute quiz, giving you a more personalized setup for better rest and recovery. Their adjustable pillows are trusted by elite athletes and can help with neck support, cooling, and waking up without aches or pains. Sweet Spot listeners can get 15% off by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lagoonsleep.com/sweetspot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and using promo code SWEETSPOT.

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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