Golf IQ

It might be easier than you think to gain five, 10 or even 15 mph of ball speed. Cordie Walker, founder and chief curator of the Golf Science Lab joins LKD to discuss his biggest jumps in ball speed, how he made it happen and how a regular golfer can do it too.

The numbers are in on our 2026 driver tests, and with Uncle Gene's newfound AI skills, we're able to identify some trends faster than ever before. Plus, a legendary WMPO robot story and an interesting gear tidbit about Justin Rose.

What's it like raising a kid to play golf when you're a former top-10 player in the world, have won more than a dozen times professionally and played in seven Ryder Cups? Ian Poulter gives us a look into his world, and how he and his son Luke bond over golf.

LKD and Sam Weinman preview the release of a new Golf IQ miniseries: How to be a better golf dad. Golf Digest talked with avid golfers, some of whom are professionals, to gain some insight on how they raised kids who have a good relationship with the game.

JWall and Uncle Gene are BACK from the PGA Show and have insights on things they saw, and didn't see in Orlando. Plus, gear signings and a look ahead to 2026.

Bryson DeChambeau, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and many other strong players off the tee hover the club before they begin their takeaway, but the reasons why range from "relieving tension" to "creating tension." If that sounds confusing, that's because it is! LKD breaks it all down on this week's episode of Golf IQ.

Nick Chertock joins LKD to break down some common issues golfers face when they're close to hitting a milestone but can't quite breakthrough.

Callaway's VP of Global Tour and Product Strategy Jacob Davidson joins JWall on the latest Gear Pod to discuss the new line of Quantum drivers, which features never-before-used technology in the driver space.

Matt Wallace rejoins LKD to dive into what we, as amateurs, should try to copy from professionals.

LKD returns from paternity leave to resume hosting duty with an interview with PGA Tour pro Matt Wallace, who provides a different perspective on how to think about your golf swing.

The first gear pod of 2026 kicks off with an interview with TaylorMade tour rep Adrian Rietveld and a deep dive into some of the brand's top stars, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Charley Hull. Plus, more information on TaylorMade's driver for 2026, the Qi4D.

Through all the decades, wins, injuries, awards and accomplishments, Tiger Woods has always been looking for ways to get better. In this episode, LKD returns once again as a guest on his own podcast to discuss Tiger's swing changes with Sam Weinman.

Tiger Woods was great at many things, but one thing that really set him apart was his course management. Plus, a surprising stat about his recovery shots and a special guest.

After Tiger Woods won the 1997 Masters by 12 strokes, he shocked many by changing his swing. Why change the swing that just lapped the field in a major? Tiger knew he could win with his best, but he still wanted to compete when he didn't have it. Sam Weinman and Drew Powell dig in deeper on Tiger's swing change and why it worked.

It's common practice for serious golfers nowadays, but in Tiger Woods' prime, it was rare to find golfers in the gym, and completely unique to Tiger to take it to the level of intensity he reached. As we approach his 50th birthday, Sam Weinman and Alex Myers—whose own fitness routine has greatly improved his golf game—look back on Tiger's fitness regimen and the advantages it gave him ... and how it might have hurt him.

The final gear pod of 2025 is here, and we've saved our favorite test for last. Ahead of his 50th birthday, we tested Tiger Woods' famous Titleist 975D, the driver he used to complete the 'Tiger Slam'. How would 'Tiger Slam' Tiger compare to a present-day pro? How much better would 'Tiger Slam' Tiger be with today's equipment? We have the answers.

Tiger Woods turns 50 this month. And although he's regarded as one of the best putters of all time, his putting stroke was not perfect. Sam Weinman and Drew Powell dissect Tiger's putting and what made him so good.

The Golf Competence Achievement & Reward Test, otherwise known as the golf CART™, can help you put your year in perspective. Sam Weinman and Golf Digest social guru Will Irwin walk us through the process and share their scores.

JWall and Uncle Gene dive into what could be a new trend with some tour players who play a particular brand. Plus, the possibility of new gear signings, a proclamation about an underrated brand and a bit of golf history.

We can't control everything, especially not on the golf course. But what we can control is whether we take a moment to settle and refocus. It's called 'The Let Them Theory,' made popular by best-selling author Mel Robbins. Sam Weinman and Keely Levins explain how it's applicable to golf.

Official calendar dates aside, winter is here for much of the country. Sam Weinman and Drew Powell discuss the pros and cons of completely shutting it down in the offseason.

JWall and Uncle Gene break down some of the newest gear to pop up on the USGA's Conforming Club and Ball Lists. Plus, we reviewed Amazon's new golf ball, and Gene put out a video with internet megastar Mr. Beast.

We've all been told to grip down on a club at one point or another. Maybe it's to take a few yards off when the number is between stock yardages. Maybe it's for a bit of added accuracy. We put gripping down to the test and consulted one of Golf Digest's top teachers and found some interesting results.

The Internet Invitational's climax was great theater. It also provided an excellent teaching moment and an opportunity for reflection. One of the series' biggest stars, Frankie Borrelli talked with Sam Weinman about how the tournament ended.

Stop the hook before things get worse.

JWall and Uncle Gene discuss fall product releases. New drivers. New golf balls. More putters. The IQ of the pod is down. The gear ramblings are up. We're back, baby.

Get your mind out of the gutter and back onto the course.

Some drills to fix your game

Director of Golf Performance and Innovation at Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy Chris Marchini is back to answer more of your questions with JWall and Uncle Gene, including gear components that will make you better right away.

How to get the online coaching you need

What you'll never hear from a scratch golfer

The pro golf swings you should try to steal

The paradox of choice, and one small thing that might be ruining your golf game.

What we'd change about the equipment industry ... if it were up to us.

LKD and Drew Powell are back for Part 2 of this miniseries detailing their offseason practice plan. This time Drew details what he wants to improve upon.

Director of Golf Performance and Innovation at Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy Chris Marchini returns to answer your questions with Uncle Gene. Plus, a JWall giveaway spree.

In the first of a two-part mini series, LKD details how he's trying to feel comfortable hitting a fade for next golf season. As someone who typically draws the ball, and whose miss is a hook, a fade makes him uncomfortable for all sorts of reasons. Together with Drew Powell, LKD has come up with a plan.

You read that right. Using a swing robot, we tested different swing paths and ball flights to see how much distance a slicer could gain by straightening their ball flight.

Director of Golf Performance and Innovation at Dick's and Golf Galaxy is back with JWall and Uncle Gene — who will not be silenced! — to answer more of your questions.

LKD and Drew Powell have another tip from Golf Digest No. 1 Teacher Mark Blackburn, this time regarding how you should set up to hit shots out of the rough.

LKD and Drew Powell are back with tips from Golf Digest's No. 1 teacher Mark Blackburn for hitting different types of wedge shots.

Ryder Cup equipment breakdowns and the driver metric you need to know

In this new Golf IQ Gear series, Jonathan Wall and Gene Parente spotlight some of the innovators, disruptors and visionaries who have helped shape the equipment industry. For Part 1, JWall talks with Bill Presse IV, the inventor of Lie Angle Balance.

JWall and Uncle Gene dive into the breakdown of who plays what ball on each Ryder Cup team and how that could impact strategy. Plus a fan-favorite is back in stock in a limited quantity and a giveaway.

First tee nerves are not reserved for the weekend warriors among us. The affect the world's best, especially on big stages like the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup. Here's how to handle them.

As amateurs, we often find some quick fix that'll help us get better temporarily, but the reason pros get good and stay good is because they have the patience to do things the rest of us typically don't. In this miniseries, LKD explores a number of boring things pros told him they do that work for them.

J Wall and Uncle Gene are back from a late-summer break with news of a putter that can be all things and a whole lot of golf ball talk.

As amateurs, we often find some quick fix that'll help us get better temporarily, but the reason pros get good and stay good is because they have the patience to do things the rest of us typically don't. In this miniseries, LKD explores a number of boring things pros told him they do that work for them.

Are you comfortable going low? Do you get nervous when you've got a career-best round going? This Bryson DeChambeau-approved drill should help. Emphasis on "should," because as LKD and Sam Weinman found out, it can also reveal glaring deficiencies in your game.

Breaking down Tommy Fleetwood's bag, wild putter names and a good-looking club that will give you forgiveness.

JWall and Uncle Gene dive into non-blue blood gear companies, a new golf ball for Bryson, the last two iterations of the Titleist T-Series irons and ... horses?

JWall and Uncle Gene discuss some of the most peculiar and worst gear signings on the PGA Tour. Plus, the dynamic duo goes back and forth on how players' perceptions on gear differs, regardless of skill level.

Fixing your golf swing might be easier than you think. Dr. Luke Benoit joins LKD in the fourth and final part of our new mini-series 'How to change your golf swing—quickly.'

JWall and Uncle Gene return from a short summer vacation to dish on L.A.B. Golf being sold and the Titleist prototype ball Cameron Young used in his first PGA Tour victory. Plus, is the FedEx Cup Playoff structure to blame for the lack of new equipment deals?

You may be practicing wrong. The good news is, humans are wired to problem solve. Dr. Luke Benoit explains how he gets his students' swings calibrated.

Fixing your golf swing might be easier than you think. Dr. Luke Benoit joins LKD in the second part of our new mini-series 'How to change your golf swing—quickly.'

Fixing your golf swing might be easier than you think. Dr. Luke Benoit joins LKD in the first part of our new mini-series 'How to change your golf swing—quickly.'

LKD and Sam Weinman dive into the intricacies of the handicap system and how to input "would be" scores when playing match play and why it's so imperative to record every hole.

JWall and Uncle Gene recap the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, dive into some minutiae in Scottie Scheffler's bag and discuss the differences between surlyn and urethane golf balls.

Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini returns to the pod to discuss all things wedges. Then JWall, Uncle Gene and Chris chop it up while answering your questions.

Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini returns to the pod for another Q&A with a focus on shafts.

In the latest episode of Golf IQ, Luke Kerr-Dineen shares a recent interview with Jon Sherman about double bogeys—and how to avoid them.

JWall and Uncle Gene return with musings on the latest gear trends, including Rocket Classic winner Aldrich Potgieter's curious 3-wood choice, some robot testing numbers and more.

Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini returns to the pod to field listeners' questions on the hybrid vs. fairway wood debate and when it's appropriate to use each one.

Two World Golf Hall of Famers break down the World No. 1's golf swing

LKD and Sam Weinman dive into what makes a high, low and mid handicapper and how one can move up (or down) a level.

Could a good lie around the green actually be dangerous? On the final episode of Lie Detector, Drew Powell and LKD identify when the ball sitting up in the rough could actually be a bad thing.

We hear it on TV every week: the dreaded flier lie. But what exactly is it? And how can you identify it and plan for it? On this episode of Lie Detector, Drew Powell and LKD explain just that.

Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini returns to the pod to field listeners' questions on all things golf clubs, with Uncle Gene's help, of course.

Bad lies around the green are magnified because they often feel more consequential than bad lies just off the fairway. But the fact is, they count the same and the way to identify them and get your ball out of them is largely the same as well. LKD and Drew Powell are here to help.

We all end up in bad lies. Getting out of them without making it worse is key to lowering your scores. In this mini series, LKD and Drew Powell discuss different types of bad lies, how to identify them and how to best get out of them.

Oakmont's rough will be tenacious, its fairways tight and its greens fast and furious. The winner will need his A Game to win the U.S. Open, even if it's at a score viewers aren't used to seeing. And this club, which we don't see often, might be the difference maker.

Is slicing an issue? Golf Digest Best In State instructor Liam Mucklow suggests you check your grip pressure, particularly with your right hand. LKD explains why on this episode of Golf IQ, using a Viktor Hovland-approved drill as an example.

The former World No. 1 is one of the best wedge players of his generation and yet, the practice game he plays to dial in his wedges is something so simple, pretty much anyone can do it.

Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini returns to the pod to discuss irons fitting and a data point he swears by. Plus, JWall and Uncle Gene dish on the latest in the non-conforming drivers discussion.

LKD and Sam Weinman discuss a quote from Dr. Bhrett McCabe, a clinical and sports psychologist, on how to identify and deal with pressure on the golf course.

We've all been there. Should you give that three footer? Should you not? Should your opponent really be making you putt this? On this episode of Golf IQ, LKD and Sam Weinman explore the ins and outs of giving putts.

After breaking the news that his driver was deemed non-conforming before his PGA Championship win at Quail Hollow, Scottie Scheffler credited TaylorMade tour rep Adrian Rietveld with having a suitable replacement at the ready. Rietveld has been working with Scheffler since 2020 and knows the ins and outs of his bag better than just about anyone else on the planet.

We just watched Scottie Scheffler win (again) without his A-game. But even though he wasn't in full control, he still knew the shape his stock shots would have, a factor Top 50 teacher John Dunigan says is vital to playing better golf.

Golf Galaxy Director of Golf Experience and master fitter Chris Marchini joins the pod to discuss industry trends, products and misconceptions. Plus, JWall and Uncle Gene make PGA Championship picks and note a new entry to the zero-torque putter space.

The secret to getting off the tee more like the pros is not "swing hard" or "swing soft," but actually to swing with the same effort all the time. LKD dives into the one small change to make that will improve distance control and accuracy and help you keep your ball in play more often.

JWall and Uncle Gene recount memorable robot aces note some irons that impressed them in robot testing. Plus, a hint on which stats you should be prioritizing when it comes to new irons.

How the pros practice for the Masters, and how that can help your game.

Chunks. Blades. Chili dips. Outright sh*nks. Chipping can be difficult. But a study by Dr. Andy Hoffer found that 35 of 40 golfers got the ball closer to the hole using this chipping method. Chances are it will help you too.

Paul Vizanko, Director of Player Fitting and Development at Scotty Cameron, has been working with the most recognizable name in putters for a quarter century. Over the years, he's worked closely with tour pros and developed a keen eye for diagnosing putter fit and setup issues. It's that skill that allowed him to get Justin Thomas a new Scotty Cameron Phantom putter that helped him win the 2025 RBC Heritage.

The annual Golf Digest Company Match Play is BACK. LKD and Sam Weinman give an inside look at how even a company solely focused on golf can still have issues setting up matches. Most of our problems, however, are easily solved by using USGA handicaps. Now if we could only do something about scheduling ...

A study by Dr. Andy Hoffer shows armlock putting is a great method to try if you're a golfer who has the yips, especially one with an overactive trail hand.

Uncle Gene takes us on a journey through the Coachella Music Festival before we dig into our new video series, robot data on mini drivers, a new shoe from Nike and more.

Our own Drew Powell was lucky enough to win the Masters media lottery and played Augusta National with Sunday pins the day after Rory McIlroy completed the career grand slam. This is his full story of how the day went and what he learned.

Our own Drew Powell was lucky enough to win the Masters media lottery and played Augusta National with Sunday pins the day after Rory McIlroy completed the career grand slam. This is his full story of how the day went.

JWall and Uncle Gene return from their Masters week break that had nothing to do with the Masters to break down Rory McIlroy's historic win, the clubs he used to do it, the clubs he didn't use to do it and more.

We all make lazy swings now and again. But there are physical and mental things you can do to prevent them, especially later in rounds. Here are some of our favorites.

We all have that one hole we hate. Or maybe there are a few. Or a lot. But the reality is, conquering that hole is easier than you think ... and it's not all about the score you put on the card.

Can the Masters elevate its coverage with unlimited launch monitor data? Digging into Max Homa's driver numbers, and Titleist finally gives golfers what they've been asking for.

LKD and Sam Weinman dive into how to find your practice "sweet spot." Your drills shouldn't be so easy that you fall into boredom, but they also shouldn't be so hard that you don't succeed about two thirds of the time.

What was the point of Bryson DeChambeau's club experiment? Plus, other equipment news.

Gene, in his first solo hosting effort, recaps the trip back to Golf Digest for filming, dives deep into his golf origin story and makes predictions for the future of golf equipment.

Blueprint Golf co-founder Dr. Nico Darras joins LKD to help you upgrade your practice so it actually works.

Golf Digest Best in State teacher Joe Plecker joins LKD to explain how a good weight shift looks in your golf swing, from start to finish.