Sticks Together Golf | Couples Golf

Stacey Simms, Slade Goldstein

Join Stacey & Slade for an honest and entertaining look at the world of couples golf! They're here to help you navigate the unique dynamics of couples golf, so you can enhance your game and relationship both on and off the course. Tune in to discover how you can fall in love with this incredible game and strengthen your bond as a couple. Let Stacey and Slade guide you to more enjoyable rounds and unforgettable moments on the fairways.

  1. JAN 22

    Someone hit into us: What would you do? Plus, fall leaf chaos

    This week on Sticks Together, we dive into fall golf: from etiquette dilemmas to the critical debate over what color ball works best when the leaves start falling. We kick things off with an update on our personal games. Stacey’s settling in with her new clubs and enjoying her ladies’ league, where the games creatively keep everyone engaged—like a recent round where only the odd holes counted. Slade’s feeling solid about his game, and even our son is getting more and more hooked on the sport. Then we get into one of the most relatable and frustrating aspects of golf etiquette: what happens when someone hits into your group. Stacey shares a story from a crowded course in Boone, NC where she actually confronted a group after getting hit into twice in four holes.  We discuss the nerves that come with confrontation and how most golfers aren’t trying to be jerks—they’re just unaware or impatient. You'll hear how Stacey's interaction turned out. As we lean into fall golf, we talk about how changing weather affects visibility and gear. Should you switch to a yellow or colored ball to help spot it among the leaves? Slade prefers white for putting, but Stacey is loyal to her blue speckled Callaway SuperSofts. Some golfers go even further, matching their golf balls to their shoes—or even to their outfits for the day. And yes, disco balls are apparently a thing. The episode ends with a bit of frustration over women’s golf fashion. Stacey shares how hard it’s been to find golf clothes that are age-appropriate, flattering, and available in brick-and-mortar stores. She's had more luck with brands like JoFit, EPNY, and Zero Restriction, but still finds options limited. We talk about tailoring as a possible solution and agree that the industry has room to grow, especially for women in their 40s and 50s who actually want to spend money on the game. We finish on a lighter note: leaf blowers on the course, fall layering struggles, and the dangers of bubbly beverages in a podcast studio. The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min
  2. 2025-12-09

    Inside Our First Couples Golf Getaway: Doing the Cha-Cha in the Mountains

    On this episode of Sticks Together, we dive into our first big couples golf getaway with three other couples — a total of eight people heading to the mountains of western North Carolina for a weekend of golf, laughs, and a bit of "dancing" — the one, two, cha cha cha. We start by explaining why we picked this spot: beautiful scenery, cooler temps, and a region still recovering from storm damage that could use the tourism boost. We remind everyone to check local conditions if they plan a similar trip. We break down how we organized the group: four couples with different golf skill levels, so choosing the right courses was key to making everyone comfortable. We stayed together at the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club, taking advantage of their golf packages and included breakfasts — much nicer than a standard buffet. Stacey handled the travel planning, booking rooms, tee times, and managing the group’s payments to keep it simple. The only hiccup came when dinner reservations proved tricky in a small town for a group of eight, but we found great food and the best rosemary fries we’ve ever had at the Red Fox. On Friday, a few of us snuck in an extra round at Springdale Resort, a charming course tucked into the mountains. We loved its combo tees, friendly staff, and quirky local touch — it’s the home of “The Spasm,” a hole tough enough to give you either a back or brain spasm. We dodged a quick rain shower, spotted wild turkeys, and settled into the weekend vibe. Saturday’s main round at Waynesville was all about our unique competition format: the Cha Cha Cha. Slade, as commissioner of the competition committee, explained how it works — every three holes, the number of scores counted goes up: one, then two, then three, then repeat. To make it fun, we added a twist — a “free kick” where each player could kick their ball once to improve a lie. We learned what counts as a drop kick versus a punt, and we all bent the rules for laughs. Everyone’s scores counted at some point, which kept newer golfers engaged without too much pressure. Saturday night, we wrapped up with a putting contest on Waynesville’s huge practice green — drinks in hand and a hilarious playoff finish. Sunday’s round switched up the teams: spouses paired up with the format calling for one male and one female score per hole, plus a mulligan that your partner had to hit for you. It kept the competition light and the jokes rolling. We made sure to adjust our official scores for the fun rules, staying true to proper handicap etiquette. Along the way, we explored downtown Waynesville, caught the local Pride Parade, browsed shops, and even played some party games back at the inn — even if Slade still can’t quite wrap his head around the point of that one word game. Our biggest takeaway? Traveling with other couples for golf is a blast when you communicate openly, have one person handle logistics, and plan formats that make everyone feel included. We came home feeling closer than when we left, with great stories and even better memories. If you’re thinking about trying it, we say take the shot. It’s probably more fun than you think — a true one, two, cha cha cha. The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min
  3. 2025-10-19

    New golf clubs, same golfer...plus tips for playing in extreme weather

    This week on Sticks Together, we dive into what it really meant for Stacey to get new clubs after 14 years and how she's learning to play our best with them. It's more than just picking up shiny equipment—it’s about building a real relationship with each club (and yes, we extend that analogy). We share how surprising it can be when new clubs don’t magically fix your game but instead push you to practice, test distances, and get comfortable with how each club feels and reacts. For Stacey, the new set came with hybrids, woods, and an eight iron as the longest iron, which meant she had to relearn her distances from scratch. We tell the story of how we brought our son onto the course to help measure shots the old-fashioned way, by standing at target distances, and how that was only part of the process. We laugh about how frustrating it is to realize you can’t figure out club distances in just five swings and how competition changes everything. Stacey talks about playing more competitive rounds this year to get more comfortable under pressure, knowing she often scores worse when it counts but sees it as a way to grow. We reflect on how competition is still fun, even if it makes us sweat—sometimes literally. Speaking of sweat, we get into the realities of playing golf in extreme heat. Slade shares his system for staying safe: hydrating a day in advance, using electrolyte tablets, bringing extra water, using cooling towels, and even carrying a powerful fan that sits in the cart. We discuss the importance of food for energy and why caffeine or sodas won’t cut it. Stacey explains how women golfers often think ahead about comfort and safety more than men do, which led to a conversation about whether men are just stubborn when it comes to calling off a round for heat. We also laugh about the little stuff, like Stacey’s collection of mismatched head covers and how our different opinions about seat blankets for the cart sum up our compromises on the course. Finally, we wrap up with advice on whether to involve a significant other in a club fitting and why the right support—without interference—can make the experience more positive. As we wrap this episode, we remind ourselves and everyone listening to stay smart, stay hydrated, build that relationship with your clubs, and always remember golf should be fun, whether you’re competing or just trying to break 90 for the first time in years. The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
  4. 2025-08-17

    Stacey Finally Gets Fitted for Clubs! A peek into the process

    This week on Sticks Together, we dive into Stacey's big golf upgrade—her first club fitting after nearly three decades of playing and 14 years with the same set of clubs. We start off sharing a recent family round that included their 20-year-old son, a wet course, and Mother's Day vibes. Then we move into how much more enjoyable golf can be with gear that actually fits. Stacey walks us through her initial reluctance to get fitted, rooted in a common mindset among many women golfers: "I'm not good enough to deserve it." But the process turned out to be empowering and eye-opening, not intimidating. Slade, who’s had a dozen fittings himself, was surprised and thrilled to see how transformative the experience was for Stacey. They reflect on the difference proper length and lie angle make, and how much Stacey had unknowingly been adjusting her swing to accommodate clubs that weren’t built for her. We also hear a convo Stacey and Slade had with their club pro Tim- underscoring just how personalized fittings are. Not everyone wears the same size shirt, so why swing the same golf club? We also explore the learning curve that comes with switching to a fitted set. Stacey admits her distances were so off at first that she overshot greens by 20 yards. The fun twist? She’s now more excited and invested in improving her game than ever before. We also hear about her new league, her increased interest in distances, and yes—her growing collection of head covers. Go Syracuse! Slade and Stacey also examine a Golf Monthly article written by Coach Katie Dawkins: “I’m a Female Golf Pro, and These Are 7 Things Men Can Learn From Women.” From ditching ego and embracing hybrids to picking the right tee boxes and remembering to enjoy the game, we break it down. Stacey points out how women often lean into the social aspects of golf—like group lessons—more than men, who may avoid them due to ego or competitiveness. Finally, Stacey poses the idea of golfing in matching outfits.  You can listen to Slade's reaction. The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min
  5. 2025-07-29

    Do Men and Women Really Learn Golf Differently? Plus, a Topgolf Showdown

    This week on Sticks Together, we mix things up with a group trip to Topgolf and dive into a discussion about whether men and women learn golf differently. We also reflect on Stacey’s experience playing in a scramble with complete strangers. For our Topgolf trip. the setup was interesting—men on one side, women on the other—but the biggest debate happened before we even arrived: should we bring our own clubs? Most of the guys did, while Stacey opted to use the provided ones. Turns out, it didn’t matter—she won. We talk about the Topgolf experience itself, with Slade arguing it’s a mix between a driving range and a simulator, while Stacey isn’t so convinced. Also, is Topgolf a legitimate practice tool or just a fun social activity. From there, we dive into a Golf Monthly article that claims men and women learn golf differently. The author suggests that women prefer talking through their faults and using visual aids, while men want to hit more balls and focus on technical details. Stacey finds this generalization frustrating, pointing out that everyone learns differently. Slade acknowledges that while some gender-based tendencies might exist, reducing it to a simple men-do-this, women-do-that narrative is a disservice to both groups. Ultimately, we agree that the best way to learn is by understanding what works for each individual. Finally, Stacey recounts her recent experience playing in a scramble with three men she had never met before. While she was initially apprehensive, the group turned out to be welcoming and fun. She hit some of her best drives and never felt like an outsider. The biggest takeaway? They didn’t try to coach her, which she sees as a sign of respect.  Got a story to share or an article to discuss? We'd love to hear from you! The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
  6. 2025-06-20

    Bubba Golf, Red Rocks, and a Golf Date Debate

    In this episode of Sticks Together, Stacey and Slade dive into some unique and fun tournament formats, discuss a memorable golfing trip to Colorado, and explore the dynamics of playing golf as a couple. Stacey opens up about playing in a women’s “Bubba” or “one-woman scramble” tournament, a format that allows for a second shot on each stroke, making it a lively experience. This twist on the traditional scramble has proved popular among the women at her club, sparking ideas for more of these in the future, despite Slade’s clear preference for more conventional formats. The conversation moves to discussing other unique tournament types, like the "three-club" challenge, where players can only use three clubs for the entire round. Slade shares his mixed feelings about these formats but explains his preferred club choices for such an event, while Stacey ponders her own strategy. They then recount a recent work trip to Colorado that allowed for a couple of rounds at some unique courses. The first course, Colorado National, provided expansive views and forgiving fairways but left Stacey and Slade slightly underwhelmed due to its sparse service and somewhat dry conditions. Their next round at Arrowhead Golf Course, however, delivered spectacular views with dramatic red rock formations surrounding the holes. While picturesque, Arrowhead’s compact layout made for a slower pace, and the course’s quirks left the couple both in awe of the landscape but ready to move on after one experience. Shifting topics, Slade brings up an LPGA Women’s Network article on whether couples should play golf together, sparking a lighthearted discussion about the advantages and challenges of golf as a shared activity. They agree that while it’s enjoyable and builds camaraderie, it can also reveal sides of one another that might not appear elsewhere—especially when the competitive spirit comes out. They encourage couples to try different formats or shorter rounds to keep things light and fun. Finally, Stacey hints at a big change on the horizon—she’s finally ready to upgrade her clubs after 14 years. This announcement leaves Slade thrilled at the prospect of her finally embracing newer technology and even getting fitted for the first time. Stay tunes for updates on this developing story in future episodes! LPGA Women's Network: https://www.lpgawomensnetwork.comColorado National Golf Club: https://www.coloradonationalgolfclub.comArrowhead Golf Club: https://www.arrowheadcolorado.com The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min
  7. 2025-05-14

    This golf tip could save your marriage! Plus, highs and lows of the season.

    In this episode of Sticks Together, we share the highs and lows of our summer golf experiences and introduce a concept that resonated with us: “NFL Rules” in golf. NFL Rules.  You'll have to listen to find out what this means. Reflecting on summer highlights, Stacey talks about her commitment to improving her game, including practice and lessons, which led to a noticeable drop in her handicap and personal victories like breaking 90 on her home course. She recalls memorable moments, such as birdieing a difficult hole and making an eagle, milestones that kept her motivated. Slade shares his own season highlight—three impressive rounds with friends on familiar courses from his youth, showing how good friends and familiar greens make for a rewarding experience. Of course, no golf season is complete without a few frustrating rounds. Slade and Stacey swap stories of less-than-stellar days and the emotional challenges they can bring, especially when playing as a couple. Slade’s toughest day included losing multiple balls off the tee, while Stacey recalled a high-stakes tournament day when nothing seemed to go right. We agree that there’s a unique struggle in couples' golf—when one is in a bad mood or struggling, it’s hard for the other to remain unaffected. Slade and Stacey reflect on how they've learned to manage this dynamic by giving each other space, respecting each other’s mood, and sometimes just embracing the bad day.   Bad moods manifest in each of our hosts differently! Slade tends to go quiet when he’s struggling, which can be tough for Stacey, who finds talking it out helpful. The conversation shifts to a philosophy from a friend: unlike the gym, where you may dread going but always feel accomplished after, golf often draws you in with excitement but sometimes leaves you walking away frustrated. Yet despite the challenges, the joy and triumphs of golf keep us coming back. The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    17 min
  8. 2025-03-31

    Which is the best: Match Play, Ryder Cup, or "The Bubba" Tournament?

    This episode of Sticks Together dives into the variety of golf formats we enjoy playing, with a special focus on match play and Ryder Cup-style formats. We start by catching up on our week in golf, where Slade recounts his participation in two Ryder Cup-style events, and Stacey shares her match play experience in the President’s Cup. Although Stacey’s team didn’t win the second round, she enjoyed the challenge of fighting back from a deficit in a thrilling match. We then explore the key differences between match play and stroke play. Match play, where each hole is its own game, allows players to recover from bad holes and stay competitive throughout. We both agree that match play is fun because it keeps players engaged, even when they struggle on certain holes. In contrast, Slade prefers stroke play in competitions like club championships because it tests players over a series of rounds, which he believes better reflects the best golfer. Ryder Cup formats introduce more complexity with various games like alternate shot and Pinehurst. Stacey thinks alternate shot could be a fun couples format, though we both admit some couples might struggle to handle the pressure without affecting their relationship! We also touch on our recent experience playing "sixes," a format where partners rotate every six holes, which kept the day interesting and competitive. We talk about the upcoming “Bubba Tournament,” a one-person scramble. Slade isn’t a fan, feeling it’s more like practice than competition, but Stacey is excited to try the women’s version, seeing it as a chance for fun and personal improvement. Next, we reflect on how we play together as a couple, noting that golf with your partner can either enhance or detract from your performance depending on mindset. We invite listeners to share their own experiences and thoughts on playing golf with their significant others, asking if it improves their game or adds pressure. Finally, Stacey bought new golf clothes - Slade asks her about her thought process there. The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min

About

Join Stacey & Slade for an honest and entertaining look at the world of couples golf! They're here to help you navigate the unique dynamics of couples golf, so you can enhance your game and relationship both on and off the course. Tune in to discover how you can fall in love with this incredible game and strengthen your bond as a couple. Let Stacey and Slade guide you to more enjoyable rounds and unforgettable moments on the fairways.