Those Weekend Golf Guys

Bleav Life & Leisure
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Take a Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher, Jeff Smith ( (http://jeffsmithgolfinstruction.com) and pair him with an outstanding radio personality and you have the formula for one helluva Golf Talk Radio Show. John Ashton (the show host) has enjoyed success as a morning personality on radio stations from Bangor, Maine to Dallas, Texas. He’s also embarrassed himself on many golf courses in the same locations. John is a hacker, struggling to break 80 (OK, 90) but has a passion and enjoyment of the game, a skewed sense of humor and an outlook that makes this the most entertaining Golf Show around.Jeff Smith, PGA enjoys the innate ability to create word pictures so, even on the radio, his tips and techniques to improve your game are clear, easy to follow and help listeners cut strokes on their very next round.

  1. 49 min ago

    Your Brain Is the Real Hazard

    This week, John and Jeff dive headfirst into the part of golf that ruins more rounds than bad lies and slow groups combined: the mental circus inside your own head. Pressure, Panic & Playing With People Who Scare You Jeff kicks things off with a story about playing at his father‑in‑law’s club — the classic “I swear I’m better than this” round — where he tried so hard to impress everyone that he played like a man who’d never held a golf club before. John jumps in with how working with Jeff helped him stop trying to prove anything to anyone and start leaning into humor, fun, and the occasional self‑burn. Because nothing lowers expectations faster than making fun of yourself before anyone else can.   Golf With Better Players (AKA: The Intimidation Olympics) Jeff talks about playing with golfers of all skill levels and how he tries to make people comfortable by pretending he’s not a Top‑100 teacher. John admits that playing with Jeff can be intimidating — because watching someone flush it on command is a humbling experience — but it all circles back to the mental game being the real separator.   U.S. Open Talk: Courses, Carnage & Wyndham Clark The guys break down the U.S. Open setup and whether the USGA intentionally picks courses designed to make grown men cry. They talk about Wyndham Clark’s win, how a previous meltdown shaped his mindset, and that ridiculous recovery shot on 16 that basically said, “I’m winning this thing, thanks.” Hero Shots & Why Pros Go Full Send John and Jeff debate a player choosing the aggressive route instead of taking an unplayable. Jeff calls it a hero shot. John calls it Tuesday. They agree that when the difference between first and second is millions of dollars, you don’t lay up — you swing like you mean it.   Golf Psychology: Your Brain Is Not Your Friend The guys get into why telling yourself “don’t hit it in the water” is the fastest way to hit it in the water. Jeff shares his Golf.com first‑tee jitters video and how negative thoughts become self‑fulfilling disasters. They lay out real fixes: Deep breaths Fast, loose practice swings A single, clear target ZERO math mid‑round Because nothing ruins tempo like trying to calculate your handicap on the 14th tee.   Bagger Vance, Tunnel Vision & The Good Kind of Zoning Out Jeff brings up The Legend of Bagger Vance to explain that magical moment when the world blurs, the target sharpens, and the swing just happens. John nods approvingly, mostly because it means he gets to reference a movie he actually remembers.   Thinking vs. Doing (Spoiler: Thinking Loses) Jeff reminds listeners that you can’t think your way through a golf swing — it happens too fast. It’s like trying to play guitar while reading the sheet music for the first time. As Jeff’s buddy John Dunnigan says: “When you think, you stink.” Warm‑Up Like You Mean It They talk about warming up without a ball first to avoid early‑round negativity. Jeff suggests hitting the ground with a tee to find balance and rhythm before you start judging yourself.   Stop Doing Math & Start Playing Golf The guys wrap by reminding golfers to stop calculating their score mid‑round and focus on one shot at a time. They tease an upcoming episode with sports psychologist Jared Tendler, who will either validate everything they’ve said… or politely tell them they’re full of it. They close with the usual: subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned for more mental‑game wisdom — or at least entertaining nonsense. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    40 min

  2. 21 Jun

    How to Escape Rough… Without Being a Dumb Ass

    John and Jeff spent this episode diving into the stuff golfers pretend they know how to handle but absolutely do not: dumb lies in thick rough, dumb decisions in thick rough, and the Dumb Ass penalties that come from both. They kicked things off with the age‑old debate: the hand wedge. Does it count as a stroke? Depends on the group. Some guys call it “winter rules,” some call it “improving your lie,” and some call it “I’m not writing down a 9 today.” But the point stands — if you’re going to cheat, at least be consistent. Jeff rolled out his “loop of control” — brain → hands → clubface → ball → brain — which is basically his polite way of saying, “If your grip is trash, everything else is going to be trash too.” Check the clubface before you swing. Seriously. It’s free. Then they got into the real meat: hitting from the rough. Jeff explained how to read the grooves, steepen the swing, and for the love of all things holy, use a wedge. If you’re pulling a 5‑iron out of knee‑high rough, you’re not a hero — you’re auditioning for a DA penalty. Speaking of which… Jeff told the story of a Big Ten Championship at French Lick where a college player made such a catastrophically bad decision on the 17th hole that it cost his team the entire tournament. Not a rulebook penalty. A Dumb Ass penalty. The kind you earn by ignoring every smart option available and choosing violence instead. They broke down the unplayable lie rule, too — when to use it, how to use it, and why it exists to save you from yourself. You can take one unplayable. You can take two. You can take three. The Rules of Golf don’t judge you. Your buddies will, but the rules won’t. And finally, they wrapped with the two kinds of penalties in golf: • Rulebook penalties — the ones the USGA wrote • Idiot penalties (DA penalties) — the ones you write yourself by doing something dumb Most golfers worry about the first category. Most golfers suffer from the second. Jeff and John reminded listeners that knowing the rules — and knowing when to stop being a Dumb Ass — will Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  3. 14 Jun

    Why Your Swing Needs Loft, Not Hype

    This week, John and Jeff take a friendly flamethrower to one of golf’s biggest myths: that all the fancy, high‑tech, tour‑speed gear is somehow going to magically fix the game of a golfer who swings like a normal human being. Spoiler alert — it won’t. Jeff breaks down why so much of today’s “longer, faster, lower‑spin” equipment is built for people who swing 115 mph and have personal trainers, not for the senior golfer who just wants the ball to get up, go forward, and not disappear into the right rough. He shares real stories from his slower‑swing students and the gear that actually helped them hit better shots without needing a physics degree or a new chiropractor. The guys dig into wedges that make life easier instead of harder — Wilson Harmonize, Cleveland CRS‑X, Callaway Sure A+2 — the kind of clubs that don’t care about your ego, just your scorecard. Then they talk golf balls, explaining why lower‑compression options like the Titleist TourSoft can give seniors more launch and carry, even if they don’t spin like a tour ball around the greens. And honestly, if you’re not delivering tour‑level speed, who cares. They wrap it all up with the most important lesson of the episode: Stop buying the logo. Start buying what works. Get fit, test gear, ignore the hype, and play equipment that matches your swing — not the guy on TV. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    40 min

  4. 7 Jun

    Grip It, Don’t Rip Yourself Off

    Golf Instruction & Slice‑Fixing Reality Check John and Jeff kicked things off by tackling the world’s most popular golf shot: the slice. And instead of giving listeners the usual “just swing more inside‑out” nonsense, Jeff broke down how he actually fixes slices in real lessons. Turns out the problem usually isn’t the swing at all — it’s the hands: A left hand so weak it should be on the injured list A hand position that practically begs the clubface to stay open Or a wrist hinge that’s doing interpretive dance instead of squaring the face   Jeff hammered home the idea that your natural arm hang determines your proper grip — not what your favorite tour pro does, not what a YouTube thumbnail promises, and definitely not what your buddy Chad insists is “the only correct grip.”   Equipment Talk: Overhyped Clubs & Real Value Then the boys dove into the equipment world, where marketing departments work harder than most golfers do on their short game.   They called out the brands that sell “revolutionary distance gains” every 15 minutes… and then pointed listeners toward the companies that actually deliver value without the circus tent:   Mizuno — feel without the flex Cobra — tech without the tax Srixon — performance without the peacocking The message: stop buying clubs because your favorite player uses them. That guy swings 122 mph and has a tour van following him. You have a day job and a 3‑year‑old headcover shaped like a flaming.       Putter Talk & Status Symbol Madness Next up: putters. Jeff admitted he’s a LAB guy, but gave nods to Scotty Cameron and Ping — the usual suspects in the “my putter cost more than my first car” category.   John and Jeff roasted the idea that golfers care more about fancy headcovers than actually making putts. Because at the end of the day: No one on the green cares what brand you’re holding They care whether you can roll it inside 3 feet without sweating   Performance > status. Always. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min

  5. 31 May

    Mud, Rain & Bad Decisions: A Golf Survival Guide

    Weather Golf: Mud, Rain & Misery Jeff goes full meteorologist, explaining how weather absolutely wrecks your game — distance drops, mud adds side spin, and TV never shows how bad it really is because half the shots are pre‑recorded. The guys talk about: • Why mud on the ball is basically Mother Nature saying “good luck, buddy” • How to stay safe when the course turns into a Slip ’N Slide • Why rain golf is character‑building… or at least story‑building Swing Thoughts & Mental Game Simplification Jeff shares coaching wisdom from the trenches: The fewer thoughts you have, the better you play. They break down how simplifying your swing and ball position can turn a struggling golfer into someone who suddenly looks like they know what they’re doing. Towels, Gloves & Staying Dry Without a Caddy Rain round survival school is in session. Jeff and John cover: • The “weave your towel through the umbrella” trick • The “stuff it inside your jacket” backup plan • Rotating gloves like a Vegas blackjack dealer • Why worn‑out gloves are basically a confession of bad grip habits • And yes… buying gloves in bulk is not only allowed, it’s encouraged Mountain Golf Destinations Jeff goes on a tour of his favorite elevation‑heavy golf spots across the country, including: • Pine Canyon (AZ) • Cliffs at Glassie (SC) • French Lick (IN) • Wolf Creek (Mesquite, NV) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min

  6. 24 May

    Dear USGA: Stop Fixing Things That Aren’t Broken

    Pros vs. Amateurs: Two Different Sports The guys explore how the rollback highlights a bigger truth: professional golf and amateur golf are practically different sports. Jeff explains how equipment, swing speed, and course setup create two completely separate realities. John doubles down on the idea that amateurs shouldn’t be governed by rules designed for the 0.01%. Jeff’s Equipment Talk & His Upcoming Par‑3 Outing Jeff shares his personal experience testing the new Titleist balls and how they behave in real‑world conditions. He also previews an upcoming round with an 8th‑grade golfer at a local par‑3 course — a reminder that golf is still about fun, learning, and good company. Who Should Govern What? The conversation shifts to the USGA’s role in the game. John argues that the USGA should focus on amateur golf — their actual domain — instead of influencing the professional game, which operates under entirely different conditions. Jeff agrees that pros and amateurs essentially play two different sports, and applying the same equipment rules to both groups makes little sense. Growing the Recreational Game: The “Sorta Golf Manifesto” John and Jeff brainstorm ways to make golf more fun and accessible for the masses. Their tongue‑in‑cheek “golf manifesto” includes ideas like: No penalty for lost balls — just pay a $5 “stupid tax” and move on. Scramble putts for everyone — every player gets a chance to roll one in. Relaxed rules that keep the game moving and keep players smiling. The goal: grow the recreational market by making golf less intimidating and more enjoyable. PGA Championship & Oddball Habits They wrap up with a look at the recent PGA Championship, including a player whose quirky head‑cover routine caught their attention. John jokes that FanDuel still doesn’t offer odds on “most unusual equipment ritual,” though it probably should Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min

  7. 17 May

    Smoltz, Short Game & the Truth About Your Putting

    John Smoltz: From the Mound to the Senior Tees The guys kicked things off talking about John Smoltz’s move into senior golf. Jeff and Scott broke down how a Hall‑of‑Fame pitcher can suddenly become a legit threat on the Champions Tour — apparently elite hand‑eye coordination doesn’t disappear just because you stop throwing 97 mph. Why Your Short Game Deserves More Love Then Jeff went full professor mode, reminding everyone that if you want to score, you’d better learn to putt and chip like you mean it. Scott chimed in with the painful truth: amateurs spend 90% of their time on the range and 10% on the putting green… when it should probably be the other way around. PGA Tour Putting Stats: Prepare to Feel Bad John pulled up some Tour putting numbers, and the room collectively sighed. Tour pros make everything inside eight feet. Amateurs? We think we do… until someone actually measures it. Jeff hammered home the point: If you can’t aim your putter, you’re basically guessing. And most golfers? They’re guessing. Why Club Fitting Isn’t Optional Scott jumped in with a sermon on club fitting — especially putters. Lie angle, loft, head shape, grip size… all the stuff amateurs ignore but complain about when they miss a four‑footer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    42 min

  8. 10 May

    Warning: This Episode May Cause Sudden Travel Bookings

    This week on Those Weekend Golf Guys, John and Jeff dragged their buddy James Hong away from Harbor Links on Long Island — probably the only place in America where you can lose a golf ball and get a parking ticket at the same time — to talk about golf courses and the vacations we pretend are “family trips.” We kicked things off with the Top 10 U.S. states for golf, which, shocker, starts with Florida. Because of course it does. If there’s a patch of grass in Florida bigger than a doormat, somebody’s already built a par‑3 on it. Then we zoomed out to the global leaderboard. The United States leads the world in total golf courses (again, shocking), and Japan comes in second — which blows people’s minds until they realize the Japanese take golf as seriously as they take sushi knives. From there, the show turned into three guys swapping war stories. James talked about life at Bethpage State Park, home to five courses, including the Black — the only course in America that warns you at the first tee that you’re not good enough to be there. Jeff and John reminisced about South Carolina, including hidden gems like Shira State Park, where the fairways are gorgeous, the greens are pure, and the mosquitoes are roughly the size of rescue helicopters. And because we can’t resist a passport stamp, we headed overseas to places like Costa Rica, where the Iguana Course gives you ocean views, jungle vibes, and the occasional lizard who looks at your swing like he could do better. We wrapped with some real‑world advice for planning a golf vacation: Do your homework — the internet is full of lies and stock photos Call the pros or staff directly — they’ll tell you what the website won’t Use reciprocal club agreements — the secret handshake of golf travel And be careful with tee‑time aggregators — some are great, some are… let’s say “optimistic” with availability Another classic episode: part travel guide, part therapy session, part “three golf guys bragging about where they’ve played.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    42 min
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About

Take a Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher, Jeff Smith ( (http://jeffsmithgolfinstruction.com) and pair him with an outstanding radio personality and you have the formula for one helluva Golf Talk Radio Show. John Ashton (the show host) has enjoyed success as a morning personality on radio stations from Bangor, Maine to Dallas, Texas. He’s also embarrassed himself on many golf courses in the same locations. John is a hacker, struggling to break 80 (OK, 90) but has a passion and enjoyment of the game, a skewed sense of humor and an outlook that makes this the most entertaining Golf Show around.Jeff Smith, PGA enjoys the innate ability to create word pictures so, even on the radio, his tips and techniques to improve your game are clear, easy to follow and help listeners cut strokes on their very next round.

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