The Golf Intervention

Eric Layton and Rob Failes

Welcome to The Golf Intervention, the podcast dedicated to helping golfers of all levels improve their scoring and enjoyment of the game using insights from scoring data, science, and proven teaching methods. Whether you are a weekend warrior or an elite tournament player, we dive deep into process driven techniques which will take your game to the next level.Featuring two award winning golf instructors and occasional interviews with some of the most influential people in the game, The Golf Intervention will always leave you with actionable insights into your golf performance.  

  1. 6D AGO

    EP54: Golf Improvement Theory Part 2: SKILL- Train Skill, Shoot Lower Scores

    Send a text Episode 54 | The Golf Intervention Podcast In Part 2 of our Golf Improvement Theory series, we break down the real drivers of performance: the three ball flight skills that control every shot you hit. If your practice doesn’t intentionally train these skills, you’re guessing — not improving. This episode gives you a simple, science-based framework for building measurable skill and transferring it to the course. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why “working on your swing” often fails to lower scoresThe difference between swing mechanics and skill developmentThe 3 Ball Flight Skills every golfer must trainHow to practice with intention and measurable feedbackHow skill connects directly to scoring and performance under pressureThe 3 Ball Flight Skills ExplainedEvery golf shot is governed by three variables. Improve these, and your ball flight improves. 1️⃣ Location of the Swing Arc 2️⃣ Face-to-Path Relationship 3️⃣ Speed (Energy Control) Why This Matters for ScoringMost golfers practice mechanics.  Better players train skills. When you develop: Low-point controlFace-to-path awarenessSpeed masteryYou shrink dispersion patterns, improve consistency, and make smarter strategic decisions. Skill is what transfers under pressure. Golf Improvement Theory Framework (Recap)In this series, we’ve broken improvement into: Strategy (Part 1)Skill (This episode)(Coming next…Swing)Improvement isn’t random. It’s structured. If you want lower scores, you must build skill intentionally — not just chase feels. 🎙️ Why You Should Listen If you’re: A competitive player who wants measurable improvementA coach looking for a clearer development modelA golfer tired of inconsistent resultsSomeone who practices but doesn’t see it transferThis episode gives you a framework to train smarter — not just harder. 🔎 Keywords Covered in This Episode Golf skill development  Ball flight laws  Face to path relationship  Low point control in golf  Distance control practice  Golf improvement theory  How to practice golf effectively  Golf dispersion patterns  Train speed control in golf 📬 Support the Show & Get Bonus Material Subscribe for deeper breakdowns and bonus training insights:  👉 https://thegolfintervention.substack.com/ If this episode helped clarify your improvement path, share it with a playing partner or fellow coach.

    1h 1m
  2. FEB 18

    EP 53: Golf Improvement Theory – Part 1: Strategy, Decision Trees & Shot Dispersions

    Send a text Golf Improvement Theory – Part 1: Strategy, Decision Trees & Shot Dispersion If you want to lower your scores, you need more than swing tips — you need better golf strategy and smarter course management. In Part 1 of our Golf Improvement Theory series, we break down the foundational principles of decision making in golf, including how to use a decision tree, understand your shot dispersion pattern, and make smarter adjustments for lie, slope, and weather. This episode is about playing golf strategically — not emotionally. What Is Golf Strategy? Decision Trees & Shot Dispersion Most golfers aim at flags. Better players aim based on probability. In this episode, we explain: What a decision tree in golf actually meansHow to use your shot dispersion (your “finger dispersion”) to choose smarter targetsHow elite players think in percentages, not perfect shotsThe connection between strategy, scoring averages, and long-term improvementYour shot pattern determines your target. Period. If you’re not building your targets around dispersion, you’re guessing — not strategizing. How to Adjust for Lie, Slope & Weather Great course management requires contextual awareness. We break down how to adjust for: Lie conditions (tight, rough, uphill, downhill, sidehill)Slope influence on start line and curvatureWind adjustments Temperature, firmness, and elevation changesHow environmental variables should modify your decision treeGolf is not played in a vacuum — and your strategy shouldn’t be either. Key Golf Improvement Takeaways Strategy is applied probability.Shot dispersion determines smart targets.Decision trees improve consistency and scoring.Lie, slope, and weather always influence execution.Better decisions lead to lower scores — even without swing changes.This is Part 1 of the Golf Improvement Theory series on The Golf Intervention. In upcoming episodes, we’ll layer in skill development and swing execution to complete the performance model. If you care about golf strategy, course management, and lowering your handicap, this episode sets the foundation. For bonus content or support the show, subscribe to our Substack at https://thegolfintervention.substack.com/

    1h 3m
  3. 09/10/2025

    EP 50: Playing from the Rough and Huge Upgrades in Iron Fitting Technology

    Send a text On this episode of The Golf Intervention Podcast, we dig into three critical areas that can help golfers of all levels play smarter and score better. Topics we cover include: Playing from the Rough:How to assess your lie and choose the right shot.When to take a risk versus when to play safe.How rough affects spin, launch, and distance—and what that means for club selection.The Iron Fitting Revolution with Loft Adjustments:Why iron fitting has changed dramatically thanks to loft optimization.How adjusting lofts can fine-tune launch height, spin rates, and carry distance.Why proper gapping throughout your set is essential for consistent scoring.What every golfer should know before buying or tweaking their irons.Lessons from the Lesson Tee:The importance of separating two key skills:Impact location on the clubface (centeredness of strike).Clubface orientation (open vs. closed at impact).Why confusing these two often leads to frustration and misdiagnosis of swing flaws.Practical drills to improve both skills and build more reliable ball flight.This episode combines on-course strategy, cutting-edge equipment fitting insights, and real teaching takeaways to give you insights you can apply immediately to your game. For bonus content, subscribe to The Golf Intervention Substack at https://thegolfintervention.substack.com/ Tiger Woods crazy shot from the rough from 184 yards with a pitching wedge   https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zhdXHMtxbbw

    49 min
  4. 08/15/2025

    EP 49: Choosing the Right Golf Ball + The Wildest Golf Lesson Eric Ever Taught!

    Send a text Episode Description: In this episode of The Golf Intervention, we dive deep into one of the most overlooked parts of your game—the golf ball. From price and performance to the all-important “feel,” we break down how to match the right ball to your skill level—whether you’re a Level 1 beginner, a Level 2 developing player, or a Level 3 advanced golfer. You’ll leave knowing exactly what’s worth your money, what actually improves your scoring potential, and how to avoid getting swayed by marketing hype. Then, stick around for a story you won’t forget—the wildest golf lesson I’ve ever given.  There is a huge take away which will help your performance! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why your golf ball matters more than you thinkShould you play the same ball all the time?Price: How to balance budget with benefitsPerformance: How spin, distance, and control vary between ballsFeel: Why matching the ball’s feel to your skill level (1, 2, or 3) can improve your gameHow technology and data can guide you to the perfect matchThe most outrageous (and educational) lesson I’ve ever taughtHelpful Resources & Tools Mentioned in This Episode: Subscribe to The Golf Intervention Substack for bonus content, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and to support the show:  https://thegolfintervention.substack.com/ PING Co-Pilot – The digital fitting toolbox by PING, designed to elevate your fitting experience: https://pingcopilot.com/ Titleist Golf Ball Selector Tool – A free, interactive tool from Titleist that recommends the best ball for your game: https://www.titleist.com/golf-ball-fitting-tool?

    52 min
5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Golf Intervention, the podcast dedicated to helping golfers of all levels improve their scoring and enjoyment of the game using insights from scoring data, science, and proven teaching methods. Whether you are a weekend warrior or an elite tournament player, we dive deep into process driven techniques which will take your game to the next level.Featuring two award winning golf instructors and occasional interviews with some of the most influential people in the game, The Golf Intervention will always leave you with actionable insights into your golf performance.  

You Might Also Like