The IMAGEN Golf Podcast

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Podcast by Daniel Guest

The IMAGEN Golf Podcast

Golf Doesn't have to be so hard! Top 100 Coach & PXG Staff Pro and World Long Drive coach Daniel Guest shares his direct and straight forward approach on golf instruction, amateur golfers, the state of this great game today and everything in between. Hear Daniel breakdown and analyze the golf swing, the golf game and some of the biggest names in the sport. Hear how his award winning 7-7-7 Drill Protocol and Golf Better Guarantee have changed the lives of thousands of golfers worldwide. Learn from his insights after giving 36K+ golf lessons to everyone from blind golfers to professionals. For more information or to book lessons with Daniel visit our website @ http://www.ImagenGolf.com or email Daniel directly @ Daniel@ImagenGolf.com. This is Golf as You've Always Imagined! For free golf tips and more follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagengolf/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/imagengolf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imagengolf TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfbetterguaranteed?lang=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IMAGENGolf

Latest episodes

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27 September 2024

F-O-R-E Minute Friday – For God's Sake Tee Up Your Driver Correctly!

Tee It Up Right: The Importance of Proper Driver Setup

In the world of golf, where every inch counts, even the seemingly simple act of teeing up your driver can make a significant difference in your performance. While it might seem like a minor detail, the height and placement of your tee can significantly impact factors like launch angle, spin rate, and overall distance. 

Finding the Sweet Spot

The "sweet spot" for tee height will vary slightly depending on your swing and the driver you use. However, a general rule of thumb is to have the top half of the golf ball visible above the top line of the clubface when the driver is resting behind the ball.

Teeing the ball too low can lead to a decrease in launch angle and increased backspin, resulting in a lower trajectory and potentially less distance. On the other hand, teeing the ball too high can promote a higher launch angle and less backspin, potentially leading to more distance but also a greater risk of inconsistent strikes and loss of control. 

Other Considerations

While tee height is crucial, it's not the only factor to consider. The placement of the tee in relation to your stance can also influence your swing and ball flight.

  • If you tend to slice the ball (curve it to the right for right-handed players), teeing the ball slightly forward in your stance can help encourage a more in-to-out swing path, potentially reducing the slice.
  • If you tend to hook the ball (curve it to the left for right-handed players), teeing the ball slightly further back in your stance can promote a more out-to-in swing path, potentially mitigating the hook.

Experiment and Find What Works

Ultimately, the best way to determine the optimal tee height and placement for your swing is through experimentation. Use a launch monitor if available or simply observe your ball flight and make adjustments as needed.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tee height significantly impacts launch angle, spin rate, and distance. 
  • A general guideline is to have the top half of the ball visible above the top line of the clubface. 
  • Experiment to find the ideal tee height and placement for your swing.
  • Proper teeing is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of maximizing your driver performance. 

By taking the time to tee your driver properly, you can unlock more distance and consistency off the tee, setting the stage for a successful round of golf.

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06:55

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20 September 2024

F-O-R-E Minute Friday – The Foundation of Your Swing: The Importance of a Good Golf Grip

In the intricate world of golf, where precision and power intertwine, a player's grip on the club is far more than a simple act of holding. It is the very foundation upon which a successful swing is built, the bridge between the player's intentions and the clubface's impact on the ball. 

The Grip's Influence on the Swing

A good golf grip is essential because:

    • Control: It is the only point of physical contact between the player and the club. A proper grip ensures that the clubface remains square to the target at impact, maximizing control over the ball's trajectory.
    • Power: The way you hold the club significantly impacts the transfer of energy from your body to the ball. A firm yet relaxed grip allows for optimal wrist hinge and release, generating clubhead speed and distance. 
    • Consistency: A consistent grip promotes a consistent swing. When your hands are placed correctly on the club, it becomes easier to repeat the same motion, shot after shot, leading to greater accuracy and predictability.
    • Prevention of Injury: An incorrect grip can lead to various injuries, such as wrist, elbow, or shoulder problems. By adopting a proper grip, you can reduce the strain on your joints and muscles, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the course. 

Key Elements of a Good Golf Grip

While there are subtle variations in grip styles, several key elements remain consistent:

    • Hand Placement: The positioning of your hands on the club is crucial. Most golfers use either an overlapping, interlocking, or ten-finger grip, each with its unique advantages.
    • Grip Pressure: Holding the club with the right amount of pressure is essential. Too tight a grip can restrict wrist movement and cause tension, while too loose a grip can lead to the club twisting during the swing. A firm yet relaxed hold is ideal. 
    • Neutral Hand Position: The V's formed by the thumb and index finger of each hand should point towards your right shoulder (for a right-handed golfer), promoting a square clubface at impact.
    • Finger Control: The fingers should be the primary point of contact with the club, allowing for greater feel and control. 

Finding the Right Grip

Finding the right grip for your game can be a transformative experience. While it's always recommended to seek guidance from a qualified golf instructor, experimenting with different grip styles and observing the impact on your ball flight can also be beneficial.

Remember, the golf grip is a dynamic part of your swing, not a static position. As you gain experience and refine your technique, you may discover further nuances and adjustments that enhance your game.

In conclusion, a good golf grip is the foundation upon which a successful swing is built.

It is the bridge between the player's intentions and the clubface's impact on the ball. By mastering this fundamental element of the game, you can unlock greater control, power, consistency, and enjoyment on the course.

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08:00

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13 September 2024

F-O-R-E Minute Friday – 3 ways you’re using your feet wrong (and what to do instead)

There are tons of elements that go into the golf swing, but one that often gets overlooked by amateur players is feet position.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your feet position in the golf swing — just look at Scottie Scheffler — but for average players, understanding how to properly use them can go a long way toward improving your game.

From using ground force to generate more power and distance, to shifting your weight from one side to the other, your feet are the very foundation for which all those other swing fundamentals are based upon. After all, if you’re off-balance as you come through impact, you’re not going to hit it flush.

How to determine your feet position in the golf swing

“Using your feet has always been part of the golf swing,” Daniel says. “But over the past few years, we’ve been introduced to technologies that help us measure when and how much force to apply into the ground during the swing.”

Daniel says these types of technologies have uncovered tons of new information, which allows golfers to improve with instant feedback based off real-time trends.

“This technology has given [golf teachers] exact data, which makes us better-suited to help improve every aspect of a player’s athleticism,” he adds. “By doing so, this correlates with them becoming more consistent ball-strikers.”

But Daniel often sees inconsistencies with how the feet are used in the golf swing and says these are the most common mistakes (with tips to fix them).

1.-Foot flair

Golfers either have too much foot flair in their feet, or not quite enough. So what does flaring the feet do and how should you flair them?

A lot of players like to flair their lead foot to help with rotation, which is great, but if you’re looking to create more clubhead speed you may need to push more vertically. So I suggest squaring the lead foot, which will help create more vertical force earlier in the downswing and lead to increased clubhead speed.

2.-Stop starting at a 50/50 address

Many golfers think they need to start with their weight evenly distributed in their feet at address. But, in reality, they should be starting with a little bit more pressure on their lead foot.

Just look at many of the greatest ball-strikers, who often start with at least 55 percent of pressure on their lead side before taking the club back. This helps them get the movement started to the back foot in the takeaway, and when you get the pressure on the back foot properly, it’s easier to get back to your lead foot at the correct time on the downswing. This leads to improved contact and more clubhead speed.

3.-Know when the shift happens

Most golfers think that the pressure shift (or weight shift) starts toward the lead foot at the top of the backswing — but it should really start much earlier.

Golfers should start to re-center themselves by moving their pressure toward the target around the time their lead arm is parallel to the ground and moving up. A great drill to help with this is a simple step drill. Here’s how it works.

Start with the club about knee height on the target side of the ball, and make sure to use a narrower stance. When you swing the club back and it passes your hands, take a small step toward the target. Your pressure should be on your lead foot when you reach the top of your backswing, then make your downswing at a normal full speed. This will help sequence the downswing and allow you to create more speed and control at the bottom of the swing arc.

By making the suggested adjustments, you’ll have a better understanding of the proper feet position in the golf swing, which will help optimize your body movements in order to find consistent ball-striking success.

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10:44

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04 September 2024

Elevate Your Game: Why On-Course Playing Lessons Are a Game-Changer

Daniel discusses that while traditional golf lessons on the driving range or practice green can undoubtedly improve your swing mechanics and technique. There's something uniquely transformative about taking a playing lesson on the course. Here's why on-course playing lessons are a valuable investment for golfers of all levels.

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21:45

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01 September 2024

Friday F-O-R-E Get A Better Mental Game Today

In today's Friday F-O-R-E we'll discuss the importance of a positive mental game when you play. We'll cover the three words that you should never say why it’s so important. Then we’ll give you a simple and effective way to call your nerves, your mind and help you focus on the jo at hand, hitting your target on every shot.

Learn how maximizing the difference between positive mental attitude and positive mental action.

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06:46

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30 August 2024

Ultimate Long Drive Champion Jacob Molnar Talks How To Hit Bombs!

Daniel sits down with long drive professional Jacob Molnar a rising star in the sport. They discuss his story, his most recent win at the Ultimate Long Drive competition and how he's able to achieve 400+ yard drives like the best in the world. Hear the importance of routine, practice, mindset and how you can apply the very same techniques he uses to become a champion in your everyday game.

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