A PGA Pro Says Your Swing Isn't the Problem...Your Brain Is

A PGA Pro Says Your Swing Isn't the Problem...Your Brain Is

Author: Isaak Ramsey & Hayden Zimmerer | Smarter Golf Practice in Less Time March 12, 2026 Duration: 47:11

Most golfers think their biggest problem is their swing. Brad Smith, PGA, has spent 38 years proving them wrong. In this episode, we unpack why the mental game matters even if you're a 20 handicap — and what you can actually do about it beyond reading a Bob Rotella book. What you'll learn: What the mental game actually is (and why most golfers completely misunderstand it) Whether a 20 handicap really needs a pre-shot routine The course management mistake almost every amateur makes How to train your mental game when you only have 1 hour per week How to mentally prepare for a round when you've got 10 minutes before tee time Why some golfers play their best when they stop caring Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction 0:22 — What most golfers get wrong about the mental game 2:31 — Does mental game matter if your swing stinks? 7:45 — How journaling will lower your score 19:39 — How to actually practice your mental game 29:03 — Dealing with adversity 39:18 — The financial incentive of swing advice 45:52 — Where to find Brad About Brad Smith: Brad Smith is a PGA teaching professional with 38 years of experience working with golfers at every level. https://firstcutt.com/ https://golfdronline.com/ About Play Ready Golf: Play Ready Golf uses strokes gained analysis and motor learning research to create personalized practice plans for time-constrained golfers. The app launches March 29, 2026 — founding member pricing available now. 🔗 Get founding member access: https://playready.golf/the-app 📧 Join the newsletter: https://playreadygolf.beehiiv.com #golf #mentalgame #golfimprovement #golfpractice #playreadygolf


There's a common frustration that settles in when you love golf but feel stuck, watching your scores plateau despite your effort. Play Ready Golf is built on a simple, powerful idea: real improvement doesn't require endless hours or expensive gear you might not have. Instead, this podcast digs into practical, actionable strategies that fit into a regular life. You'll hear straightforward conversations about smarter practice, mental approaches that actually work on the course, and how to make the most of your existing game. The focus is always on tangible takeaways-the kind you can try during your next range session or round. It’s for anyone tired of generic advice and ready for a clearer path to lower scores. Each episode feels like a focused chat with a knowledgeable friend who cuts through the noise, all dedicated to helping you play better with what you've already got. Tune in and start transforming the time and resources you already invest into noticeable, satisfying progress on the fairway.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 38

Play Ready Golf | Strokes Gained for the 9 to 5 Golfer
Podcast Episodes
Amateurs Aren't Lazy. They Practice Too Hard. - Nate Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:30
Play Ready Golf app: ⁠https://onelink.to/93ggkv⁠Use code PRGPOD for 20 dollars off every year, for life.One science based hack a day for 30 days: ⁠https://playreadygolf.beehiiv.com/30hacksin30⁠Free 59 minute practice gui…
Practice Is Cheaper Than Golf. That's the Trap. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:25
7-Day App Trial:⁠ https://onelink.to/93ggkv⁠59-Minute Practice Plan: ⁠https://onelink.to/59minplan⁠30-Hacks for Busy Golfers: ⁠https://playreadygolf.beehiiv.com/30hacksin30⁠Chapters:0:00 A $12 bucket vs a $40 round1:48 W…
He Got Better Practicing Less - Cody Sundberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:02
Try Play Ready Golf free for 7 days and use code PRGPOD for 20 off your annual plan for life: https://onelink.to/93ggkvFree 59 minute practice plan: https://onelink.to/59minplanVirgil Abloh Foundation: https://thevirgila…
Amateurs Practice Too Much. They Play Too Little. - Nate Gahman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:34
The App (use code PRGPOD): https://onelink.to/93ggkvNate's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nate_gahman/Identify over outcome: https://www.id-outcome.com/Last year an insurance agent with 2 kids walked into the Georg…
You Are Almost As Straight As Scheffler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:42
Use code PRGPOD for $20 off your first year. Link below for a free 7-day trial.https://onelink.to/93ggkvYour driver pattern is almost the same width as Scottie Scheffler's. About 5 yards apart.You don't have a swing prob…
More Practice Won't Lower Your Scores. Less Will. - Jon Weiss Jr. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:42
House of Hope of The Pee Dee: https://hofh.org/Play Ready Golf 7-Day Trial (use code "PRGPOD): ⁠https://onelink.to/93ggkv⁠Most golfers grind for hours and never drop a shot. Jon Weiss does the opposite. He runs a 50-empl…
Amateurs Aren't Bad Putters. They're Bad From 150. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:49
Try the Play Ready Golf app free for 7 days. Use code PRGPOD at checkout for $20 off your annual plan for life: https://onelink.to/93ggkvGrab the free stat tracker and proximity benchmarks PDF mentioned in the episode: h…
He Just Made a PGA Tour Cut. ft. Connor Doyal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:55
Connor Doyal is a 26 year old caddy at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. He almost never goes to the range. 3 weeks ago he won the Terra Cotta Invitational against a stacked junior field. Last week he Monday qualified i…
The Approach Shot Lie Costing Amateurs 3 Strokes A Round [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:22
App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6752723937 Most amateurs think they know how far they hit their irons. The Arccos data says they don't. The average 20 handicap thinks their 5 iron flies 187 yards. The actual median car…