GolfWell Podcast

Justin Kraft starts with your sway gap. Dr. Luke Benoit starts with the ball. Here's why they disagree and which fix fits your swing.

Tour coach Ralph Bauer joins the crew to explain what he really says on the range at a PGA Tour event, and why the best coaching is often the least. We dig into shallowing the club out of thick rough, why spine tilt at setup matters, how much block practice is enough, and why working on your strengths can pull you out of a slump. Ralph also shares an update on his method to read greens, plus tour-player stories you can use in your own game.Want to learn the Tour Read system? Check out his app here: https://bit.ly/tourread-gslFollow Coach Ralph here: https://www.instagram.com/ralphbauergolf Justin Kraft: https://www.instagram.com/kraftygolf/Dr Luke Benoit: https://www.instagram.com/dr.luke.benoit.golfWant your swing reviewed live on the show? Send us a video: swing@golfwell.coCordie's recommended systems and gear(Partner and affiliate links. Buy through them, and it supports the show. We only run stuff we use.)Skytrak (discount code GOLFSCIENCELAB) https://bit.ly/skytrak-gslStack (discount code GSL) https://bit.ly/stackcordiediscountThe Scoring Method (code: GOLFWELL) https://thescoringmethod.com/Tour Aim (code: GOLFWELL15) https://bit.ly/touraimDISCOUNTDECADE (Scott Fawcett) (code: GOLFWELL) https://bit.ly/decadegolfwellGarmin Fenix 8 https://creatorlink.shop/4mW5uedDr Luke Benoit’s Practice DNA test - https://thegolftextbook.com/practice-dna/

Cordie, Justin, and Luke unpack a viewer’s criticism of their golf swing advice, discussing trail-foot flare, hip turn, arm lift, and why instruction depends on the individual player. They explain the difference between looking steep and actually shallowing the club, using Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy to explore how width, body motion, and delivery shape a swing. The conversation also covers affordable golf technology and gamified putting practice as great pieces to practice.Want your swing reviewed live on the show? Send us a video: swing@golfwell.coJustin Kraft: https://www.instagram.com/kraftygolf/Dr Luke Benoit: https://www.instagram.com/dr.luke.benoit.golfCordie's recommended systems and gear(Partner and affiliate links. Buy through them, and it supports the show. We only run stuff we use.)Skytrak (discount code GOLFSCIENCELAB) https://bit.ly/skytrak-gslStack (discount code GSL) https://bit.ly/stackcordiediscountThe Scoring Method (code: GOLFWELL) https://thescoringmethod.com/Tour Aim (code: GOLFWELL15) https://bit.ly/touraimDISCOUNTDECADE (Scott Fawcett) (code: GOLFWELL) https://bit.ly/decadegolfwellGarmin Fenix 8 https://creatorlink.shop/4mW5uedDr Luke Benoit’s Practice DNA test - https://thegolftextbook.com/practice-dna/

Get Coach Will's book here! https://a.co/d/0799yziiCoach Will Robins breaks down why most golfers plateau not because of a broken swing, but because they’re training the wrong thing. In this conversation with Cordie, he explains how tension, emotion, strategy, and scoring decisions affect real rounds far more than range mechanics. The discussion centers on how to think like a scorer, not a swinger.Follow Will: https://www.instagram.com/willrobinspga/Chapters00:56 - Why Will told a golfer to intentionally hit it out of bounds02:20 - The real issue: tension, expectation, and target blindness05:20 - Why Will says golf instruction is off track06:08 - Golf is emotional, not just mental, and why that matters06:53 - Why the book focuses on application, not information08:22 - Cordie’s tension roller coaster during repeated practice09:47 - What golfers do when pressure starts to rise10:55 - Why training needs to be uncomfortable and realistic13:57 - Why he prefers hitting the bad shot and training the miss18:44 - Playing to minimize bogeys and avoid costly mistakes20:04 - “Commit to shots in your comfort zone, then expand the zone”21:39 - Fixing the simple scoring leaks before chasing more distance23:27 - Most players need better scoring habits, not a swing overhaul25:29 - Why score training has to happen on the course, not the range26:57 - Pre-round habits, expectations, and personal scoring plans29:25 - Why “personal par” matters more than ego-based expectations30:31 - Using strokes, holes, and handicap to manage tournament strategy32:10 - Expanding the competency zone only after training the skillCordie's recommended systems and gear(Partner and affiliate links. Buy through them, and it supports the show. We only run stuff we use.)Skytrak (discount code GOLFSCIENCELAB) https://bit.ly/skytrak-gslStack (discount code GSL) https://bit.ly/stackcordiediscountThe Scoring Method (code: GOLFWELL) https://thescoringmethod.com/Tour Aim (code: GOLFWELL15) https://bit.ly/touraimDISCOUNTDECADE (Scott Fawcett) (code: GOLFWELL) https://bit.ly/decadegolfwellGarmin Fenix 8 https://creatorlink.shop/4mW5uedDr Luke Benoit’s Practice DNA test - https://thegolftextbook.com/practice-dna/

Want to see what your swing looks like on Parallax? Get a month free https://bit.ly/parallaxgolf

Cordie, Justin Kraft, and Luke Benoit review listener golf swings and explore why overthinking mechanics can keep practice from translating to the course. They break down common swing issues, from grip and clubface to sequencing, and share practical ways to build skill and play with fewer swing thoughts. Watch for honest swing analysis and ideas to help make your range work show up when it counts.Want your swing reviewed live on the show? Send us a video: swing@golfwell.coJustin Kraft: https://www.instagram.com/kraftygolf/Dr Luke Benoit: https://www.instagram.com/dr.luke.benoit.golfCordie's recommended systems and gear(Partner and affiliate links. Buy through them, and it supports the show. We only run stuff we use.)Skytrak (discount code GOLFSCIENCELAB) https://bit.ly/skytrak-gslStack (discount code GSL) https://bit.ly/stackcordiediscountThe Scoring Method (code: GOLFWELL) https://thescoringmethod.com/Tour Aim (code: GOLFWELL15) https://bit.ly/touraimDISCOUNTDECADE (Scott Fawcett) (code: GOLFWELL) https://bit.ly/decadegolfwellGarmin Fenix 8 https://creatorlink.shop/4mW5uedDr Luke Benoit’s Practice DNA test - https://thegolftextbook.com/practice-dna/

Why your golf swing looks perfect on video but falls apart on the course may come down to one thing: transfer training. Luke Benoit, Justin Kraft, and host Cordie Walker explain how to move from technical practice in a net or on the range to skill development, on-course testing, and confident performance under pressure. They also explore motor learning, neuroplasticity, swing thoughts, practice variability, and how to build a layered training process that helps new changes actually stick.Want your swing reviewed live on the show? Send us a video: swing@golfwell.coJustin Kraft: https://www.instagram.com/kraftygolf/Dr Luke Benoit: https://www.instagram.com/dr.luke.benoit.golf

Cordie's recommended systems and gear(Partner and affiliate links. Buy through them, and it supports the show. We only run stuff we use.)

Skytrak (discount code GOLFSCIENCELAB) https://bit.ly/skytrak-gsl

Stack (discount code GSL) https://bit.ly/stackcordiediscount

The Scoring Method (code: GOLFWELL) https://thescoringmethod.com/

Tour Aim (code: GOLFWELL15) https://bit.ly/touraimDISCOUNT

DECADE (Scott Fawcett) (code: GOLFWELL) https://bit.ly/decadegolfwell

Garmin Fenix 8 https://creatorlink.shop/4mW5ued

Dr Luke Benoit’s Practice DNA test - https://thegolftextbook.com/practice-dna/

In this episode, we're joined by top coach and fitter Jon Sinclair to break down how wedge bounce and grind affect full swings, chips, bunker shots, and turf interaction. Jon explains why low-bounce wedges can dig, how to match wedge design to your swing and course conditions, and why the right equipment should fit your delivery - not force you to change it.Follow Jon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonsinclairgolfWant your swing reviewed live on the show? Send us a video: swing@golfwell.coCordie's recommended systems and gear(Partner and affiliate links. Buy through them, and it supports the show. We only run stuff we use.)Skytrak (discount code GOLFSCIENCELAB) https://bit.ly/skytrak-gslStack (discount code GSL) https://bit.ly/stackcordiediscountThe Scoring Method (code: GOLFWELL) https://thescoringmethod.com/Tour Aim (code: GOLFWELL15) https://bit.ly/touraimDISCOUNTDECADE (Scott Fawcett) (code: GOLFWELL) https://bit.ly/decadegolfwellGarmin Fenix 8 https://creatorlink.shop/4mW5uedDr Luke Benoit’s Practice DNA test - https://thegolftextbook.com/practice-...

Why do some golfers have ugly swings and shoot great scores… while others have beautiful swings and can’t take them from the range to the golf course?
In this episode, Cordie is joined by coaches Justin Kraft and Luke Benoit for a wide-ranging conversation about how golfers actually improve. From there, the conversation turns into a deeper debate about swing mechanics, skill development, transfer training, and how much you should actually be thinking about your swing while you play.
Want your swing reviewed live on the show? Send us a video: swing@golfwell.co
Justin Kraft: https://www.instagram.com/kraftygolf/
Dr Luke Benoit: https://www.instagram.com/dr.luke.benoit.golf
Cordie's recommended systems and gear
(Partner and affiliate links. Buy through them, and it supports the show. We only run stuff we use.)
Skytrak (discount code GOLFSCIENCELAB) https://bit.ly/skytrak-gsl
Stack (discount code GSL) https://bit.ly/stackcordiediscount
The Scoring Method (code: GOLFWELL) https://thescoringmethod.com/
Tour Aim (code: GOLFWELL15) https://bit.ly/touraimDISCOUNT
DECADE (Scott Fawcett) (code: GOLFWELL) https://bit.ly/decadegolfwell
Garmin Fenix 8 https://creatorlink.shop/4mW5ued
Subscribe for more technical swing analysis and let me know your biggest struggle with your ball striking in the comments.

We're reviewing a real listener's swing live, diagnosing what's actually going wrong, and laying out a step-by-step plan to fix it.Want your swing reviewed live on the show? Send us in a video swing@golfwell.coJustin Kraft: https://www.instagram.com/kraftygolf/Dr Luke Benoit: https://www.instagram.com/dr.luke.benoit.golfWhat we get into: 0:00 - Online vs in person lessons, and which one actually works 2:40 - New series: send us your swing 3:40 - How to film your swing so a coach can actually help you 5:30 - Face on vs down the line, and what each one really shows 7:00 - Meet Marcus: scratch, fighting blocks and pull hooks 7:45 - The mechanics index game (guessing his handicap from mechanics alone) 10:30 - The real cause: a trail arm that rotates in too early and steepens the shaft 13:30 - Why a high handle at impact wrecks face control 20:45 - Steep and inside out, the worst combo in golf 24:45 - Two ways to fix it: full rebuild vs just cleaning up the takeaway 30:40 - Proof: a 30 minute lesson, backswing only, and the guy's flushing it Cordie's recommended systems and gear (Partner and affiliate links. Buy through them and it supports the show. We only run stuff we use.)Skytrak (discount code GOLFSCIENCELAB) https://bit.ly/skytrak-gslStack (discount code GSL) https://bit.ly/stackcordiediscountThe Scoring Method (code: GOLFWELL) https://thescoringmethod.com/Tour Aim (code: GOLFWELL15) https://bit.ly/touraimDISCOUNTDECADE (Scott Fawcett) (code: GOLFWELL) https://bit.ly/decadegolfwellGarmin Fenix 8 https://creatorlink.shop/4mW5ued

In this episode, Cordie sits down with Justin Kraft, Luke Benoit, and Will Robins for an honest conversation about what really happens when tournament pressure hits. After shooting 83-82 and losing nine golf balls in competition, Cordie opens up about the tension between swing mechanics, overthinking, and actually scoring when it matters most.https://www.instagram.com/dr.luke.benoit.golf/https://www.instagram.com/kraftygolf/https://www.instagram.com/willrobinspga/The group dives into why a swing can look good on the range but break down under pressure, how early extension and face control show up in tournament golf, and whether it’s better to keep working on technique or simplify strategy and trust your game. They also break down the difference between training and transfer, why too many swing thoughts can hurt performance, and how target focus may matter more than chasing perfect mechanics on the course.

In this episode, we dig into what really changes when you go from irons to driver - and why the answer is more nuanced than simply having “two different swings.”They break down how ball position, spine tilt, angle of attack, ground forces, and intent change throughout the bag, including why more golfers are using aggressive vertical force with the driver and what “jumping” in the golf swing actually means.We also cover:-Why tour players often fade their driver but draw their irons-How much you should actually hit up on a driver-Why vertical force is often late—and what causes it-Whether tour pros really swing their driver at “80%”-How better players adapt their swing to the shot in front of them-Tiger Woods’ approach to practicing different shot shapes-Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and different ways elite players use the ground-The resurgence of old-school golf swing mechanics-Interlock vs. overlap vs. 10-finger grips-Why intent may be more powerful than chasing positionsThe big takeaway: you probably don’t need to build two completely separate golf swings. But the intent, setup, and forces you use with a driver shouldn’t necessarily look the same as they do with an iron.If you’re a golf swing nerd, coach, or golfer trying to understand what actually creates speed and better ball striking, this one gets deep.Subscribe for more conversations on golf instruction, biomechanics, speed, and how golfers actually learn.

Check it out here https://bit.ly/stackwedge-golfwell (use discount code GSL)In this episode, Cordie sits down with Dr. Sasho MacKenzie, one of the world's leading golf biomechanists and founder of The Stack speed training system, to talk about why a $300 launch monitor might be the most impactful piece of practice equipment you can own.Sasho started building The Stack's radar to track speed. Along the way, he realized it could do a whole lot more - and what it can do for your practice sessions is genuinely surprising.They get into the Practice Tracker, the Wedge Games, what the device actually measures, how accurate it really is, and - most importantly - why tracking your practice changes everything.In this episode:-Why most golfers practice without ever knowing if they're getting better-What ball speed actually tells you (and why it's the stat that matters most)-How the Practice Tracker app turns raw data into meaningful feedback-What "spread" is — and why it might be the most underrated practice metric in golf-How the Wedge Games work and why they make practice more honest-Why a $300 device can outperform a $20,000 launch monitor for the average golfer-If you're putting in range time without tracking what's happening, you're flying blind. This episode changes that.

Most golfers overcomplicate their swings, but what if the secret to better scores is doing less? Discover how PGA Tour pros streamline their practice for consistency. These insights could redefine your approach, helping you hit more fairways, avoid out-of-bounds shots, and play stress-free golf, even under pressure.We talk about the counterintuitive strategies pros use: why focusing less on mechanics and more on visualization and routine leads to real performance gains. Justin Kraft shares practical tactics for fixing common swing faults - like early extension and steepness - without overengineering. Meanwhile, Luke Benoit discusses how top players tighten variability and master evaluation on-the-fly, whether during a tournament or a casual round.

Imagine hitting golf shots with a heart rate of 172, hitting great putts, and shooting scores you never believed possible - all while outpacing your own expectations. Cordie sits down with Scott Dawley and shares how a simple decision - to put a date on the calendar - catapulted him into a new realm of performance, proving that challenging yourself with speed golf can redefine what’s achievable on the course and in life. Whether you're a passionate golfer, a fitness enthusiast, or simply craving a fresh way to elevate your health, this episode shows you how to turn rough starts into remarkable finishes.

How do you maximize lessons, practice, and changing your swing? Cordie sits down with two of Minnesota's top coaches - Justin Kraft and Dr. Luke Benoit to discuss the habits of effective coaching and practice.

Should you shallow the golf club or not? I sat down with two coaches who get blamed for the modern shallow swing to settle it. What "shallowing" actually means, why most amateurs do it wrong, and how it lets you finally stop early extending.

What makes Shinnecock Hills one of the toughest putting tests in golf? In this episode, putting coach Ralph Bauer joins Cordie Walker to break down the unique challenge of reading and rolling putts on some of the fastest, slopiest greens in championship golf. From understanding through-lines and lag putting strategy to handling wind on exposed greens, Ralph shares the same insights he's using with players preparing for one of the game's biggest stages.You'll learn:⛳ Why Shinnecock's green complexes are so difficult⛳ How modern green speeds have changed the way classic courses play⛳ The hidden danger of six-to-eight-foot putts on severe slopes⛳ How wind really affects putting (and when it doesn't)⛳ A smarter approach to lag putting on fast greens⛳ The importance of "through-lines" when reading putts⛳ Why tour players may struggle with changing green speeds throughout the week⛳ Ralph's favorite practice drills for dialing in speed and start lineWhether you're a competitive golfer, a golf coach, or someone looking to lower scores on the greens, this conversation is packed with practical putting advice you can use immediately.

Is a zero club path actually bad? Justin Kraft and Dr Luke Benoit join the GolfWell podcast to debate club path, face angle, and the flyer lie myth most golfers get wrong.We get into why your 9-iron flies farther than your wedge on a flyer lie, what good ball striking actually means, on-course practice that works, and why so many tour pros draw the driver.Justin Kraft - https://www.instagram.com/kraftygolf/Dr Luke Benoit - https://www.instagram.com/dr.luke.benoit.golf/Check out the post on the flyer lies https://www.instagram.com/p/DY0OwG1EU-h/?img_index=1

You ever practice for months and then completely fall apart in your first real round? Yeah. Me too.I called Coach Will Robbins right after to break down what actually happens to your body and your brain under tournament pressure — and what to do about it.🏌️ Work with Will → bit.ly/scoringmethod-golfwell (code GOLFWELL)📘 Get The Scoring Edge → https://www.amazon.com/Scoring-Edge-Coaches-Golfwell-Guidebook/dp/B0GR6S11PV📩 Free weekly newsletter → golfwell.co

Can a scratch golfer who doesn't run compete in the US Speed Golf Open? 80 days to find out.The Garmin watches are awesome for fitness AND golf - https://creatorlink.shop/4mW5uedThis is Episode 1 of Chasing Opens. Scott Dawley held the speed golf world record (65 in 42 minutes) and runs Speedgolf USA. He's coaching me through what might be the dumbest thing I've ever signed up for.🏃 Speedgolf USA: https://speedgolfusa.comScott Dawley: https://www.instagram.com/scottdawleygolf/0:00 — The challenge1:00 — What is speed golf?5:55 — How speed golf scoring works9:30 — The "shot box" and why seconds matter11:54 — Training plan for a non-runner15:14 — Scott's world record round (65 in 42 min)17:24 — Golf and fitness at that level22:10 — How to actually practice speed golf26:34 — Club selection strategy (5 clubs only)31:00 — Race day strategy36:36 — How to try speed golf yourself#speedgolf #golf #chasingopens