The Golf Fitness Bomb Squad with Chris Finn

Chris continues the myth-busting series by taking on a pre-round habit you’ll see at nearly every golf course: static stretching on the first tee.

Chris explains why holding a stretch before you play makes you swing slower than doing nothing at all, and why a dynamic warm-up produces faster swings. He breaks down what’s actually limiting your mobility: in most cases it’s a neuromuscular or fascial restriction, not short muscles. With 93% of golfers over 50 failing at least one mobility test, he explains why stretching isn’t the fix, and lays out the three-step approach that is. He also covers why your body warm-up and your swing warm-up need to be separate, and why most golfers don’t play their best until the third or fourth hole.

If you touch your toes for 30 seconds before every round, or you’ve been stretching for years without getting any more mobile, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Why static stretching before a round lowers clubhead speed
• What’s really restricting your mobility, and why stretching doesn’t release it
• The three-step fix for failed mobility tests: soft tissue work, active movement, then load or speed
• How to warm up the way you move: dynamic, rotational, and progressive
• The wall test that shows why you can’t touch your toes, and how the hinge fixes it

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Chris kicks off a new myth-busting series by taking on the false belief he hears more than any other: that lifting will make you tight.

Chris explains why your body restricts range of motion when it isn’t strong enough to support it, and why that loss happens so gradually that most golfers only notice when they see their swing on video. He breaks down the cascade P4S data points to: losing strength leads to losing mobility, and losing mobility leads to losing speed. He also covers why random workouts produce no results, and why the goal is to play golf at 80% of what your body can handle instead of redlining every swing.

If someone has ever told you lifting will ruin your swing, or you’re lifting and feel tighter than ever, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Why your body locks down mobility when it lacks the strength to support it
• The strength-mobility-speed cascade P4S sees in its assessment data
• Why “more” in the gym isn’t better, and what a plan built for your body includes
• How speed depends on strength and consistency depends on mobility
• How a 70-year-old can swing 100 mph without redlining

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Most golfers lose strokes to decisions, not swings.

Chris Finn sits down with Scott Fawcett, founder of DECADE Golf and strategy coach to nearly 60 Tour players, including his first two students, Will Zalatoris and Bryson DeChambeau. Scott explains why generic strokes gained data can mislead amateurs, and what to track instead.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why strokes gained driving and approach numbers fall short without a daily course adjustment
• The Tiger Five: bogeys on par 5s, doubles, three-putts, bogeys inside 150 yards, and two-chips
• How the DECADE driver decision tree decides your club off the tee
• How to manage expectations on approach shots, and why lag putting from 20 to 40 feet is a key skill
• When to go for a par 5 in two and when to lay up
• How to get the most out of the DECADE app

Scott qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur at 53. He shares the system behind that result and the honest lessons from his own tournament rounds.

Download DECADE Golf in the App Store and use code PAR4 for 30% off. Follow Scott on Instagram: @decade_golf

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Golfers over 50 lose about 1 mph of clubhead speed every year. Chris Finn has yet to meet one who could not get faster.

Chris shares what P4S has learned from a database of more than 15,000 golfers, including force plate data, 3D motion capture, and physical therapy records. He explains what that data means for your speed, consistency, and longevity in the game.

Inside this episode:

• Why speed loss is not inevitable, and why slower golfers have the most room to gain
• The 4 rotary mobility tests every golfer should take (neck, trunk, shoulder, and hip) and what failing your lead or trail side means for your swing
• Hip internal rotation: the number one physical limitation nobody talks about. 93% of golfers over 50 fail it.
• A simple twist-and-tilt drill that gained live participants up to 10 degrees of trunk rotation in minutes
• Real client results, including a 66-year-old who added 3 mph training 15 minutes a day, four days a week
• The 3-step performance framework: assess, target what matters, retest
• Why speed training comes last, and why yoga alone will not fix your rotation

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In this solo episode, Chris Finn dives deep into the world of knee health with a focus on managing pre-arthritis conditions. He discusses innovative approaches for someone looking to increase vertical forces without exacerbating knee issues. Chris explains how by focusing on hip-centric exercises, upper body strength, and enhancing the posterior chain, one can maintain and even improve knee functionality. He emphasizes the importance of technique adjustments post-strength gains and shares insights on how to work around joint limitations, proving that even with knee sensitivity, you can adapt your fitness regimen effectively. This episode is a testament to the value of knowledgeable coaching in navigating fitness with joint constraints.

To see how your mobility stacks up, take our research-backed mobility assessment here: https://www.par4success.com/podcast

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone can gain clubhead speed. Chris Finn says a monkey could do it - swing your driver as hard as you can 10 times each direction and your speed goes up. That's not the hard part.

The hard part - the thing most speed training programs skip - is durability. In this episode, Chris breaks down:

• Why overspeed training (systems like Stack) works, and who it's actually right for
• The real risk of chasing speed without knowing your body's limits first
• The data behind two golfers who start at the same swing speed: over 10 years, one gains roughly 30 yards while doing it right, the other loses about 10 miles per hour doing nothing. That's a 44-yard gap by year 10.

The takeaway: speed is a tool, not a shortcut. Used on a body that hasn't been assessed for mobility and durability, it raises injury risk instead of lowering scores.

Take the free assessment at par4success.com to find out if you're a good candidate for speed training - or what needs fixing first.

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Search "hip mobility golf" on YouTube and you'll find a hundred drills. The problem: if you fail a hip rotation test, there are at least six different underlying causes - from the TFL to the psoas to a bony block that no amount of stretching will fix. Pick a random exercise and you've got a one-in-six shot of picking the right one.

In this episode, Chris Finn breaks down the three-layer framework P4S uses to figure out what's actually limiting a golfer's swing:

• Layer 1: Rotational mobility (hips, shoulders, thoracic spine, neck)
• Layer 2: Power output - and whether the problem is strength or elastic/reactive ability
• Layer 3: Swing efficiency (the "Easy 8") - separating physical limitations from intent and skill issues

The takeaway: doing something is better than nothing, but doing the right thing matters more. Generic prescriptions - whether it's a mobility drill or a swing fix - skip the diagnostic step that tells you which of several possible causes actually applies to you.

Ready to find out where your limitations actually are? Take the free assessment at par4success.com, or book a free 45-minute strategy call with the P4S team.

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What does mobility have to do with your golf swing? A lot. In this episode, we dive into the story of a former quarterback turned passionate golfer, and how his extreme shoulder mobility issues impacted his game. Learn how to test your own shoulder mobility, what compensations might be creeping into your swing, and how to fix them. Whether you're swaying, sliding, or struggling with back pain, this episode will show you how to take control of the one variable you can measure and improve: your body.

Take the Free Home Assessment here: https://www.par4success.com/podcast

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the Secrets to Smarter Golf Strategy with Scott Fawcett!

Join Chris Finn as he interviews Scott Fawcett, founder of the groundbreaking Decade Golf system, in this must-watch episode for golfers of all levels. They explore the power of data to transform your game, revealing insights into strategy, decision-making, and performance optimization used by professional and amateur players alike.

🌀 Key Topics Covered:

• The Tiger 5 Mistakes: What they are and how avoiding them saves strokes.
• The Role of Distance in Golf: How adding just 20 yards can revolutionize your game.
• Decade Golf Explained: A step-by-step system for smarter course management.
• PGA Tour Insights: From Scottie Scheffler's strategy to putting myths debunked.
• How to Avoid Bogeys: Why focusing on bogey prevention is better than chasing birdies.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why "Drive for Show, Putt for Dough" is just a myth.
• The surprising truth about shot patterns and strategy.
• How understanding data like shot distribution can lower your handicap.
• Tactical lessons from PGA pros who simplified their game and found success.

🖥️ Learn More About Decade Golf:

Start making smarter decisions on the course today! Visit https://www.decade.golf for exclusive access to Scott's proven system and tools.

📅 Timestamps to Navigate the Video:

0:00 - Introduction & Scott Fawcett’s Journey

5:40 - What Is Decade Golf?

12:18 - Lessons from Tiger’s Data-Driven Success

18:40 - Why Distance Matters More Than Ever

26:00 - Putting Myths & Advanced Speed Control Tips

34:55 - Avoiding Mistakes and Managing Your Round Like a Pro

50:00 - Final Thoughts & Call to Action

📲 Connect with Scott Fawcett & Decade Golf:

• Follow Decade on Instagram for more tips and insights @decade_golf
• Discover more video content or join the Decade community at https://www.decade.golf

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Stronger grip means a faster swing - but only if you're squeezing at the right moment. Chris Finn breaks down new force-plate data showing exactly how much grip strength translates to clubhead speed, and reveals the counterintuitive timing pattern that separates tour pros from amateurs: pros peak their grip pressure at the transition, not at impact.

You'll learn:

• The measurable pounds-to-mph relationship between grip strength and swing speed
• Why squeezing a stress ball doesn't build the right kind of grip strength (and what does)
• The exact moment in the swing where pros apply peak pressure - and why amateurs get it backwards
• How grip timing affects wrist and elbow injury risk, not just speed

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Is that ache from your workout - or a warning sign? Chris Finn breaks down the exact difference between normal training soreness and the early signs of injury, and why the "I don't want to lift because I'll be sore for my tournament" mindset is costing golfers their strength and their game.

You'll learn:

• The 72-hour rule for telling soreness apart from injury
• Why stopping and restarting workouts causes more soreness, not less
• The one symptom that separates a tight muscle from a real problem (numbness, tingling, sharp or shooting pain)
• Why the pros train through majors instead of resting

If you're not sure whether what you're feeling is normal or a red flag, take the free injury risk assessment at par4success.com. Assess. Don't guess.

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Matt Gandolfi has run over 10,000 one-to-one club fittings and now trains Club Champion's fitters across the Southeast. In this episode, Chris sits down with him to break down exactly when you should replace every club in your bag - and the answers aren't what most golfers assume.

• Drivers: Why "300 rounds" isn't the full story, and what to actually watch for
• Wedges: Groove wear timelines, plus the fingernail test to check yours at home
• Shafts: Why "stiff" and "regular" labels are inconsistent across brands - and what actually matters
• Fairway woods vs. long irons: Why more golfers, including tour pros, are making the switch
• The ego problem: Why golfers hold onto clubs that are hurting their scores

If you've been playing the same clubs for years without knowing whether it's time for a fitting, this episode gives you the real benchmarks.

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In this episode, Chris is joined by legendary golf instructor, radio and TV host, Michael Breed. Michael goes into the common physical and mental limiters he sees from students he instructs and how golfers can combat these limiters. Michael also explains how grip strength is undervalued in the golf swing and how strength training correlates with grip strength in men and women.

Follow Michael Breed on social media @michaelbreed.

Tune in to A New Breed of Golf on Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio weekday mornings from 8-10 AM EST and Best of A New Breed of Golf on weekend mornings from 9-10 EST.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most golfers chase a prettier swing and get worse. Adam Young - author of the international bestseller The Practice Manual and one of the most data-driven coaches in golf - joins Chris Finn to explain why the best players in the world have "ugly" swings that work, and why nearly every bad shot comes down to just three measurable things.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The "Big 3" behind almost every bad shot: ground contact, face contact, and face direction
• Why a 6-millimeter strike difference turns a flush shot into a chunk - and why your swing didn't change
• How Scheffler, Furyk, and Gotterup prove function beats form
• The simple finger system for measuring your misses without a $25,000 launch monitor
• The ball-flight algorithm that fixes your path with zero swing thoughts
• Why 60%+ of a good player's errors are mental faults - club selection, target selection, commitment - not swing flaws

Connect with Adam:

• Get early access to his new tracking app: adamyounggolf.com/app
• Free drills + weekly newsletter: adamyounggolf.com

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Your Trackman numbers don't just show ball flight - they show what your body can and can't do. In this episode, Chris Finn breaks down the difference between a swing problem and a body problem, including the story of a Tour pro whose path change was the first warning sign of an injury nobody caught.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why chasing numbers on a sim without knowing your physical limitations leads to injury
• Where launch monitor data actually belongs - fittings, progress tracking, and diagnosing what changed
• How to tell if a bad stretch is a swing issue, an intent issue, or a body issue
• The "one number, one feel" practice framework the best players use to match feel to real
• The early warning signs in your data that your body is breaking down before pain shows up

Not sure what your body can and can't do?

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Most golfers over 40 accept the same three-step path: anti-inflammatories, a cortisone shot, then surgery. Dr. Steve Matta built his practice around a different option.

Dr. Matta is the founder and chief physician of Meeting Point Health, a performance-driven medical practice specializing in regenerative orthopedics and longevity medicine. He is board-certified in family and sports medicine, holds additional certifications in stem cell and peptide therapy, is a TPI Level 3 Medical professional, and teaches peptide therapy to physicians through the Seeds Scientific Research and Performance Institute.

In this episode, Chris and Dr. Matta break down what regenerative medicine actually looks like for the aging golfer:

• What peptides are, how they work, and the specific compounds Dr. Matta uses for injury recovery, strength gains, and even first-tee nerves
• Why the source of your peptides matters - and the real risks of gray-market and gas station products
• When PRP is the right call, when stem cells are worth the investment, and when it is time to consider surgery
• Why injections without rehab fall short, and how regenerative treatments and physical training work together
• How to think about the cost of cutting-edge care when insurance will not cover it

Whether you are managing golfer's elbow, back pain, or knee arthritis, this conversation gives you a framework for evaluating options beyond the standard medical playbook.

Connect with Dr. Matta at meetingpointhealth.com or on Instagram at @meetingpointphilly.

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If your back locks up mid-round, won't let you play multiple days in a row, or has you nervous about making it through a member guest - this episode is for you.

95% of golf-related back issues are completely preventable. Chris Finn breaks down why back pain on the course is not bad luck, not aging, and not something you just manage through. It's a signal - and once you know what it's telling you, the fix is straightforward.

You'll learn:

• Why summer makes it worse - and the warm-up assumption that's quietly putting your back at risk
• The three root causes behind golf back pain and why cumulative load is sneaking up on you
• Why stretching and ibuprofen aren't solving anything - and what actually does
• The difference between soft tissue pain and nerve pain - and the one red flag that means you need imaging immediately
• The exact three-step fix and why the order matters
• The 10-minute post-round recovery routine that makes the next day significantly easier

Low back pain accounts for nearly 40% of all golf injuries. If you're already feeling it, don't wait until it costs you an event. Take the free assessment at parforsuccess.com and find out what's actually causing it before your next round.

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What separates a good instructor from one who has coached two PGA Tour winners since childhood? Ted Kiegiel - Director of Golf at Carolina Country Club and one of the most respected teachers in the game - joins Chris Finn to pull back the curtain on how elite coaches actually develop players.

Ted has spent his career at Augusta National, The Country Club in Brookline, and Maidstone Club before landing at Carolina CC. He coached Webb Simpson and Grayson Murray from age 9. He also holds black belts in martial arts - which shaped how he reads movement, force generation, and body patterns long before TrackMan existed.

In this conversation, Ted shares the exact frameworks he uses with every player - the 3-Pod System, the 20-20-20 practice structure, his OOPS method for on-course prep, and the 3-question post-round debrief that cuts through noise and gets to what actually matters in your game.

If you've ever wondered what a world-class instructor is actually thinking when you step onto the tee for the first time - this episode answers that question in full.

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You didn't lose your distance because you're getting older. You lost it because your body changed and your training didn't.

In this solo episode, Chris Finn breaks down exactly why golfers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s lose club speed - and why age is the correlation, not the cause. Using data from over 15,000 golfers, Chris walks through what's actually driving your distance loss and the exact sequence to reverse it.

You'll learn:

• Why the "I'm just getting older" explanation is costing you 30+ yards
• The three mobility limitations that shorten your backswing and kill your speed
• Why your "seven iron" probably isn't a seven iron anymore
• How low-weight, high-rep workouts are neurologically training your body to go slower
• The three-phase fix - mobility, strength, and transfer training - and the realistic timeline for each
• Why golfers who do the right things gain 20-30 yards in year one and only lose 2 mph over the next decade while everyone else loses 10

The distance you've lost isn't gone forever. Start with the free mobility assessment at parforsuccess.com - it'll show you exactly where your speed went and what to fix first.

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In this episode, Chris breaks down the 4 levels of the Golf Performance Pyramid and 2 tools for each level that can elevate your game. From mobility and strength to transfer training and speed, discover what level you're in and what equipment you need! Learn how to use specialized equipment like lacrosse balls, Kpulleys, launch monitors, and cutting-edge tech like the Mustard Golf app. Whether you're aiming for better sequencing or faster swings, this episode tells you exactly what you need to succeed.

Don't know where to start? Check the base of your pyramid by taking the Free Home Mobility Assessment: https://www.par4success.com/podcast