The Meaning of Golf

Andy and Dasa continue their exploration into the usefulness of goals. They use another poem from Mary Oliver, "The Summer Day," to help provide another perspective that could give another way to go about things other than going after your goals.

Peter Donahue joins Andy to tell the story of junior golf in Evanston over the past 10 years. He tells the story about the divine intervention that got him to Canal Shores, the early days of a junior golf program, and how the program grew. They then cover Evanston's last 3 years at State. They end with a discussion about how impactful this team was to Peter and how it serves as a victory lap for his coaching journey.

Dasa and Andy turn to poetry by Mary Oliver for guidance in golf and life.

Dasa and Andy finish their discussion on goals. They bring in help from past theories Byron Katie, and Golf Without Why. What if this were your last round of golf?

Dasa begins the show by sharing about her time in court. Then Andy shares his newest theory about how goals might actually be bad, and the two have a lively discussion about goals and their pros and cons.

In a follow up to the Mid-Am episode, Dasa shares her takeaways from a tough round.

Dasa shares her story about her experience at the 2026 USGA Women's Mid-Am at Montclair Golf Club.

Dasa joins Andy and tells the story about qualifying for the US Mid-Am with 11 clubs. She shares about her decision, and they discuss benefits of playing with fewer clubs and how it could help everyone's game.

Dasa joins Andy to recap his trip to Sand Valley playing hickory golf. He discusses that he will continue playing the clubs because they helped him find more magic, meaning, and significance in his golf. They also discuss if it is possible to bring this magic to the modern game.

On the drive home from Sand Valley Andy and Jantzen recap their hickory matches at Sand Valley. They discuss adjusting to the clubs, competing with hickories, and the differences between playing with hickory and modern equipment.

In a very special car episode, Andy is joined by Jantzen Miserak on their drive up to Sand Valley as they weigh whether to play hickory or modern golf clubs on their trip. Andy describes an experience of divine intervention, and the two reminisce about past hickory golf memories.

Dasa tells the story of her putting struggles this season. She discusses the process of trying to find the answer when things stop working. Dasa and Andy discuss the golden statue story, finding your baseline, and how to make changes without getting to mechanical.

Dasa and Andy lay out two different ways of playing golf: one that is playing in True Gravity, and another that leads to Frustration, Pain, and Suffering.

Andy and Dasa continue their search for defining what happens when peak performance occurs. They discuss theories from Interstellar, the band Bleachers, and Golf in the Kingdom.

Dasa and Andy continue a conversation about what actually leads to peak performance. If it's not confidence and feeling good about your swing, then what actually matters? They discuss a theory of linking motion to outcome, and get help from Interstellar and Albert Einstein along the way.

Daniel Johnson rejoins the podcast after a recent trip to Scotland. He discusses his experience playing golf in Scotland for the first time at courses Elie, New Course, Dumbarnie. They also discuss the magic of golf and how Scotland helps you find the soul of the game.

Dasa joins Andy as he shares about a recent round: a stroke play event with live scoring. Andy talks about nerves and preparation going into the event, as well as how to play and what to focus on when the pressure increases.

Dasa and Andy will be back later in the week. For now, have a listen to a 2022 episode about a very special tournament played in 1964. Jantzen Miserak and Peter Donahue join Andy to discuss half sets, shot making, creativity, and more!

Dasa joins Andy as he shares a recap of two days of golf at Erin Hills.

Dasa joins Andy as he recaps his latest round of golf-- and uses a lesson from Seinfeld to make sense of it all. They end by recapping the first ever Meaning of Golf School— which was a resounding success! Andy and Dasa will do the school again in June. Don’t miss it!