The Spin Axis - Golf Podcast

Mike Granato returns to join the guys for a candid discussion about some of their biggest pet peeves in golf instruction. They tackle common myths and bad ideas, including the idea of the “effortless” golf swing, instructors relying on their own feels instead of measurable reality, demonstrations that don’t actually help students, and the growing or ongoing misuse of ground reaction forces and 2D video analysis. Along the way, they explain why good coaching should be grounded in objective data, clear communication, and an understanding of how golfers truly move, NOT just how someone thinks they move. If you’ve ever wondered why so much conflicting advice exists online, this episode offers an inside look at what experienced instructors wish would disappear from the game.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Mike Granato from Athletic Motion Golf (AMG) joins the podcast to examine something that’s a hot topic amongst a certain small group of instructors on social media: Stack & Tilt and its claims about what the best players actually do in their golf swings. Using 3D motion capture data from GEARS and force plate data, the discussion looks at where some commonly cited S&T measurements fail to match the actual movement patterns of elite golfers. The group breaks down four major areas: 1) lateral pelvis movement, 2) trail elbow bend, hand path, and abduction/adduction, 3) lead shoulder motion, and 4) and trail knee behavior. The guys compare the “ideal” positions often taught with the ranges and windows seen in the world’s best players. Rather than just criticizing an outdated model of the golf swing, this episode explores why understanding real data and player variability matters when building better instruction.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Links:

• Topic: Stack & Tilt vs. Measured Data
• Shifting Off the Ball (Away from the Target)
• Elbow Bend, Hand Path, Abduction/Adduction
• Left Shoulder Down and Left Side Bend
• Trail Knee Extending in the Backswing

In this rapid-fire equipment episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson each bring a different gear topic to the table and dive into the details behind what’s on their minds these days. They discuss the rise of mini drivers and why some players may not need a traditional 3-wood anymore, and how equipment choices should reflect modern strategy and player ability. The conversation also covers wedge fitting, including lie angle and bounce considerations, before wrapping up with the ongoing debate around putters, from zero-torque designs to finding the right length, weight, and style for your stroke.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: Carl’s Place (https://carlofet.com) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code!

Why do so many golfers plateau despite taking lessons and practicing regularly? In this fun, snake-draft-style episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson each select what they believe are the biggest reasons players fail to improve. The picks include a lack of commitment, focusing on outcomes instead of the process, making changes that are too small to create real movement, practicing without objective feedback, chasing symptoms instead of root causes, and trying to fix too many things at once. Along the way, the discussion highlights practical ways golfers can practice with more purpose and finally break through to the next level.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Is copying your favorite Tour player the fastest path to better golf or a recipe for frustration? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson discuss why elite players developed their swings over decades, often beginning in childhood, and why trying to duplicate the finished product rarely works. They explain how mobility, athleticism, and individual tendencies shape every great swing, making direct comparisons misleading even among players with similar body types. Instead, they suggest borrowing pieces that fit your game, like setup, practice habits, or a specific movement, while building a swing that works for you, not someone else.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: Cobalt Golf (https://cobalt-golf.com/) – Save 10% with the code “SPINAXIS”!

Thinking about building a home golf simulator but not sure where to start? In this episode, Mike from Carl’s Place joins the show to break down realistic simulator setups at four popular budget levels: roughly $2,000, $5,000, $12,500, and $25,000. The conversation covers where serious golfers should spend money first, when upgrades begin to provide meaningful value, and how launch monitors, projectors, computers, mats, and enclosures fit into the equation. We cater this discussion toward the more serious golfer, and will recommend better launch monitors over the simulator experience at several points. This episode offers practical guidance on getting the most performance for your budget while avoiding common mistakes.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: Carl’s Place (https://carlofet.com) – Listen to a Previously Sponsored episode for a coupon code!

Whether it’s a member-member, member-guest, club championship, or another big event on your calendar, preparation can make the difference between feeling ready and feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, the guys discuss how to structure your practice leading into a tournament, why over-training in the final days often backfires, and the importance of arriving with a clear strategy rather than searching for your swing. They cover sharpening your short game, managing your energy and recovery, and developing tee-shot plans before the first round begins. The conversation also touches on a reality of many member events: they’re often won by players who make smart decisions, avoid big mistakes, and stay fresh mentally and physically over multiple days—not necessarily those who hit the most spectacular shots. They’re also often won by the handicap managers out there, so maybe don’t stress too hard over it, eh?

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: Carl’s Place (https://carlofet.com) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code!

Just because you’re away from the course doesn’t mean your golf improvement has to stop. In this episode, our coaches discuss practical ways to work on your game while traveling, even if you don’t have access to a range, a golf course, or even a club! From grip rehearsals and mirror work to balance drills, mobility training, and course-management or statistical studies, they share simple ways to stay connected to your goals without turning your vacation into a training camp. The crew also explains why slow-motion practice can be surprisingly effective and how a single club (or even just a dowel rod) can provide plenty of productive work.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: Carl’s Place (https://carlofet.com) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code!

Few shots in golf are as feared as the shank, but the causes are often more predictable than golfers realize. In this episode, we seek to demystify the shank by talking about the most common reasons players hit the hosel. Is it pelvis thrust, extreme club paths, poor sequencing, an open clubfaces, or setup issues? Which is your primary cause? Erik, Jayson, and Tyson explain how different swing flaws can all lead to the same ugly result, why many golfers diagnose the problem incorrectly, and how attempted fixes can sometimes make things worse. Whether your shanks appear suddenly or have become a recurring issue, this episode focuses on identifying the root cause rather than treating the symptom.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: Carl’s Place (https://carlofet.com) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code!

In this episode, Nick Arther returns to discuss MORAD, the influential but often misunderstood instructional system created by Mac O’Grady. Erik, Jayson, Tyson, and Nick explore MORAD’s origins, the philosophy behind its highly structured “machine-like” view of the golf swing, and why it captivated so many instructors from the 1980s through the early 2000s. The conversation also examines where some of those ideas still hold value, where modern technology has challenged or disproven certain concepts, and why highly model-based instruction can break down when applied too rigidly to individual golfers. Along the way, Nick shares stories from his own deep dive into MORAD, including years spent studying tapes, theories, and movements that shaped a generation of golf instruction.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins

Sponsor: Carl’s Place (https://carlofet.com) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code!