The Spin Axis - Golf Podcast

063: Low Point or Face Control — Which Matters More?

What’s more important in golf: controlling the clubface or controlling low point? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson debate one of the game’s most important ball-striking questions, after Jayson’s “discussion” on Instagram. They discuss why elite golfers can sometimes survive imperfect low point with enough speed and face control, how launch monitor numbers can mislead golfers about contact quality, and why “no divot” doesn’t necessarily mean a player isn’t hitting down. The conversation also explores strike depth, face stability, and how different players prioritize these elements depending on their skill level and tendencies.

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

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

This episode features Michael Neff, founder of GEARS Golf, to explain the “GEARS (né Nipper) Curve” and how dynamic lie angle changes as a result of droop, and how that affects ball flight. The discussion centers on why traditional lie angles may not work for your game, and shares with listeners a simple test to explain how you can find your optimal lie angle — for ALL of your irons — in a few minutes. If you pull your wedges and push your longer irons, this episode is for you. Michael shares insights into why more fitters haven’t fully adopted these concepts and real-world, Tour-tested feedback. The result is a deeper understanding of how club delivery and equipment interact to influence direction and consistency.

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

In this mailbag episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson tackle a wide range of listener questions, starting with how AI tools are beginning to influence golf instruction and where they help or fall short. They discuss how instructors decide how much information to give students to provide clarity without overload. The crew also shares thoughts on the growing interest in zero-torque putters and breaks down the eye-catching lead foot action seen in some elite players, explaining whether it’s a cause of speed or simply a byproduct. The episode wraps with an honest discussion about the landscape of golf instruction today and how players can find coaching that actually helps them improve.

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

Sponsor: Carl’s Place (https://www.carlofet.com) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code to save 5%!

How do you take your indoor swing to the golf course without losing performance? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson answer a listener question about balancing swing changes with scoring once the season moves outside. They discuss why contact and low-point control are often the first challenges for golfers used to hitting off mats, how to recalibrate distance wedges and green speeds, and why short game preparation is critical early in the season. The crew also tackles the common dilemma: fix your swing on the range that day or play what you brought to the course… and why the answer often depends on context. The focus is on managing expectations, avoiding big numbers, and gradually blending improvement with performance.

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

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

If you want to score, you have to own your wedge distances. In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down how to build a reliable system for partial wedge shots. Whether that’s through specific swing speeds, a clock system, or calibrated feels, they discuss the importance of consistent strike, why small adjustments like grip, ball position, and swing length matter, and how different trajectories can produce overlapping yardages with different outcomes. The conversation also emphasizes feedback and repetition, along with developing a few “go-to” distances you can trust under pressure. The goal: turn wedge play into a strength by combining structure, feel, and adaptability.

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

Can ground forces really change your shot shape? Or is their role overstated? In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson explore how forces/pressure shifts, the generated torque, and the point of application can influence ball flight, while debating just how much they actually matter. They discuss the small margins between fades and draws, why many golfers chasing a new shape may be applying the wrong magnitude or direction of force, and how other factors (like clubface and path) still dominate. The conversation also touches on why some players are naturally biased toward certain shot shapes and how forces may subtly support (but not dictate) those tendencies.

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

What actually causes an overswing, and why do so many golfers struggle to control it? Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down the most common contributors, including excessive trail elbow bend, over-rotating the pelvis, rolling the club inside, delaying wrist hinge, and swaying while tilting. They also discuss how factors like poor awareness, weak trail arm structure, or combinations of things can compound the issue. The conversation emphasizes that an overswing isn’t just “too long,” but often the result of sequencing and loading problems earlier in the motion. Understanding the root cause is key to shortening the swing without sacrificing speed or power. Original Twitter thread here.

• Cause #1: Trail Elbow Bend (Over-Bend!)
• Cause #2: Overturning the Pelvis
• Cause #3: Rolling the Club Inside and Lifting Late
• Cause #4: Wide Takeaway (Late Wrist Hinge)
• Cause #5: Sway and Tilt

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

Improving at golf isn’t one process — it’s three. In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down the progression from building solid technique to developing skills to taking the techniques and skills to the course where score is the ultimate factor. They explain why technical work often feels uncomfortable and requires objective feedback, how skill development bridges the gap by applying mechanics to real (or extreme!) shot demands, and why scoring is a separate skill that introduces pressure, decision-making, and strategy. The conversation highlights the importance of not skipping steps, embracing the early struggles of change, and ultimately learning to perform when it counts.

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

Sponsor: TRUE Linkswear (https://truelinkswear.com/)

While every golfer may be a “feel” player, instructors often debate whether they should prescribe feels or teach the technique of the golf swing. In this episode, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson dig into the age-old discussion. They explore the idea that mechanics define the movement, while feels are the player’s way of accessing and repeating it. They talk about how those feels can drift, change, and even mislead over time. The conversation also touches on internal vs. external cues and whether “no swing thoughts” is even realistic. The result is a nuanced look at how players can balance structure and sensation to improve without getting lost in either.

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

If you want more distance, you have to train for speed on purpose! In this discussion, Erik, Jayson, and Tyson break down practical ways golfers can safely and effectively build swing speed. The guys discuss the importance of intent, overspeed and underspeed training, and why speed work should be done when you’re fresh, not fatigued (duh). The crew also covers common mistakes like trying to add speed on top of “crap” mechanics, along with the roles of strength, mobility, grip strength, and equipment. The takeaway: with the right approach, golfers can train speed just like any other athletic quality and transfer those gains to the course.

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