The Spin Axis Podcast

Three golf geeks discuss modern data-driven golf instruction and coaching.
Hosted by Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, and Tyson Deskins.

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018: Chasing Scratch with Mike Shade (Instruction, Ball Flight Laws, Grip Strength, Curling, and Lessons Learned)

Released: July 08, 2025

The Spin Axis Podcast
The Spin Axis Podcast
018: Chasing Scratch with Mike Shade (Instruction, Ball Flight Laws, Grip Strength, Curling, and Lessons Learned)
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In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Shade from the wildly popular podcast Chasing Scratch, where he and co-host Eli chronicle their journey to (some day) becoming scratch golfers. We talk to Mike about the emotional and practical challenges of long-term improvement, the biggest misconceptions he’s faced, and what he might do differently if he could start from scratch (pun intended). We also discuss the surprising complexity of golf, his favorite moments from eight seasons of podcasting, and how he structures his practice now. Erik and Jayson are on the mics — and as Mike’s coach, Jayson is particularly interested in some of the answers! — as we dig into the reality of chasing big goals in golf, and why the journey matters just as much as the outcome.

Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol

Sponsor: The Stack System (https://thestacksystem.com/) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 10%!