Making The Turn Golf Podcast

George Gankas - Changing the Game: The Evolution of Instruction & Teaching Philosophies

Ready to shake up your golf game? Making the Turn Golf Podcast is back with an absolute gem of an episode, featuring none other than the maverick of the golf industry, George Gankas. Known for his distinct approach to golf instruction, George talks about his unique journey from an athlete to a highly sought-after golf coach, and the influence of his father and wife on his life and career.  Listen in as George uncovers the secrets behind his teaching philosophy, the importance of stats in identifying weaknesses, and his views on the evolution of golf instruction. Plus, we delve into the concept of consistency in golf swings, analyzing the styles of Bobby Jones, Matt Wolf, Sam Snead, and Ben Hogan. This discussion will get you thinking about your own swing and how you can improve it through understanding these legends. But that's not all. George also shares his thoughts on preferable golf swings, the struggles of perfecting golf and the significance of effective coaching in developing swagger and confidence in golfers. He gives us a glimpse into his life as a father and how it shapes his approach to coaching. And if you're looking to add some innovative training aids to your practice, George has got some recommendations. So, whether you're a novice or a pro, this episode promises to give you a fresh perspective on golf. Don't miss out!

Dave Sampson - Golf Course Architecture: Insight From 2023 Ryder Cup Venue Designer

Step into the captivating sphere of golf course architecture with us, where intricacies and subtleties transform a round of golf into a mesmerizing experience. We're thrilled to welcome Dave Sampson, the brilliant mind behind the celebrated Marco Simone Ryder Cup venue, who shares invaluable insights into the design process and the nail-biting anticipation leading to the event. We take the time to appreciate the nuances that enhance a golf course's charm and the hospitality units' indispensable role in creating an immersive atmosphere. Drawing on data analysis, we plunge into a compelling discussion on the contrasts in American and European golf styles. From the perspective of a seasoned golf course architect like Dave Sampson, every course is a playground of strategic temptations and creative opportunities. We dissect the unique grass mix on the fairways and the terrain's elevation changes, discussing how these elements played into the Europeans' hands. As we journey into the heart of the strategy and postmortem of the Ryder Cup, we unveil some hard truths about the American team's learning curve. We illuminate the strategies that worked, the ones that fell short, and the steps taken towards improvement, focusing on tournament readiness and course insight. Moreover, we relish the thrill of Marco Simone's Ryder Cup course design, accentuating the exhilaration injected by the elevation changes, raised greens, and substantial runoffs. Experience the magic of golf course architecture and strategy with us in this enthralling episode.

Sean Foley - Mastering Golf With Neuroscience and Authenticity

This engaging conversation with Sean Foley, one of the world's leading golf coaches, is not to be missed. Learn from the man who has trained legendary golfers like Tiger Woods and Justin Rose on how to unlock your potential. Throughout our talk, Sean reveals the importance of analyzing your game from a physical, mental, and emotional perspective. He also provides an enlightening look at the neuroscience behind his coaching techniques, which he has honed over many years of working with top-tier players. Sean goes beyond the swing, discussing the lessons he learned from his mentors and the importance of authenticity in the industry. He opens up about his personal journey, shedding light on the resilience and adaptability that has led him to where he is today. We also delve into his revolutionary Pro Sender training tool, which has been a game-changer for both tour players and amateurs.  Finally, Sean offers invaluable insights into the power of a tailored approach to coaching. He shares his experiences in helping Justin Rose clinch the number one spot on the leaderboard and how understanding the brain's learning process can significantly enhance one's game. As a treat, Sean also talks about his upcoming trips to Toronto, San Diego, and Vegas to work with golfers and shoot content. Tune in for an inspiring chat with a true industry titan.

Trillium Rose - The Nuance to Skill Development and Motor Learning

Trillium Rose, a top golf coach with a unique perspective on the game, joins us for an enlightening conversation on the art and science of golf. Her expertise in motor learning, a discipline she studied at the prestigious Columbia University's Teachers College, offers an intriguing analysis of the sport – from the technique adjustments for individual players to the diverse pathways that the human brain can take to learning golf. Trillium, recognized as one of the Top 50 instructors in the US by Golf Digest and one of the Top 100 teachers by Golf.com, sheds light on the value of continuous learning and the dynamic growth of golf. Our conversation takes us through the nuances of motor learning and its application in golf coaching. Trillium shares the importance of understanding, analyzing, and adjusting a player's technique, and the prominent role technology plays in delivering these insights. She also highlights the challenges of finding the right help and how motor learning can pave the way for tailored strategies for individual players. The art of coaching, she emphasizes, requires communication skills that can adapt on the fly and connect with athletes in real-time. We finish our talk with reflections on the importance of humility, commitment, and the ability to learn from mistakes in golf. The difference in approach between US and international golfers provides an intriguing insight into the sport's varied styles. We also share our experiences of playing golf in Scotland, challenging our preconceived ideas about the game. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just swinging your first club, there's inspiration and wisdom to be found in our conversation with Trillium. Tune in for a fresh take on golf, learning, and the joy of the game.

Dr. Alison Curdt - On Managing Golf's Psychobiological Challenges

Ever wondered how sports psychology impacts a golf game? Our fascinating conversation with Dr. Alison Curdt, a PGA and LPGA Master Professional, will keep you on the edge of your seat. We navigate the intricacies of the Ryder Cup, focusing on the mental aspects of the game and how a deeper understanding of team dynamics and individual mindsets can significantly influence the results. We also take a deep dive into the cultural disparities between European and US teams, speculating on how these could have been leveraged to benefit the US team. Ready to unlock the secrets of mental preparation for golf tournaments? Listen in as Dr. Curdt provides precious insights into how European teams condition their players from a biopsychosocial perspective, leading us to question whether the USA employs a similar approach. We further delve into the world of mental imagery, discussing how club-level golfers can take advantage of this powerful tool when gearing up for championships. Our discourse goes beyond the links to tackle the brain's "negativity bias", exploring how rewiring our neural pathways can lead to improved performance in golf. In a surprising twist, we also uncover the intriguing technique of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in sports psychology, discussing its potential in managing performance anxiety and processing traumatic memories. You'll be engrossed as Dr. Curdt shares her firsthand experiences of assisting players handle failure and adversity, underlining the crucial role of resilience in sports. Don't miss this enlightening episode that will redefine your perception of failure as not just a learning tool, but a catalyst for growth in athletes. So tune in, for a journey through the mind of a golfer that's sure to challenge your understanding of the game.