065: The Top Causes of a Shank

065: The Top Causes of a Shank

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] (https://carlofet.com [https://carlofet.com]) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code! — If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis [https://instagram.com/thespinaxis] or Twitter/X @thespinaxis [https://x.com/thespinaxis]. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/ [https://thespinaxis.com/].

064: Morsels of MORAD and Mac O'Grady

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] (https://carlofet.com [https://carlofet.com]) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code! — If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis [https://instagram.com/thespinaxis] or Twitter/X @thespinaxis [https://x.com/thespinaxis]. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/ [https://thespinaxis.com/].

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

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] (https://carlofet.com [https://carlofet.com]) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code! — If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis [https://instagram.com/thespinaxis] or Twitter/X @thespinaxis [https://x.com/thespinaxis]. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/ [https://thespinaxis.com/].

062: Michael Neff on the GEARS “Nipper Curve” and Lie Angle

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 — If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis [https://instagram.com/thespinaxis] or Twitter/X @thespinaxis [https://x.com/thespinaxis]. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/ [https://thespinaxis.com/].

061: Mailbag #3 — AI, Zero-Torque Putters, Lead Foot Action, and How Good is Instruction Today?

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] (https://www.carlofet.com [https://www.carlofet.com]) – Listen to the Episode for a coupon code to save 5%! — If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis [https://instagram.com/thespinaxis] or Twitter/X @thespinaxis [https://x.com/thespinaxis]. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/ [https://thespinaxis.com/].