Golf Beneath The Surface

Chase and Raymond sit down to chat about one of the most common — and most misunderstood — ideas in golf: playing for a miss. They dig into why golf isn’t a game of misses so much as a game of variability, and how aiming to avoid trouble often creates more anxiety, more multitasking, and ultimately worse outcomes.

The boys break down predictable misses, one-way miss myths, and the difference between strategic risk and psychological avoidance. From Sawgrass tee shots and wedge decisions to tour-level scoring, dispersion patterns, and stat-driven strategy, this episode explores how fear of big number...

Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper kick off 2026 with a wide-ranging conversation with John Scott Rattan, coach at Congressional Country Club and a full-time presence in the world of elite competitive golf.

John Scott breaks down what coaching Tour players actually looks like—travel, remote support, building a weekly “blueprint,” and why the goal is to eliminate anything new once the tournament starts. They get into the real separators at that level: how players handle adversity, how coaches ask better questions, and why confidence beats correctness when it’s time to compete.

The episode also goes beyond m...

In this episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface podcast, Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper reflect on the past year and the topics that resonated most with listeners.

They break down confidence in golf, why it’s often tied to outcomes, how trying too hard creates anxiety, and the common mistakes players at every level make with practice, ego, and trust. The conversation touches on unmeasurable skills, adaptability under pressure, hypnosis as a tool for regulating anxiety, and the subtle mental habits that separate consistent players from streaky ones. Enjoy!

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**Apologies for previous technical difficulties  should be good now… Blame Chase!! 😂**

In this episode, we’re joined by Gabby Herzig of The Athletic for a deeper look at the part of professional golf most people never think about — how the stories of the game actually get made. We talk through what real golf journalism looks like today, the difference between reporting and content, and how players manage the growing tension between access, image, and truth.

Gabby explains how the landscape has shifted with fan accounts, rumor cycles, and YouTube golf suddenly shaping public opinion faster than tradi...

In this episode, we’re joined by Gabby Herzig of The Athletic for a deeper look at the part of professional golf most people never think about — how the stories of the game actually get made. We talk through what real golf journalism looks like today, the difference between reporting and content, and how players manage the growing tension between access, image, and truth.

Gabby explains how the landscape has shifted with fan accounts, rumor cycles, and YouTube golf suddenly shaping public opinion faster than traditional media can keep up. We also explore Bryson’s reinvention, the wideni...

In this episode, we’re joined by Gabby Herzig of The Athletic for a deeper look at the part of professional golf most people never think about — how the stories of the game actually get made. We talk through what real golf journalism looks like today, the difference between reporting and content, and how players manage the growing tension between access, image, and truth.

Gabby explains how the landscape has shifted with fan accounts, rumor cycles, and YouTube golf suddenly shaping public opinion faster than traditional media can keep up. We also explore Bryson’s reinvention, the wideni...

In this episode, Raymond and Chase sit down with longtime friend and renowned coach John Dunigan to talk about what real skill development looks like—and why most golfers spend their time on the wrong things. John breaks down the difference between improving a motion and improving a skill, why perfection and “consistency” often hold players back, and how tools like external focus, exaggeration, and the Goldilocks principle help golfers learn faster.

They also dig into why low point, face-to-path, and predictable curve matter far more than picture-perfect mechanics, how to blend block and random practice the right...

In this episode, Raymond and Chase sit down with Dr. Will Wu, professor at Long Beach State and one of the leading experts in motor control and learning, to talk about how to design practice that actually transfers to performance.

They dig into the difference between motor learning and motor control, why block practice feels great but rarely holds up in tournaments, and how contextual interference and practice variability help players build adaptable, tournament-ready skills.

Will also shares how he’s br...

Why can you stripe it on the range but not when it matters? In this episode, we unpack the gap between practice and performance—and what it really takes to transfer skills from a controlled setting to the course. From Scott Fawcett’s DECADE framework to blackjack analogies, we dig into decision-making, judgment, and why context always matters.

We explore how conservative swings under pressure can backfire, why warmups aren’t fortune tellers, and the training principles—spacing, randomizing, experimenting with extremes—that create freedom when it counts. If you’ve ever walked off the range feeling ready, only...

We’re back.......

In episode 44 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast we started off by answering questions on the difference between freedom and perfection. We unpack Scottie Scheffler’s “decoupling” of identity from golf, the arrival fallacy, and how intrinsic motivation fuels consistency. We cover journaling that actually changes behavior, the four core needs kids have in sports, and why chasing “perfect” mechanics kills freedom on the course. Plus: simple grip fixes, what great caddies look for (fast return to baseline), and the best advice we’ve ever gotten. Enjoy! 

You asked and we answered. 

In this Q and A, the boys explore topics such as: letting go vs. trying too hard, what it takes to reset after anger, and why out-of-position swings demand more athleticism—not less.

We also dig into what college coaches should look for when recruiting players, how parents can create more resilient kids, and why multitasking only works in non-judgmental spaces.

A wide-ranging conversation on performance, presence, and the risks we have to take to play freely. Enjoy’

In this episode, Raymond and Chase dive into what it actually means to be mentally prepared to compete. They cover how outcome-based thinking shows up, what it looks like to truly pursue shots vs. avoid mistakes, and why most players don’t even realize they’re multitasking until it’s too late. Whether you're teeing it up in a major, your club championship, or just a round that matters to you—this conversation is one you'll want to come back to. 

In Part 2 of our post-Masters MEGA Q&A, we cover how often you should really take lessons, coaching juniors at different levels, and helping kids play with more freedom and less fear.

We dig into why kids glance at parents after bad shots, what that says about confidence, and why parents often need to do less.

We also tackle emotions on the course — why players like Tyrrell Hatton sometimes play better when they’re mad, and how anger can help or hurt your game.

Finally, we discuss why swing feels fade over time, how...

In episode 40 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, we kick off Part 1 of our two-part post-Masters MEGA Q&A. We start with some fun: where players actually use the bathroom at Augusta, and the ongoing (and slightly heated) debate about the famous pimento cheese sandwich.

From there, we dig into the heart of the episode — the mental game. We answer listener questions on why bad shots stick in our memory, whether it’s useful to recall great shots after a round, and how to use visualization in a way that actually helps you handle nerves and adve...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into how parenting styles can shape a young athlete’s development — and how kids respond to their parents during lessons. We unpack the power dynamic between parents and kids, the importance of autonomy, and the three core parenting styles: permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative. We also explore how to support kids who have big goals in golf (or any pursuit), what to do when motivation fades, and why the ride home is often the most pivotal moment in a junior golfer’s experience. 

In episode 38, we sit down with Mike Carroll from Fit For Golf to break down the key components of golf swing speed — mobility, strength, and power — and the best ways to train them. We explore gender differences, force production (wrist, ground, and rotation), and how tension contributes to generating speed. Mike also unpacks common myths around “stability” in golf fitness and shares insights on golf-specific vs. general athletic training — including whether golf can ever be trained as systematically as other Olympic sports. 

To learn more, visit fitforgolf.app, follow Mike on social @fit_for_golf, and check out his tra...

Episode 37 of the Golf Beneath the Surface podcast is a bit of a 2 parter. Part 1, the boys chat about the best ways to ‘gear up‘ for the upcoming golf season. Is it technique work? All skill and performance work? Blend of both? 

In part 2, Doc and Chase chatted about the most used word that every player seems to be searching for more of… consistency. 

Does consistency exist in golf? Are tour players more consistent than average amateurs? Or are they just better? What are the best ways to get more consistent with our physical and mental g...

Season 3 of the Golf Beneath the Surface is here and the topic is on Quiet Eye. Quiet Eye research has been around for a few years, made a bit more famously in Golf in the early 2000's. Dr. Raymond and Chase go through the ins and outs of what the research shows us about Quiet Eye, how it's applicable to golf and other sports, and if it's something we can use to help us improve our golf games. Enjoy!

In the final pod of 2024, the boys sat down to answer more of your questions. The topics of this pod included: mindful breathing and how/when to reset, neuro plasticity, raising discomfort during practice sessions, handling insecurities, benefits of nicotine, and handling trauma. Thanks for listening in and making 2024 an awesome year for our Pod. Please like and review if we've helped your game!

In this episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, the boys talk about Chase's trip to caddie for one of his players at LPGA Q School. The conversation weaves through the difficulties of Q School, handling different weather conditions, dealing with the future uncertainty that comes from an event like Q School, and how to refocus or reset when dealing with the highest levels of stress, nerves, and anxiety. Enjoy!

A little change of pace for episode 33 of the podcast as Chase and Raymond sit down with a group of 4 instructors named The Codebreakers. This group of highly esteemed coaches is made up of Garrett Chaussard, Rob Failes, Mark Grace, and Sean Kennedy. All top instructors in the country, they have been helping players of all skill levels for years. They are hosting a golf retreat in South Carolina in February where Dr. Raymond will be one of the guest speakers. The pod touches on the definition of skill, how big of a role do the head and heart...

It’s the offseason, so we couldn’t think of a better time to talk about swing changes. In this episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Doc and Chase go into all the nuances of making a swing change, both from a mechanical standpoint and psychology standpoint. Enjoy!

In this week's episode of the Golf Beneath The Surface Podcast, Chase and Raymond sat down with Derek Deminsky. With his expertise in short game and backspin, Derek is known across professional golf as a short game expert and has helped players of all skill levels get better around the greens. Derek, who famously goes by @golfbettertucson on Instagram, has created quite the following with over 160,000 followers and over 50 million views. 

The conversation with Derek takes a deep dive into all things short game where the following topics were discussed: how to create spin, the yips, high p...

In Episode 30 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, the boys answer more of your questions. Topics included but weren't limited to: Mirror Neurons vs Motor Neurons, Victims mindset, how to handle Q-School, and much more!

On this week's episode of the Golf Beneath The Surface Podcast, the boys sit down with one of the best club fitters in the world, Ian Fraser. The conversation takes a deep dive into the art and science of club fitting, the future of club fitting, how to find a great club fitter, indoor vs outdoor fittings, and much much more!

About Ian Fraser:

Ian has been working in the golf industry for 18 years, having turned professional shortly after leaving High School. Ian starting his fitting career with TaylorMade Europe. During his 8 years there — working in...

After a busy summer the boys are back for episode 28 of the Golf Beneath The Surface Podcast to talk about Focus and Breathing. 

What is focus? Why do we lose focus? How can we stay more focused during high intensity situations? Also how does breathing play a role in the ability to focus? Can it help? Are there different breathing techniques? Enjoy!

Episode 27 brings the boys back together with another Q & A episode. In this episode Chase and Doc answer the following questions:

Practicing to maximize performance. 

Handling bad weather / back luck with tee times (bad draws). 

How relaxation techniques don’t usually work. 

Rory at the US Open and acceptance… And much more. Enjoy! 

In Episode 26 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast the boys sit down with Dr. Luke Benoit. Dr. Luke is the Director of Instruction at Interlachen Country Club in Edina MN. He has a PHD in motor learning, is an expert in Biomechanics, and is the founder of Ryp Golf; one of the biggest swing speed companies on the planet. 

The conversation starts with Dr. Luke's background and then takes a deep dive into his fascinating 7 step system to making swing changes.  If you have ever struggled making a swing change or want to start working on yo...

Our 25th episode of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast is another Q & A episode where Dr. Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper cover the following topics/questions...

1. How did Scottie play so well after getting arrested?

2. How did Xander finally get it done after being so close for so long? 

3. Nelly Korda's recent run of great play. How does she manage the expectations and the pressure? 

4. What conversations would we have with Morikawa after falling short in the last two majors?

And last but not least we answered some of...

In this week's episode of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, the boys are joined by the 2019 Canadian PGA Teacher of the Year, Scott Cowx. Scott is recognized worldwide as one of the top coaches in golf. His expertise in swing geometry, biomechanics, physiology, and motor skills has drawn the attention of top players and coaches. He has  developed 'Scott Cowx Certified' a certification program to help train golf instructors globally, where he has certified over 3500. 

The conversation spans from how Scott got starting in the game, his successes and struggles as a player, how he coaches to...

In the final episode of our 3 part Habits series, Dr. Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper discuss the final stage of habit mapping: Upgrading from the old "bad" habit to the new "good" habit. Episode 1 focused on the anatomy of a habit (trigger, behavior, reward). Episode 2 focused on the rewards, what we get from these rewards and what they feel like . In this episode, it's all about the upgrade. Can we give our brain a better option? They also discuss the three criteria needed for it to be a credible upgrade and also the 4 main options for upgrades. Enjoy!

In part 2 of our 3 part series on Habits, Dr. Raymond Prior and Chase Cooper take a closer look at the rewards we are getting from our habits. In last week's episode (habits 101), we identified what a habit actually is and discussed the differences between behaviors and habits. In this episode, we start to break down the first step in changing our habits, and that is identifying how these habits make us feel and what benefit we are getting from them (both the good and the bad). Enoy!

In episode 21 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Dr. Raymond and Chase kick off a three-part series focusing on habits. In part 1, they discuss the differences between behaviors and habits, the anatomy of a habit (trigger, behavior, reward) and how they’re formed. Enjoy! 

It's been a minute but the boys are back for another episode of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast. In this episode Raymond and Chase talk through all things pre-shot routine. From the information gathering stage before the shot, executing over the golf ball, to assessing the results, no stone is left unturned in discussing what makes up a great pre-shot routine. They also discussed the ever important idea of acceptance. How it gets more and more difficult to accept all outcomes as the stakes get higher and ways we can work through those difficulties. And finally they touch...

In Season 2, episode 3 of The Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Chase and Raymond take a deep dive into how to decide if it's your physical or mental skills that are limiting your performance. Are you swinging freely with stable confidence but still aren't getting the results you want? Do you hit it great on the range or at your home course by yourself but don't seem to perform as well during tournaments? The boys also discuss how to play golf courses that don't fit your eye, playing our best when we are uncomfortable, and the many layers or levels...

You keep asking so we'll do our best to keep answering. In Season 2, episode 2 of the Golf Beneath The Surface Podcast, the boys are back for another Q and A session. In this episode Raymond and Chase talk about Personality Profile Tests, how to practice when time is limited, club fitting, sunglasses and their effect on performance, and much more. Enjoy!

Season 2 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast kicks off with Auburn Women’s Coach Melissa Luellen. Melissa is currently in her ninth season at the University of Auburn and her 24th season of coaching at the Division 1 level (Arizona State and Tulsa). She’s had incredible success in the game of golf at both the playing and coaching levels. 

Melissa grew up in a golfing family, having played for her mom at the University of Tulsa. There she won both the individual championship and helped her team win the team championship in 1988. She then turned pro, winni...

In episode 16 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Chase and Raymond sit down with good friend Karl Morris. Widely regarded as Europe’s leading golf performance coach, Karl takes us on his journey from unsuccessfully trying to build the perfect golf swing to helping his players win at the highest levels. The conversation also goes deep into Karl’s 3 mental keys for every shot: attention, intention, and attitude. 

To learn more about Karl or to contact him, go to www.themindfactor.net. Also, be sure to check out his great podcast called The Brain Booster. 

In episode 15, Raymond and Chase sit down with Marcus Potter (@pottersputting) to talk about all things putting. Marcus has quickly become one of best putting coaches in the country. He shares his story of how he fell in love with putting, his simple approach to helping his players putt better, and why he believes anyone can be a great putter. 

To learn more about Marcus or contact him for remote lessons, go to pottersputting.com or go follow him @Pottersputting on instagram. 

In episode 14 of the Golf Beneath the Surface Podcast, Raymond and Chase sat down for the second time to answer your questions. They covered things from should we get fitted for clubs in the winter, to how long does it take to change or break a habit? Some of the other topics discussed included the 10,000 hour rule, neurofeedback devices, and how to improve sleep or 'jet lag' when travelling across time zones. Enjoy!!