This week we were joined by Lou Stagner, the golf data evangelist and Data Insights Lead for Arccos Golf and one of the game’s best-known voices on golf analytics. Lou has built a huge following for his ability to make data both accessible and practical for everyday golfers (even though many STILL won’t believe the stats), both through his Twitter/X account or his weekly newsletter.
We dug into two of his most popular topics from the newsletter. First, from Issue 109, Lou walked us through the massive impact of being short-sided versus long-sided around the green, showing how shot outcomes and scoring change dramatically depending on where you miss. Then, from Issue 21, we examined the myth that more distance makes golfers less accurate. Lou shared the numbers on penalty shot percentage, fairways hit, recovery rates, and offline dispersion—and why strokes gained almost always improves for players who add distance.
Whether you’re an analytics junkie or just want to shoot lower scores, Lou’s insights are a must-hear.
Find Lou’s Newsletter here: https://newsletter.loustagnergolf.com
Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol
Sponsor: Strike Wedge (https://strikewedge.com) – A multi-use training tool for crisp contact!
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If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.
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21:23
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21:23
025: Mastering Distance Control in Putting (Hint: Do NOT Accelerate Through Impact)
We dive into why distance control is the single most important skill in putting, why so many golfers struggle with it, and how to do it. All too often we see golfers take the putter back too slowly, run out of time, and then “hit” at the ball to make up for it, wrecking both speed and face control. We discuss why the old advice to “accelerate through the ball” can do more harm than good, how tempo tools like a simple metronome reveal the truth about stroke rhythm, and practical drills for training consistent speed and stroke length. For more background, see the long-running discussion on The Sand Trap.
Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins
Sponsor: Strike Wedge (https://strikewedge.com) – A multi-use training tool for crisp contact!
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If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.
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19:29
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19:29
024: The Driver Swing vs. The Iron Swing
We break down what truly changes (and what doesn’t) when you switch from irons to the driver or vice versa. We agree that the differences are smaller than most think: setup leads the way (including a bit more axis tilt, often under six degrees, with the driver), while contact goals shift (no ground contact needed on a tee ball). We explore how gear effect influences misses with the larger head, why tighter spin loft matters, and how lower spin can send shots farther offline. You’ll also hear how minor adjustments to sway and path help keep your favorite feels intact across both clubs.
Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins
Sponsor: Smart2Move (https://smart2move.com) – The world leader in portable 3D force plates!
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If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.
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19:48
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19:48
023: Behind the Scenes with a Top Club Fitter
We’re joined by Nick, a long-time plus-handicap golfer, former instructor, and veteran fitter for one of the biggest names in golf, to pull back the curtain on the club fitting world. Nick shares his background, the types of golfers he sees most often, and the common flaws in both swings and equipment that show up during fittings. We discuss whether players should get fit while taking lessons or wait until their swing is “ready,” the most common equipment issues like lie angles and shaft weight, and the biggest misconceptions players bring into the fitting bay. Along the way, Nick gives his candid thoughts on how fittings often morph into mini lessons, tells stories from the fitting floor, and offers practical advice for golfers looking to get the most out of the process.
Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins
Sponsor: Shot Pattern (https://shotpattern.app/spinaxis) – Use the code “SPINAXIS” to save 20%!
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If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.
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21:45
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21:45
022: Listener Mailbag #1 - Shallowing, Compression, and Clubface Control
In this listener mailbag episode, we tackle five great questions from our audience. We dive into whether players should use their arms or body rotation to shallow the club, how to compress the ball with an in-to-out swing, and whether short game and putting should be recorded like full swings. We also share our favorite clubface control drills and break down the pros and cons of attending a three-day golf school. It’s a rapid-fire episode packed with insights, practice tips, and coaching perspective.
Hosts: Erik J. Barzeski, Jayson Nickol, Tyson Deskins
Sponsor: A Listener who wished to remain anonymous, who asks that you share your favorite episode with your friends.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please share that with us and your friends on Instagram @thespinaxis or Twitter/X @thespinaxis. You can also share or visit our site at https://thespinaxis.com/.
The Spin Axis is a conversation among golf coaches and instructors. We discuss the latest in teaching methods and techniques, equipment, training aids, and technology. Episodes are 20 minutes or shorter so you can listen to an entire episode on your way to work (or the course).
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