Golf podcasts have exploded in recent years, with hundreds of shows covering every aspect of the game. Sorting quality from filler is challenging, so here’s a curated guide to podcasts that genuinely deliver value.

Instruction and Improvement

The Sweet Spot with Dr. Kwon

Dr. Sasho Mackenzie (commonly known as Dr. Kwon) brings biomechanics expertise to golf instruction in accessible format. The technical depth exceeds most golf content while remaining understandable.

Episodes often run 60-90 minutes, diving deep into specific topics like ground forces, sequencing, or equipment effects. This isn’t background listening; it demands attention but rewards it with genuine insights.

Best for: Players interested in the science behind swing mechanics.

The Golf Mechanics Podcast

Focused on practical instruction rather than theory, this podcast features working coaches discussing real teaching challenges and solutions.

The guest interviews with various coaches expose you to different teaching philosophies and approaches. You’ll discover ideas you won’t find in generic instruction content.

Best for: Players actively working on their games who want multiple perspectives.

Be Better Golf

Hosts Brendon DeVore and Eric Cogorno combine instruction expertise with entertainment value. Episodes balance technical content with personality.

They cover swing mechanics, short game, putting, mental game, and equipment, providing comprehensive improvement content. The chemistry between hosts makes even technical discussions engaging.

Best for: Mid-to-high handicappers seeking well-rounded improvement content.

Tour Coverage and Analysis

No Laying Up

The most popular golf podcast for good reason. NLU combines tournament coverage with course design discussion, player interviews, and cultural commentary.

The hosts’ genuine enthusiasm for golf comes through clearly. They don’t take themselves too seriously while still providing substantive content.

The travel/course review episodes are particularly excellent, offering insights into courses most golfers will never play.

Best for: Golf fans who want comprehensive tour coverage with personality.

The Fried Egg

Andy Johnson’s focus on golf course architecture creates a unique niche. Episodes explore design philosophy, classic courses, and architecture’s impact on professional and amateur golf.

The interviews with course architects provide fascinating insights into how courses are designed and why certain features exist.

Best for: Golfers interested in course design and architecture.

GOLF’s Subpar

Professional golfer interviews conducted by Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz reveal player personalities beyond standard media appearances.

The relaxed format encourages honest, funny stories that formal interviews don’t produce. You’ll hear tour pros as actual people rather than corporate spokespeople.

Best for: Fans wanting insider perspectives on tour life.

Equipment and Technology

The Fitting Room

Deep dives into equipment technology, fitting philosophy, and gear reviews from knowledgeable hosts who avoid simple marketing regurgitation.

Episodes examine specific equipment categories (drivers, irons, putters) with technical detail that helps informed purchasing decisions.

Best for: Gear enthusiasts wanting to understand equipment beyond marketing claims.

Breaking 80’s Equipment Podcast

Practical equipment discussion focused on how gear choices affect amateur golfers rather than tour professionals.

The hosts test equipment extensively and provide honest assessments of what’s worth buying versus what’s overhyped.

Best for: Players considering equipment purchases who want unbiased opinions.

Mental Game and Strategy

Golf Smart

Dr. Joe Parent, author of “Zen Golf,” discusses mental approach, course management, and psychological aspects of golf.

The content helps players understand mental factors affecting performance and provides practical techniques for improvement.

Best for: Golfers recognising that mental game limits their scoring.

The Mind Factor

Sports psychologist Dr. Bhrett McCabe works with tour professionals and shares insights applicable to amateurs.

Episodes address specific mental challenges like pressure putting, pre-shot routine, and managing expectations.

Best for: Competitive players wanting to improve mental performance.

Australian Golf Content

Australian Golf Digest Podcast

Local coverage of Australian golf, including course reviews, player interviews, and domestic tournament discussion.

The Australian perspective and focus on accessible courses make this particularly relevant for local golfers.

Best for: Australian golfers wanting local content and course recommendations.

The Golf Show with Matt Garnett

Radio-to-podcast conversion covering Australian and international golf with an Aussie sensibility.

Good mix of news, instruction, and entertainment keeps episodes varied and engaging.

Best for: Australian golfers wanting daily golf content with local flavour.

History and Storytelling

The Local Knowledge Podcast

Golf history and storytelling from Shane Bacon, covering famous tournaments, legendary players, and golf’s cultural impact.

The narrative approach makes history engaging rather than dry, revealing stories behind famous golf moments.

Best for: Golfers interested in the game’s history and traditions.

Links

High-production storytelling about golf’s most interesting characters, moments, and controversies.

Episodes feel more like documentary audio than typical podcasts, with excellent research and narrative construction.

Best for: Anyone who appreciates quality storytelling about golf.

What to Avoid

Several podcast categories generally disappoint:

Equipment hype podcasts that simply regurgitate manufacturer marketing without critical analysis.

Generic tip podcasts offering surface-level instruction you’ve heard countless times before.

Tour recap podcasts that merely summarise results available anywhere else without adding analysis or insight.

Celebrity vanity podcasts where famous golfers talk without substantive content or preparation.

Finding Your Mix

Most golfers benefit from combining different podcast types:

One instruction podcast for improvement content.

One tour coverage podcast for staying current on professional golf.

One speciality podcast matching personal interests (equipment, architecture, mental game, etc.).

This combination provides comprehensive golf content without overwhelming your podcast queue.

Listening Strategy

Long podcasts work well for commutes or exercise but might not suit other situations.

Match podcast length to available time. Don’t start 90-minute episodes when you have 20 minutes; the incomplete listening experience diminishes value.

Some podcasts benefit from note-taking (instruction content), while others are purely entertainment (tour coverage, storytelling).

Evolving Landscape

The golf podcast landscape changes constantly, with new shows launching and existing shows improving or declining.

Revisit your podcast selection periodically. Shows that once provided value might become stale, while new podcasts might better serve your current needs.

Don’t force yourself to keep listening to shows that no longer interest you out of loyalty or habit. Your time is valuable; spend it on content that genuinely delivers.

The Value Proposition

Quality golf podcasts provide education, entertainment, and connection to the broader golf community at zero cost beyond your time.

This makes podcasts one of golf’s best value propositions. You can access world-class instruction, tour insights, and specialised knowledge simply by listening.

For golfers committed to improvement or deeply engaged with the professional game, podcasts deliver tremendous value that complements practice and play.

Getting Started

If you’re new to golf podcasts, start with one show that matches your primary interest. Don’t subscribe to everything at once.

Give new podcasts 2-3 episodes before deciding whether they’re worth continuing. First episodes don’t always represent typical quality.

Use podcast apps’ speed controls to listen at 1.2-1.5x speed if you find natural pace too slow. Many people find slightly faster playback improves focus without sacrificing comprehension.

The Bottom Line

Golf podcasts offer something for every type of golfer, from beginners seeking instruction to architecture enthusiasts to casual fans wanting tour coverage.

Curate your podcast selection thoughtfully, prioritising shows that genuinely help your golf or enhance your enjoyment of the game.

The time you spend listening to quality golf content pays dividends in knowledge, perspective, and connection to the broader golf world.