Steven is ready to jump from the kids' pool to the deep end with his first 18-hole round. David compares it to running a marathon and explains why you need to tape your nipples down (metaphorically speaking).

What we discuss:

• Why playing 18 holes is like running a marathon - you need to build up to it
• The mental wall that hits around holes 12-14 and how to push through
• Environmental factors: being soft indoor people vs. all-day sun exposure
• Steven's controversial takes on paddleboarding (spoiler: he hates it)
• Managing mental focus over 4 hours without "mailing it in"
• Setting realistic goals: focus on one skill instead of obsessing over score
• The "add one stroke" method - making par 4s into par 5s for beginners
• Why nobody cares about your score (it's like fantasy football teams)
• Essential 18-hole supplies: snacks, jerky, and looking forward to hole 13

Key moments:

• Steven's nipple-taping marathon knowledge
• The great paddleboarding debate (Steven dies on this hill)
• David's confession about playing 36 holes twice with "more than none" chafing
• The revelation that par 6 doesn't exist (but should)
• Why bringing jerky to look forward to is peak simple pleasures

Bottom line: Build up to 18 holes through multiple 9-hole rounds, expect to hit a mental wall, bring snacks, and remember - nobody cares about your score except you.

Steven wants to bring a shovel and baseball bat to golf. David explains why that's not allowed and breaks down the essential rules every beginner needs to know - from white vs red stakes to the 3-minute ball search limit.

What we discuss:

• Why golf rules matter: it's all about self-reporting and honesty
• White stakes = out of bounds (OB), red stakes = you have options --- See clarification below on this rule
• The Bagger Vance ball movement rule - is it real?
• When you can declare a ball "unplayable" and take relief
• Cart path relief and abnormal course conditions
• The 3-minute rule for finding lost balls
• Steven's creative equipment ideas: shovels, baseball bats, and hockey sticks
• Using ChatGPT as your personal rules referee
• Happy Gilmore accuracy check: what would happen with the alligator scene?

Key moments:

• Steven discovers you can't bring a shovel or baseball bat to golf
• The revelation that Happy Gilmore was wrong about the alligator rule
• David's frustration with Steven trying to "bend every rule like a lawyer"
• Learning that spike marks can now be repaired on greens
• The caddy who quit on them after hole 2 a decade ago

Bottom line: Golf rules exist to keep the game fair and moving. Know the basics (white=OB, red=options, 3-minute search), use ChatGPT for weird situations, and remember - it's all about self-reporting honestly.

Note: Steven's innovation attempts were thoroughly shut down by both David and the USGA.

Clearer of White Stakes Explanation:

White Stakes = Out of Bounds (OB)

• What it means: Your ball has left the golf course property
• What happens: Stroke and distance penalty

Your Options with OB:

1. Go back to where you last hit (most common)
2. Alternative (newer rule): Some courses offer lateral relief

#golf #golfrules #beginninggolf #fairwayfools #usga #whitestakes #redstakes #chatgpt #golfetiquette #outofbounds

Steven shows up 30 minutes early and crushes a full bucket before playing. David explains why that's warm-up, not practice, and breaks down what actual practice should look like after watching pros at a Corn Ferry event.

What we discuss:

• The harsh reality: golf pros come from money and practice obsessively

• Steven's current routine: 30 minutes early, full bucket, pitch and lob wedge only
• Why warm-up before a round ≠ actual practice sessions
• What David learned watching Korn Ferry pros: 3-to-1 time ratio revelation
• The scratch golfer who practices 3+ times per week minimum
• Why most amateurs practice wrong (hint: it's not just hitting balls)
• Steven's smart approach: targeting specific flags with specific clubs

Key moments:

• Steven's honest confession about his minimal practice routine
• The realization that we'll "never be exceptional players" due to lack of dedication
• David almost buying Costco irons for $350 (still tempted)
• Steven comparing golf practice to climbing warm-up routes
• The humbling reality check about what real commitment looks like

Bottom line: There's a difference between warming up and practicing. Most of us warm up and call it practice - which is why we stay terrible to slightly less terrible.

#golf #golfpractice #beginninggolf #fairwayfools #cornferry #golfwarmup #practicesession #scratchgolfer