63: Knowing What To Program To Improve Your Game and Increase The Length Of Your Backswing

In this high-energy and value-packed episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Shaun Diachkoff, founder of Fairway Performance, to dive deep into how golf-specific fitness transforms not just your physical game, but your mental edge as well.Shaun’s background in the Australian military, paired with his deep experience in strength and conditioning, offers a no-BS, high-accountability approach to training that’s rooted in discipline, structure, and personalization. In today’s episode, you’ll learn:How discipline and daily structure from Shaun’s military background translate to golf and business successThe difference between mobility, flexibility, and stability—and why most golfers get it wrongWhat golf fitness really means, and how to tailor your workouts to your specific swing, body type, and performance goalsWhy strength is your ultimate insurance policy against injuryThe critical importance of power and speed training—and how to implement them safely and effectivelyHow better fitness directly fuels your mental stamina, clarity, and confidence during every roundWhether you’re recovering from injury, struggling to break 80, or want to future-proof your body for decades of better golf, this episode lays out the exact roadmap to do so. Shaun delivers clear, actionable insight on how to train smarter, not harder—and how your body is your greatest golf asset when properly trained.Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.More About ShaunShaun is a golf fitness coach with over 15 years of personal training experience, including nearly a decade as a gym owner and the past five years specialising in coaching golfers. He believes in assessing, not guessing, to create personalised programs tailored to each golfer’s unique needs and goals. His expertise lies in improving strength, mobility, and performance on the course, helping clients eliminate back pain, hit longer drives, and build consistent training habits. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Shaun delivers results by cutting through the fluff and focusing on what works so clients spend the least amount of time in the gym possible for the best results on course!Have questions, feedback or suggestions for future episode? Click here to send me a text!

Paul Salter is a performance coach and certified hypnotherapist who specializes in helping golfers overcome mental blocks, build confidence, and reach their full potential. With over 16 years of coaching experience, Paul has worked with high performers across multiple fields, helping them get unstuck and unlock their potential through subconscious reprogramming. Paul hosts the Scratch Golfers Mindset Podcast and publishes a newsletter called "More Pars Than Bogies."In this episode Paul dispels common misconceptions about hypnotherapy, explains how our childhood programming affects our golf performance, and shares practical mental tools to help you play with more confidence, focus, and freedom. Whether you struggle with performance anxiety, lack confidence under pressure, or simply want to elevate your mental game, this conversation provides valuable insights for golfers of all levels.Episode Highlights[00:01] Introduction and background on Paul Salter[06:01] What hypnotherapy actually is and debunking common misconceptions[09:31] How hypnotherapy relates to golf performance and visualization[12:32] The process of working with a golf hypnotherapist[15:07] Practical mental techniques anyone can implement[18:18] Real client example: From "average guy" to "warrior" mindset[22:04] How parents can instill growth mindset in children[28:44] Why fear of success is often more limiting than fear of failure[31:20] Understanding and working through fear on the golf course[34:52] The critical difference between unconscious reactions and conscious responses[38:17] How to integrate hypnotherapy with other golf training[40:28] The importance of visualization that includes mistakes and recoveries[42:44] Resources to learn more about golf hypnotherapyYou can find Paul here:https://thegolfhypnotherapist.com/Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapistHave questions, feedback or suggestions for future episode? Click here to send me a text!

In this episode I dive into seven critical variables that golfers need to adjust in their training programs to overcome plateaus and improve performance on the course. Drawing insights from past interviews with muscle hypertrophy expert Andy Galpin, there are many actionable tips on exercise selection, order, volume, intensity, frequency, rest, and progression. Whether you’re not seeing results from your current training or just need a better structured program, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge to make effective changes.If you want to talk about building a customised fitness program to improve your best asset on the golf course click here to book a call to chat with Shaun!  Or follow on Instagram: @shaun.diachkoffEnjoying the Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more golf enthusiasts like you!Have questions, feedback or suggestions for future episode? Click here to send me a text!

In this episode of the Fairway Performance Podcast, Shaun interviews Gary Christian, a former professional golfer who made his debut on the PGA Tour at the age of 40. Gary shares his unique journey to professional golf, including his experiences on the mini tours, the challenges of transitioning to the PGA Tour, and the pressures of playing alongside golf legends. He discusses the impact of a career-ending injury and how it led him to a successful broadcasting career, where he provides insights into the game and helps others improve their performance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, smart decision-making, and a holistic approach to golf performance. To learn more about Gary click the link to his website below:https://www.garychristiangolf.com/If you want to talk about building a customised fitness program to improve your best asset on the golf course click here to book a call to chat with Shaun!  Or follow on Instagram: @shaun.diachkoffEnjoying the Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more golf enthusiasts like you!Have questions, feedback or suggestions for future episode? Click here to send me a text!

In today's episode, we dive deep into the power of a well-structured warm-up, especially as many of our listeners in the Northeast U.S., UK, and Canada transition from winter to golf season. Discover how just 5-10 minutes of targeted exercises can significantly enhance your performance and reduce injury risks.Key Highlights:The Science of Warm-Ups: Uncover compelling statistics that show the undeniable benefits of dynamic warm-ups, including improved driving distance and swing mechanics.Three Critical Areas: Focus on the hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders—essential for any golfer's warm-up routine.Practical Guide: I share specific, easy-to-follow exercises that you can do right before your game to optimise performance and mobility.If you want to talk about building a customised fitness program to improve your best asset on the golf course click here to book a call to chat with Shaun!  Or follow on Instagram: @shaun.diachkoffEnjoying the Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more golf enthusiasts like you!Have questions, feedback or suggestions for future episode? Click here to send me a text!

From improving your swing speed and managing lower back pain to mastering mobility programs and training as you age, we cover a broad spectrum of topics that matter most to you, the listeners.In This Episode, You'll Discover:Techniques to Increase Swing Speed: Learn the key practices that can help you add more power to your swing.Aging and Golf: Tips on how to adapt your training regime to stay at the top of your game as you age.Managing Lower Back Pain: Insights into common causes of back pain among golfers and how to address them.Effective Mobility Programs: Explore mobility exercises specifically designed for golfers to enhance performance and reduce injury.Plus much more!Links and Resources:4 Exercise Warm Up For GolfersHow To Fix Back Pain From GolfIf you want to talk about building a customised fitness program to improve your best asset on the golf course click here to book a call to chat with Shaun!  Enjoying the Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more golf enthusiasts like you!Have questions, feedback or suggestions for future episode? Click here to send me a text!

Join us on the Fairway Performance Podcast as we explore the intricacies of golf coaching with Larry Cheung, a distinguished golf coach based in Toronto. Larry shares his compelling journey from struggling with the yips to becoming a renowned coach. This episode dives deep into the mechanics of effective golf coaching, both online and in-person, and unveils Larry's forward-thinking strategies that help golfers enhance their skills and enjoyment of the game.In This Episode, You'll Discover:The transformative power of overcoming personal challenges in golf.The effectiveness of online coaching and its impact on a golfer's performance.Practical tips for golfers aiming to improve their technique and scores.Larry's future aspirations for his coaching career and his commitment to using golf as a tool for positive change.Follow Larry:Watch his instructional videos on YouTube at Larry Cheung Golf.Visit his website at www.LarryCheungGolf.com.Contact him directly via email at [email protected] for coaching inquiries.🎧 Listen, enjoy, and don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes about golf fitness and performance!Have questions, feedback or suggestions for future episode? Click here to send me a text!

To lower your handicap and play more consistent you need to take your fitness seriously. Most golfers suffer from back injuries that can wreak havoc on your future... so it's important to bring on a fitness guest to avoid some of the most common fitness mistakes.Shaun Diachkoff is a 3-time guest (episode 77 & 138) is a strength and conditioning coach and fellow golf addict. He's been a personal trainer since 2009 and left his career in 2014 in Aviation Maintenance in the Australian Military to pursue his passion for fitness.He's been helping people change their bodies ever since and got into online training in 2021 with a focus on helping golfers. Now, he has the popular training platform Fairway Performance App and a huge following on Instagram.In this episode, we'll cover: Why you can't ignore core strength. The difference between mobility vs. flexibility. How a proper fitness routine can 10X your mental game. The dangers of following too many plans on social media. Why you need to stop setting unrealistic expectations (on or off the golf course). How a TPI assessment can help you create custom improvement plans to helpHave questions, feedback or suggestions for future episode? Click here to send me a text!

In this episode of the Podcast, Shaun interviews John Novosel, co-founder of Tour Tempo, to discuss the evolution of golf training, the science behind swing tempo, and its impact on swing speed. John shares insights from his extensive experience in the golf industry, including how he and his father developed training aids that emphasise the importance of tempo in achieving greater distance and power in golf swings. The conversation also covers practical applications of the Tour Tempo app, success stories from professional golfers, and the significance of fitness and load in enhancing golf performance. Shaun and John delve into the intricacies of golf swing mechanics, the journey to achieving optimal ball speed, and the significance of ground reaction forces in enhancing performance. They also discuss advancements in Tour Tempo technology, the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in learning, and provide valuable advice for young golfers and coaches on how to improve their game.www.tourtempo.com@tourtempoHave questions, feedback or suggestions for future episode? Click here to send me a text!

In this episode of the Fairway Performance Podcast, Shaun interviews Will Shaw, founder of Golf Insider and BreakX Golf. They discuss Will's journey from being a golf pro to a coach and entrepreneur, emphasising the importance of biomechanics and motor control in improving golf performance. Will shares insights on the significance of playing statistics and practical advice for golfers of all skill levels on optimising their practice and managing pressure on the course. In this conversation, Shaun and Will delve into the concept of deliberate practice in golf, emphasising the importance of focused and effortful training over mere repetition. They discuss effective practice techniques, including specific drills and games that enhance skills and decision-making on the course. The conversation also touches on lessons learned from other sports and the significance of avoiding mistakes to improve overall performance. Will shares resources for golfers looking to enhance their skills and performance through structured practice and feedback.www.golfinsideruk.comwww.breakxgolf.comInstagram: @golfinsideruk@breakxgolfHave questions, feedback or suggestions for future episode? Click here to send me a text!