The Tournament Code

Cooper Collins, Jack Bergstrom, & Daniel Hamrin

The Tournament Code breaks down what it takes to play elite tournament golf. Our guests include players on the PGA Tour, Champions Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, Latin America Tour, Forme Tour, and other various mini-tours, as well as college golf coaches, swing coaches, strategists, and sports psychologists.

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108 episodes
Updated Jul 25, 2025
Explicit

Episodes108

Newest first

May 3, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
086: Chris Broadie – The Geniuses at PING
In this episode, we are joined by Chris Broadie. Chris (@chrisbroadie) is the Head of Fitting Science at PING. Prior to that, Chris graduated from Cornell with a degree in math. Chris is the lead data scientist behind PING ‘s innovative fitting applications: Ballnamic, Webfit, and the My Game Insights platform. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://puttviewbooks.com/ --- (01:09) - Puttview Books first tee shot (02:31) - current role at PING (12:37) - smart fitting (20:10) - Bryson's irons (29:32) - the genesis of Ballnamic (35:49) - the effects of different golf balls (40:18) - why similar balls have different flyer characteristics (48:21) - swing speed improvement (56:33) - background at PING
Apr 26, 2024 · 1 hr
085: J.C. Deacon – Leading Players to Success
In this episode, we are joined by J.C. Deacon. J.C. (@realjcdeacon) played college golf and professional golf before moving to coaching. J.C. is the current head coach of the Florida Gators, who won the 2023 National Championship. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://puttviewbooks.com/ --- (01:09) - Puttview Books first tee shot (04:03) - current work from Gators (13:23) - managing on-course momentum (19:59) - Florida's workout program (26:12) - course preparation (33:14) - controlling emotions (40:18) - entry into coaching (47:59) - qualities of recruits (53:36) - NIL in golf
Apr 19, 2024 · 50 min
084: Ashton Van Horne – Making Changes No Matter What
In this episode, we are joined by Ashton Van Horne. Ashton (@ashtonvanhorne) is a professional golfer and has played on PGA Tour Canada and the Korn Ferry Tour. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://puttviewbooks.com/ --- (01:02) - Puttview Books first tee shot (06:27) - the recent downs in golf (12:52) - determining what tournament schedule is (18:12) - pitfalls for golfers (29:05) - practicing efficiently (34:06) - putting woes (39:38) - making changes (44:33) - mini-driver
Apr 12, 2024 · 1 hr 7 min
083: Luke Hopkins – From the Back Office to the Back 9 (on the PGA Tour)
In this episode, we are joined by Luke Hopkins. Luke (@lukehclemson) caddies for Ben Martin on the PGA Tour. Prior to that, he played professionally. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://puttviewbooks.com/ --- (02:09) - Puttview Books first tee shot (07:27) - breaking into caddying (10:52) - college experience (20:59) - preparing for PGA Tour events (27:03) - DECADE golf (37:14) - origin story (46:01) - getting back into golf (55:33) - Q-School (01:02:12) - the effort of caddying
Mar 15, 2024 · 6 min
Big Announcement for The Tournament Code
Major news: Season 2 is on the way and more!
Feb 2, 2024 · 45 min
082: VJ Trolio – Coaching World-Class Players and Developing Elite Culture
In this episode, we are joined by VJ Trolio. VJ (@VTROLIO) has been teaching and coaching the game of golf for over two decades. He coaches every part of the game to his clients; preferring to build the mindset and the athlete as the swing evolves. VJ also is the co-inventor of The Putting Arc. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (01:09) - childhood memories and golf (06:05) - college golf and time management (08:43) - transitioning into coaching (13:06) - balancing teaching and playing (17:03) - easiest way to lower scores (20:16) - the inspiration behind it (24:11) - balancing PGA Tour and junior development (29:07) - ball speed in golf pitching (33:12) - improving short game skills (39:00) - I will commit to this (41:26) - state of mind in golf
Jan 26, 2024 · 51 min
081: Neal Shipley – From Harrisonburg to Augusta
In this episode, we are joined by Neal Shipley. Neal (@neal_shipley19) is a college golfer at Ohio State and runner-up in the 2023 US Am. Neal played his first three years of college golf at James Madison. Here is his shot in the semi-final match https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjBYZ95_vHA. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (07:04) - finding the right college fit (08:47) - balancing classes and golf (13:38) - learning from tournament fatigue (16:43) - competing in the Dogwood (21:20) - targeting the pin (24:34) - great shots and intentions (28:30) - college golf and confidence (33:46) - rankings in junior golf (36:00) - one of the hardest tournaments (41:20) - detaching from tournament results (43:51) - practicing different shot ranges (49:41) - Stick with things and keep going
Jan 12, 2024 · 49 min
2023 The Tournament Code Recap – We Tell You What You Should’ve Learned
In this episode, we go through what we learned this year and what we should be up to in the next year. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (03:22) - chipping technique revelation (05:18) - curving the ball both ways (08:20) - striker's curve and technique (13:10) - ground reaction forces with chair (18:09) - a testament to preparation (21:10) - the benefits of a negative angle of attack (26:22) - coaches and their strategies (34:15) - polenta and Spanish grits (40:02) - putting as a carnival game (45:26) - eating at Chipotle after workouts
Jan 5, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
080: Jim Gallagher, Jr. – Enjoying Golf and Life and Winning the Ryder Cup
In this episode, we are joined by Jim Gallagher, Jr. Jim (@GallagherJrGC) is a former professional golfer and current sportscaster. Jim turned pro in 1983 and joined the PGA Tour in 1984. He won five events on the PGA Tour. Jim also was a member of the 1993 Ryder Cup team which was the last team to win in Europe. Jim hosts the Only One Shot Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/only-one-shot-golf/id1493142877. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (02:04) - playing competitively and evolving (03:47) - finding tournaments in the 70s (05:23) - childhood golf games and influences (08:52) - college and junior golf circuits (09:16) - college golf and recruiting process (13:01) - turning pro and college career (15:00) - financial backing and golf journey (21:32) - Monday qualifiers and mental approach (25:05) - catalysts for golf success (25:26) - winning and building confidence (32:31) - Ryder Cup experience (33:05) - the Ryder Cup experience (44:26) - European chants and creativity (45:53) - the Ryder cup experience (49:55) - the pressure of retirement (50:31) - transitioning from playing to broadcasting (01:00:21) - commentary and sharing opinions (01:00:44) - the game's difficulty and misconceptions (01:06:36) - advice for junior golfers
Dec 29, 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
079: Stuart Morgan – Evolution of Coaching and Motor Learning
In this episode, we are joined by Stuart Morgan. Stuart (@StuartMcoaching) is a golf instructor and a PhD candidate at the University of Limerick. Stuart was formerly the director of instruction at the International Junior Golf Academy. Stuart has worked with several top players, including a current Ryder Cupper. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (02:41) - golf handicaps and progression (06:24) - working with Leadbetter and learning (07:17) - disillusionment in golf instruction (11:13) - the effectiveness of golf swings (14:39) - constraints of golf swing drills (16:08) - coaching cues and transferability (20:26) - comparing positions in golf (22:13) - the process of improvement in golf (28:57) - developing skills through constraints (29:24) - slow motion drills in learning (34:02) - neural adaptation in sports (41:47) - an adaptable system (42:25) - block first random practice (44:56) - scheduling of practice methods (49:01) - variability in practice and training (53:09) - golf practice and performance (57:49) - the week of a tournament (01:00:53) - development over time in golf
Dec 22, 2023 · 45 min
078: Jordan Niebrugge – How I Became an All-American and Walker Cupper
In this episode, we are joined by Jordan Niebrugge. Jordan (@jniebs5) played at Oklahoma State where he was a four-time All-American and a two-time Walker Cupper. He won the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in 2013 and has played in the Masters, the Open, and the U.S. Open. After college, Jordan has played on PGA Tour Canada and the Korn Ferry Tour. Most recently, he is in the process of rehabbing a significant injury and is looking to return to golf in 2024. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (04:49) - college recruiting and meeting Coach McGraw (06:48) - winning the Wisconsin State Open (11:43) - college golf and competition (18:05) - the course during tournament week (20:34) - golf's challenges and obstacles (25:37) - swing coaches and technical struggles (28:18) - injury struggles and rehab (32:26) - balancing pro golf and family (37:40) - coaching on the side (40:30) - club head position in swing
Dec 15, 2023 · 1 hr 7 min
077: Tim Tucker – The Secrets Behind Elite Caddying and Great Putting
In this episode, we are joined by Tim Tucker. Tim (@2timtucker) is a PGA Tour caddie currently working the bag for Kurt Kitayama. Tim was the longtime caddy for Bryson DeChambeau and has also caddied for several other pros, including Lexi Thompson. In addition to caddying, Tim also created the True Aim Marker: https://trueaimmarker.com/ --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (04:42) - handicap index and tournament scores (09:03) - Bryson's impressive golf skills (11:22) - advantage of using aimpoint (15:57) - Bryson's unique approach to golf (19:26) - putting technique and improvement (21:30) - golfers needing to experiment more (26:57) - using the True Aim Marker (28:00) - improving intuition in putting (33:19) - working with Bryson Dechambeau (34:51) - transformation of golf (39:51) - pre shot routine details (42:06) - understanding golf ball distances (45:59) - severity system for golf shots (49:59) - the best round Bryson ever played (54:02) - golf fundamentals and coaching (56:34) - golfers need to analyze and improve (01:00:11) - putting with consistency (01:03:08) - quit faking it, work hard
Dec 8, 2023 · 54 min
076: Jimmy Stanger – Getting to the PGA Tour and Giving Back
In this episode, we are joined by Jimmy Stanger. Jimmy (@jimmy_stanger) is a golfer on the PGA Tour. He started golf at a young age and eventually committed to play for Virginia, where he was an All-American and won the ACC Championship. After graduating from Virginia, Jimmy eventually earned status on the Korn Ferry Tour, and finally gained status on the PGA Tour this year. BirdiesforHope: https://www.jimmystanger.com/birdiesforhope --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (01:47) - playing tournaments at a young age (03:12) - golf as a lifelong dream (06:45) - transitioning to college golf (09:49) - college golf career highlights (15:25) - making the decision to turn professional (17:44) - rising up the golf rankings (21:34) - Q-School mishap and perseverance (23:28) - ups and downs in golf (25:51) - making swing changes during tournaments (30:37) - small town America vs. bigger cities (32:10) - mental game in golf (37:44) - reading on the road (39:05) - appreciating classic literature (43:30) - using whoop strap for golf (45:18) - the business of tournament golf (48:35) - finding trustworthy golf agents (53:33) - BirdiesforHope
Dec 1, 2023 · 1 hr 1 min
075: Dr. Greg Rose – How TPI Trains the World’s Top Players
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Greg Rose. Greg (@MyTPI) is a co-founder of TPI. Dr. Rose has helped pioneer the field of analyzing 3-dimensional motion capture models of the golf swing by combining an engineering background with an expertise on the human body. He is one of golf’s top strength and conditioning professionals and works with the world’s top players. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (03:27) - GPA and handicap correlation (06:50) - getting patients for chiropractic school (10:02) - chiropractors as quack doctors (12:47) - the original intent of chiropractic (15:18) - golf fitness certification program (19:02) - motion capture in golf (22:07) - physical screen in player development (24:39) - understanding the lead foot (28:43) - lead foot and rotary chair (31:10) - the said principle and swing characteristics (33:52) - early extension and power leakage (38:00) - pull strength measurement (41:21) - swaying in the golf swing (44:30) - PGA Tour offseason challenges (48:06) - speed training in golf (49:27) - speed training and increasing swing speed (53:18) - tournament preparation and nutrition (56:43) - longevity in professional sports
Nov 24, 2023 · 51 min
074: Andrew Novak – Pressure on the PGA Tour and Learning to Stay Patient
In this episode, we are joined by Andrew Novak. Andrew (@AndrewNovakgolf) is currently on the PGA Tour. He got into the game of golf late and by the time he had developed into a top junior, there weren’t many spots left on top teams. He committed to Wofford, where he excelled, and turned pro after graduating. He started on PGA Tour Canada, made it to the KFT, and then secured status on the PGA Tour. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (06:31) - getting cut from the team (07:06) - junior golf and college scholarships (11:21) - transition to college (14:46) - hitting it farther (19:19) - driver yips and cracked club (22:09) - Q school challenges (27:26) - not so great first year (29:28) - switch that flips (32:34) - improving range of outcomes (36:36) - practice round mistakes (41:24) - surprises on the PGA Tour (43:16) - the importance of working the ball (48:11) - embracing competition in golf
Nov 17, 2023 · 55 min
073: Phil Shomo – Getting in the Zone and Rolling with the Good Flow
In this episode, we are joined by Phil Shomo. Phil (@philshomocoaching) is a golf mental skills coach with 35+ years of coaching experience. Phil works with golfers and helps them develop processes and mindsets to play at their highest level. Phil works with players from every level and is committed to helping golfers realize their potential. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:00) - mentoring and coaching young people (04:23) - performance anxiety and mental side (08:46) - golfer's performance off the course (12:28) - overwhelming aspects of tournament golf (17:40) - focus control and mental fuel (21:17) - tiered coaching programs (26:06) - overthinking and golf performance (29:04) - rhythm and pace (34:05) - players reaching their potential (38:35) - elevating golfers' a game (44:31) - Jake's impressive tournament performance (48:07) - playing golf shots to score (51:34) - untying identity from golf
Nov 10, 2023 · 42 min
072: Alex Goff – How I Became A Top-Tier College Golfer Despite A Late Start
In this episode, we are joined by Alex Goff. Alex (@alexgoff10) is a graduate student at the University of Kentucky. Alex redshirted his freshman year but found footing his next year and started all of the events for the team. Alex’s accomplishments include winning the Kentucky Am, the Blessings Collegiate Invitational, and a runner-up finish in the Southeastern Am. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (01:31) - choosing golf over baseball (03:34) - building a strong foundation (09:42) - college expectations vs. reality (11:59) - simulating pressure during practice (14:29) - team practice format and competition (18:33) - proving myself in big tournaments (22:01) - finding a go-to shot (25:22) – coach’s challenging coaching style (29:41) - winter preparation and postseason planning (33:51) - taking advantage of Florida weather (40:44) - talk to yourself, don't listen
Nov 3, 2023 · 52 min
071: Ben Shear – Training World #1; Using Fitness to Improve Golf Swing
IIn this episode, we are joined by Ben Shear. Ben (@Ben_Shear) is one of the top golf performance coaches, having worked with numerous PGA Tour players, including former World #1, Luke Donald, and US Open Champion, Webb Simpson. He also has worked with players from the NHL, NFL, NBA, MLS and the Olympics and is a fitness advisor to Golf Digest. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (03:29) – golfers’ passion (08:51) - core training concepts (09:15) - mobility vs. stability (12:38) - stability under high load and velocity (17:41) - sports-specific training for golf (19:10) - training on the continuum (24:13) - golf and the off-season (26:07) - impact of fall series on players (29:47) - general diet guidelines (33:09) - different formulas for different people (35:43) - glucose spikes and their impact (39:13) - glucose spike and energy crash (42:25) - passion for minutiae in golf (46:09) - late day warm-up routine (48:27) - tissue work and consistency
Oct 27, 2023 · 53 min
070: Jacob Solomon – Securing KFT Status after Learning How to Play Free
In this episode, we are joined by Jacob Solomon. Jacob (@JacobCSolomon) is a professional golfer who is on the Korn Ferry Tour. In 2022, Jacob got conditional status on the KFT through Q-School and made the most of his starts by reshuffling in and securing status for 2024. Prior to professional golf, Jacob played at Auburn where he played at a high level, including earning 2nd Team all SEC in 2019. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (01:45) - junior golf success and recruiting (04:05) - amazing Auburn atmosphere (09:53) - college golf challenges (12:44) - working with a mental coach (16:27) - controlling emotions on the course (19:11) - playing golf into the wind (25:40) - path to becoming a pro (26:53) - struggling on the mini tour (31:32) - playing with freedom and low expectations (36:41) - adjusting to new golf courses (38:22) - planning the schedule of events (43:07) - playoff for U.S. Open (46:12) - swing changes and compression on the golf ball (49:29) - working out and increasing swing speed
Oct 20, 2023 · 42 min
069: Caleb Surratt – Self-Discipline and Playing Elite Golf
In this episode, we are joined by Caleb Surratt. Caleb (@calebsurratt1) is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee. Despite being young, he already has a laundry list of accolades, including First Team All-America, All-SEC First Team, Walker Cup member, and SEC Individual Champion. Prior to Tennessee, he finished runner-up at the 2022 U.S. Junior Am and reached the No. 1 amateur ranking in the world on July 20, 2022, according to Data Golf Amateur Ranking. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (01:14) - starting golf at a young age (04:06) - the development of his swing (07:43) - pinpointing swing mechanics (11:26) - emotional roller coaster and resilience (15:06) - Monday qualifying on the PGA Tour (17:26) - a ball defying gravity (20:26) - the pressure of making the team (24:43) - working out and athleticism (29:32) - golf workouts and strength training (32:29) - an EMOM workout routine (35:09) - college athlete's unique sleep schedule (37:26) - mental and physical recovery (41:06) - it's gonna come, just let it come