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 26, 2023 · 46 min
048: Dr. Mo Pickens – Learning to Win; Letting Your Process Hit Your Shots for You
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mo Pickens (@Learntowin). Primarily, Dr. Mo is a sports performance psychologist who has helped his players win a combined 29 PGA Tour victories, 300 amateur wins, and 2 NCAA Championships. Dr. Pickens received his Ph.D. in sport psychology from the University of Virginia in 1995, and went on to author multiple books including, “The Winning Way in Golf and Life.” Currently, Dr. Mo resides in Sea Island, Georgia and works full time as a performance psychologist. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:57) - how Dr. Mo got into the game of golf (06:35) - coaching Zach Johnson during his Masters win (15:55) - a good pre-shot routine (20:32) - practicing with a routine (22:28) - overcoming obstacles (29:23) - nerves on the course vs off the course (33:40) - college players vs tour pros (36:34) - a minute with Mo (39:55) - working with different kinds of players (43:26) - what Dr. Mo would tell a junior golfer
May 19, 2023 · 42 min
047: Jon Tattersall – Teaching at Tour Events; Creating a Performance Team
In this episode, we are joined by Jon Tattersall (@jontattersall11). Jon is originally from England but moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina to begin his golf coaching career. Throughout the course of his career, Jon has worked with a broad spectrum of players ranging from club players to major champions. In 2007, Jon co-founded Fusion ATL, a sports performance facility designed to capture performance data and develop training protocols for the ardent golfer. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:52) - how Jon got into the game of golf (04:06) - learning how to coach golf (06:13) - coaching elite players (09:02) - technology advancements in golf coaching (12:47) - coaching on the PGA Tour (16:48) - starting Fusion ATL (20:48) - physical therapy for golf (28:15) - how deep to dive into technique (30:50) - taking it from the range to the course (39:08) - what Jon would tell himself as a junior golfer
May 12, 2023 · 42 min
046: Josh Teater – Making It to the PGA Tour After 7 Years on Mini-tours, the Evolution of Golf
In this episode, we are joined by Josh Teater (@jteater12). Josh was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky and played golf at Morehead State. For seven years after graduating, Josh grinded through mini tours and Q-School every year before eventually breaking through and earning status on the Korn Ferry Tour. In that first year on the Korn Ferry Tour, Josh won the Utah Championship and earned his PGA Tour card. Currently, Josh plays on the Korn Ferry Tour. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:43) - how Josh got into the game of golf (06:06) - playing college golf (08:44) - turning professional (12:49) - breaking through onto the PGA Tour (18:10) - playing well on the west coast (23:17) - moving to Sea Island (29:41) - preparing for tournaments (33:20) - playing in the majors (38:05) - working with mental coaches (40:09) - what Josh would tell himself as a junior golfer
May 5, 2023 · 1 hr 1 min
045: Ross MacLeod – Learning to Be a Good Putter; the Importance of Putting Lessons
In this episode, we are joined by Ross Macleod (@rossmacleodputt). Ross has had over 10 years of experience as a putting coach for every level of golfer from beginners to tour pros. Currently, Ross lives in Helensburgh, Scotland, and offers both online and in person coaching. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:45) - how Ross got into the game of golf (02:32) - playing college golf in Scotland (07:13) - becoming a putting coach (11:20) - fundamentals of putting (18:37) - evolution of putting styles (21:40) - putter fitting (28:23) - eye position in putting (31:20) - working through the yips (41:01) - arm lock putters (45:25) - putting practice plan (56:14) - working with tour players (57:34) - one thing Ross would tell a junior golfer
Apr 28, 2023 · 58 min
044: Jayson Nickol – Teaching Students to Develop Skills; Improving from a 14 to 3 Handicap Fast
In this episode, we are joined by Jayson Nickol (@JaysonNickol). After retiring from the military in 2013, Jayson rediscovered his love for the game of golf and improved from a 14 handicap to a 3 in less than a year. Around this time Jayson began studying golf instruction under PGA Tour coach Shauheen Nakhjavani, a top 75 rated coach in the world. Jayson offers both in person and online coaching and is currently the #2 rated coach on Skillest. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:51) - how Jayson got into the game of golf (03:06) - how hockey helps golf swing development (06:36) - how Jayson got into golf instruction (10:53) - military career (14:18) - competing in the Invictus Games (20:10) - improving from a 14 handicap to a 3 (33:06) - importance of taking lessons (37:41) - finding a golf coach (45:53) - preparing for tournaments (51:40) - low point control drills (55:52) - what Jayson would tell himself as a junior golfer
Apr 21, 2023 · 46 min
043: Coach Gator Todd – Coaching at Vanderbilt, Being the Best Version of Yourself
In this episode, we are joined by Gator Todd (@_gtodd). Currently, Gator is the associate head coach of the #1 ranked Vanderbilt Men’s Golf team. Gator grew up in Florence, Alabama and went on to be an All-SEC player at the University of Alabama. After college, Gator played professionally for five years on the Nationwide Tour and various mini-tours. Before coaching at Vanderbilt, Gator helped lead Marquette to a Big East Championship and was part of the Coaching Staff of the Year. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:34) - how Gator got into the game of golf (04:56) - transitioning from high school to college (13:00) - living in St. Simons Island as a pro (17:55) - coaching at Marquette (21:50) - coaching at Vanderbilt (26:50) - recruiting (29:00) - coaching Gordon Sargent (32:37) - day in the life of a Vanderbilt golfer (38:53) - reflection after tournaments (44:44) - what Gator would tell himself as a junior golfer
Apr 14, 2023 · 59 min
042: Doug Lawrie – Creating a Blueprint for Success; Focus Golf Group
In this episode we are joined by Doug Lawrie, (@FocusGolfGroup). Currently, Doug is the owner of Focus Golf Group, a golf academy in Burlington, Ontario that specializes in teaching junior golfers. Doug has won many awards over the course of his teaching career, including the 2022 PGA of Canada Coach of the Year, and is a U.S. Kids top 50 Master Teacher. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:51) - how Doug got into the game of golf (12:45) - why junior golfers change coaches (15:42) - detaching from results (21:51) - difference between teaching and coaching (31:10) - on course games (38:10) - block practice vs. randomized practice (41:38) - developing a tournament schedule (47:54) - what the first golf lesson looks like (53:06) - blueprint for success (57:30) - one thing Doug would tell a junior golfer
Apr 7, 2023 · 50 min
041: Coach Brennan Webb – What Attribute Great Players Have and How I Help Them
In this episode, we are joined by Coach Brennan Webb (@CoachWebbUTVols). Currently, Coach Webb is in his fifth year as head men’s golf coach at the University of Tennessee. Before this, Webb was the head coach at Middle Tennessee State University and assistant coach at Georgia Tech. During his own college days, Webb also a standout player who helped East Tennessee State rise to #1 in the country. Before coaching, Webb played pro for around 8 years and competed on various tours including the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and Canadian Tour. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:51) - how Coach Webb got into the game of golf (02:50) - playing college golf (09:23) - playing on the Korn Ferry Tour (12:52) - balancing pro golf and family (17:42) - college coaching career (21:25) - utilizing practice time effectively (25:56) - day in the life Tennessee golfer (29:17) - qualifying process for the top 5 (31:30) - coaching Caleb Surratt (34:50) - tournament reflection process (40:34) - tournament preparation process (46:50) - separating process and results (48:16) - what Coach Webb would tell himself as a junior golfer
Mar 31, 2023 · 54 min
040: Rob Labritz – Qualifying for the Champions Tour the First Time as a PGA Professional
In this episode we are joined by Rob Labritz (@roblabritzgolf). Rob currently plays full time on the Champions Tour. Rob has been the Head Professional at GlenArbor Golf Club for many years and has competed as a club professional during that time. During this time Rob qualified for 8 PGA Championships, making the cut in 2 of them. In 2021, Rob medaled at Champions Tour Q-School in his first attempt which earned him full status. He finished 41st on the money list this season which included a season best T-4th at the U.S. Senior Open. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:42) - how Rob got into golf (04:40) - turning professional at a young age (07:38) - balancing competitive golf and work (12:31) - questions to ask the worlds best players (14:47) - the power of visualization (23:02) - nerves during tournament play (32:38) - learning to slow down under pressure (38:30) - learning to conserve energy on tour (42:32) - preparing for tournaments as a club pro (45:35) - playing practice rounds (47:34) - journaling (51:31) - what Rob would tell himself as a junior golfer
Mar 24, 2023 · 1 hr 16 min
039: Sasho MacKenzie – How to Swing Faster with the Stack, Heads Up Putting
In this episode we are joined by Sasho MacKenzie (@SashoMacKenzie). Sasho is a professor of Sports Biomechanics at St. Francis University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. In addition to this work, Sasho also consults with PING and FootJoy on Biomechanics and Software Development. Many of the world's top instructors refer to Sasho’s work to better their understanding of the mechanical principles of the golf swing. Sasho is also a Co-Founder of The Stack System, a revolutionary tool developed for golfers to gain swing speed. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:57) - how Sasho got into golf (09:21) - working through the driver yips (14:05) - getting into the biomechanics field (15:57) - golf shoe research with FootJoy (27:17) - developing The Stack System (36:16) - data gathered from Stack users (47:43) - the development of The Stack System (58:09) - developing a higher “playing speed” (01:05:18) - what makes someone a good putter (01:06:47) - heads up putting (01:13:50) - what Sasho would tell a junior golfer
Mar 17, 2023 · 49 min
038: Alex Weiss – I Was One Round From Caddying on the LatinoAmerica Tour and Ended up on the KFT
In this episode we are joined by Alex Weiss (@Acweiss5). Alex grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and played college golf at Marshall University. In his senior year at Marshall, Alex became one of the top mid-major players in the country and earned an individual bid into the NCAA Regionals. After turning professional, Alex played on the LatinoAmerica Tour for a few years before having a breakout year in 2021 where he won the Colorado Open and medaled at First and Second Stage of Korn Ferry Q-School. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:46) - how Alex got into the game of golf (04:57) - college recruitment process (12:43) - indoor practice in the winter (15:46) - developing speed (20:30) - turning professional (25:39) - success in Latin America (32:04) - winning the Colorado Open (36:06) - LatinoAmerica Tour vs. Korn Ferry Tour (41:50) - dealing with nerves (47:30) - what Alex would tell himself as a junior golfer
Mar 10, 2023 · 48 min
037: Jacob Ross – College Golf Consulting, Coaching Junior Golfers
In this episode, we are joined by Jacob Ross (@jacobrossgolf). Growing up in Mississippi, Jacob became a Top 100 junior golfer in the country during high school and committed to Ole Miss. Through some unforeseen circumstances while at Ole Miss, Jacob found himself in a position where he needed transfer. Jacob finished his career out at Mississippi State where he had numerous solid finishes, including a T-11th at the Lone Star invitational. Today, Jacob is the Director of Instruction at The Country Club of Jackson and also consults juniors with all aspects of college golf. Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) (00:53) - how Jacob got into the game of golf (07:28) - learning from failure (09:57) - signing with Ole Miss (11:38) - losing his golf scholarship (20:47) - transferring to Mississippi State (23:50) - becoming a golf coach (28:51) - creating a practice plan (33:06) - practice rounds (37:16) - the emotional swings of golf (44:53) - separating self-worth from score (46:55) - what Jacob would tell himself as a junior golfer
Mar 3, 2023 · 53 min
036: Patrick Grimes – Playing Golf at Stanford, Psychologically Examining the Whole Athlete
In this episode, we are joined by Patrick Grimes (@patrickgrimesgolf). Growing up in California, Patrick always wanted to play for Stanford. By the end of his senior year of high school, Patrick earned his way onto the team. During his time at Stanford, Patrick was a mainstay in the top five and was the team captain his senior year. After college, Patrick played pro for a bit and Monday qualified for the Valero Texas Open. Currently, Patrick is teaching golf and looking to use his Psychology degree and become a licensed therapist. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:56) - how Patrick got into the game of golf (03:18) - getting into competitive golf (08:41) - transition to college golf (12:12) - balancing school and golf (18:10) - practice rounds in college golf (23:52) - tournament reflection process (34:13) - close call at Q-School (39:48) - working with Jeff Smith (44:59) - working as a swing coach (50:45) - what Patrick would tell himself as a junior golfer
Feb 24, 2023 · 50 min
035: Chip McDaniel – Blocking Out the Noise, Playing on the PGA Tour
In this episode, we are joined by Chip McDaniel (@chippymac22). Coming out of high school, Chip was one of the top players in the country, having won his State Amateur and the National Junior PGA Championship. At the University of Kentucky, Chip won four times as an individual and twice in his senior year. Professionally, Chip competed mainly on the PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry for four years before taking the assistant coach job at Eastern Kentucky University. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (01:06) - how Chip got into the game of golf (06:47) - competing as a two-sport athlete in high school (11:03) - transition to college golf (20:55) - dealing with nerves (21:59) - tournament preparation (29:12) - turning professional (35:51) - playing on the PGA Tour (39:09) - playing the wraparound Korn Ferry Tour season (41:38) - playing in the U.S. Open (44:07) - transitioning into college coaching (48:56) - what Chip would tell himself as a junior golfer
Feb 17, 2023 · 52 min
034: Graysen Huff – Learning Discipline at an Early Age, Playing the Latinoamérica Tour
In this episode, we are joined by Graysen Huff (@AUspudfarmer). Graysen was a two time AJGA winner as a junior and went on to play at Auburn University for five years. During his time at Auburn, Graysen notched two wins, including the 2019 SEC Championship. After college, Graysen turned pro and found immediate success on the Latinoamérica Tour, finishing T-5th in his first start. Since then, Graysen has competed on the Latinoamérica Tour, the Korn Ferry Tour, and the Forme Tour. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:59) - how Graysen got into the game of golf (10:35) - first AJGA win (12:38) - committing to Auburn (27:23) - tournament prep in college (30:04) - turning pro during COVID (34:29) - playing on the LatinoAmerica Tour (40:29) - finding a caddy (43:10) - working out on the road (50:33) - what Graysen would tell himself as a junior golfer
Feb 10, 2023 · 58 min
033: Jessie Mudd – Becoming #1 in the World as a Junior, Lessons Learned Along the Way
In this episode, we are joined by Jessie Mudd (@jmudd65). Jessie was a natural talent from a young age, and by his senior year of high school he was ranked as the #1 junior golfer in the country. Around this time, Jessie signed with the University of Florida which was also ranked #1 in the country. Jessie was an All-American in his freshman year but in his sophomore year suffered injuries which plagued him for the rest of his career. In 2011, Jessie became the assistant coach at University of Kentucky, and in 2015 he became the head coach at Lamar University where he currently coaches. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (01:07) - how Jessie got into the game of golf (07:46) - why Jessie chose to play at the University of Florida (12:42) - playing against Bill Haas in the US Amateur (17:58) - going through injury in college (24:08) - working with Gio Valiante (36:50) - becoming a college golf coach (44:12) - becoming the head coach at Lamar University (46:25) - how the recruiting process has changed (57:41) - what Jessie would tell himself as a junior golfer
Feb 3, 2023 · 59 min
032: Andrew Dorn – Qualifying for the U.S. Open, Leading by Example
In this episode, we are joined by Andrew Dorn (@adorn11). Andrew played collegiately at Coastal Carolina and was a very accomplished player, earning two individual at-large bids to the NCAA Regional Championships in his junior and senior years. Andrew was also a decorated amateur player, winning the prestigious North and South Amateur and qualifying for the U.S. Open in 2014. Today, Andrew lives in Jacksonville, Florida and is a member of the Korn Ferry Tour. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (01:05) - how Andrew got into the game of golf (02:18) - first golf tournament (08:12) - signing with Coastal Carolina (14:50) - changing short game mechanics (18:44) - how to become a leader in college golf (20:55) - winning the North and South Amateur (28:22) - qualifying for the U.S. Open in 2014 (40:55) - start of pro career (43:25) - playing in The Memorial (53:56) - getting through Q-School (58:03) - what Andrew would tell himself as a junior golfer
Jan 27, 2023 · 57 min
031: Rodrigue Vie – Playing College Golf as an International Student, Practicing Smarter
Rodrigue Vie (@thecollegegolfpodcast) is originally from Remiremenont, France and moved to the USA at age 19 to play college golf at Bowling Green State University. During the 2019-2020 season, Rod averaged 71.72 over 21 rounds and was consistently the best player on the team. Rod also medaled at the Tom Tontimonia Invitational, becoming the first player to win a tournament individually at BGSU since 2014. Unfortunately, Rod’s golf career was cut short by a series of back injuries. Currently, Rod lives back home in France and hosts The College Golf Podcast (https://linktr.ee/thecollegegolfpodcast). --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (01:25) - how Rod got into the game of golf (11:53) - moving to a new country alone at 19 years old (18:45) - getting recruited and playing at Bowling Green State University (20:55) - transitioning golf game to US courses (25:46) - caddying experience (34:53) - equipment mistakes (40:05) - swing changes (46:45) - getting injured from overtraining (48:36) - practicing smarter instead of harder (54:35) - what Rod would tell himself as a junior golfer
Jan 20, 2023 · 49 min
030: Billy Tom Sargent – Playing Under Pressure, Battling Through Injuries
In this episode we are joined by Billy Tom Sargent (@SargentGolf10). During college, Billy Tom became the first player from Western Kentucky University to ever compete in the NCAA National Championships, where he ended up finishing t-11th. In his first year out of college he turned professional and advanced all the way from pre-qualifying to the final stage of Korn Ferry Q-School. He saw limited action in his first two years on the Korn Ferry Tour, but has battled through the second stage all three times to retain his status and is currently a member of the Korn Ferry Tour. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (02:03) - how BT got into the game of golf (04:18) - junior tournament progression (08:23) - working with different swing coaches (13:57) - Q-School success (21:31) - battling through a season with minimal status (25:44) - tournament preparation (28:23) - common mistakes made by pro golfers (34:33) - working through injury (38:39) - money games in practice (47:40) - what BT would tell himself as a junior golfer
Jan 13, 2023 · 1 hr 13 min
029: Lou Stagner (Golf Stat Pro) – Using Analytics for Strategy, Slowing Down Brain Waves
In this episode, we are joined by Lou Stagner (@LouStagner), who applied his background in data analytics to become a strategy coach for PGA Tour players as well as high level amateurs. Lou is also the Data Insights Lead at Arccos golf and the assistant coach at Princeton. Through the release of his research on golf statistics, Lou has become very popular on social media and is most well-known for expectations management. Lou is also a co-host of the Hack it Out Golf podcast (Spotify Link Here) which focuses on helping amateur golfers play better golf. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) --- (00:52) - how Lou got into golf (08:55) - pre strokes-gained statistics (10:26) - the start of strokes gained (16:50) - shortcomings of strokes gained (27:37) - working with elite players (37:19) - working with Austin Greaser (41:17) - developing an elite mental game (52:00) - breathing to slow down brain waves (1:02:40) - expectations for scratch players (1:09:44) - what Lou would tell himself as a beginner golfer