S9 Ep 1: Back to the Start
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Chasing Scratch Season 9 kicks off with a powerful return to Riverbend, the course that launched the podcast’s journey. The hosts, Mike and Eli, reflect on their evolution as players and podcasters, using a simulated one-club challenge to re-examine their golf identities. They realize they’ve long been chasing an aggressive, power-driven version of themselves that never truly fit their physical and mental game. Instead, they commit to a new philosophy: 80% swing feel, with laser focus on start lines and low points—two fundamentals that allow for better control and consistency. The first round of the season becomes a live experiment in this mindset. Despite rust and technical struggles—especially with Eli’s putter—the hosts find clarity in their process, with Mike showing remarkable control and confidence. The second day turns into a full match play format, where Mike builds a lead, but Eli mounts a spirited comeback, highlighting the emotional and competitive depth of their friendship. The episode ends not with a scorecard victory, but with a profound sense of reconnection—both to the game and to each other. The hosts express deep gratitude for the return to form, the joy of play, and the simple pleasure of being back at Riverbend.
Reevaluate your golf identity—stop chasing a version of yourself that doesn’t fit your natural game.
Focus on start lines and low points to regain control and consistency, even with limited practice.
An 80% swing feel allows for aggression without loss of control—this is the key to sustainable performance.
Match play can unlock a different level of focus and confidence, even when rusty.
The best golf moments aren’t always about low scores—they’re about feeling present and connected to the game.
Back to the Beginning: Riverbend Revisited
“We're back. This is why we've scheduled these. Yes. Like, I would take this day a thousand times.”
The One-Club Challenge: A Mirror to the Mind
“I was like, those are some controlled, controlled swings that I don't know that we play that much out on the course.”
The 80% Rule and the Start Line Revolution
“Start lines and low points. I love this. Strikeville.”
Match Play: The First Major of Season 9
The second day turns into a full match play battle. Mike builds a lead with precision, while Eli fights back with grit and creativity—especially on the greens. The emotional stakes rise as both players confront their past and present selves.
The Human Side: Rust, Humor, and Heart
Beyond the golf, the episode reveals the vulnerability and humor that define the hosts’ bond. From Eli’s putter struggles to Mike’s failed 17th tee shot, the imperfections become part of the story—and the joy.
“We're back. This is why we've scheduled these. Yes. Like, I would take this day a thousand times.”
“The course management decision was not the right one. And I own that.”
“Start lines and low points. I love this. Strikeville.”
Hosts
Mike Shade
person
Eli
person
Riverbend
other
Old Man Clemens
person
Scotty
brand
Hunter
person
Talgy
person
Russell Spangler
person
Putting Arc
product
Golf Training Aids
brand
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