S9 Ep 2: Still Two Guys Trying to Figure Out How to Play Twice a Week

In this reflective and forward-looking episode of Chasing Scratch, hosts Lenny and Eli dive into the core challenge of Season 9: playing golf twice a week with purpose, competition, and structure. They unpack their personal commitments—Eli’s weekly business round with Josh Nichols and his new competitive dynamic with 'Whitey Fisk,' a charismatic and athletic playing partner who pushes him both physically and mentally. Despite a rough 87 in his first scorable round—marked by 21 putts on the front nine and struggles with alignment and timing—the hosts emphasize the importance of behavioral consistency over immediate results. Eli grapples with self-doubt, personified as 'Big Ben' (a metaphor for his inner critic), while Lenny shares a powerful insight from coach Robert Linville: that swing breakdowns often stem from a lack of 'time and space' in the swing. The episode also highlights a standout round with LPGA rookie Riley Smyth, whose flawless setup, consistency, and confidence serve as a benchmark. Both hosts express cautious optimism, recognizing that while the season is just beginning, the right routines and mental frameworks are in place.