In this episode of Sticks Together, we share the highs and lows of our summer golf experiences and introduce a concept that resonated with us: “NFL Rules” in golf. NFL Rules. You'll have to listen to find out what this means.

Reflecting on summer highlights, Stacey talks about her commitment to improving her game, including practice and lessons, which led to a noticeable drop in her handicap and personal victories like breaking 90 on her home course. She recalls memorable moments, such as birdieing a difficult hole and making an eagle, milestones that kept her motivated. Slade shares his own season highlight—three impressive rounds with friends on familiar courses from his youth, showing how good friends and familiar greens make for a rewarding experience.

Of course, no golf season is complete without a few frustrating rounds. Slade and Stacey swap stories of less-than-stellar days and the emotional challenges they can bring, especially when playing as a couple. Slade’s toughest day included losing multiple balls off the tee, while Stacey recalled a high-stakes tournament day when nothing seemed to go right. We agree that there’s a unique struggle in couples' golf—when one is in a bad mood or struggling, it’s hard for the other to remain unaffected. Slade and Stacey reflect on how they've learned to manage this dynamic by giving each other space, respecting each other’s mood, and sometimes just embracing the bad day.

Bad moods manifest in each of our hosts differently! Slade tends to go quiet when he’s struggling, which can be tough for Stacey, who finds talking it out helpful. The conversation shifts to a philosophy from a friend: unlike the gym, where you may dread going but always feel accomplished after, golf often draws you in with excitement but sometimes leaves you walking away frustrated. Yet despite the challenges, the joy and triumphs of golf keep us coming back.

This episode of Sticks Together dives into the variety of golf formats we enjoy playing, with a special focus on match play and Ryder Cup-style formats. We start by catching up on our week in golf, where Slade recounts his participation in two Ryder Cup-style events, and Stacey shares her match play experience in the President’s Cup. Although Stacey’s team didn’t win the second round, she enjoyed the challenge of fighting back from a deficit in a thrilling match.

We then explore the key differences between match play and stroke play. Match play, where each hole is its own game, allows players to recover from bad holes and stay competitive throughout. We both agree that match play is fun because it keeps players engaged, even when they struggle on certain holes. In contrast, Slade prefers stroke play in competitions like club championships because it tests players over a series of rounds, which he believes better reflects the best golfer.

Ryder Cup formats introduce more complexity with various games like alternate shot and Pinehurst. Stacey thinks alternate shot could be a fun couples format, though we both admit some couples might struggle to handle the pressure without affecting their relationship! We also touch on our recent experience playing "sixes," a format where partners rotate every six holes, which kept the day interesting and competitive.

We talk about the upcoming “Bubba Tournament,” a one-person scramble. Slade isn’t a fan, feeling it’s more like practice than competition, but Stacey is excited to try the women’s version, seeing it as a chance for fun and personal improvement.

Next, we reflect on how we play together as a couple, noting that golf with your partner can either enhance or detract from your performance depending on mindset. We invite listeners to share their own experiences and thoughts on playing golf with their significant others, asking if it improves their game or adds pressure.

Finally, Stacey bought new golf clothes - Slade asks her about her thought process there.

This week, we dive into the challenges of playing golf in the cold and the ongoing debate about slow play. Even in North Carolina, winter golf requires preparation, and we break down what we wear to stay warm. Stacey swears by running tights, layers, and her new favorite purchase—skeggings (a skirt with leggings attached). Slade sticks to a more minimalist approach, layering up but refusing to go beyond three. Heated vests, propane heaters, and even cart covers are all part of the winter golf conversation, but at what point do we admit it’s just too cold to play?

Winter conditions also change our equipment choices. Stacey’s group experiments with colored golf balls to improve visibility, but not all colors work—especially not a silver “disco ball” that vanished in the sunlight. Slade admits that yellow balls are easier to see on dormant grass but sticks with his standard Pro V1. The shift to winter golf also affects club selection, with more players favoring hybrids over long irons on muddy or frozen turf.

Then, we shift gears to talk about slow play. There’s been a lot of buzz about this issue, from weekend groups to the PGA Tour, where rounds stretch beyond five hours. We debate what slows things down—cart path-only restrictions, too much socializing, or lengthy pre-shot routines. Slade suggests walking might actually be faster than riding in some cases. Stacey shares a personal story from a member-guest tournament where she thought she was one of the last groups to finish, only to find out she was the first one in after a five-and-a-half-hour round.

As for solutions, we talk about how the PGA Tour might implement a shot clock or enforce penalties that truly impact scoring. There’s also the question of whether slow play is ever strategic—do some players intentionally throw off their opponents? In the amateur game, it often comes down to awareness. Women tend to worry more about slow play, while men often don’t notice. Course rangers and club pros can help, but ultimately, we all have to be mindful of keeping pace.

With spring approaching, we’re looking forward to warmer rounds, faster play, and maybe finally ditching the winter layers.