A driver fitting that doesn’t end in a new driver, a mini driver that actually earns its place, and the club tech that quietly changes everything. Fern and Arran break down the exact bag setup behind better tee shots, better approach shots, and more confidence from top to bottom.Fern shares what happened when he went in expecting answers about a traditional driver and walked out with a fitted Titleist TSR3 setup, a $700 price tag, and a big realization: sometimes the smartest move is not buying the “standard” option at all. Instead, he doubles down on the TaylorMade R7 Mini Driver, why he lowered the loft, why the shorter shaft matters, and how it’s giving him more speed, better control, and more confidence off the tee than a full-length driver ever did.You’ll discover:

• Why a mini driver can be a real weapon, not just a backup club
• What launch angle, spin rate, club path, and heat maps actually tell you
• How different shafts can completely change feel and performance
• Why forgiveness in irons matters more than chasing perfect strikes
• The exact tradeoff between distance and dispersion that makes a bag playable

Arran pushes the conversation into the details most golfers never think about, from shaft kick point and swing weight to the difference between a club that looks good and one that performs when the pressure is on. Fern also explains why he moved on from his Mizuno MP30s to the Takomo 201T Mk II irons, how the increased forgiveness is showing up on real holes, and why his Cleveland RTX wedges and TaylorMade Spider ZT putter round out a bag built for control, not ego.And because this is a golf-and-coffee episode, there’s plenty beyond the bag too—from root beer cold brew experiments and Houndstooth favorites to a hidden gem bakery in Austin, Comadre, where conchas, café de olla, and Mexican pastries steal the spotlight. It’s the kind of episode that makes you think differently about your own setup, your own habits, and maybe even your next coffee run.Essential listening if you love golf gear, bag tinkering, club fitting, or just hearing two friends turn a simple “what’s in the bag?” into a surprisingly useful conversation.

• Why stronger muscles can still produce worse golf if mobility is ignored
• How slow-motion golf drills expose swing faults faster than full-speed swings
• The difference between adding power and adding usable elasticity
• Why golf-focused stretching helps far beyond the course, from the first steps out of bed to everyday movement
• A smarter way to think about training if you want your body and your game to work together

Arran also shares a detailed look at golf in England, from the difference between parkland and links courses to how each style shapes strategy, shot selection, and course management. He talks through the courses he grew up on, the reality of weather, turf, bounces, and etiquette, and why British golf can feel like a completely different sport from what many players experience in the U.S. Plus, the episode opens up into coffee culture in Austin with Arran's current top picks - Desnudo, Leona, and Houndstooth - and what makes each one stand out, from transparent sourcing to standout drinks and atmosphere. He also introduces the new Hidden Gem segment, spotlighting Cottonwood Coulee in Medicine Hat, Alberta, a short but deceptively demanding course tucked into the coolies with dramatic elevation changes, water, wildlife, and huge value.Perfect for golfers, coffee lovers, and anyone who likes a podcast that mixes practical insight with personality, humor, and a few very honest opinions along the way.

Takeaways

• Planning is essential for achieving goals
• Understanding the nuances of golf is crucial for improvement Golf is a game of continuous learning
• Putting is a critical and challenging aspect of the game

Chapters

• 00:00 Handling Pressure Situations in Golf
• 27:01 The Science of Modern Golf
• 33:31 The Challenge of Putting
• 39:12 Considerations for Putter Replacement
• 47:37 Approach and Yardage Control
• 54:17 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

In this episode, Arran and Andy lay out the real plan behind Cups - the goals, the mistakes, and the adjustments that will actually move their games forward.Arran opens up about the pressure of getting competitive golf back on track, from breaking 100 to rebuilding confidence under pressure. Andy brings the beginner's perspective, pushing on the parts of the game that feel impossible when you do not yet know the language, the rules, or the difference between a swing that looks good and one that actually scores. You'll discover:

• why "drive for show, putt for dough" matters more than raw distance
• how a mini driver, fairway woods, and the top of the bag can change your strategy
• why putting confidence is often more important than the putter itself
• what it takes to practice like a serious golfer when you are still learning the basics
• how pressure exposes the difference between playing casually and playing competitively

Arran shares the realities of trying to perform in uncomfortable situations, why his old strengths from 80 yards and in have slipped, and how modern golf data, launch monitors, and fitter advice are changing the way he thinks about the game.

Andy keeps the conversation honest by testing every assumption from a newcomer's point of view, which makes the episode as useful for experienced players as it is for total beginners.

If you have ever stood over a putt and felt your confidence disappear, wondered whether your clubs are helping or hurting you, or tried to get better at golf without knowing where to start, this episode gives you a clear, relatable blueprint.

Cups is building in public, and this is the moment where the plan starts to take shape.Perfect for golfers who want to improve without the fluff, coffee lovers who enjoy a good tangent, and anyone who likes hearing two friends figure it out as they go.

A quick intro to who's who and why we are here. Listen along to our candid conversation as we discuss the world of golf and coffee. On a journey to see where we fit in to these subjects and reach our goals.

We are David and Andi and this is CUPS.