New Podcast: PGA Tour's Emiliano Grillo talks pro golf changes, strategy and more

PGA Tour winner and new GolfN ambassador Emiliano Grillo sat down with the GolfN team to talk about life on Tour, the mental grind of pro golf, and how the game—and the tools to succeed—have evolved over the last decade. From the pressure of trying to make rent on mini-tours to embracing new tech like GolfN’s GPS app and golf loyalty program, Grillo’s shares a unique perspective from inside the ropes.

WATCH: Grillo joins Jared and Brandon on the GolfN Podcast

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Tour Life Then vs. Now: How Data Changed the Game

Grillo shared that when he first joined the PGA Tour, many decisions were based on feel and past experience. But as access to data has exploded, today's players rely heavily on analytics. Rookies with the right tools and preparation can now gain a real edge over veterans. Emiliano recalled how it took him years to realize that certain holes—ones he used to lay up on—were statistically better played aggressively, even if that meant bringing risk into play.

“In the beginning, I always thought the safest route was smartest,” he said. “But the stats showed me that being closer to the green, even in trouble, often led to better scoring than playing safe from 150 yards.”

This kind of data-driven thinking is at the heart of modern performance improvement. And for weekend golfers, access to similar insights has never been easier, especially with apps like GolfN offering GPS tools and stat tracking completely free.

The Mental Battle: Why Even Pros Get Frustrated

Despite being a Tour winner and Olympian, Grillo didn’t shy away from admitting how much of golf is mental. From missed cuts to uncertain swing changes, he’s been through it all. In fact, he says one of the hardest things is trying to be good at every aspect of the game, all at once.

“You work on one thing and something else slips,” he explained. “You gain distance off the tee and suddenly your accuracy goes. You fix your putting and your short game falls off.”

For amateurs trying to improve, this will feel very relatable. Golf isn’t just about hitting a good shot—it's about stringing together smart decisions, solid execution, and emotional control over 18 holes.

The Unexpected Challenge of the Short Game

Interestingly, Grillo says his biggest challenge recently hasn’t been ball striking or putting—it’s been his short game. And he’s not afraid to admit it.

“I suck at it right now,” he said plainly. “On the chipping green I’m great, but on the course I choose the wrong shot or flub it.”

The lesson here is important: even top-level players miss shots, second-guess themselves, and go through stretches of poor performance. The key is staying committed and practicing with purpose. As Grillo put it, improvement sometimes requires trust, trial, and time—not instant results.

Golf is Still About Fun—and Finding Balance

Despite the intense pressure, Grillo tries to keep the game in perspective. He talked about balancing life, family, and passions outside of golf (like Liverpool soccer and Argentine BBQ) to maintain his mental health.

“Once I’m home, there’s no golf,” he said. “I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to hear about it.”

This mindset mirrors a growing trend among golfers of all levels: making the game part of a lifestyle, not a job. It’s also why more players are seeking experiences that reward them for playing and engaging, not just grinding.

Why Grillo Supports the GolfN App and Rewards for Golf

One reason Grillo has partnered with GolfN is the app’s fresh take on how golf should feel—more fun, more rewarding, and more accessible. He was impressed by the app’s GPS accuracy and thrilled that it was free. But what really caught his attention was the idea of digital rewards for golf.

"I started asking questions and the fact that it’s free—I was blown away. You get this massive aspect that everybody charges for, and you get it for free."

GolfN’s loyalty model allows players to earn points just by playing and logging rounds. These points can be redeemed for gear, experiences, and even crypto rewards. It’s a modern golf loyalty program designed to make everyday play more engaging—and to recognize golfers for the time they spend on the course.

For golfers who feel like most brands overlook them unless they’re scratch players or club members, this kind of system offers something rare: recognition.

Advice for the Average Golfer

Before signing off, Grillo offered three pieces of advice to the GolfN community, many of whom wrote in with questions, for everyday golfers trying to improve their game:

1. Make every five-footer. He claims missing short putts is the easiest way to give away strokes—regardless of your handicap.
2. Always get out of the bunker. Even if it means going sideways, eliminate blow-up holes.
3. Be pin high. You might miss left or right, but distance control is within your power. Missing short by 20 yards is usually a calculation error, not a swing flaw.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're trying to go from a 10 to an 8 handicap, or just looking for a better way to enjoy your weekend foursome, Emiliano Grillo's perspective reminds us that improvement is a process—and golf should be rewarding in more ways than one.

With new tools like GolfN, a growing movement toward rewards for golf, and the support of pros who keep it real, the game is evolving. And it’s never been more fun to be part of it.

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