Drop Zone - GOLF Podcast

One player in this week’s Genesis Invitational field is especially grateful to be back — for the first time in nearly a decade. Joseph Bramlett and Genesis COO Erwin Raphael join the Drop Zone to explain exactly what the Genesis means.

No one knows Riviera Country Club like Geoff Shackelford—he literally wrote the history book on this place. Geoff shares wild L.A. golf stories, dives into the distance debate and tells us what to expect at the Genesis. Hint: No. 83 from Tiger?

HOT OFF THE PRESSES is the USGA's Distance Report. We break down everything it means for pros, amateurs and the future of the game (13:30). We also discuss if Tony Finau choked away the Phoenix Open (or did Webb Simpson win it?) and if the event is the biggest non-major, non-Players tournament to the world at-large.

Lucas Wald is one of the fastest rising names in golf instruction, and he joined us down at the PGA Show to discuss his theories on creating speed, using aspects of the greatest players, how to dial back a long-drive champion, and much more. We dive into what you can learn from the best players of all-time, and how to apply it to your game.

This week's episode dives into the weird world of fasting with Phil Mickelson. Sean Zak completed a 6-day fast with Mickelson as his coach, following the footsteps of a fast Mickelson did this summer, putting his body through a "hard reset." We break down the highs and lows of the fast and answer a number of questions readers had for recreating the fast on their own.

Is it okay to talk about Charlie Woods' golf swing? Is it okay to forecast a golf career for him? We discuss that, recap ANOTHER playoff on the PGA Tour, offer some advice to avoid controversy with grandstands and play Overrated, Underrated, Properly Rated with Pete Dye, Patrick Reed, Jon Taffer and others.

Our year-end episode of the Drop Zone features some brazenly bold predictions for 2020. We've dialed up takes on Tiger Woods, the Olympics, Sergio Garcia, The U.S. Open and ... PGA Tour melee?? You'll just have to listen in to find out. We'll see you again in the new year.

Alan Shipnuck joins the Drop Zone to break down his Presidents Cup report card and Michael Bamberger hops on to break down the leadership of playing captain Tiger Woods plus the ramifications of Patrick Reed's actions on the rest of the golf world.

Senior writers Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger are back to preview the Presidents Cup in only the way they know how. It will be a special week down in Australia, and they discuss... -How Captain Tiger will play (and sit) -How much of a chance the International team has -What this week will mean for future Cups -and much more. Enjoy!

GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher Chris Como joins Dylan and Sean this week. We dive into Como's work with Tiger Woods (and what it was like watching him work through the chipping yips), what keeps Bryson DeChambeau grinding on the range, developing his show on Golf Channel and much more. ----- The Drop Zone is sponsored by WHOOP, the fitness tracker changing the way people track their fitness, sleep and recovery to optimize performance. Enter code 'dropzone' on WHOOP.com for 15% off a new membership.

Perhaps the greatest analyst in golf joins the Drop Zone this week. Brandel Chamblee sits down with Sean Zak and Dylan Dethier to discuss his work with the Golf Channel, his fascination with the golf swing, who the best players in the world are, and much more. We get real nerdy about how the greatest players in the world become the greatest players in the world. --- The Drop Zone is sponsored by WHOOP, the fitness tracker changing the way people track their fitness, sleep and recovery to optimize performance. Enter code 'dropzone' on WHOOP.com for 15% off a new membership.

One of the hottest teachers in golf joins the Drop Zone to talk about his teaching methods, his work with Matthew Wolff, why he refuses to listen to the haters and how social media has influenced his career. ---- The Drop Zone is sponsored by WHOOP, the fitness tracker changing the way people track their fitness, sleep and recovery to optimize performance. Enter code 'dropzone' on WHOOP.com for 15% off a new membership.

The first female President of the PGA of America, Suzy Whaley, joins us this week to talk about all the ways this game can move forward, from new scorecards to a set of par-3 tees on every hole, on every course. Whaley's a progressive thinker and a blast to talk to. She's an even better player on top of that. Enjoy!

Who was the best player of the 2010s? Is it Brooks Koepka or Rory McIlroy? This week, we rank the 10 best players from the 2010s and discuss how their accomplishments outweigh their faults ... and address what could have been for some who should be ranked higher.

Tiger Woods is a PGA Tour winner — again! Michael Bamberger brings insight from 25+ years of covering Woods to break down how he's changed over the years and what his future might hold.

Sean Zak and Dylan Dethier stayed awake all night watching the Japan Skins Challenge, and break it down for you who were in bed sleeping on the action. Tiger Woods came out REALLY cold before rallying. Rory McIlroy made things interesting with his thoughts on Brooks Koepka's rivalry comments and the match came down to one final putt on the 18th hole. Spoiler alert: it was better than The Match.

This week's Drop Zone breaks down the new Scandinavian Mixed event before a sit-down interview between Stephen Curry and Alan Shipnuck (13:30). Curry and Shipnuck talk about: -Steph's reviving the Howard University golf program -His pro golf aspirations -Playing with Obama and Spieth -The role golf played in the Warriors' success Afterward Shipnuck joins the show to talk about what it's like to play and hang out with Curry, and what kind of high-reaching prospects are in his golf future.

This week's Drop Zone dives into wild news of Bio Kim's suspension, Kevin Na's win, and ask the tough questions in Would You Rather, like... Would you rather have the Driver Yips or the Putter Yips? 'Neither' is not an option. That and many more Would You Rathers from the golf world. Enjoy!

We overreact to the few things we know about the PGA Tour three weeks in, and Sean calls into question the handicap of Tom Brady. Then PGA Tour rules official Slugger White joins (19:10) to talk all things rules, and even share his opinion on what matters with pace of play. Also, his real name isn't Slugger. He shares... -His epic golf family -His first ruling (with some player named Jack Nicklaus) -Why you shouldn't swim to the 17th green at Sawgrass and much more...

She hasn't slept much since winning the Solheim Cup, but Bronte Law called in to break it all down for us, from the early week "trash talk" to the epic finish and the many celebratory drinks that followed. One thing is certain — she's still buzzing from the victory.

What happened Sunday was one of the most riveting finishes in golf history. We break it all down, from the pre-tournament press conferences to the epic walk-off putt. Then, senior writer Alan Shipnuck (30:15) joins the show for an audio version of his #AskAlan column. We ask: 1. Juli Inskter for Ryder Cup captain? 2. Is Viktor Hovland the best player without a win? 3. Are too many superstars a good thing? Oh, and much more.

The PGA Tour is back! First there are other things in golf you need to pay attention to. Like the Solheim Cup. Watch it! We played San Diego's best, Torrey Pines, last week, and were joined by Danielle Kang (17:45) to talk about ... 1. When she almost bought a tiger 2. What it's like working with Butch Harmon 3. Crushing souls at the Solheim Cup 4. How the LPGA Tour can gain popularity and much more! Endorse one of our fantasy teams on Twitter or Instagram for a chance to win a brand new driver. It's as simple as that!

On this week's show, we offer up season-end awards for the PGA Tour and compare NFL QBs to their golf equivalents (28:35). Think Kirk Cousins-Rickie Fowler. You like that! In between, we talk with Tad King of Sweetens Cove fame (15:05) on the next course he's building, and chat with Presidents Cupper Abraham Ancer on his ascendent 2019 and what it was like to play with Tiger Woods in his home country of Mexico (36:20).

Sean Zak and Dylan Dethier (re)introduce the Drop Zone, otherwise known as the Internet's favorite golf show from 2018. They discuss Rory McIlroy's wild season, what was good/bad from the Tour Championship and ask the question: is Jay Monahan overrated or underrated? Steve Sands calls in (22:20) and shares... - What life is like without the whiteboard - His relationship with Tiger - Interviewing a vulnerable Rory McIlroy - Olympic Speed Skating - Why Washington D.C. needs a Tour event

Justin Thomas torched Medinah and everyone thinks the Tour doesn't set up courses hard enough. Are they right? Probably. Sean Zak and Dylan Dethier debate that and more before Shane Bacon joins the show (25:45) to talk about all things: - FOX Broadcasts - Pinehurst - His hoop dreams - Never making an ace - His summer as a caddie at St. Andrews

PGA Tour players are suddenly calling out slow play left and right, leaving Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau at opposite ends of the debate. Will this lead to meaningful change? Is player confrontation and off-course drama good for the Tour? Sean Zak and Dylan Dethier break all that down, plus Dylan Frittelli joins us from the sauna at Liberty National (23:05) to detail his long, hard road to the PGA Tour, including: 1. Being Jordan Spieth’s college teammate 2. Brooks Koepka Challenge Tour stories 3. That breakthrough Tour win feeling

The PGA Tour regular season is complete, which means it's PLAYOFFS season. What does that mean for Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods? Two very different things. We discuss that before Puerto Rico Open champ Martin Trainer joins us (17:10) in studio to dish on all that he learned in his rookie season: 1. There are really two PGA Tours. 2. Your card doesn't swipe everywhere 3. Si Woo Kim is a character. And much more.

Notah Begay joins the pod (32:50) to talk about the similarities between Brooks Koepka and Tiger Woods, and he reveals whether or not Tiger can hoop. Meanwhile, Sean Zak and Dylan Dethier wrestle with the biggest golf questions of the week, including Rory McIlroy's beguiling game, fan heckling, the newly released PGA Tour schedule, Sergio Garcia having a normal one, and whether or not we are *officially* in the Brooks Era.

Senior writers Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger recap everything about the wild Open at Royal Portrush, including the significance of Shane Lowry's win to the island of Ireland, where Portrush ranks on the Open rota, Brooks Koepka's unbelievable major run and how this year's Open lived up to its considerable hype.

Senior writers Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger are back to help prep you for the week in Northern Ireland. They explain why this Open is particularly important, the history behind it, how an Open in Northern Ireland came to be and how Graeme McDowell is the man to keep an eye on this week. Enjoy!

2-time major champion Cristie Kerr joins us for a hearty discussion on spirits, her lengthy career, the difference between the men's and women's games, and explains why golf is so behind the times in paying female golfers what they are worth. Let us know what you think of the podcast on Twitter at @sean_zak or @golf_com!

Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger recap the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. GOLF Magazine's senior writers tackle Gary Woodland's impressive victory, Brooks Koepka's dominant run, the state of Tiger's game and mindset, and the ideal U.S. Open rota.

The final day of the 2019 U.S. Open is upon us and Gary Woodland is on the verge of his first major victory at 11-under par. Sean Zak and Michael Bamberger discuss the top players nipping at his heels to hoist the U.S. Open trophy.

Sean Zak and Alan Shipnuck breakdown the major so far: Gary Woodland shot 6-under and stands atop the leaderboard at 9-under. But round one's leader, Justin Rose, is only 2 shots back while 29 players remain under par. Plus, Tiger and Lefty are still very much in the mix.

Dylan Dethier and Luke Kerr-Dineen react to all of Thursday's action which included an impressive leaderboard, underwhelming course conditions, Jordan Spieth calling out his caddy, and Tiger's 1-under performance.

Sean Zak and Dylan Dethier discuss Brooks Koepka's outspoken press conference from Tuesday at Pebble Beach. The four-time major was the talk of the media center and we hear his best bites from his time at the Podium.

GOLF.com Managing Editor of Equipment, Jonathan Wall, spoke with Callaway’s Gerritt Pon about how he became a club builder, how he gets late night calls from Lefty and what makes his clubs so unique.

Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger discuss the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and why players' criticisms regarding the USGA seem excessive. They also dive into the idea of narrowing the host list to have a more frequent rotation of the classic five or six U.S. Open courses.

During this instruction episode, GOLF.com Instruction Editor Luke Kerr-Dineen dives into one thing: distance off the tee! Joining him is writer Josh Sens who recently took a long drive lesson and hit the ball over 300+ yards, gaining 50+ yards on his average drives. So can everyone benefit from a long drive experience?

Monty stops by the studio to discuss Scotland's best exports, whiskey and golf! Sean Zak hosts as the former Ryder Cup captain discusses Team Europe's win in 2010 and his singles record in the event. He also offers his opinion on a wide range of topics including the increased focus on fitness, why he doesn't think Jon Daly should be allowed to use a cart, and the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

The PGA Championship at Bethpage Black showcased the fan frenzy that comes with hosting a major golf tournament in New York. But was it an indication that crowds are becoming too mean spirited? Instruction Editor, and Team Europe super fan, Luke Kerr-Dineen wrote an article claiming the event has him "terrified." Host Dylan Dethier asks important questions regarding who's to blame, how it can be fixed, and why it matters.

What was it like to watch the PGA Championship alongside Brooks Koepka’s girlfriend Jena Sims? Jessica Marksbury got that opportunity this weekend. She joins Dylan Dethier to give some behind-the-scenes insight into Team Koepka and how they took in the action at Bethpage Black.

Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger host their PGA Championship recap - during the final few holes of the major! The senior writers discuss Brooks Koepka's career and the statement he's made by winning his fourth major in his last eight tries, where he goes from here, and his relationship with long-time friend Dustin Johnson.

Writer Paul Rogers first played Bethpage Black in college, and he's returned nearly a dozen times since. In this episode, host Dylan Dethier asks Rogers the pain and pleasure of the Black: what magic makes it so special, why it's become a legendary major venue, and what we can expect when the pros tee it up this week for the 2019 PGA Championship.

The PGA Championship is upon us, much earlier than usual. Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger discuss the tournaments move to May along with Tiger Woods after his Masters victory and Brooks Koepka's game.

The PGA Championship heads to one of the toughest courses in America and home to one of the most iconic signs in the sport: Bethpage Black's 'Warning' sign. While the messaging is clear, its origin is not. Josh Berhow hosts this investigative podcast as he tries to uncover the truth of who put up the sign and when. But as you'll find out, memories can be fleeting.

Paul Stringer discusses the art and process of golf course designs as well as it's future and global expansion in the sport. Dylan Dethier hosts and has a conversation with the Executive Vice President of the Nicklaus Companies. GOLF.com and Nicklaus Companies are both affiliates of 8AM Golf.

Rory McIlroy turned 30 Saturday. What does that number mean for him? To understand who Rory is today, we look back on who he was as a 19-year-old reaching the PGA Tour for the first time. Michael Bamberger joins Sean Zak to break down McIlroy's career and where he might go from here.

In this travel episode, Ashley Mayo discusses the full experience of playing and staying at one of the most renowned resorts. Sean Zak asks fan questions and Ashley fields them based on her visits to Pinehurst.

The latest Anthony Kim sighting reminded the golf world of the sport’s most mysterious star. Alan Shipnuck breaks down Kim's career and disappearance — plus what it’s like tracking him down for a story.