Drop Zone - GOLF Podcast

Recent PGA Tour winner Cody Gribble discusses his win at the Sanderson Farms, exchanging texts with Peyton Manning, what it's like being constantly associated with Jordan Spieth and whether he'd prefer Dak Prescott or Tony Romo to start at quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.

Padraig Harrington joins the podcast fresh off his win at the Portugal Masters last weekend. Harrington explains why his attitude and posture were keys to his victory (2:15), why he switched to a new set of irons (11:07), why Tiger Woods is struggling like Seve Ballesteros once did (8:05), and why he isn't ready to be a Ryder Cup captain (22:10).

Sean Zak offers commentary on Tiger Woods's recent withdrawal from the Safeway Open and asks the question: When was the last positive AND accurate report on Tiger Woods the golfer? It has been a while, yet our optimism reigns. Why is that?

Chris Solomon from NoLayingUp joins Sean Zak to discuss what the Ryder Cup is like on site, inside the ropes and, at least for him, directly next to Rory McIlroy. Solomon explains why American fans were too harsh toward Danny Willett (17:20), his many interactions with McIlroy (26:07) and why the American celebration was all kinds of weird (46:30). Solomon and Zak also share a few stories about walking inside the ropes alongside Tiger Woods (35:53).

The Ryder Cup is finally here. We preview the event with Curtis Strange, former captain and 5-time Ryder Cup player. Strange offers old Ryder Cup stories and thoughts on this year's event, which include: His strategies as captain. Why playing Seve Ballesteros was frustrating. He wants 12 Patrick Reeds on his team. Why the Task Force could be a problem. Why Tiger Woods might be a distraction.

Arnold Palmer, golf legend and iconic sportsman, has passed away at age 87. Jeff Ritter and Michael Bamberger cycle through their favorite memories of The King, from Palmer the person, the player, the pilot and the fan favorite. Everyone has a great Arnie story. You don't want to miss these.

NBC's Mike Tirico cannot contain his excitement for the Ryder Cup. He joins the podcast to talk about prepping for the event, his move to NBC, learning match play strategies from Tiger Woods and why some of his success is due to a cartoon rabbit. Yes, you read that correctly.

No Laying Up's Tron Carter brings his opinions to the GOLF.com podcast, venting on the worst stereotypes on the golf course. Any golf course. With an assist from sports radio host Jim Rome, we break down the worst things you can do on a golf course and offer solutions for fixing yourself. Here's a start: DON'T BE THAT GUY.

The answer will probably surprise you. Author and journalist Richard Gillis recently wrote a book on the topic, titled "The Captain Myth: How the Ryder Cup is Won." Gillis dissected what Ryder Cp captain's actually do, and how their actions are perceived by the public. He found that being an underdog is important, momentum isn't and it's possibly that luck matters more than anything else. Also: Paul Azinger should not captain another U.S. team.

Tiger Woods has announced his plans to return to the PGA Tour at the Safeway Open in mid-October. What does that mean? Jeff Ritter and Sean Zak tell you exactly how to handle Woods's return to competitive golf, discussing all the appropriate topics: will he contend, can he contend, why now, why the Safeway Open, what are the chances he wins again, and much more.

We break down every possible Ryder Cup captain's pick, from Rickie Fowler to...Fred Couples? Exactly. We'll settle on a group of players that NEED to make the team and figure Bubba Watson's campaign is in a state of emergency.

Olympic Gold medalist Inbee Park calls in to discuss what winning the Olympic golf competition meant to her and her home country, South Korea. She talks about the nerves of Olympic golf, why she has no plans for retirement and discusses why she is the "Silent Assassin."

Zac Blair plays more golf than you. Way more golf than you. He leads the PGA Tour in events played so far this year, and isn't stopping any time soon. When he's not pegging it on Tour he's out scouting other courses around the world, because he's not only a Tour pro, but also a golf course designer in the making. Blair joins the podcast to talk about what makes a good golf course, why he plays so much, and shares plans for his own course, The Buck Club.

Alan Shipnuck is onsite at the Olympic Golf Course down in Brazil, and weighs in on everything golf at the Olympics. Shipnuck details the course design by Gil Hanse, the reception of golfers in the Olympic Village and just how much fun the players seem to be having down at the Games.

ESPN and ABC's Tom Rinaldi joins the podcast to discuss his approach to golf journalism, his relationship with Tiger Woods and what it was like interviewing Woods after his scandal.

Jimmy Walker won the 98th PGA Championship, but where do we go from here? Jeff Ritter joins the podcast to discuss Walker's great week in New Jersey, what it means for the Ryder Cup and how the Player of the Year race is shaping up.

GOLF.com editors Jeff Ritter and Sean Zak discuss Henrik Stenson's incredible victory and epic match with Phil Mickelson. The 2016 British Open will forever be remembered for those two men. Now that Stenson has the major monkey off his back, who is the greatest player without a major? We debate.

Newly minted pro golfer Jordan Niebrugge helps break down what it takes to join the PGA Tour the Jordan Spieth way. It's what Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are both trying to do right now. Niebrugge talks about his first tournament as a pro at the Quicken Loans as well as his return to the British Open, where he was low amateur and finished T6 in 2015.

Dustin Johnson is your 2016 U.S. Open Champion. Jeff Ritter and Sean Zak discuss what this means for Johnson, the rest of the PGA Tour and how poorly the USGA screwed up their ruling during the madness that was Sunday at Oakmont.

Oakmont pro Bob Ford helps us preview the 116th U.S. Open by breaking down the beast of a course that Oakmont Country Club is. His prediction? 4-over par will win this week. Ford details just how difficult the greens are, and how long the rough has been grown out for the event.

16-year LPGA veteran Natalie Gulbis joins Jeff Ritter to discuss her relationship with Donald Trump and what he has done for her and the game of golf. Gulbis reflects on where golf has taken her in her career and how she wants to host a tournament of her own, just like Lorena Ochoa, Annika Sorenstam and Tiger Woods.

Two-time major winner Martin Kaymer joins Alan Bastable to discuss his excitement for the Olympics, why the No. 1 ranking isn't a goal anymore and how he is grinding to make the European Ryder Cup team.

13-time PGA Tour winner Mark Calcavecchia talks with Alan Bastable about John Daly joining the Champions Tour, Tiger Woods' career and shares some great stories about each of them. You're going to want to hear both of them, as well as a great story about him gambling on golf.

Dr. T.J. Tomasi debunks the five biggest myths in the world of golf. Those myths are: 1. All good players are the same at impact (2:35) 2. The ball flight tells you everything (8:20) 3. Practice makes perfect (18:40) 4. Perfect golf comes from an unconscious swing (26:53) 5. Hitting the ball well during a lesson means you're moving in the right direction (34:11)

Sports and performance psychologist Dr. Bhrett McCabe joins the GOLF.com podcast to discuss every mental aspect of the game. McCabe delves into how every golfer should mentally approach each round or warm-up session (5:26), why he loves treating the yips (18:19) cc: Ernie Els, and how Jordan Spieth should approach the 12th hole at Augusta National next year (27:20).

GOLF Live Host Ryan Asselta and GOLF.com's Josh Berhow share their stories of winning the media lottery and playing Augusta National one day after The Masters. Yes, that includes taking a memorable drive down Magnolia Lane, hitting into the same pins and trying to not splash their tee shot on the 12th hole.

GOLF's Sean Zak and Jeff Ritter recap the craziness that ensued at Augusta National Sunday afternoon and evening, including Jordan Spieth's collapse on the 12th hole and Danny Willett's clutch finish. They break down where Spieth's loss ranks among similar collapses in golf history. The answer may surprise you.

GOLF's Sean Zak and Alan Bastable break down Saturday's finishes from the Masters at Augusta National, including the showdown between Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy and the surprising names to enter the discussion late Saturday afternoon.

Sean Zak sits down with SI GOLF Senior Writer Cam Morfit to discuss the impending Spieth v. McIlroy showdown Saturday at Augusta National. The two discuss that and the group of guys ready to strike from just a few strokes back.

GOLF's Sean Zak breaks down Day 1 at the 2016 Masters with Josh Berhow and Sports Illustrated's Alan Shipnuck. They discuss the ceremonial opening tee shot as well as Jordan's Spieth spectacular start.

Golf writers Kyle Porter, Shane Ryan, Luke Kerr-Dineen, Trent Ryan and Chris Solomon joined the GOLF.com Podcast to share their hottest take from the golf world. With takes on Bubba Watson (1:53), Tiger Woods (20:00), Rory McIlroy (24:41), the Olympics (13:08)and the Ryder Cup (6:50), there is a hot take and prediction for everyone.

Famed caddie Steve Williams joins the GOLF.com podcast to discuss life as Tiger Woods' caddie, how that compares to Adam Scott and much more. Williams breaks down what separates Tiger Woods from the rest of professional golf, discusses his on-course marshaling efforts to keep crowds at bay, the rivalry that stewed between Woods and Phil Mickelson as well as his future caddying plans.

USGA Mid-Am champion Sammy Schmitz earned an invite to the 2016 Masters and is knee-deep in his prep for the event five weeks from now. Schmitz discusses how he earned the invite in incredible fashion(3:53), how he's prepping for the Masters (15:00), what it's like to play Augusta National (17:00)and why he wants to play with Jordan Spieth (23:15).

NBC Golf Analyst and Champions Tour player Peter Jacobsen took a break from his busy broadcast schedule to talk all things PGA Tour. Jacobsen talks Phil Mickelson (3:19), the next best players after the Big Four (8:21), the "horse race" for No. 1 (17:54), why parity is good for golf (21:45), becoming the voice of Golden Tee (26:43), his music career (31:20) and when Arnold Palmer changed his perspective on fame (35:30).

Longtime golf teacher Hank Haney joined the GOLF.com podcast to discuss his surprise at Greg Norman's departure from the broadcast booth at FOX. Before long, we had Haney talking about his favorite memories coaching Tiger Woods and why certain comparisons to his greatness will always fall short.

PGA Tour rookie Harold Varner III joins the GOLF.com podcast this week to discuss a number of topics, some of them serious (competing with the veterans of the Tour) and others not so much (dabbing, the persona of his head cover and what LeBron James needs to do for the Cleveland Cavaliers).

Alan Bastable sits down with golf commentator Mark Rolfing to discuss Rolfing’s recent diagnosis and recovery from Stage 4 cancer of the salivary gland, the support he’s received from top players such as Jordan Spieth, why the Ryder Cup is on everyone’s mind and why Bubba Watson seems to be on no one’s radar.

Editors Jeff Ritter, Coleman McDowell, Alan Bastable and Brendan Mohler share anecdotes from their time on-site at the most memorable moments of the year, from Jordan Spieth’s magical Masters to Jason Day’s dominance at the PGA Championship. The four editors discuss their year chasing the best players on Tour before breaking down what we can expect from Tiger, Rory, Spieth, Mickelson, Day and others as 2016 gets underway.

It takes extreme commitment to play the top 100 courses in the world, and after 15 years, golf author and blogger John Sabino has done it. Sabino knows just as well as anyone the keys and tricks to getting a tee time at some of the most exclusive courses in the world, even Augusta National and Pine Valley. You might be surprised how easy it can be.

This week's GOLF.com Podcast features a discussion with former PGA Tour winner and current Champions Tour player Paul Goydos. Goydos is one of the few professional golfers to ever card a score of 59 during a Tour round. He delves on that magical day, what it's like competing on the Champions Tour and shares an interesting theory on how Team USA can compete better in the Ryder Cup.

Alan Bastable talks with Lorne Rubenstein, the writer on the other end of the Tiger Woods TIME interview. The two discuss Rubenstein's chase of the interview and go over what was left on the cutting room floor.

On this week’s episode of the Golf.com podcast host Alan Bastable talks with SI senior writer Alan Shipnuck about Tiger Woods’ exclusive interview with https://Time.com, the future for the future of golf, Jordan Spieth, and much more.

Columbia Business professor and golf statistics savant Mark Broadie joins the GOLF.com podcast, where we discuss the game as analytically as possible. Mark goes in depth on his career chasing golf statistics, Jordan Spieth's great 2015 and a Tiger Woods record that will likely never be broken.

On this week’s episode of the Golf.com podcast host with former commercial photographer Dan McLaughlin who, in April 2010, quit his day job to become a professional golfer and possibly qualify for the PGA Tour. The Dan Plan was inspired by the 10,000 Hours Rule — the theory that any skill can be mastered with 10,000 hours of practice. Having never played 18 holes of golf in his life, Dan started his journey with just a putter. Now, more than 6,000 hours into his quest, Dan discusses his motivation to become a golfer, how injuries have affected his performance and when he expects to complete his 10,000 hours.

Alan Bastable sits down with former LPGA champion and current television broadcaster Dottie Pepper, who was recently hired by CBS to replace David Feherty as an on-course reporter for the 2015-16 PGA Tour season. Alan and Dottie discuss her new job, what it's like to be a woman covering the PGA Tour, the one broadcast she would like to take back and who out of the PGA’s “Big Three” impresses her the most.

Alan Bastable sits down with former PGA Tour player and current Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee http://twitter.com/chambleebrande to discuss everything from Chamblee’s golf game, his defeat of the late Payne Stewart in his lone PGA Tour win at the Greater Vancouver Open in 1998 and how he really feels about Tiger Woods (You might be surprised!)

This week's edition of the Golf.com podcast brings you an interview from SI senior writer Alan Shipnuck with golf course developer Mike Keiser, owner of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon. The two discuss Keiser's golf game, which courses he rates the highest, how Bandon Dunes came about and his plans to expand the resort with a sixth course, Bandon Muni. At the time of this podcast's recording, Keiser was still in negotiations with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to build the new 27-hole course. However, plans to build Bandon Muni ended in late September due to what Keiser calls, "unworkable terms" with officials. We are releasing this interview to give context to Keiser's side of the story. Read more on the controversy at http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/09/new_requirements_complicate_go.html Tweet our hosts at http://twitter.com/alan_bastable & http://twitter.com/alanshipnuck, and you can read them and the rest of SI’s golf coverage at Golf.com. Find more podcasts at si.com/podcasts. SI is part of the Panoply network. Find more great podcasts at panoply.fm. — The Golf.com podcasts is sponsored by FanDuel. The leader in 1-week fantasy sports. Use our code GOLFING at FanDuel.com to play with up to $200 in bonus cash. We’re also sponsored by SeatGeek, the quickest, easiest way to find great deals on tickets. Enter our code GOLFING in the SeatGeek app, found at seatgeek.com for $20 off your first purchase. Music by Steven O’Brien {@stevenobrien}

Sports Illustrated senior writer and golf expert Alan Shipnuck sits down with veteran caddie Jim "Bones" Mackay, who has carried the bags for Phil Mickelson for over 20 years, to discuss the new Jordan Spieth era and what it means for golf, and what it's really like to be side-by-side with Lefty on the green.