The Fire Pit Podcast

Tony Gwynn played 20 seasons for the San Diego Padres, ending his career with 3,141 hits, eight batting titles and five Gold Gloves. In episode one of this tribute series on the life and legacy of “Mr. Padre,” and with the help of with the help of a panel of Hall of Fame pitchers and hitters, we reflected on some incredible stats and anecdotes that made Gwynn's career so memorable. Throughout his two decades in San Diego, Gwynn passed up more lucrative offers to play for teams in bigger markets that might’ve had a better chance at winning a World Series. But as much as Gwynn loved his city and his team, when his son prevented the Padres from clinching a playoff spot with a timely triple, Gwynn celebrated like a man who always put family first. In episode two of this tribute series, we spend time with Tony Gwynn, Jr. and get his reflections on what it was like growing up as the son of a legend. "Little T" also talks movingly about the role his mom played in his father’s success and the responsibility of representing the family name. And we hear in vivid detail about the day in which Junior's worlds collided, creating a defining memory for the Gwynn family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up in Santa Rosa, Calif., Matt Ginella would fall asleep to baseball games on the radio. And although he lived an hour north of San Francisco, his favorite team was the San Diego Padres. His favorite player: Tony Gwynn. Now Ginella lives in San Diego, and, along with his son, listens to Padres games on the radio in which Tony Gwynn Jr. is the analyst. So, to get a chance to produce a three-part tribute podcast on the life and legacy of “Mr. Padre,” is a little boy’s dream come true. In episode one, the emphasis is on Gwynn’s athleticism, mind, preparation, consistency, dedication, humility and his secret weapon: his wife. The interviews include Gwynn Jr., Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, Ryne Sandberg, Trevor Hoffman, Ken Griffey Jr., and Tom Verducci. This collection of Hall of Famers reflects on some of Gwynn’s outlandish stats, what Griffey refers to as “Bugs Bunny Numbers.” Smoltz says Gwynn “hunted hits” and tells the story of Gwynn breaking up one of his bids for a no-hitter. And Maddux explains why he’s actually pleased that Gwynn only hit .415 against him. “It was up to .485 [laughs], so I actually don’t feel too bad about the .415 to be honest with you.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Michael Bamberger book is always cause for celebration! "The Ball in the Air" is his ode to the way golf connects us all. In this exclusive podcast, he introduces the book's protagonists, shares his writing process, and reflects on his enduring love of "the game for a lifetime." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Fire Drill Podcast, Michael Bamberger interviews Alan Shipnuck about his enlightening reporting from LIV Tucson. They also touch on Jordan Spieth's vexing play in Tampa, larger trends in golf media, and their forever enduring love of a tangible book. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geoff Ogilvy, Michael Bamberger, Alan Shipnuck and Matt Ginella all have different perspectives on the USGA’s proposed golf ball rollback so we convened a Fire Drill podcast to hash out all the talking points and help guide fans through a complex issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Fire Drill Podcast: Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger break down Scottie Scheffler's simple, boring, and incredibly effective approach towards golf. They dive into Jay Monahan's Oscar worthy press conference performance and discuss why there isn't a single good golf movie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bobby Weed is an accomplished golf course architect who will leave behind a lasting legacy through his work. But the Weed who’s out to change the world, one letter at a time, is Lanier, his 24-year-old non-verbal autistic daughter. “She has a lot of things she wants to achieve,” Bobby says. “She’s just a beautiful young lady, inside and out.” Lanier Weed’s story, in both video and words, can be found on firepitcollective.com. Lanier's life changed when, at 14, she was introduced to facilitated communications, which involves an autistic person spelling out words on a keyboard or similar device while their hand or wrist is physically supported by another person. Lanier Weed was 14 when she got in front of her first keyboard. Her opening salvo? “Thank you for releasing my voice.” This podcast, featuring an interview with Bobby Weed and his wife Leslie, is a follow-up to that video feature on the Fire Pit Collective’s website and YouTube channel. We hear about where Lanier Weed is now, ten years after typing her first sentence. We hear about the foundation the Weeds founded 20 years ago, HEAL (Helping Enrich Autistic Lives), and its ongoing impact. The Weeds talk about Arnold Palmer, Dean Beman and Jay Monahan, just some of the people who have helped them along the way. Bobby and Leslie also reflect on Pete and Alice Dye and what Players Championship week means to them and their community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger praise Kurt Kitayama on his gritty victory, discuss the state of Jordan Spieth's game and go deep on changes to the Tour's "product."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Fire Drill podcast, PGA Tour Player Director Peter Malnati explains the new structural changes to the schedule and how, as the appointed voice of the Everyman, he changed his thinking as the Tour embraces small fields and no cuts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hale Irwin is an all-time badass: A division one football star in college, a 3-time U.S. Open champ and now a dispenser of hard truths. In this Need A Fourth, he goes deep with another Winged Foot conquerer, Geoff Ogilvy, while Shipnuck & Bamberger ride shotgun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill podcast: Matt Ginella joined Ryan French, Michael Bamberger, and Alan Shipnuck to discuss the dominance of Rahm, the return of Tiger, and the amazing longevity of Bernhard Langer. They discuss the good, bad and ugly, of the 10th hole at Riviera and with the Masters just weeks away, the four wondered if Tiger had one more majestic run in him. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Need a 4th, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger are along for the ride as Geoff Ogilvy welcomes an old mate and a fellow Aussie, the golfing polymath Michael Clayton! Michael can do it all. He played for years on the Australian and European tours, he writes about the game with spectacular clarity, his course-design work will stand the test of time, and as you are about to find out, he talks about the game like a Down Under version of Ben Crenshaw, with some Peter Thomson mixed in. Elsewhere at FPC this week, we celebrate golf in the great cultural, financial and sporting capital of Melbourne and we revisit the December fun of the Sandbelt Invitational, the tournament co-founded by Clayton and Ogilvy. There are few people in the world (if any) who know more about golf in the sand, and golf in Melbourne, than Clayton and Ogilvy. Give a listen and hear for yourself. G’day!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill podcast: Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger watch the final stretch of the Waste Management Open together and discuss the tournament's place in modern professional golf. They share their opinions on whether or not Tiger will make the cut at the LA Open next week, and they speculate on what the conversations between LIV and the PGA Tour will be like at the Champions Dinner at Augusta in April.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christina Kim swears like a sailor but has a heart of gold. Two decades into her LPGA career she is an O.G. who has retained a childlike enthusiasm. The one and only CK joins “Need A Fourth?!” for a lively, wide-ranging conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s Fire Drill: Ryan French, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger are joined by Matt Ginella and golf’s super agent Mac Barnhardt. They discuss the wild Waste Management Monday qualifier, Justin Rose prevailing at Pebble Beach, and what lies ahead for professional golf’s future stars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you sum-up the one and only Gary McCord? Tour legend? Senior Tour winner? The wit behind hundreds of CBS golf telecasts? Well, give a listen to the latest edition of Need a Fourth as he joins Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger and former neighbor, Geoff Ogilvy and decide for yourself! You may settle on the one-word summation we have settled on: RACONTEUR. Gary’s half-century at the highest level cannot be contained in one podcast, as you will find out here. Good times, right here: Gary McCord on Need a Fourth!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s Fire Drill: Ryan French, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger discuss yet another Patrick Reed controversy, Max Homa’s win at Torrey Pines, the next LIV deflector, the return of Anthony Kim and much more! This episode is dedicated to the memory of Howard French. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On an all new "Need A 4th?!" a deep dive into the golfing foibles of a star of stage and screen, Mr. Richard Kind, the man who plays Larry David’s cousin on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Rich tells Geoff Ogilvy, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger about his buddy George Clooney’s golf game, tells some hilarious Hollywood golf stories that are NOT for the faint of heart, reveals his list of favorite courses and asks Geoff what he can do to get more distance. Tired of golfers who take themselves too darn seriously? Allow us to offer this special guest on “Need A Fourth?!”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Grind is a docuseries that showcases the trials and tribulations of aspiring professional golfers as they bet on themselves in the face of the very long odds of ever making it to the big time. The first episode of the first season can now be streamed on the Fire Pit Collectives YouTube channel. It follows the travails of Mark Baldwin during a long, brutal roadtrip as he endures bad luck and the bad health of his young son thousands of miles away. In this accompanying episode of The Grind podcast (https://youtu.be/DBEwKfGq954), Mark is joined by his wife, Sarah, and Ryan French, his friend and part-time caddie. They discuss what it's like being the stars of the show; the vulnerability of opening up their lives to a large audience; and the challenges of juggling family life with Mark's travels and the ongoing financial stress that comes with missing cuts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Fire Drill, Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger, and Ryan French recap the production of THE GRIND, our docusseries that premiers January 24th. They break down Jon Rahm's recent dominance, LIV's new television deal and the potential awkwardness at the dinner table if Dru Love tells his father, DL3, that he's joining LIV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Foley is one of the most fascinating instructors in the game of golf. His unique approach towards the golf swing and seamless ability to turn a coffee break conversation into a mind melting analysis of how Tiger Woods would have won 33 majors had technology never evolved, make’s for wonderful conversation with Geoff Ogilvy, Alan Shipnuck, and Michael Bamberger. We present to you: Need a 4th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Fire Drill, Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger, and Ryan French break down Si Woo's win in Hawaii, Buckley's near-miss and relive Michelle Wie's glory days. They also reflect on the importance of diverse voices in golf media and the ways the sport can continue to evolve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger break down Collin Morikawa's collapse at the Tournament of Champions, Alan gets some face time with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, and Michael questions why top amateurs are getting Masters invitations without having to formally qualify. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger look ahead to the 2023 season with the usual mix of insight, humor and tales from the road.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just two years the Sandbelt Invitational has become one of the most charming tournaments in golf. In this Fire Drill podcast, founder Geoff Ogilvy and Alan Shipnuck discuss a rousing week and the future of the Sandbelt. The star of the tournament, Momoka Kobori, joins the conversation to share what she learned playing alongside winner Cameron Davis and what the strong showing at the Invitational means to her fledgling career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now, on an all new Need a Fourth: the gentle wisdom of a golfing legend, Mr. Ben Crenshaw! In this episode, Alan Shipnuck, Geoff Ogilvy and Michael Bamberger visit with the only man who could have found his way to the World Golf Hall of Fame wearing two different hats, one as a player (two-time winner of the Masters) and the other as an architect (Sand Hills, just for starters). Geoff has played in loads of tournaments with Crenshaw, and Alan and Michael have been interviewing him for years, but in this conversation they all heard things they had not before. Ben talks about the new 13th tee at Augusta National, and his memories of playing there as an amateur. Geoff asks Ben about the secrets to putting, and you won't have to be a U.S. Open winner (as Geoff is) to understand the wisdom of what Ben says!Ben speaks movingly about his love for the game, for The Country Club, for caddies, for courses. Need a good listen? Allow us to offer, “Need A 4th?!”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sandbelt Invitational is part of the Geoff Ogilvy Foundation’s mission to bring together the best golfers across Australia with the goal that the older and more experienced players will pass down their knowledge to young pros and aspiring amateurs. In this special Fire Drill, Ogilvy, Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck preview the Invitational and the four wondrous courses outside of Melbourne that serve as the tournament venues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill Podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger are joined by Matt Ginella to discuss the multiple sides of Vijay Singh, the Dad version of Tiger, the overblown coverage of Charlie Woods, and the future of the OWGR. Plus much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great golf swings have a certain rhythm. The guest of this Need A 4th?! is an okay golfer with superior rhythm: Mike Mills, the bassist for the iconic band REM. He riffs on golf, life and music with guitar enthusiast Geoff Ogilvy plus Bamberger & Shipnuck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill: Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger break down Tiger Woods and his performance in The Match, their connection with the late Grant Wahl, how the Japan Tour qualifying series might change the pathway for professional golf, and somehow manage to tie together the film Straight Out of Compton with the complexities of breaking news as a journalist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brandel Chamblee has long been the most polarizing commentator in golf, taking tough stances on everything from Tiger Woods’s rules controversies to Saudi Arabia’s encroaching influence on the professional game. But Chamblee shows a softer side in this wide-ranging conversation with co-hosts Geoff Ogilvy, Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck, reflecting on his own playing career, the changing role of the media and the love of his life: the golf swing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger discuss Viktor Hovland’s win at the HERO World Challenge or as Ryan calls it, “a glorified buddies trip.” They explain what Adrian Meronk’s victory at the Australian Open will do for his World Ranking and Olympic status as well as a deep dive into how the media shaped the tail end of Tiger’s career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wishbone Brawl is one of the purest events in golf. “Perfect” is how one onlooker summed it up. “It’s the unicorn of golf events,” says John Ashworth, the “caretaker” of Goat Hill Park, the municipal golf course in Oceanside, Calif., and the annual host of the tournament. The Wishbone Brawl consists of four professionals playing a mini municipal using vintage equipment in front of an animated crowd that’s not confined by ropes, kids and dogs are everywhere, and all money raised supports junior golf. When people talk about “growing the game,” this is it on so many levels. What you’ll hear in this podcast are all the relevant audio moments throughout the day, which starts with a warm-up session on the driving range and ends with the post-round interviews on the 18th green. In between are some walk and talks on the course and throughout play with the players and some notables in the gallery. And you’ll hear the occasional reacts from the crowd after key moments in the match. The teams are Xander Schauffele and Dean Wilson versus Fred Couples and Geoff Ogilvy. They’re playing persimmon woods. The format is best ball of the twosome. It’s Nov. 19th, a perfect Saturday morning in San Diego, the crowd size is estimated to be 1,000 adults, another 250 kids and about 40 dogs. All of the proceeds are going to support North County Junior Golf, which is based out of Goat Hill Park, and the other half of what’s raised goes to support the Goat Hill Park Caddie and Leadership Academy. “This is community golf at its best,” said Ogilvy. “This is as much fun as I’ve ever had playing golf.” We hope you enjoy listening to the show as much as we did watching it. And as much as Ogilvy had playing in it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Alan Shipnuck, Geoff Ogilvy and Michael Bamberger sit and listen in awe as Michael Murphy, the wildly alert 90-something writer, takes over the show. Murphy is the man who invented golf’s most original player-philosopher, Shivas Irons, from his landmark novel/treatise, “Golf in the Kingdom.” Ogilvy, who has read the book innumerable times, looks like he is talking to a golfing god as he listens to Murphy. Shipnuck and Bamberger, who once had the privilege of walking the Pebble Beach dunes with Murphy, ask Murphy about Woods and Hogan and why the game has such a hold on us, and explore why his slender book captures more about the game’s complex beauty than any other golfing treatise ever written. Murphy is an utter inspiration and he is spellbinding in this podcast. Need a good listen? Allow us to offer, “Need A 4th?!”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Mike Bamberger discuss the Global Player of the Year (hint: he just won in Australia) and the fatuous PIP payouts. There are also lively diversions about Corey Pavin, Greg Norman, Sean O'Hair and much much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every NFL fan knows Trey Wingo, the excitable host and commentator on various TV and radio shows dedicated to the real national pastime. But Wingo is just as fanatical about golf, and he displays his knowledge and passion in this conversation with co-hosts Geoff Ogilvy, Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck. Wingo recounts how he fell for the game, spars with the hosts over his favorite courses and offers insight on the most golf-crazy players and coaches around the NFL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger, and Ryan French break down the final week in golf before the holiday season begins. Jon Rahm wins on the DP Tour but Rory takes the Race to Dubai without winning a single DP event. Lydia Ko’s hall of fame career before the age of 26, Adam Svensson’s win at the RSM and his connections with the Big Money Classic and the crew presents their solutions to the current OWGR situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming off his career-altering victory in Egypt, Andy Ogletree returns to the Fire Drill to discuss what led to the breakthrough and where he goes from here. He provides valuable context in the Asian Tour’s increasing influence in world golf as well as fun travel stories of an innocent abroad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Other than his otherworldly skill at golf, Joel Dahmen is just like us. A native of Clarkston, Wash. (population 7,229), he likes cold beer and football and, presumably, apple pie. While Tiger Woods’s maniacal workouts led to a physique that resembles a martini glass, Dahmen is unbothered by his dad bod. Think of him as the pro next door. In this episode Dahmen speaks candidly about his long road to the PGA Tour and the stress that comes with having to fight for his job. He talks about what he learned moonlighting as a caddie for a friend at Q School, and takes listeners behind the scenes of Max Homa’s baby shower. As a member of the Player Advisory Council, Dahmen sheds light on the Tour’s boardroom machinations and what Jay Monahan is like behind closed doors. At every turn he is self-deprecating and amusing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger drill down on a huge week, including winners like Finau, Fleetwood, Korda, Harrington & Ishikawa. They discuss the larger meaning of Andy Olgetree’s win on the Asian Tour, the Alex Fitzpatrick Q School drama and the Phil and Pat Perez scandal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Mike Bamberger discuss Russell Henley’s (5th!) win, Q School storylines, Asian Tour results and Patrick Reed’s continued legal offensives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger and Ryan French hand out grades on the first LIV season. (They are better than you think). Plus the rise of Seamus Power, some great stories from the PGA Tour event in Bermuda and the guys rank their favorite courses at Bandon Dunes, where all three spent the previous week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill Podcast, Ryan French, Alan Shipnuck, and Michael Bamberger discuss the larger meaning of Rory McIlroy's latest win, Lydia Ko's renaissance and Alan's controversial ace, with the usual diversions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck is joined by James Hahn, a golf unicorn: a Tour member who makes supportive statements about LIV Golf. Hahn talks Tour politics, Monahan's future, his "price" to go LIV and much more in this candid conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French (MondayQinfo) & Michael Bamberger discuss Phil's curious press conference comments, Brooks and Keegan winning again, Rickie's resurgence and the delicate dance between reporters and subjects. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck is joined by Ryan French and Michael Bamberger to discuss Kim’s emergence as a budding superstar, as well as Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra’s win at LIV and what that means for the competition for young talent. Ryan brings to life his scoop on how the MENA Tour stiffed its players and what that means for LIV. They also riff on everyone from Frank Lickliter to Peter Thomson is a delightfully discursive conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of how the loss of one life is saving countless others. Curing Kids Cancer is an organization that has raised over $23 million with a simple mission: “Find cures for all childhood cancers.” This podcast tells the story of how one family’s loss has resulted in the inspirational progress to fund the development of CAR T immunotherapy. You’ll meet Grainne and Clay Owen, who, almost 20 years ago, lost their son Killian to leukemia. On the one-year anniversary of his death, they founded an organization that continues to change lives. “I didn’t have the luxury of feeling sorry for myself,” says Grainne. “That would’ve been way too selfish because I had three other boys that needed me and they saved me from myself.” You’ll hear from Dr. Stephan Grupp, of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who has become a leader in research devoted to developing cell-based and molecularly-targeted therapies to treat leukemia and solid tumors. “What motivates me is I see what it looks like when it doesn’t work,” says Dr. Grupp. “And it’s completely unacceptable.” Is this a golf story? Not really. But golf has played a critical role in the cultivating of the funds that are being used to make the difference. Curing Kids Cancer’s 17th annual golf tournament will be held on Oct. 3rd at Lakewood Country Club in Dallas and is expected to raise upward of $400,000. PGA Tour player Matt NeSmith will be there and makes a cameo in this podcast as he explains why he and his wife, Abigail, are involved in supporting Curing Kids Cancer. Lee Corso of ESPN’s “College Gameday” also offers his perspective and support. “It was 15 years ago when I met Clay Owen,” says Corso. “He was making his speech in Atlanta about how he and his wife lost their son Killian to leukemia. I was so touched, I walked up to him on the stage and I grabbed him and I said, ‘How can I help?’” Corso hasn’t stopped his support ever since. And there are countless others. If you are interested in getting involved, please give this story a listen and then go to curingkidscancer.org. For more visit the The Fire Pit Collective to check out everything we are doing. Use promo Firepit25 at Linksoul.com for 25% off your next Linksoul order. Got a comment about this story or a tip on a story we should track down? You can reach me on Twitter (@mattginella) or on Instagram (@matt_ginella). For bonus visuals and some behind the scenes of The Fire Pit podcast production, go to The Fire Pit YouTube Channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Fire Drill podcast International assistant team captain Geoff Ogilvy joins Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger to break down the results of the Presidents Cup, rising International stars, and the future of American team golf. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Ryan French, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger discuss another big stretch for the game: the compromised POY voting, bang-bang finish at Wentworth,Talor Gooch's rise and Monday madness as the Tour season begins in Napa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Ogletree has been on a professional odyssey since winning the 2019 U.S. Amateur, including a dalliance with LIV. He speaks out here on his PGA Tour suspension (due to end in Dec.), recent adventures on the Asian tour and his new “optimism” for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.