The Fried Egg Golf Podcast

Continuing their debriefing of their early-October Southern swing, Andy and Garrett review their visit to Roaring Gap Club in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the North Carolina-Virginia border. A 1925 Donald Ross design, Roaring Gap is charming and faithfully restored—an old-fashioned hideaway. Andy and Garrett talk routing, topography, mowing lines, and whether Ross courses can be compared to Bruce Springsteen albums. They wrap up the conversation with a tribute to maybe the best golf town in America: Aiken, SC, home to the public Aiken Golf Club as well as the private Palmetto Golf Club. They touch on not only the outstanding architecture of these two courses but also the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that defines them and the town in the general.

In the first part of a conversation about their recent trip to the Carolinas, Andy and Garrett dig into two fascinating Perry Maxwell courses in Winston-Salem, NC: Reynolds Park Golf Course and Old Town Club. First, though, Andy reviews his visit to Mooresville Golf Club, a very good affordable course near Charlotte. Andy and Garrett then talk about Reynolds Park, a striking municipal course that they both regard as one of the top candidates for restoration in the country. They finish the episode with an in-depth discussion of Old Town Club. From its routing to its simple yet ingenious greens, this 1939 Perry Maxwell design, beautifully restored by Coore & Crenshaw in 2013, has a lot to teach any golf architecture enthusiast.

Kevin Moore joins Andy and Garrett to discuss Rory McIlroy's surprising and intriguing comments about soft course setups on the European Tour. Kevin is a former Division 1 college golfer, a professor of Mathematics Education, and the founder of a golf course analysis company called Squares2Circles, so he has some keen insights into what McIlroy means when he talks about "playing with strategy." Kevin, Andy, and Garrett also discuss how equipment technology has changed the way the best players interact with golf architecture, and they dig into whether Kevin himself senses a conflict between his rational, competitive side and his romantic, architecture-loving side. They close with a brief discussion of Aiken Golf Club, the venue for the upcoming Fried Egg event The Thoroughbred. Follow Kevin on Twitter at @kevcmoore and his company Squares2Circles at @Squares2Circles.

Joining first-time host Garrett Morrison is golf historian Robert Crosby, who is working on a book about the great John Low. Garrett and Bob touch on Bob's tumultuous college days and his thoughts about the escapist character of golf before delving into his research on the fascinating life and work of John Low. In the early 20th century, Low played an influential role in debates about golf architecture, equipment, and rules. His way of thinking about the game, as Bob eloquently describes, is just as relevant today as it was a century ago. Robert Crosby's articles on John Low in the journal Through the Green: Part 1 - Part 2

Last week Lukas Michel became the first international winner of the U.S. Mid Am at Colorado Golf Club, he joins Andy to talk about his week in Colorado and his golf career. The pair talk about amateur golf, how Lukas got prepared for his Mid Am run at Sand Hills, the awkward moment on the final hole of the match and his plans for the future.

In part two of Andy's discussion with Golfweek and Golf Channel contributor Geoff Shackelford they discuss the new player empowerment era where golf has seen its biggest names speaking up on hot topics. The two discuss slow play and driver technology before Andy gets Geoff's take on the future of golf course architecture.

Geoff Shackelford joins the podcast to catch up with Andy on what's been going on in professional golf. Geoff answers important questions such as was the new schedule a success? Should Brooks have won Player of the Year and what we might see in with the TV contract negotiations.

Golf Course Superintendent Craig Moore joins the podcast to discuss maintaining turf on the United States Northern Border. Craig and Andy discuss the brilliant and varied architecture behind the 36 holes at Craig's facility the Marquette Golf Club. Craig discusses what it was like to build a course in the Upper Peninsula and some of the struggles maintaining turf that he faces.

The Fried Egg's Managing Editor Garrett Morrison joins Andy to discuss their recent trip to Prairie Dunes and Southern Hills. Garrett and Andy talk about their takeaways on Perry Maxwell and how he is an underappreciated architect. The two then dive into Prairie Dunes, comparing Maxwell's original 9 to his son Press' work building the second 9. The two then dive into Southern Hills and the recent renovation work by Gil Hanse. The upcoming major host wowed both Garrett and Andy.

In the third installment of our recent recording session with Tom Doak, Andy and Tom dive into his work at Stonewall in Elverson, Pennsylvania. The conversation then turns to Tom's future in the business of consulting at golf courses and what interests he might pursue in the final stage of his design career. Tom and Andy also discuss the increasing distance gap between professional and amateur golfers, and Tom compares Ben Crenshaw's playing style to Brooks Koepka's.

Golf course architects Jaeger Kovich and Clyde Johnson join the podcast to discuss their travels and new series on thefriedegg.com, The Eclectic 18. Both Jaeger and Clyde have traveled a great deal throughout their careers working for the likes of Tom Doak and Gil Hanse as well as their own projects, making a point to see all the areas courses. In this podcast, we discuss some of those travels and how they came up with the Eclectic 18 of the UK.

Geoff Ogilvy joins the podcast to discuss the week of golf at the Open Championship. Geoff and Andy start by talking about Shane Lowry's impressive win and how tough it is to sleep on the lead. Rickie Fowler notched another high finish and Andy asked Geoff's perspective on top 5's in majors versus wins. Their conversation moved to the week's big controversy, the non-conforming drivers and if and how more rigorous testing should be administered. They wrap up the podcast talking about the FedEx Cup Playoffs, the new format this year and the possible other formats for the Tour and Playoffs.

Geoff Ogilvy joins Andy to discuss the 2019 Open Championship. Before they hit on Royal Portrush and the tournament, Geoff and Andy discuss Matthew Wolff, his golf swing and how Trackman has led to more unique motions. Then Andy asks Geoff about getting better as a Tour pro and how difficult it is to do. Finally they close with discussion of Geoff's history at the Open Championship and how it differs from the other majors and who he expects to play well at Portrush.

Golf Channel Analyst and Former PGA Tour winner Arron Oberholser joins the podcast to talk about new youth on Tour, Matthew Wolff, Colin Morikawa and Victor Hovland. Oberholser and Andy then discuss the difference between today's young stars and when Arron was a young player and the tools available. The conversation wraps with Arron talking about this year's schedule and the upcoming Open Championship.

Southern Hills Country Club’s Golf Course Superintendent Russ Myers joins Andy to discuss subjects ranging from his work at Southern Hills to his time working grounds at Augusta National. Russ has a long history with championship golf and tells stories from cutting cups in front of Greg Norman to restoring LACC and Southern Hills with Gil Hanse.

Tom Doak talks with Andy about what is more difficult: building a new course or renovating an existing one. Tom touches on his experience renovating the Gunnamatta Course at the National in Australia. Then he and Andy get to the big news: Tom has been hired to build a seaside links course in Ireland. They discuss his partnership with the Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort and his plans for the new St. Patrick's Links.

In the return of our interview series with golf architect Tom Doak, Tom talks with Andy about several of his past, present, and future projects. They discuss his planned public course at Tara Iti in New Zealand, his work at the Renaissance Club in Scotland, the progress of his renovation of Memorial Park in Houston, and the state of his collaboration with Brooks Koepka.

Charlie Danielson joins the podcast after making the cut at the 2019 U.S. Open. Charlie and Andy discuss his qualifying for the U.S. Open after a major knee surgery that has kept him out of competition for the past year. Charlie goes into the transition from 4-time All-American at the University of Illinois to playing professionally and how the injury has made him reflect. Charlie also talks about his Saturday pairing with Phil at Pebble Beach and how it setup differently from his 2016 U.S. Open venue, Oakmont.

Geoff Ogilvy stops by in Monterey to talk the U.S. Open. Geoff and Andy discuss the U.S. Open's identity, his win in 2006, how par has changed and much more.

The Fried Egg's Managing Editor Garrett Morrison joins the podcast to talk about his new role with The Fried Egg and this week's U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Garrett and Andy discuss what makes Pebble Beach a great golf course and a championship test that has endured 100 years.

In part two of our conversation with Monday Qualifier Founder Ryan French we zero in on the U.S. Open and its Sectional Qualifying. Ryan and Andy kick off the discuss the Web.com Tour putting an event opposite the U.S. Open and the difficult position it puts its players in. Then Ryan dives into some of the players who qualified and their interesting back stories which include funding their golf careers through Golden Tee.

The man behind the famed Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) Twitter account, Ryan French joins Andy to discuss how he started his account and Monday Qualifiers and Mini Tour golf. Ryan discusses where his interest in Monday Qualifiers and Mini-Tour stems from and some of his favorite stories since starting the account. In part two Ryan and Andy discuss the U.S. Open Sectional qualifying and some of the back stories behind the lesser known players.

Author, historian, Executive Director of the Seth Raynor Society and podcast host Anthony Pioppi joins Andy to discuss Seth Raynor and this week's U.S. Women's Open host, Country Club of Charleston. Anthony discusses Raynor's career and how he got into golf as well as his famed template holes and what he expects from this week's tournament.

Andy is joined by up and coming architect Blake Conant to discuss the 2019 PGA Championship. Blake and Andy talk about the week at Bethpage and the PGA's setup of the course and how it effected the championship. They also discuss it compared to Erin Hills and Blake talks about what he would like to see more of in the professional game.

The second half of Andy's latest conversation with Geoff Ogilvy centers on the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage. Geoff gives his thoughts on the new schedule and the PGA's place in golf. They then discuss Brooks Koepka and his unbelievable run in majors and public perception. They close with a discussion on Bethpage Black, what type of players will succeed and what makes it a special venue.

Geoff Ogilvy joins the podcast to chat Tiger's win at the Masters and what he thought of Sunday. Andy and Geoff then discuss par and its relation to Trinity Forest.

Golf course architect David Zinkand joins the podcast to talk about his career. Andy and Dave discuss his time in college at Cornell and the Dreer Award and the opportunity to study abroad that came with it. Dave talks about how that experience altered his perception of golf course architecture and served as the foundation for his career. The conversation then flows through the distinct differences Dave experienced working for Arthur Hills versus architects such as Gil Hanse and Coore & Crenshaw. Andy and Dave then talk about a few of Dave's project work at Desert Forest, Old Elm and upcoming work to Canal Shores.

In part two of our latest podcast with Geoff Shackelford, Andy and Geoff discuss the design of Rustic Canyon. They discuss the role of affordable golf and more importantly, municipal golf as well as the superintendent industry. Geoff also asks Andy about the progression of his drone photography. If you missed part one check it out as the two talk about the recent happenings in golf.

Golf Channel and Golfweek contributor Geoff Shackelford joins the podcast to discuss the recent happenings in golf. Part one of Andy and Geoff's conversation starts with thoughts on Augusta's setup before meandering to the youth invasion in the game and technology. They then talk about the schedule and the good and bad of the condensed season. Part Two of the podcast will air later this week.

Former California Golf Club President Allan Jamieson and revered Golf Historian David Normoyle join the podcast to discuss the California Golf Club and their ambitious renovation effort in 2006. The podcast starts with an interview with Allan Jamieson discussing the politics of the club and dynamics of the club before and after the renovation. Following Allan's interview, David Normoyle joins to discuss the intricacies of the California Golf Club's history and all the aspects that went into the renovation with Kyle Phillips.

Michael McCartin and Will Smith join Andy to discuss their new non-profit The National Links Trust. They discuss the importance of municipal golf and the organizations vision and goals. To sign up for the National Links Trust's newsletter, visit their website here: https://www.nationallinkstrust.com/

Fox Sports’ Shane Bacon joins Andy as they recap the 2019 Masters Tournament. They talk Tiger, his legacy, his style of play, Francesco, and others who had a chance this week. The two also discuss what lies ahead for the rest of 2019 and who has the best chances in majors moving forward.

Geoff Ogilvy joins the podcast to talk about Augusta National. Geoff breaks down each hole and what makes it an unbelievable closing stretch.

Geoff Ogilvy joins the podcast for another Masters episode. Andy and Geoff dive deep into playing Augusta National detailing the subtle design aspects that make the course a masterpiece. In this episode they discuss the front nine at Augusta National, the psychology of playing the course as a competitor and much more.

Geoff Ogilvy joins The Fried Egg podcast to discuss all things Masters. Geoff and And talk about what it’s like to be a rookie at Augusta, the feeling of being in contention on Sunday, how he learned to prepare for the event, and much more. They also discuss the agronomy at Augusta National and how the course sets up unlike any other on tour.

PGA Tour Senior Editor Sean Martin joins the podcast to preview the Masters. Andy and Sean discuss the biggest surprises from the 2019 season thus far and dive into the nitty gritty on the 2019 Masters. Learn why Sean is just lukewarm on Tiger's chances and the pair retell Monty's reaction to the 1997 Saturday pairing with Woods.

Andy is joined by Aiken Golf Club owner Jim McNair and golf course architect Blake Conant. Andy talks with Jim about how he and his family came to be owners of Aiken Golf Club and its rich, eventful history. Jim goes into detail about the renovation that he led in 1996 despite having no experience in architecture or construction and a small staff of 3. Following Jim, Andy calls Blake Conant to talk more about the golf course and what stuck most with Blake.

Andy recaps his visit to Pebble Beach Golf Links for the Summit and is joined by Pebble Beach's Head Pro, Eric Lippert. They discuss Eric's path to Pebble, his playing career, this year's U.S. Open and advice for a first timer to the resort.

University of Denver Professor Andrew Urbaczewski and Ryan Elmore join the podcast to discuss their paper on Loss Aversion in Professional Golf. Andrew and Ryan took a look at the effect that the change in par on the 2nd hole at Pebble Beach and 9th hole at Oakmont had on scoring in the U.S. Open. Read their paper here and listen to the podcast to learn about how changing the way you view par could change your scores for the better.

Golf Club Atlas Founder Ran Morrissett joins the podcast. Ran and Andy discuss dogs on golf courses, the founding of Golf Club Atlas, critiquing golf courses, Ran's 147 Custodians and much more.

In the latest edition of our interview series with golf architect Tom Doak, Andy and Tom discuss his latest book, the fifth volume of his Confidential Guide to Golf Courses. They also touch on Tom's travels through India and his memories of the distinctive courses and cultures there. Finally, Tom talks about a future book project of his, which will be all about golf course routing.

In part two of our most recent podcast with Geoff Ogilvy we discuss the PGA Tour's developing classes of events. Geoff talks about what he likes about invitationals and bigger events as a player. Andy and Geoff also talk about the PLAYERS and its attempt to become a major. The conversation wraps up talking about Geoff's most recent tournament playing the Vic Open a congruent event with the European Tour and LPGA Tour.

Former U.S. Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy joins the podcast to discuss the latest happenings in golf. Andy and Geoff discuss the transition to the modern equipment including the low-spin and modern ball. They then talk about the weekend at Riviera, Geoff lends insight into what makes Riviera a course where veterans thrive and the two discuss potential solutions for slow play. Part two of the podcast will be released later this week.

PGA Tour star Luke Donald joins the podcast to talk about his career. Luke and Andy discuss how he got to world #1, his favorite courses on Tour, how he practices, his top moments and much more.

LPGA Tour Commissioner Mike Whan joins the podcast. Mike talks about his aggressive approach to improving the LPGA Tour and what has succeeded and fallen short. He also discusses a few future ideas and what he's looking forward to in 2019. Listen to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher and Spotify.

What effect does technology have on golf? Maybe the question lies not in golf but elsewhere... Economist Ian Fillmore joins us to discuss how the change from wooden racquets to composite racquets in tennis parallels the game of golf. Ian is an associate professor at Washington University of St. Louis and earned his PHD from the University of Chicago. You can read he and Jonathan Hall's paper Technological Change and Obsolete Skills: Evidence from Men’s Professional Tennis (link) and follow his website (link).

Old Elm Club's Director of Agronomy Curtis James joins the podcast. Andy and Curtis discuss his background, how agronomy and turf work together, how a municipal course could improve on a shoestring budget and the transformation of the Old Elm Club.

Geoff Ogilvy and Andy talk about Geoff’s recent trip to Scotland and the allure of links golf. Geoff talks about the compelling aspects of women’s professional golf and how their game showcase architecture. Then the two discuss the idea of challenging versus hard golf.

In the first episode of our new series with former U.S. Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy, Andy and Geoff discuss Waialae and Kapalua and their unique challenges. They also dive into what they like and don't like about the new rules in golf as well as testing the world's best players.

Tom Doak joins Andy to discuss his upcoming redesign of Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. This popular municipal course is going to host the 2020 Houston Open. Tom talks about his plans for the site, working with Brooks Koepka, and his strategy for testing the skills of PGA Tour pros.