The Shotgun Start

This Friday episode begins with the 100-plus page complaint filed by 11 LIV players against the PGA Tour, as well as the temporary restraining order that will go to court next week. Andy and Brendan react to the complaint, its allegations and arguments, and the PGA Tour’s potential missteps and response going forward. They highlight a couple aspects they find compelling, dubious, and amusing in the whole mess that will be instrumental in how the future of golf looks, with an antitrust expert coming later in the week on the podcast to get into more of the details. The second half of the pod discusses early action from Muirfield at the Women’s Open, Webb Simpson becoming a vice captain, and a Flashback Friday to that time a scorecard “countback” decided the Women’s Open.

This Wednesday episode begins with some thoughts on the last major of the year, the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield. Andy and Brendan discuss their recent trip to the course, some favorite holes, some amusing stories, and how the women’s game might bring it into the modern world. On the PGA Tour, they discuss the myth of the FEC bubble and how many players hovering around it are truly unworthy of a “postseason” berth after this week’s Wyndham. This leads to more Max McGreevy facts than you could ever anticipate. James Hahn’s weird and misguided tweets are dissected, as is the new PGA Tour schedule, which seems to do nothing more than throw some money at the problems while changing very little else. News hits on Tiger Woods’s astronomical offer to join LIV, Patrick Reed going to Asia to play golf, and a Henrik Stenson conspiracy theory.

It’s a glorious first of the month recording, which has Andy and Brendan full of energy despite the relatively sleepy golf from multiple fronts at the Rocket Mortgage and LIV Bedminster. They discuss the confusion and lack of enthusiasm around the actual team golf at LIV, the political rally that seemed to make the golf incidental, the absurdly overhyping announcers, and the Tour’s own continued problems on display weighing it down in Detroit. They also debate who’s sadder: Phil or Brooks? The Women’s Scottish and the Hero Open are reviewed from across the pond. They close with further amusement about the 3-1-3 Challenge and Henrik still feeling persecuted about losing his captaincy.

It’s a summer hours Friday episode, which begins with some LIV rumors of varying degrees of amusement, from gambling shortcomings to developments in Thursday’s pro-am at Trump Bedminster to some agronomy specs for events. News of Luke Donald replacing Henrik Stenson as European Ryder Cup captain is discussed, which leads to a Precision Pro Flashback Friday on the time Paul Casey drew him into an international incident slamming Americans for being insular. There’s continued incredulity about Davis Love III’s role in Detroit.

This Wednesday episode begins with LIV’s return to the schedule for the week. Andy and Brendan laugh at Laurie Canter getting passed around, the decrepit Niblicks squad, and the moderate interest in the actual golf. They lament the lack of access to any of these players, who will be off for more than a month between LIV events. There is more Stenson scorn, some warning about contracts as they relate to the “relegation” concept or lack thereof, and the PGA Tour’s potential parroting of that contract model. The added events for next year that might commit players to an international series in far flung corners of the globe is discussed. Davis Love III making it into a featured group for the Rocket Mortgage Classic is shouted about, in between praise for the event’s mission and character. The Euro Tour returns to fake St. Andrews, and the helicopter parents head to Bandon for the Junior Am. They close with yet another shadow FedExCup eligibility list that deals with the suspended LIV players.

Andy and Brendan have returned to the U.S., where they’re longing for some aspects of their Scotland trip while happy to have other comforts of home back in their lives. They offer a few more takeaways of appreciation from that trip, as well as a harsh judgment on fish and chips. Then they get to the golf from the packed weekend, praising Brooke Henderson for her second major while offering a mild critique about her pace of play and how she’s underrated relative to some of her less accomplished peers. Tony Finau’s triumph is reviewed, with some late shakiness after a strong back nine to take his second win in less than a year. Husky Darren Clarke and Richie Ramsay are also credited for their wins. News returns to the LIV developments from late last week, where Henrik Stenson’s backstabbing disgraceful betrayal is put on blast, and there’s befuddlement over what Charles Howell III does for LIV.

Summer School in Scotland rolls on and Andy and Brendan have a few more thoughts on The Open, specifically Rory’s performance, after a magical afternoon getting to play The Old Course themselves. Then they get back to the pro golf at hand, namely the 3M Open at TPC Sod Farm, described in one write-up as utilizing “natural, rolling terrain on the site of a former sod farm.” They discuss the Tour’s messaging, which is apparently foremost of what they care about, and how the 3M Open actually exhibits weakness to the point it would be best if they just took a few weeks off following The Open. The women’s and senior majors are previewed, with critiques for two poor venues. The LIV latest is discussed, with David Feherty making the jump and Ernie Els with some sage advice on how this should all shake out, including specific comments on new Champion Golfer of the Year Cam Smith.

A magical week for Andy and Brendan at The Open comes to a close with this recap episode after the final round at The Old Course. After walking with Cam, Rory, and the rest, they relay what they saw and why it shook out the way it did. Cam’s legendary final round is dissected, with a few key spots and shots picked out that seemed to turn the tide in the final hours. The Rory heartbreak is reviewed, with debate on whether he played it too safe or just got beat by the hot talent. There’s one more occasion to reflect on and praise The Old Course, which had both feeling grateful to be present for this particular major. They discuss how it played and why it separated again on Sunday. Cam Young gets his due, as does a certain housecat. Then they wrangle with LIV returning to our lives promptly, with the new Champion Golfer of the Year not exactly shooting down questions about rampant LIV rumors surrounding him, Jon Rahm suggesting the tours negotiate with some strong words for the Euro Tour, and Henrik Stenson apparently jumping ship and losing his Ryder Cup captaincy.

It’s Saturday night in St. Andrews and Andy and Brendan recap just about a perfect day both in town and out on the golf course. They discuss the crowd imploring Rory along, Cam Smith’s disappointment, the course setup that had Matt Fitzpatrick saying things were “tricked up,” and Viktor Hovland’s challenge. They also hit on an Andy tussling with Ian Poulter on the press conference transcript, and the confusion that followed. Talor vs. Tyrell is reviewed, Graeme McDowell’s idiotic tweet about shotgun starts at St. Andrews is covered, and there’s a theory about seagulls impacting play. They close with some contender vs. pretender and how it’s all right there for Rory.

This Friday episode is a lively recap from the day at St. Andrews, where Andy and Brendan dove into a few conspiracies, conjured some new enemies, and celebrated both the Cameron Zone and Tiger’s potential farewell to The Old Course. Cameron Smith and the Aussie advantage on this hard ground is covered, as is Rory’s adjustment in a changing wind. They close with some thoughts on the course, the pins, and the LIV presence persisting on the leaderboard, as well as a few worst-case scenarios.

Andy and Brendan are live from the dorm room overlooking the 18th fairway at St. Andrews, where they spent the day taking in all manner of amusements, spectacular play, poor play, and a firm and fiery Old Course that is challenging the pros in a unique way. They discuss some quotes from Talor, Westy, and Rory that sort of frame the day full of almost 16 hours of golf. The course conditions and shots witnessed up close are relayed in an on-the-ground report. The question to leader Cameron Young about being from the streets of the Bronx is given ample coverage, and laughter. Phil’s bizarre morning and Tiger’s late tumble are also covered, as is the Scheffler disrespect.

Andy and Brendan record this Open preview from their dorm room overlooking the Swilken bridge, passing along notes and amusements after a couple days from the ground. They begin first with an Andy order mishap that put him on the shelf for the first day. Then it’s on to a wide-ranging course chat, mostly about the firmness, the options, how it might play and what skills might come in handy most, and some holes to keep an eye on. The course is the star as much as anyone and they relay a handful of notes both from player comments and their own walking. Then they rip through the quotable segment, pulling out details for Spieth, JT, Rory, Tiger, and Zalatoris, who all came through the media center on Tuesday. The pre-major tradition of highlighting a few favorite tee times commences, with a focus on the LIV boys being absolutely buried out of marquee group view. They close with Tiger’s comments on LIV, a lengthy and multi-faceted denunciation. News hits on the DOJ investigation into the PGA Tour as it pertains to LIV, before a sign off with a few more thoughts on The Open with one more day to go.

This Monday episode comes to you just after midnight in Scotland, where Andy and Brendan completed a walk through The Old Course for the first time. They offer some first impressions and thoughts about what they saw, both on the course and with one solo player. Then they move on to some results, asking it Xander’s Scottish Open win is the best of his career, which now has as many Ws as Jon Rahm. The recap on the Senior Players somehow devolves into an extended Frank Lickliter II segment. News hits on some early shuffling at The Open, like Greg Norman being asked not to show up by the R&A, Phil withdrawing from the Champions event, and Tiger’s first practice rounds and prospects, which includes a conspiracy theory.

This episode begins with Andy and Brendan discussing excitement and anticipation over their imminent departure for Scotland and what they’re most excited about once they get there. Then they get to Rory McIlroy’s eye-opening comments to the BBC earlier this week, in which he said the LIV vs. the PGA Tour battle has been messier than it ever should have gotten and suggested a way the two sides chat. Is this a momentous tone shift in the battle between the two? That leads to further discussion about PGA Tour strategy to mitigate or neutralize an opponent that perhaps they’ve underestimated from the start. Mercifully, there is golf talk on the Scottish Open, Big Shot Bob Allenby falling to DFL at the Senior Players, and DL3’s case of the “Pelley yips.”

This Tuesday episode is a compilation from the holiday weekend happenings and a look forward at the schedule ahead as coffee golf peaks for the year. Andy and Brendan offer some thoughts on the conclusion to the second LIV event in Portland and how it felt like another sign that this is a ship that won’t be slowed. Talor Gooch’s comments and the Shark reveling are critiqued as well. Then they discuss the ongoing volley of public comments among players, especially as the Scottish Open takes center stage and LIV players enlist lawyers to gain last-minute entry. There’s also a thought that peer shame could be a more effective deterrent than any bans. Jon Rahm’s comments to “de-americanize” a Ryder Cup venue in Ireland are covered, along with J.T. Poston’s victory and a grow-the-game moment for Poland. This week’s schedule is previewed with excitement for the Scottish, the issues with it now being co-sanctioned, and the Barbasol’s field list.

This Friday episode reacts to another actual golf round on the LIV tour, but first there’s a sports minute on KD and more college conference shenanigans, leading to a Greg Norman-Robert Sarver comp. Then it’s on to LIV Portland, where the broadcast was completely over the top in its overhype and propaganda. Andy and Brendan discuss what was stronger -- namely, some real players -- and what continues to be lacking. There’s news of this transition from a “series” to a “league” for next year. A quote carousel focuses on more Gooch stupidity, some heat from Freddie Couples on LIV and Phil, and the 3M Open guy deciding to also launch some grenades. Flashback Friday is a short history on the recurring fight for the Quad Cities Classic, now the John Deere, to stay alive, with anecdotes from three different decades and the background on how TPC Deere Run came into existence.

This Wednesday episode is overflowing with the bounty that the content gods continue to provide. Andy and Brendan did not intend to start with LIV, but a remark here and there near the top, and 30 minutes of harsh words, laughs at specious explanations, and many, many expletives (EARMUFFS kids!) later, well, they went on a lot about Brooks, Reed, Perez, Bryson, and Wolff’s Portland performances. There are also some thoughts about the many shortcomings and make-it-up-as-we-go state of the current LIV product. The second half of the pod is largely dedicated to more significant PGA Tour changes, including the announcement of strengthened “strategic alliance” with the Euro Tour and more various pathways to the PGA Tour. Do they need to get leaner, not more alliance-y? The John Deere featured groups are discussed as well, with one put up as the “WOAT” in the history of pga tour featured groups coverage.

Golf delivered again on Sunday with compelling dramas, handshake controversies, and coverage angst. Andy and Brendan begin with the Women’s PGA Championship, where Lexi Thompson had another torturous Sunday collapse in a major. They compare it to last year’s slow bleed at Olympic, and wonder how she can keep coming back. There are also some kind words on Congressional and harsher words for the pace of play and a skimpy broadcast window. Xander’s weekend at the Travelers is assessed, both good and bad, and the thrill of Theegala, both good and bad, is also praised. They ponder the Tour’s next move in light of Pierceson Coody’s impressive showing after turning down LIV money while Oklahoma State stud Eugenio Chacarra turned pro to take the LIV cash. Nick Faldo’s segment on Brooks running off to LIV is also discussed. Finally, there’s delight and appreciation expressed for Haotong and Paddy’s victories.

This Friday episode is here to carry you into the weekend with some thoughts on the Women’s PGA Championship beating up the best in the world early in the week, and the meritless complaints about it being too hard and long. There’s some brief chatter about the Prince’s push in Hartford and Living and Working in Maine. Then there’s a review of Jay Monahan’s press conference in Hartford, with particular ire for his comments about dealing with an “irrational actor” or opponent. Flashback Friday is on the old McDonald’s LPGA Championship and centers around Suzann Pettersen and Se Ri Pak victories, as well as some Michelle Wie controversies that had one legend saying she showed “a lack of respect and class.”

This delayed Wednesday episode begins with some big changes proposed to the PGA Tour’s structure, namely trimming some of the fat with their status scheme. There are, once again, tweaks proposed for the playoffs and a three-event cash grab tour in the fall. Andy and Brendan discuss all these proposals, how they might work, and if they will matter in the fight against LIV. Stick around for the ad read on this one as well, as they might get in trouble. One name defecting to LIV is Brooks Koepka, and his decision is panned in light of his recent statements. There’s also significant room allotted to Nick Faldo stepping away and Trevor Immelman stepping in at CBS. Shhhhedule for the week focuses on a logjam of major golf, starting with the Women’s PGA at Congressional, which should show beautifully. The Travelers, Senior Open, and BMW Euro event are also discussed with varying degrees of amusements at the fields.

Andy and Brendan settle back in at the PrePro house to revel and review in all they witnessed at The Country Club, both on Sunday and throughout the weekend. They begin with appreciation for what a major can deliver, golf and competition that matter on stages that feel consequential. Then it's on to Matt Fitzpatrick’s play and his breakthrough major -- the chase for speed and the shots he pulled off on Sunday. Another Will Zalatoris run at contention is contextualized after a weekend of playing maybe the best golf of anyone in the field. Scottie Scheffler’s “sound” is critiqued, as well as the Rahm and Rory rounds. Then they get to TCC as a venue, course, and host city, which leads to some spicy laments about the anchor sites taking up so much future real estate.

Andy and Brendan are absolutely buzzing after an amazing day at the U.S. Open in Boston. They start with some tales from the ground, which included following Will Zalatoris, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and others who populate this fantastic leaderboard. ESPN’s Kevin Van Valkenburg pops in with an amusing anecdote or two from his time following Rory and others. They lament the potential TIO stain that could be left on this championship, as well as chant heard on Saturday the likes of which we will never hear again. Also, were tee times too late? Did darkness impact the finish? Aside from these few conspiracy theories, there’s general excitement and praise from a great day at the national championship.

Andy and Brendan assess this 2022 U.S. Open at its midpoint, bringing three things from Friday that they feel are prime for discussion. They begin with #SyringeGate and the USGA watering the greens in the middle of the round when a storm was forecasted to roll through and the wind settled later in the afternoon. There are pleas for a tougher set up, but praise for the skills The Country Club is testing right now. DJ’s LIV comments are also discussed. They review Jon Rahm’s charge, Rory hanging on, Joely steering it in, Phil’s irrelevance, and a startling Law & Order SVU scene they were subjected to in the media center.

Andy and Brendan are back from The Country Club and posted up at The Precision Pro House. They have a few thoughts on what they watched up close in the first round of the U.S. Open. There’s exasperation with the rampant LIV rumors, praise for Rory’s day and his tempestuous outbursts, and schadenfreude at Phil’s expected no-show. There are a couple “most disappointing” nominees, including frustration with the USGA setup of Brookline, which was characterized as “doughy.”

This is a recording from SGS’s live gathering at the USGA’s 19th Hole at High Street Place Food Hall in Downtown Boston. It features a recap from Wednesday on the ground at the U.S. Open, including some thoughts on the USGA’s press conference with Mike Whan and John Bodenhamer, and a few names not to consider after witnessing some alarming shots. Andy and Brendan also have a spectator’s guide segment on some places to watch from the ground and on TV. There’s a debate over whether there’s a “US Open player.” And they close with a fun Q&A session with some amusing inquiries from both Twitter and the live audience.

Andy and Brendan are live from the Precision Pro House in Boston, where they’re on site after a full day at the U.S. Open. They begin with Brooksy getting pissy with the press for talking too much about LIV, but relay how that battle for pro golf’s future is dominating every conversation with different stakeholders on the ground this week. That may change once the balls are in the air on Thursday, and they go long with a full preview of how the course has looked so far this week, some potential trouble spots, and why the USGA might be fearful of actually pushing the envelope. They also discuss the reception Phil’s received and might receive during the championship. The usual “favorite tee times” segment of major week yields some laughs about a few peculiar trios. Lastly, they close with reports of the DP World Tour possibly turning on the strategic alliance with the PGA Tour to get in bed with the Saudis.

U.S. Open week has arrived but there’s plenty to dispense with from a monumental weekend in the professional game. Andy and Brendan begin first with Rory McIlroy’s win at the Canadian Open, battling JT in front of a full-throated crowd and then taking a shot at Greg Norman on the way out of town. They praise most of the product on display, while cautioning against extrapolating anything larger from it. Jay Monahan’s appearance in the booth on CBS is critiqued, and they wonder what’s possibly next for the commish. The LIV Saturday finale is reviewed and it’s debated whether “exhibition” is the perfect term for that snoozefest finish where the only thing notable was the payout. They close by hailing Linn Grant’s dominance in a mixed event, as well as the lopsided Curtis Cup that may need to broaden the net. Lastly, the pro shop currently has a Father’s Day sale ongoing, with some new Brookline-themed polos and other merch -- everything is 15% off auto-applied at checkout.

This Friday episode jumps right into a whirlwind day that may be the start of fundamentally changed pro golf landscape. Andy and Brendan react to the first broadcast of the first ever LIV Golf round. Did it surpass expectations or devolve into the shitshow that was anticipated? Did the golf even matter? Where is the leaderboard?! They discuss the amusements and disappointments, and who came off most debased as sportswasher of the day. Then they get into the PGA Tour’s announcement that all defectors were suspended, and what that might actually mean in practice. Some legal counsel who’s been digging through the bylaws sends along a few thoughts of how things might go next or different options available to players. They also discuss if Jay Monahan can save his tour with the status quo, and how pro golf is all going to be worse off for this.

An episode trying to cover and make sense of the absolute firehose of absurdity that hit all of us on Tuesday. It begins with frustration that the firehose buried what should have been gnarly metaverse Jack Nicklaus’s moment. Nevertheless, Andy and Brendan proceed on, reacting, with great amusement, to the names, logos, and eventual draft of teams for LIV Golf’s first event. They discuss how the PGA Tour had this coming, and how the resigning membership maneuver may mitigate the Tour’s biggest weapon. The talking points got plenty of use, and Graeme McDowell’s missteps are dissected, as well as the notion that shotgun starts are “fairer” -- which leads to a humorous scoop about the range set up. Phil Mickelson’s return to golf, which feels like old news, is addressed, as is his attire and look. Tiger’s WD from the U.S. Open, as well as some sectional qualifier stories, are also discussed.

This Monday episode begins with tales from the red-eye road and the line at the bagel shop. Then it’s on to the second women’s major winner of the year, Minjee Lee, who ran away from a strong leaderboard in a record-setting U.S. Women’s Open win. Her Sunday stroll to what she called the most important trophy she wanted combined with Billy Horschel’s relatively dominant win in Columbus provokes a debate about whether it’s reductive or insulting to call runaway victories boring as competitions. Jerry Kelly is hailed as the Alker Stopper. Then they pivot to Kevin Na resigning from the PGA Tour, whether Rickie’s next, and some scuttlebutt about the OWGR system further marginalizing the Asian Tour as a response.

This Friday episode begins with some early reaction to the U.S. Women’s Open, where Mina Harigae made nine birdies in her opening round. This prompted the usual wails about fairways too wide and rough too thin, which leads to another setup philosophy discussion. Precision Pro Flashback Friday focuses on a Pine Needles U.S. Open of past as well as the larger theme on ascendant youths in championship women’s golf. A news roundup touches on Jerry Foltz going to LIV as a broadcaster, Texas winning the national title, and these wild suspended-in-the-sky seats at the Canadian Open.

This bonus episode comes after LIV Golf at long last released its field list for the first event in London, which is in just more than a week. Andy and Brendan discuss the field, the DJ inclusion, the Phil omission, the field fillers, amusing detritus, and who was maybe left in reserve for later events. The PGA Tour’s next move, especially with regards to DJ, is also pondered. They discuss what it might mean for the rest of this year, and then the future of professional golf, and that may not be a good thing apart from the majors.

This Monday plus Wednesday episode begins with a mea culpa after the first episode of the week relied on information that the LIV field list was coming. So it’s a combo show of sorts, first ranting about the LIV organizational incompetencies, and then quickly cleaning up some thoughts from Colonial, with further questions about Tour golf vs. majors golf and Sam Burns’s place in that tension. Then the schedule for this week begins with some NCAA men’s reactions, notably, the overly hands-on approach by the coaches, who are now playing around in the sand with their charges. Also, the swing speeds of the field at NCAAs. Memorial gets some praise as a unique test for Tour golf. The event of the week is the U.S. Women’s Open, with a preview segment discussing Pine Needles as a venue, Annika’s return, Nelly’s return, the age distribution in the field, and a Stars of the Sandhills nominee that highlights the continued youth challengers coming through the ranks.

This is a slightly different Friday show, as an entire Precision Pro FBF segment turns into an episode. Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine recently researched and published an oral history on the 2012 NCAA men’s championships at Riviera, featuring a nail-biter between two juggernauts in Alabama and Texas and three-dozen players that would go pro, including headliners Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, Daniel Berger, Thomas Pieters, Max Homa, and many more. Brentley takes us through the timeline and sets up the drama for this legendary championship, much of which was not caught on video. Frugal Fritelli also plays a prominent role and stirs things up for his Texas team. The episode ends with some thoughts about the Texas program and whether it underachieves similar to the football team, and then how the NCAAs have risen in stature in recent years.

This Wednesday episode comes a bit delayed with Andy on the road fleeing the morose Chicagoland area still dealing with Fitzy’s fade. Brendan promptly gets into the schedule for the week, beginning with Colonial, where Charles Schwab is handing out all manner of perks -- cars, belt buckles, and potentially a second tartan jacket in as many months for Jordan Spieth. The Stand Up Mixer Senior Championship is the subject of a great catnip call of the week. The LPGA is once again holding a 5-day match play event in a desert on the other side of the country from next week’s major, so that’s critiqued. There’s material from the ground in Holland ahead of the Dutch Open. News hits on a few LIV rumors and debates the worst courtside experience for an NBA game. They close with a “Stars of the Sandhills” segment, a short flashlight on Minjee Lee and her Australian upbringing and ascent ahead of next week’s U.S. Women’s Open, where she’ll be a contender at Pine Needles.

Another major is in the books, and Andy and Brendan begin this episode discussing how this was one you had to really work for to get some action. It was a sluggish weekend, and then it quickly wasn’t, as Justin Thomas stormed back into contending position while the leaders fell back in a variety of ways. They break up the episode into winners and losers, beginning obviously with Justin Thomas, assessing his strike on Sunday and his overall place in the game. There’s empathy for Mito, and incredulity about his 18th hole process. There’s also plenty of props for Will Zalatoris, while a frank discussion of his weaknesses and his ability to rise at majors. Rory’s absolutely crushing weekend, and his decision to blow off any discussion of it with the media, is covered. And then there’s the Southern Hills review, praise for a week without “silliness” and rebuttal of some of the player complaints.

This Saturday night episode begins with an apology for our horrible Contender/Pretender predictions, a simply unacceptable performance for a gambling podcast. Then it’s on to the breaking news of Tiger Woods’s withdrawal, and the uninformed takes that will flow from it. They react to the third round as well, giving Mito his due for balling out and assessing his chances for Sunday. There’s some critical intel on Matt Fitzpatrick’s prep, and anticipation for a Chicago party. Rory McIlroy’s horrendous performance is dealt with and everyone involved, including GolfPass, is called to account. There’s a best cast/worst case segment on Sunday possibilities, and a debate over more likely backdoor top 5: Rory or Xander. The episode closes with the idiotic comments of Patton Kizzire on Southern Hills.

This Friday episode begins with more cat talk, but this one’s all about Tiger Woods dragging his decrepit body and rusty game across the cut line for another major weekend. Brendan hails the performance as one that will stick with him for awhile. In contrast to that inspiring show was Rory McIlroy, who is in Andy’s sights after a wholly mediocre round that put him five shots out of the lead. Contender or Pretender gets into the elite talent of Will Zalatoris, who will probably not boot this one away with a high round and will need to be caught. Justin Thomas is the prime candidate to do so, and both Andy and Brendan talk about how they’re coming around on him. There’s a LIV rumors segment around UPS dropping Westy and Oosty, and their top exec bailing after Greg Norman’s screwups. They close with some thoughts on the course conditions, players being angry about the sand and slow greens, and reviews of the Mannigcast alternate feed.

Well it’s a unique Thursday episode after the first round of the PGA Championship, where ESPN’s Kevin Van Valkenburg is on the ground and writing insightful and reported articles. Andy and Brendan do not use his time to get into any of those substantive matters, but rather, as the originator of the “housecat” term to describe (maybe pejoratively) a player, to classify golfers into different categories of the cat species. Which player is the screeching alley cat? Who’s the jungle cat that’s been in captivity too long? Who’s the kitten sipping milk from a saucer? The episode finishes with a Precision Pro Flashback Friday segment on “Tempo Raymondo” or “Fat Raymond,” the 1982 PGA Championship winner at Southern Hills.

It’s another major week, and one that has both Brendan and Andy buzzing thanks to a great venue with a host of player storylines that could come to fruition. But first, an Alex Cejka chat. Then they get to Tiger, who was in full form at his press conference and looks like he’s feeling himself and physically much improved. Justin Thomas taking up pitchforks with the fans about beer prices is also addressed, as well as his chances to win and whether it’s time to put up or shut up at the majors. There’s the usual pre-major segment on favorite tee times, and some not-so-favorite groups. Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Scottie Scheffler’s chances are all also discussed, before some picks are made. The LIV chatter is also covered, from the PGA’s updated stance via Seth Waugh to Rickie’s surprising moment of candidness that created some news and if it means anything for the marketing darling.

This Monday episode begins with tales of Andy’s attempt to fill his POD before an upcoming move. Then it’s over to someone who is not on the move, namely Phil Mickelson, who will not be re-appearing to public life to defend his PGA Championship. Brendan and Andy discuss how bad it must be in Phil-ville to not defend his title, and the prospects of a return in the safe cocoon of LIV Golf. Someone who is in Tulsa is Tiger Woods, and this episode argues for why this is his best chance at a major, not the Old Course. Also apparently playing this PGA is Bryson, fresh off hand surgery but still whaling away and trying to go. The Byron Nelson recap focuses on the Husky Boy’s triumph, and debates whether Spieth is or is not a house cat anymore. Lexi Thompson is the subject of a drive-by, but the Champions Tour is not! They close with a debate/drama about a rules quirk at the U.S. Am Four Ball.

This is a somewhat different SGS episode focusing on a singular story, diving right into the eventful week in the continuing drama between the PGA Tour and the disruptor league, LIV Golf. Brendan and Andy begin with the Tour’s denial of waiver requests to play the London event, and what that may have wrought on Tour in the immediate future, like this summer. Greg Norman’s debacle of a week is dissected after some flippant rationalizations for horrific murders. They ponder who would have been a better choice to head up this Saudi effort, and whether it’s not too late to find new leadership. There’s ample criticism for LIV’s bumbling efforts, but also for the Tour’s response, especially as it relates to creating discipline on the PGA Tour University front. They close with a few thoughts on the likely legal battle that is coming and whether we’re about to have the last “normal week” on the PGA Tour for the foreseeable future.

This Wednesday episode begins with an NBA Playoffs minute after Andy’s trip north to take in the Bucks-Celtics. On golf, Bio Kim gets a shoutout for his first win after the bird suspension. Then they begin by diving into the schedule for the week, starting at the Ranch, Craig T. Nelson Ranch. There’s reaction to a strong field in Dallas after weeks of meh on the Tour. There’s also scoffing at players being “ready” for the PGA, and an event of the week battle that includes the U.S. Four Ball. Some one-and-done picks reignite further and redundant Spieth debates. There is great fascination with the Euro Tour event in Belgium, which boasts quite an eclectic field. In news, they discuss ESPN rolling out a “Manningcast” with Joe Buck for the PGA Championship and LIV Golf apparently giving away the rights to its first event likely to be broadcast on YouTube.

It’s a punchy Monday episode full of energy after a Sunday spent with moms. Andy and Brendan get into the test of TPC Potomac against a middling field. Then it’s on to media darling and 4-time winner Max Homa, his perspective, and how the expectations get raised from here. There’s also an unexpected segment defending Keegan Bradley, a frequent punching bag. Sergio Garcia’s latest outburst is dissected, with a focus on what it means for LIV Golf taking on the temperamental Spaniard. This leads to further discussion about LIV, its latest recruits, and a scoop about the number of releases requested for the London event and the cheeky end-around cited. The Pissbear’s redemption story is covered as is a strong week on the Social Security Tour. Finally, they close with some good words about the Baton Boy.

This Friday episode begins with some questions on who asked for a Robert Allenby image rehabilitation tour. Then Brendan and Andy get to the latest on LIV, notably Westy Island sinking into the sea (this was recorded PRE-SERGIO, which will be addressed on Monday). There’s also a discussion of the weird PGL memo that was sent out to the world. Andy has some thoughts on Matt Wolff’s struggles and first-round lead at TPC Potomac. Then they’re joined by Shane Ryan, whose book on the Ryder Cup will come out next week (pre-order here). They get into a wide range of interesting and amusing topics related to the matches, from its future prospects, the PGA Tour getting involved on the Euro side via the strategic alliance, Phil’s bencing at Whistling Straits, and some of the biggest surprises in researching and writing the book. Thanks to Shane for his time.

This Wednesday episode begins with some Andy and Brendan notes from their day at The Country Club in Brookline, site of this June’s U.S. Open. They discuss the tee sheet snafu that left Andy without a home, and relay a mini-primer about the course and how it might show for the national championship. There’s a potential big flagstick energy dilemma for the USGA. Then it’s on to the shhhedule for the week, which prompts a take on the self-contradictions of Rory McIlroy and his new contract extension with his equipment manufacturer. News closes with Greg Norman talking about the immediate damage Phil Mickelson’s comments did to the imminent launch plans for the Saudi league back in February.

It’s a first-of-the-month recording, which immediately puts Andy in a good mood for this Monday recap. First, however, Brendan begins with a Sunday morning wake-up to golf facts being shared far and wide. This time, there’s an accusation that the PGA, Southern Hills, and Tiger are in cahoots to make it an inequitable major championship. This leads to a somewhat more serious discussion about the post-Masters “Now what?” part of Tiger’s comeback and how competitive he might be. Then it’s on to results from the weekend, starting with the LPGA event at Palos Verdes, hitting on Marina Alex’s victory, Lydia Ko’s amusing honesty, and the course. On the PGA Tour, they praise the setup guys as well as Jon Rahm, who did not have his best stuff but scratched out a W against a super stinky field in Mexico.

This Friday episode begins with new video of Phil Mickelson surfacing, and the close inspection of it that followed and what that might have yielded about his playing plans and fitness. This dovetails into a chat about reports he’s signed on for all 8 LIV Golf events, and if his career is forever debased by the potential legal fight that might come. That transitions into a dissection of more details about the Liv plans, including some horrible marketing slogans on their website and highly-priced ticket packages for events the details of which remain quite scant. There’s also a review of the near driving range fight between Kevin Na and Grayson Murray, with a separate plea for Na to be thrown off the tour. Flashback Friday focuses on the catnip of the week, Jesper Parnevik’s new look, recalling some of his great successes and eccentricities, like eating volcanic sand, during his rise in the 90s. It features several amusing Jesper quotes about his process.

This Wednesday episode is full of pep, beginning with a concern Brendan raises about Andy using a ridiculous peppy phrase in an email, which prompts an even more ridiculous explanation for the use of said phrase. Then they move to signs of life from Phil Mickelson, whose agent released a statement about keeping “options open” for two upcoming majors and one Saudi event. They discuss the sadness of this denouement and what the rest of his career could look like. Then it’s on to LIV golf, which apparently has 15 top 100 players committed to their opening event in London. But the segment is more about how the entire operation, save for funding, is just a sh*tshow that’s hard to get excited about right now and what a blown opportunity it feels like. They also banter about the finale of this year’s LIV schedule reportedly going to Trump Doral. Schedule for the week closes out this episode, with some cool intel on the LPGA venue and less enthusiasm for a crappy field in Mexico on the PGA Tour.

Brendan returns for this Monday episode, which begins with a quick popping of the Zurich Classic before diving into an extended debate about the resume of Xander Schauffele, who added a two-man victory to that CV on Sunday. Some Billy quotes about wind in NOLA are also put up for further examination. Nasa Hataoka’s runaway win in LA is duly praised, while Pablo Larrazabal’s victory is examined vis-a-vis the Coetzee Zone. On the Champions Tour, the Club Corp Classic, where Tony Romo played as a celebrity, is discussed. Also, that title sponsor’s rebrand into something called “Invited” is reviewed before news hits on Greg Norman announcing an intention to play The Open at St. Andrews.