The Shotgun Start

This Wednesday episode is a quick whip through the schedule for the week, starting with the Zozo Championship on the PGA Tour. Andy laments the no-cut status and the notion that the PGA Tour is sending its worst kind of product to a market that every player should play in during the season. During this discussion, the new Australia event for pros and amateurs is praised, while a larger concern about that historic golf market being somewhat left behind on the greatest pro stages is raised. Also, is Rickie the player with the most to gain from these sleepy fall events, or is it “European Rickie”? The first leg of the Schwab Cup is noted, with defending champ Phil Mickelson in the field. Some “notables” from both KFT and LPGA q-schools are discussed as well, including Dr. Jack’s boy. They close with news on one college player signing with an agency for NIL matters before a technical issue forces an abrupt ending.

This Monday episode begins by reacting to Rory McIlroy’s rousing weekend in the desert, where he got to 25-under for his 20th PGA Tour victory. Begins is probably the wrong word, because before the Rory chat, there’s ample discussion about some of these ridiculous scores, ample eagles, and the Summit challenge, including Rory’s own comments that the Tour would be happy to give the course back to the members and the owner. There’s a debate on whether a plaque (not necessarily the CJ plaque) is the worst kind of award memento you can receive, even worse than a ribbon? Rickie’s resurgence is also praised as a possible sign of things to come. The coverage catastrophe is given its due, as the SAS Championship and senior circuit gets its moment, the one no one but them wanted. Matty Fitz’s victory in Spain is reviewed, with some side discussion on what Paddy Harrington must be thinking watching two of his players take down trophies on Sunday.

This Friday episode begins with some reaction to Phil’s indignant tweets about the news of the USGA rule on driver length, and a not-so-subtle threat at his own PGA Tour for adopting it. Then Brendan and Andy are joined by European correspondent for Golf Digest (among many other things), the legendary John Huggan to discuss a variety of topics from across the pond. First, they ask John about his close friendship with and memories of Renton Laidlaw, the voice of the European Tour who died this week. Then they banter on the “strategic alliance” and what it means for the Euro Tour, its players, and its future schedule. Europe’s Ryder Cup future, both the roster and its captains, is discussed. They close with some wildly amusing tales about John’s playing days. There’s plenty of historical and big picture thoughts on the game mixed in as well so many thanks to John for his time.

This Wednesday episode promptly goes off topic, discussing the “preemptive” rain delay in Chicago, October not being as good as September, and if the rules of golf are actually not that bad compared to the officiating and umpiring conundrums we’re watching every weekend now. Then Brendan and Andy begin with an early news segment, discussing the new USGA local rule limiting driver length to 46 inches and what it means for Tour golf, among others. Then they discuss the PGA Tour bumping the Players purse to $20 million as well as providing essentially a “travel stipend” to the lower rank-and-file members in what’s basically a golf pro union. JR Smith’s first foray into competitive college golf is reviewed, and any and all critiques are addressed. Then it’s on to the schedule for the week, starting with the CJ Cup, which will take place at a new venue in the desert that’s not ‘typical desert golf,’ if such a type even exists. There are 3 things to watch there, and more on the Euro Tour’s return to another “so bad it’s good” venue.

This punchy Monday episode reacts to a Bears win, a Browns loss, and a healthy serving of worldwide golf over the weekend. Andy and Brendan begin by pondering if the biggest star was not playing on the PGA Tour this week but up with the Seniors, and what that means for both circuits. They discuss Sungjae Im’s win in Vegas and the potential for him to be the best men’s Korean player ever. Adam Schenk somehow becomes the subject of a segment. Rafa Cabrera Bello’s career is put in the crosshairs (that’s probably too strong a term for it) after winning his national open. And in the event of the week, the Jin Young Ko machine rolled on in New Jersey.

This Friday episode begins with a quick check-in on some of the tournament action this week before transitioning to a mailbag. Andy and Brendan put the call out for questions minutes before recording, and they run through a series of both golf and non-golf queries on the fly. Then the second half is a Precision Pro Flashback Friday on a past Las Vegas Invitational, featuring 3-time winner Jim Furyk, who beat Jonathan Kaye, a “bad boy” rebel on Tour. They discuss some of the amusing circumstances around that 1999 Vegas Invitational, Furyk, and Kaye, including the details around his 2-month suspension and multiple run-ins with both fans and the commissioner.

This Wednesday episode begins with an apology about the missing Monday episode and some ample clean-up from the weekend on Sam Burns, the Dunhill, Celine Boutier, and a Swedish killer. There’s also a digression on whether the Town Crier has to make an announcement and declaration about the town fool in NE Florida. Then Andy and Brendan are on to the schedule of the week, which leads to Martin Laird appreciation and a couple unrelated stories about their scant few visits to Las Vegas. They ponder if every Champions Tour event should just be a guy and his friends, like this week’s “Furyk and Friends” in Jacksonville. The LPGA event earns event of the week honors but one move that does not earn praise is the big news that the Dinah Shore will be relocating to Texas in the coming years. They discuss this at length in the news segment, which also features a chat on the newly announced Bryson-Brooks Match V at the Wynn in Vegas.

This Friday episode begins with a quick update on Baton Boy Sr. playing over at the Dunhill, Mr. October finding his sweet spot, and news that Bones is returning full-time to looping with Justin Thomas. Is this an unintended PIP play? Does it matter at all for JT’s golf and how does it hurt the broadcast? Then Andy and Brendan welcome Mississippi’s own Will Bardwell, of Lying Four fame, to discuss his Sanderson Farms Championship enthusiasm, his history with the event, and its strength in its current form. They also asked him on to get at the larger discussion around rumors that the fall events may no longer carry Courier Cup points. What would this mean for Sanderson and events like it in the fall? What would they actually play for? And is this a leverage play to boost Euro events as part of the strategic alliance. The episode closes with a transatlantic Flashback Friday. First is the on the time John Daly nearly gave the Mississippi event’s finance guy a heart attack by asking for his earnings in cash on the spot. Second, is when Westy hit the greatest shot in Dunhill history resulting in a “pas de deux of elephantine proportions.”

This Wednesday episode begins with some sad news about an SGS favorite getting sold for parts. Then Andy and Brendan offer some Ryder Cup clean-up with one more thought about how this could go for the next several years. The schedule for the week starts with a favorite here, the Chicken/Peacock/Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Mississippi. Notables features a husky quartet and Andy tries to diminish the entire event’s existence. The Dunhill and LPGA are also covered and praised during the schedule for the week segment. But neither earn event of the week honors, which go to the two U.S. Mid Amateurs, where SGS has some rooting interests. The second half of the episode is a chat with one of the podcast’s few returning guests, Kevin Clark of The Ringer. Kevin offers some reactions to the Ryder Cup, including his own personal history with the event, before they transition into a hard discussion about the leadership group of Andy’s beloved Bears. They discuss if an analog to the Manningcast could work in golf, and make some other ridiculous football-golf comps. Thanks to Kevin for his time.

Our week in Sheboygan comes to an end with an American rout at the Ryder Cup. This recap episode is once again live from the Bixby Bus. It begins with a “thanks” to Mr. Kohler, a call back to an amusing inside nugget that started the week. Then it’s on to the takeaways from the victorious and dominant American side, and the defeated and battered European side. Andy talks about going back out to watch Westy play the 18th to “bring the old warhorse into the barn.” Brendan talks about going out to watch Rory and what the emotion that poured out of the European side meant for both this cup and going forward. They caution about all the grand pronouncements on what these three days means for the next several Cups, and also reiterate why it’s the best event in golf. They also debate who we’ll see again in Italy, and much more from another week on the ground. This episode, along with all of the episodes from Wisconsin, are supported by Bixby Coffee, where new Shotgun Start pitcher packs are live to go with the trusty SGS blend and Westy Island blend.

This Saturday night episode begins with Andy and Brendan pondering whether they should decamp from Sheboygan and hit the road in the Bixby Bus to go to the Bears-Browns game. The U.S. has all but locked it up at Whistling Straits. They discuss Rory’s absolute no-show, DJ’s tour de force, Lowry not getting more run, and the disrespect that the Euros might have felt by Justin Thomas chugging beers in between sessions on the first tee. Tension corner focuses on this new peculiar practice of USA players putting their putters down to indicate they should have been given a putt, Brooks and Berger AND Sergio battling with a rules official, and Spieth and Rahm’s caddie getting into it. Least and most valuable players are awarded, the blame game is accounted for with Paddy, and the American Marshals and fan groups are addressed. This episode, along with all of the episodes from Wisconsin, are supported by Bixby Coffee, where new Shotgun Start pitcher packs are live to go with the trusty SGS blend and Westy Island blend. Also, there will be 10 percent off everything at checkout up through Saturday.

It’s Friday! And not just any Friday, but a Friday with real, actual Ryder Cup matches to dissect and delight in after a full day at Whistling Straits. Andy and Brendan, with appearances by Will Knights, react to the day from the Bixby Bus in Sheboygan. They discuss the first tee experience and whether the Wisconsin sports fans will ever recover from the lack of juice. They nominate some of their best players, worst players, biggest surprises, and others from each session on Friday. The Bryson show, the Rory sadness, the Westy angst, Finau’s force, and the Casey catastrophe are specifically called out after some up-close observations inside the ropes. They also wonder who plays for Europe on Saturday if they actually want to try and make this competitive again. This episode, along with all of the episodes from Wisconsin, are supported by Bixby Coffee, where new Shotgun Start pitcher packs are live to go with the trusty SGS blend and Westy Island blend. Also, there will be 10 percent off everything at checkout up through Saturday.

This special Thursday episode reacts to finally, at long last, getting some real lineups to discuss after an interminable week of pre-match ceremony. Andy and Brendan shout about the absolute howitzer of an opener featuring a Texan and an Arizonan up against the American duo of Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. They proceed to run through the entire card for the opening session, expressing anxiety about a couple favorites and confidence on a few others. They make picks for each match, choose their favorite matchup, most lopsided potential, and question if anyone was foolishly left on the bench. There’s also some reaction to an offensively bad and unnecessary opening ceremony. This episode, along with all of the episodes from Wisconsin, are supported by Bixby Coffee, where we will be launching new Shotgun Start pitcher packs to go with the trusty SGS blend and Westy Island blend. Also, there will be 10 percent off everything at checkout up through Saturday.

This Wednesday episode comes to you live from the Bixby Bus in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Andy and Brendan offer some initial thoughts after walking around Whistling Straits on Wednesday morning and hearing a few more of the players talk. Some initial chatter focuses on the wind and cold perhaps equalizing things in a way you might not expect for an away team. They discuss some of the early duos we’ve seen signaled throughout the first couple practice days, the Rory “conundrum,” the DJ-Morikawa power play, and if analytics have taken “the fun” out of the captaincy catastrophes. There’s an argument made that Bryson should play as much as possible. Candidates for “shit stirrer” of the week are also bandied about. Worst potential pairings are also nominated. And they close incredulity over a shining example of the absurdity of the pomp and circumstance of these interminable pre-match days. Thursday will bring another preview episode reacting to the lineups for Day 1. Subscribe to the SGS or Westy Island blends at Bixby to support the pod’s work this week.

Before the madness of the Ryder Cup and a flurry of episodes later this week, this truncated Victory Monday episode is a quick reaction to the weekend in golf, starting with Max Homa’s ridiculous back nine in Napa that took the Fortnite Championship and put him in the lofty perch of new world No. 1. Andy and Brendan discuss their former colleague’s quick turnaround to start the new season, the firm conditions at Silverado, and Maverick McNealy’s swing at the 17th tee that cost him. Then they whip around the rest of the golf world, hitting on Jin Young Ko coming back from a lengthy break and immediately winning on the LPGA, a Toffer getting it done on the Euro Tour after six years of hell and almost blowing an 8-shot lead, and Darren Clarke rumbling and bumbling to his third Champs Tour win. They close with some supremely naive chatter on the RV for the Ryder Cup after Andy had a disconcerting chat with the owner of the vehicle.

This was an early mid-week recording for the Friday episode, with Andy on solo dad duty and Brendan with school golf outings to tend to and the flurry of Ryder Cup episodes coming next week. They begin with some quick news on Brooks Koepka saying he’s healthy and ready to go, potential partners for him, and Paul Azinger’s comments that he should relinquish his spot if his heart is not into it. There’s chatter about a potential cart ban for the captains and the confounding American vice-captain strategy. Then it’s on to the over-unders for the new PGA Tour season, now an annual tradition on the Shotgun Start. They pepper each other with a mix of amusing and semi-serious propositions for the season that’s to come on Tour. Included at the end are some NFL season over-unders for their beloved Browns and Bears, and general chatter about vocabulary and other life hacks.

This Wednesday episode begins with some trepidation about transportation for next week as the Shotgun Start goes on the road for the Ryder Cup. Then they get to the farcical PGA Tour season-ending awards, where four “win” Patrick Cantlay took home the honors and non-member Will Zalatoris won Rookie of the Year. Does it actually matter? Should we be worked up about it? Has the entire process been corrupted and shrouded in mystery? Then it’s on to the Fortnite Championship in Napa, where Jon Rahm can avenge his POY snub. There are multiple “things to watch” for this season-opener in wine country. They continue through the schedule for the week before closing with reaction to news of Bryson’s extreme speed training and wrecked hands as he gets ready for the Ryder Cup and World Long Drive simultaneously, and Brooksy’s candid comments on why the team matches are a tough adjustment.Awards angst, Fortnite Tent Championship, and Bryson’s ‘wrecked hands’

This Sunday episode was recorded during halftime of the Bears-Rams game and begins with some questions about Andy Dalton, specifically, “why?” There’s also a critique about the theme song for Sunday Night Football and a few comments about the Browns’ loss. Then Brendan and Andy get to the Intercontinental Baton Boy, who left the comforts of the moat, went across the Atlantic, and won the European Tour’s “flagship” event. They discuss whether he *actually* deserved a call from Steve Stricker and whether he should be mad about that. Regardless, it was motivation for some sterling play and baton work in front of the English fans, who he certainly tried to play to. Then they discuss the messy European Ryder Cup process, with the constant fluctuations, the Westy-Lowry drama, and the Rose “snub.” There’s also the matter of another interested party tweeting and liking tweets suggesting a displeased camp. David Toms is also given a quick shoutout for his win on the Champs Tour.

This Friday episode begins with some reaction to Steve Stricker finalizing his roster for the Ryder Cup this month. Andy and Brendan praise the picks, highlightling Scheffler’s suitability. They also discuss course fit as a gauge for a contest that’s entirely different from week-to-week golf. Also, Patrick Reed’s reaction to the “snub” is discussed. Then, in honor of BMW PGA Championship week on the Euro Tour, there’s a Spotlight on the 2011 edition at Wentworth. They highlight the titanic clash for world No. 1 between Luke Donald and Lee Westwood and the unfortunate playoff finish. Donald’s career is also put under the microscope a bit, debating whether his path up was a unique trailblazing of sorts in NCAA golf and staying stateside when he was out of college. The reign at world No. 1, his chase for a major, and talk of a rivalry with Rory are also highlighted. Wentworth is also put under the microscope, including a spicy war of words between Ian Poulter and the then owner at this 2011 edition. Ernie’s history of course changes are documented, as is the continued push-and-pull of getting the best in the world to show up for what has always been a hefty purse at the “flagship” event.

This punchy Wednesday episode begins with a celebration of a golf achievement the likes of which we will not see again, the “Chase for 83” ending on the Minor League Golf Tour. Andy and Brendan celebrate Sunny Abacoa’s SEVENTH straight win down in the swamp to achieve even what Tiger could not. Then it’s on to the schedule of the week, which is expertly crafted for this time of year. There’s one main event, and it’s primo coffee golf that will end before football in the states. It’s also the event of the week, the BMW PGA Championship, at Ernie Els’ best design, the former Harry Colt design, historic Wentworth. Three things to watch hits on the Ryder Cup race across the pond, a galaxy brain take on how the Race to Dubai has outmaneuvered the FedEx Cup, and the Baton Boy in a foreign land. There is a history lesson on the course architect of the venue on the Champions Tour. Notables for a few other lower tour events lead to uncontrollable laughter approximating the Andy North ringtone episode. There’s a segment on Ryder Cup picks for the U.S. side -- who they want/expect/would make them most mad. They close with news of Will Zalatoris being eligible for Rookie of the Year and PGA Tour University getting a new title sponsor.

This Monday episode comes out late reacting to the holiday finish of the Solheim Cup, where Europe cruised to a victory at Inverness. Andy and Brendan discuss the captains’ strategies and misjudgements, breakout stars, the established stars who came up short, and the Inverness setup and routing. Then they have a separate discussion on the rules drama from Saturday night -- who was at fault, what should have happened -- and if it impacted the competition the rest of the way. The Net Tour Championship is reviewed, including a side bar about media criticism and not falling into the trap of advocacy or becoming the boy who cried good. The larger points are made that this season-ender sucked and they elaborate on why it sucked. A Ryder Cup captain’s picks analysis ensues, with Kevin Na, and even the Baton Boy, getting some love. The Korn Ferry Finals 25 qualifiers are called out and given their due, even Dawie Van Der Walt who catches a drive-by. They briefly chat about the Euro Tour delivering back-to-back twin winners, and some underwhelming comments about the Italian host venue of the next Ryder Cup. The episode closes by circling back to the Solheim with a segment on possible future venues they’d like to see.

This early Friday episode begins with a discussion on best practices for unboxing videos and some Brendan anxiety over that. Then it’s on to the event of the week, the Solheim Cup, which is set up perfectly from a schedule, roster, venue, and tv format. Now they have to actually play the matches to deliver the goods, and Andy and Brendan preview the pods on the U.S. side, discuss the behavioral study that grouped them, Bubba’s involvement, and a few great holes to watch at Inverness. News hits on Phil Mickelson and Fred Couples being named assistant captains for the Ryder Cup, which leads to a digression and a rant on Phil’s lashing out at the USGA about driver length. News also covers Patrick Cantlay’s destruction of the format in East Lake and its “criminal” impacts. Flashback Friday goes way back and celebrates arguably the greatest run of golf ever.

This Wednesday episode gloriously falls on the first of the month, so you can imagine Andy’s giddiness. Brendan’s mood is also lifted by the fact that he’s not calling in from a space cave and the audio should return to acceptable enough. They begin by jumping right into the news from Jay Monahan’s press conference that the Brooksy shouts are considered “harassing behavior” and will now not be tolerated. They discuss how this is even enforceable, the slippery slope, and the Tour courting this exact creature that they’re now aghast about. Then it’s on to the Tour Championship and its staggered start format. They react to some JT and Rahm comments on the format, try to remember much about East Lake, and ponder a format that Andy thinks would hit a sweet spot for the new gambling craze. Pat Reed’s return, apparently by bus tour and showing off his hibiscus refresher, is also discussed within a larger Ryder Cup roster debate as the final week before that’s finalized on the U.S. side. The Journeyman of the Week is a burly boy in the Web Tour finals who just clinched his card and has some interesting thoughts about peanut butter. Friday will bring a full Solheim Cup preview and discussion sponsored by our good friends at Zero Restriction(use promo code SGS25 for 25% off) .

Even by Shotgun Start standards, this is a bit of an experimental episode. With Brendan up in Baltimore covering the BMW Championship, and the late finish, he calls in from the road along with Kevin Van Valkenburg of ESPN, who was also on the ground and gathering some incredible reporting on the Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Cantlay duel. The trio focus solely on that BMW final round, Cantlay’s potential, the Bryson heckling, the defenseless setup, and if the fireworks mean anything either way for the FedEx Cup. Wednesday’s episode will be a more thorough recap of the other events, the Ryder Cup points race closing, and a focus on the Solheim Cup. Thanks to Kevin for joining us and apologies to listeners everywhere for the poor audio quality. We won’t try this again!

This Monday episode begins with a tale from the road, as a family vacation gets off to a rough start. Then it’s on to the Women’s Open at Carnoustie, which closed the books on the majors for 2021. Andy and Brendan react to Anna Nordqvist getting it done despite being unable to chip, Nanna Koerstz Madsen booting it away on the 18th hole, some invasive Playing Through choices, Louise Duncan’s contention, and the Salas slow play. The Northern Trust discussion moves to the updating of the rules to allow for a Tuesday finish, the tough break in the schedule, the grounds crew efforts to get it playable for Monday, and the SubAir usage throughout the week. Similar to the Women’s Open, the 18th hole became a scene of catastrophe in Boise on the KFT, where Greyson Sigg used a drop from a backboard to make par and edge an imploding Aaron Rai. The Ferryman gets it done at the Czech Masters and the bomber jacket Rod Pampling got for winning on the Champions Tour is worth googling.

This Friday episode begins with some wedding talk before Andy and Brendan get to the golf. On golf, they begin with the Women’s Open, where Nelly Korda is again at the top of the leaderboard. They discuss some of the conditions at Carnoustie as well as a few of the unheralded names amidst the big guns on the leaderboard. At the Northern Trust, they hit on Pat Reed’s WD and how DJ didn’t have a back-up driver ready to go at Liberty National. An impromptu segment, Ryder Cup Review, debates the candidacies of Tony Finau and another potential American irritant for roster spots in September. Precision Pro Flashback Friday is a double dose, the first recounting one of the all-time absurd sponsor activations before what used to be the first Playoffs event. The second FbF hits on a historic Women’s Open, where the best player in the game won at the first ever Women’s Open trip to the Home of Golf.

This Wednesday episode begins with the event of the week, the Women’s Open at Carnoustie. Andy and Brendan highlight some of the key tee times and discuss the course setup options that should test the best women’s players in the world. Then they’re on to Liberty National, stumbling through the top 125 players and wondering how the hell some of them got to the postseason given their profiles. The Euro Tour event has a distinct silver medal vibe. The Senior Tour event is really only cause to mention the one time Brendan said something on air that got the Tour to call into Golf Channel. And last but not least is the start of the KFT finals, where the usual mix of familiar names have come down to play for improved status next year on the Tour. The Journeyman of the Week is a Kiwi who did not make the FEC, or the KFT, and will be out there in the woods wandering to try and make his way back.

This Monday episode reacts to a full and diverse weekend of golf offerings, starting with the U.S. Amateur. Andy and Brendan review the revolving door of tv channels that the final visited, the Greaser-Piot match, the limited coverage earlier in the week, and yes, the alternate lines down different venerable Oakmont fairways that got plenty of action on Twitter. At the Wyndham, there’s a rant on the overselling of what it now means to *not* make the top 125, as well as some thoughts on the six-man playoff format, Chesson Hadley’s push, and Roger Sloan getting family time. In Europe, there are two segments dedicated to Ryann O’Toole facts and Calum Hill facts, which devolves into research on the Western New Mexico University mascot. They close with what turned into arguably the most compelling conclusion of the day, the regular season finish on the KFT, where David Skinns burst through for a win and a Tour card, Austin Smotherman held on for dear life, and Taylor Montgomery got screwed thanks to a well-worn old scheduling gripe.

This summer hours Friday episode wanders around, starting with some thoughts on the early bracket matches at the U.S. Amateur. Chicago may have a new favorite son, Mike Holmgren’s son is a big boy, Thorbjornsen is a rallying killer, and more on Oakmont. Andy and Brendan then bounce around on some of the early stories from across the tours, hitting on Wyndham, the Women’s Scottish, and the KFT. They discuss the OWGR reforms and also ponder what golf’s answer to MLB’s “Field of Dreams” game would be. J.R. Smith’s attempt to play college golf is also praised. Flashback Friday throws it way back to another U.S. Amateur at Oakmont, the 1925 edition, which featured two members from the same club and one notorious party boy playing in the finals. The episode closes with some quick thoughts on Merion and Oakmont getting USGA championships all the way out to 2050 and what larger impacts that might signal.

This Wednesday episode is a wide-ranging look at all the games within the game this week -- the top 125 to make the playoffs, the ISP Top 10, the Risk-Reward Challenges, the cards at the KFT, the U.S. Amateur finalist perks, and much more. Andy and Brendan begin with the Wyndham Championship, where Matthew Wolff could win seven figures in the risk-reward challenge. There’s also general confusion over the Business Tour Top 10. They both offer one choice they’d like to see play his way into the top 125 this week. Then it’s on to the event of the week, the U.S. Amateur at Oakmont and uniquely spelled Longue Vue. They hit on the stroke disparity between the venues during the first day, and the stroke disparity between a crispy Oakmont and a rain-soaked one for the second round. There’s a lengthy and often incorrectly informed discussion on what Cazoo, which is now sponsoring another Euro Tour event this week, does as a company. The Journeyman of the Week is Sean O’Hair, who is playing Wyndham and well outside the top 125 in the FEC standings. O’Hair’s career highlights, the infamous upbringing, and current Tour status are covered in this closing segment.

This Monday episode begins with feelings of vindication and delight over some high-profile confusion on the Home of Golf during the final round telecast at TPC Initech. Then Andy and Brendan get into the resolution of the event of the week, the women’s golf at the Olympics. They discuss Nelly’s gold, Inami’s charge, and Ko’s comportment as maybe the model professional golfer. They also have some final big-picture thoughts on golf in the Olympics. Then it’s on to the WGC Memphis, with a big shoutout to Honest Abraham Prancer for his first win. They discuss their unexpected enthusiasm and anticipation for this WGC, and the absolute circus that ensued in the final group implosion between Thicc Boi and Harris English. They discuss the absurd boundary fence ruling and why the Tour is setting up “bumpers” to keep balls in play. There’s also reaction to the pace of play, shouting fore backlash, and refusals to talk to the press. At the Women’s Amateur, they ponder if the winner might be a Frugalite while praising the Westchester setup. The winners at the Home of Golf, in Reno, and in Utah, also get their due.

This Friday episode is another AM recording to work around the overnight Olympics, which Andy and Brendan immediately jump into at the top. They start with the peculiar decision not to play more than 18 holes per day that has brought in the possibility of a 54-hole event, and the uncertainty it has created around the last two rounds. Then they opt to talk not about the favorite in first, but the current silver-medal position holder Aditi Ashok, who is hanging in there despite an extreme distance disadvantage. There is, of course, a segment praising Nelly Korda but also cautioning against again forgone gold. In Memphis, they discuss the “Summer of Harris,” Jim Herman’s run at the WGC title, and the Thicc Boi’s altruism of not taking vaccines out of the general supply. At the Home of Golf, they re-visit and root on an old friend and first original guest on the SGS. They close with a Precision Pro Flashback Friday that hits on one astounding stat and a former winner in Memphis who nearly missed his Sunday tee time because he was watching a space launch.

This Wednesday episode begins with a preview of the women’s golf competition at the Olympics, and a quick rebuttal to any notion that it’s unfortunate the course might play “harder” for the women one week later. There are three things to watch, including a theory about why we have all three medalists from 2016 playing this week when we had none last week. Then it’s on to the double dose of Tour golf, both at the WGC Swampass at TPC Initech and the opposite field boys trying their hand at stableford in Reno. This just leads immediately into reactions on the new PGA Tour schedule -- the courier cup incursion into Euro Tour events, the remaking of the Playoffs for August stops in Memphis and Atlanta, and the omission of some major American markets, among other things. Continuing with the instant schedule for the week, there’s a return to the incredulity about the Euro Tour event at the fake St. Andrews and some praise for the U.S. Women’s Amateur. They close with a new segment, the Journeyman of the Week, brought to you by our old spirits-making friends in Michigan. This week’s subject is “the other Bassy,” who might be the greatest golfer ever at Arkansas.

A triumphant Monday episode begins with some “we’ll always remember where we were” reminiscences about a legendary Saturday night and Sunday morning at the men’s Olympic golf competition. Andy and Brendan discuss all the delightful elements of the Boy from Bratislava’s record-setting round of 61 that earned the golf-loving nation of Slovakia a silver medal. They hit on the actual golf, the absolute shotmaking show, the jubilant middle-of-the-night party on Twitter, the broadcast having to acknowledge and lean into the Slovakian story, the true “love story” that delivered this country a medal, some unconfirmed reports about Sabbo’s Saturday night out, and much more. Of course, they also hit on the actual gold medal winner and the weight and import the competition seemed to carry. They recap the 7-man playoff and the other Rory’s attempt at a bronze. The glowing reviews from JT to Morikawa to the other Rory’s change in tune are also discussed, as well as their own impressions from a great late-night watch and what it might mean for Olympic golf going forward. There’s also recaps of all the other golf, including Annika’s absolute dominance at the U.S. Senior Women’s and a Western Am phenom playing the most grueling test in amateur golf in between visits to Lollapalooza.

This Friday morning episode is full of life with the race for Low Rory absolutely heating up at Kasumigaseki with 36 more holes to play for the gold medal. Andy and Brendan discuss some early Olympics storylines -- who or what would be the best case winner, the mixed-bag and somewhat underwhelming leaderboard, limited-field feaster Xander, the low 60s dartboard potential for the weekend, and of course, the Slovak surge. Then they have a debate about the merits of 3-on-3 basketball (featuring Robbie Hummel) being in the Olympics, and what the golf analog would be for such a mickey mouse event. At the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, they discuss Annika coming fresh off the celebrity tour circuit and to the top of the leaderboard at Brooklawn. Some loud sea gulls interrupt the recording late but there are also updates on the Western Amateur and the hole-out finish at the PA Amateur.

This Wednesday episode begins with Andy bringing up the hot water Brendan found himself in with the entire continent of Australia. They transition to this week’s Olympics men’s competition in Tokyo. There is a fair amount of intrigue and optimism about an event that, if nothing else, is a moderate (moderate because it is clearly not on the format front) change-up from the week-to-week march on the PGA Tour. There are three things to watch, some nuts-and-bolts on Kasumigaseki, and picks. Then they move on to the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, where the Hurricane is being cited for insights and advice. On the European Tour and LPGA and LET, there is a mixed event with an extremely long title and superfluous exclamation points. The event of the week is a toss-up between two amateur events, with Andy’s bias for his hometown shining through. They discuss this as well, before signing off with news of Tony Romo playing the Texas State Open in a golf cart with air conditioning and doors.

This Monday episode is held together by scotch tape with Andy recording from the bar at a golf course and Brendan on a phone from the beach. But it’s here, and well, that’s an accomplishment. The two discuss the big overnight news from the Olympics, where two Thicc Bois are out in Rahm and Bryson. Patrick Reed, who was clear to point out the fans call Captain America, will answer the call and fulfill his duty to play for his country. Then they get to the golf from the weekend, starting with the Evian Championship and MInjee Lee’s outrageous final round that booked her a first major. At the 3M Open, they reflect on Cam Champ’s win rate and the wild fluctuations in performance. The other major from the weekend, the Senior Open, is discussed largely through the lens of the winner’s last name. They close with some thoughts on Dylan Wu and the Price Cutter, Nacho taking the Cazoo, and a call to place an order at the bar abruptly ending the recording.Captain America goes to Tokyo, Minjee gets a major, and #DoddWatch

This Friday episode begins with the building anticipation for a lifelong dream realized, Rory Sabbatini representing Slovakia in the Olympics. Andy and Brendan then transition to early action from across the world of golf, with some inside intel on how Evian became a major as well as the compelling Yealimi Noh background. On the Senior Tour, they praise the early scenes from Sunningdale. Rickie leading the 3M is cause to tell an amusing story of investigative reporting from one listener who was propositioned about sponsoring a tour player. Different rates for different items and corporate appearances are bandied about, with an amusing conclusion on how the agency figured out that maybe this company wasn’t interested in sponsoring anyone at all. Our Swedish correspondent relays some interesting background on Vincent Norrman, the leader on the Euro Tour, and our Sandwich correspondent delivers a Flashback Friday tale to last week on perhaps the most dramatic moment Collin Morikawa faced at The Open, at least off the course.

This Wednesday episode begins with some congratulations for Andy North, Jerry Kelly, and Bucks fans everywhere. It also begins with Andy asking some hard questions about the new sponsor for NE Ohio’s favorite golfer. Then it’s on to the schedule for the week, beginning with the Evian Championship. They debate the merits of this being a major and wonder if the Players is jealous about this arbitrary designation working so easily. There are also three things to watch and a sidebar on the history of bottled water. The Senior Open is given Event of the Week honors thanks to it dropping in on Sunningdale, a course of historic importance in the game. The 3M Open exists, which is cause for a short refresher on that TPC venue and its stronger-than-expected field. News closes with the announcement that Bandon will be hosting a slew of USGA amateur events, extending all the way out to 2045. Why are we announcing a U.S. Junior venue for 25 years from now? And if it’s not an “anchor site,” what other name could we call it?

The seventh men’s major championship in less than a year is in the books, and Collin Morikawa bookends his PGA last August with an Open Championship this July. Andy and Brendan react to the final round from Royal St. George’s, praising Morikawa’s absurd start to his pro career at the majors. They discuss the mixture of execution, strategy, and yes, ability to deal with pressure. They also debate whether he’s the world’s best “short golfer.” Jordan Spieth’s close call (although maybe not that close thanks to Collin?) is debriefed, and they debate whether it’s reductive to just point at Saturday night as the difference. Louis is panned, gently. RSG is given a postmortem, with final grades being difficult to deliver due to the lack of wind. There is a qualm with some of the first cut impacts. The back half is a more rapid jaunt on Rahm, Frugal Frittelli, Canadian pride, Brooksy, the iCapital ad, Bobby Mac, Bryson’s humbling, and even Rory. It’s been a fabulous last 12 months at the majors and we are so grateful for your support.

This Saturday episode features Golf Channel’s Shane Bacon who fills in for Brendan Porath who attended the final of the U.S. Girl’s Junior Amateur. Andy and Shane discuss many topics including Rory McIlroy’s championship chances 11 shots back with one round to play. In all seriousness, the two breakdown everything from Louis’ remarkable 2021 major championship performances to Spieth’s brutal final putt on 18. As you probably have figured out, Brendan Porath, a far more talented writer than Andy usually puts these notes together and his absence is sorely felt. The last thing that Shane and Andy talk about is the NBA Finals and having a job that makes you feel guilty for sitting on the couch. Thank you to Shane for joining during a busy week and listeners for the support! Tomorrow the Champion Golfer of the Year will be crowned.

This Friday episode begins with the obvious: is Barbasol sponsoring an opposite field event changing people’s shaving cream purchasing habits? Andy and Brendan then get to the main event, covering another eventful day at Royal St. George’s. They discuss the Mattress King’s smooth 65 and where it goes from here with 36 more holes to play. They discuss Collin Morikawa’s continued press conferences loaded with catnip for the assembled Euro press. Jordan Spieth’s day is debriefed and debated -- which leads to a discussion of proper on-course snacks after he suggested he didn’t have enough food in his bag and sputtered near the end of his round. Frugal Frittelli and Grumpy Grillo also get an assessment, as well as Rory, somehow, some way finding time in the discussion. An All-English segment focuses on the Bumble Bee, Big Jon, Westy, and Temperamental Tyrrell. A lengthy round of contender and pretender closes it out as we head to the weekend at the Open.

This lively Thursday afternoon episode comes in hour 14 of the first round of The Open and was fueled by the Shotgun Start and Westy Island blends at Bixby Coffee. Andy and Brendan dive right into the first day from Royal St. George’s, including all the drama surrounding Bryson’s spat of the week, this time with his own equipment company. They try to get beyond some of the back and forth and show how certain hidden aspects of Bryson’s complaints are quite revelatory on the modern game. They also pan his emotional maturity and wonder about the Cobra relationship going forward. His attitude is contrasted with Jordan Spieth’s approach, which was a total delight to watch maneuver around the links. They bathe in that for a few minutes before anxiously talking about the prospects of another Mattress King contention. A pledge not to talk about Rory somehow ends up in a five minute discussion on whether they are enthused by his opening 70 or it’s just more of the same. They close with some rapid-fire notes on the course and opening day setup, Nick Faldo appreciation, Jaco appreciation, and a few game-within-the-games for cut day on Friday.

This Wednesday episode revels in the return of golf’s oldest major championship and a style of golf that we see far less than we should. Brendan begins with a point of the recent Open hitting a sweet spot of authenticity for the discerning golf audience on the internet and elsewhere that has boosted the major over the past decade or so. Then they get to Royal St. George’s, with Andy providing some intel on the course’s history and layout and greens and the “quirk” that may drive some players nuts this week. They’re almost bursting with excitement over the venue and what it might present for the world’s best, citing Brooks quotes about “shots to nothing.” The usual major championship Wednesday practice of highlighting their favorite tee times is done, with some curious placement of Brooksy, Jimmy, and others. Then they move to the quotable portion of the preview, scanning the transcripts. Bryson’s insistence on both his “greatness and humbleness” as well as his extremely defensive answer about never shouting “fore” are discussed, among other answers. The final segment includes picks to win as well as a review of some of the top players who might need it most or could change their trajectory most with a win.

This Monday episode wanders around for the first 10 minutes or so, discussing the abundance of golf and the apparent meager options for television coverage of it all. Andy and Brendan discuss the spicy local news column in Toledo lambasting the executives making the LPGA pay for tape delayed coverage. Then they lament the conclusion of the Scottish Open being polluted by early coverage and the commercial commitments at the Deere. There’s a bit on the U.S. Senior Open, and how that fought for air time and whether that format should be altered. Also, there’s rumors of a player being DQ’d for forgetting the time of day. There’s ample praise for Min Woo Lee, his trajectory, and the warmth of coffee golf on a links course this weekend. Lucas Glover’s longevity is also touted after his Deere win. They close with some news on the run of withdrawals from the Open Championship, for a various sundry of reasons, and add some early thoughts and excitement over the last men’s major of the year.

This Friday episode was recorded early before a road trip, so it focuses primarily on the Scottish Open. Andy and Brendan react to some of the early scenes at the Renaissance Club, praising the warm and fuzzy feeling of true links coffee golf in the morning. They also discuss the stout leaderboard, and if Jack Senior is related to Peter Senior. News hits on plans for the Open broadcast to be done remotely from Connecticut, and if the world feed might actually be a revelation for some. They also discuss Kevin Na and Cam Davis taking a pass on a spot in the field at Royal St. George’s, for distinctly different reasons. Precision Pro Flashback Friday is a short history lesson on the Scottish Open, and then the first Scot to ever win the event, Colin Montgomerie. There are details about a frustrating loss in 1995 at Carnoustie, when he shooed a rules official back over the Barry Burn, and a bit on his breakthrough win at the event in 1999, when he had a small tiff with rookie sensation Sergio Garcia.

Andy and Brendan could not wait any longer, so this was recorded as the Match at Moonlight Basin was on the 14th hole or so and still finishing up sometime in hour five. They offer some initial reactions to the made-for-TV event, including Bryson’s stiffness and whether he got straight up outplayed by Aaron Rodgers. They also discuss the outrageous pace of play and a course that looked like it would make many want to quit. There’s also the subject of Fake Bears. The event of the week is the Scottish Open, which is also the subject of the second leg of the Coffee Pot (enter that pool here folks). They discuss Renaissance Club, the Americans overseas chasing a Race to Dubai title, and whether Billy Boy may be able to try some new baton tricks on the firmer linksy turf. Over on the PGA Tour, they lament the Deere’s spot on the schedule while praising its mission and location and its existence. News hits on the new Nicklaus-Jacklin award that very few people could have asked for and Sunny Kim’s continued dominance at Abacoa.

This holiday weekend episode begins with some first-week insights from the first ever Coffee Pot. Then Brendan and Andy offer some reactions to the Rocket Mortgage Classic, where another par-fest playoff anointed Cameron Davis the winner. There are some numbers on Davis’ career to this point that indicate he will be around a long time. They also hit on Bryson skipping town without ever talking to the press and Phil tweeting away in a most confusing fashion. They are perturbed by some media carrying water for Bryson’s messaging, and amused by Rickie refusing to indulge some other silly media narratives. The red grandstands, those are also discussed and Andy comes out against the color in general. At the Irish Open, Lucas Herbert’s pregame meals are pondered and Johannes Veerman’s name is discussed. Dick Mast and Dicky Pride playing together in Dick’s Open is highlighted. News hits on Si Woo and Sungjae opting to skip the Open to better prep for the Olympics. The episode closes with a preview of The Match 4, salivating at the possibilities of a mic’d up Bryson on Tuesday night.

Andy and Brendan are back with some more juice for this Friday episode, starting with questions about the kind of people who choose to go to the bar at Dave & Buster’s. Then they get to the news of the day, the break-up of Bryson DeChambeau and caddie Tim Tucker. They delight in the smoke-and-mirrors of Team Bryson stating that it was a mutual parting. They relay some accounts they heard of general looper disgruntlement. They ponder the real on-course impact it could have, as well as if a replacement is even out there. They also tip (or pip) the cap to Brooks for his crowbarring his way into the proceedings. Also in non-golf news out of Detroit, there’s Phil Mickelson tweeting away at a local newspaper. Precision Pro Flashback Friday focuses on a past winner in Michigan at the Buick, one who passed on two majors during the best stretch of golf of his career so he could prep for the Ryder Cup at the end of the season.

It was late to begin with and then Brendan and Andy discovered at minute 43 that they had neglected to hit the record button on the first attempt at this episode. So this is a second run, and if we’re being honest, it’s not their best effort. They run through the schedule for the week, tell an amusing Bryson story from last year’s win that you may not have heard, and ponder what the Thicc Boi’s weight is down to these days. Mito Pereira having to hope for a spot off the alternate list after getting the battlefield promotion is, as you might expect, noted. Event of the week is a duel between an elite amateur event and an event where the leader got stuck in an elevator that goes up to one of the tee boxes. Last but not least, enter the first ever Coffee Pot, a pool covering the next three weeks of peak Coffee Golf season -- the Irish, Scottish, and British Opens. It’s the usual pool with some amusing categories to make picks from with both weekly and cumulative winners.