The Shotgun Start

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.

Andy and Brendan had enough of the pillow fight between Harris English and Kramer Hickock, so they just hit the record button hoping it would end before they ended the episode. They begin with thoughts on the Women’s PGA Championship, where Nelly Korda ended the American drought at the majors and became the new No. 1 ranked player in the world. They discuss her immense distance advantage over Lizette Salas, who hung in during a weekend that became a two-horse race. In between incredulous groans about more pars, they then move onto the other events from the weekend. The spread at the Senior Players is discussed as is Viktor Hovland’s win in Germany. The wildlife at the Live and Work In Maine Open is noted. The longest conflicts in human history are relayed as they continue watching the English-Hickock bout. On the Travelers, Bubba’s complete barf down the stretch is panned before they sign off with a potential resolution from Hartford.

This Friday episode is late but it’s a fairly evergreen ramble about the structure and shortcomings of professional golf, at multiple levels. Andy and Brendan begin first with the Women’s PGA, where Lizette Salas is back on a leaderboard and speaking candidly about her recent struggles. There are also options on the board for ending the American drought. At the Travelers, they hit on the post-major hangover effect. They discuss Alex Cejka reprising 1953 Ben Hogan, missing a “major” and chance at the Social Security Slam because he had to play his home open on the Euro Tour. There’s debate on some KFT “members” suggesting that PGA Tour University is insulting and that members should get priority over the college studs. News of the strict British Open regulations for the players, while allowing 32,000 fans in the gates, has provoked grumbling among the pros. Could we see some abstain from going? There’s also further discussion on the Olympics, how Ponte Vedra has done it no favors, and how NBC, with rights to both, has to balance its precious Olympics priority with the precious FedExCup. Precision Pro Flashback Friday goes back to a past Women’s LPGA Championship, when a fast-food joint put its thumb on the scale and demanded 51 years of history and regulations be thrown out the window.

This Wednesday episode begins with an unplanned discussion on the U.S. Open’s identity. Has some of the luster of the championship been taken away with the PGA coming right in front of it now? And is Jason Gore more or less helping set up controversy-free courses that have taken some of the sizzle out of it? Then Andy and Brendan move to the event of the week, the Women’s PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club, another Rees Jones renovation. There are three things to watch, revolving around the American drought and Olympics qualifying closing. For the Travelers, they delight in some “notables” categories in a field that’s completely loaded for the week after a major. To both of their surprise, there is a major on the Senior Tour this week, and it is perhaps the most extreme pushing of the boundaries on that term, “major.” They ponder whether having a KFT event in Maine will make people want to live and/or work in Maine, as the title suggests. News hits on the run of Olympics withdrawals on the men’s side as well as some intel from the ground on the Stella case of beer. Lastly, they are joined by Cam Smith for a rare guest interview from the Travelers.

After a brief wait for the flyover to clear through, Andy and Brendan begin with the last episode on the 2021 U.S. Open. It’s been a week, but they’re giddy following an afternoon of bunched (constipated) leaderboard maneuvering and some unexpected extracurriculars, like Bryson coming undone, a streaker, a box of beer somehow being on the premises, and a ball in a tree. They start first with Rahm, his “firing at flags” approach and of course the final two putts. There’s chatter about what’s to come, but mostly it’s an appreciation of what just happened. They express sympathy for the Mattress King, though Brendan doesn’t fully absolve him because of the drive at 17. The Bryson circus is re-lived, from a tie for the lead to t-26, with amusing quotes about how it was really just one unlucky break or two between that and getting to 7 or 8-under. Rory, all of it, is addressed. They close with a postmortem on Torrey Pines, why people can’t seem to understand why a good or bad leaderboard does not equal a good or bad golf course, and a few other things they liked and didn’t like from muni setup.

This loopy Saturday episode is energized by the third round finish at Torrey Pines. Granted, there wasn’t much movement, as defined, but there was some action. Andy and Brendan debate whether they would trust Louis or Rory more on Sunday if they both made the turn in the lead. They address Mackenzie Hughes’ comments that this is basically playing like the Farmers for him. Thicc Boi’s inability to yell fore, and his revelatory comments that you simply do not need to hit fairways to win majors anymore, are discussed. Rory’s sandwich preference for the week, which includes rotisserie chicken, opens up an old debate and another shouting match about poultry. Also on Rory, the broadcast putting a camera on his hotel balcony is panned as an invasion of privacy. They go through the leaderboard and play Contender/Pretender, which is just another way to illustrate that Torrey has made it impossible to blow up or really go low. There’s an analogy about constipation made on this.

This Friday night episode is a debrief at the midpoint of the U.S. Open. Andy and Brendan react to Dick Bland, long an SGS notable, taking the freaking lead at a major. But has he gone too mainstream? There are some historical trends offered for why Torrey is a flawed venue but also why we may be in for an exciting sprint on the weekend. The subject of Bryson figuring out a swing fix in his dreams is debated. Is he an idiot or a genius that knows how to play the media? Or both? The Dylan Wu debacle is another exhibit in the embarrassment of having a KFT event opposite the U.S. Open. Biggest surprise nominees lead to a discussion on Matthew Wolff and Bubba, who has a truly horrendous U.S. Open record. A biggest MC disappointment discussion hits on Tony Finau, the Baton Boy, and J Kokrak.

This episode is a quick reaction to day one at the U.S. Open, with only one mic turned on for it. Brendan and Andy jump into what felt like an uneven day, often boring and frustrating but sprinkled with bursts of intrigue. Did anything happen that changed their notions of how this would be before Thursday’s action? Brendan compares it to a big time neutral site college football game. They discuss the 13th hole and the valley that gobbled up Bryson’s ball in a sand-filled divot. There’s a debate about other major venues whose entire identities are more or less wrapped up in one historic moment. There are some harsh words on the telecast making it feel like a regular season event. The lack of hangliders, prevalence of planes, and potential plaque impacts are also covered. Rory’s round is hailed, as is Brooksy’s opening salvo. And of course, Dick Bland’s chances are re-assessed, as is his Coetzee Zone candidacy.

This Wednesday episode serves as your official U.S. Open preview. Andy and Brendan begin with some player reactions to the course setup so far, getting in the weeds on bomb-and-gouge proclamations and rough trepidation. There’s a debate about too much luck being involved, and a take that the U.S. Open has become the most predictable of the majors in terms of what type of winner it delivers. They highlight the divergent thoughts of Bryson and Jordan Spieth on whether this will be similar to Winged Foot. Then they get to the rumor that Bryson declined a pairing with Brooksy, and react to some of the pearl-clutching on Tuesday over this feud existing at all. One-and-done picks are made. Favorite groupings are bandied about -- from the Triple H to the European runts -- as well as worst groupings. Somehow, there is anti-Meronk sentiment. They close with some chatter on whether the hangliders, perhaps a rogue one with a bet slip, could impact the championship.

With the U.S. Open return to Torrey Pines, and a possible end to this era of the championship going to publicly owned venues, this Spotlight episode focuses on the one that ushered in that great muni experiment. Andy and Brendan dive into the story of how David Fay got the Open to Bethpage, the Rees Jones work before 2002, and the groundskeeping overhaul that took place to host the national championship. There is also ample time devoted to the Reestoration, with not exclusively glowing words for “The Open Doctor.” Then they get into some complaints on setup, including one hole where 15 players in a row failed to carry their drives to the fairway. There are segments dedicated to the rowdy crowds and of course, the main characters -- Jeff Maggert’s wardrobe, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Sergio Garcia. This may be the week the public perception of waggling Sergio really changed, and they go over the contretemps that had him leaving an apology note in Tiger’s locker the night before they played in the final round’s final pairing. There is, of course, time dedicated to this particular run of Tiger dominance, and the impacts incoming equipment evolutions might have had on that. Thanks to the U.S. Open Victory Club (join that here) for supporting this Spotlight work and making these episodes possible.

This Monday episode begins with a review of the puking down the stretch at the Palmetto Championship. Brendan and Andy discuss the Higgo potential, the Hadley gag, the Tain flick and attempted character assasination, DJ taking a dive to get out of town, and Brooks again saying he can’t focus for anything that’s not a major. There is also intel on Matt Fitzpatrick’s favorite time of year in Chicago, as well as his favorite restaurants. In contrast with that ugly play was the battle down the stretch at Lake Merced, where a Fin won for the first time on the LPGA, prompting dancing in the streets of Helsinki. On the KFT, they discuss a new and improved battlefield promotion proposal after Mito Pereira gets the call up after his third victory. On the LatinoAmerica Tour, a club pro makes a splash. News hits on Jon Rahm being cleared to get out of isolation. They close with a quick chat on the potential for the USGA putting Brooks and Bryson together when pairings are announced on Tuesday.

This special Spotlight episode ahead of U.S. Open week is dedicated to Lee Trevino. This is Part 1 of what will likely, hopefully be a two-part Spotlight. It begins with the nuts and bolts of Trevino’s resume and career accomplishments before launching into his background and upbringing in poor conditions outside of Dallas. It covers his trademark swing, how he got into the game from destitute circumstances, his time in the Marines, and his path onto Tour golf. That path is due in part to qualifying for and then succeeding at the U.S. Open his first few times around the national championship. This episode covers his first three major wins, the U.S. Open at Oak Hill, the U.S. Open at Merion in a playoff against Jack Nicklaus, and his first Open Championship at Birkdale. It also covers the origins of his antipathy towards the Masters, and many more side tales. Thanks to the U.S. Open Victory Club (join that here) for supporting this Spotlight work and making these episodes possible.

This Friday episode opens with a discussion on the proliferation of craft burger places, as well as the amusement over the animated Andy that appeared in the big Golf Digest article featuring him. Then they get to the Palmetto Championship, where Brendan’s one-and-done pick, Monday qualifier Tain Lee, is on absolute fire. They discuss, with moderate confusion, the Pomona colleges where he went and put all Shotgunners officially on #TainWatch for the rest of the week. Andy scours the bottom of the leaderboard with disgust, highlighting the bushels of players that should have been bounced for KFT talents. There are also some reports from the ground about the excellent conditioning. News hits on our first social media video of the rough at Torrey Pines, which leads to a proposal that all OEMs be banned from event grounds. Precision Pro Flashback Friday takes you down the path of a South Carolina resident that holds an impressive (or ignominious based on your point of view) record that Westy may match next week.

It’s the second recording of the day for Brendan and Andy so they are a little punchy. They begin with one of the most absurd and incongruous pairings they can ever recall for a field at the Palmetto Championship that is later dubbed in the episode as a “shit sandwich.” Andy runs through some of his “featured” groups, they cover three things to watch, and discuss Tom Fazio’s Congaree. There’s also the matter of Fazio being credited as the designer of not just Congaree but also Augusta National. The event of the week is given to Scandinivian Mixed, a cool concept across the pond. News is basically a segment on the PGL and its very public rolling out in both the press and on its new website, which is full of amusements.

This special Tuesday episode recaps U.S. Open Final Qualifying, whipping around from site to site with some amusing anecdotes. They begin with a #scoop on how this 2021 U.S. Open may have to be played under protest thanks to an indiscriminate slow play penalty handed out at one qualifying site that cost a Tour pro his spot in the championship. Then they praise, somewhat, Rickie Fowler’s approach to qualifying, sticking around an extra day in Columbus and playing in a 12-man playoff for a second alternate spot. There’s debate over the players who WD and if there should be a penalty for not riding it out. With several hot KFT pros qualifying, an old but angrier take is rekindled after Brendan and Andy discover there’s a Korn Ferry Tour event opposite the U.S. Open. They conclude by picking a few qualifiers they think could actually contend and some potential alternate sites that could be put in the rotation in the future.

This is a packed Monday episode that begins with praise for Yuka Saso’s playoff victory to become the youngest U.S. Women’s Open champion. Her early double bogey run, her late comeback, her playoff tightrope walk, and her emotional interview are all discussed. Then Brendan and Andy get to Lexi Thompson, discussing the appropriate use of the word “choke,” which was not heard on the broadcast with Johnny Miller off enjoying retirement. Brendan recalls the inevitability of the collapse that felt so brutal, while Andy has a theory on why it started to unravel on the back nine. They discuss NBC’s coverage of both Lexi’s collapse and the move to Golf Channel for the end of the playoff. The Memorial discussion largely focuses on Jon Rahm’s positive COVID test and WD, as well as another round of Brooks-Bryson feuding that may have led to the Tour getting involved. Is it bullying or crossing some sort of line? They wrap with a shoutout to a couple Canucks, the KFT GOAT, and sectional qualifying.

This late Friday episode was plagued by technical difficulties but should see the light of day in some form or fashion. Andy and Brendan begin with their reactions to the primetime and commercial-free U.S. Women’s Open on Thursday night. Andy has a new affinity for a watchmaker, while pondering an amount he’d pay annually for regular commercial-free golf. Then they get into their reactions to the early leaderboard and conditions at Olympic, where the quick ejection seems to be lurking. The Memorial discussion mostly focuses on Rickie’s eyesight issues and Xander Schauffele’s pointed comments about the armlock putting method. The NCAAs get a quick review, and there are some questions about Pepperdine being an underdog school. Sunny Kim is back in the winner’s circle and they are here to hail that chase for 80. They close with an Eye on Olympic focusing on Meghan Khang, who is T3 after the first round and whose family has one of the most improbable “American Dream” back stories in golf.

This Wednesday episode goes long on the U.S. Women’s Open but begins with the in-progress NCAA finals, which will pit Oklahoma vs. Pepperdine on Wednesday night. There’s plenty of chatter on the Burly Boys and the age of Quade Cummins, and puzzlement over Grayhawk getting to host for three years. Then it’s on to the major championship for the week, the U.S. Women’s Open at Olympic. Andy relays some intel from the grounds after being out in San Francisco this week. They discuss some comments from one veteran that this could be the hardest Women’s Open setup ever and that the young kids who can’t work the ball both ways may be in trouble. They propose their “best case scenarios” and also run through a few of their favorite tee times. On the PGA Tour, they react to Jack Nicklaus’ comments on the dramatic changes made to Muirfield Village, as well as the tinkering he’s already looking to do again. The close schedule for the week with the nightmare logistics problem has disrupted the Euro Tour.

This Monday episode begins with some unexpected animal content. Then Andy and Brendan get into the dawn of the Jason Kokrak era following his win over home favorite Jordan Spieth at Colonial. There is earnest praise for Kokrak and the consistent contention week-to-week (and at majors) after some improvements in his game. There’s incredulity about the need for three trophies, as well as Spieth’s Sunday struggles. Also, are we now set up for a Kokrak vs. Alex Cejka Sunday singles match at the Ryder Cup? Cejka is in the crosshairs after taking his second senior major of the year, providing further evidence that perhaps this Senior Safety Net should not exist. On the LPGA Match Play, they discuss the grueling test in triple digit temps the week before a major that will be its own difficult walk. They hail Shanshan Feng, recent Eye on Olympic subject, for her bailing on the consolation match. There are also a few more Feng stories relayed that only add to the appreciation. Cameron Young’s KFT hot streak is highlighted in “Fake Spring” conditions. News hits on rumors that Brooks might have leaked the infamous interview video and a Thirst Bucket of the Week debate on a nice gesture, which happens often but with typically less fanfare.

Andy and Brendan return to an old favorite format, the SGS Spotlight. The subject of this episode is the 2005 U.S. Women’s Open at Cherry Hills, won by the relatively unknown and extreme longshot, Birdie Kim, who pulled off one of the greatest shots in major championship history to clinch her only LPGA win. They set up how that historic venue played (hard) for this Women’s Open and if it’s due for another one. They discuss the trio of amateur phenoms in 15-year-old Michelle Wie, 17-year-old Morgan Pressel, and 19-year-old Brittany Lang all contending on Sunday to become the second ever amateur winners of the championship. This was also where Annika Sorenstam’s bid to win a calendar year slam came undone and Lorena Ochoa’s really started to take off. Ochoa also hit one of the worst shots you will ever see, which gets ample coverage here with citation to some humorous one-liners from Johnny Miller. They conclude with some of the larger themes on what happened to Birdie and the expectations (and burdens) that were then set for Wie, Pressel, and Lang.

This Friday episode features a most special guest host in Spencer Hall of EDSBS and Shutdown Fullcast infamy. Is golf Spencer’s forte or area of interest? Absolutely not, but he’s as brilliant as they come and fits in well for a ramble on the heat, playing golf in pants, puka shell necklaces, his experiences covering golf up close, the current headline-making golf beef, his favorite college football beefs that became spectacles as Bryson vs. Brooks threatens to, and a quarterback he would have loved to see in these celebrity matches. A segment on current results devolves into his impressions of Fort Worth, Tulsa, and Denmark. Precision Pro Flashback Friday is appropriately on the godfather of Danish Golf, Thomas Bjorn, and his reputed volcanic temper, one that cost him two shots and a claret jug. Thanks to Spencer, an absolute internet and content-making idol of ours, for taking time to join us -- if you don’t already, subscribe to the Shutdown Fullcast here.

This Wednesday episode wanders around for an hour. It begins with a retroactive thirstbucket of the week award, discusses some airport fare, Gary Player designs, and the most pointless warm-up routine witnessed at Kiawah. There’s also angst about why Monday’s episode was slow-played by Apple, with a conspiracy theory emerging related to the CEO’s surname. Finally, it’s to the news of the week, month, year -- the unsanctioned release of the Brooks v. Bryson interview video. They come at it from all angles, giving Todd Lewis a supporting actor nomination, indulging some pre-Bryson arguments, some pre-Brooks arguments, going through the beef timeline, and pleading with the PGA Tour to lean the hell into it, given the millions of views illustrating an appetite. Then it’s on to the schedule for the week, leading off with the Stand-up Mixer Senior PGA. It’s the event of the week but some troubling news out of Tulsa, where Andy was recording from, reveals the honor may be tainted by an appliance bribe. They close with another Eye on Olympic, which focuses on the player in the field at the U.S. Women’s Open regarded as the most humorous on tour.

It’s the end of a long week in Kiawah, but Andy and Brendan record their last episode from the 2021 PGA Championship after an exhilarating day at the Ocean Course. Andy abstains from arguing for Ernie but there is some evidence later offered for potential asterisks next to this win. They relay what it was like out there in the crowd, walking and watching both Phil and Brooks in the final pairing. They assess Phil’s win in the larger context of his career achievements and golf history. They relay what each found most impressive about the day and his win, from the distance control and penetrating shotmaking to some of what felt like gamesmanship setting the terms with Brooksy. They get into the crowd, which treated Brooksy like a club pro and then broke through the ropes for an 18th hole scene that will go down in history. There’s some more Ben Cook takes, Louis laments, and praise for the course as a cog in a major championship rota. Thanks to all for the support all week.

This Saturday episode recaps a great day on the ground from Andy and Brendan. Andy tells the tales of following the Brooksy group, while Brendan provides details from tracking the Mickelson-Mattress King duo. They assess the potential worst case and best case scenarios for Sunday, as well as the contenders and pretenders. There’s also some discussion about what a Kevin Streelman win could mean for Wilson and it’s beleaguered tour truck. A Precision Pro Flashback Friday Sr. hits on Phil’s first and only PGA win from 2005 at Baltusrol, as he adjusted to new equipment, employed a strategy of restraint similar to this week, and held off a hard-charging Tiger, who jetted home early after “greed and arrogance” led to a Monday finish.

Brendan and Andy are graced by the curmudgeonly Eamon Lynch for this Friday night episode fueled by Smith Devereux wines. They all react to the elderly co-leaders, the Mattress King and Phil Mickelson, as well as some of the uber talents that made late charges up the board in Brooksy and Hideki. Also the Thicc Boi, whose “great drive” ended up in some cabbage. There are check-ins on the course setup and conditioning as well as hopes for the weekend on that front. Lastly, they nominate some most surprising and most disappointing nominees for players who are in it and those who are pouting their way home early from Kiawah.

Andy and Brendan are back at the Beverage Boys house to react to the first day at the PGA Championship. The flushers and strikers rose to the top. They discuss how the course played in the opener, how the wind wasn’t that bad, watching the Baton Boy up close, seeing some delectable shot shapes on the back nine par-3s, rooting on a club pro friend of the program, a slow play penalty actually assessed, Bryson neglecting to yell fore!, and the 18th hole fairway backboard. There’s also some intel about a Bracelet Boy sprinting to make his tee time. The episode wraps with a story of Andy asking cops on the driving range about biker gang enrollment procedures.