The Smylie Show

Sepp Straka joins Smylie Kaufman on The Smylie Show for a wide-ranging conversation on fatherhood, growing up between Austria and Georgia, competing alongside his twin brother Sam, and the path that took him from an under-the-radar junior to one of the best players in the world. Sepp talks about his time at Georgia, why that qualifying culture helped shape him, how he ended up with Srixon after college, and why his equipment setup immediately gave him confidence heading into Q-School.Later, Sepp gets into the real turning points in his PGA TOUR career: the early inconsistency, working with John Tillery, using TrackMan with more purpose, improving his wedge play and short game, and building a more complete process around practice. Then Charlie joins for Short-Sided to close things out with some lighter stories on food, Georgia guys, and dad life at home.⛳️ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more golf insight! 📺 Follow our socials @thesmylieshowChapters0:00 Sepp on dad life and bedtime duties3:21 Sepp’s journey from Austria to Georgia5:59 How Georgia helped shape his game10:25 Representing Austria and Olympic memories14:31 Why Sepp signed with Srixon18:19 Q-School, pressure, and early tour life27:18 Why his game finally took off29:23 John Tillery, TrackMan, and better numbers30:20 Fixing the weak spots in his short game31:05 Wedge practice, process, and improvement45:23 Short-Sided with Charlie#golf #pgatour #augusta #masters #seppstraka #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfpicks #golfbetting #valero #texasopen #golfhighlights

Smylie Kaufman is joined by former PGA TOUR pro and TGL analyst Roberto Castro to unpack everything from TGL’s second season. After a full year on the broadcast, Roberto shares what he learned in the booth, how the league evolved from Year 1 to Year 2, and why the level of play and team strategy took such a big leap. They also dive into Los Angeles Golf Club’s championship run, the teams that impressed and disappointed, and how TGL can help younger players grow by competing alongside proven veterans.Roberto also explains why certain players and teams seemed to improve as the season went on, what stood out behind the scenes, and what he’ll be watching heading into next season as TGL continues to expand.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️Chapters0:00 Roberto Castro joins the show0:35 Roberto’s first season on the TGL broadcast2:50 Biggest TGL Season 2 takeaways4:04 Why Los Angeles won it all5:24 What TGL revealed about players’ form7:08 How TGL helps young players develop8:13 Most disappointing team of the season9:29 What should change for next season?12:36 Roberto’s early Season 3 outlook#golf #smylieshow #TGL #pgatour #golfhighlights

Gary Woodland completes one of the most emotional wins of the season at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down both the meaning of the moment and the golf that got it done. They dive into the harrowing neurological trauma Woodland's been dealing with privately and publicly on his seven-year journey back to the winner's circle, the ball-speed and putting numbers that stood out, and what this win means for Gary - and a number of other players inside and outside the OWGR Top 50 - as we look ahead to the Masters.Smylie and Charlie then offer a reflection on arguably the biggest news in golf this week - Tiger Woods automobile accident which involved a set of charges from the Martin County Sheriff's Department, what it means in a golf context, and the societal reaction at large to one of the game's biggest figures.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS0:00 Hello from the road!1:48 Gary Woodland’s emotional Houston Open win12:51 Masters OWGR Top-50 qualifiers15:20 Other notes from Houston: aces for Shane Lowry and Adam Scott17:08 Reacting to Tiger Woods accident and fallout25:39 DP World Tour / Korn Ferry notes27:17 Sepp Straka preview / Masters week lookahead#golf #pgatour #smylieshow #garywoodland #golfpodcast #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap

Smylie Kaufman sits down with two elite perspectives in golf:First, recent Arnold Palmer Invitational winner Akshay Bhatia joins to break down his victory at Bay Hill, his evolving game, and how confidence, putting, and mindset fueled his breakthrough.Then, sports psychologist Dr. Bhrett McCabe joins to unpack the mental side of elite performance—highlighting Cam Young’s Players Championship win, pressure, confidence, and why perfection is the biggest myth in golf.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro & Akshay Bhatia on Winning Bay Hill 0:48 Joe Greiner Partnership & Lefty Advantage 3:40 Cross-Handed Chipping & Short Game Feel 6:25 Leading vs Chasing on the PGA Tour 8:55 Putting Breakthrough & Routine Changes 11:10 Ball Striking DNA & Shot Shaping 13:25 Driver Options & Shot Patterns 16:05 Augusta Strategy & Preparation 19:00 Confidence from Winning & Major Outlook 21:35 Tour Life, India Trip & Season Momentum23:40 Bhrett McCabe Interview Begins – Cam Young & Players Championship 25:10 Understanding Elite Confidence & Self-Belief 30:40 Why “Perfect Golf” is a Myth 34:20 Handling Swing Breakdowns Under Pressure 38:40 Winning Without Your Best Stuff 41:45 Ryder Cup Experience & Competitive Edge45:15 Chris Gotterup Conversation & Development Arc 47:30 Confidence Growth & Learning to Win 50:00 Mental Toughness vs Technical Perfection 52:30 What Separates Good Players from Great Ones 55:00 Closing Thoughts on Mindset & Performance #golf #pgatour #smylieshow #akshaybhatia #golfpodcast #smyliekaufman #golflesson #camyoung

A week after coming up one shot short at the PLAYERS, Matt Fitzpatrick got right back to work and won the Valspar Championship. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down the swing work he's done with Mark Blackburn, what stood out most about his mentality after the near miss at Sawgrass, and whether his current form should have people paying closer attention heading into Augusta. They also dive into the pace-of-play controversy on Sunday, with Smylie offering perspective from inside the ropes on what actually frustrates players and how those situations can throw contenders out of rhythm.The episode also looks at the bigger trends coming out of the Florida Swing, including why so many 54-hole leaders have struggled to close this season, what happened to Sungjae Im on Sunday, and why Copperhead continues to be one of the best non-signature tests on the PGA TOUR. Smylie and Charlie also assess where Brooks Koepka and Jordan Spieth stand as the Masters approaches, including why Brooks’ recent iron play is so notable and why Spieth feels closer than his results might suggest.The show wraps with a look at the inaugural success that LIV's South Africa event was, and what it means for golf on a global stage. Plus, are Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm in better form that anyone else as we look ahead to Augusta?Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅Chapters:0:00 Intro3:15 Matt Fitzpatrick’s Valspar win9:09 Can Fitzpatrick contend at Augusta?12:53 Pace-of-play controversy on Sunday22:00 The challenge Copperhead provides30:23 Why it's so difficult to close a 54-hole lead38:17 Breaking down Brooks Koepka's week49:22 Bryson DeChambeau & Jon Rahm ... Masters favorites?#pgatour #golf #valspar #fitzpatrick #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #rorymcilroy #bryson #jonrahm #golfpodcast #golfpreview #golfchannel #masters #augusta

Fresh off his first PGA Tour win at the Genesis Invitational, Jacob Bridgeman sat down with Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme to break down the week that changed his career.Topics Covered• Bridgeman’s breakthrough win at Riviera• Playing Sunday with Rory McIlroy• Tiger Woods reacting to his ball-striking• Surviving pressure on the back nine• The new wave of young American PGA Tour stars• Growing up in South Carolina with Masters dreams• "Short-Sided" lightning roundJacob dives into the surreal experience of winning at Riviera, the messages that flooded his phone after the victory, and the confidence he felt holding a six-shot lead on Sunday. He shares stories from the final round playing alongside Rory McIlroy, how a mud ball nearly derailed his finish, and the incredible moment of shaking Tiger Woods’ hand after the win.The conversation also explores Bridgeman’s rise through the Korn Ferry Tour, the impact of his veteran caddie, and the growing crop of young American stars on the PGA Tour. Jacob discusses his unique ten-finger grip, the swing work that transformed his iron play, and the putting routine that has made him one of the best on tour. Plus, the episode wraps with Charlie’s lightning-round "Short-Sided" segment.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 — Jacob Bridgeman joins TSS02:46 — Riviera prep & first impressions06:55 — Ball-striking clinic & Tiger Woods’ reaction09:06 — Holding the lead Sunday with Rory McIlroy20:48 — The caddie who believed in him25:50 — Young American stars on Tour29:45 — Augusta National & Masters dreams33:14 — Ten-finger grip, swing changes & elite putting routine41:18 — Short-Sided with Charlie#pgatour #golf #PLAYERS #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #rorymcilroy #JacobBridgeman #rorymcilroy #scottiescheffler #golfpodcast #golfpreview #golfchannel #ludvigaberg

The 2026 PLAYERS Championship delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the season, with Cam Young emerging victorious from a group including Matt Fitzpatrick, Ludvig Åberg, Xander Schauffele, and Robert MacIntyre.Smylie Kaufman walked inside the ropes with the final group, and breaks down exactly how Young pulled it off, from a clutch birdie on 17 to one of the longest drives ever recorded on the 18th hole at Sawgrass.Smylie and Charlie Hulme dive into the duel between Cam Young and Matt Fitzpatrick, the key swing and strategy adjustments that changed the tournament, and the implications as we head towards the first major of the year at Augusta.They also examine a disappointing Sunday for Ludvig Åberg, discuss Rory McIlroy’s Masters preparation, highlight the recent resurgence in form for Brooks Koepka, and ask the big question: is Scottie Scheffler actually in a slump?Plus: Smylie ranks his own shots from his debut on Golf Channel’s Live From coverage at The PLAYERS.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro & Scenes from THE PLAYERS03:05 Sawgrass Sunday conditions & best finish in golf07:21 Cam Young’s strategy12:21 The evolution of Cam Young’s putting & mindset17:01 The defining moments on 17 and 1822:44 Matt Fitzpatrick27:05 Ludvig Åberg31:04 Momentum, crowd energy & Sunday pressure34:48 “Major or Not Major”42:11 Is Scottie Scheffler actually in a slump?48:10 Smylie’s Golf Channel Live From debut56:31 PGA Tour competitive structure changes1:08:15 Final thoughts#pgatour #golf #PLAYERS #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #rorymcilroy #CamYoung #CameronYoung #rorymcilroy #scottiescheffler #golfpodcast #golfpreview #golfchannel #ludvigaberg #MattFitzpatrick #Sawgrass

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are on-site at TPC Sawgrass to preview the 2026 PLAYERS Championship. From the course conditions and weather draw to the unique strategy required at Pete Dye’s iconic stadium course, the guys break down everything to watch this week.They discuss Rory McIlroy’s back concerns, Scottie Scheffler’s surprising iron-play dip, and the type of player who actually wins at Sawgrass, before diving into their One-and-Done picks and sleeper contenders for the week.With potential mud balls, gusty winds, and the terrifying closing stretch of 16-17-18, this year’s PLAYERS could deliver another unpredictable leaderboard.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS00:00 On-site at TPC Sawgrass!01:20 First Look at the Course03:30 The “Fifth Major” Debate06:00 Sawgrass Course Strategy & Shot Shapes11:50 Weather Forecast & Draw Advantage15:10 History of THE PLAYERS at Sawgrass21:00 Scottie Scheffler Form Check27:00 Rory McIlroy Injury Update31:00 One-and-Done Picks47:00 Closing Thoughts#pgatour #golf #PLAYERS #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #rorymcilroy #akshaybhatia #scottiescheffler #golfpodcast #golfpreview #golfchannel

Akshay Bhatia delivered one of the most electric Sundays of the PGA Tour season at Bay Hill, draining over 144 feet of putts and storming back to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational in a playoff. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down how Bhatia’s short game carried him to victory on brutally firm, “crispy” greens that had the entire field on edge all week.The guys also dive into Daniel Berger’s incredible comeback, analyzing the encouraging signs after nearly two years battling injuries and setbacks. Plus, they discuss strong performances from Ludvig Åberg, Cam Young, and Collin Morikawa, what it means heading into THE PLAYERS Championship, and why Bay Hill’s setup produced one of the most entertaining tournaments of the season.And of course, things get chaotic when Judge Jaxon Brown enters the courtroom to rule on the Rory McIlroy withdrawal in the show’s One-and-Done contest.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:0:00 – Bay Hill delivers2:06 – Golf season is officially back3:08 – Bay Hill’s greens4:14 – Smylie’s “Snap, Crackle, Pop” crispy greens rankings6:47 – Major championship courses with the craziest greens10:15 – Akshay Bhatia21:04 – The clutch putts that saved Bhatia’s round23:40 – Daniel Berger29:13 – Bay Hill’s intimidating visuals and pressure moments31:10 – Scottie Scheffler34:12 – Cam Young37:04 – Ludvig Åberg38:12 – Collin Morikawa38:48 – The Rory McIlroy One-and-Done controversy47:36 – Ryder Cup49:00 – Luke Donald’s leadership and Europe’s continuity50:30 – Could Tiger Woods captain the U.S.?55:30 - Jon Rahm1:10:00 – Closing thoughts and wrap-up#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights

Justin Thomas returns to The Smylie Show (a record fourth time!) for a candid conversation on everything from fatherhood to his back surgery & rehab. JT explains how taking the long view on recovery changed his mindset — and how becoming a dad reshaped the way he practices and competes.He also retraces the beginnings of his friendly "rivalry" with Jordan Spieth - including their dinner before he won his first major at Quail Hollow, the legendary SB2K16 trip, and more untold stories. Plus, JT discusses his relationship with Tiger Woods, and shares stories about learning from and competing alongside the 🐐In this episode:• Back surgery & recovery• Fatherhood perspective• Jordan Spieth rivalry• First major breakthrough• George W. Bush Walker Cup stories• Tiger Woods mentorship• "Short-Sided" with CharlieFollow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅00:00 – JT Returns: Surgery & Florida Swing01:32 – Rehab Timeline & Long-Term Plan06:28 – Winning as a Dad (Hilton Head)11:42 – First Meeting with Jordan Spieth13:22 – Junior Rivalry15:28 – Wyndham at 16 Years Old16:40 – Spieth’s “Did You Shoot 65?” Call18:30 – Class of 2011 Depth & Late Bloomers21:38 – Choosing Alabama23:49 – Walker Cup at National Golf Links of America26:30 – George W. Bush Story29:35 – Early Times on Tour31:46 – “We’re Better When the Other One Plays Well”32:19 – Dinner Before Winning First Major34:36 – Advice Before Sunday at Quail Hollow40:16 – SB2K16 Origin Story42:52 – From Spring Break to Family Trips43:54 – Becoming Close with Tiger Woods54:56 – Post-Win Moment55:25 – Tiger as Ryder Cup Captain56:27 – Mentorship & Charlie Woods66:00 – Short-Sided with Charlie Hulme#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #golfpodcast #justinthomas #rickiefowler #jordanspieth #tigerwoods

Smylie and Charlie recap a wild Sunday at PGA National where the Bear Trap once again decided the Cognizant Classic. After Shane Lowry appeared in total control — birdieing 9, eagling 10, and building a three-shot lead — everything unraveled at the 16th tee. The guys break down the wind setup, hole locations, and the pivotal swings that flipped the tournament in minutes. They dive into Nico’s composure, his no-bogey weekend, and what this win says about his resilience after a rocky rookie season. Plus: Shane Lowry’s growing 54-hole storyline, Brooks Koepka’s encouraging signs with the putter, Max Homa’s progress, the state of PGA National on the schedule, Bay Hill projections, and behind-the-scenes stories from a full week in South Florida.Additionally, Gil Hanse joins the show! Seminole Golf Club is often regarded as one of Donald Ross’s greatest works, but due to environmental factors and architectural modifications, the course was in need of some restorative work to ensure its future.Gil joins to discuss his two-year process in Juno Beach, rediscovering Ross’s original green shapes, and why he's thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Seminole Superintendent Nelson Caron.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:0:00 – On-Site at PGA National1:30 – Shane Lowry4:15 – The 16th Tee Shot: What Happened?8:10 – Nico’s 17th Hole Birdie & Clutch Moment12:30 – Lowry’s Closing Struggles & 54-Hole Trend16:00 – Nico’s Resilience & Rookie Season Perspective20:00 – Brooks Koepka: Putter Adjustment & Players Outlook23:40 – Max Homa’s Progress Report26:30 – Thursday Chaos: Gerard, David Ford & Bear Trap Carnage29:00 – Should PGA National Play Harder?32:00 – Schedule Debate: Where Does This Event Fit?35:00 – Bay Hill Projections (Next 10 / Swing 5 Discussion)37:00 – USGA Venue Announcements (Future Opens & Walker Cups)39:00 – South Florida Week Recap (Old Palm & Practice Stories)43:20 – Justin Thomas Episode Tease46:00 – Jacob Bridgeman Conversation Preview47:00 — Gil Hanse joins TSS: Restoring Seminole01:06:40 — Final Thoughts #pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #golfpodcast #cognizant #shanelowry #nicoechavarria #seminole #gilhanse

Luke Clanton returns to TSS to talk life as a PGA Tour member — the travel grind, gaining confidence, and what he’s learned competing against the best players in the world.Luke dives into mindset, discipline, training, expectations, and why loving the process is everything at the highest level.Plus: Stick around for "Short-Sided" to hear what advice Luke would give to future Florida State Seminoles Charlie Woods and Miles Russell!Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 – Luke Clanton Returns to TSS02:15 – Life as a Full-Time PGA Tour Pro05:00 – Discipline, Work Ethic & Loving the Process07:00 – Confidence vs Technique in Putting10:00 – Tour Pressure & Expectations14:00 – Learning From Scottie Scheffler16:30 – The Hardest Part of Tour Life19:45 – Practice Rounds & Money Games24:00 – Speed, Fitness & Longevity30:15 – Goals for 2026 & Mindset37:00 – Short-Sided with Charlie#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #golfpodcast #lukeclanton #youtubegolf

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down Jacob Bridgeman’s statement win at the Genesis Invitational, Rory McIlroy’s late charge, and Adam Scott reminding everyone that elite ball-striking never ages.From soft conditions changing Riviera’s identity to Scottie Scheffler’s bizarre slow-start trend, this episode dives deep into what actually mattered this week — and what it means heading into the Florida Swing.Plus: rising young Americans, blade putter debates 😂, and the bigger PGA Tour schedule conversation that keeps getting louder.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 Opening Banter / Olympics & Sports Viewing06:30 Genesis Invitational Recap Begins07:10 Jacob Bridgeman Wins at Riviera12:45 Closing With a Lead — Pressure Discussion16:05 Rory McIlroy’s Charge & Season Outlook22:40 Adam Scott’s Sunday 6327:48 Scottie Scheffler Slow Starts Trend33:10 Scheffler Course Fit Debate37:55 Kitayama, Potgieter & Blade Putters 😂41:30 Young Americans Emerging Narrative45:00 Riviera Conditions & Course Identity47:10 PGA Tour Schedule Debate50:30 Playoffs, Ratings & Event Timing53:45 DP World Tour / LIV / Rahm Discussion57:00 Travel, Points & Player Leverage#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #scottiescheffler #rorymcilroy #genesisinvitational #riviera

Haotong Li joins The Smylie Show for perhaps the most laughs we’ve had in an episode yet 😂Haotong takes us on quite the journey - from growing up in Shanghai, to learning English from Kevin Hart, to playing in the final group of the 2025 Open Championship with Scottie Scheffler.We also rewind to a wild sequence of events at the Presidents Cup (that has since led to a friendship with Justin Thomas) and playing on Rory McIlroy’s team in the Golf Channel Games.Enjoy our conversation with Haotong … and a Happy Chinese New Year to all who celebrate!!! 🔥🐴🇨🇳Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome + Happy Chinese New Year02:58 – Learning to play golf in China06:39 – Haotong’s Personality & Humor10:00 – WGC Memories + Early Career13:14 – Royal Birkdale 201716:10 - Portrush 202518:34 – Losing confidence with the driver25:33 – Presidents Cup Chaos Story32:36 – Bathrobe at Wentworth34:12 – Scottie Scheffler Breakdown37:14 – Short-Sided with Charlie#golf #HaotongLi #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfpodcast #golfhighlights #china #chinese #chinesenewyear #happychinesenewyear

Collin’s performance, Scottie Scheffler’s ridiculous charge, Pebble’s conditions, and the bigger conversation around the course’s place on the schedule.Plus — Anthony Kim delivers one of the most improbable wins in modern golf history!Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight!CHAPTERS:00:00 Morikawa Wins Pebble Beach02:10 Why We Doubt Morikawa04:30 Elite Ball Striking vs Putting Concerns07:05 The Insane Saturday Round09:20 Scottie Scheffler’s Sunday Charge12:05 Anthony Kim’s Historic LIV Win15:30 The Emotional AK Moment18:05 Anthony Kim’s Game & Legacy21:40 Rahm & Bryson Takeaways24:25 LIV vs PGA Tour Reality29:20 Pebble Beach & Weather Debate35:00 Pebble vs U.S. Open Setup40:05 Scottie’s Putting & Adjustments48:10 Tommy Fleetwood’s Merch Run52:00 Golf Tangents & Wrap-Up#golf #golfhighlights #Anthonykim #AK #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfpodcast #golfhighlights #LIV #golfpodcast #golfrecap

Join us for another episode of The Smylie Show as Smylie Kaufman sits down with Mark Blackburn, recently named Golf Digest’s No. 1 Coach in America, to go deep on what actually separates elite ball-strikers from everyone else.Mark breaks down: • Coaching Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Max Homa, and Daniel Berger • Why Scottie Scheffler is the best ball-striker in the world • Matchups vs “perfect” golf swings • Technology, data, and why simplicity lives on the other side of complexity • Developing juniors, rebuilding injured players, and creating tour-level speedFollow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight!CHAPTERS00:00 – Justin Rose’s wire-to-wire win at Torrey Pines04:20 – Mark Blackburn’s first PGA Tour coaching breakthrough08:30 – From aspiring pro to elite golf coach12:00 – Coaching juniors & identifying real athletic talent16:00 – Technology vs feel in modern golf instruction22:00 – Matchups: why elite golf swings don’t look alike27:00 – What makes Scottie Scheffler the best ball-striker in the world31:30 – Inside Justin Rose’s swing & Ryder Cup performance43:00 – Matt Fitzpatrick: distance, precision & swing evolution49:30 – Max Homa: rebuilding form & swing direction58:30 – Coaching injured players & long-term development01:01:40 - Charlie joins for “Short-Sided” with Mark#golf #golfcoach #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfpodcast #golfhighlights

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap Chris Gotterup and Patrick Reed winning their respective second tournament in three starts to move into the top 20 in the world rankings. They also discuss whether fans at the WM PHX Open crossed a line in interfering with Hideki Matsuyama twice on Sunday. Finally, they address the revived debate - should the PLAYERS be considered the fifth major?Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more golf insight!

Ryan Gerard joins Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme on The Smylie Show for a conversation covering everything from finding Mauritius on a map so he could earn a Masters invite, to his lack of a dining room table 😂The guys dive into Ryan’s UNC days, the legendary “Mr. Clutch” shirt, Steak Wednesdays with Ben Griffin, and the big-money offer he turned down in December 2025.Plus: A robust Scotty Cameron collection, how his caddie "Pepsi" earned the nickname, and why Ryan’s apartment has more putting mats than plates.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Follow us on socials: @thesmylieshow ⛳️CHAPTERS:00:00 – Ryan Gerard joins TSS01:10 – Growing up in North Carolina & choosing UNC02:48 – “Mr. Clutch” shirt origin04:40 – Wild UNC practice drills & confidence stories07:12 – Team chemistry, nicknames & college golf chaos08:55 – Steak Wednesday superstition with Ben Griffin11:35 – NCAA Championship15:27 – Early college struggles & irrational confidence19:00 – Moving to Jupiter & Florida golf life20:16 – Best Jupiter courses & Florida golf talk22:02 – No kitchen table, putting mats everywhere26:32 – High-tech putting green & offseason upgrades29:57 – Putter rotation, Scotty Camerons & gear talk33:20 – Putting & offseason grind35:11 – Ceiling as a player & missed wins37:20 – RSM Classic pressure & chasing Top 5039:06 – Last-minute trip to Mauritius explained42:12 – What golf in Mauritius is really like43:12 – Locking up a Masters invitation44:06 – Caddie “Pepsi” stories & Tour legends47:33 – Special Temporary Membership explained49:38 – Tour access, sponsor exemptions & reality of grinding52:00 – PGA Tour vs alternatives & long-term decisions55:11 – Looking back on career-defining choices56:20 – “Short-Sided” with Charlie Hulme#golf #pgatour #ryangerard #UNC #tarheels #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap all the golf action and news of the past week, from Justin Rose's historic win at the Farmers Insurance Open, to Brooks Koepka's much-anticipated return to the PGA TOUR, to Patrick Reed's departure from LIV Golf.

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap all the golf action and news of the past week, from Justin Rose's historic win at the Farmers Insurance Open, to Brooks Koepka's much-anticipated return to the PGA TOUR, to Patrick Reed's departure from LIV Golf.

Cam Young joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on the long journey to his first PGA Tour win, battling expectations, Ryder Cup pressure at Bethpage, and how trusting the process changed his career.Cam opens up about Monday qualifiers, financial uncertainty early in his career, putting struggles, mental growth, and what finally clicked during his breakout run — culminating in a win, a Ryder Cup selection, and one of the most emotional stretches of his career.👇 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your biggest takeaway.CHAPTERS:00:00 Offseason life & family03:05 Wake Forest roots & COVID setback05:00 Monday qualifiers & running out of money10:00 Korn Ferry grind & first breakthrough13:45 Rookie year success without a win17:45 Expectations, pressure & frustration22:00 Shifting to a process-first mindset26:50 Putting struggles & experimentation30:10 Setup changes that fixed putting34:20 Confidence through small wins36:10 Golf ball switch that changed everything40:00 Finally winning on the PGA TOUR44:00 Ryder Cup goal & Keegan conversation49:05 Ryder Cup singles vs Justin Rose50:10 Bethpage ruling chaos & momentum swing52:10 Handling missed putts & match play pressure58:55 Late-week Ryder Cup reflections1:03:25 E9 with Charlie Hulme1:08:30 Off-course life & wrap-up#golf #pgatour #rydercup #camyoung #smylieshow #TGL

Fresh off a full week of broadcasting the American Express on the Golf Channel, Smylie Kaufman joins Charlie Hulme to break down the 20th win of Scottie Scheffler’s PGA TOUR career.Smylie and Charlie are then joined by 18-year-old Blades Brown, fresh off an incredible week that saw him nearly shoot 59, and star alongside the world No. 1 in the final group on Sunday.Smylie and Charlie return to wrap remaining AmEx storylines before closing the show with Smylie’s first-ever earthquake experience (complete with a stunning Smylie reveal), plus a cameo from producer Jaxon Brown explaining the viral phenomenon of exploding trees in extreme cold.Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe! CHAPTERS:00:00 – Intro / Setting the scene in La Quinta02:40 – Scottie Scheffler wins again: what felt inevitable07:45 – Why Scottie’s control under pressure is unmatched12:30 – Comparing Scottie’s dominance to recent great runs17:10 – Why the American Express format continues to work22:10 – Early-season trends & players gaining momentum27:05 – 🎙️ Blades Brown interview begins27:45 – Eight rounds in eight days & managing fatigue31:20 – Nearly shooting 59 and resetting mentally34:20 – Playing in the final group with Scottie Scheffler36:40 – What Blades noticed watching Scottie close37:30 – Charlie joins: confidence, maturity & ceiling39:50 – Wrapping the Blades Brown interview40:00 – Smylie & Charlie react to Blades’ week42:30 – What this performance means going forward45:20 – American Express takeaways48:30 – Field depth & early FedEx Cup implications52:00 – Smylie’s first-ever earthquake experience59:30 – Exploding Trees66:10 – Back to golf: travel chaos & weird road stories70:30 – Final AmEx reflections & season outlook74:30 – Closing thoughts, upcoming weeks & sign-off#golf #pgatour #golfhighlights #bladesbrown #scottiescheffler #smylie #smylieshow

Welcome to another episode of The Smylie Show! This week, Smylie Kaufman sits down with Aldrich Potgieter to unpack one of the fastest rises in professional golf.Aldrich walks through his journey from growing up between South Africa and Australia to winning the British Amateur, playing major championships at 17, surviving Q-School, grinding through the Korn Ferry Tour, and breaking through on the PGA Tour.They dive deep into major championship moments, distance control, equipment decisions, working with Justin Parsons, earning a PGA Tour card under pressure, and managing expectations as one of the youngest players on Tour. Stick around for a fun ending, as Charlie joins with his second-ever E9 segment!

Chris Gotterup opened the 2026 PGA Tour season with a statement win at the Sony Open in Hawaii, and Smylie Kaufman was on-site to call it all week on the Golf Channel.Smylie and Charlie Hulme break down Gotterup’s dominant Sunday performance, his driving “superpowers,” and what parts of his game are taking him into an elite category on Tour.Plus, thoughts on the future of PGA Tour events in Hawaii, Vijay Singh’s ageless performance, Jordan Spieth’s club tinkering, and quotes from Rory McIlroy on Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour and the future of LIV Golf.CHAPTERS:00:00 – Opening & Sony Open vibes in Hawaii 01:00 – Is this the last PGA Tour stop in Hawaii? 02:30 – Why players love starting the season at Sony 03:40 – Chris Gotterup takes control on Sunday 05:10 – Gotterup’s driving power & elite upside 07:00 – Jupiter move, TGL reps & confidence boost 09:00 – Shot shapes, fairways hit & closing mentality 11:00 – Final group chaos: Davis Riley & Harry Hall 13:30 – When the putter finally cools off 16:30 – What Davis Riley still needs to unlock 18:30 – Harry Hall’s week & breakout expectations 21:00 – Ryan Gerard’s runner-up & Masters momentum 23:30 – Vijay Singh’s made cut & career exemption 26:00 – Jordan Spieth stories, tinkering & wrist update 28:30 – Rory McIlroy on LIV, Brooks Koepka & the Tour 33:00 – LIV’s future, finances & 54 vs 72 holes 38:00 – Anthony Kim, promotions & alternative golf windows 41:30 – Previewing the American Express field 46:30 – Why top players love AmEx as a season opener 49:00 – Scottie Scheffler odds & course fit debate 52:00 – Final thoughts & wrap-up#golf #pgatour #smylieshow #sonyopen

Ludvig Åberg joins Smylie Kaufman to dive deep on a number of topics - witnessing Rory McIlroy's shot of the 2025 Masters from a fairway over, the strategy he employs at some of Augusta National's most pivotal holes, and nearly shooting a 59 at Bethpage Black!One of the most talented young players in the game of golf, Ludvig begins by retracing an unusual start to the 2025 season - tons of promise derailed by sickness at Torrey Pines and Pebble Beach, before receiving a redemption shot a month later at the Genesis Invitational.Ludvig also details some of the swing struggles he experienced in 2025, and what he's been working on to get to a more consistent place with the full swing, the short game, and even his putting setup.Finally, Charlie Hulme joins for a brand-new show segment - "The E9" - to rapid-fire through a series of questions with Ludvig, ranging from golf to anything but.Like, comment & subscribe for more golf insight ⛳️ Catch us every Wednesday on the Golf Channel at 9am ET!CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome to The Smylie Show00:56 – Life in Jacksonville & offseason routine02:49 – Early 2025 season & illness at Torrey Pines05:21 – Pebble Beach withdrawal & physical recovery07:18 – Genesis Invitational moves to Torrey Pines08:46 – Sunday at Torrey: realizing a win was possible11:38 – Seven-wood on 18 & closing the tournament12:55 – Confidence after the biggest win of his career14:12 – Augusta National: second-year advantage20:00 – Sunday at Augusta with Rory & Bryson charging22:23 – Aggression vs patience late on Sunday26:17 – Why pressure situations are the goal27:30 – Evaluating the 2025 season as a whole29:42 – Swing changes: clubface control explained33:12 – Pelvis load, sequencing & power36:01 – GEARS data & offseason technical work37:06 – Short game growth & wedge changes41:15 – Putting setup, Quintic data & consistency44:05 – Almost shooting 59 at Bethpage46:15 – Ryder Cup fans, chirps & atmosphere48:19 – "The E9" with Charlie Hulme56:17 – Ludvig's upcoming PGA TOUR schedule#golf #pgatour #golfchannel #ludvigaberg #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfpodcast

The PGA Tour season officially begins at the Sony Open, and Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down everything you need to know about Waialae Country Club — from course architecture and strategy to which players are best positioned to start the year strong.Later in the episode, Smylie sits down with longtime Hawaii golf voice Mark Rolfing for an important conversation on the future of professional golf in Hawaii, the water crisis at Kapalua, and why these tournaments matter so deeply to the islands.From Sony Open contenders and course fit to Ryder Cup crowd behavior and LIV Golf movement, this episode covers far more than just a weekly preview.Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more, and check us out on Wednesdays at 9am ET on the Golf Channel!00:00 – Welcome + Why the Sony Open Feels Like the True Season Opener03:30 – Waialae Country Club: History, Seth Raynor & Classic Design07:30 – How Waialae Plays: Wind, Bermuda, Angles & Decision-Making12:00 – Sony Open Strategy: Where Scores Are Actually Made17:00 – Player Fits, Storylines & Early-Season Momentum22:00 – Ryder Cup Crowds, Fan Behavior & Where the Line Is27:30 – LIV Golf Moves, Career Choices & Tour Fragmentation34:00 – Big Picture: Where the PGA Tour Is Headed38:30 – Setting the Stage for Hawaii Golf’s Bigger Conversation40:00 – Mark Rolfing Joins: Why Hawaii Golf Is at a Crossroads44:30 – Kapalua, Water Issues & Tournament Uncertainty50:30 – Community Impact, Charity & What the Tour Overlooks57:30 – Golf Architecture, History & Why These Courses Matter01:04:30 – Wrapping Up with Mark Rolfing01:06:30 – Back with Smylie & Charlie: New Year Goals & Mindsets01:12:30 – Final Thoughts, Sony Open Week & Episode Wrap01:16:00 – Outro

The Korn Ferry Tour is producing real PGA Tour talent — but the pipeline is tougher than ever with fewer cards available.Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are joined by Golf Channel analyst James Nitties to break down the 2026 PGA Tour rookie class, including: • Why winning on the Korn Ferry Tour doesn’t guarantee a PGA Tour card anymore • Which players have true star potential (including Johnny Keefer) • What went wrong — and what changes — for Adrien Dumont de Chassart • Why Pierceson Coody is a breakout candidate if he settles the mental side • The upside (and challenges) of mega-bomber Christo Lamprecht • Why golf needs more personality — and who might actually bring it⛳️ New Smylie Show episodes weekly, and now on Golf Channel starting Wednesday 01/14! Subscribe for interviews + Tour insights.00:00 – Intro + James Nitties’ 3rd Smylie Show Appearance01:20 – Korn Ferry Reality Check: Why It’s Harder Than Ever02:10 – Surprises from the 2024–2025 Korn Ferry Classes03:40 – “Winning Isn’t Enough” (Cards Are Razor Thin)04:35 – What Needs to Change for Adrien Dumont de Chassart & Pierceson Coody05:15 – Neal Shipley: High-End Golf vs Missed Cuts06:40 – Pierceson Coody: Split Schedules & The Mental Game07:35 – Dumont de Chassart: Wrist Injury, Grip Change, New Miss08:30 – Why Grip Changes Are the Hardest Adjustment10:05 – Knowing Your Miss = Comfort (and Why Two-Way Miss Kills)11:10 – Dumont de Chassart Shoots 33-Under (What It Means)14:30 – Johnny Keefer Deep Dive (“Keith Dog” Breakdown)16:05 – Is Johnny Keefer the Most “Ready” Graduate Yet?18:05 – Ryder Cup / Presidents Cup Talk for Keefer20:40 – Player Comp for Johnny Keefer (JT Traits)23:15 – The New Bomber: Christo Lamprecht26:00 – Height, Mobility, Injury Prevention & TPI Testing29:00 – Nervous Moments + The “Cold Top” Q-School Story31:10 – Power vs Accuracy (and why guys still want MORE distance)33:00 – Veterans Returning + Motivation on Korn Ferry36:00 – Confidence Shifts: Why Some Guys Finally Stick38:30 – Trace Crowe: Injury Timing & Schedule Strategy43:25 – Breakout Pick: Pierceson Coody in 202647:20 – Personality on Tour: Why Golf Needs More Characters53:30 – Cards Cut Down (30 → 20): Player Perspective56:10 – Is Korn Ferry the 2nd Best Tour in the World?#golf #pgatour #kornferry #golfhighlights #smylieshow

The 2026 golf season is here.On this episode of The Smylie Show, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down the upcoming year in professional golf with full-season predictions.They dive into:- Who dominates the PGA Tour in 2026- Over/unders on Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy & Tommy Fleetwood- Major Championship previews and winner picks- What stats actually matter heading into the season- Which stars could break through — and who might regressFrom Augusta to Royal Birkdale, this is the ultimate 2026 golf season preview.📌 Subscribe for weekly episodes, tour insights, and player-driven analysis.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!0:00 Welcome Back + Life Updates5:30 2026 Season Preview: How We’re Doing This6:15 The “Big Three” in Golf Right Now9:30 Scottie Scheffler Win Total & Dominance14:20 Why Scottie Has No Weaknesses21:30 Rory McIlroy: Schedule, Motivation & Expectations29:00 Tommy Fleetwood After Breaking Through33:25 Major Championship Previews Begin37:50 Masters Preview + Winner Pick41:30 PGA Championship Preview + Picks47:05 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Preview52:20 Dark Horse Major Candidates55:15 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Preview1:04:30 Breakout Players & Season-long Predictions1:19:55 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up#golf #pgatour #golfhighlights #smylieshow #smyliekaufman

The final Smylie Show of 2025 is here — and there’s a LOT to unpack. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down the biggest golf storylines of the year, starting with the shocking news that Brooks Koepka is leaving LIV Golf, what that means for the league, and how it impacts players like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm moving forward. We dive into: What Brooks’ exit really means Whether Bryson could eventually leave LIV How the PGA Tour might handle players returning The future of LIV Golf as a product And the ripple effects across professional golf Then, we close out the year with a fun 2025 Year-in-Review game, debating the biggest moments in golf — from Rory McIlroy's grand slam, to the Internet Invitational, to some hilarious TGL bloopers involving Tiger Woods. A mix of serious golf analysis, hot takes, and classic Smylie–Charlie banter to close out the year. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments — who had the moment of the year? 00:00 – Holiday catch-up, family life & Christmas chaos 06:30 – Playing golf over the holidays + end-of-year reflections 13:00 – Brooks Koepka leaving LIV: what happened 16:00 – Why Brooks was never fully comfortable in LIV 19:30 – Can Brooks return to the PGA Tour? 23:00 – Rules, suspensions & politics around returning players 26:00 – Bryson DeChambeau’s leverage going forward 29:00 – Jon Rahm’s complicated situation 32:00 – LIV’s long-term future & roster depth 35:30 – Mito Pereira stepping away from LIV 38:30 – Was LIV still worth it financially? 41:30 – Big picture: where pro golf goes from here 43:00 – Transition into 2025 year-in-review discussion 45:00 – How we’re defining the “best moments” of the year 47:00 – Tommy Fleetwood’s year vs Justin Rose 49:30 – Frankie Fleetwood & emotional golf moments 52:00 – JJ Spaun’s Oakmont moment 55:00 – The Internet Invitational & YouTube golf explosion 58:00 – Scottie Scheffler at Portrush 1:01:00 – Why Scottie’s dominance feels different 1:04:00 – Pressure, greatness & defining careers 1:07:00 – Ryder Cup implications & away wins 1:10:00 – Europe vs USA mindset debate 1:13:00 – What moments actually last 10–15 years 1:16:00 – Final thoughts on the year in golf 1:18:30 – Wrap-up & closing #golf #smylieshow #pgatour #liv #golfrecap #golfpodcast #smylieshow

TGL is back for a second season after a maiden voyage that captivated a large audience, while leaving room for some upgrades that will roll out soon - and Smylie Kaufman & Charlie Hulme are here to break it all down on The Smylie Show.Smylie is joined first by Roberto Castro with a big announcement! After playing an integral role in helping TMRW Sports develop the TGL competitive structure, Roberto will join the broadcast as an analyst providing insight on the many strategic elements at play.Smylie and Charlie are then joined by a recurring guest - course architect Agustín Pizá - who dives deep into the imagination, strategy, and data behind his newest designs for TGL. From format tweaks and the evolving hammer rule to brand-new holes like Stinger and Cenote, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how TGL is blending elite golf, technology, and entertainment.Like, comment, & subscribe to support the channel!CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome to The Smylie Show00:39 – What This TGL Preview Episode Covers01:00 – Roberto Castro Joins & Big Announcement03:30 – How TGL Was Built From the Ground Up07:30 – What Worked (and Didn’t) in TGL Season 110:45 – The Hammer Rule Explained & Why It Changed14:00 – Why the Players Truly Bought Into TGL17:30 – The In-Person vs TV Experience at SoFi Center20:45 – Roberto Castro’s New Analyst Role24:30 – Why TGL Is a Totally Different Broadcast Challenge27:45 – Season 2 Team & Title Contenders31:10 – Agustín Pizá Joins: Designing Golf for TGL34:00 – Feedback From Players & Season 1 Learnings37:00 – Tweaks to Fan-Favorite Holes (Flex, Spear, Plunder)41:00 – New Hole: Stinger (Tiger Woods Influence)47:00 – New Hole: Cenote & Playing Golf “Backwards”55:30 – Why TGL Hole Design Is Just Getting Started58:30 – Season 2 Expectations & Final Thoughts#golf #golfhighlights #pgatour #golfcourse #golfpodcast #TGL #tigerwoods #smylieshow #smyliekaufman

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme open the show by breaking down the latest shifts in professional golf — from Tiger Woods’ role on the Future Competition Committee to the PGA Tour’s potential move toward a more condensed schedule. Smylie is later joined by Golf Channel’s Steve Sands for a wide-ranging conversation on the Golf Channel Games, covering golf in the modern media era, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler’s legacy moments, LIV Golf’s long-term impact, and what fans and broadcasters want from the future of the game. Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe! Thanks for tuning in ⛳️ 00:00 – Welcome to The Smylie Show 01:10 – Winter golf, travel & working through swing changes 04:05 – Tiger Woods & the Future Competition Committee 08:00 – Condensed schedules, TV windows & golf’s business reality 12:05 – Player pathways, relegation & tour structure concerns 16:15 – What golf can learn from college football’s evolution 19:25 – LIV Golf leverage, contracts & returning players 23:50 – What happens to Korn Ferry & development tours? 28:10 – Is scarcity good for golf or risky? 33:45 – Smylie sets up the Golf Channel Games 34:30 – Steve Sands joins the show 36:10 – Inside the Optum Golf Channel Games format 38:45 – Rory vs. Scottie & Ryder Cup subplots 42:00 – Competitive fire, entertainment & miked-up stars 45:40 – Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods & handling the media 49:30 – Which players handle media pressure best? 54:15 – Is a 20–25 event PGA Tour season realistic? #golf #golfmedia #golfchannel #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #pgatour #livgolf #golfhighlights #grantthornton #scottiescheffler #rorymcilroy

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are back for a packed episode featuring a guest appearance from 2025 Australian Open champion Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen - fresh off his win at Royal Melbourne!Charlie opens and closes the show with some heartfelt reflections following his father’s passing. The guys then jump into all the action from the Bahamas - Hideki Matsuyama’s outrageous short game and putter collection, grading Scottie Scheffler's first year with a new putting grip, Wyndham Clark’s viral “turf conditions” quote, and a behind-the-scenes look at Smylie's pro-am round in Albany.Then Rasmus joins the show — jet-lagged, honest, and riding high. He walks Smylie through:• The intense crowds in Australia• Playing head-to-head with Cameron Smith• How firm Royal Melbourne truly played• The near-impossible chip on 18• The pressure of closing out a win overseas• How he processed the moment on a 20+ hour flight homeThanks for watching — subscribe for more episodes, interviews, and weekly golf breakdowns!CHAPTERS:0:00 – Welcome Back4:00 – Smylie’s Airline Disaster10:00 – Hero World Challenge Reactions15:00 – Hideki’s Iron Game & Short-Game Brilliance20:00 – Why Hideki Tinkers With 400 Putters26:00 – Alex Noren’s Rise & Unique Swing Rehearsal32:00 – Shot Shape Trends & Modern Fade-Dominance38:00 – Smylie’s Pro-Am Stories + Albany Short-Game Test44:00 – Wyndham Clark’s Turf Comments & Course Debate50:00 – Q-School Controversy: Weather, Contracts, and Fairness56:00 – Rasmus Interview Begins1:00:00 – Royal Melbourne Conditions & Massive Crowds1:06:00 – The 18th Hole: Rasmus Breaks Down the Chip1:12:00 – Fastest Greens? Comparing Sandbelt to Augusta1:16:30 – Remembering Charlie's Dad#golf #smylieshow #pgatour #golfhighlights

Smylie Kaufman is joined by golf analytics authority Rick Gehman, the creator of RickRunGood.com and host of CBS Sports’ First Cut Podcast, for a deep dive into the world of golf data, modeling, betting edges, and modern player strategy. Rick breaks down how the PGA TOUR is evolving through analytics, why driving is more valuable than ever, how players misinterpret ShotLink data, and where fans can actually find a meaningful betting advantage. Smylie and Rick also get into: - Why baseball analytics paved the way for golf - How players should interpret their own ShotLink stats - Why proximity is one of the most misunderstood metrics - What really wins under pressure - The biggest Ryder Cup mistakes made by Team USA - Why the European model works — and how the U.S. can fix it - Which rising players are primed for breakout seasons - And the surprising ways modern players use (and misuse) data This episode is packed with insight for golf fans, bettors, stat nerds, and players alike. Don't forget to like, comment & subscribe to support the show! CHAPTERS: 00:32 Rick’s background: baseball → data → golf 02:08 Building the golf database 03:27 Baseball analytics ⇄ golf analytics 04:38 How data changed modern golf 05:30 ShotLink: what players misunderstand 06:32 How younger players use tech + data 08:12 Why hitting driver is more valuable than ever 10:08 Misleading stats: Proximity explained 12:26 Real strategy: Driver vs. iron off the tee 14:06 Modeling golf courses & comp-course analysis 16:22 What pros ask Rick for (custom reports) 17:31 Predicting performance on new / unfamiliar courses 19:34 Ryder Cup breakdown: U.S. vs Europe strategy 21:03 Where Team USA went wrong 22:49 Pairing mistakes explained (Scheffler/Bryson, etc.) 24:59 Why Europe trusts data more effectively 27:15 If Rick ran Team USA strategy 29:20 Presidents Cup → How USA should use it better 31:36 Shot-shape & trajectory analytics (new radar data) 33:31 “Go-to shots” under pressure 35:02 Darts, proximity, and scoring insights 36:27 NEW stat idea: Strokes Gained Under Pressure 38:41 Bonus Putting metric 40:14 Rising talents who will break out 42:03 Players who maximize limited skillsets 45:06 The importance of speed in the modern game 49:05 Ben Griffin’s leap explained 51:28 The Jordan Spieth question 54:11 Chris Gotterup’s ceiling 56:00 Outro + In memoriam for Scott Hulme #TheSmylieShow #RickGehman #GolfAnalytics #PGATour #GolfBetting #GolfStats #RickRunGood #GolfPodcast #DataGolf #ShotLink #GolfStrategy