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