
The Smylie Show
369 episodes — Page 6 of 8
U.S. Open Day 2 Journal
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap the second day of play from the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, including a trio of stars who narrowly made the weekend after the cut line moved to +5 near the end of Friday's play. Smylie and Charlie begin by discussing Ludvig Aberg's incredible consistency, and the mark he could achieve at a U.S. Open for the first time since 1913. SK and CH close by examining some remarks Tiger Woods made after missing the cut that are perhaps the first time he's verbalized a sentiment of this nature. Bring your swimsuits tomorrow - we're getting in the pool!
U.S. Open Day 1 Journal
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap the first day of play from the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, from the degree of difficulty that the course posed, to the names who rose to the top of the leaderboard. Smylie and Charlie break down the keys to success for Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, Ludvig Aberg, Bryson DeChambeau, and Matthieu Pavon, from driving distance to the ability to scramble around the green.
U.S. Open Preview with Dan Hicks
Live from the Pine Crest Inn in the village of Pinehurst, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down all of the major storylines heading into the 124th U.S. Open, including Jon Rahm's withdrawal, Scottie Scheffler's insanely short odds, and whether Xander Schauffele can build on the momentum of his first career major win at Valhalla. Smylie and Charlie are then joined by NBC's longtime lead golf play-by-play voice Dan Hicks, who will be working his 25th U.S. Open. Dan reflects on some incredible memories at this major championship, and while making his winner pick, the set is crashed by two surprise NBC Sports guests. Finally, SK and CH round out the show with their one-and-done picks, and a daily fantasy lineup that they both love.
Live Show: Memorial Tournament Recap
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap the weekend in golf live on both YouTube and X, from Scottie Scheffler racking up yet another win at the Memorial, to SK's Cleeks finally getting on the board with a team win at the LIV Golf event in Houston. Smylie and Charlie address a brewing controversy with last week's one-and-done picks, and get everyone ready for a week of U.S. Open coverage from "The Smylie Show."
Jack Nicklaus Award winner Jackson Koivun joins the show + Memorial Tournament preview & picks
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme open the show with a preview of the PGA Tour's seventh signature event of the season, the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, before passing it off to Smylie's conversation with Jackson Koivun. Jackson joins the show on the heels of winning Auburn's first men's golf national title, and along with the Fred Haskins, Ben Hogan, and Phil Mickelson awards that he won for his play as a freshman, just received the Jack Nicklaus Award, which comes with an exemption into the Memorial Tournament. SK and CH close the show by making their one-and-done picks for the Memorial.
Recapping two national opens, the LSU vs UNC regional, and a member-member
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme run through a long list of items worth discussing from the weekend, including Robert MacIntyre's Canadian Open win, Yuka Saso's U.S. Open win, and a Smylie Show College World Series grudge match pitting Smylie's LSU Tigers against Charlie's UNC Tar Heels. After matching 64s in a Sunday pairing featuring Rory McIlroy and Tom Kim, Smylie and Charlie discuss both star players and whether their game is trending at the right time. On the women's side, SK and CH examine Lancaster Country Club - a course they both loved - and whether the test was too challenging after watching pre-tournament favorite Nelly Korda crash out early. Charlie's failure to advance to the shootout in the Hope Valley member-member tournament results in three incredible names that pique Smylie's interest.
Harry Higgs on his speech in Grayson Murray's memory, his KFT win streak, and the WM shirt moment
Harry Higgs joins Smylie Kaufman to cover a wide range of topics, starting with his heartfelt winner's speech at the Visit Knoxville Open honoring Grayson Murray's memory with a call for kindness. From there, SK and the Big Rig chart his journey from college - where he played alongside Bryson DeChambeau at SMU - to the pro ranks, and what he's learned along the way. Harry goes behind-the-scenes on the moment of the 2022 WM Phoenix Open - when he and Joel Dahmen removed their shirts on the 16th hole to the delight of the crowd - then recaps his two-win streak on the Korn Ferry Tour, and the four-item pre-shot checklist that has helped immensely with his mental approach. The episode concludes with Smylie and Charlie Hulme making their one-and-done picks for the RBC Canadian Open.
Remembering Grayson Murray + Sand Hills & Streamsong trip recaps
We begin the show with a remembrance of Grayson Murray in the wake of his tragic passing, and read some words from his parents, who ask to honor Grayson's legacy with kindness for one another. Smylie shares parts of his relationship with Grayson, who was incredibly supportive of Smylie in tough professional times and would reach out to check on him frequently. Charlie joins the show from a cabin in Mullen, Nebraska, and gives a full rundown of his trip to Sand Hills Golf Club, which leads into a review of Smylie's recent golf trip to Streamsong Resort. Finally, SK and CH recap the play at Colonial, and Davis Riley's first solo Tour win at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Gil Hanse & Ryan Palmer on Colonial Country Club's "historical restoration"
After the final putt dropped in the 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge, Gil Hanse and his team began an ambitious project: a "historical restoration" of Colonial Country Club to prepare it in time for the 2024 playing of the tournament. Smylie Kaufman is joined by both Gil, and four-time PGA Tour winner + Colonial member Ryan Palmer to discuss all of the changes made to return the course to its more rugged and natural roots with the 1941 U.S. Open as a reference point. Smylie and Charlie Hulme then conclude the show with their one-and-done picks for the tourney. In addition to photos provided by Gil, our YouTube episode features footage gathered by the @PGATOUR and @FriedEggGolf from two awesome videos worth watching to prepare for the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge. You can find those videos here: TOTAL golf course transformation in less than a year! | Colonial CC | PGA TOUR Originals - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNApY5dlMOI Bringing Rugged Back | Renovating Colonial Country Club - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juwu1ZRdExk
PGA Championship Recap: A photo finish at Valhalla
The 106th PGA Championship is in the books, and we have a new first-time major winner: Xander Schauffele. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme project where Xander goes from here now that he has a major win to go along with his stellar play this season, discuss a number of other big names that were both in and out of contention at Valhalla, address criticism of how the course played, and recap a fun week for the show in Louisville.
PGA Championship Day 3 Journal
Back in T-Mobile Club Magenta, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down moving day at the 2024 PGA Championship, with a stacked leaderboard heading into the final day of the major championship. SK and CH begin by discussing the "double boomtower" acknowledged by both Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas on the 13th hole at Valhalla, then discuss what the vibes will be like in a Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa final pairing. Smylie and Charlie close the show by making their picks to win - both first-timers!
PGA Championship Day 2 Journal
Fresh off a special edition of "Spillin the T" with Saquon Barkley, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down all the Friday action at Valhalla Golf Club for the PGA Championship. Topics of discussion include Scottie Scheffler's pre-round stretching routine in a jail cell, a sincere apology after both one-and-done picks missed the cut, and a stacked leaderboard heading into the weekend at a venue that always provides major championship drama.
EMERGENCY POD: Scottie Scheffler's arrest by the Louisville PD, and return to the PGA Championship
An emergency reaction pod was in order after the shocking news that the sports world woke up to this morning: Scottie Scheffler, the #1 player in the world and betting favorite heading into the week at the PGA Championship, was arrested in the early hours of the morning on felony charges as he attempted to enter Valhalla Golf Club in the wake of a fatal traffic accident. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme lay out the timeline of events, discuss how it could have been handled differently, and look forward to the day ahead with Scottie back on the course and playing in the second round of the PGA Championship.
PGA Championship Day 1 Journal
Live from T-Mobile Club Magenta on the 10th hole at Valhalla Golf Club, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down all the action from the first day of the PGA Championship. Xander Schauffele's record-setting round of 62 resulting in a three-shot lead is the topic of the day, and whether he can sustain that pace to win his first major. SK and CH also recap the highlight of the day - Scottie Scheffler's hole-out eagle with his second shot he's hit since his three-week paternity leave for the birth of his first child.
PGA Championship preview + Fat Perez live from Malone's
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are boots on the ground in Louisville all week long, beginning with a PGA Championship preview live from Malone's Steakhouse! SK and CH break down the three pre-tournament favorites - Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka - before welcoming Fat Perez of Bob Does Sports on the show. Perez discusses everything from the world of YouTube Golf to his qualifier for the Myrtle Beach Classic. Finally, Smylie and Charlie make their one-and-done picks for the second major of the season - presented by T-Mobile - and throw together a DFS lineup. 00:00 Welcome to Louisville + Scottie, Rory and Brooks discussion 23:02 Fat Perez interview 47:46 One-and-done picks
Rory McIlroy's eventful week + Bob May on the 2000 PGA Championship
After Rory McIlroy's second win in three weeks at the Wells Fargo Championship, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme discuss the showdown setting up between Rory and Scottie Scheffler at Valhalla - the site of Rory's last major win. Smylie and Charlie also have a "clutch gene" discussion as it relates to Xander Schauffele after another near miss at a marquee event while playing in the final group. Smylie is then joined by Bob May, runner-up to Tiger Woods in the 2000 PGA Championship at Valhalla, to relive that thrilling playoff finish (and Tiger's iconic walk-in putt). Finally, SK and CH discuss where Rory's week began - with the news that he would not be rejoining the policy board as reported, but instead would be assuming a role on the transaction subcommittee. 00:00 Wells Fargo Championship recap 19:04 Bob May on the 2000 PGA Championship won by Tiger Woods at Valhalla 42:41 Discussion of Rory's new role on the transaction subcommittee
Akshay Bhatia on his thrilling Texas Open win, first Masters, and putting with the broomstick
Akshay Bhatia joins Smylie Kaufman to detail a thrilling playoff finish at the Valero Texas Open in April, which got him into his first-ever Masters Tournament. Akshay discusses his unique path to turning pro, and how that journey has paid off with two PGA Tour wins already at the age of 22. Smylie and Akshay look at videos from his putting coach Stephen Sweeney and detail his journey with the "broomstick" putter, and also look at some videos from his short-game coach Gabriel Hjertstedt while charting his development around the green.
Taking a deep dive on the LIV Golf career money list
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme compare and contrast the two marquee events on the pro golf calendar this past weekend: the PGA Tour's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and LIV Golf's event in Singapore. Both featured low scores, but LIV's leaderboard was full of recognizable names. SK and CH discuss numerous LIV Golf strategies - with varying effectiveness - and wonder what the PIF's long-term goals are, and how we could see that play out on the stage of American golf. Smylie and Charlie also take look at LIV's career money list since its inception in 2022, and come away mind-boggled at the magnitude of the earnings for several players.
Sahith Theegala on breakfast burritos, chess, and his PGA Tour pet peeves
PGA Tour winner and the 12th-ranked player in the world, Sahith Theegala, joins Smylie Kaufman for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with his love for breakfast burritos and the game of chess. After discussing Sahith's various chess strategies, he and Smylie move to a discussion about how that mindset impacts the way he plays golf. Sahith breaks down his course management strategy depending on the nature of the competition, and also analyzes swing changes he's made in the past year. Along the way, Sahith - in the most lighthearted and grateful way possible - lists a series of grievances he has with PGA Tour life. 00:00:12 What he's up to on his off week 00:02:28 His go-to food/coffee spot at home 00:04:04 Discussing "Java Burrito" in Hilton Head 00:05:56 Sahith's skill and love for the game of chess 00:13:26 Comparing chess and golf strategy 00:15:27 Visualizing good golf shots 00:21:51 Finding a way to shoot a score without your best stuff 00:26:56 The game strategy involved in choosing targets for approach shots 00:30:10 Keeping your "team" consistent upon arriving on the PGA Tour 00:34:13 Sahith goes on a metal spikes rant! 00:36:45 How does match play strategy differ from stroke play 00:40:50 How much space has the Presidents Cup occupied in Sahith's mind this year 00:47:32 Breaking down Sahith's swing changes in the past year 00:53:16 Discussing the leap Sahith has made since arriving on Tour, and his goals for the future
Roryoke, LIV Down Under, and the Hiya Hotel: A Zurich Classic-ish Recap
(Re-teeing after a big hiya miss with our first pod audio upload)This week's Zurich Classic recap immediately goes off the rails thanks to Rory McIlroy's rousing rendition of "Don't Stop Believin" in celebration of a playoff win with his partner Shane Lowry. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme grade that karaoke performance, compare the PGA Tour's team event in New Orleans with a thrilling team finish for LIV Golf in Australia, and use the week's action as a jumping-off point to discuss ways in which the two league concepts could be combined to best suit fan interests. Finally, in an act of immersion therapy, Smylie and Charlie check into the "Hiya Hotel" to break down their recent play on the golf course.
Justin Thomas on Scottie Scheffler's dominance + Pine Valley trip recap
It's a TSS Double Feature! First, Smylie Kaufman is joined by Justin Thomas - ahead of their trip to Pine Valley - to discuss his recent caddie change, Scottie Scheffler's dominance, and looking forward to the PGA Championship in his hometown of Louisville at Valhalla. Then, Smylie joins Charlie Hulme from the Philadelphia airport to recap the PV trip - starting with Rickie Fowler's ace at the third hole! 02:43 Welcome back to Justin Thomas, our first recurring guest!03:25 Justin tells a great Kevin Kisner story from this past weekend in Hilton Head07:59 JT & SK preview the Pine Valley trip they're about to embark on10:12 Justin discusses his first few weeks with Matt Minister as his new caddie11:25 JT discusses the mental hurdles he's faced this year13:22 What is Justin working on right now15:52 Does JT leaderboard watch during tournaments?17:53 Discussing Scottie Scheffler's consistency off the tee19:10 Emphasis on putting work the past few years20:21 Competing with Scottie Scheffler + the art of winning25:38 Playing the PGA Championship at home in Louisville27:02 Impressions of Valhalla ahead of PGA Championship28:27 What would JT say is his most impressive win?30:45 Which event will Justin play next?
RBC Heritage Recap: Finding New Things To Say About Scottie
In the wake of yet *another* Scottie Scheffler win - this perhaps the most improbable of all on a short turnaround after his victory at the Masters - Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme try to find terms to describe Scottie’s brilliance on the course that haven’t already been used during his four-wins-in-five-starts run. Smylie and Charlie theorize as to what’s being done to market Scottie off the course, and whether there are creative ways to capture his grounded personality in a way that connects with fans. SK and CH compare Scottie’s run to the only golfer on the planet who is in hotter form than he is - Nelly Korda - after her *fifth* win in five starts at the first major of the LPGA season. All that + Miles Russell’s historic feat, Smylie’s big golf trip, and another addition to the Smylie Show gnome family.
Dude Perfect on golf & Augusta National + RBC Heritage preview
We have a tasty Dude Perfect sandwich for you! (which makes the RBC Heritage preview the buns? I dunno). Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme begin by moving from a thrilling Masters week to a preview of the next stop on the PGA TOUR calendar, the signature event at Harbour Town Golf Links. SK then catches up with Tyler Toney and Garrett Hilbert of Dude Perfect, who were in Augusta to watch the first major of 2024. Finally, Smylie and Charlie make their much anticipated one-and-done picks while riding a five-for-their-last-eight heater (although they are officially out of Scottie Scheffler usages).
2024 Masters Journal, Day 4
The 2024 Masters is officially in the books, Scottie Scheffler notches his third win in four starts, and most importantly, the one-and-done heater is alive and well as SK's pick means The Smylie Show has now correctly chosen five of the last eight event winners. Smylie Kaufman, Charlie Hulme, and Larry the Gnome go through a timeline of the action at the year's first major, and wonder if Ludvig Aberg will become the foil to Scottie that pro golf so desperately needs. After a well-deserved pizza break, Smylie and Charlie return to draft teams of the best players who haven't won a major.
2024 Masters Journal, Day 3
After an incredibly entertaining end to Saturday's play at the 2024 Masters, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme announce some HUGE breaking news about a new addition to the show (editor's note: it is both literally and figuratively not huge). Smylie & Charlie break down the all the storylines setting up for a thrilling Masters Sunday, starting at the top with 54-hole leader Scottie Scheffler, and working through the rest of a stacked leaderboard including Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, Ludvig Aberg, Bryson DeChambeau, and Xander Schauffele. Finally, SK & CH end the show with a big surprise! (editor's note: literally)
2024 Masters Journal, Day 2
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down all the action from Friday at the 2024 Masters - but first, they discuss two separate fast food runs made after the recording of the Thursday journal. Day two at Augusta National featured some of the most challenging conditions we've seen at a major championship in a long while, and SK & CH talk about how impressive the rounds of Max Homa, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau were to stay tied for the lead at six-under. Tiger Woods made history with his 24th consecutive made cut at the Masters, and Smylie and Charlie break down how impressive his performance was, while also discussing whether he has a shot to win this weekend.
2024 Masters Journal, Day 1
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down all the action from Thursday at the 2024 Masters. Bryson DeChambeau jumps out to an early lead with a 7-under 65, but lurking a shot back is Smylie's one-and-done pick, Scottie Scheffler. Tiger Woods is off to a strong start, but has 23 holes to play on Friday before the cut. SK & CH listen to an intriguing piece of sound from Wyndham Clark discussing LIV and the 54 holes remaining in the tournament.
Masters Tournament Preview from TBonz Steakhouse in Augusta
Masters week is here, and Smylie Kaufman & Charlie Hulme are on location at TBonz Steakhouse in Augusta, Georgia with a preview and some picks!
The Heater Continues! Another one-and-done pick hits after a playoff finish at the Valero Texas Open
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are entering unprecedented terrority with a fourth one-and-done winner pick in just seven events, after Akshay Bhatia beat Denny McCarthy in a playoff at the Valero Texas Open. Smylie and Charlie discuss the pick, relive the best moments from "Fridays with Smylie" featuring both Akshay and Rory McIlroy, and do a "CSI: TPC: San Antonio" investigation of Jordan Spieth's adventure on the 18th hole.
Some *Personal* News ...
It's not the Notes app, but this will have to do. After weeks of hinting at a move, we are excited to announce that The Smylie Show has a new home: SportsGrid! Smylie Kaufman reflects on a whirlwind first year that led to this decision, and Charlie Hulme lists all the new places you can find the show via SportsGrid distribution. Stay tuned for more content in your podcast feed soon!
PLAYERS preview: course record watch at Sawgrass???
Smylie begins the show with a bold prediction: we might be on course record watch at TPC Sawgrass! SK and CH continue their PLAYERS preview with some one-and-done picks, a deep dive into Charlie's DFS lineup, and some lines Smylie is workshopping if he and Kevin Kisner get a hole-in-one during their "Friday Happy Hour" coverage. 01:25 Smylie's bold TPC Sawgrass course record prediction 03:32 Does SK like March or May PLAYERS better 08:20 Smylie and Charlie make one-and-done picks 15:43 Charlie builds his DFS lineup with Smylie's help 30:33 Smylie teases his 17th hole coverage for "Friday Happy Hour" this week
Scottie learned how to putt ... uh oh!
After more than a year of struggles with the putter, Scottie Scheffler put together a brilliant performance in the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational that could take the world #1 to even higher heights if he keeps it up. Smylie and Charlie wonder if Smylie could win his next three starts given his track record at the PLAYERS, Houston Open, and the Masters. SK and CH also recap Smylie's well-received Friday Happy Hour coverage featuring Jordan Spieth and Max Homa at the API, and the return of a familiar face this week at the PLAYERS.
On the Tee with Chad Mumm of Netflix "Full Swing"
Smylie Kaufman is joined by Chad Mumm, the executive producer of Netflix's hit golf series "Full Swing," as season two premieres. Smylie and Chad discuss major storylines ranging from Rory's last-minute participation in season 1 (and full episode in season 2), the emotion behind both Joel Dahmen and Wyndham Clark's episodes, and the arc that led to this season's Rickie Fowler episode. Plus ... could there be a Spring Breakers episode in the future?? Only time will tell! 00:14 how Chad got into this profession03:09 the level of access Full Swing had to behind-the-scenes moments05:52 educating new audiences on how golf works07:38 the impact Full Swing had on Joel Dahmen10:21 the process of choosing which players will be featured12:45 any players who regretted saying certain things on camera?15:56 how would Chad describe season 2 of Full Swing18:29 getting Rory to participate in Full Swing season 121:08 the luck involved in finding the most compelling player storylines26:28 why LIV was featured less heavily in season 229:10 Rory comparing himself to his peers, like Brooks Koepka30:56 Smylie's favorite episode of season 2, the Wyndham Clark ep33:36 how much Smylie enjoyed the way each episode ended, and the music choices36:29 Smylie relating to the Rickie Fowler episode in season 238:28 Will there be a Spring Breakers episode in the future???39:53 Golf becoming "cool"43:16 How much more footage was captured for season 2 compared to season 1?47:25 Will Smylie make a comeback to get featured on Full Swing?48:01 The two Ryder Cup episodes that close out season 256:28 Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup snub58:44 Go watch season 2 of Full Swing now!
The Smylie Bump continues + Cleeks vs Wild Cards???
Fresh off the course at PGA National and on the road to Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Smylie Kaufman throws in some earbuds to recap the Cognizant Classic with Charlie Hulme. Smylie walked with the latest first-time winner on the PGA Tour - Austin Eckroat - as he finished his final round, and gives some insight into the potential Eckroat has to become a star. While the "Smylie Bump" did not propel Shane Lowry to victory, SK and CH discuss whether his fourth-place finish following Jake Knapp's win should be a recruiting tool to get more Tour pros on the pod. Finally, in recapping Anthony Kim's debut on LIV, Charlie declares his allegiance to the "Wild Cards" as Smylie attempts to recruit AK to the Cleeks.
On the Tee with Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry and Smylie Kaufman reunite during "Honda" (now Cognizant) week to relive their opening of the 2016 tournament broadcast by promptly hitting two balls in the water and getting fined for their reactions. Shane explains why he would solve golf's distance debate without rolling back the golf ball, and proposes an alternate solution. Shane also relives the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, and why he bristled at the suggestion that he was the "last" pick on Team Europe. 0:14 Shane's stay-at-home dad job this weekend with his daughters 1:42 Do his daughters like to play golf? 3:10 Shane's Gaelic football heritage 9:48 How Shane picked up golf in County Offaly, Ireland 17:01 Shane and Smylie's wedge practice as kids 19:28 The evolution of Shane's opinion on Florida golf 20:38 Shane puts together the perfect Ireland golf trip 28:35 When Shane originally moved from Ireland 30:57 Discussing the WGC at Firestone CC 32:18 Living and practicing in Jupiter, Florida 33:27 Shane's ball-testing day with golf balls that would conform to USGA + R&A rollback 36:13 Shane's proposed solution to increased distance in golf 38:42 Shane recaps the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome 41:06 Responding to doubters after Luke Donald made Shane a captain's pick 46:36 What makes Sepp Straka such a good player 47:52 Shane on his battle with Sepp Straka in the rain at 2022 Honda Classic 49:20 Shane and Smylie relive their infamous tee shots in the "Bear Trap" at PGA National in 2016
It's KNAPP TIME! Recapping Jake's win in Mexico + discussing LIV rumors
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme begin the show with a victory lap of sorts after watching friend of the pod Jake Knapp notch his first PGA Tour win, as a rookie, at the Mexico Open. SK explains the approach of a Tour pro sleeping on a four-shot lead, then trying to win without your best stuff. With LIV rumors heating up surrounding likely names (Anthony Kim) and not-so-likely ones (Rory McIlroy), Smylie and Charlie discuss the state of the fracture in men's professional golf. Finally, we return with another installation of "Swing Notes," announce our headcover giveaway winner, and make our one-and-done picks for the Cognizant Classic.
On the Tee with Kolby "K-Wayne" Tullier
Smylie Kaufman talks to Kolby "K-Wayne" Tullier about his path from being told he wouldn't walk, to becoming one of the most prolific trainers in professional golf. Kolby tells SK that he was part of the "OG Stable" in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Kolby started his first gym. Kolby now trains Justin Thomas, Max Homa, Tom Kim, and Tommy Fleetwood, among others.
The In-N-Out Debate
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme discuss a wide-ranging assortment of topics surrounding the Genesis Invitational, including Hideki Matsuyama's historic Sunday charge to a 62, how much Tiger Woods has left in the tank, and the conspiracy theories linking In-N-Out to the influenza outbreak at the tournament. SK and CH also theorize as to why the core group of American stars seem to be in the midst of a slump, and break down some swing video.
Smylie's Wild Week at the WM Phoenix Open
Smylie Kaufman joins the show fresh off a wild week at the WM Phoenix Open that saw him sprinting to the 16th hole at 6:30 am on Saturday, then calling shots at the par three later that day alongside Kevin Kisner. Smylie and Charlie Hulme discuss all of that, plus concerns stemming from several player/fan incidents that boiled over at the traditionally rowdy event. SK also details his Sunday walk alongside Scottie Scheffler, and how stunning the OWGR No. 1's display of talent was despite finishing tied for third.
On the Tee with Jake Knapp
PGA Tour rookie Jake Knapp talks to Smylie Kaufman about his professional journey from working security at a bar, to finishing third in the third start of his rookie season at Torrey Pines. Jake also discusses how his love for weightlifting has translated into a golf swing with easy power (with a bench/squat/ball speed/clubhead speed reveal!), and compares 2020 Call of Duty routines with SK. 0:11 Biggest check Jake & Smylie ever cashed in pro golf 2:19 Jake's finish at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines 7:47 experiencing the Waste Management Open for the first time 11:48 Jake's professional journey 23:19 working as security at "The Country Club" 35:38 Jake's bench/squat max 42:11 The bodybuilder diet 42:45 Jake's ball speed/clubhead speed 50:19 Video games
A wild, wet and windy week at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
For the first time in show history, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme record the pod together on location in Pebble Beach! SK & CH begin discussing a fun week of golf and shoots for the channel on the Monterey Peninsula, including a round at Spyglass Hill the day after being used for the AT&T Pro-Am, and an insanely windy trip around the back nine at Pacific Grove Golf Links. Up next is a recap of the week in pro golf, including a 60 for Wyndham Clark and a 59 for Joaquin Niemann that propelled both players to 54-hole wins on their respective tours. Finally, Smylie and Charlie review the PGA Tour's deal with the SSG, what's been said on the topic by Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, and what impact the deal will have on fans of pro golf.
Short game tips from Tour instructor James Sieckmann
James Sieckmann, short-game expert and instructor to a number of different Tour pros (including Smylie), discusses the most productive type of short-game practice, how to judge a bunker lie and adjust accordingly, and the keys to being a successful putter.
Dylan Dethier on Anthony Kim's comeback + "Honey Badger" wins Farmers Insurance Open
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme begin the show recapping an exciting end to the Farmers Insurance Open in which the entire final group was in play on the 72nd hole (along with Jake Knapp!) until Matthieu Pavon made an improbable birdie from the rough to record his first PGA TOUR win as a rookie. Smylie also recounts his time at the PGA Show, where he hit bombs with a ladies driver at TopGolf in front of Tom Watson. Dylan Dethier then joins Smylie to discuss his bombshell report last week that Anthony Kim is considering a return to professional golf after a 12-year absence. Finally, Smylie and Charlie discuss the big news that SK will be in a kayak at the Players Championship on Wednesday.
On the Tee with Trevor Immelman
Trevor Immelman, the 2008 Masters champion and lead golf analyst for CBS, joins Smylie for a discussion ranging from shared cynicism about the state of their respective golf games to the love they've both found for broadcasting after the conclusion of their playing careers. Trevor heaps praise on two international players - Min Woo Lee and Tom Kim - who will likely play in the 2024 Presidents Cup, and makes some predictions about several PGA Tour pros who could be primed for breakout seasons.
Birmingham's own Nick Dunlap makes HISTORY!
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme celebrate a historic day in golf: 20-year-old Nick Dunlap, who is currently a sophomore at the University of Alabama, won the American Express as an amateur, the first time an amateur has won on Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991. Smylie recounts what it's been like watching Nick grow up in Birmingham, and what an incredible incubator of golf talent that city's been with the concurrent rise of Vanderbilt junior Gordon Sargent. SK and CH also discuss whether it's even a question if Nick will turn pro given all the immediate status that comes with a Tour win.
On the Tee with James Nitties
Smylie Kaufman is joined by a James Nitties - a fellow former PGA and Korn Ferry Tour pro who has found success as a broadcaster after the conclusion of his playing career. James and Smylie discuss all of the Korn Ferry Tour graduates to the PGA Tour, and project which rookies will have the most success in the 2024 season.
Smylie's Hawaiian Kayak Adventures
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap all the action from the Sony Open, beginning with Smylie calling shots from the *ocean* in a kayak. SK and CH discuss the thrilling three-man playoff, Carl Yuan's controversial TIO drop, and Gary Woodland's inspiring return after brain surgery. Smylie and Charlie also review the latest news on the LIV Golf front - including who might end up on Jon Rahm's newly-named team - and Charlie makes a suggestion to the Girl Scouts.
On the Tee with Kevin Kisner
Smylie Kaufman chats with his newly minted "colleague," Kevin Kisner, after the latter made his broadcasting debut for NBC Sports & Golf Channel at the Sentry. Kiz goes into detail on his first week as "media," breaks down what he's been working on in his golf game, and closes the show with one of the more unique Phil Mickelson stories you'll ever hear.
A thorough restructuring of the PGA TOUR + Tiger splits with Nike
Now that the 2024 PGA TOUR season has officially kicked off with Chris Kirk's win at the Sentry, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme address a number of questions, including: whether Kapalua is a good TOUR course, if OWGR changes will lead to LIV getting world ranking points, and whether Jon Rahm will end up on Smylie's beloved Cleeks. Smylie and Charlie also have an in-depth discussion on a restructuring of tours within the tour to better align with player, sponsor, broadcaster and fan interests. Finally, SK and CH discuss Tiger's anticipated announcement that his partnership with Nike is coming to a close.
Rory's surprising LIV comments + 2024 season preview
In a recent appearance on the "Stick To Football" podcast, Rory McIlroy made hugely surprising comments on LIV Golf after spending the better part of the last year or two criticizing the tour. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme listen and react to several key excerpts from Rory's appearance on STF, before previewing the 2024 PGA Tour season + what lies beyond for the Tour with expected changes coming in 2025.