The Shotgun Start

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy and Brendan are together in Kiawah for their first in-person recording in almost two years. They immediately jump into some impressions from a day spent walking The Ocean Course, people-watching at the PGA, and pondering the big stories (snake impacts) of the second men’s major championship of 2021. There will be wind, and they discuss the impacts it will have even as you’re about to be hit over the head with wind talk the next five days. There’s a reading of testimony from several players on all the long irons they’re hitting during practice, a welcome development and change from the usual pro game. The other nooks and crannies from a course they’re hyped to watch are also highlighted. They relay what they’re hearing of the moving and shaking happening on the island as well, with delegates from the Super League in town and meeting with managers of several players. Favorite, and in some cases most underwhelming, tee times are nominated and discussed. Bryson’s chat on UFOs and time travel is reviewed. There’s also more intel on Dylan Fritelli’s penny-pinching ways after they’re told he’s playing with an alleged SGS listener in the first two rounds. And some one-and-done picks are made for what feels like a very open major.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before Andy and Brendan get together in Kiawah on Monday, they chat for this truncated episode that begins with an apology tour. Then they celebrate the Husky Boy and his triumph in North Texas. There’s also reaction to another strong week from Sam Burns and Jordan Spieth. There’s a mini debate about whether the Nelson could now take the crown for the worst event on Tour, with a few other contenders thrown out there. The Shaggy Kang-Jon Rahm tiff is also covered. Then they’re on to the Dicks, namely Dick Bland, who’s victory at the British Masters will be one of the stories of the year in golf, and Dicky Pride, who went from Monday qualifier to winner on the Champions Tour. There’s also a question of if Mitsubishi got what they expected from the top 10 at TPC Sugarloaf when they signed up to be this senior tour sugar daddy. News hits on Phil accepting a special exemption to the U.S. Open and Jay Monahan teaming up with Bubba Watson at a Florida member-guest event.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a Friday episode heavy on disgust. There’s disgust over the NFL scheduling the Browns-Bears game for the one fall Sunday that Brendan and Andy really can’t ignore in the golf world. There’s disgust about the pitch-and-putt setup at TPC Craig T. Nelson. There’s disgust over the Thicc Boi suggesting he easily left six shots out there. There’s disgust over Jason Day saying he will not attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open if he has to, opting to play in a corporate sponsor event that day instead. There’s PLENTY of disgust for the NCAA decision to cancel the women’s regional outright, as well as some comments hinting that maybe LSU didn’t really want to try to play. Following that airing of grievances, Precision Pro Flashback Friday focuses on the 1994 edition of the Byron Nelson, what came to be known as “The Half Nelson”, and the winner that year who went on to become the first player ever to shoot 29 in the U.S. Open -- twice, in back-to-back years.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Wednesday episode goes in a bunch of stupid directions, starting with some details that may or may not be true on real estate around TPC Craig Ranch. This then devolves into a discussion on people named Craig, the most famous Craigs, the haughtiness of Craig T. Nelson using his middle initial, and a couple other unrelated topics. The shhhedule for the week continues with the Champions Tour posting up at another TPC venue and questions about Mitsubishi’s love of the senior circuit, the European Tour maybe having a “frontboard” at the Belfry, and the KFT dropping in on a gem of a venue in Tennessee. News hits on DJ’s amusing and verbose statement on his withdrawal, some data about the absolute absurdity and game-able-ness of the FedExCup points system, and the purchase of TaylorMade. Then they get to their second installment of “Eye on Olympic,” focusing this time on Mel Reid. Her ascendance as a junior, partying ways, family tragedy, and easy-to-root-for personality are all highlighted in this segment that gives you another name to monitor for the U.S. Women’s Open.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a jam-packed weekend of golf and this Monday episode jumps right into it by flipping a coin and starting with a review of the Walker Cup. Andy and Brendan nominate their favorite “breakout” players from the weekend, what they loved most about Seminole, and wonder why there’s not a push to make this more of a top 10 event in the entire game. Is such a push or goal to make this bigger even desired or possible? Then they’re on to the professional game and a course and format that stood out in stark contrast to the Walker Cup. But of course there was the Prince of Ponte Vedra redeeming it all and getting back in the winner’s circle. They discuss his “drought” and if it even was a drought, his abandoning of his draw thanks to modern equipment, and the energy a Rory charge brings to an event. There’s also the matter of the Thicc Boi’s flight hijinks. On the LPGA, they discuss the scenes of Ariya bawling after winning her home event and also ending a drought of her own. The Regions Tradition recap turns into a segment on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers fans uneasiness. They close with the anti-thirstbucket of the week, a frugal Longhorn who has made millions playing golf but was so upset about a $1.95 charge on his food bill that he had to instagram about it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Friday episode begins with some quick reactions to Phil Mickelson taking the early lead in Charlotte, which is an occasion to quickly pivot to his quotes that joining a PGL or SLG league for tens of millions of dollars will actually require selflessness. This leads to a pivot to discuss the report from Alan Shipnuck that these are, in fact, not the same thing and actually competitors, and boy does the Saudi backed one sound terrible! There’s also a discussion on a report in The Athletic with a deposition of Jay Monahan, who did not name a single LPGA player when queried. There is also reveling in Viktor Hovland calling Quail Hollow a form of “driving range golf.” Then Brendan and Andy are joined by Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine, an amateur golf encyclopedia who is at the Walker Cup this week. They discuss some players to watch, whether all of continental Europe should be made eligible, a food poisoning outbreak, and features of Seminole. Then Flashback Friday focuses on some amusing Walker Cup controversies and characters as well as some stories from Ben Hogan’s time at Seminole.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Wednesday episode begins with Courtesy and Brendan discussing their distaste for the whole May the 4th proliferation, as well as the one liquor that never seems to dwindle on their bars. Then they spend the first 30 minutes or so discussing the re-emergence and re-branding of the PGL. They go back-and-forth between synthesis of a day of reporting from multiple outlets and analysis of the impacts of some of these proposed maneuvers. There’s chatter on DJ, Jay’s meeting, the Saudi influence, sponsor backlash, and parallels, if any, to the soccer Super League. Then they run through the usual schedule for the week, hitting on three things to watch at Wells Fargo, including a potential “heavy is the head that wears the crown” impact for the Prince of Ponte Vedra. A closing news segment focuses on Ian Poulter revealing that the new Pace of Play Policy is real and being communicated as well as Michael Visacki talking to Chuck for an exemption into Colonial.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Monday episode gets back to some SGS roots, with a quick and unprepared whip around the results from the weekend in the golf world. It really, actually is a short one. They begin with the Valspar, where Sam Burns broke through for what could be the first of many wins on the PGA Tour. The dump in the cup award is back, as is the second edition of Thirstbucket of the Week. Other topics hit on are Keegan scraping it and Tringale closing in on a career achievement. Dean Burmester is mentioned and the Tenerife event is given a poor grade. The back half is a ramble on the giant flag in the center of a fairway at the new Jack Nicklaus course, as well as the general costs of giant flags. News hits on Pine Valley changing its policy to admit women members, and a potential angle for such a move. Lastly, all SGS merch will be 20 percent off through Monday night.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All golf talk is set aside at the start of this Friday episode, which was recorded minutes after the Bears traded up and drafted QB Justin Fields (and hours after reporting on Aaron Rodgers wanting out of Green Bay). A giddy Andy walks through his emotions of the day and proclaims the Bears “back.” Eventually, there is golf talk -- the Valspar chatter transitions to discussion on the PIP thirst this week, which leads to an article on who has been getting the most PGA Tour Live run this year, which leads to a study sent in by a listener on how the stars on the PGA Tour compare to the NBA stars earnings-wise. News focuses on Rickie’s exemption into the PGA, which is panned. A new segment focuses on one national hero that will be playing the U.S. Women’s Open at Olympic. Flashback Friday is a glorious look back at the career of a two-time winner in Tampa, K.J. Choi.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Wednesday episode begins with Brendan having to answer to some angry Aussies and attempt to clarify his Leishman comp from Monday. It’s also a rambling episode with Andy on the road with a broken phone, an alarm clock that won’t go off, and a birthday date with Torrey Pines and Brendan trying to find a couple spare minutes in between childcare disruptions. There’s intel from the U.S. Women’s Open media day at Olympic, where Andy has some issues with the burger dog fixins and Brendan has some questions about the mowing lines. Eventually, they run through the shhhedule for the week, hitting on three things to watch at the Valspar, some amusing intel from another island pitch-and-putt on the Euro Tour, and some diminutive notables on the Champions Tour. They also discuss the viral video of Monday qualifier Michael Visacki and the authenticity of a story that PIP can’t account for.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Monday episode begins with Andy disclosing an explosive handicap scandal from his Fried Egg event over the weekend. Then they get to the golf from the weekend, beginning with the first to finish -- the LA Open on the LPGA. Brooke Henderson’s 10th career win is praised but the pace of play is lamented. There’s also a call for more primetime golf to fill the void of our boring lives on weekend nights. At the Zurich Classic, they ponder whether it’s fair that pro golfers should have to hit shots for millions of dollars with alligators lurking so close to them. They also debate the futures of Cam Smith and Marc Leishman, and whether the latter is an Aussie Kuchar. The rowdy crowd with the cliche shouts is also given the Alonzo Mourning gif treatment. On the KFT, there’s intel about Tony Romo’s dilemma of staying in that event or bailing for a club calcutta. Tyson Alexander, son of Buddy, is regaled with a reading of several facts about this week’s KFT winner. Garrick Higgo is anointed as a new SGS favorite. News closes with a Tiger sighting and a new segment -- This Week in PIP, in which a “thirstbucket of the week” is crowned.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Friday episode begins with some reaction to both “town crier” and “baton boy” references making it onto featured group coverage on Billy Tour Live. There’s also some reaction to the Crier’s contention that TPC Louisiana was not built to be played in wind. There’s amusement over the explanation of the Bubba-Scheffler team and confusion over some brands of golf clothing. Then the news of the week, the revelation of a Player Impact Program on the PGA Tour, is dissected. Andy and Brendan break down the actual nuts and bolts of the program, as reported by Eamon Lynch. They giggle over some of the metrics being employed, which don’t seem long for the formula. They offer their critiques and praise for different elements of it or at least what it’s efforting to do, and then laugh at some of the early reactions. Early action from the LA Open is also praised, while Tony Romo’s first round in Dallas is not. Flashback Friday is on the 1999 and 2000 winner of the Compaq Classic, then the name of the stop on Tour in New Orleans. They explore the mud shack upbringing of Carlos Franco, his hero status in Paraguay,  his worldwide success, and then his breakthrough PGA Tour win in 1999 in NOLA.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After year off, the PGA Tour returns to New Orleans and while there may no longer be walk-up music at this event, the listeners demand that this annual game goes on. So Andy makes a playlist of songs hinting at the inane, insider, and downright specious. Play along as Brendan attempts to guess what Andy is getting at with some of these song choices for a few SGS favorites on Tour. This comes after they run through the schedule for the week, with the LA Open on the LPGA winning event of the week honors. Andy dishes on some of the great features to watch for at Wilshire. There’s some intel from the first ever Euro Tour event in Gran Canaria about roads running through the course that will kick balls hundreds of yards away from where they land. There’s also ample chatter about some of the puzzling partnerships this week at Zurich.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Monday episode begins with a discussion of some Chicago saloons, such as Lottie’s, the title sponsor of this week’s LPGA event, which Lydia Ko won on Saturday night. Brendan and Andy get into some of the astounding stats of Ko’s recent run, the brilliant pace of play, and what it could mean for a second peak. Then there’s an unplanned diversion into the Will County Amateur, where Tony Romo contended before a second-day fade. For the Heritage, they discuss Stewart Cink’s longevity, his kid caddie, and his past coach changes. Collin Morikawa’s frightening putter is also a topic as is the Si Woo Kim putt that hung on the lip for 40 seconds, leading to a mini-flashback to a similar issue that might have cost Denis Watson the U.S. Open after some tough justice from a rules official with an eye patch. The interminable Euro Tour playoff is covered as are the Peter Uihlein and Steve Stricker victories. News hits on the Town Crier ringing his bell and announcing his opinion on arm lock putting.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Friday and there is no script. Andy and Brendan begin with some thoughts on the first ever non-profit casino being built at TPC Scottsdale. Then there are some Mother’s Day gift ideas, like “tournament-used hazard water” on offer from TPC Sawgrass. The event of the week, the Western Intercollegiate, is reviewed, leading to some “bones to pick” with college coaches slowing down pace of play and the kerfuffle over the conclusion preempting first round LPGA coverage. There’s also a quiz on the Pepperdine basketball program. The ridiculous efforts and costs, borne by the local tournament and its charity efforts, to heighten the range net at Harbour Town are excoriated. Brittany That’s Amore’s charge, as well as Lydia Ko also potentially ending her drought, are discussed on the LPGA. The frigid conditions and schnitzel consumption of the Austrian Open are noted. Precision Pro Flashback Friday closes with a look back at an absolutely brutal day the last time a major was played at Kiawah, as well as some lofty prognostications for the Prince of Ponte Vedra.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Masters has come and gone but Shotgun Start plays on with this Wednesday episode. They begin with some clean up from the first men’s major of the year, hitting on Hideki’s overly onerous modes of transportation after winning the Masters, the Town Crier’s attempt at an apology, and other post Masters “viral” moments. Then they’re on to the Harbour Town for the Heritage, highlighting the traits of the course and how different it will play compared to last year. The range net extension put up for the Thicc Boi, who then WD’d, is also covered. There is also a rumor about a welcome return to the Tour traveling circus. Shhhhedule for the week then focuses on the LPGA returning with a primetime event from Wednesday to Saturday. Event of the week is given to the college kids playing a MacKenzie on the other side of the country. News hits on some on-site fan constraints for the upcoming U.S. Opens in California.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy and Brendan put a bow on a fantastic weekend at the Masters, beginning with Hideki Matsuyama playing his way into a green jacket. They dispute the notion that this was somehow a boring Sunday or middling Masters. The entire first portion of the podcast covers Hideki, from what it means to his home country, the excitement from Saturday night that will be a lasting memory from this 2021 edition, the impact of his amateur experience here, and the impressive blow-by-blow of his work on Sunday that kept the chasers at arms length. Then they get to those chasers, hitting on Xander’s flop at the finish, the Spieth temptation, and both the non-PGA Tour member present and promising future of Zalatoris. They review some of their contender and pretender calls from Saturday night and then get into the alarming sequel of the Town Crier’s circus act. They close with three things they’ll most remember from the week and a note of gratitude to all of you for supporting the podcast this week.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lively virtual Bixby House results in this punch-drunk Masters table-setter for Sunday. Andy and Brendan react to that outrageous inward 30 from Hideki Matsuyama, but not without first pondering a preposterous rules hypothetical related to JT. Then they run through the leaderboard with a manichean contender/pretender judgment for each player. Two of the four players at 7-under are dubbed pretenders, while the head and the heart battle for a Spieth assessment six shots back. Jose Maria’s valiant fight is praised.  Billy Ho’s absolutely ridiculous circus act is re-told, with a full notebook of details on the hole-by-hole indignities (pardon our language but it’s not ours, it’s his). They close with their picks to win and some rambling about a section of the English language that befuddles Andy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Friday night at the Masters! Andy and Brendan react to the 85th edition of the tournament at its midpoint, beginning with Justin Rose hanging on to his lead against a loaded gaggle of chargers. Ian Woosnam’s battle to make the cut becomes a prominent topic perhaps far too early in the show, but his bench-sitting practices needed to be discussed. They delight in Si Woo Kim’s putter outburst that had him near the lead in the Masters and putting with his 3-wood. Also covered are the moves by Spieth, JT, Zalatoris, and Bryson’s fight despite his grievance that he can’t use his “calibration devices” at Augusta National. They discuss two listener-proposed theories -- is Zalatoris unburdened by having no points to protect and is there a PAC curse? An MC Hammer segment focuses on DJ and Rory, who might be lost. Flashback Friday goes back only a matter of hours, as the great Jim Herman, who made the cut at the Masters, calls in to talk to two idiots about the course conditions and playing with a game Woosie for the first 36 holes.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy and Brendan are back for what is now an SGS Masters tradition -- daily podcasts reviewing all the inanities, amusements, and play both good and bad. This Thursday review begins with the incredible golf of Justin Rose, and quickly turns to the challenging course conditions of the first round. The firmness made hitting fairways an actual priority or reward and some of the elite ball strikers from tee to green moved up the leaderboard. They debate the most disappointing and most surprising opening rounds, their favorite horrible shots, and talk themselves into some unintended drive-bys of the kids just trying to navigate their way around Augusta. Gary Player’s idiot kid inserting himself in the honorary starter ceremony is panned. There’s a fashion review as well, from the Nike designs and colors, to the suspenders, to another spin of the Patrick Reed sponsor roulette wheel. They close with a bit on Rory, Spieth, and make/miss the cut predictions for some top names.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy gets up off the mat after a sick day for this late night amuse bouche of an episode as the Masters tees off on Thursday. He and Brendan begin with a Masters fact of the day on the honorary starters just continuing to play a round in carts after the pomp at the first tee. Then they get to their one-and-done picks to have those in under the wire. Some of their favorite tee times are highlighted for these first two days, the nominees for adding to your My Group shot-by-shot (or baton twirl by twirl) feature, and picks for the Chuck Hoffman Memorial first round leader. Some spicy quotes are reviewed -- like Rory potentially having to face impeachment as President of the PAC, Phil saying the golf course has not had to be respected due to softness, and Bryson on the onerous task of having to read greens with … your eyes, imagine that. There’s also the topic of his frisbee warm-up. This week has become a Masters SGS tradition and it is brought to you by the Shotgun Start blend of Bixby coffee—subscribe here and you will be able to join a live virtual and interactive happy hour during Friday’s round of the Masters.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This special bonus Tuesday edition of the Shotgun Start features old friend Fried Egg Paulie. Perhaps you’ve heard, but gambling and daily fantasy have become a part of the golf scene, especially at the Masters. There are a lot of Johnny-come-latelys riding this wave but Paulie is an original not looking for hype and most importantly, willing to indulge two know-nothing idiots. Andy maps out a daily fantasy lineup with Paulie’s help. Brendan asks how oddsmaking has changed since it’s rapid escalation as part of pro golf. They debate Bernhard Langer’s new equipment deal and Ian Woosnam’s breakfast of champions. They discuss Brooksy’s injury, low values, and hopeful amateurs. This has become a Masters SGS tradition and it is brought to you by the Shotgun Start blend of Bixby coffee -- subscribe here and you will be able to join a live virtual and interactive happy hour during Friday’s round of the Masters.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Monday episode begins with news of Andy’s arrival back to the Land of Matt Fitzpatrick after some time-zone struggles. Then Brendan and Andy get into the first major winner of 2021, Patty Tavatanakit and her two-shot win over Lydia Ko. Her no-leaderboard watching policy is debated, Ko’s charge is extolled, and the Poppie leap is graded. Then they’re onto to the national open at TPC San Antonio, where Jordan Spieth got his first win since the summer of 2017. Both talk about what they felt seeing him get it done again, the Texas Open otherwise stinking, and delight of that late crappy 8-iron down the stretch to keep us on our toes, per Spieth protocols. A clarification is issued on the Redneck Riviera before Stephan Jaeger’s continued credentials as the KFT are debated. The first of two digressions on the Drive, Chip, and Putt takes place, with apathy and confusion the conclusion. Saturday’s second ANWA is praised, even if the play was underwhelming -- the Tour did have to take a backseat, after all. News hits on Brooksy and likely Rahm playing the Masters, the course looking dialed in after the weekend exposure, and Waffle House ignorance from two native midwesterners.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This wandering Friday episode features fantastic intel on the procurement of Patrick Reed’s apparel but begins with a quick announcement on some Masters week community gathering at a virtual Bixby House. Then Brendan and Andy catch up on Masters facts of the day, which include the alleged real pimento cheese recipe ANGC uses as well as old stories about caddies shagging balls on the range. Then they get to the tournaments at hand, reacting to the cut at ANWA and the tough scoring conditions. The ANA reactions focus on Shanshan Feng coming off the bench after a year away to post 67, the LPGA moving the tee up with the wall down at 18, and Michelle Wie’s impressive opener. Texas Open thoughts hit on Spieth’s early work, Phil’s implosion and level of care, and some low Cameron odds. News covers a hefty slow play fine for one LPGA rookie, DJ’s champions dinner menu, Brooksy’s engagement announcement, and the weird police procedure around disclosing the cause of Tiger’s accident. Precision Pro Flashback Friday serves up a smorgasbord of facts and stories on the earliest days of the ANA, then the Colgate Dinah Shore Winners Circle -- from the toothpaste executive that made this a lavish one-week party in the desert to an over-crowded Easter Sunday service on the 18th green to how it quickly became an event without peer on the schedule. Lastly, Andy chimes in with some facts and alarming history on Poppie’s Pond.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Wednesday episode begins with a fun Sabbo story on his preferred drink order. Then there’s a debate on the merits of orange juice. Andy and Brendan eventually get into the schedule for the week, where the women at both the professional and amateur level have the stage. The ANA Inspiration is up first, where news of the blue wall coming down has dramatically changed that finisher. Andy ponders the wildlife in Poppy’s Pond, which Brendan argues is essentially now a swimming pool. There are “three things to watch” proffered for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, where we might get a peek at a course that, according to Jordan Spieth, is rumored to be playing as firm as ever. They cover some of the top women in the field and also have a debate over the “Real USC.” Texas Open one-and-dones is a trip down Hoffman memory lane. They close with news of the Canadian Open going to Congaree and the TOUR selling a ketchup popsicle to an ISP in white gloves as another title sponsor for its regular season top 10.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy and Brendan hobble into a new week after a tedious Sunday at an otherwise enjoyable WGC Match Play. They react to the baton boy, the motormouth, the Town Crier of Ponte Vedra moving into the Swedish Pancake Club. Andy delights in his self-admonishments that became the soundtrack of the event. Then they get into his modest goals for the rest of his career -- winning the grand slam and the Players and making and captaining every team event. The Kevin Na and Dustin Johnson contretemps from Friday is reviewed, as well as the run of sudden death playoffs, which feel like format flaw. Inbee Park, a true living legend, is praised for her win at Aviara, where there was a plea for relief from a fountain geyser. Joely D’s big win in Punta Cana and Danie van Tonder’s victory in Kenya are also covered. News covers a report that there may be no fans at the U.S. Opens in California.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The great Kyle Porter of CBS joins for this Friday episode with Florida Man Andy on family vacation. Brendan and Kyle dive into the first two days from the WGC Match Play, delighting in Sergio’s camo pants, Bryson’s 46-yard drive, Spieth’s surge, and Rory’s walkabout in the wilderness. There’s also intel about the dangers this week in Austin with balls flying over the range net into play. Kyle talks about his upcoming trip to Augusta and what’s jumping out to him as the Masters bears down on us. Bryson’s underwhelming NFT rollout is reviewed, as are comments from his agent that the lack of demand was due to golf simply being a niche sport. They also discuss the Punta Cana finishing stretch being named “The Devil’s Elbow.” Precision Pro Flashback Friday is a two-scoop treat with Kyle bringing his own research on that time Tiger massacred someone not named Stephen Ames, and Brendan looking back on the year that absolutely no one showed up and the 90th ranked player in the world went through the bracket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Wednesday episode comes to you early with Andy needing to get to the beach, Brendan needing to clear out of his office, and most importantly, the WGC Match Play starting early. They immediately jump into laments on the Match Play round robin format and formulaic scheduling but also praise it as one of the great events of the season that always yields a controversy or two. They ponder if there will be a backboard at the drivable 13th and if Bryson will register a driver over 500 yards that’s immediately turned into an NFT. Also, the legend of “motormouth Billy” is born. The LPGA is also back this week and finally out of the Sunshine state, heading to a venerable Arnold Palmer design in California. They express excitement over the return of Michelle Wie West and this appetizer for the first major of the year. The field at the Punta Cana Championship is combed through with the usual enjoyment. The one-syllable crew at the Kenya Savannah Classic is also highlighted, which leads to a conversation on Toby Tree’s preferred accommodations. News hits on Bryson’s hamfisted NFT rollout, JT’s discussions with Tiger, and Jordan Spieth disclosing he was literally taped up during the past few rough years because of a hand injury we hadn’t heard about.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy and Brendan have to dig deep to find things to talk about after one of the more lifeless PGA Tour events they can recall. So they begin first with the Illinois basketball loss, some worse for the wear testimony, and a story about walking full speed into a glass door. At the Honda, they praise Matt Jones’ play and pace but also discuss how the Honda is an absolute no-win situation and this week was a conspicuously painful illustration of that. Andy proposes the Tour not schedule an event the week after The Players, in a further attempt to manipulate its status. Brendan ponders Phil getting exhausted by the constant scramble to stay in play while now also never contending, wondering if he might hang it up sometime in the not too distant future. The broadcast disaster on the European Tour is discussed and Bobby Diaz’s win on the Web Tour is praised. His shirt sponsor, however, is questioned. They conclude with Masters Fact of the Day on Moe Norman and the time he made his first trip to the Masters, much to the anxiety of the Canadian Golf Association. They recall the amusing story around his WD from that first Masters.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Friday episode begins with some quick reactions to the first day at the Honda Classic, where Matt Jones may have posted the round of the year. Andy provides some intel on the Swamp draw differential that Jones took advantage of in the morning. There’s also discussion on the entire fleet of Honda vehicles and which one is best, as well as an effort to figure out what the company sponsoring the KFT event actually does. Masters Fact of the Day is on the cracker barrel (not that one) and Cheez-It procurement. A twofer Precision Pro Flashback Friday hits first on Bruce Lietzke, the 1984 Honda winner, who played an extremely unique schedule while at the top of his game and also nearly missed a tee time while looking for a hot dog. The second Flashback focuses on 1996 Honda winner Tim Herron, who won it early in his rookie year by edging John Daly as the longest off the tee and opening with a first round (much like Matt Jones) that some thought was a scoreboard malfunction. The 1996 Flashback is also an occasion to bring up a wildly amusing story on two players arriving via helicopter and fire truck at the golf course, as well as some sharp critiques of TPC Eagle Trace, the TPC Network, and Greg Norman’s relationship to that network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Wednesday episode begins with Brendan arguing why he’s against St. Patrick’s Day and Andy exasperated by the latest Bears quarterback move. They eventually get to the Honda Classic, where Rickie Tour Live returns with gusto and Westy completes his Swamp Swing show. There’s an impromptu check in on William McGirt and three things to watch focusing Westy and the weather. There’s some intel from on the ground at the Magical Kenya Open, which is up against the Chitimacha Louisiana Open in a hotly contested Event of the Week race. Padraig Harrington’s comments on the ball and a rollback further benefiting Bryson are reviewed. News hits on a positive Tiger update, a new and encouraging team match play event for the senior tour, and a fascinating article on LPGA setups being too tough relative to the PGA Tour.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Players Monday episode begins by tackling the question of whether an Illinois B1G championship mitigates the despair of Westy fading at The Players in Andy’s world. They immediately jump into the JT-Westy contrasts, namely one putting together an all-time ballstriking round and the other desperately trying to cobble something respectable. They tear the band-aid off and re-live a “worst case scenario” for Andy. JT’s play and legacy are discussed, and Westy’s worst shot of the day is debated. There are giggles over the run of horrendous shanks and tops early in the round, which results in a Thicc impersonation. They also cover a setup quibble here and there, the Mattress King giving away his driver in the middle of a round, the Spieth-Sabbo contretemps, Doug Grim, and every shot live coverage. Brendan defends, maybe, the Players feeling major-ly to him. Rory’s comments about Bryson influencing his chase for speed and swing struggles are reviewed. News focuses on DJ opting out of the Olympics before one more round of Westy laments to sign off on a great week.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Friday episode begins with an update on the other Players Championship, where there are multiple Coetzees in the field. Then Andy and Brendan react to the opening round at TPC Sawgrass, where Sergio went low and others imploded. They discuss the course setup, Rory’s potential abdication, the every shot live feature, the pin at 17, and Justin Thomas’ gripe about inconsistent firmness at that island green. There’s also chatter on the gambling gripes on rounds not finishing before darkness suspensions. Kevin Na is labeled as the opposite of Westy -- unsporting -- following his WD. Then, in honor of the great Fan Vote history at the Players, there’s a Fan Vote Friday Jr. segment highlighting the legend of Bobby Mac, who is making his Players debut this week. They close with Flashback Friday, and the subject is the Cajun Kiwi himself, the man who brought “The Town Crier” nickname to your PGA Tour Live broadcast.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gold Standard is back! This wide-ranging preview episode covers some course setup drama, another Jay Monahan appearance on CNBC, an Illinois basketball grievance, syllable efficiency on the tee sheet, and much more. They begin with some thoughts on an uninformed CNBC inquisitor botching another Commish visit with the network. Then Brendan offers some thoughts on why The Players, the actual event, is so enjoyable while the lard added onto it, is worthy of some backlash. Andy delights in yet another tweak to the 12th hole at TPC Sawgrass, this one a new tee allegedly to keep pace of play moving the first two days. The late mid-week change of declaring internal OB, aka The Bryson Rule, is debated. Some favorite tee times are highlighted, including a UPS quarantine and groups they would most/least want to join as a fourth. New hits on Webb Simpson prioritizing the FedExCup over the Olympics and a possible replacement for the canceled Canadian Open. They close with a Masters Fact of the Day on the icy relationship between Arnold Palmer and Ben Hogan.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A forlorn Andy signs on to chat about his idol Lee Westwood coming up short at Bay Hill. Brendan immediately inquires what hurt most -- the bad breaks, the poor shots, or the wasted opportunities with the Thicc Boi not exactly running away from him. Then the marvel at the Bryson circus act, from the show at the 6th hole, the extremely sketchy drop at 16 green, the bunker complaints, and the triumphant primal scream on the 18th green. They ponder a re-worked PGA Tour schedule that makes these crackling Q1 events the actual playoffs. There is a speed round segment on Pat Reed messing around in the rough, anticipated preferred lies, the Robert Gamez disaster, and Baton Boy Billy. Brendan has some comments on the Arnold hagiography watering down the authenticity of what was actually so great about him. They close with a conspiracy theory on Brooksy’s WD from The Players and a chat on Austin Ernst’s runaway win at Golden Ocala.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.