The Shotgun Start

Andy and Brendan close out the week, and open a new month, with this Friday episode checking in on the Olympics golf competition from Paris. First, there’s a check-in on the Bears, Jets, and some questions about 3-on-3 basketball and how an alt-event like that might work in golf. There’s also some gatekeeping about what should be an actual Olympic sport, like speedwalking? They discuss early action from Le Golf National, such as Wyndham Clark’s early troubles, the discourse around him and who should qualify for a team, and the golf course as a variety test. Then they close it out with Golf Advice on Member-Guest appreciation ideas and a psycho starter trying to get a player to go back in and pay a dynamic pricing hike.

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Brendan is back from vacation and joins Andy to catch up on all that's happened in golf. The episode starts with some thoughts on how pools have been operating and why society has decided that beaches are a travel destination. Andy then shares a note on Caleb Williams' first week of camp with the Bears as he begins his surely illustrious NFL career. The two transition into Olympic talk, as Brendan is concerned about the USA Golf uniforms for this week's festivities. They make some picks and share some good course fits for Le Golf National, which may not suit Tosti's game as well as you'd like. To wrap things up, Andy and Brendan discuss the PGA Tour's new Creator Classic coming to East Lake as part of the Tour Championship.

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Andy is joined by Brentley Romine to discuss the weekend that was in the world of golf. The show starts with a 2024 Olympic Minute, where the two debate what other sport the American men would compete in, how Tosti will fare at Le Golf National, and more. After wrapping up a Paris preview, attention then turns to Jhonattan Vegas's win at the 3M Open, his first PGA Tour win in seven years. Andy and Brentley then discuss Jon Rahm's first-ever LIV victory at JCB before moving on to the US Junior Am at Oakland Hills. To wrap things up, it's a Senior Open Minute breaking down K.J. Choi's first senior major and the commercial breaks surrounding his final two holes.

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It's another jam-packed Friday Golf Advice episode as Andy is joined by pro Vince India. To start, the two discuss Vince's week at the Colorado State Open and how this week's competition compares to other state opens around the country. They then touch on the breaking news of Southwest Airlines going to reserve seating, something that will surely impact these world travelers. Vince shares a quick story from his first time playing with Blockie before Andy acknowledges forgetting that LIV London was part of this week's schedule and comments on the Majesticks' Pub on the course. To wrap things up, Vince and Andy hit a bunch of Golf Advice emails, including a slow-playing junior, the "worst tradition in sports," and when it's time to get a hotel for your golf trip.

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Andy is joined by Shane Bacon of the "Get a Grip" podcast to wrap up lingering questions from the Open Championship and so much more. After a rousing discussion about Andy's texting habits, the two begin with a proper recap of the Barracuda Championship and what a second win this year means for Nick Dunlap moving forward. They then cover any remaining Open takes, including which current star with two majors ends their career with more before getting into a Player of the Year discussion about Xander and Scottie. Next, Andy and Shane go down the FedEx Cup points list to see who's at risk of missing the playoffs with just two events left in the regular season. To wrap things up, the duo share quick thoughts on this week's U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills.

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It was the kind of weekend that made you think about the big things as it relates to men’s golf, its star talents, its playing fields, and its past, present, and future. Andy and Brendan bob and weave through this Monday episode that runs the gamut after the last men’s major of the year. They begin with some important questions on the FedExCup before getting into Xander Schauffele’s win, his season, and what this victory does for the rest of his career. Then they discuss Scottie Scheffler and the ongoing flaw in his otherwise elite game and how that will work at future Opens. They cover Royal Troon in depth, with much praise and a few quibbles on how it set up for the pros. Is it a better championship test for men’s golf than the Old Course right now? They discuss Billy Boy and Rosey, Thriston and all the other contenders before getting to a few of the non-contenders like Spieth, JT, Rory, Rahm, and their major seasons. They close with Matthew Jordan appreciation and some less-than-appreciative comments on the coverage.

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What an unforgettable day of golf-watching at The Open and Andy and Brendan are giddy to talk about a day that sorted the contenders and pretenders as we head to the final round of men’s major championship golf. They discuss the absolutely brutal conditions at Royal Troon that punished the final groups coming in and left the Baton Boy, the Town Crier himself, Billy Horschel sitting in the solo 54-hole lead. They discuss Scottie Scheffler’s maddening day, Shane Lowry’s pouty way to the finish, and the full slate of contenders and pretenders for Sunday. There’s a course check-in on another day that is extracting all the traits that should be needed to win a major before they toss in a few more Games Within The Game for the final day.

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Andy and Brendan are soaring into the weekend after watching an awesome day of golf at The Open, where the wind came up again and brutalized some of the best players in the world. They angrily shout down anyone moaning about the draw creating a disparity. Then they get into the conditions that ejected Rory, Bryson, Tiger, and many more. They outline some of the older vets on the board while praising the work of Shane Lowry and especially Justin Rose. Scottie and Rahm are given their flowers, too. There's a brief Tiger chat -- what is he at this point and how should we cover him? A fresh new slate of games within the game are set up for the weekend, bringing the golf's biggest superstar, Marcel Siem, into the fray. They close with a few thoughts on some big name cut missers.

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Andy and Brendan are buzzing after a bountiful first day at the Open at Royal Troon. They begin with the first tee time of the day, which offered its own stimulant in place of coffee in the form of Todd Hamilton’s electric swing. This leads to a running Hamilton facts segment, some Dan Bradbury woe, Dan Brown praise, and Ernie apologia. They also discuss Shane Lowry, JT, and some of the other leaders on what was a very tough day at Troon, especially early. There are some ample course notes about the winds and the challenge it presented with a few specific holes that rang out during the marathon watch. There is a games-within-the-game checkin, and a few new creations, and best and worst surprises from day one, which put a certain Aussie in the crosshairs. They cover the disappointing days of Rory and Bryson and assess if they are completely out of it for the weekend. Just-A-Guy gets an evaluation after, who could have guessed, an up-and-down day. They close with some thoughts on coverage and a few awards from round one.

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It is almost here! The final men’s major of the year is nigh and Brendan and Andy are full of energy for this beefy but constantly entertaining Open, or British Open, preview podcast. They begin with some thoughts on what makes the Open special, relying on player testimony, their own interactions, and some of the challenges of Royal Troon that they cannot wait to see in action. They discuss some of their favorite and not-so-favorite storylines, including the heavyweight contenders like Rory, Rahm, Bryson, Ludvig, Xander, and of course, Scottie. Their usual major tradition of picking out best and worst tee times goes down a winding path on Tiger Woods being “too busy” to be Ryder Cup captain, Tommy Morrison, Dan Bradbury, Just-a-Guy statuses, and much more. A new set of games-within-the-game is drawn up pitting some titans against each other. Finally, and after a lengthy chat about the best berries, they pick winners for The Open.

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Andy and Brendan are worse for the wear recording this Monday episode late after a long day of golf and sports, but they proceed talking about the bounty of worldwide golf from the weekend before we get to the last men’s major of the year. They begin with some Champions Tour discussion thanks to Ernie’s conquering hero moment in Akron. Andy wants him on the Pres Cup. At the Scottish, they discuss Bob MacIntyre’s great finish, the sketchy drop from a sprinkler head, his pace of play, and how this tournament has distinguished itself again. There’s also some amusing talk on the Barbasol, Ayaka Furue’s win at Evian, LIV Spain adding to that country’s great day, and the American Century Championship’s definition of “celebrity.” They close with news of some comments made by Colin Montgomerie on how Tiger Woods has no realistic chance of winning and should be giving it up.

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Andy and Brendan ring in the start of coffee golf season on this Friday episode. Things start with an unsubstantiated story about our favorite frugal tour pro and his stint on an enhanced dating app years ago. After that, the two dissect the biggest news of the day, Adam Schupak's report about Bryson DeChambeau's falling out with former coach Mike Schy, which involves family accusations and extortion allegations. The conversation then turns to the return of Rory McIlroy to the public eye, as he started the Scottish Open with a round of 65 on Thursday. After going through Rory's comments from Wednesday, Andy drops a note on the ISCO Championship and where the Illini stand on the leaderboard in Kentucky. To wrap things up, Golf Advice returns with some height discrimination and an all-time jamming on a Scotland links trip.

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Andy and Brendan are all over the place for this Wednesday episode, which begins with some intel from the ground at the Scottish Open, where a frugal one was casing the free coffee cart on the driving range at the Renaissance Club. Then they get to the massive, surprising news of the week that Keegan Bradley will be the 2025 Ryder Cup captain at Bethpage. They react to the apparent haphazard PGA process that landed with Keegan, the fact that Zatch made the call to him, and the genuine love Bradley clearly displays for this event. Will it be a good pick? They also discuss Xander Schauffele’s quotes that Keegan needs to cut down on the mandatory dinners. They eventual get to the schedule for the week, which starts with an In-Out-Alternate for the newly-named Kentucky event that will remain the Barbasol here. Then they get to the Scottish Open, Rory’s return, and two majors on the Senior and LPGA tours. They close it with news of Joost Luiten getting banned from Olympics golf again.

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Andy and Brendan are back after a long holiday weekend, and this is truly a rambling show about nothing. But there are some BIG questions asked, like, say, who will win more Tour events from now on -- Davis Thompson, Michael Thorbjornsen, or Jordan Spieth? They discuss the youth at the top of the Deere leaderboard and how it’s become a course with literally zero hard holes and nothing but wedges. There’s a lengthy chat on Spieth’s momentary flirtation with 59 on Saturday and what went wrong from there, and his future prospects. There are some other odds and ends from Deere Run like JT not playing ZJ’s charity outing this year, an IBF comp to Scottie Scheffler, and an amusing Tosti Tale on his pro-am, his caddie, and his rental car antipathy. Michael Rubin gets thirstbucket of the week for his little white party. The Euro Tour event is discussed momentarily, but mostly with some testimony from the ground about the power lines. They close with a few thoughts on the Palmer Cup at Lahinch and consensus that it is the creepiest trophy in golf.

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Brendan is joined by the golf sicko’s golf sicko, his former colleague and former college golfer, Kyle Robbins, for a holiday weekend off-the-rails bonanza. They begin by Brendan demanding that Kyle defend the John Deere Classic, its dartboard low scores, and the validity of Hayden Springer’s 59 there in the first round. Then they get into the state of the Euro Tour, where Beef Johnston, Ross Fisher, and other favorites are slopping around on the leaderboard. Then they draw on Kyle’s past and present as a former competitive golfer and current shit-stirrer to answer a beefy round of Golf Advice questions about a playing partner carrying a firearm in his bag for pace of play confrontations, having to use iron covers after losing your fantasy football league but then getting invited to Augusta, spouting off “radical” golf podcast opinions despite not being a golfer, and dealing with a pouty brother-in-law.

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Brendan is joined by the inimitable Geoff Shackelford for this Wednesday episode of the Shotgun Start, and they begin by pondering whether Andy has achieved “America’s guest” status. Then they quickly transition to the upcoming “links season” in pro golf with Geoff’s impending trip to Scotland and with The Open and the Scottish Open fast approaching. There’s a chat on the current issues with the Scottish, where Troon falls in the Open rota and what really works for it as a venue, and some favorite memories from walking the grounds at the 2016 edition there. Then they have a lengthy chat about the R&A announcing a successor to Martin Slumbers, what it says about the direction of pro golf, Slumbers’s tenure, and what that new job must confront right away. They then bounce back to the last major at Pinehurst for some Shackelford thoughts on how the course played and a few spots that could be fixed ahead of the next U.S. Open, which is already coming up soon. They close with a few thoughts on Scottie Scheffler’s season which dovetails into some big Open storylines and the prime contenders, namely Rory McIlroy.

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It is a first of the month recording for the Shotgun Start, which means extra pep and enthusiasm. Brendan is joined by Joseph LaMagna to discuss the Rocket Mortgage Classic, specifically what “hypnotherapy” is and why it is working for the winner in Detroit. They also discuss how this could be the blueprint for a PG-B Tour event with its nice field mix and good Sunday leaderboard from it. They discuss Cam Young’s rough Sunday, snapping his driver, and the discourse around him being unable to win. They also hit on Akshay’s three-putt to lose and his current positioning for the Presidents Cup alongside many others outside the auto-qualifying spots. The odd finish on the DP World Tour is cause for a separate chat on what it means to be “choking” in golf, but that’s after they discuss what may be the greatest backboarding moment of all time, one so bad it’s good. The U.S. Senior Open will bring us Blandemonium Monday, which is a thing after producer PJ jumps in with his notes on the weekend in Newport. News hits on Nelly having to WD with a dog bite and Chambers Bay entertaining the idea of hosting a LIV event with the USGA perhaps leaving them out in the cold.

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Brendan and Andy close out the month of June with this Friday episode ramble on Seth Waugh’s sudden departure leading the PGA, some on-the-ground intel about deliberate backboarding setups on multiple tours, and discourse around Scottie Scheffler’s season getting into nitpick territory. They attempt to “flip it” to a new area of scrutiny with the world No. 1, namely a self-correcting driver. There is cutthroat corner for one player in Detroit who somehow snuck in the field despite not being a competitive player for the past few years. They close it out with robust SGS Golf Advice on how to deal with a vanity handicap and what constitutes actually “playing golf” when in negotiations with your significant other.

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Andy and Brendan are together in the New York area for this lively Wednesday episode that runs the gamut of some tried and true SGS subjects. They begin by reading the latest description for a new Sun Day Red collection and then quickly transition to an article featuring lots of mule comments on PGA Tour reforms and ongoing PAC discussions. Is the Tour really churning the right way? The schedule for the week devolves into reading the tee sheet for the U.S. Senior Open, which provides ample entertainment and is loaded with goodies. News hits on the Dutch Olympic Federation telling its qualified golfers that they cannot play because they don’t think they’re good enough or capable of winning in Paris.

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What another great, weird weekend in golf. Andy and Brendan convene to cover it all, from Scottie Scheffler’s sixth win of the year, the wild protest scene on the 18th green, Tom Kim’s charge, and the disgrace that is TPC River Highlands and the changes that were done to make it harder. At the Women’s PGA, they hail the very cool story of Amy Yang getting her first major a full 17 years into her career, Nelly Korda’s missed cut and curious majors record, and the claustrophobic Sahallee. LIV Nashville is covered as Magicsticks season might be upon us, Jon Rahm is shouting at drones and the sky, and is playing a week after being unable to at a major. The DPWT coverage leads to Joe Dean minute, as in, who is he? Finally they bring in new producer PJ Clark for Champions Tour coverage to understand more of what was said and what happened at the Dick’s Open.

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Summer Friday rambles are back in session for this episode. Andy and Brendan begin with a keyboard malfunction, a conspiracy about vowel-less hats, and the latest Sun Day Red collection. There’s a power ranking of Joe West, Joey Crawford, and Ed Hochuli spurred on by the “Travelers” alternate logo that SGS created. Then they get to a round of unsubstantiated rumors about sponsor’s exemptions into signature events, a yippy superstar, and Boomer-confusion. Scottie Scheffler's comments about the wiregrass last week prompt further discussion on variety of course setups and skills, as well as the longevity needed to be one of the greats. News hits on Jay Monahan speaking to media at TPC River Highlands and if anything matters from it. They close with an SGS Golf Advice with some Tommy Tolles follow up, getting a motorized push cart, and getting your kids into golf.

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Andy and Brendan are back home after an exhilarating week at Pinehurst. They begin with news of the Olympics field announcement and the global conspiracy to blackball Rory Sabbatini and Slovakia from a silver medal defense. Then they get to the other Rory, who withdrew from the Travelers Championship following his brutal loss at the U.S. Open. They do some USO cleanup, both on Rory, his future, his caddie choice, and also whether the venue truly mattered to the success of the ratings. They get into some fixes for the PGA Tour’s signature series and the Travelers, which has the unenviable task of following THAT and trying to convince us it matters. The schedule for the week also covers the Women’s PGA Championship, which bounces up to Sahalee, the Dick Open on the Champs Tour, the amateur circuit, and more. News hits on a new Ballfrog, a push for Tosti at the Olympics, and John Daly II making his pro debut.

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An all-time U.S. Open finish, one where Andy and Brendan spent the whole afternoon chasing the final two groups, demanded the beefiest of episodes. The two jump right into it, going in-depth on watching Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, and all that Pinehurst provided both as a course and venue for this epic championship. They discuss Bryson’s incredible day, his crazy finish, his amusing quotes about trophy-sharing and chocolate milk, and his future majors ceiling. They discuss Rory’s rough finish, whether or not he choked, how he comes back from it if he even does, and if his exit could be excused. Then they empty out the rest of their notes on Pinehurst maybe affirming its status as an “anchor” site, Pat Cantlay’s actual close call, the NBC broadcast, and more. Thanks to all for your continued support of this podcast that allows us to get out on the road during these major weeks.

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Andy and Brendan are in after a full afternoon chasing the contenders at the U.S. Open and they empty the notebook with 18 more holes to play. They run through some contenders, pretenders, and recount their days following Bryson, Rory, Pavon!, and more. They discuss how the course played and if it will be harder, easier, or the same for the final round. Is this a two-horse race now and is it better that Rory is not in the final group with Bryson? There is an amusing aside on port-o-john minute that leaves both unable to speak for a few seconds. They close it with a few more thoughts and predictions for the final 18 holes of what has been, so far, a great U.S. Open.

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We’re at the midpoint of the U.S. Open and Andy and Brendan are bouncing into the weekend with delight at how Pinehurst has played, the status of their games within the game, an improved parking situation, and a strong leaderboard. They discuss their days following some balling superstars (Rory, Bryson) and struggling superstars (Scottie), and how the course is making some more uncomfortable than others. They discuss some missed cut casualties and wonder about JT, DJ, Tiger, Phil, and several more. Lastly, they preview the weekend to come and what to expect from the course and he leaderboard.

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Andy and Brendan are giddy after a day shuffling through the sandhills of Pinehurst at the U.S. Open. They get back to the Ecco House to recount all their observations on how the course was playing, a stacked leaderboard, a coach inserting himself into the championship, Rory and Cantlay's 65s, some grumpy players bombing, and much more. There are multiple apologies issued for mis-takes and a fabulous Blockie story from the ground to close it out as we quickly turn around to Friday.

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Andy and Brendan are together again, this time in the Sandhills of North Carolina for the 2024 U.S. Open. They are posted up at the Ecco House after a full day walking around Pinehurst No. 2, acquiring scuttlebutt about the course, USGA, conditions, and other miscellany. They discuss some early-week alarmist comments from the players about the course already being “borderline” and players shooting over 80 en masse. They wonder if Putterboy needs to be canceled. As per usual for these preview episodes, they pick out their “favorite” and worst tee times for the first rounds. They react to comments from Scottie, Bryson, Tiger, Rory, Viktor, Rahm, and more. There are multiple games-within-the-games proposed. There is some angst about ample paywalled Peacock coverage. They close with some “smoking gun” reporting on the Sandhills Screwjob that had people falling out of their seats in the media center. Finally, some picks are made, both for winners and darkhorses.

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This Monday episode is full of life as U.S. Open week at Pinehurst arrives. It’s victory Monday for Brendan and the Cleeks as well as for Andy, who revels in Ernie going back-to-back on the Champs Tour and putting Steve Stricker in a body bag in front of his home crowd. They are also joined by Joseph LaMagna, which is cause to talk about their own first experiences covering a major as Joseph gets set for his. There are some early rumors from Pinehurst about the USGA putting their thumb on the scale, and other scuttlebutt from the ground. Eventually, they get to Scottie Scheffler’s win at Memorial, what it changes about how we view him if at all, and perhaps most importantly, how it might continue to change and wear on all his competitors especially for Pinehurst. They also discuss Jon Rahm and where he’s fallen given how close he battled Scheffler just a year ago and now comes to the U.S. Open with an injury and minimal form. There’s a fun KFT nugget about PGA Tour players taking exemptions, some reaction to a cruel LPGA DQ, and empathy for a catastrophic chokejob on the DP World Tour.

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It is Friday! Summer Friday hours are back. Andy and Brendan begin with an unplanned chat on the Memorial Tournament, where it falls in the schedule, if it’s lost luster, and what the ideal scenario is for it going forward as all they want to do is turn their eyes to Pinehurst. Then they get to some random cleanup, on recent drone disturbances at pro golf events, a New York Times report of a big NYC meeting between the PGA Tour and Saudi PIF, and the subject of Jason Day sleeping on a bus parked in his driveway for his hometown event. Then they get back to some SGS roots with an old “Flashlight” on Tommy Tolles. How did he get into golf? Where is he now? And how in the world did he never win? 

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This Wednesday episode bounces all over the place with no real flow or plan. Andy and Brendan begin with a few unsubstantiated rumors, discuss the power of Dan Pohl, the absurd equipment advantages of today, and read some tweets from the Sun Day Red account. Then they get into some scuttlebutt on a couple LIV topics, namely an endangered species and some discontent with teammates. They wander about the results from U.S. Open sectional qualifying, outlining some of the better stories and the variety of venues that produce different types of qualifiers. At the Memorial, they discuss Jack’s gripe about the dates, and how it feels like the same song from him, even if he's not totally wrong. They also discuss the field and a potential mid-life crisis cutthroat corner candidate. They close with news of Xander Schauffele letting loose on Jay Monahan with some fiery quotes about him taking charge, standing up, and leading. 

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Andy and Brendan come in fresh off the weekend with lots of meaningful golf to digest. So naturally, they start with the Champions Tour and Caleb Williams prognostications. Then they eventually get to Yuka Saso’s U.S. Women’s Open win at Lancaster, where she put it into overdrive on the back nine of a course that provided a “championship test” as it is understood or lusted about. This gets to the subject of the future Women’s Open sites, and whew are they good and illuminate the fewer places the men’s game can go. Then they compare the comments of Yuka being far from home with Bobby Mac’s adjustment to the PGA Tour and his one-week trip with his dad on the bag. They revel in that story, and also get into the subject of a CBS drone apparently annoying him. Did the pilot go to far or was Bobby pulling a rabbit-ear Monty? Last, they get to a wide-ranging interview Joe Ogilvie, now of the PGA Tour Board, did with Golfweek and react to a handful of quotes from this prominent person in a position of power. 

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This May featured a first of the month recording AND a last of the month recording. What a blessing! As such, Andy and Brendan are giddy heading into the weekend. They begin with some questions about graduation over-saturation and airline travel complaint ove-saturation. Then they get to some of the great scorecard disasters at the U.S. Women’s Open, and what it says about conditioning and setup, a championship course, and the elite players who visit them. They ponder the Lancaster philosophy of conditioning and renovation, and lament the loss of Nelly Korda as a real contender after she fell victim to a 12th hole that caused backups and big numbers all day. They also discuss the Nelly discourse about how she needs to be doing more for women’s golf outside of her play. They discuss the news of all charges against Scottie Scheffler being dropped in Louisville and the completely avoidable circus. A late entry for event of the week is made. The Auburn Tigers are congratulated for their NCAA win. And then they close it out with an SGS Golf Advice email on a shocking tattoo reveal from a league partner.

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Is Tim Horton’s actually not good? How did Auburn golf become a powerhouse? Do we have to actually talk "Lexi Legacy" during this U.S. Women’s Open? This medley episode covers three events this week with a trio of guests. Meg Adkins of Fried Egg Golf jumps on before her trip to Lancaster for the USWO to discuss Nelly, Lexi, Lancaster, and a USWO “identity.” Sean Martin talks about his trip to a Saskatoon farm and the Canadian Open. Brentley Romine tries to console Andy on another Illinois match play loss, and previews a real heavyweight Wednesday fight between FSU and Auburn for the men’s national title with some amusing nuggets on a few of the main characters.

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Andy and Brendan begin this Monday episode with the painful news of the death of Grayson Murray. They discuss the reaction to it across the golf landscape and his parents' impactful statement. If you are struggling, the 988Helpline is there as an immediate, 24/7 resource. They then discuss some the golf results from the weekend, beginning with Colonial, where a renovated course frustrated some and asked a few different questions than some other weeks on Tour. They praise Davis Riley’s effort and path to this point, and close it with an amusing Tosti Tale from the Colonial locker room. They discuss Dick Bland’s Senior PGA win and where he might rank on the LIV roster right now, as well as future senior tour plans. They close with some NCAA golf talk and “alma mater minute” on Illinois’s crazy run with less heralded recruits. 

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It’s Friday! And heading into a holiday weekend no less! Andy and Brendan are bubbly due to the circumstances. They’re also eager to talk about Andy’s big day with Blockie and his experience playing in the Colonial Pro-Am. There are some amusing details from the day, like his movements in player dining with big Jay nearby, an encounter with the Town Crier himself, and his time on the course with The Showman. Then they get to the news of Louisville releasing the video footage they have of the Scottie Scheffler arrest and incident, and some of the misguided coverage around it. They hit on the women’s NCAA finals, U.S. Open qualifying names who got through this week, a new LIV venue in the USA, and a Senior PGA game within the game. They close it out with an SGS Golf Advice on a curious range encounter with none other than Omar Uresti his ownself.

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This Wednesday episode is punchy, and it begins with a travel tale from Andy that had him quickly tucking his tail between his legs in Fort Worth ahead of his big pro-am round with Michael Block. Brendan has a lot of questions about his prep, what tees he’s playing, and what he expects to ask him. They also talk about some of the Valhalla fallout with a few amusing player testimonials about just how easy it was. Then they get to a lengthy and rambling schedule for the week that includes Andy clearly being corrupted again for Event of the Week honors, leaving his stand-up mixer on the curb for a round with Blockie. There’s also a story about Kevin Na and the Challenger he won. There’s some scuttlebutt on the continued PGA Tour board chaos, with another resignation in Mark Flaherty and a New York Times report that the deal with the PIF “is not dead.” The factions are at war. What’s next and where does the DP World Tour fit into it?

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Andy and Brendan put a bow on PGA Championship week with the last of their daily episodes. They begin with Xander Schauffele, a house cat no more? They discuss X-man’s play in the final hour that edged Bryson by a shot at the very last. They discuss where he’s at in his career and what could be next. Then they hand out grades for some of the main characters for the week, including Bryson, Viktor Hovland, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Tiger, and more. It prompts some hard discussions and grading for a few. Tosti's big shot is given the Who's Dialed moment of the day. Perhaps nothing got a worse grade than the host course, which is covered at the end. They express their dissatisfaction with it as a championship test, what made it so underwhelming, and why great fans and a good leaderboard can be mutually exclusive.

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Andy and Brendan begin this Saturday episode thrilled about the final round possibilities for the PGA Championship, but with some laments on how we got there. They discuss the “simulation” golf that Valhalla has produced through 54 holes, including a Saturday scoring fest that was among the lowest in its history. They wonder if Ted Scott is the key to all of Scottie Scheffler’s success. The Bushnell "Who’s Dialed" segment features some severe yips and several nominees, including Bryson DeChambeau. That takes them to a lengthy game of Contender/Pretender on a bunched leaderboard -- are Rory and Spieth too far back? They quickly eliminate a whole flock of people as pretenders to narrow things down.

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Andy and Brendan jump on for their traditional five-year-running daily podcast episode during major weeks, but this was a major day unlike any they’ve covered since starting SGS. They begin with tragic loss of John Mills, a security guard who was killed working the PGA Championship. They discuss some first hand accounts of the safety issues observed on the ground with the gate and traffic into the course. Then they get to the subsequent arrest and booking of one Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 golfer in the world, who got put in cuffs, rode to jail, was charged with a felony, and took a mugshot in an orange jumpsuit. They discuss the absolutely wild day from Scheffler’s arrest to his round to his post-round press conference and the coverage -- all of it, the jokes, memes, reports, videos etc. What was most absurd? Will Valhalla ever get another major? They close it with some discussion on the golf course, the leaders, and those who underwhelmed in the second round and might be heading home early.

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It’s a major week, so that means daily podcasts for the fifth straight year of PGA Championships on the Shotgun Stat. Even if the scoring and setup don’t really feel like a major. Andy and Brendan begin their Thursday episode discussing some early amusements from the day, including the club pro named Bowser sort of looking like a Bowser. They offer an unsubstantiated rumor about John Daly and cigarette usage at the champions dinner. They discuss some gripes from various agents and stakeholders about how the PGA made up this field. And then they get to the course this field is on, and how it’s simply from a bygone era and cannot test the modern tour pro. Did it make for an exciting morning? Sure! They hit on Rory “scrapping” it around and Xander looking flawless. They offer up a "Who’s Not Dialed In" segment with some amusing nuggets on Butch Harmon, Talor Gooch, and others. They close it out with some games within the game and some quick reaction to the PGA press conference on Wednesday.

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Andy and Brendan convene for this PGA Championship preview that was an attempt to be live that quickly became marred by technical difficulties. They begin with what has already been an insanely eventful week for Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, and the PGA Championship. Michael Block, however, began his week with a thunderstorm jamming his big press conference return. They discuss the three big favorites, the news of Rory’s divorce and Scottie’s child, Brooksy flying under the radar a bit, and how Valhalla sets up for all of them. They do the usual quote roulette segment from a full day of press conferences, some on the course, some on the PGA Tour board, and others on Scottie vs. Rory. They pick some of their favorite and least favorite tee times for Thursday and Friday. Then they close with news of Jimmy Dunne resigning from the PGA Tour board on Monday night citing no progress on the framework deal and what it says about the current state of things on the board. 

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Andy and Brendan roll into another major week with pro golf on a bit of high following impressive wins by Rory McIlroy and Rose Zhang. But first, Blockie. They didn’t intend to go there, but they react to some early scenes of Michael Block’s arrival at the PGA, the threshold for getting a “Miracle” documentary made about you, and some props for the week. Then they belatedly get to Rory McIlroy going supernova in Charlotte to win for the fourth time at Quail Hollow. What impressed them most and what does it mean for his career resume? Can we see it at major next? They also discuss Xander Schauffele falling off when it became winning time. On the LPGA, they hail Rose Zhang’s return to the winner’s circle in a crazy two-person duel in Jersey. Chris Gotterup’s career over-under wins are put in the Gainz zone. The plight of the Champions Tour winner is empathized with after they learn about his surgeries the past year. They close it out with news on RBC threatening the PGA Tour about its sponsorships, and the finalization of the PGA Champ field.

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It’s Friday! Andy and Brendan are full of energy, joy, and anger for this episode ahead of Mother’s Day and a major championship week. They begin with some Mother’s Day gift mishaps and plans before getting to the Wells Fargo Championship, where Xander Schauffele is your leader after an all-time “lucky” drop situation. There’s outrage and confusion over how you get out of jail free and a call for some common-sense reform. Perhaps a new committee? Those are apparently being created out of thin air every other day at the Global Home, where a new Transaction Subcommittee has been created for a potential deal with the PIF. Rory McIlroy is allowed on that one, just days after he was kept off the PGA Tour policy board. They discuss the absolute circus that is the PGA Tour, its organization, its leadership, and the constant make-it-up-as-you-go approach. Does it end with Jay Monahan’s ouster? Then they close with an all-time SGS Golf Advice email about a hotel disaster and awkward range warm-up session.

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This Wednesday episode is bursting at the seams with some unsubstantiated rumors, some in-out-alternate, PGA Tour board fights, LIV exemption roulette, and some quotes from the head of NBC golf about their plans for the U.S. Open. Andy and Brendan begin there, with news that the LPGA event, where Nelly Korda goes for her sixth straight win, will be relegated to a couple hours of tape delay coverage this week is rolled out alongside an interview with NBC exec Sam Flood counter-punching recent accusations in an article about cost cutting. They discuss the interview and the four-person booth plan for the U.S. Open. They have some unsubstantiated rumors about the ongoing PGA Tour board kerfuffles which leads to an amusing game comparing those characters to the ones in Succession. Then they get to a rousing game of In-Out-Alternate to kick off schedule for the week with the inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic. At Wells Fargo, they pass along some unsubstantiated rumors about where that event might go next year with Quail Hollow hosting a PGA. They close with news of the PGA Championship handing out exemptions to Talor Gooch and a few other of his LIV compadres and what it says about future major exemptions.

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It is Victory Monday for Brendan and his Cavs, but there is not much else to rejoice about in this episode. Andy is home from Bandon and he has some thoughts on his trip there. Then they get to just a tough, tough scene for the PGA Tour product in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at Craig Ranch. They are both down and despondent about it, but congratulatory to Taylor Pendrith, who is likely heading back to the Presidents Cup. There are some more harsh words for the host course. They wonder about any LIV momentum especially given what appears to be continued board gridlock. They discuss Brooks Koepka’s win there, a solid leaderboard, and the comments from Greg Norman that they might buy some golf courses. In news, they discuss Tiger’s exemption to Pinehurst. He will apparently be there but it’s still unclear who will be the NBC lead analyst, which prompts further discussion with that network apparently putting in a bid to spend on NBA rights. Alejandro Tosti’s visit to Six Flags is also covered, and there’s excitement about his potential inclusion in the Summer Olympics.

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This is an episode that is almost entirely about nothing. But it’s a fun Fri Day show, that begins with an amusing story from Andy about someone needing an “introduction caddie” in the bar at Bandon Dunes. Then they get to the debut of Sun Day Red products, which prompts questions about expensive ball markers and the word “iconic.” They get to more scuttlebutt about the internal battles for PGA Tour board seats, which continues to appear dysfunctional and exhausting. This week's Cutthroat Corner nominee is revealed for THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, where there were some options. They discover the Tour is leveraging the immense power of AI for good, namely creating gambling content on ho-hum fringe pros. The return of Maxfli is also hailed. They close it with some SGS Golf Advice that leads to a lengthy digression on ending the hoopla, celebration, and discussion around holes-in-one.

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Andy and Brendan dial it up for this first of the month Wednesday episode with movements from the PGA Pro National down in Frisco marking the return of Blockie Season. They offer up a potential new inhabitant of the Uresti Zone as well before getting to the big news that LIV’s finale solo championship is headed to Bolingbrook, site of a rough AJGA experience for Andy in Illinois. How in the world does this happen? It is unserious. Also unserious is the title of this week’s PGA Tour event. In further news on underwhelming venue choices, they also discuss some rumors from the ground at TPC Craig T. Nelson Ranch. Then they get to the reports around the delay of Rory’s return to the PGA Tour PAC and what it says about the current divide and Tour bungling over the past year. They also discuss the jump in ratings for the Zurich. Schedule for the week tries to hone in on who best fits the TPC Summerlin model and the high season for college golf.

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Shane Bacon joins Andy with Brendan in the air to an undisclosed location or ducking Russ Cochran's near cinderella performance at the Zurich Classic. Shane and Andy discuss if Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry's victory at the Zurich Classic and what it could mean for the rest of 2024. Cochran's near made cut is broached and a deeper discussion of which podcasters the 65 year old could beat is opened up. Finally the pair close with a discussion on LIV Adelaide, the big crowds and seemingly genuine team competition the event earned. They also discussed a bunch of other stuff both related and unrelated to golf.

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Andy and Brendan close out a fun week with the annual SGS tradition for the Zurich Classic, the Walk-Up Music Guessing Game. But first, there is joy and optimism about a new era of Bears football with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft coming to town. There’s less joy about a proposed stadium renovation. Then it’s on to golf, or something like golf with “Conspiracy Theory Friday” about the lack of publicly available data and shot tracking information this week. Then they get to the news of the player equity distribution amounts that were reported earlier this week. What does it mean and does anyone even know? The Walk-Up Music Game throws Brendan for a loop on several occasions, but he does make contact on a few. They close with the Bagel Boys Zone and a quick chat about LIV Adelaide before one Friday Advice email on a real, actual Chip Monk.

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Andy and Brendan are absolutely giddy for this Wednesday episode and they don’t take long diving into some of the strange and amusing teams slated for the Zurich Classic, the annual stop in New Orleans. There’s also a sudden and lengthy digression on the announcement of the Jupiter Links team via social media video, which brings its own set of questions. Then they get back to the PGA Tour event, and another edition of Cutthroat Corner, which has been re-branded to Cochran Corner for this week. They dive into the great longevity of Russ Cochran’s career, which continues with a start in the Zurich. This leads to a #FBF style segment on something called the Tournament Players Series, where Cochran won twice in the early ‘80s. They rip through schedule for the week, talk about the Bears draft anticipation this week, and then close out news with reports of Rory McIlroy returning to the PGA Tour board.

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