The Shotgun Start

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Mickelson’s lost his marbles, ‘the kids’ rebuke the SGL, and “The Tugboat” Feb 18, 2022

Show notes

It’s a packed Friday episode and yet another one where the actual golf has receded into the background as the Saudi Golf League rumors continue at a fever pitch. Brendan and Andy begin with Phil’s comments to Alan Shipnuck, in which the 6-time major winner debases himself in probably the most shocking way since this entire ordeal and power struggle began. From there, they rumble through the many quotes coming from players young and old, for and against, from the last few days on the potential breakaway tour. They ponder a couple other big themes at play, like events consolidating, sponsors running away, and Augusta staying quiet in the background. A fun anecdote from the Riv range leads to a new nickname debate on “the wagon hitcher” or “the tugboat.” News hits on the PAC developments and a new fall concept, Annika playing the U.S. Women’s Open, and Tiger’s press conference. Precision Pro Flashback Friday is a quick homage to a venerable L.A. Open host of the past.

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A Saudi cloud over the PGA Tour’s best event, and the Bryson media kerfuffle Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

This Wednesday episode begins with Andy and Brendan lamenting all the off-course rumors and maneuvering dominating the conversation yet again at what is the best week on the PGA Tour schedule. They discuss Will Bardwell’s piece on sportswashing, Kramer Hickock blurting out some specifics, or alleged specifics, of Saudi signees and schedule, and the notion that the players also want more of the major championship pies. The two also seem to come to an unfortunate conclusion that we’re headed for a successful Saudi enterprise that will get stronger over the years. Then it’s on to the schedule for the week, where Riviera and the actual golf get its due. They cover some featured groups, some featured holes, and convey their excitement for the week ahead. News closes with a rant on the preposterous context-free coverage of Bryson’s statement denouncing “false rumors” about his playing schedule.

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Scottie, Sahith, and Cannon Fodder Charley Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

After a wild and eventful weekend, this Monday episode naturally begins by discussing the worst, most nonsensical holidays on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. Then Brendan and Andy get to the Phoenix Open and Scottie Scheffler finally prevailing for a win over Patrick Cantlay in a playoff. The breakout weekend for Sahith Theegala is also put in perspective and appreciated. The 16th hole beer showers are reviewed, as is Brooks Koepka’s play over the final 36. Then it’s on to Charley Hoffman, the unprotected pro, penalized martyr, and useful idiot for players like Phil and Bryson trying to take the Saudi league money. There’s a full accounting, full of laughs, incredulity, and critique about the issues and contentions by small and large sprouting from Hoffman’s meandering Instagram rant.

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Influencer invasion, DLF canceled, and a chat with CBS lead producer Sellers Shy Feb 11, 2022

Show notes

This Friday episode begins with some amusing anecdotes from the ground about the influencers overrunning the Phoenix Open this week. Brendan calls for a complete and total influencer rollback. News hits on Stacy Lewis getting the nod for Solheim Cup captain and the Indian Open being called off yet again, but Andy vows to not let DLF fall victim to cancel culture. Then they are joined by CBS’ lead producer for golf, Sellers Shy, who chats about the evolution of broadcasting in golf and his career in the industry, and more specifically about his work at CBS after taking over the lead chair last year. Thanks to Sellers for his time and indulging our questions.

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Thirsty in the desert and the Howell predicament Feb 09, 2022

Show notes

This early recording previews the upcoming week at the golf influencer Super Bowl known as the Phoenix Open. Andy and Brendan discuss the strong field, strong finish, and some of the younger exemptions playing, notably Preston Summerhays. There’s an interlude on the superintendent’s championship that Andy watched up close, with some questions about credentials for entry. One and done picks zero in on someone sure to quench his thirst in the desert, and another tried-and-true standby, the Desert Fox. There’s a short discussion on Charles Howell III, who will make his 600th start this week. Which young players might go this long in the coming decades, if any? The DP World Tour event focuses on some amusing notables and the lack of a title sponsor, with some added intel from the locker room in Dubai a few weeks ago.

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Tommy Tables beats the house, Saudi gets a sportswash, and Thicc Boi breaks down Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

This Monday episode begins with some investigative reporting on Andy “stumbling into controversy” out on the West Coast. Then it’s on to the Pebble Beach Pro Am, where Tommy Tables was triumphant. There are a few theories thrown out about “fluke winners” of this event, and the Spieth contention that Tables is someone you do not want to face on Sunday because of how he plays craps. There’s ample Spieth discussion, with some scar tissue ponderings, reaction to the shot from the edge of the cliff, and the good fortune of getting him involved on an otherwise thin leaderboard. Then it’s off to Saudi Arabia, where they got their sportswash moment with a dramatic HV3 win. Brendan and Andy discuss the conflict around covering these events, how the PGA Tour may have overplayed its hand, and how they’re likely here to stay. Also covered is Bryson’s injury and the told-you-so takes that flowed in the wake of his WD.

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Phil wants his rights, Westy’s got an NDA, and the Saudi League’s still all smoke Feb 04, 2022

Show notes

It’s a punchy Friday episode with an extensive discussion on, what else, the latest rumblings from Saudi Arabia, the new home of golf. But first, there must be critical 18-hole updates on Pebble Beach, the DP World Tour, LPGA, and KFT. The Pebble chatter hits on Tommy Tables, some more cameras at MPCC, and some names at the bottom of the board. There’s also an equipment #scoop and some intel on Ryuji Imada as a follow-up to that discussion on Wednesday. After barely getting through an ad read for a new sponsor, Andy and Brendan then go long on l'affaire Saudi -- from Phil’s anger, the reported sums of cash for Bryson and others, and what in the hell this thing could look like if it gets off the ground.

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Grow the game week Feb 02, 2022

Show notes

This bubbly Wednesday episode begins with delight of a 2/2/22 recording. There’s ample talk about the Pebble Beach Pro Am, which is wounded but not dead. There’s a simple suggestion for improving Spyglass, and an amazing reader email on the winding path to Ryuji Imada getting in this field with just one start in an OWGR event in the past five years. There are two candidates for catnip call of the week, one of which focuses on an old friend of the program. Then they discuss the big Asian Tour event in Saudi Arabia, reacting to Greg Norman’s comments and the still dearth of details on an upcoming schedule. News focuses on Ian Poulter reportedly getting a big offer from the Saudis, and the common thread between both the people behind this effort and the players we’ve heard are interested so far. There’s also a fun story about home building at the site of a course just announced as a host venue for two USGA championships.

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Zalatoris putting angst, Rory boots it away, and the Hovland trajectory Jan 30, 2022

Show notes

It’s an early and worse for the wear recording for Andy and Brendan, who begin with the Saturday night finish on the PGA Tour. They discuss the husky victor and his breakthrough win. Then they move to the incredible skill of Will Zalatoris, and the incredible thrill of watching him try to hit a putt on the center of the face. There’s also a victory lap on the Jason Day pick, and some final thoughts on the schedule change to Saturday. On the Euro Tour, they ponder the different points Hovland and Rory are at in their careers with different sets of expectations. Rory’s play into the 18th gets ample critique while Hovland’s current run gets ample praise.

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Broken glass everywhere Jan 28, 2022

Show notes

Can we interest you in a double-scoop Flashback Friday on two people who probably could not have led more different lives? That’s right, this episode closes with a look back at the histories of heavyweight champ Joe Louis and the one and only Jay Don Blake at what is now known as the Farmers Insurance Open. But first, there’s ample discussion on the already-completed 36 holes in San Diego, with news of Bryson shattering car windows with beefy bombs on the driving range. There’s concern about his injury and what it might mean for his Saudi commitments next week. “Schenk Facts” becomes a segment. Blonde Brooksy wins thristbucket of the week on an early call. There are some harsh words about a few MCs, notably Rickie getting sloppy and tanking it at the end. On the LPGA, there’s a mild rant about superfluous stats. Also, the Matt and Ryan era continues at Halas Hall, so that gets discussed.

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