Thursday at the PGA: KVV joins to assess “housecats” and create a new taxonomy
Well it’s a unique Thursday episode after the first round of the PGA Championship, where ESPN’s Kevin Van Valkenburg is on the ground and writing insightful and reported articles. Andy and Brendan do not use his time to get into any of those substantive matters, but rather, as the originator of the “housecat” term to describe (maybe pejoratively) a player, to classify golfers into different categories of the cat species. Which player is the screeching alley cat? Who’s the jungle cat that’s been in captivity too long? Who’s the kitten sipping milk from a saucer? The episode finishes with a Precision Pro Flashback Friday segment on “Tempo Raymondo” or “Fat Raymond,” the 1982 PGA Championship winner at Southern Hills.
20 Touko 202245min
PGA Preview: Tiger feeling it, Rory’s drought, and the cost of one’s thirst
It’s another major week, and one that has both Brendan and Andy buzzing thanks to a great venue with a host of player storylines that could come to fruition. But first, an Alex Cejka chat. Then they get to Tiger, who was in full form at his press conference and looks like he’s feeling himself and physically much improved. Justin Thomas taking up pitchforks with the fans about beer prices is also addressed, as well as his chances to win and whether it’s time to put up or shut up at the majors. There’s the usual pre-major segment on favorite tee times, and some not-so-favorite groups. Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Scottie Scheffler’s chances are all also discussed, before some picks are made. The LIV chatter is also covered, from the PGA’s updated stance via Seth Waugh to Rickie’s surprising moment of candidness that created some news and if it means anything for the marketing darling.
17 Touko 20221h 1min
Phil’s PGA absence, Tiger’s and Bryon’s?! arrival, and the Craig Ranch Massacre
This Monday episode begins with tales of Andy’s attempt to fill his POD before an upcoming move. Then it’s over to someone who is not on the move, namely Phil Mickelson, who will not be re-appearing to public life to defend his PGA Championship. Brendan and Andy discuss how bad it must be in Phil-ville to not defend his title, and the prospects of a return in the safe cocoon of LIV Golf. Someone who is in Tulsa is Tiger Woods, and this episode argues for why this is his best chance at a major, not the Old Course. Also apparently playing this PGA is Bryson, fresh off hand surgery but still whaling away and trying to go. The Byron Nelson recap focuses on the Husky Boy’s triumph, and debates whether Spieth is or is not a house cat anymore. Lexi Thompson is the subject of a drive-by, but the Champions Tour is not! They close with a debate/drama about a rules quirk at the U.S. Am Four Ball.
16 Touko 20221h 4min
PGA Tour denies LIV waivers while Greg Norman flops to and fro
This is a somewhat different SGS episode focusing on a singular story, diving right into the eventful week in the continuing drama between the PGA Tour and the disruptor league, LIV Golf. Brendan and Andy begin with the Tour’s denial of waiver requests to play the London event, and what that may have wrought on Tour in the immediate future, like this summer. Greg Norman’s debacle of a week is dissected after some flippant rationalizations for horrific murders. They ponder who would have been a better choice to head up this Saudi effort, and whether it’s not too late to find new leadership. There’s ample criticism for LIV’s bumbling efforts, but also for the Tour’s response, especially as it relates to creating discipline on the PGA Tour University front. They close with a few thoughts on the likely legal battle that is coming and whether we’re about to have the last “normal week” on the PGA Tour for the foreseeable future.
12 Touko 202254min
The PGA gets a “Manningcast” while LIV gets nothing
This Wednesday episode begins with an NBA Playoffs minute after Andy’s trip north to take in the Bucks-Celtics. On golf, Bio Kim gets a shoutout for his first win after the bird suspension. Then they begin by diving into the schedule for the week, starting at the Ranch, Craig T. Nelson Ranch. There’s reaction to a strong field in Dallas after weeks of meh on the Tour. There’s also scoffing at players being “ready” for the PGA, and an event of the week battle that includes the U.S. Four Ball. Some one-and-done picks reignite further and redundant Spieth debates. There is great fascination with the Euro Tour event in Belgium, which boasts quite an eclectic field. In news, they discuss ESPN rolling out a “Manningcast” with Joe Buck for the PGA Championship and LIV Golf apparently giving away the rights to its first event likely to be broadcast on YouTube.
10 Touko 202243min
The Homa ascent, Sergio’s LIV Golf tantrum, and a Keegan defense
It’s a punchy Monday episode full of energy after a Sunday spent with moms. Andy and Brendan get into the test of TPC Potomac against a middling field. Then it’s on to media darling and 4-time winner Max Homa, his perspective, and how the expectations get raised from here. There’s also an unexpected segment defending Keegan Bradley, a frequent punching bag. Sergio Garcia’s latest outburst is dissected, with a focus on what it means for LIV Golf taking on the temperamental Spaniard. This leads to further discussion about LIV, its latest recruits, and a scoop about the number of releases requested for the London event and the cheeky end-around cited. The Pissbear’s redemption story is covered as is a strong week on the Social Security Tour. Finally, they close with some good words about the Baton Boy.
9 Touko 202259min
LIV incursions, and Shane Ryan on his Ryder Cup book and the match’s future
This Friday episode begins with some questions on who asked for a Robert Allenby image rehabilitation tour. Then Brendan and Andy get to the latest on LIV, notably Westy Island sinking into the sea (this was recorded PRE-SERGIO, which will be addressed on Monday). There’s also a discussion of the weird PGL memo that was sent out to the world. Andy has some thoughts on Matt Wolff’s struggles and first-round lead at TPC Potomac. Then they’re joined by Shane Ryan, whose book on the Ryder Cup will come out next week (pre-order here). They get into a wide range of interesting and amusing topics related to the matches, from its future prospects, the PGA Tour getting involved on the Euro side via the strategic alliance, Phil’s bencing at Whistling Straits, and some of the biggest surprises in researching and writing the book. Thanks to Shane for his time.
6 Touko 20221h 16min
US Open media day, A Rory contradiction, and Shark tales about Phil’s comments
This Wednesday episode begins with some Andy and Brendan notes from their day at The Country Club in Brookline, site of this June’s U.S. Open. They discuss the tee sheet snafu that left Andy without a home, and relay a mini-primer about the course and how it might show for the national championship. There’s a potential big flagstick energy dilemma for the USGA. Then it’s on to the shhhedule for the week, which prompts a take on the self-contradictions of Rory McIlroy and his new contract extension with his equipment manufacturer. News closes with Greg Norman talking about the immediate damage Phil Mickelson’s comments did to the imminent launch plans for the Saudi league back in February.
3 Touko 202249min
