Law Professor Gabe Feldman on PGA Tour-PIF documents, 3-1-3 days, and Andy’s new desk
It’s an eventful Wednesday episode, beginning with the exciting development of Andy’s new standing desk, which he adjusts multiple times during recording to his own great amusement. Then they get into the actual “framework” document of the PGA Tour-PIF merger becoming public this week and what questions it answers, and which ones it precariously does not. Notables are back on the shhhhedule for the week, which touches on an amusing 3-1-3 challenge being done by some of the listeners. Then they discuss the “fake controversy” of Eric Cole playing an invitational with mini-tour players and amateurs. Finally, they are joined by Gabe Feldman, a sports law professor with experience in antitrust who has been following the merger news from the beginning, to provide some insight on the recent document release and the road ahead navigating antitrust scrutiny.
28 Jun 20231h 1min
A radical PGA idea, Keegan’s “home game,” and Rory’s critique of course setup
This Monday episode begins with some internal confusion about upcoming Fried Egg events and Pro Shop merch. Then Brendan and Andy get on with reactions to the Women’s PGA at Baltusrol, which fizzled somewhat on the par-5s closing stretch, save for one clinching birdie from Ruoning Yin. They discuss Rose Zhang’s push as well before a radical idea is proposed and debated for the PGA. After an audio mishap during the ad read, and an incorrect URL, they get on to the Travelers Championship won by the home-region kid, Keegan Bradley. They discuss Bradley’s career and what this win, if anything, does for his Ryder Cup chances. There is also further intel on Zac Blair’s prep before his big T2 finish, and some reaction to Rory McIlroy’s quotes popping the setup and birdie-fest of TPC River Highlands in contrast to LACC. Paddy’s win on the Champs Tour has them proposing a wild card Ryder Cup pick. There’s a short segment on some of the big amateur winners before news closes it out with aerials coming out of Panther National.
26 Jun 202346min
Burly Boy Invitational, A Korda encounter, and SGS Golf Advice
This Friday episode is a whiparound with some thoughts on the Ivy League, recent television releases, kids’ shows to avoid, and outrageous drone use by sports parents. Andy and Brendan begin with a mea culpa for missing the event of the week on Wednesday in the debut of the Burly Boy Invitational on the KFT. This leads to some further amateur golf chatter, including many messages about Christo and the recent Walker Cup adds for the USA side. There’s a Women’s PGA update, which is cause for Andy to discuss an encounter with Camp Korda in New Jersey. SGS Golf Advice answers questions on golf pool etiquette, playing golf on your family’s ancestral burial grounds, the best way to be buried/disposed of when you’re gone, and strategies for handling and invitation to the John Deere.
23 Jun 202335min
PGA Tour future without Monahan, Problems with the U.S. Open rota, Women head to Balty
Andy and Brendan are back on the horse after some post-U.S. Open travel, and they come proper with this wide-ranging episode starting with the future of the PGA Tour, Jay Monahan’s role in it, and the abilities of the current interim powers in charge. Then they move to the news of big ratings for the LACC U.S. Open and the announcement of Riviera as the 2031 host, which leads to an extended chat on the somewhat bummer situation of that championship being booked until 2040. Schedule for the week focuses on the Women’s PGA heading to a restored Baltusrol, with a brief side swerve on news of some Oakmont members concerned about that Hanse restore leading to lower scores there after watching LACC. They close with some Travelers one-and-done picks, thoughts on Xander, and a little more on Zinger.
22 Jun 202356min
U.S. Open Sunday recap from the Draddy House
Andy and Brendan close out the week at LACC with this review of the U.S. Open finale. They discuss the anger and furor over the width of the 18th fairway not punishing Wyndham Clark’s heave up the last. They get in to Clark’s victory, praising his strengths over four days while also being incredulous that this is someone who played an opposite field event just several weeks ago. They discuss the “deflation” factor of a Sunday with some of the crowd issues, the course hollering, and Rory McIlroy disappointment. There’s significant time spent on Rory, and whether this is worse or harder to take than the Old Course, where and how he made his mistakes, and how severe a critique should be levied for this runner-up. Scottie, Cam, Tommy, and a few others are also reviewed. LACC as a host is given one final discussion, from the awful ticket issues that continued to bubble up as a story on Sunday, to the setup and conditioning. They close with a few amusements from the broadcast and look ahead to the … Travelers? Thanks to B.Draddy (use promo code SGS30 for 30 percent off) for supporting us this week in LA.
19 Jun 20231h 7min
Saturday from the Draddy House at the U.S. Open
It’s a lively table-setter for a major championship Sunday. Andy and Brendan get together to discuss the fantastic finish Saturday night at the U.S. Open, from Rickie to Rory to Wyndham’s big club twirl. They run through the contenders and pretenders for the final round, with a side discussion on course setup expectations for a potential move from down the board. Andy relays some tales from the ground, including an overzealous security guard, while Brendan relays some frustrations from watching the broadcast. They get into a few more course critiques coming from disgruntled players down the leaderboard, as well as the critiques about the muted fan atmosphere. They close by making a few picks and waxing poetic about the excitement for a great major Sunday. Thanks to B.Draddy (use promo code SGS30 for 30 percent off) for supporting us this week in LA and throughout the existence of this podcast.
18 Jun 202346min
Friday from the U.S. Open: LACC bites, Rickie hangs on, Rory sits pretty
The week rolls on at the U.S. Open thanks to our great friends at B.Draddy (use promo code SGS30 for 30 percent off). We’re at the midpoint and Andy and Brendan discuss all the action from Friday at LACC, where the sun came out and scores leveled out a bit after a bunch of hot takes about low scores. The challenging fan experience is a separate matter, especially with the lack of juice around some critical spots on the course. Then they get to the 36-hole leader, Rickie Fowler, and do a little contender-pretender for the lovable fan favorite. They discuss Rory’s sterling round and the concept of “good” bogeys at a place with a bunch of half-pars. They run through some of the chasers on a course that could yield a deep comeback. Brooksy’s comments on the course are also noted as one of the few complaints, however mild. The MC disappointments take on the tumble of Justin Thomas, with questions about a coaching change. They close with a couple horror stories about the TV switchover to Law & Order with kids in the room.
17 Jun 202343min
Thursday from the U.S. Open: Mad about low scores, Rickie, Rory, Scottie, DJ, and more
Andy and Brendan review the first day of the U.S. Open at LACC’s North Course, where scores hit record numbers for this championship thanks to Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler, who both shot 62. They discuss the general backlash and anger about scores this low at a U.S. Open and if there is any credence to the complaints. Andy relays some notes from following the fun group of Max Homa and Scottie Scheffler, while Brendan relays his argument and theory on why Rickie’s career path got stunted by a shift in the game. DJ’s round is given a debrief, as is Rory’s close with a “bogey save,” and lastly Phil’s charge hitting a roadblock at the sixth. Some favorite holes and shots are also outlined, as well as what to expect with scoring and setup for the next three days.
16 Jun 202342min
