A “Swan” Song, LIV’s depth problem, Rory’s “betrayal” and #FBF on Mid Ocean
It’s Friday! Brendan and Andy cobble together this episode, starting with some random segments on a Boy from Bratislava copycat situation with the Man from Marseille. Then the Mid-Am Minute is back with a few more details on the DR event with less than 30 players that gets one mid-am player into a PGA Tour event. That transitions to a 65-year-old who sits on the board of trustees of the host course playing in this week’s PGA Tour event and, well, trying to steer it into the house. Then they get to LIV Miami, where the lineup for the first day’s matches is barf-inducing. They debate how many more big names are needed to make this look a little stronger, while running through the various appeal levels of each match. Rory’s comments on Ryder Cup “betrayal” are discussed before an #FBF segment touches on the origins of Mid Ocean Club and an amusing story of an early Babe Ruth visit.
27 Okt 202249min
The Butterfield Boys, Mid-Am Minute, and Plaque Patrol
This Wednesday episode begins with a question that seemed unfathomable two months ago: are the Bears better than the Packers? Then an unplanned segment, the Mid-Am Minute, takes place, with the microscope on an event overseas during a time when maybe it’s never been better to be a Mid-Am. The Butterfield field is discussed, from the favorites to the press conference invitees to the unknowns. Brendan has questions about a completely indiscriminate plaque at the host venue, and there’s excitement over the weather forecast. News hits on the great Champions Tour schedule release day, with 2023 loaded up with 28 events, 66 million in prizes, and the return of an event in Morocco. In contrast to that Champs Tour superfluity is the last segment on an article reporting some potential changes to PGA Tour University and the attempts (or half measures) to fast track more young stars to the Tour that could be susceptible to LIV poaching.
25 Okt 202242min
Rory returns to No. 1, Lydia wins in Korea, and Saudi Golf walks it back
This Monday episode begins with a Sunday night sports update not presented by a bank and not planned at all! There are some deep thoughts on Bullet, and bullet, before Andy and Brendan get to the CJ Plaque winner Rory McIlroy. They discuss Rory’s return to the top spot in the OWGR (but not the FEC) and the meaning that takes on 10 years after he first did it. They discuss both Rory and Lydia Ko getting emotional after their wins and after a decade of doing just about everything on their respective tours. Steven Alker’s continued dominance on the Champs Tour leads to the creation of the “Alker Test” idea. There’s also a chat on yet another Japanese No. 1 amateur and his win in a strong pro event this weekend. News closes with Majed Al Sorour releasing a statement on his New Yorker comments that LIV would create its own majors.
24 Okt 202241min
CJ Plaque coverage disaster, 2023 breakout players, and FBF on “The Tank”
It’s an early Friday, some may even call it Friday Junior, episode. Andy and Brendan react to being able to watch absolutely nothing from a loaded CJ Cup at Congaree, with TV limited to three afternoon hours and no featured groups streams. There were a couple grainy cellphone videos posted to social media though. Another Spieth debate somehow ensues. Andy gives out four show-me players who he thinks need and could deliver a big 2023 year. Flashback Friday focuses on a Korean legend nicknamed The Tank.
20 Okt 202248min
Elevated events elected and the Saudi golf guy says he’ll create his own majors
This Wednesday episode begins with some fun stories about airplane travel. Then Andy and Brendan get to the CJ Cup, where a great field will play at Congaree. They express enthusiasm for this rare fall windfall but lament some lack of creativity. This leads to a discussion on the news of the PGA Tour’s four new elevated events -- what’s good and what’s a miss with this new reworked schedule for 2023 and what needs to be better for the years that follow? There’s a sidebar discussion on an amusing interview with the head of the champions tour. The last segment reacts to the New Yorker article and the head of Golf Saudi saying he will just create his own majors if they don’t let in his players.
19 Okt 20221h 7min
Sorting the stack in the Pancake Zone and Brooksy’s tears in Jeddah
This Monday episode reacts to an INCREDIBLE sports weekend with wild scenes in Knoxville, Fort Worth, Utah, Salt Lake, Cleveland, Philly, and Jeddah, among others. Andy and Brendan sort through it all, starting with the Zozo, where Keegan and Rickie put some people to sleep. They assess Keegan’s strong career, which now resides in the Pancake Zone alongside Fowler. They compare five-year peaks and some other names from the five-win club. On the 54 Tour, they react to a 4A player like Peter Uihlein suddenly becoming a force out on the LIV circuit. Brooksy’s tears and comments about getting hot or finding his game during a quiet part of the season are addressed as well. Should there be a major in each quarter? There are a few amusing observations from the broadcast on Niblicks hype, unflattering graphics, and a potential opportunity for a “Fan Vote Friday” redux situation where the listeners can get involved in the broadcast. The women competing in their own Saudi-backed event rounds out the episode, with Lexi’s quotes on the subject reviewed.
16 Okt 202245min
#JustWaitForJeddah, Hideki’s loyalty to the Tour, and LIV toys with a cut
It’s another *Thursday* episode, with Andy on the road for the big Bears-Commanders national TV game. He and Brendan begin with an amusing note from the Pres Cup, where fans dressed up as Canadian mounties may have heckled a certain Town Crier. Then they get to the idea of LIV instituting a cut, of just three players, and what it says about the desperation for OWGR points and whimsical changes. They discuss the Zozo Championship, where Hideki Matsuyama reiterated his commitment to PGA Tour membership. News hits on the return of the International Crown, Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup comments and Sergio’s abdication, and Tony Romo playing his way into a USGA championship. A quick Flashback Friday centers on Isao Aoki and another geopolitical drama that ensued when he committed to play in South Africa.
13 Okt 202246min
Tom keeps on chugging, Fireballs burn bright, and Illinois’s playoff dream is alive
This Monday episode begins with excitement over Illinois football and Guardians baseball. There’s also an allegation of thirsty attempts at foodie influencing. Eventually, Andy and Brendan get to golf and Tom Kim’s second PGA Tour win at the tender age of 20. They discuss his trajectory and how he’s a strong argument for the tour keeping more avenues open as opposed to closing things off in their ongoing battle with LIV. Patrick Cantlay is praised too! Then they discuss Eugenio Chacarra’s LIV win in Bangkok and just what exactly to do with it in terms of contextualizing what it means for his future, aside from his bank account. Jon Rahm’s comments about carrying torches for Spanish golf and beating a weaker field to win a Spanish Open and tie Seve’s mark are discussed. The Epson Tour graduates are given their due but there are questions about the entire process of having more turnover at the LPGA level.
10 Okt 202251min
