243: Open Championship Preview with Brandel Chamblee + Is Rory McIlroy Back In Major-Winning Form?

Welcome back ... to the Smylie Show! Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme cover a wide range of topics this week - from Sepp Straka's win at the American Express, to comments Rory McIlroy made about a protege of his potentially departing for LIV Golf, to the incredibly short-lived TikTok ban. Sepp's win marked just one of a number of interesting storylines coming out of La Quinta, including the continued resurgence of Justin Thomas' game, and some notable pace of play issues on Sunday with a series of changes on the PGA TOUR looming in 2026. On the DP World Tour, a week that began with Rory outlining the conversations he had with Tom McKibbin ahead of a reported move to LIV ended with a LIV player, Tyrrell Hatton, hoisting a trophy at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. All that + some live (at the time) NFL Playoff commentary, and yet another Sicko Gear Tinkerers report. Highlights: - Sepp Straka’s win at the American Express - Justin Thomas’ performance - Blades Brown swing analysis - One-and-Done picks   Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more golf insights!   #AmericanExpress #Amex #golfrecap #seppstraka #golf #golftips #golfswing #pgatour #golfpodcast #progolf #golfpodcast #smyliekaufman #smylie #smylieshow #swingtips #presidentscup #rydercup #golftrip #golftrips #youtubegolf #fyp #xanderschauffele #scottiescheffler #justinthomas #augusta #masters #theopen #pgachampionship #brysondechambeau #bryson #JustinThomas   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Welcome Back... 00:58 - NFL 02:02 - TikTok 04:17 - One and Done 07:15 - Sepp Straka 13:55 - Golf Viewing Habits 14:19 - Pace of Play Discussion 18:45 - Blades Brown's Wild Week 22:19 - Blades' Swing Analysis 25:05 - Smylie's Superlatives 27:23 - DP World Tour Overview 31:36 - Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibbin 36:20 - DP World Tour Insights 39:30 - Tom McKibbin's Future 46:29 - Sepp Straka’s Golf Bag 50:24 - Mini Drivers 53:20 - Swiftie Rankings Update 54:40 - Bills/Ravens Game Reaction 56:25 - Show Wrap-Up 56:35 - Colt Knost Interview Preview 57:30 - TGL Week 2 Ratings 58:20 - Outro

20 Jan 59min

The Smylie Show takes on a whole new meaning in this episode, as SMYLIE Kaufman is joined by 22-year-old DP World Tour winner Elvis SMYLIE in a very 😃 conversation! The young Aussie Elvis tees it up in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this week months after winning the BMW Australian PGA Championship, and tells Smylie (Kaufman) about that win, and his goals on the global stage. Before we get to the Smylie 🤝 Smylie chat, Charlie Hulme opens the show with a piece of news on the LIV front, in the form of comments Eugenio Chacarra made as he departs the Tour. Smylie reacts, and we discuss the current state of ongoing negotiations between the PIF and the PGA TOUR. Elvis shares insights on: • His decision to turn pro at 18 • Overcoming early career struggles • Winning his first DP World Tour event • Training with Cameron Smith • Aspirations for playing on the PGA Tour The rising star also talks about his unique name, famous tennis-playing parents, and love for Australian wine. Hear how this talented lefty is making waves in the golf world and why he believes staying on the traditional tours is the right path for his career. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with golf's brightest young stars! #golf #dpworldtour #australiangolf #elvissmiley #livgolf #livgolf #pgatour #golftips #golfswing #golfpodcast #progolf #golfpodcast #smyliekaufman #smylie #smylieshow #swingtips #presidentscup #rydercup  #golftrip #golftrips #youtubegolf #fyp #xanderschauffele #scottiescheffler #justinthomas #augusta #masters #theopen #pgachampionship #brysondechambeau #bryson   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 03:58 - Eugenio Chacarra on LIV Golf Tour and OWGR points 17:09 - Elvis Smylie joins the show 18:40 - Tennis Background 19:46 - Discussing His Name 22:15 - Favorite Elvis Song 24:34 - Advice from Golf Legends 28:00 - Turning Pro at 18 30:26 - Cam Smith Scholarship 34:20 - Early Professional Years 38:38 - Changes in Swing Technique 38:50 - Collaborating with Richie Smith 41:25 - Swing Adjustments 46:10 - Winning WA Open 49:35 - Victory at Australian PGA Championship 54:14 - Achieving DP World Tour status 56:44 - Securing PGA TOUR Card 57:13 - Sign Off with Elvis 57:37 - Like & Subscribe

15 Jan 57min

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme bid a final "aloha" to the PGA Tour's two-event stop in Hawaii, with Smylie on the broadcast that saw four players all in real contention until the very end, culminating with a roller-coaster two-hole playoff. Smylie begins the show with some pressing questions about acai bowls and a conversation with Charlie regarding children's golf clubs, and wraps with the return of what we're calling "Smylie's Superlatives" - naming the player who impressed him the most at the Sony Open off the tee, approach, around the green, and putting. Charlie then catches up with UNC senior David Ford - currently the #1 player in the PGA TOUR U rankings - as he heads to play in the DP World Tour's Hero Dubai Desert Classic. David discusses everything from the changing landscape of collegiate athletics as it relates to recruiting/NIL/revenue sharing, to an unbelievable birdie run and incredible score to win an event at one of America's most iconic golf courses. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 05:54 - Lag Shot kid's clubs 08:58 - Sony Open recap 09:34 - Nick Taylor's clutch gene 10:35 - JJ Spaun 17:20 - Stephan Jaeger 21:21 - Highlights of the Taylor/Echavarria two-hole playoff 26:33 - Nick Taylor left off 2024 Presidents Cup team 29:26 - Sicko Gear Tinkerer’s Insights 31:38 - Smylie's Superlatives 38:17 - Sony Open Wrap-Up 41:15 - Interview with David Ford 43:17 - Heading into 2025 as PGATU No. 1 44:25 - Opportunities for elite collegiate players 50:54 - DP World Tour pathway? 53:48 - Recruiting, NIL and revenue-sharing in college golf 58:30 - Swing Analysis 01:03:17 - David Ford’s 62 at Seminole Golf Club 01:05:20 - UNC Football

13 Jan 1h 8min

On this episode of The Smylie Show, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap the inaugural match of the TGL, a dominating 9-2 win for Charlie's Bay Golf Club (aka the Bay Boys) over the NYGC Pigeons. They dive into the innovative format, player reactions, fan engagement at SoFi Center, and what went right and wrong. Additionally, Smylie and Charlie analyze TGL's target audience, discuss standout moments, and speculate on how the league might evolve.   Highlights include: • Triples format excitement • Ludvig: golf's newest heartthrob • Simulator accuracy and player adjustments • Crowd energy and heckling • Production quality and pacing • Potential improvements for future matches   Join the conversation and share your take on golf's newest competition!   Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more golf insights!   #tglgolf #tglformat #smyliekaufmaninterview #pgatour #pga #TGL #GolfSimulator #PGATour #BayGolfClub #NewYorkGC #golfpodcast #golf #golftips #golfswing #pgatour #progolf #golfpodcast #smyliekaufman #smylie #smylieshow #swingtips #presidentscup #rydercup  #golftrip #golftrips #youtubegolf #fyp #xanderschauffele #scottiescheffler #justinthomas #augusta #masters #theopen #pgachampionship #brysondechambeau #bryson   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:34 - TGL Match 1 Recap 10:09 - Fan Experience at TGL 16:31 - Impressions of the Stadium 17:09 - Strength of the Holes 19:13 - Simulator Accuracy 20:13 - Players' Perspective 23:40 - Player Reception and Enjoyment 25:28 - Audience Engagement and Viewership 27:01 - Changes in the Greens 31:46 - LIV and TGL 34:54 - Camera Time 37:00 - Opportunities for OWGR Top 50 Players 39:30 - Team Dynamics 42:18 - Pigeon Controversy 43:44 - TGL vs The Match 46:50 - Network Discussion 49:20 - Rotten Tomatoes Score 53:15 - Sony Open One and Done Plans 56:50 - Outro

8 Jan 57min

Join us for another episode of The Smylie Show, as Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down the record-setting week that saw Hideki Matsuyama smash the 72-hole PGA TOUR scoring record at the Sentry. From incredible wedge play to a successful debut for his center-shafted putter, we take a dive into the factors behind Hideki's dominance at Kapalua - including favorable conditions that yielded low scores across the board. Plus, get insights into Collin Morikawa's runner-up finish, and some new routines that are key to his iron play. The guys also dive into equipment changes across the Tour, including Max Homa's move to Cobra/Puma/Lululemon, and buzz around some new equipment put into play this week. Get their takes on potential Tour Championship format changes (match play???) and some "Luke Clanton Rule" changes to the PGA TOUR U Accelerated system that could impact the pathway college players take to the pros. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more expert golf insights and analysis each week! #golfpodcast #pgatour #hidekimatsuyama #kapalua #progolf #pga #pgatour #golfhighlights #pgatourhighlights #thesentryhighlights #thesentry #hideki #hidekimatsuyama #golfpodcast #pgatourpodcast #golftips #golfswing #golfgear #collinmorikawa CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Aloha 01:36 - Drive Home Experience 04:26 - Is Walker a lefty??? 06:32 - Hideki Matsuyama's Putter 08:15 - Kapalua Course Conditions 17:15 - Hideki's Record-Breaking Performance 21:38 - Underrating Hideki Matsuyama 28:51 - Collin Morikawa's week + new pre-shot routine 39:40 - Viktor Hovland "owning his swing" 42:05 - Will Zalatoris 43:34 - New Segment! 47:59 - Happy Hour Highlights 51:02 - The Sicko Gear Tinkerer Report 54:06 - PGA TOUR U Points System Discussion 1:02:45 - New Tour Championship format? 1:04:38 - Like & Subscribe Reminder

6 Jan 1h 4min

Join us on another episode of The Smylie Show, as Smylie and Charlie break down the favorites for all four majors (including Scottie Scheffler's incredible odds as the betting favorite) and predict awards for the upcoming season.   Get expert predictions on potential breakthrough stars, first-time major winners, and which LIV Golf players could make waves in 2025. The guys analyze Victor Hovland's recent injury, Justin Thomas's path back to elite form, and why young stars like Sahith Theegala and Nick Dunlap are poised for massive years.   From Scottie Scheffler's chances at another historic season to dark horse picks for each major championship, this comprehensive season preview covers everything you need to know heading into 2025. Like and subscribe for more golf insights and predictions throughout the season!   #pgatour #scottiescheffler #golfpredictions #golf #golftips #golfswing #pgatour #golfpodcast #progolf #golfpodcast #smyliekaufman #smylie #smylieshow #swingtips #presidentscup #rydercup  #golftrip #golftrips #youtubegolf #fyp #xanderschauffele #scottiescheffler #justinthomas #pgabetting #golfbettingtips   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 04:25 - Scottie Scheffler Injury 09:45 - 2025 Season Preview Insights 10:47 - Scottie Scheffler's Upcoming Season 19:40 - Viktor Hovland Injury 26:45 - Comeback Player of the Year 28:44 - Bounce Back Year Predictions 37:06 - 2025 Major Odds Overview 43:19 - PGA Championship at Quail Hollow 47:26 - US Open at Oakmont 55:20 - Open Championship at Royal Portrush 1:02:40 - Xander Schauffele 1:05:10 - First-Time Major Winner Predictions 1:05:40 - Major Dark Horse Candidates 1:17:03 - Rookie of the Year Predictions 1:22:05 - Player of the Year Predictions 1:24:29 - What's Best for Golf Discussion 1:24:55 - Final Predictions for 2025 1:25:30 - Final Thoughts

1 Jan 1h 27min

The Smylie Show closes out 2025 by catching up with the final PGA TOUR winner of the season, Maverick McNealy. Mav talks to Smylie about his first win on TOUR at the RSM Classic, retooling his swing to recover from a major injury, and how his hockey background translates to increased swing speed.   Highlights: • McNealy breaks down the crucial 4-footer that sealed his win • Insights into his swing changes and work with coach Scott Hamilton • The surprising connection between hockey and golf in McNealy's game • How growing up with a tech CEO father shaped his approach to golf and business • McNealy's thoughts on recent PGA Tour changes and signature events   Plus, Maverick shares his new passion for flying and how it's impacting his tournament travel. From first PGA Tour win to first solo flight, McNealy's career is truly taking off!   Don't miss this candid conversation with one of golf's rising stars. Like, comment, and subscribe for more inside looks at the world of professional golf!   #golf #pgatour #maverickmcnealy #golfpodcast #pgachampionship #golf #golftips #golfswing #pgatour #golfpodcast #progolf #golfpodcast #smyliekaufman #smylie #smylieshow #swingtips #presidentscup #rydercup  #golftrip #golftrips #youtubegolf #fyp #xanderschauffele #scottiescheffler #justinthomas   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 00:17 - Maverick McNealy 00:57 - Personal Updates 03:06 - RSM Classic Highlights 05:09 - Thoughts on the 18th Green 11:35 - Collaborating with Scott Hamilton 11:55 - Injury History 17:42 - 2014 US Open with Smylie 22:43 - Reflections on Your Dad 25:50 - Hockey vs Golf Comparison 28:10 - Hockey Skills in Golf 33:56 - Lessons from Your Dad 37:34 - Maverick McNealy: PGA Tour CEO 38:53 - Current FedEx Cup Format 42:38 - Reducing Field Size: 125 to 100 47:52 - Experience Flying a Plane 51:10 - Like & Subscribe

30 Des 202451min

Join us this week on another episode of The Smylie Show with Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme! In this episode, Rickie Fowler joins the show as he shares his experience testing the groundbreaking SoFi Center setup and reveals what players can expect when the league launches January 7. Award-winning golf course architect Augie Piza takes us through his innovative course designs and the creation process behind them. Finally, Smylie and Charlie officially announce the TGL teams they will be supporting.   Highlights include: • Rickie's insights on playing in the indoor arena • Behind-the-scenes details of the virtual course technology • Insight on six of the hole designs • How players will adapt to the 40-second shot clock • The hosts selecting their TGL teams for the inaugural season   Perfect for golf fans curious about the future of professional golf and how technology is revolutionizing the sport. Watch as traditional golf meets modern innovation in this groundbreaking new league.   #TGL #GolfTechnology #VirtualGolf #RickieFowler #FutureOfGolf #GolfInnovation #PGATour #GolfLife #golfenthusiasts #homegolfsimulator #golfvr #diygolfsimulator #golfsimulatorvideos #golf #golftips #golfswing #pgatour #golfpodcast #progolf #golfpodcast #smyliekaufman #smylie #smylieshow #swingtips #presidentscup #rydercup  #golftrip #golftrips #youtubegolf #fyp #xanderschauffele #scottiescheffler #justinthomas   Don't forget to like and subscribe for more exclusive golf content! 🏌️‍♂️   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 02:43 - TGL Preview 09:18 - Crew Behind TGL 10:53 - Rickie Fowler Interview 17:46 - NY Golf Club Logo 19:10 - Missing the screen? 23:10 - SoFi Center Experience 27:20 - Shot Clock 28:32 - Hitting from the Rough 30:05 - Preseason Power Rankings 32:30 - Augie Piza 38:36 - Design Philosophy Influences 41:50 - Temple Hole Overview 48:09 - Plank Hole Overview 53:42 - Bonnie Lake Overview 57:54 - Sidewinder and Serpent Overview 59:58 - On The Rocks Overview 1:04:12 - TGL Team Selections 1:19:45 - Wrap-Up 1:21:32 - Like & Subscribe

18 Des 20241h 21min