255: Ian Baker-Finch: Reflections on a Remarkable Golf & Broadcasting Career

Smylie Kaufman is joined by PGA Tour winner Michael Kim, who was in the players meeting with Jay Monahan following the bombshell news that the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Public Investment Fund (which runs LIV Golf) would be pooling their commercial interests. Michael explains the questions that were and weren't answered in the meeting, and talks about which players were most vocal. Michael also goes in-depth on his career revival thanks to some key swing changes he made recently.

7 Jun 202340min

In a shocking development that rocked the golf world, the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the DP World Tour are combining into a single entity to unify the game of golf. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme react to what the news could mean for current PGA Tour players, the division of the PIF money that will be invested into the new entity, and what a global tournament schedule could look like.

6 Jun 202342min

Viktor Hovland wins the Memorial Tournament, Billy Horschel delivers an emotional press conference, Scottie Scheffler's putting dampens another otherworldly ball-striking performance, Rory McIlroy's wedge play derails his Sunday round, and Rose Zhang wins in her first-ever professional start. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme discuss all of those topics, speak to PGA professional David Woods about his training aid that Rory is using, and detail the golf they played over the weekend. (0:12) Viktor Hovland wins the Memorial Tournament (7:04) Billy Horschel's emotional press conference (12:22) Scottie Scheffler's putting (19:08) Rory McIlroy's wedge struggles (27:32) David Woods interview (41:52) Rose Zhang's first pro win

5 Jun 202353min

Smylie welcomes on Jordan Spieth, with whom he played the final round of the 2016 Masters (and Baker's Bay in a bathing suit just a few weeks later). Jordan discusses his meteoric rise to golf stardom, what he learned from Presidents and Ryder Cup teams that helped him win his three majors, and the way his swing has transformed over the years.

1 Jun 20231h 2min

The "Block Party" which began at Oak Hill took some twists and turns this week before eventually fizzling out earlier than expected. Smylie shares his experience covering Michael Block's group on Thursday, and examines the online discourse surrounding the club pro with Charlie. Smylie and Charlie also discuss what makes a good airport, and the buckeye milkshakes that Tour pros playing the Memorial love so much. (6:06) Discussing Michael Block's week (27:45) What makes a good airport? (42:12) Memorial preview + milkshake talk

29 Mai 202347min

Smylie is joined by country singer-songwriter Jake Owen, who recently created a golf-adjacent event called the "Uwohali Bucket Club." Jake tells stories about playing with Jordan Spieth in the AT&T Pro-Am, getting a sponsor's exemption into a Web.com Tour event, and his new album, "Loose Cannon." (1:09) Smylie and Jake meeting in Pebble Beach (3:01) Wayne Gretzky's warm-up routine in the AT&T Pro-Am (9:32) Jordan Spieth's cliffhanger shot at 2022 AT&T Pro-Am (16:20) Jordan Spieth landing in Vero Beach with the Masters jacket in a special hanging bag (20:12) Getting a sponsor's exemption into a Web.com event (26:24) Uwohali Bucket Club (31:40) Moving to Nashville to pursue a career in music (50:57) Driving the green at a par-four in the AT&T Pro-Am (52:47) Jake's new album, "Loose Cannon"

25 Mai 202355min

After a thrilling finish to the PGA Championship that featured Brooks Koepka winning his fifth major and club professional Michael Block finishing tied for 15th after an incredible hole-in-one, Smylie Kaufman and his producer Charlie Hulme recap all the major storylines from the second major of the year. Smylie and Charlie also look ahead to the next PGA TOUR event, the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club. (1:37) Keys to Brooks Koepka's win (5:27) Brooks Koepka's chances of making the USA Ryder Cup team this fall (8:40) Michael Block's weekend straight out of a movie script (14:04) Scottie Scheffler's T2 finish (19:09) Jon Rahm's emotions this weekend (21:56) Rory McIlroy's current state (24:45) Rory playing with Michael Block (29:10) Andrew Green's restoration of Oak Hill (37:25) Tom Kim's mud bath, backwards hats, and a family of ducks (43:19) Charles Schwab Challenge preview

22 Mai 202357min

Smylie is joined by a fellow LSU Tiger, Sam Burns, who is currently the 14th-ranked player in the world with five wins on the PGA Tour. Sam tells Smylie about playing with Tiger Woods in his first year on Tour, going head-to-head with his good friend Scottie Scheffler, and goes in-depth on his swing mechanics. (1:37) Reminiscing on time spent in Baton Rouge (10:11) Playing with Tiger Woods in the 2018 Honda Classic (19:15) His friendship with Scottie Scheffler (30:29) Discussing the work he's done on his swing this year  (35:04) Using AimPoint and what makes him a good putter

18 Mai 202345min