275: From PGA Tour Americas heartbreak to PGA Tour win: Michael Brennan on his journey to victory in Utah

After yet another Scottie Scheffler win against a strong field on a challenging golf course, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme zoom out to examine the formula that makes Scottie great, and whether his best attribute might be something other than his elite ball-striking. SK and CH also discuss some bold comments from Jack Nicklaus, and what his statement means about Scottie's place alongside Jack and Tiger Woods as one of the greatest to ever play golf. Smylie and Charlie also discuss the latest Ryder Cup standings - in particular, one player who is looking like a lock after a season of consistency and durability. Jordan Spieth and Keegan Bradley are also discussed as they continue to build cases for captain's picks, and why they would or wouldn't be selected. Finally, we review big changes to the Tour Championship format, what we expect to see at East Lake in a few months, and whether a more creative solution could have been chosen to conclude the PGA TOUR season. Like, comment, and subscribe for more golf insights and weekly recaps!  CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 04:04 - Scottie Scheffler’s Consistency  07:52 - How Scottie shoots a score on "off" days 18:16 - Analyzing Scottie's putting changes 23:22 - Poopy diapers! 27:20 - Jack Nicklaus’ comments on Scottie Scheffler 33:42 - Is Ben Griffin a Ryder Cup lock? 40:31 - Rickie Fowler qualifies for the Open Championship 40:55 - The Jordan Spieth Experience  48:00 - Grading the new Tour Championship format 1:02:55 - US Women's Open recap #ScottieScheffler #golf #pgatour #progolf #golfpodcast #memorial #justinthomas #rydercup #pgachampionship #golffans #pgachampionship #pgatour #pgatourchanges #nbcsports #golfhighlights #golfrecap

2 Jun 1h 9min

Smylie Kaufman is joined by Brad Faxon, one of the greatest putters in golf history, to discuss his work with Rory McIlroy over the years. Brad dives into his coaching philosophy, his memorable first session with Rory, and how simple adjustments made a huge difference in Rory’s putting.  The duo shares stories from Pine Valley, insights into upcoming major championships, and what makes players like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas stand out. Get expert takes on the latest in #golf, from #pgatour legends to future stars. Plus, learn how creativity and trust play huge roles in shaping top-tier players like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. 👉 Hit like, drop a comment, and subscribe for more golf insight! Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible - check out all who support us below: https://www.ahead.com/ ShipSticks: Use promo code SMYLIE or this link for 20% off: https://www.shipsticks.com/?utm_source=smylie&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ss_acq_pod_0_smylie2025 #pgachampionship #golftrip #justinthomas #scottiescheffler #memorial #usopen #smylie #smylieshow  #pgatour #golfhighlights #distancecontrolputting #puttingtrainingaids #rorymcilroy CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 02:52 - Shoutout to Eagle Point 05:52 - Brad Faxon Interview Tease 08:38 - Brad Faxon joins the show 09:17 - Rory McIlroy 27:50 - Scottie Scheffler’s Putting Grip Change 40:49 - Pine Valley 47:08 - Brad's Excitement for US Open and Ryder Cup 49:50 - Will Another Irishman Win at Portrush? 51:16 - Depth of European Team for Ryder Cup 57:20 - Michael La Sasso Wins NCAA Individual Championship 01:01:25 - NCAA Championship Bracket Challenge 01:07:23 - Jackson Koivun  01:07:50 - Closing Thoughts & Anna Carter's Picks

28 Mai 1h 8min

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break away from MDW festivities to discuss Ben Griffin's second PGA TOUR win in a month, and whether he - and his teammate in the first win, Andrew Novak - should make the USA Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black this fall. Smylie and Charlie also discuss the factors surrounding Rory McIlroy's decision to skip the Memorial Tournament at Jack's Place, and Bud Cauley's incredible comeback story as he returns this week to the site of the car accident that nearly derailed his career seven years ago. Finally, Charlie's travels this week for "work" took him to some amazing golf destinations, and he recaps trips to Eagle Point and National Golf Links of America. 00:00 Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸 01:20 Discussing Memorial Day plans 04:14 Ben Griffin wins his second PGA TOUR event at Colonial 07:19 Discussing the impact of Ben's diet on performance 10:31 Look AHEAD to Ryder Cup - current points list 24:15 Team dynamics and who should get Ryder Cup captain's picks 28:23 Bud Cauley's comeback story 35:39 Rory McIlroy will skip the Memorial Tournament 49:14 National Golf Links of America report 01:01:34 The process of driver testing on TOUR 01:06:47 Jackson Koivun near earning his TOUR card Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible - check out all who support us below: https://www.ahead.com/ ShipSticks: Use promo code SMYLIE or this link for 20% off: https://www.shipsticks.com/?utm_source=smylie&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ss_acq_pod_0_smylie2025

26 Mai 1h 14min

On this episode, Smylie Kaufman sits down with Jason Dufner for a conversation about his incredible golf journey, from his humble beginnings as a walk-on at Auburn to his triumph at Oak Hill in the 2013 PGA Championship. Jason goes in-depth on his putting “yips” and the work he’s done with a Navy SEAL, exchanging stories with Smylie about the mental side of professional golf. He also shares some chipping/pitching tips he’s learned from observing the game’s best, and tells some hilarious Vijay Singh practice round stories. #golf #pgatour #pgachampionship #golfpodcast #progolf #jasondufner #scottiescheffler #pga #golfgrip #smylie #smylieshow #vijaysingh #seve #seveballesteros Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible - check out all who support us below: https://www.ahead.com/ https://magicmind.com/ ShipSticks: Use promo code SMYLIE or this link for 20% off: https://www.shipsticks.com/?utm_source=smylie&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ss_acq_pod_0_smylie2025 CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 02:22 - Jason Dufner joins the show 05:04 - Walking on at Auburn 11:05 - Becoming a pro 15:46 - Chuck Cook 18:46 - The waggle 21:40 - The “yips” 35:04 - 2013 PGA Championship 41:43 - Helping other pros 44:35 - Vijay Singh stories & short game tips 54:02 - Vijay’s shot out of the fairway bunker at Augusta National 57:20 - Dufnering

21 Mai 1h 1min

After a roller coaster Championship Sunday at Quail Hollow, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme react to Scottie Scheffler hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy for his third career major win, which leaves him halfway to a career Grand Slam. Smylie and Charlie also discuss what could have been for Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, and look a month ahead to the U.S. Open at Oakmont.

19 Mai 1h 4min

Moments after watching Scottie Scheffler make birdie at the 18th to stretch his lead to three strokes, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down all the Saturday PGA Championship action from Quail Hollow. Smylie and Charlie recap a thrilling five-under-in-five-holes finish to catapult Scottie to the top of the leaderboard, Bryson’s disastrous trip through the Green Mile, and Jon Rahm’s “hunger” to win within striking distance at a major for the first time in a while. Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible - check out all who support us below: https://magicmind.com/ https://www.draftkings.com/  (use code SMYLIESHOW to get $200 in bonus bets when you bet $5!) Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In New York, call 8778-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467-369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit CCPG.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Kansas. Twenty-one plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. New customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/AUDIO #golf #pga #pgachamp #quailhollow #smylie #smylieshow #golf #bryson #scottiescheffler #jonrahm

18 Mai 28min

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are once again on location at the end of the Green Mile, recapping all the Friday action from Quail Hollow as the PGA Championship heads to the weekend! Scottie Scheffler turns an “out-of-sync” day into a three-under 68, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele make the cut on the number, and Max Homa posts the best round of his major career to vault into the top five. Smylie and Charlie discuss all of that, plus a handful of names that surprisingly missed the cut in the second major of the 2025 season. Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible - check out all who support us below: https://magicmind.com/ https://www.draftkings.com/  (use code SMYLIESHOW to get $200 in bonus bets when you bet $5!) Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In New York, call 8778-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467-369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit CCPG.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Kansas. Twenty-one plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. New customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/AUDIO #golf #pga #pgachamp #quailhollow #smylie #smylieshow #golf

17 Mai 26min

From a set overlooking the 18th green at Quail Hollow, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap all the first round action on Thursday at the PGA Championship. Mudballs were the story of the day, with Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele both speaking up in post-round interviews after their approach shots at 16 were adversely impacted. Smylie and Charlie also take a look at a leaderboard missing many of the world's top players, and look at past majors for the last time a winner came from outside the top 50 in the world rankings. Tune in tomorrow for another recap journal from the 18th green at Quail Hollow! Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible - check out all who support us below: https://magicmind.com/ https://www.draftkings.com/  (use code SMYLIESHOW to get $200 in bonus bets when you bet $5!) Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In New York, call 8778-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467-369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit CCPG.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Kansas. Twenty-one plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. New customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/AUDIO #golf #pgatour #pgachampionship #scottiescheffler #rorymcilroy #quailhollow #golftips #golfswing #pgachamp #quailhollow

15 Mai 27min