Ep56: Inside Info from PIF/PGA Bahamas Meeting, Full Swing 2, and is Hatgate Resolved?

Hatgate.

The Talk Birdie To Me WhatsApp group has been going crazy this week. Mark is grumpy about the lack of a Tara Iti hat, Nick is unapologetic that he should not be regarded as a hat courier for people. How does it all end? We find out on the pod. The elephant, or hat, in the room needs to be discussed before we get to any golf chat.

After that convo, we get to the golf. Mark has had a sneak peak at the new Commonwealth course, we've put some pics on socials, he loves it and can't wait to play it. Nick suggests we do a pod from Commonwealth, so we're on. Mark discusses how he loves the way that Tom Doak designs golf courses. Nick is a massive fan of the history at golf clubs, of the history lesson when you walk through the clubhouses - the names, the pictures.

There was the big meeting in the Bahamas last week with all the big wigs from the PIF and the PGA. Mark has some inside info from his US source on how the meeting went, what was discussed, the vibe in the room. And Nick and Mark discuss what it could mean and how things may end up.

Nick has finally caught up on the new series of Full Swing, and we discuss some of the stories. Both Nick and Mark have some thoughts on Keegan Bradley after watching the series.

A fun Top 5 today, Nick counts down his Top 5 weirdest hats on Tour Pros over the years. A bit of controversy with one left out that Mark felt should be in the list.

Pod listener Steve calls in from the beautiful Rich Rivers Golf Club with a story about watching the great Peter Lonard playing there recently. Which takes us to feedback, lots of it, including a ripping caddy question which we'll follow up next week - and we run through your votes and comments on the GOAT, and put Nick and Mark on the spot to name their GOAT. Interestingly, they each name a different player.

Lots of fantastic performances over the last week, and Nick runs through them all in the PING global results, and we wrap the show with a masterclass from Mark Allen inspired by Pro Keith Mitchell on the importance of holding your head still, or close to, right into your follow-through.

And this Thursday we'll have a bonus pod with the legendary Peter Chooky Fowler where we'll pick his brains on his short game. Can't wait!

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

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