Triumph and disaster at St. Andrews, Playing-Captain Keegan? And the club-toss test

It’s Friday! Andy and Brendan discuss a variety of topics as we barrel toward the weekend. They begin with some of the drama around this Talor Gooch exemption cutout for the U.S. Open, and some of Phil’s working theories for it. That leads to a digression on some of the unseen tactics that can be deployed by one prominent manufacturer that begins with a “t” and ends with a “t” in the ongoing rollback and bifurcation battle. Rory McIlroy working with the TaylorMade team for six or seven months on some new wedges is a nice segue from that. There’s some LeBron vs. Steph chatter and excitement about the Bears NFC North chances against a Rodgers-less Packers team. Lee Westwood’s poor choice of words about resigning from the DP World Tour is covered, as are the Ryder Cup implications for the European side and its captain’s room in the future. SGS Golf Advice goes into great detail on the subject of starters, their personalities, and their utility, as well as dogs on the golf course and refusing a request from someone to join you as solo.

5 Maj 202357min

This late Wednesday episode is thanks to Brendan’s delayed return from vacation and Andy’s road-weary week traveling the coast of California to prep for the upcoming U.S. Opens. They begin with some meandering chat about these travels and vacation preferences before jumping into an amuse bouche of whiparound Wednesday tidbits on Dustin Johnson’s favorite movie, Tony Romo’s first tee routine at U.S. Open qualifying, and the banning of Omar Uresti. The latest tidbit leads to the PGA Club Pro Champ becoming event of the week. Schedule for the week focuses on the Wells Fargo, Quail Hollow’s ubiquity in pro golf, and Rory’s return to the Tour. The best practices for poaching a caddie are also discussed, with news that Joe LaCava, with Tiger’s blessing, is taking the bag of Patrick Cantlay. The International Crown is given the real event of the week. News hits on a test case for the Pat Perez Provision, Jim Furyk being named Prez Cup captain, and Annika getting an exemption into the U.S. Women’s Open.

3 Maj 202350min

Joseph LaMagna joins the podcast while Brendan continues to relax on vacation and discusses the weekend in golf with Andy. They start by wondering who if anyone watched the LIV Singapore event that featured a dynamite leaderboard. The PGA Tour's Mexico Open prompted a long discussion on what exactly needs to happen with the schedule moving forward and Tony Finau's recent run of wins against weak fields. The podcast closes with some thoughts on the Alker Boy and one handed chipping on the Champions Tour.

30 Apr 20231h

Shane Bacon joins the podcast while Brendan is on vacation to discuss the best NBA -Golfer comparisons. Discussions include who is Grayson Murray and Stephen Curry before ending with some Golf Advice centered around a significant other purchasing golf shirts and the 100 hole hike.

27 Apr 202356min

Andy and Brendan are back for a Wednesday episode about a bunch of different things, somewhat related to this week’s golf schedule. They begin bouncing around some ideas about the Mexico Open, its underwhelming field, and what to do about non-designated events, if anything. Is Jon Rahm or the field the better play this week? Notables return for the schedule for the week, which hits on another Champs Tour event, the women going to Wilshire, the PGA Pro Championship, and more. There’s an unplanned segment on LIV Golf “winning” weeks or making a dent, and what that future roadmap is all about after reading the current top 10 in its standings. Some comments from DJ and Brooksy pop up in news, as does the new PGA Tour Americas system.

25 Apr 202359min

This Monday episode begins with the NBA minute with both Andy and Brendan wallowing in Cavs and Kings losses, but one still claiming a victory Monday. Then they move to the LPGA’s first major of the year, or alleged major. Both express some dismay about the lack of pop at the first Chevron Championship, from the weather to the course to the pace of play. They congratulate Lilia Vu and feel for Angel Yin, but they wonder about what distinguished this event from others on the LPGA circuit. At the Zurich, they discuss the format and what an event like this might do in the future to stand out any more, if that’s even possible. There’s also a full recounting of John Daly and David Duval’s alt shot Friday. LIV’s big party down under is discussed, with some praise for the crowds but still questions about the product. The finish is a live viewing of the Charlie Wi vs. Mark Hensby playoff until dark on the Champs Tour.

24 Apr 202342min

This Friday episode begins with a discussion on whether 4/20 falls into a fake holiday category. Brendan is joined by Joseph LaMagna to discuss this and other important topics, like John Daly and David Duval shooting 3-over par in a best ball format, Paresh Amin’s alt-shot potential, and other non-competitive elements of the Zurich. Tiger Woods’s announced surgery is also discussed, as is the notion that he should be calling it a career. They hit on all the LIV teammates playing together in Australia, and how that’s anti-competitive. Zach Johnson’s softened stance on LIV players potentially making the Ryder Cup team is noted. There’s a delectable Tony Romo rumor about his presence at the celebrity Champions Tour event. They close it out with SGS Golf Advice on rules jerks, a guy bringing his kid to every round, wearing golf shoes to a Tour event, and catching a guy picking up your ball.

21 Apr 20231h 2min

It’s Whiparound Wednesday on the Shotgun Start, where Andy and Brendan had even less-than-normal prep or plan before hitting record to get this episode done. Honestly, it’s mostly just reading off a list of the many odd and terrible teams at the Zurich and reacting to them. They debate who will finish last. There’s also an amusing somewhat substantiated rumor about Shad Tuten. They discuss the videos of Patrick Cantlay being heckled that emerged from Harbour Town, as well as Jordan “just a guy” Spieth delivering a monster TV rating there. The Chevron Championship is previewed, with some thoughts about Carlton Woods. This week also marked the return of our beloved “notables” section in the shhhedule for the week.

18 Apr 202347min