U.S. Open Daily Journal: Rickie Fowler's week, LACC conditions, and Wyndham Clark's first major win
While on-site at Los Angeles Country Club walking with a new group every day for the 123rd U.S. Open, Smylie Kaufman checks in each night to "journal" his thoughts with Charlie Hulme - culminating with Wyndham Clark's first major victory. On Thursday, Smylie and Charlie discuss the record-setting 62s that both Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele shot to open the tournament, and whether that was cause for concern about LACC's suitability as a U.S. Open venue. On Friday, Smylie and Charlie discuss the changed weather conditions that led to less low scoring, and the razor thin difference between birdie and bogey at LACC. On Saturday, Smylie and Charlie discuss a moving day without a lot of movement, and the type of approach that players at the top of the leaderboard need to bring into Sunday if they want to win a major. On Sunday, Smylie and Charlie recap Wyndham Clark's convincing win over a leaderboard full of experience and major winners, and talk about the way Rickie Fowler handled losing with grace and class.
19 Juni 202344min
On the Tee with Mardy Fish
Smylie is joined by Mardy Fish, a tennis pro who was ranked as high as seventh in the world playing in the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic-Murray era. Mardy and Smylie discuss the mental health struggles they both faced in their respective sports, Mardy's dominance on the "celebrity golf circuit," and the 123rd U.S. Open being played in Mardy's hometown of Los Angeles.
15 Juni 202350min
O Canada! Nick Taylor's thrilling win in Toronto, the PGAT/DPWT/PIF deal with Matt Stoller, and the US Open at LACC
A wild week in the world of golf went out with a bang as Nick Taylor made a 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to become the first Canadian to win the national open since 1954. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme discuss Taylor's win, the latest updates on the bombshell news last week that the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Public Investment Fund struck a deal to pool commercial interests, and preview the third major of the year - the US Open at Los Angeles Country Club. Matt Stoller, the author of "Goliath: The 100-Year War Between Monopoly Power and Democracy," joins Smylie and Charlie to discuss his antitrust concerns surrounding the proposed PGAT/DPWT/PIF deal.
12 Juni 20231h
On the Tee with Michael Kim + Jay Monahan players meeting reaction
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 Juni 202340min
Emergency Pod: The PGA Tour & LIV Golf merger
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 Juni 202342min
The Memorial Recap, Rose Zhang's debut win, and David Woods
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 Juni 202353min
On the Tee with Jordan Spieth
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 Juni 20231h 2min
Charles Schwab Challenge Recap: Michael Block's Batman arc
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 Maj 202347min
