Ep127🏌🏿‍♂️Australian Open 2025: 'Rory McIlroy Will Play, it's Going to Happen'; Scheffler Stats: and Pubs on Golf Courses

Mark Allen joins the podcast fresh from the chipping green where he's been helping out show listener Matt who has been using a chipper, which unimpressed Mark, so he's done something about it! Leads to a conversation about chipping and some tips on how to nail your chips.But into the show - and what a week it has been. Gabi Ruffles has won again, what a superstar, her second win on the secondary tour in the US. Both Mark and Nick are massive fans and she's got a big future ahead of her.Still on the women, the Aussie team lost to Thailand but played well. The boys noticed the numbers on the teams, and both pick the numbers that they'd have chosen - leads to a basketball chat, neither Nick or Mark have seen 'Air', but want to.Wyndham Clark had a big win, his biggest ever, at Quail Hollow at the weekend, Adam Scott was in the running for a while but couldn't quite nail it. Nick and Mark discuss Adam Scott, Mark says that Adam has never swung better, and Nick has never seen a swing like it. A long discussion about Adam Scott, and Mark tells a great story about playing with a 19-year old Adam when he was an amateur when Adam blew him away with his putting.Nick talks about the theory of 'putt like a child' and why that mindset is so important.A discussion about the importance of the handling the mental challenges in golf, Mark asks Nick how he managed it when he was at the highest level when he was playing. Nick talks about the importance of having a short memory, being like a 'goldfish', and why a pre-shot routine is key.Plenty of feedback from you over the last week, and Nick and Mark read out a few of your messages, or tweets, from social media. The boys can't figure out what sort of car is in a pic sent in from Tommy, we've put it on twitter - if you know what it is let us know!Nick and Mark run through some more results from around the world including a great result for Cassie Porter tying for 29th, but the boys are impressed with her, and reckon she has all the tools to go on and have a great career.Top 5 this week is a bit of fun, Nick and Mark were talking about Air, the new Michael Jordan movie, so they decide to count down their Top 5 golf movies of all time. We've posted both top 5's on Twitter and the boys would love your votes on who got it right.Masterclass this week - Mark talks about the importance of the 'side-bend' in your follow through. Video is on socials.Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:BMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;PING will help you play your best;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;And watchMynumbers and Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 Maj 202338min

Today on the podcast so much to talk about!Mark Allen watched Hannah Green have a great win at the LPGA in California at the weekend and was extremely impressed. Nick O'Hern saw her coming up in Perth as a junior and felt she was always going to be something special. Big wrap! Nick is particularly impressed with her golf swing.Discussion about the calibre of the LPGA tour at the moment, Nick says there are just so many great players to watch.Mark gives Nick some homework: He wants a Masterclass on the short, soft chip to the green.Talor Gooch. Another win, but Mark wants to talk about his caddie Malcolm Baker - who has made a fortune in the last couple of weeks! The boys try and do the numbers....it's a shiteload. They have a discussion about the Singapore LIV event, which wasn't as well supported as Adelaide - Nick reckons the weather plays a role, the humidity in Singapore is always tough. Nick and Mark chat about how they handled hot weather as players.Mark discusses Tony Finau, who has a slightly bizarre putting technique, and he can't understand it - even though it's working a treat for Tony. Nick tells a story about playing with Tony many years ago. Mark talks about the the height of the blade when putting. The boys discuss Quail Hollow in South Carolina and what kind of course it is, Nick describes as looking a bit like Augusta, Mark reckons it's a stunning course. The 18th hole at Quail Hollow is a tricky one - it always got Mark. Nick says 16, 17, 18 are pretty tough at Quail Hollow, but 18 is particularly challenging.Nick and Mark talk about golfers they have based their game on at times - Mark was a wrap on Seve Ballesteros, and Nick talks about taking inspiration from Lee Trevino, and explains why he did, and what he took from him. Mark has a ripping photo of Lee Trevino, and he particularly likes the shoes! We've whacked it on socials. And we have feedback - Nick and Mark read out your social media comments, plenty of feedback on LIV last week. Mark talks about the chapter in Nick's book 'playing to your personality'. And some feedback from you on the masterclass from last week, where Nick chatted about mind drifting on the course. Top 5 this week is a ripper. Nick gives his Top 5 best putters who don't have the putter sitting flat. Leads to a hilarious story from Nick about Japanese golfer Isao Aoki - who knew Nick could speak Japanese? Perhaps not fluently - but he certainly knows enough to get by, and the story about Aoki has to be heard - brilliant.Talking results, the boys are impressed with how Geoff Ogilvy is still performing and making cuts, and a good start for Micheluzzi in his first start on the DP World Tour, and a special performance from Steve Alker.Mark remembers that we haven't gotten Graham Marsh on yet, we'll get onto that.And the masterclass this week is great. Nick takes us through Mark's suggestion of how to hit a 'short softy' on the green. Video is on socials.Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:BMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;PING will help you play your best;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;And watchMynumbers and Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Maj 202337min

What a weekend, all the excitement of the LIV Adelaide event, Mark Hensby won in Texas, and in Japan Lucas Herbert quietly wins his third DP World Tour title! So exciting!Nick O'Hern & Mark Allen talk extensively about LIV, Nick was there commentating, Mark was on the couch watching, so we've got it covered from both perspectives. Nick describes is as a party with a bit of golf, but he thought it was fantastic. Mark loved it and said it was compelling viewing but says fans are essential to the success of LIV, the crowds made it. Nick said that at Grange, what stood out to him was that music was playing everywhere all day, and the infrastructure was exceptional.Mark says that LIV showed how starved we have been in Australia of superstar lineups in tournaments, outside of Presidents Cup. And Nick says this brought non-golfing fans into the sport.Obviously a highlight was the great performance of Talor Gooch, with a dominant first two rounds leading to a victory - two rounds of 62 was impressive. And of course what about Chase Koepka's ace on the watering hole. Brilliant.Nick spoke with Greg Norman in Adelaide, and Greg made some fascinating comments about the LIV prize money. Nick explains on the podcast.And did Nick roll out the 'don't you know who I am' card to get an early car to the airport?Mark says that as much as he loved LIV, if you want to win majors, LIV isn't for you and the PGA is the main game. Nick agrees and whilst he also loved LIV, he says it has an exhibition feel rather than a tournament feel to it.But where to next for LIV? Nick and Mark discuss. Adelaide was great, but it's the first LIV tournament that has been so successful - Mark says Adelaide was the best LIV event by a squillion miles. Is that now the benchmark?Whilst LIV dominates conversation, understandably, the boys were very excited about Lucas Herbert and his great win in Japan - Mark talks about the luck with the drop, but Lucas took advantage of it. Nick and Mark talk about Lucas banging the ground with the club - Nick's not convinced it was legal, Mark is okay with it. Nick says that Lucas has the X-Factor. An exciting win! Mark Hensby won in Texas, a great win leading to Nick telling a story about being with Mark being at the White House and Mark accidentally setting something on fire in the ballroom of the White House. Mark makes a tip on Richard Green and reckons he is sure to get a big win at some point, he's that good. Nick agrees, and says it's a matter of time before Richard does something special.Mark talks about the international series of events that the PGA is putting on around the world, and he is 100% sure that Australia will get one of the events. He believes it will be in Victoria and explains why.The Top 5 today is from Mark, and he lists his Top 5 loudest moments in golf. Unsurprisingly, it becomes a Top 6 or 7, which is proving to be a pattern lately.And on the masterclass today - bouncing your putter, and moving your feet, before the shot to calm the nerves. Mark explains and refers to it as 'don't be a statue'.Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:BMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;PING will help you play your best;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;And watchMynumbers and Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 Apr 202342min

This week on the podcast Mark Allen is away, and tour pro Craig Spence covers for him again in a big show.Plenty of discussion points, particularly with the Aussies performance at the weekend - a great win from Grace Kim in Hawaii, Nick is a huge fan and explains why he loves her game. Strong performances also from Brett Drewitt, who nearly won at Arlington, and moves to #2 on the Korn Ferry points rankings, and Kevin Yuan had a great weekend in Vietnam.Nick and Craig discuss how strong the Korn Ferry tour is.A discussion around the PGA designated events, particularly around Rory McIlroy pulling out of the event which has attracted criticism. Including from Nick who calls it poor form from Rory.Nick has a problem with golfers playing slowly, his key target is Patrick Cantlay and Nick says something has to be done. He supports the introduction of a shot clock in golf, and tougher enforcement by rules officials. Nick's Top 5 this week is the slowest golfers of all time - Nick names them, Craig has one to add, and we'd love you to let us know if you've got any to add.Craig asks Nick what his secret is to handle pressure putting. Some great advice here from Nick for any golfer.They discuss Hilton Head and how great the course is, and how nice the people of South Carolina are.And this weekend, it's a big one, LIV comes to Adelaide - Nick and Craig discuss Greg Norman being everywhere at the moment, Nick bumped into Greg at Cathedral at the weekend and had a good chat. Craig says the list of LIV players in Adelaide is impressive, and is looking forward to seeing them play. Nick is not enamoured with the LIV format, but is still excited to watch it this weekend from the commentary box. The course they're playing, Grange, is an impressive track and Nick and Craig reckon it will play beautifully but will be a good test for the players.The Masterclass this week is on Matt Fitzpatrick and his shot into the final hole at the weekend, and the importance of reacting to the target rather than the ball. Video up on socials.Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:BMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;PING will help you play your best;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;And watchMynumbers and Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 Apr 202341min

This week Mark Allen is away and Nick O'Hern brings in his good mate Craig Spence off the bench to cover the void. Craig has his own solid pedigree of course, as a tour pro of 14-years, player on the US PGA for 3-years, and winner of the 1999 Australian Masters - so he's no slouch!Nick and Craig look over what happened at The Masters, with the fantastic win from Jon Rahm. They discuss the rules infraction of Koepka's caddie on day 1, was it a violation? Does it matter? Tiger Woods brave performance given his injury challenges. And the weather, and the trees falling! How nobody was injured, or worse, is unbelievable.Nick and Craig discuss Brooks Koepka's performance, and if the weather played a role. Nick believes professional golfers have to adapt to conditions, and he reckons in bad weather if you're leading, you're a good chance as it's harder to chase.Phil Mickelson - what a performance! Nick says that his form coming in was terrible, but he nailed it today, and his last round was awesome. Phil inspires Nick's Top 5 this week, where he lists his Top 5 golfers over 50 of all time. This leads into a discussion around anchoring, and what the solution may be.Nick and Craig discuss Rory and JT missing the cut in Augusta, and the disappointing week for the Aussies. In the Masterclass this week, Nick talks through bunker Jon Rahm's ripping 128 metre 8-iron little 3/4 cut around the trees onto the green - and how you can have this shot in your arsenal.Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:BMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;PING will help you play your best;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;And watchMynumbers and Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12 Apr 202343min

The US Masters are here!This is a bonus episode of Talk Birdie To Me with Nick O'Hern & Mark Allen talking everything Masters. The Chairman of The Masters has laid down the law to the media about how much LIV discussion they can have during The Masters. Mark hypotheses what will happen if a LIV golfer wins, and the other 17 players join for a big celebration. Mark reckons it could change golf forever. Nick’s got some great stories about when he played The Masters - including the time he was asked to tee off in incorrect order due to weather delays. Mark and Nick watched the Par 3 competition this morning, and Mark wants to know what it’s like, given Nick has played it a few times. The boys refer to it as a ‘celebration of golf’. Nick loves it, but it can get out of control if you’re behind some of the superstars with the autographs and photos.Nick and Mark discuss the new 13th tee at Augusta. Mark describes it as the most important hole in the world, and one of the most beautiful. Nick agrees, and says it is beautifully designed and it teases you. Nick is interested to see if the players take it on, or lay up. Nick tells a great story about over-riding what his caddy suggested on the 15th hole at Augusta ending with Nick saying ‘never again’.Sir Nick Faldo has an idea for slowing the ball down, Mark and Nick discuss, Mark is hot for it and reckons it's a ripper.Nick and Mark discuss Gary Players comments in recent days. They don’t hold back!There is a rumour about Mark missing his tee time at Augusta. Is it true? Mark explains. It has a tragic end, Tragic for Mark, funny for us.Nick and Mark run through the Australians in the masters and discuss their form and how they reckon they’ll go, and then they put their flag in the ground and name who they think will win. Nick is confident with his pick, Mark reckons a different player will win and gives his rationale.Whoever wins - it's a big weekend on the way !!Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:BMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;PING will help you play your best;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;And watchMynumbers and Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 Apr 202341min

David Micheluzzi is in a purple patch of form, and after numerous phone calls, emails, texts, faxes, our people talking to his people, finally Nick cornered him on a golf course and he agreed to come on the pod.In this bonus episode of Talk Birdie To Me, Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen get under the hood of David Micheluzzi's stunning 2022/2023.Including the story of when his coach said to him: 'How are you so good, yet this one aspect of your game is so shit', and what part of his game he needed to address.Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:BMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;PING will help you play your best;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;And watchMynumbers and Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 Apr 202319min

What a massive week in golf, The Masters is around the corner, and The National has just finished. Mark can’t believe how Tom Power Horan marked his ball at The National, and Nick thinks he might be onto something. Mark played a round with a 'kid' who marked his ball with something even more unusual. The National was great - even with the 'commentators curse' - and what Tom Power Horan did on the 8th hole was magical. Nick and Mark explain on the podcast. Mark talks about the opportunities that now present for David Micheluzzi after his recent performances, and we'll chat to him in a bonus episode on Wednesday this week (if he answers his phone!). Nick and Mark touch on Michael Wright holing a 40-footer for a birdie on the last to keep his tour card. So good.Nick talks about playing at Royal Pines back in the day and being mic'd up whilst playing.Mark reads a message he received from Bradley Hughes where he outlined one of his teaching philosophies. Both Nick and Mark love it. Particularly one line from Bradley, the boys discuss.Mark was surprised to hear that there are 18 LIV players who are in The Masters this weekend, and he talks about Greg Norman's comments about a potential LIV celebration should one of those players win. Will be fascinating to see, if it happens. Nick doesn't feel the LIV players, generally, are coming into The Masters with the best of form - Nick lists his favourites.Mark had homework, which was to arrange Graham Marsh as a guest - has he done his job? Well no. Maybe next week. Letters to the Editor is back, we love your feedback - plenty of comments on Jason Day and whether he can win The Masters.Baseball has introduced a new rule which has shortened games by an hour or so, and Nick and Mark reckon there is a lesson in this for golf. A 'no-brainer' is what Mark describes it as.Nick runs us through all the results from the last few days, including the disappointing result for Justice Bosio. Dimi Papadatos got so close in Chile, but not quite the win - still a great result. Masters is on this week, and we'll have a Masters special later this week. Nick counts down his Top 5 Masters Moments - we want to know your great moments, let us know on the socials.In the Masterclass this week, Nick talks through bunker shots and the importance of acceleration.Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:BMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;PING will help you play your best;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;And watchMynumbers and Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 Apr 202340min