17. Easton Key - APSU

MILESTONE EPISODE ALERT!!!Ben Adelberg (The Back of the Range) has single-handedly lifted the way college golf has been covered.Since 2018, Ben has devoted countless hours traveling the world to cover the best amateurs on the planet. Any player, tournament, or venue that's mattered in the past eight years of Am golf, Ben has been front and center providing commentary, taking photos, and telling stories all in an effort to grow the way Am golf is covered.Ben is an incredible host, mentor, and friend and we couldn't more honored to have him on to close out 2026.Enjoy!

Yixiang Wang is currently ranked #2 in WAGR for People's Republic of China, is about to participate in the Asia-Pacific Am, and just had two top-5s to begin his senior year at the University of Memphis.In this episode, James and Yixiang sit down and talk about growing up in Dalian (China), moving to Memphis, and what has contributed to his success so far. We wrap up the episode with a test to see how well Yixiang knows his University of Memphis teammates. We had a blast hanging out with Yixiang and believe you will too!!

THE BACKYARD CUP EP. 3 --> OUT NOWLogan Linkmeyer aka "Link" stops by the pod to talk through The Backyard Cup, becoming a videographer for NBA superstars, and his journey into YouTube golf.Link and his team just pulled off one of the biggest YouTube golf events of all-time. 10 NBA players vs 10 content creators at Pinehurst #2. James and Link talk through production and what it took for him to land one of the coolest jobs in all of professional sports.Logan is the best, man. ENJOY!!

Harrison Sims is just an elite human being.After a stellar amateur career, Harrison committed to a Top-40 program (Cincinnati) with the hopes of making it to the PGA Tour. Like most collegiate golfers (> 99% to be exact), Harrison realized, in time, those "hopes" were never going to materialize.What happens when the single most important piece of your identity suddenly becomes untrue?In this episode, James and Harrison discuss the identity crisis high-level golfers' experience when their games are in question, and how Jesus' love and acceptance can free you from the overwhelming burdens of "being in the arena."...I'm super grateful for this episode and for Harrison's friendship. A couple of "chance" encounters went in to making this episode a reality and I'm stoked at the finished product. After graduating from UC this past year, Harrison enrolled in Beeson Divinity School to pursue his Masters of Divinity and has also gone on staff with College Golf Fellowship to serve college golfers in the Birmingham region. What's more? In less than 4 months, my dog is getting married!! ENJOY!!! - James

Tad Griffin aka "Clutch Mikey" stops by Swing State University to reminisce with the boys (Anthony De Schutter & James) on the greatest golf interview of all time.In the funniest episode to date, we talk what it's like to go viral, Waffle House NIL deals, and so much more.You do not want to miss this episode..."Mess around and find out" --> We dare you!

Johnny Tan!!In 2023, Johnny opened the coolest golf & coffee third space the world had ever seen (Johnny's Golf Shop). Since then, Johnny has become a leading golf content creator in Australia, telling stories and providing reviews for some of the most meaningful courses in the country (JohnnysGolfShots). Johnny also serves as the co-host of the Tee It Up Podcast... a podcast devoted to In-depth player interviews, weekly tournament previews, and behind-the-scenes insights. Recent episodes have featured prominent guests like Lucas Herbert breaking down major and LIV Golf performances.Johnny is as big of a golf sicko as he is an amazing human being and we couldn't be more grateful to share an hour with him this past month.Swing State University, Season 2.

College golf is back!!And we couldn't think of a better guest to kick of the 26-27 season than with Blake Smart, head coach of the Memphis Tigers. Coach Smart and the Tigers are coming off a National Championship appearance this past season and with four returning starters to the lineup, they will look to leverage that experience heading into the new year.From being an All-American as a player, to accepting a D1 head coaching position at 25, coaching at Oklahoma with Ryan Hybl, recruiting Brad Dalke, learning how to recruit the city of Memphis, and more... Coach Smart has seen it all in this industry... and whose journey is worth the listen!Catch the Tigers in action next week at the Visit Knoxville Collegiate beginning August 31st!

We got Bhavi!!Bhavi Sohal stops by campus to drop some gems on turning pro, creating golf content, and what it looks like to work for one of the game's sickest grip manufacturers (Garsen Golf).The former Oakland University Golden Grizzly and Horizon League All-Conference ATHLETE has begun to pave the way for golf content creators and is an absolutely joy to be around. Stay to the end for a college golf logo blind ranking for the ages!!Swing State University, Season 2.

WE GOT A HEAD COACH!Easton Key, head coach of the Austin Peay State Governors, joins the pod on the brink of the fall season as our FIRST head coach in Swing State University history. As we reflect on his 12-year career in college coaching, we talk about All-Americans he's coached, recruiting The Delta vs. Middle TN, and we look ahead to the 26-27 season with the Govs. Easton is the man! A true SSU DAY ONE and friend of the pod! This is a fun one!

Season 2 is here!!This week on Swing State University, we are joined by Mason McAnnally (PT, DPT), founder and CEO of ProLevel Phyisio. Based out of Birmingham, AL, ProLevel seeks to build stronger, faster, and more resilient golfers by leveraging an individualized approach to fitness and rehab.During his career, Mason has worked with some of the best golfers on the planet (Gordon Sargant, Smylie Kaufman, Trey Mullinax, etc.), elite college players, all the way down to the weekend warrior all in an effort to increase athleticism and mobility for his clients.Mason is TPI Level 2 certified, an incredible leader, and is the best hang. We couldn't think of a more fitting guest to kick off Season 2 of Swing State University than Mason. This one's special!