Episode 34: Tom Watson

In this episode Ted and Brian stray away from golf a little to talk with longtime PGA TOUR caddie Neil Oxman.  Neil is also the co-founder and President of the Campaign Group.  His company has been involved with over 600 elections so he has some interesting insights pertaining the Presidential Race.  He talks about how Donald Trump's brush with death has boosted him in the polls.  He also talks about how Joe Biden needs to combat Trump's rise in popularity.  He also gives his prediction on who wins in November, and who wins the Open Championship.  It's an interesting look inside the race from an interesting man.  

No need for a guest for this episode.  Ted Bishop, who has been in the thick of Ryder Cup Teams brings great insight into the selection of Keegan Bradley as The U.S. Ryder Cup Captain for 2025.  Ted tells us why Keegan wasn't the PGA of America's first choice.  He explains how the 'task force' works and why it may not be in the best interest of the team.  He also gives advice to Keegan on how to handle his captain's role.  Ted takes inside the team room on this one!

In this episode Ted and Brian are joined by one of the true legends of the game.  The great Nancy Lopez.  Nancy talks about how Nelly Korda has taken over the role she once had as the face of women's golf and how she needs to face that responsibility.  She also gives Caitlin Clark good advice on how to handle being the most famous female athlete in the world.  Nancy also names her best women players of all-time.  It's a must listen!

This episode features former PGA TOUR player and broadcaster Mark Lye.  Mark is his usual outspoken self when he addresses Rory's finish at the U.S. Open and why Bryson DeChambeau is becoming one of the more popular players in golf.  Mark also addresses why LIV golf is thriving for so many players and how the tour had a chance to avoid the current situation.  We touch a lot of topics and Mark is a great listen!

Geoff Shackelford is the guest in this episode.  Geoff is one of the most respected writers in the golf media.  He's also a course designer and has some interesting takes on what annoys him in modern course architecture.  Geoff also thinks the current split in professional golf could be long lasting.  He also breaks down the favorites at the upcoming U.S. Open at Pinehurst #2.   He's an interesting guy with some interesting takes.  Give it a listen!

In this episode Ted and Brian are joined by GolfWeek Senior Writer Adam Schupak from the PGA Championship.  Adam gives his thoughts on who the favorites are at the PGA.  He also delves into the latest happenings behind the scenes between the PGA TOUR and LIV Golf.    We also talk about Nelly Korda.  Can she become the face of the women's game and do for the women what Tiger did for the men's game.  It's an interesting discussion from one of golf's insiders.  

Gary Williams is one of the more respected voices in the golf media.  In this episode he talks about how he went from being an intern for Joe Biden to the host of Morning Drive on Golf Channel for many years and now a part of the 5 Clubs media platform.  Gary also talks about the state of the game today, the low television ratings and whether or not Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda can be the face of their sport.  It's a great listen with some interesting perspectives.  

This is a special episode leading up to the Masters.  8 time major champion Tom Watson joins us to talk about the keys to his success.  He talks about how losing the 1974 US Open helped him get his first win two weeks later.  Tom discloses when he realized he could beat Jack Nicklaus.  He also discusses what he calls the 'secret' to his swing.  It's a compelling listen with one of the all time greats

In this episode we speak with an expert on the golf industry.   Guy Cipriano is the Editor in Chief of the Golf Course Industry Magazine.   He talks about the trends in new golf courses being built, what the golf course of the future might look like and which architect he would choose to build a golf course today.  Guy also is bullish on off-course golf that is bringing more and more people to the game.  It's an interesting conversation about the game we love.  

In this episode the CEO of the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of American joins Ted and Brian to talk about the unsung hero in golf, the Superintendent.    Rhett talks about how technology is helping in golf course maintenance, what golfers can do to help and what golf needs to do as a sport to maintain the momentum it has seen since Covid.  Join us for this very interesting conversation.