The Great Shorts Controversy of 2016
Shorts are now OK for players to wear during European Tour practice rounds and pro-ams, and the golf world is in a tizzy. Why? Who cares? And then we put this new policy in the context of the tour's new pace-of-play policy, showing why penalty strokes for slow play are not on the horizon. Finally, we dig into the Golf Scientist Bryson DeChambeau and why he is such a compelling figure.
30m Jan 21, 2016
30m
The evolution of Jordan Spieth & Patrick Reed
Jordan Spieth kicked off his 2016 with a dominant, eight-shot win at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. While he demonstrated improvement in several facets of his game, perhaps the most impressive was the way he has figured out how to win every which way. Meanwhile, Patrick Reed didn't successfully defend his title at Kapalua, but he's evolving from a boisterous player to an assured champion.
34m Jan 16, 2016
34m
The 19th Hole Golf Show: Why Jordan Spieth's 2016 doesn't matter
In the 2016 opener for The 19th Hole Golf Show, we talk about Jordan Spieth's view that he isn't playing this season as an encore to his incredible 2015. What does he mean by that and why does that make a lot of sense to him -- and other athletes -- but not to the general public? We look at Spieth's comments in the context of the careers of Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, including the need fo...
33m Jan 07, 2016
33m
The 19th Hole Golf Show: Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and what will define future greatness
Jack Nicklaus was asked about Tiger Woods' quest to catch him for about the zillionth time. But what will Tiger Woods say when he's asked about the next generation catching him AND Jack? Will we lower the bar for what makes a great player?
29m Dec 17, 2015
29m
The 19th Hole Golf Show: Why golf needs to ditch The Donald
Donald Trump's fascist tone toward immigrants and Muslims is grounds for golf's most important bodies to disassociate themselves from the billionaire presidential candidate. Also, we talk about the difficulty for middle-class players to play great public courses, and why finding those great affordable public courses would be a boon for the sport.
28m Dec 09, 2015
28m
The 19th Hole Golf Show: Tiger Woods Comes to Terms With The End
In a Tuesday news conference at the Hero World Challenge, Tiger Woods sounded like a man who knew the end was near. We talk about why that made us sad and reflect on why we care so much when our sports heroes start to fade away. We also talk about Woods' legacy compared to that of Nicklaus, Hogan and Snead. Finally, we wonder if Woods has inspired a brand of golf that will further shorten the c...
28m Dec 03, 2015
28m
The 19th Hole Golf Show: Tiger, Furyk and Stricker as Ryder Cup assistants captains
Davis Love III named Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker as 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup assistant captains, but what does that announcement do for the team and what impact do assistant captains really have on the biennial matches? We discuss. We also implore Adam Scott to stop complaining about the Olympic format. Finally, we talk about the season-ending tournaments on the LPGA and European tours...
28m Nov 18, 2015
28m
The 19th Hole Golf Show: Changing the winning formula on the PGA Tour
In the wake of first-timers winning the first five events of the new PGA Tour season, it' time to ask the question if the style of golf required to win has changed. We talk about that in the context of Phil Mickelson firing Butch Harmon, and wonder if this style has evolved from the success of Vijay Singh in the 2000s.
31m Nov 11, 2015
31m
Will golf's youth movement lead to flaming out sooner?
Smylie Kaufman becomes the second 20-something in this new PGA Tour season to win, and it makes us wonder what skills these young guys possess that prior generations didn't that lets them win so young and so often. Then, on the heels of Ian Poulter's catharsis about the nature of pro golf, we wonder if the grind of the game won't lead to shorter careers in the future.
34m Oct 29, 2015
34m
On taking pride in the content we consume
A day after our report looking at some of golf social media's most egregious content lifters, stealers and plagiarizers, we talk about why these accounts are dangerous for folks who do create things in our industry. We also look at how our culture of a "free Internet" has bred sites and accounts like theses and what consumers could do to prevent them from continuing to pop up.
29m Oct 22, 2015
29m
Reviewing the best Presidents Cup...ever?
We put a bow on the 2015 Presidents Cup, including if the new format worked (it did), how Nick Price and his players screwed up a great opportunity, what Phil Mickelson meant to the U.S. team (a lot) and why Brandel Chamblee's comments about Mickelson and Tiger Woods not deserving to be American captains is absolutely asinine. We also look at why the One Ball Rule justifies that fans can call i...
31m Oct 14, 2015
31m
Is this the best we'll ever see Jordan Spieth play?
Now that Jordan Spieth has put the finishing touches on a historic season that included two majors, five wins and the FedEx Cup, the question is if he can replicate that kind of season again. We look at some of the headwinds Spieth will face in trying to keep up winning as he has been this year. While he's an above average length player, he relies on putting to score, which is a skill that ero...
30m Oct 02, 2015
30m
Solheim Cup kerfuffle and Jason Day as Player of the Year
We dig into the Solheim Cup and the controversy surrounding the conceded putt that wasn't, Suzann Pettersen's reaction and apology, and whether or not it overshadows a great overall match. We also discuss if Jason Day should be PGA Tour Player of the Year with a Tour Championship and FedEx Cup win.
28m Sep 23, 2015
28m
When to end the FedEx Cup and improving the Web.com Tour
The FedEx Cup playoffs resume this week with the first of the final two events at the BMW Championship. But should the playoffs, and season, end sooner? We discuss. Also, we make the case for the Web.com Tour needs bigger purses and a grander stage, seeing as though it's billed as the future of the PGA Tour and, many weeks, is the second-best tour on the planet.
28m Sep 16, 2015
28m
Why prematurely naming a new Big Three is a mistake
Golf seems in a rush to name Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Rory McIlroy as golf's new Big Three. However, as Rickie Fowler demonstrated on Monday at the Deutsche Bank Championship, that call is probably premature. And there are others already on Tour, with more coming, looking to join the party. We also look at the miscue of picking Phil Mickelson for the U.S. Presidents Cup team.
32m Sep 09, 2015
32m
FedEx Cup playoffs preview and searching for answers in the face of tragedy
If you just want golf, skip the first 14 minutes of the show, where we talk about the tragic murder of two journalists on live TV in Virginia and the important conversations we need to stop and have so we can move forward as a better society. The second half of the show is a preview of The Barclays, including a suggestion for a better, yet reasonable, finish to the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup.
30m Aug 26, 2015
30m
A new Day, or the short reign of Spieth?
Jason Day captured the PGA Championship and put a cap on one of the best major seasons in history. We talk about why this year means even bigger things for golf moving forward. We give a mini eulogy for the Tiger and Phil Era, while keeping hope alive for one zombie run by the two greats. Finally, we wonder about the future relevance of Whistling Straits and other major venues thanks to advance...
31m Aug 19, 2015
31m
Rory at the PGA? Tiger's getting better & getting news right
Rory McIlroy seems likely to play in the PGA Championship given his Wednesday workout video, so what chance does the world No. 1 have to successfully defend the Wanamaker trophy? Tiger Woods showed some signs of improvement at the Quicken Loans National, and we explain how a familiar Woods narrative is starting to take shape. But can Woods figure out how to avoid the catastrophic shots? Final...
32m Aug 05, 2015
32m
Is Rory out for the PGA? Has Tiger Woods fired Chris Como?
In this week's show, we start with what we might glean from Rory McIlroy missing the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. We touch on Tiger Woods' indifference about golf and that he has perhaps fired Chris Como to seek his own golf game. Finally, Robert Allenby reaps what he sews in his incident with ex-caddie Mick Middlemo.
28m Jul 29, 2015
28m
Can Jordan Spieth win the British Open?
On the eve of the 144th British Open, a storm is forming that could do in Jordan Spieth's chances at winning the Claret Jug and get a step closer to the single-season Grand Slam. So who will win at the Home of Golf? We look at Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Adam Scott, as well some dark-horse players.
24m Jul 16, 2015
24m
Why and how golf needs to move on from Donald Trump
Donald Trump was a ticking time bomb, and golf knew it when it made deals with him to host big tournaments at his properties. Now that the bomb has gone off, how does golf escape, knowing its poor past with gender, racial and income equality? Also, we look at the PGA Tour's anti-doping program and the exposure of more problems in the wake of Scott Stallings' suspension.
30m Jul 09, 2015
30m
Is Bubba Watson Wasting His Talent?
Bubba Watson won the Travelers Championship in a playoff for the second time and his eighth-career PGA Tour win. However, given his strength and talent, why isn't Watson winning more often? Is he squandering his talent with his mental approach? Also, we touch on the Tiger Woods and Amanda Dufner-Boyd rumor.
28m Jul 01, 2015
28m
U.S. Open review
With Jordan Spieth halfway to the Grand Slam, was the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay a good idea? Did Mike Davis nail the setup? Was the fan experience as bad as advertised? How did Fox do with their first Open? Ryan Ballengee digs in and answers all those questions.
35m Jun 23, 2015
35m
U.S. Open chat with Gary Player
Nine-time major champion Gary Player sat down with Ryan Ballengee for over 30 minutes on Wednesday at the U.S. Open to talk about Chambers Bay, his Grand Slam, the majors, the state of golf around the world and what golf needs to do to thrive again.
28m Jun 23, 2015
28m
Talking golf's future with author Shane Ryan
Shane Ryan, author of the new book, "Slaying the Tiger: A Year Inside the Ropes on the New PGA Tour," joins the show to talk about his favorite PGA Tour characters from the book, what went into the year-long reporting effort and his takeaways on media, access and players after a season on the beat.
34m Jun 10, 2015
34m
U.S. Open preview with Hunter Mahan
Six-time PGA Tour winner Hunter Mahan joins the show to talk about the upcoming U.S Open at Chambers Bay, his endurance in the FedEx Cup playoffs, fatherhood and fulfilling his potential as a major champion.
25m Jun 10, 2015
25m
Is Rory McIlroy in trouble?
Rory McIlroy stunned golf with a 9-over 80 to open the Irish Open on Thursday. Combined with his 78 to miss the cut at the BMW PGA Championship, is that reason to worry about his major chances this summer? We also give some love to the NCAA Women's Golf Championship and the Stanford Cardinal.
28m May 28, 2015
28m
There are no great golf rivalries
After golf collectively got excited about the prospect of a new Big Three of Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler, the world No. 1 quelled that talk with two wins in his last three starts. But here's the thing: There hasn't been a great golf rivalry in the last half-century that didn't involve Jack Nicklaus. We explain why and how it'll be difficult for a great rivalry to ever surface ...
31m May 21, 2015
31m
Rickie Fowler realizes his potential
Rickie Fowler picked up his second PGA Tour win on a big stage at The Players Championship, winning a three-man playoff after playing the final six holes of regulation in a staggering 6 under par. We talk about what this means for Fowler moving forward and if it might translate into a major championship this season. We also talk about the momentum golf now enjoys heading into the U.S. Open and...
29m May 13, 2015
29m
Comparing two young greats: Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth
In light of their recent wins, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy have clearly set themselves up for a potentially lengthy rivalry for domination of the sport as Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods exit the main stage. We look at both players' styles and why, despite their differences, they work so well for them individually. We also look at the developing landscape in golf media and what it means to be...
39m May 06, 2015
39m
Reflections on Baltimore and learning golf in Charm City
With so many horrible images of Baltimore -- a city I love and spent so many of my formative years in -- on TV this last week, it seemed worthwhile to offer a few reflections on Charm City in the context of its role in teaching me the game of golf. The city's golf courses, especially Carroll Park, were critical in bringing me to fully fledged participation in the sport.
25m Apr 29, 2015
25m
Masters Review with Paul McGinley
Paul McGinley, winning 2014 Ryder Cup captain, joined the show to talk about Jordan Spieth's approach to the Masters and how he took control of the event. The Irishman also shared his views on how Rory McIlroy turned around his Masters in the final 45 holes, as well how Justin Rose did in standing toe-to-toe with Spieth.
18m Apr 16, 2015
18m
Masters Preview with Gary Player
Gary Player joins us to talk about the Big Three, who he likes to win the Masters, the pressure Rory McIlroy is under to complete the career Grand Slam like he did and the importance of Tiger Woods playing well to the sport of golf worldwide.
20m Apr 09, 2015
20m
Talking "Men in Green" with SI's Michael Bamberger
Michael Bamberger is one of the best golf writers and reporters in the business, and he's come out with a new book, "Men in Green," which details his journey to learn more about 18 legends -- some obvious, some not so much -- in a trip back to a different era of the sport.
35m Apr 01, 2015
35m
Playing golf with Bernhard Langer and wondering when Tiger will play again
We discuss playing golf with Bernhard Langer, his approach to golf and share other fun stories about the two-time Masters winner. Then we spend a few minutes discussing when, if ever, Tiger Woods will play tournament golf again with confidence.
28m Mar 27, 2015
28m
Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and the Future of Golf
Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and Sean O'Hair gave us the Show of the Year at the Valspar Championship. What did we learn about Spieth and Reed, and their chances to win the Masters? What did can Sean O'Hair teach Tiger Woods about busting a mental slump?
27m Mar 18, 2015
27m
Patrick Reed vs. the Media and PEDs in Golf
Patrick Reed has escalated a conflict with author Shane Ryan over allegations in a forthcoming book, but it's only hurting his cause. Meanwhile, John Daly assails the PGA Tour's anti-doping program, already under fire for how it has handled the cases of Vijay Singh and Dustin Johnson.
27m Mar 11, 2015
27m
What on Earth Was Dan Olsen Thinking?
We give some backstory on Dan Olsen's false accusations about a Tiger Woods suspension, as well some context to the issues faced by caddies at The Honda Classic last weekend.
24m Mar 03, 2015
24m
A Brand New U.S. Approach to the Ryder Cup
Davis Love III is the new-old 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup captain, and he's front man for a new approach to the biennial matches. Are the changes good? Why did it take a task force to implement common sense? And what happens if the U.S. loses?
23m Feb 25, 2015
23m
On the Futures of Davis Love III and Tiger Woods
We wonder if Davis Love III is the right man to be the 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup captain and when, if ever, Tiger Woods' game will be tournament ready.
26m Feb 18, 2015
26m
Remembering Billy Casper
A look at the life and legacy of Billy Casper, recalled through his autobiography and multiple personal conversations and time spent with the golf legend. What a life as a golfer and a man.
25m Feb 11, 2015
25m
What is wrong with Tiger Woods?
It seems Tiger Woods hit rock bottom at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, posting his worst-ever round as a pro. Is this true bottom? If Woods can't shake the chipping yips, will he walk away from golf? Then, on the other end, Brooks Koepka adds his name to the list of golf's future stars.
26m Feb 03, 2015
26m
What really happpened to Robert Allenby?
Some 12 days after Robert Allenby's weird Friday night in Honolulu, we still don't have a clear picture of what happened. So let's figure it out based on all the info we have and a little detective work.
28m Jan 28, 2015
28m
Ruining the 16th at the Phoenix Open
The PGA Tour has decided to crack down on how players and caddies interact with the rowdy fans at the par-3 16th at TPC Scottsdale. Why now? What for? We'll discuss that and Patrick Reed's journey to becoming a top-tier player in golf.
23m Jan 14, 2015
23m
Previewing the Tournament of Champions
The PGA Tour is back with the first event of 2015, the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. We preview the Hawaii-based event and who we like to do well, including Matt Kuchar and Bubba Watson. We also reveal where Tiger Woods will start his 2015 season.
24m Jan 07, 2015
24m
Get Excited for 2015 Golf!
As the calendar rolls over into 2015, there's so much to be excited about in golf's new year. From Rory McIlroy to Tiger Woods, from Jordan Spieth to Lydia Ko, and so much more, it's going to be a good year.
22m Dec 18, 2014
22m
Tiger Woods across the River Jordan at the Hero
How did Tiger Woods look in his return at the Hero World Challenge? What expectations should we have for Woods going into 2015? On the other end of the leaderboard, the sky is the limit for winner Jordan Spieth, despite what he says.
26m Dec 11, 2014
26m
Does the modern golfer want a home course?
A golf industry observer feels modern players don't associate club membership with prosperity, but rather as an entertainment option. Do you agree? Would you rather have a home course or play all over? And we'll discuss why that preference change may reflect the golf course industry.
16m Dec 05, 2014
16m
Will Tiger Woods matter in 2015?
Tiger Woods returns to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge, and we're wondering what kind of player will show up Isleworth, and if that guy will matter in 2015.
26m Dec 01, 2014
26m
Tiger Woods v. Dan Jenkins
Tiger Woods responds with fury to a parody interview written by Dan Jenkins and published in the December issue of Golf Digest. What was gained by all of this? Where does Woods go from here in how he deals with the broader media?
27m Nov 19, 2014
27m