State Of The Game: Recent Episodes
TalkinGolf Productions
State of the Game was one of the first golf podcasts to hit the internet and remains one of the most respected. Hosted by Rod Morri and boasting two of the game's most important voices in co-hosts Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford, State of the Game is the go to podcast for untainted and unfiltered analysis of the game at every level. If you're looking for swing tips and gear reviews you've come to the wrong place but for thoughtful discussion about the big issues facing the game you'll find this a comfortable home.
Despite almost no detail of how it will play out the announcement by the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund that they have ceased legal hostilities and will instead join forces has rocked the golf world. What does it mean? Who knows but there is much to speculate on. It's also not the only thing happening in the golf world with a most intriguing US Open coming up at the Georgee Thomas designed LACC next week plus the release of co host Geoff Shackelford's latest book.
Let's leave the parlous state of world golf behind for a while and get back to talking one of our favourite topics here on SOG: course architecture. On Ep 124 Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri welcome Mike Devries and Mat Goggin for an update on the highly anticipated Seven Mile Beach project in Hobart, Tasmania. For those playing the drinking game Ep 124 will be disappointing...you can leave the bottle opener in the drawer as there's not a single mention of distance (or even LIV Golf!)
Let's leave the parlous state of world golf behind for a while and get back to talking one of our favourite topics here on SOG: course architecture. On Ep 124 Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri welcome Mike Devries and Mat Goggin for an update on the highly anticipated Seven Mile Beach project in Hobart, Tasmania. For those playing the drinking game Ep 124 will be disappointing...you can leave the bottle opener in the drawer as there's not a single mention of distance (or even LIV Golf!)
Theodore Roosevelt said it best in his 'Man in the Arena' speech more than 100 years ago and we took note in this episode of State of the Game. Matt Griffin, who teed up at the 150th Open, joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk all things St Andrews.
It won't go away but LIV Golf and all its implications can take a back seat for the next two weeks as golf hopefully celebrates everything good about the game with an Open Championship at the Old Course. Come along for the ride as Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton talk all things St Andrews.
There's probably not a lot left to say on the LIV Golf situation but when you get the chance to pick the brains of someone as smart as Joe Ogilvie you grab it.
It's happening too slowly for many but it does look like it IS happening. Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to discuss the 'under the radar' distance announcement, TPC Sawgrass, the Saudi League and more.
The Mickelson mess, the Norman missive, the distance report, beer throwing at Phoenix, falling TV ratings...take your pick we discuss it all with Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton on Ep 119 of State of the Game.
It was the most intriguing tournament of the year on multiple fronts but does the Sandbelt Invitational have a future? Tournament Director and State of the Game co-host Mike Clayton joins Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri for an in depth and behind the scenes look at the event that had golf nerds the world over salivating.
Having trouble keeping up with who's who and what's what in the tumultuous world of rival golf leagues? Join the club. Thankfully, State of the Game co-host Geoff Shackelford is across it all as he joins Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to explain the evolving world Golf Order, the green reading book ban and the intriguing Sandbelt Invitational.
In a world of all too often non-descript players, Korea's So Yeon Ryu stands out. Intelligent, thoughtful, eloquent and funny - all in a second language - what a treat it was to welcome the former World Number One to episode 116 alongside Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri.
It's that time in the golf cycle again....the interminable wait for the Ryder Cup to get underway. With a week and a bit to go before the first ball is struck former European Tour player now Sky Sorts commentator Andrew Coltart joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk all things Whistling Straits and more.
McKellar Magazine co-founder Lawrence Donegan joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk about his recent trip to Scotland, the performance of his son Niall at the British Boys Championship, the success and future of McKellar magazine and more. And there's a special reward for those who stick around till the end, after you hear it click the link below and enjoy. To take advantage of the special offer at the McKellar website (https://www.mckellarmagazine.com/shop/), enter SOTG in the coupon code at checkout
For just the second time in its 12-year history, State of the Game bears an 'Explicit' badge this week. Why, you ask? You'll need to listen to find out but among the topics covered are: Is 'Strategic Alliance' really just code for a PGA Tour takeover of the European Tour? And if so, is that a bad thing? One of sports business' best analysts Richard Gillis joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 113 to dissect what's happening at the top end of professional golf. If you have any interest in the business of sport, no matter what level, subscribe to the Unofficial Partner (https://www.unofficialpartner.com) newsletter and tune in to their podcasts twice a week.
Washington journalist and golf nut Arthur MacMillan joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to chat Premier Golf League, Jon Rahm and Covid, the US Open and plenty more.
The impact of Hideki's win in his homeland and the PGA Tour's Player Impact Program. Plenty to talk about when eight time major winning caddy and Japan resident Tom Watson joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri for Episode 111 of State of the Game.
Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton have been two of the most consistent and credible voices in the distance debate for the past 20 years and with the governing bodies looking likely to finally act, they have their say on Episode 110.
He writes too infrequently but when Phil Blackmar puts pen to paper it is always worth reading. The former PGA Tour player turned Golf Channel analyst joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 109 to talk about his most recent blog post, Golf's Biggest Self. You can read the post here (https://pblackmar.wordpress.com/2021/01/02/golfs-biggest-self/) and the rest of Blackmar's blog posts here. (https://pblackmar.wordpress.com) Also, make sure to sign up for Geoff Shackelford's new email newsletter The Quadilateral (https://www.thequadrilateral.golf) to keep up with all things Majors related from one of the game's few truly independent voices.
A look at the 2020 Masters from both inside and outside the ropes when Lukas Michel joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri.
On Episode 107 we welcome author Daniel Wexler to discuss his latest book A Timeless Game but quickly run off topic into the future of golf in urban centres, equipment technology and the distance debate and there is some pontificating early on about Brandel Chamblee's personal attack on co-host Mike Clayton and those who agree with his views on the game. Find Daniel's book on Amazon here (https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Game-Some-Thoughts-Topics/dp/B08CWB7QYH/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=A+Timeless+Game&qid=1604004500&sr=8-1)
It's the topic everyone is talking about but not everyone is Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford. Two of the most respected voices in the game weigh in on Bryson, Winged Foot and the future of golf.
Will Bryson DeChambeau change the game? What is the role of mentors in golf? How much time should a US Open champion spend on YouTube and Instagram looking at golf swings? All that and more on Episode 105 of State of the Game with Geoff Shackelford, Geoff Ogilvy and Mike Clayton. Links menitoned on this episode: Sandy Jamieson's brilliant 1Club (https://1club.golf)concept The TalkinGolf Network (https://talkingolf.com) The Thing About Golf (https://talkingolf.com/show/the-thing-about-golf/) podcast episode with Karrie Webb Geoff Shackelford on Twitter (https://twitter.com/GeoffShac) and his new Podcast The Shack Show (https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vSFNXMzMxODgyNjcyNQ) Mike Clayton on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mikeclaytongolf) Rod Morri on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Rod_Morri)
With professional golf on hold for the foreseeable future only one thing is certain: the pay for play game will look very different on the other side of the Corona Virus pandemic. Can the European Tour survive the current crisis and if not will it be the PGA Tour or the Premier Golf League that becomes its saviour? Just one of the myriad questions pondered when Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by sports business expert Richard Gillis on Episode 104 of State of the Game. Links mentioend on this episode: Geoff Shackelford on Twitter (https://twitter.com/GeoffShac) and his new Podcast The Shack Show (https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vSFNXMzMxODgyNjcyNQ) Mike Clayton on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mikeclaytongolf) Rod Morri on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Rod_Morri) Richard Gillis on Twitter (https://twitter.com/RichardGillis1) and the excellent Unofficial Partner (https://www.unofficialpartner.com/podcast) Podcast
It's all anybody's talking about. Including us. The Corona Virus has touched every facet of life, golf included, and is going to do so for the foreseeable future. What does it mean for professional and recreational golf? Who knows? Certainly not Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri but we chat about it anyway.
Finally. That's been the predominant response to the Distance Insights Report released earlier this week, a document that may well change the shape of the game for decades to come. Among the most vocal agitators for action on this issue for the past two decades have been Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford and on Ep 102 they have their say on the report and what it means.
Not for the first time a World Golf Tour has been proposed with the noble intention of having 'the best play against the best more often'. Premier League Golf has been in the planning for several years and many of the world's top players have admitted to being interested. But can the PGA Tour put a stop to it and if not what would that mean for the Tour and the rest of world golf? Join Geoff Shackelford - the journalist who broke the story - Mike Clayton and Rod Morri as they ponder the potential fallout.
It was exactly eight years ago today we released Episode One of 'The golf podcast that talks about stuff that matters' and 100 shows later has anything really changed in the game? The answer - as always - is both yes and no. There are dozens more golf podcasts to choose from, 'fan media' is apparently a thing and both the European and PGA Tours have different leaders. But the ball still goes too far, lots of players still don't 'get it' and Mike Clayton is still - despite what Miguel Angel Jimenez might say - the most interesting man in golf (as well as being among its greatest contributors). Episode 100 is not a look back show but if you're in the market for an interesting experiment head to the link below and have a listen to that first episode and you'll hear many of the same themes resonate in the game in 2020. Links for this episode: Network sponsor The Golf Society (https://www.thegolfsociety.com.au/pages/talkingolf) The debut episode of State of the Game (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/1)
State of the Game co-host Mike Clayton has some very special news to share on episode 99 of the show. After almost 10 years alongside Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking and Ashley Mead in the OCCM design firm the former European Tour player has departed the company in search of new opportunities. First up is an announcement that he will be a collaborative partner with two of the world's best known and most highly respected designers, Frank Pont and Mike DeVries, in a new venture called CDP Golf. The trio join Rod Morri on this special edition of the show to lay out how the partnership came to be and what they plan to do in the future. Links mentioned on this episode: Our Network Sponsor, The Golf Society (https://www.thegolfsociety.com.au/pages/talkingolf) The new CDP Golf (http://www.cdpgolf.com) website Mike Clayton's new website (https://www.claytongolf.com.au) Frank Pont's Infinite Variety Golf Design (https://www.infinitevarietygolf.com) website Mike DeVries' website (http://devriesdesigns.com) CDP Golf on Twitter (https://twitter.com/cdpgolf1) Infinite Variety on Twitter (https://twitter.com/IVGD1) Devries Designs on Twitter (https://twitter.com/DeVriesDesigns) Mike Clayton on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mikeclaytongolf) Special Guests: Frank Pont and Mike DeVries.
Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and host Rod Morri delve into recent happenings in the world of golf and analyse what it means for the bigger picture. From the distance debate (of course) and changes in the PGA Tour schedule to whether a $15 million payday is off putting and is the LPGA playing courses that are too easy? All that comes under the microscope as well as Brandel Chamblee's surprise switch of position back to advocating for bifurcation of the professional and amateur game. Links mentioned on this podcast: Titleist VP of Marketing Michael Mahoney on the Golf Unfiltered podcast (https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9nb2xmdW5maWx0ZXJlZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw&episode=NjRhOTk2ZTBiNTU4NDZkZGE4NTViODYxNGVlZWJiZWY&hl=en-AU&ep=6&at=1567472809735) (the distance discussion starts around the 33 minute mark) Mike Clayton on Bradley Hughes' podcast: Part One (https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9icmFkbGV5aHVnaGVzZ29sZi5ibHVicnJ5Lm5ldC9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv&episode=aHR0cHM6Ly9icmFkbGV5aHVnaGVzZ29sZi5ibHVicnJ5Lm5ldC8_cD01NA&hl=en-AU&ep=6&at=1567472865493) Part Two (https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9icmFkbGV5aHVnaGVzZ29sZi5ibHVicnJ5Lm5ldC9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv&episode=aHR0cHM6Ly9icmFkbGV5aHVnaGVzZ29sZi5ibHVicnJ5Lm5ldC8_cD01Ng&hl=en-AU&ep=6&at=1567472901726) (highly recommended)
The success of Royal Portrush, Xander Schauffele and the driver controversy, are the authorities planning to do something about the ball in the autumn and why you can't say anything bad about Memphis. All that and more in episode 97 of State of the Game. Links mentioend on this episode: Geoff's story on the Distance Report (https://golfweek.com/2019/07/17/golf-distance-report-martin-slumbers-technology-driven-game/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=wasabi&utm_content=home-latest-news) Mark Giannotto's passionate defence of the Memphis tournament (https://golfweek.com/2019/07/23/golf-wgc-fedex-st-jude-invitational-means-more-to-memphis-than-to-the-world/) Kyle Porter's Tweet (https://twitter.com/KylePorterCBS/status/1152630116830384128) that started the controversy
There is much excitement among architecture types about next week's Irish Open at the famed Lahinch in County Clare. Tournament host Paul McGinley joins Episode 96 of the show to explain how he plans to take the event back to the future making the on-site experience one that far exceeds watching on TV. The 2014 Ryder Cup captain says tournament goers can expect a festival atmosphere in the tiny town of Lahinch as the entire week will be a celebration of the game. Special Guest: Paul McGinley.
As the Old Course is to Scotland so Pebble Beach is to America and a US Open on the Monterey Peninsula is something a bit special. Join Pebble beach devotee Geoff Shackelford alongside Mike Clayton and Rod Morri for a breakdown of what role the course might play at this week's 119th US Open as well as some discussion on the Hank Haney controversy from last week's US Women's Open and what the fallout might mean in the bigger picture. Links mentioned on this episode: Geoff Shackelford's story from sectional qualifying (https://golfweek.com/2019/06/03/golf-chun-an-yu-stewart-hagestad-u-s-open-sectional-newport-beach/) Geoff Sackelford's piece on the importance of the 1929 US Amateur (https://golfweek.com/2019/06/07/shackelford-1929-u-s-amateur-had-enormous-golf-pebble-beach/) at Pebble Beach
It always promised to be an interesting experiment and it was. The inaugural State of the Game Golf Course Study Tour to Barnbougle Dunes earlier this month had a bit of everything but, as expected, the highlight was the chance to sit down with Mike Clayton for an 'unplugged' podcast/Q&A session. Clayton touches on everything from how the Barnbougle project got off the ground to stories from the European Tour from the 80's and 90's. Its everything you'd expect it to be and more and if you missed out on this one hopefully this episode helps convince you what a mistake you made and to come along for the next one! Links mentioend on this episode: Barnbougle Dunes (https://barnbougle.com.au) The Fried Egg podcast with Allan Jamieson (https://thefriedegg.podbean.com/e/episode-133-the-california-golf-club/) The Golf Travel Agency (https://www.thegolftravelagency.com.au) who made the whole trip possibe and get the State of the Game tick of approval.
With the PGA Championship set to return to the Bethpage Black course in New York next week there will be plenty of discussion about course design AW Tillinghast. While known mostly as a course architect, Tillinghast had many more strings to his bow including a well known - though little understood - tour of the US during the depression years to advise courses on more financially sustainable management practises. What is less known is the extensive records he kept of that period and PGA Historian Bob Denney joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 93 to delve into the life and times of one of the game's great contributors. Links: Geoff Shackelford on Twitter (https://twitter.com/GeoffShac) Mike Clayton on Twitter (https://twitter.com/MichaelClayto15) Rod Morri on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Rod_Morri) Special Guest: Bob Denney.
Denis Pugh is a 40 year overnight success story. In his early years as a coach his theories were often scorned but having worked with more than 200 touring professionals - including Colin Montgomerie, our own Mike Clayton and of course the reigning Open Champion Francesco Molinari - his thirst for knowledge and communication skills have been proven. Denis talks everything from what it takes to succeed at the top level in the modern game to how he helped Molinari go from merely very good to truly elite. Special Guest: Denis Pugh.
Tiger Woods winning his fifth green jacket was something special but The Masters is about so much more than just the 72 holes each year. Join Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri as they break down what the 2019 Masters means in the bigger picture, from changes to the course (in particular the fifth hole) to media, technology and the role of the Augusta National Women's Amateur. Oh, and there's a brief mention of the possibility that distance might be an issue as well.
Is golf going into meltdown or are we just having a rough patch because of the new rules? Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri delve into the seemingly weekly rules snafus in the professional game while also touching on the 'enhanced' rough we can expect at the 2021 Open at St Andrews and what might happen if the pro game made its own rules. Links mentioned in this episode: John Huggan talks to (https://www.golfdigest.com/story/political-issues-in-and-out-of-golf-have-ra-chief-martin-slumbers-bracing-for-an-interesting-2019) R&A Chief Martin Slumbers Watson and Seve at St Andrews (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHlVMMLgdeA) (19.03 is the start of the drama at the 17th): Information and booking form for the Barnbougle Dunes Course Study Tour (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bdf7658f2e6b11788a032c0/t/5c35a09f758d4661a0dcbe64/1547018402789/Barnbougle+Dunes+Itinerary+and+Booking+Form.pdf)
The storm over the European Tour's visit to Saudi Arabia is only intensifying but it's not the only controversy bubbling in golf. There is still lots of disquiet over the penalising of Hao Tong Li in Dubai as well as discussion about Lucas Herbert's explanation of his actions in removing loose impediments with his club in wasteland at the same event. It's not all bad news though, with Geoff Shackelford believing changes to the 5th hole at Augusta National made public this week suggest the course may be moving back in the right direction. You can find Geoff's excellent 2010 piece, which is referenced on the episode, here (https://www.golfdigest.com/story/golf-shackelford-old-course-0405). To get in on the Barnbougle Dunes Course Study Tour click here (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/gca-tours).
Most were expecting a rules controversy early in 2019 but few could have predicted what has transpired with 16-year-old Lucy Li. The world's number nine ranked non-professional player looks all but certain to be stripped of her amateur status after appearing in an online video ad promoting the Apple watch in direct contravention of the rules.The USGA is yet to release a formal decision but SOG co-host Geoff Shackelford says in many ways the issue is one of the USGA's own making. Mike Clayton has some thoughts on Royal Melbourne where he is caddying in this week's Master of the Amateurs tournament, we ask if Adam Scott might be the saviour of the Presidents Cup and for those playing the drinking game at home the advice is to go easy in the early stages. Also, don't forget our course study tour to Barnbougle Dunes with Mike Clayton coming up in May. You not only get to play some holes with Mike but also have the oportunity to pick the brain of one of the the game's most interesting thinkers and forthright speakers on any and all things golf. It will be golf nerd heaven so for more details and to book your place download the brochure and booking form here (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bdf7658f2e6b11788a032c0/t/5c35a09f758d4661a0dcbe64/1547018402789/Barnbougle+Dunes+Itinerary+and+Booking+Form.pdf).
Interested in golf course architecture and wondering the best social media platform to indulge your passion? Golf Channel regular, popular blogger and SOG co-host Geoff Shackelford says Instagram (https://www.instagram.com) is the best and makes his case - with the help of Scottich Golf Podcast (http://scottishgolfpodcast.com) host and European Tour Social media team member Ru Macdonald - on episode 87 of SOG. There are a bunch of Instagram accounts menitoned in this episode (find the list below) as well as plenty of good advice on how to use the platofrom fo those who are new to it. Also, keep an eye out for Mike Clayton's promised Instagram Story in coming weeks to promote the 2019 SOG Golf Course Study Tour to Barnbougle Dunes (https://www.instagram.com/barnbougle/?hl=en). Follow Mike here (https://www.instagram.com/thatguywhofellonhisball/?hl=en) and check out details of the Tour, including a brochure and booking form, here (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/gca-tours). You can follow Geoff Shackelford here (https://www.instagram.com/geoffshac/), Ru Macdonald here (https://www.instagram.com/rumacdona1d/?hl=en) and Rod Morri here (https://www.instagram.com/rod_morri/) (though not much content there yet). And below is the suggested accounts to follow discussed on the show. Full marks to Geoff Shackelford for uncovering Walter Geoffrey the French bulldog (https://www.instagram.com/waltergeoffreythefrenchie/), easily the pick of the non golf suggestons! Gary Lisbon golf photography (https://www.instagram.com/garylisbongolf/?hl=en) Bob Menery (https://www.instagram.com/bobmenery/?hl=en) Jon Cavalier (Links Gems) (https://www.instagram.com/linksgems/) Cruden Bay Golf Club (https://www.instagram.com/crudenbaygolf/) Sweetens Cove Golf Club (https://www.instagram.com/sweetenscovegolfclub/?hl=en) AirSwingMedia (https://www.instagram.com/airswing_media/) European Tour (https://www.instagram.com/europeantour/) Erik Anders Lang (https://www.instagram.com/erikanderslang/) Christian Hafer (Hafe Life) (https://www.instagram.com/hafe_life/) Castles of Scotland (https://www.instagram.com/castlesofscotland/?hl=en) Special Guest: Ru Macdonald.
Golf on TV is big business and its in the midst of some dramatic change. Sports business writer and consultant Richard Gillis joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to explain the concept of 'Over the top TV' and why the game's two biggest Tours - and Tiger Woods - are rushing to be a part of it. Also, for the golf course architecture nuts, places are now open for our Golf Course Study Tour to Barnbougle Dunes with Mike Clayton in May 2019. Three days of golf including playing with Mike Clayton and lots of talk about GCA and the game more broadly for less than $1500. All you have to do is get yourself to Launceston airport and the rest is taken care of. Check out the information page (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/gca-tours), send us an email using the link at the bottom and we'll be in touch to finalise details. Special Guest: Richard Gillis.
Golf's new rules come into effect in less than two months but how many people are really ready? USGA Manager of Rules Outreach & Programming Joe Foley joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to discuss that plus lots more including backstopping and the potential for bifurcating the game's equipment rules. Also, we are excited to announce our inaugural Golf Course Architecture golf and live podcast Tour will take place May 3-5 2019 at one of the game's greatest public venues, Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania. Three days of golf including playing holes with Mike Clayton and be part of recording an episode of the State of the Game podcast. Check out the GCA Tours (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/gca-tours) tab at the top of the page for pricing and other details then click the link to register your interest via email.
Should the European Tour be playing a tournament in Saudi Arabia? Simple question, complicated set of answers. Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by Middle East expert Arthur MacMillan to discuss the as yet unnamed Saudi event and what its future might be in the wake of the murder of journalist Jamal Khassoggi. There's also some thoughts on Rory McIlroy's commments on the European Tour, some Tiger observations and a heartwarming story about Mike Clayton from his playing days.
Is the handicap system killing golf's adventurous spirit? Will we ever see George Thomas' 'course within a course' concept catch on? Does Jason Day have any credibility when he suggests architects are to blame in golf's distance debate? Is the Tiger/Phil match just the first in what could become a new golf franchise? All this plus some chat about the Ryder Cup course, Tiger Woods' unusual interview at Le Golf National and we ask if there is simply too much professional golf being played? We hope you enjoy Episode 83 of State of the Game.
Last month Ran Morrissett published a list of 147 courses he nominated as 'Custodians of the Game'. The venues all promote the simplest and most joyful elements of the game, from width and playing angles to walking and simple green keeping practises. But the pre-amble to the list was at least as - if not more interesting than - the list itself and Ran joins Mike Clayton and host Rod Morri to discuss his thinking when putting together his list.
Sometimes there is so much to talk about you don't need a guest and episode 81 of State of the Game comes at just such a time. From the Tiger/Phil big money match to reactions to Bellerive to Inbee Park's slap in the face from one of the game's biggest manufacturers and the possibility of a PGA and PGA Tour merger, its all happening in the world of golf. Join Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and host Rod Morri for an unfiltered take on important recent happenings in the world of professional golf.
Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by former Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart to discuss the state of Scottish, and world golf. Coltart won the 1997 Australian PGA at NSW Golf Club, a tournament made famous by another incident involving Clayton himself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl_Nny8TwNM
It's been a couple of weeks but the controversy from the US Open continues to bubble with many believing the USGA has lost a significant amount of credibility after happenings at Shinnecock Hills. Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join Rod Morri to discuss the long term fallout from the 118th US Open as well as some Ryder Cup chat and more memories of Peter Thomson. For the reprint of Thomson's book mentioned, https://www.slatterymedia.com
Peter Thomson was a giant of the game, not only in Australia but around the world. His five Open titles put him among the greats in history but his contributions to golf extend far beyond simply his brilliance with clubs in hand. His writings on the game and key role in establishing golf in parts of the world previously unknown sets him apart from his peers and he will forever be cherished. In Episode 78, Mike Clayton remembers the Peter Thomson he knew, sharing first hand stories of times spent with the great man as well as some of Thomson's most interesting thoughts from his book A Life In Golf. Anyone with an interest in golf would be well advised to read Thomson's musings (copies of the book can be purchased through Slattery Media), his thoughts on everything from the golf swing to the courses the game is played on and the impact of technology a worthy addition to any golf library.
2006 US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy joins Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk about the new and intriguing Byron Nelson host venue Trinity Forest. With the course dominating pre-tournament talk, Ogvily outlines some of the reasons Trinity Forest will be an entertaining and important test this week. We also get some thoughts on whether he will consider a career as a commentator once his playing days are over and there's a bonus 10 minutes of 'fly on the wall' chat as Ogilvy and Clayton shoot the breeze about the professional game.
PGA Tour player and course architecture junkie Zac Blair joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 76 to talk the distance debate, course architecture, The Buck Club project and more.
Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to break down the ball debate which has broken out in the recent weeks.
Billy Dettlaff is a retired golf professional who has produced a stunning new book on the history of his craft. The extraordinary end result is a book of both stunning beauty and historical importance. Billy joined Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 74 to discuss the book, Doctors of the Game, while there was also some banter about what impact, if any, Tiger Woods' comments on the ball may have.
It's been a while but Episode 73 is worth the wait as Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by Geoff Ogilvy to talk Presidents Cup, players not marking on the green before opponents hit their shot, where the best crowds in the world are to be found (this one was a surprise) and plenty more.
20 year Tour veteran Mat Goggin joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to discuss the fallout from the Lexi Thompson rules controversy and more on episode 72 of State of the Game.
Golf's best interview, 2006 US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy, joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to discuss next week's Masters - and a whole lot more - on episode 71 of State of the Game.
Former player and CBS commentator Dottie Pepper joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri for an all encompassing chat about the state of the game, golf course architecture and lots more on episode 70.
Does the Titleist float tell us anything about the state of the game, are more golfers 'getting' course architecture and can 72 hole stroke play continue to be the future of the game? Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton break down all that and more with host Rod Morri on episode 69 of State of the Game.
Richard Gillis' new book The Captain Myth is a fascinating study of the role of the Captains at the biennial Ryder Cup. On episode 68 he joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to discuss the book and so much more about the game and business of golf.
Legendary club designer and short game expert Roger Cleveland has been around the world's best players for the best part of 40 years and joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on episode 67 of State of the Game.
2006 US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to discuss the year's second major at Oakmont.
Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri chat about the upcoming US Masters plus get sidetracked by all things effecting the game both on and off the course.
Christina Kim is one of the LPGA Tour's most popular and outspoken players and she joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayotn and Rod Morri for episode 64 of State of the Game.
After one of the most memorable years in major championship golf BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter has written a book simply title The Majors 2015. He joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to discuss that, and a range of other topics, on this episode of State of the Game.
Ru Macdonald is host of the brilliant Scottish Golf Podcast which publishes weekly and he joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on this episode to discuss all things golf in Scotland.
Co-host Mike Clayton has been travelling the globe and doubles as guest this week when he joins Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri to talk Presidents Cup, why Korea's women are so good and an impending golf downturn in China.
Former PGA Tour now Champions Tour player Grant Waite joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to chat all things Tiger Woods, Chris Como, Greg Norman and golf in general.
Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford join Rod Morri to talk about golf in the UK with both having attended The Open at St Andrews and squeezed in a bunch of extra golf as well.
Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by 2006 US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy to talk Chambers Bay and the upcoming Open Championship.
Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by golf course architect Jay Blasi, the man largely responsible for the design of US Open host course Chambers Bay
Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri talk to Terry Koehler, the man behind bringing Hogan golf clubs back to the game
Geoff Shackelford, Mike CLayton and Rod Morri are joined by their first return SOG guest, NBC and Golf Channel stalwart Gil Capps.
Award winning Sports Illustrated writer Michael Bamberger joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk about his new book Men In Green to be released in April.
Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford join Rod Morri to talk US Masters, golf course design and set up and potential merger talks between European and Australian Tours...
Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to discuss, among other things, the effect of course set up on Royal Melbourne and Riviera as they hosted professional tournaments in the same week.
Geof Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to chat Tiger's yips, Rory's dominance, Olympic golf and more on episode 51 of State of the Game.
Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by Hank Haney, former coach to Tiger Woods and host of his own satellite radio show.
Musician Lloyd Cole is as passionate about golf as he is music and chats with Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri about his love for the game.
Ted Bishop, Tom Watson and some general chit chat about the beauty of Royal Melbourne and watching golf from the fairways instread of behind ropes...
Many in the golf industry are looking to China for the future growth in the game but things aren't quite so simple says Dan Washburn, author of The Forbidden Game: Golf and the Chinese Dream.
Brian Keogh of the Irish Golf Desk joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike CLayton and Rod Morri to talk all things Ryder CUp
He's been touted as a future Commissioner of the PGA TOUR and is regarded as one of the game's most interesting professionals and Joe Ogilvie joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk all things golf on this episode of State of the Game
Former Touring Professional now Golf Channel analyst Frank Nobilo joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk all things golf.
Golf course architect Scott Macpherson from Scott Macpherson Golf Design chats about his fascinating new book on the world's 66 Royal golf clubs as well as discussing the controversial changes to the Old Course.
Mike Clayton and Rod Morri catch up with Tom Watson, Australian caddie to 2011 US Women's Open champion So Yeon Ryu, just hours before the first round of the Women's British Open at Royal Birkdale
Golf World senior writer Bill Fields joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to discuss his new book Arnie, Seve and a Fleck of golf history.
Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri chat with auhtor Chris Buie about his intirguing book "The Early Days of Pinehurst"
Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri are joined by co-founder of GolfClubAtlas, Ran Morrissett
Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri chat with author, journalist and publisher of the unofficialpartner.co.uk blog Richard Gillis about all things advertising and marketing in the modern game of golf.
Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join Rod Morri tobreak down the week at Augusta National as well as discuss some of the issues confronting the women's professinal game.
Geoff Shackelford, Mike CLayton and Rod Morri are joined by auhtor Gil Capps to discuss his excellent new book on the 1975 US MAsters
Professor Marl Broadie joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to discuss his new book Every Shot Counts.
Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri chat with best selling author Curt Sampson.
Join host Rod Morri with Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton as they talk with Brett Avery about his controversial ranking of the top 100 players of the PGA Tour since 1980...
Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford join host Rod Morri to break down two weeks of tournament golf at Royal Melbourne.
David Eger joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to discuss the Tiger Woods Masters ruling, state of the Champions Tour, politics among the game's governing bodies and more on episode 31 of State of the Game
Mike CLayton, Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri welcome Golf World Editor Jaime Diaz to the show this week to talk all things Tiger Woods, golf media and the State of the Game...
Geoff Shacklford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Mori as they chat with GolfWeek architectiure editor brad Klein about hie new book Wide Open Fairways: A Journey Across the Landscapes of Modern Golf
Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri in a chat with TV analyst and former player Judy Rankin
On this epsidoe Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri catch up with two former USGA staffers who have formulated two simplified sets of rules for the game.
Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford join host Rod Morri to discuss all things golf from The Open Championship and US PGA to the new USGA TV deal with FOX in the US.
Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by special guest Geoff Ogilvy to talk all things Muirfield, Open Championhsip and golf in general...
Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and host Rod Morri are joined by Australian Touring Professional and US Open participant Mathew Goggin to get his take on Merion and the state of the game more generally.
Jeff Silverman, author of a soon to be released book on the great Championship moments at Merion Golf Club, joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to give some fascinating insights into the host course of next week's US Open venue.
Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to discuss the anchoring ban, racism in the game and how the Rio course is progressing as the clock ticks down to 2016....
On this episode of State of the Game we welcome special guest Tony Johnstone, six time European Tour winner and now TV commentator, as he joins Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk all things State of the Game plus tell a few stories form the glory days of the European Tour....
Adam Scott had a nation cheering with his Masters victory but it was only one intriguing storyline from a tournament that always seems to produce drama.Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join Rod Morri to review one of golf's great weeks....
More than just a golf tournament the year's first major brings together everybody who is anybody in golf. Join Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and host Rod Morri as they discuss what's likely to happen on and off the course at this year's US Masters
PGA of America President Ted Bishop has ben vocal in his stance against the proposed anchoring ban. On this episdoe Bishop explains the thinking behind that stance as well as the possibility of bifurcation.
On today's episode Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to discuss the surprise announement by Tim Finchem that the US PGA Tour would oppose the proposed ban on anchored putters. The team also discusses Rory McIlroy's poor play since switching to Nike and the Australian PGA's move to a golf course not in the country's top 100
Bifurcation, slow play an the Vijay Singh banned substance debacle...all that and more on 2013's first episode of State of the Game with Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton....
Two monumental announcements were made this week: The Old Course at St Andrews is under the surgeon's knife and anchored putting will be outlawed in 2016. Host Rod Morri is joined by Geoff Shackelford, John Huggan and Mike Clayton to dicsuss two of golf's biggest announcements in recent memory (and be prepared for a healthy dose of outrage)...
Golf's most compelling event somehow seems to just keep getting better. Geoff Shackelford, John Huggan and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to break down events at Medinah, with Clayton even claiming his mum could captain the Ryder Cup....
Join Rod Morri, Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan as they break down the most exciting week in golf, the Ryder Cup. The team also give their final verdict on the just concluded FedEx Cup and why the format still isn't quite right.
The year's final major is run and won so now it's time to rank them. Hear from the State of the Game team Mike Clayton, John Huggan and Geoff Shackelford as they break down the Grand Slam events of season 2012, from Bubba's hooked wedge at Augusta to Rory's doinating peroformance at Kiawah Island.
Lorne Rubenstein has been one of the game's great chroniclers for more than 30 years but after this week's Canadian Open will file his final weekly column for Toronto's Globe and Mail newspaper. Rod Morri caught up with Lorne to get his thoughts on the state of the game as he looks back on more than three decades of experience.
Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to look back at the US Open, analyse the US Tour's new secondary tour sponsor, the new event in Turkey giving Tim Finchem and George O'Grady a headache and the chances of The Open returning to Royal Portrush. All that an moreon the latest episode of State of the Game.
While the US Open unfolds at Olympic this week there will be plenty of talk about the 1955 event at this venue and the incredible upset victory of Iowa club profesional Jack Fleck over Ben Hogan. Neil Sagabiel of the Armchair Golf Blog has written a fabulous book about events leading up to, and during, that remarkable Open and joins Rod Morri and Mike Clayton to talk about the five year publishing journey that led to Golf's Longest Shot: Jack Fleck, Ben Hogan and Pro Golf's Greatest Upset at the 1955 US Open. Chock full of interesting tid-bits and details, and a hole by hole account of the play-off itself, The Longest Shot is a must read for anybody with an interest in the history of golf.
In this special combined episode of TalkinGolf and State of the Game Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to talk US Masters, Augusta National politics and Mike Clayton's amazing golf odyssey taking in some of America's very best golf courses.
The most anticipated US Masters in years gets underway this week and, like everyone else with an interest in the game, we at State of the Game are keen to talk about it. Join Rod Morri, Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan as they break down the field, the course and the lingering controversy over Augusta's lack of female members which has reared its head again this year.
It's the biggest golf course design announcement in history and this week on State of the Game co-hosts Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri catch up with Gil Hanse to discuss his winning design for the 2016 Olympic Games golf course.
Does your club have a problem with slow play? Well today's episode of State of the Game is a must listen. Host Rod Morri is joined by blogger Geoff Shackelford and Scotland on Sunday columnist John Huggan as they meet John Small, a tournament organiser and inventor fom Australia whose Solution 240 product is achieving remarkable results in eliminating slow play at two Sydney golf clubs.
Former touring professional turned golf course designer, New Zealand's Greg Turner is one of the more articulate members of the golfing fraternity. This week he joins host Rod Morri and co-host Mike Clayton to discuss the joy of the short par-4, the impact of the professional game on golf more broadly and why the 1970s and 1980s will be viewed historically as a bleak time in golf course development.
The USGA - and Tiger Woods - are talking banning the belly and long putter. Join host Rod Morri, co-hosts John Huggan and Mike Clayton and long time broomstick putter user Craig Spence as they dissect just how dificult - or even desirable - that might be.
Could the USGA be preparing to take on golf's major manufacturers over distance? New USGA President Glen Nager was talking tough on the issue at last week's USGA annual meeting and Geoff Shackelford was there. Join Shackelford and host Rod Morri as they dissect what looks to be a brave new era for the game's govrning body in the US. Also this week a John Huggan interview with player manager Andrew "Chubby" Chandler discussing the new US Tour Q School proposal and it's potential effects on world golf.
Geoff Shackelford, John Huggan, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri today launch State of the Game, their new podcast exploring issues effecting the game of golf. Among topics discussed on this first episode are: why the distance obsession has hurt the game, why a roll back of the ball might not be as far off as we think and why professional golf really i important to the health of the game...