The Imperfect Game: Recent Episodes
Sean Melia
A golf podcast covering the small stories that deserve some discussion.Subscribe on iTunes here: http://bit.ly/H7cGIf
In this Ryder Cup 2025 preview, Sean Melia and Paul Burke dive into every major storyline shaping golf’s biggest team event. From Bethpage Black’s iconic setup and rowdy New York crowds to the captaincy drama surrounding Keegan Bradley, Luke Donald, and even Tiger Woods, no topic is off-limits. They debate whether John Rahm can carry Europe, if Scottie Scheffler will dominate for the U.S., and how LIV Golf continues to reshape Ryder Cup rosters. With bold predictions for breakout stars and potential disappointments, the stage has been set for an unforgettable week.
NOTE: Apologies for the poor sound from Sean's mic.
00:00
The Ryder Cup Excitement
04:06
Historical Context of Ryder Cup Teams
08:48
Bethpage Black as a Venue
13:44
Spectator Experience at the Ryder Cup
18:09
What If the US Loses the Ryder Cup?
22:05
Ryder Cup Dynamics and Leadership
27:35
The Role of Home Course Advantage
32:52
Captaincy Considerations and Future Implications
34:36
Key Players and Performance Expectations
45:35
Crowd Dynamics and Event Atmosphere
49:01
Ticket Prices and Accessibility
49:30
The Evolution of Golf Culture
50:24
Impact of LIV Golf on Ryder Cup Dynamics
51:22
Key Players and Team Dynamics
52:20
European vs. American Team Strategies
53:21
Bryson DeChambeau's Role in Team Golf
54:56
Media Perspectives on LIV Golf
56:36
Expectations for Players in the Ryder Cup
57:55
Breakout Players to Watch
01:02:42
Potential Disappointments in the Ryder Cup
01:05:09
Predictions for the Ryder Cup Outcome
01:09:19
Legacy of Luke Donald as Captain
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Junior golf, coaching philosophy, and the surge of competitive golf in Massachusetts—all with Coach Dan (Dan Boisvert of Pin High Golf). We dig into training juniors/college players, how to set realistic expectations, avoiding burnout, indoor vs. outdoor practice, equipment trends, and success stories (Morgan & Molly Smith, Matt Hutchins, Shannon Johnson). Plus: favorite MA rounds and a quick Celtics riff.
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Looking for the best golf courses in Massachusetts to play before the season ends? I’ve played 157 courses across the state and narrowed it down to 10 that are worth checking out. From splurge-worthy tracks to hidden value gems, this list has something for every golfer and every budget.
Watch full episode on YouTube
⏱ Timestamps & Courses
Splurge-Worthy ($100+)00:02:30 – Taconic Golf Club – $180 walk – Williamstown, MA
00:03:36 – Waverly Oaks Golf Club – $85–$140 (cart + range balls included) – Plymouth, MA
00:04:51 – The Ranch Golf Club – $125 (cart + range balls included) – Southwick, MA
Mid-Range ($60–$100)00:06:39 – Wachusett Country Club – $95 walk – West Boylston, MA
00:09:25 – Acushnet River Valley – $60 walk / $80 ride – Acushnet, MA
00:11:10 – Bass River Golf Course – $70 walk – Yarmouth, MA
00:14:13 – DW Field Golf Course – $60 walk – Brockton, MA
Value Picks ($60 or less)00:16:06 – Gannon Municipal Golf Course – $55 walk – Lynn, MA
00:17:27 – Green Hill Golf Course – $54 walk – Worcester, MA
00:18:48 – Veterans Memorial Golf Course – $29 walk (dynamic pricing) – Springfield, MA
💡 Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round at Taconic, or hunting for the best value in Springfield, these courses deliver great golf before the Massachusetts season wraps up.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more Bay State Golf reviews, course spotlights, and amateur golf coverage across New England.
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In this Open Championship deep dive, Sean and Paul tee off on everything from course repetition to major championship schedules to who actually needs a win at Royal Portrush. They debate legacy vs. form, make picks, and even go off the rails into Savannah Bananas and lost golf history in country club basements.
Timestamps:
- 00:01 – Intro: Venue fatigue, Billy Horschel’s European comments
- 01:09 – Open Championship nostalgia & why it’s Sean’s favorite major
- 03:21 – St. Andrews, Tiger Woods Golf, and getting to know the rota courses
- 05:19 – Should the US Open move back to August? Scheduling mayhem
- 08:24 – NFL vs PGA: Why fans might actually watch golf in September
- 11:11 – Anchor sites and the pros/cons of repeat venues
- 13:48 – Can Port Rush produce a better tournament this time?
- 15:28 – Should The Open ever leave the UK? Portmarnock and beyond
- 18:05 – Why expansion to continental Europe might flop
- 20:13 – The USGA’s overcorrection from Chambers Bay, Shinnecock, etc.
- 21:23 – PGA Tour players’ obsession with uniform conditions
- 23:02 – Scar tissue? Player reactions to tricky venues
- 23:29 – Player Tiers Breakdown:
- 23:29 – Moral Victories (Morikawa, JT, Hovland, etc.)
- 39:10 – Legacy Chasers (Rahm’s Slam chase, Rory’s double major bid, etc.)
- 50:38 – Guys Rounding Into Form
- 55:46 – First-Time Major Hopefuls
- 58:18 – New Faces of the Major Drought Club
- 01:00:51 – Draft Picks: Sean & Paul’s top 3 contenders
- 01:13:26 – Dark Horse picks: Tristan Lawrence & Tom McKibbin
- 01:17:04 – Could golf learn anything from the Savannah Bananas?
- 01:22:06 – YouTube golf, influencer matches, and a lost Byron Nelson photo
- 01:24:40 – Final thoughts: Enjoy the coffee golf!
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Sean and Paul break down the upcoming 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont. From Bryson’s viral practice round, Rory's odd post-Masters stretch, and who really needs to win this week, the guys cover it all—including picks and other predictions.
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In this episode, Sean Melia welcomes Marcos Baugh, the founder of Urban Golf Club, a Boston-based nonprofit bringing golf and financial literacy to kids in the city. Marcos shares how he uses foam golf balls in gymnasiums, lemonade stands at Franklin Park, and caddie loops at The Country Club to open new worlds for his students. The two dig into what it really means to "grow the game," the potential of Ponkapoag, LIV vs. PGA Tour, and why everyone should experience the game.
🎧 Topics include:
Urban Golf Club’s origin story (2:30)
The lemonade stand project (10:30)
Caddying at The Country Club (20:45)
Golf as a tool for financial literacy (28:00)
Why LIV doesn’t bother Marcos (42:00)
Marcos’ dream 5-round itinerary in Massachusetts (52:30)
🔗 Learn more and support: theurbangolfclub.org
Follow Marcos on Instagram: @urbangolfclubinc
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Sean and Burke made some quick PGA Championship picks during halftime of game 4 of the Celtics-Knicks game. The second half did not go well, but maybe our picks will, though.
Then, on the back end of this podcast, Burke shares his experience as a caddie for Evan Harmeling at the Club Car Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour in April.
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The Golf Trip Guys, Sean Toland and Mike Vadala, discuss their inaugural golf trip to Hilton Head. They share insights on the concept of customized golf trips, the selection of Hilton Head as a destination, and the overall experience, including the competitive elements, social dynamics, and the various golf courses played. The conversation also touches on future plans for golf trips, including potential international destinations.
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It's been a busy April after a cold and quiet March. I played golf on an island, on the mainland, and in Hilton Head. I've worn four layers and required hand warmers and have also needed 50 spf sun screen.
Here's where's I've teed it up so far:
Sandy Burr: (Wayland, Mass.) 2:17
Miacomet (Nantucket, Mass.): 6:30
Old South Links (Bluffton, SC): 10:30
Palmetto Dunes Fazio (Hilton Head, SC): 13:19
Palmetto Dunes Arthur Hills (Hilton Head, SC): 16:29
Palmetto Dunes Jones (Hilton Head, SC): 20:29
Holyoke CC (Holyoke, Mass.): 22:20
Southampton CC (Southampton, Mass.): 26:15
Shaker Hills CC (Harvard, Mass.): 30:50
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Peter Marchetti, founder of SwingPass golf, is this week's guest. SwingPass aims to create a community for golfers seeking friendly competition without the country club price tag. They explore how SwingPass provides opportunities for golfers to connect, compete, and enjoy the game in a laid-back environment. The discussion also highlights the importance of community in golf, the various event formats offered by SwingPass, and the adaptability of the program to meet the needs of its members throughout the season.
SwingPassGolf.com
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Maria Cianchette, a talented golfer and designer behind Sometimes Draws is this week's guest. Maria shares her journey into golf, her experiences in competitive play, and the challenges she faced as a female golfer. The conversation also delves into the intersection of art and golf, exploring how Maria finds inspiration for her designs and her creative process. Finally, Maria shares her top five golf course picks in Maine, highlighting her favorite places to play.
IG: Sometimes Draws
Website: Sometimes Draws
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Sean and Paul dive deep into the recent Masters tournament, highlighting Rory McIlroy's historic win and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied it. They discuss the significance of consistency in golf, the balance of luck and skill, and the unique experiences that come with watching the Masters. The conversation also touches on the historical context of the tournament, comparing it to past memorable moments and exploring the challenges of Augusta National. Ultimately, they reflect on the Masters' place in the pantheon of golf tournaments and the excitement it brings to fans and players alike.
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Paul Burke joins Sean to preview The Masters.
Topics:
- Multiple major winners of the 2020s and who can join the club?
- Is there TOO MUCH Masters coverage?
- Who is feeling the pressure to win?
- Who is in the wilderness?
- Can players with scars from Augusta ever win The Masters?
- Picks and dark horses
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Some courses have the perfect combo of walkable, playable, and enjoyable. These courses aren't necessarily all the best courses in the state, but they are public courses I could imagine playing everyday because they aren't too taxing and are a blast to play.
.
Taconic GC- 1:23
Butter Brook- 3:47
Kettle Brook- 5:41
Franklin Park- 7:41
D.W. Field- 9:35
Wachusett CC- 10:48
Acushnet River Valley- 12:41
Honorable mention (north of Boston)
Hillview GC- 15:29
Merrimack Valley- 17:04
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Mike Bird, the assistant superintendent at Green Harbor Golf Course, shares insights into the world of golf course management, particularly during the winter months. He discusses the importance of social media in connecting golf enthusiasts, the ongoing renovations at Green Harbor, and the growing trend of winter golf.
Mike also reflects on his journey into the turf management industry, his internship experiences, and the common challenges faced by golf courses, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations from golfers regarding course maintenance. In this conversation, Mike delves into the role of golf course superintendents, the importance of etiquette in golf, and the need to grow the game responsibly. The conversation highlights personal experiences, community engagement, and the evolving landscape of golf post-COVID.
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A good month of golf to (probably) finish off the 2024 season...
Winchester CC (Private) - 2:00
Whaling City GC (Public) - 7:00
Ponkapoag GC (Public) - 10:55
Plymouth CC (Private) - 14:35
Ould Newbury GC (Semi-private) - 18:25
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Over the course of my quest to play every course in Massachusetts, I have seen some good and some bad and some that could be improved with a little attention.
Here are six public courses that I think have potential and why.
____
Butternut Farm (Stow, Mass.) - 2:05
Maynard GC (Maynard, Mass) - 5:29
Stow Acres South (Stow, Mass.) - 9:45
Ponkapoag GC Course No. 1 (Canton, Mass.) - 12:35
Whaling City GC (New Bedford, Mass.) - 16:10
Elmcrest CC (East Longmeadow, Mass.) - 21:25 (Currently closed)
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Two trips to Western Mass. highlighted an incredible month of golf. I share the good and the bad from each of the seven courses I played. Five were new courses in the quest to play them all and two were revisits.
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Sean Toland joins the podcast to talk about making golf trips. Sean and Mike Vadala started Golf Trip Guys to help golfers make memories on golf trips because they realized how much they loved organizing trips with their friends.
Sean discusses the origins of Golf Trip Guys, gives some details about the first trip to Hilton Head in April, and then digs into some Massachusetts golf courses.
Links:
https://www.golftrip-guys.com/
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Coach Kevin Duffy discusses golf training, golf diet, and his journey in the world of training and golf. He talks about his background in football and how he transitioned into golf training. He emphasizes the importance of lower body strength and stability in golf and dispels the myth of getting too bulky from strength training. He also highlights the misconception of stopping training during the golf season and emphasizes the need to maintain strength and flexibility throughout the year. He also emphasizes the need for individualized training programs based on specific goals and the importance of nutrition and hydration on the golf course.
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I played seven courses in August. Four of them were new and three were courses I was revisiting. I share two things I liked and one thing that I didn't like about each.
2:39: Concord CC (Private)
9:00: Wollaston GC (Private)
15:54: Gardner Muni (Public)
19:55: Holden Hills CC (Public)
25:10: Whitinsville GC (Private)
31:26: Kernwood CC (Private)
36:50: Stow Acres South (Public)
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Andy Cocker picked up golf 13 years ago. Now he's traveling the world to rate courses for Top 100 Golf Courses. He recently spent some time in New England. We discuss a number of the courses he's played, how he gets onto the private courses, what he likes and dislikes, and we dig into Hooper, Taconic, Boston Golf, Old Sandwich, and the Cape Cod golf scene, which is where he spends most of his time while visiting the area.
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I recap the golf courses I played in July, including Cyprian Keyes, Weston Golf Club, Fox Run GC, Crosswinds, Sconset, and The Ledges.
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Ozarks National is my favorite course at Big Cedar Lodge. Here's what I love about the course. At the tail end, I share some thoughts about the nine-hole course, Top of the Rock, and the 13-hole walking course, Mountain Top.
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Sean and Paul preview the Open Championship. But first they catch up on the news about Keegan Bradley Rory McIlroy's comments about his performance at the US Open.
Then, they discuss Royal Troon, Johnson Wagner as a golf content master, and a myriad of other topics surrounding the field this week. They wrap up with their picks for the week.
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Buffalo Ridge at the Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri in one of three 18-hole championship golf courses. I highlight the opening stretch of holes, the views and vistas, and the excellent course conditions. There are also some lowlights, including the long cart rides between holes, the artificial features like waterfalls, and the feeling that the course is less connected to the surrounding area. Overall, Buffalo Ridge is a good golf course that serves a solid purpose in the Big Cedar resort, but it may not be everyone's favorite.
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Mark Mungeam discusses how he got into golf course architecture with the help of Geoffrey Cornish, his work at Olympia Fields in Chicago to prep it for a U.S. Open, the differences between private and muni projects. We also discuss rankings and Mungeam’s role on the American Society of Golf Course Architects. He will be the president starting in the fall 2025.
Mungeam is also a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and will become its president in the fall of 2025. We also hit on several talented up-and-coming golf architects, including Brian Schneider and Angela Moser. We wrap up talking about golf course rankings and the impact they can on the industry, but Mark Mungeam emphasizes the importance of focusing on doing the best job possible rather than worrying about rankings. He also discusses the trend of shorter golf courses and the need for entry-level courses to attract new players.
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Sean and Paul discuss:
- Their experiences playing Pinehurst
- Their favorite holes and the course's strong finish
- The past U.S. Opens at Pinehurst
- Bryson
- Xander's likely career major haul
- Wyndham Clark's rough patch
- Viktor Hovland bouncing back
- Scottie's personality... is he boring?
- Tiger and Charlie
They wrap up making their picks and offering a few other bets they like and don't like.
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In this episode, I talk about my experience playing at Payne's Valley at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri. A big, brawny, wide-open golf course with massive greens and a 19th hole.
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I played golf at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri. It has five courses. Three championship courses - Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, and Payne's Valley. It also has a nine-hole course called Top of the Rock and a 13-hole walking course called Mountain Top.
Here are five things you should know about the experience.
- It's massive
- Golf is secondary at the resort, and that's OK!
- Four of the five carts require carts
- Comfort stations and free food
- There one course you should play first and one to play last
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In this episode of the Bay State Golf Podcast, Sean and Burke discuss the upcoming PGA Championship. They start with the past majors at Valhalla and recall Kenny Perry's loss along with the Tiger Woods Bob May duel and Rory McIlroy's 2014 triumph.
They also breakdown recent performances of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau. The conversation ends with a discussion about players who are in the wilderness. The pod ends with their picks for the tournament and some dark horse contenders.
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After 14 months, Tun returns to the podcast. This pod revolves around Tung's journey in golf, starting from when they first played together in 2009 to Tung's recent foray into the game during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tung shares his experiences and lessons learned as a beginner golfer, including the importance of surrounding himself with people who love the game and being curious about golf strategy and etiquette. They also discuss the challenges of managing expectations and the impact of previous athletic experiences on approaching golf. Overall, the conversation highlights the joy and complexity of learning and playing golf. The conversation in this section covers various topics related to golf, including spending money on golf equipment, the challenges of playing golf while in a relationship, dealing with first tee jitters, the importance of lessons, and selecting the right clubs for beginners.
The main takeaways include the importance of finding ways to enjoy golf without spending excessive time on the course, the need for confidence and course knowledge to break 100, and the value of playing from the appropriate tee box. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of not giving unsolicited advice to new golfers and being open to sharing clubs with others. In this conversation, Sean and Tung discuss tips and advice for beginners in golf. They cover topics such as borrowing clubs, playing from the same tee, walking vs. using a cart, bringing extra golf balls, and buying equipment on a budget.
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I discuss the best golf courses in Massachusetts for beginners, keeping value, ease of play, and an easy walk in mind. The list has 9-hole and 18-hole courses. The courses offer a mix of challenge and interest for beginners, making them great options to learn and enjoy the game of golf.
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I list five courses I played before I started my quest that I am looking forward to playing again and checking off the list.
At the end of this episode, I read the story from my mid-week post about George Wright and The Great Depression.
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Ben Larsen, the founder of 413 Golf, joins the Baystate Golf Podcast to discuss his passion for golf and his new newsletter. Ben shares his decision to start the newsletter and his goal of building a community around Western Mass golf. He highlights the eclectic mix of golf courses in the area, from hidden gems to exclusive clubs. Ben also talks about his background in the golf industry and his own golf game. In this conversation, Ben Larsen shares his favorite golf courses in Massachusetts. Ben describes his personal experiences and memories at each course, highlighting their unique features and the special place they hold in his heart. He also discusses the resurgence of Marion Golf Club and the potential for other courses in Western and Central Massachusetts to undergo transformations.
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Paul Burke joins Sean to talk about the opening months of the professional golf season, ANWA, and then they dive into The Masters.
They look at the last five winners and wonder if it's the best stretch of winners ever, they run through the players without a major championship and wonder who is under the most pressure, and then they wonder where players are in relation to their career peaks.
As usual, they make their three picks and darkhorse.
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I ranked the nine best current players who have never won a major. Then, at the 32-minute mark, I read a story about attending the Masters in 2018.
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There's plenty of great golf in Massachusetts. I broke up Massachusetts into seven regions and picked one course in each region that is worth playing.
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Block out a weekend for some golf and hit the road. Here are some ideas for weekend trips to play some excellent golf.
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Sean is joined by Kevin Van Cleef to share their favorite nine hole courses that they've played in Massachusetts.
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Picking out some courses around Mass that are "non-traditional" and have a par less than 70.
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Sharing ten golf Bang for Your Buck public courses that offer excellent value north and west of Boston.
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Bang for your Buck: I share nine golf courses south of Boston that provide great value for the money.
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I give out mulligans to five professional golfers to try and change the scope of golf history. I also cover some honorable mentions from my Instagram followers.
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In this episode, I answer questions from followers on Instagram.
Topics:
Courses I am most looking forward to playing,
My must-haves for a golf course
Western Mass courses worth driving to
Underrated private courses
Favorite public and private courses by Donald Ross,
Winter golf spots
Golf trips worth taking
Tips for getting onto private golf courses.
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In this episode of the Baystate Golf Podcast, I talk about Wachusett Country Club as the first course in the Baystate Spotlight Series.
The spotlight includes facts and history. I share my love for the course's old-school charm, subtlety of the land, and overall feel. I also talk about some aspects I don't love. I compare the back nine to the front nine and a former member weighs in via Instagram with some thoughts about what makes Wachusett CC a tough layout for players who like to hit it left to right.
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In this conversation, Garrett Salvucci discusses his passion for golf and fashion, as well as his journey in starting a golf page on Instagram. He shares his favorite rounds in Massachusetts.
Garrett also mentions some bucket list courses he would like to play around the state.
He emphasizes the importance of nice greens and a good overall experience when playing golf. The conversation covers various topics related to golf courses in Massachusetts, including specific courses like Granite Links and DW Field. The discussion also touches on playing golf in the winter and using simulators. Garrett shares his favorite clubs and what's in his bag right now.
DropZoneGolfCo on Instagram
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Nick Eliopoulos shares his experience as a caddy at Myopia and Essex golf courses in Massachusetts. He discusses the qualities of a good caddy and shares some red flags to watch out for.
Nick also talks about his favorite holes at Myopia and Essex and the challenges of caddying on these courses. He shares his love for tournament golf and the unique experience it offers.
Finally, Nick reveals his top five golf courses in Massachusetts for his final rounds in the state. Additionally, Nick talks about how he stays engaged with golf during the winter and his other passions, like hunting and fishing.
Nick's IG: GimmeThat_Golf
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In this solo podcast episode, I share highlights from his quest to play every golf course in Massachusetts. I discuss playing the US Open routing at the Country Club, playing at Willow Bend Country Club with Darren Clarke, playing at Maynard Golf Course, reconnecting with old friends and making new friendships through golf, and the joy of playing alone at Taconic and walking Pinehurst and Elie with my wife, Tiff. I reflect on the meaningful experiences and connections he has made through his golfing journey.
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I played 25 new courses in Massachusetts in 2023. I ranked them and discuss the different tiers of courses I played and shared my thoughts on each one. I start with the dive bar golf courses, followed by the mediocre middle tier, and finally the top-tier courses. I talk about the conditions, layout, and standout holes of each course and finish up with my top five courses: Willow Bend, Oakley Country Club, TPC Boston, Great Horse, and Old Sandwich.
NOTE: I got a little carried away and spoke about some courses out of the actual order.
Here is the actual ranking...
Old Sandwich
GreatHorse
TPC Boston
Oakley
Willowbend
Ipswich CC
Andover
Acushnet Valley
Four Oaks
Gannon
Brookside
Marion
Swansea
CC of Wilbraham
Ridder Farm
Juniper
Fresh Pond
Furnace Brook
John Parker
Treehouse
Maynard CC
Strawberry Valley
Touisset
Wampanoag
Elmcrest
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Sean and Paul touch on a wide collection of Ryder Cup topics. They start by discussing the short list of sporting events that are better than the Ryder Cup. They reflect on the Tiger and Phil era ending without a single US victory in Europe, what makes a good match play course, and who has the most to lose.
Burke came up with a great topic:
If there was an alternate shot 18-hole playoff after a tie on Sunday and the captains picked the opposition's pair, who would they choose?
Of course, they finish with their picks. In a podcast first, there's no way both of us will be wrong.... unless there's a tie.
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Sean and Paul talk about the Open Championship. Sean shares his thoughts on how his personal major rankings are shifting. They discuss the best players with one major championship and how another major could change how history remembers them. Wimbledon and Carlos Alcaraz stir up thoughts on a match-play major in golf and what player we'd put our money on to win the most majors in the next decade.
Finally, they get to their picks, long shots, and trunk slammers.
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Sean and Paul pick out some storylines for the week at Los Angeles CC, make their picks, and marvel at how the pros handle the stress of high-leverage golf week in and week out.
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After the PGA Championship preview pod gets lost in the podcast wilderness, I relay the picks Burke and I made for the week. Then the rest of the pod is a catch-up with Tung about his golfing low-point and how he's digging himself out of it.
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Paul joins me to talk about his upcoming trip to Augusta National for Masters Wednesday along with previewing this week's tournament. What's at stake for the LIV golfers? What players have found their way out of the wilderness in the last couple of years? Who is entering the wilderness? Burke wants more Gary Player. And we make our picks for the week.
(NOTE: We did the foolish thing of dipping into pre-1995 Masters champions without the list in front of us... 1994 champ was José María Olazábal.)
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If you could start a country club from scratch, where you you build it? What amenities would you include? What kind of vibe would you want? Would it be public? Private? Something in between?
Tung joins me as we each build our our country club.
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The tables are turned during this episode. Jed Moller (@poormansgolfguide on instagram) interviews me about the origin story about my quest to play them all. We discuss the courses I've played, the things I have learned to like, the things I don't like, the various people I've met along the way, and what's in store for next year and beyond.
LINKS:
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Tung is back to catch up on a busy summer of golf. We recap a golf trip we took together to Vermont, my trip to Pinehurst, some new additions to both our golf bags, his first lesson with a pro. We also touch on our goals for the rest of this golf season and reflect on goals we set last winter.
LINKS:BayStateGolf.com
BayStateGolf Shop SPONSOR:
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NOTE: This is the second release of this episode. We lost Jed's sound on the first edition!
It's rare to play 36 holes within any city limits.
Bostonians are lucky to have two Donald Ross golf courses in their city, and I was able to play both courses in a day. We call it the Double Dip.
Jed, Kevin, and Sampson agreed to join me to talk about why this one day Double Dip is so special. It’s a tough pair of tee times to lock down, but the two Donald Ross courses are exceptional and so different. We offer some tips for anyone who can nail down tee times at both course and dive into what we love about each course.
Each guest has a particular perspective. Jed is the historian at Plymouth CC (a Donald Ross design), so he has a deep knowledge of Donald Ross. Kevin works at top-ranked Old Sandwich as an assistant to the Superintendent.
Sampson is a long time Boston golf permit holder which gives him golfing privileges at Franklin Park and George Wright. He is the reason we’ve been able to achieve the Double Dip the last two golf seasons.
Finally, all four of us would consider ourselves to be hot dog enthusiasts, a major factor in the Double Dip planning, which you will hear about.
LINKS:BayStateGolf.com
BayStateGolf Shop SPONSOR:
It's Just Sop
NOTE: This is the second release of this episode. We lost Jed's sound on the first edition!
It's rare to play 36 holes within any city limits.
Bostonians are lucky to have two Donald Ross golf courses in their city, and I was able to play both courses in a day. We call it the Double Dip.
Jed, Kevin, and Sampson agreed to join me to talk about why this one day Double Dip is so special. It’s a tough pair of tee times to lock down, but the two Donald Ross courses are exceptional and so different. We offer some tips for anyone who can nail down tee times at both course and dive into what we love about each course.
Each guest has a particular perspective. Jed is the historian at Plymouth CC (a Donald Ross design), so he has a deep knowledge of Donald Ross. Kevin works at top-ranked Old Sandwich as an assistant to the Superintendent.
Sampson is a long time Boston golf permit holder which gives him golfing privileges at Franklin Park and George Wright. He is the reason we’ve been able to achieve the Double Dip the last two golf seasons.
Finally, all four of us would consider ourselves to be hot dog enthusiasts, a major factor in the Double Dip planning, which you will hear about.
LINKS:BayStateGolf.com
BayStateGolf Shop SPONSOR:
It's Just Sop
It's rare to play 36 holes within any city limits.
Bostonians are lucky to have two Donald Ross golf courses in their city, and I was able to play both courses in a day. We call it the Double Dip.
Jed, Kevin, and Sampson agreed to join me to talk about why this one day Double Dip is so special. It’s a tough pair of tee times to lock down, but the two Donald Ross courses are exceptional and so different. We offer some tips for anyone who can nail down tee times at both course and dive into what we love about each course.
Each guest has a particular perspective. Jed is the historian at Plymouth CC (a Donald Ross design), so he has a deep knowledge of Donald Ross. Kevin works at top-ranked Old Sandwich as an assistant to the Superintendent.
Sampson is a long time Boston golf permit holder which gives him golfing privileges at Franklin Park and George Wright. He is the reason we’ve been able to achieve the Double Dip the last two golf seasons.
Finally, all four of us would consider ourselves to be hot dog enthusiasts, a major factor in the Double Dip planning, which you will hear about.
LINKS:BayStateGolf.com
BayStateGolf Shop SPONSOR:
It's Just Sop
I visited Tung during my road trip down to Pinehurst and we played Belmont CC together and recorded an in-person podcast!
Belmont CC is a very interesting place. It was originally Hermitage CC and hosted the 1949 PGA Championship. Over the years it became a public course and deteriorated. In the last few years, Davis Love III redesigned the course for the First Tee. The 18 hole course is now a 12 hole course with a 6 hole short course. They also added a massive putting green.
It's an excellent vision of what public golf can be in the future.
Tung and I discuss our thoughts on the course after playing 30 holes there a couple weeks ago. Tung gives some more history behind how this rendition of Belmont CC came to be.
Burke joins from his car and kicks the episode off with the greatest intro ever. After he collects himself we wonder why the NFL Boogey Man keeps other sports, namely golf, from having a major in September. Burke can't believe the collection of players joining Tiger and Jack on the Swilcan Bridge for a photo-op.
Once they get to the actual golf, they talk about the Tiger retirement scuttlebutt, JT's scattered major preparation this year, former Opens at St. Andrews, and then they get to their picks for the week and some thoughts about Rory's major pressure and favorite road trip snacks.
A solo pod. I detail my day at the U.S. Open. From Rory's presser to visiting the completed Ouimet house to the grind of practice to a few tips and places to watch if you're attending the U.S. Open this week.
Make sure to follow BayState_Golf and AmateurGolf on IG this week for U.S. Open coverage.
Burke joins me to preview the U.S. Open at Brookline. But first, I offer up some thoughts and observations after spending the day at The Country Club.
Make sure to follow BayState_Golf and AmateurGolf on IG this week for U.S. Open coverage.
After LIV Golf announced its presence and completed an event in London and Rory McIlroy punched back with a win in the Canadian Open and a dig at Greg Norman, Burke and I decided to process the state of professional golf and where it might be heading.
Make sure to follow BayState_Golf and AmateurGolf on IG this week, as I will be at The Country Club covering the U.S. Open.
We start with some Celtics talk between games 5 and 6 and then talk about professional golf, our golf goals, upcoming golf trips, Tung's newest golf toy, and more.
Sean and Paul make their picks and discuss Phil, Tiger, Rory, and other topics before the PGA Championship kicks off this week.
It's Masters week! Burke is back to talk about all things Augusta National.
We start with a little trivia, the ANWA, and we pick three shots we'd want to hit at Augusta National. Burke poses a VERY interesting question about the Masters and how it's changed over the last decade. We compare different players and decide who will win more majors from right now until the end of their careers. Finally, we make our picks for the week and chat about Tiger.
Burke on Twitter
Sean on Twitter
Sean on Instagram
Devin Farnum and I connected on Instagram this past fall after he started listening to the Tom Sullivan series. This past December we finally found time to meet via zoom and chat about his golf story. Devin is in the process of making big life changes that are all built around golf. He’s turned pro and heading for Hawk's Landing in Connecticut to teach. Most importantly though, he has the drive to compete as a professional and work his way to the highest ranks and play on the PGA Tour.
__________________________________________________
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It felt fitting to have Tung on the pod one last time before we turn the calendar to 2022. We have a long discussion that covers his rounds at some private courses and how that felt. He dive into his best scoring round of the season. We also discuss Christmas presents, New Years Resolutions, golf gear, Tung’s second putter purchase in five months, and more.
On October 7th, 2020, Tom Sullivan died tragically when a tree collapsed onto his golf cart during a violent storm that swept through Wyantenuck Country Club in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. In an instant, the world of golf lost a respected PGA Professional. In this episode, members at the club and Tom’s friends share their perspective from that day.
Sully, a narrative podcast series, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
For more than 20 years, Tom Sullivan was the PGA golf professional at Wyantenuck Country Club. He was omnipresent, seemingly everywhere at all times. No task was too small. Each member’s concerns were his concerns. In this episode, members and staff describe Sullivan’s role as the beating heart of Wyantenuck.
Sully, a narrative podcast series, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
______________
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BayStateGolf.com
Sully: Ep 9: Teacher. Of all his gifts as a PGA Professional, Tom Sullivan possessed a remarkable ability to teach the game, to junior golfers to beginners or to seasoned professionals. He repeatedly and selflessly shared his time and knowledge to help anyone improve. In this episode, Tom’s friends, his members at Wyantenuck and fellow pros share the impact his teaching had on them.
Sully, a narrative podcast series, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
Future episodes:
Wyantenuck
October 7th
_______________________
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Instagram - BayState_Golf
BayStateGolf.com
Sully: Ep 8: Sal. Jim Salinetti is arguably the most accomplished golfer from Berkshire County, Massachusetts in the last 50 years. From 1997-2000, he won 3 Massachusetts Amateurs and 2 New England Amateurs. Who does he credit for his success, besides his parents? PGA Professional Tom Sullivan, who began instructing Salinetti in 1993. In this episode Sal describes how they met, the greatest tip Sully ever gave him, and Sully’s role mentoring Salinetti once he decided to become a PGA Professional.
Sully, a narrative podcast series, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
Future episodes:
Teacher
Wyantenuck
October 7th
_________
Twitter - BostonHomer
Instagram - BayState_Golf
Jim Salinetti Interview on Imperfect Game on Jan 15, 2021
BayStateGolf.com
Sully: Ep 7: Character. Being different came naturally to Tom Sullivan. There was a time in his life when he refused to drive his car over bridges. He once spent most of an entire day at a ski resort reading a newspaper. Fellow golf professionals, friends and members from Wyantenuck Country Club describe his unique and colorful side.
Sully, a narrative podcast series about PGA Professional Tom Sullivan, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
Future episodes:
Sal
Teacher
Wyantenuck
October 7th
_______________________
Twitter - BostonHomer
Instagram - BayState_Golf
BayStateGolf.com
Sully: Ep 6: Player. PGA Professional Tom Sullivan knew how to run a golf shop, conduct a tournament and give lessons. But, boy, could he golf his ball. Jim Horvath and Tim Tunstall describe the immense talent Sullivan had for the game, highlighted by that one glorious week when he held his own against the best players on the PGA TOUR.
Sully, a 10-episode narrative podcast series, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
Future episodes:
Teacher
Wyantenuck
October 7th
Character
______________________________
Twitter - BostonHomer
Instagram - BayState_Golf
BayStateGolf.com
Tung is back! In this episode, we start by chatting with Josh Strauss of Robinson Lane golf. Josh is a Tung superfan, and has offered to sponsor Tung’s journey with some of his personalized alignment sticks and some swag. Tung and Josh had only chatted on text, so it was great to get them together on the pod.
After Josh leaves us, Tung and I get into his latest golf adventures and struggles. I also put together a final exam for him as he finishes his first semester in golf 101.
_________________________
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BayStateGolf.com
Robinson Lane store
Robinson Lane IG
Sully: Ep 5 Kindness. Colleagues, friends, fellow golf professionals and members of Wyantenuck Country Club describe the unrelenting generosity and kindness of PGA Professional Tom Sullivan.
Sully, a 10-episode narrative podcast series, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
Future episodes:
Teacher
Player
Wyantenuck
October 7th
Character
__________________________________
Interview with Series creator Dom Dastoli
Twitter - BostonHomer
Instagram - BayState_Golf
BayStateGolf.com
Sully: Ep 4: Northeastern New York PGA. With a combination of compassion and humor, several of Tom Sullivan’s colleagues describe his impact on their PGA section, their careers and their personal development before his tragic passing on October 7th, 2020.
Sully, a 10-episode narrative podcast series, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
Future episodes:
Teacher
Player
Wyantenuck
October 7th
Character
Kindness
____________________________
Interview with Series creator Dom Dastoli
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Instagram - BayState_Golf
BayStateGolf.com
This week’s guest is Chris Brauner, a jack of all trades for AmateurGolf.com. Next week, I will be heading to Trinity, Texas to cover The Spirit for AmateurGolf.com. The Spirit is considered the Olympics of Amateur Golf. Chris has been to the host course, Whispering Pines and spent some time there for media day. I pick his brain about the event’s history and mission, the stellar field, and the golf course.
Amateurgolf.com
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Sully: Ep 3: Childhood. PGA Professional Tom Sullivan grew up next to a golf course. He learned the game from a Top 50 PGA TOUR money winner. And he played countless rounds with a childhood friend who would become a renowned PGA TOUR caddie. Both men, Jay Dolan III and Shayne Grier, recount Sullivan’s formative early years at Hillcrest Country Club in central Massachusetts
Sully, a 10-episode narrative podcast series, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
Future episodes:
Teacher
Player
Northeastern New York PGA
Wyantenuck
Childhood
October 7th
Character
Kindness
__________________________
Interview with Dom
Twitter - BostonHomer
Instagram - BayState_Golf
BayStateGolf.com
Sully: Episode 2: Cape Cod. With keen insight and well-timed humor, three lifelong friends retrace PGA Professional Tom Sullivan’s formative years on Cape Cod in the 1970s and 80s, when he played money matches by day, tended bar at night and gained a reputation as a well-liked, ‘renegade’ golf pro. Sullivan also met a man who would provide him with direction and discipline, and change the course of his professional career.
Sully, 10-episode narrative podcast series, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
Future episodes:
Teacher
Player
Northeastern New York PGA
Wyantenuck
Childhood
October 7th
Character
Kindness
Imperfect Game Links:
Interview with Dom
Twitter - BostonHomer
Instagram - BayState_Golf
BayStateGolf.com
Last month, I caddied for Brandon Johnson in the US MidAm on Nantucket. I was writing a piece about golfers from the Dayton, Ohio area competing in the event, Brandon was one of them, and when Brandon said he was looking for a caddie, I offered my mediocre services.
This pod covers our MidAm experience on Nantucket. Brandon is relatively new to competitive golf, but this was his second MidAM. We talk about playing in USGA events, dealing with fog delays, sticking to a process, his practice routine, traveling to Nantucket, what he’s learned about his game, and we finish up with a great story about Brandon’s time in Jr. Hockey.
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Sully: Ep 1: Dad. On October 7th, 2020, Tom Sullivan died tragically when a tree collapsed onto his golf cart during a violent storm that swept through Wyantenuck Country Club in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. In an instant, the world of golf lost a respected PGA Professional. Sarah and Ryan Sullivan lost their father. In this debut episode titled “Dad,” Sarah describes her father away from the golf course as only she and her brother knew him, and recalls the day of his death from her perspective.
Sully, a 10-episode narrative podcast series, is produced by Dominic Dastoli, in association with Wyantenuck Country Club and the Northeastern New York PGA.
Future episodes:
Cape Cod
Teacher
Player
Northeastern New York PGA
Wyantenuck
Childhood
October 7th
Character
Kindness
_________
Imperfect Game Links:
Twitter - BostonHomer
Instagram - BayState_Golf
BayStateGolf.com
Coming Thursday, October 14 to The Imperfect Game - "Sully: A narrative podcast about PGA Professional Tom Sullivan."
Be sure to listen to the October 7 episode where I interview Dom Dastoli, the man behind this new series.
Subscribe to this podcast to know when every episode is released!
I connected with Dom last spring after he heard my interview with Jim Salinetti, the head pro at Winchester CC. Dom was working on a project about Tom Sullivan, a long-time, beloved club pro from Massachusetts who passed away on Oct. 7 2020. Dom’s project is a ten episode series on the life of Tom Sullivan. Tom’s death was untimely and tragic.
I am honored to have Dom on this podcast to talk about the project, but I am even more honored that he has asked for The Imperfect Game to be where people can find all ten episodes about Tom Sullivan.
This discussion with Dom is meant to set the table for what you can expect from the series, with a few stories to whet your appetite. The posting of this interview is on the one-year anniversary of Tom’s passing.
Our plan is to release the first episode, titled, “Dad” next Thursday, Oct 14.
Thanks for listening, please spread the word about this series. Share this podcast with a friend.
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Boo Weekley played in one Ryder Cup and made quite an impression at Valhalla in 2008. He was a big reason for the USA's much needed victory. The story of Boo's rise in professional golf was long and trying but inspiring. Hear about his fight with an orangutan and his job blasting ammonia off the walls of tubes in chemical plants. Oh, and we'll cover some golf, too.
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Fansided - ProGolfNow
Golf club maker and entrepreneur Josh Haywood joins me to talk about Haywood Golf. In 2018, Josh decided he wanted to make affordable, direct to consumer golf clubs that compete with the big brands that most golfers gravitate towards. Josh's story is inspiring will leave you thinking about where you might buy your next clubs from. We cover a wide variety of topics, from the inspirations he pulls from to design his clubs, to his process, to the challenge of building a driver that meets his high expectations. Stick around at the end of the pod because we have a promo code to share with you for a discount on their website.
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BayStateGolf.com
Haywood Golf
This week Tung and I catch up on his latest golf escapades. He’s playing and watching golf, he’s been lucky enough to visit Belmont in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. We talk about Collin Morikawa’s maniacal cereal eating routine, making friends on the golf course, skills we wish we had, his huge goal for the fall (it’s huge), and pre and post shot routines.
BayStateGolf Logo Poll
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This pod was supposed to focus team USA's captains picks, but before talking through all the different options and characters we talk about some Ryder Cup news, our 1999 Ryder Cup memories from The Country Club, and what we'd change about the event if we were in charge. We finish up talking through Steve Stricker's options for his picks.
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A different kind of episode this week. A little dive into the life and times of Christy O'Connor Sr. The Irishman played in 10 straight Ryder Cups from 1955-1973. Back then the Ryder Cup was tilted firmly in favor of the Americans, but O'Connor kept coming back for more, even though he won only one Ryder Cup in those 10 appearances.
In the lead up to the Ryder Cup, I'll have a few more of these solo podcasts. I hope you like them!
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StayHomeHusband.com
This week’s guest is Joe Hooks, a pro golfer who I discovered on Erik Anders Lang’s Breaking Sawgrass this past spring. Joe speaks about playing competitive golf at an early age, his golf support system, and making the choice in 9th grade to focus on playing golf. We cover how he practices, money games in Michigan, his experience playing Sawgrass, caddying at The Concession, snacks on the golf course, old Callaway 7-woods. Joe was incredibly gracious and patient as we dealt with WiFi issues on my end and getting booted off Zoom. Make sure to follow Joe Hooks on IG and twitter to keep up to date on his progress and success on the APGA tour and other events this fall and beyond.
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This is the fourth installment of podcasts with my friend Tung about the first months of his golf journey. This past spring, Tung caught the golfing bug and hasn’t looked back. If you haven’t listened to the other three pods with Tung, give them a listen, too. In this particular episode we talk at length about our 18 hole round at The Ledges in York, Maine when Tung was in Maine for vacation. It was Tung’s second ever 18 hole round, so there’s a lot to discuss about the course, his play, where and how he can improve, and more. Tung has also made a few new purchases, namely some shoes and a putter, which he is very excited about. We wrap up with a couple listener questions and Tung’s anticipated trip to Belmont in Richmond this weekend.
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Kevin Van Cleef is this week’s guest. This is his second time joining me on the pod. We connected through twitter last fall and since then he has continued his work on the grounds crew at Old Sandwich. He shares some news on his progress, but we also touch on his last minute Collin Morikawa bet for the Open and some Olympic golf before we dive into a topic that has effected his golfing life - the impending sale and shuttering of Cape Cod Country Club.
While it seems like the land will become a solar field, there is still a small glimmer of hope that maybe the sale can be stalled or stopped so that someone can possibly save the course. If you’d like to help, I have included a link in the show notes to the Cape Cod Commission who will oversee the next steps in the process. I have also included a piece I wrote this spring about what’s going on at Cape Cod CC and another course in New Hampshire that’s also owned by Friel Golf Management. On the bright side, Kevin has found a new course in the par 3 gem Cotuit Highgrounds that he’s enjoyed playing this spring and summer.
Cape Cod Commission
Cape Cod Country Club is on the Brink of Becoming a Solar Field
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Over the last 20 years, fitness has become more important to playing good golf over a longer period of time. Bobby Dattero is a self-described golf addict. He has taken his love of the game and blended it with his profession as a physical trainer to help golfers get stronger, faster, and more mobile. Our conversation touches on various aspects of golf fitness do and don’ts. Bobby gives some great insight into what think about when starting a program but most importantly he talks about just getting started. Make sure to follow Bobby’s instagram, GolfersThatLift, and his YouTube page.
Bobby's Instagram - GolfersThatLift
Bobby's YouTube
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StayHomeHusband.com
It's been two years since the world's best golfers competed for the Claret Jug. Paul joins me to talk about the five year anniversaries of the Open. Stenson, Clarke, Tiger, Duval, and Baker-Finch get some air time before we dip our toes in two discussions - Who is the best player without a major and what player with one major win in the last decade is the most disappointing?
Then we talk about Royal St. George's and make our picks for this week, including our top three, one dark horse, one deep dark horse, and our trunk slammer.
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StayHomeHusband.com
HickoryHacker.com
Hooper Golf Course is one of the best nine hole golf courses in the world. Its history is deeply connected with the community of Walpole, New Hampshire, which is a big part of why it survived financial challenges and the threat of becoming condominiums around 2010. With the help of an environmental easement and Fred Dill's purchase of the land, Hooper remained a golf course. That's where Josh and 25 other locals come into picture. In 2018, they bought the golf course from Fred Dill and have worked over the last three years to return the club to its former glory. It's an inspiring story of people coming together to keep an asset in the community alive. If you're in the northeast, put Hooper on your list of courses to visit.
Hooper Events:
August 7 - Co-hosted by Grueter Golf and Boston Golf and Social
September 18 - Golfer's Journal
Links:
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StayHomeHusband.com
Back by popular demand, Tung joins me to talk about his latest adventures as a new golfer. Since our last pod, he's graduated from par 3 courses to a few rounds of nine holes at a full golf course both with and without his son. He also tells a great story about his first 18 hole round while on vacation with his son, father-in-law, and a complete stranger.
We also spend some time on ways for Tung to trim a few shots off his score, which includes a some chipping and putting tips and drills.
The US Open is at Torrey Pines this week. Burke and I start the pod discussing the Korn Ferry Tour on-course fight and arrest this Monday before jumping into our US Open topics.
We start with our US Open five year anniversaries that include DJ, Rory, Geoff Ogilvy, Retief Goosen, and Steve Jones. Then we jump into a chat about what players we think in the deepest part of the wilderness right now. We finish up with Torrey Pines storylines for the week and our makes picks which are guaranteed to have a winner... because at some point we have to pick a winner, right?
Twitter - BostonHomer
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Golf has endless entry points. For Christian Williams (aka The Hickory Hacker), it started in high school with some curiosity, some used clubs, and a friend. In the last few years, Christian reconnected with the game through hickory golf. The challenge and intrigue of this version of the game revived him and helped him tap into golf’s history. During my discussion with Christian, who goes by the name Hickory Hacker on the internet, we talk about how he got into the Hickory golf world, his antiquing prowess, and the main reasons he decided to trade in his metal shafts for wooden ones and build a website to showcase hickory golf to the masses. Christian’s view of the game is refreshing and contagious. I know it helped reset my golfing mindset as we talked. If you’re interested in hickory golf, even just as an observer, be sure to follow Christian on Instagram or visit his website to see his course vlogs and hickory club repair tutorials.
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It's major week, so I've got Paul Burke back on to talk about the PGA Championship. We quickly touch on the course before diving into the PGA's anniversary victories, which includes John Daly's incredible 1991 victory, a Greg Norman meltdown, and Kenny Perry's audition for golf analyst.
We wrap up with our picks, dark horses, and trunk slammers.
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I was fortunate to have Ron Forse join me for a second podcast. We start with Pete Dye's impact on golf architecture and what to look for this week as you watch the PGA Championship on TV. Then we move on and discuss the future of golf. We start with what Ron's worried about and then move to the hopeful stuff.
(NOTE: At one point in the podcast, Ron and I try to recall Scott Fawcett's name and instead use the name Scott Poole. Both gentlemen played a role in Kiawah. Scott Poole during construction in 1990 and Scott Fawcett worked with Pete Dye and helped with the latest work at Kiawah in preparation for The PGA Championship).
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Today’s pod is a free flowing discussion with my friend Tung. We catch up on his latest golf adventures as he and his son continue to fall in love with the game. Tung has played a couple rounds at a local par 3 course, hit balls at the range, and even purchased a mat to chip in his back yard. As Tung asks some questions about the game and we catch up on his progress, we also enjoy some tangents into Tung’s reformed jump shot, the Nintendo gameboy, my decision to get lessons for the first time in about a decade, and make plans for a summer round in Maine where we might invite some listeners to join us. Unbelievably we don’t say a single word about the Boston Celtics.
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This week we head to Australia to talk with Sandy Jamieson about his golfing life. Sandy has stood with, and coached, some of the best players in the world - Robert Allenby and Y.E. Yang to name two. But after years of grinding on professional tours, Sandy decided to return to his roots, head home, and become a club pro. Teaching has always been in his blood, and after a few years at a prestigious club in Melbourne, Sandy is now at Oakleigh, a public nine hole course. His mission is to bring as many people to the game as possible, and he’s doing it one hour at a time. Sandy’s teaching philosophy will open your eyes to different possibilities on how to get people into the game. He has four key points and none of them have to do with grip, stance, posture, or alignment. I hope you enjoy my talk with Sandy. He’s inspiring to listen to and if you have any type of job that requires training or teaching, you’ll pick up some nuggets of wisdom, as a lot of what Sandy preaches extends beyond the golf course.
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Sandy on Twitter
My friend Tung is dipping his toe into the game of golf. He has stepped foot on a golf course once in the last decade, but his son’s interest in the game has brought the game back into his life. We cover a bunch of different questions beginners have about golf and I do my best to answer them. We also dive into the challenge of learning the game, first tee jitters, buying expensive drivers, dos and don’ts pace of play hacks, and the best types of courses for beginnings.
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David Jones is a superintendent in Oklahoma who caught my attention last month when he popped up on my Twitter feed because he only has a few courses left to play before he can say he’s played every golf course in Oklahoma. We start our discussion focusing on David’s job caring for The Club at Indian Springs, a 36 hole golf course outside of Tulsa. Then we get into why David decided to play every course in Oklahoma. He has some great stories about sneaking on to courses and driving 7 or 8 hours to play small nine holers on the other side of the state. As of right now, David is planning on checking off his final course on May 3 during the Oklahoma superintendents meeting. Make sure you follow David on Twitter because while he’s wrapping up this goal, he has set another goal he’s hoping to complete in the next few years that might bring him to a course near you! His twitter handle is “GolfSoupJones.”
It’s Masters week, so my major preview stalwart Paul Burke joins me. We start with a discussion about the Augusta National Women’s Amateur that was held this past weekend. Then we jump into some silly hypotheticals. We pick a permanent home course for the US Open, Open Championship, and PGA championship. We also pick a new permanent home course for the Masters. Then we run through some Masters anniversaries all the way back as far as 1981. We wrap up with our picks, dark horses, truck slammers, our dream Sunday final pairing, who we’re rooting for, and the best possible Sunday storylines.
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Ron Forse got into the golf architecture game in the late 1980s. Over the last 30+ years, alongside his partner Jim Nagle, Ron has worked at countless courses doing restorations, renovations, and original designs. His love of art, sports, and history pulled him in the direction of classical golf architecture. We cover a wide variety of topics: from when he decided at age 13 that he wanted to design golf courses, to how he got into the design field, to how military landscapes connect to golf design, to Donald Ross green sites, to how he blends his artistic inclinations while honoring the classical designs he’s restoring. We begin with a discussion about his current tree program at Orlando Country Club, a Ross design that he restored in 2017.
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Paul Burke joins me to touch on a bunch of different golf related topics. We hit on golf pet peeves, with some help for some folks on Instagram, and then we offer up some new golf rules that we think might make the game better or more interesting. Next, we move on and talk about the PGA Tour season up to this point and pick out some favorite moments and the courses that we liked since the season kicked off in Hawaii. We wrap up with some thoughts on THE PLAYERS and make some very quick picks.
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Laz Versalles is a man full of interesting stories and hot takes. During our conversation, we talk about golf in Minnesota, Laz’s stint as a club pro, his path to writing for various golf publications. Laz isn’t afraid of sharing his opinions on twitter. We talk Bryson’s suspect bulkiness, fried chicken sandwiches, and Vikings football to wrap up the pod. Make sure to follow Laz on twitter. His threads are excellent and it’s also a gateway into his excellent writing for Golf.com.
After listening to this podcast... here's Laz on
- Twitter
- Golf.com
- Golf WRX
- Golf Origin Podcast
Trap Draw Podcast (an LA Deeeeep dive)
Also check out his work on Golfer's Journal (and subscribe while you're there).
My links:
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Frank Vana Jr. is one of the most dominant amateur golfers in Massachusetts history. For starters, Vana qualified for the Round of 32 in 24 straight Massachusetts Amateur championships. Over the course of 9 years, Vana reached the MassAm final match 6 times. On top of that, he has won the Mass Mid-Am 10 times. Vana has also won the Richard D. Haskell Mass Golf Player of the year nine times, including seven straight awards from 2001-2007. In 2004 Vana qualified for the PGA Tour’s Dutche Bank Open held at TPC Boston. Finally, Vana was named MGA male player of the decade in for the 1990s and the 2000s. Before turning to golf, Vana was an exceptional hockey and football player, and he earned a spot in Assumption College’s Hall of Fame. This laundry list of accomplishments also earned Vana a spot in the Mass Golf Hall of Fame, but he’s not done yet. He has won numerous senior events and four straight senior player of the year titles. Now that you know what he’s accomplished, I hope you enjoy my discussion with Frank Vana Jr. about how he started playing golf, his work/life/family/golf balance, competing against the youngsters, and more.
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Bill Buttner is currently the golf coach at Ekerd College in Tampa Bay, Florida. His journey to Ekerd was a long and winding path. It started with a baseball injury in high school, then to UNC-Chapel Hill where he wanted to play basketball. All the while, Bill was grinding on his golf game. A Plymouth, Massachusetts native, Bill competed on the PGATour in the 1980s after a successful amateur career. Bill was a pleasure to talk to and I hope you enjoy our conversation.
One quick note on the sound for this pod. I rigged up a different set-up because this was a phone call with Bill, and so the quality isn’t super. But I appreciate you sticking it out and listening. I certainly learned a bit about the inner workings of audio engineering.
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Nick Maccario joins me on today’s podcast. Nick won the 2020 Mass Golf player of the year award after finishing runner-up in the Amateur Invitational, the Mass Amatuer, the New England Amateur, and The Ouimet Invitational in four straight weeks. He capped off that consistent, yet frustrating, run with a victory at The Hornblower. Nick has burst onto the Mass Amateur scene in the last four years, and is earning births into more and more national amateur events. Nick talks with me about his upcoming schedule, long and short term golf goals, playing with the lead, going low (and breaking scoring records), his reintroduction to competitive golf following college, and a lot more.
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My friend Paul Burke joins me to talk about the new documentary on HBO. We hit on the people we'd like to have seen, the people we could do without, the stars of the doc, memories that we had forgotten about, if it was fair, and if we liked it.
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On today's podcast Jim Salinetti, the Head Pro at Winchester CC joins me. Jim was an exceptional amateur player in Massachusetts, winning the Massachusetts Amateur in 1997, 1999, and 2000. In 1997, Jim was the youngest player to ever win the Mass Am. Jim also won two New England Ams and the prestigious Oiumet Invitational. He made the final 16 of the US Am in 2000 and had a very successful college career at the University of Rhode Island. Jim turned pro in 2000 and spent 7 years grinding as a pro and playing on the Canadian tour. He shares some great stories and insights into his experiences as a touring pro and then how he became the Head Pro at Winchester. Jim is a humble guy and I hope you enjoy our conversation and his stories.
Sponsor: It's Just Sop
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Ed Meyers joins me for this week's episode. Ed started played golf in 2016. He grew up playing baseball competitively, and after finishing his college career on the diamond, he started playing golf with his buddies. The golf bug bit him hard. He loved the competition and the idea of walking in the footsteps of golf’s greats. He was struck by the idea to set a massive golfing goal, so he decided to set out to play the top 200 golf courses in America. He’s checked a some impressive ones off his list, and we talk about his visit to The Country Club (which included meeting Gil Hanse), the biggest surprises during his rounds at some of the finest courses, and his plans for 2021. We wrap up with Ed giving his five rounds in the state of NY and explaining how a kid from Massachusetts became a Baltimore Ravens fan.
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Bogeys and Bowties
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Hey everyone, the final Imperfect Game Podcast of 2020 is the second part of my talk with Paul Burke. In this pod Burke tells us about us his Masters online food order. Then we revisit some of our takes about Rory, Bryson, and the boredom of Winged Foot. We discuss the fall and winter golf majors, COVID golf rules, highlights and lowlights, and the explosion of the game this summer when it became one of the few things people could do. We wrap up with some questions that were sent in on social media.
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This week, I wrap up the year with Paul with a 2-part podcast. Paul is my go to guest for the preview of the majors. This pod is a bit different. In part 1, we tackle two questions:
Question 1: If you could go back in time and experience three historic golf moments what would they be?
Question 2: You have five rounds to play in Massachusetts. How are you using them?
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This week Colin Brennan joined me to talk about his start in the game and those endless summer days on the course with his brother, playing 36 holes and killing time on the range. Colin was the 2012 MGA player of the year, and that summer’s success inspired him give life as a the pro a try. We talk about the process of moving and starting a pro career and the grind, both mental and physical, that the mini-tours have on players. Colin spent three years chasing his dream before deciding amateur golf and a job back home in Massachusetts felt like the right move. He’s been back on the amateur circuit and has found success, including a Mass Mid-Am championship in 2017. Colin shares some great insight to the ups and down of golf.
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Seth and Chris, the guys behind Be Good Golf join me to talk about a wide range of golf topics. They share their golf origin stories and how Be Good Golf came to be during a lot car ride through Nebraska. We lament the challenges of Instagram and figuring out the algorithm, and Seth and Chris also give some insight into their move to making apparel. We wrap up with golf travel stories out to Prairie Club in Nebraska along with some golf excursions closer to their homes in Tennessee and South Carolina, and the guys answer some lightning round questions.
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Sean has his friend Mike on this week to talk about golf. In strange twist of fate, some big NBA news dropped just before they recorded and because their friendship blossomed around the NBA, we break down the trade first. Then we get to Mike's reinvigorated love of golf after a decade away from the sport. The challenges of breaking 100, 90, and 80, balancing practice and playing, and avoiding the flood of internet teaching content. We also discuss the process of getting fitted, Mike's few rounds at Sebonack, and wrap-up with Mike's crazy childhood driving range injury.
Ryan French who runs the Monday Q account on Twitter joins me on this podcast. Ryan is a champion of the mini-tour golfer and has spent the last three years documenting the challenges of making it as a professional golfer. We discuss how he got into the game of golf, his time caddying on the Canadian tour and other mini-tours, how he manages to collect and tell stories through his twitter feed. Ryan’s story is a lot like the ones he tells about others. He works hard and loves what he does, but it took him leaving another profession to realize that happiness isn’t always baked into a paycheck at the end of the week.
As always, thanks for listening to the podcast. If you’re new here, please press or click that subscribe button on whatever pod catcher you use for your podcast pleasure. A rating and review would be swell, too. You can also find me on social. On twitter I am BostonHomer on Instagram I am StayHomeHusband. I write a couple times a week at Stayhomehusband.com and I would encourage you to sign up for my Friday newsletter to get all my stuff in one place. If you’re not following Ryan’s twitter account, you should be. It’s called Monday Q Info (acaseofthegolf1).
Most importantly, if you want to support Ryan, you should visit his online shop and make a purchase.
On this episode, I have am joined by Matt Roberts who runs Old Line Golf. Matt is an admitted golf nut and loves to travel all around Maryland playing golf and finding interesting stories to tell. We covered a bunch of topics including his changed perspective while on the golf course, chasing a single digit handicap, playing as a single, the explosion and inclusiveness of golf this summer, and organizing a trip to the North Carolina Sandhills this past August. He also told a touching story about his experience at the Masters in 2015 and then again in 2016. Towards the end Matt offers up some golf podcasts and books he enjoys.
If you’re new here, please press or click that subscribe button on whatever pod catcher you use for your podcast pleasure. A rating and review would be swell, too. You can also find me on social. On twitter I am BostonHomer on Instagram I am StayHomeHusband. I write a couple times a week at Stayhomehusband.com and I would encourage you to sign up for my Friday newsletter to get all my stuff in one place. Matt’s work can be found on his website, OldLineGolf.com and his twitter and Instagram are outstanding. Find them at Old Line Golf also.
Today's podcast is a Masters Preview with Paul Burke. In this episode, we discuss the golf course and some hypotheticals if we were able to play only some of the golf holes at Augusta National. We touch on the good and bad about a November Masters before revisiting the anniversary winners in five year intervals. Jordan Spieth, Tiger, and Phil are discussed during this segment. We wrap up with our picks for the week. The three favorites, two dark horses, and one trunk slammer.
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Adam and Jarrod joined me to talk about Cape Cod Golf. These two brothers, aka The Cape Cod Golf Guys, have decided to play each course on the Cape and Islands. Their motivation is both from a love of golf and a glaring lack of online info about courses in their beloved section of the state. In addition to discussing their process for ranking courses we talk about how it has changed their mindset on the course, the thin line between being honest and mean, and their hidden gems thus far. We wrap up with their five rounds in Massachusetts and discussion various golf course games and ways to make rounds more about the game and less about the score.
Links:
CapeCodGolfGuys.com
Cape Cod Golf Guys on IG
Jed Moller joins me to talk about Plymouth Country Club. Jed is a member at Plymouth CC but is also become the club’s historian. He’s full of great info about Plymouth’s history on and off the golf course. We talk about the founding of the course, Donald Ross’ par 70 design and why it’s now a par 69. Plymouth CC is also in the middle of a long term restoration which Jed and I touch on too. As a par 69, Plymouth might get a side eye from some folks, but the course is excellent and I really enjoyed Jed’s thoughts on golf course architecture and his interesting perspective on my “5 rounds in Massachusetts” question, which sent us all over the state.
I'm joined on this pod by Kevin Van Cleef. Kevin and I had never met before this pod, we found each other on golf twitter and he seemed like he had some interesting thoughts on golf and he is also currently working on the grounds crew at Old Sandwich in Plymouth, Massachusetts. OS has found it’s way onto many top 100 courses in the US lists. Kevin and I talk about the life of a grounds crew member, the challenging tasks he has to take on. Then we discuss golf in general, what we like and don’t like about various courses. Kevin shares his five rounds in Massachusetts with me, a great list and then tosses in some 9-hole courses for some honorable mentions.
Golfer Matt Parziale joins me for this pod to talk about playing in major championships, his mental game, life as a big time amateur golfer, his preparation for events, his schedule, his plans for golf down the road, and more.
Matt has won the Mass Amateur Championship, the Mass Mid-Am, the US Mid-Am, and was the winner of the low amateur at the 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
It's the week of a major, so Paul joins the pod to dish on US Open golf. They start off talking about Winged Foot the course, a place neither of them know terribly well. Paul believes that might be due to the lack of truly memorable holes as compared to other top notch US Open courses. It has only host 2 majors in our lifetime, and neither of them stand out in our memory for the course, but more for the stories, especially in 2006 when Geoff Ogilvy beat out some of the best players in the world. The discussion turns to what courses are in the US Open top tier and second tier along with some thoughts about Pinehurt's new relationship to the USGA and a possible rota, like the R&A uses for The Open.
At the 32:00 they make their picks in a snake draft format, then pick a darkhorse, a SUPER darkhorse, and of course the trunk slammers. They wrap up with a Tiger and Phil discussion about which one might move the needle more if he was involved on Saturday or Sunday this weekend.
Sean has his golf stand-by Paul Burke on because it's major week. The PGA is the first major in more than a year. Paul launches into a golf coverage rant right off the bat. The Golf Channel dropped the ball by not having any real coverage from Harding Park until Monday evening. A missed opportunity, and Paul wants you to know about it.
The guys then get into some thoughts about golf's restart. The Muirfield back-to-back, the effect of no fans on the course, and some pleasant surprises over the last two months.
Next, the discussion turns to the golf course hosting the PGA, Harding Park, in San Francisco. It's hosted some big events in the past 15 years, but in 1998 it hit a low point when it was used as a parking lot for the U.S. Open at Olympic. We also barely remember the events it has hosted, not a great sign...
The tour has an interesting generation of players in their 40s who have one (or zero) majors and a wave of youth that has truly been impacted by Tiger Woods. Will the next decade look like it did post Jack Nicklaus with a bunch of players collecting a smaller amount of majors?
Finally, they make their picks for the week. They draft their top three, a dark horse, an extra potential first-time winner, and the classic Trunk Slammer (who will miss the cut).
I am joined by Paul Burke to talk about golf and how we're filling the void of live sporting events. We challenge the Golf Channel to be better, because they've dropped the ball on various opportunities to show coverage of great tournaments instead of mailing it in and showing the first round of the 2019 Valero Texas Open. Open up the archives and get creative!
The PGA is aiming to start back up in June, and I'm not so sure if players will feel safe and willing to travel from state to state to play golf, especially the top ranked golfers in the world. Massachusetts golf courses are closed, and Paul subscribes to the "Non-Fun Zone" right now, where it wouldn't be a good look if courses were open, even if social distancing was happening and rules were altered for the safety of the players and employees. Paul's "NFZ" theory also might be why the buzz around Tiger vs. Phil fizzled faster than it sizzled. What're the optics when millionaire athletes leave their house to play golf, even if it is for charity?
They wrap up with some of their own half-baked creative ideas for golf coverage/entertainment during the quarantine, including a "Resort Golf Pro Tour" and drafting a cadre of golfers based on specific skills on the course.
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On Friday March 20, Sean spoke to his cousin about his experience in China during the spread of COVID-19 across the world. Jerome currently teaches third grade in China and has some interesting stories to tell about containment and how people reacted to the quick, swift, and sweeping measures to stay indoors and close businesses.
In the second of their deep dive series, Both and Sean looked at West Ham United from all angles. Their past, built out of the hot steel and rivet hammers of the shipbuilders, to their present, a side looking for a new identity in a new stadium with some rather upset fans. Their Academy program arguably won England the 1966 World Cup and also flooded the Premier League with great players in the early 2000s. Hooliganism, songs about bubbles, youth development, and the eternal struggle to remain relevant among their London brethren marks this club's past and present.
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Both joins Sean to talk about this week's English Soccer happenings. Son's horrible tackle, the new captain at Arsenal, the inevitability of the relegation zone already, and what matches are worth watching this week that aren't Manchester City v Liverpool. They wrap up with the Champions League insanity that occurred between Chelsea and Ajax on Tuesday.
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Sean and Both are back at it to talk about the Premier League. The Arsenal captainship might be up for grabs after Granit Xhaka's, meltdown. As Sean and Both unpack what's going on at Arsenal, they discuss the power structures and decision making at other big clubs. Who is in charge? How do different teams handle their legacy and managerial changes (00:00-41:30). Liverpool's win over Tottenham on Sunday was a big boy victory, as they continue to set the pace in England. Liverpool's schedule, along with the other top clubs, will prove to be a challenge the next 8 weeks. How will Tottenham right the ship? On the other end of the table, Southampton suffered the worst home loss in history after a 9-0 loss in the pouring rain. But the players tried to make it up to the fans by doing something no pro athlete would ever do in the United States (41:30-58:00). They wrap up by looking at some games to keep an eye on this weekend, both in England and the rest of the soccer world.
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Sean has Paul on for the first in his "... of the decade" series. 2020 is coming and it's time to start reflecting on the things we liked and disliked.
In this episode, the guys start by talking about how they are filling their PGA Championship void with Korn Ferry Tour Finals and the US Amateur Championships. Then they dive in and discuss each of their top 5 picks, while sprinkling in their pick for the worst major of the decade.
At the 57:00 mark, the guys wander off and talk about some honorable mentions, golf this decade, Golf.com's top majors list, the worst 18th holes losses, and Phil's sliding door quest for the grand slam.
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Sean has Paul on to talk about The Open Championship at Royal Portrush. They break down the importance of golf coming to Northern Ireland, the redesign of the golf course, and how the TV coverage will tackle the history of the region (00:00-16:00). They move to Phil's "hard reset" video and his comments on Golf Channel from Tuesday. Sean wonders about Phil's health and if there's something deeper going on with him beyond a simple diet and cleanse, Rory's "home game" in Northern Ireland and how it might harm his ability to contend (16:00-30:30). Then they head off the trail and talk about the new schedule and how it could or couldn't effect the PGA TOUR going forward. Will the tour split into a big tour and small tour? Does the FedEx Cup really matter (30:30-44:30)? Finally, they pick their top 3, a dark horse, an MC Hammer, and an Icarus (44:30-END).--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-imperfect-game/message
Sean and Paul discuss the US Open at Pebble Beach. Can Tiger get his second major this year? Will Pebble Beach hold up as a US Open site? Massachusetts golf has come a long way with four reps in the field. Of course, they also make their three picks and a darkhorse.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-imperfect-game/message
Sean and Paul break down the 2019 PGA Championship.They start with the course and what they like and dislike about it (00:00-23:00). Including a good 3 minute dissection of David Duval.Then they discuss the new timing of the event now that it's in May. Will the weather be more of a factor? Will people be as interested considering the other sports distractions going on in the NBA and NHL (23:00-32:00).Get your bookie on the phone, because they wrap up talking about the players in the field. Should John Daly be allowed to use a cart? Is Tiger really a favorite? When can we start saying DJs career is a disappointment? Finally, they pick their top 3 contenders and a darkhorse.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-imperfect-game/message
Sean and Paul talk through Tiger's Masters victory. Sean has to defend a questionable choice he made.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-imperfect-game/message
Sean and Paul continue their annual Masters preview tradition. They begin with a Game of Thrones rant, then reminisce about some Masters anniversaries. Bubba's second win, Angel Cabrera's playoff victory, Phil's first, Jose Maria's double, and Faldo's playoff win in 1989 (00:00-22:30).Then they go through some quick talking points: Spieth's recent struggles, Grand Slam chasers, DJ's Augusta mediocrity in the face of high expectations, Patrick Reed's green jacket defense, and if Brooks Koepka can maintain his major domination (22:30-37:20).They wrap up the pod with their top three picks and some dark horses.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-imperfect-game/message