Tenuous Links Golf Podcast: Recent Episodes
GolfBarons®
Join the GolfBarons on a quest to bring an insight into all things golf (and many things that are not) in the aptly named ‘Tenuous Links’ podcast. Whether offering their thoughts on the latest golf feud, dynamic solutions to the game’s many problems, or dishing out some history that has shaped the game over time, these golf conversations are sure to add some swagger to your swing.
John from Chicago returns in this non-emergency, special edition, welcome back podcast to discuss the fork in the road that is PIF, PGA Tour, LIV, Jay, Keith, Rory, Shark, Brandel, Alan, and Yasir.
With so much still to play out, we figured we'd throw our hat in the speculation ring. Known knowns. Known unknowns. Unknown knowns. Unknown unknowns. It's a Donald Rumsfeld masterpiece.
It's good to be back.
Phil sits down with Tour Edge Golf's John Craig to talk all things from flying choppers to St Andrews during The Open, receiving advice from Scottish caddies, and the state of the game with respect of the controversial LIV tour.
Taylormade Golf's Tomo Bystedt joins Phil to talk all things engineering, travelling the world post-Covid, experiencing your first Masters at Augusta, 'Tiger's divot', the greatest start to a round, and the history of clubmaking.
CGE Golf’s Steve Baron joins Phil to discuss golf on the Murray, 'Disneyland for golf', pink jackets, and most importantly how to get back travelling to golf’s dream destinations.
Kippa and Philbert wax lyrical about all the takeaways from the Masters – the hits and the many misses – while also reliving some past experiences caddying on the PGA Tour.
Ever wondered what it's like to go in-between the ropes at Augusta National during the Masters? Philbert sits down with Kippa to reveal all the secrets from golf's most mysterious (and loved) major.
When it comes to golf, at some point in time everyone has asked why things are done a certain way. It's a game that throws up more questions than answers which is one of the things that makes the game so attractive. In this episode, Fran "The Knight" Sheen makes a return to throw some ideas that have occurred to her, or quirks that she has witnessed, at Philbert with the sole purpose of seeing if there is a reasonable explanation for them such as how best to ask someone if they have coloured balls? It's the mystery of golf through the 'innocent' eyes of someone new to the game. Don't expect anything highbrow, from either of them.
In this episode, Phil sits down with Chris Voshall from Mizuno USA, to discuss his story in golf, design and engineering concepts, name-dropping, and ultimately Chris nominates his GolfBarons Cup Team.
Shooter and Philbert recap all the big topics discussed throughout the year on Tenuous Links from the development of the PGL (or is that SGL?), Brooks and Bryson's fake feud, the excitement of playing golf at the Olympics, the ups and downs of Rory, and the joy of Yuka Saso's heartwarming win.
In this episode Philbert sits down with regular special guest from TourEdge Golf, John Craig, to discuss the eternal next-level commitment Bernhard Langer applies to his game, delve into Rory McIlroy's continuing woes on course, debate how the PGL could ultimately transform the product of golf for the better, touch on supply chain issues for golf manufacturers and when we expect them to be resolved, and tell us why consumers in the golf industry have been spoilt for years.
In this episode Philbert sits down with special guest, content creator expert, Frances 'The Knight' Sheen, to get a different perspective on what golf means to a (relatively) new convert to the game. Fresh, honest and insightful, 'The Knight' reveals where golf really needs to direct its attention to appeal to more women, how to make the game stickier for new players, and regales us with stories of weird (and occasionally wonderful) encounters on the course.
In this episode Philbert and Shooter celebrate Lucas Herbert's humble Bermuda Championship win on the PGA Tour, marvel at the young Australian's humility and grace in victory, talk through the Geoff Ogilvy Sandbelt Invitational and what it means for golf locally, tackle the vagaries surrounding Greg Norman's involvement with a Saudi-backed renegade competition, and tee off on the hypocrisy of several golf bodies when it comes to golf sponsorships and moral outrage. Fun times.
When it comes to golf, the main voices you hear are those of experienced campaigners telling us all how the game should be, but what about hearing from players relatively new to the game? In this episode, Philbert sits down with a special guest, the ‘Work Experience Kid’ aka Aaron Tobin, to discuss how a more recent convert sees the game, his passion for golf, goals, and the occasional name drop. He may well be invited back.
SuperCoach and Caddie to the Stars, Kippa, joins Philbert to wind a way through some hot golf topics. Was the Bryson/Brooks feud focused on the PIP all along? The also tackle some touchy topics like0 why should we pay attention to women’s golf, why is the European Tour so different from the PGA Tour, and Philbert pumps up the '90s while trying to find out if our elite talent is over-coached. Oh, and Kippa drops names left, right, and centre.
Philly and Shooter catch up to discuss all the good, bad and ugly things that emerged from the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. The USA might have won the tournament on the scoreboard, but in many ways they proved to be the real losers. The lads look forward to the next Ryder Cup in Rome, discuss the changing of the guard for both teams, and Phil gives Shooter a geography lesson.
The lads are joined by 'John from Chicago' to get the lowdown on all things Whistling Straits in the lead up to the Ryder Cup, what they think will be required to win, who will ultimately win, and whether the USA should really be considered favourites.
Phil sits down with Anthony Gercovich for a candid chat about his lifelong journey in golf from a budding professional to becoming a PGA Tour caddie, to his current role as Head of Golf - Mizuno Australia.
In this episode of Tenuous Links, Shooter and Philbert dissect all the takeaways from a rather entertaining Solheim Cup on US soil, delve into some of the event's controversies, offer help on how to deal with slow play (potentially), and suggest a new way to pick our golf commentators.
The lads discuss Patrick Cantlay's epic playoff win at the BMW Championship, whether Bryson is good or bad for golf, petulant and recidivous club-throwers, whether driver shaft lengths should be restricted, and why Bernhard Langer proves to be a class individual in the wake of shooting his age on his birthday.
In this episode the lads delve deeply into the topic of pressure: what it is, how it manifests, and what impacts it ultimately has on outcomes in sport. Whether standing on the first tee in front of a deathly silent crowd, or kicking for goal in front of a packed stadium, pressure seemingly affects us all differently. Why?
The lads discuss the never-ending supply of golf 'firsts', delve into a deep discussion about golf's growing supply and demand problem, offer some more (unhelpful) slow play solutions, and wonder if the game needs to ditch gimmicks and stand by its brand.
In this episode the lads discuss all things golf at the Tokyo Olympics from Xander Schauffele's gold medal-winning performance to player reactions experiencing the world Games, the best format to highlight golf in growing markets to the disappointment in those who chose not to be a part of it, and whether golf should even be at the Olympics in the first place.
In this episode Phil sits down for a one-on-one chat with world-renowned golf course designer, Mike Cocking, from OCM Golf Course Design to discuss the process of golf course architecture, from concept to completion and everything in between. Oh, and the OCM reworking of the famous Medinah Country Club gets a good mention, too.
In this episode, the lads discuss the good, the bad and the ugly things to come out of The Open Championship at Sandwich, from Collin Morikawa's famous victory to the thrill of seeing crowds back out on course, to another Louis Oosthuizen near-miss, to Bryson DeChambeau throwing his major sponsor under a bus and everything in between.
In this episode the lads commend the latest slew of winning Australian golfers – and take undue credit for it – preview the players we should keep an eye on at The Open Championship (and those we shouldn't), look at a new way to dole out prize money, discuss the best way to topple Royal St George's ancient layout, and Kippa relives the infamous Ian Woosnam 15-club incident and the fallout from it for the Welshman's caddie.
In this rather serious episode of Tenuous Links, Shooter and Philbert discuss golf's role at the Olympics and why they believe many top players withdrew from their nations' selection pool, delve into the minefield that is trans athletes at the Games and how the new policy might affect golf, talk about talented sports families, and offer some thoughts on the gender-balance campaign and how it has played out locally.
In this episode Philbert takes the reins as the three Barons discuss the double-edged sword that is leading a tournament into the final round. Why is it so hard to hold a lead in golf? Would they rather be out in front or a part of the chasing pack? Who are the best leaders and chasers? Can other sports shed some light on this phenomenon? All of these – and many more – musings are discussed at length in this episode of Tenuous Links.
In this episode the lads discuss all the takeaways from an entertaining US Open at Torrey Pines including dissecting Jon Rahm's coming-of age-major victory on Father's Day (and what it means for golf's future), Rory's putrid fashion sense and who wore his swing better (spoiler: it was Yuka Saso), and the heartbreak of another Louis Oosthuizen narrow major loss. Philbert goes off on a rant about poor commentary standards, Shooter questions the state of Australian golf, and they both tee off on the golf media's love of mullets and Tommy Fleetwood. Wow, this is Tenuous Links at it's best (or worst). Potentially.
In this episode the lads tackle instances of declining etiquette on Tour, what happens if a player tests positive to Covid-19 at Torrey Pines, discuss who can and can't win the US Open, update the progress of the rebel Premier Golf League, and relive some of the great US Open comebacks past.
In this episode the GolfBarons delve deeply into one of the most debated components of the game: Putting. Has it improved over time with advancements in technology, agronomy and technique? Or is the old saying, "Drive for show and putt for dough", a misnomer? Could putting actually be the easiest part of golf?
Shooter and Philbert dissect the record-breaking PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, what it means for Phil Mickelson's future, how the Bryson-Brooks feud could all be a cloak-and-dagger multi-million dollar misdirection, and what it means for the US chances at the Ryder Cup if it turns out to be a real beef.
In this episode the lads delve into a PGA Championship preview (of sorts) as the major heads to the brutally tough Kiawah Island Ocean Course, before going deep into a discussion around rumours of a breakaway rebel golf tour – the Super Golf League – that just won't go away. You want to listen to this one.
Shooter, Philbert and Kippa discuss the idea of sensory deprivation on course, how taking Kippa's sight away made him question everything about his swing, and which pioneering golfer brought the most swagger to their swing.
The lads and special guest Reed Dickens from LA Golf discuss the new age shaft revolution being driven by Bryson DeChambeau and other long-hitters on the PGA Tour. Think graphite shafts are for slow swingers? Get ready to be schooled.
The lads take on the taboo topic of cheats in golf, where we find most of them, how to deal with them and relive some of the more infamous cheating incidents in the world of sport.
The lads discuss what lies ahead for golf's PGL after the demise of soccer's Super League, talk team golf in the wake of the Zurich Classic, ponder why Adam Scott and Dustin Johnson have snubbed the Olympics, and salute the players at the All Abilities Championship.
Shooter and Phil discuss all the takeaways from a famous Masters event, from Hideki Matsuyama's historic win, to the respectful acknowledgment of pioneer Lee Elder, to reviewing who the winners and losers were from Augusta National.
In this episode of Tenuous Links, Phil and Shooter discuss the excitement that surrounds this years Masters. From agronomy to gastronomy you'll hear plenty you probably didn't know about Augusta National. The lads also reveal who they think will win the year's first major (and who can't).
It's a short and sweet return as Shooter and Philbert catch up on all things happening in the golf world, including a discussion on Bryson's 'power over length' and the return of a favourite son in Jordan Spieth.
Philbert sits down for a one-on-one with GolfBarons' own, Dion Kipping, to discuss his life in golf – from first getting the golf bug to dreams of playing on Tour to caddying for some of the game's best players.
Philbert and Shooter are joined by a special guest from Chicago – Senior Vice President of Tour Edge Golf, John Craig – to discuss the depth of history behind some maligned PGA Tour events, hanging out with a great of the game, and inventing yet another new word.
The lads go on the offensive after calls to close down Sydney's popular Moore Park Golf Course, sound-off on the incredible All Abilities golfers, discuss the best golf gear of 2020, explain the correct way to 'weight shift' in your swing, and Kippa solves the mystery of the hotel wall-tapping.
The lads – especially Philbert – go fully off tap on why Golf needs to get out of its own way and stop apologising for what it is; delve into whether golf really is an 'exclusive' game, and Kippa relives the day he couldn't misread a putt.
In this episode the lads dissect Dustin Johnson's runaway win at Augusta, tackle the fallout from Bryson's troubles, celebrate the enigma that is Bernhard Langer, and Kippa relives the day Aaron Baddeley pulled the wool over American eyes.
In this Masters preview, the lads delve deeply into how things will be different at Augusta National this year, who they expect to don the Green Jacket come Sunday, what can be done to better show off the course's front nine, and Kippa drops more names from his days caddying around Augusta than a late night ballot drop.
The lads discuss on-course tantrums, Michael Jordan's obsession with golf, the technical genius inherent in the new Mizuno ES-21 wedges and why stretching the wrong way can seriously hurt your distance, power and accuracy.
Philbert sits down with Mike Cocking from OCM Golf Course Design to discuss the future of golf architecture, what influences impact a new design like Lonsdale Links, and the real reasons behind Poa-constrictors.
The whole GolfBarons team delve deeply into the benefits of putting with your eyes closed like Sergio Garcia, what shots (and people) continue to be their golf nemeses, and Phil changes the game with some on-course culinary treats.
The lads pay tribute to Australian cricket icon (and golf tragic) Dean Jones, talk about virtual cyclone fences to encourage shot-shaping, spend two years dreaming about golf on the British Isles, and Kippa remembers the day he played with Seve at The K Club.
The Barons discuss deeply whether Bryson DeChambeau's win is good for golf, the massive upside to golf's newest major champion, call out the multiple whingers and tantrum-throwers on Tour, and golf tipples makes a triumphant 'Winged Foot' inspired return.
The lads talk all thing US Open from the Gil Hanse restoration of the Winged Foot West course, which players to look out for and why they're suited to the tricked up track, and Kippa relives his last round as a PGA Tour caddie, aptly at Winged Foot.
Executive vice-president of Tour Edge Golf, John Craig, steps in as a special guest to talk to the GolfBarons about everything from the great golf courses of Chicago to the benefits of bifurcation from a manufacturer's perspective, hanging out with Mr and Mrs Nicklaus, and the time he tried to convince Bernhard Langer to upgrade his clubs. https://blog.feedspot.com/golf_podcasts/ (https://blog.feedspot.com/golf_podcasts/)
The GolfBarons team discusses how golf TV coverage can be drastically improved, why caddies continue to cost players tournaments, what's most exciting about new product releases, and can Dustin Johnson now be considered among the greatest players of all time?
The lads discuss the PGA Championship, including playing without crowds, Phil Mickelson's upstart commentating, Bryson DeChambeau's odd putting style, Collin Morikawa's amazing maiden major win, and what you should do when you're being hit up on.
The lads deal with their newly-enforced curfew, what separates the best from the rest, the virtues of revetted bunkers, how Kippa became a world-class packhorse, and the greatest sporting events they've ever been to.
The lads discuss playing golf while wearing masks, fight over what is the best golf movie of all time, discuss imitating professional swings, and Kippa shows us how to name-drop like a champion.
The lads discuss the problems with night-putting, the lessons learned from hosting the X-Golf Challenge for charity, whether pre-shot routines help of hinder us, and imitating swings of the world's best golfers.
Sorting out the game in the post-Covid era, the lads discuss problems filming Season 2 of GolfBarons, celebrate Phil Mickelson playing the US Open, and Phil and Shooter do a number of 180s.
The lads celebrate launching GolfBarons Season 1 on Foxtel and Kayo, discuss swings in terms of looks versus effectiveness, Bryson DeChambeau and Gary Woodland, the One Ball Rule, and pay tribute to an Australian golf pioneer.
The lads get a little serious this week, tackling the mental health aspect of the game, pushing boundaries with nootropics, introducing real life shot tracing and using Covid-19 for some golf ball inspiration.
Stuck inside under self-isolation restrictions, the lads go off on the current sanitising of the game, engage in some NSW-Victoria state rivalry, argue about bifurcation, discuss the benefits of augmented reality being applied to golf, and take us on a dream journey to the elusive Ellerston Golf Course.
The lads get fiery about golf course closures during the coronavirus pandemic, establish some much needed game-changers for this time of uncertainty, and take you to what could be the most spiritual golf course in the world.
Craving a game of real golf while stuck in self-isolation, the lads go dreaming about some of the most wondrous golf venues on the planet, try to solve Shooter's driving problems, and discuss the benefits of using an '8-metre practice net'.
The lads delve into the possible positivity in negative swing thoughts, how to keep playing while stuck at home, random acts of kindness and the things about golf they're really missing while in self-isolation.
Despite social distancing requirements, three of the GolfBarons team dial in to discuss things to do while self-isolating, how the golf industry can reset itself amid the pandemic, and take us away to a dream Canadian golf course.
Back from a trip to King Island, the Barons talk about getaways with mates, the 'Uber Golf Ranking System', snakes on course, driving irons, and visit some more exotic places.
The lads are back discussing flushers, rowdy crowds, hickory sticks, the Coronavirus, Arnold Palmer and the most Baronesque golf trip to King Island.
The whole GolfBarons® team – Shooter, Philbert, Kippa and Davman – is in after a long day of filming to wax lyrical on everything from narrow public courses to game-changing ideas and the time Kippa fell into a bunker caddying for Robert Allenby.
We cover everything from our loves and hates to game-changing ideas (of sorts), new gear, dream destinations, a golf history lesson and some rather tasty beverages in our 'Golf Tipples' segment.
The lads delve into some interesting loves and hates, tackle the idea of a Premier Golf Tour, relive the legacy of Karsten Solheim, and make a coronavirus prediction that'll rock the European Tour. Clowns.
We pay tribute to icons Kobe Bryant and Tom Crow, offer some ‘genuine’ game changing strategies, talk adjustable length putters, make some incredibly bold Tour predictions in our ‘Crystal Balls’ segment, and Phil relives a thunderous tale of lightning strikes on course.
The debate over ‘braveness’ comes to a head, Phil finds his mental mojo over chipping, Damian reveals his stunning new irons, Liberty National gets a nod as a dream course, and we relive the days of ‘Caddie Golfers’ in this Tenuous Links podcast.
The lads are back for 2020 and delve into random golf injuries, new product releases, the Australian bushfires, a tribute to golf course designer Pete Dye after his recent passing, and quirky predictions for 2020.
The lads wrap up a busy week at the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne with special guest (and head of the GolfBarons production team) Davin Sgargetta.
Special guest, Guy Matthews from CITI, joins the podcast to help the lads talk all things Patrick Reed, the announcement of the First Tee Australia program and US presidents who play golf.
The lads tackle many topics from 'flushers' to golf socks, to making courses easier and which balls you should use, adding cigar-holders to golf bags, and taking a trip to a breathtaking Bulgarian golf course.
We finally define exactly what a 'GolfBaron' i’; introduce a new segment so we can have a drink behind the mic; and take you to a secret heavenly Fijian course you definitely haven't heard of.
We embrace Phil popping his Royal Melbourne Composite Course cherry; we relive running across Royal Melbourne Golf Club trying not to spill gin on the Presidents Cup course's fairways; and bringing Rickie Fowler back Down Under.
We discuss plenty, from who really is Golf’s GOAT (or Alpine Ibex); why Golf Australia needs to focus on older golfers; what is a ‘Baron’?; and the most exciting golf trip on the GolfBarons calendar.
In this special episode, we sit down with Australia’s pre-eminent golf course photographer, DAVID SCALETTI, to discuss his life behind the lens at some of the world’s most sought-after tracks.
In this episode, the lads delve into the benefits of playing music on the course, whether ‘sober golf’ makes any difference, and pay tribute to some trailblazers of the PGA Tour.
In this episode, the lads discuss their loves and hates, slow play, cart golf, the benefits of lower spinning balls, rediscover Moe Norman, and take a few swings in the buttercups.
In this episode, Damian sits down for a chat with the man behind 'Leuk The Duck' and CEO of Challenge – supporting kids with cancer, Dave Rogers. We discuss his longtime friendship with the late Jarrod Lyle, how golf can positively impact the lives of kids and families battling cancer, and relive the day Jarrod stitched him up at an Australian Open.
In this episode we take on 'Excuse Makers', 'Golf Whingers', why we should embrace technology, the virtues of 'Virgin Golf', and the biggest regret of Shooter's life.
In this episode we take on 'Long Drives', 'Poor Drives', unique on-course rituals, reinventing skins and match play formats, the obscene money in Tour golf, and we discuss the virtues and vices of motorised buggies.
In this episode we take on 'Heightism', 'Handicapism', 'Bladeism', we visit The Dominican Republic and The Murray, and Phil relives a Masters' record Tommy Nakajima would soon forget.
In this episode of TENUOUS LINKS, GolfBarons Phil Wall and Damian Shutie highlight the benefits of using coloured balls, why top buttons should never be done up on a golf shirt, and relive the 'Shot Heard Around The World'.
In the first episode of TENUOUS LINKS, GolfBarons Phil Wall and Damian Shutie delve into the green-reading book debate, offer some advice on for the PGA Tour's feuding pros, and explain why we're only allowed 14 clubs in the bag.