The Shotgun Start

Playoffs!, Heath Slocum Appreciation, and Brad Bryant Stories with Sean Martin

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

PGA Tour dot com’s Sean Martin joins Brendan for this Wednesday episode as Andy’s paternity leave commences. It begins with a quick golf book reco...

Buying your own hot air balloon, Strafaci family heritage, and Bandon love

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our golf cup runneth over in this lengthy Monday episode. Brendan and Andy begin with the U.S. Amateur, which served as a backdrop for the telling of ...

A Spotlight on the “Original Bubba,” U.S. Amateur legend

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The SGS Spotlight is back! With the U.S. Amateur this week, this Friday episode focuses on Bubba Dickerson, who won the U.S. Am during a legendary run...

Tacko Tuesday, Primetime Bandon, and when Anchorman called someone else cheater

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s major championship week! Brendan and Andy, coming down from the high of the first major of the year, jump right back in the pool for a preview ...

The Morikawa Era, Brooksy talks then fades, and the DJ Dilemma

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It took longer than anyone expected to get there, but the first major championship of the year delivered. Andy and Brendan return for one more daily r...

Shane Bacon joins to preview PGA Sunday and talk Phil on TV

09 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The great Shane Bacon joins for this loopy Saturday night discussion on the PGA Championship. But first, a debate about the proper sized coffee mug an...

PGA Midpoint Reaction: MLV’s Moment

08 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This late Friday episode reacts to another full day at the PGA Championship and slowly morphs into a Flashback Friday on the fast life of Mike Lorenzo...

Legend of Jeff Hart, Zatch Watch, Todd Watch, and figuring out how shafts work

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode reacts to a full day of the first major championship in more than a year. A favorite son of the SGS, Brendon Todd is yet again on ...

Low Zach Johnson, and other PGA Picks

05 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A bonus podcast brought to you by the Shotgun Start Blend at Bixby Coffee features a picks and fantasy chat unlike any other. Brendan and Andy welcome...

PGA Preview: Mark Twain quotes and a Jaco Van Zyl retrospective

04 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Major championship golf is back! And Brendan and Andy are grateful to have it so they begin with a discussion on Ryan Moore skipping to rest for the C...

JT takes WGC-Preferred Lies, Kang takes Inverness, Brooksy takes a dive?

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It was the first weekend since March where it felt like we had a full helping of golf, and this Monday episode slowly and aimlessly works through most...

The ants go marching one by one, relief! Relief!

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with a discussion on Brooksy and his opening 62 as a sign that major season is nigh. Is he back? Did he ever leave? Is he r...

LPGA is back, WGC Swampass, and PGA Tour “expands” gambling relationship

28 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is a shorter Wednesday episode with Brendan nursing multiple injuries and in concussion protocol while on vacation. The golf schedule this week, ...

More like Stinky Note classic, TPC problems, and PGL is back

26 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and Brendan begin this week praising Michael Thompson and the story of his first win in seven years on the PGA Tour. It’s an amazing testament ...

Comparing DJ vs. Romo vs. Beef WDs, SponCon rants, BdJ the Birdie King

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with one final story to cap what became a Miguel Angel Carballo theme week. Then Brendan and Andy get to the initial golf f...

Lumpy’s moment, All-time Jacks, and a fall West Coast swing

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday preview begins with an apology Tour to Argentinians, canals, and Ernie Els’ golf course design philosophies. Then Brendan and Andy ge...

Gentleman Jon gets a W, Jack rips up his course, and Bryson’s OB-gate

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Much like Bryson on Friday, this Monday episode is a re-load after some computer troubles resulted in another lost tape. Andy and Brendan begin with t...

Swedish Pancakes, BB Guns, and Jack fights back

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Friday! If you need to finish out your week with podcast segments on Carl Pettersson and Bart Bryant, you’ve come to the right place. This we...

A Norwegian once talked to me about Norway

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode meanders about before an event with the strongest field ever on the PGA Tour tees off in Columbus. This quickly devolves into a...

Charity Open madness, Tape Delay sadness, WGC Swampass badness

12 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The PGA Tour is not only Back on the Tee, it is on an incredible hot streak in this Return to Golf. Brendan and Andy offer their initial reactions to ...

Breaks of the green, Brooksy’s GIF usage, and Flashback to David Gossett

10 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with a ramble on whether the PGA Tour is doing enough to capture the wider sports fan’s attention as it appears other spo...

Zoo golf, the Baby Sea Lion, and spotlight on “human progress”

08 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Workday Charity Open week, but first Brendan has to get some behind-the-scenes detail from Andy on the long-awaited cold brew tutorial finally ...

A beefy tipping point, Cameraman does job, and Rickie left his heart in Detroit

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a Bryson-heavy Monday episode, as Brendan and Andy first thank all their sponsors for the opportunity to podcast. Bryson’s win in Detroit is ...

A love of charity, Rickie gets activated, and Flashlight on a Detroit public treasure

03 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with an apology wrapped in a rant about backlash over amusement at the 3-1-3 Challenge. Brendan makes it clear he is not no...

The Backboard Classic, Missed opportunities in Detroit, and USGA-NBC marriage

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This rollicking Wednesday episode begins with a birthday shoutout and an odd discussion on couples going by one merged name. Also, an MLGT shared titl...

DJ ends #ToddWatch, NBC takes over US Open, Phil’s trademarking

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with some initial reactions to DJ’s win at the Travelers, but is promptly interrupted by some breaking news about the bro...

Do you think Tiger worries about pirates?

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with a discussion on the Covid-related withdrawals from the Travelers since the last episode. Should the Tour play on? Or c...

You can stand under my umbrella

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with a discussion on the fraught with peril practice of deliberately shrinking your shirts. Eventually, there is discuss...

Webb vs. Boo Stopper, Brooksy train chugging, the Watney test

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with Webb Simpson shattering the record books. He is the new best player in the world (by some metrics) and also broke Bria...

Kraken leashed, Impediments loosened, and Flashback on Boo

19 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with a discussion on grapes and where they fall in the fruit rankings. There’s also a brief announcement about another ru...

SGS Spotlight: The 2007 U.S. Open at Oakmont

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The special Wednesday edition of the Shotgun Start is a Spotlight on the 2007 U.S. Open at Oakmont, and is sponsored by the U.S. Open Victory Club, th...

Grandstanding receipts!, Dad’s Day Gift Guide ;) and Harbour Town Preview

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s bonus week on the Shotgun Start. There will be four episodes, including a spotlight on a past U.S. Open celebrating the national championship o...

Duck taped Spieth, Berger’s triumph, and celebrating a successful return

14 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The PGA Tour made a strong return this weekend and Andy and Brendan are back to recap a real, actual golf tournament. They offer their initial reactio...

Thicc golf back, Spieth golf back, and Flashback to a Colonial hothead

12 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Friday and PGA Tour golf is back. This episode begins with Brendan and Andy soaking in a joyous and eventful first round at Colonial. First, An...

Return

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Golf is back and so is the normal, or approximately normal, Wednesday episode of the Shotgun Start. Brendan and Andy express their excitement, concern...

SGS Spotlight on Jose Maria Olazabal

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week brings the exultant return of golf, and Brendan and Andy will back to the normal tournament show and routine on Wednesday, digging into Colo...

Mushroom mispronunciations, OWGR inequities, and Flashlight on Se Ri Pak

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with Brendan and Andy announcing their caption contest winners from Instagram for B. Draddy polos, which leads to an amusin...

SGS Spotlight on Calvin Peete, a makeshift feeder tour, and the Workday Open

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with a few comments from Brendan and Andy on the current protests in the country, golf’s poor history with race, and h...

Milkshake Swing, Coffee Pot, Shark Money Pot, and Bubba’s AirBNB

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Following the two-hour Ernie Els Spotlight on Friday, this episode is a quick Monday whiparound on some golf news odds and ends. Brendan and Andy firs...

SGS Spotlight: Ernie Els Part II

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Friday! This week-wrapping episode begins with a discussion of the new Manor Swing that will bring the return of the Euro Tour and our beloved ...

A Jumbo Ozaki Spotlight and do The Match’s high ratings matter?

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With both hosts worse-for-the-wear, the Part 2 Spotlight on Ernie Els is pushed to Friday. This Wednesday episode begins with some debate on the excit...

“This one’s for you, Workday!”

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A smiling Brendan and Andy hop on the horn and chat about all things Match 2 in what was a great day for golf in the spotlight. They review the all fo...

Medalist preview ramblings and the Euro Tour’s new “Manor Swing”

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This holiday weekend Friday episode rolls into the weekend with some pleasant news from Andy’s round in Minnesota this week, tales of conference cal...

SGS Spotlight on Ernie Els, Part 1

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with a quick reaction to news that the U.S. Open will have no open qualifying this year. Then Brendan and Andy start to ...

Reactions to golf’s return and grading the Seminole match

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and Brendan get together shortly after the conclusion of the Driving Relief match at Seminole to reflect on the return of televised golf. It star...

An ebullient Seminole match preview, PXG apparel critiques, Flashlights to bygone PGAs

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This joyous Friday episode starts with praise and thanks for the return of golf this weekend with the skins match at Seminole on Sunday. Brendan and A...

Flashlight on “Little Sluman,” Ryder Cup mayo sandwich, new Tour health guidelines

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode goes in several different directions, from news of the day to two separate “Flashlights” at the end. Brendan and Andy begin...

“Zatch & Beefy,” Medalist match reactions, Vijay vs. the KFT

10 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode starts with a focus on weather talk as the ultimate small talk crutch, especially in our current quarantine moment. Tiger’s pet ...

An SGS Spotlight on “Gentle” Ben Crenshaw

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode features our SGS Spotlight for the week and the subject is Ben Crenshaw. As usual for these Spotlights, it’s long, but take it i...

“Flashlight” on Bobby Clampett, “Peak” decades, the Seminole Match

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with a discussion on tacos, overrated components of tacos, and the delivery vessels of tacos. We then transition to the ...

Card security and jumbo points, Hadwin’s lament, and apologies to Dell

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode primarily takes on the status developments across the various Tours. But we first begin with an apology to Dell for our naivete fr...

SGS Spotlight on Davis Love III with Shane Bacon, Part II

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We open this podcast with some further comments on the Sumo Citrus phenomenon, offer some friendly content plugs, and then roll into the second half o...

SGS Spotlight on Davis Love III -- Part I with Shane Bacon

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with some brief discussion on MJ vs. LeBron to stir the pot in Chicago, as well as some brief comments on the Ryder Cup ...

The Walk Up Music Quiz returns, Tiger v. Phil, and essential Shotlink services

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode is a departure from the heavy reading and listening on Nick Faldo of last week. We begin with some more reaction to The Match II b...

SGS Spotlight on Nick Faldo: Part II with Sean Martin

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

An early recording of this Friday episode begins with some quick musings on the Match II as well as a tease for another Andy walk-up music segment he’...

Nick Faldo spotlight Part 1 with Sean Martin, Extra Thicc Bryson and Finchem makes HOF,

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with a brief rundown of the scant news from the past few days. That scantness gives us occasion to discuss Bryson DeCham...

One million tests, Mike Clayton on the glory days of the European Tour

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with a brief reaction to the news from a Guardian report that the PGA Tour is hoping to secure 1 million coronavirus tests ...

Pilgrim Rick, Nicklaus knockout, and the new PGA Tour schedule

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins by answering and discussing a few messages from listeners. What happens if Jack Nicklaus’ putter toss knocked out Doug Sa...

Winged Foot Fiascoes: Re-living Sunday at the 2006 U.S. Open

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is a different style episode for the Shotgun Start, focusing on the final round of the U.S. Open the last time it was at Winged Foot. The episode...

The Masters rewind experiment, 10 events we want saved, more AMA

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan and Andy return from the weekend with our golf appetites satiated in a way by the Masters Rewind on both ESPN and CBS. We discuss why this wor...

A Friday funhouse of random ramblings

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It was a long week for Brendan and Andy, who are walking wounded into this Friday episode and just start talking about a sundry of topics before movin...

SGS Spotlight on Fred Couples and Masters qualifying clarified

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with some brief news on Bryson releasing a fancy video with his Masters scripting despite the fact that there is no Mast...

Eamon Lynch joins to discuss the new golf schedule

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This quick pop-up podcast takes on the wave of schedule announcements that came from the various organizations on Monday. Eamon Lynch, a columnist at ...

Have you ever been to the zoo? AMA Part 1

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A break from the SGS Spotlight pace of the past couple weeks to follow up on a call for Ask Me Anything questions from the end of February. We tried t...

SGS Spotlight on the great redass Curtis Strange and New makeshift schedule plans

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This portly Friday episode begins with the latest news on what may come of a 2020 men’s golf schedule. We cover Golf Digest’s report that The Open...

A SGS Spotlight on Sleepy Sandy Lyle and PGA Tour plans to increase field sizes but keep pace of play

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with news of a PGA Tour memo to players indicating that they should still plan to be back in action at Colonial in mid M...

SGS Spotlight on the Wee Welshman Ian Woosnam and Phil v. Tiger match rumors

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A delayed Monday episode begins with Phil Mickelson’s tease that he’s working on a potential The Match-type event with Tiger Woods. This gives us ...

SGS Spotlight on Vijay Singh and Sunny Abacoa’s moment, Brandel-PGA tiff

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with an appreciation of the great Sunny “Abacoa” Kim getting the stage he deserves after his MLGT win with the rest of ...

A David Duval Spotlight with Sean Martin and the Olympics canceled but Rosey has a watch

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode disposes of some brief news before a lengthy dive into the life and career of David Duval with special guest Sean Martin, Senio...

A Mark O’Meara Spotlight, the commish works for free and TV programming wishes

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A Monday episode begins with news that PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan will forfeit his salary as golf is suspended. We briefly discuss this and als...

A SGS Spotlight on the legend of Halimony Sutton, MLGT Betting and a Sasquatch Flashback

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with a reader submission on how a relatively middling player could use this layoff to then make a #brandactivation splash w...

A SGS Spotlight on Corey Pavin "the Bulldog" and Postponements, cancellations, new schedule possibilities

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We begin this Wednesday episode with an update from our social distancing lives before proceeding to the major wave of upcoming schedule cancellations...

The inaugural SGS Spotlight on the life and times of Monty, the Masters postponed and PGL popped

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode will be the first of many with no golf results to discuss or recap. So first, we begin by revisiting the conclusion of The Players...

The Gold Cancellation, Monahan’s moment, and Mudball Madness

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We recorded this episode prior to news of the Players Championship cancellation, so there’s a 7-minute addendum at the front of it talking about the...

The Carson Daly Invitational, TV deal rollout disaster, Andy’s TV reporter debut

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Finally, major championship season has arrived. This Wednesday episode will be a rollercoaster of a preview without much nuts-and-bolts preview-y disc...

Bay Hill beatdown, Hatton hangs on, Brooks stinks, and Gold Standard groups

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with a discussion on the Florida swing brutalizing the best players in the world over the last two weeks. It got even harde...

Honma’s respect for Arnie, The Every-man, and PGA Tour University curriculum

06 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Out of respect for Arnold’s event this weekend, there will be no official comment or notes for this Friday episode.

DJ’s out on Olympics, Holes in one are overrated, Bryson’s shaft con

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with the schedule for the week and a discussion on the evolution of Bay Hill. But first, an Andy digression on how the h...

Sungjae takes dead aim, Azinger hates Europe, Bernie Anchor wins dump-in-a-box

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is March. It’s a new month and our first episode of the month goes into the Sunday shenanigans at the Honda Classic. We praise the extremely ag...

Which Tour pros drive Hondas? Fan Philosophies for majors, and the legend of Jarmo

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode wanders around a bit at the beginning trying to get loose discussing weekend plans, Comcast outages, and the official new Shotgun ...

The Swamp classic, Dump-in-a-Box classic, and Muscat classic

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Swamp Week on the PGA Tour and we dive right in on this Wednesday episode. We begin with some earnest discussion of PGA National and how you ca...

Reed’s revenge, Geronimo’s lament, and PGL comes out of the shadows

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We get back to our roots in this episode with an opening admission of some significant Sunday night worse for the wear status. An SGS host may not be ...

The Mexico-to-Muscat gang, Remembering Ryo-mania, and Rory vs. PGL

21 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A loopy Friday episode begins with a celebration of democracy and the voting process that will put Lee Westwood on the PGA Tour Live feed all day Frid...

JupScoop on MJ’s paradise, Rory’s “WGC Slam” chase, and PR Open field delights

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Finally, it’s World Golf Championship week. But first, on the occasion of Michael Jordan’s birthday, we provide some amusing details on Grove XXII...

The Riviera difference, the CBS problem, and golf All Star weekend ideas

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Greetings! And apologies for this delayed Presidents Day edition of the Shotgun Start. We begin with a deep discussion on our favorite Presidents and ...

Brooksy injury alarm, PGL train chugging, and PGA Tour takes the TV reins

14 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Love is not in the air for this Valentine’s Friday edition of the Shotgun Start. The massive movements in the foundations of golf rumbling this week...

Riv’s No. 1, Tiger on the PGL, and the return of Dick Johnson

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The best week on the PGA Tour schedule is here and we spend the first chunk of this Wednesday episode covering all that makes it No. 1. We go into som...

Pebble winds, balloons, Yoshi shells, “Bombs,” and the new Union Green

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This freewheeling Monday episode jumps to-and-fro on a variety of topics from an eventful weekend in golf. We begin with Sunday at Pebble Beach, where...

Asinine responses to distance report and a David Duval flashback

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with some quick reactions to early scoring from across the world of golf. This prompts further angst about the fact that th...

‘Break the cycle’ jubilation, the Billy Ho POV, and J-Day’s paradise

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Shotgun Start goes back to its roots for a short and sweet Wednesday episode brought on by Brendan’s lack of a voice. We begin with the news of ...

Webb buries Finau, GMac back, and the Quigley conundrum

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This flu episode begins with some thoughts on the Super Bowl and the halftime show in Miami. Brendan also apologizes for his absence last week, the la...

A show about nothing with Shane Bacon

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Shane Bacon fills in for a flu-ridden Brendan Porath to talk about the Waste Management, Jordan Spieth, life, and a potential revamping of the World G...

The Major Medical Phoenix Open, PGA Tour fights back, and Olympics ennui

29 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with an appreciation of the Phoenix Open and how it’s worked to build a completely unique identity on a crowded schedu...

Tiger and the Mamba, Bryson gets timed, and World Tour reactions

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We begin this Monday episode with a solemn note on the loss of Kobe Bryant at 41 years old and how the tragedy on Sunday immediately became a part of ...

A threat to the PGA Tour arises?, Sungjae’s snacks, and PGA Show whimsy

24 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins by immediately diving into the major scoop from Geoff Shackelford on Thursday night that the concept of a new World Golf To...

Torrey changes, Tiger changes woods, and PGA Show angst

22 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with a mix of anticipation and anxiety about some PGA Show travel. Then we get to the schedule for the week, starting wi...

Boom times on Westy Island, FIGJAM’s plummet, and never-ending LPGA Playoff

20 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This holiday Monday episode of the Shotgun Start begins with a jubilant Andy shouting about the Packers loss and Lee Westwood’s win. We dissect West...

Brooks comes over the top, the Gainey in the room, and Sabbo Flashback

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode focuses on the off-course drama that seems to have sucked up all the oxygen in January. During a leaderboard check-in, Brendan and...

Bryson frozen out of PAC but not Lab Coat crew and Tour’s slow play ‘enhancements’

15 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with a lengthy digression on Topgolf and what may or may not be considered proper Topgolf etiquette and behavior. Then B...

A “no fans” tipping point, Trinity Forest booted, and Charlie caught on camera

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The new week begins with new grist for the “no fans” movement. An interminable end to the Sony Open that included balls rocketing off jumbotrons, ...