The Shotgun Start
Episodes
Reed and Desist, Waialae winds, and Carson goes to Ponte Vedra
10 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This Friday episode begins with stories from the field. First, a note about a run-in with Ed “The Pool Boy” Fiori, who was made aware of his new f...
Allenby Memorial Open, Jay Monahan defends Pat Reed, and 2020 breakout players
08 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This Wednesday episode starts with the schedule for the week, leading to a discussion on the Coetzee brothers, the Hong Kong Open, and love for the Gr...
A ‘Cheater!’, some ‘Pampered F**ks,’ and a pillow fight in Maui
06 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The new decade is off to a rousing start on the PGA Tour and Brendan and Andy recap the fantastic late night playoff in Maui to get your Monday mornin...
Is the FedEx “Club” a major? More centerline bunkergate? And 2020 predictions
03 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The new year brings a fresh Friday episode where Brendan and Andy begin by discussing the creative categorization of majors by PXG. Is the FedEx Club ...
Kapalua preview and 2019 Year in Review: Part VI
31 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
With the New Year’s holiday falling on Wednesday, the mid-week Shotgun Start arrives on Tuesday morning. In this episode, Brendan and Andy preview t...
The 2019 Year in Review: Part V
30 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The year-in-review rolls on but not before Brendan and Andy discuss the closing of bitterly disappointing seasons for the Bears and Browns, who did no...
The 2019 Year in Review: Part IV
27 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A post-Christmas Friday edition of the Shotgun Start begins with some brief stories about holiday worse-for-the-wear woe. Andy also relays some #JupSc...
The 2019 Year in Review: Part III
23 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Monday episode picks up with more Year in Review discussion and goes deep on the historic Masters. But first, in news, Brendan and Andy hit on Ad...
The 2019 Year in Review: Part II
20 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Friday episode begins with Andy calling in from an Uber, where, interestingly enough, the rider has a lower rating than the driver. Brendan and A...
The 2019 Year in Review: Part I
18 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Wednesday episode begins with some brief news on the engagement of Vegas Dave and Holly Sonders, and then quickly addresses the massive new media...
The Reed family problem, a Tiger masterpiece, and Big Ern throws down the gauntlet
16 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A glorious Monday morning edition of the Shotgun Start opens exactly how you would expect: with a discussion on the QBE Shootout and the possibility o...
The shovel show, Royal Melbourne shines, and Bryson’s day off
13 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Brendan returns from a lengthy paternity stint to talk the antics of Patrick “The Shovel” Reed. He’s met with a Bixby-fueled Andy who is over th...
Bryson's Waist Gain, Royal Melbourne, the Shark Shootout and pick up basketball players
11 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Fox Sports Shane Bacon fills in for usual co-host Brendan Porath, who is out on paternity leave. The format goes off the rails quickly, as Shane and A...
A Gentleman and a Cheater, Prez Cup trash talk, the Father-Son purse
08 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Shotgun Start goes off the usual path for a Monday, pushing results from the weekend to the end to take on the subject of Patrick ...
A beef tip, useless Hero stats, and the All Decade Team with Sean Martin
06 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Friday edition of the Shotgun Start begins with story time as Brendan relays an amusing and “beefy” tip sent in about Bryson DeChambeau’s o...
Bryson loves “gymnast influencers,” Lefty in the Kingdom, Decade in Review Part 2
04 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The content cup runneth over for this Wednesday episode, which begins with the schedule for the week around the world of golf. This tests the geograph...
Decade in review with Sean Martin, Shoeless Pablo and no balloons down under
02 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Andy and Brendan return after a long holiday break and jump right into Pablo Larrazabal limping to a win at Leopard Creek. Then they quickly pivot to ...
Hippos, Leopards, and the 2019 Fall Awards
27 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This special Thanksgiving Jr. edition begins with a quick discussion of Thanksgiving traditions, drinks, and overrated dishes. Then there’s a rundow...
Thumbs up in Dubai, Kim’s $1.5M putt, and Sea Island runs on Duncan
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A worse for the wear Victory Monday recording of the Shotgun Start bounces around the world of golf from the weekend, while also discussing best man s...
The Rory Paradox, Rick’s the Pick, and a Two-Gloved Flashback
22 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This revelrous Friday episode begins with an appreciation for the early leaderboards across the globe from the LPGA to Dubai to Georgia. The RSM Class...
Davises as far as the eye can see, winner-take-all LPGA final, and the Todd Era dawns
20 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Wednesday episode begins with another celebration of Brendon Todd, a Shotgun Start favorite son that was never doubted. Todd’s Masters odds are...
Monday #ToddWatch, Fleetwood as the British Rickie, and idiocy of the 1 ball rule
18 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Monday morning episode is full of anticipation about the possibilities of Brendon Todd going back-to-back on the PGA Tour. Brendan and Andy discu...
The Kidney Stone King and Billy Playfair’s self-contradictions
15 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Friday! This recording came prior to an angsty, brown-sauce fueled Thursday Night Football viewing. Andy and Brendan begin with a celebration o...
Fan-less south of the border, the design of Gary Player CC, and the purse suit
13 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Wednesday episode previews one of Andy’s favorite weeks on Tour, the event with no fans, the Mayakoba Classic. Brendan and Andy have a more-ext...
Anchors aweigh at the Chuck Cup, Hosung rising, Pepp’s Tin Cup moment
11 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Brendan and Andy return from the weekend ready to discuss some senior circuit golf, notably Jeff Maggert’s hole out to beat the Goose in Phoenix and...
*DING* Tiger Woods has joined the conference call
08 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Friday episode begins with some immediate reactions to the televised conference call from The Woods Jupiter on Thursday night. Brendan and Andy d...
A Senior Tour scheduling conspiracy, Prez Cup picks, and Rory’s course setup thoughts
06 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The PGA Tour is off this week but the Shotgun Start marches on with a preview episode and a conspiracy theory for why the Tour might be off -- it invo...
Rory completes the LUP Slam, #ToddWatch peaks, LPGA rules drama
04 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After an extended break, Brendan and Andy return to discuss a joyous weekend of winners in the world of golf. They begin with Rory McIlroy’s WGC vic...
WGC Party goes to China, calling out the ugly Bermuda field, golf costume ideas
30 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A Wednesday episode begins with a rundown of the schedule for the week. Brendan and Andy start with the WGC in China, which has a deep-ish field despi...
The Chase for 83 begins, Zozo staying power, and CBS shakes things up
28 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The weekend is over but Tiger is a winner again, completing a dominant four rounds at the Tour’s first ever event in Japan. Before getting to Tiger’...
Tiger takes Japan, Spinal fusion over-under, and a review of The Woods Jupiter
25 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Friday episode begins with a chat on Tiger Woods’ season-opening round in Japan and if he’s now a comp to Jon Rahm. After running through som...
I’m in love with the Zozo, made-up 2020 over-unders, and Skins Game critiques
23 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This punchy Wednesday episode includes an all-time story about Andy purportedly getting hit by a bike, so hang in there for that. The non-golf opening...
Another JT win in Asia, Colsaerts’ party boy ways, and Matt Every suspension
21 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A shortened Monday podcast begins with Brendan and Andy trying to record while also watching the Bears and Mitch Trubisky unraveling against the Saint...
Rivalry-gate, Ryder Cup ticket-gate, and Validation-gate
18 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Friday episode begins with a Happy Birthday wish to Ernie Els, Andy’s idol. There’s also a brief discussion of his Presidents Cup roster and ...
Hammers in the sand at 9 Bridges, Brooksy’s Saudi enthusiasm, and a new KFT schedule
16 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Wednesday episode begins with an Andy conspiracy theory that the NFL is fixing games for the Packers. After a needless digression on some dauntin...
Oh my Lanto, Rory’s Rowdy Roadies, and Jason Day’s acting career
14 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A worse-for-the-wear episode begins with Andy recounting his weekend and the circumstances of his injury in South Carolina and Brendan calling for the...
Henrik’s 3-wood, a BfB sighting in Italy, and Anthony Kim Flashback Friday
11 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A delayed Friday podcast begins with an apology tour as Andy recounts the many logistical mishaps of getting to Aiken while Brendan plays a potentiall...
Viva Live Under Par, the Rahm trajectory, and Bryson’s plan to get swole
07 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Brendan and Andy return from the weekend to discuss the playoff finish in Las Vegas. They run through some of the astounding stats from a weekend when...
Brooksy’s LeBron analogy, a Vanuatuan in Vegas, and a Flashback to when it all changed
04 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Friday episode begins with a brief check-in on the early leaderboard in Vegas. Brendan and Andy discuss Nick Taylor’s start and how it fits in ...
A non-conforming “non-story,” the Korean Bird suspension, and a US Open rota
02 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The usual Wednesday segment running down the week’s schedule is promptly de-railed by discussion of the news that five players failed the new PGA To...
When LiveUnderPar goes wrong for Rory, Bryson’s “Maximum Relief,” and Cam Champ’s win
30 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Victory Monday on the Shotgun Start is loaded with content goodies from the weekend. Brendan and Andy begin with a cursory review of the Bears and Bro...
Romo cut watch is on, Casino Tom, and Flashback to the Frys
27 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A Friday episode of the Shotgun Start begins with Brendan’s Romo reckoning. The QB-turned-Skechers pitchman posted a 2-under 70 in the first round o...
Romo’s return, the Euro Tour’s new slogan, and a Dunhill celebrity quiz
25 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Wednesday episode previews the weekend to come in golf and it’s a loaded one with discussion on the Safeway, Dunhill, LPGA inside the Brickyard...
Bassy’s big day, Willett passes Spieth again, and Rocco returns
23 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Brendan and Andy return from the weekend worse for the wear but ready to discuss a tremendous finish at the Peacock Championship. Sebastian Munoz’s ...
Proper Mid-Am champs, Japan skins game, and Flashback to the irrational confidence of Woody Austin
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Friday! A delayed episode has Brendan and Andy full of enthusiasm to discuss early returns at the Sandersaon and Wentworth. A strong showing fr...
Strut like a Peacock, Good vs. Evil at the Mid Am, and Bubba on driver testing
18 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a big week on the Shotgun Start as the PGA Tour swings down to Mississippi for the Sanderson Farms Championship, aka the Peacock Classic. Brend...
A legendary Solheim walk-off and Niemann pays tribute to the military
16 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Monday episode reacts to a wild Sunday of golf from across the globe, most notably at the Solheim Cup. Brendan and Andy review the weekend at Gle...
Solheim trash talk, POY conspiracies, and flashback to a tempestuous Ryder Cup at Greenbrier
13 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Friday! Brendan and Andy are back together holed up in an NYC hotel to reflect on opening day of the PGA Tour season. They begin by discussing ...
Intel on driver testing, a Rickie Tour Live audit, and hacking the Fall schedule
11 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Wednesday episode begins with an argument and admission that it’s take two following a record button mishap. We begin with a juicy and alarming...
Kuchar disgraces himself again (as do the Browns) and America’s Walker Cup rally
09 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Victory Monday this is not, as a new week begins with the Bears and Browns both 0-1. This non-golf matter gets full attention at the top as Brendan pr...
Driver testing comes to the PGA Tour and Flashback to a media member forced to play in the Walker Cup
06 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This delayed Shotgun Start ends with a host plagued by hiccups but comes out of the gate discussing the Bears debut on Thursday night football. Is the...
The great Labor Day card shuffle, Walker Cup sans TV, and Pat Reed’s Masters Porsche
04 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Brendan and Andy return from the long weekend to tidy up the place, doubling back to some of the action from across multiple Tours. Andy is disgus...
Rory critiques new major schedule, Poulter’s pool woes, and Web Tour flashbacks
30 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A truncated Friday episode will wet your whistle heading into the holiday weekend. We begin with some scores from Europe, where Westy is lurking and R...
The Korn Ferry shuffle and Tiger’s questionable post-surgery schedule
28 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The PGA Tour may take a break this week but the Shotgun Start does not. This Wednesday episode runs through the schedule for the week, hitting on some...
The Irish Prince of Ponte Vedra, a new Brooks-Rory rivalry, and an LPGA scandal
26 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A full weekend of golf is reviewed on this Monday episode, starting with the low gross AND net winner at East Lake, Rory McIlroy. Andy and Brendan rev...
Instant reactions to the staggered start in ATL and Sean Martin joins from East Lake
23 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Friday! Brendan and Andy offer up some quick reactions to the first ever staggered start on the PGA Tour. There is a three-way tie already atop...
Dream and nightmare scenarios for new FEC finale format, Euro Tour takes on slow play
21 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s finally here: the season-ending Tour Championship with its net and gross leaderboards at East Lake. Andy, fresh off a maddening day at Mid Am q...
JT torches Medinah, did the U.S. Am upstage the FEC, and Todd’s revenge
19 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Andy and Brendan return from the weekend with much to discuss and begin with results -- from JT’s win on the dartboard in Chicago, to Pieters’ ret...
Medinah tamed, Teens invade the U.S. Amateur, and an homage to the Western Open
16 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We head into the weekend with a lively discussion on some of the early action from Chicago, Prague, Columbus, and Pinehurst. At the BMW, we lament the...
BMW’s the best playoff event, Pinehurst pure for US Am, and speedwalking research
14 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This recording was done with Andy somewhere in the middle of the woods of the Upper Peninsula, so apologies for the choppy wifi. We run through the sc...
Gangs of New York: Bryson, Brooksy, and the slow play scandal at Liberty National
12 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The content gods smiled down on us all again in the golf world. Before we get to the slow play drama, we begin with some reflections on the final roun...
A fan-less FedExCup and a chat with the incomparable Harry Higgs on earning his card
09 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We begin this Friday episode with a discussion on what Andy calls a glimpse into the future: golf tournaments with no fans. The Northern Trust went fa...
Playoff laments, FedExCup trivia, and the new Hovland Rule
07 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
At long last, the postseason arrives and we begin this Wednesday episode trying to talk ourselves into being excited for it. Does the new format work?...
The Legend of Shibuno, bubble boy dumps in the cup, and Spieth’s big miss
05 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
As a disclaimer, this podcast was recorded with only one of our mics turned on, a problem that went unnoticed until minute 55 or so. We’ll let you g...
An interview with John Ourand of SBJ on PGA Tour TV rights negotiations
02 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Friday episode begins with a check-in on the leaderboards from across the golf world. We lament PGA Tour Live’s decision not to cover The BfB’...
Women’s Open goes to Woburn, Courier Cup bubble boys, and Callaway responds
31 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Wednesday episode begins with a digression on highly ranked Champions Tour players using “cost” as a reason for not going to the Senior Briti...
Brooksy’s big payday, the Wyndham con job, and Evian course conditions
29 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Brendan and Andy return from the weekend to discuss Brooks Koepka bagging the WGC Memphis, Wyndham Rewards and AON Risk-Reward Challenge in one fell s...
Flashback to the WGC origin story, Senior Open absentees, and the Wyndham dilemma
26 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Friday episode is recorded with Brendan on a beach house porch with beer in hand and Andy stowed away in a remote location working through some r...
Trouble with the WGC Swampass, courier Cup bubble boys, and a Korn Ferry currency
24 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Wednesday episode dives headlong into issues Brendan and Andy have with the WGC Swampass Invitational presented by Initech. News of Shane Lowry’...
The “fat lad’s” triumph, Koepka’s timekeeping, and Westy’s return to Augusta
22 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We react to the final round of the men’s major season, celebrating Shane Lowry’s triumph at Royal Portrush. We relay a fun story about Lowry comin...
Saturday at the Open: Westy sadness, Lowry greatness, Koepka cockiness, and the illegal driver scandal
20 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This special Saturday edition of the Shotgun Start delivers some instant reactions to the third round of The Open. We begin lamenting the fall of West...
Friday at the Open: Rory’s emotions, illegal drivers, Fore fights, and Westy’s rise
19 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This special Friday afternoon edition runs through some instant reactions to the first 36 holes at The Open. Andy cannot contain his Lee Westwood exci...
“David Duval legitimately played better than Tiger:” Thursday Open reactions
18 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Brendan and Andy hop on the horn for some instant reactions to the first day at Royal Portrush, but not without first relaying some information exposi...
Why The Open is No. 1, Brooksy’s major prep, and Rosey’s schedule complaints
17 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Open eve and we begin this Wednesday episode full of gratitude and anticipation and a few reasons why each of us have come to hold this major...
John Deere shootout, Firestone leaderboard bloodbaths, and early Portrush reviews
15 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Monday episode begins, apropos of nothing, with a story about Monty. Then we move to the heartland and weekend at the John Deere Classic. We disc...
Can a no-cut event be a major, Hosung in the heartland, and “The Pool Boy”
12 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Friday episode begins with a review of the early action at the John Deere, where almost everyone (but not Cameron Champ) is living under par. We ...
Inside Monty’s major prep, Rocky Mountain KFC Tour, and John Deere dumpster diving
10 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A rollicking Wednesday episode begins by immediately taking a hard left turn off the planned route to discuss the Senior Players Championship, specifi...
Wolff arrives, Bryson’s weekend at the science fair, and LPGA sponsor shenanigans
08 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After a long holiday weekend, we return with a loaded Monday episode following a thrilling finish to the Sticky Note Open. We discuss Matthew Wolff’...
The land of 10,000 man-made lakes and links season begins at Lahinch
03 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s July which means it is now the European Tour’s time to shine so this holiday week episode begins with a discussion of the Irish Open at Lahin...
The Lashley story, the false advertising of Cam Champ, and FedExCup point problems
01 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After a full weekend of golf we begin in the obvious starting point: Zach Johnson’s tumble out of the top 100 in the world rankings and if his Kaboo...
Monty goes grocery shopping in South Bend, Rocket balls in Detroit, and pace of play
28 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Friday episode begins with a discussion of the Pace of Play report that Andy published to strong reviews after a couple weeks of hype on the podc...
The PMI Backboarding classic, Pat Reed gets fit, and Woodland gets snubbed
26 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This Wednesday episode bobs and weaves and meanders through the schedule for the week, with many relevant and irrelevant digressions. We begin with a ...
A celebration of Chez, Hannah Green’s breakthrough, and JDay’s new bootcamp
24 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After 11 long years, Chez rule returns to the PGA Tour. We celebrate Reavie’s win at the Travelers, marveling at his consistency and where he could ...
Michelle Wie’s struggle, return of the Dartboard Tour, and a Bubba flashback Friday
21 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
As they say around the office, “It’s Friday!” and we lead off with Louis Oosthuizen’s big crossover night at the NBA Draft. We then head to th...
How Travelers gets it right, Wie’s return and LPGA major week, and media tent ringtones
19 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Andy and Brendan are back with a slightly delayed Wednesday episode turning our attention away from the week that was at Pebble Beach to a new full we...