The Shotgun Start

Justin Ray on who made 2021 leaps, data walls, and other metrics

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our Q4 Friday guest series continues with the great Justin Ray, perhaps the only *essential* follow in all of golf twitter. The premise of the chat wa...

Zozo returns to Japan, Aussies get creative, and “Rickieville”

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode is a quick whip through the schedule for the week, starting with the Zozo Championship on the PGA Tour. Andy laments the no-cut...

The Prince’s Return, SAS overruns, and the Summit cinch

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins by reacting to Rory McIlroy’s rousing weekend in the desert, where he got to 25-under for his 20th PGA Tour victory. Begi...

The Future of the European Tour and its schedule with John Huggan

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with some reaction to Phil’s indignant tweets about the news of the USGA rule on driver length, and a not-so-subtle threa...

Shrinking shafts, JR Smith show, Players purse bump, and CJ Plaque ‘desert golf’

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode promptly goes off topic, discussing the “preemptive” rain delay in Chicago, October not being as good as September, and if ...

Did the Phil show cannibalize the PGA Tour, Sungjae’s arc, and a Schenk Lineup

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This punchy Monday episode reacts to a Bears win, a Browns loss, and a healthy serving of worldwide golf over the weekend. Andy and Brendan begin by p...

Friday Mailbag, gambling on youth sports, and a Vegas Invitational flashback

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with a quick check-in on some of the tournament action this week before transitioning to a mailbag. Andy and Brendan put th...

Is the Town Crier required to make an Urban proclamation?

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with an apology about the missing Monday episode and some ample clean-up from the weekend on Sam Burns, the Dunhill, Cel...

Bones is back, and Fall schedule/Sanderson status with Will Bardwell

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with a quick update on Baton Boy Sr. playing over at the Dunhill, Mr. October finding his sweet spot, and news that Bones i...

The Asswagon breaks down and Kevin Clark of The Ringer joins to talk Bears-Browns

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with some sad news about an SGS favorite getting sold for parts. Then Andy and Brendan offer some Ryder Cup clean-up wit...

Sunday at the Ryder Cup: Drinks, Tears, Thanks, and Takes

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our week in Sheboygan comes to an end with an American rout at the Ryder Cup. This recap episode is once again live from the Bixby Bus. It begins with...

Saturday at the Ryder Cup: Beer chugging-gate

26 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Saturday night episode begins with Andy and Brendan pondering whether they should decamp from Sheboygan and hit the road in the Bixby Bus to go t...

Friday at the Ryder Cup: Is this over?

25 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Friday! And not just any Friday, but a Friday with real, actual Ryder Cup matches to dissect and delight in after a full day at Whistling Strai...

Thursday at the Ryder Cup -- Lineups set, Opening ceremony amusements

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This special Thursday episode reacts to finally, at long last, getting some real lineups to discuss after an interminable week of pre-match ceremony. ...

Weds at the Ryder Cup: Can we talk about this astronaut mannequin?

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode comes to you live from the Bixby Bus in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Andy and Brendan offer some initial thoughts after walking around...

A *new* world No. 1 at the Fortnite, Dutch Boy Toffer, and RV reconnaissance

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Before the madness of the Ryder Cup and a flurry of episodes later this week, this truncated Victory Monday episode is a quick reaction to the weekend...

The annual SGS over-unders episode

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This was an early mid-week recording for the Friday episode, with Andy on solo dad duty and Brendan with school golf outings to tend to and the flurry...

Awards angst, Fortnite Tent Championship, and Bryson’s ‘wrecked hands’

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with some trepidation about transportation for next week as the Shotgun Start goes on the road for the Ryder Cup. Then t...

No one has ever ‘waited all day for Sunday night’

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Sunday episode was recorded during halftime of the Bears-Rams game and begins with some questions about Andy Dalton, specifically, “why?” The...

U.S. Ryder Cup team finalized, and a Spotlight on the BMW PGA at Wentworth

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with some reaction to Steve Stricker finalizing his roster for the Ryder Cup this month. Andy and Brendan praise the picks,...

It’s coming home...to Ernie’s masterpiece

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This punchy Wednesday episode begins with a celebration of a golf achievement the likes of which we will not see again, the “Chase for 83” ending ...

Solheim grading, match play rules drama, and Net Tour Champ flops

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode comes out late reacting to the holiday finish of the Solheim Cup, where Europe cruised to a victory at Inverness. Andy and Brendan...

Solheim study, Ryder Cup 1st mate Phil, and Cantlay crushes Net Tour Champ format

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This early Friday episode begins with a discussion on best practices for unboxing videos and some Brendan anxiety over that. Then it’s on to the eve...

The Brooksy Bylaw, Net Tour Championship, and Burly Boy Journeyman

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode gloriously falls on the first of the month, so you can imagine Andy’s giddiness. Brendan’s mood is also lifted by the fact ...

Exploring the limits of podcasting potential

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Even by Shotgun Start standards, this is a bit of an experimental episode. With Brendan up in Baltimore covering the BMW Championship, and the late fi...

2021 majors come to a close, Tuesday finish for the good of the game, and Boise drama

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with a tale from the road, as a family vacation gets off to a rough start. Then it’s on to the Women’s Open at Carnoust...

Nerves-less Nelly, was DJ’s spare driver on the ferry, and Flashback to St. Andrews

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with some wedding talk before Andy and Brendan get to the golf. On golf, they begin with the Women’s Open, where Nelly Ko...

Carnoustie coffee golf, Playoffs confusion, and Big Daddy journeyman

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with the event of the week, the Women’s Open at Carnoustie. Andy and Brendan highlight some of the key tee times and d...

Alternate lines at Oakmont, over-dramatizing the Top 125, and KFT card watch

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode reacts to a full and diverse weekend of golf offerings, starting with the U.S. Amateur. Andy and Brendan review the revolving door...

U.S. Am reactions, OWGR reform, golf’s field of dreams, and Flashback to Watts Gunn

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This summer hours Friday episode wanders around, starting with some thoughts on the early bracket matches at the U.S. Amateur. Chicago may have a new ...

Superfluous caps Top 10, Superfluous “ue” at U.S. Am, and Journeyman of the Week

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode is a wide-ranging look at all the games within the game this week -- the top 125 to make the playoffs, the ISP Top 10, the Risk...

Nelly’s gold, Prancing in Memphis, Hurried Harris and Befuddled Bryson

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with feelings of vindication and delight over some high-profile confusion on the Home of Golf during the final round teleca...

Applauding Aditi, Hoping for Herman and Henson, and Bashing Bryson

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode is another AM recording to work around the overnight Olympics, which Andy and Brendan immediately jump into at the top. They start...

Defending medalists, Schedule moves & playoffs tinkering, and Journeyman of the week

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with a preview of the women’s golf competition at the Olympics, and a quick rebuttal to any notion that it’s unfortu...

A Boy from Bratislava grows up to be the Silver Slovak

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A triumphant Monday episode begins with some “we’ll always remember where we were” reminiscences about a legendary Saturday night and Sunday mor...

We got ourselves a game -- C’mon Rory!

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday morning episode is full of life with the race for Low Rory absolutely heating up at Kasumigaseki with 36 more holes to play for the gold m...

Olympics optimism, Australia apologies, and Eastern elitism

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with Andy bringing up the hot water Brendan found himself in with the entire continent of Australia. They transition to ...

Captain America goes to Tokyo, Minjee gets a major, and #DoddWatch

25 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode is held together by scotch tape with Andy recording from the bar at a golf course and Brendan on a phone from the beach. But it’...

Summer hours and Friday story time

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with the building anticipation for a lifelong dream realized, Rory Sabbatini representing Slovakia in the Olympics. Andy an...

Bottled water’s major, Seniors at Sunningdale, Bandon becomes an ‘Armlock Site’

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with some congratulations for Andy North, Jerry Kelly, and Bucks fans everywhere. It also begins with Andy asking some h...

A recap of The Open, where Collin Morikawa defeated Pressure

18 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The seventh men’s major championship in less than a year is in the books, and Collin Morikawa bookends his PGA last August with an Open Championship...

Saturday at the Open with Shane Bacon

17 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Saturday episode features Golf Channel’s Shane Bacon who fills in for Brendan Porath who attended the final of the U.S. Girl’s Junior Amateur...

Friday at The Open, where there’s a new Big Jon Thomson

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with the obvious: is Barbasol sponsoring an opposite field event changing people’s shaving cream purchasing habits? Andy ...

Thursday at The Open: Sucky drivers, Yippy putts, and Blueberry boys

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This lively Thursday afternoon episode comes in hour 14 of the first round of The Open and was fueled by the Shotgun Start and Westy Island blends at ...

The Open Preview, where shouting fore is now a controversial topic

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode revels in the return of golf’s oldest major championship and a style of golf that we see far less than we should. Brendan beg...

Split Screen Scottish, DQ via Merch Tent rumors, and Open WD train

11 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode wanders around for the first 10 minutes or so, discussing the abundance of golf and the apparent meager options for television cov...

Coffee Golf delights, British Open via the world feed, and Flashback on Monty

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode was recorded early before a road trip, so it focuses primarily on the Scottish Open. Andy and Brendan react to some of the early s...

The Match that wouldn’t end, Baton tricks on links turf, and new awards

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and Brendan could not wait any longer, so this was recorded as the Match at Moonlight Basin was on the 14th hole or so and still finishing up som...

Bryson skips town, Phil tweets away, and Match 4 Preview

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This holiday weekend episode begins with some first-week insights from the first ever Coffee Pot. Then Brendan and Andy offer some reactions to the Ro...

Timmmmmmmmmmmmm!?!

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and Brendan are back with some more juice for this Friday episode, starting with questions about the kind of people who choose to go to the bar a...

We forgot to hit record

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It was late to begin with and then Brendan and Andy discovered at minute 43 that they had neglected to hit the record button on the first attempt at t...

How to record a podcast during a neverending par-fest of a playoff

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and Brendan had enough of the pillow fight between Harris English and Kramer Hickock, so they just hit the record button hoping it would end befo...

Is there such a thing as hot weather food?

25 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode is late but it’s a fairly evergreen ramble about the structure and shortcomings of professional golf, at multiple levels. Andy a...

Morrrre majors, Joey Crawford Championship, and a chat with Cam Smith

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with an unplanned discussion on the U.S. Open’s identity. Has some of the luster of the championship been taken away w...

Sunday at the U.S. Open: Rahm’s win, Bryson “off the rails,” and Torrey postmortem

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After a brief wait for the flyover to clear through, Andy and Brendan begin with the last episode on the 2021 U.S. Open. It’s been a week, but they’...

Saturday at the U.S. Open: Rotisserie chicken, still bad. Torrey Pines, still constipated.

20 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This loopy Saturday episode is energized by the third round finish at Torrey Pines. Granted, there wasn’t much movement, as defined, but there was s...

Friday at the U.S. Open: Bryson’s dreams, Dick Bland Brigade, and Torrey bunching

19 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday night episode is a debrief at the midpoint of the U.S. Open. Andy and Brendan react to Dick Bland, long an SGS notable, taking the freakin...

Thursday at the U.S. Open: Torrey, Telecasts, and Richard Bland

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a quick reaction to day one at the U.S. Open, with only one mic turned on for it. Brendan and Andy jump into what felt like an uneven ...

Torrey foibles, Bomb-and-Gouge, Brooks v. Bryson, and Hanglider impacts

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode serves as your official U.S. Open preview. Andy and Brendan begin with some player reactions to the course setup so far, gettin...

An SGS Spotlight on the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the U.S. Open return to Torrey Pines, and a possible end to this era of the championship going to publicly owned venues, this Spotlight episode f...

Palmetto Pukefest, Chicago’s new favorite son, and Nevada Bob’s boy

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with a review of the puking down the stretch at the Palmetto Championship. Brendan and Andy discuss the Higgo potential, th...

An SGS Spotlight on “The Merry Mex,” Lee Trevino: Part 1

13 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This special Spotlight episode ahead of U.S. Open week is dedicated to Lee Trevino. This is Part 1 of what will likely, hopefully be a two-part Spotli...

#TainWatch, Rough videos return, and games within the game

11 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode opens with a discussion on the proliferation of craft burger places, as well as the amusement over the animated Andy that appeared...

Palmetto Poofers, Faz’s Portfolio, and a PGL PR Push

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the second recording of the day for Brendan and Andy so they are a little punchy. They begin with one of the most absurd and incongruous pairin...

Golf’s lengthiest couple of days

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This special Tuesday episode recaps U.S. Open Final Qualifying, whipping around from site to site with some amusing anecdotes. They begin with a #scoo...

Yuka’s starpower, Using the “choke” word, Rahm’s WD, and Broosky-gate

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is a packed Monday episode that begins with praise for Yuka Saso’s playoff victory to become the youngest U.S. Women’s Open champion. Her ear...

Timepiece appreciators, X-man’s armlock angst, and Eye on Olympic

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This late Friday episode was plagued by technical difficulties but should see the light of day in some form or fashion. Andy and Brendan begin with th...

Olympic intel, Aging Burly Boys, and Tinkering Jack

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode goes long on the U.S. Women’s Open but begins with the in-progress NCAA finals, which will pit Oklahoma vs. Pepperdine on Wed...

The Social Security Slam, Tartan and Power Wagons, and Feng adoration

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with some unexpected animal content. Then Andy and Brendan get into the dawn of the Jason Kokrak era following his win over...

A Spotlight on the what ifs of the 2005 U.S. Women’s Open

29 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and Brendan return to an old favorite format, the SGS Spotlight. The subject of this episode is the 2005 U.S. Women’s Open at Cherry Hills, won...

Spencer Hall joins on Brooks vs. Bryson, shorts vs. pants, and Bjorn vs. his temper

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode features a most special guest host in Spencer Hall of EDSBS and Shutdown Fullcast infamy. Is golf Spencer’s forte or area of int...

The beef video seen round the world, and corrupted by kitchen appliances

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode wanders around for an hour. It begins with a retroactive thirstbucket of the week award, discusses some airport fare, Gary Play...

Walking with Phil Mickelson for Sunday’s PGA Championship win

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the end of a long week in Kiawah, but Andy and Brendan record their last episode from the 2021 PGA Championship after an exhilarating day at th...

Saturday at the PGA Championship

23 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Saturday episode recaps a great day on the ground from Andy and Brendan. Andy tells the tales of following the Brooksy group, while Brendan provi...

Friday at the PGA Championship with Eamon Lynch

22 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan and Andy are graced by the curmudgeonly Eamon Lynch for this Friday night episode fueled by Smith Devereux wines. They all react to the elderl...

First round reactions from the PGA Championship

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and Brendan are back at the Beverage Boys house to react to the first day at the PGA Championship. The flushers and strikers rose to the top. The...

2021 PGA Championship Preview: Wind, Super Leagues, UFOs, and cheapskates

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and Brendan are together in Kiawah for their first in-person recording in almost two years. They immediately jump into some impressions from a da...

Happy days for Dick Bland, Dicky Pride, and the Husky Boy

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Before Andy and Brendan get together in Kiawah on Monday, they chat for this truncated episode that begins with an apology tour. Then they celebrate t...

Disgraceful Day, Scandalous NCAA, and Flashback to the “Half Nelson”

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a Friday episode heavy on disgust. There’s disgust over the NFL scheduling the Browns-Bears game for the one fall Sunday that Brendan and And...

Famous people named Craig, DJ’s WD statement, and Eye on Olympic for Mel Reid

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode goes in a bunch of stupid directions, starting with some details that may or may not be true on real estate around TPC Craig Ra...

Is the Walker Cup under-marketed, a Prince returns, and anti-thirstbucket

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It was a jam-packed weekend of golf and this Monday episode jumps right into it by flipping a coin and starting with a review of the Walker Cup. Andy ...

Phil’s “selflessness,” SLG vs. PGL, and Walker Cup preview with Brentley Romine

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with some quick reactions to Phil Mickelson taking the early lead in Charlotte, which is an occasion to quickly pivot to hi...

I left a Premier League and came back a Super League

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with Courtesy and Brendan discussing their distaste for the whole May the 4th proliferation, as well as the one liquor t...

A big day for BAW golf, Pine Valley maneuvers, and centerline flagpoles

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode gets back to some SGS roots, with a quick and unprepared whip around the results from the weekend in the golf world. It really, ac...

Victory Friday! The Bears have their QB

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

All golf talk is set aside at the start of this Friday episode, which was recorded minutes after the Bears traded up and drafted QB Justin Fields (and...

Snakepits, Monday Q PIP Impacts, and Burger Dog qualms

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Wednesday episode begins with Brendan having to answer to some angry Aussies and attempt to clarify his Leishman comp from Monday. It’s also a ...

Louisiana pillow fight, Slow play will ruin your day, and Buddy’s boy

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with Andy disclosing an explosive handicap scandal from his Fried Egg event over the weekend. Then they get to the golf fro...

PIP Squeaks, longitude or latitude, and a Franco Flashback Friday

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday episode begins with some reaction to both “town crier” and “baton boy” references making it onto featured group coverage on Billy ...

The third annual walk-up music quiz

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After year off, the PGA Tour returns to New Orleans and while there may no longer be walk-up music at this event, the listeners demand that this annua...

Ko drought ends, Romo’s County Am adventure, and the legend of M.T. Johnson

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with a discussion of some Chicago saloons, such as Lottie’s, the title sponsor of this week’s LPGA event, which Lydia K...

Pepperdine facts, Mother’s Day gifts, and Flashback Friday PGA whetting

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Friday and there is no script. Andy and Brendan begin with some thoughts on the first ever non-profit casino being built at TPC Scottsdale. The...

Everyman travel for Hideki, Pete Dye’s Harbour Town, and a Baton Boy apology

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Masters has come and gone but Shotgun Start plays on with this Wednesday episode. They begin with some clean up from the first men’s major of th...

Hideki Can Win

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and Brendan put a bow on a fantastic weekend at the Masters, beginning with Hideki Matsuyama playing his way into a green jacket. They dispute th...

Hideki’s tour de force, Billy Ho’s masterpiece, and contender/pretender for Sunday

11 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A lively virtual Bixby House results in this punch-drunk Masters table-setter for Sunday. Andy and Brendan react to that outrageous inward 30 from Hid...

Bryson’s “calibration devices” and a Masters player calls in to talk Woosie

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Friday night at the Masters! Andy and Brendan react to the 85th edition of the tournament at its midpoint, beginning with Justin Rose hanging o...

Masters Thursday: Sandy’s top, Streb’s shank, Rose’s run, and Gary Player’s kid

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and Brendan are back for what is now an SGS Masters tradition -- daily podcasts reviewing all the inanities, amusements, and play both good and b...

Adam Scott’s running form, Favorite tee times, and Phil demands respect

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andy gets up off the mat after a sick day for this late night amuse bouche of an episode as the Masters tees off on Thursday. He and Brendan begin wit...

Masters edition of Paulie Picks: CT machine impacts and the Waffle House difference

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This special bonus Tuesday edition of the Shotgun Start features old friend Fried Egg Paulie. Perhaps you’ve heard, but gambling and daily fantasy h...

Patty’s plunge into Poppie’s Pool, Golden Child returns, Drive-Chip-Putt apathy

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This Monday episode begins with news of Andy’s arrival back to the Land of Matt Fitzpatrick after some time-zone struggles. Then Brendan and Andy ge...

If a scorecard is put in a scorecard holder, is it then a scorebook?

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This wandering Friday episode features fantastic intel on the procurement of Patrick Reed’s apparel but begins with a quick announcement on some Mas...