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The Shotgun Start

472 Episodes

60 minutes | May 17, 2022
PGA Preview: Tiger feeling it, Rory’s drought, and the cost of one’s thirst
It’s another major week, and one that has both Brendan and Andy buzzing thanks to a great venue with a host of player storylines that could come to fruition. But first, an Alex Cejka chat. Then they get to Tiger, who was in full form at his press conference and looks like he’s feeling himself and physically much improved. Justin Thomas taking up pitchforks with the fans about beer prices is also addressed, as well as his chances to win and whether it’s time to put up or shut up at the majors. There’s the usual pre-major segment on favorite tee times, and some not-so-favorite groups. Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Scottie Scheffler’s chances are all also discussed, before some picks are made. The LIV chatter is also covered, from the PGA’s updated stance via Seth Waugh to Rickie’s surprising moment of candidness that created some news and if it means anything for the marketing darling.
63 minutes | May 16, 2022
Phil’s PGA absence, Tiger’s and Bryon’s?! arrival, and the Craig Ranch Massacre
This Monday episode begins with tales of Andy’s attempt to fill his POD before an upcoming move. Then it’s over to someone who is not on the move, namely Phil Mickelson, who will not be re-appearing to public life to defend his PGA Championship. Brendan and Andy discuss how bad it must be in Phil-ville to not defend his title, and the prospects of a return in the safe cocoon of LIV Golf. Someone who is in Tulsa is Tiger Woods, and this episode argues for why this is his best chance at a major, not the Old Course. Also apparently playing this PGA is Bryson, fresh off hand surgery but still whaling away and trying to go. The Byron Nelson recap focuses on the Husky Boy’s triumph, and debates whether Spieth is or is not a house cat anymore. Lexi Thompson is the subject of a drive-by, but the Champions Tour is not! They close with a debate/drama about a rules quirk at the U.S. Am Four Ball.
53 minutes | May 12, 2022
PGA Tour denies LIV waivers while Greg Norman flops to and fro
This is a somewhat different SGS episode focusing on a singular story, diving right into the eventful week in the continuing drama between the PGA Tour and the disruptor league, LIV Golf. Brendan and Andy begin with the Tour’s denial of waiver requests to play the London event, and what that may have wrought on Tour in the immediate future, like this summer. Greg Norman’s debacle of a week is dissected after some flippant rationalizations for horrific murders. They ponder who would have been a better choice to head up this Saudi effort, and whether it’s not too late to find new leadership. There’s ample criticism for LIV’s bumbling efforts, but also for the Tour’s response, especially as it relates to creating discipline on the PGA Tour University front. They close with a few thoughts on the likely legal battle that is coming and whether we’re about to have the last “normal week” on the PGA Tour for the foreseeable future.
42 minutes | May 10, 2022
The PGA gets a “Manningcast” while LIV gets nothing
This Wednesday episode begins with an NBA Playoffs minute after Andy’s trip north to take in the Bucks-Celtics. On golf, Bio Kim gets a shoutout for his first win after the bird suspension. Then they begin by diving into the schedule for the week, starting at the Ranch, Craig T. Nelson Ranch. There’s reaction to a strong field in Dallas after weeks of meh on the Tour. There’s also scoffing at players being “ready” for the PGA, and an event of the week battle that includes the U.S. Four Ball. Some one-and-done picks reignite further and redundant Spieth debates. There is great fascination with the Euro Tour event in Belgium, which boasts quite an eclectic field. In news, they discuss ESPN rolling out a “Manningcast” with Joe Buck for the PGA Championship and LIV Golf apparently giving away the rights to its first event likely to be broadcast on YouTube.
58 minutes | May 9, 2022
The Homa ascent, Sergio’s LIV Golf tantrum, and a Keegan defense
It’s a punchy Monday episode full of energy after a Sunday spent with moms. Andy and Brendan get into the test of TPC Potomac against a middling field. Then it’s on to media darling and 4-time winner Max Homa, his perspective, and how the expectations get raised from here. There’s also an unexpected segment defending Keegan Bradley, a frequent punching bag. Sergio Garcia’s latest outburst is dissected, with a focus on what it means for LIV Golf taking on the temperamental Spaniard. This leads to further discussion about LIV, its latest recruits, and a scoop about the number of releases requested for the London event and the cheeky end-around cited. The Pissbear’s redemption story is covered as is a strong week on the Social Security Tour. Finally, they close with some good words about the Baton Boy.
75 minutes | May 6, 2022
LIV incursions, and Shane Ryan on his Ryder Cup book and the match’s future
This Friday episode begins with some questions on who asked for a Robert Allenby image rehabilitation tour. Then Brendan and Andy get to the latest on LIV, notably Westy Island sinking into the sea (this was recorded PRE-SERGIO, which will be addressed on Monday). There’s also a discussion of the weird PGL memo that was sent out to the world. Andy has some thoughts on Matt Wolff’s struggles and first-round lead at TPC Potomac. Then they’re joined by Shane Ryan, whose book on the Ryder Cup will come out next week (pre-order here). They get into a wide range of interesting and amusing topics related to the matches, from its future prospects, the PGA Tour getting involved on the Euro side via the strategic alliance, Phil’s bencing at Whistling Straits, and some of the biggest surprises in researching and writing the book. Thanks to Shane for his time.
48 minutes | May 3, 2022
US Open media day, A Rory contradiction, and Shark tales about Phil’s comments
This Wednesday episode begins with some Andy and Brendan notes from their day at The Country Club in Brookline, site of this June’s U.S. Open. They discuss the tee sheet snafu that left Andy without a home, and relay a mini-primer about the course and how it might show for the national championship. There’s a potential big flagstick energy dilemma for the USGA. Then it’s on to the shhhedule for the week, which prompts a take on the self-contradictions of Rory McIlroy and his new contract extension with his equipment manufacturer. News closes with Greg Norman talking about the immediate damage Phil Mickelson’s comments did to the imminent launch plans for the Saudi league back in February.
45 minutes | May 2, 2022
Use Golf Facts accuses Tiger of tainting the PGA, Rahm scratches a W in Mexico
It’s a first-of-the-month recording, which immediately puts Andy in a good mood for this Monday recap. First, however, Brendan begins with a Sunday morning wake-up to golf facts being shared far and wide. This time, there’s an accusation that the PGA, Southern Hills, and Tiger are in cahoots to make it an inequitable major championship. This leads to a somewhat more serious discussion about the post-Masters “Now what?” part of Tiger’s comeback and how competitive he might be. Then it’s on to results from the weekend, starting with the LPGA event at Palos Verdes, hitting on Marina Alex’s victory, Lydia Ko’s amusing honesty, and the course. On the PGA Tour, they praise the setup guys as well as Jon Rahm, who did not have his best stuff but scratched out a W against a super stinky field in Mexico.
52 minutes | Apr 29, 2022
The Thicc Boi Brigade gets a new recruit, LIV’s marketing gets worse, and Jesper tales
This Friday episode begins with new video of Phil Mickelson surfacing, and the close inspection of it that followed and what that might have yielded about his playing plans and fitness. This dovetails into a chat about reports he’s signed on for all 8 LIV Golf events, and if his career is forever debased by the potential legal fight that might come. That transitions into a dissection of more details about the Liv plans, including some horrible marketing slogans on their website and highly-priced ticket packages for events the details of which remain quite scant. There’s also a review of the near driving range fight between Kevin Na and Grayson Murray, with a separate plea for Na to be thrown off the tour. Flashback Friday focuses on the catnip of the week, Jesper Parnevik’s new look, recalling some of his great successes and eccentricities, like eating volcanic sand, during his rise in the 90s. It features several amusing Jesper quotes about his process.
55 minutes | Apr 27, 2022
Mickelson sorta surfaces, LIV heads to Trump Doral, and a dumpy field in Mexico
This Wednesday episode is full of pep, beginning with a concern Brendan raises about Andy using a ridiculous peppy phrase in an email, which prompts an even more ridiculous explanation for the use of said phrase. Then they move to signs of life from Phil Mickelson, whose agent released a statement about keeping “options open” for two upcoming majors and one Saudi event. They discuss the sadness of this denouement and what the rest of his career could look like. Then it’s on to LIV golf, which apparently has 15 top 100 players committed to their opening event in London. But the segment is more about how the entire operation, save for funding, is just a sh*tshow that’s hard to get excited about right now and what a blown opportunity it feels like. They also banter about the finale of this year’s LIV schedule reportedly going to Trump Doral. Schedule for the week closes out this episode, with some cool intel on the LPGA venue and less enthusiasm for a crappy field in Mexico on the PGA Tour.
37 minutes | Apr 25, 2022
The Xander conundrum, a Coetzee Zone threat, and ClubCorp Classic thoughts
Brendan returns for this Monday episode, which begins with a quick popping of the Zurich Classic before diving into an extended debate about the resume of Xander Schauffele, who added a two-man victory to that CV on Sunday. Some Billy quotes about wind in NOLA are also put up for further examination. Nasa Hataoka’s runaway win in LA is duly praised, while Pablo Larrazabal’s victory is examined vis-a-vis the Coetzee Zone. On the Champions Tour, the Club Corp Classic, where Tony Romo played as a celebrity, is discussed. Also, that title sponsor’s rebrand into something called “Invited” is reviewed before news hits on Greg Norman announcing an intention to play The Open at St. Andrews.
47 minutes | Apr 22, 2022
DJ Pie and Walk Up Music
No Laying Up's DJ Piehowski joins the pod to fill in for Brendan who remains on vacation both physically and mentally. DJ and Andy discuss the Zurich and how it kind of stinks. DJ does point out the trace back to Zurich's decision to implement walk up music and the game of golf's explosive growth since. Andy then gets into the walk up music selections for 2022. Enjoy, Brendan hopefully will be back on Monday and thank you again to DJ Pie for his time and patience. 
64 minutes | Apr 20, 2022
Where is Oklahoma? Sean Martin attempts to clear the air
With Brendan on vacation, the PGA Tour’s lead editor Sean Martin joins Andy to discuss the week in golf. The two start with a rousing conversation on Sean’s parenting tactics before getting into the Zurich Classic and the notable pairings. They then can't resist having a lengthy discussion of Ben An and Carl Yuan and how certain teams may have come together. The conversation then turns to the LPGA Tour's Los Angeles swing before settling on Trevor Immelman’s assistant captain picks for the Presidents Cup. Thank you to Sean for filling in for the big guy.
43 minutes | Apr 18, 2022
Spicy thoughts on Spieth, the Frittelli penalty, and chum
Andy and Brendan are back on the horse! This Monday episode is slightly delayed, but it’s here and what it lacks in substance, it makes up for in amusement, hopefully. They begin with many thoughts on Jordan Spieth, the win at Harbour Town, his resume, and some ridiculous comps to Hall of Famers, both good and bad. Other Heritage thoughts revolve around Dylan Frittelli’s penalty for hitting a ball out of the trees and enhanced scrutiny on Patrick Cantlay. The results segment leads us down the path of discovery on KFT pro Pontus Nyholm, now nicknamed the Pontoon Boat. News hits on Bryson’s surgery, the Shark “chumming” the waters for LIV with some highly-ranked amateurs, and DL3 letting it slip that Phil may now be on the sidelines for the Bethpage Ryder Cup captaincy.
53 minutes | Apr 13, 2022
Bubba headed to Saudi’s LIV and Masters clean-up with Kyle Porter
This Wednesday episode was delayed as Andy and Brendan get back from Augusta trying to pick up the pieces, which Andy is still in the process of doing. So Kyle Porter of CBS joins to add some of his perspective from his week on the ground at Augusta National, focusing on the winner, runner-up, Tiger, and other odds and ends from his notebook. Then they get to the shhhedule for the week, where Kyle saddles Andy with a one-and-done pick and there’s an amusing tale about Kyle not getting to play Pasatiempo, site of this week’s Western Intercollegiate. They close with news, which is on the Shark, Greg Norman, resurfacing with more comments about his impending league and the report of five committed names, including Bubba Watson.
68 minutes | Apr 11, 2022
Sunday at the Draddy Cabin: Scheffler’s win, Rory’s charge, and Tiger’s power
Masters week comes to a close at the Draddy Cabin in Augusta, where Andy and Brendan record one last time on Sunday’s conclusion to the Masters. They begin with Scottie Scheffler’s stroll to the green jacket. They discuss how he got it done, what it means for his future, and observations from the ground. The power of following Tiger as he closed out his week is also relayed. Rory’s charge, and if it means anything beyond a nice moment, is debated at length. Tyrrell Hatton’s searing critiques of the course are addressed. There’s a chat on the laser focus of ANGC and the pleasures of a phone-less week, and many more amusing odds and ends, including an encounter with the commish, during an emptying of the notebook. Thanks to all of you for supporting and listening all week, and B. Draddy for making our stay possible.
40 minutes | Apr 10, 2022
Saturday at the Draddy Cabin: Scheffler steers it in, Tiger fades, and Augusta swings
There are 18 holes left to go at the 2022 Masters, and a giddy Andy and Brendan set things up for Sunday from the Draddy Cabin in Augusta. They review the third round happenings at ANGC, where Scottie Scheffler got shaky on the second nine but steered it in to lead by three at the 54-hole mark. They react to some of the continued 15th hole debate, with Andy re-telling a few stories from the ground at that spot. There’s delight in a Horschel-Hatton featured group pairing for Sunday, disappointment about a few faders, and disposal of the debate about a Tiger WD.
46 minutes | Apr 9, 2022
Friday at the Draddy Cabin: The magic is back at the 15th
It’s Friday night in Augusta and Andy and Brendan talk Masters at the midpoint from their Draddy Cabin before a big night out on the town. They begin, unintentionally, with Tiger Woods -- the made cut, the “juice,” and a person simply relishing playing a Masters, regardless of current physical fitness or past accomplishment. There’s ample discussion on the leader, Scottie Scheffler, who expertly navigated the par-5s. And that leads to a discussion on the 15th, playing to a momentous decision to go or hang back thanks to some wind and a new tee box. There’s also plenty of fun had with Hudson’s equipment malfunction, Billy’s baton twirls, and Thicc Boi’s meltdown.
44 minutes | Apr 8, 2022
Thursday at the Draddy Cabin: Tiger returns
Andy and Brendan are live at the Draddy Cabin in Augusta for this first round reaction episode at the Masters. They begin with Tiger, hailing his return as a momentous day in golf history. There’s awe of his round of 71, but realistic assessments about how it looked as others got swept up in the hoopla. They contemplate what it might mean for the rest of the tournament. There’s a report on the conditions and course from the ground, with a theory about subair for patron areas outside the ropes. It was also a good day for the Saudis, with leaderboard representation and honorary starter representation. There’s reaction to Rory’s underwhelming round, concern about airborne interruptions, and an MC segment that focuses on another disappointing showing from JT at ANGC.
62 minutes | Apr 6, 2022
Wednesday from the Draddy Cabin: A Masters preview
Andy and Brendan are live together in Augusta at the Draddy Cabin for what will be the start of a daily run of episodes. This one is a preview, which unintentionally begins with some disgruntlement about certain environmental conditions and some deep thoughts about Rory McIlroy’s focus after he made an impression on Andy in his press conference. Then there’s a Tiger chat, hitting on his chances to make the cut, the absolute Nike disaster, and the overlooked aspect of what might make this return slightly easier. There’s a wide-ranging chat on the course changes, getting deep into the alterations at 11, the new tee at 15, the changes at 3 green, and others. It features comments, both positive and critical, from some of the players who paraded through the press center and reaction to their reactions. There’s also some great Larry Mize intel before signing off with picks to win for all the gambling diehards out there.
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