Afleveringen
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Episode Description:
In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt and Rob welcome Casey Lang, a longtime friend of Matt, financial advisor, and Managing Director of Lang Financial. The conversation dives into how everyday investors are reacting to market volatility, tariffs, and political shifts—plus, a deep look at the national debt and whether either party is doing enough to address it. Casey offers practical insights into wealth management, the psychological side of investing, and how personal financial planning changes in a shifting economy.
Then, the conversation swings to golf as the trio talks about the evolution of the modern game, the impact of distance and technology, and the future of golf ball rollback rules. There's plenty of laughter, storytelling, and trash talk from past golf trips, along with reflections on how golf continues to shape friendships, business, and personal growth.
Key Topics Covered:
How tariffs and political shifts affect investor behavior
Long-term views on the national debt and fiscal responsibility
The emotional vs. rational side of investing
Golf ball rollback and the impact of distance on the modern game
Building lifelong relationships through golf and business
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, we take the conversation to the Ernie Fox Okemah Municipal Golf Course with Chris Benge, former Oklahoma Speaker of the House and Secretary of State. As we play, Benge reflects on his journey in politics, the rise of the Republican majority in Oklahoma, and the role golf has played in his life and career. From campaign support from his father-in-law, Ernie Fox, to debating the future of professional golf and the impact of government investment in public courses, this episode is packed with insights on politics, leadership, and the game we love.
Key Topics:
The political landscape shift in Oklahoma
The value of public golf courses and state investment in the sport
Thoughts on LIV Golf vs. PGA Tour and the future of professional golf
Golf as a networking and leadership tool in politics and business
Dream golf destinations, and why Southern Hills remains a favorite
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, we sit down with Brad Cheney, a veteran political strategist, former Capitol Hill chief of staff, and top Democratic lobbyist. Brad takes us inside the world of Washington politics, reflecting on his experiences working with Hillary Clinton, Capitol Hill campaigns, and major policy battles. He also shares insights on the role of lobbyists, the state of modern political campaigns, and what it really takes to succeed in DC. But it’s not all politics—we also dive into golf, reliving wild golf trips, hole-in-one stories, and the best courses for political networking.
Key Topics:
The reality of lobbying and why it’s critical to democracy
Inside stories from the Hillary Clinton campaign and DC power circles
The struggles of young political staffers and how DC has changed
How golf plays a key role in political relationships and deal-making
Brad’s dream golf courses and his surprising hole-in-one story
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Episode Description:
In this special episode of Golf and Politics, we visit Okemah, Oklahoma to sit down with Ernie Fox, the 90-year-old local legend who has dedicated over 30 years to keeping Okemah’s only golf course alive. From its humble beginnings as a volunteer-built community course to its renaming in Ernie’s honor, we hear firsthand how passion, grit, and small-town pride have kept the game alive for generations. Ernie shares stories of building the course, maintaining its bent grass greens, and the challenges of running a rural course on a shoestring budget — all while fostering a love of golf in the local community.
Key Topics:
The incredible grassroots story of Okemah Golf Course
Ernie’s dedication and volunteer work keeping the course open
The importance of community golf in rural America
Reflections on golf’s role in family, friendships, and small-town life
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Episode Description:
In this inspiring episode of Golf and Politics, we sit down with golf pro Tracy Phillips, who made headlines as one of the oldest players ever to qualify for the PGA Championship at 61 years old. Tracy shares his incredible journey—a 20-year break from the game, overcoming the driving yips, and his triumphant return to competitive golf. We dive into his experiences at Valhalla, his philosophy on teaching the next generation, and the state of professional golf today, including the LIV vs. PGA Tour debate and how the game needs to evolve to capture younger audiences.
Key Topics:
Tracy’s unbelievable comeback story and PGA Championship experience
The mental game: overcoming struggles and staying competitive
The evolution of professional golf and where it’s headed
How to improve your game with better strategy and coaching insights
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Episode Description:
In this special episode of Golf and Politics, co-host Rob Ellsworth takes center stage for an unfiltered airing of grievances about the early days of the Trump 2.0 administration. From policy decisions to leadership style, Rob breaks down what’s frustrating him most—and co-host Matt Parker pushes back with counterpoints, leading to an engaging and spirited debate.
Key Topics:
The impact of Trump’s early policy moves
The role of government waste, reform, and fiscal responsibility
The cultural and political divide in America
The intersection of faith, politics, and leadership
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Episode Description:
As the story of LIV and PGA continues to unfold, we discuss the latest. In this episode of Golf and Politics, we break down President Trump and his potential role in bringing LIV and the PGA Tour together. Plus, we discuss Tiger Woods’ involvement, the challenges of growing the game, and how golf can evolve to better engage fans. From pace-of-play issues to tournament innovations, we cover what needs to change for golf’s next era.
Key Topics:
Trump’s role in the LIV-PGA merger talks
Tiger Woods’ impact on the future of professional golf
The need for innovation in tournament formats and fan experience
How professional golf can modernize for a new generation of fans
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Join us for an exclusive conversation with Nick Sidorakis, former GM of Southern Hills Country Club, as he shares insights from nearly three decades at one of America’s most prestigious clubs. From hosting the 2022 PGA Championship to revitalizing Tulsa’s public golf courses, Nick reveals the art of golf course management, the politics of major tournaments, and the culture of the game across the globe.
Key Highlights:
How Southern Hills became a PGA Championship hub.
The impact of public-private partnerships in municipal golf.
Stories of golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods.
The artistry of golf course design and renovation.
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Episode Description:
In this episode of Golf and Politics, host Matt Parker hits the back nine of his home course with Pastor Jeremy Fair of Christ Presbyterian Church to discuss the intersection of faith, politics, and personal growth—all while enjoying a round of golf. They explore how the game reveals deeper truths about life, the evolving role of the church in today's political climate, and the challenges pastors face when faith and politics collide. Plus, thoughts on hot-button issues like gender, public policy, and whether Bibles should be mandated in public schools.
Key Topics:
How golf serves as a ministry tool.
Should pastors endorse political candidates from the pulpit?
The church’s response to cultural hot topics.
The future of faith in a politically charged society.
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, hosts Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth are joined by a special-guest co-host, course rater and golf architecture enthusiast, Jake Marvin as they welcome renowned golf writer and architecture expert Geoff Shackelford to discuss the evolving landscape of golf and its intersection with politics. The conversation dives into the impact of modern technology on golf course design, the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, and how public and private courses are adapting to economic and environmental changes. Geoff provides expert insights on course restoration efforts, the growing popularity of minimalist designs, and the role of walking in enhancing the golfing experience.
Beyond golf architecture, the discussion explores how politics influence the game, including Donald Trump’s impact on professional golf and how political polarization is shaping public perception of the sport. The episode also covers the new Trump administration’s proposed policies and how they may affect course construction, labor availability, and the efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in golf. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or politically engaged listener, this episode offers a compelling look at how the sport and politics intersect in unexpected ways.
Key Takeaways:
Donald Trump’s Influence on Golf’s Global Landscape: The episode explores how Trump's involvement in the sport has impacted professional tours, course developments, and the political perception of golf.
The Evolution of Golf Course Architecture: Modern golf design trends are shifting back to strategic, minimalist layouts that challenge players while preserving the integrity of classic courses.
Economic and Political Policies Shape Golf’s Future: Tariffs, immigration policies, and economic regulations are influencing everything from course construction costs to labor availability in the industry.
The Role of Walking in Golf: Shackelford discusses how walking courses enhances the golfing experience, contributing to a better understanding of course strategy, fitness, and overall enjoyment.
Technology's Impact on the Game: Advancements in golf equipment have significantly altered how courses are played, with Shackelford emphasizing the need to adapt course designs to maintain the challenge and appeal of the game.
The Importance of Course Restoration: Preserving the original vision of legendary architects like Alister MacKenzie and Donald Ross is essential to maintaining the unique character of historic courses.
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth kick off the new year by discussing their golf goals for 2025. Matt shares his mission to reduce double bogeys, improve his mental game, and embrace the process of getting better at golf. Rob focuses on playing fewer but more meaningful rounds, aiming for consistency on the courses he loves. The conversation also touches on bucket-list destinations like Cypress Point, Bandon Dunes, and iconic West Virginia courses, with an eye toward making these trips as memorable as possible.
The hosts also dive into strategies for refining their game, such as utilizing a "fairway finder" off the tee, balancing power and accuracy, and rethinking club setups for optimal performance. Beyond technique, they emphasize the importance of golf as a platform for connection, growth, and mental health. The episode closes with a preview of upcoming podcast projects, including plans for a Ryder Cup-style event and conversations with top golf architecture expert Geoff Shackelford.
Takeaways:
Make War on Double Bogeys: Matt’s top priority is to eliminate unnecessary mistakes, focus on smarter decision-making, and avoid turning bogeys into doubles or worse.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Rob aims to reduce the sheer volume of courses he plays, prioritizing meaningful experiences with friends and family.
Refining Tee Shots for Consistency: Adopting a “fairway finder” off the tee ensures accuracy and reduces penalties, setting up better opportunities for scoring.
Improving the Mental Game: Both hosts discuss controlling emotions, embracing a positive attitude, and staying present, which they agree are critical for better performance and enjoyment.
Exploring Golf Course Architecture: Matt expresses a desire to deepen his appreciation for course design, enhancing his understanding of the game and making rounds more engaging.
Connection Over Competition: Beyond scores, the hosts emphasize the relationships built on the course, turning every round into an opportunity for personal and social growth.
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker plays nine holes with JP Roller, a Kansas State golfer with deep ties to the game. During their round they discuss JP's family golf legacy, his transition through college golf programs, and the mental toughness required to excel in competitive golf. The conversation also delves into JP’s perspectives on pace of play, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals in college sports, and the political climate on college campuses.
The episode blends lighthearted banter with serious discussions, including JP’s dream foursome featuring Donald Trump, Michael Jordan, and Jordan Spieth, his time playing with Ludvig Aberg and the value of golf in creating connections across diverse backgrounds. This engaging mix of sports and politics offers a unique perspective on the intersection of competition, camaraderie, and culture.
Takeaways
A Family Legacy in Golf: JP Roller grew up immersed in golf, with a mother who competed in two U.S. Opens, a father who coached high school golf, and a sister playing Division I college golf.
The Mental and Physical Grind of College Golf: JP shares the pressures of playing at the collegiate level, navigating transfers from Texas Tech to Kansas State, and recovering from a wrist injury while maintaining his game.
Pace of Play: A Growing Concern: JP reflects on how slow play affects both professional and college tournaments, emphasizing the need for faster rounds to improve the overall experience for players and spectators.
The Impact of NIL Deals on College Golf: NIL deals are growing in college golf, but JP expresses concern that they might detract from the amateur spirit of the sport.
Political Climate on College Campuses: As a politically engaged student, JP discusses the challenges of navigating differing ideologies on campus and how political bias sometimes manifests in academic settings.
Dream Foursome Revealed: JP’s ideal group includes Donald Trump, Michael Jordan, and Jordan Spieth, combining a love for golf, competitive spirit, and unique personalities.
Golf as a Tool for Connection: JP highlights how golf serves as a platform for building relationships, sharing ideas, and finding common ground, even across political and cultural divides.
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth continue the journey through Rob’s incredible 2024 in which he completes the U.S. top 100 courses. Playing 212 rounds on 165 courses across 25 states and multiple countries, Rob shares highlights from bucket-list destinations, including St. Andrews, Shinnecock Hills, and Fisher’s Island. The discussion delves into the personal and professional relationships built through golf and explores how the sport serves as a bridge for connection, even in politically polarized times.
The episode underscores the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities, cherishing relationships, and taking a step back from the intensity of daily political life. The hosts also share their aspirations for Golf and Politics, teasing future events that bring people together on and off the course.
Saying Yes Unlocks Incredible Experiences: Rob’s “Year of Yes” resulted in over 200 rounds of golf, fostering connections, and experiencing some of the world’s most renowned courses.
Golf Creates Lifelong Connections: Over the year, Rob met and played with more than 500 people, demonstrating golf’s ability to form meaningful personal and professional relationships.
Golf and Politics Bridge Divides: The podcast reflects on how the sport facilitates dialogue and camaraderie, offering a space to connect across political and ideological differences.
Mental Health Matters in Polarized Times: Taking a step back from cable news and daily political turmoil, Rob emphasizes the therapeutic nature of golf and how it provides balance in a divided world.
Future Plans for Golf and Politics: Rob and Matt preview exciting 2025 initiatives, including a Ryder Cup-style event where Republicans and Democrats compete while fostering mutual respect and dialogue.
Memories Over Money: The relationships and experiences Rob cultivated in 2024 are described as more valuable than any financial success or professional milestone.
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In this special year-in-review episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker interviews co-host Rob Ellsworth about his incredible 2024, during which he played 212 rounds of golf across 165 courses in the U.S. and abroad. After overcoming significant health challenges in prior years, Rob embraced a "Year of Yes," taking every opportunity to travel, play, and connect with people through golf. The episode highlights bucket-list courses like Pine Valley, Ballybunion, St. Andrews, and Shadow Creek, along with hidden gems such as Sharon Golf Club.
Rob and Matt Parker recount memorable moments, from playing with Hall of Famers Meg Mallon and Beth Daniel to rounds at Michael Jordan’s Grove XXIII. They discuss how golf creates lifelong friendships, the balance between luxury and rugged experiences, and the thrill of crossing courses off their bucket lists. This episode also explores how golf intersects with community programs, accessibility, and cherished memories, making it much more than just a game.
7 Key Takeaways:
The Year of Yes Transformed Rob’s Life and Game: Living life with a mindset of yes first, opens you up to more opportunities and experiences.
Bucket List Achievements: Pine Valley, Ballybunion, and St. Andrews: Iconic courses like Pine Valley and the Old Course at St. Andrews provided breathtaking and challenging experiences, while less famous gems added charm and variety.
Golf’s Role in Building Relationships: Over the year, Rob played with 500 people, from friends to strangers, highlighting golf as a unique way to create deep connections.
From Shadow Creek to Sharon Golf Club: Diverse Course Experiences: Rob experienced everything from luxury courses like Shadow Creek to understated gems like Sharon Golf Club, showcasing the full spectrum of the game.
Michael Jordan’s Grove XXIII Delivers an Unforgettable Experience: Playing at MJ’s exclusive course combined world-class golf with a laid-back vibe, including rounds with PGA Tour veterans and an encounter with Jordan himself.
Golf Accessibility and Community Impact: Courses like The Park in West Palm Beach demonstrate how great design and strategic pricing can make golf more inclusive and impactful for local communities.
Golf is About Memories, Not Just Scores: Beyond the game itself, Rob emphasized the importance of creating memories, whether through trips, friendships, or the simple joy of playing the sport.
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker recounts his lesson and putter fitting with renowned golf instructor Philip Walker at Back Nine Golf in Bentonville, Arkansas. Matt dives into the technical adjustments made during his session, focusing on improving his swing consistency, reducing high-right misses, and perfecting his sternum positioning for better ball striking. The episode also highlights Matt’s first-ever putter fitting, exploring how LAB Golf’s technology has transformed putting by eliminating torque and increasing accuracy.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing mental aspects of the game, such as staying confident after bad shots, learning to grind through tough rounds, and maintaining a positive attitude. Matt also reflects on how lessons in golf translate to personal growth, offering listeners insights into how improving focus and resilience on the course can impact other areas of life. This episode blends practical golf advice with broader takeaways about mindset, confidence, and the power of expert coaching.
Fixing High-Right Misses with Proper Sternum Positioning: Adjusting the sternum to “cover the golf ball” helps with striking the ball consistently, eliminating high-right misses and fat shots.
Lab Golf Putter Fitting: No-Torque Technology for Precision: LAB putters’ innovative design eliminates torque, improving putting accuracy by allowing a straight-back, straight-through stroke without manipulation.
Mental Game Matters: Staying Positive Through Tough Rounds: Philip emphasized the importance of flushing bad shots, staying in the moment, and grinding out the best possible score, even on off days.
Alignment and Ball Position Drive Consistency: Minor adjustments, like centering ball position and widening the stance, can significantly improve swing accuracy and trajectory.
Better Tempo Equals Better Putting: Maintaining a metronome-like tempo helps ensure a smooth stroke and more consistent results, particularly on putts within 6 to 10 feet.
Lessons in Golf Translate to Life: Embracing challenges on the course, improving focus, and maintaining a resilient mindset can positively impact personal and professional success.
Trust Your Equipment and Coaching: Custom-fitted clubs and professional feedback build confidence, allowing golfers to focus on speed and alignment rather than equipment flaws.
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In Episode 27 of Golf and Politics, host Matt Parker and producer Jordan McMillan record on the road to Bentonville, Arkansas, where Matt heads for a lesson with renowned golf coach Philip Walker at Back Nine Golf. The episode chronicles Matt’s journey of improving his game, from his self-taught days to working with instructors like Maggie Roller and Tracy Phillips. He shares the challenges of refining his swing, including overcoming bad habits, mastering consistency, and tailoring his approach to fit his body type.
Along the way, Matt recounts recent rounds at Pinehurst and discusses the highs (a career-low 66) and lows (an 89 the next day) that highlight the ups and downs of golf improvement. The episode also dives into golf education, including the value of private lessons, the benefits and drawbacks of social media golf tips, and advice for beginners entering the sport. Packed with insights and practical tips, this episode captures the joys, frustrations, and growth that come with the love of the game.
Takeaways/Highlights:
Tailoring Lessons to Fit Your Swing and Body Type: Matt emphasizes the importance of building a swing suited to your body and natural shot shape.
Consistency is the Ultimate Goal: Matt’s journey focuses on achieving consistency, with strategies to recover when rounds start to spiral out of control.
The Value of Golf Lessons Over Self-Teaching: While self-taught golfers can succeed, structured lessons provide foundational techniques and accelerate improvement.
Social Media Golf Tips Have Limits: Online content can help, but too many voices create confusion. Stick to one trusted source or instructor.
Golf Improvement Comes with Ups and Downs: Matt shares how he shot a career-best 66 one day, only to follow it with an 89, highlighting the unpredictable nature of progress.
Pinehurst: A Dream and a Challenge: Reflecting on rounds at Pinehurst, Matt discusses the thrill of playing historic courses and the importance of adapting to difficult conditions.
Start Right for Beginners: New golfers should focus on swinging correct and having fun and focus less on keeping score.
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In this special Thanksgiving episode of Golf and Politics, our new producer, Jordan McMillan, flips the script by interviewing hosts Matt Parker and Rob Elsworth for a Shotgun 9. Recorded on Black Friday, the conversation weaves through holiday traditions, favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and memorable moments on the golf course. They discuss the value of family, the friendships built through golf, and how the sport ties into their personal and professional lives.
From debates over underrated Thanksgiving side dishes to reflections on their most iconic NFL Thanksgiving memories, the hosts share a blend of humor and heartfelt gratitude. Golf takes center stage as they discuss their most and least thankful moments on the course this year, including aspirations for improving their game in the offseason. The episode wraps with the hosts envisioning their dream Thanksgiving dinner guests, blending golf legends, celebrities, and political figures for the ultimate holiday table.
Takeaways:
Thanksgiving Food Debates: The hosts discuss their favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, overrated holiday staples, and the ongoing debate between turkey and alternative main dishes.
NFL Thanksgiving Memories: Iconic moments from NFL Thanksgiving games spark a lively conversation, including the infamous 1998 coin toss debacle during the Steelers-Lions game.
Golf as a Source of Gratitude: Both hosts reflect on their most and least thankful moments on the course this year, highlighting personal growth and the friendships forged through the game.
Offseason Golf Goals: Rob aims to increase his swing speed for added distance, while Matt focuses on improving accuracy off the tee, with both looking to elevate their game next year.
Dream Thanksgiving Guests: The hosts share their ideal holiday dinner tables featuring golf legends, celebrities, and political figures.
Gratitude for Golf and Life: Beyond the game, the hosts express heartfelt gratitude for family, friends, and the role golf plays in bringing people together, creating lasting memories and connections.
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, hosts Matt Parker and Rob Elsworth are joined by course rater and golf architecture enthusiast Jake Marvin to discuss the recently released Golf Magazine Top 100 list. The trio dives into what it takes for a course to make the cut, exploring design elements, architectural trends, and the shifting preferences in the golf world. They highlight surprising entries like The Lido and Old Barnwell, the dominance of classic designs by Alister MacKenzie and Donald Ross, and the increasing popularity of minimalist, player-friendly layouts.
The discussion covers the impact of course age, architectural originality, and how subjective factors like exclusivity and course difficulty influence rankings. They also tackle controversial omissions, such as Oak Tree National, and consider whether new courses should be ranked before standing the test of time. Along the way, the group reflects on the cultural and regional diversity of golf courses in the U.S. and abroad, debating the future of architecture in the sport and the role of these rankings in shaping public perception.
Takeaways
The Influence of Classic Architects Remains Strong: Courses designed by Alister MacKenzie, Donald Ross, and other pre-WWII architects dominate the Golf Magazine Top 100 list, reflecting enduring preferences for traditional golf course architecture.
Modern Minimalism Gains Popularity: Recent courses like The Lido and Old Barnwell are embracing wider fairways and simpler designs, which prioritize playability while still challenging skilled players.
Controversial Omissions Spark Debate: Courses like Oak Tree National and other Pete Dye designs have been left off the list, raising questions about the evolving tastes of course raters.
The Role of Subjectivity in Rankings: Factors like exclusivity, difficulty, and aesthetics play a significant role in rankings, but they can create biases that overlook broader accessibility and enjoyment.
New Courses Are Rising Quickly on the List: Several recently built courses have achieved high rankings, but there is debate about whether they should be included before maturing and proving their longevity.
Accessibility Challenges for Everyday Golfers: Many of the top-ranked courses are private and expensive, limiting access for the majority of golfers, which raises concerns about inclusivity in the sport.
The United States Leads in Diversity of Great Courses: From classic coastal links to rugged mountain layouts, the U.S. offers unmatched variety in top-tier golf courses, though accessibility remains a key issue.
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, host Matt Parker chats with Heber Eastman, a golf industry innovator, about his groundbreaking idea to make golf more accessible by designing courses that can be played in three-hole increments. Eastman explains how this format could accommodate players with limited time, encourage new golfers to join the sport, and even retrofit existing courses for more flexibility.
The conversation delves into the challenges of slow play, the importance of pace management, and how technology like booking apps and GPS systems can improve the golfing experience. Eastman also highlights the beauty of public golf in Utah, the role of creative course design, and how shorter formats can compete with non-traditional experiences like TopGolf and simulators. The discussion underscores how innovative approaches can help modernize the game, expand its reach, and preserve the community spirit that makes golf so unique.
Takeaways
The 3-Hole Golf Format Makes the Game More Accessible: Heber Eastman’s innovative concept allows golfers to book and play in three-hole increments, catering to those with limited time or new to the sport.
Shorter Rounds Can Attract New Players: By breaking the traditional 18-hole format, this approach makes golf less intimidating for beginners and more appealing for casual players.
Public Golf in Utah Is Thriving: Utah boasts affordable, high-quality public courses, making it an ideal location for golfers of all skill levels and budgets.
Technology is Key to Improving the Golfing Experience: Tools like booking apps and GPS systems can streamline tee times, improve pace of play, and enhance overall player satisfaction.
Retrofitting Existing Courses is a Real Opportunity: Existing golf courses can be reimagined to accommodate shorter formats, making them more flexible for modern players without requiring full redesigns.
Shorter Golf Formats Compete with TopGolf and Simulators: By offering real golf in smaller timeframes, the 3-hole model bridges the gap between traditional golf and non-traditional experiences like TopGolf.
Slow Play is a Key Issue in Golf Today: Proper course management, such as pacing tee times and employing course marshals, is essential to maintaining an enjoyable pace of play.
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, hosts Matt Parker and Rob Elsworth are joined by special guest Brad Cheney, a veteran Democratic lobbyist, to dissect the aftermath of the 2024 election. The discussion dives into Donald Trump’s unexpected victory, his appeal to working-class voters, and the shifting demographics that tipped the election in his favor. They analyze Kamala Harris’ challenges as a candidate, the influence of voter emotions over policy, and the impact of her campaign strategy. The trio explores the role of authenticity, the importance of connecting with voters, and why Democrats struggled to present a compelling alternative to Donald Trump.
The conversation also highlights the changing role of media in elections, the need for both parties to address economic frustrations, and the challenges ahead for Republicans as they navigate their new mandate to govern. Packed with insights, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of what the election results mean for America’s political future.
Takeaways
Trump’s Appeal to Working-Class Voters Secured His Victory: Donald Trump’s ability to connect with working-class voters, including younger and minority demographics, played a pivotal role in his unexpected 2024 win.
Harris’ Campaign Struggled to Overcome Biden’s Legacy: Kamala Harris faced the challenge of running amid low approval ratings for the Biden administration, which acted as a significant drag on her campaign.
The Lack of a Primary Hurt Harris’ Candidacy: Without the rigor of a competitive primary, Harris missed opportunities to connect with voters, refine her message, and demonstrate her leadership under pressure.
Shifting Voter Demographics Change the Political Landscape: The 2024 election revealed growing Republican support among minority and younger voters, signaling a shift in traditional voting patterns.
Media Strategies Played a Crucial Role in the Campaign: Trump’s use of non-traditional media platforms like podcasts and online communities helped him reach voters where they are, while Harris’ campaign lagged behind in this area.
Economic Frustrations Influenced Voter Behavior: Economic issues, including inflation and perceptions of stagnation, led many voters to favor Trump’s messaging over Harris’ campaign promises.
Republicans Face the Challenge of Governing Effectively: With their new mandate, Republicans must deliver tangible results, as failure to meet voter expectations could lead to significant losses in the 2026 midterms.
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