Golfers Anonymous

It's officially US Open week and I couldn't be more excited to watch these guys go into battle at Oakmont.  I'm joined by previous pod guest Ben Malach to break down some history about the course, what makes it so difficult, and some of our favorite narratives heading into the week.

This week on Golfers Anonymous, I'm joined by Brian Decker, the creative mind behind the camera for Crayon Courses. We explored Brian's unique journey into the world of golf course architecture and how Crayon Courses blends his artistic talent with a deep love for the game. Brian shares insights into his creative process, breaking down what makes golf course design captivating. Brian also takes us inside his role at TPC Toronto, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations and expectations for this week's Canadian Open. From course setup to player insights, we preview what fans and players can look forward to at this exciting event.

This week I'm joined by Zach and Brian from the Makeshift Pod. We talked about how each of them got into the game, what it's like playing golf in the big city, and how they've carved out their own space creating content around the sport. We also spoke about their experience teeing it up in Saudi Arabia and rounded out the convo with some around the horn debate topics from Reddit. Zach and Bryan have awesome energy for the game and it was great to have them on the show!

Most golfers show up to their favorite course and never think twice about the grass under their feet. This week, we're changing that. I'm joined by Richard Milko for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to maintain a golf course. Richard shares his journey from culinary school to turf management, and how he found a passion for creating the kind of conditions golfers dream about. We get into everything—spring prep, tournament builds, the science behind aeration and sand, and the constant balance between playability and challenge. Richard also talks about the renovation process he just went through with Kyle Franz, the teamwork it takes to keep a course running, and why grass selection is way more important than most people realize.

One of the best things about golf is how personal the journey can be—and how it brings people together in ways you'd never expect. This week, I'm joined by Corey Davis, who picked up the game during COVID and never looked back. We talk about what it was like learning golf from scratch, the challenges that come with being a late starter, and how the game started to intersect with something even bigger—his sobriety. Corey shares the story behind Soba Golf, a wellness-driven golf community he launched to create space for people navigating recovery, mindfulness, and personal growth—all through the game of golf.  Plus, we kick around some takes on LIV vs. PGA, the entertainment side of the sport, and why golf keeps pulling people in—no matter how or when they start.

One of the wildest traditions in golf happens after the final putt drops at the Masters. This week, I'm joined by David Rumsey from Front Office Sports, who was one of 28 lucky winners of the media lottery and got to play Augusta National the day after the Masters wrapped. We talk about how it all went down—what it's like getting that golden email, trying to prep the night before, and stepping onto the first tee. David breaks down the round hole by hole, including how much he leaned on his caddie, which shots surprised him, and what it felt like playing some of the most iconic holes in golf… with no patrons around. It's a surreal story, and hearing it from someone who actually lived it makes it even better. This one was a blast.

This week on Golfers Anonymous, I'm joined by Jon Cone, a geologist and the voice behind Milwaukee Golf Blog, who brings a seriously unique perspective to the golf world. We talked about how his background in geology gives him a fresh appreciation for golf course design—especially in a place like Wisconsin, where glaciers left behind some of the most fascinating terrain in the country. From Erin Hills to Sand Valley to Lawsonia Links, Jon breaks down how the land itself tells a really cool story. We also got into his journey with the game, the vibrant Milwaukee golf community, and a lost golf course on the land that is now used for Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

This week on Golfers Anonymous, I'm joined by Aaron Schrank from Rustic Golf Provisions. We talked about his roots in Rhode Island golf, how he fell into photography, and the connection between the two. Aaron shared stories from trips to Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Payne's Valley, and Fishers Island, and how he captures those moments with disposable cameras. We also got into his mission to play every public course in Rhode Island, what he's learned along the way about expressing his creativity, and the ways golf brings people together.

This week on Golfers Anonymous, I'm joined once again by Jordan Jackson from Dog Tracks and Cow Pastures to preview the 2025 Masters. We got into all things Augusta—starting with the course changes after Hurricane Helene and what those might mean for this year's tournament. We talked about the legacy of the green jacket, and what a third Masters win in four years would mean for Scottie Scheffler. We also looked at some of the other big names heading into the week—Rory, Rahm, Bryson, and Morikawa—and why Augusta is such a unique challenge for certain players. To wrap it up, we did our own Masters draft—breaking down favorites, dark horses, and a few guys we think could miss the cut. 

This week's guest is Jimmy Bunkers, a golf-obsessed Aussie and our second guest to call in from the land down under. We talk about Jimmy's path into the game—how he made the switch from Australian rules football and basketball to golf—and the mindset shift that came with it. He walks me through his 75 Day Hard golf challenge, which focuses on daily practice, course management, and consuming all kinds of golf content to level up his game. We also dive into the golf culture down under, his love for volunteer-run courses, and his mission to play and highlight the kinds of courses most golfers tend to skip over.  Jimmy's approach is refreshingly honest, and it was a blast picking his brain on all things golf.

My guest this week is Hannah Rae—a content creator, comedian, and self-proclaimed former golf hater who's now fully hooked on the game. We dive into Hannah's unlikely journey into golf, how her work with St. Andre is helping make the sport more fun and accessible, and the creative process behind building engaging golf content. She shares stories from working alongside legends like Tiger Woods, reflects on how comedy shapes her approach to the game, and opens up about the friendships and moments that have made golf meaningful for her. We also get into the DP World Tour video she created with St. Andre—which, in my opinion, is the best piece of golf content ever made. Hannah was an absolute pleasure to talk to, and St. Andre just keeps crushing it.

My guest this week is David Rumsey, a sports business journalist with Front Office Sports. We break down the Players Championship, talk about Rory McIlroy's performance, and dive into the money behind the sport—LIV Golf, TGL, and whether golf's financial model actually makes sense. David also shares his take on the future of the game, from media coverage to sponsorship deals and everything in between. If you love talking golf and the business that keeps it running, this episode is for you. I found his explanation of what is going on between the PGA TOUR and LIV Golf to be super helpful.

My guest this week is Jordan Jackson, an architecture obsessed golfer and the voice behind Dog Tracks and Cow Pastures. We chat about his journey in the game—from early rounds with his dad to his experiences in competitive golf—and how that led him to a deep appreciation for golf course architecture. Jordan shares his thoughts on the influence of Stanley Thompson, the charm of nine-hole courses, and his mission to spotlight public golf courses that might otherwise be overlooked. We also dig into the Canadian golf scene, and Jordan's project to rank the best nine-hole courses across Canada. Jordan has a super unique perspective on golf and I had a pleasure learning more about how his golf brain works.

My guest this week is Ben Malach, a golf course architect with a deep passion for the game and a unique perspective on course design. We chat about his early experiences with golf in British Columbia, how he landed his dream job at St. Andrews, and the philosophy behind his firm, Eclectic Golf Design. Ben shares insights into the challenges of modern golf course architecture and how he is constantly honing his craft by experiencing different parts of the golf world. We also get into the evolving landscape of golf, the appeal of the LPGA Tour, and TGL's early success. If you've ever been curious about what goes into designing a great golf course—this episode is for you. 

This week, I'm rounding out my coverage of the Midwest with a deep dive into the Indiana golf scene. Kyle Martin joins the show to share his journey into the game, from his early experiences to the moment he truly fell in love with golf. We also chat about his favorite courses, how life changes have impacted his time on the course, and what makes Pete Dye's designs so unique. Plus, since Kyle works in sports media, so it was great to get his take on what TGL has gotten right so far and where golf as an entertainment product is headed.

This week, I'm joined by Jeff, a golf broadcaster with a deep passion for the game and a career built around telling its stories. From his early days as a young golfer to becoming an expert in the broadcasting world, Jeff has seen golf from inside the ropes and behind the mic. We dive into the art of golf broadcasting, the preparation it takes to call the action, and the moments that make the job unforgettable. Jeff shares his favorite players, the excitement surrounding the 2025 season, and how TGL is bringing a new dimension to the sport. We also talk about the drama of live golf, the challenge every televised round presents, and the unique energy of covering the game on the ground. If you've ever been curious about the script sauce behind a golf broadcast, this episode is for you!

This week, I'm joined by Addie, a golf writer and the Travel and Lifestyle Editor for Skratch. From her early days in competitive golf to carving out a career in the media space, she's experienced the game from all angles. But what really sets her apart is her ability to capture the evolving spirit of golf—whether it's the challenges of playing in New York City, the rise of creative golf fashion, or the new wave of inclusivity shaping the sport. We dive into the innovative aspects of TGL, the deep personal connections we form with our favorite courses, and how golf has become more than just a game—it's a lifestyle. Addie's insights offer a fresh perspective on where the sport is headed and why.

Golf has a unique way of blending history, craftsmanship, and creativity—and Joshua Smith embodies all three. This week, I'm joined by Josh, a golfer with a deep love for the game and a unique perspective on its artistry. From playing college golf to managing courses, he's seen the sport from all angles. But what really sets him apart is his passion for persimmon woods, oil painting, and his latest entrepreneurial venture, Flag Bag—a brand that turns golf flags into custom golf bags and accessories. We dive into the craftsmanship behind each bag, the personal stories they carry, and how Josh has built a thriving business by celebrating golf's rich history. He also shares some unforgettable experiences with celebrity clients and his favorite courses that have shaped his love for the game.

One of my favorite things about golf is how it always seems to come full circle. This week, I'm joined by Pete Meagher—a true Boston golf sicko. Pete grew up looping at Charles River Country Club before taking his game to the next level in Division 1 college golf. Now, he's giving back to the sport as a high school coach, helping young players develop their skills and mindset. We talk about the lessons he picked up along the way—from reading greens as a caddie to grinding through college tournaments—and how his perspective on the game has evolved over the years. Plus, Pete shares what it's like coaching the next generation, the biggest challenges young golfers face, and why he's still chasing that competitive edge. Fired up to have Pete on the show—this is a good one.

This week, we're diving into the world of vintage golf clothing. Wilson Valdez picked up golf not too long ago, but he's already made it a big part of his life, both on and off the course. Wilson has embraced the sport's unique culture in Arkansas and taken it a step further by launching Willy's Golf Shop, his own vintage clothing store on instagram. We talk about the ups and downs of learning the game, his knack for finding one-of-a-kind pieces for the shop, and how golf fashion is becoming a platform for self-expression. If you want to check out Wilson's store you can find him on Instagram @willysgolfshop

TGL is finally here so I sat down with Gabe from Weekenders Weekly to break down everything you need to know about the brand new golf league. If you've never heard of TGL, it is a new tech infused indoor golf league featuring six teams of four PGA players.  We cover all the basics including the format, venue, and a power ranking of all six teams. We also talk through the 30+ virtual golf holes that the matches will be played on. If you want to hear more from Gabe you can check out his content over on instagram: @weekendersweekly  

We're starting off the new year with a very different type of golf sicko. The beginner. Chris picked up golf under a year ago, but is now a full on golf addict like the rest of us.  Not only has Chris fallen in love with the game of golf, but also the modern culture that golf now offers. He even dove head first into starting his own niche golf brand called Backswing Bottle Company where he's looking spice up the way we hydrate out on the course. Despite being so new to the game, Chris already has tons of awesome stories to share about the first set of clubs he bought, his first time on the course, and what his practice looks like. I think this is the perfect way to start year two of the pod, I hope you all like it! If you want to learn more about what Chris is doing, check out his IG: @backswingbottleco

My guest this week is Jed Moller, a lifelong golf fan and current historian at Plymouth Country Club. We chat about what it was like to compete in college, how he got hooked on golf history, and what his role as club historian actually means.  We swap stories about Plymouth Country Club and Allston Golf Club, and we dig into the legacy of course designer Donald Ross. We also get into the mystery of "lost" golf courses and why they're so fascinating to fellow golf sickos. If you've ever wanted to learn more about Donald Ross or have been fascinated by the history behind some of the oldest courses in the country, this episode is for you. Enjoy! You can learn more about Jed and the history of Plymouth Country Club by checking out his Instagram @pormansgolfguide. 

My guest this week is Jameson, better known as The Boston Golfer. He's a passionate golfer, content creator, and writer for Northeast Golf. Jameson's story is a relatable one — picking up golf later in life and navigating the steep learning curve that comes with it. We talk about how his background in other sports gave him an edge (sometimes) and the early struggles that every golfer knows too well. We swap stories about some of our favorite courses, like Torrey Pines and Franklin Park, and share a few dream courses still on our bucket lists. We also get into the tight-knit community of golfers, the highs and lows of the game, and how golf has brought Jameson closer to his family. We had an awesome chat about what makes golf so frustrating, rewarding, and downright addictive.

My guest this week is Lucas Beaudoin, the Director of Magic at Liberty National Golf Club. Yes, you read that right—Director of Magic. From a young age, Lucas was captivated by two passions: golf and magic. For years, he couldn't quite see how the two worlds could intersect. But after dedicating his career to the golf industry while working side gigs as a magician, he's now living the dream—combining both in a 1/1 role in the world of golf. Lucas shares incredible stories from working at iconic golf destinations like Liberty National and Bandon Dunes. We also dive into the surprising parallels between golf and magic—and he even performs a trick for me live! Check out the video version on YouTube if you want a taste of what Lucas has cooking. Lucas can be found on Instagram @lucasmagicman.

Is there a limit to how good you can get at golf? Are we constrained by our natural athletic ability? CJ Augustin (aka @Cartcrewgolf) is on a mission to find out. Based in New York, where perfecting your golf game is no easy task, CJ spends countless hours at Five Iron and works with a full-time coach, all in the pursuit of reaching his full potential. He even competed in long drive competitions for a year—until it took a toll on his lower back. This episode is a great listen for my range lovers or anyone looking to take their game to the next level.

This episode is a special one. I connected with Johnny all the way from Melbourne to chat about his unique golf and coffee shop. Yes, you heard that right—a golf and coffee shop. He brews coffee, sells used golf clubs, features unique golf brands, and even has a golf simulator. This is exactly why I started this podcast: to share stories like Johnny's that highlight the diverse ways people celebrate and enjoy the game of golf. Johnny also gives us a really interesting perspective on the golf scene in Australia, and how it compares to what we have here in the states.

In early September, I embarked on a 6-day golf marathon in Wisconsin, playing an incredible 171 holes across some of the state's finest public courses. Believe it or not, Wisconsin ranks #1 for public golf in the U.S., and this trip was proof of why. To break down each course in detail, I brought back Paul Seifert—aka Wisco Golf Addict. Together, we go course-by-course, sharing our favorite holes, impressions, and how each course stacks up among the ones I played. Here's the lineup: Washington County Erin Hills Strawberry Creek Lawsonia Links Sand Valley Sedge Valley Mammoth Dunes The Sandbox Tune in as we relive this unforgettable journey through some of Wisconsin's best! And don't forget to check out Paul's fantastic content on his site: wiscogolfaddict.com

In this episode we take you to a new part of the golf world, Minnesota. Mason joins the show to talk about the Minnesota golf scene, golf course architecture, and the content he creates for @aspoiledwalk. If you want to hear more from Mason make sure you check out his website and YouTube channel! https://www.aspoiledwalk.com/ @agoodwalkspoiledgolf  

I've always been interested in golfing in a new city. Finding new courses to play and new people to play with.  3x podcast guest Matt Weinstein rejoins the show to talk about his move from Boston to Denver and what it has meant for his golf game. 

Have you ever wondered what it would take to become a professional golfer? If you could somehow take your amateur golf swing, practice every day, and make it on the PGA Tour? I sat down with Ben Utah, who is attempting to do just that. 15 months ago, Ben was a 6 handicap looking to shake up his life. So he quit his job, starting working at a golf course, and devoted his life to becoming a professional golfer. He has since played in a few mini tour events and become a plus handicap golfer.  Ben is also an Augusta native and was able to share some awesome stories about The Masters.  You can find more of Ben's content on his IG/TikTok pages by following the handle @benutahgolf

In this episode I sat down with Eric Duffer, founder of the Shot Pattern App. Eric is a high school business and computer science teacher who also happens to be a true golf addict. His obsession with golf strategy led him to create this awesome tool that helps you pick smarter targets while out on the golf course. Not only do we talk about the app itself, but we also start to get in the weeds of what golf course strategy really means. If you want to learn more about Shot Pattern make sure you check out the links below: Instagram: @shotpattern X: @shotpattern Website: https://shotpattern.app/

With an action-packed PGA Tour season in the rearview and the Presidents Cup just around the corner, I'm excited to have Ben Firn back on the show! Together, we break down the biggest moments of the season and look ahead to what should be an exciting Presidents Cup. We dive into our top 5 moments of the year, hand out season-long superlatives, and even share our dream pairings and matchups for the Presidents Cup. 

In this episode I chat with Wes Loman, aka the Salty Golfer, about his long lasting love of golf, the epic Myrtle Beach golf scene, and his very own Salty Golfer Beer.   Wes is an awesome hang and I highly recommend you check out the rest of his content!

Have you ever wondered what goes into building a putter? One year ago, Jared Doerfler quit his job, bought two CNC mills, and started his putter company called Hanna Golf. We dive into the origin story of Hanna Golf and the newsletter that Jared writes every week on the intersection of business and golf. This is an awesome behind the scenes listen!

This week we shift from Wisconsin to Michigan, one of the country's top and most affordable golf destinations. Alex reflects on how he started playing golf at a young age, leading to a deep-rooted passion for the game. We also explore some of Alex's favorite courses in Michigan, along with a few he hasn't had the chance to play yet. 

Did you know that Wisconsin is the number one state for golf in the whole country? That's why I've brought on the Wisconsin Golf Addict himself, Paul Seifert, to talk about all things Wisconsin Golf.   We chat through Paul's journey as the Wisco Golf Addict and how the site has evolved over the past 13 years. This episode is a must listen if you are looking to plan a golf trip of any kind over the next few years.   You can find all of Paul's content on instagram @wiscogolfaddict and https://wiscogolfaddict.com/

The Monterey Golf Guy has arrived! This week I chat with Derek Thomas (aka Monterey Golf Guy), founder of the Twighlight Social Club. Derek is a baseball player turned golfer and is addicted to the game in every way.   We talk about Derek's mission with Twighlight Social Club, the golf scene in Monterey California, and The Los Gatos Invitational.   If you want to learn more about Derek's content or the Twighlight Social Club, make sure you give him a follow @monterey_golf_guy! 

Do you play golf? Do you lift weights? If you said yes to both of those things this episode will be a real treat for you.  I interviewed Chad Driscoll, otherwise known as Fairway Fitness on TikTok. Chad owns his own strength training facility in Chicago and helps golfers get fit, move better, and prevent injuries. We talked about some basic things that any golfer can add into their gym routine, built a mock program, and even dabbled in the world of on-course nutrition. If you want to learn more about golf fitness you can find Chad on both Instagram (@chaddriscoll) and TikTok (@fairwayfitness). 

In this episode I interview Samuel Herb, a singer-songwriter and golfer based in Nashville, Tennessee. If you are looking for a poem that perfectly sums up the game of golf, this episode has you covered.   We talk through Sam's early life in golf as his Mom worked of the PGA Tour in Jacksonville, how he turned his passion into his profession, and how golf can mirror life in many ways.   Awesome listen, make sure you also check out Sam's music on Spotify and Apple!  

What a week in Scotland! To recap The Open Championship I brought our links golf correspondent Ben Firn back on the show. We stack rank the majors from this year, predict when Xander gets his third major, and talk about what made Royal Troon such an awesome venue. Ben also just got back from a golf trip to Scotland where he traveled across three different regions of the country. Highlights include Royal Dornoch and North Berwick. Listen for the full breakdown!

This episode marks our first ever interview with a professional golfer. In this episode we were lucky enough to interview Neal Shipley, winner of the low am award at both The Masters and the US Open. Neal recently turned pro after completing the low am double at Pinehurst. He talks us through his journey with collegiate golf, compares Augusta vs Pinehurst, and explains what was going through his head when he played with Tiger in the final round at The Masters. Neal is one of the most fun young guys to watch on tour and I had a blast chatting with him. This is a special one!

Every golfer loves the Ryder Cup, but few go the extra mile to host their own version of it every year. On this episode I talk to Mike Normant, who has proudly ran the Fiord Cup for over ten years.    Mike talks us through how he fell in love with golf at an early age, the inception of the Fiord Cup, and his near disaster at The Masters.   Listen for the full scoop!

I typically bring a new guest on the show to learn about their golf journey, but this week I had Matt interview me about my first time breaking 80. We go hole by hole and talk through the roller coaster of emotions that come along with a 10 handicap shooting 74.  This was a really fun one to record, hopefully parts of this resonate with my mid/high handicappers out there!

In this episode we bring on Sean Melia, writer for the New England Golf Journal and founder of Bay State Golf.   Sean is on a quest to play and review every course in Massachusetts so he came on the show to discuss why he is on this journey, why golf is such a big part of his life, and his rankings for both public and private golf in Massachusetts (so far).    Truly awesome episode!

Excitement levels are at an all time high for this year's US Open at Pinehurst. To break down the tournament, we brought back Connor Mulligan who played Pinehurst #2 from the tips about 18 months ago. We talk through all things Pinehurst, what to expect from the course, and who we like heading into the week. 00:00 Intro 04:29 Playing Pinehurst Number 2 11:37 Preparing for the Round at Pinehurst Number 2 30:23 Comparing Pinehurst to New England Courses 36:03 Donald Ross's Design Philosophy 43:09 The Importance of Creativity 44:32 Scottie Scheffler 46:41 Other Contenders: Colin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, and Sahith Theegala 53:28 Scottie vs Tiger   

In this episode we bring on Sev, the founder of Course Maps, a rapidly growing business that sells custom map prints of golf courses. Sev talks us through why he fell in love with golf and how he turned that passion into a full-time job.   00:00 Introduction  04:53 Sev's journey with golf 09:23 Turning passion into a business: Course Maps 24:43 Challenges of playing golf in New York City 34:41 Golf Fandom 41:35 Excitement for the Ryder Cup and Future Golf Travel 47:06 The Addictive Nature of Golf    

The PGA Championship is finally here! In this episode of the Golfers Anonymous podcast, we bring back Ben Firn to discuss the PGA Championship and Ben's upcoming Scotland trip. We share our predictions for the tournament and discuss underdog players to watch. The conversation then shifts to Ben's Scotland trip with his brother. The trip is highlighted by rounds at North Berwick, Royal Dornoch, and The Old Course. Tune in for the full breakdown!   00:00 Introduction 07:11 PGA Championship 22:06 Introduction and Scotland Trip 

Mark joins us with the most golf experience out of any guest on the show thus far with 55 years and counting. After playing division II golf at the University of Hartford, Mark went on to have an awesome amateur career filled with plenty of ups and downs. In part 1 we focus on Mark's journey through competitive golf, then in part 2 we shift the conversation to my game as Mark loves to teach and help others improve.

For our 10th interview on the podcast we brought on our first ever caddie. While John isn't a full time professional golf caddie, he does have over 10 years of experience and told some awesome stories from his time as a looper. 00:00 Introduction 03:02 John's Early Golfing Days as a Caddie 07:57 Crazy Stories from Caddying Experience 16:01 John's Initial Dislike for Golf and Developing a Love for the Sport 23:06 The Impact of Javelin Throwing on John's Golf Swing 24:56 John's Best Ever Round  26:04 The Quest for Breaking 80 27:01 The Mental Game of Golf 27:31 Favorite Golf Shot 30:16 Golf Fandom 32:14 Betting on Golf 34:47 Favorite Golfer on Tour 36:02 Attending Golf Tournaments 40:26 Favorite Golf Course Played 41:48 Golf Trips and Bucket List Courses 44:56 Best Golf Memory 47:51 The Love of The Game  

We're officially one week away from the 2024 Masters. Matt and I decided to break down our top five favorite things that make The Masters so unique every year.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Masters Preview 05:29 Honorable Mention: Coverage of the Masters 07:14 Honorable Mention: Bridges at Augusta National 09:21 Matt's Number 5: Unpredictability of Player Performances 14:19 Noah's Number 5: Skipping Shots at the 16th Hole 20:36 Noah's Number 4: Concessions at the Masters 24:24 Matt's Number 3: Colors and Visual Presentation 26:01 Noah's Number 3: Magnolia Lane 28:56 Concessions and Food 32:17 The Start of Spring 36:25 The Trophy Ceremony 40:37 The Masters Theme Song 42:25 The Champions Dinner