In the Footsteps of Giants

Martin and Des chat about Erin Hills and the US Women's Open, Scottie's 'next' win at the Memorial and some Ryder Cup implications. Des also updates listeners on his recent tour to County Sligo. The boys also discuss the upcoming US Open at Oakmont and put in their selections for the year's third major championship.Interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast, Instagram @ITFOG or BlueSky @ITFOG-podcast

The USPGA Championship from Quail Hollow is in the books and Scottie Scheffler again proved to be the best player in the field. Martin and Des hit the studio to discuss a whole range of storylines from Charlotte. Will Scottie complete the Grand Slam, who can challenge him if his B game was enough to win last week, was Rory's non conforming driver a factor, was Bryson unlucky, who has played their way into contention for Bethpage in September? We find plenty to talk about, even if the event itself was fairly pedestrian viewing until midway through the last round when Jon Rahm made it interesting until the "Green Mile".Interact with the podcast via our various social media portals, X @ITGOG_podcast, Instagram @ITFOG and BlueSky @ITFOG-podcast.

Martin and Des meet up to discuss the last couple of week's results but mainly to record their predictions for this week's USPGA Championship at Quail Hollow. Young Mike zooms in later to add his own predictions.A few answers but many more questions in this Ryder Cup year where European players are dominating on the PGA Tour. The next few weeks will be critical to the makeup of both teams at Bethpage.Interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast, Instagram @ITFOG or BlueSky @ITFOG-podcast

Martin manages to "find" Des and discuss the ramifications of Rory's Masters win a week on from that epic night. Updates on the RBC Heritage, Corales Puntacana and the China Open start the show but then the boys look back at their predictions and what might happen going forward.Interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast, Instagram @ITFOG or BlueSky @ITFOG-podcast

The last four days have put golf fans through the ringer as we all watched, with bated breath, Rory's best chance to win the Career Grand Slam and enter the Pantheon of golfing gods. The outcome remained in doubt until the very last putt (at the first extra hole), could Rory beat his demons and deliver major number 5 or would heartbreak prevail. An epic story spanning nearly 11 years finally played out over the immaculate setting known as Augusta National.Joining Martin to review the 2025 Masters are "young" Mike, Mark and Jonny who all shared the emotional rollercoaster of this years quest for a green jacket.Interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast, Instagram @ITFOG or Bluesky @ITFOG-podcast

A busy week at the ITFOG HQ where Martin & Des attempt to rectify their previous poor call, catch up on on the news from around the golfing world and preview the 2025 Masters. Where is young Mike when the work needs to get done?Plenty of stats and predictions for Augusta plus a few strongly held opinions as we head into the "major" season. Can Rory get a green jacket in what looks to be one of his best stretches of form or will the LIV players find a way to spoil the party? Always a great week to savour.Interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast, Instagram @ITFOG or BlueSky @ITFOG-podcast.

Martin and Des review the Players Championship from one of @ITFOG_podcast favourite courses, the legendary TPC Sawgrass. Possibly one of the few overseas courses that once you play it you will remember every hole. Great win for Rory but JJ Spaun could have spoiled the party late on Sunday evening, the distance between triumph and disaster can be very small. The boys also discuss how Phil Mickelson isn't doing Joaquin Niemann any favours by declaring that he is currently the best player in the world, and also debate whose Ryder Cup prospects are on the up and a few surprises who look unlikely to be at Bethpage. Interact with the podcast via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast, via Instagram @ITFOG or Bluesky @ITFOG-podcast

Martin, Des and special guest Mark give their thoughts on the third season of Netflix's golfing docu series "Full Swing". This season covers events on the PGA Tour in 2024 which included Scottie's infamous arrest, Rory & Bryson's battle for the US Open at Pinehurst plus a host of other stories from around the Tour.We also catch up on a couple of redemption stories from the wider world of golf plus speculate on the value of the White House being involved in negotiations to reunify golf. As ever you can interact with the podcast via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast.

The full team is back in the studio to discuss the recent European successes on the west coast culminating in Ludvig Aberg's big win in the Genesis Open. Does this bode well for team Europe at Bethpage Black later in the year or have they peaked too early?Also having seen LIV's published financials for 2023 we debate the insanity of this loss making venture and speculate on the deal (rumoured to be close) that allows all parties to save face and end the golf war. Any resolution will still have collateral damage so we try and assess how this might play out.Interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast, via Instagram @ITFOG or via BlueSky @ITFOG-podcast

Martin and Des welcome Steven Gracey back to the studio to talk about his recent trip to the LIV promotions event in Saudi Arabia where he caddied for top Irish amateur (and his best mate) Matt McClean. Plenty of fun stories from their spontaneous adventure plus a roundup of the weeks results including a big win for Rory. As usual you can interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG or BlueSky @ITFOG-podcast if you have any comments or suggestions.

Martin and Des look at the weekends results which bode well for the European Ryder Cup team later in the year, albeit there are also some concerns surrounding two key players from the winning 2023 team. Martin chats with two local Foggies about their predictions for the major season and whether they agree with the choices made by the ITFOG "experts" from the last episode. The boys cover some topical stories before revealing a surprisingly positive ranking in a recently published Top 100 Golf Podcasts list.Interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast, Instagram @ITFOG or BlueSky @ITFOG-podcast.

A new year and the boys return to cover all things that interest us as fans from the world of golf. Martin & Des discuss the Sentry Championship from Kapalua and whether the course is now too easy for the top pros. Mike joins via Zoom to provide his input to the ITFOG predictions for the 2025 major season and the Ryder Cup. All the team answer the question we left hanging from the last episode, if you could start on the greens at Augusta could you win the Masters. The results are enlightening....Interact with the podcast via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

With Des and Mike already on their holidays it falls to Martin to tidy up a few loose ends from the 2024 ITFOG postbag. Joining Martin in the studio is Debbie who articulates the questions sent in by the "Foggies" over the last few weeks. With thanks to all our loyal listeners in 2024 and our hope that you all have a lovely Christmas and a peaceful new year. We will return with new episodes in early January, however please interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast, instagram @ITFOG or Bluesky @ITFOG-podcast

Martin, Des and young Mike meet at ITFOG HQ to debate who warrants a place on the "nice list" for 2024, but more entertainingly who makes the "naughty list" at the end of another golfing year. Plenty of spirited debate and a few surprises along the way.Many thanks to the Foggies who have continued to support and interact with the podcast over the last 12 months. As we have said, we are golf fans who do this podcast for fun but we truly appreciate the help and encouragement from professionals throughout the golf industry as well as positivity from listeners. A very merry Christmas to all of you.Interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast or Instagram @ITFOG or via BlueSky @ITFOG-podcast

Martin is back on the road again, this time with his lovely wife, Debbie, to report from Dubai on the DPWT Race to Dubai finale for @ITFOG_podcast. A fantastic few days at the Earth Course watching some incredible players but not everything was as relaxing as the golf. Find out what it is like to attend one of the premier tournaments on the DPWT and a few pitfalls along the way. Some winter sunshine and golf, whats not to like about Dubai in November and then you remember the "taxis of terror".Interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast or Instagram @ITFOG

Martin, Des and young Mike finally catch up about many of the current issues in golf. Plenty of chat about the HSBC Championship from Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, where our on course correspondent somewhat melted! Why are LIV players playing in the DPWT finals? How close is a deal between the PGA Tour and Mr PIF and how will that impact the DPWT, Martin espouses a new theory on this subject. Plenty of questions but do we have any of the answers....Interact with the podcast via our X link @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

The Renegade Players Tour head to Portugal for our 35th anniversary tour and a couple of new courses to our resume. A short tour but still packed with many laughs and a couple of good stories. Were we impressed with the courses at Val do Lobo or did "new kid" on the block, Ombria Golf, create the bigger impression?This "on the road" episode features contributions from all of our travelling companions.Interact with the podcast via our X link @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG.

We're back after a slight delay in scheduling.Martin and Des catch up on events from around the golfing world including the most pointless tournament on the DPWT calendar. Another great week of action at the Andalucia Masters which tied a particular record on the European circuit and a preview of our own upcoming tour to Portugal. We have a qick look at standings on the OWGR and who might struggle to get into future majors. Plus we need some listener feedback on golfing names for dogs!Interact with the podcast via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

A busy couple of weeks on the DP World Tour and some great golf to talk about. Martin and Des catch up on the action from Wentworth, revel in the heroics of a new Spanish hero, discuss the limited appeal of the President's Cup in it's current format and then look at other stories of interest from around the golfing Twittersphere. We disagree with golf Digest's new ranking of the top 10 courses in Northern Ireland and Martin quizzes Des on which unlikely countries have at least one golf course (there are a few surprises).Interact with the podcast via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

Plenty to talk about after the Amgen Irish Open concluded at Royal County Down, the Solheim Cup played out in the States and LIV Golf finished up their 2024 exhibition series in Chicago. Listen as Martin & Des discuss Rory's failure to close out at RCD, a spirited fightback in Virginia and the irrelevancy of Jon Rahm's win in Chicago. Plus, can Jon Rahm/Tyrell Hatton make it to next year's Ryder Cup, can Ian Poulter really be taken seriously when he talks about being a Ryder Cup Captain and what is the real liklihood that any deal gets done to unify golf anytime soon.Interact with the podcast via our X link @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

Martin and Des arrive back in the studio after ITFOG's summer break to launch Season 5 of "In The Footsteps Of Giants". Plenty to catch up on including the Olympics, the AIG Women's Open, the PGA Tour playoffs, Bryson's Presidential ambitions, the state of Jon Rahm's contentment and the true cost of a two shot penalty for Satith Theegala. Plus a great story from Caddie's Corner and a trip to the 70's with AC/DC. Looking forward to bringing many more great golfing guests and stories throughout Season 5. Interact with the podcast via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG 

Final summer repeat for 2024 as we will return with new episodes from next week. A fun episode from season 1 where Martin and Des select their overseas "dream nine" from courses we have played. Many of our listeners will have their own lists and we are happy to discuss those via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG.This episode is dedicated to my mum who passed away in May 2023 but was on this episode talking about introducing me to golf when I was 10 years old. I will forever be grateful to her.

We are keeping an eye on golfing news/events during our summer break but while we are away from the ITFOG complex we thought that reposting part 2 of our chat with John Bamber, Chairman of the Championship Committee for the 2019 Open at Portrush, would generate excitement for next year's return to the north Antrim coast.New episodes coming in September but until then enjoy your summer.Interact with the podcast via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

With the 2025 Open due to return to Portrush we thought it was a good time to reprise our episodes on what it takes to put on a major championship. We were fortunate to sit down with John Bamber, Chairman of the Championship Committee for the 2019 Open and hear all about the commitment/effort/determination required to get the Championship back to the north coast of Northern Ireland. This remains one of our highest rated episodes of the podcast and hopefully well worth the Foggies time to listen again. New episodes coming from late September. Interact with the podcast via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG. Have a great summer.

Major season is over, the USA has a clean sweep in this years tournaments with Xander Schauffele winning his second major at Royal Troon. Martin, Des and young Mike discuss the action from the 152nd Open Championship and decide on the winners and losers from the Ayrshire coast. We also examine our predictions and discover some stark differences in results, before debating a bold prediction for 2025.ITFOG now goes on summer holiday for a few weeks but we will post some summer repeats for all our regular Foggies to re-enjoy until we return with Season 5 in September. Our thanks to all our guests who contributed in Season 4 and also to our loyal listeners without whom this would be a pointless endeavour.Interact with the podcast via X @ITFOG_podcast or Instagram @ITFOG. Have a great summer.

Martin and Des sit down to discuss the Genesis Scottish Open, a great win for home favourite Bob MacIntyre, and preview the 152nd Open from Royal Troon. Young Mike dials in from his isolation ward (actually his home office) as he fights a new bout of Covid but in his own words "the show must go on".Plenty of talking points from Bob's free drop on 16, Aberg's unexpected slump, Keegan's appointment as USA Ryder Cup Captain, Joost Luiten's continuing battle to make the Olympics, Ayaka Furue's first major, Harry Hall's breakthrough PGA win and a win for Sergio on the exhibition circuit.Plus our preview of the Open and our choices for who might win, who can deliver a sneaky top 5 and which big name do we see going home early by missing the cut. Agree/disagree via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG. Have a great Open week.

A bonus episode for our listeners as Martin catches up with BBC Golf Correspondent and Chipping Forecast regular, Iain Carter, to discuss his recent book "Golf Wars". An opportunity for a golf fan to ask questions directly to someone with an inside track to the billion dollar battle for the soul of professional golf.Iain also gives his view on the surprise appointment of Keegan Bradley to lead Team USA into the next Ryder Cup to be held at Bethpage in New York. Put on the spot Iain also predicts a winner, a sneaky top 5 and a big name to miss the cut at next week's Open Championship.Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X link @ITFOG_podcast or via our Insta @ITFOG

Martin and Des catch up on a couple of dramatic finishes to recent tournaments, not all of which were specifically golf related. Also joining the boys is friend of the show, Sam Harrop, who recently undertook his first golf trip to Northern Ireland and we were keen to get his impressions of his whistlestop tour. Plus our usual round up of news and views from around the mad world of golf.Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG. 

After a nailbiting conclusion to the 124th US Open from Pinehurst, Martin and Des sit down to discuss the result and deal with their disappointment and heartache. Bryson won the title but it was Rory's for the taking until a couple of bad decisions derailed his bid to end his major drought. Lots of news, views and stories from one of the best majors in recent years.Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

As we head into US Open week Martin, Des and young Mike spend some time analysing the odds and trying to predict who can be successful at Pinehurst. Is the US Open the hardest major to predict? Is it the hardest major to win? Is Pinehurst atypical of US Open courses and will that very fact throw up a huge surprise? Find out who the team at ITFOG fancy for a win, a sneaky top five and which big name players do we predict to miss the cut.Also a roundup from the Memorial, the Scandanavian Mixed, The LPGA Shoprite and the LIV exhibition circus went to Houston, plus other news and views from around the golfing world.Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or our Instagram @ITFOG. 

Martin and Des celebrate Bobby Mac's big win in Canada, Lauri Cantor's win in Germany and Des's win in County Sligo! We also recap the stories from the Women's US Open from Lancaster Country Club which delivered a second US Open title to Yuka Saso. Plenty of other news, views and chat from around the world of golf.Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X link @ITFOG_podcast or via our Instagram @ITFOG

The USPGA is in the books and Xander has his first major, Bryson gave it a good try on behalf of LIV albeit coming up just short and Viktor emerged from his slump to show us the player we have all come to love. However, surprisingly these were not the biggest stories from Valhalla, Rory's news of impending divorce kicked off the week, Jimmy Dunne resigned from the PGA Advisory Board citing "lack of progress" with the PGA/PIF deal as his reason and then Scottie Scheffler got arrested and briefly jailed before getting bailed out and heading back to the course. Martin and Des try to make sense of the year's second major. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X link @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

Martin and Des catch up after a couple of weeks away from the studio. We preview the form of the main contenders for the upcoming USPGA championship from Valhalla. Can Scottie keep winning, can Rory turn back the clock and win again at Valhalla, can Brooks defend his title and can Jon Rahm generate some momentum after his defection to LIV in the autumn? We also discuss other issues including the PGA's invites to LIV players, Greg's newest claims and why Jordan Spieth is obviously set on vetoing any deal with the PIF. As ever we welcome any interation with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG.

The first major of the 2024 season is in the books and Scottie Scheffler has comprehensively proved why he is the best player in the world right now. However, Ludvig Aberg is the real deal, Max Homa and Tommy Fleetwood are contenders for majors and Bryson De Chambeau remains an entertaining addition to any major. Martin, Des and special guest Steven G return to the ITFOG studio to discuss all the top stories from this years Masters. Whose predictions were correct and who fell short?Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

Martin and Des hit the studio on a wet Monday evening to preview the 2024 Masters, the likely winners/losers and uncover some fun facts about Augusta National. Joining them is 'friend of the show', Steven G, who spent this week last year in a white boiler suit whilst striding the fairways of Augusta as caddy to local Amateur Matt McLean. Who better to keep us right on our opinions than a man who has walked inside the ropes.Masters week is always an exciting time as it welcomes in the major season where the very best battle for their places in the history books. Interact with the pocast via our Twitter/X link @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG.

To cover the ITFOG team's absence over the Easter period and bridge the gap until our 2024 Masters preview, we are posting our first ever attempt at an event preview from November 2020. At that time the podcast was only 2 months old, Covid was still a major concern and we were still learning the ropes about how to put episodes together. However, we did start our previewing efforts with a win which definitely filled us with an optimism rarely borne out for future events. We hope you enjoy this repeat listen and we will return during Masters week with our predictions for the 2024 tournament. Happy Easter to all Foggies!Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

A great weekend following the action at the Players Championship from one of our all time favourite courses, the legendary TPC Sawgrass. Martin and Des convene in the studio to recap the results and storylines from one of the best tournaments of any golfing season. Scottie runs it back for a repeat win, Wyndham's luck runs out on the 72 hole with the cruellest of horseshoe putts and Xander falters on the final day. Also a little debate on where the "secret meeting" between PGA Board members and Mr PIF will take place and whether 'aimpoint' actually improves putting performance.As ever you can interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or Instagram @ITFOG.

We spend a little time this week on a tournament roundup but a much larger section of the show is dedicated to our review of Full Swing, Season 2. Does it improve on Season 1? Who comes out of it well and who doesn't? How much do we really learn about the job of being a professional golfer on a competitive tour in volatile times? How many engines does Dustin Johnson's boat need to get him to his favourite fishing spot? How can Team USA arrive unprepared in Rome? Joining us for our review of Full Swing 2 is a casual golfer but professional sports coach, Mark, who analyses many aspects of what we see from an coaches perspective. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or Instagram @ITFOG

Some weeks feel quieter than others but as Martin and Des hit the studio there was no shortage of things to talk about. We start with a good news story as a local golfer hits 100 years old and is still playing and enjoying his golf with pals. We also cover the results from the Cognizant Classic (formerly the Honda Classic) after it's Monday finish and also LIV Jeddah. Plenty of chat about Anthony Kim's return to golf, Talor Gooch's latest dumb statement, Ian Poulter's loss of interest in future Ryder Cups and Greg's decision to withdraw LIV's OWGR application. Plus a fun discussion on the new ranking of Irish Links & Parkland courses. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

After an eventful couple of weeks the boys are back in the studio to discuss many aspects of the current golfing landscape. Tiger's withdrawal from Riviera, Jordan's DQ, Hidecki's superb final day charge, Cantlay's pace of play and 'In & Out' burgers. Elsewhere we discuss the LET signature event from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia which is lucrative for the ladies but lacked any real atmosphere. Our opinions on the Wasted Open from TPC Scottsdale and whether LIV Golf Las Vegas made any real impact going head to head with the PGA Tour. Des somehow cracks the same joke that our regular listeners (Fogies) will groan about and Martin dredges up his usual range of 'interesting' stats. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

Martin and Des hit the studio to talk about the DP World Tour returning to Bahrain after 13 years, the AT&T at Pebble Beach being reduced to 54 holes and Jon Rahm's introduction to life on LIV at Myakoba. Then there is the small matter of the PGA and SSG announcing their deal with Mr PIF currently left out in the cold. Has Tiger turned the tide and do the PGA still really want a deal with Yasir? We try to answer these and other questions plus a few contributions from the Twittersphere.Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is seen by many as the true start of the DPWT season and we were fortunate enough to have a team on the ground for the 2024 event. This episode covers our experiences in Dubai at the tournament plus a couple of rounds of actual golf in the sunshine. We delve into one of the big mysteries of world golf namely, what on earth is in Rory's security guards backpack?Returning to the studio we finish out the episode chatting about Nick Dunlap's historic win, Ryder Cup captaincy, LIV recruitment and whether the collective name for our listeners has been identified. As ever you can interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or on our Instagram @ITFOG

Welcome back to the podcast, our first episode of 2024. Martin and Des made it into the studio but young Mike is connecting from a remote location and we did have to resolve some delay issues, so we apologise if the audio quality is below our normal standards.Plenty to discuss especially around the non completion of the Framework Agreement by the target date. A brief review of the Sentry Championship from Kapalua, some predictions for 2024, breaking news and rumours from around the world of golf. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or on Instagram @ITFOG. Happy new year to all our Fogies!

Our last episode of 2023 sees us try to remember stuff that could easily have been forgotten from this year. We also talk about our favourite golfing experiences of this year plus have a surprise visit from one of our irregular correspondents. We start debating a 'cool' nickname for our listeners although I am not yet sure that we have found a long term answer. Anyone with a good suggestion please let us know.On behalf of Martin, Des and young Mike can I thank all of our listeners for continuing to tune into the episodes and give us constructive feedback. We are also extremely grateful to our various guests who have supported our endeavours in 2023. We will see you all again (hopefully) in 2024.Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or on Instagram @ITFOG

As we approach Christmas 2023 Martin, Des and young Mike compile their golfing 'naughty or nice' list for 2023. Some choices are obvious but plenty of debate ensues regarding other suggestions. We all thought 2022 was the most turbulent year in professional golf but 2023 has not lacked excitement, intrigue, betrayal, uncertainty, arrogance and even some potential redemption. A light hearted assessment of who should get presents this Christmas and who should spend time on the naughty step.Huge thanks to all our guests in 2023 and an even bigger thanks to our wide and varied audience in some 46 countries. We wish all of you a merry and peaceful Christmas holiday period. You can interact with the podcast via Twitter/X @ITFOG_podcast or on Instagram @ITFOG

Late November and Martin & Des were expecting to be talking about golfing trivia but the big stories keep coming in 2023. Ludvig Aberg & Nicolai Hojgaard are winning big, Min Woo Lee is on fire, Cam Smith is missing cuts, Jon Rahm is contemplating the most overpriced offer in world sport and Luke Donald is looking forward to Christmas with a satisfied grin. Des has been on the winning trail in Tenerife and young Mike is again stuck in meetings. A typically busy episode for the team at In The footsteps Of Giants. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast

Martin and Des discuss recent good news stories from the world of golf and look forward to the Race to Dubai final. Most of this episode was recorded ahead of the news that Rory McIlroy had stepped down from the Player Advisory Board and the implications of this action. We stalled uploading our episode for a few days in the hope of some further insight/clarity but with little new information forthcoming we will just have to wait a bit longer. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast.

Martin and Des spend some time assessing the outcomes of LIV's second season. Have they made real progress or is the initial novelty wearing off. A couple of players have undoubtedly played well but will we ever really see them again in the majors as their exemptions start to expire. With the Framework Agreement seemingly going to miss its' 31st December deal deadline and world events starting to impact discussions, do we really think 2024 sees a unified Tour incorporating the PIF? Certainly LIV is trying to live up to it's slogan "golf but louder" as we head into their offseason. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast

Martin and Des are joined in the studio by Stephen Gracey who caddied for local amateur Matt McClean at both this year's Masters and US Open. Stephen recounts how he felt as he first turned into Augusta knowing that he was going to play a part in the 2023 Masters. How long did he take to settle, did he keep the famous white boiler suit, just how green is the grass and how does the Masters compare to the very different experience of a US Open? We discuss all this and much more on this episode. Plus the voices of a couple of golfing legends round out the pod. Interact with us via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast

As we upload our 100th ITFOG episode (ignoring summer repeats) we are delighted to be joined by New York Times bestselling author (and friend of the show) Alan Shipnuck to discuss his new book "LIV and Let Die, the inside story of the war between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf". We cover many topics from the book including Greg's motivation, Mr PIF's limitless cash, the true reasons behind the trojan horse that is LIV Golf, the OWGR's decision not to grant ranking points and 'hatgate'. Also we discover where Alan would choose to play his perfect round.  Huge thanks to Alan for sharing his time with us.To all listeners, old and new, we appreciate the support over the last 3 years for a small independent podcast based out of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Reaching this milestone of 100 episodes was never in our original plans but we enjoy the challenges and opportunities the ITFOG project has thrown our way. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast

A full contingent for today's post Ryder Cup episode with Martin, Des and young Jonny in the studio plus young Mike joining from an air traffic control tower (or just a remote location). So much to talk about following Europe's victory at Marco Simone (just what is the correct pronunciation) in what turned to be a tension filled few days. Was golf the winner? Have partisan crowds reached the tipping point between supporting the home team but failing to respect the visitors? Should uncorroborated social media reports have an impact on the biennial match? Who were the heroes and who were the villains? Join us to find out our views and interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast