State Of The Game

There's no shortage of division at the top of the men's game but even tawdry discussions about money can't sully the brilliance golf can offer up. Join Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri for a look at the Good, The Bad and The Ugly of golf in the mid 2020's. Sign up for Geoff's excellent newsletter The Quadrilatral here (https://quadrilateral.substack.com)

TV commentators get their fair share of criticism but few can take issue with New Zealand's Frank Nobilo who joins episode 130 of State of the Game. Nobilo is as thoughtful and articulate as any analyst in the business and he's also not afraid to speak his mind on everything from 'rollback' (he doesn't like the term) to his controversial belief that golfers are overpaid. There's also a bonus Mac O'Grady story in this episode for those who are into that sort of thing. Links mentioned on this episode: Geoff Shackelford's 'The Quadrilateral' (https://quadrilateral.substack.com)

Public golf facilities around the world are under pressure as a recent announcement to shut down half of Moore Park in Sydney, one of the nation's busiest public courses, proves. So what are the politics of public golf in a world where cities face increasing housing pressure? Former Victorian Premier and avid golfer Dan Andrews joins the pod to discuss how golf can better make its case in the debate over how we use our public space.

LIV Golf has brought Saudi Arabia into sharp focus for golf and golfers but how much do we really know about the Kingdom and how it works? Dr Joshua Ralston from the Edinburgh University School of Divinity joins the pod to discuss some of the big, ethical questions facing golf. Sign up for Geoff's excellent Quadrilateral substack here (https://quadrilateral.substack.com) Buy Mackellar Magazine here https://www.mckellarmagazine.com. You won't regret it. And listen to the Mackellar podcast here (https://rephonic.com/podcasts/mckellar). Dr Josh Ralston on The Bag Drop (https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zb3VuZGNsb3VkLmNvbS91c2Vycy9zb3VuZGNsb3VkOnVzZXJzOjQ0ODAxMTQ1Ni9zb3VuZHMucnNz/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvMTU1NTIxMTA4Ng==) podcast

Despite almost no detail of how it will play out the announcement by the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund that they have ceased legal hostilities and will instead join forces has rocked the golf world. What does it mean? Who knows but there is much to speculate on. It's also not the only thing happening in the golf world with a most intriguing US Open coming up at the Georgee Thomas designed LACC next week plus the release of co host Geoff Shackelford's latest book.

It's taken 126 episodes and lord knows how much drinking by you, the loyal SOG listeners, but finally the USGA and R and A have listened and the ball is going to be rolled back. Sure it's not enough and of course it's too late but it's a step in the right direction and that's cause for celebration.

Even for State of the Game it's been a long break and even for us it's a long episode. But there was a lot to get through with Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton on Episode 125 including (but not limited to) The Australian Summer of Golf, LIV, the changing nature of digital media, how architecture has become more mainstream, a Seven Mile Beach update and plenty more as well. There's also some chat about Geoff's upcoming book Golf Architecture For Normal People which you can pre order at the links below. Pre order the new Geoff Shackelford book in the US at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Golf-Course-Architecture-Normal-People/dp/1732222754/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6X9SK1ODLRWO&keywords=golf+architecture+for+normal+people&qid=1675311072&sprefix=golf+architecture+for+no%2Caps%2C278&sr=8-1) and in Australia at Booktopia (https://www.booktopia.com.au/golf-course-architecture-for-normal-people-geoff-shackelford/book/9781732222755.html).

Let's leave the parlous state of world golf behind for a while and get back to talking one of our favourite topics here on SOG: course architecture. On Ep 124 Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri welcome Mike Devries and Mat Goggin for an update on the highly anticipated Seven Mile Beach project in Hobart, Tasmania. For those playing the drinking game Ep 124 will be disappointing...you can leave the bottle opener in the drawer as there's not a single mention of distance (or even LIV Golf!)

Theodore Roosevelt said it best in his 'Man in the Arena' speech more than 100 years ago and we took note in this episode of State of the Game. Matt Griffin, who teed up at the 150th Open, joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk all things St Andrews.

It won't go away but LIV Golf and all its implications can take a back seat for the next two weeks as golf hopefully celebrates everything good about the game with an Open Championship at the Old Course. Come along for the ride as Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton talk all things St Andrews.

There's probably not a lot left to say on the LIV Golf situation but when you get the chance to pick the brains of someone as smart as Joe Ogilvie you grab it.

It's happening too slowly for many but it does look like it IS happening. Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to discuss the 'under the radar' distance announcement, TPC Sawgrass, the Saudi League and more.

The Mickelson mess, the Norman missive, the distance report, beer throwing at Phoenix, falling TV ratings...take your pick we discuss it all with Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton on Ep 119 of State of the Game.

It was the most intriguing tournament of the year on multiple fronts but does the Sandbelt Invitational have a future? Tournament Director and State of the Game co-host Mike Clayton joins Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri for an in depth and behind the scenes look at the event that had golf nerds the world over salivating.

Having trouble keeping up with who's who and what's what in the tumultuous world of rival golf leagues? Join the club. Thankfully, State of the Game co-host Geoff Shackelford is across it all as he joins Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to explain the evolving world Golf Order, the green reading book ban and the intriguing Sandbelt Invitational.

In a world of all too often non-descript players, Korea's So Yeon Ryu stands out. Intelligent, thoughtful, eloquent and funny - all in a second language - what a treat it was to welcome the former World Number One to episode 116 alongside Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri.

It's that time in the golf cycle again....the interminable wait for the Ryder Cup to get underway. With a week and a bit to go before the first ball is struck former European Tour player now Sky Sorts commentator Andrew Coltart joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk all things Whistling Straits and more.

McKellar Magazine co-founder Lawrence Donegan joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk about his recent trip to Scotland, the performance of his son Niall at the British Boys Championship, the success and future of McKellar magazine and more. And there's a special reward for those who stick around till the end, after you hear it click the link below and enjoy. To take advantage of the special offer at the McKellar website (https://www.mckellarmagazine.com/shop/), enter SOTG in the coupon code at checkout

For just the second time in its 12-year history, State of the Game bears an 'Explicit' badge this week. Why, you ask? You'll need to listen to find out but among the topics covered are: Is 'Strategic Alliance' really just code for a PGA Tour takeover of the European Tour? And if so, is that a bad thing? One of sports business' best analysts Richard Gillis joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 113 to dissect what's happening at the top end of professional golf. If you have any interest in the business of sport, no matter what level, subscribe to the Unofficial Partner (https://www.unofficialpartner.com) newsletter and tune in to their podcasts twice a week.

Washington journalist and golf nut Arthur MacMillan joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to chat Premier Golf League, Jon Rahm and Covid, the US Open and plenty more.

The impact of Hideki's win in his homeland and the PGA Tour's Player Impact Program. Plenty to talk about when eight time major winning caddy and Japan resident Tom Watson joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri for Episode 111 of State of the Game.

Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton have been two of the most consistent and credible voices in the distance debate for the past 20 years and with the governing bodies looking likely to finally act, they have their say on Episode 110.

He writes too infrequently but when Phil Blackmar puts pen to paper it is always worth reading. The former PGA Tour player turned Golf Channel analyst joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 109 to talk about his most recent blog post, Golf's Biggest Self. You can read the post here (https://pblackmar.wordpress.com/2021/01/02/golfs-biggest-self/) and the rest of Blackmar's blog posts here. (https://pblackmar.wordpress.com) Also, make sure to sign up for Geoff Shackelford's new email newsletter The Quadilateral (https://www.thequadrilateral.golf) to keep up with all things Majors related from one of the game's few truly independent voices.

A look at the 2020 Masters from both inside and outside the ropes when Lukas Michel joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri.

On Episode 107 we welcome author Daniel Wexler to discuss his latest book A Timeless Game but quickly run off topic into the future of golf in urban centres, equipment technology and the distance debate and there is some pontificating early on about Brandel Chamblee's personal attack on co-host Mike Clayton and those who agree with his views on the game. Find Daniel's book on Amazon here (https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Game-Some-Thoughts-Topics/dp/B08CWB7QYH/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=A+Timeless+Game&qid=1604004500&sr=8-1)

It's the topic everyone is talking about but not everyone is Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford. Two of the most respected voices in the game weigh in on Bryson, Winged Foot and the future of golf.

Will Bryson DeChambeau change the game? What is the role of mentors in golf? How much time should a US Open champion spend on YouTube and Instagram looking at golf swings? All that and more on Episode 105 of State of the Game with Geoff Shackelford, Geoff Ogilvy and Mike Clayton. Links menitoned on this episode: Sandy Jamieson's brilliant 1Club (https://1club.golf)concept The TalkinGolf Network (https://talkingolf.com) The Thing About Golf (https://talkingolf.com/show/the-thing-about-golf/) podcast episode with Karrie Webb Geoff Shackelford on Twitter (https://twitter.com/GeoffShac) and his new Podcast The Shack Show (https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vSFNXMzMxODgyNjcyNQ) Mike Clayton on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mikeclaytongolf) Rod Morri on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Rod_Morri)

With professional golf on hold for the foreseeable future only one thing is certain: the pay for play game will look very different on the other side of the Corona Virus pandemic. Can the European Tour survive the current crisis and if not will it be the PGA Tour or the Premier Golf League that becomes its saviour? Just one of the myriad questions pondered when Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by sports business expert Richard Gillis on Episode 104 of State of the Game. Links mentioend on this episode: Geoff Shackelford on Twitter (https://twitter.com/GeoffShac) and his new Podcast The Shack Show (https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vSFNXMzMxODgyNjcyNQ) Mike Clayton on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mikeclaytongolf) Rod Morri on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Rod_Morri) Richard Gillis on Twitter (https://twitter.com/RichardGillis1) and the excellent Unofficial Partner (https://www.unofficialpartner.com/podcast) Podcast

It's all anybody's talking about. Including us. The Corona Virus has touched every facet of life, golf included, and is going to do so for the foreseeable future. What does it mean for professional and recreational golf? Who knows? Certainly not Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri but we chat about it anyway.

Finally. That's been the predominant response to the Distance Insights Report released earlier this week, a document that may well change the shape of the game for decades to come. Among the most vocal agitators for action on this issue for the past two decades have been Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford and on Ep 102 they have their say on the report and what it means.

Not for the first time a World Golf Tour has been proposed with the noble intention of having 'the best play against the best more often'. Premier League Golf has been in the planning for several years and many of the world's top players have admitted to being interested. But can the PGA Tour put a stop to it and if not what would that mean for the Tour and the rest of world golf? Join Geoff Shackelford - the journalist who broke the story - Mike Clayton and Rod Morri as they ponder the potential fallout.

It was exactly eight years ago today we released Episode One of 'The golf podcast that talks about stuff that matters' and 100 shows later has anything really changed in the game? The answer - as always - is both yes and no. There are dozens more golf podcasts to choose from, 'fan media' is apparently a thing and both the European and PGA Tours have different leaders. But the ball still goes too far, lots of players still don't 'get it' and Mike Clayton is still - despite what Miguel Angel Jimenez might say - the most interesting man in golf (as well as being among its greatest contributors). Episode 100 is not a look back show but if you're in the market for an interesting experiment head to the link below and have a listen to that first episode and you'll hear many of the same themes resonate in the game in 2020. Links for this episode: Network sponsor The Golf Society (https://www.thegolfsociety.com.au/pages/talkingolf) The debut episode of State of the Game (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/1)

State of the Game co-host Mike Clayton has some very special news to share on episode 99 of the show. After almost 10 years alongside Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking and Ashley Mead in the OCCM design firm the former European Tour player has departed the company in search of new opportunities. First up is an announcement that he will be a collaborative partner with two of the world's best known and most highly respected designers, Frank Pont and Mike DeVries, in a new venture called CDP Golf. The trio join Rod Morri on this special edition of the show to lay out how the partnership came to be and what they plan to do in the future. Links mentioned on this episode: Our Network Sponsor, The Golf Society (https://www.thegolfsociety.com.au/pages/talkingolf) The new CDP Golf (http://www.cdpgolf.com) website Mike Clayton's new website (https://www.claytongolf.com.au) Frank Pont's Infinite Variety Golf Design (https://www.infinitevarietygolf.com) website Mike DeVries' website (http://devriesdesigns.com) CDP Golf on Twitter (https://twitter.com/cdpgolf1) Infinite Variety on Twitter (https://twitter.com/IVGD1) Devries Designs on Twitter (https://twitter.com/DeVriesDesigns) Mike Clayton on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mikeclaytongolf) Special Guests: Frank Pont and Mike DeVries.

Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and host Rod Morri delve into recent happenings in the world of golf and analyse what it means for the bigger picture. From the distance debate (of course) and changes in the PGA Tour schedule to whether a $15 million payday is off putting and is the LPGA playing courses that are too easy? All that comes under the microscope as well as Brandel Chamblee's surprise switch of position back to advocating for bifurcation of the professional and amateur game. Links mentioned on this podcast: Titleist VP of Marketing Michael Mahoney on the Golf Unfiltered podcast (https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9nb2xmdW5maWx0ZXJlZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw&episode=NjRhOTk2ZTBiNTU4NDZkZGE4NTViODYxNGVlZWJiZWY&hl=en-AU&ep=6&at=1567472809735) (the distance discussion starts around the 33 minute mark) Mike Clayton on Bradley Hughes' podcast: Part One (https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9icmFkbGV5aHVnaGVzZ29sZi5ibHVicnJ5Lm5ldC9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv&episode=aHR0cHM6Ly9icmFkbGV5aHVnaGVzZ29sZi5ibHVicnJ5Lm5ldC8_cD01NA&hl=en-AU&ep=6&at=1567472865493) Part Two (https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9icmFkbGV5aHVnaGVzZ29sZi5ibHVicnJ5Lm5ldC9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv&episode=aHR0cHM6Ly9icmFkbGV5aHVnaGVzZ29sZi5ibHVicnJ5Lm5ldC8_cD01Ng&hl=en-AU&ep=6&at=1567472901726) (highly recommended)

The success of Royal Portrush, Xander Schauffele and the driver controversy, are the authorities planning to do something about the ball in the autumn and why you can't say anything bad about Memphis. All that and more in episode 97 of State of the Game. Links mentioend on this episode: Geoff's story on the Distance Report (https://golfweek.com/2019/07/17/golf-distance-report-martin-slumbers-technology-driven-game/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=wasabi&utm_content=home-latest-news) Mark Giannotto's passionate defence of the Memphis tournament (https://golfweek.com/2019/07/23/golf-wgc-fedex-st-jude-invitational-means-more-to-memphis-than-to-the-world/) Kyle Porter's Tweet (https://twitter.com/KylePorterCBS/status/1152630116830384128) that started the controversy

There is much excitement among architecture types about next week's Irish Open at the famed Lahinch in County Clare. Tournament host Paul McGinley joins Episode 96 of the show to explain how he plans to take the event back to the future making the on-site experience one that far exceeds watching on TV. The 2014 Ryder Cup captain says tournament goers can expect a festival atmosphere in the tiny town of Lahinch as the entire week will be a celebration of the game. Special Guest: Paul McGinley.

As the Old Course is to Scotland so Pebble Beach is to America and a US Open on the Monterey Peninsula is something a bit special. Join Pebble beach devotee Geoff Shackelford alongside Mike Clayton and Rod Morri for a breakdown of what role the course might play at this week's 119th US Open as well as some discussion on the Hank Haney controversy from last week's US Women's Open and what the fallout might mean in the bigger picture. Links mentioned on this episode: Geoff Shackelford's story from sectional qualifying (https://golfweek.com/2019/06/03/golf-chun-an-yu-stewart-hagestad-u-s-open-sectional-newport-beach/) Geoff Sackelford's piece on the importance of the 1929 US Amateur (https://golfweek.com/2019/06/07/shackelford-1929-u-s-amateur-had-enormous-golf-pebble-beach/) at Pebble Beach

It always promised to be an interesting experiment and it was. The inaugural State of the Game Golf Course Study Tour to Barnbougle Dunes earlier this month had a bit of everything but, as expected, the highlight was the chance to sit down with Mike Clayton for an 'unplugged' podcast/Q&A session. Clayton touches on everything from how the Barnbougle project got off the ground to stories from the European Tour from the 80's and 90's. Its everything you'd expect it to be and more and if you missed out on this one hopefully this episode helps convince you what a mistake you made and to come along for the next one! Links mentioend on this episode: Barnbougle Dunes (https://barnbougle.com.au) The Fried Egg podcast with Allan Jamieson (https://thefriedegg.podbean.com/e/episode-133-the-california-golf-club/) The Golf Travel Agency (https://www.thegolftravelagency.com.au) who made the whole trip possibe and get the State of the Game tick of approval.

With the PGA Championship set to return to the Bethpage Black course in New York next week there will be plenty of discussion about course design AW Tillinghast. While known mostly as a course architect, Tillinghast had many more strings to his bow including a well known - though little understood - tour of the US during the depression years to advise courses on more financially sustainable management practises. What is less known is the extensive records he kept of that period and PGA Historian Bob Denney joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 93 to delve into the life and times of one of the game's great contributors. Links: Geoff Shackelford on Twitter (https://twitter.com/GeoffShac) Mike Clayton on Twitter (https://twitter.com/MichaelClayto15) Rod Morri on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Rod_Morri) Special Guest: Bob Denney.

Denis Pugh is a 40 year overnight success story. In his early years as a coach his theories were often scorned but having worked with more than 200 touring professionals - including Colin Montgomerie, our own Mike Clayton and of course the reigning Open Champion Francesco Molinari - his thirst for knowledge and communication skills have been proven. Denis talks everything from what it takes to succeed at the top level in the modern game to how he helped Molinari go from merely very good to truly elite. Special Guest: Denis Pugh.

Tiger Woods winning his fifth green jacket was something special but The Masters is about so much more than just the 72 holes each year. Join Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri as they break down what the 2019 Masters means in the bigger picture, from changes to the course (in particular the fifth hole) to media, technology and the role of the Augusta National Women's Amateur. Oh, and there's a brief mention of the possibility that distance might be an issue as well.

Is golf going into meltdown or are we just having a rough patch because of the new rules? Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri delve into the seemingly weekly rules snafus in the professional game while also touching on the 'enhanced' rough we can expect at the 2021 Open at St Andrews and what might happen if the pro game made its own rules. Links mentioned in this episode: John Huggan talks to (https://www.golfdigest.com/story/political-issues-in-and-out-of-golf-have-ra-chief-martin-slumbers-bracing-for-an-interesting-2019) R&A Chief Martin Slumbers Watson and Seve at St Andrews (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHlVMMLgdeA) (19.03 is the start of the drama at the 17th): Information and booking form for the Barnbougle Dunes Course Study Tour (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bdf7658f2e6b11788a032c0/t/5c35a09f758d4661a0dcbe64/1547018402789/Barnbougle+Dunes+Itinerary+and+Booking+Form.pdf)

The storm over the European Tour's visit to Saudi Arabia is only intensifying but it's not the only controversy bubbling in golf. There is still lots of disquiet over the penalising of Hao Tong Li in Dubai as well as discussion about Lucas Herbert's explanation of his actions in removing loose impediments with his club in wasteland at the same event. It's not all bad news though, with Geoff Shackelford believing changes to the 5th hole at Augusta National made public this week suggest the course may be moving back in the right direction. You can find Geoff's excellent 2010 piece, which is referenced on the episode, here (https://www.golfdigest.com/story/golf-shackelford-old-course-0405). To get in on the Barnbougle Dunes Course Study Tour click here (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/gca-tours).

Most were expecting a rules controversy early in 2019 but few could have predicted what has transpired with 16-year-old Lucy Li. The world's number nine ranked non-professional player looks all but certain to be stripped of her amateur status after appearing in an online video ad promoting the Apple watch in direct contravention of the rules.The USGA is yet to release a formal decision but SOG co-host Geoff Shackelford says in many ways the issue is one of the USGA's own making. Mike Clayton has some thoughts on Royal Melbourne where he is caddying in this week's Master of the Amateurs tournament, we ask if Adam Scott might be the saviour of the Presidents Cup and for those playing the drinking game at home the advice is to go easy in the early stages. Also, don't forget our course study tour to Barnbougle Dunes with Mike Clayton coming up in May. You not only get to play some holes with Mike but also have the oportunity to pick the brain of one of the the game's most interesting thinkers and forthright speakers on any and all things golf. It will be golf nerd heaven so for more details and to book your place download the brochure and booking form here (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bdf7658f2e6b11788a032c0/t/5c35a09f758d4661a0dcbe64/1547018402789/Barnbougle+Dunes+Itinerary+and+Booking+Form.pdf).

Interested in golf course architecture and wondering the best social media platform to indulge your passion? Golf Channel regular, popular blogger and SOG co-host Geoff Shackelford says Instagram (https://www.instagram.com) is the best and makes his case - with the help of Scottich Golf Podcast (http://scottishgolfpodcast.com) host and European Tour Social media team member Ru Macdonald - on episode 87 of SOG. There are a bunch of Instagram accounts menitoned in this episode (find the list below) as well as plenty of good advice on how to use the platofrom fo those who are new to it. Also, keep an eye out for Mike Clayton's promised Instagram Story in coming weeks to promote the 2019 SOG Golf Course Study Tour to Barnbougle Dunes (https://www.instagram.com/barnbougle/?hl=en). Follow Mike here (https://www.instagram.com/thatguywhofellonhisball/?hl=en) and check out details of the Tour, including a brochure and booking form, here (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/gca-tours). You can follow Geoff Shackelford here (https://www.instagram.com/geoffshac/), Ru Macdonald here (https://www.instagram.com/rumacdona1d/?hl=en) and Rod Morri here (https://www.instagram.com/rod_morri/) (though not much content there yet). And below is the suggested accounts to follow discussed on the show. Full marks to Geoff Shackelford for uncovering Walter Geoffrey the French bulldog (https://www.instagram.com/waltergeoffreythefrenchie/), easily the pick of the non golf suggestons! Gary Lisbon golf photography (https://www.instagram.com/garylisbongolf/?hl=en) Bob Menery (https://www.instagram.com/bobmenery/?hl=en) Jon Cavalier (Links Gems) (https://www.instagram.com/linksgems/) Cruden Bay Golf Club (https://www.instagram.com/crudenbaygolf/) Sweetens Cove Golf Club (https://www.instagram.com/sweetenscovegolfclub/?hl=en) AirSwingMedia (https://www.instagram.com/airswing_media/) European Tour (https://www.instagram.com/europeantour/) Erik Anders Lang (https://www.instagram.com/erikanderslang/) Christian Hafer (Hafe Life) (https://www.instagram.com/hafe_life/) Castles of Scotland (https://www.instagram.com/castlesofscotland/?hl=en) Special Guest: Ru Macdonald.

Golf on TV is big business and its in the midst of some dramatic change. Sports business writer and consultant Richard Gillis joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to explain the concept of 'Over the top TV' and why the game's two biggest Tours - and Tiger Woods - are rushing to be a part of it. Also, for the golf course architecture nuts, places are now open for our Golf Course Study Tour to Barnbougle Dunes with Mike Clayton in May 2019. Three days of golf including playing with Mike Clayton and lots of talk about GCA and the game more broadly for less than $1500. All you have to do is get yourself to Launceston airport and the rest is taken care of. Check out the information page (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/gca-tours), send us an email using the link at the bottom and we'll be in touch to finalise details. Special Guest: Richard Gillis.

Golf's new rules come into effect in less than two months but how many people are really ready? USGA Manager of Rules Outreach & Programming Joe Foley joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to discuss that plus lots more including backstopping and the potential for bifurcating the game's equipment rules. Also, we are excited to announce our inaugural Golf Course Architecture golf and live podcast Tour will take place May 3-5 2019 at one of the game's greatest public venues, Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania. Three days of golf including playing holes with Mike Clayton and be part of recording an episode of the State of the Game podcast. Check out the GCA Tours (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/gca-tours) tab at the top of the page for pricing and other details then click the link to register your interest via email.

Should the European Tour be playing a tournament in Saudi Arabia? Simple question, complicated set of answers. Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by Middle East expert Arthur MacMillan to discuss the as yet unnamed Saudi event and what its future might be in the wake of the murder of journalist Jamal Khassoggi. There's also some thoughts on Rory McIlroy's commments on the European Tour, some Tiger observations and a heartwarming story about Mike Clayton from his playing days.

Is the handicap system killing golf's adventurous spirit? Will we ever see George Thomas' 'course within a course' concept catch on? Does Jason Day have any credibility when he suggests architects are to blame in golf's distance debate? Is the Tiger/Phil match just the first in what could become a new golf franchise? All this plus some chat about the Ryder Cup course, Tiger Woods' unusual interview at Le Golf National and we ask if there is simply too much professional golf being played? We hope you enjoy Episode 83 of State of the Game.

Last month Ran Morrissett published a list of 147 courses he nominated as 'Custodians of the Game'. The venues all promote the simplest and most joyful elements of the game, from width and playing angles to walking and simple green keeping practises. But the pre-amble to the list was at least as - if not more interesting than - the list itself and Ran joins Mike Clayton and host Rod Morri to discuss his thinking when putting together his list.

Sometimes there is so much to talk about you don't need a guest and episode 81 of State of the Game comes at just such a time. From the Tiger/Phil big money match to reactions to Bellerive to Inbee Park's slap in the face from one of the game's biggest manufacturers and the possibility of a PGA and PGA Tour merger, its all happening in the world of golf. Join Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and host Rod Morri for an unfiltered take on important recent happenings in the world of professional golf.