Straight Down The Middle

In this episode Ted and Brian stray away from golf a little to talk with longtime PGA TOUR caddie Neil Oxman.  Neil is also the co-founder and President of the Campaign Group.  His company has been involved with over 600 elections so he has some interesting insights pertaining the Presidential Race.  He talks about how Donald Trump's brush with death has boosted him in the polls.  He also talks about how Joe Biden needs to combat Trump's rise in popularity.  He also gives his prediction on who wins in November, and who wins the Open Championship.  It's an interesting look inside the race from an interesting man.  

No need for a guest for this episode.  Ted Bishop, who has been in the thick of Ryder Cup Teams brings great insight into the selection of Keegan Bradley as The U.S. Ryder Cup Captain for 2025.  Ted tells us why Keegan wasn't the PGA of America's first choice.  He explains how the 'task force' works and why it may not be in the best interest of the team.  He also gives advice to Keegan on how to handle his captain's role.  Ted takes inside the team room on this one!

In this episode Ted and Brian are joined by one of the true legends of the game.  The great Nancy Lopez.  Nancy talks about how Nelly Korda has taken over the role she once had as the face of women's golf and how she needs to face that responsibility.  She also gives Caitlin Clark good advice on how to handle being the most famous female athlete in the world.  Nancy also names her best women players of all-time.  It's a must listen!

This episode features former PGA TOUR player and broadcaster Mark Lye.  Mark is his usual outspoken self when he addresses Rory's finish at the U.S. Open and why Bryson DeChambeau is becoming one of the more popular players in golf.  Mark also addresses why LIV golf is thriving for so many players and how the tour had a chance to avoid the current situation.  We touch a lot of topics and Mark is a great listen!

Geoff Shackelford is the guest in this episode.  Geoff is one of the most respected writers in the golf media.  He's also a course designer and has some interesting takes on what annoys him in modern course architecture.  Geoff also thinks the current split in professional golf could be long lasting.  He also breaks down the favorites at the upcoming U.S. Open at Pinehurst #2.   He's an interesting guy with some interesting takes.  Give it a listen!

In this episode Ted and Brian are joined by GolfWeek Senior Writer Adam Schupak from the PGA Championship.  Adam gives his thoughts on who the favorites are at the PGA.  He also delves into the latest happenings behind the scenes between the PGA TOUR and LIV Golf.    We also talk about Nelly Korda.  Can she become the face of the women's game and do for the women what Tiger did for the men's game.  It's an interesting discussion from one of golf's insiders.  

Gary Williams is one of the more respected voices in the golf media.  In this episode he talks about how he went from being an intern for Joe Biden to the host of Morning Drive on Golf Channel for many years and now a part of the 5 Clubs media platform.  Gary also talks about the state of the game today, the low television ratings and whether or not Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda can be the face of their sport.  It's a great listen with some interesting perspectives.  

This is a special episode leading up to the Masters.  8 time major champion Tom Watson joins us to talk about the keys to his success.  He talks about how losing the 1974 US Open helped him get his first win two weeks later.  Tom discloses when he realized he could beat Jack Nicklaus.  He also discusses what he calls the 'secret' to his swing.  It's a compelling listen with one of the all time greats

In this episode we speak with an expert on the golf industry.   Guy Cipriano is the Editor in Chief of the Golf Course Industry Magazine.   He talks about the trends in new golf courses being built, what the golf course of the future might look like and which architect he would choose to build a golf course today.  Guy also is bullish on off-course golf that is bringing more and more people to the game.  It's an interesting conversation about the game we love.  

In this episode the CEO of the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of American joins Ted and Brian to talk about the unsung hero in golf, the Superintendent.    Rhett talks about how technology is helping in golf course maintenance, what golfers can do to help and what golf needs to do as a sport to maintain the momentum it has seen since Covid.  Join us for this very interesting conversation.  

Whatever happened to Hunter Mahan is a question many golf fans have asked over the years.   In this episode, Hunter talks about his career on the PGA TOUR and what led him to leave the tour in 2021.  Hunter talks about what his life is like after the Tour and his new job coaching high school golf.  You'll leave this episode really appreciating Hunter for the person he is.  

In this episode we welcome Matt Adams, one of the most respected voices in golf.  His show 'Fairways of Life with Matt Adams' is a daily staple for golf fans.  He shares his learned opinion on all things golf, including a spirited take on the golf ball rollback.   Get to know the man behind one of the most successful shows in golf.  

This episodes features 17 time PGA TOUR winner and US Open Champion Jim Furyk.  Jim is one of the most thoughtful players in golf and has some good opinions on the game today.  He also talks about the 58 he shot in 2016 which is still the lowest round ever shot on the PGA TOUR.  Jim also discusses his hopes for getting enshrined into the World Golf Hall of Fame.   It's well worth your time to spend a few minutes with Jim Furyk.  

In this episode Ted and Brian are joined by Dottie Pepper to discuss all the recent developments in golf.   Dottie explains why she thinks the golf ball rollback is long overdue.  She also discusses the recent Jon Rahm move to LIV Golf and what that might mean to the PGA TOUR.  Dottie also understands why many players are upset there isn't more transparency in the ongoing negotiations between the PGA TOUR and possible investors.  As always, Dottie is a good listen.  

There are few broadcasters more respected than Billy Kratzert.  He was a 4 time winner on the PGA TOUR and has been a mainstay in television coverage since his playing days ended.   Billy puts his analyst hat on for an informative conversation that covers Jon Rahm going to LIV, sponsors leaving the PGA TOUR and the golf ball rollback.  Give this episode a listen to stay on top of everything happening in the turbulent golf world.  

This episode is with  Indiana legend Cam Cameron.  The longtime College and NFL football coach talks about his playing career under both Lee Corso and Bob Knight.  He goes in depth with what is happening at the University of Michigan, the coaching position at Indiana University and the challenges that the new coach will face.  Cam also tells some great golf stories involving Bob Knight and Michael Jordan.  If you're a football fan, you'll really enjoy this episode.  

In this episode Ted and Brian talk with 14 time PGA TOUR winner Kenny Perry.  Kenny discusses his rags to riches story, his near misses at the PGA Championship and The Masters and how he got redemption at the Ryder Cup at Valhalla.  Kenny also opens up about his wife's battle with Alzheimers which forced him to retire from golf to become her caretaker.  Kenny is one of the real good guys in the game and you'll enjoy listening to him.  

In this episode Ted and Brian drift away from golf and talk football with former NFL Player and Coach Bradford Banta.   Banta also served as an analyst for Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan.  Brad gives his perspective on the current allegations against the Wolverines and a simple way the NCAA can keep that from happening in the future.  He's an interesting guy making this episode worth a listen for sports fans.  

In this episode veteran PGA TOUR caddie Neil Oxman talks about his real vocation, politics.  As the President and Founder of The Campaign Group, Neil is one of the leading political consultants in the country.  He has some interesting thoughts on today's political climate, Joe Biden being beatable in a primary and what he would change in politics.  If you're politically invested at all, this is a good listen.  

Neil Oxman might be the most interesting man in golf.  The Founder and President of the Campaign Group is a highly respected man in the political arena.  However, he first considers himself a caddie.  He tells great stories about his days caddying on the PGA Tour and being on the bag for the legendary Tom Watson.   He also gives his thoughts on why the United States fared so poorly in this year's Ryder Cup.   Do yourself a favor and listen to this episode.  

In this episode the former PGA of America President talks about what went wrong at the Ryder Cup for the United States team, what changes he would make to the schedule to help combat the issue and brings some insight into the Patrick Cantlay controversy.  Ted also previews what the next Ryder Cup might be like at Bethpage and who the next U.S. Captain might be.  It's a good listen from the man who spent many a day in a Ryder Cup Team Room.  

In this episode Ted and Brian talk with longtime NBC Golf Reporter Jimmy Roberts.  Jimmy gives his thoughts on the biggest golf stories of 2023.  He also discusses the upcoming Ryder Cup in Rome and how this is a bit of a transition year for the Ryder Cup.   For a person who has covered every big event in sports his answer as to what the best event is might surprise you.   Give yourself 30 minutes to listen to this episode.  You'll be glad you did.  

As the former President of the PGA of America Ted Bishop has been an integral part of the Ryder Cup.  In this episode he takes us inside one of the great events in sports.  He tells stories about past Ryder Cup Matches that few have heard.  Ted talks about how the Ryder Cup has changed over the years and gives his thoughts on this year's teams.  If you love the Ryder Cup, you'll love this episode.  

In this episode veteran golf writer Alex Miceli previews the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.   He gives us the players to watch and why.   Alex also explains why he ranks Royal Liverpool low on his list of favorite golf courses in the rota.   We also dive into the latest rumblings from the players regarding the PGA TOUR/LIV Golf agreement.  If you're a fan of the Open Championship, you'll love this episode.   

In this episode Ted and Brian interview longtime golf executive Ty Votaw.  He was the former commissioner of the LPGA TOUR and then an executive at the PGA TOUR.   Among his many accomnplishments Ty was instrumental in bringing golf to the Olympic Games.  Ty talks about his career in golf and gives a bit of an insider look at the deal struck between the PGA TOUR and the Saudi PIF.  He also introduces us to his new venture, a partnership in a bourbon company.  He's an interesting man which makes for an interesting listen.  

In this episode Golf Channel's Todd Lewis joins us to tackle the topic everybody is talking about, the PGA TOUR merger with LIV Golf.  Todd is as plugged in to professional golf as anybody.  He gives us some of the background on what led to this decision, how the players are reacting and an idea of what professional golf might look like in 2024.  You won't find a better source for the most up to date and informed coverage of the biggest news to hit golf in many years than this podcast.  

Episode 15 features Lisa Cornwell.  She is a former reporter/host on Golf Channel and now works on PGA TOUR LIVE.  Lisa has a book out called 'Troublemaker.  A memoir of sexism, retaliation and the fight they didn't see coming'.   In the book she details how she was mis-treated during her days at Golf Channel.  Lisa talks about her struggles in life, her rise in television and what led her to write the book.  It's an interesting listen.

In this episode Ted and Brian speak with the CEO of the National Golf Foundation, Joe Beditz.  Joe has his finger on the pulse of the golf business and talks about how the game has grown over the last few years.  He highlights where the sport has seen it's biggest growth, how 'off course' golf has contributed and what golf needs to do to keep this positive momentum.  This episode will leave you loving the direction golf is going!

John Mahaffey is a 10 time winner on the PGA Tour and a Major Champion having won the 1978 PGA Championship at Oakmont.  John talks about being mentored early in his career by Ben Hogan and how alcohol cost him a Hall of Fame career.  He also tells the tremendous story as to how he beat his drinking problem.   It's a podcast you don't want to miss!

In this episode the Head Professional at Oak Hill Country Club gives us an inside look at how his course will play in the upcoming PGA Championship.   He talks about the changes to the course since the last PGA held there in 2013 and the key holes players will face in this year's event.  Ted Bishop and Jason also weigh in on what the philosophy of the PGA of America is when it comes to their championship.  Get ready for the 2nd Major Championship of the year by giving this episode a listen!

Jaime Diaz of Golf Channel is one of the most respected golf writers that have ever lived.  He's covered the game for over 30 years.  In this episode we look back at all the storylines that evolved at the Masters.  Jaime also shares his opinions on the future of LIV golf and about the pro game in general.   Check out this episode to hear the thoughts of one of the most connected journalists in the game.  

This episode features one of the greatest players of all time., Tom Watson.   Tom discusses many topics including his most memorable major championship, the near miss as a 59  year old at Turnberry as well as his thoughts on the proposed golf ball rollback.  If you're a fan of the game, you'll love this episode.  

As the CEO of Topgolf/Callaway Brands Chip Brewer is one of the most influential people in golf.  In this episode, Chip talks about the addition of Topgolf to Callaway's portfolio and the impact it is having on the sport of golf.  He also addresses what's next in golf club innovation and how Callaway's relationship with players on the LIV Tour is 'up in the air'.  It's an interesting discussion with one of the real movers and shakers in golf.  

In this episode the 38th President of the PGA of America talks about the state of golf in 2023.   Will the game continue the  upswing we've seen since Covid?  Is TopGolf and others good or bad for the green grass courses?  Ted addresses these topics and much more in an entertaining and informative episode of Straight Down The Middle.  

David Marr III is  familiar name to golf fans.   The son of famous golfer and broadcaster Dave Marr,  David regales us with stories about his dad, the celebrities he grew up surrounded by and his own career in broadcasting at Golf Channel.   If you like hearing about some of the greats of the game, you'll love this episode!

Andy North is a two time U.S. Open Champion, television broadcaster and University of Wisconsin super fan.  In this episode, he shares stories of his U.S. Open wins, his injury struggles and has thoughts on young golfers playing multiple sports.  When you listen it's obvious why Andy is one of the most insightful analysts on television.

Lanny Wadkins is a World Golf Hall of Fame member.   He won 21 times on the PGA TOUR, has a major championship to his name and is one of the most accomplished Ryder Cup players in history.  As Golf Channel viewers know, he's also not afraid to speak his mind!  Listen as Lanny tells us tales of his career, what he thinks about the Ryder Cup and its future and how LIV really isn't making a major dent in the PGA TOUR.  It's Lanny Wadkins at his best!

Doc Giffin was Arnold Palmer's right hand man for over 50 years.   Doc regales us with great Arnold Palmer stories including what he considers Arnies biggest thrill and how he was skeptical about getting involved with the formation of The Golf Channel.   If you're a fan of Arnold Palmer you'll enjoy this episode.  

Mike Greenberg is one of ESPN's biggest names.  He's also a huge fan of golf.  Listen as he explains who influenced him to get into sports broadcasting, what a typical day is for him at ESPN and how he went from a 'terrible' golfer to a single digit handicap.  You'll learn a lot about about 'Greeny' on this episode of Straight Down The Middle.  

Dottie Pepper was a great player on the LPGA Tour and is now one of the best broadcasters in golf.  Listen to her talk about her career highlights and her unfiltered thoughts on what is happening in professional golf today.  Dottie is always a great listen.  Enjoy this edition of Straight Down The Middle.  

This episode features renown sports psychologist Dr. Bob Winters.  Dr. Bob works with golfers at all levels, from juniors to tour players.  Dr. Bob offers advice to help improve your game and to parents of junior golfers.  It becomes evident that we could all use help with our mental game.