The 3 off the Tee Podcast

Jamie Weir & Paul Flynn join us on the podcast this week. We chat through plenty of topics and have some great discussions on LIV golf, Rory, Solheim Cup, Sharks and our favourite club in the bag! Paul has a wish for Golf Ireland too, which we can all agree with.

Lexi Thompson joins us on the podcast this week from her home in Florida. One of the biggest stars in world golf, Lexi takes us through her amazing career and gives us a brilliant behind the scenes insight into her life both on and away from the golf course. Plenty of fun along the way and we also learn Lexi doesn't really like baileys or coffee!

We are joined this week on the podcast by Gary Murphy, former European Tour player and sky sports commentator. Gary is the Golf Professional at next year's Horizon Irish Open venue - The K Club. We have an end of year chat and look back on all the stories from the world of golf in 2022 and there was many! Liv golf features highly and also a good debate on Henrik & Sergio amongst others. We focus on the Irish contingent and the new emerging stars making their way on the DP World Tour. We preview the K Club's hosting of the 2023 Horizon Irish Open and lots more! Plenty of laughs too along the way.

Seamus Power joins us fresh off his second PGA Tour title which has propelled him to the top of the FedEx Cup standings and to number 28 in the world. He chats to us about the following: * An in-depth insight into tournament week and his daily routine.  * The player Stats and how some some stats can be misleading! * How the GC Quad amazingly showed he was drawing his wedges when he was sure it was a pull! * The design or his design of his Ping putter * The Hero Cup and the Ryder Cup * And lastly His 2023 Tour Schedule including a Las Vegas - New York - Waterford - Maui - Abu Dhabi - California in the space of three weeks!

Padraig Harrington, a great friend of the podcast joins us once again to chat through lots of topics in the golf world. His amazing season on the Seniors Tour and adding a minor as he calls it to his trophy cabinet. We get the latest on Wilson - his beloved dog, not his club sponsors! His work on staying ahead of the pack when it comes to fitness and speed. Next years Majors on his horizon and some fantastic tales and funny stories about a certain credit card roulette game! Lots more too from one of Ireland's greatest ever sporting ambassadors.

On this Open Championship preview podcast we chat with Greg Allen in advance of the 150th Championship at St Andrews. Such a special week ahead and as usual we run through all the info and player profiles. We pick our fancies for the Open and also talk lots of Tiger! Sharon Smurfit joins us also to discuss playing with the great man in the JP McManus Pro Am last week.

For the 75th episode, we are excited to share with you a chat we recently had with Mr. Ryder Cup, Tony Jacklin. An Open and US Open Champion in 1969 and 1970 respectively, Tony is widely acknowledged as the person who changed the Ryder Cup back in the late 1970's. Without his intervention, it would not be what it is today, the third most watched sporting event in the world (behind The Olympics and the World Cup).  Tony joins us to chat about his new book “My Ryder Cup Journey” that he co-wrote with Sports Journalist Tony Jimenez. The book is the very definition of “a page turner” giving golfing enthusiasts an insight into Tony as a player and then a Captain. We chat about the game today, the proposed Saudi League, the LIV Tour, as well as equipment technology. A huge debt of gratitude to Tony Jimenez for inviting Harry and I to interview the great Tony Jacklin. Enjoy!

Brendan Lawlor joins us on this weeks pod. Brendan is a World No.1 disabled golfer and he tells us of his progress from pitch and put to teeing up on the European Tour last year. At the time of our chat he was just back from Hawaii after competing in the All Abilities Championship Playoff. The day before our chat he had a meeting with An Taoiseach, Michael Martin (Irish Prime Minister) to discuss golf inclusivity. A multi talented guy and a gentleman. Enjoy the chat!  

Mike Whan joins us once again on the podcast this week. We spoke to Mike a couple of weeks ago and he shared his experience of his new role as CEO of the USGA. He explains exactly what it is that the USGA do for golf. We chat through the hot topic which is the distance debate and where the future of the game is headed. His views are fascinating and his wish for any changes to minimise the effect on your average golfer. Adaptive golf, opportunities for all, huge purse for the US Women's Open and much more in this great pod with Mike Whan.

Our good friend Andrew Coltart once again joins us on the podcast. In a wide ranging conversation we discuss money in the modern game and players morality or lack there of. The new DP World Tour & the alliance with the PGA Tour. The Majors & venues for this coming season, hopes for us all for 2022 and some picks also! Andrew recalls some recent nightmares he has being having which is just hilarious! Suadi golf and some really good insights and points come across here. Top fella is Andrew, always great to have him back on. 

We're very proud to bring you this weeks interview with European Tour player, Irelands Niall Kearney. We chat about capitalising on playing opportunities in early 2021, the frustration of obtaining only one start in the last eight tournaments when trying to secure full playing privileges for 2022 and how situations like this strengthen his resolve. Throughout the chat Niall chats about his love of the game, the determination to succeed and his enthusiasm for the 2022 DP World Tour season. Enjoy.

The review of 2021 is year and as is tradition Paul Flynn joins us to chat about exciting season that was 2021. We chat Rory, Shane, Leona, Seamus Power. There's a little quiz amongst ourselves at the end which throws up a few very good questions (and very little answers at times!). Please enjoy 2021.

Delighted to have Stephanie join us on this weeks Podcast as we chat through three different time zones! We catch up with Stephanie whose back home in Arizona taking a well deserved break after the drama of the final round of her 2021 season at the Pelican Womens Championship. We chat about the relief of retaining her LPGA Tour card for 2022 while also looking at her career to date. Enjoy!

Ian & Harry in this episode as we catch up with what has been a very busy period in both our lives. We chat about the the big stories in golf over the last month while also looking to the future. Great laughs and some good stories packed inside.

The Ryder Cup Preview is here. Delighted to have RTE's Golf Correspondent Greg Allen with us whose reporting for the week at Whistling Straits. We chat about the course set up, possible pairings for the week, the DeChambeau - Koepka debate, the “Irish” weather forecasted for the week and much more. Enjoy!

Ryan French joins us on the pod this week to share his story and passion for golf and following the players who chase their dream on the world tours. Ryan's energy and desire to shine a spotlight on these Pro's is such a great story. These are the tier below, those struggling for starts, dreaming of one big week and some of those dreams do come through. Ryan tells us how his passion for the game has now become his career with The Firepit Collective recently and also gives us a shot by shot account of his amazing week on the bag for Mark Baldwin at the recent Barracuda Championship. Triumph, tragedy, hope, desire, love and not many other options.....Golf gives us it all. Mark's twitter account has surpassed all his expectations and is well worth a follow! @acaseofthegolf1 weirdly enough....he tells us why!! 

Sam Harrop joins us on the pod this week to chat through his passion for music, golf and life! His hugely talented songs about some of the world's best golfers have received huge acclaim. He describes the feeling of posting that very first Tony Finau piece and being nervous to its reaction. His talent on the piano in his front room has been there for all to see and when Brooks likes what you are doing......you are doing alright! His list of songs is truly brilliant and Sam has big plans upcoming with so much more to come in the golf world this year - Ryder Cup - big on the horizon. 

Some fun this week!!! Nicolas Colsaerts joined us on the podcast this week and what a Dude he is! The Belgian Bomber strolled us through his life in golf, away from it too at times and the fun all the way along the ride. From turning Pro and not having a clue what was needed to that miracle at Medinah and Westy's desire for Gin & Tonic's. Life on the PGA Tour compared to Europe and why he packed up and headed home! Olympics in Rio 2016, his last win in France 2 years ago and how Covid and family time has given him a nice break, yet ready to push on again. Huge thanks Nicolas for the great chat. 

PGA TOUR WINNER......Seamus Power!!!! That has some ring to it and we are delighted Seamus got off his flight and jumped on the podcast with us. We chat through his life changing week in Kentucky and all that came before over the last 2 months also. Plans going forward, work with Bob Rotella, putting, mindset for the rest of the year and so much more!! Greg Allen also joins us briefly to review the Open Championship and Collin Morikawa's great win at Royal St George's. A bumper pod this week and why not!! Ireland is proud of Seamus Power!!

It's Open Championship week. We've waited two years for it and it promises to be a Classic. Harry & I are delighted to be joined by our friend and RTÉ's Golf Correspondent Greg Allen. We firstly chat about the continued rise of Waterford man Seamus Power on the PGA Tour before turning our attention to The Open Championship. We're confident between the three of us that we have the winner picked so get your €2.50 e/w bets ready

We preview the Irish Open at Mount Juliet along with RTE Golf Correspondent Greg Allen. Exciting week ahead in the Co. Kilkenny venue as it welcomes back the Irish Open after 25 years. John Catlin defends his title from last year in Galgorm Castle. We chat through all the Irish contenders of which there are many including local Amateur & Walker Cup star Mark Power. We discuss what we can expect from the set up of the course, scoring possibilities for the week and that magic winning total. Rory, Shane, Padraig, Graeme, Kaymer and lots more grab our attention. Promises to be a fantastic week for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet. 

Greg joins us once again to look back on the US OPEN from Torrey Pines. A fantastic win and first major for Jon Rahm. We chat through all the talking points from the week. Those who were in contention and let things slip on the back 9. Bryson's awful back 9, Rory's disappointing run from hole 11 on and Louis a little unlucky? An exciting Major with a very worthy winner and new World No. 1. Roll on the Irish Open and upcoming Open Championship defence for Shane Lowry.

Greg Allen, RTE Golf Correspondent, joins us once again for a major preview. The ultimate test that is the US OPEN from Torrey Pines on the West Coast of America. The San Diego coastline is stunning and we are set for a magical test to crown the next Major Champion. We chat through the course conditions, form players, Irish hopes and a huge amount more. Our picks always are interesting to say the least! Late nights ahead folks....soak it all up......US OPEN week for Torrey!

Since we started the Podcast in early 2020, this weeks guest has been in our Top 5 bucket list players to chat to. We are thrilled to have the great South African Retief Goosen on this weeks Pod. We chat the early years, the infamous lightening strike & military service with his good buddy Ernie Els. As we build towards the US Open next week, this two time winner (2001 & 2004) talks us through the three putt on the 72nd hole in 2001 which consequently led to an 18 hole Play-off victory over Mark Brooks.  Arguably Retief's greatest win was in 2004 when he took on Phil Mickelson, the partisan New York crowds and a near unplayable Shinnecock Hills to claim his second US Open.  Commonly referred to as “The Iceman”, Retief chats on how to thrive under pressure and we also get his refreshing opinions on the distance debate.

Episode 57 is here and it's an exciting one for us and the Podcast. We are very lucky to be joined by the greatest of all time, Annika Sorenstam. We discuss her career, Ten Majors wins, The Solheim Cup and delve into Annika's strength at handling and thriving under pressure. The Annika Foundation is a massive part of Annika's life now and we talk about it's continuing success, her integral part in bringing Golf to the Olympics, shooting 59 (the only woman in history to shoot a competitive 59), her recent return (albeit it brief!) to the LPGA Tour and lots more. Stay in Annika's company long enough and you cannot but feel positive and energised. Enjoy!

Phil “The Thrill” Mickelson is again a Major Champion at just a couple weeks shy of his 51st Birthday. The oldest Major Winner in history. We are delighted to be joined by RTÉ Golf Correspondent Greg Allen as we review this historic moment in not just golf but sport itself. We chat about the challengers, Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen and of course the Irish interest, Shane Lowry and European Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington, himself turning 50 later this year! A T4th finish for both!

The second Major Championship is here at the stunning Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. We're joined by RTÉ Golf Correspondent Greg Allen to preview this years PGA Championship. Rory McIlroy is the favourite after his impressive victory at Quail Hollow two weeks ago. We also assess the chances of Shane Lowry, Jordan Speith and others. We also chat about Seamus Powers play at last weeks Byron Nelson Championship and the recent Walker Cup at Seminole, in particular the stunning performances from Ireland's own Mark Power and John Murphy. A huge thanks to Greg as always for his time. We have the winner picked!

On this weeks pod, we return to our “Role of the PGA Professional“ series. We're delighted to chat to one of the most well known and respected PGA Professionals in Ireland, John Byrne, the Head Professional at Royal Tara Golf Club. We chat to John about his career to date, the challenges and opportunities facing Head Professionals and trainees in the ever changing role of a PGA Professional. We also discuss the Distance debate, junior golf and the impact both positive and negative that Covid has had on the golfing industry.

We're very grateful again to be joined by RTE's Golf Correspondent Greg Allen as we review the historic 2021 Masters Tournament. Hideki Matsuyama's victory, the up and coming Will Zaletoris, Justin Rose resurgence in a Ryder Cup year, Shane Lowrys best performance at The Masters, Jon Rahm's Top Ten performance and the further confirmation that Jordan Speith is back. We also review our tips for the weekend and console Harry over his poor decisions yet again! Enjoy folks.

Olivia Mehaffey & Greg Allen join us for our Masters Preview Podcast. Olivia, fresh off her amazing week in the Augusta National Women's Amateur, shares her reflections on the week & the experience of being in contention on the back 9 at Augusta. We chat through the form players, some outsiders too and what we can expect for the week ahead at the 1st Mens Major of the year. Greg has his usual expert insights and ones we just love to challenge him on! Who will be right come Sunday evening? Huge thanks to both Olivia & Greg for their time.

For this weeks episode, Ian chats with Gregor Jamieson, The Director of Golf at the world renowned Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. From Turnberry (where his Father Bob was the Head Professional for 32 years) to his training at North Berwick West Links to Bay Hill to Lake Nona. We chat about travelling on a private chat piloted by “The King” Arnold Palmer, coaching the worlds stars, the distance debate and his approach to overseeing the golf operations at one of the most famous resorts in world golf. Gregor is a Top 50 Instructor in the United States and a long standing member of the Advisory board member at Taylormade. Enjoy this chat with one of the games most respected gentlemen, Gregor Jamieson. 

To celebrate one year of the podcast and the milestone of reaching episode 50!, Louis Oosthuizen joins us this week. Louis tells us of how life changed the minute he won The Open at St Andrews. His ambitions for the year ahead and some brilliant insights into how he tried to chase distance and went back to the game he knew. Louis had interesting views on golf course set ups and also told us about his favour club in the bag.....so funny! Advice for holing pressure putts and how he enjoyed Ireland in the Summer of 2019.

Today we are joined on the podcast by renowned short game guru Dave Pelz. What a pleasure to have Dave on the pod where he shares his wisdom, life experiences and cracking stories from his time in the world of golf. He admits to his 22 & 0 losing streak to Jack Nicklaus in college, how he focused on working on weaknesses and the scientific approach that he brought to his analysis. Short game is his passion and Dave explains the belief that all golfers can improve hugely from 80 yards and in and also on the putting......what he calls the scoring game! A story about the Odyssey 2 ball invention and the deal that was brokered with Callaway on the launch of that iconic putter. Memories of Augusta, working with Phil and culminating with his first major win at the Masters in 2004. We discuss the yips and how you can drive yourself to those demons within the game. His love of Ireland and how proud he his of the short game scoring school facility at Killeen Castle. Dave's passion for the game is hugely infectious and we hope you can get some tips & thoughts for when golf returns. 

For our Review of the Year podcast, we are joined by one of the greatest hurlers of all time, Waterford's Paul Flynn. We chat about his career on the pitch including Waterford's success in Munster in 2002, 2004 and much more. Paul, a +2 handicapper is also a talented golfer and was part of Tramore Golf Club's All-Ireland Senior Cup winning team in 2014. We review the Major Championships, Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow long with the other talking points of 2020. Enjoy!

Cameron McCormick is our guest on this weeks show, best known for being the coach to Jordan Speith. We chat about how he got into coaching, moving from Melbourne to Texas and his approach to coaching. We delve a little deeper in that specific coaching approach and get his opinion on a couple of typical situations that every PGA Professional encounters during their career. The world renowned “Earn your Edge” podcast which he cohosts with Corey Lundberg. Meeting a 12 year old Jordan Speith and becoming his coach. Daniel Berger, The Altus Performance Centre and more!

This week we're delighted to be joined by LPGA Tour commissioner Mike Whan. One of the busiest people in world golf, Mike graciously gave us some time a couple of weeks back. We chatted about his early career, how he got into the golf Industry with Wilson and then Adidas and Taylormade. He includes a cracking story about he became the LPGA Tour commissioner which is a must listen! Mike gives us an in-depth account of the success story of LPGA Tour in his tenure. The early days back in 2010 when the Tour was struggling with just over 20 tournaments with a cumulative prize fund of $30m and how now there is a full year long schedule where they play for a total of $90m. The historic partnership with the Ladies European Tour which was agreed in November of last year, how the Tour presently coping with the Corona Virus and the plans for next year and beyond. As you will see or hear rather, Mike is a very entertaining guy who has that infectious personality so please enjoy this episode with Mike Whan.

A very sad day as one of golfs greatest characters has passed away. We were very lucky to have been able to chat with Peter back in April. He was as sharp and witty as ever and a real thrill for Harry & I.  We chatted about his playing career, family links to the Ryder Cup dating back to 1929, BBC golf commentary, giving lessons to James Bond, the modern game, his love of Ireland and in typical Peter Alliss fashion...having Halle Berry as a caddy! Deepest condolences to all his family and friends. RIP The Voice of Golf.

An in depth chat with one of the great coaches in the world of golf and a must listen for any coach eager to progress in the industry. Justin chats about his coaching development, philosophy and the vital ingredients to being a successful coach. We talk about his journey from Northern Ireland to Dubai to his current role at the world renowned Sea Island Golf Resort in Georgia (venue of last weeks PGA Tour event). Establishing the Butch Harmon Golf School in Dubai, recognised as one of the best teaching facilities in the world and now under the successful Directorship of Jamie McConnell (another Irish success story). His thoughts on Bryson DeChambeau, the limitations of the human body and consequential influence on a Tour players career span. The importance of TPI and the use of technological equipment in Trackman, Swing Catalyst and others, in modern day coaching. His relationships with both Butch & Claude Harmon and Wally Ulhein (now retired CEO of The Acushnet Company). His role as Director of Instruction at Sea Island and Coach to Major Champions Gary Woodland, Louis Oosthuizen and PGA stars, Harris English, Patton Kizzire, Brian Harmon and more. ***In the Pods regular feature of “favourite 18/back 9 holes”, Justin did skip the “Best shot you have ever seen” question as there were too many to choose from but the day after our interview I received a message from him with the following... “I stood on the fairway as Stenson hit that 2nd to 18 at Jumeirah Golf Estates. 256 uphill into the wind from a little downslope, over water to a foot. Best shot in a pressure situation I ever saw!!” Understandably an extremely busy Coach who was literally packing his bags for The Masters, to reply a day later I thought was a testament to Justin's character of professionalism, responsibility and above all, friendliness...A class act!***

We review the Masters Tournament with Greg Allen. What a win by DJ and record scoring also with a fabulous 20 under par! We chat through all the talking points, DJ's dominant performance and his worthy world no.1 status, the contenders that fell away and those who stuck around to finish top 5. Jon Rahm's faltering 8th hole of round 3 and his lack of a challenge there after. Rory McIlroy's inability to put 4 rounds together in the Majors and what he needs to do about it. Tiger and that awesome finish after that 10 at the 12th and so much more! Roll on April 2021 for the next edition from Augusta National.

We discuss all the action so far from the first two days as round two is being completed. What a leaderboard we have shaping up! Most of the leading contenders are within striking distance of the top. We chat about Rory's bounce back after his awful R1 75 but is he too far back still? Rahm, Reed, DJ, Smith, Thomas..........what a prospect over the next 2 days. Bryson looking off form and how our picks are doing so far. Time for the couch......enjoy!!

Masters week baby!! The excitement is real and what a thrill to have Augusta on this week. Greg Allen, RTE Golf Correspondent, joins us again on the podcast to discuss all things Masters 2020. The major storylines coming into this week, the form players, dark horses, conditions on course and the effect of no fans. Can Bryson win back to back majors? Rory seems very chilled, DJ in tip top form but Brooks is the danger man as usual in the Majors! Win a Masters Mug in our competition also. James Sugrue's hopes, Lowry, Reed.....we go through the lot...Bumper Masters preview pod!

PGA Professional Paul Vaughan joins us on the podcast this week for the 2nd episode of our mini series " PGA Professionals - The Heart of Golf", where we discuss the various roles within the Golf Industry a modern PGA Pro can fulfil. Paul's career has led him down the path of the Director of Golf role alongside his Head Professional duties and has placed him at the top table within his club Ardglass Golf Club, when it comes to driving the business of the club and constantly improving the clubs vision and experience to both its members and growing number of visitors. A progressive, hard working Professional, at the heart of his club and hugely passionate for the game that gives us all so much. 

This week we are joined by fellow PGA Professional David Keating as we embark on a mini series exploring the various paths in which a PGA Professional can take within the Golf Industry. David has vast experience as a PGA Pro and we discuss the changing role of the modern day Professional. What the future holds, impact of Covid 19 and the positive vibes for golf as we look forward to 2021. Junior golf, the new handicap system and much more in this episode. 

Dr Ed Coughlan from Skill Acquisition joins us on the Podcast this week. Ed is one of the worlds leading experts in Skill Acquisition. A lecturer in Sports Science In Cork Institute of Technology, he educates students on applied Sports Psychology and skill acquisition. We chat about what separated a great coach from a good coach, does muscle memory exist?, Padraig Harrington and his thirst for knowledge, effective practice and how even in lockdown, you can improve your game!

This week we are joined by Andrew “Chubby” Chandler on the podcast. One of the biggest names in Sports Management, Chubby tells us how the wheeler dealer in him saw a niche and he brings us through the highs and lows of an amazing career in the world of the golf business. Managing major champions such as Rory, Charl, Louis, Darren and Danny and the fun had along that journey! His strong  opinion on Rory's mindset right now, his special memories of Darren Clarke's Open win in 2011 at St Georges and many stories which all add to the character that is Chubby. His experiences during this Covid pandemic and hopes for the future for both the tours and him personally. A few fantastic answers in our 9 hole quiz too!

South African golfing legend Dale Hayes joins us on the pod this week. We chat all things about his career in golf both inside and outside of the ropes. Winning a pro event at 18 years of age and playing the tour in the 70's with Seve and other legendary characters. Some great stories in there! His views on the game now and its future. Rory, Bryson and one or two upcoming players to keep an eye on too. His experience broadcasting and the odd gaff in there also. Great fun and huge thanks to Dale. 

We catch up with James Sugrue following his participation in the US Open at Winged Foot. An exclusive on how the invite to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open really came about to Galgorm Castle last week.  The experience playing Major golf in the States with Bubba Watson and Lee Westwood and then to the Irish Open with 4 rounds at Galgorm.  Plans for the upcoming Masters where he can only bring Mam or Dad! to turning professional afterwards.

Dame Laura Davies joins us on the pod this week. A glittering career with a list of achievements that is truly amazing. 6 Major wins, two of which were on the Seniors Tour and over 80 worldwide wins. We chat about all those highs, where it all began and the work that went in to make it happen. Her Solheim Cup career over 12 matches and Laura's memories of her last Solheim at Killeen Castle in 2011. We get a sense of Laura outside of the golf world and her plans for the future. Dame Laura - an icon of Ladies golf.

Bryson DeChambeau - US Open Champion. Greg Allen joins us again to review the week that was at Winged Foot. A defining moment in Bryson's career to win his 1st Major and also very much a defining moment in World golf and what this means for the future of the game. We discuss it all and also review the performance of Rory, Zander, Matthew Wolfe and our own James Sugrue. We had hoped to have James join us on the line but he is mid air over the Atlantic and headed for Galgorm Castle and this weeks Irish Open after acquiring an invite. 

Major week....whoooohooooo! US Open at Winged Foot and Greg Allen, RTE Golf Correspondent, joins us for the preview. Set to be a very tough examination this week, we look at the course and its nuances. We discuss all the contenders and try to give you a steer on some picks for the week. Lets see on Sunday night who has got it right! Review pod will be out on Monday!

Pete Cowen joins us on the podcast this week to chat about his career and his work with some of the top stars from world golf. Starting out with kids as a Club Pro to winning with Lee Westwood & Darren Clarke. The Major wins with numerous players, the tough chats needed along the way and a great story about the joys of owning a golf academy. Brooks, Stenson, Gmac and Gary Woodland all feature during this amazing chat.