The Fried Egg Golf Podcast

Five Things About the 2021 Masters with Shane Bacon

<p>Golf Channel host Shane Bacon joins Andy Johnson to discuss the upcoming Masters Tournament. Shane and Andy each run through five things they're looking forward to seeing at Augusta National this week. They touch on Jordan Spieth's reemergence, Rory McIlroy's struggles, and the predictive power of name length, among other topics. On most weeks, you can catch Shane on Golf Today, the Golf Channel show he co-hosts with Damon Hack, and Get a Grip, his podcast with PGA Tour pro Max Homa. This week, you can watch Shane not only on Golf Channel's Live from the Masters broadcast but also on Masters.com coverage of the tournament.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

The Lost Masters with Curt Sampson

<p>When the world is in disarray, what, if anything, is the role of professional sports? Specifically, what's the role of the Masters, a tournament that has always felt like an escape from everyday life? To explore those questions, Garrett Morrison talks with Curt Sampson, the author of several books on golf history. Garrett and Curt focus on the 1968 Masters, which took place at a time, like 2020, when society seemed to be unraveling. Ultimately, that edition of the tournament failed to provide the solace that many fans were seeking. </p> <p>Reading material:</p> <p>Curt's <a href="https://www.golfdigest.com/story/masters-2020-city-of-augusta-presses-on-quietly-without-the-rush-of-masters-fans"><em>Golf Digest </em>essay</a> on the town of Augusta during the 2020 Masters</p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Masters-Grace-Disgrace-68/dp/0743274237"><em>The Lost Masters: Grace and Disgrace in '68</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Masters-Money-Power-Augusta-Georgia/dp/0375753370"><em>The Masters: Golf, Money, and Power in Augusta, Georgia</em></a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Jim Wagner of Hanse Golf Course Design on Contours and Cavemen

Jim Wagner is a longtime design partner at Hanse Golf Course Design and the head of the firm’s Caveman Construction crew. With the rise of the design-build approach in golf course architecture, Jim’s on-the-ground knowledge is more relevant than ever. He took some time away from an in-progress build at Jonathan’s Landing in Florida to chat with Andy Johnson about working with contractors, mentoring shapers, crafting contours, and staying hands-on as the Hanse name gets bigger. They also touch on new projects at PGA Frisco and West Palm Beach.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Superintendent Series: Jim Huntoon on Mowing Lines and Myrtle Beach

<p>Jim Huntoon is the golf course superintendent at the Heritage Club in the Myrtle Beach area and a contributor to the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association. In this installment of our Superintendent Series, Jim speaks with Andy about finding creativity in his daily routine, the impact of the pandemic on his operation, his memories of Mike Strantz, and the best spots (for golf and other activities) in the Myrtle Beach area. The Superintendent Series is brought to you by the Toro Company.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

An Insider’s View of Golf Course Rankings

<p>For many people, golf course rankings published by major magazines provide an introduction to golf course architecture. They communicate the basic notion that some courses might (or should) be considered "greater" than others. Since 1996, Jonathan Cummings has served on one of the panels responsible for those rankings. Last year, he gathered up his tremendous knowledge about the rating process and published it in the form of a book, <em>The Rating Game</em>. He and Garrett Morrison discuss the book, the different approaches taken by the magazines to the rankings, and whether the entire course rating industry has done more harm than good.</p> <p>Jonathan Cummings, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rating-Game-Jonathan-Cummings/dp/1642936022/"><em>The Rating Game</em></a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

How Your Personality Shapes Your Golf Game

<p>Kiel Alderink is a PGA professional and one of <em>Golf Digest</em>'s top instructors under the age of 40. Along with mental coach John Weir, he founded Mental Golf Type, a company that uses personality psychology to help golfers practice and play better. Kiel also happens to be Andy Johnson's longtime golf coach. In this episode, Kiel and Andy discuss the underrated influence of personality type on teaching and performance in golf. They also talk about that time Andy hit it so far left at the U.S. Mid Am that a bus tried to pick them up. Check out Kiel's work at <a href="https://www.mentalgolftype.com/">mentalgolftype.com</a>.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Fried Egg Stories (Rerelease): Making TPC Sawgrass

<p>Programming note: We first released this episode on Thursday, March 12, 2020. That evening, the Players Championship was canceled in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. So with the 2021 Players approaching, we thought we'd give this story another chance.</p> <p>In this installment of our audio documentary series, we detail how PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman and golf course architect Pete Dye turned an alligator-infested swamp in Ponte Vedra Beach into a new kind of tournament venue. We also tell the story of the pros' first encounter with TPC Sawgrass at the 1982 Players Championship. This episode features interviews with Deane Beman, Jerry Pate, Vernon Kelly, Tom Doak, Sean Martin, and Adam Schupak.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

A Way Forward for Municipal Golf

Today we wrap up our deep dive into Andy Johnson's visit to North and South Carolina with a hybrid episode. The first half is devoted to a conversation that Andy had with Troy Miller at Charleston Municipal Golf Course. Troy recently completed a Seth Raynor-inspired renovation of Charleston Muni. After that interview, Andy and Garrett Morrison return to finish their chat about the courses Andy saw in the Carolinas. They talk not only about courses like Charleston Muni and Asheville Muni, but more generally about municipal golf in America and how it might find a way forward in the 21st century.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Tony Jacklin on the Ryder Cup, the Yips, and the Concession (Golf Club)

In collaboration with Jack Nicklaus, English golf legend Tony Jacklin designed the Concession Golf Club, which will host the WGC-Workday Championship this week. Ahead of that event, Jacklin joined Andy Johnson to discuss his long, decorated career. They talk about his tenure as Ryder Cup captain, his relationships with Seve Ballesteros and other European stars, his triumphs at the 1969 Open and 1970 U.S. Open, and his eventual battles with exhaustion and nerves.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Geoff Ogilvy - Instruction, P-Reed, Rollback, and Mixed Events

Geoff Ogilvy is back! He joins Andy to talk about he recent golf news, including the USGA’s potential adjustments to equipments standards and Patrick Reed’s rules incident at Torrey Pines. They also chat about the new Players Series, mixed events in Australia in which male and female pros as well as amateurs play for the same prize money. Geoff hosted one of these tournaments recently, and he discusses the concept's potential long-term impact on the game.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Disc Golf Architecture with John Houck

Disc golf has a lot in common with golf. It's usually played over nine or 18 holes; there are tees and targets; there are drives, approaches, and putts; and scores are often calculated according to par. But Fried Egg listeners will be particularly interested to know that disc golf, like "ball golf," has its own history, style, and philosophy of course design. To find out more about disc golf architecture, Garrett talks with John Houck, the leading architect in the sport. They discuss John's approach to design, his thoughts on naturalness and strategy, and his hopes for the future of his craft. Check out an example of his work at <a href="https://youtu.be/1NWno6VPN30">Hillcrest Farm on Prince Edward Island</a>.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

The Latest from the USGA Distance Insights Project

Thomas Pagel, the USGA's senior managing director of governance, joins Andy to discuss the USGA and R&amp;A’s latest announcement regarding their years-long Distance Insights Project. Last year the governing bodies released a major Distance Insights Report, and last week they provided an <a href="https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/articles/2021/02/distance-golf-equipment-research-topics-areas-interest-usga-randa.html">update</a> on new research topics and proposed changes to equipment standards. These efforts have garnered headlines and driven debate in the golf world about the possibility of "rolling back" equipment. Pagel takes Andy through the ins and outs of the USGA's recent announcement and what it means for the future of golf.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Thoughts on the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Garrett and Andy sit down to discuss Andy's recent trip through the Carolinas. In this first part of their conversation, they open with some thoughts on the events and content projects The Fried Egg has on the schedule for 2021. Then they delve deeply into Pete Dye's Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. They talk about the chaotic origins of the course, its spectacular debut at the 1991 Ryder Cup, and how its architecture holds up today. There are also some digressions into Webb Simpson's recent comments on course design and Mike Strantz's place in the lineage of provocative golf architecture, among other topics. Oh, and make sure to visit <a href="https://proshop.thefriedegg.com/">The Fried Egg Pro Shop</a>.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Zac Blair Hires Doak and Goalby for the Tree Farm

Zac Blair makes his long-awaited return to the podcast to discuss the latest news on his golf course project in Aiken, South Carolina. Zac talks about his decision to hire Tom Doak and Kye Goalby as well as the membership structure and much more on the Tree Farm project.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Yolk with Doak 28: The Lido Club

Tom Doak joins to discuss his latest project, rebuilding the Lido Club near the Sand Valley Golf Resort. Andy and Tom discuss the history of C.B. Macdonald's lost Lido, the challenges of rebuilding it, and how Tom and his crew are planning to recreate the historic course.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Five Things About the 2021 PGA Tour Season with Sean Martin

<p>Sean Martin, Senior Editor at PGA Tour.com, joins Andy to discuss the 2021 PGA Tour season. Both Sean and Andy identify five things they will be watching for this year. They talk about the youth wave on tour, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, and much more.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Superintendent Series: Bob Ranum on Garden City and Mike Strantz

Long Island legend Bob Ranum joins Andy to talk about his career in golf course maintenance. Bob discusses his superintendent jobs at Garden City Golf Club and Atlantic Golf Club. Topics include helping to restore Garden City with Tom Doak, building a course with Rees Jones, and hanging out with Mike Strantz.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Yolk with Doak 27: Tom’s 2020 American Road Trip

Tom Doak returns to delve more into his recent road trip across the United States. During his travels, Tom visited two upcoming projects, Dornick Hills in Oklahoma and Sandpiper in California. He and Andy also discuss how beauty affects a hole's reputation, memorable superintendents, and much more.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Superintendent Series: Preparing Champions Golf Club for the U.S. Women’s Open

<p>Chris Ortmeier, Director of Agronomy at Champions Golf Club, and Darin Bevard, Director of Championship Agronomy for the USGA, join Andy to discuss this week's U.S. Women's Open. Chris and Darin detail the unique challenges associated with the December date of this year's tournament. They also describe the two 18-hole courses at host venue Champions Golf Club and talk about what viewers can expect. The Superintendent Series is brought to you by the Toro Company.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Yolk with Doak 26: Houston Open Redux

In the latest installment of our series with the golf course architect Tom Doak, he talks about his month-long road trip across America. One of his most prominent stops came at the PGA Tour's 2020 Houston Open at Memorial Park, a municipal course he recently redesigned. Tom reflects on what he learned from watching some of the world's best players tackle his work.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Mike Young on the Fields

<p>Golf course architect and owner Mike Young joins Andy to talk about his career in golf. Mike discusses getting his start in golf turf equipment sales and making the leap into design and eventually ownership at the Fields Golf Club in Georgia. He and Andy delve into how golf is changing and how Mike has adapted at his courses.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Data Golf

<p>Data Golf, founded by brothers Matt and Will Courchene, is on a mission to make sense of the piles of data coming out of professional golf today. In this episode, Garrett Morrison speaks with Matt about how advanced statistics might help us understand golf course design in a different way. Check out Matt and Will's website at <a href="http://datagolf.com/">datagolf.com</a>. Brought to you by <a href="https://proshop.thefriedegg.com/">The Fried Egg Pro Shop</a>. </p> <p>Note: In this pod, we refer to the Mayakoba Golf Classic as "this week's" PGA Tour event. It's next week, of course; we just thought we'd release this episode a little early.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Geoff Ogilvy - 2020 Masters

<p>Geoff Ogilvy joins Andy to break down the 2020 Masters. Geoff tells some stories about playing with this year's champion Dustin Johnson and discusses DJ's great mental approach to golf. The conversation also touches on the excellent play from several members of the 2019 Presidents Cup Team, and on the reasons why Rory McIlroy might struggle getting out of the gate at major championships.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Fried Egg Stories: The Pursuit of Perfect Turf

Even in November, Augusta National looks flawless. But why is it that we get so excited about green, uniform grass? In this edition of our audio documentary series, we dig into the backstory of America’s obsession with perfect turf. Our guests are Russ Myers, Ted Steinberg, George Waters, Derek Duncan, and John Jeffreys. Produced and hosted by Garrett Morrison. Engineered by J Vierck. Transcript assistance from Jay Fischl. Music by Blue Dot Sessions.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Geoff Ogilvy - All 18 at Augusta National

<p>Before the last year's Masters, we released a two-part discussion with Geoff Ogilvy about Augusta National Golf Club. Here, we present a condensed, one-episode version of that conversation. Andy and Geoff cover every hole at the course, delving into the details of the design as well as the strategies used by Masters contestants.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Lukas Michel on His Travels and His Preparations for the Masters

<p>2019 U.S. Mid Am Champion Lukas Michel joins the podcast to discuss his preparations for the Masters as well as his travels in the U.S. since the U.S. Amateur. Lukas details his work on Mike DeVries's restoration crew at Bloomfield Hills and the great golf he has played all over the country. Lukas last appeared on The Fried Egg Podcast after his U.S. Mid Am win in Episode 155.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Luke Reese - One for the Memory Banks

<p>Author Luke Reese joins the podcast to talk about his new book <em>One for the Memory Banks</em>. Luke reflects on his experiences learning the game late in life as an American in Scotland and the friendships he made along the way. <em>One for the Memory Banks</em> can be purchased using <a href="https://www.thememorybanks.com/TheFriedEgg">THIS LINK</a> and will include a $10 donation to the National Links Trust.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Superintendent Series: Josh Mahar on Wild Horse and Sand Hills

<p>Josh Mahar, Superintendent at Wild Horse Golf Club, joins the podcast to discuss his longtime involvement in world-class golf in the Nebraska Sandhills. Josh was part of the grow-in team not only at Wild Hose but also at the renowned Sand Hills Golf Club. He and Andy talk about those experiences as well as Josh's overall career in the turf industry. The Superintendent Series is brought to you by the Toro Company.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

School of Golf Architecture: Routing with Jeff Mingay, Part 2

<p>This is the second part of Garrett’s discussion with golf architect Jeff Mingay (@jeff_mingay) about how golfers can “read” the routing of a course. Having laid out the shared traits of good routings, they dig into a few famous examples. They also tackle a couple of big questions: How have routing practices changed over time? And does the future hold any new possibilities?</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

School of Golf Architecture: Routing with Jeff Mingay, Part 1

<p>Routing is perhaps the most important step in designing a golf course, but it’s a difficult concept for non-architects to understand. How can a regular golfer “read” the routing of a course that has already been built? Garrett explores this question with golf architect Jeff Mingay (<a href="https://twitter.com/jeff_mingay">@jeff_mingay</a>) for the fifth edition of the School of Golf Architecture. In the first of two episodes, Garrett and Jeff discuss the basic elements of effective golf course routing—elements that any golfer can recognize during a round.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>