The Shotgun Start

This Friday episode begins with an apology from Andy after a missed opportunity to discuss Kevin Roy (and his dad, Patrick) as part of our preview of The Cognizant Classic. Brendan moves things along to an early check-in at the South African Open where George Coetzee withdrew after a poor start, ending his run in this week's Game Within a Game. Another Game Within a Game participant is Ernie Els, who Andy claimed "looked a little husky" on the range. This Ernie discussion ushers in a brand-new Champions Tour Minute after Andy and PJ heard from a well-placed source that the "next big thing" on the senior circuit is not Tiger Woods or Zach Johnson, but another 50-year-old waiting to make his debut. The bulk of this episode focuses on some comments from pre-tournament press conferences at The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. Shane Lowry believes that the overseed course setup by the Tour's Championship Management has dramatically altered this event from a tough test to now something that looks green on television. Billy Horschel tried to shift the blame off the Tour and to the resort at PGA National, but Andy and Brendan aren't giving them the benefit of the doubt. This issue with the setups is even further exemplified at this week's KFT event at the Jockey Club, with Andy saying that the Tour has "completely ruined so many places." Ryan Gerard, the betting favorite at this event, also had some things to say before he teed off. Gerard has been a focus of the Tour's marketing efforts this week and Brendan thinks this can be a model for future "PGA-B" events potentially making stars. Gerard shared a story about playing with Scottie Scheffler and how Scottie manages to bridge the gap between clubs by playing a high-launching shot. Gerard has been chasing that shot and believes he has it, hoping that it'll lead to success at the majors this year. Brendan then shares a Flashback Friday segment on the 1991 Honda Classic, won by Steve Pate. This story has it all, including a legendary overclub challenge by Paul Azinger and a scorekeeper finding a lost ball. A Golf Advice email about guarding Michael Jordan in a JV basketball game closes out this show - send your own stories to sgsgolfadvice@gmail.com for an upcoming showcase episode! Visit ⁠Cobalt⁠ and use code "FRIEDEGGPOD15" for 15% off: https://cobalt-golf.com/discount/FRIEDEGGPOD?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fdiscountable-products

Brendan! didn't make it down to Florida after all, leaving Andy and PJ to roam around the SoFi Dome by themselves for Monday's Ballfrogs match. Andy shares plenty of takeaways from his in-person experience, leading to a wider conversation regarding the future of TGL. What's next for the screen golf league after the ESPN TV deal expires? How can the in-person experience level up? Is there a risk of players leaving after the second season wraps up? The two then move on to the Schedule for the Week and first discuss the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. The Florida Swing begins this week and Andy has his list of 5 Guys to Monitor, including a player returning on a major medical and Brooks Koepka once again playing his hometown event. Everybody makes a One-and-Done pick despite a weak field after many top players withdrew from the event following the Genesis Invitational. Andy tosses out a Game Within the Game for the South African Open, which he also names as his event of the week! It's a quick wrap -up at the end, as the only big news is a very special birthday for a podcast favorite!

It is Victory Monday for Golf's Preeminent Gambling Podcast! Andy returns from vacation and immediately gives Brendan his flowers for picking Jacob Bridgeman to win the Genesis Invitational. PJ issues an apology for laughing at Brendan's belief in The Bridgeman, who cashed 100-1 tickets for bettors everywhere. Andy and Brendan recap the weekend at Riviera and shine a light on Bridgemans path to the PGA Tour and his first career victory. Kevin Van Valkenburg joins from the on-site media center in LA to share some observations from the ground, touching on Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Aldrich Potgieter, and more. Andy, Brendan, and Kevin also discuss the online pushback against Riviera after the pros tore up a soft course this week after all the rain on Thursday. After debating whether there should be a "Shotgun Start Book Club," there's a brief Tiger Woods conversation amongst the group, with everyone believing that he will, in fact, play on the Champions Tour in 2026. Brendan is convinced that Tiger will be playing the Masters, too! Andy moves to ban Spider putters on the PGA Tour before recapping the rest of the week in pro golf, including the Magical Kenya Open and Jeeno Thitikul's first-ever win in Thailand. In news, the DP World Tour has settled its fines with almost all of the eligible LIV players... except for Jon Rahm. Andy and Brendan wonder if this means his 2027 Ryder Cup status is truly in doubt as even Tyrrell Hatton decided to cut the check. PJ and Andy are both in Florida for the big Ballfrogs match on Monday night, but it remains to be seen if Brendan will make it down south through the snow. Stay tuned for some in-person TGL takeaways on Wednesday's episode!

Brendan! is joined by an on-site Kevin Van Valkenburg for this Friday episode honoring the Genesis Invitational. KVV shares some scenes from the practice rounds at Riviera before the rain came in and made much of Thursday's first round a wash. It wasn't a wash for this Gambling Podcast, as Rory McIlroy and Jacob Bridgeman both share the clubhouse lead as of this recording. Brendan spent the morning watching along on PGA Tour Live and has plenty of takeaways from the broadcast, including a scoring average graphic that was completely devoid of content. PJ was assigned to watch the "Betcast" on Thursday and points out that there was plenty of Jon Rahm talk on this PGA Tour product despite Rahmbo riding Dumbo at Disneyland this week instead of teeing it up at Riv. Scottie Scheffler is not yet finished with his first round, but he struggled mightily on his front nine. Brendan and KVV recap what we've seen from Scottie so far, adding another poor Thursday to a stretch of many this year. Even with a great round from Rory and Scottie's tough stretch, the news of the day was made elsewhere. Following reports from Geoff Shackelford and Adam Schupak looking into the matter, the PGA of America announced that President Don Rea Jr. has been "reassigned to member-first priorities" for the rest of his term. Brendan reads the full statement and everyone wonders if this is truly the end from Don. There's also some introspection about how much of a role... podcasts... played in this decision. KVV breaks out the Lucas Glover impression at the very end of his chat with Brendan to celebrate the U.S. Open champ being named PAC Chairman. The last half hour of this episode is a reheat of a Flashback Friday from 2021, when Andy and Brendan remembered Ben Hogan's comeback (not to be compared to Anthony Kim's) and "Mr. Icicle." Visit your local Golf Galaxy and download the Golf Galaxy mobile app to upgrade your game!

"The Boys" are back in town for this Wednesday episode, joining Brendan to preview the PGA Tour's return to Riviera. Joseph starts out with a take regarding this week's event "honoring" the local community in the Palisades, setting the tone for this episode early. Brendan, Joseph, and PJ unpack Tiger Woods's pre-tournament press conference, in which he discussed his chances of returning to competitive golf in 2026, a potential Ryder Cup captaincy, and the PGA Tour schedule changes. It seems like Tiger may tee it up on the Champions Tour after all, with PJ already wanting to make travel arrangements for a few select stops later this year. Woods also gave some insight into the hard work he's been putting in on the 2027 PGA Tour schedule, alluding to the California swing being later in the summer, maybe as part of the playoffs. Joseph loves the idea of Tiger's mark on the game being a playoff schedule that he created, and Brendan thinks that the Genesis Invitational should be a "jumbo event" moving forward. PJ runs through his five favorite tee times for the first two rounds and also sets the scene for this week's Aon Swing 5 vs. Sponsor Exemption tracker, now a five-on-five fight for this week only! Joseph passes along Andy's 5 Guys to Monitor before highlighting a favorite tee time of his own. He also initially declines to make a One-and-Done pick before Brendan bullies him into it on air. Brendan has some sourced reporting from the Magical Kenya Open, sharing details about the caddie fees and "driving range" at this week's DP World Tour event. In news, Justin Thomas will return to pro golf next week in the SoFi Dome... no word yet on if he's playing outdoor golf as well. To round out the show, Joseph and Brendan preview the first-ever Fried Egg Golf Anonymous Survey, tiering the best players in the men's game.

Back at home after a week in Chicago, Brendan is joined by "The Boys" for this beefy Monday show. This episode was recorded late on Sunday night after BP was issued a technical foul during a youth basketball game and needed time to "decompress" before using a microphone. Joseph immediately wants to learn why Brendan was T'd up and finds that his actions were completely justified after a complete rules breakdown. While the technical foul may be a big story for this podcast, the biggest story in sports this weekend belongs to LIV Golf following Anthony Kim's win in Adelaide. AK erased a five-shot Sunday deficit playing in a group with major champions Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, defeating Rahm by three shots for his first win in 16 years. Brendan, Joseph, and PJ recap the final round, covering Kim's outstanding iron play, the return of the swagger that made him captivating to begin with, and the many inspiring quotes from after the tournament wrapped up. They also question some of the broadcast's hyperbolic statements about the magnitude of the moment. There is also plenty of discussion about brutal Sundays from Rahm and Bryson, adding yet another week without a win for both of them on the LIV Golf tour. Not to be completely outdone, the PGA Tour had an "A+ week" at Pebble Beach according to Brendan. Collin Morikawa came from behind to secure his first win since the 2023 Zozo, making a four on the 18th hole for the win. Joseph and Brendan break down performances from Morikawa, Akshay Bhatia, and even Scottie Scheffler, who found himself in the mix again after a slow start on Thursday. Joseph also calls out Sam Burns for his club choice on the final hole, something that only a Deputy would do. In news, Gary Player remains upset with Augusta National (and Brendan may have an idea of why), sponsor exemptions go to - who else? - Jordan Spieth and Tony Finau, and Brendan and PJ go in on the Providence Friars following a dirty Saturday game against the Johnnies. Visit Cobalt and use code "FRIEDEGGPOD15" for 15% off.

Enjoy a recording of Thursday night's SGS Live Show at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois! Andy, Brendan, KVV, and PJ entertained the masses with the latest news from Pebble, messages from Gary Player, hypothetical major wins, audience questions, and much more. Thank you to all who came out to our first-ever theater show!

Andy and Brendan are together in Chicago for this Wednesday episode, bringing a jolt of in-person energy for the first Signature Event of 2026. To start, the two tie up some loose ends from Phoenix, discussing Hideki's "chair-gate" in the playoff and some distressing tweets from Spieth Legion. There's plenty of discussion about the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with one-and-done picks, Andy's "5 Guys to Monitor," and a new game that we'll be following for every Signature Event. They also debate whether Pebble Beach is now obsolete for PGA Tour pros following the debut of a new tee on the sixth hole for this week's tournament. LIV is back for a second straight week, jumping from Riyadh to Adelaide for the league's biggest non-U.S. event. Aussie Elvis Smylie is riding high following his win and was rewarded with a big OWGR boost for his troubles! Speaking of world ranking points, Andy and Brendan also react to Chris Gotterup reaching No. 5 in the world following his win at the WM Phoenix Open. They briefly recap Monday's TGL match, featuring three players that aren't on the rosters of the teams that played, and PJ suggests there's a new conspiracy afoot in the SoFi Dome. Everyone is ready to roll for a full week in Chicago ahead of Thursday night's event at SPACE. Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

Andy and Brendan planned to go LIVE on YouTube as part of "Golf's Favorite Pregame Show," but Hideki Matusyama had other plans. After a few too many wayward drives, Matsuyama could not make this a Victory Monday for Boston and coughed up the WM Phoenix Open to Chris Gotterup midway through the first quarter of the Super Bowl. Andy and Brendan recap a jam-packed week in the desert, hitting on Scottie Scheffler's t3 finish, Hideki's driver woes, and Chris Gotterup's continued ascension into the game's top tier. Patrick Reed could be the only player hotter than Gotterup right now, remaining undefeated in regulation in his last three starts with a win in Qatar. He is all but guaranteed a PGA Tour card through the DP World Tour now, but Brendan doubts his "lifelong goal to win the Order of Merit" is a real thing. Elvis Smylie immediately paid dividends for Rippers GC, staring down Jon Rahm in Riyadh for a win in his LIV debut. The two then run through results from the rest of the world and a bit of news before unpacking Brandel Chamblee's latest masterpiece of a take. Brandel made waves by suggesting that The Players Championship is ABOVE the four majors in stature and should absolutely be qualified as a major championship moving forward. Andy and Brendan are aghast at this statement and share some unsubstantiated rumors suggesting that the current PGA Tour membership does not share Brandel's personal opinion. Andy then previews Thursday night's live show in Chicago by reading some internet information about the event. Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details. Use code "FriedEgg" for 15% off at ⁠mobjak.com

The police siren is in use for this Friday episode following a Thursday 73 from Scottie Scheffler that left him visibly angry on PGA Tour Live! Andy and Brendan discuss an uncharacteristic over-par round from the World No. 1, as well as Brooks Koepka's tough day at a course he's won at in the past. Not everyone is on the struggle bus: Chris Gotterup has the first round lead with fellow young stars Pierceson Coody, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, and both Højgaards on his heels. In other PGA Tour news, they are once again starting up the "fifth major" debate around The Players Championship with a new promo that says "March Is Going To Be Major." Andy is ready for this weekend's Super Bowl after a week of hype in the Bay Area, but there's a brief preview of some events preceding next week's live show in Chicago. Somehow, this conversation ends with PJ challenging professional athletes to play him for an SGS season of "Pros vs. Joes." Patrick Reed could use someone to challenge him on the DP World Tour as he's once again right in the mix in Qatar. Brendan and Andy suggest any number of Euro stalwarts that could potentially become the "P Stopper" but it remains to be seen if anyone will step up. While Brooks is struggling in Phoenix, Smash GC is winning the team contest at LIV Riyadh, with some wondering if Talor "Sam Presti" Gooch has turned things around for good. The back half of this episode is dedicated to the PGA of America hiring Terry Clark as its new CEO, with Andy and Brendan both highlighting areas of need for the governing body now that it is under new leadership. Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

A long-awaited piece of news broke just before we hit record on this episode: the Utah Jazz have added to the Great Young Core! Andy is jubilant after the Jazz traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. on Tuesday afternoon and shows up to record in what Brendan calls a "murdered-out Utah Jazz ensemble." After a Sports Minute focusing on the Great Young Core and Andy's upcoming Super Bowl experience in the Bay Area, the two discuss the actual big news of the day, LIV Golf receiving OWGR points for the 2026 season. The top 10 finishers at each LIV event will receive points, with nothing going to those finishing 11th or worse. This has already led to complaints from the league and comparisons to the full field receiving points at a non-Tour event like the Hero World Challenge. Andy believes LIV's complaints don't have a leg to stand on given that the league does not abide by some of the usual OWGR guidelines to begin with. Brendan dove into the 2026 LIV media guide to learn more about this year's teams and found some great nuggets while researching this week's fourth Ace. LIV will start its season in Riyadh, with the Saturday finish ending up on FOX Business. On the PGA Tour, the WM Phoenix Open looks to NOT finish in a playoff that runs into the Super Bowl. Andy's list of "5 Guys to Monitor This Week (For Various Reasons)" features a sponsored legend, a three-time major champion, and one of Brooks Koepka's mules! We also spend PLENTY of time learning about the second mule Brooks will be bringing along with him into the field this week. There's a hilarious list of DPWT notables in Qatar to round out this week's schedule before Andy and Brendan read the latest statement from the LPGA regarding Sunday's disaster in Florida. We'll see you on Friday for more! Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

It was a historic weekend of professional golf as one of the game's greatest achievements finally came to an end. Andy begins this episode on a somber note as Xander Schauffele's "made cut streak" was snapped on Friday at the Farmers Insurance Open. Brendan joins in, remembering other iconic streaks such as Cal Ripken Jr.'s consecutive games played record and comparing them to Xander's totally-not-made-up mark. Justin Rose did make the cut and ran away with his second win at Torrey Pines, defeating a trio of players by seven shots. The 45-year-old is now ranked third in the OWGR and has played some of the best golf of his career in the last 12 months. Andy and Brendan wonder how much gas he has left in the tank, with Brendan predicting that Rose will compete in majors into his fifties. In other notes from the Farmers, Brooks Koepka finished t56 and had plenty of time on the broadcast on ESPN, Golf Channel, and CBS despite never being competitive. One of the two mules that Brooks brought onto the "ark" this week did make some money, kicking off our yearlong game of Brooks vs. Mules. Johnson Wagner also made his long-awaited CBS debut and did not disappoint, recreating shots while the tournament was still going on! The two also discuss Michael Brennan's DQ thanks to a Data Boy and strong weeks from Si Woo Kim, Joel Dahmen, and Ryo Hisatsune. The DP World Tour event in Bahrain ended in a playoff featuring Patrick Reed and ended in a wild concession that no one had ever seen before. The main event of this podcast is Andy and Brendan's recap of what went on at the LPGA's Tournament of Champions on Sunday. The event was shortened into a 54-hole event due to the course not being an "optimal competitive environment" for "competitive competition" according to some statements from the tour. Andy and Brendan tee off as they're astounded by the celebrity pro-am still being played on the very same course rather than the actual tournament. For those with tinfoil hats, Nelly Korda won for the first time in over 440 days as a result of the shortened event. There's also plenty of Illinois basketball talk at the end of this episode, as well as more invites from colleges across the country who want Andy, Brendan, and PJ to inspire the youth of America. Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

The hits just keep on coming early in this 2026 golf season: Patrick Reed is BACK on the PGA Tour... in August. Andy and Brendan begin this episode with some other breaking news regarding a beloved recurring bit possibly coming to an end and some more details about the SGS Live Show coming to Evanston on Thursday, February 12. They then dive into the biggest news of Thursday: Tony Finau's new Jordan Brand clothing. After a conversation about fashion, Andy and Brendan discuss Patrick Reed's decision to leave LIV Golf and play the DP World Tour in 2026 before returning to the PGA Tour in 2027. They debate whether "LIV is dead," as reported by many, and wonder whether any other LIV players will reassess their allegiances after Brian Rolapp removed another hurdle towards a PGA Tour return for Reed. Andy deems that LIV deserves this outcome of losing its stars following a FOX Sports graphic promoting the season opener that misspelled the names of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Martin Kaymer (henceforth known as Martin Kraymer on this podcast). Brendan reads Patrick Reed's statement, in which he claims he was "born to play on the PGA Tour," even though he voluntarily left said Tour years ago to play on LIV. The real winners in all of this? Guys like Laurie Canter and Victor Perez, who now have one less player to compete against for these big purses. Speaking of returning players, Brooks Koepka played his first round back on the PGA Tour on ESPN, carding a 73 on the South Course at Torrey Pines. Andy compares his "re-debut" to what it's like when Tiger returns from an injury, leading to massive over-analysis of every little thing in one round or tournament. Koepka played with Ludvig Åberg - always comfortable going to and from the course - and Max Homa, both of whom struggled mightily on Thursday. Justin Lower and Justin Rose are atop the leaderboard at Farmers. We end the show with the return of Golf Advice, featuring an Andy-submitted question for Brendan and a listener question that BP deems "human advice." Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

Not sure if you've heard about it, but Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour this week! Andy joins Brendan for this Farmers Insurance Open preview coming off a big Ballfrogs win on Monday night. He's giddy about the Frogs continuing to earn the top spot in our TGL Power Rankings and makes a pitch for Michael Thorbjornsen to become a permanent member of the team. Brooks Koepka has not yet joined a TGL team, but he did join some assembled media for a pre-tournament press conference at Torrey Pines on Tuesday. He spoke about his nerves returning to the PGA Tour and seemed a little emotional discussing the path that led him back to the Farmers. Andy and Brendan unpack the half-hour presser before Brendan offers up some over/unders for Koepka's 2026 season. How many Signature Events will he play? Will he return to Bellerive for the BMW Championship in August? Will he ever suit up for Jupiter Links after all? Koepka will be in a featured group at the Farmers for Thursday and Friday which will be broadcast on linear TV thanks to ESPN. Brendan wonders if this is the PGA Tour showing off to Bryson and Rahm that they could also be prominently featured on the Worldwide Leader in Sports if they were to return before their approaching deadline. Could Patrick Reed also be part of this conspiracy? We'll have to find out. Andy shares his "5 Guys to Monitor (For Various Reasons)" ahead of this week's festivities at Torrey, keeping an eye on a horse for the course and a major champion that could be on the trade block. One-and-done picks are made for the Farmers with PJ's pick prompting a fun Medinah story from Andy. Elsewhere on the schedule, LPGA season kicks off this week at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and Patrick Reed looks to stay hot on the DP World Tour in Bahrain. In news, the 2026 PGA Tour Player Advisory Council was announced and has a distinctly American feel, Nelly Korda has some *takes* about WTGL, and a DP World Tour player goes down for a performance-enhancing drug suspension.

Scottie Scheffler is one-for-one in 2026! Andy and Brendan return to recap yet another victory by the best player in the world, his 20th on the PGA Tour and first at The American Express in Palm Springs. Andy immediately wonders if Brendan and PJ regret "fading Scottie" by taking the under on 6.5 wins this year. Neither of them relent, but they do admit that the over is off to a hot start. Andy and Brendan highlight Scheffler's ability to win both birdie-fests and hard-fought events, as well as his ability to never hurt himself, putting pressure on those playing in the same group as him on Sunday. One such example was Blades Brown, the 18-year-old phenom who entered Sunday tied with Scottie in second place. He had one of the few over-par rounds on Sunday playing alongside the World No. 1, pushing the Korn Ferry Tour member out of the top ten with a t18 finish. In Dubai, Patrick Reed won again on the DP World Tour during some rainy coffee golf. Afterwards, he revealed that he's not currently signed with LIV for 2026 and is contemplating playing a DPWT schedule to try to earn a PGA Tour card for 2027. Andy and Brendan wonder whether he'll actually do this and give Reed some props for being a golf sicko and world player. Stew Cink continued his reign over the Champions Tour, winning the season opener in Hawaii. Adam Schupak wrote up an article detailing the struggles of Zinger, Papa, and Peter Jacobsen calling Champs Tour action from PGA Tour Studios, sending Andy and Brendan over the edge with how serious they were. Peter Jacobsen just wants to see if Tommy Two Gloves is using the same gloves every week, and he can't do that from inside the moat! To end the show, Brendan runs through the LIV Awards results, including Jon Rahm winning Clutch Player of the Year, as predicted by Andy on Thursday afternoon. Andy then slightly amends his northeast snow take from last week after hearing from many listeners. For those wondering, yes, there are plenty of Football Minutes within this episode as well!

Some of the of things discussed on this Friday episode by a combination of Andy, Brendan, PJ, and KVV: Rory McIlroy's belief that Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton should just pay their DP World Tour fines Alejandro Tosti flying planes The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel New Mets ace Freddy Peralta The "Under the Influence" Award Bob MacIntyre's youth golf career Country music star Riley Green Comparing Angel Cabrera to Brooks Koepka Comparing Brooks Koepka to Eli Manning The TGL hole "Cenote" Scottie Scheffler's lack of "fire emoji" on the PGA Tour app Colin Montgomerie's 17th hole on Sunday of the 2006 U.S. Open Jeremy Schaap The 2010 Billboard No. 1 hit "Break Your Heart" by Taio Cruz (ft. Ludacris) Champaign, Illinois "Hoop Dreams" Kevin Kisner's ball speed Garrett Popcorn of Chicago TGL Power Rankings Virtual Bob Parsons Enjoy, and stay safe if you're in the path of snow this weekend! Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

This Wednesday episode was recorded early on Tuesday due to Keegan Bradley Bobblehead Night at Madison Square Garden demanding PJ's attendance. Andy and Brendan wonder what other St. John's legends have bobbleheads available, but PJ is most excited to see a Boston sports icon get honored at the World's Most Famous Arena. With a lack of press conference quotes from Palm Springs to discuss, Brendan immediately begins with the Schedule for the Week, beginning with the American Express. This event has a loaded field with many top players beginning their seasons including World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Andy believes that the Signature Event model has actually enhanced the non-Signature Events as more top-tier players are in need of FedEx Cup points. One-and-done picks are made as Brendan looks to stay hot off a runner-up finish at the Sony. Andy debuts a new segment, "5 Guys to Watch (For Reasons)" and highlights some players to keep an eye on this week. Attention then turns to the Dubai Desert Classic where European Ryder Cup stars will compete this weekend. After discussing some notables for this event, the two continue on and chat through this week's KFT stop at The Abaco Club and the return of the Champions Tour at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship. In news, NCAA Individual Champion Michael La Sasso has signed with the HyFlyers for the 2026 season. Andy and Brendan debate whether yet another young player taking a contract from LIV is the proper way to go vs. playing through a college season and trying to qualify through PGA Tour U. WTGL has also announced some of its initial rosters... including a retired Lexi Thompson. Finally, there's rumblings that the proposed rollback will no longer be going into effect in 2028, as the USGA and R&A are discussing a delay until 2030. Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

Despite a heartbreaking Bears loss to end their season in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, Andy joins Brendan for what is still a Victory Monday episode of The Shotgun Start. Andy can't believe that Vijay Singh made the cut at the Sony Open and immediately takes a victory lap about hitting the Over-Under of 0.5 Vijay made cuts for the season. There is a brief Football Minute at the start of this episode commemorating a historic Bears season, but the conversation soon shifts to the PGA Tour's Opening Drive, which is now closed after just one event. Chris Gotterup won the Sony Open for his third win in as many seasons and perhaps further exemplifying why he was a Ryder Cup snub at Bethpage. Andy and Brendan discuss Gotterup's advantage off-the-tee that set him up for success at Waialae Country Club and his continued ascendence into the upper tier of pro golfers. The two then unpack other storylines from the first PGA Tour event of the year, such as a top 25 from Jordan Spieth, a made cut from Vijay, a Sunday stumble by 54-hole leader Davis Riley, and a Collin Morikawa missed cut. Andy also brings up Big Shot Bob MacIntyre's comments about his attitude costing him a win at the Sony and wonders if Bob gets a bit too much leeway from fans based on his on-course actions. Nacho Elvira took home the win in Dubai on the DP World Tour after a Shane Lowry collapse on the 72nd hole. Andy and Brendan are thrilled about a win for Nacho and give some props to Lowry for speaking to the media after a tough finish. After touching on the Latin America Am, Brendan shares some of Michael Block's latest comments... about Tiger Woods. Andy cannot believe that Blockie has a platform to throw out a gauntlet to Tiger Woods on the Champions Tour, and Brendan also can't believe Greg Norman is still being platformed to discuss his "loyalty to the PGA Tour." Speaking of loyalty to the PGA Tour, Patrick Reed has said that he'd be open to a return if he was offered the same deal as Brooks Koepka. This episode wraps up with another Football Minute as we put a bow on the Bears and look ahead to a loaded week of pro golf with the 2026 season now underway.

Andy did not declare this a Victory Friday episode, but is looking ahead to another potential Victory Monday coming soon! He opens the show by telling Brendan how nice it is to have a franchise quarterback that can lead a team into meaningful January football and is downright giddy about Sunday's matchup against the Rams. Andy wishes that Brendan and PJ may one day get to experience having a long-term answer at QB, but for now, they all get to watch the PGA Tour's Opening Drive at the 2026 Sony Open! Brendan confirms that the Opening Drive is, in fact, just this one event and the branding will be removed by the time we get to Palm Springs, but it's great to have professional golf back nonetheless. There's some new internal OB at Waialae Country Club and some literal walls built to prevent alternate routes being taken off the tee, the fairways have "no fire," and the course was as soft as a dartboard on Thursday morning. A new year means new equipment sponsorships and Andy and Brendan are delighted to share that a burly podcast favorite is officially a PXG troop! Andy waxes poetic about his time with Dr. Bob before PJ pops the bubble and confirms that he is also an honorary doctor, much to Brendan's dismay. Rory McIlroy is in the early lead in Dubai and made headlines by playing with cavity-back irons. Andy breaks out a take that all pros should have to play blades and leads Brendan into an "Equipment Minute." Tuesday's TGL match is very briefly discussed as Andy and PJ walk Brendan through what he missed skipping out on another Jup Stinks loss. Brendan rounds up some quotes from PGA Tour players (such as Will Zalatoris, this week's guest on The Fried Egg Golf Podcast) about Brooks Koepka's return and it seems like many are happy to have him back. Wyndham Clark is not necessarily among them, saying that the penalty is like Brooks having his cake and eating it too. Speaking of Brooks, Kevin Van Valkenburg comes in from the bullpen to close the show with a Flashback Friday segment on the Top 10 Brooks Koepka moments from his first PGA Tour stint. KVV covers Koepka's feud with Bryson, his beef with a horse, and repeated media slights that offended the five-time major champion.

To paraphrase Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour's Opening Drive is *finally* just about underway! Andy and Brendan are beyond happy to have actual golf back on the Schedule for the Week, even if this is still a Victory Wednesday episode for the Bears. It could also be a Victory Wednesday episode for the PGA Tour, as Brian Rolapp's new Returning Member Program has enabled Brooks Koepka's return at the Farmers Open in just two weeks. Andy and Brendan discuss all the details of the new pathway, open to just four LIV golfers for the next three weeks before LIV's season begins in Riyadh. The two wonder if the financial penalty of "equity coupons" and a donation to charity was enough of a punishment for Brooks, but see this move as an overwhelmingly positive for the Tour and Brian Rolapp's tenure. Things seemingly moved quickly over the weekend and Rolapp gets props from Andy and Brendan for decisively striking while the iron is hot. PJ makes a change to his major picks, awarding Brooks with a fourth PGA Championship, but Brendan is skeptical that Koepka will find himself in major shape in 2026. Brooks will not be at the Sony Open this week, but many PGA Tour stars will be to start the season. This gambling pod makes some picks for the first event of the year, riding with two big names and a podcast favorite. Elsewhere, Rory McIlroy and other European Ryder Cup heroes are in Dubai this week for a DP World Tour event as a tune-up before coming back to the states. Brendan comes in with a real winner for the Event of the Week, Tiger's 50th birthday at the Breakers in Palm Beach. Andy and Brendan toss out some musical acts that would fit the vibe before realizing that Jon Bon Jovi is already enlisted to perform. Lastly, some major LIV news came across the desk on Tuesday morning as the Ironheads and Stingers GC have re-branded! This podcast will continue using the Stingers name, but some potentially-AI press releases reveal the new country-based names of these teams. There's also some LIV hot stove news with a former U.S. Amateur winner seemingly making the jump from the PGA Tour.