Golf And Politics

In this episode, hosts Cory, Rob and Matt are joined by Drew Ryun, the founder and CEO of Campaign Sidekick. They discuss Drew's involvement in politics, his experience working at the Republican National Committee (RNC), and the relevance of the RNC in today's political landscape. They also touch on the importance of direct voter contact and the role of social media in campaigns. The conversation transitions to the upcoming election and the strategies that both the Trump and Biden campaigns should employ. They discuss the mobilization of the base and the small percentage of undecided voters. Overall, the episode provides insights into campaign strategies and the changing dynamics of political engagement. In this part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the possibility of another surprising election outcome, the intensity of support for Trump and Biden, the potential impact of campus protests on the election, and the use of technology in political campaigns. They also talk about Drew Ryun's company, Campaign Sidekick, and the advancements in technology that can be expected in the coming years. The conversation then shifts to Drew's background in running and his love for golf. Drew Ryun discusses the joy of playing golf with his family and the importance of focusing on the positives in life. He shares stories about his children and their unique talents and interests. The conversation also touches on topics like favorite golf courses, the future of golf, and predictions for the 2024 presidential election. Takeaways The Republican National Committee (RNC) plays a crucial role in organizing grassroots efforts and providing a game plan for success in elections. Direct voter contact, including door knocking and phone calls, is still relevant and necessary to understand voters' concerns and motivations. The 2020 election will likely be a mobilization game, with a focus on mobilizing the base and getting out the vote. There is a small percentage of undecided voters, but the majority of the electorate has already made up their minds. Both the Trump and Biden campaigns should focus on mobilizing their respective bases and ensuring high voter turnout. There is a possibility of another surprising election outcome, similar to the 2016 election. The intensity of support for Trump and Biden differs, with Trump having stronger support from his base and Biden having a stronger intensity of hatred towards Trump. Campus protests and the divide between old school liberals and the woke left could impact the election. Technology, such as Campaign Sidekick, plays a crucial role in political campaigns and is constantly evolving. Drew Ryun's background in running and his love for golf.  Focusing on the positives in life can change your perspective and lead to breakthroughs. Each child has their own unique talents and interests that should be nurtured and encouraged. The future of golf is uncertain, but there are exciting developments happening. Drew sees the 2024 presidential election as unpredictable, but feels Donald Trump has a strong chance of winning. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw  Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com

In this episode, hosts Cory, Rob and Matt are joined by Valis Associates Founder and Virginia golfing philanthropist Wayne Valis. After an opening discussion on the dominance of golfers Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda and the comparison between current players and Tiger Woods. The conversation then transitions to the guest, Wayne Valis, a former Nixon and Regan staffer, who shares his experiences working in politics and his love for golf. Valis talks about Richard Nixon's accomplishments and the need for bipartisanship in politics. The hosts also discuss the shift in campaigns and the polarization of politics. They highlight Ronald Reagan's communication skills and share humorous stories about him. In this part of the conversation, Wayne Valis shares anecdotes about his time in the Reagan administration and his interactions with notable figures such as Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Don Rickles. He also discusses his experiences playing golf with President George H.W. Bush and golf legends like Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen. Wayne reflects on the changes in the Republican Party and the challenges of integrating golf courses. He also mentions the proposal to roll back the golf ball and shares a story about President William Howard Taft defending golf against criticism. In this final part of the conversation, Wayne Valis discusses the golfing abilities of past presidents, his involvement in the Valis Family Learning Center at Pinecrest Golf Course, and his thoughts on municipal, county-run, public golf courses. The conversation concludes with a fun round of quick-fire questions. Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda's dominance in golf is impressive, but comparing them to Tiger Woods is premature Wayne Valis, a former Nixon staffer, shares his experiences working in politics and his love for golf Ronald Reagan was a great communicator and had a sense of humor Wayne Valis shares anecdotes about his time in the Reagan administration and his interactions with notable figures Wayne discusses his experiences playing golf with President George H.W. Bush and golf legends like Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen Wayne reflects on the changes in the Republican Party and the challenges of integrating golf courses He mentions the proposal to roll back the golf ball and shares a story about President William Howard Taft defending golf against criticism Franklin Roosevelt and Jack Kennedy were both skilled golfers, with Roosevelt being considered one of the best if not for his polio. Wayne Valis played and learned golf at Pinecrest Golf Course, a public course in Northern Virginia, and later became involved in the Valles Family Learning Center at the course. Valis believes that municipal, county-run, public golf courses are important for providing access to the game for low-income individuals and promoting the growth of the sport. The conversation ends with a fun round of quick-fire questions, including topics such as favorite golf courses, Reagan biographies, and the future of American politics. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw  Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com

Former Congressman Marty Russo, whom Dan Jenkins, Senior Writer for Golf Digest once called “way too good at golf to be a servant of the People” discusses the changes in Congress over the years even beyond his tenure, the importance of compromise and bipartisanship, and the role of golf in politics and getting things done. Russo also shares his experiences playing golf with various presidents and celebrities, emphasizing the camaraderie and friendships that were formed on the golf course. He discusses the importance of golf in politics and how it can help build relationships and promote teamwork. Russo also mentions his work on the committee to help the PGA Tour get their charitable status. In this conversation, Marty Russo, former U.S. Congressman and avid golfer, shares his experiences playing golf and his thoughts on the game. He discusses his memories of playing at Augusta National, the vibe when arriving at Magnolia Lane, and the proposed rules to roll back the golf ball's distance. Russo also gives advice for beginners and reflects on the joy of playing golf at any age. The conversation concludes with a rapid-fire round of golf-related questions. Takeaways The lack of compromise and bipartisanship in today's Congress is a major issue. Gerrymandering has contributed to the polarization and lack of cooperation in Congress Golf can be a powerful tool for building relationships and promoting teamwork in politics Playing golf with presidents and celebrities can provide unique opportunities for networking and camaraderie The charitable status of the PGA Tour was an important issue that helped promote golf and raise funds for charity Playing golf at Augusta National is a surreal experience that leaves a lasting impression. The proposed rules to roll back the golf ball's distance are necessary to preserve older golf courses. Getting lessons from a professional and practicing regularly are key to improving at golf. Golf is a game that can be enjoyed at any age and provides a unique opportunity for building relationships. The joy of golf comes from the ability to play and appreciate the game, regardless of skill level. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com

Former Congressman Bob Ney from Ohio is the guest on the first episode of Golf and Politics. Bob Ney has been a mentor and friend to hosts, Rob and Matthew, and played a significant role in their careers. The conversation covers Bob Ney's impact on the steel industry with the ubiquitous ‘stand for steel’ campaign, the infamous St. Andrews golf trip to Scotland and the subsequent investigation that landed Bob in prison (and resulted in House rules about accepting gifts and golf rounds) which leads to a discussion about the role of golf in politics and how the media coverage during this time was intense and had a significant impact on Bob Ney and his family. The boys then switch gears to fun stories from Bob and the host’s time on the Hill including the golf skills of Presidents from Clinton and Bush to Trump and Biden. The episode also includes personal stories of how Bob Ney influenced Rob, Matthew and Cory’s lives. Overall, the episode provides insights into the intersection of golf and politics and the experiences of a former Congressman. Bob Ney had a significant impact and influence during his time in politics, including his ability to make an impact and influence through his speeches. He also took kids on house tours, which had a positive political and personal impact. Bob shares his greatest legislative accomplishment and regret, predicts the president in 2025, and reflects on his favorite and least favorite colleagues in Congress. Finally, he opens up about his journey to sobriety and the impact it has had on his life. Takeaways Bob Ney played a significant role in the careers of the hosts, Rob and Matthew. Golf is becoming a topic in politics, with discussions about the golf skills of politicians like Trump and Biden. Bob Ney's impact on the steel industry and his advocacy for jobs in his hometown are noteworthy. The episode highlights the personal stories and experiences of the hosts with Bob Ney. Resistance to trade deals and the March for Steel had a significant impact on the steelworkers' movement. The Clinton-Gingrich Unholy Alliance and Trump's stance on China shaped the trade policies of their respective administrations. The events of January 6th at the Capitol highlighted the need for accountability and the importance of the Capitol Hill police. Bob Ney's greatest legislative accomplishment was the Help America Vote Act, while his greatest regret was voting to give the president full faith and authority in Iraq. Bob Ney's prediction for the president in 2025 is Donald Trump. Bob Ney's journey to sobriety has been a transformative experience in his life. Get Bob Ney's book

Is it possible to bring Republicans and Democrats together? Maybe. Rob Ellsworth, Matt Parker and Cory Toth grew up in the upper Ohio Valley playing junior golf, and today they all work in politics. Rob is a Democratic lobbyist, Matt is a Republican strategist, and Cory is a refining and petrochemical lobbyist. While they rarely all see eye-to-eye on politics, they wholeheartedly agree that golf is the greatest game ever invented and are passionate about expanding it.The podcast will feature stories from their lives in politics, how golf intertwines, along with tips on how to improve your golf game, golf analysis, how to use your love of golf to further your professional and political goals, interviews with policymakers from the course, and more. Stay up to date: https://golfandpolitics.com