Discover
The Smylie Show
The Smylie Show
Author: The Smylie Show
Subscribed: 366Played: 10,408Subscribe
Share
Description
Smylie Kaufman is a PGA Tour winner, pro golf broadcaster, and the host of "The Smylie Show". Every week, along with his producer and co-host Charlie Hulme, Smylie provides insights and analysis on the game of golf (along with a handful of other miscellaneous items), in addition to sharing long-form conversations with Tour pros and other celebrities who love the game.
305 Episodes
Reverse
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are on-site at TPC Sawgrass to preview the 2026 PLAYERS Championship. From the course conditions and weather draw to the unique strategy required at Pete Dye’s iconic stadium course, the guys break down everything to watch this week.They discuss Rory McIlroy’s back concerns, Scottie Scheffler’s surprising iron-play dip, and the type of player who actually wins at Sawgrass, before diving into their One-and-Done picks and sleeper contenders for the week.With potential mud balls, gusty winds, and the terrifying closing stretch of 16-17-18, this year’s PLAYERS could deliver another unpredictable leaderboard.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS00:00 On-site at TPC Sawgrass!01:20 First Look at the Course03:30 The “Fifth Major” Debate06:00 Sawgrass Course Strategy & Shot Shapes11:50 Weather Forecast & Draw Advantage15:10 History of THE PLAYERS at Sawgrass21:00 Scottie Scheffler Form Check27:00 Rory McIlroy Injury Update31:00 One-and-Done Picks47:00 Closing Thoughts#pgatour #golf #PLAYERS #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #rorymcilroy #akshaybhatia #scottiescheffler #golfpodcast #golfpreview #golfchannel
Akshay Bhatia delivered one of the most electric Sundays of the PGA Tour season at Bay Hill, draining over 144 feet of putts and storming back to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational in a playoff. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down how Bhatia’s short game carried him to victory on brutally firm, “crispy” greens that had the entire field on edge all week.The guys also dive into Daniel Berger’s incredible comeback, analyzing the encouraging signs after nearly two years battling injuries and setbacks. Plus, they discuss strong performances from Ludvig Åberg, Cam Young, and Collin Morikawa, what it means heading into THE PLAYERS Championship, and why Bay Hill’s setup produced one of the most entertaining tournaments of the season.And of course, things get chaotic when Judge Jaxon Brown enters the courtroom to rule on the Rory McIlroy withdrawal in the show’s One-and-Done contest.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:0:00 – Bay Hill delivers2:06 – Golf season is officially back3:08 – Bay Hill’s greens4:14 – Smylie’s “Snap, Crackle, Pop” crispy greens rankings6:47 – Major championship courses with the craziest greens10:15 – Akshay Bhatia21:04 – The clutch putts that saved Bhatia’s round23:40 – Daniel Berger29:13 – Bay Hill’s intimidating visuals and pressure moments31:10 – Scottie Scheffler34:12 – Cam Young37:04 – Ludvig Åberg38:12 – Collin Morikawa38:48 – The Rory McIlroy One-and-Done controversy47:36 – Ryder Cup49:00 – Luke Donald’s leadership and Europe’s continuity50:30 – Could Tiger Woods captain the U.S.?55:30 - Jon Rahm1:10:00 – Closing thoughts and wrap-up#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights
Justin Thomas returns to The Smylie Show (a record fourth time!) for a candid conversation on everything from fatherhood to his back surgery & rehab. JT explains how taking the long view on recovery changed his mindset — and how becoming a dad reshaped the way he practices and competes.He also retraces the beginnings of his friendly "rivalry" with Jordan Spieth - including their dinner before he won his first major at Quail Hollow, the legendary SB2K16 trip, and more untold stories. Plus, JT discusses his relationship with Tiger Woods, and shares stories about learning from and competing alongside the 🐐In this episode:• Back surgery & recovery• Fatherhood perspective• Jordan Spieth rivalry• First major breakthrough• George W. Bush Walker Cup stories• Tiger Woods mentorship• "Short-Sided" with CharlieFollow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅00:00 – JT Returns: Surgery & Florida Swing01:32 – Rehab Timeline & Long-Term Plan06:28 – Winning as a Dad (Hilton Head)11:42 – First Meeting with Jordan Spieth13:22 – Junior Rivalry15:28 – Wyndham at 16 Years Old16:40 – Spieth’s “Did You Shoot 65?” Call18:30 – Class of 2011 Depth & Late Bloomers21:38 – Choosing Alabama23:49 – Walker Cup at National Golf Links of America26:30 – George W. Bush Story29:35 – Early Times on Tour31:46 – “We’re Better When the Other One Plays Well”32:19 – Dinner Before Winning First Major34:36 – Advice Before Sunday at Quail Hollow40:16 – SB2K16 Origin Story42:52 – From Spring Break to Family Trips43:54 – Becoming Close with Tiger Woods54:56 – Post-Win Moment55:25 – Tiger as Ryder Cup Captain56:27 – Mentorship & Charlie Woods66:00 – Short-Sided with Charlie Hulme#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #golfpodcast #justinthomas #rickiefowler #jordanspieth #tigerwoods
Smylie and Charlie recap a wild Sunday at PGA National where the Bear Trap once again decided the Cognizant Classic. After Shane Lowry appeared in total control — birdieing 9, eagling 10, and building a three-shot lead — everything unraveled at the 16th tee. The guys break down the wind setup, hole locations, and the pivotal swings that flipped the tournament in minutes. They dive into Nico’s composure, his no-bogey weekend, and what this win says about his resilience after a rocky rookie season. Plus: Shane Lowry’s growing 54-hole storyline, Brooks Koepka’s encouraging signs with the putter, Max Homa’s progress, the state of PGA National on the schedule, Bay Hill projections, and behind-the-scenes stories from a full week in South Florida.Additionally, Gil Hanse joins the show! Seminole Golf Club is often regarded as one of Donald Ross’s greatest works, but due to environmental factors and architectural modifications, the course was in need of some restorative work to ensure its future.Gil joins to discuss his two-year process in Juno Beach, rediscovering Ross’s original green shapes, and why he's thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Seminole Superintendent Nelson Caron.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:0:00 – On-Site at PGA National1:30 – Shane Lowry4:15 – The 16th Tee Shot: What Happened?8:10 – Nico’s 17th Hole Birdie & Clutch Moment12:30 – Lowry’s Closing Struggles & 54-Hole Trend16:00 – Nico’s Resilience & Rookie Season Perspective20:00 – Brooks Koepka: Putter Adjustment & Players Outlook23:40 – Max Homa’s Progress Report26:30 – Thursday Chaos: Gerard, David Ford & Bear Trap Carnage29:00 – Should PGA National Play Harder?32:00 – Schedule Debate: Where Does This Event Fit?35:00 – Bay Hill Projections (Next 10 / Swing 5 Discussion)37:00 – USGA Venue Announcements (Future Opens & Walker Cups)39:00 – South Florida Week Recap (Old Palm & Practice Stories)43:20 – Justin Thomas Episode Tease46:00 – Jacob Bridgeman Conversation Preview47:00 — Gil Hanse joins TSS: Restoring Seminole01:06:40 — Final Thoughts #pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #golfpodcast #cognizant #shanelowry #nicoechavarria #seminole #gilhanse
Luke Clanton returns to TSS to talk life as a PGA Tour member — the travel grind, gaining confidence, and what he’s learned competing against the best players in the world.Luke dives into mindset, discipline, training, expectations, and why loving the process is everything at the highest level.Plus: Stick around for "Short-Sided" to hear what advice Luke would give to future Florida State Seminoles Charlie Woods and Miles Russell!Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 – Luke Clanton Returns to TSS02:15 – Life as a Full-Time PGA Tour Pro05:00 – Discipline, Work Ethic & Loving the Process07:00 – Confidence vs Technique in Putting10:00 – Tour Pressure & Expectations14:00 – Learning From Scottie Scheffler16:30 – The Hardest Part of Tour Life19:45 – Practice Rounds & Money Games24:00 – Speed, Fitness & Longevity30:15 – Goals for 2026 & Mindset37:00 – Short-Sided with Charlie#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #golfpodcast #lukeclanton #youtubegolf
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down Jacob Bridgeman’s statement win at the Genesis Invitational, Rory McIlroy’s late charge, and Adam Scott reminding everyone that elite ball-striking never ages.From soft conditions changing Riviera’s identity to Scottie Scheffler’s bizarre slow-start trend, this episode dives deep into what actually mattered this week — and what it means heading into the Florida Swing.Plus: rising young Americans, blade putter debates 😂, and the bigger PGA Tour schedule conversation that keeps getting louder.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 Opening Banter / Olympics & Sports Viewing06:30 Genesis Invitational Recap Begins07:10 Jacob Bridgeman Wins at Riviera12:45 Closing With a Lead — Pressure Discussion16:05 Rory McIlroy’s Charge & Season Outlook22:40 Adam Scott’s Sunday 6327:48 Scottie Scheffler Slow Starts Trend33:10 Scheffler Course Fit Debate37:55 Kitayama, Potgieter & Blade Putters 😂41:30 Young Americans Emerging Narrative45:00 Riviera Conditions & Course Identity47:10 PGA Tour Schedule Debate50:30 Playoffs, Ratings & Event Timing53:45 DP World Tour / LIV / Rahm Discussion57:00 Travel, Points & Player Leverage#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #scottiescheffler #rorymcilroy #genesisinvitational #riviera
Haotong Li joins The Smylie Show for perhaps the most laughs we’ve had in an episode yet 😂Haotong takes us on quite the journey - from growing up in Shanghai, to learning English from Kevin Hart, to playing in the final group of the 2025 Open Championship with Scottie Scheffler.We also rewind to a wild sequence of events at the Presidents Cup (that has since led to a friendship with Justin Thomas) and playing on Rory McIlroy’s team in the Golf Channel Games.Enjoy our conversation with Haotong … and a Happy Chinese New Year to all who celebrate!!! 🔥🐴🇨🇳Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome + Happy Chinese New Year02:58 – Learning to play golf in China06:39 – Haotong’s Personality & Humor10:00 – WGC Memories + Early Career13:14 – Royal Birkdale 201716:10 - Portrush 202518:34 – Losing confidence with the driver25:33 – Presidents Cup Chaos Story32:36 – Bathrobe at Wentworth34:12 – Scottie Scheffler Breakdown37:14 – Short-Sided with Charlie#golf #HaotongLi #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfpodcast #golfhighlights #china #chinese #chinesenewyear #happychinesenewyear
Collin’s performance, Scottie Scheffler’s ridiculous charge, Pebble’s conditions, and the bigger conversation around the course’s place on the schedule.Plus — Anthony Kim delivers one of the most improbable wins in modern golf history!Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight!CHAPTERS:00:00 Morikawa Wins Pebble Beach02:10 Why We Doubt Morikawa04:30 Elite Ball Striking vs Putting Concerns07:05 The Insane Saturday Round09:20 Scottie Scheffler’s Sunday Charge12:05 Anthony Kim’s Historic LIV Win15:30 The Emotional AK Moment18:05 Anthony Kim’s Game & Legacy21:40 Rahm & Bryson Takeaways24:25 LIV vs PGA Tour Reality29:20 Pebble Beach & Weather Debate35:00 Pebble vs U.S. Open Setup40:05 Scottie’s Putting & Adjustments48:10 Tommy Fleetwood’s Merch Run52:00 Golf Tangents & Wrap-Up#golf #golfhighlights #Anthonykim #AK #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfpodcast #golfhighlights #LIV #golfpodcast #golfrecap
Join us for another episode of The Smylie Show as Smylie Kaufman sits down with Mark Blackburn, recently named Golf Digest’s No. 1 Coach in America, to go deep on what actually separates elite ball-strikers from everyone else.Mark breaks down: • Coaching Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Max Homa, and Daniel Berger • Why Scottie Scheffler is the best ball-striker in the world • Matchups vs “perfect” golf swings • Technology, data, and why simplicity lives on the other side of complexity • Developing juniors, rebuilding injured players, and creating tour-level speedFollow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight!CHAPTERS00:00 – Justin Rose’s wire-to-wire win at Torrey Pines04:20 – Mark Blackburn’s first PGA Tour coaching breakthrough08:30 – From aspiring pro to elite golf coach12:00 – Coaching juniors & identifying real athletic talent16:00 – Technology vs feel in modern golf instruction22:00 – Matchups: why elite golf swings don’t look alike27:00 – What makes Scottie Scheffler the best ball-striker in the world31:30 – Inside Justin Rose’s swing & Ryder Cup performance43:00 – Matt Fitzpatrick: distance, precision & swing evolution49:30 – Max Homa: rebuilding form & swing direction58:30 – Coaching injured players & long-term development01:01:40 - Charlie joins for “Short-Sided” with Mark#golf #golfcoach #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfpodcast #golfhighlights
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap Chris Gotterup and Patrick Reed winning their respective second tournament in three starts to move into the top 20 in the world rankings. They also discuss whether fans at the WM PHX Open crossed a line in interfering with Hideki Matsuyama twice on Sunday. Finally, they address the revived debate - should the PLAYERS be considered the fifth major?Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more golf insight!
Ryan Gerard joins Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme on The Smylie Show for a conversation covering everything from finding Mauritius on a map so he could earn a Masters invite, to his lack of a dining room table 😂The guys dive into Ryan’s UNC days, the legendary “Mr. Clutch” shirt, Steak Wednesdays with Ben Griffin, and the big-money offer he turned down in December 2025.Plus: A robust Scotty Cameron collection, how his caddie "Pepsi" earned the nickname, and why Ryan’s apartment has more putting mats than plates.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Follow us on socials: @thesmylieshow ⛳️CHAPTERS:00:00 – Ryan Gerard joins TSS01:10 – Growing up in North Carolina & choosing UNC02:48 – “Mr. Clutch” shirt origin04:40 – Wild UNC practice drills & confidence stories07:12 – Team chemistry, nicknames & college golf chaos08:55 – Steak Wednesday superstition with Ben Griffin11:35 – NCAA Championship15:27 – Early college struggles & irrational confidence19:00 – Moving to Jupiter & Florida golf life20:16 – Best Jupiter courses & Florida golf talk22:02 – No kitchen table, putting mats everywhere26:32 – High-tech putting green & offseason upgrades29:57 – Putter rotation, Scotty Camerons & gear talk33:20 – Putting & offseason grind35:11 – Ceiling as a player & missed wins37:20 – RSM Classic pressure & chasing Top 5039:06 – Last-minute trip to Mauritius explained42:12 – What golf in Mauritius is really like43:12 – Locking up a Masters invitation44:06 – Caddie “Pepsi” stories & Tour legends47:33 – Special Temporary Membership explained49:38 – Tour access, sponsor exemptions & reality of grinding52:00 – PGA Tour vs alternatives & long-term decisions55:11 – Looking back on career-defining choices56:20 – “Short-Sided” with Charlie Hulme#golf #pgatour #ryangerard #UNC #tarheels #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap all the golf action and news of the past week, from Justin Rose's historic win at the Farmers Insurance Open, to Brooks Koepka's much-anticipated return to the PGA TOUR, to Patrick Reed's departure from LIV Golf.
Cam Young joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on the long journey to his first PGA Tour win, battling expectations, Ryder Cup pressure at Bethpage, and how trusting the process changed his career.Cam opens up about Monday qualifiers, financial uncertainty early in his career, putting struggles, mental growth, and what finally clicked during his breakout run — culminating in a win, a Ryder Cup selection, and one of the most emotional stretches of his career.👇 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your biggest takeaway.CHAPTERS:00:00 Offseason life & family03:05 Wake Forest roots & COVID setback05:00 Monday qualifiers & running out of money10:00 Korn Ferry grind & first breakthrough13:45 Rookie year success without a win17:45 Expectations, pressure & frustration22:00 Shifting to a process-first mindset26:50 Putting struggles & experimentation30:10 Setup changes that fixed putting34:20 Confidence through small wins36:10 Golf ball switch that changed everything40:00 Finally winning on the PGA TOUR44:00 Ryder Cup goal & Keegan conversation49:05 Ryder Cup singles vs Justin Rose50:10 Bethpage ruling chaos & momentum swing52:10 Handling missed putts & match play pressure58:55 Late-week Ryder Cup reflections1:03:25 E9 with Charlie Hulme1:08:30 Off-course life & wrap-up#golf #pgatour #rydercup #camyoung #smylieshow #TGL
Fresh off a full week of broadcasting the American Express on the Golf Channel, Smylie Kaufman joins Charlie Hulme to break down the 20th win of Scottie Scheffler’s PGA TOUR career.Smylie and Charlie are then joined by 18-year-old Blades Brown, fresh off an incredible week that saw him nearly shoot 59, and star alongside the world No. 1 in the final group on Sunday.Smylie and Charlie return to wrap remaining AmEx storylines before closing the show with Smylie’s first-ever earthquake experience (complete with a stunning Smylie reveal), plus a cameo from producer Jaxon Brown explaining the viral phenomenon of exploding trees in extreme cold.Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe! CHAPTERS:00:00 – Intro / Setting the scene in La Quinta02:40 – Scottie Scheffler wins again: what felt inevitable07:45 – Why Scottie’s control under pressure is unmatched12:30 – Comparing Scottie’s dominance to recent great runs17:10 – Why the American Express format continues to work22:10 – Early-season trends & players gaining momentum27:05 – 🎙️ Blades Brown interview begins27:45 – Eight rounds in eight days & managing fatigue31:20 – Nearly shooting 59 and resetting mentally34:20 – Playing in the final group with Scottie Scheffler36:40 – What Blades noticed watching Scottie close37:30 – Charlie joins: confidence, maturity & ceiling39:50 – Wrapping the Blades Brown interview40:00 – Smylie & Charlie react to Blades’ week42:30 – What this performance means going forward45:20 – American Express takeaways48:30 – Field depth & early FedEx Cup implications52:00 – Smylie’s first-ever earthquake experience59:30 – Exploding Trees66:10 – Back to golf: travel chaos & weird road stories70:30 – Final AmEx reflections & season outlook74:30 – Closing thoughts, upcoming weeks & sign-off#golf #pgatour #golfhighlights #bladesbrown #scottiescheffler #smylie #smylieshow
Welcome to another episode of The Smylie Show! This week, Smylie Kaufman sits down with Aldrich Potgieter to unpack one of the fastest rises in professional golf.Aldrich walks through his journey from growing up between South Africa and Australia to winning the British Amateur, playing major championships at 17, surviving Q-School, grinding through the Korn Ferry Tour, and breaking through on the PGA Tour.They dive deep into major championship moments, distance control, equipment decisions, working with Justin Parsons, earning a PGA Tour card under pressure, and managing expectations as one of the youngest players on Tour. Stick around for a fun ending, as Charlie joins with his second-ever E9 segment!
Chris Gotterup opened the 2026 PGA Tour season with a statement win at the Sony Open in Hawaii, and Smylie Kaufman was on-site to call it all week on the Golf Channel.Smylie and Charlie Hulme break down Gotterup’s dominant Sunday performance, his driving “superpowers,” and what parts of his game are taking him into an elite category on Tour.Plus, thoughts on the future of PGA Tour events in Hawaii, Vijay Singh’s ageless performance, Jordan Spieth’s club tinkering, and quotes from Rory McIlroy on Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour and the future of LIV Golf.CHAPTERS:00:00 – Opening & Sony Open vibes in Hawaii 01:00 – Is this the last PGA Tour stop in Hawaii? 02:30 – Why players love starting the season at Sony 03:40 – Chris Gotterup takes control on Sunday 05:10 – Gotterup’s driving power & elite upside 07:00 – Jupiter move, TGL reps & confidence boost 09:00 – Shot shapes, fairways hit & closing mentality 11:00 – Final group chaos: Davis Riley & Harry Hall 13:30 – When the putter finally cools off 16:30 – What Davis Riley still needs to unlock 18:30 – Harry Hall’s week & breakout expectations 21:00 – Ryan Gerard’s runner-up & Masters momentum 23:30 – Vijay Singh’s made cut & career exemption 26:00 – Jordan Spieth stories, tinkering & wrist update 28:30 – Rory McIlroy on LIV, Brooks Koepka & the Tour 33:00 – LIV’s future, finances & 54 vs 72 holes 38:00 – Anthony Kim, promotions & alternative golf windows 41:30 – Previewing the American Express field 46:30 – Why top players love AmEx as a season opener 49:00 – Scottie Scheffler odds & course fit debate 52:00 – Final thoughts & wrap-up#golf #pgatour #smylieshow #sonyopen
Ludvig Åberg joins Smylie Kaufman to dive deep on a number of topics - witnessing Rory McIlroy's shot of the 2025 Masters from a fairway over, the strategy he employs at some of Augusta National's most pivotal holes, and nearly shooting a 59 at Bethpage Black!One of the most talented young players in the game of golf, Ludvig begins by retracing an unusual start to the 2025 season - tons of promise derailed by sickness at Torrey Pines and Pebble Beach, before receiving a redemption shot a month later at the Genesis Invitational.Ludvig also details some of the swing struggles he experienced in 2025, and what he's been working on to get to a more consistent place with the full swing, the short game, and even his putting setup.Finally, Charlie Hulme joins for a brand-new show segment - "The E9" - to rapid-fire through a series of questions with Ludvig, ranging from golf to anything but.Like, comment & subscribe for more golf insight ⛳️ Catch us every Wednesday on the Golf Channel at 9am ET!CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome to The Smylie Show00:56 – Life in Jacksonville & offseason routine02:49 – Early 2025 season & illness at Torrey Pines05:21 – Pebble Beach withdrawal & physical recovery07:18 – Genesis Invitational moves to Torrey Pines08:46 – Sunday at Torrey: realizing a win was possible11:38 – Seven-wood on 18 & closing the tournament12:55 – Confidence after the biggest win of his career14:12 – Augusta National: second-year advantage20:00 – Sunday at Augusta with Rory & Bryson charging22:23 – Aggression vs patience late on Sunday26:17 – Why pressure situations are the goal27:30 – Evaluating the 2025 season as a whole29:42 – Swing changes: clubface control explained33:12 – Pelvis load, sequencing & power36:01 – GEARS data & offseason technical work37:06 – Short game growth & wedge changes41:15 – Putting setup, Quintic data & consistency44:05 – Almost shooting 59 at Bethpage46:15 – Ryder Cup fans, chirps & atmosphere48:19 – "The E9" with Charlie Hulme56:17 – Ludvig's upcoming PGA TOUR schedule#golf #pgatour #golfchannel #ludvigaberg #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfpodcast
The PGA Tour season officially begins at the Sony Open, and Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down everything you need to know about Waialae Country Club — from course architecture and strategy to which players are best positioned to start the year strong.Later in the episode, Smylie sits down with longtime Hawaii golf voice Mark Rolfing for an important conversation on the future of professional golf in Hawaii, the water crisis at Kapalua, and why these tournaments matter so deeply to the islands.From Sony Open contenders and course fit to Ryder Cup crowd behavior and LIV Golf movement, this episode covers far more than just a weekly preview.Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more, and check us out on Wednesdays at 9am ET on the Golf Channel!00:00 – Welcome + Why the Sony Open Feels Like the True Season Opener03:30 – Waialae Country Club: History, Seth Raynor & Classic Design07:30 – How Waialae Plays: Wind, Bermuda, Angles & Decision-Making12:00 – Sony Open Strategy: Where Scores Are Actually Made17:00 – Player Fits, Storylines & Early-Season Momentum22:00 – Ryder Cup Crowds, Fan Behavior & Where the Line Is27:30 – LIV Golf Moves, Career Choices & Tour Fragmentation34:00 – Big Picture: Where the PGA Tour Is Headed38:30 – Setting the Stage for Hawaii Golf’s Bigger Conversation40:00 – Mark Rolfing Joins: Why Hawaii Golf Is at a Crossroads44:30 – Kapalua, Water Issues & Tournament Uncertainty50:30 – Community Impact, Charity & What the Tour Overlooks57:30 – Golf Architecture, History & Why These Courses Matter01:04:30 – Wrapping Up with Mark Rolfing01:06:30 – Back with Smylie & Charlie: New Year Goals & Mindsets01:12:30 – Final Thoughts, Sony Open Week & Episode Wrap01:16:00 – Outro
The Korn Ferry Tour is producing real PGA Tour talent — but the pipeline is tougher than ever with fewer cards available.Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are joined by Golf Channel analyst James Nitties to break down the 2026 PGA Tour rookie class, including: • Why winning on the Korn Ferry Tour doesn’t guarantee a PGA Tour card anymore • Which players have true star potential (including Johnny Keefer) • What went wrong — and what changes — for Adrien Dumont de Chassart • Why Pierceson Coody is a breakout candidate if he settles the mental side • The upside (and challenges) of mega-bomber Christo Lamprecht • Why golf needs more personality — and who might actually bring it⛳️ New Smylie Show episodes weekly, and now on Golf Channel starting Wednesday 01/14! Subscribe for interviews + Tour insights.00:00 – Intro + James Nitties’ 3rd Smylie Show Appearance01:20 – Korn Ferry Reality Check: Why It’s Harder Than Ever02:10 – Surprises from the 2024–2025 Korn Ferry Classes03:40 – “Winning Isn’t Enough” (Cards Are Razor Thin)04:35 – What Needs to Change for Adrien Dumont de Chassart & Pierceson Coody05:15 – Neal Shipley: High-End Golf vs Missed Cuts06:40 – Pierceson Coody: Split Schedules & The Mental Game07:35 – Dumont de Chassart: Wrist Injury, Grip Change, New Miss08:30 – Why Grip Changes Are the Hardest Adjustment10:05 – Knowing Your Miss = Comfort (and Why Two-Way Miss Kills)11:10 – Dumont de Chassart Shoots 33-Under (What It Means)14:30 – Johnny Keefer Deep Dive (“Keith Dog” Breakdown)16:05 – Is Johnny Keefer the Most “Ready” Graduate Yet?18:05 – Ryder Cup / Presidents Cup Talk for Keefer20:40 – Player Comp for Johnny Keefer (JT Traits)23:15 – The New Bomber: Christo Lamprecht26:00 – Height, Mobility, Injury Prevention & TPI Testing29:00 – Nervous Moments + The “Cold Top” Q-School Story31:10 – Power vs Accuracy (and why guys still want MORE distance)33:00 – Veterans Returning + Motivation on Korn Ferry36:00 – Confidence Shifts: Why Some Guys Finally Stick38:30 – Trace Crowe: Injury Timing & Schedule Strategy43:25 – Breakout Pick: Pierceson Coody in 202647:20 – Personality on Tour: Why Golf Needs More Characters53:30 – Cards Cut Down (30 → 20): Player Perspective56:10 – Is Korn Ferry the 2nd Best Tour in the World?#golf #pgatour #kornferry #golfhighlights #smylieshow
The 2026 golf season is here.
On this episode of The Smylie Show, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down the upcoming year in professional golf with full-season predictions.
They dive into:
- Who dominates the PGA Tour in 2026
- Over/unders on Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy & Tommy Fleetwood
- Major Championship previews and winner picks
- What stats actually matter heading into the season
- Which stars could break through — and who might regress
From Augusta to Royal Birkdale, this is the ultimate 2026 golf season preview.
📌 Subscribe for weekly episodes, tour insights, and player-driven analysis.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!
0:00 Welcome Back + Life Updates
5:30 2026 Season Preview: How We’re Doing This
6:15 The “Big Three” in Golf Right Now
9:30 Scottie Scheffler Win Total & Dominance
14:20 Why Scottie Has No Weaknesses
21:30 Rory McIlroy: Schedule, Motivation & Expectations
29:00 Tommy Fleetwood After Breaking Through
33:25 Major Championship Previews Begin
37:50 Masters Preview + Winner Pick
41:30 PGA Championship Preview + Picks
47:05 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Preview
52:20 Dark Horse Major Candidates
55:15 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Preview
1:04:30 Breakout Players & Season-long Predictions
1:19:55 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up
#golf #pgatour #golfhighlights #smylieshow #smyliekaufman



