In this episode of the Living It Up podcast, Brian, George, and Billy Hurley III discuss the recent success of Ben Griffin on the PGA Tour, the implications of LIV Golf's shift to 72 holes and their new qualifying events, and the evolving landscape of golf sponsorships. They explore the competition for young talent, the future of the Champions Tour, and the relevance of fall golf events. The conversation also touches on the impact of new media sponsorships like Good Good and the ongoing controversies surrounding Phil Mickelson.
In this episode of the Living It Up podcast, hosts Brian and George, along with PGA Tour winner Billy Hurley III, discuss the recent Ryder Cup, focusing on the spectator experience, team selection, captain's decisions, and the overall performance of the US team. They analyze the impact of course setup, the behavior of fans, and the future of the Ryder Cup, emphasizing the need for better strategies and team dynamics moving forward.TakeawaysThe spectator experience at the Ryder Cup was disappointing due to low energy and poor viewing conditions.Team selection and captain's decisions played a crucial role in the US team's performance.Pairings were criticized for not maximizing player strengths and chemistry.Course setup was deemed too easy, undermining the competitive edge of the US team.Fan behavior was a topic of concern, with unruly actions overshadowing the event.The future of the Ryder Cup may require a reevaluation of team dynamics and captaincy roles.There is a need for more structured team play and practice sessions leading up to the event.The commercial aspects of the Ryder Cup impact the overall experience for players and fans alike.The US team needs to learn from the European team's approach to camaraderie and preparation.The PGA of America must prioritize the Ryder Cup to ensure its continued success. Chapters00:00 Ryder Cup Overview and Spectator Experience04:04 Analyzing Keegan Bradley's Captaincy Decisions05:42 Evaluating Team Pairings and Performance11:21 Course Setup and Strategy Discussion29:35 Impact of the President's Cup on Ryder Cup Dynamics39:02 Data-Driven Decisions in Golf41:10 Analyzing Team Dynamics and Player Performance42:55 The Role of Captains in the Ryder Cup45:32 Pairing Strategies and Player Fatigue48:00 Injury Management and Team Selection50:37 The Impact of Fan Behavior on Players55:41 Future of Ryder Cup Leadership59:42 The Influence of Money in Golf01:04:39 Fan Conduct and Its Consequences01:10:59 Broadcasting Challenges and Viewer Experience
In this episode of the Living It Up podcast, the hosts discuss Tommy Fleetwood's recent victory at the Tour Championship, the implications for the Ryder Cup selections, and the evolving landscape of the PGA Tour as new CEO Brian Rolapp takes the helpm. They analyze the FedEx Cup playoffs, Brian Rolapp's vision for the future of the tour, and the dynamics of the US Ryder Cup selections. The conversation culminates in a debate over Captain Keegan Bradley's potential picks for the Ryder Cup, highlighting the challenges of being a player-captain. We outline what we'd each do if we were captain, and what will think will ultimately play out. Chapters00:00 Tommy Fleetwood's Triumph04:42 Ryder Cup Roster Decisions11:09 Brian Rolap's Press Conference Insights17:07 Future Competition Committee and Changes Ahead23:42 Captain Keegan Bradley's Team Selection28:30 Final Thoughts on Ryder Cup Picks35:31 Ryder Cup Team Selections37:52 Controversial Picks and Team Dynamics40:09 Future Stars and Risky Choices42:26 Captaincy Dilemmas and Player Selection43:54 Advice and Rule Changes for Captains45:12 The Weight of Decisions in Golf47:44 European Team Considerations51:52 Live Golf's Progress and Future55:09 Reflections on Live Golf's Milestones
In this episode of the Living It Up podcast, the hosts discuss Scottie Scheffler's recent dramatic win and his potential as the next Tiger Woods. They delve into the mental aspects of the game, the importance of caddies, and the dynamics of the FedEx Cup and Ryder Cup selections. The conversation also explores the need for a reimagined playoff structure in golf and the interchangeable nature of players in the current competitive landscape. Finally, they discuss Keegan Bradley's unique position as both a potential captains pick and captain for the Ryder Cup, weighing the implications of his decisions. In this conversation, the hosts delve into team dynamics, the pressure of winning, and the roles of captains in events like the Ryder Cup. They discuss the stability of the European team, the implications of Ben Griffin's creatine mishap, and the selection process for the Walker Cup. The conversation also touches on the evolution of amateur golf, concerns regarding the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup, and the recent changes to the PGA Tour schedule. Predictions for the upcoming Tour Championship are made.Chapters00:00 Scottie Scheffler's Dramatic Win02:52 The Mental Game of Golf05:50 Caddies and Their Impact08:49 The Top 30 and FedEx Cup Dynamics11:45 Ryder Cup Selections and Team Dynamics28:57 The Dynamics of Team Selection29:53 Captaincy vs. Playing: A Balancing Act31:48 The Case for Keegan Bradley33:37 Interchangeable Players: The Depth of Talent35:45 The Importance of Pairings in the Ryder Cup37:38 Controversial Ryder Cup "Snubs": Morikawa and Novak39:23 The European Team: A More Settled Roster49:39 Creatine Mishaps and the US Amateur Championship52:29 The Walker Cup Selection Process58:10 Stuart Hagestad's Walker Cup Journey59:57 The FedEx Cup: A Confusing Legacy01:01:48 The LIV Golf vs. PGA Tour Dynamics01:10:23 The Future of the PGA Tour Schedule01:17:32 Predictions for the Tour ChampionshipKeywordsScottie Scheffler, golf, Ryder Cup, FedEx Cup, caddies, PGA Tour, mental game, playoff structure, golf dynamics, player selections, golf, Ryder Cup, PGA Tour, team dynamics, captains, Walker Cup, FedEx Cup, amateur golf, creatine, Tour Championship
In this episode we talk about Cameron Young's first win on the PGA Tour after a number of years of close calls. We chat about what this win might mean for his future, including his Ryder Cup likelihood. We also discuss the Women's Open Championship, say farewell to Ian Baker Finch on the broadcast and more.
In this episode we discuss the recent 3M Open, highlighting Kurt Kitayama's surprising victory after barely making the cut. and the dynamics of low scoring in golf tournaments. We explore the impact of different golf courses on player performance, the significance of winning for player exemptions, and the rise of young female golfers like Lottie Woad. The conversation also touches on Padraig Harrington's legacy in senior golf, Jaco Niemann's success in LIV Golf, and Bubba Watson's ongoing putting struggles. Additionally, we review the nostalgic Happy Gilmore 2 and delve into the importance of footwear in golf performance, concluding with a discussion on the financial stakes of the Wyndham Championship and its implications for the Ryder Cup.Chapters00:00 Kurt Kitiyama's Unexpected Victory05:49 The Importance of Player Exemptions11:54 The Dynamics of Live Golf and Player Rankings17:19 Padraig Harrington's Legacy and Senior Golf23:30 Comparing Young Talents: Jaco Nieman vs. Ludwig Oberg37:32 The Enigma of Golfing Greats45:11 The Over-the-Top Narrative of Happy Gilmore 255:46 The Financial Dynamics of Professional Golf
In this episode we discuss Scottie Scheffler's impressive performance at the Open Championship and wonder what his ceiling truly is - 19 majors! You won't believe the bet George makes. We compare Scottie's playing style and mindset to that of Tiger, exploring the potential future of Scheffler's career and his chances of achieving a career Grand Slam. The conversation also touches on the other competitors at the Open, as well as the implications for the upcoming Ryder Cup. The conversation delves into the complexities of player selections for the Ryder Cup, highlighting the contrasting strengths of the European team compared to the U.S. team. Chapters00:00 Scottie Scheffler's Dominance at the Open Championship02:47 The Discipline of a Champion05:43 Comparing Scottie to Tiger Woods08:44 The Future of Scottie Scheffler's Career11:31 Betting on Scottie's Major Wins14:30 The Impact of Competition on Scottie's Success28:51 The Drive of Professional Golfers31:18 Faith and Talent in Golf32:39 Moral Victories at Royal Port Rush40:14 Ryder Cup Considerations50:38 European Team Strengths vs. US Team Questions57:29 Ryder Cup Team Dynamics01:00:19 Open Championship Cut Analysis01:03:49 LIV Golf's Performance at the Open01:05:40 Future Stars in Golf01:08:16 Twitter Feuds and Golf Opinions01:11:57 Closing Thoughts and Future Bets
In this episode we look back at a busy weekend of coffee golf and look ahead to the Open Championship at Royal Portrush
In this episode we unpack the Rocket and last week's Travelers, and debate the merits of playing captaincy for Keegan Bradley. We also #GreatGolfDebate a scratch vs an LPGA Tour player, and discuss Billy's eventful Pro-Am at the John Deere.
In this episode we unpack a dramatic and damp finish to the US Open, where JJ Spaun kept his wits and is now a major champion. We unpack the winners and losers, whether the conditions were playable, and who played themselves out of contention by giving into the elements and the brutality that is Oakmont. We also discuss the likely appointment of Brian Rolapp as PGA Tour CEO, and what this might mean for the future of the PGA Tour and golf media in general.
In this episode we talk about Scottie’s win at Memorial and his historic run of dominance, and also look at the winners and losers from Golf’s Longest Day, US Open Final Qualifying.
In this episode we unpack Scottie Scheffler's triumph at Quail Hollow to capture his 3rd major championship. We also dig into CT testing, Bryson's poor approach play, whether Jon Rahm has joined the top tier of major contenders, and much more.
In this episode we look back on Sepp Straka's 4th PGA Tour victory at the Truist, and examine the setup and playability of a relatively short Philly Cricket Club. We also look ahead to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, where it feels like the big 3 (Rory, Scottie, Bryson) versus the field.
In this episode we talk about the Zurich Classic in NoLa and the winners-ish on the PGA Tour and much more.
In this episode we unpack the roller coaster that was the 2025 Masters, where Rory gets the monkey off his back and completes the career Grand Slam. We discuss the contenders, winners & losers, what might a freed up Rory do going forward, and a lot more.
In this episode we look ahead to the 2025 Masters, running through the entire field to weed out the pretenders and contenders.
In this episode we discuss Min Woo Lee cooking his way to a one-shot victory in Houston, while Eugenio Chacarra earns his DP World Tour card with a win at the Hero Indian Open. We also look ahead to LIV Miami, and what to make of the creator Duel event.
In this episode we talk about Viktor and his B (C?) game taking down JT at the Valspar, while Atlanta Drive takes the inaugural Sofi Cup at TGL, and more - including honoring the impact that the late Dave Pelz had on the game.
In this episode we unpack a playoff victory for Rory at the Players Championship and what it means for his legacy. We also ponder whether Jaco is a top 5 player, and what he needs to prove at the Majors this year. And we look ahead to the Valspar, which will likely unfortunately be overshadowed by the NCAA basketball tournament.
In this episode we discuss Russell Henley's win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and what a non-bomber winning signifies at this Signature Event. We also discuss recently announced Sun Day Red ambassador Karl Vilips winning in Puerto Rico, wonder whether Sergio Garcia's win at LIV Hong Kong puts him on the European Ryder Cup radar, and look ahead to the Player's Championship and Jay Monahan's annual state of the PGA Tour address by unpacking his recent sit down with Eammon Lynch.