Flagstick Podcast

With the 2026 outdoor golf season winding down across much of Canada, we take some time to reflect on the year and wrap things up in a couple of ways. First, on the educational side, we walk you through a proper end-of-season equipment checklist to help protect your gear and ensure it’s ready for next year’s outdoor season. We’ll also cover how to prepare your equipment for the indoor season ahead, especially if simulator golf is in your plans. We also take the opportunity to evaluate our own golf seasons, reflecting on how the year went on the course and whether it lived up to our expectations. From highlights and lowlights to the things we plan to do differently next year, we ask ourselves the questions that can help us learn, improve, and make the most of the season ahead. Whether you’re putting your clubs away for the winter or gearing up for indoor golf, this episode offers some practical advice and food for thought as you reflect on your own golf season. This episode is presented by Canadian Pro Shop Online, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

This week we are putting various things in the golf world under the microscope to decide one ultimate verdict: do they hit the sweet spot, are they a total shank, or do they land somewhere in between? On the Front Nine: Sweet Spot or Shank? (Part 1): We kick off our rapid-fire rating segment covering everything from brutal fall golf conditions and high-loft wedge bunker tactics to putter price tags, public course speed-greens, monster 7,000+ yard layouts, range warm-ups, playing without a driver (à la Rory McIlroy), half-set casual rounds, and corporate product collaborations. On the Back Nine: Sweet Spot or Shank? (Part 2): The debate continues! We dive into more polarizing golf topics, including the classic two-iron, equipment "win" press releases, oversized letter golf hats, “high-end” alignment sticks, casual-round "honours" etiquette, resort caddies, the dreaded turn-stop taking longer than 5 minutes, 9-woods, and social media influencer golf tips. This episode is presented by Srixon Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

Prompted by coversations and social media posts, on this show we discuss the premise that playing golf (and golf equipment) has become too expensive (relative to certain scenarios.) We examine that subject with relevance to time, economic pressures, and changes in the supply and demand in the industry. It's not a complete discussion, afterall it is a big topic with many subjective opinions, but we do out best to flush out some angles and factors for consideration. We also discuss late season family golf, a special golf course in London, Ontario, and the continuation of The Skins Game - who will be playing in it, will we be watching, and most importantly, what we are hearing from our community about their interest in it. This episode is presented by Srixon Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

Fall may mean playing a bit less golf, but there’s still plenty to talk about! On this episode, we break down recent PGA TOUR venues, and how they’re keeping our attention, alongside Jeeno Thitikul’s impressive winning run on the LPGA Tour. We also address reports of rising cheating in junior golf and discuss what might be driving it, before diving into the Presidents Cup "What’s In The Bag" setups to uncover gear trends every amateur can learn from. Finally, on the Back Nine, we draw on our decades of retail experience to explore how golf shop environments are changing and what to expect in the modern retail landscape. This episode is presented by Srixon Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

In this episode of the Flagstick Podcast, hosts Jeff and Scott reflect on the success of their 30th year of publishing, discuss the distribution of their latest print issue, and look ahead to what is in store for 2027. They also cover local tournament action, major international golf news, and seasonal strategies to help you get the most out of late-season play. On the Front Nine, the focus shifts to the 16th annual PING Challenge Cup at Smugglers Glen. The Head Professionals reclaimed the trophy after a narrow loss last year, edging out the Assistant Professionals in a tight 13–11 victory. Jeff and Scott recap all the key highlights and moments from the tournament. Next, the hosts dive into the recent Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, where Team USA secured a 17–13 victory over the International Team. Although the International squad held their ground and dominated during the team partner formats, the sheer depth of the American roster proved decisive in Sunday’s singles matches. The discussion explores the overall entertainment value of the event, the tournament format, and what the future holds for the competition. On the Back Nine, the conversation turns to practical advice for autumn golf as temperatures drop and conditions become unpredictable. The hosts share essential adjustments to your gear, strategy, and game formats so you can maximize your performance and enjoyment during the final outdoor rounds of the season. This episode is presented by Srixon Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748