What went down: Bermuda, we hardly knew ya. JK JK, but The Pro has won and that’s what we’re getting to first.
Sure, it’s the quiet part of the golf calendar but there’s nothing quiet about a Max Homa dub. Soly, TC and D.J. bring Max on for a small post-victory cameo to discuss The Pro’s big win at the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa before exploring all the other big-name topics – and of course, safaris and international travel. Max shot a 6-under 66 to come out with a 19-under total for the tournament, and gets into why he decided to play some golf abroad in the “off-season.”
(12:30) What’s going on this fall season? The guys talk about the actual implications of the fall season.
(21:45) Covering Gary Player’s choice words on the Augusta National Women’s Amateur…and what the possible origins of his ire might be.
(24:00) Camilo Villegas wins the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, earning his first PGA Tour victory since 2014 – right in between his commentating gigs and second stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School.
D.J. classifies Villegas as the Rickie before Rickie, between the fun fashion, BDE wins, and relentless drive — specifically, how he spent nearly a decade trying to climb back. Villegas also endured personal tragedy in 2020 when his daughter, Mia, passed away at 22 months after fighting brain and spine tumors.
Bermuda might be among the grainier stops on the schedule! The guys’ two cents on the setup, and some more discourse on what exactly they’re fighting for. Elevated events, the top 125, what does any of it mean anymore? (Is any of this curing anyone’s golf fatigue?)
Why was Adam Scott playing in this event? And uh, Adam Long has hit 69 fairways in a row, which might be the stat of the year.
(44:00) What’s the latest on the future of the financial future of the PGA Tour? The latest investment news, and speculating where the PIF might involve itself. Does it make sense to invest in the thing that isn’t uh, entirely moving the sports needle?
If it doesn’t bring all of the gang back together re: LIV “defectors,” what is all of this worth?
(52:30) Circling back on the TGL pod, and any new developments + takes. Apparently, they’re playing on actual grass.
(57:20) Recapping the ANNIKA, where Lilia Vu won for the fourth time this year. She won by three shots over Alison Lee and Azahara Munoz in the lead-up to the season-ending CME Tour Championship.
(1:00:45) TC and D.J. embarked on Pinehurst No. 10 designed by Tom Doak. They recap their experience playing it, Tom Doak courses and Pinehurst overall.
(1:08:30) Ben Campbell wins the Hong Kong Open over Cam Smith? Did anyone watch this?
(1:08:45) On what was previously the Honda Classic, the Tour gaining full control over the event and what its future looks like – suggestions of who the title sponsors might be?
(1:14:20) Tiger spotted caddying for Charlie again, Rory spills on the LaCava sitch.
In the spirit of a big buy out day (hey, Jimbo!), the crew closes out with who in the golf world they would each individually buy out.
Best take: (44:00) I’m curious about why all these suitors–I mean, investors, are lining up to try to save – I mean, invest – in the PGA Tour. I guess there’s enough intrigue somewhere to feel like they can be these “long-term” partners, but I don’t know. If that’s enough to bring change somewhere that doesn’t involve mini Chainsmokers festivals and flash mobs waiting for a Phil Mickelson tee time, be my guest.
Worst take: (35:00) Soly, D.J. is right. We shouldn’t need the explainer graphics, but I still totally do. I think I’m gonna listen back to this segment to remind myself exactly what this means for all the “bubble” guys and locking up their fates. But you’re also right. Play better.
Quotables:
(5:15) “We saw two cheetahs just devouring this wildebeest, and I thought it was going to be a rather concerning thing to see prior to the trip, and then you see it and it just feels right, in a way? I mean, they gotta live too.” -Max Homa
(34:50) “I shouldn’t need this many explainer graphics to consume our sport.” -D.J.
(54:15) “The more Golden Tee the design gets, the better.” -Soly
(57:50) “The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, presented by the January 7th committee.” -Soly
Referenced works:
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