Flagstick Podcast

In this packed episode, we recap a memorable week at the RBC Canadian Open and look ahead to the year's toughest test in golf: the U.S. Open at historic Shinnecock Hills. First, we dive into the incredible, emotional victory by Bud Cauley at TPC Toronto. After years of grueling recovery from a devastating 2018 car crash, Cauley fired a brilliant final-round 65 to secure his maiden PGA Tour title in his 239th start. We take you through the win and how the story played out. Plus, we highlight the local flavor of the week, discussing the heavy Canadian presence in contention that kept the home crowd roaring all weekend long. Then, we shift our focus to the year's third men's major championship. The U.S. Open is headed back to the wide, wind-swept, and punishing layout of Shinnecock Hills. We preview everything you need to know about the upcoming week, tracking the major player storylines, analyzing the historic course setup, and defining the precise skill sets, from immense driving accuracy to a razor-sharp short game, required to survive the ultimate test in golf. This episode is presented by COBRA 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

Is it even a fair fight anymore? As of January 2026, Scottie Scheffler has officially moved from "great" to "historic." With a dominant win at the 2026 American Express, Scheffler has reached the 20-win milestone in just 151 starts—joining only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the players to hit 20 wins and 4 majors before the age of 30. In this episode, we break down the surgical precision of the man who has turned the PGA Tour into his personal trophy room. We explore his rise from a Texas junior winning 75 tournaments to becoming a Lifetime Member of the PGA Tour. This week, we’re diving into: The 20-Win Club: Analyzing the significance of Scottie’s latest victory and his record-breaking 1,442-day sprint from his first win to his 20th. Tiger vs. Scottie: The math is finally competitive. We compare Scottie’s 2024–2025 stretch to Tiger’s legendary 2000 season. Who had the better peak? Inside the Bag: How Scottie leanns on clubs that he trusts, and how his TaylorMade Spider continues to silence the putting critics. The "Major" Hunt: With 4 Majors in the bag, we look ahead to Shinnecock Hills and Scottie’s quest for the career Grand Slam at the U.S. Open. Whether you're a die-hard gear head curious about his 7-wood transition or a fan witnessing one of the most consistent ball-striking eras in golf history, this is your deep dive into the reign of Scottie Scheffler. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

The 2026 golf season kicks off with a bombshell. In this episode, we break down the shocking news that Brooks Koepka is officially back on the PGA TOUR. We discuss his official statement, his return at the Farmers Insurance Open, and his candid admission about the "nervous energy" and mending broken bridges in the locker room. We also dive into the mechanics of the newly minted "Returning Member Program"—the Tour's high-stakes solution for bringing back elite talent while maintaining "severe and justified consequences." Who is eligible and will they take up the offer. The 2026 Mailbag: We tackle our first listener Q&A of the year! Including: The Augusta Gamble: Would you bet your entire golfing future on one round to break 90 at National? The "Turn Dog" Debate: Is it actually culinary excellence, or just a blood sugar emergency? The Hill to Die On: Our non-negotiable takes on equipment and brands. Golf YouTube: Is it helping your game or causing total "analysis paralysis"? Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

As the golf season winds down, we break it all down from Q-School to the biggest storylines shaping the game heading into 2026. We start with a strong showing from Canadians at Q-School, as A.J. Ewart and Adam Svensson earn PGA TOUR cards, while Ben Silverman narrowly misses out in a dramatic playoff. From there, we recap the Grant Thornton Invitational, where Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak take the title, and Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners continue their impressive chemistry with another top-five finish. Looking back at the major themes of 2025, we cover Scottie Scheffler’s dominant year, Rory McIlroy completing the career Grand Slam, Bryson DeChambeau’s standout major performances and continued influence through YouTube, and milestone victories for Canada’s Nick Taylor. We also discuss what it means to have seven Canadians set for the PGA TOUR in 2026. On the women’s side, we dive into a historic year of parity on the LPGA Tour, highlighted by Jeeno Thitikul’s record-breaking season, Brooke Henderson’s return to the winner’s circle, and breakout performances from Canadian youngsters including Anna Huang. Plus: Tiger Woods’ road ahead as he approaches 50, the ongoing PGA TOUR–LIV saga, and what changes are coming in 2026. On the Back Nine, we look ahead to expectations for 2026 in men’s and women’s golf, the future of tour golf in Canada, favourite 19th holes around the world, and our top holiday gift ideas for golfers—from high-tech training tools to classic stocking stuffers. A packed episode full of insight, opinion, and plenty of Canadian golf storylines as we head into the festive season. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

In this episode, we dive into the endlessly debated world of golf course design—breaking down the features golfers love, hate, and love to argue about. From there, we split the show into a “Front 9” and “Back 9,” exploring some of golf architecture’s most fascinating topics. On the Front 9, we tackle classic vs. modern design philosophies, bunkering styles, and the ongoing debate between restoring historic courses and renovating them for today’s game. Using courses we've played, we share personal examples that highlight why certain design choices resonate with us. On the Back 9, we shift to strategic attributes and player experience—from the best template holes to the fairness of wild green complexes, the purpose of water hazards, and what makes a routing truly memorable. We dig into walkability, playability vs. difficulty, the value of the ground game, and what defines a great finishing stretch. To wrap up, we share some of our all-time favorite courses we’ve played—like Panmure, North Berwick, Tobacco Road, and Pinehurst—and dream out loud about the bucket-list courses we hope to experience one day, including Cypress Point, St. Andrews, and Royal Melbourne. Whether you’re a designer at heart or just a golfer who loves the craft behind the game, this episode is packed with thoughtful debates, personal stories, and a celebration of what makes great golf courses unforgettable. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748