Flagstick Podcast

This episode of the podcast opens with an engaging “Front Nine” discussion tackling several timely topics in the game. Jeff and Scott explore why a player like Justin Rose can still compete—and even excel—at age 45, highlighting how golf is one of the rare sports where experience, patience, and mental composure can outweigh raw athleticism. They also reflect on the end of an era for the Henderson sisters, examining what it takes to sustain a successful player–caddie relationship over the course of a decade. The segment concludes with thoughtful commentary on how golf clubs are adapting to survive, increasingly positioning themselves as year-round community hubs by adding amenities like fitness facilities and even chess leagues—though some may be losing sight of their most important asset: the golf course itself. On the “Back Nine,” the conversation shifts to an in-depth look at Tiger Woods’ golf bag. It’s a fascinating study of one of the most meticulous players the game has ever seen. Despite cycling through major equipment sponsors—from Titleist to Nike to TaylorMade—over the past 30 years, Tiger’s club specifications have remained remarkably consistent. The hosts trace his equipment evolution from the Mizuno and Titleist days of the “Tiger Slam” through to his current TaylorMade setup in 2026. The key takeaway is Tiger’s unwavering loyalty to what works. He’s still carrying a 5-wood from 2018 because he trusts its ball flight, and he continues to use the same classic Ping putter grip he’s relied on since childhood. It’s a powerful reminder that at the highest level, feel and consistency usually win out. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

In Episode 156, Jeff and Scott break down everything happening as the golf industry gathers in Orlando for the PGA Show, with a strong focus on the biggest equipment launches and trends heading into the 2026 season. The show opens with industry and community updates, including registration details for the 2026 Flagstick Open Amateur Championship, highlights from the Sony Open in Hawaii—where Chris Gotterup earned his first PGA TOUR win—and strong Canadian performances from Taylor Pendrith and Nick Taylor. We also discuss Brooke Henderson being named among the first five players in the newly announced WTGL league. The conversation then shifts to the PGA Show itself, explaining what the event is and why it matters. Often described as golf’s version of Fashion Week mixed with a tech convention, the PGA Show brings together thousands of professionals, brands, and executives for product launches, education, networking, and hands-on testing. From Demo Day at Orange County National to the massive exhibition floor, the hosts outline how equipment, apparel, technology, and golf culture all converge in one place. They also highlight major modern trends, including the rise of golf lifestyle branding, explosive growth in simulator and AI technology, and a continued push toward inclusivity and growing the game. In the Back Nine, the focus turns fully to new gear for 2026. Drivers remain the headline category, with manufacturers emphasizing tighter dispersion, predictability, and improved performance on off-center hits rather than raw speed alone. The hosts also cover major equipment trends across the bag, with perspectives on the latest irons, wedges, putters, golf balls, footwear, and emerging technologies. Overall, Episode 156 paints a comprehensive picture of where golf equipment and technology are headed in 2026. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

The golf world is heading into one of its most fascinating seasons in years, and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, we look ahead to 2026’s biggest trends and storylines, starting with our own backyard — including the Flagstick Open, the Flagstick.com Shootout, the possibility of a third signature event, and even the potential return of the print edition of Flagstick as we approach our 30th anniversary season. On the professional side, history is firmly in the spotlight. We discuss the career Grand Slam chase as Scottie Scheffler eyes the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, and Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta as a defending Masters champion with renewed momentum. We also dive into Tiger Woods at 50, what his eligibility for the PGA Tour Champions really means, and how much competitive golf we might realistically see from him. Another major talking point: Brooks Koepka’s stunning exit from LIV Golf, the waiting period he faces before a potential PGA Tour return, and what expiring LIV contracts — including Bryson DeChambeau’s — could mean for the league’s future star power. We then explore the new leadership era in professional golf, with fresh faces guiding the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and LIV Golf, along with a look at the iconic venues hosting the men’s majors in 2026 and the landmark U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club. Finally, we dig into the trends shaping the game: The evolution of golf equipment and whether data-driven fitting is replacing distance-based marketing The continued rise of Canadian golf travel and experience-driven trips Changing business models at golf facilities, including hybrid memberships, simulator access, and new revenue streams The growing role of AI and automation, from customer service to “invisible maintenance” using robotics And what increasing rounds played in Canada could mean heading into 2026 If you want a complete snapshot of where golf is headed — on the course, in the business, and across the industry — this episode sets the stage for the season ahead. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

Before the main event, Jeff and Scott catch up on a busy couple of weeks in golf, covering the Australian Open, the Hero World Challenge, Q-Schools, and the upcoming Grant Thornton Invitational. Then, we take a look at the enduring debate: The Golf Dress Code. We trace the journey of golf clothing from the heavy tweed and corseted outfits of the 19th century—a uniform of the elite—to the performance polo shirt popularized by Arnold Palmer. We analyze the Public vs. Private course divide, discuss the high-profile acceptance of hoodies on the PGA Tour, and revisit the controversial 2017 LPGA dress code tightening. Finally, we forecast the future: high-tech fabrics, gender-neutral designs, and the demand for sustainable golf wear. Is it time to abolish all dress codes in the name of growing the game? Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

On this episode, we discussed the recently completed Internet Invitational - one of the largest golf productions to ever appear on YouTube. We discuss the challenges, entertainment value, and level of play, and examine the risks and opportunities involved for the 48 creators who took part. They chased the exposure and the cash prizes, but is there a downside for their brands and much more? Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

On this episode, we begin by examining LIV Golf's format shift as they approach 2026 and discussing the potential implications of this decision. We then delve into the value of granting professional golf tournament exemptions to certain influencers, analyzing both the benefits and the potential downsides of this practice. Jeff will share whether he managed to get in one more round of golf and if it required lights to finish, while Scott reveals which Hockey Hall of Famer he randomly chatted with at a recent NHL game. Finally, following up on last week's 'Spin The Wheel' segment, we'll address several leftover topics. We'll answer listener questions ranging from how to handle pressure on the golf course to the biggest course management mistakes made by average golfers Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

The boys are provinces apart this week, but both are still focused on golf. Scott shares some notes from his time in Prince Edward Island, drop-ins at a few local favourites, and a game at Glasgow Hills, while Jeff takes us through his recent visit to Stonebridge GC, gives us his assessment of the modified design, and contrasts it with the original design. We explore news from a man who has played all 66 "Royal" golf courses around the world, and Award updates from the PGA of Ottawa Zone. On the Front Nine, we take on the topic of how you should tackle the off-season if you plan to be a better golfer in 2026, with some ideas for your golf improvement plan. That starts with making one. On the Back Nine, we discuss non-traditional golf course designs, rooted in the recent visit by the DP World Tour to the Delhi Golf Club in India. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748