Welcome to a special edition of the show as we gear up for the 90th edition of The Masters. In this episode, we dive deep into the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, exploring why this tournament holds a "mystical" status unlike any other major in golf. From the pimento cheese sandwiches to the strictly enforced "patron" etiquette, we break down the unique culture that defines the first full week of April.

The Front 9: Why Augusta is Different
We kick things off with a look at the structural and cultural pillars that separate The Masters from the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship.

The Permanent Home: Why the familiarity of "Amen Corner" makes viewers feel like they’re in their own backyards.

The Time Capsule: Discussing the deliberate "affordability" of the concessions and the refreshing lack of corporate signage.

The "Masters Roar": The impact of the strict no-phone policy and how it creates a pure, undistracted atmosphere.

The Back 9: Nuggets from the 2026 Media Guide
After the break, we dig into the massive 492-page 2026 Masters Media Guide to bring you the stats and storylines you need to watch as the tournament unfolds.

The Defending Champ: Rory McIlroy returns as the defending champion, looking to join the elite ranks of back-to-back winners after completing his career Grand Slam here last year.

The Dominant Force: Scottie Scheffler arrives seeking his third Green Jacket, carrying a staggering record of top-20 finishes in every Augusta appearance.

Fresh Blood & Dark Horses: From Cameron Young trying to sweep THE PLAYERS and The Masters, to Jacob Bridgeman making his debut as the current FedExCup points leader.

Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License certificate #: 2227748

The azaleas are blooming, the pimento cheese is being prepped, and the most prestigious week in golf is finally upon us. In this episode of the podcast, Jeff and Scott tackle the 2026 Masters, getting the hype train started a week early. We’re covering everything from the historic "charges" of the past to the high-stakes storylines of the present.

On This Week's Show:
The Legends of Augusta: We look back at two of the most polar-opposite Sundays in Masters history—Jack Nicklaus’s miraculous 1986 charge and Greg Norman’s heartbreaking 1996 collapse.

A New Era of Amateurs: We highlight the Canadians and rising stars competing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip & Putt, including ones to watch like Vanessa Borovilos and Aphrodite Deng.

The 2026 Contenders: Can Rory McIlroy go back-to-back and defend his hard-earned Green Jacket? Will Scottie Scheffler’s "dad strength" lead him to a third title?

The LIV Factor: Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are arriving in peak form—can they reclaim the top spot for the LIV contingent?

The Canadian Contingent: We break down the chances for Corey Conners, Nick Taylor, and the legendary Mike Weir.

Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License certificate #: 2227748

Dust off the headcovers and tighten your chin straps—this week, we’re traveling from the bargain bin to the "Bear Trap."

Following a nostalgic visit to an old-school golf shop, Jeff and Scott take a trip down memory lane to discuss the "Golden Era" of golf equipment. From the legendary PING Eye2s and Ben Hogan Persimmons to the "duds" and defunct brands like Nickent and Founders Club, we discuss the golf clubs that have left a lasting impression on us.

Then, we shift from the gear to the grounds. Inspired by the grueling conditions at the Valspar Invitational, we break down the most difficult courses on the PGA TOUR. Why do the world’s best struggle at Bay Hill? What makes TPC Sawgrass so memorable? We explore the "Green Miles," "Snake Pits," and "Bear Traps" that turn pro golfers into mere mortals.

Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License certificate #: 2227748

Is it a major? Does it even matter? This week, we dive deep into the crown jewel of the PGA Tour: The Players Championship. Hosted at the unforgiving TPC Sawgrass, this tournament is more than just a massive paycheck—it’s a career-defining gauntlet that the world’s best players crave and fear in equal measure.

In this episode, we trace the tournament's evolution from its 1974 debut to its status as the most prestigious non-major in golf. We explore the architectural genius (and occasional "cruelty") of Pete Dye’s Stadium Course and break down why the 17th hole Island Green remains the most nerve-wracking 137 yards in the sport.

What we cover in this episode:

The History & Vision: How former Commissioner Deane Beman turned 415 acres of Florida swampland (purchased for just $1!) into a "Stadium" for the fans.

The "Fifth Major" Debate: Why the strength of the field often surpasses the traditional majors and where the tournament sits in golf's hierarchy in 2026.

The Gauntlet of TPC Sawgrass: A look at the "balanced" design that refuses to favor any single style of play—from the bombers to the precision specialists.

Iconic Moments: From Tiger Woods’ "Better than Most" putt to Rickie Fowler’s historic 2015 finish and Rory McIlroy’s gritty 2025 playoff victory.

Whether you're a scratch golfer or just in it for the Sunday afternoon drama, join us as we break down why "The Players" is the purest test in professional golf.

Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License certificate #: 2227748

Outdoor golf season is almost here, and this episode is packed with the kinds of questions only golfers ask when they can finally see grass again. The hosts kick things off by catching up on the local scene, including a sold-out 2026 Flagstick Open, before diving headfirst into a wide-ranging Front Nine fueled by listener curiosity and plenty of strong opinions.

The conversation spans everything from modern tech and equipment trends—zero-torque putters, mini drivers, spiked vs. spikeless shoes, and the rise of simulators—to timeless debates about pace of play, gimmes, and the cheapest ways to shave strokes without buying new clubs. The panel also zooms out to the pro game, debating what “winning” even means at this stage of Tiger Woods’s career, naming dark horses for the Masters Tournament, and discussing whether the pressure is higher or lower now that Rory McIlroy has completed the Grand Slam. With Scottie Scheffler’s current form also under the microscope, the Masters hype is fully engaged.

After the turn, the Back Nine keeps things rolling with bigger-picture questions about the future of the game. The hosts tackle LIV vs. PGA TOUR optics, Signature Events, old-school equipment nostalgia, acceptable round length in 2026, and whether launch monitors on the range are helpful or flat-out cheating. There’s also candid discussion about the growth ceiling of golf on YouTube, and whether golf courses lose their soul when walking isn’t allowed.

The episode wraps with a personal reflection on what it means to spend a lifetime in the game without falling out of love with it. Equal parts insight, debate, and self-deprecating humor, it’s a classic golf-nerd roundtable that feels right on time as the season gets ready to tee off.

Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License certificate #: 2227748

As Flagstick approaches its official 30th Anniversary this May, we look back to where it all began—30 years ago at the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo, when Jeff first revealed plans for a regional golf publication that didn’t yet exist. In this special episode, Scott interviews Jeff about the leap from working in media to launching his own magazine, the risks of exhibiting without a product, and why Flagstick chose a regional focus that would eventually make it one of Canada’s longest-standing golf media companies.

Jeff reflects on the early challenges of print publishing, learning new skills out of necessity, building relationships across the region, and navigating the shift from seasonal print to digital media.

On the Back Nine, the conversation explores Flagstick’s expansion into tournaments, partnerships with PGA of Ottawa, Ottawa Valley Golf Association, and Golf Ontario, and its evolution into digital publishing, consulting, photography, newsletters, and podcasting.

From surviving the pandemic to earning industry recognition and Hall of Fame honours, this episode reflects on how golf—and Flagstick—have changed from 1996 to 2026, and why the passion for the game remains as strong as ever.

Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License certificate #: 2227748

This week, we take a different path.

Instead of breaking down tour storylines and leaderboard drama, we shift the focus to something that matters far beyond a single season — junior athlete development.

As parents and coaches involved in both golf and hockey, we’ve seen firsthand how the principles that shape young athletes on the links and in the rinks are remarkably similar. Drawing from our own experiences — certifications, coaching backgrounds, and years in competitive environments — we explore what actually helps kids build a healthy, lasting relationship with sport.

Inspired by comments from Tiger Woods about growing up with his dad — “It was always competitive, and it was always fun” — we unpack two critical elements of development: competition and enjoyment. Can they coexist? Should they? And how do we get the balance right?

We dig into:

Why physical literacy and multi-sport participation build better long-term athletes

The Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework and why biological age matters more than birth year

The risks of early specialization

The powerful dynamic between athlete, coach, and parent.

This conversation isn’t about raising the next tour player or NHL star. It’s about raising resilient, confident young people who love to compete — and who love the game.

Because when it’s competitive and fun, kids don’t just perform better.

They stay.

Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License certificate #: 2227748

Balancing a look at current circumstances with a nod to the past, in this episode we examine how our own values, desires, and biases shape our perception of professional golfers—and the “characters” they inhabit within the sport’s unfolding drama.

While we naturally gravitate toward milestones like Rory McIlroy’s quest for the Career Grand Slam or Scottie Scheffler’s era of dominance, the ongoing rift between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has fundamentally redefined player reputations.

From “villains” like the defiant Patrick Reed and the polarizing Bryson DeChambeau to “heroes” like the relatable Jordan Spieth, these archetypes serve as mirrors for our own frustrations.

Ultimately, we explore whether the modern era is defined by the leaderboard or by the clash of personalities—asking if a player is a “fallen hero” like Phil Mickelson or a “reluctant king” like Scheffler.

Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License certificate #: 2227748