What really goes on inside the ropes at Augusta during Masters week?

Sully, George, and Wardo bring in Drew Hinesley to break down the madness, pressure, and strategy behind the most iconic tournament in golf. From walking Amen Corner with legends to hearing the wild conversations players actually have mid-round, Drew pulls back the curtain on what fans never see. The crew dives into Gary Woodland’s comeback story, what it takes to win at Augusta, and why course strategy separates contenders from pretenders. They also get into Masters picks, player trends, and the mental grind that comes with chasing a green jacket.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step onto that first tee… this is as close as it gets.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Sully opens the show by highlighting Gary Woodland’s emotional comeback win and impact on the golf world.

• Drew shares what it’s like walking Amen Corner alongside legends and listening to elite-level strategy conversations.

• The crew breaks down how pros adjust equipment and wedge setups based on course conditions.

• Drew explains the overwhelming pressure and sensory overload of stepping onto the first tee at Augusta.

• A deep dive into Masters strategy reveals why conservative targets and aggressive swings win tournaments.

• The group debates Ryder Cup pressure versus the individual pressure of winning The Masters.

• Drew analyzes top contenders like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Ludvig Åberg heading into the week.

• The episode wraps with bold Masters picks and predictions from the crew.

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• "At Augusta, you’re just trying to remind yourself to breathe and hit a ball with a stick." - Drew Hinesley
• "Pressure at The Masters is a privilege, and you feel every bit of it on that first tee." - Drew Hinesley
• "We take conservative targets and make aggressive swings—that’s how you win under pressure." - Drew Hinesley
• "The Ryder Cup feels like Game 7 of the World Series, The Masters is chasing a batting title." - Drew Hinesley
• "Too many players hit a bad shot and stay mad for 250 yards—that’s how you lose tournaments." - Drew Hinesley
• "There’s nothing like walking Amen Corner and realizing you actually made it there." - Drew Hinesley
• "If you’re not making smart decisions at Augusta, it’ll humble you fast." - Brian Sullivan
• "The guys who win at Augusta know when to attack and when to stay patient." - Kevin Ward
• "You don’t rise to the moment at Augusta—you fall back on your preparation." - Drew Hinesley
• "This place exposes everything—your swing, your strategy, and your mindset." - George Brett

About Drew

Drew Hinesley is a seasoned professional golf caddie with years of experience inside the ropes on the PGA Tour. Known for his sharp course management, deep understanding of player psychology, and steady presence under pressure, Drew has worked alongside top-level players in some of the biggest tournaments in the world, including multiple appearances at Augusta during Masters week. His insight into strategy, preparation, and the mental side of the game gives fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to compete at the highest level of professional golf.

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Does the golf ball you play actually matter more than the clubs in your bag?

In this episode of Golf Underground, Sully, George, and Wardo welcome Mike Fox, Senior Category Director of Golf Balls at TaylorMade, for a deep dive into the science, strategy, and surprising truths behind modern golf ball performance. With over 20 years in the industry, Mike breaks down why compression myths won’t die, how tour players influence innovation, and why amateurs often choose the exact opposite ball they should be playing.

From Rory McIlroy and Nelly Korda switching balls to the millions spent on R&D, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how performance, feel, and personality collide in today’s game—all with plenty of laughs, rapid fire takes, and real-world insights you can actually use on your next round.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Mike Fox explains the moment he realized golf balls were the most important piece of equipment in the bag.
• The crew unpacks why lower swing speed golfers should not automatically play low-compression balls.
• Mike reveals how Rory McIlroy’s golf ball switch impacted performance at Augusta.
• George Brett shares firsthand stories about feeling immediate differences with new equipment.
• The group discusses TaylorMade’s DART testing system and why tour players sometimes outsmart TrackMan.
• Mike breaks down the real differences between TP5 and TP5x in simple, usable terms.

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “The golf ball is the only piece of equipment you use on every single shot.” – Mike Fox

• “A lower compression golf ball is not necessarily better for a slower swing speed player.” – Mike Fox

• “If it doesn’t look right to a good player, it won’t perform right.” – Mike Fox

• “Rory hitting a golf ball for the first time was unlike anything I’d ever heard.” – Mike Fox

• “I’d rather be a six and have fun than be a three and lose my shirt every weekend.” – Mike Fox

• “You can’t grow like we have unless people switch in—and stay.” – Mike Fox

• “We can make the best performing product in the world, but if it looks and sounds bad, nobody will play it.” – Mike Fox

• “Your clubface is a trampoline, not a brick wall.” – Mike Fox

About Mike Fox

Mike Fox is a strategic business, product, and marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in the golf equipment industry. Known for building and scaling high-impact brands, Mike has played a key role in developing “hot products” that disrupt the marketplace and challenge the status quo. Driven by a deep passion for brand, innovation, and team leadership, he excels at leading cross-functional groups to turn clear business strategies into consistent, efficient, and winning products golfers actually want to play.

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