Episode 80: Flagstick Community Mailbag Q&A

April 25th, 2024  |  1 hr 10 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

We take a different approach for Episode #80 by digging deep into our mailbag to address many questions from the community.

But first, we talk about the current king and queen of golf, Nelly, Korda, and Scottie Sheffler, catch you up with some Canadians having success on the professional and collegiate fronts, and examine what the latest big finish in a major championship has done for Brooke Henderson‘s world rankings.

From the listener mailbag, we answer a myriad of questions on a wide range of topics including:

Travel destinations - locally and beyond, some favourite holes and courses, equipment, what we look forward to in 2024, the best advice we’ve been given in golf, favourite training aids, and even which LPGA tour players we would like to play with on a scramble team.

It's almost an hour of answers to your questions that we are happy to answer.

Episode 79: Masters Recap & Getting Your Golf Season Started Right

April 18th, 2024  |  1 hr 11 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, golf education, masters, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

In the wake of The Masters, there’s a lot to talk about this week and we start with a recap of the first men’s major of the year. We give our thoughts on the success of Scottie Scheffler, how the rest of the field responded, and our overall impressions of the championship.

We also update you on some recent recognition for Canadian golf clubs for their outstanding junior programs, some news of major television coverage coming to an eastern Ontario golf event, and we discuss the recent passing of a familiar and beloved PGA of Canada golf professional.

On the Back 9, we get you ready for the golf season by discussing the things you need to do to prepare with your equipment, and then what your expectations should be to start the season. We also detail how you can adjust indoor golf practice to outdoor golf play.

Episode 78: Adding The Skills To Conquer Augusta National To Your Game

April 11th, 2024  |  1 hr 2 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

Masters week is here but since we already did a preview two weeks ago, we have another angle on this show that is applicable all year long.

After we get you updated on news from the Presidents Cup, PGA of Ottawa, Ottawa Valley Golf Association, Ontario Senior Men's Championship and the Flagstick.com Shootout presented by COBRA PUMA Golf, we take the show in another direction - to the lesson tee.

We take a look at some of the skills that are needed for players to have sucess at the Augusta National Golf Club, how they relate to the average golfer, and how they can make those parts of the game better.

That includes insight on long iron play, improving contact and control with short wedge shots, getting long breaking putts closer to the hole, and how to manage your game play for optimal scoring.

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

Episode 77: Former LPGA TOUR member Augusta James - Opportunities, Challenges, and Creativity in the golf Industry

April 5th, 2024  |  1 hr 3 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

On the brink of the Canadian golf season and The Masters, there is plenty to chat about on this show. We discuss the fluctuating weather and how it is affecting golf course openings in our region; Scott weighs in from an event he attended with adidas golf; and we chat about some upgrades at some regional courses.

We also dig into the special edition products created around The Masters and share a nugget of trivia from a recent post at Flagstick.com.

On the Back Nine, we are joined for an interview with Augusta James. Now a golf course General Manager, the former amateur and professional golfer explains how her background has helped in her current role, gives her perspective on the industry in general, and what showcases the creative programs they are embracing at Briar Fox Golf Club.

Episode 76: The Masters Preview - The Players, Our Picks, The Course

March 28th, 2024  |  1 hr 12 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

After the latest Canadian news from the professional, college, and junior ranks, it's all about The Masters as we look ahead to the 2024 Championship.

We take a run through last year's leaderboard to see who might continue their good play at Augusta National; we consider who might play best among the Canadians; and we take a glance at the early odds being given to the top and bottom players.

We also discuss who might be the more popular storyline if they happen to win at Augusta.

We also chat about our favourite holes and shots that test the players and ponder just how much of a green fee we might pay if we were allowed to play at the Augusta National Golf Club.

Also part of the show is a discussion on golf balls based on a web poll we did about whether people use the same model for all their rounds. You might be surprised at the results and what we have to say about it.

Episode 75: The Players, Making A Masters Menu & OVGA Hall of Fame News

March 21st, 2024  |  1 hr 8 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

The boys return in full form this week, with plenty to catch up on, starting with The Players. The 50th playing was exciting for several reasons, and we share some thoughts on the week in Ponte Vedra.

We roll you through a number of news stories including:

The opening (and closing again) of some regional golf courses due to the weather
The start of the 1st PGA TOUR Americas Season
Veteran Alena Sharp earning her way into this week's LPGA field through qualifying
The announcement of the host site for the 2025 CPKC Women's Open
OVGA tournament news, annual general meeting news, and a discussion about the Ottawa Valley Golf Hall of Fame and the induction class of 2024

On the Back 9, we discuss the traditions of The Masters, focusing on the Champions Dinner menu for 2024 as curated by John Rahm and what we might like to have on our own menu.

Episode 74: The New Golfer - Who They Are And How They Are Shaping The Sport

March 7th, 2024  |  1 hr 6 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

With the weather improving and golf season just about here there is plenty to discuss on this show. We start with the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo and share what we saw there, it's level of success, and what we think it means for the golf year ahead.

That leads us into discussion of our golf course openings calendar, the Presidents Cup and what International Captain Mike Weir has to say about it this week, the LPGA's event in Singapore and how some Canadians fared, on and off the bag, season 2 of Netflix's Full Swing, and the opening of applications for the 2024 Flagstick.com Shootout presented by COBRA PUMA Golf.

On the back 9, we take an observation from the recent golf show and turn it into a conversation about the changing face of golf and those who play it. Who they are, how they will be influenced, and how the business of the game has to adapt to the new clientele.

We also make our picks for the winners of the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo draw for a Cleveland Golf wedge, Srixon golf bag, and Cleveland Golf putter.

Episode 73: Seeking Golf Improvement. What Does That Really Mean?

February 29th, 2024  |  1 hr 7 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

As we prepare for the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo, Jeff and Scott sat down to discuss golf facilities getting opened in Eastern Ontario, Talor Gooch’s comments about Rory McIlroy, the 2024 schedule for the Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour, the latest inductee into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, and the return of the Loyalist Junior Showcase Tournament.

On our Back Nine, we jump into the deep end of Golf Improvement as many people look to get ready for the upcoming golf season. We take a holistic look at the topic, beyond just your full swing technique, to consider the many different where you can possibly improve your score, and simply make your golf experience better every time you tee it up.

Episode 72: The Dream Golf Road Trip - What Is It For You?

February 22nd, 2024  |  57 mins 10 secs

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

The Dream Golf Road Trip, what that encompasses looks as varied as the golfer. What it consists of is very individual and on this show we talk a little about the concept and what it might mean to each of us. Train, plane, RV, or auto; private or public golf courses; golf every day with friends or some days spent with strangers. Jeff and Scott talk through some scenarios they would like to pursue themselves, and what they come up with might surprise you.

With it being consumer golf show season we take a wander through our nearly 30-year relationship with the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo. We share some highlights, and even a few lowlights, and chat about a few things people can expect to see this year on March 1/2 at the EY Centre in Ottawa.

We also recap the week in Canadian pro golf, detailing top play by Canadians on seven pro tours around the world, tell you why you might want to get to a TrackMan golf simulator if you are a fan of the Presidents Cup, and we reveal where the 102nd edition of the PGA Championship of Canada will be played.

Episode 71: The Things We Love About Golf

February 16th, 2024  |  1 hr 9 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

In a world that too often shifts to the negative narrative first, we figured it was time to take a step back and have a little bit of appreciation for the sport of golf that many of us love.

It's the week of Valentine's Day so what better time than now.

We each made a list and take you through a few things we love about the sport; hoping that it might spark some thoughts for the listeners and viewers about why they have also come to appreciate golf.

We also chat about Nick Taylor's win at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and the extracurricular activities at that event that came to the forefront this year, we have a look at the pros that will make up the Golf Canada Team Canada program for 2024, and share some news on the return of a formal pro event series for women in Canada.

We also discuss some of the latest golf equipment unveiled this week.

Be sure to share a comment on any of our platforms about what makes golf special for you.

Episode 70: Tiger Returns (Again) & Myrtle Beach Golf Revitalization

February 8th, 2024  |  1 hr 10 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, myrtle beach, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, tiger woods, western quebec

For a few generations, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has been a staple in the golf travel world. They set a standard that many others followed and as many new golf destinations emerged, the area sometimes fell down the list as a trip choice.

That is changing.

The 90+ golf properties in Myrtle Beach are stepping up to get the next generation of golfers familiar with their wide range of offerings. That "flex" includes a new PGA TOUR event in the area, other new facilities, and a long list of courses re-investing in their amenities. We details some of these changes on this show.

We also discuss Tiger Woods returning to play on the PGA TOUR after ten months away from official events, the rising trends of Canadian women succeeding at Division 1 NCAA golf tournaments, and share some thoughts on the new honourees for the 2024 Golf Ontario Hall of Fame.

Episode 69: Things That Should Not Matter In Golf

February 2nd, 2024  |  1 hr 10 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

In an age where almost everyone is spending far too much time online, we often start to look beyond our own real needs and see what others are doing. That leads to us to being concerned about some things that should not matter. In essence, they really should not have an impact on our thoughts and lives. But, they are hard to ignore, even if they do us no good.

We have a discussion about this week on the Back Nine as it relates to golf. It’s an interesting chat and might give something for you to think about as a golfer, or even chat about with your golf friends.

On the Front Nine we update you on the progress of a Canadian pro plying his trade on the DP World Tour, discuss the new investment partner with the PGA TOUR, reveal a new equipment deal for a young Canadian tour pro, and take a look at the changing landscape in golf properties to appeal more to the changing golf demographic.

Episode 68: PGA Show Week - Pro Golf Spotify Wrapped Game

January 26th, 2024  |  1 hr 3 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

There will be plenty of Canadian golf talk this week as we run down the list of some top finishes by Canadian pros on their respective tours. That includes Brooke Henderson who not only had a 3rd place to start the LPGA season but appeared in a video with popular golf YouTuber Micah Morris. As a result we wonder what her future potential might be on the YouTube platform.

We also have a look at the recent GolfWeek Junior Girl Rankings and the rise of many young Canadian women on those charts, plus share some details on exactly how talented they are.

We also mix in a tip on what you should be working on your game more even though you likely think you are good at it.

On the back nine we chat PGA Merchandise Show, new products, and trends within the industry.

We finish it all up with a guessing game where we predict what music artists are the most popular for certain top tour pros.

Episode 67: New Year, New Gear

January 19th, 2024  |  1 hr 7 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

Welcome to 2024 and the first episode of the season. There is plenty to catch up on this show with the start of the pro tours for the year, success by young Canadian amateurs on a world tournament stage, industry news and job openings at various golf courses, and news coming out of the amateur schedules for the season ahead.

On the Back 9 we get to the topic that many golfers are talking about at this time of year - new golf equipment. We discuss who is getting the buzz, why golf ball manufacturers are paying more attention to the "middle" market, and what factor should be your big priority when you go to buy your next piece of gear.

Episode 66: The 2023 Wrap-Up Show

December 21st, 2023  |  1 hr 10 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

It's time to close out the year and look ahead to 2024. We wrap up a couple of last pro events that we had our eye on then we run through many key moments from the past year. We highlight some of the best in golf that happened at an international, national, and regional level.

On the Back 9, we share what we are looking forward to in 2024 on the golf scene, at the pro and amateur levels, in tournament play, in the business or the game, and for what we have played within the Flagstick brand. That includes our tournaments and a very new foray we have been working on for some time.

Episode 65: Florida Golf Travel Insights, Rahm PGA TOUR Departure Implications

December 14th, 2023  |  1 hr 5 mins

bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

As we wander towards the end of the year, plenty of fun golf conversations remain left to have.

In this show, like always, we provide some updates on Canadians playing golf worldwide. That includes the Ladies European Tour Qualifying, the Grant Thornton Invitational, and the PGA Tour Qualifying School.

We wander through some talk on Tiger Woods and the PNC Championship and chat about the implications for others now that Jon Rahm has officially chosen to play the LIV Golf League and is suspended from the PGA TOUR.

We take a reverse course from the toxic golf topics to share some personal highlight moments that we experienced in golf in 2023, and on the Back 9, we explore golf trips to Florida and give some insights from our past journeys. We hope it helps the community when they are trying to look for southern golf destinations for upcoming trips.