Episode 176: A New Look PGA Tour & Wyndham vs Everyone?

June 25th, 2026  |  1 hr 11 mins

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

Two juicy topics dominates this episode - the new look PGA TOUR for 2028 and the battle by Wyndham Clark to win the U.S. Open.

We dig into plenty of narratives from the recently completed U.S. Open, including how Wyndham Clark prevailed for his second major win, overcoming Shinnecock Hills but also many among the crowds who were combative towards him. Did he deserve the win and the abuse, or is there something to be learned from the week for all?

We also discuss the approved new changes for the PGA TOUR for 2028, including the details shared, how they will work for players, fans, and sponsors, and what the implications may be for events like the RBC Canadian Open.

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

Episode 175: Long Island Legacy: U.S. Open Returns to Shinnecock

June 18th, 2026  |  1 hr 6 mins

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

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

Episode 174: Flagstick Academy Returns, RBC Canadian Open Week

June 11th, 2026  |  1 hr 8 mins

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

On the show this week, we take you behind the scenes of the 2026 Flagstick Academy Series video shoot at Casselview Golf Club. We detail exactly what goes into creating the series, what you can expect from the upcoming content, and how you can use these insights to elevate your game and have more fun on the course.

Next, we break down the latest action from the Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour, and share our firsthand insights from being on the ground at the 77th Eastern Provinces Championship and the Golf Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship.

Finally, on the Back Nine, all eyes are on the 2026 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. We preview the field—highlighting the superstars, the rising contenders, and the hometown Canadians—and explain why every golf fan needs to tune into the action in Caledon. Plus, we debate how the course will play this year compared to 2025’s rain-soaked event, and whether it will serve as the perfect tune-up for next week's U.S. Open. To wrap things up, we pull back the curtain on the massive logistics required to choose a host venue for a tournament of this scale, and why even some of the most beloved courses get ruled out.

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

Episode 173: Ghost Courses, U.S. Women’s Open, and a Noodle to the Noodle

June 4th, 2026  |  1 hr 3 mins

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

In Episode #173 of the Flagstick Podcast, hosts Jeff and Scott welcome listeners with updates on local golf news and a review of the COBRA PUMA Spring Open at Casselview.

After recounting a scary, game-aborting incident during Scott's Sunday round dubbed "a noodle to the noodle," the hosts dive into a nostalgic feature on regional "Ghost Courses." Sparked by a recent magazine delivery, they reflect on the loss of numerous Eastern Ontario and Outaouais courses that have closed since 1996, including tracks like Glen Lawrence, Nationview, and Kanata, and discuss how these closures impact the local community.

Switching to the Back Nine, the show previews the 81st U.S. Women’s Open, running from June 4–7, 2026, at the historic Riviera Country Club. Playing at 6,699 yards as a par 71, this marks Riviera's first time hosting the women's major before it takes the stage for the 2028 Olympics. The hosts highlight key storylines for the 156-player field, including Sweden's Maja Stark attempting a rare title defense and a strong four-player Canadian contingent led by Brooke Henderson and 17-year-old phenom Anna Huang.

They conclude by discussing how fan familiarity with Riviera's iconic layout will enhance the television viewing experience as players compete for massive major exemptions and the historic trophy.

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

Episode 172: 2027 Flagstick Golf Magazine Back In Print, LPGA Returns To National Capital & Endless Summer Interview

May 28th, 2026  |  1 hr 4 mins

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

It’s a busy show this week, following the first delivery of a print edition of Flagstick Golf Magazine in six years. We discuss the process of bringing the magazine back to print, the people involved, and the reactions we received following its return. We also share observations from our travels across Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais, where we visited nearly 100 golf facilities during distribution.

We also take a quick look at the start of the 2026 Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour season and discuss the official announcement that the 2027 CPKC Women’s Open will be played at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club.

On the Back 9, Jodie Jenkins joins us for a feature interview to discuss Endless Summer, the world-class long drive championship and pro-am event that will take place in Belleville, Ontario, in less than a month.

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

Episode 171: Flagstick Open / PGA Championship & The Magazine Re-Launch

May 21st, 2026  |  1 hr 4 mins

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

In this episode, hosts Jeff Bauder and Scott MacLeod catch up on early-season golf plans, including Jeff's recent visit to the grand opening of Archies Golf TopTracer Range. They also follow up on the heavy listener response to their previous golf etiquette segment, debating whether the responsibility for player education falls on local associations, courses, or peers.

The Front Nine shifts focus to local competition with a full recap of the 14th Flagstick Open Amateur Championship presented by TaylorMade Canada & Levelwear. The hosts break down the tournament conditions, player responses, and the course's most critical stretches—including the daunting "Rideau Triangle." Ultimately, Brendan Kuffner of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club captured the title with a stellar 66-70 (-8) performance, holding off runner-up Hudson Turcotte by two strokes.

On the Back Nine, the conversation heads to Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania for a breakdown of the 2026 PGA Championship. The hosts recap a historic major finish where England’s Aaron Rai shot a brilliant, bogey-free 65 on Sunday—highlighted by a massive 68-foot birdie putt on the 17th—to secure a three-shot victory and his first Wanamaker Trophy. They review the leaderboard push from chasers like Jon Rahm, Alex Smalley, and Justin Thomas, while noting the brutal course conditions that caused pre-tournament favorites like Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland to miss the cut.

Finally, the guys wrap up the show with an inside look at Flagstick’s highly anticipated return to physical print, discussing the logistics behind the process and when readers can expect to grab a copy.

This episode is presented by GolfPEI, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

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

Episode 170: Golf Course Etiquette - Where Did It Go?

May 7th, 2026  |  1 hr 2 mins

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

This episode focuses on the idea of respect in golf - how it shows up, and where it may be slipping. The discussion explores a perceived decline in respect at golf courses, whether toward the course itself, player behaviour during rounds, or interactions with staff.

The conversation highlights key areas where this issue is emerging and considers why it may be happening at a time when the game is experiencing growth. What does disrespect look like in a golf setting? Is it learned behaviour, a reflection of broader societal trends, or part of the game’s evolution?

The episode also examines why respect remains an essential part of golf and how the sport can foster a stronger culture around it. Overall, it’s a multi-faceted discussion aimed at prompting reflection on the future of golf - and what players and stakeholders want that future to look like.

This episode is presented by GolfPEI, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

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

Episode 169: Opening & Closing Golf Holes - Their Impact

April 29th, 2026  |  1 hr 11 mins

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

The "opening handshake" and "closing argument" of a golf course serve as the essential narrative bookends that define a player's entire experience. In this episode, we dive into the "opening and closing hole equation" to understand why these specific moments play such a pivotal role in shaping how a course is perceived and how it functions.

We examine this premise through the lenses of architecture, aesthetics, functionality, and psychology, considering the impact not just on elite players, but on the average golfer and the course as a business. Along the way, we share some of our personal favorites—and a few that miss the mark—explaining exactly what makes them succeed or fail.

It is an engaging discussion that provides plenty of fodder for anyone who wants to debate the topic with their own playing partners.

This episode is presented by GolfPEI, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

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

Episode 168: Golf - The Team Game?

April 23rd, 2026  |  1 hr 2 mins

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

Golf is famously known as a solitary pursuit—a relentless internal monologue between you, your clubs, and the course. But with the Zurich Classic taking center stage on the PGA TOUR this week, we’re shifting the focus from the individual to the collective.

In this episode, we dive deep into why the "team game" is becoming the most compelling way to experience golf, from the high-stakes drama of the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup to the fun of a weekend RBC Scramble or your local club’s amateur events.

On This Episode’s Scorecard:
The Front 9: Breaking Down the Formats New to the team dynamic? We provide a primer on the "games within the game," explaining the mechanics and psychology behind Scrambles, Best Ball, Foursomes, and Greensomes.

The Pressure Profile - Is it actually easier when you have a partner? We discuss the "Don't Let Them Down" factor, the weight of the "Putt for the Half," and the strategic freedom of "Hero Golf."

The Social Safety Net - How team golf acts as the ultimate equalizer, lowering the barrier for beginners and turning quiet concentration into high-five moments and collaborative strategy.

The Back 9: Culture & Community From the intensity of Intersectionals and PING Challenge Cups to the rise of social media collaborations like "Break 50" challenges, we look at how the team environment is shaping the future of the sport.

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

Episode 167: One Ball To Rule Them All?

April 16th, 2026  |  1 hr 12 mins

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

The 2026 Masters is in the books, and the echoes from Augusta National are about more than just the Green Jacket. This week, we dive into a historic week where Rory McIlroy solidified his legacy with a repeat performance, but the conversation off the green was just as loud as the roars on Sunday.

The Front 9: We kick things off with a look at the current state of the game—from the frustrating spring weather keeping local courses closed to our perspective of the 2026 Masters. Rory has done it again, but what does his dominance say about the modern game?

The Back 9: We tackle the most polarizing topic in golf: The Ball Rollback. With the USGA and R&A eyeing a unified 2030 implementation, we break down the "Distance Problem" from every angle.

The Legends Speak: We dissect "The Titanic" analogy from Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player’s scathing "60-yard tragedy" comments. Are they right about the death of the Par-5?

The "One Ball" Theory: Why doesn't golf follow the lead of the NHL or NBA? We discuss the radical idea of a standardized Tour ball versus the "One Game" ethos.

The Physics of Speed: We look at biomechanist Sasho MacKenzie’s warning—will rolling back the ball simply trigger an "explosion" in clubhead speeds, leaving anyone who can’t swing 140 mph in the dust?

The Amateur Impact: Is the "Short term pain for long term gain" worth it for the weekend warrior who already struggles with distance?

Whether it’s the sustainability of historic courses or the "bomb and gouge" era of pro golf, we’re asking the hard questions about the future of the sport.

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

Episode 166: Welcome To The Masters 2026

April 8th, 2026  |  1 hr 14 mins

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

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

Episode 165: Early Masters Preview: The Roars Return

April 2nd, 2026  |  1 hr 9 mins

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

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

Episode 164: Golf Equipment Time Machine & PGA TOUR's Toughest Tests

March 26th, 2026  |  1 hr 5 mins

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

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

Episode 163: The Players Championship - Prestige & Peril

March 12th, 2026  |  52 mins 18 secs

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

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

Episode 162: March Mailbag - Answering Your Questions

March 5th, 2026  |  1 hr 12 mins

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

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

Episode 161: 30 Years of Flagstick "Looking Back"

February 24th, 2026  |  1 hr 13 mins

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

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