Episode 89: What’s Missing From Today’s Game of Game?

July 4th, 2024  |  1 hr 15 mins

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

It's a Pandora's box on this show. We've recently done a show on what we love about golf, and now it is time to take it in the other direction. This is not to tear down the game but just to give our observations on how it could be made better to address the golf market in 2024 and into the future.

Among the angles we discuss are junior golf participation, golf equipment pricing and opportunities, etiquette and respect for the course, education and lessons, course amenities, technology, and marketing by associations at a consumer level to drive interest and engagement.

It's a detailed look at what golf is and what it can become to keep the game attracting players into the future and keep the business of the game thriving.

Episode 88: What Makes A Golf Course Interesting?

June 27th, 2024  |  1 hr 2 mins

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

Prompted by a recent visit to the Brantford G&CC, this week the boys discuss a very deep and subjective topic - What Makes A Golf Course Interesting? We give our takes and views on why a course often appeals to us, and why others do not. Our discussion is just a slice of what the topic deserves so we encourage listener/viewer feedback. We'd like to hear what makes a golf course interesting to you.

On the Front Nine, we re-cap the recent Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour event, give the latest updates on the PLAY Junior Golf Tour, let you in on news from the U.S. Senior Open and The Open Qualifying, and explain why the PGA TOUR Americas event in Edmonton is playing a 17-hole course.

Episode 87: Interview: Jay Fawler, PGA TOUR Pathways

June 21st, 2024  |  1 hr 20 secs

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

On the Back Nine Jay Fawler, Social and Content Manager of PGA TOUR Pathways joined us for an interview as the PGA TOUR Americas starts their North American swing in Victoria this week. He shares insights on the tour, his role, and what the PGA TOUR is doing to elevate the profile of their feeder tours.

On the Front Nine, we chat about major championships on the men's and women's pro tours and bring you news from the PGA of Ottawa Pro-Pro, Golf Ontario Women's Match Play, and the recent World Long Drive Endless Summer event in Belleville, Ontario.

Episode 86: The U.S. Open at Pinehurst - Swing In The Sandhills

June 13th, 2024  |  52 mins 46 secs

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

With the U.S. Open being played at Pinehurst Resort, our conversation about the championship dominates the show this week. We chat about our experiences on the #2 course, how it will play for the field, and what our full expectations are for the major. We make some picks and give details on what disasters and opportunities wait for the field, including the seven Canadians playing.

We also catch you up on some of the latest news about regional golf tournaments and give you an update on who may represent Canada for the men in golf at the Paris Olympics.

Episode 85: Lights, Camera, Action! The Changing Face of Golf Content

June 6th, 2024  |  56 mins 14 secs

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

We have plenty of news to share this week at both the local, regional, and national levels about the RBC Canadian Open, the Ottawa Valley Golf Association, the LPGA, and a young Canadian amateur from Eastern Ontario qualifying for the U.S. Open.

We also discuss some upgrades happening at regional golf courses and why it is important for their futures.

On the Back Nine, we discuss the changing face of golf content, the evolution in our 30 years of producing it, how we are adapting, how the audience is changing in their consumption habits, and a new project that we have that fits right into how consumers are seeking golf information and entertainment.

Episode 84: Ancaster or Lancaster...The RBC Canadian Open and the U.S. Women's Open

May 30th, 2024  |  1 hr 8 mins

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

We've got two national opens to talk about on this show, one in the United States and one in Canada.

Before we get to those, we catch you up on the latest regional news from eastern Ontario including details from the Spring Open for the Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour, some upgrades happening at Loyalist Country Club in Bath, Ontario, and the signing of a Kingston athlete to an endorsement contract with a major golf club manufacturer.

We had a lot of preview material for the RBC Canadian Open on our last show, but we bring you some current details from the week including comments by players like Rory McIlroy on the renovated Hamilton Golf and Country Club layout.

On the back nine, we look at the US Women's Open and the Canadians taking part, Brooke Henderson, and Maude-Aimee Leblanc. Brooke met with the media earlier in the week and shared some insight on why she enjoys major championships.

We also discuss the retirement news from Lexi Thompson, and we finish up the show with some Ancaster or Lancaster Trivia.

Episode 83: RBC Canadian Open Preview & Flagstick Open Amateur Championship Wrap-Up

May 23rd, 2024  |  59 mins 58 secs

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

We're back this week with no shortage of topics to discuss, starting with a wrap-up of the Flagstick Open Amateur Championship at eQuinelle. We had some fine play over two days with fantastic weather and we will give you all the details.

In our look at news, we get you caught up on the start of the PLAY Junior Golf Tour season at Rideau View, the kickoff of the junior schedule for Golf Ontario where low scoring was the norm, and look ahead at the Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour Spring Open.

We share some news about the future site of the RBC Canadian Open and have some quick updates on the Flagstick.com Shootout, as well as the latest economic impact study released by the National Allied Golf Associations.

On the Back 9, it's all about the RBC Canadian Open as we preview next week's return to the Hamilton Golf and Country Club where Rory McIlroy won in 2019. We discuss the history of the event at the course dating back to 1919, take a look at some of the early player commitments, and share some insight on the changes for the golf course that have taken place in the last five years that will undoubtedly impact scoring and overall play for Canada's only PGA Tour event.

Episode 82: Discussing Tiger Woods & Sam Snead -The 82-time PGA TOUR Winners?

May 9th, 2024  |  1 hr 47 secs

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

Jeff is over-caffeinated, and Scott is a little sleepy, but we try to bring it all to the table for this episode. With it being #82 we decided to share some thoughts on the most-winning PGA TOUR winners, with 82 wins a piece, Tiger Woods and Sam Snead. We share some memories of encounters with both men and moments of watching them play. We also delve into their playing records to debate the validity of the 82 credited wins and how it’s not possible, nor necessary to compare the two and their impact on the spot in very different eras.

On the Front Nine, we discuss the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Ceremony this week, the inductees, and how special an event it is.
We also share some junior golf news, discuss the latest PGA TOUR winner from Canada, Taylor Pendrith, and drop some details about the upcoming Flagstick Open.

Plus, we reveal the latest player commitments to the RBC Canadian Open and put a call out for volunteers for an Ontario Championship.

Episode 81: The Best Fairway Woods of All-Time?

May 2nd, 2024  |  1 hr 14 secs

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

With the outdoor golf season here we are starting to get plenty of questions about equipment so on this show we take on a popular topic among our community members - fairway woods, particularly the three wood. What makes for a good three wood; what features might be helpful when choosing one, and for those not ready to buy a new one, what are some of the most popular ones of the past?

We take all that on in our Back Nine. Call it a mix of advice and nostalgia and we blend expert advice with personal experiences from the last few decades of being around new product introductions.

On the Front Nine, we catch you up on the hot play of Stephen Ames on the Champions Tour, the continued success of Canadians on the PGA TOUR Americas, and some Eastern Ontario news regarding the Ottawa Valley Golf Association's Junior programming, as well as an update on some regional golfers qualifying for U.S.G.A. Championships.

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.