About the show

The Flagstick Podcast is brought to you by one of the longest-standing media outlets in Canadian Golf, Flagstick. Each episode brings you fun and informative content, connecting you to the relevant people, places, and topics of the day. Long-time friends and hosts Jeff Bauder and Scott MacLeod share their thoughts on all manners of golf topic and welcome a myriad of guests.

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Episodes

  • Episode 34: Taking A Swing at Netflix - The Full Swing and Greg Chambers, NGCOA Canada on the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo

    February 26th, 2023  |  1 hr 2 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    It's a very full show after a short break isnce the last episode.

    Scott shares a little about his recent trip to Los Angeles to test some new products with adidas Golf and do interviews with players like Collin Morikawa and Tyrell Hatton; the boys chat about junior golf and the upcoming PLAY Junior Golf Tour schedule, as well as give their thoughts on the upcoming Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo and what they expect from it after a multiple-year hiatus for the in-person version.

    In keeping with that theme, we have an interview with the show manager, Greg Chambers of the NGCOA Canada, and he provides the details on what consumers can expect to see from the show that will take place on March 3/4 at the EY Centre in Ottawa.

    On the Back Nine we dive into the new Netflix golf series - The Full Swing, and without revealing too many details, explain what we liked and did not like about the eight episodes, what we may have learned about certain players from it, who we think the show is suited for, and what we hope to see included in Season 2.

  • Episode 33: Sink More Putts & Hall of Fame Honours

    February 10th, 2023  |  1 hr 2 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    Before we get to talking about putting on this, we take a swing at more regional topics including the 2023 Ottawa Valley Golf Hall of Fame inductees, the new OVGA schedule, an update on the Flagstick Open registrations, and news about a unique offering at a local golf course.

    On the Back Nine it is all about putting as we explore our own relationships with putting and putters, talk about common issues most players have, and even suggest some things you can work on with a coach or on your own.

  • Episode 32: The Perfect Golf Club/Course - What Does That Look Like?

    February 2nd, 2023  |  1 hr 29 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    This episode is a doozy as we dig into a wide-ranging topic - what the perfect golf club/course would look like if you built it from scratch. Not only do we provide our own opinions on the course itself, amenities, services, staffing, and programming, but we share the insight from dozens of listeners and readers who weighed in on our social media channels. Yes, we did not get to every aspect, it's just too big of a topic, but we covered off a lot of areas and set up discussions for the future. We think you'll find it informative and may get you thinking differently about the golf facilities of the future and what they might look like.

    Before we head to the main event, on the Front Nine we provide an update on the Flagstick Open Amateur Championship, give some thoughts on the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and it's watchability, ponder how controversies at the highest levels of golf might be taking away from the game, and talk about the growing level of golf content on platforms like YouTube.

  • Episode 31: Golf Road Trip Planning, the PGA Show and...Egg Rolls??

    January 28th, 2023  |  1 hr 9 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    Thoughts of a Spring or Summer golf trip have pushed plenty within our community to reach out about advice, so on this episode we dig into the topic. We cover off everything we can share from decades of taking them ourselves. From where to go, to how many people to go with, travel logistics, avoiding inter-group conflicts, playing formats, and many other considerations to make your trip a successful one.

    Before we get to that, we have a discussion about the annual PGA Merchandise Show that just wrapped up in Orlando, Florida. We provide a snapshot of the attendance, who was exhibiting, and how the show has changed over the last three decades.

    Just for kicks also wander into the results of our Flagstick Twitter poll this week about the foods people would like to see at golf course half way houses. We spend way more time talking about egg rolls than you would ever expect from a golf podcast. But hey, it's worth a laugh or two.

  • Episode 30: Golf Goal Setting, Brooke Henderson Gear Change, and Netflix Golf Drama

    January 21st, 2023  |  59 mins 37 secs
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    It's a fun show this week as we dig into a number of top of mind subjects.

    On the front nine we explore the move by Brooke Henderson to switch equipment to TaylorMade Golf, and try to decide if we care or not about the new Netflix Series coming out in February on the PGA TOUR.

    On the back nine we take on a big topic, one that comes to mind for many at this time of year - setting goals for our golf games. We share some of the details from a free worksheet with have available on Flagstick.com, while considering why some of the elements matter. Of note, they are not all about just posting a better score in 2023, so you may want to hear our discussion.

  • Episode 29: Kicking Off 2023 / Guest - Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade Golf Director of Product Creation

    January 12th, 2023  |  1 hr 8 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, golf prince edward island, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, stealth 2, taylormade golf, western quebec

    Jeff and Scott are back for the second year of the Flagstick Podcast.

    On this episode we welcome Tomo Bystedt, a key creator in the TaylorMade Golf team, who shares deep details about the creation and introduction of the new Stealth 2 line of drivers, fairways, and rescue clubs.

    He addresses the design challenges and opportunities, the "unicorns" in the new product line, and gives us the scoop on initial reactions to the clubs by the top touring pros in the world.

    We discuss the slew of new equipment flooding the market, why or why not you should be purchsing them, and dbanter about product cycles in golf in comparison to the auto industry.

    We also share some news about the 2023 Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo, and welcome a new show sponsor.

  • Episode 28: Wrapping Up 2022 - Year In Review

    December 25th, 2022  |  1 hr 10 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    All things 2022 are on are mind as Jeff and Scott finish up the season with a look back.

    We delve into some late-season Canadian golf stories before turning our focus on some key events that took place in 2022. the big stories, the stand-out moments, and the things that set a foundation for 2023.

    Come join us, have a few laughs, and reminisce about the season that was.

  • Episode 27: Holiday Gift Guide, What Would We Gift The Top Pros, Jordan Kicks, and Footwork in The Golf Swing

    December 8th, 2022  |  1 hr 10 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    With the holiday season upon us we thought we'd talk about golf gifts this week, but not only in the traditional way. Yes, we'll bring you some suggestions on gifts for the people in your lives, but we also challenge ourselves and consider what we might want to give to some of the top pro golfers in the game today. It makes for a fun segment, escpecially when you have to consider a gift for Tiger Woods or Brooke Henderson!

    As always, we have plenty of regional and Canadian golf news to discuss, Product Watch has us diving in for a look at some Jordan golf shoes, and on the Lesson Tee, Kevin and Jake Haime have a look at the movement of the knees in the full swing and what we can all learn to do better, or less of.

  • Episode 26: Mike Weir News, Brooke's Year, Augusta National, Knee Flex, and Milled Putters

    December 2nd, 2022  |  1 hr 9 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    The boys are back after several weeks of challenges but that just means there is plenty to talk about.

    In this episode we discuss the surprise induction into the Ottawa Valley Golf Hall of Fame for Joe McLean, the announcement of Mike Weir as the International Team Presidents Cup Captain in 2024, as well as sharing some memories from 2007 when it was last held at Royal Montreal Golf Club.

    We chat about the recent spectacular play by Eastern Ontario's Kurtis Barkley in Dubai and Australia on the G4D Tour, and take a look at the season that was for Smith Falls' Brooke Henderson. That includes a summary of her first 200 events as part of the Rolex World Rankings.

    Lastly, we consider the lengthening of the 13th hole at the Augusta National Golf Club and how it may change The Masters going forward.

    In the Lesson Tee with Kevin Haime, he and Jake Haime discuss the flex in the trail knee during the full swing, and in Product Watch we have a look at the latest milled putters from Cleveland Golf.

  • Episode 25: PGA TOUR Canada Returns To Canada's National Capital: Survey Says When Did You Start Playing Golf?

    November 10th, 2022  |  1 hr 8 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    Big news broke this week with word that the PGA TOUR Canada is returning to the Ottawa, Canada area in 2023 with the Commissionaires Ottawa Open Eagle Creek. We explore the three decade history of tour events at Eagle Creek (and in Ottawa) and talk about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

    In Product Watch we review a new book on the Math, Science, and Data in golf today as summarized by broadcaster Will Haskett in his latest book, while Kevin and Jake Haime take us to the Lesson Tee to explore ways to promote better balance in your swing.

    On the back 9 we dive into one of our latest Twitter polls on what age people took up the game of golf. We also share some of the stories they told us about how they came to play the sport.

  • Episode 24: Closing Time at The Courses, Award Season, and Looking Ahead to 2023

    November 3rd, 2022  |  1 hr 1 min
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    We're back after an unanticipated break but that means we have all the more to talk about.

    The outdoor golf season seems to hanging on in Eastern Ontario and we chat about why some golf courses are not staying open for more golf. We highlight some recent awards for regional golf people and wrap up some of the latest results for collegiate golfers from the area.

    We take a look at the recently announced plans for the 2023 Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo as well as others across Canada, and ponder the staffing gaps among the professional staff at many golf clubs.

    In Product Watch we discuss a new option in the Project X shaft family, while Kevin and Jake Haime show us more insight derived from looking at the golf swing in 3D.

  • Episode 23: Off-Season Golf Insight (Training, Sims & More) & PGA of Ottawa Awards

    October 13th, 2022  |  1 hr 4 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    With the golf season beginning to wind down in our part of Canada we take a big portion of this show to talk about what lies ahead for many of those who play the sport in the region, transitioning to indoor golf play, practice, and training. We talk about the evolution of indoor golf, how you might want to start if you plan to train this winter, and even some ideas on simple things you can do to keep your skills sharp.

    On the Lesson Tee, Kevin and Jake Haime take a look at a simple way to improve your lower body movement in the full swing, and in Product Watch we spotlight a golf shoe that is ideal for late Fall golf.

    We also bring you news on where some of the top Canadian pros are teeing it up this week, who won the 2022 PGA of Ottawa Awards, and discuss the passing of an LPGA winner who played out of Canada for a time, something many were unaware of.

  • Episode 22: PING Challenge Cup & Sarah Marai - adidas Golf Global Product Manager

    October 6th, 2022  |  48 mins 32 secs
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    Fall Golf is in full swing and while the competitive golf season is coming to close in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, there is still news from the secondary school, college, and pro golf ranks.

    We wrap up the Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour Ping Challenge Cup from the Hyalnds Golf Club. As Captains of the two sides, Jeff and Scott have the ultimate in perspectives. Even more so for Scott his year who played for points at the Hylands Golf Club.

    In our Back Nine this week, we bring you an intyerview with Sarah Marai, the Global Product Manager for adidas Golf that Scott recorded last week in Whistler, British Columbia at their Fleece Fairways global product launch.

    On the Lesson Tee, Kevin Haime shows you a simple drill to help you get your lower body moving better in the downswing of your full swing, and in the Product Watch we preview a 2023 rain jacket from Galway Bay.

  • Episode 21: A Look at The Presidents Cup & Regional News Round-up

    September 22nd, 2022  |  1 hr 5 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    It's a big week in golf with the return of the Presidents Cup and we take some time to preview the event, including what we like about it, what we are watching for this week, who we'd like to pair up with ourselves for a match, and what the future of this event might be.

    On the Front Nine there is no shortage of Eastern Ontario golf news to catch up on, including updates from the Flagstick Two-Ball Championship. the OVGA, the PGA of Ottawa, the Gordon Cup, and news on junior and college players from the region finding sucess around North America.

    Jake Haime joins us to show how you can improve your driving and we take a look at a training aid for putting that you can use indoors and outdoors.

  • Episode 20: Fall Golf - What We Love, Where to Play, and How to Adjust, plus Pendrith Chosen For Presidents Cup

    September 8th, 2022  |  56 mins 51 secs
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    Fall Golf is nearly upon us so rather than ignore the topic and the potential end of the golf season in part of the world, we are embracing it with a Back Nine discussion about the topic. We share what we like and don't like about golf at this time of year, adjustments golfers should make with their equipment, and highlight some golf courses in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec that provide a scenic backdrop at this time of year.

    In the Front Nine we wrap up the Ottawa Valley Golf Association Intersectionals, the final Race to the Capital One Cup standings for the PLAY Golf Junior Tour, and look ahead to the Flagstick Two-Ball Championship.

    In the Lesson Tee with the Kevin Haime Golf School, Jake Haime show you how to improve your pitch shots with the help of a hanger, and we also have a glance at the new golf shoe lines from ECCO Golf.

  • Episode 19: LPGA Returns To Canada: 2022 CP Women's Open A Success

    September 1st, 2022  |  1 hr 11 mins
    bauder media group, canada, eastern ontario, flagstick.com, golf, ottawa, ottawa valley, podcast, sports, western quebec

    After a very busy week away, the Flagstick Podcast returns with a show full of news and with plenty of analysis on the return of the LPGA Tour to Canada.

    The CP Women's Open has not been conducted since 2019 due to the pandemic and fans turned out in droves at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club to see some of the most talented golfers on the planet.

    We have a full wrap-up of the week including the win by Paula Reto, the takeaway for Brooke Henderson, and Lorie Kane's 30th and final CP Women's Open. We also discuss the impact on the local community and how the golf course and infrastructure made the tournament one to remember.

    On the lesson tee Kevin Haime talks triggers to start your golf swing, and in Product Watch we dive into the winner's bag of Paula Reto and discuss some equipment trends on the LPGA TOUR that the average golfer should be paying attention to.