Episode 18: CP Women's Open Preview and One Hand Golf Swings To Sharpen Your Game

August 18th, 2022  |  1 hr 9 mins

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

It's the week prior to the LPGA coming to playing in our backyard so you know the CP Women's Open has to dominate the show. We take a look at the history of the LPGA tournament in Ottawa, the tremendous field scheduled to play, what we think the atmosphere will be like, and many more angles on the championship.

As alwas there is plenty of news to share on regional and Canadian golf events, from OVGA tournaments and Hall fo Fame inductions to the success of players in the recent Canada Cup tournament.

In the tip this show, Kevin Haime shows how one-hand golf swings can help you learn to improve multiple aspects of your golf swing, while Product Watch has us exploring autonomous powered golf carts.

We also announce the winners of our YouTube contest presented by Cleveland Golf and Srixon Golf.

Episode 17: A Junior Ace Artist, All the Women’s Major Winners Are Coming To Ottawa, and What’s In the Bag - Non-Club Edition

August 11th, 2022  |  1 hr 4 mins

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

Updates coming at you this week on the Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour and the Zone Championship, the 81st Eastern Ontario Golf Championship, and the growing field for the 2022 CP Women's Open.

In Product Watch we discuss our own WITB (What's In The Bag) but focus on everything NOT golf clubs to allow every day golfers a look at what low handicap players and pros carry with them to the golf course.

In our feature interview we could have brought you some boring talk with a breakdown of the legalities happening between the PGA TOUR and LIV Golf but instead we thought we'd bring you some content that really matters, an interview with an excited ten-year-old, Landon Touchette, who just made his first hole in one.

Episode 16: PEI Golf Trips, Special Edition Golf Shoes, and Improving Your Backswing

August 4th, 2022  |  1 hr 2 mins

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

It's been a busy last two weeks and we have plenty of news to share this week from our recent coverage of everything from Ottawa Valley Golf Association tournaments to the Canadian Junior Girls Golf Championship.

In Product Watch we dive into the proliferation of special edition golf shoes - what they are and what we like about them.

Kevin and Jake Haime stop in from The Lesson Tee with some thoughts on having a better arm structure in the golf swing, and in the Back Nine we explore golf trips to Prince Edward Island, their popularity, and why golfers are flocking there to spend their vacations.

Episode 15: Carlee Meilleur, 2022 Ontario Women's Amateur Champion

July 22nd, 2022  |  1 hr 16 secs

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

After a week hiatus due to technical issues, the boys are 1,300 kilometres apart but still getting together for Epsiode 15.

We catch you up on all the latest golf news from the Ottawa Valley with a recap of Intersectional play and the Senior Championships, share the name of the winner for the Senior Invitational at Brockville Country Club, and discuss the plan for the new home of Golf Canada and several more golf associations.

In the Lesson Tee with Kevin Haime, he provides a quick way to help you work on your chipping; and we address that area of the game even more in Product Watch where we give you the details on the new PING ChipR.

In our Back 9 feature interview, we sat down with 14 year-old Carlee Meilleur of Lansdowne, Ontario just moments after she won the Ontario Women's Amateur Championship for an in-depth talk about the victory, what it means, and more about her journey in golf.

We think you'll enjoy her perspective, which is well beyond her years.

Episode 14: The Gist of The Lists: Thoughts On Golf Course Ranking Lists

July 8th, 2022  |  1 hr 8 mins

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

It's that time of year when golf course ranking lists begin to appear all over the world.

Of course, what you think about them and their merit is up to you, but we take the time on the Back 9 this week to have a spirited discussion on the topic. Do they hold merit, are they misunderstood by golfers, courses, and marketers, and what value do they have beyond being the centre of debate? We give our take based on years of experience around them and trying to run an opinion-based rating from readers through the years.

On the Front 9 we catch you up with the latest Ottawa Valley, Ontario, and Quebec golf tournament news, and in Product Watch we talk about some of our favourite styles of golf books, with some examples of ones we have enjoyed through the years.

On the Lesson Tee, Kevin and Jake Haime explore "bounce" on wedges and its role in helping you to hit better chips and pitches.

Episode 13: CP Women's Open Media Day - Brooke Henderson, Lorie Kane, and Tournament Director Ryan Paul

July 1st, 2022  |  1 hr 24 mins

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

It's a jam-packed show this week as Jeff and Scott record after attending the CP Women's Open Media Day at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club.

Before they get deep into that they cover off some chatter about the Alexander of Tunis Championship, update you on the progress on Kurtis Barkley and his latest results in Ireland on the G4D (Golf For Disabled) Tour, and share some news on the latest Ontario Golf Hall of Fame induction announcements, including an award for somebody familiar.

We give you some details from our day at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club including the some news on players commitments for the 2022 CP Women's Open and a first-hand look at the golf course that had more than 1100 trees decimated by a storm in late May.

Kevin Haime shows you how to minimize your wrist action in the swing and we take a closer look at the Srizon ZX-7 irons in product Watch.

In the Back Nine we have sit down interviews with CP Women's Open Tournament Director Ryan Paul, the legendary Lorie Kane, and 11-time LPGA TOUR winner Brooke Henderson.

Episode 12: Welcome Mr. President: The 49th PGA of Canada President Gord Percy, Fitzy's Speed, & Backswing Goals

June 23rd, 2022  |  1 hr 19 mins

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

Golf tournament season is ramping up an we have a deep line-up of notes to share this week on the Front Nine of the Flagstick Podcast.

Gord Percy, the 47th President of the PGA of Canada joins us for a feature interview on what we can expect from his tenure, we dive into one of the tools that helped Matt Fitzpatrick win the U.S. Open, and Kevin Haime shows us what he looks for in a golfer's takeaway to help the have better control of the game.

We also reveal some items from the tournament registration package for the 2022 Flagstick Two-Ball Championships, and have early details on a new contest coming up for our YouTube subscribers.

Episode 11: RBC Canadian Open Re-Cap / Brooke Henderson Wins #11

June 15th, 2022  |  1 hr 22 mins

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

After a week away (with good reason) the Flagstick Podcast returns. Scott spent the entirety of last week on a special and personal assignment that surrounded the playing of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open.

He shares his insight from the week in Etobicoke, Ontario, from both inside and outside the ropes. That includes the play of Rory, Justin Thomas, and Tony Finau, the Canada player angle, the overall success of the entire PGA TOUR event, and details of time spent with the two Canadians who survived the University of the Southwest golf team accident and, along with their families, were guests of Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum at St. George's Golf and Country Club and Islington Golf Club.

On the Front 9 we discuss the 11th LPGA TOUR win by Brooke Henderson, recent PGA of Ottawa and PLAY GOLF Junior Golf tour events, the Kingston Men's City Golf Championships, the upcoming Ontario Women's Match Play, and the opening of the new Short Game practice area at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club.

Kevin and Jake Haime share insight on the driver swing versus the iron swing, and in Product Watch we talk about factors that influence when you change out golf equipment for newer product.

Episode 10: The Gear That Is Dear: A Nostalgic Look At Golf Equipment We Played Through The Years

June 1st, 2022  |  1 hr 19 mins

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

Episode #10 is already here and this week we take a stroll down memory lane in the Back 9 to chat about pieces of golf equipment we played through the years and still have some fond memories.

On the Front 9 we update you on Ottawa area golf course recovery after last weekend's storm, bring you the latest results from the Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour, Ottawa Valley Golf Association, and PLAY JUNIOR GOLF Junior Tour, and provide Canadian updates on the Senior PGA Championship and next week's RBC Canadian Open.

On the Lesson Tee, Kevin Haime shows you how to smooth out your putting stroke, and the Product Watch segment has us comparing and contrasting distance measuring devices, putting GPS-based systems up against Laser Rangefinders.

Episode 9: Running On Empty - The Flagstick Open and More (Brennan Smith Interview)

May 27th, 2022  |  1 hr 35 secs

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

Yes, we're a couple days late hitting the publish button on this episode but, believe me, it's with good reason. A catastrophic storm hit parts of Ontario on the May long weekend and that interrupted a few things. That included power and internet service at our offices.

Thankfully that has been resolved and here we are.

That storm also impacted the Flagstick Open Amateur Championship presented by TaylorMade Golf Canada and adidas but we managed to complete play and crown a winner. Brennan Smith, the repeat champion, sat down with Scott after the victory for the feature interview in this episode.

We also share plenty of news from the week, including details on how the big storm impacted many golf courses and events, some Golf Ontario news as they hosted their Spring Junior Classics, details on the OVGA Scramble, the PLAY JUNIOR GOLF TOUR season-opener, and another endorsement deal for an Eastern Ontario touring pro.

On the Lesson Tee with Kevin Haime, he looks at tightening the backswing turn, and in Product Watch we have a look at some new golf shoes with a "champion" pedigree.

We may be a little tuckered from a long week, but Episode #9 of the Flagstick Podcast is here. Enjoy!

Episode 8: Some of Our Favourite Golf Courses (and plenty more)

May 18th, 2022  |  1 hr 16 mins

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

We're both not huge proponents of the term "best" when it comes to golf courses. Afterall how you feel about a golf course is fairly subjective. This week in our Back Nine we share a little about some of the courses we have both enjoyed through the years and why they have become dear to us. It's sure to just be an entry way to the topic, and variations of it. Some of them choices might suprise you, and we hope that as we bring you more discussions on the topics in various episodes that it may introduce new courses to you.

On the Front Nine this week we have a nice helping of regional content with junior golf and various events in the spotlight, along with news from ceremonies recognizing OVGA Hall of Fame members, and the announcement of the new ambassador for a junior girls golf program.

Kevin Haime brings you some thoughts on the set-up, and we explore carry bags in this week's Product Watch.

All that, and the answer to the question "which former Flagstick Open winner is hitting balls in the background as we record the podcast?"

Tune in and find out.

Episode 7: All The Usual Fun and RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Bryan Crawford

May 11th, 2022  |  1 hr 1 min

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

Tournament season is officially underway so we have plenty of golf news to cover off this week in the Front Nine.

We bring you results from the Ottawa Valley Golf Association Spring Classic, news from the Canadian National Women's Team, an exciting addition to the field for the 2022 CP Women's Open at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, word on a golfer named as the St. Lawrence College athlete of the year, a preview of the Loyalist Junior Showcase, results from a Sunday night survey on golf travel, details the 2022 inductees to the OVGA Hall of Fame, and results from the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier in Quebec.

For this show's Product Watch we take a look at the ever-growing bluetooth speaker market and highlight a few, and their features, that are designed specifcally for the golfers.

In the Back Nine this week we have an informative interview as the RBC Canadian Open prepares to return for the first time since 2019. Scott sat down with Tournament Director Bryan Crawford at the 2022 venue, St. George's Golf & Country Club, to talk about the logistics and plans to make this edition the best on all fronts since the tournament began in 1904.

Episode 6: What Are The Tees For Me, Laser Rangefinders, and Tune Your Putting Aim

May 4th, 2022  |  1 hr 19 mins

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

As usual there is plenty on our minds this week as the golf season continues to roll on in our home base of Eastern Ontario.

We bring you news this week about a new job opening with Golf Ontario, a new golf league program involving The Marshes and the Ottawa Valley Golf Association, a new F&B option at an Ottawa-area practice facility, and updates on the play of Kurtis Barkley, a Canadian playing in England on the new G4D Tour.

On the Back Nine we have a wandering conversation of how to go about choosing the tee box you play at the golf course. We consider the past stereotypes, the implications of the choices, and an evolving system that could help you enjoy your next game of golf that much more.

On the Lesson Tee with the Kevin Haime Golf School, Kevin and Jake Haime show you how to tune your aim with your putter.

We finish off the episode with a dicussion about laser rangefinders and focus in on one for our Product Watch – the Blue Tees 3 Max.

This episode is brought to you by TaylorMade Golf Canada with segment sponsorship by Greensmere G&CC, Metcalfe GC, Golf Sim Gurus, and the Kevin Haime Golf School.

Besides Flagstick.com you can also catch the Flagstick Podcast episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and multiple other platforms including YouTube. Please join listeners in thirteen countries and subscribe, add it to your notifications, and a leave a review!

Episode 5: The Brand Game In Golf: How Are We Influenced?

April 27th, 2022  |  1 hr 11 mins

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

It's another fun show this week as we introduce and explore some of the stories you will find on Flagstick.com. They include spotlighting new college golf teams in Ontario, an update on Canadian golfers involved in a tragic accident six weeks ago, the lost Stanley Thompson-designed Hillcrest Golf Club and the story that took two years to unearth, and a golfer who is looking to shoot his age or better and has done it more than 100 times.

We also reveal some new Flagstick merchandise, Kevin Haime shows you how to dial in your stance width, and in Product Watch we look at a new book that will commemorate the biggest golf event in the world.

In the balance of the show we take on the topic of branding in golf (equipment, etc) and how companies build bonds with golfers, and why those golfers make the brands choices they do. We'll lean on three decades of marketing experience to take on the discussion, sharing insight on how things have changes, and stayed the same, through the years.

This episode is brought to you by TaylorMade Golf Canada with segment sponsorship by Greensmere G&CC, Metcalfe GC, GolfSim Gurus, and the Kevin Haime Golf School.

Episode 4: Is Nine Fine? Nine Hole Golf Courses and The Fit In The Golf Industry (and more)

April 20th, 2022  |  44 mins 44 secs

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

We've got nine holes on our mind this week. No, not playing nine but talking about the concept of playing nine holes instead of eighteen and exploring why from people frown upon it, or nine holes courses in general. We chat a little about the advantages, discuss how they shaped our own golf careers, and reference some of the better ones we have played though the years.

Also on the agenda for Scott & Jeff this week: the growing trend of golf courses having their own alcoholic beverages, the shifting preferences in golf shoe styles, the addition of more junior golf tournament opportunities in Eastern Ontario, and we take a look at the Flagstick.com PGA Ottawa Tour schedule and venues for 2022.

On the Lesson Tee, Kevin Haime gives insight on using the ground for more power in the golf swing, and for Product Watch we spotlight a device that promises insight into your wrist angles during your golf swing and putting stroke - Hackmotion.

Episode 3: Three’s A Charm? The Masters Wrap-Up & Much More

April 13th, 2022  |  1 hr 31 mins

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

Golfers everywhere are fired up after the playing of The Masters and that includes Jeff and Scott.

This show is chock full of analysis and discussion from the first men's major championship of the season, following all the storylines and providing our thoughts on them. That includes the victory and potential for Scottie Scheffler, the turn of events for Cam Smith, the continued fine play of Corey Conners, and, of course, the return of Tiger Woods.

This somehow leads into a putting, and equipment discussion, including the discussion of potential future limitations.
Based on our Flagstick.com Web Poll we discuss the prevalence of online golf betting and if it will make an impact on actual play on the course.
Based on our Flagstick.com Web Poll we discuss the prevalence of online golf betting and if it will make an impact on actual play on the course.

We also have a look at the field for the 2022 U.S. Women's Open qualifying and the entrants, including an 11 year-old Canadian.

With the Flagstick Open already sold out, we bring you details on another event we will be hosting later this season, the Flagstick Two-Ball Championships at Brockville Country Club. We might even give you a glimpse of the storied trophy that will go to the overall winner.

The Lesson Tee with Kevin Haime brings you a downswing drill and the Product Watch segment takes us into a deep discussion on push carts, including a new model from a category leader, Sun Mountain.

We also bring you the latest information on golf course openings in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

As always, it's a fun show with plenty of great information and opinions, but no shortage of laughs.

Thank you to episode sponsor TaylorMade Golf Canada, and segment sponsors Greensmere Golf & Country Club and Metcalfe Golf Club.