Episode 156: PGA Show 2026 – The Gear Is Here

January 20th, 2026  |  1 hr 10 mins

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

In Episode 156, Jeff and Scott break down everything happening as the golf industry gathers in Orlando for the PGA Show, with a strong focus on the biggest equipment launches and trends heading into the 2026 season.

The show opens with industry and community updates, including registration details for the 2026 Flagstick Open Amateur Championship, highlights from the Sony Open in Hawaii—where Chris Gotterup earned his first PGA TOUR win—and strong Canadian performances from Taylor Pendrith and Nick Taylor. We also discuss Brooke Henderson being named among the first five players in the newly announced WTGL league.

The conversation then shifts to the PGA Show itself, explaining what the event is and why it matters. Often described as golf’s version of Fashion Week mixed with a tech convention, the PGA Show brings together thousands of professionals, brands, and executives for product launches, education, networking, and hands-on testing. From Demo Day at Orange County National to the massive exhibition floor, the hosts outline how equipment, apparel, technology, and golf culture all converge in one place. They also highlight major modern trends, including the rise of golf lifestyle branding, explosive growth in simulator and AI technology, and a continued push toward inclusivity and growing the game.

In the Back Nine, the focus turns fully to new gear for 2026. Drivers remain the headline category, with manufacturers emphasizing tighter dispersion, predictability, and improved performance on off-center hits rather than raw speed alone.
The hosts also cover major equipment trends across the bag, with perspectives on the latest irons, wedges, putters, golf balls, footwear, and emerging technologies.

Overall, Episode 156 paints a comprehensive picture of where golf equipment and technology are headed in 2026.

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

Episode 155: The Return of Brooks & The 2026 New Year Mailbag

January 13th, 2026  |  1 hr 10 mins

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

The 2026 golf season kicks off with a bombshell. In this episode, we break down the shocking news that Brooks Koepka is officially back on the PGA TOUR. We discuss his official statement, his return at the Farmers Insurance Open, and his candid admission about the "nervous energy" and mending broken bridges in the locker room.

We also dive into the mechanics of the newly minted "Returning Member Program"—the Tour's high-stakes solution for bringing back elite talent while maintaining "severe and justified consequences." Who is eligible and will they take up the offer.

The 2026 Mailbag: We tackle our first listener Q&A of the year!

Including:

The Augusta Gamble: Would you bet your entire golfing future on one round to break 90 at National?

The "Turn Dog" Debate: Is it actually culinary excellence, or just a blood sugar emergency?

The Hill to Die On: Our non-negotiable takes on equipment and brands.

Golf YouTube: Is it helping your game or causing total "analysis paralysis"?

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

Episode 154: 2026 Golf Trends & Stories to Watch

January 8th, 2026  |  1 hr 10 mins

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

The golf world is heading into one of its most fascinating seasons in years, and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, we look ahead to 2026’s biggest trends and storylines, starting with our own backyard — including the Flagstick Open, the Flagstick.com Shootout, the possibility of a third signature event, and even the potential return of the print edition of Flagstick as we approach our 30th anniversary season.

On the professional side, history is firmly in the spotlight. We discuss the career Grand Slam chase as Scottie Scheffler eyes the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, and Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta as a defending Masters champion with renewed momentum. We also dive into Tiger Woods at 50, what his eligibility for the PGA Tour Champions really means, and how much competitive golf we might realistically see from him.

Another major talking point: Brooks Koepka’s stunning exit from LIV Golf, the waiting period he faces before a potential PGA Tour return, and what expiring LIV contracts — including Bryson DeChambeau’s — could mean for the league’s future star power.

We then explore the new leadership era in professional golf, with fresh faces guiding the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and LIV Golf, along with a look at the iconic venues hosting the men’s majors in 2026 and the landmark U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club.

Finally, we dig into the trends shaping the game:

The evolution of golf equipment and whether data-driven fitting is replacing distance-based marketing

The continued rise of Canadian golf travel and experience-driven trips

Changing business models at golf facilities, including hybrid memberships, simulator access, and new revenue streams

The growing role of AI and automation, from customer service to “invisible maintenance” using robotics

And what increasing rounds played in Canada could mean heading into 2026

If you want a complete snapshot of where golf is headed — on the course, in the business, and across the industry — this episode sets the stage for the season ahead.

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

Episode 153: Holiday Golf Gifts & Looking Back at 2025

December 18th, 2025  |  1 hr 17 mins

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

As the golf season winds down, we break it all down from Q-School to the biggest storylines shaping the game heading into 2026.

We start with a strong showing from Canadians at Q-School, as A.J. Ewart and Adam Svensson earn PGA TOUR cards, while Ben Silverman narrowly misses out in a dramatic playoff. From there, we recap the Grant Thornton Invitational, where Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak take the title, and Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners continue their impressive chemistry with another top-five finish.

Looking back at the major themes of 2025, we cover Scottie Scheffler’s dominant year, Rory McIlroy completing the career Grand Slam, Bryson DeChambeau’s standout major performances and continued influence through YouTube, and milestone victories for Canada’s Nick Taylor. We also discuss what it means to have seven Canadians set for the PGA TOUR in 2026.

On the women’s side, we dive into a historic year of parity on the LPGA Tour, highlighted by Jeeno Thitikul’s record-breaking season, Brooke Henderson’s return to the winner’s circle, and breakout performances from Canadian youngsters including Anna Huang.

Plus: Tiger Woods’ road ahead as he approaches 50, the ongoing PGA TOUR–LIV saga, and what changes are coming in 2026.

On the Back Nine, we look ahead to expectations for 2026 in men’s and women’s golf, the future of tour golf in Canada, favourite 19th holes around the world, and our top holiday gift ideas for golfers—from high-tech training tools to classic stocking stuffers.

A packed episode full of insight, opinion, and plenty of Canadian golf storylines as we head into the festive season.

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

Episode 152: Golf's Dress Code Debate - From Tweed to Hoodies - The Evolution of Golf Attire

December 9th, 2025  |  1 hr 16 mins

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

Before the main event, Jeff and Scott catch up on a busy couple of weeks in golf, covering the Australian Open, the Hero World Challenge, Q-Schools, and the upcoming Grant Thornton Invitational.

Then, we take a look at the enduring debate: The Golf Dress Code. We trace the journey of golf clothing from the heavy tweed and corseted outfits of the 19th century—a uniform of the elite—to the performance polo shirt popularized by Arnold Palmer. We analyze the Public vs. Private course divide, discuss the high-profile acceptance of hoodies on the PGA Tour, and revisit the controversial 2017 LPGA dress code tightening.

Finally, we forecast the future: high-tech fabrics, gender-neutral designs, and the demand for sustainable golf wear. Is it time to abolish all dress codes in the name of growing the game?

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

Episode 151: Golf Course Design - Likes and Dislikes

November 27th, 2025  |  1 hr 8 mins

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

In this episode, we dive into the endlessly debated world of golf course design—breaking down the features golfers love, hate, and love to argue about.

From there, we split the show into a “Front 9” and “Back 9,” exploring some of golf architecture’s most fascinating topics. On the Front 9, we tackle classic vs. modern design philosophies, bunkering styles, and the ongoing debate between restoring historic courses and renovating them for today’s game. Using courses we've played, we share personal examples that highlight why certain design choices resonate with us.

On the Back 9, we shift to strategic attributes and player experience—from the best template holes to the fairness of wild green complexes, the purpose of water hazards, and what makes a routing truly memorable. We dig into walkability, playability vs. difficulty, the value of the ground game, and what defines a great finishing stretch.

To wrap up, we share some of our all-time favorite courses we’ve played—like Panmure, North Berwick, Tobacco Road, and Pinehurst—and dream out loud about the bucket-list courses we hope to experience one day, including Cypress Point, St. Andrews, and Royal Melbourne.

Whether you’re a designer at heart or just a golfer who loves the craft behind the game, this episode is packed with thoughtful debates, personal stories, and a celebration of what makes great golf courses unforgettable.

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

Episode 150: The Internet Invitational - Was It Good Or Bad?

November 19th, 2025  |  1 hr 16 mins

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

On this episode, we discussed the recently completed Internet Invitational - one of the largest golf productions to ever appear on YouTube. We discuss the challenges, entertainment value, and level of play, and examine the risks and opportunities involved for the 48 creators who took part. They chased the exposure and the cash prizes, but is there a downside for their brands and much more?

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

Episode 149: 2025 Personal Golf Highlights & More Random Questions

November 11th, 2025  |  53 mins 24 secs

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

With snow settling across the region and the outdoor golf season coming to an end, we take a moment to reflect on the past year from a personal perspective. Where did we get to play? Who did we share the course with? How did our equipment evolve, and what other events or stories helped shape the season?

We’re also wrapping up the remaining random golf questions from the Spin the Wheel segment in Episode 146—tackling topics like golf balls, bunker play, divot repair, hot mics on the pro tours, adjustable club weights, and the ever-popular concept of ready golf.

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

Episode 148: LIV Golf, Influencers, This & That - Random Golf Topics

November 6th, 2025  |  59 mins 43 secs

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

On this episode, we begin by examining LIV Golf's format shift as they approach 2026 and discussing the potential implications of this decision. We then delve into the value of granting professional golf tournament exemptions to certain influencers, analyzing both the benefits and the potential downsides of this practice.

Jeff will share whether he managed to get in one more round of golf and if it required lights to finish, while Scott reveals which Hockey Hall of Famer he randomly chatted with at a recent NHL game.

Finally, following up on last week's 'Spin The Wheel' segment, we'll address several leftover topics. We'll answer listener questions ranging from how to handle pressure on the golf course to the biggest course management mistakes made by average golfers

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

Episode 147: Random Golf Talk: Spin The Topic Wheel

October 28th, 2025  |  49 mins 54 secs

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

A different spin this week! We're changing up the show's format by adding a dose of randomness to the topics. We loaded twenty different golf subjects into a wheel and will spin it to decide what we discuss.

From cart and range etiquette to the issues of halfway houses contributing to slow play, and even the future of golf putter design, we have no shortage of topics to offer our opinions on.

On the Front Nine, we’ll chat about Scott’s recent visit to a Nova Scotia course we both loved, discuss how sponsor exemptions in pro golf events create great stories, and follow up on last week's discussion regarding post-season golf assessments.

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