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

Episode 146: Making The Most of The Off-Season, and Short Course Advantages

October 21st, 2025  |  1 hr 26 secs

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

The boys are provinces apart this week, but both are still focused on golf.

Scott shares some notes from his time in Prince Edward Island, drop-ins at a few local favourites, and a game at Glasgow Hills, while Jeff takes us through his recent visit to Stonebridge GC, gives us his assessment of the modified design, and contrasts it with the original design.

We explore news from a man who has played all 66 "Royal" golf courses around the world, and Award updates from the PGA of Ottawa Zone.

On the Front Nine, we take on the topic of how you should tackle the off-season if you plan to be a better golfer in 2026, with some ideas for your golf improvement plan. That starts with making one.

On the Back Nine, we discuss non-traditional golf course designs, rooted in the recent visit by the DP World Tour to the Delhi Golf Club in India.

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

This episode is brought to you by Srixon Golf, with segment sponsorships by Metcalfe GC and Falcon Ridge GC

Episode 145: Tiger’s Surgery, Xander's Triumph, and the Rise of Sudarshan

October 14th, 2025  |  1 hr 21 mins

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

This week on the Flagstick Podcast, we break down a pivotal moment for golf's biggest star and celebrate a new face joining the elite ranks.

First, we tackle the major news from Jupiter: Tiger Woods is officially sidelined again following his latest back surgery. We discuss the procedure, the expected recovery timeline, and what this means for the longevity of his career.

Then, the focus shifts to the course as we analyze Xander Schauffele's impressive victory. Is it just another win or does it signify a return to major-winning form?

Finally, we celebrate an inspiring story from north of the border: Canadian Sudarshan Yellamaraju has earned his PGA TOUR card! We look at his unconventional, self-taught path from the Korn Ferry Tour to the big leagues, and preview what his arrival means for the 2026 rookie class.

Plus, a deep dive into some of the most surprising PGA TOUR statistics of the year.

Don't miss this comprehensive look at the professional golf landscape, covering the legend's setback and the stars on the rise!

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

This episode is brought to you by Srixon Golf, with segment sponsorships by Metcalfe GC and Falcon Ridge GC

Episode 144: The Skins Game Returns, Touring Camelot G&CC, The Best Golfers In Baseball, and TGL Drops Their Schedule for Season 2

October 7th, 2025  |  1 hr 7 mins

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

It's October, but the golf season keeps rolling along, with plenty to discuss.

We chat about the looming end of the outdoor golf season here in Canada and how long we expect to be playing.

We bring you fresh news on the return of The Skins Game in the U.S. and who will be taking part. We also break down the schedule for the upcoming Season 2 of the TGL indoor golf league and talk about our expectations for it.

With Major League Baseball playoffs in full swing, we take a look at the top all-time golfers among pro ball players, introducing you to a man who played in both the World Series and The Masters.

And to wrap up the show, we give you a history lesson on the Camelot Golf & Country Club and tour you through the 7,000 yards of their Thomas McBroom design.

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

This episode is brought to you by Srixon Golf, with segment sponsorships by Metcalfe GC and Falcon Ridge GC.