Episode 162: March Mailbag - Answering Your Questions

March 5th, 2026  |  1 hr 12 mins

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

Outdoor golf season is almost here, and this episode is packed with the kinds of questions only golfers ask when they can finally see grass again. The hosts kick things off by catching up on the local scene, including a sold-out 2026 Flagstick Open, before diving headfirst into a wide-ranging Front Nine fueled by listener curiosity and plenty of strong opinions.

The conversation spans everything from modern tech and equipment trends—zero-torque putters, mini drivers, spiked vs. spikeless shoes, and the rise of simulators—to timeless debates about pace of play, gimmes, and the cheapest ways to shave strokes without buying new clubs. The panel also zooms out to the pro game, debating what “winning” even means at this stage of Tiger Woods’s career, naming dark horses for the Masters Tournament, and discussing whether the pressure is higher or lower now that Rory McIlroy has completed the Grand Slam. With Scottie Scheffler’s current form also under the microscope, the Masters hype is fully engaged.

After the turn, the Back Nine keeps things rolling with bigger-picture questions about the future of the game. The hosts tackle LIV vs. PGA TOUR optics, Signature Events, old-school equipment nostalgia, acceptable round length in 2026, and whether launch monitors on the range are helpful or flat-out cheating. There’s also candid discussion about the growth ceiling of golf on YouTube, and whether golf courses lose their soul when walking isn’t allowed.

The episode wraps with a personal reflection on what it means to spend a lifetime in the game without falling out of love with it. Equal parts insight, debate, and self-deprecating humor, it’s a classic golf-nerd roundtable that feels right on time as the season gets ready to tee off.

Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

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

Episode 161: 30 Years of Flagstick "Looking Back"

February 24th, 2026  |  1 hr 13 mins

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

As Flagstick approaches its official 30th Anniversary this May, we look back to where it all began—30 years ago at the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo, when Jeff first revealed plans for a regional golf publication that didn’t yet exist. In this special episode, Scott interviews Jeff about the leap from working in media to launching his own magazine, the risks of exhibiting without a product, and why Flagstick chose a regional focus that would eventually make it one of Canada’s longest-standing golf media companies.

Jeff reflects on the early challenges of print publishing, learning new skills out of necessity, building relationships across the region, and navigating the shift from seasonal print to digital media.

On the Back Nine, the conversation explores Flagstick’s expansion into tournaments, partnerships with PGA of Ottawa, Ottawa Valley Golf Association, and Golf Ontario, and its evolution into digital publishing, consulting, photography, newsletters, and podcasting.

From surviving the pandemic to earning industry recognition and Hall of Fame honours, this episode reflects on how golf—and Flagstick—have changed from 1996 to 2026, and why the passion for the game remains as strong as ever.

Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

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

Episode 160: Birdies & Blades - Developing A Junior Athlete

February 19th, 2026  |  1 hr 11 mins

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

This week, we take a different path.

Instead of breaking down tour storylines and leaderboard drama, we shift the focus to something that matters far beyond a single season — junior athlete development.

As parents and coaches involved in both golf and hockey, we’ve seen firsthand how the principles that shape young athletes on the links and in the rinks are remarkably similar. Drawing from our own experiences — certifications, coaching backgrounds, and years in competitive environments — we explore what actually helps kids build a healthy, lasting relationship with sport.

Inspired by comments from Tiger Woods about growing up with his dad — “It was always competitive, and it was always fun” — we unpack two critical elements of development: competition and enjoyment. Can they coexist? Should they? And how do we get the balance right?

We dig into:

Why physical literacy and multi-sport participation build better long-term athletes

The Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework and why biological age matters more than birth year

The risks of early specialization

The powerful dynamic between athlete, coach, and parent.

This conversation isn’t about raising the next tour player or NHL star. It’s about raising resilient, confident young people who love to compete — and who love the game.

Because when it’s competitive and fun, kids don’t just perform better.

They stay.

Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

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

Episode 159: Golf's Heroes & Villains

February 12th, 2026  |  1 hr 10 mins

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

Balancing a look at current circumstances with a nod to the past, in this episode we examine how our own values, desires, and biases shape our perception of professional golfers—and the “characters” they inhabit within the sport’s unfolding drama.

While we naturally gravitate toward milestones like Rory McIlroy’s quest for the Career Grand Slam or Scottie Scheffler’s era of dominance, the ongoing rift between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has fundamentally redefined player reputations.

From “villains” like the defiant Patrick Reed and the polarizing Bryson DeChambeau to “heroes” like the relatable Jordan Spieth, these archetypes serve as mirrors for our own frustrations.

Ultimately, we explore whether the modern era is defined by the leaderboard or by the clash of personalities—asking if a player is a “fallen hero” like Phil Mickelson or a “reluctant king” like Scheffler.

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

Episode 158: Tiger Woods Equipment Eras, Justin Rose, and Player/Caddy Relationships

February 5th, 2026  |  1 hr 6 mins

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

This episode of the podcast opens with an engaging “Front Nine” discussion tackling several timely topics in the game. Jeff and Scott explore why a player like Justin Rose can still compete—and even excel—at age 45, highlighting how golf is one of the rare sports where experience, patience, and mental composure can outweigh raw athleticism. They also reflect on the end of an era for the Henderson sisters, examining what it takes to sustain a successful player–caddie relationship over the course of a decade. The segment concludes with thoughtful commentary on how golf clubs are adapting to survive, increasingly positioning themselves as year-round community hubs by adding amenities like fitness facilities and even chess leagues—though some may be losing sight of their most important asset: the golf course itself.

On the “Back Nine,” the conversation shifts to an in-depth look at Tiger Woods’ golf bag. It’s a fascinating study of one of the most meticulous players the game has ever seen. Despite cycling through major equipment sponsors—from Titleist to Nike to TaylorMade—over the past 30 years, Tiger’s club specifications have remained remarkably consistent.

The hosts trace his equipment evolution from the Mizuno and Titleist days of the “Tiger Slam” through to his current TaylorMade setup in 2026. The key takeaway is Tiger’s unwavering loyalty to what works. He’s still carrying a 5-wood from 2018 because he trusts its ball flight, and he continues to use the same classic Ping putter grip he’s relied on since childhood. It’s a powerful reminder that at the highest level, feel and consistency usually win out.

Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos

License certificate #: 2227748

Episode 157: The Rise Of Scottie Scheffler

January 28th, 2026  |  1 hr 10 mins

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

Is it even a fair fight anymore? As of January 2026, Scottie Scheffler has officially moved from "great" to "historic." With a dominant win at the 2026 American Express, Scheffler has reached the 20-win milestone in just 151 starts—joining only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the players to hit 20 wins and 4 majors before the age of 30.

In this episode, we break down the surgical precision of the man who has turned the PGA Tour into his personal trophy room. We explore his rise from a Texas junior winning 75 tournaments to becoming a Lifetime Member of the PGA Tour.

This week, we’re diving into:

The 20-Win Club: Analyzing the significance of Scottie’s latest victory and his record-breaking 1,442-day sprint from his first win to his 20th.

Tiger vs. Scottie: The math is finally competitive. We compare Scottie’s 2024–2025 stretch to Tiger’s legendary 2000 season. Who had the better peak?

Inside the Bag: How Scottie leanns on clubs that he trusts, and how his TaylorMade Spider continues to silence the putting critics.

The "Major" Hunt: With 4 Majors in the bag, we look ahead to Shinnecock Hills and Scottie’s quest for the career Grand Slam at the U.S. Open.

Whether you're a die-hard gear head curious about his 7-wood transition or a fan witnessing one of the most consistent ball-striking eras in golf history, this is your deep dive into the reign of Scottie Scheffler.

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

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