Episodes

  • Episode 31 - 9 Holes 9 Questions with D1 Golfer at K-State JP Roller

    Episode 31 - 9 Holes 9 Questions with D1 Golfer at K-State JP Roller
    Jan 8 2025
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker plays nine holes with JP Roller, a Kansas State golfer with deep ties to the game. During their round they discuss JP's family golf legacy, his transition through college golf programs, and the mental toughness required to excel in competitive golf. The conversation also delves into JP’s perspectives on pace of play, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals in college sports, and the political climate on college campuses. The episode blends lighthearted banter with serious discussions, including JP’s dream foursome featuring Donald Trump, Michael Jordan, and Jordan Spieth, his time playing with Ludvig Aberg and the value of golf in creating connections across diverse backgrounds. This engaging mix of sports and politics offers a unique perspective on the intersection of competition, camaraderie, and culture. Takeaways A Family Legacy in Golf: JP Roller grew up immersed in golf, with a mother who competed in two U.S. Opens, a father who coached high school golf, and a sister playing Division I college golf. The Mental and Physical Grind of College Golf: JP shares the pressures of playing at the collegiate level, navigating transfers from Texas Tech to Kansas State, and recovering from a wrist injury while maintaining his game. Pace of Play: A Growing Concern: JP reflects on how slow play affects both professional and college tournaments, emphasizing the need for faster rounds to improve the overall experience for players and spectators. The Impact of NIL Deals on College Golf: NIL deals are growing in college golf, but JP expresses concern that they might detract from the amateur spirit of the sport. Political Climate on College Campuses: As a politically engaged student, JP discusses the challenges of navigating differing ideologies on campus and how political bias sometimes manifests in academic settings. Dream Foursome Revealed: JP’s ideal group includes Donald Trump, Michael Jordan, and Jordan Spieth, combining a love for golf, competitive spirit, and unique personalities. Golf as a Tool for Connection: JP highlights how golf serves as a platform for building relationships, sharing ideas, and finding common ground, even across political and cultural divides. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    36 mins
  • Episode 30 - Rob’s Year of Yes (Part 2) | Completing the U.S. Top 100 Courses List

    Episode 30 - Rob’s Year of Yes (Part 2) | Completing the U.S. Top 100 Courses List
    Jan 1 2025
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth continue the journey through Rob’s incredible 2024 in which he completes the U.S. top 100 courses. Playing 212 rounds on 165 courses across 25 states and multiple countries, Rob shares highlights from bucket-list destinations, including St. Andrews, Shinnecock Hills, and Fisher’s Island. The discussion delves into the personal and professional relationships built through golf and explores how the sport serves as a bridge for connection, even in politically polarized times. The episode underscores the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities, cherishing relationships, and taking a step back from the intensity of daily political life. The hosts also share their aspirations for Golf and Politics, teasing future events that bring people together on and off the course. Saying Yes Unlocks Incredible Experiences: Rob’s “Year of Yes” resulted in over 200 rounds of golf, fostering connections, and experiencing some of the world’s most renowned courses. Golf Creates Lifelong Connections: Over the year, Rob met and played with more than 500 people, demonstrating golf’s ability to form meaningful personal and professional relationships. Golf and Politics Bridge Divides: The podcast reflects on how the sport facilitates dialogue and camaraderie, offering a space to connect across political and ideological differences. Mental Health Matters in Polarized Times: Taking a step back from cable news and daily political turmoil, Rob emphasizes the therapeutic nature of golf and how it provides balance in a divided world. Future Plans for Golf and Politics: Rob and Matt preview exciting 2025 initiatives, including a Ryder Cup-style event where Republicans and Democrats compete while fostering mutual respect and dialogue. Memories Over Money: The relationships and experiences Rob cultivated in 2024 are described as more valuable than any financial success or professional milestone. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Episode 29 - Rob’s Year of Yes (Part 1) | One of the Greatest Years of Golf

    Episode 29 - Rob’s Year of Yes (Part 1) | One of the Greatest Years of Golf
    Dec 31 2024
    In this special year-in-review episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker interviews co-host Rob Ellsworth about his incredible 2024, during which he played 212 rounds of golf across 165 courses in the U.S. and abroad. After overcoming significant health challenges in prior years, Rob embraced a "Year of Yes," taking every opportunity to travel, play, and connect with people through golf. The episode highlights bucket-list courses like Pine Valley, Ballybunion, St. Andrews, and Shadow Creek, along with hidden gems such as Sharon Golf Club. Rob and Matt Parker recount memorable moments, from playing with Hall of Famers Meg Mallon and Beth Daniel to rounds at Michael Jordan’s Grove XXIII. They discuss how golf creates lifelong friendships, the balance between luxury and rugged experiences, and the thrill of crossing courses off their bucket lists. This episode also explores how golf intersects with community programs, accessibility, and cherished memories, making it much more than just a game. 7 Key Takeaways: The Year of Yes Transformed Rob’s Life and Game: Living life with a mindset of yes first, opens you up to more opportunities and experiences. Bucket List Achievements: Pine Valley, Ballybunion, and St. Andrews: Iconic courses like Pine Valley and the Old Course at St. Andrews provided breathtaking and challenging experiences, while less famous gems added charm and variety. Golf’s Role in Building Relationships: Over the year, Rob played with 500 people, from friends to strangers, highlighting golf as a unique way to create deep connections. From Shadow Creek to Sharon Golf Club: Diverse Course Experiences: Rob experienced everything from luxury courses like Shadow Creek to understated gems like Sharon Golf Club, showcasing the full spectrum of the game. Michael Jordan’s Grove XXIII Delivers an Unforgettable Experience: Playing at MJ’s exclusive course combined world-class golf with a laid-back vibe, including rounds with PGA Tour veterans and an encounter with Jordan himself. Golf Accessibility and Community Impact: Courses like The Park in West Palm Beach demonstrate how great design and strategic pricing can make golf more inclusive and impactful for local communities. Golf is About Memories, Not Just Scores: Beyond the game itself, Rob emphasized the importance of creating memories, whether through trips, friendships, or the simple joy of playing the sport. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    59 mins
  • Episode 28 - Golf Lessons, Mental Game, and Custom Equipment: Takeaways from Back Nine Golf

    Episode 28 - Golf Lessons, Mental Game, and Custom Equipment: Takeaways from Back Nine Golf
    Dec 30 2024
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker recounts his lesson and putter fitting with renowned golf instructor Philip Walker at Back Nine Golf in Bentonville, Arkansas. Matt dives into the technical adjustments made during his session, focusing on improving his swing consistency, reducing high-right misses, and perfecting his sternum positioning for better ball striking. The episode also highlights Matt’s first-ever putter fitting, exploring how LAB Golf’s technology has transformed putting by eliminating torque and increasing accuracy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing mental aspects of the game, such as staying confident after bad shots, learning to grind through tough rounds, and maintaining a positive attitude. Matt also reflects on how lessons in golf translate to personal growth, offering listeners insights into how improving focus and resilience on the course can impact other areas of life. This episode blends practical golf advice with broader takeaways about mindset, confidence, and the power of expert coaching. Fixing High-Right Misses with Proper Sternum Positioning: Adjusting the sternum to “cover the golf ball” helps with striking the ball consistently, eliminating high-right misses and fat shots. Lab Golf Putter Fitting: No-Torque Technology for Precision: LAB putters’ innovative design eliminates torque, improving putting accuracy by allowing a straight-back, straight-through stroke without manipulation. Mental Game Matters: Staying Positive Through Tough Rounds: Philip emphasized the importance of flushing bad shots, staying in the moment, and grinding out the best possible score, even on off days. Alignment and Ball Position Drive Consistency: Minor adjustments, like centering ball position and widening the stance, can significantly improve swing accuracy and trajectory. Better Tempo Equals Better Putting: Maintaining a metronome-like tempo helps ensure a smooth stroke and more consistent results, particularly on putts within 6 to 10 feet. Lessons in Golf Translate to Life: Embracing challenges on the course, improving focus, and maintaining a resilient mindset can positively impact personal and professional success. Trust Your Equipment and Coaching: Custom-fitted clubs and professional feedback build confidence, allowing golfers to focus on speed and alignment rather than equipment flaws. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    36 mins
  • Episode 27 - On the Road to Better Golf: Struggles, Lessons, and Advice for New Golfers

    Episode 27 - On the Road to Better Golf: Struggles, Lessons, and Advice for New Golfers
    Dec 16 2024
    In Episode 27 of Golf and Politics, host Matt Parker and producer Jordan McMillan record on the road to Bentonville, Arkansas, where Matt heads for a lesson with renowned golf coach Philip Walker at Back Nine Golf. The episode chronicles Matt’s journey of improving his game, from his self-taught days to working with instructors like Maggie Roller and Tracy Phillips. He shares the challenges of refining his swing, including overcoming bad habits, mastering consistency, and tailoring his approach to fit his body type. Along the way, Matt recounts recent rounds at Pinehurst and discusses the highs (a career-low 66) and lows (an 89 the next day) that highlight the ups and downs of golf improvement. The episode also dives into golf education, including the value of private lessons, the benefits and drawbacks of social media golf tips, and advice for beginners entering the sport. Packed with insights and practical tips, this episode captures the joys, frustrations, and growth that come with the love of the game. Takeaways/Highlights: Tailoring Lessons to Fit Your Swing and Body Type: Matt emphasizes the importance of building a swing suited to your body and natural shot shape. Consistency is the Ultimate Goal: Matt’s journey focuses on achieving consistency, with strategies to recover when rounds start to spiral out of control. The Value of Golf Lessons Over Self-Teaching: While self-taught golfers can succeed, structured lessons provide foundational techniques and accelerate improvement. Social Media Golf Tips Have Limits: Online content can help, but too many voices create confusion. Stick to one trusted source or instructor. Golf Improvement Comes with Ups and Downs: Matt shares how he shot a career-best 66 one day, only to follow it with an 89, highlighting the unpredictable nature of progress. Pinehurst: A Dream and a Challenge: Reflecting on rounds at Pinehurst, Matt discusses the thrill of playing historic courses and the importance of adapting to difficult conditions. Start Right for Beginners: New golfers should focus on swinging correct and having fun and focus less on keeping score. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    36 mins
  • Episode 26 - Happy Thanksgiving: Golf, Food, and Football

    Episode 26 - Happy Thanksgiving: Golf, Food, and Football
    Dec 4 2024
    In this special Thanksgiving episode of Golf and Politics, our new producer, Jordan McMillan, flips the script by interviewing hosts Matt Parker and Rob Elsworth for a Shotgun 9. Recorded on Black Friday, the conversation weaves through holiday traditions, favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and memorable moments on the golf course. They discuss the value of family, the friendships built through golf, and how the sport ties into their personal and professional lives. From debates over underrated Thanksgiving side dishes to reflections on their most iconic NFL Thanksgiving memories, the hosts share a blend of humor and heartfelt gratitude. Golf takes center stage as they discuss their most and least thankful moments on the course this year, including aspirations for improving their game in the offseason. The episode wraps with the hosts envisioning their dream Thanksgiving dinner guests, blending golf legends, celebrities, and political figures for the ultimate holiday table. Takeaways: Thanksgiving Food Debates: The hosts discuss their favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, overrated holiday staples, and the ongoing debate between turkey and alternative main dishes. NFL Thanksgiving Memories: Iconic moments from NFL Thanksgiving games spark a lively conversation, including the infamous 1998 coin toss debacle during the Steelers-Lions game. Golf as a Source of Gratitude: Both hosts reflect on their most and least thankful moments on the course this year, highlighting personal growth and the friendships forged through the game. Offseason Golf Goals: Rob aims to increase his swing speed for added distance, while Matt focuses on improving accuracy off the tee, with both looking to elevate their game next year. Dream Thanksgiving Guests: The hosts share their ideal holiday dinner tables featuring golf legends, celebrities, and political figures. Gratitude for Golf and Life: Beyond the game, the hosts express heartfelt gratitude for family, friends, and the role golf plays in bringing people together, creating lasting memories and connections. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    53 mins
  • Episode 25 - Golf’s Greatest Courses: Exploring the 2024 Golf Magazine Top 100 List

    Episode 25 - Golf’s Greatest Courses: Exploring the 2024 Golf Magazine Top 100 List
    Nov 27 2024
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, hosts Matt Parker and Rob Elsworth are joined by course rater and golf architecture enthusiast Jake Marvin to discuss the recently released Golf Magazine Top 100 list. The trio dives into what it takes for a course to make the cut, exploring design elements, architectural trends, and the shifting preferences in the golf world. They highlight surprising entries like The Lido and Old Barnwell, the dominance of classic designs by Alister MacKenzie and Donald Ross, and the increasing popularity of minimalist, player-friendly layouts. The discussion covers the impact of course age, architectural originality, and how subjective factors like exclusivity and course difficulty influence rankings. They also tackle controversial omissions, such as Oak Tree National, and consider whether new courses should be ranked before standing the test of time. Along the way, the group reflects on the cultural and regional diversity of golf courses in the U.S. and abroad, debating the future of architecture in the sport and the role of these rankings in shaping public perception. Takeaways The Influence of Classic Architects Remains Strong: Courses designed by Alister MacKenzie, Donald Ross, and other pre-WWII architects dominate the Golf Magazine Top 100 list, reflecting enduring preferences for traditional golf course architecture. Modern Minimalism Gains Popularity: Recent courses like The Lido and Old Barnwell are embracing wider fairways and simpler designs, which prioritize playability while still challenging skilled players. Controversial Omissions Spark Debate: Courses like Oak Tree National and other Pete Dye designs have been left off the list, raising questions about the evolving tastes of course raters. The Role of Subjectivity in Rankings: Factors like exclusivity, difficulty, and aesthetics play a significant role in rankings, but they can create biases that overlook broader accessibility and enjoyment. New Courses Are Rising Quickly on the List: Several recently built courses have achieved high rankings, but there is debate about whether they should be included before maturing and proving their longevity. Accessibility Challenges for Everyday Golfers: Many of the top-ranked courses are private and expensive, limiting access for the majority of golfers, which raises concerns about inclusivity in the sport. The United States Leads in Diversity of Great Courses: From classic coastal links to rugged mountain layouts, the U.S. offers unmatched variety in top-tier golf courses, though accessibility remains a key issue. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Episode 24 - Revolutionizing Golf: The 3-Hole Format That Could Change the Game

    Episode 24 - Revolutionizing Golf: The 3-Hole Format That Could Change the Game
    Nov 20 2024
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, host Matt Parker chats with Heber Eastman, a golf industry innovator, about his groundbreaking idea to make golf more accessible by designing courses that can be played in three-hole increments. Eastman explains how this format could accommodate players with limited time, encourage new golfers to join the sport, and even retrofit existing courses for more flexibility. The conversation delves into the challenges of slow play, the importance of pace management, and how technology like booking apps and GPS systems can improve the golfing experience. Eastman also highlights the beauty of public golf in Utah, the role of creative course design, and how shorter formats can compete with non-traditional experiences like TopGolf and simulators. The discussion underscores how innovative approaches can help modernize the game, expand its reach, and preserve the community spirit that makes golf so unique. Takeaways The 3-Hole Golf Format Makes the Game More Accessible: Heber Eastman’s innovative concept allows golfers to book and play in three-hole increments, catering to those with limited time or new to the sport. Shorter Rounds Can Attract New Players: By breaking the traditional 18-hole format, this approach makes golf less intimidating for beginners and more appealing for casual players. Public Golf in Utah Is Thriving: Utah boasts affordable, high-quality public courses, making it an ideal location for golfers of all skill levels and budgets. Technology is Key to Improving the Golfing Experience: Tools like booking apps and GPS systems can streamline tee times, improve pace of play, and enhance overall player satisfaction. Retrofitting Existing Courses is a Real Opportunity: Existing golf courses can be reimagined to accommodate shorter formats, making them more flexible for modern players without requiring full redesigns. Shorter Golf Formats Compete with TopGolf and Simulators: By offering real golf in smaller timeframes, the 3-hole model bridges the gap between traditional golf and non-traditional experiences like TopGolf. Slow Play is a Key Issue in Golf Today: Proper course management, such as pacing tee times and employing course marshals, is essential to maintaining an enjoyable pace of play. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    39 mins