In 1962, Mapmaker C.S. Hammond & Co. asked Golf Digest for a list of the country’s best courses for its cartographers to chart, but editors thought such a list was too subjective. Instead, the magazine embarked on a four-year project using USGA course ratings along with its own research to determine the country’s most difficult tracks. The first such list, America’s 200 Toughest Courses, was published in 1966. In 1975, the list became America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses, and it's been the de...
May 04, 2021•25 min•Season 3Ep. 9
No golf slump is exactly the same, but they all tend to have similar ingredients. Whether it’s Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, or even you, most slumps arise from a crisis of confidence. But as Dan Rapaport reports, a slump doesn’t need to be a death sentence. In this episode of Local Knowledge, Rapaport talks to PGA Tour players and the sports psychologists who work with them to examine the root causes of these downward spirals, and how it’s possible to come out the other side even stronger. Host...
Apr 19, 2021•28 min•Season 3Ep. 8
On the list of great golf courses around the world, Augusta National often ranks near the top. But when it comes to the course most golfers want to play, there is no question. Owing to its exclusivity, its manicured perfection, and the familiarity from watching the Masters every year on TV, a chance to play Augusta National is considered the ultimate get for most golfers. In this episode of Local Knowledge, Alex Myers explores how certain players found their way into golf nirvana, and finds out ...
Apr 05, 2021•27 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Golf gambling has taken off in recent years, and it figures to grow even bigger. How did we get here? In this episode, we examine the game’s rapid embrace of what was once considered a seedy pastime, and why golf seems particularly well suited to benefit from legalized gambling. We’ll look at how golf’s massive amount of data has allowed gamblers to wager on seemingly every aspect of the game, and why some players are apprehensive about its influence on the sport. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWiz...
Mar 22, 2021•32 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Ken Duke’s 65 at the 2016 Players Championship isn’t close to one of the lowest rounds in PGA Tour history. It’s not even the best round ever at the Players. So why does it qualify as the greatest round in Players history, as well as one of the greatest rounds in the history of golf? In this episode of Local Knowledge, Alex Myers tells the story of a journeyman pro’s improbable round on a difficult scoring day at the Players, along with the backstory of how our measurement of golf performance ha...
Mar 08, 2021•31 min•Season 3Ep. 5
There is no draft in pro golf. When most young players try to make a go of it on tour, they’re on their own, which means the expenses of tournament fees, travel, and caddies can add up in a hurry. In the absence of the type of endorsement contracts given to top prospects, some players have to get creative, and that means relying on wealthy backers who help front the costs in exchange for a potential return on their investment and the entertainment of having skin in the game. In this episode of L...
Feb 22, 2021•29 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Jan Stephenson won 16 times on the LPGA, including three majors, but in the 1970s, the tour sought to market the Australian as more than just a talented player. From her photoshoots in a nightgown or in a bathtub full of golf balls, Stephenson faced backlash from fellow competitors who thought marketing players’ appearance diminished their abilities as athletes. Yet the controversies around Stephenson didn’t end there. She dated a series of famous men, was once removed from a golf course and bro...
Feb 08, 2021•32 min•Season 3Ep. 3
A golf rules official’s responsibilities cover a broad spectrum. They set up the course, oversee playoffs, and determine when a golf course is playable in a rainstorm and when it isn’t. Perhaps most important, they help golfers decipher the game’s complicated rules at pivotal moments throughout a tournament. In this episode, Alex Myers talks to retiring rules officials Slugger White and Mark Russell of the PGA Tour, and John Paramor of the European Tour about the highs and lows of their long car...
Jan 25, 2021•26 min•Season 3Ep. 2
After a 91-day hiatus caused by the surge in COVID-19 cases, the PGA Tour returned last June and continued uninterrupted through the end of 2020. Through positive tests and logistical details that ranged from how to keep score to how to give volunteers coffee, the season was unlike any that came before. In this episode, host Dan Rapaport and Golf Digest editorial director Max Adler explain how the tour navigated the uncertainty of a pandemic to resurrect its schedule. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ad...
Jan 11, 2021•32 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Conventional golf wisdom has said long drive competitions and tournament golf are two entirely different disciplines. But the gap has closed in recent years, and Kyle Berkshire, the No. 1 ranked long driver in the world, is out to prove his 150 mile-an-hour swing speed would give him an advantage even over the best players in the world. In this episode of Local Knowledge, Alex Myers examines what Berkshire needs to do to make the jump from professional long drive to the PGA Tour, and why the tim...
Dec 21, 2020•31 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Before his retirement from Golf Digest last month, Guy Yocom had one of the most unique jobs in golf. In his 36-year career, Yocom came to know virtually every great player in the modern game by way of extensive one-on-one interviews for the magazine. Yocom met with Ben Hogan in his Forth Worth office, stayed with Phil Mickelson in his first condo fresh out of college, and came to know firsthand Lee Trevino’s generosity and compassion. Along the way, Yocom not only produced some of Golf Digest’s...
Dec 07, 2020•31 min•Season 2Ep. 12
A seemingly obscure legal rule that would allow college athletes to profit from their name, image or likeness could change the complexion of amateur golf, what was once considered golf in its purest form. In reality, the game is already well removed from an era when Bobby Jones and Frances Ouimet both had to leave amateur golf behind for money they received tied to their accomplishments on the course. Now amateur golfers can receive free clubs, nominal prizes, and are supported well enough to tr...
Nov 23, 2020•29 min•Season 2Ep. 11
At the first playing of the tournament that is now known as the Masters, Augusta National Golf Club needed to borrow chairs from a funeral home. The club needed money to buy grass seed, and the only reason we now know Augusta National’s clubhouse as one of golf’s most iconic buildings is because the club at first didn’t have enough money to tear it down. In the latest episode of Local Knowledge, Alex Myers talks to David Owen, author of “The Making of the Masters,” to learn how profoundly August...
Nov 09, 2020•31 min•Season 2Ep. 10
No job in golf has evolved more than the tour caddie. Once just a set of shoulders to carry a bag, caddies have grown to assume different roles for different players. Some have been elevated to where they’re mentioned in the same breath as the guys hitting the shot. Others are just friends or family with no prior caddying experience but serve as a player’s trusted ally and protector. The job has simultaneously grown more complicated thanks to the myriad demands on tour; and easier because of new...
Oct 26, 2020•38 min•Season 2Ep. 9
When reports surfaced of a top LPGA player needing to pay for her own clubs while in contention at the season’s second major championship, it spoke to the harsh financial realities faced by many women golfers. With fewer sponsorship opportunities and smaller purses but often just as high expenses as their PGA Tour counterparts, many LPGA players have been forced to be creative to make ends meet, especially during a pandemic. As Keely Levins reports, whether it’s driving to tournaments or using a...
Oct 12, 2020•26 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Every golf club has a sandbagging story. The 26 handicap who miraculously shoots 85. The 12 who flirts with even par. It is the rare handicap event in which certain golfers are better than advertised, which is great news for their partners, and a source of outrage for everyone else. In this episode of Local Knowledge, host Daniel Rapaport dives into the complicated world of the sandbagger , including some of the tactics they employ to game the handicap system to their advantage. At the other end...
Sep 28, 2020•32 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Why did Phil Mickelson blow the 2006 U.S. Open? It wasn’t just about a pushed drive into the trees on the final hole. It was about poor decision-making, and perhaps wanting something too much. On the occasion of Mickelson returning to Winged Foot for another U.S. Open, host Keely Levins unpacks the confluence of events that led to Mickelson’s crushing double-bogey finish . With the help of experts, she also identifies the series of measures he could have taken to avoid such disappointment. But t...
Sep 14, 2020•28 min•Season 2Ep. 6
“The money out here is comical,” admits PGA Tour player Joel Dahmen. But he’s not complaining. After slogging through the mini-tours earlier in his career Dahmen in just a few years on the PGA Tour has already earned more money in official earnings than Jack Nicklaus did in his entire career—all this despite never winning a tour event. The topic of this episode of Local Knowledge is money: how purses have risen so dramatically on the PGA Tour, the key individuals who helped pave the way for the ...
Aug 31, 2020•33 min•Season 2Ep. 5
As Tiger Woods often said, only two players truly owned their swing: Ben Hogan and Moe Norman. But while Hogan won nine major championships, Norman’s career never took off outside of his native Canada. In this episode we’ll revisit the life and career of one of golf’s most enigmatic figures. The late Norman was believed by many to be golf’s greatest ball-striker, but his unique nature, what would now likely be classified as autism, prevented him from greater success. We talk to people who knew a...
Aug 17, 2020•26 min•Season 2Ep. 4
As the PGA Championship draws a collection of club professionals who join the big leagues for this one week, we examine the myriad elements that separate players at the height of the sport from those just one tier down. Whether it’s physical, psychological, or a simple matter of luck, we look at why a journeyman pro named Bob May could take Tiger Woods to a playoff 20 years ago in the PGA and not keep his tour card soon after; or why certain players with plenty of talent can hang with the best i...
Aug 03, 2020•26 min•Season 2Ep. 3
The question of whether a few drinks can actually help you play better golf is as old as the game itself. In the newest episode of Local Knowledge, host Alex Myers consults experts and everyday players to understand the role alcohol plays in golfers' performance; and revisits a series of experiments that put the theory to the test. The answer is more complicated than you think, and it speaks to the unique physical and mental challenges that golf presents. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company...
Jul 20, 2020•19 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Five women joined a golf club outside of York, Pennsylvania, only to have the police summoned to the course by the owner midway through their first round. Their crime, they say, was “golfing while black.” The first episode of Local Knowledge, a new podcast by Golf Digest, tells the story of the Grandview Five , a group of African-American women whose inaugural round at their new club became a reminder of an area—and a game’s—uneven history with race. Through interviews, audio clips, court docume...
Jul 06, 2020•31 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In golf, Local Knowledge means you’ve done your homework. In Local Knowledge, Golf Digest applies the same approach to the most compelling golf stories, with each episode diving deep into a subject that resonates with golfers. Host Daniel Rapaport explains what’s to come in future episodes, from stories of racism on the golf course, to the ways alcohol might help your golf swing, and why some great golfers make it on tour and others are forced to find another job. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWiz...
Jul 03, 2020•2 min0
Alex Myers, Sam Weinman and Daniel Rapaport discuss Dustin Johnson’s tremendous weekend in Connecticut, how the PGA Tour has responded to players contracting the virus and why it matters that NBC took back U.S. Open coverage from Fox Sports. Also, WHOOP CEO Will Ahmed joins the show to discuss the recent hype around the product and Nick Watney’s positive COVID-19 test. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for ...
Jun 29, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 350
It’s not often that we have a knight on the podcast. Six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo joins the show to discuss broadcasting PGA events remotely, how these tournaments feel without fans and what his sweater collection is looking like. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman and Daniel Rapaport discuss Webb Simpson’s Father’s Day victory, Nick Watney’s positive COVID-19 test and a remarkable comeback on the Korn Ferry Tour. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information...
Jun 22, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 348
We’re back with real PGA Tour golf to talk about! Alex Myers, Sam Weinman and Daniel Rapaport break down the Charles Schwab Challenge, from Daniel Berger’s win to Jordan Spieth’s putting game to Bryson DeChambeau’s new look. Also, John Wood, Matt Kuchar’s caddie, joins the podcast to discuss the scene at Colonial, what it's like to loop at the Ryder Cup, and his side hobby as a musician. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...
Jun 15, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 346
It’s here! After a long hiatus, professional golf is back and Alex Myers, Sam Weinman and Daniel Rapaport are here to break down the upcoming Charles Schwab Challenge. They discuss the loaded field, what they expect to be the main story heading into the weekend and when we’ll see Tiger again after the restart. Also, Tyler Dennis, the PGA Tour’s Chief of Operations, joins the show to discuss planned safety measures, the testing process for players and what he’ll be watching for when play resumes....
Jun 08, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 344
Annika Sorenstam, arguably the GOAT of women's golf, joins the pod to discuss her game during the pandemic, whether players should be mic’d up at tournaments and what she remembers from her LPGA record-breaking 59. Also, Alex Myers, Daniel Rapaport and Keely Levins talk about everything surrounding the European Tour restart and how entertaining it was to watch Tiger dissect amateurs’ swings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and us...
Jun 01, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 343
Golf doesn’t stop for Memorial Day. Alex Myers, Sam Weinman and Daniel Rapaport discuss everything about The Match, from how good Tiger Woods looked to Justin Thomas the broadcasting phenom to Tom Brady and Peyton Manning’s golf games. Then, the trio debates what athletes or celebrities would be the best fit for this type of format in the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....
May 25, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 342
The 2003 Masters champion and eight-time PGA Tour winner, Mike Weir, talks to Golf Digest about whether he deserved to be named the 2003 Player of the Year over Tiger Woods, why lefties play well at Augusta and hitting the course with Wayne Gretzky. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman and Daniel Rapaport discuss what worked at the TaylorMade Driving Relief, the pros and cons of the broadcast and what the Tour is going to feel like without fans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz...
May 18, 2020•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 340
