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The Shotgun Start

Fried Egg Golfanchor.fm
The Shotgun Start with Andy Johnson and Brendan Porath of Fried Egg Golf is a podcast waiting for you early in the morning that quickly blasts through a variety of topics (usually) related to golf and (ideally) relevant to the day. It covers news from the pro tours around the world, amusing and important topics from the amateur game the rest of us play, and some irreverent stuff in between. There will be short interviews, previews, reviews, and dives into the archives. It provides what you need to know on golf through a rapid and fun catch-up discussion.
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Episodes

How to record a podcast during a neverending par-fest of a playoff

Andy and Brendan had enough of the pillow fight between Harris English and Kramer Hickock, so they just hit the record button hoping it would end before they ended the episode. They begin with thoughts on the Women’s PGA Championship, where Nelly Korda ended the American drought at the majors and became the new No. 1 ranked player in the world. They discuss her immense distance advantage over Lizette Salas, who hung in during a weekend that became a two-horse race. In between incredulous groans ...

Jun 28, 202139 min

Is there such a thing as hot weather food?

This Friday episode is late but it’s a fairly evergreen ramble about the structure and shortcomings of professional golf, at multiple levels. Andy and Brendan begin first with the Women’s PGA, where Lizette Salas is back on a leaderboard and speaking candidly about her recent struggles. There are also options on the board for ending the American drought. At the Travelers, they hit on the post-major hangover effect. They discuss Alex Cejka reprising 1953 Ben Hogan, missing a “major” and chance at...

Jun 25, 20211 hr 1 min

Morrrre majors, Joey Crawford Championship, and a chat with Cam Smith

This Wednesday episode begins with an unplanned discussion on the U.S. Open’s identity. Has some of the luster of the championship been taken away with the PGA coming right in front of it now? And is Jason Gore more or less helping set up controversy-free courses that have taken some of the sizzle out of it? Then Andy and Brendan move to the event of the week, the Women’s PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club, another Rees Jones renovation. There are three things to watch, revolving around t...

Jun 23, 20211 hr 5 min

Sunday at the U.S. Open: Rahm’s win, Bryson “off the rails,” and Torrey postmortem

After a brief wait for the flyover to clear through, Andy and Brendan begin with the last episode on the 2021 U.S. Open. It’s been a week, but they’re giddy following an afternoon of bunched (constipated) leaderboard maneuvering and some unexpected extracurriculars, like Bryson coming undone, a streaker, a box of beer somehow being on the premises, and a ball in a tree. They start first with Rahm, his “firing at flags” approach and of course the final two putts. There’s chatter about what’s to c...

Jun 21, 20211 hr 14 min

Saturday at the U.S. Open: Rotisserie chicken, still bad. Torrey Pines, still constipated.

This loopy Saturday episode is energized by the third round finish at Torrey Pines. Granted, there wasn’t much movement, as defined, but there was some action. Andy and Brendan debate whether they would trust Louis or Rory more on Sunday if they both made the turn in the lead. They address Mackenzie Hughes’ comments that this is basically playing like the Farmers for him. Thicc Boi’s inability to yell fore, and his revelatory comments that you simply do not need to hit fairways to win majors any...

Jun 20, 202151 min

Friday at the U.S. Open: Bryson’s dreams, Dick Bland Brigade, and Torrey bunching

This Friday night episode is a debrief at the midpoint of the U.S. Open. Andy and Brendan react to Dick Bland, long an SGS notable, taking the freaking lead at a major. But has he gone too mainstream? There are some historical trends offered for why Torrey is a flawed venue but also why we may be in for an exciting sprint on the weekend. The subject of Bryson figuring out a swing fix in his dreams is debated. Is he an idiot or a genius that knows how to play the media? Or both? The Dylan Wu deba...

Jun 19, 202144 min

Thursday at the U.S. Open: Torrey, Telecasts, and Richard Bland

This episode is a quick reaction to day one at the U.S. Open, with only one mic turned on for it. Brendan and Andy jump into what felt like an uneven day, often boring and frustrating but sprinkled with bursts of intrigue. Did anything happen that changed their notions of how this would be before Thursday’s action? Brendan compares it to a big time neutral site college football game. They discuss the 13th hole and the valley that gobbled up Bryson’s ball in a sand-filled divot. There’s a debate ...

Jun 18, 202141 min

Torrey foibles, Bomb-and-Gouge, Brooks v. Bryson, and Hanglider impacts

This Wednesday episode serves as your official U.S. Open preview. Andy and Brendan begin with some player reactions to the course setup so far, getting in the weeds on bomb-and-gouge proclamations and rough trepidation. There’s a debate about too much luck being involved, and a take that the U.S. Open has become the most predictable of the majors in terms of what type of winner it delivers. They highlight the divergent thoughts of Bryson and Jordan Spieth on whether this will be similar to Winge...

Jun 16, 20211 hr 7 min

An SGS Spotlight on the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage

With the U.S. Open return to Torrey Pines, and a possible end to this era of the championship going to publicly owned venues, this Spotlight episode focuses on the one that ushered in that great muni experiment. Andy and Brendan dive into the story of how David Fay got the Open to Bethpage, the Rees Jones work before 2002, and the groundskeeping overhaul that took place to host the national championship. There is also ample time devoted to the Reestoration, with not exclusively glowing words for...

Jun 15, 20211 hr 26 min

Palmetto Pukefest, Chicago’s new favorite son, and Nevada Bob’s boy

This Monday episode begins with a review of the puking down the stretch at the Palmetto Championship. Brendan and Andy discuss the Higgo potential, the Hadley gag, the Tain flick and attempted character assasination, DJ taking a dive to get out of town, and Brooks again saying he can’t focus for anything that’s not a major. There is also intel on Matt Fitzpatrick’s favorite time of year in Chicago, as well as his favorite restaurants. In contrast with that ugly play was the battle down the stret...

Jun 14, 202142 min

An SGS Spotlight on “The Merry Mex,” Lee Trevino: Part 1

This special Spotlight episode ahead of U.S. Open week is dedicated to Lee Trevino. This is Part 1 of what will likely, hopefully be a two-part Spotlight. It begins with the nuts and bolts of Trevino’s resume and career accomplishments before launching into his background and upbringing in poor conditions outside of Dallas. It covers his trademark swing, how he got into the game from destitute circumstances, his time in the Marines, and his path onto Tour golf. That path is due in part to qualif...

Jun 13, 20211 hr 50 min

#TainWatch, Rough videos return, and games within the game

This Friday episode opens with a discussion on the proliferation of craft burger places, as well as the amusement over the animated Andy that appeared in the big Golf Digest article featuring him. Then they get to the Palmetto Championship, where Brendan’s one-and-done pick, Monday qualifier Tain Lee, is on absolute fire. They discuss, with moderate confusion, the Pomona colleges where he went and put all Shotgunners officially on #TainWatch for the rest of the week. Andy scours the bottom of th...

Jun 11, 202154 min

Palmetto Poofers, Faz’s Portfolio, and a PGL PR Push

It’s the second recording of the day for Brendan and Andy so they are a little punchy. They begin with one of the most absurd and incongruous pairings they can ever recall for a field at the Palmetto Championship that is later dubbed in the episode as a “shit sandwich.” Andy runs through some of his “featured” groups, they cover three things to watch, and discuss Tom Fazio’s Congaree. There’s also the matter of Fazio being credited as the designer of not just Congaree but also Augusta National. ...

Jun 09, 202152 min

Golf’s lengthiest couple of days

This special Tuesday episode recaps U.S. Open Final Qualifying, whipping around from site to site with some amusing anecdotes. They begin with a #scoop on how this 2021 U.S. Open may have to be played under protest thanks to an indiscriminate slow play penalty handed out at one qualifying site that cost a Tour pro his spot in the championship. Then they praise, somewhat, Rickie Fowler’s approach to qualifying, sticking around an extra day in Columbus and playing in a 12-man playoff for a second ...

Jun 08, 202148 min

Yuka’s starpower, Using the “choke” word, Rahm’s WD, and Broosky-gate

This is a packed Monday episode that begins with praise for Yuka Saso’s playoff victory to become the youngest U.S. Women’s Open champion. Her early double bogey run, her late comeback, her playoff tightrope walk, and her emotional interview are all discussed. Then Brendan and Andy get to Lexi Thompson, discussing the appropriate use of the word “choke,” which was not heard on the broadcast with Johnny Miller off enjoying retirement. Brendan recalls the inevitability of the collapse that felt so...

Jun 07, 20211 hr 11 min

Timepiece appreciators, X-man’s armlock angst, and Eye on Olympic

This late Friday episode was plagued by technical difficulties but should see the light of day in some form or fashion. Andy and Brendan begin with their reactions to the primetime and commercial-free U.S. Women’s Open on Thursday night. Andy has a new affinity for a watchmaker, while pondering an amount he’d pay annually for regular commercial-free golf. Then they get into their reactions to the early leaderboard and conditions at Olympic, where the quick ejection seems to be lurking. The Memor...

Jun 04, 202158 min

Olympic intel, Aging Burly Boys, and Tinkering Jack

This Wednesday episode goes long on the U.S. Women’s Open but begins with the in-progress NCAA finals, which will pit Oklahoma vs. Pepperdine on Wednesday night. There’s plenty of chatter on the Burly Boys and the age of Quade Cummins, and puzzlement over Grayhawk getting to host for three years. Then it’s on to the major championship for the week, the U.S. Women’s Open at Olympic. Andy relays some intel from the grounds after being out in San Francisco this week. They discuss some comments from...

Jun 02, 202152 min

The Social Security Slam, Tartan and Power Wagons, and Feng adoration

This Monday episode begins with some unexpected animal content. Then Andy and Brendan get into the dawn of the Jason Kokrak era following his win over home favorite Jordan Spieth at Colonial. There is earnest praise for Kokrak and the consistent contention week-to-week (and at majors) after some improvements in his game. There’s incredulity about the need for three trophies, as well as Spieth’s Sunday struggles. Also, are we now set up for a Kokrak vs. Alex Cejka Sunday singles match at the Ryde...

May 31, 202152 min

A Spotlight on the what ifs of the 2005 U.S. Women’s Open

Andy and Brendan return to an old favorite format, the SGS Spotlight. The subject of this episode is the 2005 U.S. Women’s Open at Cherry Hills, won by the relatively unknown and extreme longshot, Birdie Kim, who pulled off one of the greatest shots in major championship history to clinch her only LPGA win. They set up how that historic venue played (hard) for this Women’s Open and if it’s due for another one. They discuss the trio of amateur phenoms in 15-year-old Michelle Wie, 17-year-old Morg...

May 29, 20211 hr 10 min

Spencer Hall joins on Brooks vs. Bryson, shorts vs. pants, and Bjorn vs. his temper

This Friday episode features a most special guest host in Spencer Hall of EDSBS and Shutdown Fullcast infamy. Is golf Spencer’s forte or area of interest? Absolutely not, but he’s as brilliant as they come and fits in well for a ramble on the heat, playing golf in pants, puka shell necklaces, his experiences covering golf up close, the current headline-making golf beef, his favorite college football beefs that became spectacles as Bryson vs. Brooks threatens to, and a quarterback he would have l...

May 28, 202154 min

The beef video seen round the world, and corrupted by kitchen appliances

This Wednesday episode wanders around for an hour. It begins with a retroactive thirstbucket of the week award, discusses some airport fare, Gary Player designs, and the most pointless warm-up routine witnessed at Kiawah. There’s also angst about why Monday’s episode was slow-played by Apple, with a conspiracy theory emerging related to the CEO’s surname. Finally, it’s to the news of the week, month, year -- the unsanctioned release of the Brooks v. Bryson interview video. They come at it from a...

May 26, 20211 hr 8 min

Walking with Phil Mickelson for Sunday’s PGA Championship win

It’s the end of a long week in Kiawah, but Andy and Brendan record their last episode from the 2021 PGA Championship after an exhilarating day at the Ocean Course. Andy abstains from arguing for Ernie but there is some evidence later offered for potential asterisks next to this win. They relay what it was like out there in the crowd, walking and watching both Phil and Brooks in the final pairing. They assess Phil’s win in the larger context of his career achievements and golf history. They relay...

May 24, 20211 hr 12 min

Saturday at the PGA Championship

This Saturday episode recaps a great day on the ground from Andy and Brendan. Andy tells the tales of following the Brooksy group, while Brendan provides details from tracking the Mickelson-Mattress King duo. They assess the potential worst case and best case scenarios for Sunday, as well as the contenders and pretenders. There’s also some discussion about what a Kevin Streelman win could mean for Wilson and it’s beleaguered tour truck. A Precision Pro Flashback Friday Sr. hits on Phil’s first a...

May 23, 202137 min

Friday at the PGA Championship with Eamon Lynch

Brendan and Andy are graced by the curmudgeonly Eamon Lynch for this Friday night episode fueled by Smith Devereux wines. They all react to the elderly co-leaders, the Mattress King and Phil Mickelson, as well as some of the uber talents that made late charges up the board in Brooksy and Hideki. Also the Thicc Boi, whose “great drive” ended up in some cabbage. There are check-ins on the course setup and conditioning as well as hopes for the weekend on that front. Lastly, they nominate some most ...

May 22, 202146 min

First round reactions from the PGA Championship

Andy and Brendan are back at the Beverage Boys house to react to the first day at the PGA Championship. The flushers and strikers rose to the top. They discuss how the course played in the opener, how the wind wasn’t that bad, watching the Baton Boy up close, seeing some delectable shot shapes on the back nine par-3s, rooting on a club pro friend of the program, a slow play penalty actually assessed, Bryson neglecting to yell fore!, and the 18th hole fairway backboard. There’s also some intel ab...

May 21, 202134 min

2021 PGA Championship Preview: Wind, Super Leagues, UFOs, and cheapskates

Andy and Brendan are together in Kiawah for their first in-person recording in almost two years. They immediately jump into some impressions from a day spent walking The Ocean Course, people-watching at the PGA, and pondering the big stories (snake impacts) of the second men’s major championship of 2021. There will be wind, and they discuss the impacts it will have even as you’re about to be hit over the head with wind talk the next five days. There’s a reading of testimony from several players ...

May 19, 20211 hr 8 min

Happy days for Dick Bland, Dicky Pride, and the Husky Boy

Before Andy and Brendan get together in Kiawah on Monday, they chat for this truncated episode that begins with an apology tour. Then they celebrate the Husky Boy and his triumph in North Texas. There’s also reaction to another strong week from Sam Burns and Jordan Spieth. There’s a mini debate about whether the Nelson could now take the crown for the worst event on Tour, with a few other contenders thrown out there. The Shaggy Kang-Jon Rahm tiff is also covered. Then they’re on to the Dicks, na...

May 17, 202135 min

Disgraceful Day, Scandalous NCAA, and Flashback to the “Half Nelson”

It’s a Friday episode heavy on disgust. There’s disgust over the NFL scheduling the Browns-Bears game for the one fall Sunday that Brendan and Andy really can’t ignore in the golf world. There’s disgust about the pitch-and-putt setup at TPC Craig T. Nelson. There’s disgust over the Thicc Boi suggesting he easily left six shots out there. There’s disgust over Jason Day saying he will not attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open if he has to, opting to play in a corporate sponsor event that day instea...

May 14, 202159 min

Famous people named Craig, DJ’s WD statement, and Eye on Olympic for Mel Reid

This Wednesday episode goes in a bunch of stupid directions, starting with some details that may or may not be true on real estate around TPC Craig Ranch. This then devolves into a discussion on people named Craig, the most famous Craigs, the haughtiness of Craig T. Nelson using his middle initial, and a couple other unrelated topics. The shhhedule for the week continues with the Champions Tour posting up at another TPC venue and questions about Mitsubishi’s love of the senior circuit, the Europ...

May 12, 202150 min

Is the Walker Cup under-marketed, a Prince returns, and anti-thirstbucket

It was a jam-packed weekend of golf and this Monday episode jumps right into it by flipping a coin and starting with a review of the Walker Cup. Andy and Brendan nominate their favorite “breakout” players from the weekend, what they loved most about Seminole, and wonder why there’s not a push to make this more of a top 10 event in the entire game. Is such a push or goal to make this bigger even desired or possible? Then they’re on to the professional game and a course and format that stood out i...

May 10, 20211 hr 6 min
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