The Shotgun Start

Kevin Van Valkenburg, veteran golf writer and commentator, joins to relive Sunday at the 1986 Masters. They revisit Jack Nicklaus’ final-round surge, Greg Norman’s roller-coaster Sunday, Seve’s collapse and dramatic moments at 15–18. Conversation also covers 1986 TV coverage, equipment differences, and how the era’s storytelling shaped memories.

With Andy on the road, Brendan! is joined by various members of the Fried Egg Golf team for a Wednesday medley episode. He opens by himself following the latest news from Tiger Woods, who announced he was stepping away from the game to seek treatment and focus on his health. Brendan provides the latest on the situation before transitioning into a previously recorded segment with Kevin Van Valkenburg discussing this morning's release of the police report from Tiger's Friday arrest (06:25). The two also unpack some remarks from Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who is finding a way to ruin Brendan's day in March instead of just during Sundays during the football season. Meg Adkins then stops by to preview this week's Augusta National Women's Amateur (29:35). Meg runs through the top storylines of the week, ANWA's place in the greater women's golf ecosystem, and the quirky format that leads to an interesting leaderboard late on Sunday. Lastly, Joseph LaMagna joins Brendan ahead of his favorite PGA Tour event, the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio (53:35). Brendan questions "the Boys" about what they're most excited for at their first Masters with press credentials, leading to a detailed explanation of PJ's anxieties around press conferences. Joseph takes over for Andy and gives out 5 Guys to Monitor This Week (For Various Reasons) at the Valero, covering local legends and a very topical Game Within a Game for Masters season. Brendan unleashes an all-time rant about youth sports while discussing the Drive, Chip & Putt finals this weekend and poses a quiz to Joseph and PJ as part of the Masters Fact of the Day. Finally, the three discuss the biggest news of the week: Tommy Fleetwood's new hat deal with Blackstone and Jason Kelce's Masters broadcast assignment. We'll be back on Friday with a special Flashback to get you set for the first major of 2026.

They recap Gary Woodland's emotional comeback and record-setting win after his surgery and PTSD disclosure. They cover standout performances from Min Woo Lee, Johnny Kiefer, Alex Fitzpatrick and other rising talents. Rumors swirl about course setup and weather reports at the DLF Indian Open. They debate Tiger Woods' future responsibilities and note new player facilities at Augusta National.

Kevin Van Valkenburg, journalist and sports analyst, offers sharp perspective on Tiger Woods's DUI arrest and its fallout. He unpacks media responsibility and how golf institutions react to high-profile trouble. The conversation probes limits of intervention, fame’s distortions, and whether Tiger’s public roles should change.

They trade wild stories about a veteran pro resurfacing on tour and a rumored suspension from the past. They laugh through reports of chaotic course setups, wild animals on the property, and owner-driven difficulty at DLF. They debate expanded Masters media coverage and cultural reach. They also share a bike ticket tale and wrap with quick golf etiquette and sim-league cheating chatter.

They react to Tiger’s surprise TGL appearance, debate whether it helps or hurts the league, and wonder if he can even make the Masters cut. Preview and pick talk for the Houston Open, including a one-and-done showdown and players to watch for Masters access. Oddities include Sam Burns’ Raising Cane’s gag, DP World Tour course curiosities, and a quirky Masters Fact of the Day.

College basketball chatter and Big Ten braggadocio kick things off. They debate whether the Valspar deserved its calendar spot and praise Copperhead’s unique challenge. Matt Fitzpatrick’s comeback win and his slow-play callout get attention. Bryson’s emotional playoff triumph in South Africa and LIV’s sellout viability spark discussion. Scheduling, course variety, and ranking implications round out the conversation.

They react to Rory McIlroy’s Champions Dinner menu and the public fuss it sparked. They review the PGA Tour’s Hard Knocks-style show and debate whether behind-the-scenes golf storytelling works. Early Masters storylines get attention, including a big group of debutants and quirky concessions rumors. Media rights chatter heats up after comments hinting future deals could be worth less.

They react to a dramatic TGL playoff night and the controversy over Jupiter Links versus Boston. They preview the Valspar field and pick a handful of players to watch. They flag an odd DP World Tour event in China with quirky cart rules. They spend time unpacking Bryson DeChambeau’s controversial rollback argument and his provocative press-conference lines.

Joseph LaMagna, reporter and on-the-ground contributor, joins late to share color from TPC Sawgrass. The show revisits Cameron Young's clutch back nine and why long rough and firm conditions played to his strengths. They unpack Ludvig Åberg's collapse on 11–12, debate NBC's broadcast choices, and highlight Sudarshan Yellamaraju as a breakout storyline.