The Shotgun Start
The Fried Egg
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 20, 2026 • 1h 33min
The Reign of Rea has ended, Scheffler scuffles at Riviera, and FBF to LA Open
On-site scenes from Riviera, wet conditions, and broadcast oddities from PGA Tour Live. Scottie Scheffler’s struggle on the front nine and Rory McIlroy’s sharp start. Debate over PGA of America leadership changes and how media played a part. Kikuyu turf quirks, betting-driven coverage gripes, and a Flashback Friday reheat about Ben Hogan and Lloyd Mangrum.
11 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 1h 18min
Should Riviera move to Summer, Tiger talks, and an Anonymous Pro Golf Survey
They debate Riviera's framing and controversial course changes ahead of the Genesis Invitational. They dissect Tiger Woods' press conference about rehab, potential Champions Tour starts, and influence on a summer playoff schedule. They share tracker picks, favorite tee times, on‑the‑ground Kenya details, Justin Thomas's return news, and findings from an anonymous pro golf tiering survey.
Feb 16, 2026 • 1h 38min
LIV’s incredible Anthony Kim comeback story, Morikawa’s return in an A+ week at Pebble
They relive Anthony Kim’s stunning Adelaide comeback and his vintage shotmaking that reignited buzz around his return. They contrast the LIV telecast hype with cold critique and dissect Rahm and Bryson’s brutal Sundays. Then they pivot to Pebble Beach, celebrating Collin Morikawa’s clutch comeback and questioning Sam Burns’ risky finish. Short tangents include sponsor exemption gripes, Gary Player drama, and a college basketball rant.
9 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 1h 32min
Live from Chicago, It's Friday Junior!
Kevin Van Valkenburg, magazine writer and columnist KVV, leads a playful 'Sliding Doors' alternate-history segment. He imagines wow-factor rewrites of major golf moments, offers impressions, and sparks comedic ripple-effect scenarios. The live show also brews fan Q&A energy and Chicago sports nostalgia.
Feb 10, 2026 • 1h 3min
Is Pebble obsolete for the pros, Spieth Island’s dire times, LIV’s OWGR boost in Adelaide
Energetic Chicago check-in with banter about country club etiquette and live-show plans. They unpack 'chairgate' fallout and viral fan tracker culture. Deep dive on Pebble Beach tech changes, tee-box tweaks, and whether the course still tests pros. Discussion of Aon Swing 5 picks, sponsor exemptions, and five players to watch this week. Recap of LIV Adelaide’s OWGR impact and recent ranking jumps.
Feb 9, 2026 • 57min
So we’re saying The Players is better than all 4 majors?, Phoenix Open goes into another Super Bowl, Pat Reed domination
A wild Phoenix Open recap with Hideki’s driver meltdown and Chris Gotterup’s rise into elite company. Discussion of Scottie Scheffler’s leaderboard run and the desert’s dramatic 17th-hole theatre. Patrick Reed’s hot streak and DP World Tour implications get attention. LIV Riyadh shakes up narratives with Elvis Smylie’s instant impact. A heated debate over whether The Players should rank above the four majors closes the show.
Feb 6, 2026 • 1h 7min
A new boss at the PGA, Phoenix struggle busses, and Reed’s Middle East run
They recap a wild Phoenix Open first round with low scores, surprise leaders, and young stars making noise. Scotty Scheffler’s frustrating round and Brooks Koepka’s struggles come up. They debate The Players’ push as a ‘fifth major’ and check LIV Riyadh team drama and Talor Gooch’s form. A big segment covers the PGA of America hiring a new CEO and what the organization needs to modernize.
11 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 1h 2min
LIV gets OWGR points but still mad and is Phoenix Open Spieth’s time?
They react to LIV Golf earning OWGR points and argue about the top-10-only rule. They preview LIV Riyadh and poke fun at the spectacle and media guide oddities. They talk Jazz trade excitement and Super Bowl plans. They preview the WM Phoenix Open, highlight players to watch including Jordan Spieth, and spin a running joke about Brooks Koepka’s ‘mules.’
Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 11min
An LPGA class in mismanagement, Rose’s resume and future, and Koepka tracking
They debate Justin Rose’s dominant win and whether his recent form can carry him into his 50s. They react to Xander Schauffele’s streak ending and compare streak lore across sports. They mock LPGA decision-making after a shortened Tournament of Champions and the bizarre pro-am situation. They track Brooks Koepka’s TV presence, launch a playful ‘Brooks vs. Mules’ game, and recap odd broadcast moments and tour quirks.
10 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 1h 14min
Hail the Return of Pat Reed, Is LIV dead, and Koepka’s Torrey struggle
They riff on Tony Finau’s new Jordan Brand look and how fashion shapes golf culture. They cover Patrick Reed’s move from LIV to the DP World Tour and his planned PGA return. They debate whether LIV is collapsing after roster shifts and media miscues. They react to Brooks Koepka’s stumbling round back at Torrey Pines and the frenzy around returning players.
