The Smylie Show

The Smylie Show
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Mar 11, 2026 • 52min

303: PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: Rory’s Health, Scottie’s Form & Our Picks at TPC Sawgrass

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are on-site at TPC Sawgrass to preview the 2026 PLAYERS Championship. From the course conditions and weather draw to the unique strategy required at Pete Dye’s iconic stadium course, the guys break down everything to watch this week.They discuss Rory McIlroy’s back concerns, Scottie Scheffler’s surprising iron-play dip, and the type of player who actually wins at Sawgrass, before diving into their One-and-Done picks and sleeper contenders for the week.With potential mud balls, gusty winds, and the terrifying closing stretch of 16-17-18, this year’s PLAYERS could deliver another unpredictable leaderboard.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS00:00 On-site at TPC Sawgrass!01:20 First Look at the Course03:30 The “Fifth Major” Debate06:00 Sawgrass Course Strategy & Shot Shapes11:50 Weather Forecast & Draw Advantage15:10 History of THE PLAYERS at Sawgrass21:00 Scottie Scheffler Form Check27:00 Rory McIlroy Injury Update31:00 One-and-Done Picks47:00 Closing Thoughts#pgatour #golf #PLAYERS #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #rorymcilroy #akshaybhatia #scottiescheffler #golfpodcast #golfpreview #golfchannel
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Mar 9, 2026 • 1h 12min

302: Electric Finish at Bay Hill: Akshay Bhatia Earns Win No. 3

Akshay Bhatia delivered one of the most electric Sundays of the PGA Tour season at Bay Hill, draining over 144 feet of putts and storming back to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational in a playoff. Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down how Bhatia’s short game carried him to victory on brutally firm, “crispy” greens that had the entire field on edge all week.The guys also dive into Daniel Berger’s incredible comeback, analyzing the encouraging signs after nearly two years battling injuries and setbacks. Plus, they discuss strong performances from Ludvig Åberg, Cam Young, and Collin Morikawa, what it means heading into THE PLAYERS Championship, and why Bay Hill’s setup produced one of the most entertaining tournaments of the season.And of course, things get chaotic when Judge Jaxon Brown enters the courtroom to rule on the Rory McIlroy withdrawal in the show’s One-and-Done contest.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:0:00 – Bay Hill delivers2:06 – Golf season is officially back3:08 – Bay Hill’s greens4:14 – Smylie’s “Snap, Crackle, Pop” crispy greens rankings6:47 – Major championship courses with the craziest greens10:15 – Akshay Bhatia21:04 – The clutch putts that saved Bhatia’s round23:40 – Daniel Berger29:13 – Bay Hill’s intimidating visuals and pressure moments31:10 – Scottie Scheffler34:12 – Cam Young37:04 – Ludvig Åberg38:12 – Collin Morikawa38:48 – The Rory McIlroy One-and-Done controversy47:36 – Ryder Cup49:00 – Luke Donald’s leadership and Europe’s continuity50:30 – Could Tiger Woods captain the U.S.?55:30 - Jon Rahm1:10:00 – Closing thoughts and wrap-up#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights
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Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 17min

301: Justin Thomas Returns! Junior Golf Years with Jordan Spieth + Tiger Woods Relationship

Justin Thomas returns to The Smylie Show (a record fourth time!) for a candid conversation on everything from fatherhood to his back surgery & rehab. JT explains how taking the long view on recovery changed his mindset — and how becoming a dad reshaped the way he practices and competes.He also retraces the beginnings of his friendly "rivalry" with Jordan Spieth - including their dinner before he won his first major at Quail Hollow, the legendary SB2K16 trip, and more untold stories. Plus, JT discusses his relationship with Tiger Woods, and shares stories about learning from and competing alongside the 🐐In this episode:• Back surgery & recovery• Fatherhood perspective• Jordan Spieth rivalry• First major breakthrough• George W. Bush Walker Cup stories• Tiger Woods mentorship• "Short-Sided" with CharlieFollow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅00:00 – JT Returns: Surgery & Florida Swing01:32 – Rehab Timeline & Long-Term Plan06:28 – Winning as a Dad (Hilton Head)11:42 – First Meeting with Jordan Spieth13:22 – Junior Rivalry15:28 – Wyndham at 16 Years Old16:40 – Spieth’s “Did You Shoot 65?” Call18:30 – Class of 2011 Depth & Late Bloomers21:38 – Choosing Alabama23:49 – Walker Cup at National Golf Links of America26:30 – George W. Bush Story29:35 – Early Times on Tour31:46 – “We’re Better When the Other One Plays Well”32:19 – Dinner Before Winning First Major34:36 – Advice Before Sunday at Quail Hollow40:16 – SB2K16 Origin Story42:52 – From Spring Break to Family Trips43:54 – Becoming Close with Tiger Woods54:56 – Post-Win Moment55:25 – Tiger as Ryder Cup Captain56:27 – Mentorship & Charlie Woods66:00 – Short-Sided with Charlie Hulme#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #golfpodcast #justinthomas #rickiefowler #jordanspieth #tigerwoods
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Mar 2, 2026 • 1h 14min

300: Chaos at the Cognizant: The Bear Trap Delivers + Gil Hanse on Restoring Seminole

Smylie and Charlie recap a wild Sunday at PGA National where the Bear Trap once again decided the Cognizant Classic. After Shane Lowry appeared in total control — birdieing 9, eagling 10, and building a three-shot lead — everything unraveled at the 16th tee. The guys break down the wind setup, hole locations, and the pivotal swings that flipped the tournament in minutes. They dive into Nico’s composure, his no-bogey weekend, and what this win says about his resilience after a rocky rookie season. Plus: Shane Lowry’s growing 54-hole storyline, Brooks Koepka’s encouraging signs with the putter, Max Homa’s progress, the state of PGA National on the schedule, Bay Hill projections, and behind-the-scenes stories from a full week in South Florida.Additionally, Gil Hanse joins the show! Seminole Golf Club is often regarded as one of Donald Ross’s greatest works, but due to environmental factors and architectural modifications, the course was in need of some restorative work to ensure its future.Gil joins to discuss his two-year process in Juno Beach, rediscovering Ross’s original green shapes, and why he's thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Seminole Superintendent Nelson Caron.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:0:00 – On-Site at PGA National1:30 – Shane Lowry4:15 – The 16th Tee Shot: What Happened?8:10 – Nico’s 17th Hole Birdie & Clutch Moment12:30 – Lowry’s Closing Struggles & 54-Hole Trend16:00 – Nico’s Resilience & Rookie Season Perspective20:00 – Brooks Koepka: Putter Adjustment & Players Outlook23:40 – Max Homa’s Progress Report26:30 – Thursday Chaos: Gerard, David Ford & Bear Trap Carnage29:00 – Should PGA National Play Harder?32:00 – Schedule Debate: Where Does This Event Fit?35:00 – Bay Hill Projections (Next 10 / Swing 5 Discussion)37:00 – USGA Venue Announcements (Future Opens & Walker Cups)39:00 – South Florida Week Recap (Old Palm & Practice Stories)43:20 – Justin Thomas Episode Tease46:00 – Jacob Bridgeman Conversation Preview47:00 — Gil Hanse joins TSS: Restoring Seminole01:06:40 — Final Thoughts #pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #golfpodcast #cognizant #shanelowry #nicoechavarria #seminole #gilhanse
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Feb 25, 2026 • 59min

299: Luke Clanton: PGA Tour Life + Loving "The Process"

Luke Clanton returns to TSS to talk life as a PGA Tour member — the travel grind, gaining confidence, and what he’s learned competing against the best players in the world.Luke dives into mindset, discipline, training, expectations, and why loving the process is everything at the highest level.Plus: Stick around for "Short-Sided" to hear what advice Luke would give to future Florida State Seminoles Charlie Woods and Miles Russell!Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 – Luke Clanton Returns to TSS02:15 – Life as a Full-Time PGA Tour Pro05:00 – Discipline, Work Ethic & Loving the Process07:00 – Confidence vs Technique in Putting10:00 – Tour Pressure & Expectations14:00 – Learning From Scottie Scheffler16:30 – The Hardest Part of Tour Life19:45 – Practice Rounds & Money Games24:00 – Speed, Fitness & Longevity30:15 – Goals for 2026 & Mindset37:00 – Short-Sided with Charlie#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #golfpodcast #lukeclanton #youtubegolf
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Feb 23, 2026 • 1h 11min

298: Bridgeman Holds Off McIlroy & Kitayama | Riviera Recap

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down Jacob Bridgeman’s statement win at the Genesis Invitational, Rory McIlroy’s late charge, and Adam Scott reminding everyone that elite ball-striking never ages.From soft conditions changing Riviera’s identity to Scottie Scheffler’s bizarre slow-start trend, this episode dives deep into what actually mattered this week — and what it means heading into the Florida Swing.Plus: rising young Americans, blade putter debates 😂, and the bigger PGA Tour schedule conversation that keeps getting louder.Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 Opening Banter / Olympics & Sports Viewing06:30 Genesis Invitational Recap Begins07:10 Jacob Bridgeman Wins at Riviera12:45 Closing With a Lead — Pressure Discussion16:05 Rory McIlroy’s Charge & Season Outlook22:40 Adam Scott’s Sunday 6327:48 Scottie Scheffler Slow Starts Trend33:10 Scheffler Course Fit Debate37:55 Kitayama, Potgieter & Blade Putters 😂41:30 Young Americans Emerging Narrative45:00 Riviera Conditions & Course Identity47:10 PGA Tour Schedule Debate50:30 Playoffs, Ratings & Event Timing53:45 DP World Tour / LIV / Rahm Discussion57:00 Travel, Points & Player Leverage#pgatour #golfpodcast #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfhighlights #golfrecap #scottiescheffler #rorymcilroy #genesisinvitational #riviera
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Feb 18, 2026 • 51min

297: Haotong Li Unfiltered: Learning English from Kevin Hart + Playing The Open with Scottie

Haotong Li joins The Smylie Show for perhaps the most laughs we’ve had in an episode yet 😂Haotong takes us on quite the journey - from growing up in Shanghai, to learning English from Kevin Hart, to playing in the final group of the 2025 Open Championship with Scottie Scheffler.We also rewind to a wild sequence of events at the Presidents Cup (that has since led to a friendship with Justin Thomas) and playing on Rory McIlroy’s team in the Golf Channel Games.Enjoy our conversation with Haotong … and a Happy Chinese New Year to all who celebrate!!! 🔥🐴🇨🇳Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight ✅CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome + Happy Chinese New Year02:58 – Learning to play golf in China06:39 – Haotong’s Personality & Humor10:00 – WGC Memories + Early Career13:14 – Royal Birkdale 201716:10 - Portrush 202518:34 – Losing confidence with the driver25:33 – Presidents Cup Chaos Story32:36 – Bathrobe at Wentworth34:12 – Scottie Scheffler Breakdown37:14 – Short-Sided with Charlie#golf #HaotongLi #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfpodcast #golfhighlights #china #chinese #chinesenewyear #happychinesenewyear
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Feb 16, 2026 • 58min

296: Anthony Kim’s Historic Comeback + Collin Morikawa Wins at Pebble

Collin’s performance, Scottie Scheffler’s ridiculous charge, Pebble’s conditions, and the bigger conversation around the course’s place on the schedule.Plus — Anthony Kim delivers one of the most improbable wins in modern golf history!Follow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight!CHAPTERS:00:00 Morikawa Wins Pebble Beach02:10 Why We Doubt Morikawa04:30 Elite Ball Striking vs Putting Concerns07:05 The Insane Saturday Round09:20 Scottie Scheffler’s Sunday Charge12:05 Anthony Kim’s Historic LIV Win15:30 The Emotional AK Moment18:05 Anthony Kim’s Game & Legacy21:40 Rahm & Bryson Takeaways24:25 LIV vs PGA Tour Reality29:20 Pebble Beach & Weather Debate35:00 Pebble vs U.S. Open Setup40:05 Scottie’s Putting & Adjustments48:10 Tommy Fleetwood’s Merch Run52:00 Golf Tangents & Wrap-Up#golf #golfhighlights #Anthonykim #AK #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfpodcast #golfhighlights #LIV #golfpodcast #golfrecap
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Feb 11, 2026 • 38min

295: Mark Blackburn Breaks Down Elite Ball-Striking & Coaching PGA Tour Winners

Join us for another episode of The Smylie Show as Smylie Kaufman sits down with Mark Blackburn, recently named Golf Digest’s No. 1 Coach in America, to go deep on what actually separates elite ball-strikers from everyone else.Mark breaks down: • Coaching Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Max Homa, and Daniel Berger • Why Scottie Scheffler is the best ball-striker in the world • Matchups vs “perfect” golf swings • Technology, data, and why simplicity lives on the other side of complexity • Developing juniors, rebuilding injured players, and creating tour-level speedFollow us on socials @thesmylieshow ⛳️ & don’t forget to like, comment, & subscribe for more golf insight!CHAPTERS00:00 – Justin Rose’s wire-to-wire win at Torrey Pines04:20 – Mark Blackburn’s first PGA Tour coaching breakthrough08:30 – From aspiring pro to elite golf coach12:00 – Coaching juniors & identifying real athletic talent16:00 – Technology vs feel in modern golf instruction22:00 – Matchups: why elite golf swings don’t look alike27:00 – What makes Scottie Scheffler the best ball-striker in the world31:30 – Inside Justin Rose’s swing & Ryder Cup performance43:00 – Matt Fitzpatrick: distance, precision & swing evolution49:30 – Max Homa: rebuilding form & swing direction58:30 – Coaching injured players & long-term development01:01:40 - Charlie joins for “Short-Sided” with Mark#golf #golfcoach #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #golfpodcast #golfhighlights
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Feb 10, 2026 • 59min

294: Gotterup & Reed Win Again! + WMPO Fan Discussion

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap Chris Gotterup and Patrick Reed winning their respective second tournament in three starts to move into the top 20 in the world rankings. They also discuss whether fans at the WM PHX Open crossed a line in interfering with Hideki Matsuyama twice on Sunday. Finally, they address the revived debate - should the PLAYERS be considered the fifth major?Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more golf insight!

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