The Fried Egg Golf Podcast

School of Golf Architecture: Place with Blake Conant

<p>Welcome to School of Golf Architecture, The Fried Egg’s serialized introduction to golf course design. In this first installment, Garrett digs into the notion of place. He speaks with architect and builder Blake Conant about “place-based design” and the various ways in which a golf course can cultivate a strong sense of place. Toward the end of the discussion, Blake leads Garrett to a realization about the importance of building and preserving unique places in the modern world.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Nick Mackay on the Business Side of Professional Golf

<p>Current Georgia State University assistant golf coach Nick Mackay joins Andy to talk about his years as a golf agent. The two discuss what Nick looks for in young players and the intricacies of the business side of professional golf, from sponsorship deals to costs of trying to "make it." The pair finish with a discussion of Patrick Reed's antics and the Premier Golf League. </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Superintendent Series: Roger Null on His Life in Golf

<p>Renowned golf course superintendent and architect Roger Null joins Andy for the latest installment in our Superintendent Series, brought to you by The Toro Company. Roger has nearly a half century of experience in the golf business, serving as a superintendent at Cedar Rapids CC and Old Warson CC, a design consultant at many courses in the Midwest, and even a general manager at Boone Valley GC. He is also an accomplished amateur player, with three GCSAA National Championships to his name (though Andy suspects the actual number is higher). Roger and Andy talk about how Roger got his start as a greenskeeper, what has changed in course maintenance in the past few decades, the difficulty of growing grass in St. Louis, how his work as an architect influenced his approach as a superintendent, and many other topics.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Yolk with Doak 19: Pete Dye and Bandon vs. Scotland

<p>Our series with golf architect Tom Doak continues with another segment of Andy and Tom’s recent conversation in Traverse City, Michigan. They begin with a series of listener questions, covering topics like green-to-tee transitions, golf culture in Africa, the pros and cons of Bandon Dunes and Scotland as golf destinations, Tom’s ongoing links project in Ireland, his growing interesting in the business side of golf development, and the importance of not pretending every new thing is the best thing ever. A discussion of common misinterpretations of well-known golf architects leads to an extended reflection on Pete Dye. They talk about how Tom would split 10 rounds at Dye-designed courses, the Dye family’s willingness to share knowledge and help Tom jump-start his career, and Pete Dye’s influential insistence on studying a variety of far-flung courses.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Golf Fitness with Barrett Stover

<p>Revolution Sports Performance Founder Barrett Stover joins Andy to discuss golf fitness. The two talk about the common misconceptions and easy ways golfers can stay more active and improve their golf games. </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Mike DeVries on Designing Affordable Golf and Learning from Maxwell and MacKenzie

<p>For the first time since Episode 46, golf course architect Mike DeVries joins Andy on the podcast. DeVries was introduced to the game at Crystal Downs Golf Club in Michigan, and he worked for Tom Doak and Tom Fazio before starting his own design business. His best-known work is Cape Wickham Links on King Island in Tasmania, but he has also built several excellent, affordable public courses in his home state of Michigan. Mike and Andy discuss two of his accessible designs in the Grand Rapids area, Diamond Springs and The Mines, before speaking more broadly about the dual influences of Perry Maxwell and Alister MacKenzie, the joys of walking, and the challenges of routing courses on severe sites, such as the one where Mike’s stunning Greywalls course sits.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Fried Egg Stories: Tiger’s Pro Debut

<p>The latest edition of our audio documentary series focuses on Tiger Woods’s first tournament as a professional, the 1996 Greater Milwaukee Open. But this isn’t a story about what happened on the course. Instead, we dig into the action in the press room, in front of the cameras, and during commercial breaks. It was in those spaces that the public image of Tiger, the myth of him as a professional golfer, began to be invented. And not everything went smoothly at first. This episode features interviews with two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange, Wieden+Kennedy ad man Jim Riswold, GMO tournament director Tom Strong, and journalists Jaime Diaz and Gary D’Amato. It includes music from Tristan Barton, Sebastian Borromeo, D Fine Us, Kevin Graham, Kloyd, Ian Post, and Kevin McLeod. Check out our sponsor, Visit Milwaukee, at <a href="http://visitmilwaukee.org/golf">visitmilwaukee.org/golf</a>.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Superintendent Series: Edric Funk and Matthew Wharton on the Turfgrass Industry

<p>At the GCSAA Golf Industry Show in Orlando, Andy recorded a live episode with The Toro Company’s Edric Funk (@EdricFunk) and Carolina Golf Club superintendent Matthew Wharton (@CGCGreenkeeper). The trio discussed the process behind innovation, the role of #TurfTwitter, the future of labor in the turfgrass industry, and the advent of robotics and automation in greenkeeping. Big thanks to our sponsor Toro for making the Superintendent Series possible</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Geoff Shackelford on the Distance Insights Report and the Premier Golf League

<p>Lately, the biggest news in the golf world has revolved around topics that Golf Channel contributor Geoff Shackelford knows better than anyone. So Andy met up Geoff to get his thoughts on the bombshell USGA/R&amp;A Distance Insights report, which represents a major shift in the governing bodies' rhetoric about golf's distance problem. They also discuss the emergence of the Premier Golf League as a potential disruptor in professional golf. Geoff broke this story two weeks ago on his blog <a href="http://geoffshackelford.com/">geoffshackelford.com</a> and continues to report on fresh revelations about the proposed world tour.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Yolk with Doak 18: Templates, His Routing Book, and Modern Green Speeds

<p>The Yolk with Doak, our series with golf architect Tom Doak, returns with Andy visiting Tom in Traverse City, Michigan, and sitting down for a wide-ranging conversation. In this first installment, they field a variety of reader questions. Among other things, they talk about how Tom uses (or resists over-using) template concepts in his work, how his book project on routing has led him to reassess some of his past courses, whether we should look to state golf associations as potential champions of affordable and interesting courses, and how modern green speeds have changed the way we design greens and play the game.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Brad Faxon

<p>During his long playing career, Brad Faxon won eight PGA Tour events, participated in two Ryder Cups, and became known as one of the best putters in golf history. Currently he serves as an analyst for Fox Sports’ USGA telecasts and a putting consultant to tour pros. Brad joined Andy at the PGA Show to discuss the art of the interview, the mental and emotional dimensions of golf, the importance of good architecture at tournament courses, and Brad’s memories of growing up in Rhode Island and learning about Golden Age design.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Billy Draddy

<p>At the PGA Show, Andy sits down with Billy Draddy, the creative director at Summit Golf Brands and founder of B. Draddy. They chat about Billy’s youthful days as a caddie at Winged Foot and Brookline before getting into his background in the clothing business. They cover his failures and success, the links between garment and golf course design, the challenges of pushing an against-the-grain product, and the wonders of alpacas.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Bill Coore on Pete Dye, Sheep Ranch, and Under-Appreciated Holes

<p>For the first time since May 2018, we welcome Bill Coore back to the podcast. Andy and Bill discuss the lack of sand bunkers and the tight, intricate routing at Sheep Ranch, Coore &amp; Crenshaw's upcoming course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. In addition, they talk about the late Pete Dye, Bill's mentor, and Bill's own Dye-like willingness to hire associates who have little to no golf experience. Andy and Bill cover various other topics, including the recent removal of Trinity Forest, a Coore &amp; Crenshaw design, from the PGA Tour rota; what Bill learned from watching the pros at his recently renovated Plantation Course at Kapalua; and his thoughts on some of golf's most under-appreciated holes.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

A Tribute to Pete Dye

<p>In honor of the great golf architect Pete Dye, who passed away last week, Andy and Garrett play and discuss several clips from past podcast episodes in which the guests discussed their experiences with Dye. Anecdotes include how Dye’s work inspired Bill Coore to get into golf course design, how Tom Doak’s experience on Dye’s construction crew caused him to turn down an offer from Robert Trent Jones, and how an aerial photo of PGA West changed the direction of Brian Silva’s career. Also featured is a segment from a yet-to-be-released podcast with Kohler Co. (Blackwolf Run, Whistling Straits) Director of Grounds Mike Lee.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

The Oldest Golf Course in Wisconsin - Eagle Springs

<p>Mike Bolan—the owner of the Eagle Springs Golf Resort, the oldest golf course in Wisconsin—joins Andy on the podcast. Andy and Mike talk about the golf course and its history, and how Mike’s family has owned the course since 1893. Mike opens up about the difficulties of ownership in today’s golf landscape and details how he has kept Eagle Springs afloat over the years.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Geoff Ogilvy - The Presidents Cup, Royal Melbourne, and the New Decade

<p>Geoff Ogilvy joins Andy to talk about his experience being an assistant captain at the 2019 Presidents Cup. The two discuss the tournament and the brilliance of Royal Melbourne. Geoff talks about why Royal Melbourne stood out from the typical tour stop and why it allowed the best players to elevate their games. He also tells the story of his recent walk-off hole-in-one at Goat Hill Park and makes some predictions about the next decade in golf.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Superintendent Series: Michael Vessely on Restoring Culver Academies Golf Course

Culver Military Academy Superintendent Michael Vessely joins Andy on the podcast. Michael and Andy start by talking about Michael's recent old tee box discoveries on the property and the historical deep dive its led. Michael then talks about how his perspective on maintenance has changed as he has understood architecture more. The conversation then moves to Michael's career and the journey to Culver and the benefits and challenges of the job. The pair wraps up talking about Michael's future plans and how he enjoys the experimental aspect of the job. Follow Michael on Twitter @mdvessely.<p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Fried Egg Stories: The Doctor Goes Down Under

<p>The second installment of our new audio documentary series digs into the history behind the venue of this week's Presidents Cup, Royal Melbourne Golf Club. This Australian gem exists in its current form because, in 1926, the famous British architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie decided to sail across the world and spend two and a half months down under. During his visit, he not only drew up plans for the West Course at Royal Melbourne but also consulted at many golf clubs throughout Australia. His apparent influence on golf in the country was enormous. So the question we ask in this episode is, essentially, how in the world did MacKenzie do all of that in 10 weeks? Or are we all giving him too much credit? Many thanks to Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking, Neil Crafter, and Sean Tully for contributing to this story. This episode features music from Kevin McLeod as well as Low Light and Borrtex.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Fried Egg Stories: Meghan MacLaren

<p>Something new on The Fried Egg podcast today! This episode has a documentary format. That is, rather than the usual interview, it takes the form of a story, with voice-overs from Garrett Morrison and excerpts from a conversation with Ladies European Tour player Meghan MacLaren. Think Revisionist History, but without the golf hatred. This is not a permanent format change, obviously—just a new direction we’re exploring.This past year, Meg MacLaren won the Women’s New South Wales Open and placed fifth on the LET Order of Merit, but she's still looking for a way onto the LPGA Tour. In October, she came to the U.S. for LPGA Qualifying School, which culminated with the two-week, 144-hole Q-Series at Pinehurst Resort. This episode tells the story of Meg’s Q-School experience. It also explores her thoughts about Harry Potter, blogging (which she does very well at <a href="http://megmaclaren.com/">megmaclaren.com</a>), and the state of the women’s game.</p> <p>This episode was created and hosted by Garrett Morrison and edited by J Vierck. It features music from Kevin MacLeod, Yehezkel Raz, Borrtex, and Oak and Cherry.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Keith Rhebb

<p>Golf course architect Keith Rhebb joins Andy at Winter Park for a chat about his recent work. The two start by discussing the continued success of Winter Park, which was slammed on an early Thursday afternoon. The conversation moves to some of Keith and Riley Johns' new work, their short course at Forest Dunes as well as the continued restoration efforts at Rolling Green. Keith also opens up to how it is to juggle his growing independent design business with his shaping work at Coore &amp; Crenshaw as well as what he learned about Bill Coore from his time at Old Town.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Superintendent Series: Tom Feller on Cedar Rapids and Tree Management

<p>Cedar Rapids Country Club Superintendent Tom Feller joins Andy to discuss his life in turf. Tom and Andy start by talking about his morning routines which include no breakfast and regular walks of the golf course. The conversation then moves to how Tom got into turf and his early career in Myrtle Beach and Quincy, Illinois. Cedar Rapids CC's transformation has been well-documented and Tom has had a big hand in the improvements made both architecturally and agronomically. Andy asks how Tom was able to accomplish the massive tree removal and restoration work for such a low cost while not shutting down the course. The conversation ends with Tom spreading virtues on the tree management and flood mitigation work they have done at Cedar Rapids. Our Superintendent Series is brought to you by Toro Golf.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Nick Hardy

<p>Former University of Illinois standout, Nick Hardy joins Andy on the podcast to discuss his experience making the transition from college to the professional game. Nick talks about building structure to his practice sessions, dealing with some early disappointment, playing in his 3rd U.S. Open and breaking through 2nd stage of Q-School. </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Jaeger Kovich - Part 2

<p>In part two of our podcast with golf architect Jaeger Kovich, he and Andy discuss critiques in golf architecture, Jaeger's Mt. Rushmore of golf architects and whether or not Seth Raynor is overrated. Jaeger also gives some advice for how he goes about seeing golf courses and planning his visits as well as his pet peeve in golf architecture. If you missed part 1, be sure to check it out to learn about Jaeger's background and how he got into golf architecture as a kid from New York City.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Jaeger Kovich - Part 1

<p>Golf Course Architect Jaeger Kovich joins Andy to talk about his career to date. Jaeger talks about how he got into architecture and cracked through despite graduating into the economic downturn in '09. The pair then talks about Jaeger's childhood playing golf in New York City, Jaeger's recent experience in France and architect Tom Simpson as well as the great A.W. Tillinghast courses in NY.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Superintendent Series: Alex Beson-Crone on Blue Mound and Seth Raynor

<p>Blue Mound Golf and Country Club's Superintendent Alex Beson-Crone joins the podcast. Andy and Alex discuss how Alex got into the turf industry and his early career at Erin Hills through its construction. The conversation then centers on Alex's transition from Erin Hills to the Seth Raynor-designed Blue Mound Golf and Country Club. Our Superintendent Series is brought to you by Toro Golf. </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Roaring Gap, Aiken, and Palmetto

<p>Continuing their debriefing of their early-October Southern swing, Andy and Garrett review their visit to Roaring Gap Club in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the North Carolina-Virginia border. A 1925 Donald Ross design, Roaring Gap is charming and faithfully restored—an old-fashioned hideaway. Andy and Garrett talk routing, topography, mowing lines, and whether Ross courses can be compared to Bruce Springsteen albums. They wrap up the conversation with a tribute to maybe the best golf town in America: Aiken, SC, home to the public Aiken Golf Club as well as the private Palmetto Golf Club. They touch on not only the outstanding architecture of these two courses but also the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that defines them and the town in the general.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Reynolds Park and Old Town Club

<p>In the first part of a conversation about their recent trip to the Carolinas, Andy and Garrett dig into two fascinating Perry Maxwell courses in Winston-Salem, NC: Reynolds Park Golf Course and Old Town Club. First, though, Andy reviews his visit to Mooresville Golf Club, a very good affordable course near Charlotte. Andy and Garrett then talk about Reynolds Park, a striking municipal course that they both regard as one of the top candidates for restoration in the country. They finish the episode with an in-depth discussion of Old Town Club. From its routing to its simple yet ingenious greens, this 1939 Perry Maxwell design, beautifully restored by Coore &amp; Crenshaw in 2013, has a lot to teach any golf architecture enthusiast.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Kevin Moore on Tournament Course Setup and Analytics-Driven Strategy

<p>Kevin Moore joins Andy and Garrett to discuss Rory McIlroy's surprising and intriguing comments about soft course setups on the European Tour. Kevin is a former Division 1 college golfer, a professor of Mathematics Education, and the founder of a golf course analysis company called Squares2Circles, so he has some keen insights into what McIlroy means when he talks about "playing with strategy." Kevin, Andy, and Garrett also discuss how equipment technology has changed the way the best players interact with golf architecture, and they dig into whether Kevin himself senses a conflict between his rational, competitive side and his romantic, architecture-loving side. They close with a brief discussion of Aiken Golf Club, the venue for the upcoming Fried Egg event The Thoroughbred. Follow Kevin on Twitter at @kevcmoore and his company Squares2Circles at @Squares2Circles.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Robert Crosby on the Influence of John Low

<p>Joining first-time host Garrett Morrison is golf historian Robert Crosby, who is working on a book about the great John Low. Garrett and Bob touch on Bob's tumultuous college days and his thoughts about the escapist character of golf before delving into his research on the fascinating life and work of John Low. In the early 20th century, Low played an influential role in debates about golf architecture, equipment, and rules. His way of thinking about the game, as Bob eloquently describes, is just as relevant today as it was a century ago.</p> <p>Robert Crosby's articles on John Low in the journal <em>Through the Green</em>: <a href="http://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/TTG_90_2009September.pdf#page=34">Part 1</a> - <a href="http://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/TTG_93_2010June.pdf#page=10">Part 2</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Lukas Michel - 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur Champion

<p>Last week Lukas Michel became the first international winner of the U.S. Mid Am at Colorado Golf Club, he joins Andy to talk about his week in Colorado and his golf career. The pair talk about amateur golf, how Lukas got prepared for his Mid Am run at Sand Hills, the awkward moment on the final hole of the match and his plans for the future. </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>