The Fried Egg Golf Podcast

Trevor Dormer on Joining King-Collins Golf Course Design

<p>Fried Egg Golf's Garrett Morrison sits down with golf architect Trevor Dormer to discuss his recent partnership with King-Collins Golf Course Design, now known as King Collins Dormer. The two talk about Trevor's new role as a partner at King Collins Dormer and what appealed to him about joining the firm. Garrett and Trevor then discuss Trevor's ongoing project, his first solo course in the United States, a rebuild of Old Dane in Nebraska. Trevor details his process in making memorable golf experiences, how his experience with Coore &amp; Crenshaw influences his work, and the evolution of the golf architecture profession.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Golf President Campaigns and Coul Links

<p>Andy Johnson is back with another two-part show in this episode of The Fried Egg Golf Podcast. To start, Andy is joined by Fried Egg Golf's Garrett Morrison and Joseph LaMagna, as the three discuss their platforms in a hypothetical campaign for "President of Golf." They describe policies for men's pro golf, women's pro golf, the amateur game, equipment regulation, and the golf course industry. After listening to campaign speeches on shrinking the driver head and creating an exclusive streaming platform for the LPGA, Andy is then joined by Ru Macdonald for an update on the Coul Links development in Scotland. Ru provides insight into where the development currently stands, the potential economic impact it would bring to the Highlands area, and more.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Debating the Proposed PGA Tour Changes

<p>Earlier this week, the PGA Tour emailed players a list of proposed changes set to be voted on by the PGA Tour Policy Board. If approved, these changes would take effect for the 2026 season. Andy Johnson is joined by Joseph LaMagna and Monday Q's Ryan French for a roundtable discussion on these proposed changes. The three debate whether the removal of 25 guaranteed cards and reducing field sizes are substantive enough to improve the product, whether Monday qualifiers should remain part of the PGA Tour schedule, the new pace-of-play policy, and more.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Election Impact on PGA Tour-PIF Deal, Plus College Golf in the NIL Era

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by Gabby Herzig and Brentley Romine in this two-part episode. To start, Andy and Gabby discuss her recent article in The Athletic about the impact of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election on a potential PGA Tour-PIF agreement. Gabby details the role of the Department of Justice as part of the executive branch when it comes to antitrust laws and how each possible administration's DOJ may react to a deal regarding men's professional golf. The two also discuss the continuing evolution of YouTube golf and how the platform is changing how golf is consumed. Andy is then joined by Golf Channel's Brentley Romine, as the two chat about the state of college golf in the ever-changing NIL era of college athletics. They talk through the impact of conference realignment on the college golf landscape, the development of new facilities at schools across the country, and how the new PGA Tour U system has changed the development path for top college golfers.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Trying to Revive a Hometown Nine-Holer

<p>Garrett Morrison is joined by Tom Schwab, superintendent at Napoleon Golf Club, a nine-hole course in Napoleon, Ohio. Tom began working at Napoleon, his hometown course, in 2021 after working at private clubs such as Merion and Aronimink. The two discuss what it means to Tom to work at the course he grew up playing and the history of Napoleon Golf Club. Tom details the challenges of maintaining a public nine-holer in a small town and talks about his plans for improving the course.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Taking Stock of Justin Thomas’s Career and Future

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by Joseph LaMagna for an episode focusing on 15-time PGA Tour winner Justin Thomas. The two begin the show with and they are In and Out on during the early stages of the FedEx Fall, as the PGA Tour's fall events have become more competitive this year while the TV coverage continues to lag behind. Andy and Joseph discuss the uptick in televised college golf and consider the broadcasting future of the sport. From there, the two take a dive into the career of Justin Thomas heading into 2025. They recap the quick start to Thomas' PGA Tour career, his performance in 2017 and 2018, and the advantages his ball speed and iron play initially provided him on Tour. Andy and Joseph analyze his recent putting woes and lack of driving ability, questioning if Thomas can ever be a top-five player in the world again. To wrap up the episode, Andy and Joseph share some Recommendations on how to use screen time for both kids and adults.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Golf Architecture Mailbag: Walkability, 2025 Course Openings, and More

<p>Fried Egg Golf's Andy Johnson and Garrett Morrison answer questions from Club TFE members in this golf architecture mailbag episode. The two discuss how the walkability of a course impacts their thoughts on a design, share their thoughts on how to assess a course's architecture while playing it, and debate how re-designs of historic courses should be handled. Andy and Garrett look ahead to some exciting projects finishing in 2025 and wrap the episode with one new hole that stood out to them during their travels this year.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Yolk with Doak 45: Listener Questions and Building on Rocky Land

<p>Golf architect Tom Doak sits down with Andy Johnson for another mailbag-focused episode of "Yolk with Doak." Thanks to questions from Club TFE members, Tom discusses what motivates him to continue in his career, how he helps develop the careers of his associates, and learning to appreciate his own work. Andy and Tom go back and forth about what a Doak-designed major championship course would look like and why modern golf courses may not be the best hosts for majors. To end this episode, the two take a deep dive into Tom's experience building Stone Eagle in Palm Desert, California. Tom details the initial routing for the course, the struggles of building on rocky land, and how the elevation changes impact building a golf course.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Life On and Off the Golf Course with Jason Meersman

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by The Patterson Club's Jason Meersman for a conversation touching on life, golf courses, golf course maintenance, and even the Chicago Bears. To start, the two discuss Jason's upbringing in a family of golf superintendents and how this shaped his own career path and desire to work in the sport. Jason speaks to what he learned from his father and grandfather, as well as the importance of building relationships with club members as a way to improve the golf courses he's worked at. After that, the conversation shifts to some Robert Trent Jones history, as The Patterson Club is an early RTJ design located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Andy and Jason discuss the importance of work-life balance as a golf superintendent and what Jason does away from the course to keep him grounded. To wrap things up, Andy discloses some gripes he has with golf in the northeast, specifically surrounding green speeds.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

A Conversation with Dodo Molinari, Vice Captain for Ryder Cup Europe

<p>Edoardo ("Dodo") Molinari, DP World Tour member and Chief Data Strategist for Ryder Cup Team Europe, joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion. First, Andy Johnson and Joseph LaMagna kick off the episode with what they are In and Out on this week in the golf world. Then Joseph brings on Dodo to discuss his background, Augusta National, hot-button topics in the golf analytics community, Ryder Cup strategy, and much more. The episode wraps up with a couple of music Recommendations from Andy and Joseph.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Yolk with Doak 44: Links Travel, Analytics in Golf, and Short Par 4s

<p>Andy Johnson sits down with Tom Doak for the first of two October Yolk with Doak episodes. To start, Tom shares travel tips for golfers headed to Australia, New Zealand, and links courses throughout Ireland and the U.K. Andy and Tom then talk through Tom's first round at Sedge Valley and his experiences playing his own design for the first time. They then discuss the strategy around designing and playing short par fours, debating on whether longer hitters should resist temptations to reach the green in one. This leads into a conversation about the prevalence of analytics in golf, as younger golfers now have access to more data and information about their own games and swings than prior generations. This episode wraps with Tom talking through the pros and cons of working on private or resort courses and more accessible public courses, and how the feedback he'll receive is different based on how often golfers play a course.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Match Play and Professional Golf

<p>After the conclusion of another team match play event, Andy Johnson is joined by Shane Bacon to discuss the place of match play in the professional game. The two recap last week's Presidents Cup, evaluating the format and what changes need to be made in order to improve the event. They then turn to the concept of match play as a whole, advocating for more match play events in the professional game. They highlight the format of match play forcing players to become more aggressive throughout a round, often making for more compelling television than a 72-hole stroke play event. Andy and Shane brainstorm ideas for potential match play tournaments, such as a mixed-gender event with the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour, a professional event based on college alumni, and more.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Stanley Thompson and Canadian Golf Architecture

<p>It's Canada week on the Fried Egg Golf Podcast, so Garrett Morrison is joined by Toronto-based golf architect Ian Andrew for a look at the history of Canadian golf. After a brief discussion of Royal Montreal Golf Club and Ian's work with Mike Weir, the two unpack the career of Stanley Thompson and his work at courses such as Banff Springs, Jasper Park Lodge, and more. The episode wraps with a look at some of Ian's projects, including a potential book with even more stories from Stanley Thompson's life in golf.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

2024 Presidents Cup Preview

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by PGA Tour editorial lead Sean Martin to preview this week's Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club. The two discuss the top storylines heading into the event, including Sahith Theegala's U.S. team debut, Mike Weir's course setup, and how the captain's picks will perform on both sides. Andy and Sean also touch on Scottie Scheffler's recent struggles in team events and the idea of "designated putters." To wrap things up, they both share a player on each team that they are most intrigued by and predict the final score come Sunday night.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

The Best American Golf Trip Nobody Knows About

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by Garrett Morrison to discuss Garrett's recent trip to a hidden treasure trove of American golf, the state of Maine. They talk through the travel across the country from Portland (Oregon) to Portland (Maine), the affordability of some of the state's finest courses, and the vast number of nine-hole options in the area. After discussing the best time of year to head on a Maine golf trip, Garrett also shares stories of some personal interactions from the trip, reminiscing on the kind people he met while on this golf journey.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

What's Next for LIV Golf?

<p>Garrett Morrison, Andy Johnson and Joseph LaMagna discuss the future LIV Golf as the league's third season wraps up at the Team Championship in Dallas this upcoming weekend. The episode begins with the three discussing what they are In and Out on after a busy weekend of golf at the Irish Open and Solheim Cup. Then, the conversation turns to LIV Golf with a recap of the Individual Championship, won by Jon Rahm on Sunday, before the trio debate where the league should go from here. Topics include a new television deal for the league, the need for more youth in the player pool, and the importance of a development tour to the success of the main circuit. To wrap things up, Garrett, Andy and Joseph share some Recommendations for some fall viewing, listening, and eating.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

2024 Solheim Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club

<p>Andy Johnson previews this week's 2024 Solheim Cup, taking place at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. First, Andy is joined by Meg Adkins to talk major storylines and players to watch before the competition gets underway. They discuss how the course may favor the American side, whether Leona Maguire can thrive in match play once again, and how much pressure the Americans may be under to prevent four straight Solheim Cups without a win. Next, Scott Furlong, superintendent at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, sits down with Andy to discuss his career path from teacher to golf course superintendent, the history of the club and its involvement in international competitions, how the course is looking heading into this week, and more.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Royal County Down and the Irish Open

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by Darragh Garrahy to preview this week's Irish Open at Royal County Down. The two discuss the history of the Irish Open and how the tournament could increase its stature in the game in the future before discussing the golf course. Andy and Darragh go back-and-forth about this week's venue, detailing what makes Royal County Down so special. They break down the sand dunes running through the front nine of the course, the benefit of the nature and land that the course is located on, and the novelty of playing on top of dunes at Royal County Down as opposed to other courses. To wrap things up, Andy and Darragh talk through their favorite holes that the pros will play this week.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

The 2024 PGA Tour Season in Review

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by Joseph LaMagna and Kyle Porter to review the 2024 PGA Tour season. The trio discuss multiple aspects of the year, including Scottie Scheffler's week-to-week dominance, Xander Schauffele's major performances, the PGA Tour schedule, and more. After discussing how strengths of fields stack up on each major professional tour, they look ahead to 2025 and beyond. Picks are made for players to watch next year, and questions are asked about how the Tour can develop new stars, especially as the first wave of LIV Golf contracts are set to expire. To wrap things up, Kyle suggests a new, shorter PGA Tour season that may lead to more top players trying to round into form for a shorter sprint.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

A Trip to the Nebraska Sandhills and Mountain Golf Maintenance

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by The Fried Egg's Matt Rouches and Clear Creek Director of Greens and Grounds Mike Cunniff on this two-part episode. To start, Andy and Matt discuss Matt's recent trip through the Nebraska Sandhills, where Matt played 14 different golf courses in six days. They discuss the best golf in the region, Matt's prior experience living in the Sandhills, playing courses with sand greens, and how he'd play just ten rounds in the area. After that, Andy sits down with Mike Cunniff at Clear Creek, a course in Carson City, Nevada next to Lake Tahoe. Andy and Mike talk about the Coore and Crenshaw course in the mountains, how they maintain the course in the elevation and with houses surrounding it, Mike's work at Old Sandwich and more.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

The New East Lake and the Same Old Tour Championship

<p>It's Tour Championship week and the FedEx Cup Top 30 will have to face a new-look East Lake following a renovation by Andrew Green. To start this episode, Garrett Morrison and Joseph LaMagna discuss what they are In and Out on following the Women's Open at St. Andrews, with notes on the Road Hole and slow pace of play. After that, Andy Johnson sits down with Andrew Green for a quick chat about his work at East Lake and what to expect from the course this week. Garrett and Joseph then discuss some of the changes made to the course and what Andrew Green renovations tend to look like. Joseph then breaks down three player storylines to watch this week as the 2024 PGA Tour season comes to a close. To wrap things up, Garrett and Joseph share some Recommendations, including a northeast golf course and YouTube content to watch.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Golf Course Renovation on a Budget with Steven Biehl

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by Steven Biehl, superintendent at Wolf River Golf Park in Bear Lake, Michigan. Steven led a full renovation of this course that cost just $150,000 and discusses the challenges of renovating on a tight budget. Andy and Steven discuss Steven's background in agronomy and golf course architecture, the fulfillment Steven found in shaping bunkers, and even how to rebuild a pond. The two then look ahead at what work is left to do at the course, such as creating new forward tees for more to play.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Stacy Lewis on the Women’s Open and the Solheim Cup

<p>Garrett Morrison and Meg Adkins are joined by 2013 Women's Open Champion and United States Solheim Cup captain Stacy Lewis to discuss this week's Women's Open at St. Andrews. To start things off, Garrett and Meg go through what they're In and Out on, hitting on Lydia Ko's strong season and the latest in Billy Horschel content from the PGA Tour. After that, Stacy Lewis calls in to discuss her win at St. Andrews in 2013, her current form entering this week's tournament, what she's looking for in Solheim Cup captain's picks and more (24:50). To wrap things up, Garrett and Meg give some Recommendations for you as summer comes to a close.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Yolk with Doak 43: Tom Answers Listener Questions

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by golf architect Tom Doak as Tom answers listener-submitted questions coming from Club TFE members. The two cover topics such as the golf architecture book that Tom keeps going back to, how he handles restoring courses he designed, his work at Bandon, why amateurs should prioritize playing match play, and more. Thanks to Tom for joining us for this installment of Yolk with Doak episodes.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

A Look at High-Level Amateur Golf

<p>Garrett Morrison and Joseph LaMagna are joined by Lawrence Donegan to find out where high-level amateur golf stands today. To start this episode, the two discuss what they are In and Out on after this past weekend of golf, including the Women's Olympic Golf tournament, won by Lydia Ko, and the impact of rankings systems on the professional golf world. Lawrence Donegan, golf journalist and father of Niall Shiels-Donegan, an amateur golfer playing in this week’s U.S. Amateur, then calls in to discuss the state of amateur golf. Lawrence offers his thoughts on the high-level amateur game from the perspective of both a parent and a journalist, explaining how players handle technology, navigate the amateur golf landscape, and the pitfalls of the World Amateur Golf Rankings system (21:03). To wrap things up, Garrett and Joseph share some Recommendations for other podcasts you may enjoy!</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Yolk with Doak 42: Cabot Highlands, Childress Hall, and Sandglass

<p>Tom Doak returns for the first of two brand new Yolk with Doak episodes. Tom talks through his recent projects at Sandglass, Childress Hall and Cabot Highlands before discussing his favorite parts of working in Scotland. He shares stories of working with Padraig Harrington at the Renaissance Club and what he would take back to America from his most recent trip to Scotland. To wrap things up, Tom discusses his long history with North Berwick and why the course’s reputation has changed so much over the last 40 years.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Recapping 2024 Olympic Men's Golf

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by Joseph LaMagna and Sean Martin to break down the 2024 Men's Olympic Golf Tournament held at Le Golf National in Paris. Before diving into last weekend's action, Andy and Joseph discuss what they are In and Out on in the world of golf. Then, Sean joins to discuss the rise of Olympic golf, Scottie Scheffler's come-from-behind gold medal win and what it means for his 2024 season, Jon Rahm's collapse and more. Andy and Joseph then finish this episode with Recommendations for game-lovers and travelers alike.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Le Golf National Olympics Preview—Plus, Growing Grass in China

<p>In this two-part episode, Garrett Morrison is first joined by Joseph LaMagna for a look at Le Golf National, the host course of the Olympic golf competitions in Paris for the next two weeks. Garrett and Joseph share memories of how the course played during the 2018 Ryder Cup and predict which men may have a chance at medaling at a course that fits their game. For the second half of this show, Garrett chats with Jon Wall, superintendent of Shanqin Bay Golf Club in Hainan, China. The two discuss Jon's background in England, his path to Asia, his experiences in Hong Kong and Vietnam and more from his golf-related travels before diving into the the design and agronomy of Shanqin Bay.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

What It's Like to Play in the Olympics with Nicolas Colsaerts

<p>Andy Johnson is joined by DP World Tour pro and 2016 Olympian Nicolas Colsaerts as the 2024 Olympic golf competition kicks off this week at Le Golf National in Paris. The two discuss Nicolas's experience representing Belgium at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, both in the golf tournament and as part of the greater Olympic community. Andy and Nicolas debate how team golf can be implemented into future Olympics and whether players would like to see that as a change. Nicolas also shares stories from his time supporting Belgium in other sports while in Rio alongside his teammate and countryman Thomas Pieters. After wrapping up with Nicolas, Andy and Garrett Morrison talk about where golf stands in the Olympics today and how it could become a bigger part of the sport and players' legacies in the future.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Grading Performances in the 2024 Men's Majors

<p>With the 2024 men's major season in the books, Andy Johnson is joined by Geoff Shackelford and Joseph LaMagna to hand out grades to both players and venues for their showings in the majors in 2024. The three touch on Xander Schauffele's historic performance, Scottie Scheffler's highs and lows, Bryson DeChambeau carrying the mantle for LIV golfers and more. After notes on non-winners including Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka and Ludvig Åberg, they then discuss each major venue of 2024, highlighting both the positives and the negatives of some of golf's most iconic venues.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>