The Golf Insiders

The Golf Insiders 11-11-15

PODCAST NOTE: Listeners can tune in to iHeart Radio 740 The Game (FM 96.9) Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. to hear The Golf Insiders live. Add The Golf Insiders podcast to your iPhone as an app. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen. 

On Veteran's Day, Holly G is in the studio with special guest Brendan Sweeney, Director of Golf Media and Player Relations at French Lick Resort, Ind., who lives in Orlando.  Holly takes a quick trip around the golf world briefly talking about the past weekend's tournament winners. World Golf Championships HSBC Champions was won by Jacksonville University alumnus Russell Knox from Scotland who posted his first win on the PGA Tour. The Sanderson Farms finished on Monday with Peter Malnati winning over a crowded field. 

Holly pays tribute to the Veterans with special guest Air Force veteran Michael Leonard calls in to share some of his insights and appreciation of 21 years that he served in the military and working in the Public Affairs career field and some of the places he's been stationed and the people who he worked with all.

Jeff Babineau, Golfweek, calls in to talk to Holly and Brendan about the Folds of Honor a non-profit organization that was started by Maj. Dan Rooney in 2007 to help provide scholarships for educational support to spouses and children of America's fallen and wounded soldiers who do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance. Nearly nine out of 10 family members do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance. Jeff serves as on the Folds of Honor board of directors. Over the past eight years the organization has awarded some 10,000 scholarships. Jeff said that the organization is opening a chapter in Central Florida. Anyone can donate to the Folds of Honor and help out either in and out of the world of golf. To donate Click here. 

Holly and Jeff turn to the world of golf and talk about the first time winners of Knox and Peter Malnati on the PGA Tour. They also discuss the Charles Schwab Cup with Billy Andrade winning the final event and Bernhard Langer winning his third Charles Schwab Cup. The PGA and the LPGA are in Mexico this week after a trip to Asia. The latest issue of Golfweek features technology and how it has affected the game over the years. 

In the next segment Holly G is joined by Andy Mears Director of Golf Operations at the Freedom Golf Association and a 25-year PGA professional from Michigan. Freedom Golf Association is  a 501(C)(3) charitable organization (NFP) dedicated to bringing joy and a sense of freedom to the special needs community through their inclusion in the game of golf. The Freedom Golf Association is three years old and work with more than 1,000 individuals who have special needs in the Chicago area. The organization works with kids and adults with special needs as well as disabled veterans providing them with the social and therapeutic benefits of golf. United States Adaptive Golf Alliance organization that brings all the special needs group to talk with one voice in the golf industry.

Todd Lewis from the Golf Channel calls in to wrap up the hour of intelligent golf talk on Veteran's Day. Holly asks Todd about Phil Mickelson's swing coach change from Butch Harmon to Andrew Getson after many years. Butch has a lot of younger players like Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Brandt Snedeker who are all looking for their first major championship. Todd and Holly also talk about the first time winners on the PGA Tour as well as Boo Weekley's comments on the wrap around season. Todd said that a lot of players are taking advantage of the wrap around season to help get them a leg up in the FedEx Cup points race.

Looking back over the past year Todd feels that this was the year of Jordan Spieth and his success winning two majors and being in the mix of all four major championships and then winning the FedEx Cup.

Holly pointed out that through the Golf Channel viewers in the United States are becoming more familiar with the European players as the Golf Channel airs some of the European Tour events that Americans can watch at night. 

Todd wraps up the show commenting on having the privilege of playing golf this morning with a group of Veterans from the Korean War.

The Golf Insiders 11-04-2015

PODCAST NOTE: Listeners can tune in to iHeart Radio 740 The Game (FM 96.9) Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. to hear The Golf Insiders live. Add The Golf Insiders podcast to your iPhone as an app. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen. 

Holly G is in the studio and starts off the show with a quick recap the week in golf including Justin Thomas' first win on the PGA Tour. 

Bob Harig, ESPN.com, calls in to start the show and talk about the world of golf with Holly G. Bob said that even though he hasn't been a proponent of the wrap around season, he does admit that it has been a very interesting start to the new season with the different first time winners.

Jordan Spieth is playing in his first tournament in about a month. Spieth said it was his longest break from golf since he was 12 years old. Bob talks with Holly about Jordan's busy schedule and how he manages his schedule going into 2016 as the reigning FedEx Cup champion.

Holly mentions that Victor Dubuisson captured a win on the European Tour and what that means for the player who gave up his PGA Tour and is now focusing mainly on the European Tour.

Holly asks Bob about Stevie Williams book that recently was released. Williams was the caddie for many years for Tiger Woods and lately Adam Scott. 

Bob said that Steve is a heck of a caddie and has been complemented by everyone he has caddied for. Bob said that it is a shame that Stevie has held on to a grudge for so long when there was so much good to talk about with he and Tiger's great teamwork and the success they had for all of those years.  Bob talks about all the things that seem petty that Stevie focused on. Probably some good insight that might be being overlooked because of the Tiger comments that have gained so much attention. There are a lot of guys who go through caddies many times. The most successes have been the golfers who have stuck with the same guy and has been a good fit over the years. Bob also added that even the best relationships between player and caddie that come to an end.

Mental Conditioning Coach Dr Bob Winters, David Leadbetter Academy, joins Holly G in the studio for the rest of the show. Holly asks Bob about the success of some of his players of late. Dr Bob said that 3 of the top 5, including the first and second place finishers, in the recent Latin American tournament have been or are students of his. 

What is it that keeps fear out of some of the great players during pressure packed situations? 

Composure with repeated exposure. Thomas double bogeyed the 14th and caddie Jimmy Johnson was able to keep Justin in the moment. Made three birdies and a clutch five footer to end up winning. 

Steve Eubanks, Global Golf Post, calls in to talk to Dr Bob and Holly G, calls in to speak with the duo about China banning golf for all of its members. "Until you go over and see it and see the reaction that the Asian fans especially when the LPGA players are there is something to see," he said.  

Holly mentions that Volvik is sponsoring a new event over Memorial Day weekend in the next year. Steve comments that there are a lot of Korean companies who are actively involved with the LPGA. Steve said that the television audience when Korean players are in contention are twice the numbers in the USA and sometimes three times as much.

East Lake Cup at the Atlanta Golf Club. The Top 4 collegiate men and women's teams to play against one another. Illinois beat Georgia on the men's side and UCLA beat Duke on the women's side.

Holly and Steve talk about the Charles Schwab Cup at Desert Mountain this week. Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie and Jay Haas are in a three way run for the title. Almost every week this season Monty and Langer have been at the top of the leader board in almost every Champions Tour event that they played in this year.

Steve and Holly talk about the upcoming Race to the CME Globe on the LPGA Tour and some of the players in the hunt, like defending champion Lydia Ko. Steve talks about Ko's maturity and how she handles herself in every circumstance. Her game is amazing on top of that. 

Dr Bob Winters talks about Lydia and spending time with her at the David Leadbetter Academy. Lydia has a presence about her and doesn't forget any of the little people and is gracious in all settings whether winning or losing. 

Tony Judge, Clubs To Hire, calls in to talk with Holly G and Dr Bob about the newest location of his company in the Orlando. Clubs To Hire, originated in Europe and hires or rents a full set of clubs to a golfer for a week at a time to save them the expense of putting a golfer's own clubs on the airplane. Whether a golfing holiday with friends or family or business trips, Clubs To Hire saves golfers the hassle of bringing their own personal clubs through busy airport terminals, waiting for them at excess luggage, paying extreme carriage charges and then worrying about them possibly being stolen or damaged. Club To Hire has 3 destinations in the United States has a set ready to hire or rent at the airport of your choice. $80 for a complete set of the latest clubs that you choose for a whole week. 

Dr. Bob helps wrap up the Show talking about his latest book, Mistake Free Golf and how it can help anyone with their game. 

The Golf Insiders 10-28-15

PODCAST NOTE: Listeners can tune in to iHeart Radio 740 The Game (FM 96.9) Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. to hear The Golf Insiders live. Add The Golf Insiders podcast to your iPhone as an app. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen. 

Holly G is in the studio with special guest Brendan Sweeney, Director of Golf Media and Player Relations at French Lick Resort, Ind. Holly and Brendan recap the week in golf including Smylie Kaufman's win at the Shriners Hospital for Children Open in Las Vegas, his first PGA Tour victory. He finished ahead of a portion of the field but his 61 was good enough to hold off the eight players who finished tied for second place. With the win he earns a spot at the Masters in 2016.

Jeff Shain, The Island Packet, Prime Sports Network, calls in from South Carolina to talk to Holly and Brendan. Holly asks Jeff about Smylie Kaufman's win. Jeff said Smylie started the day seven shots back before finishing with a 61. Kevin Na finished second again for seven runner up finishes, five have come in the last 20 months. He has also finished third several times in that time frame. Jeff said that Na has become one of the best scramblers and it was odd to see him chunk a shot that kept him out of the winner's circle.

Smylie's best friend Patton Kizzire was one of the players who finished second and passed the time with Smylie while other players finished their final round. Jeff talks about Patton's residence at the Sea Island area with other veteran players.

Holly asks Jeff about Rickie Fowler's T-25th place finish when he had been playing so well. Jeff is wondering if Rickie's game is built more for the tougher courses and not a birdie fest venue like the Shriners turned out to be.

Jeff and Holly discuss the upcoming Tour events including the CIMB Class where players are competing for $1.26 million in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia. Jeff pointed out that players could actually make a fortnight of it if they also competed in the WGC-HSBC Champions event. If a player chose to do both they wouldn't have to fly all that way for one event.

Holly talks to Jeff about the LPGA Tour where Lydia Ko notched her 10th victory over. She already has 10 wins and is only 18-years-old. She finished the tournament with a 9-shot lead over the field. The trio talk about how LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan has really helped move the LPGA in the right direction. The final event of the season for the LPGA is fast approaching, the CME Tour Group Championship is in Naples, Florida Nov. 19-22 and Ko is the defending champion.

Terrie Purdum, Southern Golf Central Magazine, which is proudly celebrating 16 years, calls in to talk with Holly G and Brendan about the latest issue of the magazine and the upcoming charity events that the magazine is featuring including the Golf for Hope Tournament (Helping Other People Eat) in January. The fabulous Bella Collina in Montverde, Fla., is featured in the latest issue on line pages 38-39. 

Holly welcomes Tony Austin to the show to talk about the recent rules of golf changes. Austin is the Director of Programs for Core Golf Education of at Core Golf Academy and also has his own radio show,Core Golf Radio, Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. on  ESPN radio. Tony and Holly talk about the the USGA and R&A's recent release of the 2016 edition of the Rules of Golf.  

Withdrawal of Rule on Ball Moving After Address

Limited Exception to Disqualification Penalty for Submission of Incorrect Score Card

Modification of Penalty for a Single Impermissible Use of Artificial Devices or Equipment

Prohibition on Anchoring the Club While Making a Stroke

Holly also asks Tony about some of the rules violation that he sees golfers commit. Provisional Ball -- The provisional ball is designed to help speed up the game. It doesn't apply if the ball went into the hazard. You have to find out if it did go in the water. If you do not and you play a provisional ball you will be penalized.

Another rule is the use of the marker, to mark the ball so the player may lift and clean it. One thing he said that golfer's don't always realize is that after they have marked the ball, lifted it and cleaned it, once the ball is placed back on the green it is back in play even if the marker is still behind it.

The Golf Insiders 10-21-15

PODCAST NOTE: Listeners can tune in to iHeart Radio 740 The Game (FM 96.9) Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. to hear The Golf Insiders live. Add The Golf Insiders podcast to your iPhone as an app. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen. 

Holly G kicks off the hour recapping Emiliano Grillo's win at the Frys.com Open, which was his first PGA Tour event and the first event after winning the Web.com Tour Championship. 

Brendan Sweeney, Director of Golf Media and Player Relations at French Lick Resort, Ind., and die hard Cubs fan and resident of Orlando calls in to talk about the Chicago Cubs last chance to stay afloat and make it to the World Series. Brendan recounts how a story about how French Lick, the Cubs and a St. James Cathedral in Orlando are intertwined. St James Cathedral flew the W flag at the school was on the front page of Oct. 21, 2015 Wall Street Journal.

Holly talks with former PGA Caddie and ESPN.com Senior Writer Michael Collins about his how he made it to ESPN. Michael didn't follow the traditional steps to work in the media business for ESPN. Holly asks Michael about his days caddying on the Tour. Michael tells the story about Jordan Spieth's caddy Michael Greller, a former 3rd grade teacher, and how he and Spieth got together. Collins interviewed Michael Greller and his story behind the route to Spieth's bag and the relationship between the two men.

Bernhard Lager won the San Antonio Championship for his 25th victory and tightened the lead between Langer, Jeff Maggert and Colin Montgomery.

Jeff Shain, The Island Packet, Prime Sports Network, calls in to talk to Holly G about the class of 2011 that includes the Frys.com winner Emiliano Grillo, 2015 FedEx Cup champion Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Ollie Schniederjans. Holly asks Jeff about who is the breakout player of this year. Jeff said that someone we need to keep your eyes on Patton Kizzire who finished second on the Web.com Tour.

Todd Lewis, The Golf Channel calls in to wrap up the hour of intelligent golf talk. Holly asks Todd about what he took away from watching the Presidents Cup in South Korea. Lewis commented that it is nice to see golf from a different country's perspective and see how the game continues to grow globally. 

Holly asks Todd talks about Tiger's press conference and the update on Tiger's plans to take it easier and not rush himself back to the Tour this time around. Todd feels Tiger's approach after his second back surgery is a great plan. Todd tells listeners that Tiger seems to be a fallen star in the eyes of the fans/public. Fans seem sympathetic toward Tiger and have forgotten his past misgivings and they are rooting for him to make a comeback. Holly and Todd talk about Tiger possibly coming back and challenging the new foursome in golf: Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Jason Day.

Todd recently had a chance to talk with Henrik Stenson about his upcoming schedule between the European Tour and the PGA Tour and how he might shift some appearances to make sure he is in great shape heading into the major championships this season. Todd feels that Stenson may win a Major championship and will definitely finish in the top 10 and a couple of the majors this year.