The Golfer's Journal Podcast

Only 15 people in history have made more money on the golf course than Davis Love III. But now, at 57 years old with a newly-replaced hip, the World Golf Hall of Famer is trying his hand at some things away from it.  This year's Ryder Cup vice-captain joins the show to talk about his new 12-hole design at Belmont, how to clean a cast-iron skillet, why broadcasting didn't suit his eye, and, of course, Team USA's locker room situation at Whistling Straits. 

Roger Bennett is well known in the soccer community as the co-host of the wildly popular podcast-turned-television-show Men in Blazers. But he’s also a huge golf fan. Today he joins host Tom Coyne to discuss hosting television coverage of the Open at Royal Portrush, why Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Craig Stadler are his favorite players, and how the golf chapter was cut from his New York Times best-selling book, (Re)born in the USA: An Englishman’s Love Letter to his Chosen Home, and more. Courage! (Podcast dress code: Blazers optional.)

Good morning, Tokyo! On this week's TGJ Podcast, we catch up with friend of the show Chris Reimer, who has spent the last several weeks in Japan running the media center for the Olympic Golf competitions. Following the conclusion of the men's tournament, Reimer joins TGJ Editor Travis Hill to report back on life in the village, the debates over pros vs. amateurs and the stroke-play format, trash talk from inside the ropes, how to buy a real samurai sword and how stars like Rory McIlroy are not immune to the power of the Olympic spirit.

We all remember where we were during Jordan Spieth’s infamous drop on No. 13 at Royal Birkdale during his now-legendary win at the 2017 Open Championship. So does today’s podcast guest David Bonsall: He was the rules official who orchestrated the 17-minute-long ordeal. In addition to his time as a former R&A rules official, Bonsall also happens to be the Captain (club president) at Royal St. George’s, host of this week’s Open. Bonsall sits down with host Tom Coyne to discuss Royal St. George’s place in history, strategy on the grueling par-4 fourth and the inside scoop on what in the world happened next to that Titleist truck in 2017.

For 35-year-old Zach Kahl, one foggy, early-morning round ended with an unexpected, life-altering trip to the emergency room. He suffered several strokes and blood clotting in his brain, an incredibly rare malady for someone his age. But his doctor prescribed a refreshing road to recovery: Stop working and play more golf. In TGJ No. 15, readers walked with Kahl as he used the game to take the literal next steps of his new life. This podcast opens with Kahl’s emotional reading of his piece in No. 15 and later he joins host Tom Coyne for an encouraging update about his progress, his relationship with the game, hidden blessings and more. Did you know that almost every feature from the book has an audio version available on the website? Let each author take you behind the scenes, adding more context and details to the story.

At 73 years young, and after a career in golf that would be too wild for the movies, there’s only one thing left for Gary McCord to do: Find Sasquatch. No, seriously.  Pulled from an extended conversation featured in the pages of TGJ No. 16, McCord connects with longtime friend/golf writer Jim Moriarty and opens up one of the more subversive storybooks in all of golf. They chat about everything from Phil’s win at Kiawah, Brooks vs. Bryson, Mac O’Grady, Steve Martin, failed PGA Tour format proposals, an ex-wife golf tournament, never-before-heard stories from the set of Tin Cup, and, yes, Sasquatch.

Want to hear about a bet over killing Bin Laden? Well, on a road trip from TGJ HQ to Gearhart—and after a series of hard-to-believe phone calls—TGJ Assistant Editor Casey Bannon found himself hearing all about it in the private wine cellar of the world famous Sardine Factory, just down the road from 17 Mile Drive. Across the table from him sat owner Ted Balestreri, a man for whom a statue was erected in Monterey, and Balestreri’s longtime friend/ former CIA Director/ Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. The three discuss the revitalization of Cannery Row, the people that call it home, the art of dining, and how golf—plus an expensive bottle of wine—were intertwined with a wager that took down Bin Laden.

On Sept. 26, 1783, a great schooner shoved off from London. The Comte du Nord's captain, a notorious Liverpudlian trader named James Penny, listed on the ship’s manifest 97 women, 131 girls, 197 men and 249 boys—all loaded into her lower holds for future sale. This week, the PGA Championship will kick off at Kiawah Island, where the same grass used to line the bottom of Penny's boat now lines the fairways. In TGJ No. 15, "Paspalum Shadows" explores how a turf from the shores of West Africa has made its way to Kiawah, Sea Island, Dubai and beyond. On Episode 80, Associate Editor Casey Bannon and Earl Cooper of Eastside Golf discuss the making of the story from ideation through creation, and how it has altered their perspective on golf, history, and friendship. 

The last year brought a legion of new golfers into the fold. Some will stay for good, and some are sure to fade away. But nine months into his newfound yet promising career, LaJethro Jenkins, of NBA internet and Jenkins & Jonez Podcast fame, is certain he’s in the game for life: “There’s nothing that moves me like this.” As fate would have it, TGJ Contributor Laz Versalles just happens to hit balls at the same public range where Jenkins now spends most of his days, and has quickly become his spiritual swing guide. So tag along with these fast friends as they raid the TGJ van at Westchester Golf Course in the heart of L.A., and talk footwork, overcoming fears, and golf in the afterlife.

While Don Rea's previous career involved enforcing the rules, he's now tossing them out the window as owner/operator at Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa, AZ. From night golf to music on the range to candles in the pro shop, Rea sets out to entertain every golfer that steps foot on his par-61 property—including an infamous one-club golfer. Is it working? The PGA of America certainly thinks so. Host Tom Coyne sits down with the newly-appointed Secretary of the PGA to discuss his rise from cart guy to owner (at the same course!), his previous life as an umpire, how makeup shopping for his wife rewired his business approach and more. For those begging golf’s governing bodies to begin thinking outside the box, Rea is your man.