Episodios

  • Episode 51 – Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Dominance and the Parker Improvement Project

    Episode 51 – Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Dominance and the Parker Improvement Project
    May 21 2025
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt breaks down Scottie Scheffler’s dominant win at the PGA Championship and what it means for his trajectory toward golf greatness. Is Scheffler the next to complete the career Grand Slam? Matt makes the case. He also takes on critics of LIV players, defending Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau from what he calls lazy media narratives. Plus: a deep dive into the Parker Improvement Project—Matt’s personal mission to reach scratch by year’s end. He shares his stats, setbacks, practice plan, and lessons learned from battling inconsistency off the tee. On the politics side, Matt previews potential future debates with co-host Rob, teases hot-button topics like Trump’s tariff strategy, the Qatari jet, and the Biden health cover-up, and introduces the official launch of the Marty Russo Political Golfer of the Year Award. Key Topics Covered: Scottie Scheffler’s PGA dominance & rising place in golf history The flawed “LIV guys can’t win majors” argument Parker Improvement Project: distance, discipline & driver woes Political topics heating up: tax cuts, Biden’s health, Trump controversies Launching the Marty Russo Political Golfer of the Year Award Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 m
  • Episode 50 - Jake Ward talks AI, golf culture, and the Future of Tech and the GOP

    Episode 50 - Jake Ward talks AI, golf culture, and the Future of Tech and the GOP
    May 14 2025
    In our 50th episode of Golf and Politics, we celebrate the milestone with tech entrepreneur and longtime friend of the show Jake Ward. From his time on Capitol Hill to founding multiple companies and trade associations, Jake brings a rare mix of policy savvy, startup hustle, and serious golf chops. We dive into Jake’s golf life—his game, his favorite courses, and the rise of club culture in places like Daniel Island and Bandon Dunes—before shifting into a wide-ranging conversation on technology in golf, the future of AI, and how data privacy and digital policy affect everything from PGA broadcasts to political messaging. Key Topics: How AI and digital tools are transforming golf and small business Jake’s top underrated golf courses and caddie culture A heated debate on Trump’s trade policies, immigration, and the state of conservatism The future of golf broadcasts and technology’s role in pace of play Jake’s journey from Senate staffer to startup founder and what’s next in tech and policy 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts—and thank you for helping us hit 50 episodes! Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Episode 49 - 9 Holes, 9 Questions with Rob Ellsworth

    Episode 49 - 9 Holes, 9 Questions with Rob Ellsworth
    May 7 2025
    Golf and Politics is back with 9 Holes, 9 Questions as co-host Rob Ellsworth joins Matt Parker on the Par 3 course at LaFortune Park in Tulsa. Rob opens up about his lifelong love of golf, his bond with his late father, his battle with stage 4 cancer, and his journey from Republican Hill staffer to Democratic lobbyist. As Matt and Rob trade shots and stories, they dive into the personal, the political, and the power of saying “yes” to life’s second chances. You’ll also hear Rob’s thoughts on the changing landscape of American politics, municipal golf’s role in community development, and what it means to live life with gratitude after hardship. Key Topics: Rob’s origin story in golf and politics Lessons from losing a father and surviving cancer The importance of municipal golf courses and public investment in the game Why Rob believes cancer made him better, not bitter A rare inside look at how politics has changed—and where it's going next 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t miss Rob’s dream foursome at the end! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 m
  • Episode 48 - Inside Political Ground Games with Jefferson Thomas

    Episode 48 - Inside Political Ground Games with Jefferson Thomas
    Apr 30 2025
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, Rob and Matt are at Tour Quality Golf in Tulsa, joined by returning guest Jefferson Thomas, founder of The Synapse Group and a seasoned political strategist with a passion for golf. Jefferson opens up about his early days in Missouri politics, working with high-profile campaigns and initiatives across the country, and how golf has become a vital part of his professional and personal life. The episode dives into the changing landscape of field campaigns, how targeted canvassing works today, and the rising cost of political signature gathering—especially in light of proposed changes to Oklahoma's ballot initiative laws. Then, things heat up as the crew dives into a spirited political debate on the Trump 2.0 administration’s trade policies, the impact of tariffs, immigration strategy, and whether the U.S. is heading toward free trade—or economic isolation. Key Topics: Jefferson’s journey through GOP campaigns, college football, and entrepreneurship The real work behind canvassing, petition gathering, and modern campaign ground games A lively debate on Trump’s tariffs, immigration policies, and trade strategy Reflections on American values, free speech, and social division 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to subscribe for more golf-fueled political discourse! Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 m
  • Episode 47 - Ross MacDonald on Golf Equipment, Golf Ball Rollback, and the Future of Indoor Golf

    Episode 47 - Ross MacDonald on Golf Equipment, Golf Ball Rollback, and the Future of Indoor Golf
    Apr 24 2025
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, we go behind the scenes at Tour Quality Golf in Tulsa with owner and longtime golf industry pro Ross MacDonald. From how he got his start in golf to what it’s really like running one of the region’s top club fitting shops, Ross opens up about the grind of golf entrepreneurship, the state of golf tech, and his insights into the future of the indoor game. We talk golf ball rollback, custom fittings for LIV Tour winner Eugenio Chacarra, and the rise of indoor golf culture. Plus, we dive into how political conversations have become so commonplace and the shift in how people view politics today. Key Topics: Alternatives to golf ball rollback for making pro tournaments more entertaining Club fitting for multi-tour winner Eugenio Chacarra Why golf ball rollback could hurt amateur players and business The rise of indoor golf and simulator culture The role politics plays in today’s golf communities 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 m
  • Episode 46 - Around the World in 1,000 Rounds: Rich Levine on Golf & Friendship with President Trump

    Episode 46 - Around the World in 1,000 Rounds: Rich Levine on Golf & Friendship with President Trump
    Apr 16 2025
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, Rob and Matt welcome Rich Levine—world traveler, elite club member, and golf connoisseur—who’s played nearly 1,000 courses, including nearly every entry on multiple Top 100 lists. From Shanqin Bay in China to Trump International in Florida, Rich shares wild stories of golf around the world, elite club hospitality, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Rich also opens up about playing regularly with President Trump, sharing what it’s like inside Mar-a-Lago, and why the former president is one of the most generous and engaging hosts in the game. Political perspectives fly as Rob pushes back with tough questions and Rich defends Trump’s golf legacy and leadership style—with more laughs than you'd expect. Key Topics Covered: What it’s like to finish multiple World Top 100 golf course lists The unmatched service culture at Asia’s premier clubs Inside stories from Mar-a-Lago and presidential golf outings The hidden gems of global golf that fly under the radar A candid political debate about Trump’s influence, the media, and leadership 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to subscribe! Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 37 m
  • Episode 45 - Recapping the 2025 Masters and Rory McIlroy Completing the Career Grand Slam

    Episode 45 - Recapping the 2025 Masters and Rory McIlroy Completing the Career Grand Slam
    Apr 15 2025
    Rory McIlroy finally completes the career Grand Slam with a dramatic victory at the 2025 Masters—and the Golf and Politics crew is here to break it all down. In this special recap episode, Matt and Rob relive Rory’s rollercoaster performance, from jaw-dropping mistakes to clutch shot-making, including one of the most iconic playoff shots in tournament history. The hosts debate the mental side of Rory’s win, what it means for his legacy, and how Bryson, Rose, and others shaped a wild Sunday leaderboard. They also dig into the LIV vs. PGA tension, the future of major championships, and the broken state of the Official World Golf Rankings. Key Topics: Rory McIlroy’s path to the Grand Slam Bryson’s breakdown, Rose’s charge, Rory’s clutch moments LIV vs. PGA What makes the Masters the best Shoutouts to Langer, Couples, and the magic of tradition 🎧 Tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and relive one of the most memorable Masters finishes ever. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 m
  • Episode 44 - Celebrating 1 Year of Golf & Politics! What We’ve Learned and What’s Next

    Episode 44 - Celebrating 1 Year of Golf & Politics! What We’ve Learned and What’s Next
    Apr 9 2025
    Golf and Politics turns one year old, and we're celebrating the only way we know how—by mixing passionate political debate with golf course therapy and a little trash talk along the way. In this milestone episode, Matt and Rob reflect on what they’ve learned after a year of building the show, the friendships it’s fostered, and the conversations it’s sparked. But it wouldn’t be Golf and Politics without a good ol’ fashioned throwdown: the duo dives into a heated exchange on tariffs, the national debt, trade wars, and Trump’s aggressive economic strategy. Despite landing on opposite sides of the issue both hosts come prepared—and confident in their stance. You’ll also hear about the upcoming G&P Cup, the Parker Improvement Project, a look ahead to their first print magazine, and their picks for Masters Week. Key Topics: Reflections on Year One of the podcast A fiery debate on Trump's tariffs and trade policy Can one man move global markets? Matt and Rob disagree Updates on the Golf and Politics Cup and new on-course content Masters Week memories, predictions, and behind-the-scenes stories from Augusta 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and help us grow by sharing with a friend! Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 9 m
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