In this Open Championship deep dive, Sean and Paul tee off on everything from course repetition to major championship schedules to who actually needs a win at Royal Portrush. They debate legacy vs. form, make picks, and even go off the rails into Savannah Bananas and lost golf history in country club basements. 

Timestamps:

• 00:01 – Intro: Venue fatigue, Billy Horschel’s European comments
• 01:09 – Open Championship nostalgia & why it’s Sean’s favorite major
• 03:21 – St. Andrews, Tiger Woods Golf, and getting to know the rota courses
• 05:19 – Should the US Open move back to August? Scheduling mayhem
• 08:24 – NFL vs PGA: Why fans might actually watch golf in September
• 11:11 – Anchor sites and the pros/cons of repeat venues
• 13:48 – Can Port Rush produce a better tournament this time?
• 15:28 – Should The Open ever leave the UK? Portmarnock and beyond
• 18:05 – Why expansion to continental Europe might flop
• 20:13 – The USGA’s overcorrection from Chambers Bay, Shinnecock, etc.
• 21:23 – PGA Tour players’ obsession with uniform conditions
• 23:02 – Scar tissue? Player reactions to tricky venues
• 23:29 – Player Tiers Breakdown:
  • 23:29 – Moral Victories (Morikawa, JT, Hovland, etc.)
  • 39:10 – Legacy Chasers (Rahm’s Slam chase, Rory’s double major bid, etc.)
  • 50:38 – Guys Rounding Into Form
  • 55:46 – First-Time Major Hopefuls
  • 58:18 – New Faces of the Major Drought Club
• 01:00:51 – Draft Picks: Sean & Paul’s top 3 contenders
• 01:13:26 – Dark Horse picks: Tristan Lawrence & Tom McKibbin
• 01:17:04 – Could golf learn anything from the Savannah Bananas?
• 01:22:06 – YouTube golf, influencer matches, and a lost Byron Nelson photo
• 01:24:40 – Final thoughts: Enjoy the coffee golf!

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Sean and Paul break down the upcoming 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont. From Bryson’s viral practice round, Rory's odd post-Masters stretch, and who really needs to win this week, the guys cover it all—including picks and other predictions.

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In this episode, Sean Melia welcomes Marcos Baugh, the founder of Urban Golf Club, a Boston-based nonprofit bringing golf and financial literacy to kids in the city. Marcos shares how he uses foam golf balls in gymnasiums, lemonade stands at Franklin Park, and caddie loops at The Country Club to open new worlds for his students. The two dig into what it really means to "grow the game," the potential of Ponkapoag, LIV vs. PGA Tour, and why everyone should experience the game.

🎧 Topics include:

Urban Golf Club’s origin story (2:30)

The lemonade stand project (10:30)

Caddying at The Country Club (20:45)

Golf as a tool for financial literacy (28:00)

Why LIV doesn’t bother Marcos (42:00)

Marcos’ dream 5-round itinerary in Massachusetts (52:30)

🔗 Learn more and support: theurbangolfclub.org

Follow Marcos on Instagram: @urbangolfclubinc

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Sean and Burke made some quick PGA Championship picks during halftime of game 4 of the Celtics-Knicks game. The second half did not go well, but maybe our picks will, though.

Then, on the back end of this podcast, Burke shares his experience as a caddie for Evan Harmeling at the Club Car Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour in April. 

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The Golf Trip Guys, Sean Toland and Mike Vadala, discuss their inaugural golf trip to Hilton Head. They share insights on the concept of customized golf trips, the selection of Hilton Head as a destination, and the overall experience, including the competitive elements, social dynamics, and the various golf courses played. The conversation also touches on future plans for golf trips, including potential international destinations.

Golf Trip Guys Website
Bay State Golf Newsletter 

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It's been a busy April after a cold and quiet March. I played golf on an island, on the mainland, and in Hilton Head. I've worn four layers and required hand warmers and have also needed 50 spf sun screen.

Here's where's I've teed it up so far:

Sandy Burr: (Wayland, Mass.) 2:17
Miacomet (Nantucket, Mass.): 6:30
Old South Links (Bluffton, SC): 10:30
Palmetto Dunes Fazio (Hilton Head, SC): 13:19
Palmetto Dunes Arthur Hills (Hilton Head, SC): 16:29
Palmetto Dunes Jones (Hilton Head, SC): 20:29
Holyoke CC (Holyoke, Mass.): 22:20
Southampton CC (Southampton, Mass.): 26:15
Shaker Hills CC (Harvard, Mass.): 30:50

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Peter Marchetti, founder of SwingPass golf, is this week's guest.  SwingPass aims to create a community for golfers seeking friendly competition without the country club price tag. They explore how SwingPass provides opportunities for golfers to connect, compete, and enjoy the game in a laid-back environment. The discussion also highlights the importance of community in golf, the various event formats offered by SwingPass, and the adaptability of the program to meet the needs of its members throughout the season.

SwingPassGolf.com

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Maria Cianchette, a talented golfer and designer behind Sometimes Draws is this week's guest. Maria shares her journey into golf, her experiences in competitive play, and the challenges she faced as a female golfer. The conversation also delves into the intersection of art and golf, exploring how Maria finds inspiration for her designs and her creative process. Finally, Maria shares her top five golf course picks in Maine, highlighting her favorite places to play.

IG: Sometimes Draws

Website: Sometimes Draws

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Sean and Paul dive deep into the recent Masters tournament, highlighting Rory McIlroy's historic win and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied it. They discuss the significance of consistency in golf, the balance of luck and skill, and the unique experiences that come with watching the Masters. The conversation also touches on the historical context of the tournament, comparing it to past memorable moments and exploring the challenges of Augusta National. Ultimately, they reflect on the Masters' place in the pantheon of golf tournaments and the excitement it brings to fans and players alike.

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Paul Burke joins Sean to preview The Masters. 

Topics:

• Multiple major winners of the 2020s and who can join the club?
• Is there TOO MUCH Masters coverage?
• Who is feeling the pressure to win?
• Who is in the wilderness?
• Can players with scars from Augusta ever win The Masters?
• Picks and dark horses

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