In this Veterans Day–recorded episode of Golf and Politics, Matt and Rob welcome back their very first guest — former Congressman Bob Ney — for a brutally honest deep dive into Congress, shutdown politics, fiscal chaos, and the future of American governance.

Before the politics, the guys honor the veterans in their lives and share personal stories that set the tone for an episode rooted in gratitude and perspective.

Then they get into the big questions:

    • Why does the government keep shutting down?

    • Does “fiscal responsibility” mean anything anymore?

    • Could Congress ever pass a real budget again?

    • How have primaries, social media, and Trump reshaped incentives in Washington?

    • Is Chuck Schumer stronger or weaker after this shutdown showdown?

    • What happens when one party centralizes power — and the other eventually gets it back?

Bob Ney brings decades of insider perspective — from the Contract with America to balancing the budget in the 1990s to the Patriot Act fight — and breaks down how Congress lost its power and how it could regain it.

If you want a real, unfiltered, behind-the-curtain view of D.C. from people who’ve lived it, this is the episode.

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This week on Golf & Politics, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth break down key takeaways from statewide races across the U.S., including what Democrats’ strong night in Virginia and New Jersey means heading into 2026. They’re joined by Republican pollster John Rogers and Democratic lobbyist Brad Cheney to unpack what happened, why it happened, and what both parties should panic about (or celebrate).

🔑 Highlights:

What shifted with Hispanic and younger minority voters

Is “Trump fatigue” already affecting Republicans?

Did Democrats crack the affordability message?

Are candidate quality and authenticity finally mattering again?

What redistricting chaos could mean for Congress

The future of both parties heading into the next big cycle

Plus — insider stories from behind the scenes on campaigns in Virginia, California, New Jersey, and more.

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This week on Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob finally return — and they’re breaking down one of the coolest traditions in corporate golf: The Majority Cup (MG Cup). What started as a small outing among friends has grown into a 14–year legacy of competitive golf, meaningful relationships, and major impact.

Hosted at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia and Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh, the MG Cup brings together clients, friends, and family to raise money for pediatric cancer through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. This year’s event generated more than $50,000 — and the stories behind the shots, the swag, and the people are what make this outing truly special.

Matt and Rob also talk:

 🏌️ Charity golf in Austin

 🎒 Swag that everyone actually uses 

🤝 Relationship building in politics and business

 🗳️ Upcoming elections and bipartisanship

 🎙️ Guest updates including Marty Russo & friends

If you’re thinking about hosting your own corporate or charity golf event — this is the episode to learn from.

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This week on Golf & Politics, Matt Parker sits down with Sam Hahn, co-founder and co-CEO of L.A.B. Golf, to unpack one of the most revolutionary stories in modern golf — how a street musician from Eugene, Oregon, turned his passion for tinkering with putters into a company that’s redefining the way players roll the rock.

Sam shares the unlikely journey from local music venues to leading one of golf’s most innovative brands — including the moment he almost ran for mayor of Eugene, how a viral Facebook argument helped launch L.A.B. into the spotlight, and what it felt like watching J.J. Spaun’s legendary U.S. Open putt sink with a L.A.B. in hand.

The conversation dives into entrepreneurship, perseverance, and putting philosophy — from Phil Mickelson’s golf IQ to why golfers should practice decision-making, not just mechanics.

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🧠 Topics Covered:

How a failed band tour led to golf’s most creative putter brand

Why Sam almost traded golf for politics

The early struggles (and lucky breaks) that helped L.A.B. Golf go viral

What makes the L.A.B. design so different — and why it works

Putting lessons from pros like Phil Mickelson, Lucas Glover, and J.J. Spaun

How COVID, social media, and authenticity shaped L.A.B.’s rise

The future of putting — beyond just putters

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On the first episode of our new series Birdies and Big Ideas, we’re at Twin Hills Country Club in Oklahoma City, asking one big question: Why should someone run for state representative? Matt Parker tees it up with Rep. Anthony Moore, Rep. John Kane, and consultant Jackson Lisle to talk campaign life, community service, family sacrifices, and how golf teaches perseverance and leadership.

We also teamed up with the Nightbirde Foundation — every net birdie raised money for women fighting breast cancer — so expect some real-talk about public service, and some genuine on-course moments.

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🧠 Topics Covered:

Why people should run for office

Balancing life, work, and public service

Fundraising for the Nightbirde Foundation

Golf course-inspired leadership lessons

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The first-ever Golf & Politics Cup is in the books — and it didn’t disappoint. In this episode, co-hosts and team captains Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth look back on an unforgettable week at Gray Bull Golf Club in Nebraska.

From the electric opening matches to the all-important head-to-head battle between the captains, this recap dives into the drama, the camaraderie, and the big takeaways from the inaugural bipartisan showdown.

Along the way, Matt and Rob share behind-the-scenes stories, reflect on what made this Cup special, and talk about the future of golf as both a game and a bridge-builder in politics.

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🧠 Topics Covered: • Full recap of the first-ever Golf & Politics Cup • The story of the captains’ singles match: Matt Parker vs. Rob Ellsworth • Team highlights, key moments, and clutch performances • Lessons learned on trust, leadership, and competition • Reflections on golf as common ground between politics and community

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In this special episode, co-hosts Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth host their very first roundtable discussion at the first-ever Golf & Politics Cup from Gray Bull Golf Club in Nebraska.

Joined by friends, teammates, and guests from both sides of the aisle, they recap the practice round, share personal golf stories, and dig into how the game connects to community, politics, and even personal growth.

This conversation encompasses everything from golf as an economic driver to the LIV vs. PGA debate, the future of course design, and why golf remains one of the best ways to foster genuine trust in politics.

It’s equal parts golf nerd talk, bipartisan banter, and heartfelt reflection on the friendships and values that make this game so special.

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🧠 Topics Covered: • The launch of the first-ever Golf & Politics Cup • Golf as a driver of jobs, community, and rural economies • LIV vs. PGA vs. YouTube Golf: where is the pro game headed? • The role of municipal & public courses in growing the game • Family traditions, youth golf, and lessons learned on the course • Why golf is the perfect setting for bipartisan trust-building • The future of golf course design, costs, and accessibility

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In this special on-course episode of Golf & Politics, co-host Matthew Parker tees it up with his Republican teammate Judge Matthew George for a complete 9 Holes, 9 Questions at GrayBull Golf Club during the G&P Cup.

As the two play through all nine holes, the conversation moves from law and public service to faith, family, and golf, blending competitive energy with thoughtful reflection. Judge George opens up about his journey to the bench, lessons learned from politics and life, and the way golf reveals character both on and off the course.

It’s part competition, part storytelling, and the perfect snapshot of why the G&P Cup is more than just a golf match — it’s about people, perspectives, and the power of relationships.

🔑 Highlights:

• Judge George’s path from attorney to the bench

• Insights on leadership, faith, and public service

• Favorite golf courses played and dream destinations

• The role of golf in building trust and friendships

• Team chemistry and strategy heading into the G&P Cup

• Plenty of laughs, banter, and on-course competition

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In this special on-course episode of Golf & Politics, co-host Rob Ellsworth hosts his first-ever “9 Holes, 9 Questions” interview with long-time friend and fellow Blue Wave teammate Jamie Gillespie, live from GrayBull Golf Club in Nebraska during the G&P Cup.

Jamie—Democratic lobbyist, Fox executive, and golf nut—brings sharp wit and serious wisdom to a conversation that covers everything from growing up in DC politics to bucket-list golf courses, the power of golf in building real relationships, and the biggest cultural changes on Capitol Hill over the past two decades.

They talk architecture, the importance of institutional knowledge in Congress, and how Jamie uses his career and platform to support cancer research and advocacy.

This episode is a mix of heartfelt storytelling, elite golf talk, and sharp political insight, all wrapped into a laid-back round with a good friend.

Topics Covered:

Sand Hills Golf Club, Cypress Point, and Jamie’s top-5 course lists

Growing up around politics in DC & working for legendary senators

Why golf is the best tool for networking and political relationship-building

Reflections on cancer survivorship and giving back to the Bladder Cancer Association

The changing culture of Capitol Hill and why staff pay matters

Jamie’s dream foursome

Blue Wave team chemistry heading into the G&P Cup

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In this on-course episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker tees it up with Brian Bingman, Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and longtime public servant, for a 9 Holes, 9 Questions round at The Oaks Country Club.

From campaign trail stories and leadership lessons to reflections on the oil & gas industry, regulatory transparency, and the shift in Oklahoma politics over the last 30 years, Commissioner Bingman shares wisdom with humility.

We also hear about his favorite golf destinations, his bucket-list rounds, the time Tom Coburn helped save his political career, and which vote he wishes he could take back.

In this episode:

What the Corporation Commission actually does

Transparency in government

How Oklahoma flipped from Democrat-dominant to solid red during Bingman's career

The reality of intra-party conflict and why today’s Senate is harder to manage

Golf in politics: relationship-building and the power of the game

Bucket list stories from Cypress Point, Bandon Dunes, and Augusta National

A vote he regrets—and how it still haunts him on the campaign trail

His dream foursome with a politician, pro golfer, and celebrity

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