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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In this special G&P Cup preview, we turn the spotlight on the Republican team. Host Matt Parker introduces his squad of conservative golfers heading into the inaugural Golf & Politics Cup in Nebraska. From seasoned politicos to Republican office holders, each teammate shares their background, golf game status, and what they’re most excited about for the bipartisan showdown.

Co-host Rob Ellsworth faces a Shotgun 9 of tough, funny, and politically-charged questions from the Republican side — from transgender athletes and Title IX to Trump loyalty, immigration policy, the national debt, and more. Despite the barbs, this episode is full of camaraderie, spirited debate, and respect across the aisle — all united by the love of golf.

Topics include:

Full introductions of the Republican team

The case for strokes vs. no strokes in match play

A deep debate over transgender athletes and fairness in women’s sports

National debt, government overreach, and bipartisan failures

Golf trips, gamesmanship, and trash talk ahead of the G&P Cup

This episode highlights strong opinions, stronger friendships, and a shared belief that golf can build bridges.

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Get to know the Democratic side of the first annual Golf & Politics Cup in this exclusive preview episode! It’s the Democratic Team reveal for the first-ever Golf & Politics Cup! Rob is joined by his seven handpicked teammates — a crew of gritty competitors and longtime golf buddies — as they gear up for an epic match play showdown in Nebraska against Matt’s Republican Team. There’s deep dives into the personalities, golf resumes, and political perspectives of Team Blue. Then things get rowdy when Republican host Matt Parker faces the heat in a “Shotgun 9” political grilling.

With serious match play competition on the horizon and camaraderie at the center, this episode is part scouting report, part roast, and fully packed with the camaraderie and chaos that make Golf & Politics what it is: united by golf, divided by politics.

In this episode:

Rob Ellsworth introduces each of his seven Democratic teammates heading into the first Golf & Politics Cup in Nebraska.

From Division I athletes to Capitol Hill veterans, each guest shares their connection to their captain Rob, and what they are looking forward to at the G&P Cup.

The team breaks down their strategy, chemistry, and expectations for competition at GrayBull Golf Club.

Republican host Matt Parker takes fire in a rapid-fire political Q&A, drinking game style—covering Trump, January 6th, taxes, Iran, and more.

Despite sharp political differences, the episode emphasizes friendship, respect, and the unifying power of golf.

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In Part 2 of the Parker Improvement Project, Matt gets into the highs and lows of chasing golf improvement—offering a transparent look into his quest to break through from a 4-handicap to scratch and how the mental and emotional side of the game often matters more than mechanics.

With help from coach Maggie Roller, and friends like Casey Lang and Nick Kirsch, Matt revisits his on-course failures, strategic adjustments, and personal breakthroughs heading into his club championship and the Golf & Politics Cup.

From swing struggles and on-course meltdowns to powerful lessons in humility, gratitude, and perspective, this episode delivers both golf instruction and personal growth.

🧠 In This Episode:

The mental meltdown that led to a break from golf

Learning from an 18-hole playing lesson with pro Maggie Roller

Why driver yips are killing his scores—and how he's tackling them

The importance of pre-shot routines and “changing the channel” mentally

Using Decade Golf strategy to improve course management

Short game struggles and bunker practice 

How spiritual health and emotional maturity affect golf performance

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In this special episode of Golf and Politics, Matt and Rob unveil the first annual Golf and Politics Cup (G&P Cup)—their Ryder Cup-style showdown set for August at GrayBull Club in Nebraska, a new top-ranked course. They reveal their full eight-man teams, including vice captains Nick Kirsch and Casey Lang, and share insider scouting reports, from scratch players to fiery grinders ready for match play pressure.

The hosts break down the event format, from best ball to alternate shot to singles matches, and debate strategy, handicaps, and team uniforms. Along the way, they drop hilarious stories about their teammates, talk trash about who will choke under pressure, and explain why the G&P Cup isn’t just about golf—but about building friendships across political lines.

Key Topics Covered:

Full team rosters for Team Matt (Republicans) and Team Rob (Democrats)

GrayBull Club: Nebraska’s newest world-class golf destination

Ryder Cup-style format: best ball, alternate shot, singles

Trash talk and match predictions for Matt & Casey vs. Rob & Nick

Golf and Politics mission: bridging divides through golf

Stories from Steubenville to Streamsong, plus the importance of paying it forward in golf

How this event will fuel future Golf & Politics content and grow the community

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In this special on-course episode of Golf and Politics, Matt is joined by PJ, Alex, and Fritz Wenzel of Ring Digital for Nine Holes, Nine Questions during the Nightbirde Foundation Charity Outing at Virtues Golf Club. From humble beginnings in journalism and law to building a successful family-run digital firm serving top political and corporate clients, the Wenzels share their journey, lessons learned, and plenty of laughs along the fairways.

They discuss golf’s role in family bonding and business networking, the secrets to building a business that thrives, and their takes on Trump’s agenda, congressional dysfunction, AI in politics, and the next big shifts coming to campaigns and advertising.

How golf became the Wenzel family’s shared passion and business tool

The ups and downs of working with family (and why radical humility is key)

Their journey from journalism and law to entrepreneurship and political strategy

Secrets to business success: niche, value, reinvestment, and transparency

Using golf to build lasting client relationships and grow influence

Dream golf courses and trips they’d choose forever

Political predictions: Will Republicans pass Trump’s agenda? Can they hold Congress?

Hot takes on AI’s role in future campaigns and the death of traditional journalism

In This Episode:

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In this episode of Golf and Politics, Rob and Matt reunite to unpack a whirlwind few weeks of golf—both as players and fans. From LIV Golf at Rob’s home course, RTJ, to a bucket-list golf adventure across Scotland, and a reflective look at their own game stats and progress in 2025, this episode blends insight, laughter, and some seriously enviable travel stories.

Rob shares candid impressions of LIV Golf in person, including surprises about the vibe, music, course setup, and how it compares to the PGA Tour. Then, he takes us on a deep dive into nine world-class courses across Scotland, including Royal Troon, Ardfin Estate, North Berwick, and more—breaking down what makes each experience unforgettable.

In This Episode:

LIV Golf at RTJ: the vibe  and the reality vs. expectation

What made Ardfin Estate one of the most beautiful (and exclusive) courses Rob’s ever played

Playing Royal Troon, home of the Postage Stamp and Open Championship history

Rob’s full review of Sunningdale, North Berwick, Renaissance Club, and more

A mid-year update: rounds played, states and countries visited, handicap trends, and personal reflections

Strategy talk: the path to scratch golf, dealing with driving penalties, and minimizing “blow-up” holes

The golf community’s power to pay it forward—plus stories of generosity from Scotland and St. Andrews

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In Part 2 of our conversation with Mike Blackham, Golf and Politics dives deep into Mike’s recent golf adventure through England’s elite courses, from his beloved Sunningdale to iconic tracks like Royal St. George's, St. George's Hill, and St. Enodoc. Mike and Rob break down why England’s diverse golf scene—featuring both heathland and links courses—might just be the most underrated golf destination on the planet.

They discuss the difference between England, Scotland, and Ireland trips, share crazy travel stories (including Rob’s 27 hours solo in an English rental car), and explain why London’s heathland golf offers Pine Valley-level quality without the usual American price tag.

The episode also touches on Japanese golf culture, B-side hidden gem courses, and includes a rapid-fire "10-round split" segment comparing some of the greatest golf courses in the U.S., UK, Japan, and beyond. Mike closes with his dream foursome—featuring Mitt Romney, Steph Curry, and Tiger Woods—and offers insight into the kind of leadership he believes America needs.

In This Episode:

Recapping 8 days of nonstop golf across England’s top courses

Why Heathland golf rivals Pine Valley for architecture and pure fun

The difference between A-side vs. B-side courses (and why the B-sides often surprise)

Tips for planning an affordable golf trip to England that beats Bandon and Pebble

How UK golf culture differs from the U.S. in access, conditioning & cost

Personal favorites: Sunningdale Old & New, St. George’s Hill, Royal St. George’s, and more

Secret planning tips for Americans building their first UK golf itinerary

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In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Golf and Politics welcomes Mike Blackham — world traveler, elite golfer, and one of the few people on Earth closing in on completing the World Top 100 golf course list. Mike shares his journey picking up golf in his late 20s and what he's learned about golf culture, club access, and course architecture along the way. From Augusta and Pine Valley to international B-side hidden gems, we dive into the passion (and sacrifice) behind the world top 100 golf quest.

The conversation then shifts gears into a wide-ranging and honest debate on the current state of U.S. politics, college sports NIL reforms, the growing national debt crisis, tariffs under Trump 2.0, and whether Congress will ever step up to solve America's fiscal challenges.

Key Topics Covered:

Mike’s pursuit of completing the World Top 100 Golf Courses list

The best courses & golf architecture debates: Pine Valley, National Golf Links, Myopia Hunt, Sand Hills

Golf culture differences between the U.S., UK, and Asia

The impact of NIL on college golf and how it’s reshaping recruiting

Deep-dive political debate: national debt, tariffs, Trump’s economic policies, and Congress’s dysfunction

The bipartisan frustration with leadership & common sense reform

Why leadership is vanishing from both parties as political extremes dominate

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