Golf And Politics

By Reach Right Network

Is it possible to bring Republicans and Democrats together? Maybe. Rob Ellsworth, Matt Parker and Cory Toth grew up in the upper Ohio Valley playing junior golf, and today they all work in politics. R... more

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FAQs about Golf And Politics:

How many episodes does Golf And Politics have?

The podcast currently has 33 episodes available.

Golf And Politics episodes:

January 01, 2025Episode 30 - Rob’s Year of Yes (Part 2) | Completing the U.S. Top 100 Courses List
In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth continue the journey through Rob’s incredible 2024 in which he completes the U.S. top 100 courses. Playing 212 rounds on 165 courses across 25 states and multiple countries, Rob shares highlights from bucket-list destinations, including St. Andrews, Shinnecock Hills, and Fisher’s Island. The discussion delves into the personal and professional relationships built through golf and explores how the sport serves as a bridge for connection, even in politically polarized times.
The episode underscores the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities, cherishing relationships, and taking a step back from the intensity of daily political life. The hosts also share their aspirations for Golf and Politics, teasing future events that bring people together on and off the course.
Saying Yes Unlocks Incredible Experiences: Rob’s “Year of Yes” resulted in over 200 rounds of golf, fostering connections, and experiencing some of the world’s most renowned courses.
Golf Creates Lifelong Connections: Over the year, Rob met and played with more than 500 people, demonstrating golf’s ability to form meaningful personal and professional relationships.
Golf and Politics Bridge Divides: The podcast reflects on how the sport facilitates dialogue and camaraderie, offering a space to connect across political and ideological differences.
Mental Health Matters in Polarized Times: Taking a step back from cable news and daily political turmoil, Rob emphasizes the therapeutic nature of golf and how it provides balance in a divided world.
Future Plans for Golf and Politics: Rob and Matt preview exciting 2025 initiatives, including a Ryder Cup-style event where Republicans and Democrats compete while fostering mutual respect and dialogue.
Memories Over Money: The relationships and experiences Rob cultivated in 2024 are described as more valuable than any financial success or professional milestone.

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1h 18min
December 31, 2024Episode 29 - Rob’s Year of Yes (Part 1) | One of the Greatest Years of Golf
In this special year-in-review episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker interviews co-host Rob Ellsworth about his incredible 2024, during which he played 212 rounds of golf across 165 courses in the U.S. and abroad. After overcoming significant health challenges in prior years, Rob embraced a "Year of Yes," taking every opportunity to travel, play, and connect with people through golf. The episode highlights bucket-list courses like Pine Valley, Ballybunion, St. Andrews, and Shadow Creek, along with hidden gems such as Sharon Golf Club.
Rob and Matt Parker recount memorable moments, from playing with Hall of Famers Meg Mallon and Beth Daniel to rounds at Michael Jordan’s Grove XXIII. They discuss how golf creates lifelong friendships, the balance between luxury and rugged experiences, and the thrill of crossing courses off their bucket lists. This episode also explores how golf intersects with community programs, accessibility, and cherished memories, making it much more than just a game.
7 Key Takeaways:
The Year of Yes Transformed Rob’s Life and Game: Living life with a mindset of yes first, opens you up to more opportunities and experiences.
Bucket List Achievements: Pine Valley, Ballybunion, and St. Andrews: Iconic courses like Pine Valley and the Old Course at St. Andrews provided breathtaking and challenging experiences, while less famous gems added charm and variety.
Golf’s Role in Building Relationships: Over the year, Rob played with 500 people, from friends to strangers, highlighting golf as a unique way to create deep connections.
From Shadow Creek to Sharon Golf Club: Diverse Course Experiences: Rob experienced everything from luxury courses like Shadow Creek to understated gems like Sharon Golf Club, showcasing the full spectrum of the game.
Michael Jordan’s Grove XXIII Delivers an Unforgettable Experience: Playing at MJ’s exclusive course combined world-class golf with a laid-back vibe, including rounds with PGA Tour veterans and an encounter with Jordan himself.
Golf Accessibility and Community Impact: Courses like The Park in West Palm Beach demonstrate how great design and strategic pricing can make golf more inclusive and impactful for local communities.
Golf is About Memories, Not Just Scores: Beyond the game itself, Rob emphasized the importance of creating memories, whether through trips, friendships, or the simple joy of playing the sport.

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59min
December 30, 2024Episode 28 - Golf Lessons, Mental Game, and Custom Equipment: Takeaways from Back Nine Golf
In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker recounts his lesson and putter fitting with renowned golf instructor Philip Walker at Back Nine Golf in Bentonville, Arkansas. Matt dives into the technical adjustments made during his session, focusing on improving his swing consistency, reducing high-right misses, and perfecting his sternum positioning for better ball striking. The episode also highlights Matt’s first-ever putter fitting, exploring how LAB Golf’s technology has transformed putting by eliminating torque and increasing accuracy.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing mental aspects of the game, such as staying confident after bad shots, learning to grind through tough rounds, and maintaining a positive attitude. Matt also reflects on how lessons in golf translate to personal growth, offering listeners insights into how improving focus and resilience on the course can impact other areas of life. This episode blends practical golf advice with broader takeaways about mindset, confidence, and the power of expert coaching.
Fixing High-Right Misses with Proper Sternum Positioning: Adjusting the sternum to “cover the golf ball” helps with striking the ball consistently, eliminating high-right misses and fat shots.
Lab Golf Putter Fitting: No-Torque Technology for Precision: LAB putters’ innovative design eliminates torque, improving putting accuracy by allowing a straight-back, straight-through stroke without manipulation.
Mental Game Matters: Staying Positive Through Tough Rounds: Philip emphasized the importance of flushing bad shots, staying in the moment, and grinding out the best possible score, even on off days.
Alignment and Ball Position Drive Consistency: Minor adjustments, like centering ball position and widening the stance, can significantly improve swing accuracy and trajectory.
Better Tempo Equals Better Putting: Maintaining a metronome-like tempo helps ensure a smooth stroke and more consistent results, particularly on putts within 6 to 10 feet.
Lessons in Golf Translate to Life: Embracing challenges on the course, improving focus, and maintaining a resilient mindset can positively impact personal and professional success.
Trust Your Equipment and Coaching: Custom-fitted clubs and professional feedback build confidence, allowing golfers to focus on speed and alignment rather than equipment flaws.

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36min
December 16, 2024Episode 27 - On the Road to Better Golf: Struggles, Lessons, and Advice for New Golfers
In Episode 27 of Golf and Politics, host Matt Parker and producer Jordan McMillan record on the road to Bentonville, Arkansas, where Matt heads for a lesson with renowned golf coach Philip Walker at Back Nine Golf. The episode chronicles Matt’s journey of improving his game, from his self-taught days to working with instructors like Maggie Roller and Tracy Phillips. He shares the challenges of refining his swing, including overcoming bad habits, mastering consistency, and tailoring his approach to fit his body type.
Along the way, Matt recounts recent rounds at Pinehurst and discusses the highs (a career-low 66) and lows (an 89 the next day) that highlight the ups and downs of golf improvement. The episode also dives into golf education, including the value of private lessons, the benefits and drawbacks of social media golf tips, and advice for beginners entering the sport. Packed with insights and practical tips, this episode captures the joys, frustrations, and growth that come with the love of the game.
Takeaways/Highlights:
Tailoring Lessons to Fit Your Swing and Body Type: Matt emphasizes the importance of building a swing suited to your body and natural shot shape.
Consistency is the Ultimate Goal: Matt’s journey focuses on achieving consistency, with strategies to recover when rounds start to spiral out of control.
The Value of Golf Lessons Over Self-Teaching: While self-taught golfers can succeed, structured lessons provide foundational techniques and accelerate improvement.
Social Media Golf Tips Have Limits: Online content can help, but too many voices create confusion. Stick to one trusted source or instructor.
Golf Improvement Comes with Ups and Downs: Matt shares how he shot a career-best 66 one day, only to follow it with an 89, highlighting the unpredictable nature of progress.
Pinehurst: A Dream and a Challenge: Reflecting on rounds at Pinehurst, Matt discusses the thrill of playing historic courses and the importance of adapting to difficult conditions.
Start Right for Beginners: New golfers should focus on swinging correct and having fun and focus less on keeping score.

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36min
December 04, 2024Episode 26 - Happy Thanksgiving: Golf, Food, and Football
In this special Thanksgiving episode of Golf and Politics, our new producer, Jordan McMillan, flips the script by interviewing hosts Matt Parker and Rob Elsworth for a Shotgun 9. Recorded on Black Friday, the conversation weaves through holiday traditions, favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and memorable moments on the golf course. They discuss the value of family, the friendships built through golf, and how the sport ties into their personal and professional lives.
From debates over underrated Thanksgiving side dishes to reflections on their most iconic NFL Thanksgiving memories, the hosts share a blend of humor and heartfelt gratitude. Golf takes center stage as they discuss their most and least thankful moments on the course this year, including aspirations for improving their game in the offseason. The episode wraps with the hosts envisioning their dream Thanksgiving dinner guests, blending golf legends, celebrities, and political figures for the ultimate holiday table.
Takeaways:
Thanksgiving Food Debates: The hosts discuss their favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, overrated holiday staples, and the ongoing debate between turkey and alternative main dishes.
NFL Thanksgiving Memories: Iconic moments from NFL Thanksgiving games spark a lively conversation, including the infamous 1998 coin toss debacle during the Steelers-Lions game.
Golf as a Source of Gratitude: Both hosts reflect on their most and least thankful moments on the course this year, highlighting personal growth and the friendships forged through the game.
Offseason Golf Goals: Rob aims to increase his swing speed for added distance, while Matt focuses on improving accuracy off the tee, with both looking to elevate their game next year.
Dream Thanksgiving Guests: The hosts share their ideal holiday dinner tables featuring golf legends, celebrities, and political figures.
Gratitude for Golf and Life: Beyond the game, the hosts express heartfelt gratitude for family, friends, and the role golf plays in bringing people together, creating lasting memories and connections.

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53min
November 27, 2024Episode 25 - Golf’s Greatest Courses: Exploring the 2024 Golf Magazine Top 100 List
In this episode of Golf and Politics, hosts Matt Parker and Rob Elsworth are joined by course rater and golf architecture enthusiast Jake Marvin to discuss the recently released Golf Magazine Top 100 list. The trio dives into what it takes for a course to make the cut, exploring design elements, architectural trends, and the shifting preferences in the golf world. They highlight surprising entries like The Lido and Old Barnwell, the dominance of classic designs by Alister MacKenzie and Donald Ross, and the increasing popularity of minimalist, player-friendly layouts.
The discussion covers the impact of course age, architectural originality, and how subjective factors like exclusivity and course difficulty influence rankings. They also tackle controversial omissions, such as Oak Tree National, and consider whether new courses should be ranked before standing the test of time. Along the way, the group reflects on the cultural and regional diversity of golf courses in the U.S. and abroad, debating the future of architecture in the sport and the role of these rankings in shaping public perception.

Takeaways
The Influence of Classic Architects Remains Strong: Courses designed by Alister MacKenzie, Donald Ross, and other pre-WWII architects dominate the Golf Magazine Top 100 list, reflecting enduring preferences for traditional golf course architecture.
Modern Minimalism Gains Popularity: Recent courses like The Lido and Old Barnwell are embracing wider fairways and simpler designs, which prioritize playability while still challenging skilled players.
Controversial Omissions Spark Debate: Courses like Oak Tree National and other Pete Dye designs have been left off the list, raising questions about the evolving tastes of course raters.
The Role of Subjectivity in Rankings: Factors like exclusivity, difficulty, and aesthetics play a significant role in rankings, but they can create biases that overlook broader accessibility and enjoyment.
New Courses Are Rising Quickly on the List: Several recently built courses have achieved high rankings, but there is debate about whether they should be included before maturing and proving their longevity.
Accessibility Challenges for Everyday Golfers: Many of the top-ranked courses are private and expensive, limiting access for the majority of golfers, which raises concerns about inclusivity in the sport.
The United States Leads in Diversity of Great Courses: From classic coastal links to rugged mountain layouts, the U.S. offers unmatched variety in top-tier golf courses, though accessibility remains a key issue.

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1h 15min
November 20, 2024Episode 24 - Revolutionizing Golf: The 3-Hole Format That Could Change the Game
In this episode of Golf and Politics, host Matt Parker chats with Heber Eastman, a golf industry innovator, about his groundbreaking idea to make golf more accessible by designing courses that can be played in three-hole increments. Eastman explains how this format could accommodate players with limited time, encourage new golfers to join the sport, and even retrofit existing courses for more flexibility.
The conversation delves into the challenges of slow play, the importance of pace management, and how technology like booking apps and GPS systems can improve the golfing experience. Eastman also highlights the beauty of public golf in Utah, the role of creative course design, and how shorter formats can compete with non-traditional experiences like TopGolf and simulators. The discussion underscores how innovative approaches can help modernize the game, expand its reach, and preserve the community spirit that makes golf so unique.
Takeaways
The 3-Hole Golf Format Makes the Game More Accessible: Heber Eastman’s innovative concept allows golfers to book and play in three-hole increments, catering to those with limited time or new to the sport.
Shorter Rounds Can Attract New Players: By breaking the traditional 18-hole format, this approach makes golf less intimidating for beginners and more appealing for casual players.
Public Golf in Utah Is Thriving: Utah boasts affordable, high-quality public courses, making it an ideal location for golfers of all skill levels and budgets.
Technology is Key to Improving the Golfing Experience: Tools like booking apps and GPS systems can streamline tee times, improve pace of play, and enhance overall player satisfaction.
Retrofitting Existing Courses is a Real Opportunity: Existing golf courses can be reimagined to accommodate shorter formats, making them more flexible for modern players without requiring full redesigns.
Shorter Golf Formats Compete with TopGolf and Simulators: By offering real golf in smaller timeframes, the 3-hole model bridges the gap between traditional golf and non-traditional experiences like TopGolf.
Slow Play is a Key Issue in Golf Today: Proper course management, such as pacing tee times and employing course marshals, is essential to maintaining an enjoyable pace of play.

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40min
November 18, 2024Episode 23 - Where Do Democrats Go From Here?
In this episode of Golf and Politics, hosts Matt Parker and Rob Elsworth are joined by special guest Brad Cheney, a veteran Democratic lobbyist, to dissect the aftermath of the 2024 election. The discussion dives into Donald Trump’s unexpected victory, his appeal to working-class voters, and the shifting demographics that tipped the election in his favor. They analyze Kamala Harris’ challenges as a candidate, the influence of voter emotions over policy, and the impact of her campaign strategy. The trio explores the role of authenticity, the importance of connecting with voters, and why Democrats struggled to present a compelling alternative to Donald Trump.
The conversation also highlights the changing role of media in elections, the need for both parties to address economic frustrations, and the challenges ahead for Republicans as they navigate their new mandate to govern. Packed with insights, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of what the election results mean for America’s political future.

Takeaways
Trump’s Appeal to Working-Class Voters Secured His Victory: Donald Trump’s ability to connect with working-class voters, including younger and minority demographics, played a pivotal role in his unexpected 2024 win.
Harris’ Campaign Struggled to Overcome Biden’s Legacy: Kamala Harris faced the challenge of running amid low approval ratings for the Biden administration, which acted as a significant drag on her campaign.
The Lack of a Primary Hurt Harris’ Candidacy: Without the rigor of a competitive primary, Harris missed opportunities to connect with voters, refine her message, and demonstrate her leadership under pressure.
Shifting Voter Demographics Change the Political Landscape: The 2024 election revealed growing Republican support among minority and younger voters, signaling a shift in traditional voting patterns.
Media Strategies Played a Crucial Role in the Campaign: Trump’s use of non-traditional media platforms like podcasts and online communities helped him reach voters where they are, while Harris’ campaign lagged behind in this area.
Economic Frustrations Influenced Voter Behavior: Economic issues, including inflation and perceptions of stagnation, led many voters to favor Trump’s messaging over Harris’ campaign promises.
Republicans Face the Challenge of Governing Effectively: With their new mandate, Republicans must deliver tangible results, as failure to meet voter expectations could lead to significant losses in the 2026 midterms.

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58min
November 13, 2024Episode 22 - MG Cup: Uniting Golfers for a Powerful Cause
In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt and Rob talk about the long-anticipated and talked about Majority Cup, an annual charity golf tournament organized by the Majority Group at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. They discuss the tournament's humble beginnings 13 years ago and its growth into an event that raised $80,000 this year for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, benefiting families dealing with pediatric cancer. Matt and Rob share insights on the tournament’s purpose beyond competition, including fostering networking, building friendships, and creating lasting business relationships. They also touch on the detailed planning that makes the event memorable and tease a future Ryder Cup-style event to unite individuals from different political backgrounds for a great cause.

Takeaways
The MG Cup’s 13-Year Evolution into a Premier Charity Golf Event: From a small gathering of friends, the MG Cup has grown over 13 years into a 48-player charity golf tournament hosted by the Majority Group at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
Raising $80,000 for Pediatric Cancer Through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: This year’s MG Cup achieved a record $80,000 in donations, supporting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s work with families impacted by pediatric cancer, reinforcing the MG Cup’s mission to make a meaningful charitable impact.
Networking and Relationship-Building Through Golf: The MG Cup has become a key event for networking and building lasting business relationships, allowing clients, colleagues, and friends to connect in a unique, relaxed golf setting.
Attention to Event Planning Detail Enhances the MG Cup Experience: From premium swag to smooth logistics, the MG Cup’s attention to detail and high-quality amenities make it a first-class experience, setting it apart from other charity golf tournaments.
Political Diversity and Dialogue on the Golf Course: Bringing together players from different political backgrounds, the MG Cup fosters open, respectful political discussions, blending golf and politics in a unique environment.
Future Ryder Cup-Style Event Planned to Unite Politics and Charity: Looking forward, Rob and Matt tease plans for a Ryder Cup-style golf event, aimed at uniting people across political divides for charitable causes and a competitive golf experience.

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23min
November 08, 2024Episode 21 - Election 2024 Analysis: Voter Demographics, Shifts, and What’s Next for America
Matt provides a comprehensive recap of the 2024 election, highlighting Donald Trump's unexpected victory and the implications for the Republican Party. Matt explores the changing landscape of voter demographics, including shifts among younger voters and minority groups, and the challenges ahead for both parties in the political arena. He discusses the role of authenticity in Trump's appeal, the importance of governing effectively, and the necessity of healing political divides in the country.

Takeaways
Donald Trump has a clear mandate to govern as the 47th president.
Healing political divides is essential for the future of the country.
Authenticity played a crucial role in Trump's appeal to voters.
The 2024 election showcased a shift in voter preferences, particularly among younger and minority voters.
Political participation extends beyond voting; active engagement is necessary.
The importance of maintaining friendships across political divides was emphasized.
Trump's victory reflects a changing landscape in American politics.
The Republican Party needs to focus on common-sense policies to maintain support.

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46min

FAQs about Golf And Politics:

How many episodes does Golf And Politics have?

The podcast currently has 33 episodes available.

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