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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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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