The storm over the European Tour's visit to Saudi Arabia is only intensifying but it's not the only controversy bubbling in golf. There is still lots of disquiet over the penalising of Hao Tong Li in Dubai as well as discussion about Lucas Herbert's explanation of his actions in removing loose impediments with his club in wasteland at the same event. It's not all bad news though, with Geoff Shackelford believing changes to the 5th hole at Augusta National made public this week suggest the course may be moving back in the right direction. You can find Geoff's excellent 2010 piece, which is referenced on the episode, here. To get in on the Barnbougle Dunes Course Study Tour click here.

SOG Ep 089: Saudi Arabia, Hao Tong Li and Augusta National

State of the Game was one of the first golf podcasts to hit the internet and remains one of the most respected. Hosted by Rod Morri and boasting two of the game's most important voices in co-hosts Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford, State of the Game is the go to podcast for untainted and unfiltered analysis of the game at every level. If you're looking for swing tips and gear reviews you've come to the wrong place but for thoughtful discussion about the big issues facing the game you'll find this a comfortable home.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Hobbies

Games & Hobbies

Sports

Golf

Leisure

TV commentators get their fair share of criticism but few can take issue with New Zealand's Frank Nobilo who joins episode 130 of State of the Game. Nobilo is as thoughtful and articulate as any analyst in the business and he's also not afraid to speak his mind on everything from 'rollback' (he doesn't like the term) to his controversial belief that golfers are overpaid. There's also a bonus Mac O'Grady story in this episode for those who are into that sort of thing.

Links mentioned on this episode:

Geoff Shackelford's 'The Quadrilateral'

SOG 130: Frank Nobilo

Public golf facilities around the world are under pressure as a recent announcement to shut down half of Moore Park in Sydney, one of the nation's busiest public courses, proves. So what are the politics of public golf in a world where cities face increasing housing pressure? Former Victorian Premier and avid golfer Dan Andrews joins the pod to discuss how golf can better make its case in the debate over how we use our public space.

SOG 129: The Politics of Public Golf with Dan Andrews

LIV Golf has brought Saudi Arabia into sharp focus for golf and golfers but how much do we really know about the Kingdom and how it works? Dr Joshua Ralston from the Edinburgh University School of Divinity joins the pod to discuss some of the big, ethical questions facing golf.

Sign up for Geoff's excellent Quadrilateral substack here

Buy Mackellar Magazine here https://www.mckellarmagazine.com. You won't regret it.

And listen to the Mackellar podcast here.

Dr Josh Ralston on The Bag Drop podcast

SOG 128: Digging Deeper on Saudi Arabia with Dr Joshua Ralston

Despite almost no detail of how it will play out the announcement by the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund that they have ceased legal hostilities and will instead join forces has rocked the golf world. What does it mean? Who knows but there is much to speculate on. It's also not the only thing happening in the golf world with a most intriguing US Open coming up at the Georgee Thomas designed LACC next week plus the release of co host Geoff Shackelford's latest book.

SOG 127: WTF Is Going On?

It's taken 126 episodes and lord knows how much drinking by you, the loyal SOG listeners, but finally the USGA and R and A have listened and the ball is going to be rolled back. Sure it's not enough and of course it's too late but it's a step in the right direction and that's cause for celebration.

SOG Ep 089: Saudi Arabia, Hao Tong Li and Augusta National

Download our free app to listen on your phone