The Golf Insiders

PODCAST NOTE: Users can add The Golf Insiders podcast to their iPhone as an app now. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen. 

In honor of the FedEx Cup and the end of the season, The Golf Insiders is giving away a Stay and Play Giveaway package to Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast to help celebrate the reopening of its Conservatory Course. To register go to the Events page on The Golf Insiders. The package is valued at $650. The winner will be announces live on the Sept. 25 Golf Insiders Show.

Holly G and Rich Bianco are in the studio on the eve of the the final round of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The duo discuss Zach Johnson's win at the BMW Championship and his play all this year, especially the last couple of months. Also mention Jim Furyk's 59.

Bob Harig, ESPN.com, calls in to talk to Holly and Rich B from East Lake. Holly mentions that Bob was an Evans Scholar winner which is given to caddies. 

The last tournament of the 2013 season. Bob mentions that the PGA Tour has finally drawn the line in the sand and said that the season end each year with the Tour Championship. 

Holly and Rich talk about the Rules infractions with Bob and the fact that people are calling them in while watching them on TV or via other avenues. Bob said that as it stands now people can call in infractions and they have to be investigated. What other sport can do that? None!

Holly talks to Bob about the movers on the FedEx Cup final 30 headed into the final event of the season. Winner of the Tour Championship have come from outside the top 5 heading into it. Almost every year of late that has happened. Bob says that he feels that Tiger really wants to win this final tournament to put to rest all the naysayers and solidify Player of The Year and make up for his not so stellar play at the BMW.

Mike Bender, swing coach of Zach Johnson, calls in to talk to Holly and Rich about Zach's win. Mike feels that Zach has been playing the most consistent golf of his PGA career. Zach actually took the first FedEx Cup event off to be in his brother's wedding. As it turns out he was able to get in a practice round at the site of the BMW Championship. Mike talks about how he and Zach reviewed Zach's swing earlier this season at The Mike Bender Golf Academy and compared it to the past. They identified how he had inadvertently got into a different set up which was affecting his game. After the correction, Zach got his confidence back and went on a roll. 

Mike and Holly talk about Tour players choosing the number of tournaments that they want to play and how that affects them. Mike said that Zach likes to pick the golf courses and tournaments that fit his game. 

Holly and Mike wrap up the segment talking about the Space Coast Pro Tour that Mike played on in the 70s and 80s making its return to Central Florida Oct. 21 at Reunion Golf Course. The Mike Bender Academy is the home practice and instructional facility for the upcoming Tour.

Todd Lewis, the Golf Channel, calls in from East Lake to talk to Holly and Rich. Holly talks to Todd about Suzann Pettersen's win at Evian and the play of Lydia Ko. 

Todd talks about the fact that Tiger will play the tournament at East Lake without playing a single hole on East Lake. Tiger has won at East Lake twice and finished second four times so he is pretty comfortable. The trio talk about Matt Kuchar's chances as well as some of the others.

PODCAST NOTE: Users can add The Golf Insiders podcast to their iPhone as an app now. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen. 

In honor of the FedEx Cup and the end of the season, The Golf Insiders is giving away a Stay and Play Giveaway package to Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast to help celebrate the reopening of its Conservatory Course. To register go to the Events page on The Golf Insiders. The package is valued at $650. The winner will be announces live on the Sept. 25 Golf Insiders Show.

Holly G and Rich Bianco are in the studio on the eve of the the third leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. As the PGA Tour turns its attention to Conway Farms in the Chicago area for the BMW Championship.

Bob Harig, ESPN.com, calls in from the media center at the BMW to talk about the golf course and give listeners the lay of the land.  Bob talks about Luke Donald is a member at Conway Farms. Bob also talks about the predicted weather change. Seventy players are competing in the FedEx Cup playoffs and the Top 30 spots move on to the Tour Championship next week. The winner of the FedEx Cup playoffs wins an additional $10 million.Bob said that Jim Furyk is the only one of the FedEx Cup winners who has not been in the Top 5 at the start of the final even and went on to win the Tour Championship.

Bob said that Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy have more of a sense of urgency and need to play well at the BMW in order to make the move into the top 30.

Holly talks to Jeff Bernstein, Business Development Director and Co-owner of The Space Coast Pro Tour (SCPT). The Space Coast Tour is a training ground for the Web.com Tour. The first of more than 35 two-day SCPT tournaments will be Oct. 21 and 22 at the Reunion Resort. The SCPT recently added a Women's Division to the Tour and all women who don't have a membership on the LPGA Tour can play on the Space Coast Pro Tour. The Mike Bender Golf Academy is the home base for the SCPT for practice, etc. The Space Coast Tour is affiliated with The Folds of Honor Foundation who will play a key role at the inaugural event at Reunion. Interested players can register now for one or many of the events. 

Todd Lewis, Golf Channel, talks to Holly and Rich about the BMW Championship. Todd talks about the week break after the first two events and how that helps most of the players. Todd and Holly also talk about the Evian Masters, the 5th Major Championship on the LPGA Tour.

Jeff Shain, PGATour.com, calls in to wrap up the show talking about the Web.com Tour finals. Jeff feels that there are about 9 players who have a legitimate shot at winning.

PODCAST NOTE: Users can add The Golf Insiders podcast to their iPhone as an app now. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen. 

In honor of the FedEx Cup and the end of the season, The Golf Insiders is giving away a Stay and Play Giveaway package to Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast to help celebrate the reopening of its Conservatory Course. To register go to the Events page on The Golf Insiders. The package is valued at $650. The winner will be announces live on the Sept. 25 Golf Insiders Show.

Holly G and Rich Bianco are in the studio talking about the second leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and Henrik Stenson's big win that catapulted him to the top of the FedEx Cup standings ahead of Tiger Woods. 

Ian Poulter climbed significantly in the FedEx Cup Standings after a great showing at the Deutsche Bank. Graham DeLaet moved into 5th place with steady performances.

Bob Harig, ESPN.com, calls in to talk to Holly and Rich about Henrik Stenson's win and his great play all year. Holly and Bob also talk about Trevor Immelman's win on the Web.com Tour to regain his PGA Tour card. Immelman had been plagued by injuries almost ever since he won the Masters several years ago. Bob talks about the limited schedule of Steve Stricker and how he is spending more time with his family. Stricker finished second at the Deutsche Bank and played his way on to the President's Cup. 

The trio talks about Jordan Spieth and Webb Simpson being picked for the President's Cup by Captain Fred Couples. Bob feels that going forward with international and team competition that it's good to get a young player or two on the team to get them that experience. 

Michael Collins, Senior Golf Analyst from ESPN, calls in to talk to Holly and Rich B about Tiger, the President's Cup picks, and more. Michael and Rich talk about Michael's video on Lydia Ko's decision not to turn pro. Michael, Rich and Holly also talk about young players in general who are faced with the decision to take the money and go pro or not.

Jeff Shain, PGA Tour.com, calls in to talk to break down the Web.com Tour 4 tournament final. The Top 25 on the Money List already have the PGA Tour card for next year.  Now they move on and compete with the guys from the PGA Tour who finished 126-200 on the PGA Tour in FedEx Cup Tour as well as the Top 75 total on the Web.com battle it out for 25 spots on the PGA Tour in this 4 series event.

PODCAST NOTE: Users can add The Golf Insiders podcast to their iPhone as an app now. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen. 

Holly G and Rich Bianco are in the studio talking about the first round of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. 

In honor of the FedEx Cup and the end of the season, The Golf Insiders is giving away a Stay and Play Giveaway package to Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast to help celebrate the reopening of its Conservatory Course. To register go to the Events page on The Golf Insiders. The package is valued at $650.

Bob Harig, ESPN.com, calls in from the Deutsche Bank to talk to Holly and Rich B about Adam Scott winning The Barclays as well as the second stage of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. 

Bob talks about Tiger's health as well as Justin Rose being overshadowed at The Barclays by what was going on with Tiger's health. Tiger Woods went to his knees on the 13th Hole after hitting a shot. Rose came within a shot of coming back and winning the tournament. Check out Bob's story on Tiger's chances of winning the FedEx Cup.

Steve Eubanks, Global Golf Post, calls in to the show and talks about Tiger and Adam Scott's chances of winning the Player of the Year honors. Rich and Steve discuss Tiger's swing and how violent to the body it is. Holly talks to Steve about Lydia Ko repeating as the winner of the Canadian Open as an amateur. Holly and Steve also talk about the Solheim Cup.

Todd Lewis, the Golf Channel, calls in from the Deutsche Bank to wrap up the show talking about all things golf especially The FedEx Cup. The main topic is Tiger and his health, especially being the #1 player in the world. 

Don't forget to register for the Hammock Beach Stay and Play giveaway on The Golf Insiders Events page. 

PODCAST NOTE: Users can add The Golf Insiders podcast to their iPhone as an app now. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen.  

Holly G and Rich Bianco are in the studio on the eve of The Barclays, the kickoff to the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Holly and Rich talk about Patrick Reed's win at the Wyndham Championship with his caddy and wife. Reed won in a playoff against Jordan Spieth.

The U.S. Amateur Championship won by Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, the Solheim Cup won by the European team and Reed's win at the Wyndham Championship dominated the golf airwaves this past weekend. Senior Professional National Club Championship at Reunion with seven spots at stake for the Nationals. 

Bob Harig, ESPN.com, calls in from The Barclays to talk to Holly and Rich about and the first stage of the FedEx Cup Playoffs (FedEx Cup 101). The course has been changed so it is not as tough which Bob feels maybe a good thing to let the players go after it in a birdie fest.  Bob and Holly talk about Tiger's stiff neck after sleeping in an uncomfortable bed. 

Bob talks about how the points have changed. Each win in the regular season of the PGA Tour is 500 pts. If you win one FedEx Cup event, it is 2,500 points or the equivalent of 5 PGA Tour wins. Now you have to perform in the playoffs.

If you finish in the Top 30 at the end of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, you automatically qualify you for the first 3 Major championships in 2014 if you are not already there. Bob feels that the when it is all said and done, finishing in the Top 30 at the end of this season is not a whole reflection of the entire season. 

The positive of the FedEx Cup is that for the next 5 weeks draws the attention of the world as some of the best players are still competing at the end of the season. Bob's pick on ESPN.com is Webb Simpson to win the first event.

The Golf Insiders welcomes Michael Collins senior golf analyst from ESPN to the show. Michael got his start to golf as a caddy on the Nationwide Tour. He blogs and tweets at the PGA Championship and conducts a Golf Cast at each of the majors. Michael who is a professed one finger typer talks about what is the most fun for him on the job. Hanging out with his friends. Michael says he is the same on and off the camera. 

Global Golf Post's Steve Eubanks calls in to wrap the show and wrap the Solheim Cup. Steve feels that the Europeans were able to close well, even after being All Square or behind in the match and being able to come from behind on Holes 16-18 and win. He loves Charley Hull and he natural flow and natural talent. Holly also talks about Caroline Hedwell who went 5-0 for the European. 

Steve commented that Lexi Thompson hit the ball far but teammate Gernia Piller was by far the longest hitter at the Solheim Cup.

PODCAST NOTE: Users can add The Golf Insiders podcast to their iPhone as an app now. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen. 

Holly G and Rich Bianco are in the studio after Holly spent the week in New York covering the season's final major, The PGA Championship. 

Bob Harig, ESPN.com, calls in and talks about the play of the 2013 PGA Champion Jason Dufner as well as Jim Furyk's play on the final day of the major. 

Bob also talks about the upcoming FedEx Cup Playoffs and the pros and cons of how the playoffs are set up and the controversial qualifying regiment. 

Bob also likes the fact that now the FedEx Cup Playoffs will end the season and how the schedule will start for the 2013-14 season.

Holly and Rich also welcome Rod Perry, 2013 PGA Professional National Champion, to the show. Perry was one of the PGA pros to qualify for the PGA Championship and compete in Rochester agains the heavy hitters of the PGA Tour.

With the win Rod automatically earned exemptions for 6 PGA Tour events in 2014. The 3 opposite the major championships and then 3 of his choice. Holly talks with Rod about the differences in the turf at Florida where he normally plays and in N.Y. and the brutal rough at Oak Hill. 

Rod is the club pro at Port Orange Crane Lakes Golf and Country Club. Rod will be traveling to England in mid September to compete in the 26th PGA Cup Matches. The Top 10 United States PGA Club professionals against the Top 10 from Great Britain & Ireland. 

Holly and Rich wrap up the hour of intelligent golf talk speaking with Steve Eubanks, Global Golf Post, about the upcoming Solheim Cup in Colorado. The golf ball travels a little bit further in Colorado and he feels that distance will be a factor. There are a lot of undulations in the greens so where you drive it to will go a long way.

Holly brings up that there are a total of 10 rookies competing at this year's Solheim Cup. Steve said that every time in the past there is a rookie who shows up and surprises everyone during the competition. Holly talks to Steve about the success of Global Golf Post putting out a daily issue during the season's final major.

NOTE: Users can add The Golf Insiders podcast to their iPhone as an app now. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen.

Craig Harmon, Head Pro at Oak Hill Country Club and Holly G's former Junior Golf Coach, calls in to talk to Holly and Rich about the course and how it looks for the tournament. Rough will be more penal. Craig, who has been the Pro there for 42 years, talked about Rickie Fowler playing with Phil Mickleson and then sticking around to putt with 20+ junior golfers.

Craig feels that the Par 3 15th Hole might be one to watch at the PGA Championship and might be somewhat of a controversial hole due to the thick rough surrounding it. 

Todd Lewis, The Golf Channel, calls in to talk to Holly and Rich about the PGA Championship. Oak Hill is not a bomber's golf course and more about precision, which Todd feels opens up the course for a lot of other golfers. Todd and Holly talk about the parody globally in golf right now. 18 of the past 20 majors have been won by 18 different plays and only Phil and Rory have won twice. 

Todd doesn't feel that Phil Mickleson would win the PGA because historically it usually takes a couple months after winning a major event for a player like Phil did at this year's Open Championship.  But Phil says he is playing his best golf ever. 

Rich Bianco will be competing in the Florida Senior Open at Interlachen Country Club Aug. 9-11 in Winter Park, Fla.

NOTE: Users can add The Golf Insiders podcast to their iPhone as an app now. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen.

NOTE: Users can add The Golf Insiders podcast to their iPhone as an app now. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen.

NOTE: Users can add The Golf Insiders podcast to their iPhone as an app now. Click here and go to the bottom of the device's screen to create the "Quick Launch" icon for the Golf Insiders. Once you've done this it will add The Golf Insiders podcast as an App to your home screen. 

Holly G and Rich Bianco are in the studio and kick off the show talking about the LPGA.  Holly and Rich return after the Fourth of July holiday break.

Todd Lewis, The Golf Channel, calls in to talk about the LPGA and Inbee Park winning her 3rd Major in  a row. The LPGA added a 5th Major last year. 

Todd also talks to Holly about Jonas Blixt, who shot a final round 67 to win The Greenbrier Classic, the second Tour win of his career and will be headed to Augusta now. 

Holly and Todd talk about the upcoming British Open and some of the players chances. Graeme McDowell just won the Alstom Open de France on the European Tour.

Todd feels that Phil Mickelson has been pressing and that he takes his losses very personally. Phil feels pretty good about his chances at the Open. Tiger is coming off an injury and not playing for a while. Todd feels that Muirfield is the most "Amercianized" of the Open Championships in the past 10 years. 

Jeff Shain, PGATour.com, calls in to talk about The John Deere Classic and the field. Some top PGA Tour players are opting out of the John Deere and competing in the Scottish Open while others chose to go to Muirfield a week early to prepare for the British Open.

Vartan Kupelian, PGA Tour, former writer Detroit News, calls in to talk about the Champions Tour and how all of their Major championships are compacted. Vartan talks about Fred Couples, Duffy Waldorf, Kenny Perry and Tom Watson among other notables. 

The Golf Insiders returns next Wednesday between 6-7 p.m. on AM 740 The Game to preview the British Open.