The Golfstat Podcast

This bonus episode starts out with Marcus in the Christmas spirit. Marcus gives out a few presents to start the spring season. Keep listening after the gift giving for the unfiltered conversation between Lance and Marcus that was captured after planned discussion had originally stopped during last week's discussion. 

Marcus sits down with Lance Ringler from Golfweek to discuss anything and everything in college rankings. Topics discussed include the history of collegiate rankings and selections, how the Golfweek Collegiate Rankings work, and the similarities and differences between the Golfstat Rankings and Golfweek Rankings. Lance also gets the chance to air his grievances about a few items that he believes would make rankings better throughout the year.

In this week's episode of our rankings talk series, we discuss the most important ingredient(s) for comparative decisions. We break down what has more impact on relative percentage points while giving concrete examples of current comparative decisions. Topics of discussion include: What's more important, win/loss record or stroke differential? What does one single comparative win tell you? How can a team use this information to positively effect their ranking this spring?

In the first episode of our rankings talk series, the crew discusses some overall themes that are critical in understanding the Golfstat ranking. What's the purpose of a ranking? What decides who the best team is? How do subjectivity and objectivity factor into both computer and poll rankings? All these things and more are discussed as we set the framework for explaining the ranking criteria.

The crew gets together to recap the happenings from fall. They discuss the true impact of Rose Zhang, if Barry is primed for a surge, if Findlay is waiting in the wings to catch DBU once again, as well as compare title contenders across three divisions. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, they also give their thanks and, of course, share their ideal Thanksgiving plate!

A new title contender emerges in San Jose State. The crew discusses whether they are serious or if it's still a two-team race. Tournament recaps and shoutouts include The Citrus, Rollins Legends, Ka'anapali Classic, and many others. They also present arguments for what state is the best golf state. And lastly, Carolyn profiles the life of Dale McNamara and her impact of college golf following her passing.

Marcus and Ian sit down this week to recap wins from Auburn, both Stanford teams, UNC, and several others as fall season starts to come to a close. They also talk about the impact scheduling has on a team's ranking and Marcus gives advice on how to best navigate scheduling with rankings in mind. Stay until the end for The Best Thing We Saw This Week which features a special experience at a local municipal golf course.

Marcus and Ian hold it down this week and recap all the action at the Golfweek D3 Invite where Emory took home both titles. They highlight Kentucky's sensational end to fall, Barry getting it done out west, and a few other notable events from this week. Also, stick around for an in-depth discussion on scheduling for the .500 rule and what impact that could have on rankings.

The crew discusses the Wake Forest vs Stanford early season match as well as North Carolina winning in dominant fashion at the Jackson T. Stephens cup. They also give their reactions to the first release of the Golfstat rankings with a few surprises along with some familiar names.

This week we recap all the happenings in college golf. UNC, Southern California, DBU, and Christopher Newport all get wins along with others. We also dive into the impact scoring average and adjusted scoring average have on rankings after some high scores at the Barbara Nicklaus Cup. Oh yeah, and Marcus shares his love for Wright's Barbecue after a 5 day stay in NW Arkansas.