What does the word "amateur" even mean anymore?

A golfer who earned more than $2 million as a professional just won the U.S. Senior Amateur. Colt Knost, after 199 PGA Tour starts and more than $4.5 million in career earnings, wants his amateur status back.

And golf may only be the beginning.

In Episode 33 of The Joe McNeil Podcast, Joe and Jehu McNeil debate whether amateur sports as we knew them are officially dead.

We get into:

• Former professional golfers returning to amateur competition
• Colt Knost seeking amateur status again
• Former NFL players trying to return to college football
• NIL money and whether college athletes are really amateurs anymore
• Judges getting involved in NCAA eligibility decisions
• Lane Kiffin, LSU and the changing landscape of college football
• The controversial ending of the Michigan game
• Whether college sports have simply become professional sports
• Your comments and reactions from our Good Good episodes

We also take a moment to remember the victims, first responders and families affected by September 11, 2001, on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

So we want to hear from you:

What SHOULD qualify someone as an amateur athlete?

And once you've competed professionally, should you ever be allowed to become an amateur again?

Drop your take in the comments.

THE JOE McNEIL PODCAST

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil

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Apple Podcasts:
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New episodes every Friday.

00:00 The Death of Amateur Sports

00:39 Welcome to The Joe McNeil Podcast

01:42 Remembering September 11, 2001

03:00 Should Pro Golfers Become Amateurs Again?

07:10 Colt Knost Wants His Amateur Status Back

11:03 Former NFL Players Returning to College Football

13:32 NIL Has Changed College Sports

17:00 Judges Are Deciding NCAA Eligibility

18:03 Lane Kiffin and the State of College Football

22:03 Did Michigan Get an Extra Second?

24:14 What Is Happening to Sports?

26:25 NFL Season Predictions

29:13 Can Our Good Good Audience Cross Over?

31:29 Reading Your Comments From Episode 32

41:10 Final Thoughts and What's Next

#CollegeFootball #Golf #NIL

The Good Good and Callaway controversy just got even crazier. We recorded Episode 32 of The Joe McNeil Podcast earlier today, and literally hours after we finished, the story changed again. Matt Kendrick is reportedly out as CEO of Good Good, Joe Flannery is reportedly out as president, and Nahid Giga is stepping in as interim CEO. And that's only the beginning. Since the controversial Good Good x Callaway ad dropped, Callaway ended its relationship with Good Good, retailers pulled merchandise, Good Good stepped away from its PGA Tour title sponsorship, the 2026 Big Break x Good Good season was shelved, employees lost their jobs, Garrett Clark responded, and Hunter Mahan weighed in on whether the backlash went too far. Then we followed the money. Callaway authorized a $200 million stock repurchase program earlier this year. Through June 30, the company reported approximately $84 million in share repurchases, with roughly $120 million of authorization remaining. Does that prove some giant conspiracy? No. We have zero evidence of that. But the numbers are real, the timing is interesting, and we're putting on the tinfoil hats. Jehu and I also get into the impact YouTube golf has had on the traditional game, the people affected by the cancellation of Big Break, and we respond to your comments from Episode 31. CHAPTERS 00:00 BREAKING: Good Good Leadership Shakeup 00:39 The Good Good Fallout Gets Even Crazier 10:46 The Callaway $200 Million Stock Buyback 21:39 Is YouTube Golf Changing Golf Forever? 28:00 The Big Break Casualties Nobody Is Talking About 30:40 Responding to Your Good Good Comments 36:04 Where Does Good Good and Callaway Go From Here?

WATCH EPISODE 31: https://youtube.com/watch?v=bqb28Nha34U

THE JOE MCNEIL PODCAST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318

Subscribe and join the conversation. Do you think the response to the Good Good ad was justified, or did this go way too far? #GoodGoodGolf #CallawayGolf #GolfNews

The internet is outraged again, and this time Good Good Golf and Callaway are at the center of it.

In Episode 31 of The Joe McNeil Podcast, Jehu and I break down the controversial Good Good and Callaway driver video, Callaway's public apology, Golf Galaxy's response, and the bigger question: when did a comedy skit become something that requires corporate investigations and public apologies?

We get into cancel culture, corporate responsibility, "concept creep," the pressure companies face when social media outrage takes over, and where the line should be between genuinely harmful behavior and comedy.

We also discuss the broader cultural conversation surrounding domestic violence, media reactions, and why serious issues deserve to be treated seriously rather than being diluted by labeling everything the same way.

CHAPTERS
00:07 Introduction and Episode Overview
05:49 Discussion on Controversial Video and Reactions
18:48 Callaway's Apology and Corporate Responsibility
29:01 Cultural Commentary on Domestic Violence and Media Response

🎙️ THE JOE MCNEIL PODCAST

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil

Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1

Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318

Subscribe for conversations about golf, family, leadership, culture, business, and everything in between.

#GoodGoodGolf #CallawayGolf #GolfYouTube #GolfPodcast #JoeMcNeilPodcast

Why do women’s sports exist as a separate competitive category?

In Episode 30 of The Joe McNeil Podcast, Joe and Jehu tackle one of the most controversial issues in sports: men competing in women’s athletics.

For Joe, this one is personal. As the father of three daughters, including an elite junior golfer pursuing the highest levels of the game, he believes women deserve a fair and protected competitive category.

We talk about the biological differences between male and female athletes, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team scrimmaging an FC Dallas boys academy team, Sarah Fuller kicking for Vanderbilt, Annika Sörenstam competing on the PGA Tour, Hailey Davidson attempting to qualify in women’s professional golf, Lia Thomas in NCAA swimming, Caitlin Clark, the WNBA, and where women’s sports go from here.

We also ask a bigger question: Why have separate men’s and women’s leagues in the first place if we’re unwilling to defend the distinction?

Plus, before we get into the main topic, we celebrate reaching Episode 30, talk NFL football, social media trolls, and why I decided to quit sports gambling.

Agree or disagree, jump into the comments. I especially want to hear from other girl dads:

What should we be doing to protect the future of women’s sports?

CHAPTERS

00:07 Episode 30 Milestone & Opening
05:36 Social Media Trolls & Online Positivity
11:45 Why I Quit Sports Gambling
17:22 Why Men and Women Compete Separately
23:43 Women Competing in Men’s Sports
30:07 Gender, Biology & Competitive Golf
39:41 The Future of Women’s Sports & the WNBA
47:39 Like, Subscribe & Outro

LISTEN TO THE JOE MCNEIL PODCAST

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318

#WomensSports #ProtectWomensSports #WNBA #CaitlinClark #LPGA #NCAA #Golf #SportsPodcast #JoeMcNeilPodcast #CoachJoeMcNeil

A golfer faked a hole-in-one to win $2,500... and got caught on camera.

In Episode 29 of The Joe McNeil Podcast, Joe and Jehu dive into some of the craziest cheating stories in golf, from a premeditated fake ace to Patrick Reed controversies, Vijay Singh, handicap manipulation, junior golf cheaters, and the unbelievable scores that somehow always show up at charity scrambles.

We also recap Destiny’s experience at the U.S. Women’s Amateur, including her incredible finish with five birdies over her final 10 holes, talk about our ongoing Airbnb nightmare, and share some of the funniest and strangest things we’ve witnessed on a golf course.

What’s the worst case of cheating you’ve ever witnessed on a golf course? Drop your story in the comments.

🎙️ LISTEN TO THE JOE MCNEIL PODCAST

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318

00:07 Introduction & Personal Updates
08:02 Airbnb Nightmare & Customer Service
16:33 U.S. Women’s Amateur & Golf Updates
23:11 Golf’s Craziest Cheating Scandals
38:18 Final Thoughts & Your Cheating Stories

#Golf #GolfCheating #GolfStories #HoleInOne #PatrickReed #VijaySingh #USWomensAmateur #JuniorGolf #GolfPodcast #GolfLife #TheJoeMcNeilPodcast #JoeMcNeil

One hole doesn't define a golfer.

In Episode 28 of The Joe McNeil Podcast, I recap Round 1 of the U.S. Women's Amateur at The Honors Course in Tennessee after Destiny's 79. Despite hitting 14 greens and striking the ball extremely well, one difficult finishing hole changed the scorecard.

The tournament isn't over yet. We break down what went right, what can improve, and what it'll take heading into Round 2.

I also discuss:

• The reality of caddying for your daughter in a USGA championship
• Dealing with criticism and hate comments on social media
• Why I believe instant replay has changed sports
• What people really mean when they say "stay in your lane"
• Why I started The Joe McNeil Podcast
• Parenting, homeschooling, and traveling with a large family
• LIV Golf, YouTube Golf, Brad Dalke, and more

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and let me know what topics you'd like to hear in future episodes.

🎙️ Listen to The Joe McNeil Podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318

⛳ Follow Destiny's Road to Georgia
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcug-RygXa08

00:00 Introduction and Women's Amateur Recap

06:08 Social Media, Hate Comments, and Instant Replay

13:18 Why I Started a Podcast

18:10 Parenting, Family, and Life on the Road

22:42 LIV Golf, YouTube Golf, and Brad Dalke

28:09 Upcoming Tournaments and What's Next

#JoeMcNeilPodcast #USWomensAmateur #RoadToGeorgia #JuniorGolf #GolfPodcast #USGA #GolfLife #CollegeGolf #GolfCoach #DestinyMcNeil #Family #Leadership #TheHonorsCourse #GolfParents #SportsTalk

What really makes great golfers perform when the pressure is highest?

In Episode 27 of The Joe McNeil Podcast, Joe and Jehu recap Jehu's tournament, discuss preparing to caddy for Destiny at the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, break down Bryson DeChambeau's controversial Open Championship penalty, and dive deep into the mental side of high level golf.

The conversation covers tournament preparation, course strategy, aggressive decision making, confidence, golf instruction, and why performance mindset may matter more than swing mechanics.

Whether you're a competitive golfer, junior golf parent, coach, or just love the game, this episode is packed with insights from inside elite amateur golf.

00:07 Introduction and Tournament Recap
06:42 Caddying Insights and Strategies
12:58 Preparing for the Women's Amateur Championship
20:01 Discussion on Bryson DeChambeau's Controversy
30:14 Golf Instruction and Performance Mindset

🎥 Subscribe for new podcast episodes, Road to Georgia documentaries, tournament coverage, golf instruction, and behind the scenes content.

🎙️ Listen to The Joe McNeil Podcast

▶️ YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil

🎧 Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1

🍎 Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318

⛳ Short Game Academy
https://www.shortgameusa.com

Follow Joe:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjoemcneil

#Golf #BrysonDeChambeau #GolfPodcast #USWomensAmateur #JuniorGolf #RoadToGeorgia #GolfInstruction #MentalGame #GolfCoaching #PGA #LIVGolf #ScottyScheffler #RoryMcIlroy #TheJoeMcNeilPodcast #CoachJoeMcNeil #ShortGameUSA

Episode 26 is packed with golf, behind the scenes stories, and some spirited discussion.

We kick things off by looking back at Destiny's experience competing in the 2026 U.S. Junior Girls Championship at Old Chatham Golf Club. From battling illness all week to experiencing the incredible atmosphere of a USGA championship, we share what it was really like inside one of junior golf's biggest events.

We also discuss Bryson DeChambeau's performance at The Open Championship and ask whether the criticism he continues to receive is actually deserved. Is Bryson simply different, or are fans and the media holding him to a different standard?

We also dive into Phil Mickelson's complicated legacy, the challenges that come with fame, and how character matters far more than trophies.

Later in the episode we talk about:

• Behind the scenes at the U.S. Junior Girls Championship
• Preparing for the U.S. Women's Amateur
• The importance of elite short game practice
• Why golfers practice the wrong things
• Equipment review plans for the channel
• New rewards program coming to Short Game
• Golf leagues and upcoming events
• Weather in Texas
• Politics, election integrity, and term limits

Whether you're a golfer, parent, coach, or simply enjoy honest conversations, thanks for joining us for Episode 26.

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us continue growing the show.

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil

🎙️ Listen on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1

🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318

⛳ Short Game Golf Academy
https://www.shortgameusa.com

📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/coachjoemcneil

00:00 Welcome to Episode 26
02:05 Inside the U.S. Junior Girls Championship
11:20 Preparing for the U.S. Women's Amateur
17:30 Jehu's golf update and upcoming tournaments
20:15 Bryson DeChambeau at The Open Championship
26:10 Phil Mickelson's legacy and public perception
33:10 Practicing with purpose and improving your short game
39:40 New projects at Short Game and YouTube plans
43:20 Texas weather and recent flooding
46:05 Politics, election integrity, and term limits
51:20 Final thoughts

#JoeMcNeilPodcast #BrysonDeChambeau #TheOpen #OpenChampionship #PhilMickelson #GolfPodcast #USGA #JuniorGolf #GolfInstruction #ShortGame #GolfLife #GolfNews #CoachJoeMcNeil #USJuniorGirls #Golf

The 77th U.S. Junior Girls Championship has finally arrived, but our week in North Carolina took an unexpected turn.

Just before the biggest junior tournament of the summer, Destiny came down with a fever. Instead of focusing on preparation, we spent the weekend trying to get her healthy enough to compete. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes at one of the most prestigious championships in junior golf, share what it's really like inside a USGA event, and discuss the leadership lessons that adversity always seems to teach.

We also dive into parental behavior in junior golf, why rules matter, family updates, the upcoming U.S. Women's Amateur, and a little NFL talk to wrap things up.

If you enjoy leadership, golf, junior golf recruiting, and behind the scenes tournament content, you're in the right place.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:07 Introduction and Setting the Scene
05:51 Health Challenges and Resilience
11:40 The Importance of Rules and Parental Behavior
17:43 Reflections on Golf and Life Lessons
23:30 Family Updates and Future Plans
35:31 Like & Subscribe

🎥 Road to Georgia Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/@CoachJoeMcNeil/playlists

🎙 The Joe McNeil Podcast

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@CoachJoeMcNeil

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment. Your support helps us continue sharing stories from the world of competitive junior golf, leadership, and life.

#USJuniorGirls #USGA #JuniorGolf #GolfPodcast #Leadership #RoadToGeorgia #DestinyMcNeil #CollegeGolf #GolfParents #JoeMcNeil

Welcome back to The Joe McNeil Podcast!

This week I'm flying solo as I recap one of the biggest weeks of our golf season. I take you behind the scenes of Destiny McNeil's successful qualification for the 2026 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, sharing everything from the long road trip to Kansas to the pressure-packed final round that earned medalist honors.

I also discuss preparing for the 77th U.S. Girls' Junior Championship, why meaningful swing changes take far longer than most golfers expect, the current state of junior golf recruiting, and the new Road to Georgia YouTube series documenting Destiny's journey to the University of Georgia.

Whether you're a golfer, coach, parent, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind elite competition, I hope you enjoy this episode.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
05:35 Practice Rounds and Course Challenges
12:27 Qualifying for the U.S. Women's Amateur & Upcoming Championships
22:15 Golf Swing Changes, Recruiting, America & Personal Updates

🎥 Watch the Road to Georgia Series
https://youtu.be/saBhy_jnslE

🎙️ Listen to The Joe McNeil Podcast

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318

📱 Follow Along

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/coachjoemcneil

Destiny McNeil:
https://www.instagram.com/destinymcneilgolf

If you enjoyed this episode, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with another golfer or golf parent. Thanks for listening!

#JuniorGolf #USWomensAm #RoadToGeorgia #GolfPodcast #CoachJoeMcNeil