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  • Episode 55 - Top 100 Golf, College NIL, and National Debt/Tariffs with Mike Blackham pt.1

    Episode 55 - Top 100 Golf, College NIL, and National Debt/Tariffs with Mike Blackham pt.1
    2025/06/18
    In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Golf and Politics welcomes Mike Blackham — world traveler, elite golfer, and one of the few people on Earth closing in on completing the World Top 100 golf course list. Mike shares his journey picking up golf in his late 20s and what he's learned about golf culture, club access, and course architecture along the way. From Augusta and Pine Valley to international B-side hidden gems, we dive into the passion (and sacrifice) behind the world top 100 golf quest. The conversation then shifts gears into a wide-ranging and honest debate on the current state of U.S. politics, college sports NIL reforms, the growing national debt crisis, tariffs under Trump 2.0, and whether Congress will ever step up to solve America's fiscal challenges. Key Topics Covered: Mike’s pursuit of completing the World Top 100 Golf Courses list The best courses & golf architecture debates: Pine Valley, National Golf Links, Myopia Hunt, Sand Hills Golf culture differences between the U.S., UK, and Asia The impact of NIL on college golf and how it’s reshaping recruiting Deep-dive political debate: national debt, tariffs, Trump’s economic policies, and Congress’s dysfunction The bipartisan frustration with leadership & common sense reform Why leadership is vanishing from both parties as political extremes dominate Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPoliticsJoin the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 16 分
  • Episode 54 - #1 Political Golfer Tony Russo: Golfing with Legends, Bi-partisanship, and LIV Virginia

    Episode 54 - #1 Political Golfer Tony Russo: Golfing with Legends, Bi-partisanship, and LIV Virginia
    2025/06/11
    In this wide-ranging episode of Golf and Politics, Rob sits down with Tony Russo—a top Washington lobbyist, former collegiate golf standout, and the undisputed No. 1 golfer in American politics. From playing alongside Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman, to his early days on Capitol Hill working for Senator Joe Biden, Tony shares unforgettable stories from a life that’s crossed paths with legends in both golf and politics. Tony opens up about his personal journey—surviving leukemia in law school, leaving pro golf behind, and finding purpose through family, faith, and bipartisan friendships. They also discuss the LIV Golf vs. PGA Tour divide, the future of course design, the golf ball rollback, and how the game still brings people together in a divided D.C. Key Topics Covered: Playing college golf with Steve Stricker and caddying for Jack Nicklaus How golf shaped bipartisan relationships on Capitol Hill Inside scoop on LIV Golf Virginia and course setup at RTJ Tony’s thoughts on the rollback debate and golf architecture trends Why more golf in politics could solve real-world gridlock Bonus: Dream foursomes, Augusta vs. St. Andrews, and MJ’s short game Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 分
  • Episode 53 - LIVE from RTJ: Scott Furlong on Hosting LIV, Agronomy, and the Future of Golf Maintenance

    Episode 53 - LIVE from RTJ: Scott Furlong on Hosting LIV, Agronomy, and the Future of Golf Maintenance
    2025/06/06
    This week on Golf and Politics, co-host Rob Ellsworth sits down with Scott Furlong, longtime superintendent of the iconic Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, to talk turf, tournaments, and the truth behind maintaining a world-class course. Recorded on the eve of LIV Golf Virginia, Scott shares what it takes to host back-to-back global events like the Solheim Cup and LIV Golf, and how weather, politics, and even immigration policy affect the game from the ground up. With over 25 years at RTJ, Scott blends stories of mentorship, grit, and perfectionism with a behind-the-scenes look at how agronomy is evolving in the face of rising expectations and economic pressure. Key Topics Covered: LIV Golf Virginia: course setup, green speed, and player readiness RTJ’s role in hosting world-class tournaments like the Solheim Cup and LIV Building a career in turf: mentorship, immigration policy, and labor challenges How Kyle Phillips’ design vision has shaped RTJ’s evolution The “Augusta Effect” and its impact on member expectations Tariffs, supply chain issues, and the rising costs of course maintenance Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 分
  • Episode 52 - Using Golf For Fundraising

    Episode 52 - Using Golf For Fundraising
    2025/05/28
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt sits down with Mitch Marczewski, founder of the Nightbirde Foundation, to explore how charity golf tournaments are a force for good—and a model for effective fundraising. Inspired by the legacy of his sister Jane “Nightbirde”, a breakout star from America’s Got Talent, Mitch shares the emotional journey of turning tragedy into tangible hope for women battling breast cancer. They break down what it really takes to host a profitable charity golf outing, from securing sponsorships to managing logistics at top-tier courses like The Virtues Golf Club. Whether you’re a political candidate planning a fundraiser or a nonprofit looking to grow your donor base, this episode delivers practical insights on creating events that raise serious money and lasting impact. Key Topics Covered: The story behind the Nightbirde Foundation and Jane’s inspiring legacy How to structure a successful charity golf tournament Using golf outings as top-of-funnel donor engagement tools Tips on securing silent auction items, golf course partners, and sponsors Why consistency, storytelling, and community matter in fundraising success Visit nightbirdefoundation.org to support their mission. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 分
  • Episode 51 – Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Dominance and the Parker Improvement Project

    Episode 51 – Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Dominance and the Parker Improvement Project
    2025/05/21
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt breaks down Scottie Scheffler’s dominant win at the PGA Championship and what it means for his trajectory toward golf greatness. Is Scheffler the next to complete the career Grand Slam? Matt makes the case. He also takes on critics of LIV players, defending Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau from what he calls lazy media narratives. Plus: a deep dive into the Parker Improvement Project—Matt’s personal mission to reach scratch by year’s end. He shares his stats, setbacks, practice plan, and lessons learned from battling inconsistency off the tee. On the politics side, Matt previews potential future debates with co-host Rob, teases hot-button topics like Trump’s tariff strategy, the Qatari jet, and the Biden health cover-up, and introduces the official launch of the Marty Russo Political Golfer of the Year Award. Key Topics Covered: Scottie Scheffler’s PGA dominance & rising place in golf history The flawed “LIV guys can’t win majors” argument Parker Improvement Project: distance, discipline & driver woes Political topics heating up: tax cuts, Biden’s health, Trump controversies Launching the Marty Russo Political Golfer of the Year Award Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 分
  • Episode 50 - Jake Ward talks AI, golf culture, and the Future of Tech and the GOP

    Episode 50 - Jake Ward talks AI, golf culture, and the Future of Tech and the GOP
    2025/05/14
    In our 50th episode of Golf and Politics, we celebrate the milestone with tech entrepreneur and longtime friend of the show Jake Ward. From his time on Capitol Hill to founding multiple companies and trade associations, Jake brings a rare mix of policy savvy, startup hustle, and serious golf chops. We dive into Jake’s golf life—his game, his favorite courses, and the rise of club culture in places like Daniel Island and Bandon Dunes—before shifting into a wide-ranging conversation on technology in golf, the future of AI, and how data privacy and digital policy affect everything from PGA broadcasts to political messaging. Key Topics: How AI and digital tools are transforming golf and small business Jake’s top underrated golf courses and caddie culture A heated debate on Trump’s trade policies, immigration, and the state of conservatism The future of golf broadcasts and technology’s role in pace of play Jake’s journey from Senate staffer to startup founder and what’s next in tech and policy 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts—and thank you for helping us hit 50 episodes! Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 4 分
  • Episode 49 - 9 Holes, 9 Questions with Rob Ellsworth

    Episode 49 - 9 Holes, 9 Questions with Rob Ellsworth
    2025/05/07
    Golf and Politics is back with 9 Holes, 9 Questions as co-host Rob Ellsworth joins Matt Parker on the Par 3 course at LaFortune Park in Tulsa. Rob opens up about his lifelong love of golf, his bond with his late father, his battle with stage 4 cancer, and his journey from Republican Hill staffer to Democratic lobbyist. As Matt and Rob trade shots and stories, they dive into the personal, the political, and the power of saying “yes” to life’s second chances. You’ll also hear Rob’s thoughts on the changing landscape of American politics, municipal golf’s role in community development, and what it means to live life with gratitude after hardship. Key Topics: Rob’s origin story in golf and politics Lessons from losing a father and surviving cancer The importance of municipal golf courses and public investment in the game Why Rob believes cancer made him better, not bitter A rare inside look at how politics has changed—and where it's going next 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t miss Rob’s dream foursome at the end! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 分
  • Episode 48 - Inside Political Ground Games with Jefferson Thomas

    Episode 48 - Inside Political Ground Games with Jefferson Thomas
    2025/04/30
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, Rob and Matt are at Tour Quality Golf in Tulsa, joined by returning guest Jefferson Thomas, founder of The Synapse Group and a seasoned political strategist with a passion for golf. Jefferson opens up about his early days in Missouri politics, working with high-profile campaigns and initiatives across the country, and how golf has become a vital part of his professional and personal life. The episode dives into the changing landscape of field campaigns, how targeted canvassing works today, and the rising cost of political signature gathering—especially in light of proposed changes to Oklahoma's ballot initiative laws. Then, things heat up as the crew dives into a spirited political debate on the Trump 2.0 administration’s trade policies, the impact of tariffs, immigration strategy, and whether the U.S. is heading toward free trade—or economic isolation. Key Topics: Jefferson’s journey through GOP campaigns, college football, and entrepreneurship The real work behind canvassing, petition gathering, and modern campaign ground games A lively debate on Trump’s tariffs, immigration policies, and trade strategy Reflections on American values, free speech, and social division 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to subscribe for more golf-fueled political discourse! Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/@GolfandPolitics Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 分