What does it take to revive a golf career at age 55 when your body feels broken? How do you adapt to the wildly different challenge of links golf after decades playing American-style courses?

Paul Stankowski of the Champions Tour joins Golf Talk America fresh off his top-10 finish at the Dick's Championship to cover these questions and more. Stankowski candidly shares how physical pain had him ready to quit the game entirely just months ago. "I got emotional at the end of the year," he reveals. "I'm like I can't do this anymore. There's no chance I'm going to be able to play beyond this next year if I feel like this." Through specialized training focused on rebuilding his lower body stability, he's experienced a remarkable transformation that has him feeling better than he has in two decades.

As the conversation shifts to the upcoming British Open, Stankowski provides fascinating insights into the fundamentally different approach required for links golf. He explains how pros often need to land approach shots 30-40 yards short of greens to accommodate the firm conditions - something that goes against everything they practice week after week on the PGA Tour. The slower green speeds present another adjustment challenge, affecting not just the pace but completely changing break calculations. Stankowski also reveals how top players hire local caddies not to carry their bags, but to provide strategic course insights that might otherwise take five or six practice rounds to discover.

The episode concludes with touching stories about Stankowski's son serving as his caddie, creating special father-son moments as they navigate the challenges of tournament golf together. Whether you're interested in the mental challenges of adapting to different golf environments or how athletes can reinvent themselves later in their careers, this conversation offers valuable insights that extend far beyond the golf course. Listen now to gain a deeper appreciation for what makes the British Open uniquely challenging and how professional golfers continue to evolve their games and bodies throughout their careers.

Rory McIlroy captured his second Players Championship title in a dramatic Monday playoff against JJ Spahn, cementing his place among golf's elite as only the fourth player to win multiple Players Championships and multiple majors.

The concluding day at TPC Sawgrass featured brutal north-northwest winds that transformed the course into the challenging test it was designed to be. McIlroy's victory highlighted his remarkable improvement in controlling ball flight in windy conditions—a skill he's deliberately developed since changing his ball earlier this season. "I'm a better putter, better around the greens, I can flight my ball better in the wind," McIlroy reflected during his post-round interview.

Behind the composed exterior was a champion battling significant nerves, waking at 3am unable to sleep before the playoff. "Standing over that tee shot on 16 this morning is the most nervous I've been in a long time," McIlroy admitted, offering a glimpse into the psychological challenges elite golfers face. His evening routine of watching "The Devil Wears Prada" to distract himself showcases the human side of championship golf rarely seen by fans.

For Spahn, despite the disappointment, the week represented remarkable progress in his career trajectory. "A year ago today, this was the first cut I made all season," he noted, "Now I've lost in a playoff." His candid reflections on overcoming earlier career fears demonstrate the mental evolution required to compete at golf's highest level.

The victory potentially reshapes McIlroy's Masters preparation, as he now plans to play one of the Texas events rather than taking three full weeks off before Augusta. As we shift focus to the Valspar Championship next week, McIlroy's renewed confidence and demonstrated resilience establish him as a formidable contender for the season's first major championship.

The episode captures the vibrant atmosphere of the WM, exploring how the tournament blends golf with community and celebration. Insights from Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Scotty Scheffler highlight both the competitive spirit and unique challenges of performing in front of large, enthusiastic crowds.
• Exploration of the unique party atmosphere at the WM
• Justin Thomas emphasizes the importance of patience and smart gameplay
• Jordan Spieth shares the thrill and pressure of competing with a large audience
• Scotty Scheffler discusses the relationship between players and crowd energy
• The social and cultural aspects drew fans to the WM event
• Teasing upcoming PGA Tour events and the excitement of the season

PGA Tour legend Davis Love III joins us to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club. Discover the heartwarming journey of this beloved tournament, from its modest beginnings to becoming a cornerstone event on the PGA Tour, raising nearly $50 million for charity. Davis shares personal stories about the integral role his family plays in the event's success, with special mention of his granddaughter Eloise's contributions. We also discuss the excitement of this year's special guest, basketball star Caitlin Clark, adding a new layer of enthusiasm to the event's vibrant community atmosphere.

This episode dives into the shifting landscape of professional golf, highlighting the PGA Tour's strategic decision to reduce exempt players, aiming to nurture emerging talent and enrich the competitive field. Insightful perspectives from rising stars Sam Ryder and Rafael Campos illuminate the challenges and triumphs faced by golfers in this dynamic environment. We also share moving personal narratives of perseverance, from overcoming the swing yips to battling health issues, showcasing the resilience required to thrive in the sport.

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of Maverick McNeely's recent victory at the RSM Classic, where his journey epitomizes dedication and the joys of professional golf. We reflect on the supportive networks that fuel success, including Maverick's inspiring Team Mav, and the cherished moments with his biggest fan—his grandma. As the golf season winds down, we encourage listeners to embrace the off-season with gratitude, emphasizing the importance of family, friendships, and the pursuit of passion on and off the green.

Join us as we explore the thrilling world of the PGA TOUR COUNTDOWN, where I, Frank Bassett, take you on a journey to the Worldwide Technology Championship in the stunning locale of Los Cabos, Mexico. This episode promises an inside look at the tournament's spectacular growth, fueled by a strong partnership between the PGA Tour and Worldwide Technology. We've lined up insightful interviews that highlight not only the competitive spirit on the course but also the unique networking and innovation opportunities that this event fosters. Dive into the captivating stories of community involvement and witness the transformation of the El Cardinal course into a formidable challenge for the world's top golfers.