Welcome back to the Southern State of Golf podcast! In this episode, John sits down with Braden Olive, the golfer behind the popular Instagram account Golf Deep South. Broadcasting from Birmingham, Alabama, Braden brings a unique perspective on the region’s diverse golfing landscape—from charming hidden gems in small towns to bucket-list private clubs. Together, they dive into Braden’s journey from a college baseball pitcher who discovered golf just before COVID, to the storyteller capturing the heart of Southern golf courses online.

You’ll hear about Braden’s most memorable rounds, including a surprise inspiration from a trip to Rome, his approach to blending travel and golf, and why local munis can be just as special as marquee venues. They’ll swap stories about favorite course logos, share Alabama must-play lists, and dish about hidden gems across the Southeast. If you love discovering new courses and hearing the stories that make Southern golf so unique, this episode is for you. Grab your clubs and join us as we explore the Southern state of golf, one round at a time!

https://www.instagram.com/golfdeepsouth/

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The Southern State of Golf is a member of the BestBall podcast family.

Welcome back to the Southern State of Golf podcast! In this episode, John dives into the excitement of the upcoming Tour Championship at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club, joined by Robby from BestBall. Together, they unpack everything from the looming decisions around the Ryder Cup captain's picks—like whether Keegan Bradley should choose himself—to the pressure and prestige of the season-ending showdown for golf’s top 30 players.

John and Robby debate what makes the Tour Championship unique, why it might be time to move the event out of Atlanta’s infamous summer heat, and whether the tournament’s logo needs a major refresh. They also get candid about the stakes of a $40 million purse, discuss the quirks of golf course setups for championship play, and even highlight what makes Atlanta a must-visit city outside of golf—including unbeatable food, entertainment, and iconic attractions.

If you want an inside look at the Tour Championship, thoughts on East Lake's legacy, some hot takes on golf event branding, and plenty of tips for enjoying the city, this episode has you covered. Plus, get Robby’s picks for who could take home the title, a fun Atlanta top 10 list, and a preview of what’s coming up on The Hole Story Podcast. Tune in and enjoy the ride!

Follow the Southern State of Golf

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssofgolf/
• X: https://x.com/SSofGolf

Interested in sponsoring the Southern State of Golf? Email info@bestball.com.

The Southern State of Golf is a member of the BestBall podcast family.

In this episode of the Southern State of Golf, John is recapping the whirlwind that was the 2025 major golf season. While the name sounds a bit somber, don’t worry—this is a celebration of the incredible moments, storylines, and unforgettable victories that defined this year’s majors. From Rory McIlroy finally completing his career Grand Slam at the Masters, to Scottie Scheffler’s commanding performances at both the PGA Championship and The Open, we’ll break down what made this season stand out.

We’ll dive into the storylines that grabbed our attention, the players who surprised us, and even those champions who may already be slipping into the background. Plus, I’ll share my own reflections on what makes certain tournaments more memorable, preview what’s to come for southern golf fans, and count down John's top 10 major championships he wishes that he'd seen in person.

So pour yourself a cold drink, sit back, and join us as we look back at a major season that flew by way too fast—but gave us plenty to remember.

Follow the Southern State of Golf

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssofgolf/
• X: https://x.com/SSofGolf

Interested in sponsoring the Southern State of Golf? Email info@bestball.com.

The Southern State of Golf is a member of the BestBall podcast family.