The Amateur Golf Podcast by AmateurGolf.com
A deep dive into the world of amateur golf through the lens of coaches, players, writers, tournament directors, and anyone else that loves golf.
Record Rounds, Global Champs, and the Cobra Amateur Blueprint (Trivia)
Kyle and McKenzie break down a wild early-season week in amateur golf, led by Auburn star Jackson Koybun’s video-game scoring at the Amerari Invitational—62-62-67 (-25), a new NCAA 36-hole scoring record (previously held by Tiger Woods), and an Auburn team total that tied the NCAA record at 77-under. Â
From there, they go worldwide: Jake Buchanan goes wire-to-wire at the Africa Amateur to earn major opportunities, while Billy Dowling and Jazzy Roberts light up the Australian Amateur with closing 63s...
Hogan Watchlist Buzz, a South African Legacy Win, and Golf-Course Trivia (feat. Augusta to Pine Valley)
College golf’s “Heisman moment” is here: we break down the 35-player Ben Hogan Award Watch List, what it signals about the season, and why the award’s history basically predicts future tour stars. Â
Then we go global—Judd Sundelson’s storybook South African Amateur win (a three-generation family feat) and what it could mean with a South African Open/Masters pathway on the line. Â
We also tee up the Australian Amateur (men’s and women’s) and why these “national” championships are now true world-stage launching pads. Plus: an update on upcoming AmateurGolf.com events (Pebble, Bandon...
Augusta Invites, DP World Tour Amateurs, and Cobra’s 3D-Printed Future
Welcome to the AmateurGolf.com Podcast Presented by Cobra—your weekly hit of competitive-amateur golf, told with equal parts authority and personality. In this episode, Kyle and McKenzie break down the latest amateur storylines on the DP World Tour, react to early invites for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, and share takeaways from the PGA Show—highlighting Cobra’s 3D-printed irons and women’s-focused Ă–PTIM line. Plus: a USGA handicap-by-state trivia segment that gets weird fast. Â
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EMERGENCY PODCAST: The NCAA Champ Michael La Sasso Jumps—What It Means
Day 1 at the PGA Show and we’re hitting the ground running. We talk about everything we tested from Cobra Golf’s full 2026 lineup—what stood out, what surprised us, and what we’re already excited to get back in our hands. Then we pivot to the headline-making news: reigning NCAA champ Michael La Sasso reportedly joining LIV, what it signals for elite amateur golf, and why this kind of move could change the pathway from college to the pro game.
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Why Cobra 3D Printing Works: Lattice Tech, Tungsten Weighting, and Combo-Set Magic
We go deep with Cobra’s Jose Miraflor on the engineering behind Cobra’s 3D-printed irons—from Tour-inspired shapes that play far more forgiving, to how internal lattice structures remove ~50 grams so Cobra can reposition mass with tungsten for launch and stability. We also cover pricing, where to get fit, and why these three models are built to mix and match without losing feel across the set. Â
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Stanford Scoring, Cobra Innovation, and January “Major” Am Golf
From the leaders at the Silicon Valley Amateur to Cobra’s newest drivers and 3D-printed irons, we’re covering what matters right now in competitive golf. We also recap standout January events—Amelie Salzman’s record-breaking week at the Sally and William Sides’ win at the weather-shortened Jones Cup—before previewing our PGA Show coverage. Â
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Amateur Golf Week in Review (Jan 6): Remembering Emanuele, New Year’s Invitational Drama, Jones Cup + Stanford Preview
Kyle and McKenzie break down the biggest amateur golf stories heading into 2026: remembering Emanuele Galeppini, a wild six-man playoff at the 100th New Year’s Invitational, and what to watch at the Jones Cup Invitational. They also preview AmateurGolf.com’s Silicon Valley Amateur at Stanford (Kyle will be on site next week), give a first-round update from the Australian Master of the Amateurs, dig into NIL valuations in golf, and wrap with some quick college-golf trivia. Plus: a shoutout to Callaway as the 2026 Chrome Tour ball lineup hits the market after our own fitting and testing at the Call...
Electric Caddies, Real Golf: The Future of Walking Rounds
Golf was built to be walked—and in this episode, we dig into why walking isn’t just “old-school,” it’s the best way to experience the game.
Rob Rigg (Founder, The Walking Golfer / Walking Golfer Society) joins Mark Stewart (Co-Founder & CEO, Stewart Golf) for a wide-ranging conversation on the culture of walking golf, the community that forms when you play on foot, and the real physical + mental benefits that come with it. They also break down how electric caddies can make walking more accessible—keeping the rhythm, conversation, and connection to the cours...
Building a High School Golf Powerhouse with Foresight Tech — Tim Lovell & Lakeview Academy
Tim Lovell has spent his life around competitive amateur golf, from growing up on his grandfather’s nine-hole course in Georgia to a “year of golf” as an exchange student in New Zealand and a memorable AmateurGolf.com Ireland trip. Now he’s giving back in a big way—helping coach Lakeview Academy’s high school team and spearheading one of the most advanced tech-driven programs in the state.
In this episode, Tim and Pete dig into how Lakeview built a true golf studio on campus with Foresight “Sim in a Box,” GC3s, a GCQuad, TrackM...
Records Fall at St. Andrews, Stanford Shines, and Q-School Kicks Off
This week on The AmateurGolf.com Brief, host Mackenzie breaks down the biggest stories in amateur golf — from the start of the 2025 PGA Tour Q-School and what it means for aspiring pros, to a record-breaking week at the St. Andrews Links Collegiate, where Princeton and Cal battled for team honors and Cal’s Constance Foy fired a stunning 63 at the Old Course. We also recap Stanford’s dominant performance at their home Intercollegiate, where Megan Guinness led the charge with her third career collegiate win.
Tune in for results, insights, and a look ahead to win...
Inside Northern California Golf with Pete Wlodkowski: The Roots of AmateurGolf.com
Host McKenzie Steenson sits down with Pete Wlodkowski, founder of AmateurGolf.com, to explore the origins of the site and the thriving amateur golf community of Northern California. From the early days of hand-lettered leaderboards to the digital transformation that reshaped tournament golf, Pete shares how a local idea became a national platform. Hear stories about iconic events like the San Francisco City Championship, insights into the NCGA’s competitive scene, and the creation of the Two-Man Links Championship Series at legendary venues like Pebble Beach and ...
The AmateurGolf.com Brief: Inside the Week in Amateur Golf
From match play duels at Monterey to world championships abroad, The AmateurGolf.com Brief gives you the stories, stats, and soul of the amateur game. Hosted by Chris, it’s your 5-minute tee time with the tournaments and players shaping competitive golf’s next generation.
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10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Crump Cup at Pine Valley
The Crump Cup at Pine Valley is back — and we’re pulling back the curtain on amateur golf’s most mysterious and exclusive tournament. From the course’s legendary hazards like Hell’s Half Acre and the Devil’s bunker, to the invite-only field of elite mid-ams, to first-hand stories from AmateurGolf.com’s own Pete and Kyle playing Pine Valley for the first time, this 10-minute episode dives into the history, the format, the legends, and the drama to come. Tune in for everything you need to know as the 2025 Crump Cup tees off September 25–28.
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The Ultimate Mid-Am: Stewart Hagestad’s Fifth Walker Cup
Stewart Hagestad has redefined what it means to be a career amateur. A three-time U.S. Mid-Amateur champion, 2017 Masters low amateur, and Pan-Am Games gold medalist, Hagestad is set to make his fifth Walker Cup appearance — joining an elite group of American legends. In this episode, we explore his journey from Newport Beach to Augusta, his dominance in USGA championships, and why his continued presence on Team USA matters for the future of amateur golf.
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The Cypress Veil: The Greatest Secret in Golf
In this special edition of the AmateurGolf.com Podcast, we pull back the curtain on one of golf’s most mysterious and exclusive clubs: Cypress Point. Just ahead of the 2025 Walker Cup on September 6–7, we explore the course’s dramatic origins, the lost plans of Seth Raynor, Marion Hollins’ bold vision, and Alister MacKenzie’s masterpiece carved into sand, forest, and sea.
From its quiet exit from the PGA Tour in 1991 to its fiercely protected culture of privacy, Cypress Point has remained hidden in plain sight. For one weekend, the world will get a rare glimp...
U.S. Amateur Shake-Up: Koivun Out, Daly II Rolling, Russell Chasing History
from The Olympic Club, we break down a dramatic day at the 125th U.S. Amateur — from World No. 1 Jackson Koivun’s stunning exit, to John Daly II’s confident march into the quarterfinals, to 16-year-old Miles Russell putting himself in position to become the youngest Walker Cup player in history. Plus, a preview of Friday’s matchups and a look at how you can keep your competitive edge this winter with the AmateurGolf.com Winter Series
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2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur Quarterfinals: Meet the Future Stars of Women’s Golf
The quarterfinals are set at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur, and the talent on display is a preview of golf’s next generation. In this special emergency episode, we break down each of the final eight players — their backgrounds, playing styles, and why they could be lifting the Robert Cox Trophy by week’s end. From international standouts to rising NCAA stars, this is your inside look at the future of the women’s game.
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Dream Courses, Big Wins, and Bandon Drama – This Week in Amateur Golf
From Jase Summy’s dominant Western Amateur victory to Round 2 action at the U.S. Women’s Amateur in Bandon, we’ve got the latest headlines, a peek at tournaments on Top 100 golf courses, and a spotlight on California’s Ojai Senior Cup. Plus, a special lifetime membership deal that gets you one step closer to your dream golf trip.
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Western Amateur Sweet 16 Set: Match Play Drama Awaits at Skokie
After four rounds of grueling medal play at Skokie Country Club, the stage is set for one of amateur golf’s most storied traditions—the Sweet 16 match play at the 123rd Western Amateur. This year’s field is a true showcase of global talent, with co-medalists Ethan Fang and Zackary Swanwick leading the charge, joined by teenage phenom Tyler Watts, seasoned mid-am Stewart Hagestad, and a host of elite collegiate standouts all chasing the George R. Thorne Trophy. In this episode, Chris from AmateurGolf.com breaks down the drama of stroke play, the players who surged under pressure, and the st...
Coleman’s Breakout, Woad’s Win & Walker Cup Moves
This week on the AmateurGolf.com Weekly Recap, host Chris Chatsworth breaks down a huge stretch in amateur (and newly professional) golf:
🏆 Hamilton Coleman stuns the field to win the U.S. Junior Amateur🏌️‍♀️ Lottie Woad captures her first LPGA title in her pro debut🇺🇸 Fang and Stout join Team USA for the 2025 Walker Cup🔥 Jaden Dumdumaya rallies to win the Pacific Coast Amateur⛳ And we preview the Western Amateur and more can’t-miss events aheadPlus: A tip of the cap to founder Pete Wlodkowski for an epic week of golf at Olympic Club and Cypress Point.
🎧 Listen now a...
Forging Legends: A Deep Dive into the Western Amateur at Skokie
This week on the AmateurGolf.com Preview Pod, we take you inside the ropes of the 123rd Western Amateur Championship at historic Skokie Country Club in Glencoe, Illinois.
From the legacy of past champions like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Chick Evans to the pressure-packed format that defines the event, this episode unpacks why the Western Amateur is considered the toughest test in amateur golf. We preview the standout players in the 2025 field, examine the match play gauntlet, and spotlight Skokie’s place in golf history.
...
Torrey Pines, Tiger, and Your Chance to Play: Inside San Diego’s Ultimate Golf Week
Torrey Pines isn’t just a golf course — it’s a cathedral of the game. From Tiger Woods’ legendary U.S. Open win in 2008 to the stunning Pacific views that frame every tee shot, this public course in La Jolla, California, is as iconic as it gets.
In this episode, AmateurGolf.com’s Kyle Rector dives deep into the history, design, and mystique of Torrey Pines, while also introducing an unforgettable opportunity: the 2025 Two-Man Links & Father-Son Championship, presented by Callaway Golf.
You’ll learn why San Diego is a top-50 golf destination (especially in December), get behind-t...
AmateurGolf Weekly Brief: Daly’s Breakthrough, Deng’s History, and the Road to Cypress
AmateurGolf Weekly Brief – July 21, 2025
This week’s episode is packed with major moves across the amateur golf world.
🏆 John Daly II captures his biggest win yet at the Southern Amateur with a dominant finish at Blessings Golf Club.
🇦🇺 Blake Phillips and 🇨🇦 Nicole Gal go coast-to-coast to win the Porter Cup titles in style.
🇨🇦 Aphrodite Deng makes history as the first Canadian to win the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
🌊 Walker Cup Captain Nathan Smith joins us from Cypress Point to share team in...
Leading Team USA at Cypress Point: Nathan Smith on the 2025 Walker Cup
Presented by Cobra Golf
In this special episode, we travel to the edge of the Pacific Ocean for a rare, on-location conversation with Nathan Smith, captain of the 2025 United States Walker Cup team. Standing at Cypress Point Club, one of the most iconic venues in the game, Smith shares what it means to lead Team USA into the 50th edition of this storied amateur competition.
We talk:
This Week in Amateur Golf: Porter Cup, Champions, and Gear News
Get up to speed on everything happening in competitive amateur golf this week! We’re previewing the 2025 Porter Cup—one of the game’s most storied events—plus recapping Lance Simpson’s dominant Trans-Miss Amateur win and crowning moments at the British Senior Championships and Junior World. We’ll also break down the latest U.S. Amateur qualifying updates, highlight our Chris Gotterup “Before They Turned Pro” feature, and dive into Titleist’s new T-Series irons. Finally, we’ll look ahead at a jam-packed summer tournament schedule for men’s, women’s, junior, and senior divisions. Whether you’re a competitor or fan, this...
Inside the Porter Cup: History, Strategy, and What Makes It Special
Join AmateurGolf.com as we dives deep into the rich history and unique character of the Porter Cup—one of amateur golf’s most prestigious events. From scoring trends to course architecture, hear what makes Niagara Falls Country Club such a demanding test, get practical insights for competitors, and enjoy a few laughs along the way. Perfect for serious amateurs, fans, and anyone who loves great golf storytelling.
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Carlos Astiazaran’s Breakout Win at the North & South Amateur
Join host amateurgolf.com for a deep dive into the 125th North & South Men’s Amateur Championship at Pinehurst No. 2—one of amateur golf’s most storied and demanding events. This episode explores the tournament’s historic legacy, the unique challenge of Pinehurst’s famed crowned greens, and the brutal match play battles that defined this year’s championship. Chris profiles the remarkable journey of Carlos Astiazaran, who entered match play as the 31-seed, survived marathon showdowns, and delivered a dramatic playoff birdie to claim the Putter Boy trophy. Learn about his clutch Mexican National Amateur win earlier this summer, his...
Gil Hanse on Baltusrol, Tillinghast, and the Art of Golf Restoration
In this special episode of Architects of the Game, we sit down with renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse inside the historic clubhouse of Baltusrol Golf Club. Just hours after walking the newly restored Upper Course during Media Day, Gil reflects on how he and partner Jim Wagner approached the restoration of both of Baltusrol’s iconic A.W. Tillinghast designs.
From expanding greens and recapturing lost hole locations to uncovering the original dual green on the 14th hole, Hanse shares his philosophy on honoring tradition without rewriting it. This conversation offers rare insight into how one of...
The Northeast Amateur: A True Test at Wannamoisett
In this kickoff episode of the AmateurGolf.com Podcast’s Major Preview Series, host Brian takes you deep inside one of amateur golf’s most prestigious events—the 63rd Northeast Amateur Invitational at Wannamoisett Country Club (WAHN-uh-moy-sit). With exclusive insights powered by data and AI, Brian breaks down the history, course strategy, elite field, and what it’ll take to win. From defending champ Anthony Delisanti to rising stars like Ben James and Miles Russell, this preview gives you everything you need to watch—and who to watch—for one of the summer’s...
British Amateur 2025 Preview: Royal Challenges, Rising Stars, and Seb Cave's Surge
In this special preview episode, Anna from AmateurGolf.com breaks down everything you need to know about the 130th Amateur Championship at Royal St George’s and Royal Cinque Ports. From course insights and historical context to the star-studded field and Seb Cave’s red-hot form, this five-minute audio primer sets the stage for one of amateur golf’s most prestigious events. Tune in for storylines, contenders, and the legacy behind the links.
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The $10,500 Bet: How a Golfer Saw Bobby Jones' Greatness Coming
In this special episode from AmateurGolf.com, We tell the almost unbelievable true story of PGA Tour pro Bobby Cruickshank — the man who bet on Bobby Jones in 1930 and walked away with a fortune.
After just nine holes watching Jones play, Cruickshank was convinced he was witnessing history in the making. So he placed a bold wager: Bobby Jones to win the British Amateur, British Open, and U.S. Open in the same year. Spoiler alert: He did.
What followed was a legendary payout, a swirl of myths involving the IRS and the New York Ti...
Championship Week Heat Check: Why Sunnehanna Still Sets the Standard
It’s one of the biggest weeks in amateur golf—and while the U.S. Open and Southwestern Invitational grab national headlines, Kyle and Ana go deep on the Sunnehanna Amateur. Recorded on June 9 with a fresh look at the 2025 field, historical data, scoring trends, and weather impact, this 5-minute episode gives players and fans everything they need to know. Who’s in, who’s not, what the numbers tell us—and why Saturday is the round that separates contenders from champions. Powered by insights from the AmateurGolf.com archives.
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From Munis to Majors: Amateur Legends Who Conquered U.S. Open Qualifying
Every summer, thousands of hopefuls tee it up in U.S. Open local qualifying — chasing a dream only a handful will realize.
In this episode, AmateurGolf.com dives into the inspiring true stories of golfers who made the leap from everyday courses to the biggest stage in golf. From Ken Venturi’s heat-stricken triumph in 1964 to Spencer Levin’s breakout at Shinnecock, and Beau Hossler’s unforgettable run at 17 years old — these aren’t just great rounds, they’re testaments to belief, grit, and the magic of qualifying.
You’ll hear about:<...
Inside the 2025 Southwestern Amateur
Join AmateurGolf.com for a deep dive into the 110th Southwestern Amateur, held June 11–14 at Desert Mountain’s Outlaw Course. From Kristoffer Kuvaas’s electric playoff victory in 2024 to rising stars, course strategy, scoring trends, and what makes this historic event one of the most coveted in amateur golf—this is your essential preview. Premium subscribers get unmatched access to our player database, scoring archives, and rankings tools.
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The Dogwood Invitational | Major Insights: A Preview of Amateur Golf’s Elite Stage
Welcome to Major Insights, the podcast series that previews the most prestigious events in amateur golf. In this episode, we spotlight the Dogwood Invitational, one of the game’s premier proving grounds held at Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta.
From legends like Webb Simpson and Brian Harman to rising stars lighting up the leaderboard today, the Dogwood is where bold play meets timeless tradition. We break down what it takes to win, recap standout performances, and preview the action for 2025.
🎧 Whether you're chasing titles or fo...
California’s Next Golf Icon? Inside the Poppy Ridge Transformation
🎙️ AmateurGolf.com Podcast: Jay Blasi and the New Era of Poppy Ridge
Join us on-site in the heart of Livermore wine country for a special playing preview of the newly reimagined Poppy Ridge Golf Course. In this episode, we sit down with renowned golf course architect Jay Blasi—whose resume includes the 2015 U.S. Open host Chambers Bay—for an in-depth conversation about the vision, process, and transformation behind the project.
Jay walks us through what makes this new 18-hole layout—and the accompanying 9-hole course—a game-changer for NCGA members and public go...
What Happens When a Pro Becomes a Caddy?
What happens when a professional golfer steps away from the spotlight and trades the tee box for the caddy bib? In this episode, Blair McKithan—former tour player turned content creator and current caddy for Corey Shaun on the DP World Tour—opens up about his unconventional pivot within the golf world.
From the pressures of playing pro golf to the lessons learned carrying clubs for another, Blair shares:
Why he took a break from competitive playWhat it's really like being inside the ropes as a caddyHow YouTube and AMGOLF.com became his new fairwayThe surprising thin...Episode 92: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
In this conversation, Robert Trent Jones Jr. discusses his work on Corica Park, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and playability in golf course design. He shares insights from his career, including his family's influence and the collaborative nature of golf architecture. The conversation highlights the need for courses to engage players of all skill levels and the role of environmental considerations in modern golf course design. In this conversation, RTJ Jr. discusses the cultural differences in golf between the East and West, emphasizing the community value of public golf courses. He shares insights on the challenges faced during the...
Episode 91: Lottie Woad
In this engaging conversation, Lottie Wode shares her experiences and insights on her golf journey, including her recent performances, the impact of the LEAP program, and her reflections on winning at Augusta National. She discusses her preparation for upcoming tournaments, the importance of team dynamics in the Curtis Cup, and her transition to college golf at Florida State. Lottie emphasizes the significance of confidence, process-oriented goals, and the value of learning from both past experiences and professional players.
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Episode 91: February Recap
Sean Melia and Justin Golba recap February in amateur golf. They highlight Luke Clanton's achievement of earning his PGA Tour card, the significance of college golf, and the introduction of the LEAP program for the LPGA. The conversation also touches on upcoming tournaments, USGA announcements, and the future of golf championships. They discuss the current state of amateur and college golf, highlighting emerging talents, recent performances, and the impact of notable figures in the sport. They explore the significance of events like the Masters and the Full Swing documentary, while also recognizing the rising success of teams like Utah...
