Flagstick Podcast

Fall may mean playing a bit less golf, but there’s still plenty to talk about! On this episode, we break down recent PGA TOUR venues, and how they’re keeping our attention, alongside Jeeno Thitikul’s impressive winning run on the LPGA Tour.

We also address reports of rising cheating in junior golf and discuss what might be driving it, before diving into the Presidents Cup "What’s In The Bag" setups to uncover gear trends every amateur can learn from.

Finally, on the Back Nine, we draw on our decades of retail experience to explo...

In this episode of the Flagstick Podcast, hosts Jeff and Scott reflect on the success of their 30th year of publishing, discuss the distribution of their latest print issue, and look ahead to what is in store for 2027. They also cover local tournament action, major international golf news, and seasonal strategies to help you get the most out of late-season play.

On the Front Nine, the focus shifts to the 16th annual PING Challenge Cup at Smugglers Glen. The Head Professionals reclaimed the trophy after a narrow loss last year, edging out the Assistant Professionals in a...

We’ve got a fun episode on tap for you this week! On the Front Nine, we break down the latest in team golf-from regional to international, amateur to professional. We share our takes on how the Solheim Cup unfolded and preview the upcoming PING Challenge Cup on the Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour.

Later, we dive into Cabot’s new resort project in Nova Scotia and how it’s set to transform the region into a full-fledged golf destination. Plus, we break down the PGA TOUR’s newly announced eligibility categories for 2028.

Then, over on...

Grab your headphones and tune into a jam-packed episode of the Flagstick Podcast as hosts Jeff Bauder and Scott MacLeod break down the biggest headlines and hot takes across the entire golf landscape. The guys kick things off by pulling back the curtain on the world of online course reviews to debate whether crowd-sourced quick ratings on social media actually help everyday players or are entirely subjective and something to be cautious about. From there, they shift gears to the international stage to dive into the latest Solheim Cup news, analyzing why there seems to be less buzz for...

On the latest episode we ramp up to the main topic with a brief catch-up on some regional golf story lines, including the conclusion of the Race to the Flagstick.com Cup on the PLAY Junior Golf Tour.

Having a look at the pro golf landscape, we give our thoughts on Scottie Scheffler pulling off another dominant win at the PGA Tour Championship. Looking ahead, we preview the upcoming Solheim Cup in the Netherlands, noting a curious lack of mainstream hype and giving some theories on why that is the case. We then shift over to the 2026...

It's a random run through the world of golf on this show, taking on all manners of topics that are of interest.

We start with some chatter about our latest golf exploits then take on the breaking news of the new PGA TOUR playoff structure for 2028.

The Random Wheel serves up plenty of fun topics - where we think LIV 2.0 will go, does the PGA TOUR even need playoffs, should your pitching wedge match you irons or wedges, is Wyndham Clark in the Player of the Year conversation after his latest win, does the PGA...

On this episode of Flagstick Podcast, the guys react to Scottie Scheffler’s crushing victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Following another clinic on the course, the show breaks down Scheffler’s sheer dominance over the past five seasons and debates just how high the World No. 1 can elevate his game moving forward.

Before diving into tour talk, Jeff and Scott catch up in the Front 9. Jeff shares updates on his recent sod project, while Scott reflects on his latest rounds. That leads into a candid conversation on the etiquette, unexpected perks, and potential pitfalls and wind...

This week on the podcast, we recap the latest from the golf world, including the PGA of Ottawa Zone Championship and Craig Stefureak’s remarkable run of play. We also take time to remember our friend Matt McQuillan, reflecting on his journey from top-ranked Canadian junior to the PGA TOUR and his impact on those around him.

On the Back Nine, we dive into the 2026 FedExCup Playoffs, looking at the notable names who missed the top-70 cutoff, the players who made the field, and our picks to contend for the title. We also look ahead to the si...

With more media outlets recently publishing their annual course rankings, this episode dives deep into the fascinating history of golf course ranking lists, the psychology and business objectives behind their existence, and the ongoing debate over what people love and hate about them.

The team breaks down the fundamental flaw of the word "best," exploring how a term meant to signify objective statistical excellence is routinely used as an authoritative stamp on deeply subjective human experiences. When a publication claims a course is the best, it rarely implies a scientific consensus; rather, it indicates how perfectly a...

Plenty of topics to tackle this week on the heels of delivering our July issue of Flagstick, being out on the road for a few days, and with the conclusion of The Open Championship.

We cover off our observations from being on the road, from stops at tournaments to interactions with the golf community members. That includes some insight on junior golf participation.

Ryan Fox wins the Open Championship, and we give our opinions on why we think he is a great champion and what we can learn from him - pace of play, the...

On this episode, we dive into the invaluable lessons learned from tournament golf and gear up for one of the absolute biggest weeks on the sports calendar: the 154th Open Championship.

We tee off the Front Nine with a comprehensive look at a number of tournaments. We break down the historic Ontario Women’s Amateur at eQuinelle, which marked the first time in its 111-year history that the prestigious event has traveled this far east. We celebrate Brooke Henderson’s spectacular playoff finish at the Amundi Evian Championship, which has vaulted her back to thirteenth in the worl...

The peak of the golf season has officially arrived for northern players, and this week's episode of the Flagstick Podcast is packed with regional tournament updates and essential strategic advice. Hosts Jeff and Scott catch up on a busy summer schedule, highlighting a massive slate of regional and provincial events including the highly anticipated Flagstick Shootout.

Transitioning from the PGA of Ottawa Pro-Pro at Buckingham, the guys dive deep into the ultimate golfer's challenge: how to successfully play and score well on a golf course you have never seen before. The Back Nine discussion focuses heavily on...

Grab your headphones and pull up a chair; it’s time for a wide-open mailbag episode of the Flagstick Podcast

Jeff and Scott kick things off with a rapid-fire breakdown of the latest local golf news. They recap the recent weather issues throwing a wrench into regional course maintenance, share firsthand updates from their own recent rounds, and dive into the electric atmosphere at Trillium Wood for the record-setting 5th anniversary of the Endless Summer Long Drive Championship.

Then, the boys swing into the main event: The Flagstick Mailbag. Jeff and Scott tackle a massive st...

Two juicy topics dominates this episode - the new look PGA TOUR for 2028 and the battle by Wyndham Clark to win the U.S. Open.

We dig into plenty of narratives from the recently completed U.S. Open, including how Wyndham Clark prevailed for his second major win, overcoming Shinnecock Hills but also many among the crowds who were combative towards him. Did he deserve the win and the abuse, or is there something to be learned from the week for all?

We also discuss the approved new changes for the PGA TOUR for 2028, including...

In this packed episode, we recap a memorable week at the RBC Canadian Open and look ahead to the year's toughest test in golf: the U.S. Open at historic Shinnecock Hills.

First, we dive into the incredible, emotional victory by Bud Cauley at TPC Toronto. After years of grueling recovery from a devastating 2018 car crash, Cauley fired a brilliant final-round 65 to secure his maiden PGA Tour title in his 239th start. We take you through the win and how the story played out. Plus, we highlight the local flavor of the week, discussing the heavy Canadian presenc...

On the show this week, we take you behind the scenes of the 2026 Flagstick Academy Series video shoot at Casselview Golf Club. We detail exactly what goes into creating the series, what you can expect from the upcoming content, and how you can use these insights to elevate your game and have more fun on the course.

Next, we break down the latest action from the Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour, and share our firsthand insights from being on the ground at the 77th Eastern Provinces Championship and the Golf Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship.

In Episode #173 of the Flagstick Podcast, hosts Jeff and Scott welcome listeners with updates on local golf news and a review of the COBRA PUMA Spring Open at Casselview.

After recounting a scary, game-aborting incident during Scott's Sunday round dubbed "a noodle to the noodle," the hosts dive into a nostalgic feature on regional "Ghost Courses." Sparked by a recent magazine delivery, they reflect on the loss of numerous Eastern Ontario and Outaouais courses that have closed since 1996, including tracks like Glen Lawrence, Nationview, and Kanata, and discuss how these closures impact the local community.

...

It’s a busy show this week, following the first delivery of a print edition of Flagstick Golf Magazine in six years. We discuss the process of bringing the magazine back to print, the people involved, and the reactions we received following its return. We also share observations from our travels across Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais, where we visited nearly 100 golf facilities during distribution.

We also take a quick look at the start of the 2026 Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour season and discuss the official announcement that the 2027 CPKC Women’s Open will be played at T...

In this episode, hosts Jeff Bauder and Scott MacLeod catch up on early-season golf plans, including Jeff's recent visit to the grand opening of Archies Golf TopTracer Range. They also follow up on the heavy listener response to their previous golf etiquette segment, debating whether the responsibility for player education falls on local associations, courses, or peers.

The Front Nine shifts focus to local competition with a full recap of the 14th Flagstick Open Amateur Championship presented by TaylorMade Canada & Levelwear. The hosts break down the tournament conditions, player responses, and the course's most critical stretches—including th...

This episode focuses on the idea of respect in golf - how it shows up, and where it may be slipping. The discussion explores a perceived decline in respect at golf courses, whether toward the course itself, player behaviour during rounds, or interactions with staff.

The conversation highlights key areas where this issue is emerging and considers why it may be happening at a time when the game is experiencing growth. What does disrespect look like in a golf setting? Is it learned behaviour, a reflection of broader societal trends, or part of the game’s evolution?

The "opening handshake" and "closing argument" of a golf course serve as the essential narrative bookends that define a player's entire experience. In this episode, we dive into the "opening and closing hole equation" to understand why these specific moments play such a pivotal role in shaping how a course is perceived and how it functions.

We examine this premise through the lenses of architecture, aesthetics, functionality, and psychology, considering the impact not just on elite players, but on the average golfer and the course as a business. Along the way, we share some of our personal...

Golf is famously known as a solitary pursuit—a relentless internal monologue between you, your clubs, and the course. But with the Zurich Classic taking center stage on the PGA TOUR this week, we’re shifting the focus from the individual to the collective.

In this episode, we dive deep into why the "team game" is becoming the most compelling way to experience golf, from the high-stakes drama of the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup to the fun of a weekend RBC Scramble or your local club’s amateur events.

On This Episode’s Scorecard:
The...

The 2026 Masters is in the books, and the echoes from Augusta National are about more than just the Green Jacket. This week, we dive into a historic week where Rory McIlroy solidified his legacy with a repeat performance, but the conversation off the green was just as loud as the roars on Sunday.

The Front 9: We kick things off with a look at the current state of the game—from the frustrating spring weather keeping local courses closed to our perspective of the 2026 Masters. Rory has done it again, but what does his dominance say about the mo...

Welcome to a special edition of the show as we gear up for the 90th edition of The Masters. In this episode, we dive deep into the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, exploring why this tournament holds a "mystical" status unlike any other major in golf. From the pimento cheese sandwiches to the strictly enforced "patron" etiquette, we break down the unique culture that defines the first full week of April.

The Front 9: Why Augusta is Different
We kick things off with a look at the structural and cultural pillars that separate The Masters from the...

The azaleas are blooming, the pimento cheese is being prepped, and the most prestigious week in golf is finally upon us. In this episode of the podcast, Jeff and Scott tackle the 2026 Masters, getting the hype train started a week early. We’re covering everything from the historic "charges" of the past to the high-stakes storylines of the present.

On This Week's Show:
The Legends of Augusta: We look back at two of the most polar-opposite Sundays in Masters history—Jack Nicklaus’s miraculous 1986 charge and Greg Norman’s heartbreaking 1996 collapse.

A New Era of Amate...

Dust off the headcovers and tighten your chin straps—this week, we’re traveling from the bargain bin to the "Bear Trap."

Following a nostalgic visit to an old-school golf shop, Jeff and Scott take a trip down memory lane to discuss the "Golden Era" of golf equipment. From the legendary PING Eye2s and Ben Hogan Persimmons to the "duds" and defunct brands like Nickent and Founders Club, we discuss the golf clubs that have left a lasting impression on us.

Then, we shift from the gear to the grounds. Inspired by the grueling cond...

Is it a major? Does it even matter? This week, we dive deep into the crown jewel of the PGA Tour: The Players Championship. Hosted at the unforgiving TPC Sawgrass, this tournament is more than just a massive paycheck—it’s a career-defining gauntlet that the world’s best players crave and fear in equal measure.

In this episode, we trace the tournament's evolution from its 1974 debut to its status as the most prestigious non-major in golf. We explore the architectural genius (and occasional "cruelty") of Pete Dye’s Stadium Course and break down why the 17th hole Isl...

Outdoor golf season is almost here, and this episode is packed with the kinds of questions only golfers ask when they can finally see grass again. The hosts kick things off by catching up on the local scene, including a sold-out 2026 Flagstick Open, before diving headfirst into a wide-ranging Front Nine fueled by listener curiosity and plenty of strong opinions.

The conversation spans everything from modern tech and equipment trends—zero-torque putters, mini drivers, spiked vs. spikeless shoes, and the rise of simulators—to timeless debates about pace of play, gimmes, and the cheapest ways to shave stro...

As Flagstick approaches its official 30th Anniversary this May, we look back to where it all began—30 years ago at the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo, when Jeff first revealed plans for a regional golf publication that didn’t yet exist. In this special episode, Scott interviews Jeff about the leap from working in media to launching his own magazine, the risks of exhibiting without a product, and why Flagstick chose a regional focus that would eventually make it one of Canada’s longest-standing golf media companies.

Jeff reflects on the early challenges of print publishing, learning new skills out of...

This week, we take a different path.

Instead of breaking down tour storylines and leaderboard drama, we shift the focus to something that matters far beyond a single season — junior athlete development.

As parents and coaches involved in both golf and hockey, we’ve seen firsthand how the principles that shape young athletes on the links and in the rinks are remarkably similar. Drawing from our own experiences — certifications, coaching backgrounds, and years in competitive environments — we explore what actually helps kids build a healthy, lasting relationship with sport.

Inspired by comments from Tiger Wo...

Balancing a look at current circumstances with a nod to the past, in this episode we examine how our own values, desires, and biases shape our perception of professional golfers—and the “characters” they inhabit within the sport’s unfolding drama.

While we naturally gravitate toward milestones like Rory McIlroy’s quest for the Career Grand Slam or Scottie Scheffler’s era of dominance, the ongoing rift between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has fundamentally redefined player reputations.

From “villains” like the defiant Patrick Reed and the polarizing Bryson DeChambeau to “heroes” like the relatable Jordan Spi...

This episode of the podcast opens with an engaging “Front Nine” discussion tackling several timely topics in the game. Jeff and Scott explore why a player like Justin Rose can still compete—and even excel—at age 45, highlighting how golf is one of the rare sports where experience, patience, and mental composure can outweigh raw athleticism. They also reflect on the end of an era for the Henderson sisters, examining what it takes to sustain a successful player–caddie relationship over the course of a decade. The segment concludes with thoughtful commentary on how golf clubs are adapting to survive, i...

Is it even a fair fight anymore? As of January 2026, Scottie Scheffler has officially moved from "great" to "historic." With a dominant win at the 2026 American Express, Scheffler has reached the 20-win milestone in just 151 starts—joining only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the players to hit 20 wins and 4 majors before the age of 30.

In this episode, we break down the surgical precision of the man who has turned the PGA Tour into his personal trophy room. We explore his rise from a Texas junior winning 75 tournaments to becoming a Lifetime Member of the PGA Tour.

In Episode 156, Jeff and Scott break down everything happening as the golf industry gathers in Orlando for the PGA Show, with a strong focus on the biggest equipment launches and trends heading into the 2026 season.

The show opens with industry and community updates, including registration details for the 2026 Flagstick Open Amateur Championship, highlights from the Sony Open in Hawaii—where Chris Gotterup earned his first PGA TOUR win—and strong Canadian performances from Taylor Pendrith and Nick Taylor. We also discuss Brooke Henderson being named among the first five players in the newly announced WTGL league.

Th...

The 2026 golf season kicks off with a bombshell. In this episode, we break down the shocking news that Brooks Koepka is officially back on the PGA TOUR. We discuss his official statement, his return at the Farmers Insurance Open, and his candid admission about the "nervous energy" and mending broken bridges in the locker room.

We also dive into the mechanics of the newly minted "Returning Member Program"—the Tour's high-stakes solution for bringing back elite talent while maintaining "severe and justified consequences." Who is eligible and will they take up the offer.

The 2026 Mailbag: We...

The golf world is heading into one of its most fascinating seasons in years, and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, we look ahead to 2026’s biggest trends and storylines, starting with our own backyard — including the Flagstick Open, the Flagstick.com Shootout, the possibility of a third signature event, and even the potential return of the print edition of Flagstick as we approach our 30th anniversary season.

On the professional side, history is firmly in the spotlight. We discuss the career Grand Slam chase as Scottie Scheffler eyes the U.S. Open at Shinne...

As the golf season winds down, we break it all down from Q-School to the biggest storylines shaping the game heading into 2026.

We start with a strong showing from Canadians at Q-School, as A.J. Ewart and Adam Svensson earn PGA TOUR cards, while Ben Silverman narrowly misses out in a dramatic playoff. From there, we recap the Grant Thornton Invitational, where Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak take the title, and Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners continue their impressive chemistry with another top-five finish.

Looking back at the major themes of 2025, we cover Scottie Scheffler’s...

Before the main event, Jeff and Scott catch up on a busy couple of weeks in golf, covering the Australian Open, the Hero World Challenge, Q-Schools, and the upcoming Grant Thornton Invitational.

Then, we take a look at the enduring debate: The Golf Dress Code. We trace the journey of golf clothing from the heavy tweed and corseted outfits of the 19th century—a uniform of the elite—to the performance polo shirt popularized by Arnold Palmer. We analyze the Public vs. Private course divide, discuss the high-profile acceptance of hoodies on the PGA Tour, and revisit the...

In this episode, we dive into the endlessly debated world of golf course design—breaking down the features golfers love, hate, and love to argue about.

From there, we split the show into a “Front 9” and “Back 9,” exploring some of golf architecture’s most fascinating topics. On the Front 9, we tackle classic vs. modern design philosophies, bunkering styles, and the ongoing debate between restoring historic courses and renovating them for today’s game. Using courses we've played, we share personal examples that highlight why certain design choices resonate with us.

On the Back 9, we shift to strategic a...

On this episode, we discussed the recently completed Internet Invitational - one of the largest golf productions to ever appear on YouTube. We discuss the challenges, entertainment value, and level of play, and examine the risks and opportunities involved for the 48 creators who took part. They chased the exposure and the cash prizes, but is there a downside for their brands and much more?

Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License certificate #: 2227748