The Shotgun Start

Andy and Brendan return with some immediate takeaways after Tiger's Jupiter Links GC lost to LAGC in a rout in Week 2 of TGL. The two debate agree that the product took a step back this week, with worse "on-course" gameplay and a choppier broadcast than the league's debut. Kevin Kisner was the star of the show, struggling mightily in gameplay but providing some laughs on the hot mic. On a positive note, Brendan was particularly impressed with Sahith Theegala, who showed off with his enthusiasm for the game and excitement to be playing against Tiger. Andy wonders how ESPN can get more "Golf IQ" involved in the broadcast in the hopes of elevating it as the season goes on. In non-virtual golf, Jon Rahm is clamoring for OWGR points for LIV events again, leading to a Brendan rant for the ages about these comments and ones from Butch Harmon about the current state of men's pro golf. Rahm, Rory, and others are set for the Dubai Desert Classic this week to start many of their seasons on the DP World Tour. In America, the PGA Tour's west coast swing begins at the American Express, boasting a strong field despite withdrawals by Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Picks are made for the Club TFE One-and-Done, with Andy, Brendan, and PJ confident in their selections for this week. Finally, the Champions Tour returns this week with Paul Azinger's analyst debut at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai. PJ previews the week and provides some things to watch for ahead of a full Champions Tour Minute after play concludes this weekend.

Andy and Brendan went live on YouTube after Nick Taylor played spoiler and prevented an entire episode dedicated to Nico Echavarria Minute. To start, Andy is giddy about the Packers losing in the Wild Card around, giving him the upper hand in any Caleb Williams vs. Jordan Love debates this offseason. From there, the Sony Open is discussed at length. Brendan is particularly aghast at the amount of free drops found throughout the course at Waialae and he wonders if pros are practicing their drops these days. Nick Taylor took down Nico (and his minute) in a playoff to secure his fifth PGA Tour win, a good start to his revenge season after missing out on the Presidents Cup last fall. There was a lot of "clutch gene" discussion on the broadcast late on Sunday, leaving Andy and Brendan to question if they have it themselves. In news, Jordan Spieth confirmed his return to golf at the AT&T Pebble Beach and is welcoming the chance to "reset his DNA" during his recovery from wrist surgery. Andy and Brendan also discuss Eugenio Chacarra's fiery quotes regarding his LIV departure and his desire to earn a PGA Tour card. This Monday episode wraps with a recap of the Team Cup in Europe, where Justin Rose captained Great Britain & Ireland to a blowout win over Continental Europe. Check back on Tuesday night as The Shotgun Start goes live on YouTube to break down Tiger's TGL debut.

A January tradition unlike any other, it's the latest installment of over-unders for the upcoming year in golf. The episode starts on a solemn note as Andy and Brendan discuss the ongoing fires in the Los Angeles area and sending positive thoughts to everyone in southern California. From there, the two discuss the ongoing reactions to TGL's opening night as Tuesday's ESPN ratings were stronger than many expected, drawing almost one million viewers. With a TGL match without Tiger or Rory managing a higher rating than Sunday at Kapalua, Andy wonders what happens if the simulator league continues to beat out early-season PGA Tour events. A listener emailed in her thoughts from an in-person experience at the SoFi Center, complete with her own Hammer flag (not delivered by FedEx). Pro Shop announced a new series of Creator Classics for 2025, prompting Andy and Brendan to wonder whether YouTube golf is a more viable career path than being a Minor League Tour player. Meanwhile, there is non-screen golf being played this week at the Sony Open. Ben Griffin was leading at the time of recording and Brendan learns about Griffin's budding TikTok stardom. This week's field has Ryan Palmer and Brandt Snedeker playing on career money exemptions, leading Andy down the path of another rant about the PGA Tour and its fields. Webb Simpson is also at the Sony and he had some interesting quotes about his 2024 season that was full of exemptions into Signature Events. The episode wraps with an energetic over-under segment, as Andy, Brendan, and PJ make picks for 2025. Will a LIV golfer win another major? Is Bethpage going to be close? How many starts for Blockie in 2025? All of these questions are answered, and more!

Andy and Brendan are off to the races immediately in this episode thanks to the first-ever TGL match and the content bonanza surrounding it. The two break down The Bay GC's blowout win over NYGC immediately after things wrapped up on ESPN, saving their first reactions for the podcast and live show on YouTube. They discuss how the big screen (which can fit three dinosaurs inside it) played on TV, ESPN's telecast, NYGC's bizarre lineup construction, and so, so much more. Lifelong NYGC fan PJ is asked to make a statement on his team's behalf after watching the worst New York season opener since Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles. There are takeaways from Tiger and Rory's stints in the booth and Andy even takes a look at what kind of TGL merch is available for purchase before the Ballfrogs take the field inside the SoFi Center. PJ even makes a plea for a potential Champions Tour team in the virtual league. While most of this episode focuses on TGL, Andy and Brendan make their picks for this week's Sony Open, which is still being played in the shadow of golf's newest league and a loaded slate of playoff football. The two also discuss the Team Cup being played this week in Europe. Finally, Brendan and Andy touch on some news and notes such as Scottie Scheffler's WD from the American Express, Tom McKibbin's potential LIV offer, and LIV finalizing its schedule for 2025.