The Provisional - A Golf Podcast The Provisional

The guys are back after several weeks off with lots to discuss in the golf world. They discuss Tiger's return to competitive golf and all of the news surrounding him and the release of the PIP top 20 and whether it's good for the sport. They discuss the continuing endless money going into LIV and it's impact, including rumors about Jon Rahm joining the Saudi league. They break down the last four weeks of the PGA Tour season that saw fascinating and exciting wins by Collin Morikawa, Erik Van Rooyen, Camilo Villegas, and Ludvig Aberg.

Jarrett discusses the reason for his lengthy break from pod appearances and the guys talk about what they are thankful for in golf. They talk about golf in the Minnesota winter offseason and how they fill their time while sharing the endless battle against physical ailments and age.

The guys are back to catch-up on the PGA Tour Fall Series including the Children's Shriners Open where Lexi Thompson received a sponsors exemption and nearly made the cut, beating several past Tour winners. They talk about the impact of Lexi's play and her exceptional driving distance and accuracy. They recap Tom Kim's repeat title and his trajectory as one of the top players in the world.

They break down the OWGR's decision to not grant points to the LIV Tour and give a shout out to the St. Thomas women's golf team, who won their third event of the fall season, highlighted by the play of freshman Kathryn Van Arragon.

Lastly, Matt Bare discusses the sauna and cold therapy area he is building in his yard, his push to live longer, and the great health benefits that come with regular use of a sauna. Brad argues with Matt about the proper pronunciation of "sauna."

The guys break down the 2023 Ryder Cup that just wrapped up in Italy.  The US once again lost in Europe and now all of the questions are asked about why it happened to the US again in Europe!  Was it because of the fans?  Did Europe just outplay the US?  Did Europe get all of the big shots to fall and the US couldn't get the ball in the hole?  All of these questions and more are discussed on this episode along with chatter about the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage.  

She has literally seen all areas of the golf business in her career. Current LPGA Tour caddie Sarah Butler joined the pod to talk about life on Tour and her path to caddying which included stints as a playing professional, a PGA assistant professional, a high school coach, an AJGA Tournament Manager, a college coach (Old Dominion, Iowa State, Colorado State), and now a caddie at the highest level of women's professional golf. 

Sarah shares shares her story growing up in Roseau, Minnesota, being recruited and playing for the Gophers, getting into coaching, and countless stories from the traveling the world on the LPGA.

The guys welcome two Minnesota local golf businesses to the pod. Steve and Ryan from Bogeys R Fine talk about their love for golf and how they took that love and created a golf business during the pandemic! They offer shirts, hats, and other gear with their logo and other fun sayings.  

Matthew and Tyler from Pin Hunters also joined the pod to talk about how they have built a brand around unique and custom golf towels!  

The conversations range from starting a business, being in the golf business, dream foursomes and more! 

Gopher senior star Ben Warian and head coach Justin Smith dropped by the pod to talk about Ben's rise to college golf stardom, talk about the 2023-24 season, and preview the Gopher Invitational at Windsong Farm.

4:55: Ben's golf story
6:10: Ben's recruitment and decision to attend the University of Minnesota
10:10: Gophers' 2023-24 schedule breakdown
11:55: Justin playing in a charity round with John Daly
13:30: Ben's favorite grasses to play on
21:30: Ben's busy summer that included top 30 finishes at the Trans-Mississippi, Northeast Amateur, North and South Amateur and Pacific Coast Amateur and the Canadian Amateur.
22:40: Recapping Bella McCauley's comments about Ben's hard work practicing
25:25: Is Ben Warian one of the nicest guys in golf?
27:55: Justin's favorite moments coaching Ben
31:10: Gopher roster breakdown
35:20: New Gopher team van talk
39:50: Ben breaking down top possible NIL deals for his head coach
42:30: Gopher Invitational at Windsong Farm preview
49:05: Ben breaking James McLean's season scoring record
54:20: Ben's Ryder Cup breakdown and playing with Ludvig Aberg