The Shotgun Start

Fried Egg Golf
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  • Updated twice weekly

The Shotgun Start with Andy Johnson and Brendan Porath of Fried Egg Golf is a podcast waiting for you early in the morning that quickly blasts through a variety of topics (usually) related to golf and (ideally) relevant to the day. It covers news from the pro tours around the world, amusing and important topics from the amateur game the rest of us play, and some irreverent stuff in between. There will be short interviews, previews, reviews, and dives into the archives. It provides what you need to know on golf through a rapid and fun catch-up discussion.

  1. 1 day ago

    Resigned over Rahm, Merion madness, and Spieth signs of life

    An "invigorated" Brendan kicks off this Friday episode with some observations from two days at Merion Golf Club as the 2026 U.S. Amateur has now reached the match play rounds. He and Andy discuss the early results and they wonder if the USGA should re-seed the bracket to avoid top players facing each other too early. Brendan also passes along some feedback from the ground about Wednesday's segment regarding Ben Hogan's famous one-iron, but Andy doubles down on the fact that the plaque could be better served commemorating a different moment from Hogan's round. The two debate Merion's status as a top-tier championship venue and whether it could host a U.S. Open given its current setup, with more to come on this topic on Monday. In Memphis, Jordan Spieth is out to an early lead at the FedEx St. Jude as he looks to finish in the top ten for the first time this season. Rory McIlroy turned in a 74 in his first competitive round since Birkdale, but he'll have to suffer through three more days of the heat given this is a no-cut event. On Thursday morning, James Corrigan reported that LIV officials were "resigned" to the fact that Jon Rahm will not return for the 2027 season, seemingly setting him up for a full year on the DP World Tour instead. Andy and Brendan discuss what this means for LIV 2.0 and its possible lone star, Bryson DeChambeau. Lastly, Kevin Van Valkenburg once again joins for a B. Draddy Flashback Friday focusing on the 2000 Presidents Cup and a rivalry between Tiger Woods and a famous caddie.   We’re returning to SPACE for a Presidents Cup week Live Show Presented by B.Draddy! Join us in Chicago on September 21 - doors will open at 5 pm and show begins at 7 pm. Tickets go on sale on Friday at 11 AM ET. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 3 days ago

    A real 5th major at Merion, PGA Tour Playoffs hype or boredom, and a Golf Twitter catastrophe

    Yes, the Sweat Swing begins this week at TPC Initech, but the FedEx St. Jude does NOT receive Andy's Event of the Week honors! He bestows the title upon this week's U.S. Amateur at Merion, breaking down the early action with Brendan to kick off this Wednesday episode. Brendan is excited to hopefully take in some of the tournament in-person this week but wonders how, in the age of streaming everything, there's been no broadcast coverage of the stroke play rounds so far. The two run through some big names that won't be making it to match play and set up what should be a great weekend of golf at one of America's most iconic championship venues. There is a beefy (or sweaty?) preview of the FedEx St. Jude, complete with an updated weather forecast for Memphis, Tennessee! Andy's 5 Guys to Monitor This Week highlights a surprise appearance from one of the Tour's biggest stars, two Bubble Boys looking to make the Top 50, and one of the best dressed players in the field. The Schedule for the Week continues with the return of the DP World Tour and Michael Block's return stateside for this weekend's Boeing Classic on the Champions Tour. In perhaps the biggest news of the week, Brendan is tasked with explaining himself after getting ratioed on Twitter for just stating that Michael Kim has more followers than Rory McIlroy, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and even the New York Yankees(!) on the platform. We will return Friday with some more Bubble Boy discourse and whatever else presents itself in the next 48 hours of golf.   We’re returning to SPACE for a Presidents Cup week Live Show Presented by B.Draddy! Join us in Chicago on September 21 - doors will open at 5 pm and show begins at 7 pm. Tickets go on sale on Friday at 11 AM ET. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 4 days ago

    A Blockie scandal hits the Senior Euro Tour, Bryson’s rambles on LIV’s future, and Wyndham works again

    For the first time in SGS history, the Staysure Legends Tour leads the show! Three-plus years after he burst onto the scene with - according to one Golf Journalist - a "super enjoyable and insightful" walk-and-talk at Oak Hill, Michael Block has done it again. Andy and Brendan are giddy to discuss the latest in Blockiemania, a DISQUALIFICATION from the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship in Scotland. As first reported by Ryan French of Monday Q Info, Blockie walked off the course on the 12th hole of Sunday's round after he had already been penalized for showing up late to his tee time. Brendan is in disbelief that Michael Block is still making headlines in August of 2026 and Andy isn't buying Blockie's Instagram Story explanation for walking off the course. Eventually they move on to the Wyndham Championship, where Michael Brennan finally made good on all of the hype after his win at Black Desert last fall. Brennan shared an emotional moment with his mother on the 18th green following his win at Sedgefield and practically turned this PGA Tour event into a Masters ad that could be used for years to come. Andy and Brendan take a look at the Top 70 of the FedEx Cup rankings as we move into the Sweat Swing, with Jackson Koivun making the cut on the number after an up-and-down Sunday round. At LIV New York, Joaquin Niemann extended his all-time lead in LIV victories, Jon Rahm secured another season-long championship, and Bryson got caught rambling about the "global game of golf" at a press conference. A brief bit of news rounds out this Monday episode, as both Andy and Brendan are stunned by a surprise entrant into the FedEx St. Jude as the all-important playoffs begin! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. 7 Aug

    LIV’s savior investor: real or fake? And Flashback Friday

    Andy and Brendan! went LIVE on YouTube for a Summer Friday recording that recapped the latest news regarding LIV Golf's new "investment." The two discuss LIV CEO Scott O'Neil's initial announcement of an investor signing a terms sheet on Wednesday morning and the ensuing reports that have suggested that this "investment" might really just be a loan. Andy points out that the headlines would be radically different had the announcement been that LIV found a creditor instead of an investor, a spin on the news that is still confusing people days later. Brendan goes through a timeline of follow-up reporting from Axios, The Financial Times, and more to give a full scope of the current status of this "investment." The two wonder how Jon Rahm's massive contract will figure into these future equity negotiations, especially if he leaves the league after the conclusion of the 2026 season. It does seem like Bryson DeChambeau will be sticking around, but will his presence be enough for the reported investors, BC Partners, to actually foot the bill moving forward? After a lengthy LIV Minute, Brendan quizzes Andy on which states are NOT represented by participants at next week's U.S. Amateur before Kevin Van Valkenburg calls in for Flashback Friday. KVV brings a story from the first-ever Presidents Cup about Loren Roberts and a penalty that would set the golf world ablaze if it occurred next month at Medinah. Also contained in this episode is a debate about how many "real cities" are in the United States, courtesy of Andy and PJ's week in Chicago. Are we a country of just a bunch of nice towns?   We’ve teamed up with Shady Rays to bring you an exclusive offer. Head to shadyrays.com and use code: SHOTGUN for 40% OFF 2+ pairs of polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people. Use promo code SGS30 for 30% off Presidents Cup gear at B. Draddy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. 5 Aug

    Wednesday Scramble: LIV Golf Survives? FedEx Ships Out from PGA Tour

    Brendan Porath and Joseph LaMagna convene for a Wednesday Scramble to discuss breaking news in the golf world. On Wednesday morning, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil announced that LIV has landed a lead investor, securing future funding of the league. In what capacity will the league operate moving forward? Brendan and Joseph discuss. Also covered, a report that TPC Southwind is not part of the PGA Tour's Championship Series vision, placing doubt on the future involvement of one of the Tour's longest-running sponsors, FedEx. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. 4 Aug

    Will Jon Rahm get his LIV money with bankruptcy looming, PGA Tour schedule drip, and losing Riviera

    As LIV prepares for a potential bankruptcy filing, reports are flying that Jon Rahm will be one of the biggest creditors in such a move with a hefty portion of his contract still outstanding. Andy and Brendan bat around the latest round of ominous LIV unwinding news and debate the three-year folly that has been Rahm’s stay on LIV: what it’s meant for his golf career, his image, and his bank account, even if he doesn’t get the full amount. Then they move to the Wyndham Championship, the last regular season event on the PGA Tour and how the playoffs have “ruined” August for the rest of golf. They spotlight some bubble boys in a generally weak field with many top players already locking up playoffs status. Can Jackson Koivun get across the line and into the postseason? News hits on the daily drip of “Championship Series” events announcements by the PGA Tour, with Doral joining the party as the fifth confirmed event. They revisit the potential massive news that Riviera may no longer be an annual PGA Tour stop and what it means for pro golf in LA.  They also discuss some reporting on the Challengers Series and the potential price tag for those events, in addition to news that there may be an overall umbrella sponsor for the tour, or series, itself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. 3 Aug

    The “new era” of American golf, Lytham closes out 2026 majors, Cantlay lurks

    The first Victory Monday of August belongs to the Ballfrogs! Andy, Noah Kahan, and Niall Horan are all celebrating today after Boston Common star Michael Thorbjornsen won the Rocket Classic for his first PGA Tour win. Brendan and Andy discuss the final event at Detroit Golf Club, which looked great on television following a renovation... just in time for the event to no longer exist! They take a look at the FedEx Cup standings heading into the final week of the regular season and try to put a stop to the "new era of American golf" talking points circulating after back-to-back wins by young stars. The two recap the final major of 2026, the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Shiho Kuwaki took down Esther Henseleit in a playoff. After another major win by a Japanese player, Andy wonders why the LPGA does not spend more time or even move one of the five majors to Japan in order to capitalize on the country's growing dominance within the sport. PJ chimes in with a brief Champions Tour Minute to discuss Zatch's win at Ernie's Place before Andy recaps the weekend at the Western Am, including another stint on the bag for match play. In news, the Arnold Palmer Invitational has announced that it will be a Championship Series event in 2028, making Andy and Brendan wonder why the Tour is rolling out these announcements one by one on each different business day. Which event will be tapped for Championship status next? We'll have to wait and see!   Preorders for Fried Egg Golf Volume 2 are open now through September 4th, to begin shipping October 7th. Go grab yours at proshop.thefriedegg.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. 30 Jul

    A mystery LIV rescue investor, Caddie corner, and SGS Golf Advice

    A good old-fashioned Summer Friday episode has graced your feeds. Brendan is especially giddy after a 61(!) from Peppy Peter Malnati kicked off the final Rocket Classic. He and Andy discuss the PGA Tour’s new “silent feed” and other early returns from a new-look Detroit Golf Club. There is a bit of golf news to discuss, as the New York Post has reported that LIV will receive an investment of $250m at some point in September to keep the league afloat. Andy compares this number to the reported asks and offers to Bryson DeChambeau earlier this year and wonders if it’ll be enough sustain whatever “LIV 2.0” may be. After “Caddie Minute” on Wednesday’s episode, Andy was called into duty by an Illini star at the Western Am. He takes Brendan through his day on the bag and implores anyone in the area to attend the final days of the event this weekend. Speaking of caddies, Charley Hull proudly pranked her looper into thinking he won $100,000 on a scratch-off. Brendan and PJ can’t believe that she’d proudly discuss this with anyone, much less during a major-week press conference, but Andy claims the world needs more pranks. There are no pranks discussed in a lengthy Golf Advice segment to round out this week of shows, but Andy and Brendan do answer questions about golf travel, bookies, and more! Celebrate the Summer of Cotton by using code SGS30 at bdraddy.com! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Hosts & Guests

About

The Shotgun Start with Andy Johnson and Brendan Porath of Fried Egg Golf is a podcast waiting for you early in the morning that quickly blasts through a variety of topics (usually) related to golf and (ideally) relevant to the day. It covers news from the pro tours around the world, amusing and important topics from the amateur game the rest of us play, and some irreverent stuff in between. There will be short interviews, previews, reviews, and dives into the archives. It provides what you need to know on golf through a rapid and fun catch-up discussion.

Information

  • Creator
    Fried Egg Golf
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.2k
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    The Shotgun Start

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