Golf Underground with Wardo, Sully and George Brett

golfunderground
  • 4.9 (39)
  • GOLF
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Golf Underground is the third funniest podcast in golf! We interview PGA tour professionals, Hall of Fame Athletes, Rock Star Business Leaders and more. Join Wardo, Jordo and Sully each week on ESPN radio.

  1. Inside Southern Hills with Cary Cozby: Tiger, Tradition, and Tour Pressure

    6D AGO

    Inside Southern Hills with Cary Cozby: Tiger, Tradition, and Tour Pressure

    What does it take to run one of the most iconic clubs in American golf without losing your edge or your sanity? This week in the Vault, the crew sit down with Cary Cozby, PGA, Director of Golf at Southern Hills, to talk about growing up the son of a longtime club pro, playing at Oklahoma, chasing mini tours, and eventually landing what he calls his “Yankee Stadium” job. Cary walks the guys through hosting major championships, what it was really like caddying for Tiger during a hush-hush practice round, and why leading a private club sometimes feels like having 900 bosses. From detail-obsessed standards in the golf shop to mentoring young assistants who go on to land head pro jobs, Cary brings a masterclass in service, culture, and competitive edge. It’s Southern Hills stories, Tiger intel, family rivalries, and rapid-fire golf takes all rolled into one. Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments Cary Cozby shares how growing up under a 41-year club pro shaped his obsession with detail and standards.He explains why Southern Hills is his version of “Yankee Stadium” as an Oklahoma golf kid.Cary breaks down what it’s really like to manage access requests from members and fellow PGA professionals.He reveals how Tiger Woods requested him personally for a private practice round at Southern Hills.Cary describes Tiger’s insane shot recall and ability to hit different windows without changing his setup.He talks about guiding his son Banks through nerves while playing in front of the most intimidating golfer in history.Cary explains why assistant pros stepping into Southern Hills get a “fire hose to the face” on day one.He compares handling tour pros during majors versus serving dues-paying members year-round. Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode "My dad taught me there is no gray area when it comes to standards. Details matter, and they always will." - Cary Cozby "My value to this club is not sitting behind a computer. It is being present, knowing the members, and leading from the front." - Cary Cozby "At the end of the day, we want members driving out of here thinking, I am so glad I belong to this place." - Cary Cozby "When you run a private club, you technically have 900 bosses. But if you build trust and communicate, it becomes a partnership." - Cary Cozby "When a young assistant walks into Southern Hills, it is like drinking from a fire hose. But that is how you grow fast in this business." - Cary Cozby "Tiger remembered every single shot he hit in that practice round. The trajectory, the curve, the landing spot. It was unreal." - Cary Cozby "You will never be more nervous than standing on a tee with Tiger Woods watching your golf swing." - Cary Cozby "That is how you know you have a strong culture, when your assistants leave and other great clubs want them immediately." - Cary Cozby "You can host championships and take care of tour pros, but your real job is serving the members who call this place home." - Cary Cozby About Cary Cary Cozby, PGA is the Director of Golf at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, one of the most storied championship venues in the game. A proud Oklahoma native and former University of Oklahoma golfer, Cary grew up in the business as the son of longtime club professional Chuck Cozby, learning early that standards and service are everything. After competing professionally and building his résumé at premier clubs including Oak Tree, Cary returned home to lead at Southern Hills, where he has overseen major championships, mentored rising PGA professionals, and helped shape a culture that blends tour-level excellence with member-first hospitality. He is widely respected for his leadership, competitive edge, and deep roots in the game. Follow Cary Cozby ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠Instagram Follow ‘Golf Underground with Wardo, Sully, and George’ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

    54 min
  2. The Science, Spin, and Secrets Behind Modern Golf Balls with TaylorMade’s Mike Fox

    FEB 2

    The Science, Spin, and Secrets Behind Modern Golf Balls with TaylorMade’s Mike Fox

    Does the golf ball you play actually matter more than the clubs in your bag? In this episode of Golf Underground, Sully, George, and Wardo welcome Mike Fox, Senior Category Director of Golf Balls at TaylorMade, for a deep dive into the science, strategy, and surprising truths behind modern golf ball performance. With over 20 years in the industry, Mike breaks down why compression myths won’t die, how tour players influence innovation, and why amateurs often choose the exact opposite ball they should be playing. From Rory McIlroy and Nelly Korda switching balls to the millions spent on R&D, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how performance, feel, and personality collide in today’s game—all with plenty of laughs, rapid fire takes, and real-world insights you can actually use on your next round. Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments Mike Fox explains the moment he realized golf balls were the most important piece of equipment in the bag.The crew unpacks why lower swing speed golfers should not automatically play low-compression balls.Mike reveals how Rory McIlroy’s golf ball switch impacted performance at Augusta.George Brett shares firsthand stories about feeling immediate differences with new equipment.The group discusses TaylorMade’s DART testing system and why tour players sometimes outsmart TrackMan.Mike breaks down the real differences between TP5 and TP5x in simple, usable terms.Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode “The golf ball is the only piece of equipment you use on every single shot.” – Mike Fox “A lower compression golf ball is not necessarily better for a slower swing speed player.” – Mike Fox “If it doesn’t look right to a good player, it won’t perform right.” – Mike Fox “Rory hitting a golf ball for the first time was unlike anything I’d ever heard.” – Mike Fox “I’d rather be a six and have fun than be a three and lose my shirt every weekend.” – Mike Fox “You can’t grow like we have unless people switch in—and stay.” – Mike Fox “We can make the best performing product in the world, but if it looks and sounds bad, nobody will play it.” – Mike Fox “Your clubface is a trampoline, not a brick wall.” – Mike Fox About Mike Fox Mike Fox is a strategic business, product, and marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in the golf equipment industry. Known for building and scaling high-impact brands, Mike has played a key role in developing “hot products” that disrupt the marketplace and challenge the status quo. Driven by a deep passion for brand, innovation, and team leadership, he excels at leading cross-functional groups to turn clear business strategies into consistent, efficient, and winning products golfers actually want to play. Follow Mike Fox ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Follow ‘Golf Underground with Wardo, Sully, and George’ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

    1h 1m
  3. Inside the Rise of Golf Phenom John Daly Jr.

    10/01/2025

    Inside the Rise of Golf Phenom John Daly Jr.

    What do you get when golf royalty and his quick-witted caddie drop in for a mic-side hang? Sully, George, and Wardo welcome John Daly Jr. and his caddie Jude Putz for a fast-moving round of stories and laughs. JD Jr. talks about growing up with a legendary name, the lessons he’s learned while carving his own path, and the grind of a summer tour that had him and Putzy crossing states and stacking memories. From hilarious bunker mishaps and Tiger Woods encounters to his dream foursome and ambitions to tee it up in the game’s biggest events, this episode delivers pure Golf Underground energy part swagger, part insight, and all heart. Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments Sully, George, and Wardo kick things off with jokes about John Daly Jr.’s improved putting stroke. JD Jr. describes life on the road with Putzy during their cross-country summer tour. Putzy recalls the infamous “bunker-raking incident” and how he keeps JD Jr. entertained more than coached. JD Jr. shares how he learned to ignore outside expectations and create his own identity despite carrying his dad’s famous name. JD Jr. talks about the small but sharp swing advice he still gets from his father, John Daly. The crew swaps stories about memorable encounters with Tiger Woods and other golf legends. Wardo fires rapid-fire questions as JD Jr. reveals his dream foursome and favorite golf moments. Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode “Once I stopped worrying about outside noise and just worked, everything got better.” – John Daly Jr.“My job isn’t to read greens—it’s to keep JD laughing and loose.” – Jude Putz “Carrying the Daly name used to feel heavy, but now it’s just motivation.” – John Daly Jr. “I can do it all—keep him calm, chirp another caddie, or just stir the pot a little.” – Jude Putz “Dad only chimes in with small tweaks, but when he does, it’s spot-on.” – John Daly Jr. “Watching JD Jr. and Putzy together is like seeing a comedy team with serious game.” – Sully “The chemistry between these two is exactly what makes golf fun to watch.” – George “If you need a bunker raked for the other guy, that’s not my job—I’m Team JD all the way.” – Jude Putz “Beating my dad for the first time was fun… he wasn’t exactly thrilled.” – John Daly Jr. “Golf’s a grind, but we keep it light and enjoy every round.” – Wardo About John Daly Jr. John Daly Jr. is one of golf’s brightest young stars, carrying on the swagger and skill of his legendary father, two-time major champion John Daly. A standout for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Daly Jr. captured the 2025 Southern Amateur, was a Ben Hogan Award finalist, and reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 U.S. Amateur. Alongside his father, he won the 2021 PNC Challenge with a record 27-under performance. With multiple collegiate wins and a growing list of accolades, Daly Jr. is proving he’s more than a famous name—he’s the future of competitive golf. Follow John Daly Jr. ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Follow ‘Golf Underground with Wardo, Sully, and George’ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

    45 min
  4. Inside Tour Life, Club Secrets, and Growing Up Golf with Greg Cesario

    09/18/2025

    Inside Tour Life, Club Secrets, and Growing Up Golf with Greg Cesario

    What does it take to grow up in a golf shop, learn the craft of clubmaking, and then battle your way onto professional tours around the world? On this episode of Golf Underground, we sit down with Greg Cesario, son of the legendary Mario Cesario, to talk about his journey from Redlands, California to the PGA Tour. Greg opens up about his father’s legacy in club design, his own life as a junior standout and tour pro, and his transition into key roles at Titleist and TaylorMade. It’s a mix of heartfelt legacy, tour grit, and equipment insights that every golfer will appreciate. Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments Greg Cesario shares memories of working in his father’s golf shop as a kid.The crew digs into Greg’s junior golf career and rise in Southern California.Greg talks about competing on the Asian, South African, and PGA Tours.Stories from his transition from tour player to Titleist rep and club fitter.Insights into wedge design and why the short game separates pros.Emotional reflections on his father’s impact and battle with ALS.Behind-the-scenes life at TaylorMade’s Kingdom.George Brett compares lessons from baseball to Greg’s golf grind.Sully presses Greg on mental toughness from tour life.Wardo and Greg break down equipment myths vs real performance. Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode "I grew up in a golf shop—it was my playground, my classroom, and my future all in one." – Greg Cesario"My dad, Mario Cesario, taught me the craft of clubmaking before I could drive a car." – Greg Cesario"If you can’t wedge it close, you can’t hang on tour." – Greg Cesario"Traveling the Asian and South African Tours taught me resilience more than results." – Greg Cesario"The PGA Tour shows you fast who has grit and who doesn’t." – Brian Sullivan"George knows—just like in baseball, the smallest edge can win the biggest games." – Kevin Ward"Wedges are the most personal club in the bag—your scoring depends on them." – Greg Cesario"Golf is about family as much as it is about fairways." – George Brett"My father’s legacy wasn’t just in clubs—it was in people he touched through the game." – Greg Cesario"You learn more fixing clubs in the back shop than you ever will on YouTube." – Greg Cesario About Greg Greg Cesario grew up in his father Mario’s iconic Redlands golf shop, learning clubmaking before he was a teenager. A three-time High School All-American and Arizona State standout, Greg went on to compete on the PGA, Nike, Asian, and South African Tours. After his playing career, he became a leader in equipment innovation at Titleist and TaylorMade, specializing in wedge design, fitting, and player development—all while carrying forward his father’s Hall of Fame legacy. Follow Greg Cesario ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠ Follow ‘Golf Underground with Wardo, Sully, and George’ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

    57 min
  5. USA vs Europe: Inside the Ryder Cup Chaos

    09/16/2025

    USA vs Europe: Inside the Ryder Cup Chaos

    Is Bethpage Black ready for the loudest Ryder Cup in history? The Golf Underground crew—Sully, George, and Wardo—break down the 2025 Ryder Cup with fearless predictions and hilarious storytelling. From the rowdy New York fans to strategy on course setup and unexpected pairings, the guys dive into what it will take for Team USA to hold off a stacked European squad. Expect insider chatter about vice captain Gary Woodland, golf-ball matchups that could swing points, and tales of beer-fueled fans that promise Phoenix Open–level chaos. Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments George Brett recalls wild fan encounters at past Ryder Cups. Kevin Ward analyzes golf-ball pairings that could impact scoring. Brian Sullivan predicts a New York atmosphere “crazier than the Phoenix Open.” The crew debates whether Europe’s depth can topple the U.S. on home soil. Stories of player calls, captain picks, and emotional team moments set the stage. George shares baseball tricks that parallel Ryder Cup course setup strategies. Wardo explains how the U.S. will tailor Bethpage Black to its bombers. The guys swap Phoenix Open fan chaos stories as a Ryder Cup preview. Insight on Gary Woodland’s vice-captain role and locker-room dynamics. Final predictions on which pairings and personalities will decide the Cup. Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode "Bethpage Black will be Phoenix Open on steroids." – Brian Sullivan "I’ve never seen fans as wild as Ryder Cup fans in New York." – George Brett "Team Europe is deeper from top to bottom—don’t underestimate them." – Kevin Ward "Course setup is strategy, and the U.S. will make Bethpage favor the bombers." – Brian Sullivan "You think you’ll see every shot, but at the Ryder Cup you’re lucky to see four holes." – George Brett "The ball you play matters—spin, launch, everything counts in alternate shot." – Kevin Ward "Gary Woodland’s vice-captain pick brings serious leadership energy." – Brian Sullivan "Drunk Americans and fired-up Europeans? There will be brawls in those stands." – George Brett "If the U.S. wins, it’ll be because the team finally plays as one unit." – Kevin Ward "Ryder Cup golf is pure adrenaline—you feel every shot in your chest." – Brian Sullivan Follow ‘Golf Underground with Wardo, Sully, and George’ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

    36 min
  6. Zak Brown Tells All: F1 Secrets, Leadership, and the Cost of Winning

    04/30/2025

    Zak Brown Tells All: F1 Secrets, Leadership, and the Cost of Winning

    Ever wonder what it takes to run one of the fastest and most elite teams on the planet? On this episode of Golf Underground, the crew welcomes Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing and a true master of speed, sales, and strategy. From chasing Mickey Mantle as a kid to leading a 1,000-person Formula 1 operation, Zak breaks down the mental grind of racing, what separates winners from losers, how to build a culture that elite drivers want to be part of—and how AI, tire tricks, and track-day politics all factor into the future of F1. If you think golf is tough, wait until you hear what goes down on the pit wall. Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments Zak Brown shares how a childhood obsession with Mickey Mantle turned into a global racing empire. The crew cracks up as Zak tells how he dodged trouble and found racing through "the long way around."Zak reveals the behind-the-scenes pressure of leading McLaren’s 1,000-person Formula 1 operation.AI, tire data, and driver instincts collide in a conversation about how F1 teams win—or completely blow it.Zak and Wardo compare the egos of F1 drivers to pro athletes in other sports, and it gets spicy.George Brett wants to know if there’s such a thing as cheating in F1—Zak’s answer doesn’t disappoint.Brian Sullivan digs into leadership: how Zak handles high-performance people under pressure.Zak drops his golf game stat line—including the story behind the best par he’s ever made.The crew dives into Drive to Survive, McLaren’s media rise, and whether F1 fame helps or hurts performance.Final lightning round: Zak faces the Golf Underground Emergency 9 with answers that cover fantasy baseball, leadership, and vintage cars. Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode "The best teams don’t just hire smart people—they build cultures winners want to join." – Zak Brown "If you take one second off mentally in a race car, you're in the wall." – Zak Brown "We’re not guessing out here—Formula 1 is a thousand-person operation." – Zak Brown "AI can’t measure guts. Not yet." – Zak Brown "Winning used to be about money. Now it’s about people." – Zak Brown "In motorsports, you beg for forgiveness, not ask for permission." – Zak Brown "I shot 92 today, but I also made the best par of my life." – Zak Brown "Drivers aren’t just athletes—they’re pilots, boxers, and chess masters in one." – Zak Brown "The best leaders know when to put an arm around the shoulder—and when to kick some ass." – Zak Brown "You're running a Formula 1 team, and still managing a fantasy baseball roster? That’s elite multitasking." – Brian Sullivan "You get more tech in a race car than a spaceship, and still, some guy will blow it on tire strategy." – Kevin Ward "Zak’s out here leading McLaren and still remembers every stat from Mickey Mantle—respect." – George Brett About Zak Zak Brown is CEO of McLaren Racing, a position to which he was appointed in April 2018 after joining McLaren in November 2016 as Executive Director of McLaren Technology Group. In his role, Zak has overall responsibility for the McLaren Racing organisation, including the strategic direction, operational performance, marketing and commercial development of the McLaren Formula 1 and IndyCar programmes. After a professional racing career in the US and Europe, Zak founded the agency JMI in 1995, which grew to become the largest motorsport marketing agency in the world and was acquired by Chime Communications PLC in 2013 as part of its sports marketing division, CSM. Brown was appointed the company's Chief Executive Officer before joining McLaren. Zak is chairman and co-owner of United Autosports and was a board member of Cosworth Engineering and non-executive chairman of the Motorsport Network. Born and raised in California, Zak lives with his family near McLaren in Surrey, UK. Follow Zak Brown ⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠Facebook⁠X⁠ Follow ‘Golf Underground with Wardo, Sully, and George’ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

    1h 14m
  7. From the Range to Augusta: How Pros Really Prepare

    04/09/2025

    From the Range to Augusta: How Pros Really Prepare

    What’s it really like being a PGA Tour player during Golf Masters Week? In this episode of Golf Underground, PGA Tour pro Justin Lower takes you behind the scenes of one of golf’s biggest weeks. The golf Masters Tournament is one of the four men’s major championships in professional golf, kicking off the season each April. Justin shares the mental and physical grind of tour life, the prep that separates winners, and what really goes down during this iconic tournament. George Brett drops bombs (both on and off the tee), while Wade, Wardo, and Sully bring the locker room laughs. From taping your mouth shut mid-tournament to TrackMan obsessions and LIV Golf hot takes—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and get a peek at the underground side of pro golf! Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments Justin Lower opens up about the mental grind of tour life and how four weeks on the road is his breaking point.George Brett breaks the rules and the room with his no-divot, no-bad-lie golf philosophy.The crew dives into whether Rory McIlroy still belongs in the "Big Three" if he can’t close at Augusta.Wade drops the wild story of a pro taping his mouth shut during a tournament to keep focused.Justin shares how top players separate themselves through elite preparation—not talent.A deep dive into TrackMan and how Lower uses it for real-world simulation, not just stats.LIV Golf gets real talk—Less animosity than you'd think, but big unknowns still loom.A hilarious Masters trivia showdown turns into a trash-talking, medal-winning moment for George Brett.Justin relives his epic Sawgrass drop-zone shot, a go-to practice move he finally pulled off under pressure.Final Masters picks are dropped—with surprising dark horses and bold predictions from every host. Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode "The best players make adjustments, not excuses." – Brian Sullivan "Mentally, it’s a grind out here—and the scoreboard doesn’t show that." – Justin Lower "I don’t play out of divots. I play golf to have fun, not suffer." – George Brett "Grinding to make a cut is ten times harder than finishing last." – Wade Binfield "You either show up ready, or you get exposed. That’s pro golf." – Justin Lower "Rory’s playing his best golf—but Augusta brings out the ghosts." – Justin Lower "There’s Tour A and Tour B… and I’m dragging five bags through airports on Tour B." – Justin Lower "We all think we can win ten times a year—then reality smacks you in the face." – Justin Lower "I saw the shot, dropped it, and said screw it—let’s hit the punch." – Justin Lower "If you're riding the emotional rollercoaster out here, you’re toast by September." – Wade Binfield About Justin Justin Lower, Malone University’s most decorated men's golfer, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. A 4x NAIA All-American and 4x NCCAA All-American, Lower racked up 16 tournament wins, including a career-low 64, which still stands as a Malone record. His 71.0 season scoring average in 2011 is the best in school history. Lower’s career includes prestigious honors such as the Arnold Palmer NAIA Medalist, Jack Nicklaus NAIA MVP, and David Toms GCAA Award. After earning a degree in sports management, he secured his PGA TOUR card with a 15th-place finish at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship in 2021. Currently, he lives in Uniontown with his wife Janise and dog Darby. Follow Justin Lower InstagramLinkedInX Follow ‘Golf Underground with Wardo, Sully, and George’ ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Instagram

    41 min
  8. What It Takes to Compete at the Highest Level

    04/02/2025

    What It Takes to Compete at the Highest Level

    What separates the good from the great? How do elite athletes handle failure and bounce back stronger? And what lessons from the pros can we apply to our own game? On this episode of Golf Underground, George, Sully, and Wardo take you inside the mind of champions—whether on the golf course, the baseball field, or in everyday life. With stories from George’s legendary career and insights from some of the best competitors in the game, this episode is a masterclass in what it takes to perform under pressure, stay mentally sharp, and keep that competitive fire burning long after the final whistle. Tune in as the guys dive deep into the mindset of winners, sharing stories, laughs, and hard-earned wisdom along the way. 🎧 Listen now and take your competitive edge to the next level! Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments George shares his early struggles with golf and what kept him coming back.The surprising connection between baseball and the mental side of golf.Why nerves are a good thing—and how to use them to your advantage.Sully and Wardo discuss what keeps sports, business, and life alike.A hilarious behind-the-scenes look at clubhouse antics.What young athletes today can learn from old-school baseball. Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode "Golf will humble you faster than any sport." – George Brett "If you’re not nervous, you don’t care enough." – George Brett "You can’t fake confidence—you either have it or you don’t." – Kevin Ward "The best players make adjustments, not excuses." – Brian Sullivan "The difference between a good player and a great player? It’s all between the ears." – George Brett Follow ‘Golf Underground with Wardo, Sully, and George’ LinkedInInstagram

    31 min
See All (116)

4.9
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Golf Underground is the third funniest podcast in golf! We interview PGA tour professionals, Hall of Fame Athletes, Rock Star Business Leaders and more. Join Wardo, Jordo and Sully each week on ESPN radio.

Information

You Might Also Like