Golf And Politics

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Is it possible to bring Republicans and Democrats together? Maybe. Rob Ellsworth and Matt Parker grew up in the upper Ohio Valley playing junior golf, and today they all work in politics. Rob is a Democratic lobbyist, and Matt is a Republican strategist. While they rarely see eye-to-eye on politics, they wholeheartedly agree that golf is the greatest game ever invented and are passionate about expanding it.

  1. A Brutally Honest Talk About 2026

    FEB 27

    A Brutally Honest Talk About 2026

    In this episode of Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob sit down with Sean O’Brien — former congressional chief of staff, Obama campaign operative, Pentagon speechwriter, and former speechwriter for Joe Biden. Sean shares what it was really like working in Rahm Emanuel’s office during the 2006 wave, running a rebellious Blue Dog-style congressional operation, writing speeches aboard Air Force Two, and serving at the Pentagon under both Democratic and Republican administrations. The conversation digs into: Whether 2026 is shaping up to be a wave year The strength (and limits) of Donald Trump’s influence in GOP primaries Candidate quality vs. national mood in midterms Redistricting, the Latino vote, and the hidden battlegrounds Early 2028 Democratic possibilities, including Mark Kelly and Mitch Landrieu It’s candid, and it’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at how campaigns and power actually work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 22m
  2. Anthony Kim’s INSANE Comeback + Presidents Who Loved Golf

    FEB 20

    Anthony Kim’s INSANE Comeback + Presidents Who Loved Golf

    This week, we start with one of the wildest comeback stories in modern sports. Anthony Kim — after disappearing for a decade, battling addiction, injury, and mental health — shoots 63 in Australia and beats Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. For a guy who didn’t even own clubs for 10 years, it was electric. Not just a golf story — a life story. We also break down: Scottie Scheffler’s absurd consistency and why he’s not flashy… just relentless. Pebble Beach looking incredible — and the bigger question of whether modern equipment is making historic courses obsolete. LIV drawing 115,000 fans in Australia and what that means for the future of pro golf. And whether the PGA Championship is quietly losing relevance. Then we pivot to presidential golf history. From Woodrow Wilson playing 1,000 rounds, to Eisenhower practically living at Augusta National… to JFK’s talent, LBJ using golf to pass legislation, Nixon quitting for optics, Clinton rebuilding the White House putting green, Obama’s smack talk, and Trump’s serious game. Golf has always been a great tool fr connecting with others. If you love the game beyond just the leaderboard, this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m
  3. Finding the Fairway in a Divided America

    FEB 6

    Finding the Fairway in a Divided America

    In this episode of Golf and Politics, we sit down with Cori Kramer, longtime Washington insider and President of Center Forward, to talk about something increasingly rare in American politics: building trust across divides. Cori shares her journey from Capitol Hill staffer to leading one of DC’s most influential bipartisan organizations, where she’s spent the last 15 years convening lawmakers, chiefs of staff, and policy leaders from both parties—often off the record and far from the cameras. Why? Because governing without trust doesn’t work. We dig into: How primary elections, fundraising, and social media are warping incentives in Congress What Center Forward’s voter behavior study reveals about compromise, values, and civil discourse Why most Americans actually live in the center—but don’t show up for primaries How personal relationships (and yes, golf) can break down political walls The real human cost of politics, friendship, and showing up for people during life’s hardest moments Plus, Kori opens up about her path to DC, mentors who shaped her career, lessons on leadership and listening, and even her growing connection to the game of golf—including a Ryder Cup experience and a young golfer in the family. This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about politics as a process, not just an outcome—and why disagreement doesn’t have to mean division. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m
  4. The Biggest Mistakes Political Candidates Are Making Right Now

    JAN 28

    The Biggest Mistakes Political Candidates Are Making Right Now

    What does golf teach us about winning elections? In this episode of Golf & Politics, we play nine holes at Split Rail Golf Club outside Fort Worth with Drew Ryan, founder of Campaign Sidekick, to break down what actually wins campaigns: discipline, ground game, calculated risk, and authenticity. As the Texas wind kicks up, Drew shares lessons from building Campaign Sidekick from scratch, working on high-profile races like Ron DeSantis (2018) and Brian Kemp, and why most candidates still misunderstand voter contact. We cover: Why the ground game still decides elections The biggest mistakes candidates are making right now How Trump reshaped the GOP — and what comes next Entrepreneurship, faith, and taking smart risks Advice for young people who want a career in politics Plus: clutch putts, tough lies, and a momentum-changing eagle. If you care about campaign strategy, conservative politics, entrepreneurship, or golf, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min
  5. What It Actually Takes to Be Scratch

    JAN 15

    What It Actually Takes to Be Scratch

    In this episode, Matt sits down with Ross MacDonald, owner of Tour Quality Golf in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to talk about what smart practice really looks like and how everyday golfers can improve by utilizing Trackman. Ross breaks down how TrackMan technology, monthly combines, and data-driven feedback help golfers identify exactly where they’re losing strokes—from wedge play and gapping issues to course management and mindset. We also dive into why focusing on the next shot matters more than dwelling on the last one, and how structured practice can save golfers time, money, and frustration in the long run. Whether you’re new to TrackMan or looking for a more efficient way to practice and improve, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately. 📍 Location: Tour Quality Golf – Tulsa, OK 🏌️ Topics Covered: TrackMan Combine explained How to practice with purpose Identifying weaknesses in your game Wedge play, gapping, and consistency Mindset and course management Why data beats guesswork in golf improvementIf you’re serious about lowering your scores and practicing smarter—not harder—this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min
  6. What Makes a Great Golf Course? Architecture, Strategy & Timeless Design

    JAN 8

    What Makes a Great Golf Course? Architecture, Strategy & Timeless Design

    In this episode of Golf & Politics, Colton Craig joins Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth for a deep conversation on golf course architecture, strategic design, and how great courses shape the way the game is played. The discussion centers on why timeless golf architecture prioritizes decision-making over raw power, how course design influences risk-reward choices, and what distinguishes truly great golf courses from those that rely solely on length or conditioning. Craig shares his perspective on playing and studying well-designed courses, as well as competitive experiences, and how architecture exposes strengths and weaknesses in a golfer’s game. They also dive into the National Links Trust debate, using it as a real-world case study in public golf, access, and how decisions about preservation play a big role in the game’s future.  The episode explores how thoughtful golf course design mirrors life — forcing players to manage mistakes, adapt to conditions, and think their way around a course rather than simply reacting. From classic architectural principles to modern design trends, this conversation is for golfers who care about why courses are designed the way they are. ⸻ 🧠 Topics Covered: Golf course architecture and strategic design principles Why great courses reward thinking golfers Risk-reward decisions in course design Timeless architecture vs. modern trends The National Links Trust debate and public golf stewardship Competitive golf lessons shaped by design How architecture enhances the golf experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 6m
  7. Bucket List Golf Trips, Top Courses & Smarter Travel Planning | Golf & Politics

    JAN 2

    Bucket List Golf Trips, Top Courses & Smarter Travel Planning | Golf & Politics

    In this New Year episode of Golf & Politics, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth sit down to map out what a great golf year actually looks like — from realistic travel planning to chasing bucket-list courses without turning golf into a job. The conversation covers how to plan golf trips around work, family, and seasons, why over-planning can ruin the joy of the game, and how some of the world’s greatest courses fit into a long-term strategy rather than a rushed checklist. Rob shares insight from playing hundreds of courses worldwide, while Matt breaks down how election years, travel, and club commitments shape his golf calendar. From Oklahoma and Midwest gems, to Ireland, Scotland, Australia, and iconic venues like Augusta National, Oakmont, and St. Andrews, this episode is about playing great golf intentionally — not just playing more golf. The episode closes with a deep dive into bucket-list courses, golf architecture, and how both hosts balance demanding careers while still finding time to play at the highest level. ⸻ 🧠 Topics Covered: • How to plan a golf year without burnout • Choosing quality rounds over quantity • Seasonal strategy for international golf travel • Bucket-list courses in the U.S. and abroad • Midwest, Oklahoma, and municipal golf gems • Ireland & Scotland trip planning • Augusta National, Oakmont, and top-tier architecture • Balancing high-level careers with serious golf • Productivity habits that make golf travel possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
  8. Christmas Special: 2025 Year in Review | Golf, Politics & What Comes Next

    12/25/2025

    Christmas Special: 2025 Year in Review | Golf, Politics & What Comes Next

    In our annual Christmas episode, we look back on 2025 — on the course, off the course, and everywhere in between. With Christmas right around the corner, we reflect on the best golf courses we played this year, our favorite trips and memories, and what made this season special. We break down our top golf courses of 2025, first-time plays, favorite holes, and unforgettable trips to places like Pine Valley, Oakmont, Shinnecock, Bandon Dunes, England, and beyond. We also discuss the Golf & Politics Cup, the competitive moments that mattered, and how the event continues to grow heading into 2026. To close things out, we share goals for next year, lessons learned, and a few thoughts on what’s ahead — all in the spirit of Christmas, reflection, and gratitude. Thanks for listening all year. Merry Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026. ⸻ 🧠 Topics Covered Best golf courses played this year Golf trips, travel, and bucket-list rounds The Golf & Politics Cup recap Year-end golf reflections and lessons learned Goals for next season and plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m
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About

Is it possible to bring Republicans and Democrats together? Maybe. Rob Ellsworth and Matt Parker grew up in the upper Ohio Valley playing junior golf, and today they all work in politics. Rob is a Democratic lobbyist, and Matt is a Republican strategist. While they rarely see eye-to-eye on politics, they wholeheartedly agree that golf is the greatest game ever invented and are passionate about expanding it.

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