The Shotgun Start

The Fried Egg

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. -11 H

    The Reign of Rea has ended, Scheffler scuffles at Riviera, and FBF to LA Open

    Brendan! is joined by an on-site Kevin Van Valkenburg for this Friday episode honoring the Genesis Invitational. KVV shares some scenes from the practice rounds at Riviera before the rain came in and made much of Thursday's first round a wash. It wasn't a wash for this Gambling Podcast, as Rory McIlroy and Jacob Bridgeman both share the clubhouse lead as of this recording. Brendan spent the morning watching along on PGA Tour Live and has plenty of takeaways from the broadcast, including a scoring average graphic that was completely devoid of content. PJ was assigned to watch the "Betcast" on Thursday and points out that there was plenty of Jon Rahm talk on this PGA Tour product despite Rahmbo riding Dumbo at Disneyland this week instead of teeing it up at Riv. Scottie Scheffler is not yet finished with his first round, but he struggled mightily on his front nine. Brendan and KVV recap what we've seen from Scottie so far, adding another poor Thursday to a stretch of many this year. Even with a great round from Rory and Scottie's tough stretch, the news of the day was made elsewhere. Following reports from Geoff Shackelford and Adam Schupak looking into the matter, the PGA of America announced that President Don Rea Jr. has been "reassigned to member-first priorities" for the rest of his term. Brendan reads the full statement and everyone wonders if this is truly the end from Don. There's also some introspection about how much of a role... podcasts... played in this decision. KVV breaks out the Lucas Glover impression at the very end of his chat with Brendan to celebrate the U.S. Open champ being named PAC Chairman. The last half hour of this episode is a reheat of a Flashback Friday from 2021, when Andy and Brendan remembered Ben Hogan's comeback (not to be compared to Anthony Kim's) and "Mr. Icicle." Visit your local Golf Galaxy and download the Golf Galaxy mobile app to upgrade your game!

    1 h 33 min
  2. -2 DIAS

    Should Riviera move to Summer, Tiger talks, and an Anonymous Pro Golf Survey

    "The Boys" are back in town for this Wednesday episode, joining Brendan to preview the PGA Tour's return to Riviera. Joseph starts out with a take regarding this week's event "honoring" the local community in the Palisades, setting the tone for this episode early. Brendan, Joseph, and PJ unpack Tiger Woods's pre-tournament press conference, in which he discussed his chances of returning to competitive golf in 2026, a potential Ryder Cup captaincy, and the PGA Tour schedule changes. It seems like Tiger may tee it up on the Champions Tour after all, with PJ already wanting to make travel arrangements for a few select stops later this year. Woods also gave some insight into the hard work he's been putting in on the 2027 PGA Tour schedule, alluding to the California swing being later in the summer, maybe as part of the playoffs. Joseph loves the idea of Tiger's mark on the game being a playoff schedule that he created, and Brendan thinks that the Genesis Invitational should be a "jumbo event" moving forward. PJ runs through his five favorite tee times for the first two rounds and also sets the scene for this week's Aon Swing 5 vs. Sponsor Exemption tracker, now a five-on-five fight for this week only! Joseph passes along Andy's 5 Guys to Monitor before highlighting a favorite tee time of his own. He also initially declines to make a One-and-Done pick before Brendan bullies him into it on air. Brendan has some sourced reporting from the Magical Kenya Open, sharing details about the caddie fees and "driving range" at this week's DP World Tour event. In news, Justin Thomas will return to pro golf next week in the SoFi Dome... no word yet on if he's playing outdoor golf as well. To round out the show, Joseph and Brendan preview the first-ever Fried Egg Golf Anonymous Survey, tiering the best players in the men's game.

    1 h 18 min
  3. -4 DIAS

    LIV’s incredible Anthony Kim comeback story, Morikawa’s return in an A+ week at Pebble

    Back at home after a week in Chicago, Brendan is joined by "The Boys" for this beefy Monday show. This episode was recorded late on Sunday night after BP was issued a technical foul during a youth basketball game and needed time to "decompress" before using a microphone. Joseph immediately wants to learn why Brendan was T'd up and finds that his actions were completely justified after a complete rules breakdown. While the technical foul may be a big story for this podcast, the biggest story in sports this weekend belongs to LIV Golf following Anthony Kim's win in Adelaide. AK erased a five-shot Sunday deficit playing in a group with major champions Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, defeating Rahm by three shots for his first win in 16 years. Brendan, Joseph, and PJ recap the final round, covering Kim's outstanding iron play, the return of the swagger that made him captivating to begin with, and the many inspiring quotes from after the tournament wrapped up. They also question some of the broadcast's hyperbolic statements about the magnitude of the moment. There is also plenty of discussion about brutal Sundays from Rahm and Bryson, adding yet another week without a win for both of them on the LIV Golf tour. Not to be completely outdone, the PGA Tour had an "A+ week" at Pebble Beach according to Brendan. Collin Morikawa came from behind to secure his first win since the 2023 Zozo, making a four on the 18th hole for the win. Joseph and Brendan break down performances from Morikawa, Akshay Bhatia, and even Scottie Scheffler, who found himself in the mix again after a slow start on Thursday. Joseph also calls out Sam Burns for his club choice on the final hole, something that only a Deputy would do. In news, Gary Player remains upset with Augusta National (and Brendan may have an idea of why), sponsor exemptions go to - who else? - Jordan Spieth and Tony Finau, and Brendan and PJ go in on the Providence Friars following a dirty Saturday game against the Johnnies. Visit Cobalt and use code "FRIEDEGGPOD15" for 15% off.

    1 h 38 min
  4. 10/02

    Is Pebble obsolete for the pros, Spieth Island’s dire times, LIV’s OWGR boost in Adelaide

    Andy and Brendan are together in Chicago for this Wednesday episode, bringing a jolt of in-person energy for the first Signature Event of 2026. To start, the two tie up some loose ends from Phoenix, discussing Hideki's "chair-gate" in the playoff and some distressing tweets from Spieth Legion. There's plenty of discussion about the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with one-and-done picks, Andy's "5 Guys to Monitor," and a new game that we'll be following for every Signature Event. They also debate whether Pebble Beach is now obsolete for PGA Tour pros following the debut of a new tee on the sixth hole for this week's tournament. LIV is back for a second straight week, jumping from Riyadh to Adelaide for the league's biggest non-U.S. event. Aussie Elvis Smylie is riding high following his win and was rewarded with a big OWGR boost for his troubles! Speaking of world ranking points, Andy and Brendan also react to Chris Gotterup reaching No. 5 in the world following his win at the WM Phoenix Open. They briefly recap Monday's TGL match, featuring three players that aren't on the rosters of the teams that played, and PJ suggests there's a new conspiracy afoot in the SoFi Dome. Everyone is ready to roll for a full week in Chicago ahead of Thursday night's event at SPACE. Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

    1 h 3 min
  5. 9/02

    So we’re saying The Players is better than all 4 majors?, Phoenix Open goes into another Super Bowl, Pat Reed domination

    Andy and Brendan planned to go LIVE on YouTube as part of "Golf's Favorite Pregame Show," but Hideki Matusyama had other plans. After a few too many wayward drives, Matsuyama could not make this a Victory Monday for Boston and coughed up the WM Phoenix Open to Chris Gotterup midway through the first quarter of the Super Bowl. Andy and Brendan recap a jam-packed week in the desert, hitting on Scottie Scheffler's t3 finish, Hideki's driver woes, and Chris Gotterup's continued ascension into the game's top tier. Patrick Reed could be the only player hotter than Gotterup right now, remaining undefeated in regulation in his last three starts with a win in Qatar. He is all but guaranteed a PGA Tour card through the DP World Tour now, but Brendan doubts his "lifelong goal to win the Order of Merit" is a real thing. Elvis Smylie immediately paid dividends for Rippers GC, staring down Jon Rahm in Riyadh for a win in his LIV debut. The two then run through results from the rest of the world and a bit of news before unpacking Brandel Chamblee's latest masterpiece of a take. Brandel made waves by suggesting that The Players Championship is ABOVE the four majors in stature and should absolutely be qualified as a major championship moving forward. Andy and Brendan are aghast at this statement and share some unsubstantiated rumors suggesting that the current PGA Tour membership does not share Brandel's personal opinion. Andy then previews Thursday night's live show in Chicago by reading some internet information about the event. Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details. Use code "FriedEgg" for 15% off at ⁠mobjak.com

    57 min
  6. 6/02

    A new boss at the PGA, Phoenix struggle busses, and Reed’s Middle East run

    The police siren is in use for this Friday episode following a Thursday 73 from Scottie Scheffler that left him visibly angry on PGA Tour Live! Andy and Brendan discuss an uncharacteristic over-par round from the World No. 1, as well as Brooks Koepka's tough day at a course he's won at in the past. Not everyone is on the struggle bus: Chris Gotterup has the first round lead with fellow young stars Pierceson Coody, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, and both Højgaards on his heels. In other PGA Tour news, they are once again starting up the "fifth major" debate around The Players Championship with a new promo that says "March Is Going To Be Major." Andy is ready for this weekend's Super Bowl after a week of hype in the Bay Area, but there's a brief preview of some events preceding next week's live show in Chicago. Somehow, this conversation ends with PJ challenging professional athletes to play him for an SGS season of "Pros vs. Joes." Patrick Reed could use someone to challenge him on the DP World Tour as he's once again right in the mix in Qatar. Brendan and Andy suggest any number of Euro stalwarts that could potentially become the "P Stopper" but it remains to be seen if anyone will step up. While Brooks is struggling in Phoenix, Smash GC is winning the team contest at LIV Riyadh, with some wondering if Talor "Sam Presti" Gooch has turned things around for good. The back half of this episode is dedicated to the PGA of America hiring Terry Clark as its new CEO, with Andy and Brendan both highlighting areas of need for the governing body now that it is under new leadership. Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

    1 h 7 min
  7. 4/02

    LIV gets OWGR points but still mad and is Phoenix Open Spieth’s time?

    A long-awaited piece of news broke just before we hit record on this episode: the Utah Jazz have added to the Great Young Core! Andy is jubilant after the Jazz traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. on Tuesday afternoon and shows up to record in what Brendan calls a "murdered-out Utah Jazz ensemble." After a Sports Minute focusing on the Great Young Core and Andy's upcoming Super Bowl experience in the Bay Area, the two discuss the actual big news of the day, LIV Golf receiving OWGR points for the 2026 season. The top 10 finishers at each LIV event will receive points, with nothing going to those finishing 11th or worse. This has already led to complaints from the league and comparisons to the full field receiving points at a non-Tour event like the Hero World Challenge. Andy believes LIV's complaints don't have a leg to stand on given that the league does not abide by some of the usual OWGR guidelines to begin with. Brendan dove into the 2026 LIV media guide to learn more about this year's teams and found some great nuggets while researching this week's fourth Ace. LIV will start its season in Riyadh, with the Saturday finish ending up on FOX Business. On the PGA Tour, the WM Phoenix Open looks to NOT finish in a playoff that runs into the Super Bowl. Andy's list of "5 Guys to Monitor This Week (For Various Reasons)" features a sponsored legend, a three-time major champion, and one of Brooks Koepka's mules! We also spend PLENTY of time learning about the second mule Brooks will be bringing along with him into the field this week. There's a hilarious list of DPWT notables in Qatar to round out this week's schedule before Andy and Brendan read the latest statement from the LPGA regarding Sunday's disaster in Florida. We'll see you on Friday for more! Join us in Chicagoland for an SGS Live Show on Thursday, February 12! We'll be hanging out at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois for a night of Q&A, Champs Tour Minute, and plenty of Bears chatter. Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-shotgun-start-space-tickets/14054084?pl=space⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.

    1 h 2 min

Sobre

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.

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