Flagstick Podcast

Flagstick

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Golf
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The Flagstick Podcast is brought to you by one of the longest-standing media outlets in Canadian Golf, Flagstick. Each episode brings you fun and informative content, connecting you to the relevant people, places, and topics of the day. Long-time friends and hosts Jeff Bauder and Scott MacLeod share their thoughts on all manners of golf topic and welcome a myriad of guests.

4d ago

Episode 181: Rankings Are Rank

With more media outlets recently publishing their annual course rankings, this episode dives deep into the fascinating history of golf course ranking lists, the psychology and business objectives behind their existence, and the ongoing debate over what people love and hate about them. The team breaks down the fundamental flaw of the word "best," exploring how a term meant to signify objective statistical excellence is routinely used as an authoritative stamp on deeply subjective human experiences. When a publication claims a course is the best, it rarely implies a scientific consensus; rather, it indicates how perfectly a layout aligns with a small group's personal biases and opinions. While informal evaluations date back as far as a 1908 edition of Golf Illustrated that ranked iconic tracks in Great Britain and Ireland, modern media-driven rankings officially began in 1966. That year, Golf Digest published its inaugural list, originally titled America's 100 Most Testing Courses. The initial intent was strictly to identify the most grueling, difficult tests of golf to challenge a surging post-war population of new players, though over time, the concept of hardest gradually evolved into “best.” We look at the methodology used for some of these rankings, how they only represent a few people yet masquerade as being definitive, how they become misinterpreted and weaponized and what other factors may compromise the opinions of rankers. The episode concludes with a philosophical look at the ultimate value of these lists. While rankings are an unstoppable force that will undoubtedly continue, the hosts advocate for greater transparency regarding what these lists truly represent. They highlight emerging alternative websites where everyday players can build, customize, and compare their own subjective lists, offering a crowd-sourced perspective that may ultimately be far more useful (as opposed to correct) than a rigid hierarchy dictated by an exclusive few. This episode is presented by Srixon Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748
Jul 23

Episode 180: Rules are Rules!

Plenty of topics to tackle this week on the heels of delivering our July issue of Flagstick, being out on the road for a few days, and with the conclusion of The Open Championship. We cover off our observations from being on the road, from stops at tournaments to interactions with the golf community members. That includes some insight on junior golf participation. Ryan Fox wins the Open Championship, and we give our opinions on why we think he is a great champion and what we can learn from him - pace of play, the decision-making process, and how his humble nature needs to be in the game more. The Open discussion leads us into a talk on the Rules of Golf and how they apply to both golf at the highest level and the everyday golfer. Do they matter? Why do they matter, and how are people learning about them? We also delve into Bryson and Scottie rules situations and their ramifications. We also glance at the Internet Invitational and what we can expect in 2026. This episode is presented by COBRA Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748
Jul 15

Episode 179: Royal Birkdale, A Beast?

On this episode, we dive into the invaluable lessons learned from tournament golf and gear up for one of the absolute biggest weeks on the sports calendar: the 154th Open Championship. We tee off the Front Nine with a comprehensive look at a number of tournaments. We break down the historic Ontario Women’s Amateur at eQuinelle, which marked the first time in its 111-year history that the prestigious event has traveled this far east. We celebrate Brooke Henderson’s spectacular playoff finish at the Amundi Evian Championship, which has vaulted her back to thirteenth in the world rankings. Finally, we reflect on our experiences at the Flagstick Shootout, using the tournament to explore the deeper pillars of competitive golf, the socialization, the competition, and the overall experience, while giving listeners a sneak peek at our print upcoming issue. After the turn, in the Back, we shift our focus across the pond to Southport, England, for the return of the Open Championship to the iconic, towering sand dunes of Royal Birkdale for the first time since Jordan Spieth’s wild, chaotic victory in 2017. With over three hundred thousand spectators expected to set attendance records, we discuss how the course is playing incredibly firm and fast. We unpack the massive and controversial architectural renovations completed by Mackenzie & Ebert, and detail how Birkdale defends itself through flat fairways, brutal dunes, and unpredictable winds rather than complex putting greens, highlighting the critical closing tretch. To close out the show, we analyze how the world's best, including a few English golfers, will match up against this legendary links test as they chase the final major of the season. This episode is presented by COBRA Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748
Jul 9

Episode 178: New Course? No Problem

The peak of the golf season has officially arrived for northern players, and this week's episode of the Flagstick Podcast is packed with regional tournament updates and essential strategic advice. Hosts Jeff and Scott catch up on a busy summer schedule, highlighting a massive slate of regional and provincial events including the highly anticipated Flagstick Shootout. Transitioning from the PGA of Ottawa Pro-Pro at Buckingham, the guys dive deep into the ultimate golfer's challenge: how to successfully play and score well on a golf course you have never seen before. The Back Nine discussion focuses heavily on eliminating the mental pressure of "blind" tournament play. Jeff and Scott share personal anecdotes alongside practical advice on traditional and new-age ways to prepare to play a course unknown to you. This episode is presented by COBRA Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748
Jul 2

Episode 177: The Mid-Season Mail Bag - Community Questions Answered

Grab your headphones and pull up a chair; it’s time for a wide-open mailbag episode of the Flagstick Podcast Jeff and Scott kick things off with a rapid-fire breakdown of the latest local golf news. They recap the recent weather issues throwing a wrench into regional course maintenance, share firsthand updates from their own recent rounds, and dive into the electric atmosphere at Trillium Wood for the record-setting 5th anniversary of the Endless Summer Long Drive Championship. Then, the boys swing into the main event: The Flagstick Mailbag. Jeff and Scott tackle a massive stack of listener-submitted questions covering the entire spectrum of the game. Inside the Mailbag: Gear Talk: Hybrids vs long irons; new club heads vs new shafts - just a few of the topics. The Travel Itinerary: Planning the ultimate golf buddy trip without losing your mind, or breaking your body. From the Pro Tours: Are too many majors in a short period of time and does that make them lose their appeal? The Mental & Physical Grind: Practical advice on how to navigate those brutal stretches where your swing completely deserts you. The Frequent Flyer Dilemma: “Is wearing golf shoes on a plane a problem?"(Yes, we actually try to solve this). Whether you're looking for gear advice, trip inspiration, swing therapy, or just a laugh for your drive to the course, this episode has you covered. This episode is presented by COBRA Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748
Jun 26

Episode 176: A New Look PGA Tour & Wyndham vs Everyone?

Two juicy topics dominates this episode - the new look PGA TOUR for 2028 and the battle by Wyndham Clark to win the U.S. Open. We dig into plenty of narratives from the recently completed U.S. Open, including how Wyndham Clark prevailed for his second major win, overcoming Shinnecock Hills but also many among the crowds who were combative towards him. Did he deserve the win and the abuse, or is there something to be learned from the week for all? We also discuss the approved new changes for the PGA TOUR for 2028, including the details shared, how they will work for players, fans, and sponsors, and what the implications may be for events like the RBC Canadian Open. This episode is presented by COBRA Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748
Jun 19

Episode 175: Long Island Legacy: U.S. Open Returns to Shinnecock

In this packed episode, we recap a memorable week at the RBC Canadian Open and look ahead to the year's toughest test in golf: the U.S. Open at historic Shinnecock Hills. First, we dive into the incredible, emotional victory by Bud Cauley at TPC Toronto. After years of grueling recovery from a devastating 2018 car crash, Cauley fired a brilliant final-round 65 to secure his maiden PGA Tour title in his 239th start. We take you through the win and how the story played out. Plus, we highlight the local flavor of the week, discussing the heavy Canadian presence in contention that kept the home crowd roaring all weekend long. Then, we shift our focus to the year's third men's major championship. The U.S. Open is headed back to the wide, wind-swept, and punishing layout of Shinnecock Hills. We preview everything you need to know about the upcoming week, tracking the major player storylines, analyzing the historic course setup, and defining the precise skill sets, from immense driving accuracy to a razor-sharp short game, required to survive the ultimate test in golf. This episode is presented by COBRA Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748
Jun 11

Episode 174: Flagstick Academy Returns, RBC Canadian Open Week

On the show this week, we take you behind the scenes of the 2026 Flagstick Academy Series video shoot at Casselview Golf Club. We detail exactly what goes into creating the series, what you can expect from the upcoming content, and how you can use these insights to elevate your game and have more fun on the course. Next, we break down the latest action from the Flagstick.com PGA of Ottawa Tour, and share our firsthand insights from being on the ground at the 77th Eastern Provinces Championship and the Golf Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship. Finally, on the Back Nine, all eyes are on the 2026 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. We preview the field—highlighting the superstars, the rising contenders, and the hometown Canadians—and explain why every golf fan needs to tune into the action in Caledon. Plus, we debate how the course will play this year compared to 2025’s rain-soaked event, and whether it will serve as the perfect tune-up for next week's U.S. Open. To wrap things up, we pull back the curtain on the massive logistics required to choose a host venue for a tournament of this scale, and why even some of the most beloved courses get ruled out. This episode is presented by COBRA Golf, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

The Flagstick Podcast is brought to you by one of the longest-standing media outlets in Canadian Golf, Flagstick. Each episode brings you fun and informative content, connecting you to the relevant people, places, and topics of the day. Long-time friends and hosts Jeff Bauder and Scott MacLeod share their thoughts on all manners of golf topic and welcome a myriad of guests.

Creator

Flagstick
Years Active

2022 - 2026
Episodes

181
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 flagstick
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