Golf And Politics

Reach Right Network
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Golf
  • Updated Biweekly

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. The BEST (and Most Overrated) Golf Courses We Played in 2026

    7h ago

    The BEST (and Most Overrated) Golf Courses We Played in 2026

    Halfway through 2026, we're back with one of our favorite episodes of the year. Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth break down the five best new golf courses they've played so far this year—from legendary championship venues to hidden gems and some of the most exclusive clubs in the country. But we don't stop there. We also reveal the most overrated golf courses we've played in 2026, discuss what separates great golf architecture from great conditioning, and explain why some of golf's biggest names don't always get it right. Then we shift to politics, sharing the biggest political events that have personally impacted each of us this year—from Capitol Hill to Oklahoma's governor's race—and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how campaigns, endorsements, and lobbying really work. In this episode: ⛳ Our Top 5 New Golf Courses of 2026 🏌️ The most overrated courses we've played 🏛️ Behind-the-scenes political stories you won't hear elsewhere 🎯 Golf architecture, strategy, and course design 👀 Honest opinions, hot takes, and plenty of debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr
  2. The Vision Behind High Pointe Golf Club | Featuring Rod Trump

    Jun 26

    The Vision Behind High Pointe Golf Club | Featuring Rod Trump

    What does it take to build one of the most talked-about new golf clubs in America? In this episode of Golf & Politics, we sit down with Rod Trump, founder and chairman of High Pointe Golf Club, to discuss the remarkable journey from caddie to successful entrepreneur—and ultimately to restoring and reimagining Tom Doak's first golf course. Rod shares how golf shaped his career, the lessons he learned building and selling businesses, and why creating a truly great golf club is about much more than designing a great golf course. We dive into the vision behind High Pointe, working alongside legendary golf architect Tom Doak, the importance of culture and membership, and what separates the world's greatest clubs from the rest. ⸻ In this episode: Rod Trump's journey from caddie to entrepreneur Why golf became the foundation of his business success Restoring Tom Doak's first golf course The vision behind High Pointe Golf Club Golf course architecture and the new Golden Age of design Building club culture that lasts for generations If you enjoy conversations about golf architecture, legendary golf clubs, course design, entrepreneurship, and the people shaping the future of the game, follow us on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 11m
  3. Can Golf Stay Affordable? The Story Behind National Links Trust

    Apr 30

    Can Golf Stay Affordable? The Story Behind National Links Trust

    In this episode of Golf & Politics, we dive deep into one of the most important—and overlooked—stories in the game today. We sit down with Will Smith, co-founder of the National Links Trust, to explore the intersection of golf, history, and power in Washington, DC. From restoring historic municipal courses to preserving access for everyday golfers, this conversation goes far beyond fairways and greens. We cover: The mission to keep golf affordable and accessible The untold civil rights history of DC’s municipal courses How golf became a rare space where politics doesn’t matter The rise of the Outpost Club and modern golf culture The growing tension between public golf and elite development What happens when politics enters the game This episode isn’t just about golf—it’s about community, opportunity, and who the game is really for. If you care about the future of golf, you need to hear this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 10m
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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