Flagstick Podcast

Flagstick

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.

  1. Episode 171: Flagstick Open / PGA Championship & The Magazine Re-Launch

    May 22

    Episode 171: Flagstick Open / PGA Championship & The Magazine Re-Launch

    In this episode, hosts Jeff Bauder and Scott MacLeod catch up on early-season golf plans, including Jeff's recent visit to the grand opening of Archies Golf TopTracer Range. They also follow up on the heavy listener response to their previous golf etiquette segment, debating whether the responsibility for player education falls on local associations, courses, or peers. The Front Nine shifts focus to local competition with a full recap of the 14th Flagstick Open Amateur Championship presented by TaylorMade Canada & Levelwear. The hosts break down the tournament conditions, player responses, and the course's most critical stretches—including the daunting "Rideau Triangle." Ultimately, Brendan Kuffner of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club captured the title with a stellar 66-70 (-8) performance, holding off runner-up Hudson Turcotte by two strokes. On the Back Nine, the conversation heads to Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania for a breakdown of the 2026 PGA Championship. The hosts recap a historic major finish where England’s Aaron Rai shot a brilliant, bogey-free 65 on Sunday—highlighted by a massive 68-foot birdie putt on the 17th—to secure a three-shot victory and his first Wanamaker Trophy. They review the leaderboard push from chasers like Jon Rahm, Alex Smalley, and Justin Thomas, while noting the brutal course conditions that caused pre-tournament favorites like Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland to miss the cut. Finally, the guys wrap up the show with an inside look at Flagstick’s highly anticipated return to physical print, discussing the logistics behind the process and when readers can expect to grab a copy. This episode is presented by GolfPEI, with additional support from Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

    1h 4m
  2. Episode 168: Golf - The Team Game?

    Apr 23

    Episode 168: Golf - The Team Game?

    Golf is famously known as a solitary pursuit—a relentless internal monologue between you, your clubs, and the course. But with the Zurich Classic taking center stage on the PGA TOUR this week, we’re shifting the focus from the individual to the collective. In this episode, we dive deep into why the "team game" is becoming the most compelling way to experience golf, from the high-stakes drama of the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup to the fun of a weekend RBC Scramble or your local club’s amateur events. On This Episode’s Scorecard: The Front 9: Breaking Down the Formats New to the team dynamic? We provide a primer on the "games within the game," explaining the mechanics and psychology behind Scrambles, Best Ball, Foursomes, and Greensomes. The Pressure Profile - Is it actually easier when you have a partner? We discuss the "Don't Let Them Down" factor, the weight of the "Putt for the Half," and the strategic freedom of "Hero Golf." The Social Safety Net - How team golf acts as the ultimate equalizer, lowering the barrier for beginners and turning quiet concentration into high-five moments and collaborative strategy. The Back 9: Culture & Community From the intensity of Intersectionals and PING Challenge Cups to the rise of social media collaborations like "Break 50" challenges, we look at how the team environment is shaping the future of the sport. Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

    1h 2m
  3. Episode 167: One Ball To Rule Them All?

    Apr 16

    Episode 167: One Ball To Rule Them All?

    The 2026 Masters is in the books, and the echoes from Augusta National are about more than just the Green Jacket. This week, we dive into a historic week where Rory McIlroy solidified his legacy with a repeat performance, but the conversation off the green was just as loud as the roars on Sunday. The Front 9: We kick things off with a look at the current state of the game—from the frustrating spring weather keeping local courses closed to our perspective of the 2026 Masters. Rory has done it again, but what does his dominance say about the modern game? The Back 9: We tackle the most polarizing topic in golf: The Ball Rollback. With the USGA and R&A eyeing a unified 2030 implementation, we break down the "Distance Problem" from every angle. The Legends Speak: We dissect "The Titanic" analogy from Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player’s scathing "60-yard tragedy" comments. Are they right about the death of the Par-5? The "One Ball" Theory: Why doesn't golf follow the lead of the NHL or NBA? We discuss the radical idea of a standardized Tour ball versus the "One Game" ethos. The Physics of Speed: We look at biomechanist Sasho MacKenzie’s warning—will rolling back the ball simply trigger an "explosion" in clubhead speeds, leaving anyone who can’t swing 140 mph in the dust? The Amateur Impact: Is the "Short term pain for long term gain" worth it for the weekend warrior who already struggles with distance? Whether it’s the sustainability of historic courses or the "bomb and gouge" era of pro golf, we’re asking the hard questions about the future of the sport. Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

    1h 12m
  4. Episode 166: Welcome To The Masters 2026

    Apr 8

    Episode 166: Welcome To The Masters 2026

    Welcome to a special edition of the show as we gear up for the 90th edition of The Masters. In this episode, we dive deep into the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, exploring why this tournament holds a "mystical" status unlike any other major in golf. From the pimento cheese sandwiches to the strictly enforced "patron" etiquette, we break down the unique culture that defines the first full week of April. The Front 9: Why Augusta is Different We kick things off with a look at the structural and cultural pillars that separate The Masters from the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. The Permanent Home: Why the familiarity of "Amen Corner" makes viewers feel like they’re in their own backyards. The Time Capsule: Discussing the deliberate "affordability" of the concessions and the refreshing lack of corporate signage. The "Masters Roar": The impact of the strict no-phone policy and how it creates a pure, undistracted atmosphere. The Back 9: Nuggets from the 2026 Media Guide After the break, we dig into the massive 492-page 2026 Masters Media Guide to bring you the stats and storylines you need to watch as the tournament unfolds. The Defending Champ: Rory McIlroy returns as the defending champion, looking to join the elite ranks of back-to-back winners after completing his career Grand Slam here last year. The Dominant Force: Scottie Scheffler arrives seeking his third Green Jacket, carrying a staggering record of top-20 finishes in every Augusta appearance. Fresh Blood & Dark Horses: From Cameron Young trying to sweep THE PLAYERS and The Masters, to Jacob Bridgeman making his debut as the current FedExCup points leader. Episode presented by GolfPEI, with show support by Metcalfe Golf and Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License certificate #: 2227748

    1h 15m

About

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.

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