Must Play - A Golf Course Review Podcast

FairWagers
  • 5.0 (3)
  • GOLF
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

"Must Play" is a podcast hosted by Shawn & T.J. from FairWagers. They travel to golf courses across the U.S. & give an unbiased review to help golfers decide if these courses should make their shortlist when planning a trip. They aim to discover hidden gems & must-play courses while delivering honest insights that make golf trip planning easier. Tune in to hear their in-depth history discussions, first-hand reviews of their experiences, & their 10-question Must Play Test on the top golf destinations across the country to determine if they are a MUST PLAY. Podcast Artwork by 8-Bit Birdie

  1. JAN 7

    Setting Our 2026 Golf Goals & More PLUS a 2025 Goal Recap

    Every great golf season starts with a clear golf goals, and in this episode of Must Play: Bonus Round, we’re setting the tone for 2026 while looking back at what actually happened in 2025. Shawn and T.J. sit down to recap 2025's golf goals. The wins, the misses, and the ones that we forgot even existed, before laying out their official 2026 golf goals. We kick things off with a 2025 recap, revisiting the goals we set and being honest about what worked, what didn’t, and why some goals came a bit easier than others. From T.J. trying to break 90 and Shawn's quest to break 70 at Dobson Ranch to playing new courses & spending more time with family on the golf course, this is a real look at how goal setting actually plays out over a full golf season. From there, we shift into planning mode and build our 2026 golf goals from the ground up. We talk about how some of our golf goals just carried over from the 2025 golf season as well as sprinkled in some of our personal goals for the year. This episode isn’t about empty resolutions that we don't plan on achieving, it’s about building golf goals that we'll chase all year long. Whether you’re a single-digit handicap, a weekend golfer, or someone just trying to play more intentional golf next year, this episode is meant to help you realize that we're all at different stages in our golf games and hopefully our setbacks and successes can help you think differently about golf goal setting and start 2026 with a plan that makes sense. Grab a notebook, reflect on your own season, and let’s set some golf goals we’ll still care about come summer. 👉 Subscribe for more golf course reviews, golf conversations, and episodes that make the game of golf a little more casual. MUST PLAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DEVEREUX GOLF Head over to ⁠devereuxgolf.com⁠ and use code FAIRWAGERS20 for 20% off your orders...always. OUR SOCIALS Must Play Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mustplaypod⁠ FairWagers Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/fairwagers⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@fairwagers⁠ ARTWORK BY 8-BIT BIRDIE: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/8bitbirdie

    1h 11m

  2. 12/30/2025

    Building the Ultimate Must Play Golf Course - The 2025 Musties

    It’s awards season on Must Play, and we’re closing out 2025 by celebrating the Must Play golf courses that defined our year (and lumping in 2024). In the final episode of 2025, Shawn and T.J . debut the inaugural 2025 Must Play Awards (also known as The Musties) honoring the best golf courses that stood out across our episodes in each respective ranking factor on the Must Play Test. If this is your first time tuning in, every course featured on Must Play is evaluated using our 10-question Must Play rubric, designed to determine whether a course earns Must Play status or falls short into a Should Play. Over the years of providing golf course reviews, we realized something important: not every one of the best golf courses checks every box, but many dominate in specific areas that deserve recognition. That realization led to The Musties. In this episode, we break down each question from our grading rubric and nominate four Must Play golf courses per category, ultimately selecting one winner. Each course that takes home a Mustie holds that title for a full year and earns an automatic nomination to defend it in 2026. From unforgettable hot dogs to signature holes and as well as the best golf course logos, this episode is a full-year roundup of the best golf courses we reviewed and debated in 2025 (and 2024). It’s equal parts reflection, argument, and celebration — the kind of conversation you’d expect after a long round with friends. Whether your favorite course wins a Mustie or gets left out entirely, this episode is a fitting sendoff to a year spent chasing, debating, and defining what truly makes a course Must Play. 👉 Subscribe for more golf course reviews, golf conversations, and episodes that make the game of golf a little more casual. MUST PLAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DEVEREUX GOLF Head over to devereuxgolf.com and use code FAIRWAGERS20 for 20% off your orders...always. OUR SOCIALS Must Play Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustplaypod FairWagers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairwagers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fairwagers ARTWORK BY 8-BIT BIRDIE: https://www.instagram.com/8bitbirdie

    49 min

  3. 12/23/2025

    Papago Golf Club Review - Where Does It Sit Among the Best Phoenix Golf Courses

    In this episode of Must Play, we’re giving you a full Papago Golf Club Review to see where it really belongs among the best Phoenix golf courses. Shawn & T.J. welcomed back recurring guest Mike Dressor to break down the headlines surrounding Papago Golf Club, explore its history in the Phoenix golf scene, and figure out where it truly belongs among the best Phoenix golf courses. If you’re planning a Phoenix golf trip or wondering whether Papago deserves a spot in your regular rotation, this episode gives you an honest, first-hand perspective. We start by talking about what makes Papago unique, from its distinct backdrops to perhaps one of the best post-round hangs at Lou's. We also get into how the course plays for different skill levels, what golfers should expect on their first visit, and how Papago compares to other similarly priced, public options in the area. From there, we dig into the history of Papago Golf Club and why it continues to be a favorite for locals, visitors, and college golfers alike. To wrap it up, we put Papago through our 10-question Must Play grading rubric, evaluating everything from the courses pace of play and value to it's logo/pro shop and food at the turn. Tune in to hear the answer to the question golfers actually care about: Is Papago Golf Club a true Must Play, or just a solid Phoenix public course? 👉 Follow for more golf course reviews, golf conversations, and episodes that make the game of golf a little more casual. MUST PLAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DEVEREUX GOLF Head over to devereuxgolf.com and use code FAIRWAGERS20 for 20% off your orders...always. OUR SOCIALS Must Play Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustplaypod FairWagers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairwagers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fairwagers ARTWORK BY 8-BIT BIRDIE: https://www.instagram.com/8bitbirdie

    1h 23m

  4. 12/11/2025

    10 Must Have Golf Gifts That Every Golfer Wants This Holiday Season

    If you’re shopping for golf gifts this year — or you are the golfer trying to casually drop some hints to your significant other, this episode has you fully covered. Shawn & T.J. each put together their own curated list of five items they’d love to unwrap this Christmas, giving you ten total ideas across gear, apparel, accessories, training tools, and fun upgrades for the golfer in your life. No gimmicks. No junk. Just really useful gifts or upgrades to existing golf gear that they already own. From things that help you play better, to things that make the game more fun, to things that help you travel easier, this episode is packed with easy wins for any holiday budget. And if you're trying to build your own wish list this year, consider this your shortcut to not getting another novelty golf mug or a shirt with a punny golf saying on it (that isn't actually good or funny). Grab a drink, settle in, and get ready to pick out a few more items for your list this year — because gift-giving season just got a whole lot easier. 👉 Subscribe for more golf course reviews, golf conversations, and episodes that make the game of golf a little more casual. MUST PLAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DEVEREUX GOLF Head over to devereuxgolf.com and use code FAIRWAGERS20 for 20% off your orders...always. OUR SOCIALS Must Play Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustplaypod FairWagers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairwagers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fairwagers ARTWORK BY 8-BIT BIRDIE: https://www.instagram.com/8bitbirdie

    57 min

  5. 11/25/2025

    Golf Mobility, Stretches, & Exercises for the Off-Season w/ Dr. Nima Enayati

    In this episode of Bonus Round, we’re diving deep into golf exercise, mobility, and performance with Dr. Nima Enayati from TeeItUpPT in San Diego, CA . Nima joins us to talk about his background, his Titleist Performance Institute certification, and why he believes not just the golf offseason is the perfect time for golfers to get screened to prevent something from going wrong. We break down the essentials of golf stretches, mobility, and strength training, giving you practical ways to protect your body and level up your swing without overcomplicating your training. We start with why mobility and stretching aren’t the same thing, go through some mobility tests golfers can do at home, the most common restrictions he sees, and the three mobility exercises every golfer should be doing—even without seeing your swing. Then we move into stretching: what golfers get wrong, and Nima’s go-to daily stretch plan (plus the most overrated stretch golfers keep wasting time on). From pre-round routines to long-term flexibility work, you’ll walk away with a simple, effective structure you can follow immediately. Finally, we dig into resistance training for golfers: the biggest myths he hears, what movements actually build power, his three must-do exercises for golfers with only 20 minutes a day, and the one move he’d choose above all else.If you want to feel better, swing better, and play better golf—this one’s loaded with all sorts of golf tips and tricks. 👉 Subscribe to FairWagers for more golf course reviews, interviews with fellow popular golfers, and laid-back golf conversations. SPONSORED BY BIRD DARTS (birddarts.com): Don’t miss their Black Friday sale - 10% off single packs and 20% off 4-pack and cartons! MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NIMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teeituppt/ Website: https://teeituppt.com/ OUR SOCIALS Must Play Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustplaypod FairWagers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairwagers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fairwagersgolf MORE PLACES TO WATCH/LISTEN TO MUST PLAY: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FairWagers?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/must-play-a-golf-course-review-podcast/id1768441213 ARTWORK BY 8-BIT BIRDIE: https://www.instagram.com/8bitbirdie

    1h 4m

  6. 11/18/2025

    Mariah Swigart Pitches Her Favorite Golf Course: Bellair Golf Park Preview

    In this episode of Must Play: Level Select, we dive into a full Bellair Golf Park review with none other than Mariah Swigart — better known online as Ms Swag Golf. Mariah joins us to share how golf became a huge part of her life, how she became a teacher, and why Bellair has become one of her go-to golf spots in Arizona. From the vibe of the facility to the energy of the community around it, she breaks down what makes Bellair a fun, accessible, must-play experience for golfers of all levels. We chat about the renovated practice areas, the short-course design, and the overall “come-hang-out-and-have-a-beer” atmosphere that makes Bellair stand out in the Glendale golf scene. If you love hearing passionate golfers talk about their local favorites, especially in the Arizona golf course scene, this is a fun, casual, easy-listen conversation with someone who knows the course inside and out. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy another episode of Level Select. 👉 Subscribe for more episodes of Must Play — featuring golf course reviews, guest interviews, casual golf talk and us always asking the question "but is it a Must Play?" SPONSORED BY DEVEREUX GOLF Check out the latest golf apparel & golf accessories at https://devereuxgolf.com & use code FAIRWAGERS20 to always get 20% off your order! MARIAH'S SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.swag_golf/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ms.swag_golf OUR SOCIALS Must Play Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustplaypod FairWagers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairwagers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fairwagersgolf LISTEN TO MUST PLAY ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PROVIDER: Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FairWagers Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/must-play-a-golf-course-review-podcast/id1768441213 ARTWORK BY 8-BIT BIRDIE: https://www.instagram.com/8bitbirdie

    1h 6m

  7. 11/04/2025

    Our Definitive Phoenician Golf Club Review with Photographer Brian Oar

    In this episode of Must Play, we deliver our Phoenician Golf Club Review, one of the most talked-about resort courses in Arizona. We’re joined by golf photographer Brian Oar, who shares how he got his start behind the lens, his experiences shooting world-class courses, and what makes The Phoenician such a unique stop in the desert. We dive into everything that defines a great golf experience from the course conditions and layout to the surrounding history of the iconic Scottsdale resort. Together, we break down the our highlights of the Phoenician Golf Club, debate where it ranks among the best golf courses in Phoenix, and ultimately put it through the our 10-question grading rubric, the Must Play Test. If you’re planning a golf trip to Arizona or just love hearing about world-class golf courses, this episode gives you a look inside one of the state’s most unique tracks, solely based upon its location. Grab a drink and join us for another casual, beverage-worthy golf chat. 👉 Subscribe for more episodes of Must Play — featuring golf course reviews, travel guides, and honest, casual golf talk. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BRIAN OARHis Website: https://www.brianoar.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianoar/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdUZDJ3eX8er2kqk5XT9Vg OUR SOCIALSMust Play Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustplaypodFairWagers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairwagersTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fairwagers LISTEN TO MUST PLAY ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PROVIDER:YouTube: FairWagers Golf & Must Play PodcastApple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/must-play-a-golf-course-review-podcast/id1768441213 ARTWORK BY 8-BIT BIRDIE: https://www.instagram.com/8bitbirdie SPONSORED BY DEVEREUX GOLFCheck out the latest collections at https://devereuxgolf.com - use code FAIRWAGERS20 to always get 20% off your order

    1h 39m

  8. 10/14/2025

    We Planned Your San Diego Golf Trip w/ Noly of Happy Hour Golf Club

    Trying to plan the ultimate San Diego golf trip? We’ve got you covered. In this episode of Must Play: Bonus Round, we sat down with Noly from Happy Hour Golf Club to design three dream itineraries for anyone looking to tee it up at some of San Diego's best golf Courses. Each itinerary is a little different — whether you’re chasing bucket-list rounds, hidden gems, or the best value plays in the San Diego you can pick and choose your options from all. Weve got current and former San Diego locals breaking down everything you need to know to make the most of your golf getaway. From the best San Diego golf courses to where to grab a post-round beer, we cover it all — plus insider tips on where to stay, what to eat, and how to plan your days so you’re not spending all your time in traffic on the 5 instead of on the golf course. If you’ve ever dreamed of golfing Torrey Pines, sneaking in a coastal round at Goat Hill Park, or finding that perfect coffee spot in North County, this episode’s for you. Whether it’s your first golf trip to San Diego or your tenth, we’ll help you plan one worth bragging about. 👉 Subscribe for more episodes of Must Play — featuring golf course reviews, occasional golf travel guides, and casual golf talk. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HAPPY HOUR GOLF CLUB Website: https://happyhourgolfclub.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyhourgolfclub/ OUR SOCIALS Must Play Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustplaypod FairWagers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairwagers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fairwagersgolf WATCH OR LISTEN TO MUST PLAY ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PROVIDER: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FairWagers?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/must-play-a-golf-course-review-podcast/id1768441213 ARTWORK BY 8-BIT BIRDIE: https://www.instagram.com/8bitbirdie THIS EPISODE OF MUST PLAY: BONUS ROUND WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CLINCH GOLF: https://clinchgolf.com/ (use code: fairwagers for 10% off)

    1h 46m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

"Must Play" is a podcast hosted by Shawn & T.J. from FairWagers. They travel to golf courses across the U.S. & give an unbiased review to help golfers decide if these courses should make their shortlist when planning a trip. They aim to discover hidden gems & must-play courses while delivering honest insights that make golf trip planning easier. Tune in to hear their in-depth history discussions, first-hand reviews of their experiences, & their 10-question Must Play Test on the top golf destinations across the country to determine if they are a MUST PLAY. Podcast Artwork by 8-Bit Birdie

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