Divots & Skins

Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney
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  • Golf
  • Updated Semiweekly

Divots & Skins is a golf podcast for everyday golfers who love the game, the grind, and the stories that come with chasing better rounds. Hosted by Jake and Brett from Upstate New York, the show covers amateur golf, local courses, tournament play, simulator golf, golf rules, the mental-game, and plenty of laughs along the way. We’re not pros. We’re just two golfers who love competing, talking golf, and trying to get a little better one round at a time.

Episodes

  1. 10h ago

    Ep 9 - Missed Cuts, Mindset, and Playoff Holes at Fox Run

    On this episode, we're catching you up from two different rounds, our Thursday league night at Brookhaven Golf Course in Greenfield, New York, and our trip out to Frear Park in Troy for a Capital District Golf Tour stop. I talk about coming one bad stretch away from finally breaking 80, and Brett explains how a positive mindset carried him to a birdie on 18 and a pocket full of skins money to go with it. We also get into the bigger story from the PGA and LPGA this week, Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda both missing the cut on the same weekend, and why that says more about how hard golf actually is than it does about either of their games. Along the way we talk about Bryson DeChambeau's analytical approach to the game, why your best shots usually come on the range, and why nobody, amateur or pro, gets to skip the mental side of golf. From there we head to Fox Run Golf Course in Johnstown for a great round that included a two hole playoff, and wrap up with a preview of the US Amateur Albany Region event at Turning Stone, where we'll be interviewing winners and losers straight off the course. Courses mentioned in this episode: Brookhaven Golf Course, Greenfield, NY - https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com Frear Park Golf Course, Troy, NY - https://www.troyny.gov/1411/Frear-Park-Golf-Course Fox Run Golf Course, Johnstown, NY - https://www.foxrungolf.club Turning Stone Resort, Kaluhyat, Verona, NY - https://www.turningstone.com/golf/kaluhyat Thanks to our sponsor, Blueprint Leadership Development (https://www.blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com). If you're looking for a business coach, Rob's info is in the show notes. And thanks to The Luxury Box (https://www.theluxury.net) for letting us record in their simulator room, if you're looking for a place to swing when the weather turns, that's the spot. If you enjoy the show, follow us wherever you listen and leave a review, it helps more golfers find us and it means we can get to more tournaments.

    Ep 9 - Missed Cuts, Mindset, and Playoff Holes at Fox Run

  2. Jul 16

    Ep 8 - The US Am Tour: Competitive Golf for Every Handicap

    Think you need to be a scratch golfer to play competitive tournament golf? Don Frame, director of the US Am Tour Albany Region, joins us to explain why that could not be further from the truth. Don breaks down how the US Am Tour creates competitive opportunities for golfers of nearly every skill level through six handicap-based flights. He explains what tournament entry fees include, how live scoring works, how handicaps are monitored and how golfers earn trophies, prize payouts and Order of Merit points throughout the season. We also discuss senior and women’s competition, qualifying for the national championship, traveling to play events outside your home region and turning tournament weekends into destination golf trips. Don shares how winning his first event changed his entire approach to the game and why tournament golf motivated him to practice, improve and explore courses he might never have played otherwise. Later in the episode, we talk about standout municipal courses including Frear Park and Schenectady Municipal, preview upcoming Albany Region stops and share an unusual Rule of the Day involving the one situation where a golfer may legally hit a moving ball. Whether you regularly shoot in the 70s, 80s, 90s or around 100, the US Am Tour may offer the competitive golf experience you have been looking for.

    Ep 8 - The US Am Tour: Competitive Golf for Every Handicap

  3. Jul 9

    Ep 7 - Golf Broke Jake At West Point, Then Travelers Championship Made It Better

    In Episode 7 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett break down a busy golf weekend that included league play at Brookhaven, a US AM Tour stop at West Point Golf Course and a trip to the Travelers Championship. The episode gets honest as Jake talks through the frustration of feeling like his golf game is broken, from first-tee nerves to struggling through tournament rounds and trying to figure out what needs to change. Brett shares his perspective on pushing through golf slumps, focusing on fundamentals and remembering that even the best players in the world go through rough stretches. The guys also recap Brett’s win at West Point, the importance of short game, what it was like seeing PGA Tour players up close at the Travelers, and why watching a pro hit a massive shank made every amateur golfer feel a little better. Plus, the Rule of the Day covers free relief from manmade obstructions, including cart paths, rakes and temporary structures. Honest amateur golf talk, tournament stories, PGA Tour reactions and plenty of reminders that this game can humble anyone. Links: West Point Golf - https://westpoint.armymwr.com/programs/west-point-golf-course Travelers Championship - https://travelerschampionship.com Sponsors: Blueprint Leadership Development - https://www.robshauger.com US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net

    Ep 7 - Golf Broke Jake At West Point, Then Travelers Championship Made It Better

  4. Jul 2

    Ep 6 - Thunderhart, Clutch Putts & Tournament Drama

    In Episode 6 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett cover a busy stretch of amateur golf filled with tough courses, tournament pressure, clutch putts and a few painful mistakes. The episode begins with a surprise scramble at Brookhaven Golf Course, where the tight layout and difficult greens proved that even a four-person team can get into trouble. After shooting far lower at a previous scramble, the group quickly learned just how demanding their home course can be. Next, they recap their latest US Am Tour Albany Region stop at Thunderhart Golf Course in Freehold, New York. They discuss the wooded layout, doglegs, elevation changes, hidden water hazards, drop zones and the importance of knowing what is waiting beyond a blind shot. The day also featured a dramatic comeback, clutch birdies, skins and another trophy added to the collection. Jake then shares his experience filling in at the ALS Open at Van Patten Golf Course, where his long game struggled but his putter came alive. A 50-foot putt, several long birdie makes and key par saves helped the team finish six under while supporting ALS research and patient care. The Rule of the Day explains when a missed swing counts as a stroke, why accidentally knocking a ball off the tee does not count, and when taking an unplayable lie may be smarter than attempting a hero shot. The episode wraps with a preview of the upcoming US Am Tour regional event at West Point Golf Course and a trip to the Travelers Championship. Links: Thunderhart Golf - https://www.thunderhartgolf.com Scottie with his son - https://www.tiktok.com/@pgatour/video/7655405620350209294?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Sponsors: Blueprint Leadership Development - https://www.robshauger.com US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net

    Ep 6 - Thunderhart, Clutch Putts & Tournament Drama

  5. Jun 17

    Ep 5 - Major Headlines, Mountain Views & a Wild Day at US AM Tour Stop Wahconah

    Episode 5 begins with some of the biggest stories happening around golf, including Nelly’s latest major victory, the difference between a Grand Slam and a career Grand Slam, and the young amateurs earning spots in the U.S. Open. Jake and Brett also discuss the growing world of YouTube golf, where personalities, production and massive prize pools are changing how fans experience the game. Then it is time to recap their latest US Am Tour Albany Region event at Wahconah Country Club in Massachusetts. They talk about the mountain views, changing weather, difficult greens, elevation changes and the small creek that winds through several holes. It turned into a memorable day for both golfers, but you will have to listen to hear exactly how it ended. The Rule of the Day explores the different relief options available when a ball is unplayable in a bunker. They also answer a viewer’s scramble question about whether a team can change its selected ball after everyone has already played the next shot. The episode wraps with a conversation about Brookhaven, The Luxury Box, upcoming events and why golfers of every handicap level should consider trying a flighted amateur tour.

    Ep 5 - Major Headlines, Mountain Views & a Wild Day at US AM Tour Stop Wahconah

  6. Jun 5

    Ep 4 - Normanside, Tournament Pressure, Back-To-Back Wins & The Mental Side of Golf

    In Episode 4 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett dig into the highs and lows of amateur tournament golf. Brett shares his recap from the latest US Am Tour stop at Normanside, where swirling winds, thick fescue, rough putting, and late-round pressure made for a grind to the finish. Even without his best stuff, he held on for a one-stroke win and proves one of golf’s biggest truths: sometimes your best round is not required, just your best effort that day. The guys also celebrate Erin’s back-to-back tournament wins at McGregor and Normanside. Her story opens up a great conversation about confidence, staying calm after bad holes, handling tournament nerves, competing in a male-dominated space, and why more women should feel welcome joining amateur golf tours. Plus, Jake and Brett talk about what makes the US Am Tour experience so much fun, from local competition to national travel opportunities. The episode wraps with the Rule of the Day, covering putting alignment, using your putter as an alignment tool, caddie restrictions, and whether you can legally stand behind another golfer to read a putt. If you love amateur golf, real tournament stories, course talk, and trying to figure out how to get better one round at a time, this one is for you. Links: Divots and Skins Podcast: www.divotsandskins.com US AM Tour: www.usamtour.com The Luxury Box: www.theluxurybox.net Normanside Golf Course: https://www.normanside.com McGregor Links Country Club: https://www.mcgregorlinkscc.com

    Ep 4 - Normanside, Tournament Pressure, Back-To-Back Wins & The Mental Side of Golf

  7. May 28

    Ep 3 - McGregor Links Country Club US AM Tour Stop, Clutch Putts & Scramble Stories

    In Episode 3 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett cover two very different golf experiences: competitive tournament golf at McGregor Links Country Club and a fun charity scramble at Hiland Park. The episode starts with a recap of the latest US Am Tour Albany Region stop at McGregor in Saratoga Springs (Wilton), a course that recently went fully private. Jake and Brett talk about the course conditions, the challenge of playing tournament golf, and Erin’s win in the event. They also dig into the Rule of the Day, focusing on provisional balls and why knowing the rule can matter when you’re playing in a more structured event. Later, the conversation shifts to The Conklin Center’s charity golf tournament at Highland Park in Queensbury, where the team finished second, made some clutch putts and helped support a great local organization. It’s a mix of course talk, tournament lessons, golf rules, scramble stories and the kind of conversation everyday golfers can relate to. Links: US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.usamtour.com The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net McGregor Links Country Club - https://www.mcgregorlinkscc.com Hiland Park Country Club - https://www.hilandparkcc.com/golf The Conklling Center - https://www.theconklingcenter.org

    Ep 3 - McGregor Links Country Club US AM Tour Stop, Clutch Putts & Scramble Stories

  8. May 20

    Ep 2 - When Golf Gets Tough: Brookhaven, Bad Breaks And The Rise Of A YouTube Golf Tour

    Episode 2 of Divots & Skins is all about adjusting when the course refuses to let you get comfortable. Jake and Brett talk through their early rounds at Brookhaven in Greenfield, N.Y., a course that has already forced both of them to rethink club selection, course management and the urge to pull driver on every tee box. They also get into birdie tracking, breaking 90, Jake’s chip-in birdie and why golf can feel like one big Rubik’s Cube. The episode also covers a few practical golf rules, including embedded ball relief and whether stakes can be moved when they interfere with your swing. Then the conversation shifts to the growing world of YouTube golf, including Grant Horvat, the Bryan Bros and the launch of the Your Golf Tour. Is it good for the game? Is it entertainment, competition or a potential circus? Jake and Brett have some thoughts. A little course strategy, a little rule talk, a little ranting about pace of play and plenty of amateur golf honesty.

    Ep 2 - When Golf Gets Tough: Brookhaven, Bad Breaks And The Rise Of A YouTube Golf Tour

  9. May 3

    Ep 1 - Our First Tour Stop, First Podcast and First Rule of the Day

    Welcome to the first episode of Divots & Skins, a golf podcast for everyday golfers who love the game, the stories, the competition, and the occasional bad decision. In this episode, Jake and Brett introduce themselves, share how they got into golf, and explain why they decided to start a podcast built around amateur golf, local courses, tournament stories, golf rules, and the conversations golfers have before, during and after a round. They also break down their first Albany-region US Am Tour event at Fairways of Half Moon, including tournament nerves, fast greens, course management, mental-game struggles, flighted competition, and what it feels like to have your name announced on the tee like the pros. The episode also includes a look at indoor simulator golf at Luxury Box, how winter practice helped build confidence, and the first “Rule of the Day” segment, focused on playing from red and yellow penalty areas. Whether you’re a high handicap golfer, weekend player, competitive amateur, or just someone who loves golf talk, this episode sets the tone for what Divots & Skins is all about.

    Ep 1 - Our First Tour Stop, First Podcast and First Rule of the Day
  • 9 Episodes

About

Divots & Skins is a golf podcast for everyday golfers who love the game, the grind, and the stories that come with chasing better rounds. Hosted by Jake and Brett from Upstate New York, the show covers amateur golf, local courses, tournament play, simulator golf, golf rules, the mental-game, and plenty of laughs along the way. We’re not pros. We’re just two golfers who love competing, talking golf, and trying to get a little better one round at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Divots and Skins
  • Show Website
    Divots & Skins