Shane has his longtime buddy Ashdon Woods on the pod to unpack into their recent trip to Streamsong Golf Resort in Florida. They cover the highlights from the three courses and the Chain, a new short course on the property, before reviewing the surrounding amenities, like the stellar hotel and food scene. All great tips for those looking to plan a trip to the Florida resort in the future. They end the pod with some fun stories from their days on the mini tours, Ashdon's hole-in-one this year on his dad's 70th birthday and playing the Monday money game in Arizona during the pandemic with Max Homa. A special thanks to Ashdon for his time (what a podcast debut!) ____ Check out the brand new Ground Under Repair store: https://groundunderrepair.myshopify.com/  The Golfer's Zoo: https://back9press.com/pages/bacon Listen to another very good golf podcast, the PING Proving Grounds Podcast, right here: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A great chat this week with LET Tour player Meghan MacLaren about her life as a professional golfer. Meghan talks about growing up in a golf family, her experiences playing on the Epson Tour in the States, and why writing has been such an amazing outlet for her while chasing her dream.  Meghan has an awesome series that dropped this year with Skratch that is definitely worth your time so give the first episode a watch right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC3ji4YhxpY Also, her website that was mentioned a few times on the pod: https://megmaclaren.com/ The Golfer's Zoo: https://back9press.com/pages/bacon Listen to another very good golf podcast, the PING Proving Grounds Podcast, right here: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's guest is a great one as Patrick Koenig joins the show to talk about his RGV Tour. Patrick and Shane discuss his recent world record-breaking moment on the golf course, how much you still love golf when you've played nearly 500 courses in a year and plenty more!  Patrick is one of the good guys in golf so make sure to give him a follow (@pjkoenig) and check out his website for all the tales from the road! https://www.pjkoenig.com/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been long overdue to have Kate Smith on the podcast so we are happy to report she is in fact this week's guest! Kate talks about her great season Epson Tour, what flipped from her rookie year to this level of consistent play, and what she will do to prep for Q-School later this year. Then, Kate and Shane talk about how they got into business together and started Ground Under Repair. Kate talks about the balance between owning a business and playing high-level professional golf and how fun it is to get to do both.  They get into Kate's golf upbringing and growing up in a golf family and what it was like leading the Augusta National Women's Amateur after the opening round in 2021.  Kate is the best and we were so pumped to have her on. ____ Ground Under Repair Design: https://gurdesigns.com/ The new PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you missed the Korn Ferry Tour Championship earlier this month, you missed one of the most gutting moments in the history of professional golf. Shad Tuten was right around the top-30 number on Sunday needing to finish strong to get his PGA Tour card for 2024. Shad got penalized on the 15th hole and that two-shot penalty cost him his PGA Tour card, eventually finishing 32nd on the points list. After a couple of months to reflect, Shad joined Shane on the pod to talk about that Sunday, the ruling, when he was initially told that something might be afoot and the fallout after. A huge thanks to Shad for taking the time to chat about this brutal situation and here is to a great December at Q-School and a storybook ending to this unfortunate situation. ____ The Golfer's Zoo: https://www.back9press.com/bacon The new PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you live in the northeast you know that we are getting closer and closer to simulator szn. It's basically here for us cold-weathered people and that means the attention turns to indoor golf options so I thought it made sense to chat a little with a man who started a company to make simulator work easier for the consumer. Carl (The Carl behind Carl's Place) chatted about the business, the Covid boom for his business, and what makes a good simulator room. A huge thanks to Carl for the time!  _____ Check out Carl's Place (www.carlofet.com) and use promo code "GetAGrip" at checkout for 10% off any Carl's Place branded products See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Max Homa returns to the podcast after his first Ryder Cup experience to break the whole week down. The two open the podcast talking about the Dodgers run in the playoffs and what a real offseason will look like for Max before diving into the Ryder Cup that wrapped on Sunday. Max talks about playing with Brian Harman, the vibe of the event, and how word spread internally about the whole Cantlay/Rory/LaCava situation. Max and Shane also talked about the state of American alternate shot and what can be done (or if there is anything that can be done?) to try and figure out a way to improve that part of Team USA. Max gives out his best shot of the week before the two decide which PGA Tour player would make the most sense for Taylor Swift if it doesn’t work out with Travis Kelce. A big, big thanks to Max for taking the time! ____ The new PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast The Golfer's Zoo: https://www.back9press.com/bacon The Loop Life Caddies Series with Skratch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=FfeXeASK_k4 Korn Ferry Tour Championship TV Schedule (Golf Channel): Thursday (10/5): 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET Friday (10/6): 12:00 – 4:00 PM ET Saturday (10/7): 12:00 – 4:00 PM ET Sunday (10/8): 1:00 – 4:00 PM ET See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the best events of the entire year in golf is upon us, and who better to have than Golf Digest's Joel Beall on the show to break it all down? Joel is live from the media center at Marco Simone to give us his initial thoughts on the golf course, who he thinks it favors, why it'll be an awesome match play course and plenty more. The two then dive into which player on each side must have a good week for their team to win, the Rory struggles as of late in Ryder Cups and who is likely to go out with Ludvig Aberg this week on the European side. Plenty more is discussed including media dining, the shuttle situation and where this event ranks in terms of the greatest events in all of golf. A big shoutout to Joel for taking the time to jump on. Make sure you're following him at @joelmbeall and reading all his work this week (and always) at Golf Digest. Loop Life Episode 1 (from Whistling Straits) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfeXeASK_k4 Loop Life Episode 2 (From Blue Mound CC) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GBR4Ei5p5Q See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off his third U.S. Mid-Am title, Stewart Hagestad swings by to chat with Shane about the win at Sleepy Hollow. The two discuss the difference between his first mid-am to the most recent one, what he still has left to accomplish in his amateur career, and how cool it will be for Hagestad to play in a U.S. Open (in 2024 at Pinehurst thanks to his mid-am win) where he played his first ever USGA event (2008 U.S. Amateur). They cover a variety of topics like the recent Walker Cup experience at St. Andrews, the stigma that surrounds successful mid-ams and their jobs, and plenty more. A huge thanks to Stew for his time and a big congrats on an incredible run. Hagestad has been the best mid-am golfer in the world for the last few years and it's impressive to watch.  The new PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast Order a copy of The Golfer's Zoo today! https://back9press.com/pages/bacon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most fun pods of the year is here with Joel Dahmen and Geno Bonnalie, who were gracious enough to have a little fun at their own expense. Geno, who has looped for Joel for nine years, presents his top-five list of the worst shots and/or worst caddie calls of the two's partnership. It's an amazing conversation between two of the nicest guys in golf and a fun offseason reminder that even the best in the world can hit awful, awful golf shots at times (and pro-level caddies can occasionally add when they're supposed to subtract).  An enormous thanks to Joel and Geno for taking a bit of time to have some fun with Shane. Order a copy of The Golfer's Zoo today! https://back9press.com/pages/bacon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fun change to this week's podcast, as Shane traveled to Scotland last month to check out a true links course that is getting a makeover. The Links Golf Club recently purchased Spey Bay and hired the DeVries Designs team to do a full renovation of the property. Mike DeVries, Michael Clayton, and Frank Pont join Shane from Spey Bay to chat about the job, the architectural excitement of getting a chance to work on a true piece of links land in Scotland, and plenty more. Plus, Jim Daily and Adam Besvinick from Links Golf Club talk about how you, ya know, buy a freakin' golf course in Scotland. You'll enjoy the Q&A plus the audience participation. A big, big thanks to the Links Golf Club for the opportunity to be a part of this, and a huge thanks to Fyfe Golf for helping capture the audio from the Q&A. They did the hard work so that could be turned into a podcast! Links Golf Club: https://www.links.golf Spey Bay: https://www.links.golf/speybay Shane's Children's Book, The Golfer Zoo: https://back9press.com/pages/bacon The PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pod is flipped today with Claire Rogers of Golf.com fame taking hosting duties to ask Shane questions about his U.S. Amateur experience. Shane chats about the week, how tough Cherry Hills played and the difficulty of competing at a championships level. The two then dive into the comeback season for Bryson DeChambeau, what's left the rest of the year for both in terms of golf travel and plenty more! A big thanks to Claire for her time - make sure you're following her on all social platforms at @kclairerogers and you're reading all her content at Golf.com.  The new PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast Bacon's Breakfast Blend with Good Walk Coffee Company: https://goodwalkcoffee.com/bacon The Golfer's Zoo: https://www.back9press.com/bacon Ground Under Repair: https://gurdesigns.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before Shane departs for Denver to compete in his first-ever U.S. Amateur he catches up with the 2016 champion, Curtis Luck. Curtis and Shane talk about the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour season and what has worked as of late for Curtis before reminiscing about his win at Oakland Hills. Curtis talks about a fairway bunker shot he hit in the stroke play that got him really going that week, how the two previous U.S. Ams he played in helped in terms of a conservative approach to stroke play, and then gives Shane some advice on how to approach the first two days and then some fun tricks to toss in if he makes it to match play. Curtis is one of the truly good dudes in professional golf so a big thanks for him taking some time during a tournament week to jump on the pod and dish some amateur golf advice to our host. ___________ The new PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast Bacon's Breakfast Blend with Good Walk Coffee Company: https://goodwalkcoffee.com/bacon The Golfer's Zoo: https://www.back9press.com/bacon Ground Under Repair: https://gurdesigns.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Get a Grip, Shane chats with Golf Digest's Joel Beall about the Justin Thomas debate surrounding the upcoming Ryder Cup. Should JT's incredible Ryder Cup record (and ability to get under the skin of the Europeans) be enough to earn him a spot even with the very spot season he's having?  Joel and Shane discuss JT on the team, then move to what this American team might actually look like considering how many guys from Whistling Straits won't be a part of the 12. A reminder to follow everything Joel writes/tweets/thinks at @joelmbeall and a big thanks to Mr. Beall for jumping on!  Ground Under Repair Design: https://gurdesigns.com/ Subscribe to the PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast The Golfer’s Zoo (Shane's Children's Golf Book): https://www.back9press.com/bacon   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the coolest events in all of golf wrapped last week in Pinehurst, and we have one of the most impactful players in the field here to recap the championship. Alex Fourie joins Shane to chat about the second U.S. Adaptive Open, what the week means to that community, and how cool it is to see this tournament alongside historical events like the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open. Alex then gets into how he got into the game, what it means to be a role model to so many people out there and plenty more! Follow Alex's journey at Single Hand Golf right here - https://singlehandgolf.com/ Make sure to subscribe to the PING Proving Grounds Podcast here - https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The old guy gets through! A day after qualifying for his first U.S. Amateur, Shane chats about the day, the experience, and how hyped he is to get out to Colorado.  Shane discusses what has clicked lately with his golf game, his mental game, and his approach to competitive golf and then gets into the day at Bonnie Briar. He also gives a huge shoutout to Kevin, his caddie for the day, for leaning into the aggressive play that led to some late birdies and helped him snag one of two spots into the biggest championship in amateur golf.  Bucket list stuff! Now let's go make match play, eh?  _______ Don't forget to check out The PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's always a good time to catch up with No Laying Up's D.J. Piehowski, who is fresh off another launch of the highly anticipated and acclaimed "Strapped" series. Shane and D.J. talk about "Strapped," how the idea came to life, what it's like producing such a popular series, and how close they were to ending the series after the South Carolina finale. After that discussion, D.J. and Shane talk about the U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach, how excited they've been for this major championship, and why this week feels bigger than other U.S. Opens. That leads the fellas to rank the five most important shots ever hit at Pebble Beach, where the two talk Jack in '72, Watson in '82, and D.A. Points in '11.  A big thanks to D.J. for his time. _____ "Strapped" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5vefWGHKLbNNXOaMYYERsSLulrhN6yGn U.S. Women's Open merch designed by Ground Under Repair: https://imperialsports.com/product-category/usga-events/78th-u-s-womens-open-at-pebble-beach/ The PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off his best finish on the PGA Tour, Zac Blair stops by the pod to chat about his awesome week at the Travelers. The two get into the pressures of playing for your livelihood coming down the stretch at a big event, how Zac keeps pressing the gas during low rounds, and the satisfaction of all but wrapping up his PGA Tour card for next season. After that, the two talk about The Tree Farm, Zac's new golf course in South Carolina, and how he balances an online business, a new golf course, and being a professional golfer.  A big thanks to Zac for his time and a reminder to check out all his merch and great gear from The Buck Club right here - https://thebuck.club/ _____ The PING Proving Grounds Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast Ground Under Repair Design: https://gurdesigns.com/ The Golfer’s Zoo: https://www.back9press.com/bacon   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A final preview for the U.S. Open and this time with one of the men integral in bringing Los Angeles Country Club back to its roots. Gil Hanse joins Shane from LACC to talk about the honor of seeing one of his restorations displayed at the highest of levels, the sneaky 17th hole and then the 3 most strategic shots at LACC. A big thanks to Gil for the time and the incredible insight. ______ Don't forget to check out the latest PING Proving Grounds Podcast episode: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast Ground Under Repair Design: https://gurdesigns.com/ The Golfer’s Zoo: https://www.back9press.com/bacon   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An exciting Monday episode as Max Homa returns to the podcast to preview a golf course he knows oh so well. Max and Shane talk about the two-week break before the third major of the year for Homa and then dive deep into Los Angeles Country Club. Max, who held the course record at LACC for nearly eight years, talks about that record-breaking 61 in the 2013 Pac-12 Championship, what he remembered about the day, and plenty more.  After that the two dive into the golf course and chat about what makes LACC both wonderful and difficult. A huge thanks to Max for taking some time to chat about the course and to help get everyone pumped up for what is expected to be an awesome U.S. Open. Also, a note; this was recorded before the news broke of the PGA Tour/LIV/PIF announcement, so the subject wasn't avoided, it was unknown at the time. _____ The Fried Egg LACC Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcIcBilkJ9k The new PING Proving Grounds Podcast is right here: https://omny.fm/shows/ping-proving-grounds/playlists/podcast Bacon's Breakfast Blend with Good Walk Coffee Company: https://goodwalkcoffee.com/bacon The Golfer's Zoo: https://www.back9press.com/bacon   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.