The Fire Pit podcast has a new spinoff, the Fire Drill, which will bring to life the major championships and breaking news.
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Desert LIV-ing
In this week’s Fire Drill Podcast, Michael Bamberger interviews Alan Shipnuck about his enlightening reporting from LIV Tucson. They also touch on Jordan Spieth’s vexing play in Tampa, larger trends in golf media, and their forever enduring love of a tangible book.
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Debating the Golf Ball Rollback
Geoff Ogilvy, Michael Bamberger, Alan Shipnuck and Matt Ginella all have different perspectives on the USGA’s proposed golf ball rollback so we convened a Fire Drill podcast to hash out all the talking points and help guide fans through a complex issue.
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Scheffler Shines
In this week’s Fire Drill, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger break down Scottie Scheffler’s simple and incredibly effective approach towards golf, Jay Monahan’s Oscar-worthy press conference performance and the extreme lack of good golf movies.
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Kitayama Elevates
In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger praise Kurt Kitayama on his gritty victory, discuss the state of Jordan Spieth’s game and go deep on changes to the Tour’s “product.”
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In The Room Where It Happened
In this Fire Drill podcast, PGA Tour Player Director Peter Malnati explains the new structural changes to the schedule and how, as the appointed voice of the Everyman, he changed his thinking as the Tour embraces small fields and no cuts.
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Tiger Roars and Rahm Delivers
Matt Ginella joined Ryan French, Michael Bamberger, and Alan Shipnuck to discuss the dominance of Rahm, the return of Tiger, and the amazing longevity of Bernhard Langer. They discuss the good, bad and ugly, of the 10th hole at Riviera and with the Masters just weeks away, the four wondered if Tiger had one more majestic run in him.
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Super Sunday
Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger watch the final stretch of the Waste Management Open together and discuss the tournament’s place in modern professional golf. They share their opinions on whether or not Tiger will make the cut at the LA Open next week, and they speculate on what the conversations between LIV and the PGA Tour will be like at the Champions Dinner at Augusta in April.
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Manic Monday
In this week’s Fire Drill: Ryan French, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger are joined by Matt Ginella and golf’s super agent Mac Barnhardt. They discuss the wild Waste Management Monday qualifier, Justin Rose prevailing at Pebble Beach, and what lies ahead for professional golf’s future stars.
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Rough Lies: Homa Conquers and an Arborist is Born in Dubai
In this week’s Fire Drill: Ryan French, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger discuss yet another Patrick Reed controversy, Max Homa’s win at Torrey Pines, the next LIV deflector, the return of Anthony Kim and much more!
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Howard French.
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The Grind Continues - At Every Level
In this Fire Drill, Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger, and Ryan French recap the production of THE GRIND, our docusseries that premiers January 24th. They break down Jon Rahm’s recent dominance, LIV’s new television deal and the potential awkwardness at the dinner table if Dru Love tells his father, DL3, that he’s joining LIV.
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A Day to Reflect
In this Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger, and Ryan French break down Si Woo Kim’s win in at the Sony Open, Hayden Buckley’s near-miss and relive Michelle Wie’s glory days. They also reflect on the importance of diverse voices in golf media and the ways the sport can continue to evolve.
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Collin's Collapse
In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger break down Collin Morikawa’s collapse at the Tournament of Champions, Alan gets some face time with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, and Michael questions why top amateurs are getting Masters invitations without having to formally qualify.
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A Discursive 2023 Season Preview
In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger look ahead to the 2023 season with the usual mix of insight, humor and tales from the road.
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The Shot Heard 'Round Melbourne
In just two years the Sandbelt Invitational has become one of the most charming tournaments in golf. In this Fire Drill podcast, founder Geoff Ogilvy and Alan Shipnuck discuss a rousing week and the future of the Sandbelt. The star of the tournament, Momoka Kobori, joins the conversation to share what she learned playing alongside winner Cameron Davis and what the strong showing at the Invitational means to her fledgling career.
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Geoff Ogilvy Previews the Sandbelt Invitational
The Sandbelt Invitational is part of the Geoff Ogilvy Foundation’s mission to bring together the best golfers across Australia with the goal that the older and more experienced players will pass down their knowledge to young pros and aspiring amateurs. In this special Fire Drill, Ogilvy, Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck preview the Invitational and the four wondrous courses outside of Melbourne that serve as the tournament venues.
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Fathers and Sons
In the latest Fire Drill Podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger are joined by Matt Ginella to discuss the multiple sides of Vijay Singh, the dad version of Tiger Woods, the overblown coverage of Charlie Woods, the future of the OWGR and much more!
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Off the Rails
Alan, Michael and Ryan break down Tiger Woods and his performance in The Match, discuss how the Japan Tour qualifying series might change the pathway for professional golf, and somehow manage to tie together the film Straight Out of Compton with the complexities of breaking news as a journalist. Alan and Michael also share their personal connections to the late Grant Wahl.
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Tiger Looms Large, Even in Absentia
Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger discuss Viktor Hovland’s win at the Hero World Challenge or as Ryan calls it, “a glorified buddies trip.” They explain what Adrian Meronk’s victory at the Australian Open will do for his World Ranking and Olympic status as well as a deep dive into how the media shaped the tail end of Tiger’s career.
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Shark, Tiger and Pavin (Oh My!)
In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Mike Bamberger discuss the Global Player of the Year (hint: he just won in Australia) and the fatuous PIP payouts. There are also lively diversions about Corey Pavin, Greg Norman, Sean O’Hair and much much more.
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Grand Finale(s)
Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger, and Ryan French break down the final week in golf before the holiday season begins. Jon Rahm wins on the DP Tour but Rory takes the Race to Dubai without winning a single DP event. Lydia Ko’s hall of fame career before the age of 26, Adam Svensson’s win at the RSM and his connections with the Big Money Classic and the crew presents their solutions to the current OWGR situation.
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The Plot Thickens with Andy Ogletree
Coming off his career-altering victory in Egypt, Andy Ogletree returns to the Fire Drill to discuss what led to the breakthrough and where he goes from here. He provides valuable context in the Asian Tour’s increasing influence in world golf as well as fun travel stories of an innocent abroad.
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Grit and Intrigue
Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Michael Bamberger drill down on a huge week, including winners like Finau, Fleetwood, Korda, Harrington & Ishikawa. They discuss the larger meaning of Andy Olgetree’s win on the Asian Tour, the Alex Fitzpatrick Q School drama and the Phil and Pat Perez scandal.
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The Ephemeral Nature of Winning
In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, and Mike Bamberger discuss Russell Henley’s (5th!) win, Q School storylines, Asian Tour results and Patrick Reed’s continued legal offensives.
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The LIV Grades Are In
Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger and Ryan French hand out grades on the first LIV season. (They are better than you think). Plus the rise of Seamus Power, some great stories from the PGA Tour event in Bermuda and the guys rank their favorite courses at Bandon Dunes, where all three spent the previous week.
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Rory Roars
Ryan French, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger discuss the larger meaning of Rory McIlroy’s latest win, Lydia Ko’s renaissance and Alan’s controversial ace, with the usual diversions.
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Down the Middle
Alan Shipnuck is joined by James Hahn, a golf unicorn: a Tour member who makes supportive statements about LIV Golf. Hahn talks Tour politics, Monahan’s future, his “price” to go LIV and much more in this candid conversation.
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On The Record
Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French (@MondayQinfo) and Michael Bamberger discuss Phil Mickelson’s curious press conference comments, Brooks Koepka and Keegan Bradley winning again, Rickie Fowler’s resurgence and the delicate dance between reporters and subjects.
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Tom Kim Versus the Universe
Alan Shipnuck is joined by Ryan French and Michael Bamberger to discuss Kim’s emergence as a budding superstar, as well as Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra’s win at LIV and what that means for the competition for young talent. Ryan brings to life his scoop on how the MENA Tour stiffed its players and what that means for LIV. They also riff on everyone from Frank Lickliter to Peter Thomson is a delightfully discursive conversation.
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Thoughts from the International Team Room
International assistant team captain Geoff Ogilvy joins Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger to break down the results of the Presidents Cup, rising International stars, and the future of American team golf.
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State of the Union (Jack)
Ryan French, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger discuss another big stretch for the game: the compromised POY voting, bang-bang finish at Wentworth, Talor Gooch’s rise and Monday madness as the Tour season begins in Napa.
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Center of the Storm
Andy Ogletree has been on a professional odyssey since winning the 2019 U.S. Amateur, including a dalliance with LIV. He speaks out here on his PGA Tour suspension (due to end in Dec.), recent adventures on the Asian tour and his new “optimism” for the future.
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Unintended Consequences
Alan Shipnuck, Ryan French, Mac Barnhardt & Michael Bamberger deconstruct a momentous day for the PGA Tour. Where is the money coming from? What happens to lesser players & tournaments? Will this thwart LIV? Answers here.
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Blood on the Floor
In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger welcome legal expert Jeffrey Toobin to discuss the Patrick Reed defamation lawsuit (“It’s a joke”), LIV’s anti-trust case (“The PGA Tour will prevail”) and other contentious (and litigious) matters.
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Blood on the Floor
The golf melodrama took more wild turns as Tiger Woods jetted into Delaware to hold court while Patrick Reed sued Brandel Chamblee & Golf Ch., alleging they are anti-LIV conspirators. Geoff Ogilvy, Michael Bamberger & Alan Shipnuck try to make sense of it all.
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Opening Salvo
Today, the PGA Tour won the first of many legal battles versus LIV Golf. Alan Shipnuck was in the courtroom for all of the drama. In this Fire Drill podcast, he discusses the developments with Matt Ginella and Peter Ginsberg, a preeminent sports lawyer who has often dealt with the Tour.
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The Voice of the Establishment
U.S. Presidents Cup captain Davis Love III goes deep on his support for the PGA Tour, his contentious history with Greg Norman, his melancholy over Mickelson’s heel turn and much more. Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck ask the questions you want answered.
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Open and Shut
At the end of a thrilling final day at the Open, Alan Shipnuck & Michael Bamberger reflect on Cam Smith’s stunning comeback and the anguish of watching Rory fritter away the lead. A couple of surprise guests enliven the final podcast of an action-packed week.
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Destiny Awaits
With the final round finally upon us, Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger and Matt Ginella set the scene for what should an epic conclusion to the 150th Open Championship.
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Godspeed, Tiger
With the 18th hole as a backdrop for this Fire Drill pod, Michael Bamberger, Alan Shipnuck and Matt Ginella relive the conflicting emotions of watching Tiger’s farewell to the Old Course. They also go deep on a stacked leaderboard and the tourney’s good vibes.
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Dawn to Dusk
In this Fire Drill podcast from St. Andrews, Michael Bamberger, Alan Shipnuck and Matt Ginella dissect a fascinating first round of the Open, in which Rory starred, Tiger struggled and a firm, fiery Old Course demanded precision.
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On The Eve of The Open
On the eve of the 150th Open Championship, Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger and Matt Ginella banter about how and why we got here, and how and why it all matters. Especially to competitors like Tiger Woods.
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To The Linksland
In this Open pre, Ogilvy-Bamberger-Ginella-Shipnuck go deep on the charm/challenge of the Old Course, with lively stories about their own adventures there (notably Geoff’s t5 in ’05). The pod gets emotional when they discuss what St. Andrews means to their lives.
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The Inner Sanctum
In the latest Fire Drill, Matt Ginella checks in from Ireland, having just competed in golf’s most exclusive event, the JP McManus Pro-Am. With Michael Bamberger & Alan Shipnuck, they bring to life the scene at Adare Manor and tense reunion of LIV and Tour players.
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Open and Shut
In the last Fire Drill podcast of a busy week, Geoff Ogilvy, Michael Bamberger & Alan Shipnuck go deep on long-hitting Matt Fitzpatrick’s breakthrough win at the U.S. Open. They also discuss Rory, Will Z, the course setup and The Country Club’s place in the pantheon.
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A Wild One at the Open
This Fire Drill podcast goes deep on a thrilling third round: Geoff Ogilvy revels in the windy challenge; Alan Shipnuck hails Rory’s grit; Ryan French celebrates the louder crowd; and Michael Bamberger discusses Jeff Maggert’s sex life.
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Cut Day at the U.S. Open
In this Fire Drill podcast, Ryan French goes deep on the unknowns near the lead, Ogilvy and Bamberger wax poetic about metal spikes and Jon Rahm, and Alan Shipnuck asks, Who is the best player in the world right now?
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Opening Salvos at The Open
In this instant-reaction Fire Drill podcast following the first round of the Open, Ryan French revels in the qualifiers on the leaderboard while Geoff Ogilvy goes deep on the setup. Alan Shipnuck & Michael Bamberger chime in on Rory and the subdued crowd.
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Final U.S. Open Preview
On the eve of the Open, Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger and Ryan French offer a final Fire Drill preview, touching on Tiger’s absence, JT’s emergence, the glory of TCC and the feeling in the air of LIV vs. the Tour. Stay for the bonus scenes after the credits!
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Boston Tee Party with Geoff Ogilvy
In this Fire Drill podcast, Geoff Ogilvy, Michael Bamberger, Alan Shipnuck and Ryan French preview the U.S. Open by discussing the qualifiers, the favorites, the charming course and the unique mystique of the national championship.
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Phil Faces The Music
U.S. Open week began with lingering business: Phil Mickelson facing the free press. In this Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger discuss Mickelson’s performance, his legacy, and where he goes from here.
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The Next USGA President, Fred Perpall
In this Fire Drill podcast, Michael Bamberger is joined by USGA president-elect Fred Perpall, who in 2023 will become the ruling body’s first Black president. They discuss Perpall’s unusual route to golf, how to diversify the game and the changing role of the USGA.
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Final Thoughts on the First LIV Event
Alan Shipnuck calls in from London to recap the inaugural LIV Golf event. Matt Ginella, Michael Bamberger and Ryan French join Alan to discuss the on-course play, and the off-course news of more big names defecting from the Tour to join LIV Golf.
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LIV, Live from London
For this Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck calls in from England to discuss an eventful day at the inaugural LIV event, including his dust-up with Greg Norman and his goons. Matt Ginella, Michael Bamberger and Ryan French are all part of this lively discussion.
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Go Time for Phil and the Saudis
Following Phil Mickelson’s announcement, the FPC team assembles to discuss the state of the game and the strengthening field for the first LIV Golf event in London.
Matt Ginella, Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger, Ryan French and Mac Barnhardt share their thoughts in what feels like a significant moment for the game of golf.
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The Comeback Kid
In the final Fire Drill of a jam-packed week, Geoff Ogilvy joins Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck to relive, and add context to, Justin Thomas’s thrilling win. The setup at Southern Hills and Will Z’s putting stroke are also dissected.
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The Rielly Way
The PGA Championship is our annual opportunity to celebrate club pros. In this Fire Drill podcast, Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck are joined by Rick Rielly, the head pro at Wilshire CC, to celebrate the legacy of Rick’s father Pat, a PGA of America lifer.
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Midway at the PGA
In this Fire Drill podcast, Geoff Ogilvy joins Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck as they discuss how Southern Hills is playing, sing the praises of slower greens and riff on JT, Bernd, Tiger, Rory and other protagonists.
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Rory, Tiger and Trump, oh my!
In this Fire Drill podcast, Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck recap the first round of the PGA Championship, which was dominated by Rory McIlroy’s fine play and Tiger Woods’s struggles. They also discuss Bamberger’s story about his news-making phone call with Donald Trump, who is still stewing that this PGA was taken away from him after the January 6th riots.
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Tiger Tales with John Hawkins
Few reporters have been closer to Tiger Woods than John Hawkins. In the latest Fire Drill podcast, Hawk joins Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck on the eve of the PGA Championship to riff on how Woods has (and hasn’t) evolved through the years.
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Dreamers and Shadows
In this Fire Drill podcast, Ryan French and Laz Versalles join Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck for a non-traditional PGA Championship preview. Ryan gives the backstory on some of the longshot club pros in the field while Laz delves into the legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre through the eyes of Bill Spiller, Jr., whose father, a Tulsa native, shamed the PGA of America into abolishing its Caucasian Only clause. This eclectic foursome also tees up their favorite storylines heading into this PGA Championships.
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Geoff Ogilvy and Michael Bamberger Preview the PGA
In this Fire Drill podcast, Ogilvy, Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck go deep on the charm and challenge of Southern Hills and relive its previous major championships, highlighted by Tiger Woods’s inspired play at the ’07 PGA. Typically discursive, the conversation also touches on Perry Maxwell, Gil Hanse, Scottie Scheffler, Retief Goosen and, from Ogilvy, exactly how different a major feels versus an everyday Tour event.
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Show Me The Money
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Trumped
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Bamberger! "Phil"! The FPC is On Fire
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Masters Recap
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Cut Day at the Masters
Matt Ginella and Alan Shipnuck reflect on an action-packed Friday at Augusta National, featuring a Tiger rally and more Scheffler mastery.
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Masters Memories with Andy Ogletree
When Andy Ogletree won the 2019 U.S. Amateur, his future seemed unlimited. But injuries and the impact of Covid on the pro golf schedule have left him on the outside looking in. Ogletree joins the Fire Drill podcast to relive his Amateur triumph and the tee time at the Masters with Tiger Woods that came with it.
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Thursday Thoughts
In this instant-reaction Fire Drill podcast, Geoff Ogilvy and Alan Shipnuck break down the first round of the Masters, going deep on Tiger, Cam Smith and the scene today at a raucous Augusta National.
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Stories From Augusta
Our Masters week coverage continues as Geoff Ogilvy rejoins the Fire Drill podcast to talk Tiger, conquering pre-tournament jitters and whom he thinks will prevail. Co-hosts Alan Shipnuck and Matt Ginella share tales of jousting with the green jackets and reflect on how much the Masters media landscape has changed.
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Wednesday Wisdom with Laird Shepherd
For a new Fire Drill pod from Augusta, we brought in the OG Geoff Ogilvy to offer advice to Masters rookie Laird Shepherd, reigning British Amateur champ. Alan Shipnuck and Matt Ginella asked the questions and offered insight from their 40+ Masters. This is a fun chat that takes listeners behind the scenes at the tournament and offers a lot of nuanced discussion about the course and mental side of the game. Listen to the full podcast below.
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Tuesday at the Masters with Geoff Ogilvy
For the debut of the Fire Drill, Geoff Ogilvy joins Matt Ginella and Alan Shipnuck to discuss his love affair with Augusta National, break down the course hole-by-hole, recreate his thrilling near-miss at the 2011 Masters and reveal many other little nuggets from inside the ropes. Alan and Matt have covered more than 40 Masters between them and Ogilvy played in eight of them (never missing a cut!), giving this conversation loads of depth and perspective.
