The Shotgun Start

Andy and Brendan! went LIVE on YouTube for a Summer Friday recording that recapped the latest news regarding LIV Golf's new "investment." The two discuss LIV CEO Scott O'Neil's initial announcement of an investor signing a terms sheet on Wednesday morning and the ensuing reports that have suggested that this "investment" might really just be a loan. Andy points out that the headlines would be radically different had the announcement been that LIV found a creditor instead of an investor, a spin on the news that is still confusing people days later. Brendan goes through a timeline of follow-up reporting from Axios, The Financial Times, and more to give a full scope of the current status of this "investment." The two wonder how Jon Rahm's massive contract will figure into these future equity negotiations, especially if he leaves the league after the conclusion of the 2026 season. It does seem like Bryson DeChambeau will be sticking around, but will his presence be enough for the reported investors, BC Partners, to actually foot the bill moving forward? After a lengthy LIV Minute, Brendan quizzes Andy on which states are NOT represented by participants at next week's U.S. Amateur before Kevin Van Valkenburg calls in for Flashback Friday. KVV brings a story from the first-ever Presidents Cup about Loren Roberts and a penalty that would set the golf world ablaze if it occurred next month at Medinah. Also contained in this episode is a debate about how many "real cities" are in the United States, courtesy of Andy and PJ's week in Chicago. Are we a country of just a bunch of nice towns?

We’ve teamed up with Shady Rays to bring you an exclusive offer. Head to shadyrays.com and use code: SHOTGUN for 40% OFF 2+ pairs of polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.
Use promo code SGS30 for 30% off Presidents Cup gear at B. Draddy!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brendan Porath and Joseph LaMagna convene for a Wednesday Scramble to discuss breaking news in the golf world. On Wednesday morning, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil announced that LIV has landed a lead investor, securing future funding of the league. In what capacity will the league operate moving forward? Brendan and Joseph discuss. Also covered, a report that TPC Southwind is not part of the PGA Tour's Championship Series vision, placing doubt on the future involvement of one of the Tour's longest-running sponsors, FedEx.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As LIV prepares for a potential bankruptcy filing, reports are flying that Jon Rahm will be one of the biggest creditors in such a move with a hefty portion of his contract still outstanding. Andy and Brendan bat around the latest round of ominous LIV unwinding news and debate the three-year folly that has been Rahm’s stay on LIV: what it’s meant for his golf career, his image, and his bank account, even if he doesn’t get the full amount. Then they move to the Wyndham Championship, the last regular season event on the PGA Tour and how the playoffs have “ruined” August for the rest of golf. They spotlight some bubble boys in a generally weak field with many top players already locking up playoffs status. Can Jackson Koivun get across the line and into the postseason? News hits on the daily drip of “Championship Series” events announcements by the PGA Tour, with Doral joining the party as the fifth confirmed event. They revisit the potential massive news that Riviera may no longer be an annual PGA Tour stop and what it means for pro golf in LA. They also discuss some reporting on the Challengers Series and the potential price tag for those events, in addition to news that there may be an overall umbrella sponsor for the tour, or series, itself.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first Victory Monday of August belongs to the Ballfrogs! Andy, Noah Kahan, and Niall Horan are all celebrating today after Boston Common star Michael Thorbjornsen won the Rocket Classic for his first PGA Tour win. Brendan and Andy discuss the final event at Detroit Golf Club, which looked great on television following a renovation... just in time for the event to no longer exist! They take a look at the FedEx Cup standings heading into the final week of the regular season and try to put a stop to the "new era of American golf" talking points circulating after back-to-back wins by young stars. The two recap the final major of 2026, the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Shiho Kuwaki took down Esther Henseleit in a playoff. After another major win by a Japanese player, Andy wonders why the LPGA does not spend more time or even move one of the five majors to Japan in order to capitalize on the country's growing dominance within the sport. PJ chimes in with a brief Champions Tour Minute to discuss Zatch's win at Ernie's Place before Andy recaps the weekend at the Western Am, including another stint on the bag for match play. In news, the Arnold Palmer Invitational has announced that it will be a Championship Series event in 2028, making Andy and Brendan wonder why the Tour is rolling out these announcements one by one on each different business day. Which event will be tapped for Championship status next? We'll have to wait and see!

Preorders for Fried Egg Golf Volume 2 are open now through September 4th, to begin shipping October 7th. Go grab yours at proshop.thefriedegg.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A good old-fashioned Summer Friday episode has graced your feeds. Brendan is especially giddy after a 61(!) from Peppy Peter Malnati kicked off the final Rocket Classic. He and Andy discuss the PGA Tour’s new “silent feed” and other early returns from a new-look Detroit Golf Club. There is a bit of golf news to discuss, as the New York Post has reported that LIV will receive an investment of $250m at some point in September to keep the league afloat. Andy compares this number to the reported asks and offers to Bryson DeChambeau earlier this year and wonders if it’ll be enough sustain whatever “LIV 2.0” may be. After “Caddie Minute” on Wednesday’s episode, Andy was called into duty by an Illini star at the Western Am. He takes Brendan through his day on the bag and implores anyone in the area to attend the final days of the event this weekend. Speaking of caddies, Charley Hull proudly pranked her looper into thinking he won $100,000 on a scratch-off. Brendan and PJ can’t believe that she’d proudly discuss this with anyone, much less during a major-week press conference, but Andy claims the world needs more pranks. There are no pranks discussed in a lengthy Golf Advice segment to round out this week of shows, but Andy and Brendan do answer questions about golf travel, bookies, and more!

Celebrate the Summer of Cotton by using code SGS30 at bdraddy.com!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.