The Shotgun Start

The winds and fog came in the morning, but the afternoon wave found themselves with a favorable draw on Thursday of the 2026 U.S. Open. Andy and Brendan record after a "golf nirvana"-type day at Shinnecock Hills, commenting on the setup discourse that is already dominating this installment of the national championship. They empty the notebook and look at both the real leaderboard AND Andy's "Actual Leaderboard" with most of the first round completed. Wyndham Clark is four ahead, perhaps signaling that Lanny Wadkins was on to something with his renovation of TPC Craig Ranch. Andy and Brendan also share their experience with some Thursday evening traffic in Southampton after a post-round coffee run.

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Andy and Brendan are live from Southampton and bursting with enthusiasm for what may be the major championship of the year, the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. They begin with some initial reactions to the golf course setup and conditioning after a couple days on the ground, discussing a potential clarity and change in approach for the USGA at this venue that has produced controversy the last two times around. They review the stars and “guys to monitor” from Scottie to Rory to Bryson and more. They rip through their favorite tee times and nominate a “worst” tee time as is custom for every major preview episode. They bring in KVV and Joseph late for a Flashback on a past rules controversy, some further thoughts about the course setup, and their picks across the board to win.

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On this very special episode (now with enhanced audio!), Andy and Brendan kick off U.S. Open week alongside Maxfli ambassador and three-time PGA Tour winner Ben Griffin. The three sat down at the Maxfli pop-up store in East Hampton, New York, to discuss Ben's preparation for this week's test at Shinnecock Hills, his continued success on the PGA Tour, and much more.

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On this very special episode, Andy and Brendan kick off U.S. Open week alongside Maxfli ambassador and three-time PGA Tour winner Ben Griffin. The three sat down at the Maxfli pop-up store in East Hampton, New York, to discuss Ben's preparation for this week's test at Shinnecock Hills, his continued success on the PGA Tour, and much more.

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It is an all-time Victory Monday at the Shotgun Start, where a member of the podcast can truly celebrate a world championship. PJ Clark sat down for this episode after being awake for 36 straight hours, roaming the celebratory streets of New York like a nomad. PJ details his evening around Manhattan and the emotions of watching his Knicks win the championship. Then Brendan and Joseph turn to the golf in Canada, where Bud Cauley got his first PGA Tour win after turning pro some 16 years and many, many health issues prior. The Cauley round and story are given its due on a Tour that is increasingly difficult to win on in 2026. There’s also some great delight in Tosti getting in the mix with what may be the highlight clip of the year so far. They discuss Brooks Koepka’s injury with some concern and melancholy. On early U.S. Open chatter, the three discuss some juicy early weather reports and how the USGA could get into any trouble again at Shinnecock and if the past will have fans approaching the week with some level of bloodlust. Zach Johnson’s “dreams” being realized with a Champions Tour win are also discussed, as well as a medical exemption dilemma, the Curtis Cup, Juli Inskter bursting through the Cochran zone, and much more.

Visit Dick’s or Golf Galaxy in-store or online to purchase Maxfli Tour Series.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.