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Talk Birdie To Me
Ep51: Mark's DP World Tour/PIF Theory, Tiger Shanks it, Spieth is DQ'd, and 'Golf Ambush Marketing'
This weeks show kicks off with a prediction from Mark Allen. He and Nick are playing today (Tuesday 20th February) in the Portarlington Pro-Am in Victoria, and he is determined to shoot 65. Nick is hoping to shoot par given he is out of practise following his recent injury.
Nick and Mark discuss 'ambush marketing' where players were getting paid cash to wear hats in tournaments, and they each tell a couple of fun stories about how it worked.
Riviera: Mark watched Tiger closely and was impressed with his swing, his walking, and thinks he is well on the way back following the car crash. That said, both Nick and Mark thought Tigers explanation for his shank, a back spasm, was very funny and not accurate. Which reminds Nick of a similar story from Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry when he refused to admit that he had ever 3-putted a final hole. Mark discusses the new Tiger 'Sun Day Red' range, and is unimpressed that there is a hoodie involved. Still on Riviera, Jordan Spieth was DQ'd. We discuss how the rules work now with regards to signing an incorrect scorecard compared to how it used to be. And Nick talks about why he disliked playing Riviera.
Hotline rings - and it's an ambush. Talk Birdie To Me listener El Chappo is calling in to ask Mark a very curly question.
Mark has a theory, which he has read about and feels has merit, it is to do with the DP World Tour and the PIF. Interesting. Nick and Mark discuss.
And we get a voicemail from the weekend, a message from pod listener Fehan who spotted something in the Hunter Valley tournament, and is after clarification. We call our rules guru Stu from the Golf Rules Questions podcast to get the answers. Ripping pod, you can hear it here.
The Top 5 this week is inspired by Hideki Matsuyama's great win at Riviera over the weekend, and Mark counts down his Top 5 memorable Asian Mens professional moments in golf. It's a ripper.
Nick takes us around the world with the PING global results - one of the most popular parts of the show. And then we get to feedback, and there is lots as usual - including Patrick who we get on the phone who has some thoughts on Tiger, and a couple of book suggestions to add to the reading list.
A great masterclass this week from Nick where he has found something in common with Matsuyama and Daniel Gale's swing. It's to do with the transition from the back swing to the through swing. Video on socials.
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☎️ Voicemail: Chris on Cam Smith at the NSW Open
01:20||Season 2, Ep. 0Big news yesterday with Cam Smith confirming that he'll be playing the NSW Open at Murray Downs Golf Club in November. Huge news. And Chris from Howlong was just as excited and left us a voicemail about it. Chris also quite likes Mark Allens Golf Clearance Outlet videos, you can see some of Marks gear in a vid here.If you want to leave a voicemail - it's easy, head to our website here on your mobile or computer, hit the record button, tell us who you are, where you're from, where you play your golf, and leave your message. Couldn't be easier, you'll be done in 60-seconds.We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here. And watchMynumbers, the powerful data-based golf app in the world - play smarter by using data. Download from the AppStore or GooglePlay.And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and you can see all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.🏌🏿♂️Bonus: Nick & Mark Q&A: Par 3's, Minjee, Slow Play, Rules & 'Snot Blocks'
23:40||Season 2, Ep. 0We love a bonus pod, particularly in weeks when we have lots of feedback or questions from the 'Talk Birdie To Me' Wolfpack, too much to fit into the normal pod, so we smash out a bonus pod! Fun!Today's a ripper with a few voicemails.We have a voicemail from Peter who has an idea about allowing more holes to be played as Par 3 holes, leading to a chat about tees.Voicemail from Steve, and an email from Hugh, both asking about Minjee Lee's form and if it has anything to do with moving to Callaway. Mark talks about how he managed the process of changing clubs to ensure it was not any more difficult than it already was.An email from Paul asking about coaches teaching techniques to golfers that slow down play, and we discuss the importance of reading greens. Nick tells us was the best green reader he ever saw.And a voicemail from Jack in Camperdown, Victoria, asking about rule changes, specifically bunker play at his course. A great pod, that takes a turn for the worse when we discuss Snot Blocks, which Nick has never heard of, and Mark and Dan attempt (badly) to explain what they are.A big thanks to our wonderful Talk Birdie partners:PING, they'll help you play your best, like the have for Nick O'Hern. See your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;The new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store or Google Play;The Golf Clearance Outlet, join GCO Live for great member benefits and comps. They're in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.And Southern Golf Club - Home of the Australian Master of the Amateurs in January 2026, entry is free!Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.☎️ Voicemail: Former Tour Pro Scott Laycock on Ian Baker-Finch
01:21||Season 2, Ep. 0Former Tour Pro Scott Laycock from Royal Hobart left a voicemail for Nick and Mark after hearing the boys chatting about Ian Baker-Finch on this weeks pod.If you want to leave a voicemail - it's easy, head to our website here on your mobile or computer, hit the record button, tell us who you are, where you're from, where you play your golf, and leave your message. Couldn't be easier, you'll be done in 60-seconds.We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here. And watchMynumbers, the powerful data-based golf app in the world - play smarter by using data. Download from the AppStore or GooglePlay.And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and you can see all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.78. Ep78: Lydia Ko Wins Again, Nick's Top 5 "Tool Moments" and Mark: This Part of Women's Golf "is a Disgrace"
01:04:00||Season 2, Ep. 78Nick O'Hern is a PING guy through and through, and has been for years. That's because PING are the best in the business. But he does keep an eye on what other gear is around, and he has a new wedge that he is excited about, and Mark is a little envious of!But into the show. Congrats to Lydia Ko, another win, and her second gold medal in a couple of weeks with the win at St Andrews. Mark loves seeing the women back at the home of golf, and Nick and Mark discuss some of what they watched. A tough tournament for the Aussies, but Lydia is a superstar and it was a great win. Nick and Mark talk about the pressure of playing at St Andrews, and Mark talks about the legendary Ian Baker-Finch's tough day there many years ago.Mark tells a story about being a kid and checking out all the pros gear at Huntingdale when they weren't around. A bit naughty, but very exciting.Mark raises an aspect of women's golf that he calls a 'disgrace' and both he and Nick believe this should be immediately changed. It is a part of women's golf that has been addressed with the men, and should be fixed with the women's game. Australia's very own Karen Lunn is one of those disadvantaged by this.Nick and Mark discuss the Fedex cup, and how they are not a fan of the format for the final. We discuss how it could be improved.We then discuss milkshakes. Not a typo. We discuss milkshakes. Has this podcast jumped the shark? Possibly.Mark made some comments on radio this week about 13th Beach Golf Club in Victoria, which Helen from the club has reached out to us to discuss. We give Helen a call and she talks us through some of the fantastic initiatives that 13th Beach have to grow women's participation and membership.Mark describes todays Top 5 from Nick, thanks to the mighty Southern Golf Club, has his 'best ever'. Nick counts down his Top 5 'tool behaviour' moments in golf. Could have been a Top 20 easily.Nick takes us around the world with the PING global results, plenty going on to discuss. And Mark raises his concerns to Nick about the cancellation of the first stage of the DP World Tour qualifying school in Australia. Nick has been discussing it with the powers that be, and it may not all be bad news, but some further research needed....watch this space.We wrap the pod with a Masterclass 'how not to be Keegan Bradley' from Mark.A big thanks to our wonderful Talk Birdie partners:PING, they'll help you play your best, like the have for Nick O'Hern. See your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;The new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store or Google Play;The Golf Clearance Outlet, join GCO Live for great member benefits and comps. They're in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.And Southern Golf Club - Home of the Australian Master of the Amateurs in January 2026, entry is free!Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.☎️ Voicemail: Fehan from Melbourne
00:50||Season 2, Ep. 0Fehan from Melbourne heard Nick and Mark discussing Minjee Lee and her recent form this week on the pod, and had a couple of insights that he wanted to share, so left a voicemail for us.If you want to leave a voicemail - it's easy, head to our website here on your mobile or computer, hit the record button, tell us who you are, where you're from, where you play your golf, and leave your message. Couldn't be easier, you'll be done in 60-seconds.We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here. And watchMynumbers, the powerful data-based golf app in the world - play smarter by using data. Download from the AppStore or GooglePlay.And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and you can see all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.77. Ep77: Nick Reviews Vietnamese Golf Courses, Golf Technique 'Fads', and an Update on 'Rake-Gate'.
01:00:14||Season 2, Ep. 77A fun pod this week, Mark has noticed that short follow throughs when putting are in vogue, and he wants to discuss with Nick.Nick has just returned from a few days in Vietnam playing golf and tells us about the courses he played which were excellent - but it was hot! Who'd have thought. This gives Mark an idea about doing a 'Nick and Mark golf trip' where they head off and play a few courses in a week, inviting you along as well. We explore where this week long golf tour could go....Nick and Mark reckon a New Zealand / Tassie leg would be fun.Mark was watching the US amateur final instead of the Fedex cup on monday, he loved it and we discuss some of the performances and how the bubble shaped up.Is Jon Rahm happy at LIV? Couple of rumours suggest he isn't, Nick and Mark discuss them. Of course they may be untrue, and Rahm might be happy as a clam. Midway through our Rahm conversation, the hotline rings and it's Marek from Seaford in Victoria with a question about rules and specifically changing them. Marek is new to the Talk Birdie Wolfpack, so welcome aboard the team!After the Turn we discover some shocking news about a food item that Nick has never eaten until last week. Surprising. But he's discovered this food now and loves it.We welcome the Southern Golf Club on board, they're partnering with us for the Top 5 each week - and it's a fun one to kick off with. Marks Top 5 Golf Technique Fads. He then decides that, after a chat about technique fads, he may need to redo his ironically named DVD ''87 ways to simplify golf". Still amuses us every time we hear the name.PING Global results with Nick, plenty to run through and we hear a great story from Mark about Ken Tanigawa.Plenty of feedback this week, including an update on our 'Rake-Gate' poll. Will we be doing a bonus pod on rakes? We find out on todays pod when we reveal the results of the poll - it's your call.And a ripping masterclass this week from Nick O'Hern inspired by Hideki Matsuyama in Memphis at the weekend.A big thanks to our wonderful Talk Birdie partners:PING, they'll help you play your best, like the have for Nick O'Hern. See your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;The new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store or Google Play;The Golf Clearance Outlet, join GCO Live for great member benefits and comps. They're in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.And Southern Golf Club - Home of the Australian Master of the Amateurs in January 2026, entry is free!Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.☎️ Voicemail: Rob from Curlewis
01:00||Season 2, Ep. 0Rob from Curlewis Golf Club was listening to our bonus pod with Frank and Aiden from watchMynumbers and had a comment about Franks coach Steve Brodie, who also gives Rob lessons. He left us a voicemail about it.If you want to leave a voicemail - it's easy, head to our website here on your mobile or computer, hit the record button, tell us who you are, where you're from, where you play your golf, and leave your message. Couldn't be easier, you'll be done in 60-seconds.We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here. And watchMynumbers, the powerful data-based golf app in the world - play smarter by using data. Download from the AppStore or GooglePlay.And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and you can see all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.76. Ep76: The Olympics, Lydia Ko, Vale Chi Chi: Plus the History of his Sword Dance
01:03:43||Season 2, Ep. 76A huge week in golf, plenty of great things to discuss, and some sad news with the passing of Chi-Chi Rodríguez, a true legend of the game. Nick and Mark chat about his wonderful legacy, and we hear where the 'sword dance' came from, a great story.To the Olympics. We loved it. And whilst Nick and Mark have mixed feelings about golf in the Olympics, the gold medal win from Lydia Ko was undeniably special. We chat about Lydia and the win, and how Hannah Green nearly was in play for a bronze. Is the format right for the Olympics? Nick and Mark think it isn't and discuss. And if golf is in the Olympics, why is it not in the Paralympics? We all think it should be. And we discuss Raygun. Oh dear.Nick has some stats that he has read in Australian Golf Digest, they're stats from the 'average' player on tour and are fascinating. Mark starts banging on about rakes again. We decide to settle once and for all whether we should do Mark's idea of a bonus pod on rakes with a poll. Fingers crossed you vote no. After the turn, Nick gets in the rake mood and tells a story about rakes.Top 5 today from Nick and inspired by Lydia Ko, the Top 5 New Zealand golfers of all time. Leads to a very funny story from Mark about Frank Nobilo.We call a member of the pod Wolfpack, Fox, who has a great story to share with Nick and Mark - it's a cracker. Then Fox goes and ruins it by complimenting Mark on his recent jokes. Come on Fox, you're better than that.A big PING global results from Nick, plenty of feedback this week, and a cracking 'Lydia Ko' inspired masterclass from Mark.We end the show talking about a charity golf day in Grafton, raising money for 'Our Kids' who support local hospitals in the region. If you're in the area, all the info here.A big thanks to our wonderful Talk Birdie partners:PING, they'll help you play your best, like the have for Nick O'Hern. See your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;The new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store or Google Play;And the Golf Clearance Outlet, join GCO Live for great member benefits and comps. They're in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.☎️ Voicemail: Dan from The Blue Mountains
01:48||Season 2, Ep. 0Nick and Mark always love receiving your voicemails, some we play in the show and others we pop in the feed here. We had a voicemail from Dan in The Blue Mountains today asking about the format for golf in the Olympics and giving his view on what an alternate format could look like. What do you think of Dan's suggestion? Nick and Mark discuss their views on the format for the Olympics this arvo on the pod.And if you want to leave a voicemail - it's easy, head to our website here on your mobile or computer, hit the record button, tell us who you are, where you're from, where you play your golf, and leave your message. Couldn't be easier, you'll be done in 60-seconds.We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here. And watchMynumbers, the powerful data-based golf app in the world - play smarter by using data. Download from the AppStore or GooglePlay.And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and you can see all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.