Talk Birdie To Me

Big show, it's Presidents Cup week and we're a bit excited about it....even with the dismal record from the internationals, fortunately one of the hosts on this podcast played for the international team twice so is well placed to give some insights.01:00 Presidents Cup - the numbers are depressing says Nick, and he talks about whether Geoff Ogilvy's Medinah knowledge, as one of the designers of the course with OCM, will play a role.03:00 Mark says Medinah will look incredible on the coverage, the redesign has been spectacular04:00 We relive some great Medinah moments08:00 We discuss the return pathway for the big name LIV players to return, should they choose to, to the PGA Tour. We chat about how the pathway works, who may the able to use it, and what it means for the various players.11:00 Nick and Mark chat about exemptions, and the promotion/relegation plans13:00 The PGA Tour 'Last Chance' series15.30 Rory's comments on DPWT players potentially going to the challenger tour, and why he says it's a bad idea.17:00 Nick tells Mark - the LIV players who are eligible to return, can only do so if they do not play LIV.19:00 Mark saw a tweet from our mate Ryan French at Monday Q on Twitter outlining the LIV event numbers and the prizemoney. Quite the drop.20:00 Despite the nuances, and the fact a few things are up in the air, Nick says that the PGA returning pathway structure is a Hostplus Plus for Golf as it should, in theory, get the best players in the world playing together.21:00 Wentworth, what a stunning course for the BMW PGA Championship at the weekend, it looked great and we give the course our BMW Touch of Class this week. Sensational.24:00 JJ Spaun played beautifully, we discuss his performance, assisted by a meltdown from Manuel Elvira, which we also discuss28:00 Big news (for Mark), he has a new golf bag which he shows us. Fortunately whilst he is excited about it, he keeps his top on....making a change from last week.After the turn...31:00 Nicks Top 5 for Betr, and he looks at 5 fun, interesting, quirky moments from the Presidents Cup.34:00 Mark has a fun fact on Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, which has a bit to do with Nick...in a roundabout way36:00 A very funny Phil Mickelson story that you have to hear to believe.39:00 Onto feedback for Southern Golf Club....39:00 Alejandro Tosti's caddy quitting...we chat about times it's happened before.41:00 Feedback (plenty) on the conversation about the Seve shot over the wall42:00 Some more suggestions for weeds in golf46:00 So much discussion around Mark's Gary Player comments from last week, we read out a couple - including some very high level feedback....our professional relationship with Dennis Denuto might be in jeopardy!!!49:00 Nick runs through the global highlights52:00 And we wrap the show with a great Masterclass for the Golf Clearance Outlet from Mark on playing 'hook shots'.

An excellent question from wolfpacker Evan in todays Monday Mini. Evan is a touch fatigued with golf, which can happen, and whilst he loves the game he's interested to know if this ever happened to Nick and Mark, particularly when they were on the tour.Before we get into that we start with Evan's other question, which is a bit of a cheeky one - but worth a shot...Onto the fatigue question. How did Nick and Mark manage both physical and mental fatigue as pros? Nick gives some amusing insights into the result of continual travel and mental fatigue, and how it manifested, and how he handled it. Mark had similar experiences, but also talks about how he handles it now as a social golfer, and gives a few tips for Evan to consider.Timely question because Rory McIlroy talked about this issue, sort of, recently and we discuss Rory's perspective, and Nick and Mark talk through how different pros taper, prepare, for majors in different ways which is, in part, designed to manage fatigue and ensure the most relevant preparation for them.Great question from Evan, thanks for shooting it through....happy Monday !!

Friday Feedback show today and this is a bit exciting as we draw the winner of our trip to play The Cliffs at Kangaroo Island - huge thanks to Titliest and The Cliffs for the prize, it's been a ripper competition and we are excited to draw the winner live on the show after the turn.First to some feedback.02:00 Huge reaction to last weeks Friday Feedback show where Mark Allen said that he believed the evidence was clear that Gary Player, at times, was a bit loose with the rules. We had loads of feedback, and we run through a few today, including one from a Tour Pro, and another from a wolfpacker defending Gary and having a crack at Nick and Mark.04:00 Mark brings up Monty and the velcro glove story, and we explore with Mark whether we might get Monty on the show....and Nick reveals an interesting insight into Monty, and a possible way to get him on. Intriguing.06:00 We hear a story from a Tour Pro about Gary Player's 'lack of integrity' (the pros words not ours)07:00 Should serious golf pros need a serious haircut? Mark tells the story of one who did, and if getting a serious haircut worked?09:00 Discuss the 'big three players to grow the game'10:00 Nick does his Gary Player impersonation. Under sufferance it should be said.11:00 And wolfpacker Matty has a question about putting, he's having some issues. Mark chats about a putting tool that he loves and he feels may help Matty. A detailed chat about putters.After the turn....18:00 We review our finalists to play The Cliffs at Kangaroo Island with Mark and course designer Darius Oliver, including return flights, transfers, meals, 18 holes, accomodation.20:00 We draw the winner live on the show, a 1 in 8 chance isn't too bad! And thanks again to Nick, Tim and Brodie at Titleist, and to Emma, Darius, Sam and Rachel from The Cliffs. If you haven't seen the pics of the course it is stunning. Visit their website here.And that's our Friday Feedback show, have a cracking weekend !!

Massive show today, one of our longest ever in fact. Could be due to great content, could be due to us just banging on about stuff....you're better placed to decide than us...hopefully the former.Onto the show!01:00 How great was the Solheim Cup, and the course was brilliant. Mark didn't see too much, Nick saw plenty.02:00 Great to see the European Women win04:00 Nick on why he feels a connection to the European players06:00 Nick does his Seve impersonation. Is it good? You tell us.07:00 Great final putts in Solheim Cups08:00 Great courses help make great events.09:00 Royal Dornoch - how incredible is the course - new to the bucket list for Mark, always has been for Nick.10:00 Mark talks about why, in his view, America is so dominant in team golf13:00 Nick talks about the US College system and it's benefit on emerging young golfers15:00 Amateur tournaments in Australia - and the Matchplay argument16:00 Nick and Mark's Wagga trip last week - did Nick get another hole in one ?17:00 Nick and Mark talk about country golf clubs being a community hub and the great work they do.22:30 Our Hostplus Plus for Golf this week is awarded to the Wagga Wagga Country Club 24:00 A great BMW Touch of Class - Shane Lowry's performance in the wind in Ireland, a massive win.25:00 Nick talks about how to play in windy conditions27:00 More on Shane Lowry's win28:00 Mark asks Nick about the difference in winds around the world - warm winds vs cold winds30:00 What golfers often don't understand about wind, according to Mark32:00 Nick talks about why the quality of your strike matters so much on windy daysAfter the turn:34:00 It's a LIV free ep today, Nick and Mark explain why.35:00 Top 5 for Betr, the Top 5 'weeds' in golf that Mark reckons need to be pulled out: targets include caddies, weeds (ironically) on golf courses, slow play, rakes, clothing (worn by pros)38:00 Nick has been sent a fascinating stat being measured by the Korn Ferry tour to do with slow play.44:00 Why is Nick disappointed about one aspect of Marks Top 5 list?44:30 Mark has a theory on gimmes and why some people are so against them46:00 Nick runs through the global result highlights47:00 What did Shane Lowry's caddy say to him on the 15th hole on Sunday, and why do Nick and Mark love it?51:00 Feedback - great courses and the difference they make. 52:00 Moore Park 56:00 Suggestions for the prototype golfer, a couple of players wolfpackers feel were missed58:00 Lowry having a crack at a spectator58:00 What was Nick and Marks record in playoffs - how did they go?59:00 The famous Seve shot over the wall, a piece of info is picked up on that we neglected to mention last week.1:01:00 And a great Masterclass from Nick, for the Golf Clearance Outlet, on tricky lies around the greens, and why widening your stance will help.Phew, big show! Thanks for being part of the Talk Birdie fam!

A Monday Mini today and we start with 'fashion chat'. Apparently Mark is considering applying for an extra role in Devil Wears Prada 3, so he's getting up to speed on fashion, colours etc....or so it appears.Onto the Mini ! Message from golf pro Pete Townsend who firstly, asks after Marks health given his challenges with cancer over recent years (it's in a good place btw), and then asks a few questions about golf course architecture. Specifically, what are some of the great course redesigns in Australia, and what are some that are less so - and why. Further, Pete goes on to as whether when a course is being redesigned is there a responsibility to remain true to the original architects vision for that course, or is a complete overhaul warranted at times.Excellent questions, and Nick and Mark discuss multiple courses that have had redesigns: Victoria, Huntingdale, NSW, Royal Queensland, The Lakes, Mount Lawley, Commonwealth.Then....similar to fashion-gate from earlier in the show, Mark talks us down a rabbit hole by comparing golf course redesigns to Hollywood movie stars....we kid you not. There is no link too tenuous for Mark Allen to make sometimes.And then Nick, wisely, gets us back on track by noting the role of golf course committees in protecting and nurturing the legacy of their course.Happy Monday !

Friday Feedback pod today, and one that might possibly be a touch controversial around a discussion about a certain legendary South African golfer....more on that shortly.02:00 Feedback on other countries, in addition to Norway, that require a golf license.04:00 Ryder cup / Presidents Cup discussion.05:00 Should the Presidents Cups be a mixed event with women and men?07:00 Snedeker made some interesting comments about Cantlay's opponents....what do Nick and Mark think of them?08:00 A question from a wolfpacker who is in the market for a set of clubs for his young daughter who wants to learn to play golf.After the turn:12:00 We put our final person in the draw to win a trip to play The Cliffs at Kangaroo Island....Nick will draw the winner at random from the 8 entrants next week on the show.14:00 Mark tells the story of where Gary Player got his famous 'leg kick in the air' move from.15:00 And then....a question for Mark from a wolfpacker.....did Gary Player cheat in a major that he won? We look at the evidence and Mark gives his verdict on whether Gary was a cheat or not.17:00 Lots of feedback on our chat about Sir Nick Faldo last week, and we have a look at a few of his swings and discuss them.21:00 Nick gets a whack from a wolfpacker....does he accept it or push back?21:30 And a story from a Talk Birdie follower who met Faldo at the Australian masters, and said he was great, but said another golfer he met was more memorable, and he explains why.24:00 Nick and Mark share some Faldo stories.24:00 And we wrap with a comment from Travis who has just ordered both of Gary Lisbon's coffee table books - they are stunning, visit Gary's website here to have a look.Thanks for the feedback, keep it coming, and have a cracking weekend !!

After last weeks debacle when Mark broke our equipment resulting in the scrapping of half of the main show, let's see if we can get through this weeks without him destroying anything. No guarantees.But it is a fun show!01:00 We loved the Walker Cup, not only for the golf but for the course. Stunning. How good is Lahinch!02:00 Which raises the issues of Walker Cup venues, Nick runs through the list....incredible.03:00 Mark asks why aren't Australian amateur tournaments at some of our great courses, and while they're at it, why aren't they matchplay?06:00 We look at the great bunker shot from amateur Josh Hill in the Walker Cup, at a critical moment.07:00 Big chat.....Pros getting their amateur status back, and playing amateur tournaments. Nick and Mark are, with certain exceptions, not fans.They explain why, and give some examples.12:00 Nick explains why he turned down the opportunity to play in a tournament of this nature when he returned to Australia.13:00 Mark says it is ridiculous to have Pros playing pennant.15:00 For Hostplus, this weeks plus for golf is as 12-year old 'Beat the Pro' entrant in Switzerland! And Nick and Mark discuss the famous Seve 'over the wall' shot at the same venue.18:00 A LIV update on the 'White Knight' investor, and we discuss the debt for equity approach that appears to be being taken.26:00 BMW Touch of Class, we go back to Switzerland for the DP World Tour and the runner up in the tournament Paul Casey is our winner this week.29:00 Nick raises the issue of clubs, and holes, being shutdown by local councils. Royal Park in Melbourne and Rottnest Island being two recent examples - along with Moore Park in Sydney.After the turn:32:00 More on Amateur Tournaments at great courses.34:00 Nicks Top 5 for Betr, the Top 5 Golf Courses where he believes the Australian Amateur Tournament should be played.38:00 Mark asks Nick where, if were able to be ranked, Royal Melbourne Composite would rank in the world.39:00 Feedback. After Marks appalling behaviour last week, we start with a wolfpacker complaining about the end result, ie: a shortened podcast. Mark apologises, and not before time.41:00 Last week we discussed Scottie Schefflers swing, lots of feedback on that, plenty of opinions.42:00 We have a listen to Trevor Immelmann analysing Scotties' swing vs Ryan Gerards'.43:00 A wolfpacker asks...how much of Scotties' success is due to being an American, based in the US, and largely playing close to home. We discuss if he was from Sydney for example, would he have had the success that he has had?46:00 Mickey Wrights swing...very nice.47:00 Mark shows Nick and Dan a photo of weeds on a neighbour's nature strip. We wish we were joking. Sadly not.48:00 Chat about golf technology50:00 Nick and Mark are off to Wagga this week, we reminisce about Nicks Ace from a couple of years ago in Wagga!51:00 More on weeds, but this time 'golf weeds' not actual weeds.53:00 Nick found some putting stats from the last 20-years....what do they show?54:00 Feedback on English golfer Harry Hall's hat.55:00 Nick runs through a short version of the global hightlights57:00 Mark shows off his Fathers Day present....a new shag bag!59:00 And the Masterclass today for the Golf Clearance Outlet is on the benefits of the forward press.A big show, and we made it through without Mark destroying anything !

Monday Mini, cracking question from Martin in Western Australia. Martin asks Nick and Mark to build the perfect prototype golfer, choosing from 5 categories of golf play - Driving, Irons, Short Game, Putting, Mental Game. Nick and Mark build a prototype golfer made up of Australian players, and then an International version, with a different player being selected for each of the attributes.There are some players that the boys say picked themselves and had to be selected in that specific category, no-brainers...but there's bound to be some controversy! And of course there are some fun stories and anecdotes on the way through the show.See if you agree with their picks, or if you reckon Nick and Mark have missed with their selections, love your thoughts in the comments.

Controversial start to the Friday Feedback pod as Mark Allen defames Dan, there will be legal action being instigated as soon as Dan has sought counsel from the official Talk Birdie legal representative Dennis Denuto. But in the meantime, on with the show.02:00 Some feedback from a few wolfpackers on Wyndham Clark and his recent actions, Mark reiterates that Wyndham is on the watchlist for the moment, and he clearly is not careful enough being 'seen' to do the right thing.06:00 Can you legally smash your club into the ground before hitting the ball? Turns out you can. Nick and Mark explain when it is allowable.07:00 In a hugely impactful move potentially, does Mark need to put Nick O'Hern on the watchlist over dodgy tactics?09:00 Mark uses horticulture as an analogy for golf, saying that there are many things that occur in golf that are 'weeds' that should have been picked out way back when, and now they've grown.10:30 Mark says 'Titanium' is a weed and should never have been allowed in golf.12:00 Should you be required to have a license to play golf? In Norway apparently you do, is it a good idea?14:00 Nick explains the idiosyncrasies of being a member of Sunningdale in the UK15:00 Mark says that in his view if you are a 14-15 handicapper, you are a very good player, and he explains his thinking (that's good news for Dan!).After the turn...17:00 We reveal the 7th person in the draw to win a trip to play The Cliffs at Kangaroo Island with Mark and course architect Darius Oliver. A few more days to enter, entries close Midnight Monday September 8th (AEST).18:00 Chat about Jack Nicklaus winning the Australian Open at Royal Hobart and whether there are pics all over the club of Jack...surely there must be?19:00 Plenty of feedback on cutting down putters21:00 Nick talks about Tiger 'punching' his putts and explains what Tiger's thinking was.22:00 Mark talks about the best amateur putter he ever saw25:00 And Nick and Mark discuss Tour Pro Terry Price's swing (sensational) and his putting (less so), with Mark saying that he'd have taken Terry's bad golf swings any day!Have a great weekend, see you on Monday!