Talk Birdie To Me

A Friday Feedback Show...and could we be seeing Patrick Reed bumped off the Talk Birdie To Me watchlist????!!!?!???01:00 Wolfpacker Richard has sent in a video of Shingo Katayama which looks veeeeery suss. We watch it, listen to it, and discuss it.04:00 Nick gave out some putting stats a week or two ago, plenty of feedback, some thought they were accurate, others though they ignored some key contributing factors07:00 Mark gets fired up....''what are these people talking about?'08:00 A wolfpacker has a question about their head being in the right position over the ball. Nick and Mark give some tips, and Mark talks about what he sees Adam Scott doing11:00 Mark and Dan muse over whether Nick is diverting revenue from the pod to his website.....could there be trouble in paradise?12:00 Brysons Bay Hill shot over the water13:00 A Talk Birdie To Me team member has an apology to make. Do they?After the turn14:00 Nick has done some research on the outcome of the Shingo infraction....was he penalised or not?17:00 A wolfpacker has a different view to Mark on kids using kids sized grips18:00 Feedback on the comments about why the US are so dominant in world golf.19:00 A bouquet for Nick from a New Zealand wolfpacker21:00 And in Australia it is Grand Final weekend in the AFL, and Prelim weekend in the NRL, we give our tips for the weekend footy.Have a great weekend !!

An emergency bonus Mini today as we've had a question from wolfpacker Justin in Western Australia that cannot possibly wait until Monday, that's how important it is.But first, the show is nearly derailed by 'fashion chat' from Nick and Mark. Anyone would think they're wannabe runway models or something...feel free to complain.But onto the show, it's a Mini so time is precious if we want to keep within the rules of our podcast license.Justin is on the committee at his club and has been tasked with identifying options for their club championship format which, at the moment, they feel is not working as well as it might. Justin explains how it currently works, and Nick and Mark kick around ideas for how it could be structured. There are some elements of Justin's club structures, and availability, that make it a tad tricky. That said we come up with some ideas that he can discuss with the committee....but, feel free to chip in with any thoughts you have, or ways your club run the club championships!

It's Presidents Cup week and today Nick and Mark run the ruler over the teams, some of the likely matchups, the course, and look to build a fun little multi with our mate Hummer at Betr.Can the international team get close? Well it's no surprise that the US are favourites, raging favourites in fact, and Nick and Mark agree that an internationals win is highly unlikely, but if they are to have a chance the pairings will (obviously) be crucial - we look at what they might be.We discuss Geoff Ogilvy's comments about the distinct structural advantage that the US team always has. And we look at the winning and losing records of some of the key players.And after the turn, we put together our Betr Multi....Hummer is worried about this one, he needed to get higher up approval which we reckon is a good sign. You can jump on board at Betr through the app or the website, just look for Betr specials and you'll find us there: website here: https://www.betr.com.au/sports/betr-Specials/149 . Don't go crazy, just whack 5 or 10 bucks on and have a bit of fun - and remember, there is never a guarantee of winning.Enjoy the Presidents Cup !!

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 !!