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The Underdog
472: Let's Make More World Cup Money!
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0:25 – Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone open The Underdog with baseball, the World Cup, a major golf week, two newly crowned champions, and odds from oddsmakers.
0:58 – Caitlin Clark’s new signature shoe starts a sneaker discussion about WNBA signature shoes, Sabrina Ionescu’s popular Nike line, Elena Delle Donne’s shoes, Kobe-inspired designs, and the current lack of exciting upcoming releases.
3:51 – Chris talks about adult-homeowner expenses, switching his North Carolina yard from pine needles to mulch, and how landscaping costs are cutting into sneaker money.
6:11 – Chris checks the results from last week’s World Cup picks, with Matt’s soccer wagers somehow up $8.18 despite a draw-heavy slate, including wins on Ivory Coast-Ecuador, Germany-Curaçao, and Australia-Türkiye.
6:43 – The conversation shifts to the World Cup viewing schedule, Chris’ difficult solo preview episode for The Beautiful Game, Matt’s lack of live viewing, and the challenge of watching games during work, dinner, bedtime, and late-night windows.
8:15 – Chris and Matt discuss recent World Cup viewing, including Ghana-Panama, Uzbekistan-Colombia, the upcoming USMNT match, and Matt’s plan to take his son to see Toy Story 5.
9:10 – Movie and TV talk covers Toy Story, Tom Hanks, Chet Hanks, Colin Hanks, Running Point, Orange County, Fargo, and why Chris still wants Matt to watch more of it.
10:58 – House of the Dragon Season 3 preview leads to Matt revisiting Season 2, the show’s brutal early episodes, Game of Thrones spinoffs, and Chris recommending A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
13:48 – Superhero movie talk covers Millie Alcock as Supergirl, the newer DC movie universe, Drake Bell’s Superhero Movie, Kevin Hart, Leslie Nielsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Tracy Morgan, and odd Teen Choice Award memories.
16:46 – World Cup betting recap continues with the full accounting of last week’s $50 card before Chris and Matt begin a new round of $5 picks for upcoming matches.
18:16 – Czechia vs. South Africa and Switzerland vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina picks begin the new World Cup card, with Matt choosing South Africa and Switzerland using questionable geography and coastline logic.
19:27 – Canada vs. Qatar, Mexico vs. South Korea, and USA vs. Australia picks include Matt taking a draw, backing Mexico’s home-field advantage, choosing the United States, and discussing Folarin Balogun’s unusual USMNT eligibility.
22:37 – Scotland vs. Morocco and Brazil vs. Haiti continue the World Cup picks, with talk about Scottish fans in Boston, Haiti’s Polish ties, Brazil’s huge favorite status, and Iran’s unusual travel complications during the tournament.
25:54 – Türkiye vs. Paraguay, Netherlands vs. Sweden, Germany vs. Ivory Coast, and Tunisia vs. Japan close the World Cup card, with Matt adding more underdogs, another draw, and an 11th wager by accident.
28:31 – U.S. Open golf discussion begins with Matt calling it a major, Chris bringing up golf movies, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Tin Cup, Kevin Smith’s Cop Out, and a Kevin Bacon name-change bit.
30:54 – Matt recaps last week’s golf frustration after Sahith Theegala’s strong start turned into a rough Sunday, leading to a discussion of prize money, travel costs, caddies, and Theegala’s career earnings.
32:58 – Matt’s U.S. Open pick is Matt Fitzpatrick, with discussion of his recent form, previous U.S. Open win, the depth of the field, live odds from oddsmakers, Tommy Fleetwood, Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, and long-shot names.
34:59 – Chris dives into deep U.S. Open long shots, amateur qualifiers, Vaughn Harber, Ohio State, Ole Miss jokes, and the enormous field before closing the episode.
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478: The Loneliest Ring of Honor
47:22|0:25 — Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone open with the MLB trade deadline, Philadelphia’s additions of Luis Arraez and bullpen help, the Dodgers acquiring Tarik Skubal and concerns about a possible future baseball lockout.2:32 — The Phillies’ post-deadline lineup takes center stage, including possible defensive changes involving Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm and Bryce Harper, plus questions about where Arraez fits.5:12 — NFL contract and quarterback talk covers Zay Flowers’ Ravens extension, Minnesota’s decision to move on from Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, the J.J. McCarthy–Kyler Murray situation and the Vikings’ handling of Justin Jefferson.9:16 — The hosts discuss Eagles training-camp concerns, Cooper DeJean’s NFL Top 100 ranking, Reed Blankenship’s departure and Philadelphia players changing jersey numbers, including Jihaad Campbell and Makai Lemon.13:09 — A trip to the Philadelphia Union’s stadium leads to a deep dive into the club’s unusually small Ring of Honor and the career of its lone member, Sébastien Le Toux.18:29 — Chris quizzes Matt on the NFL teams with the most retired numbers before they debate modern jersey-number rules, the Bears and Giants, Abdul Carter and traditional positional numbers.20:27 — The number discussion expands to notable No. 52s, Eagles players who wore it, Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis and Matt’s own high-school football numbers.24:01 — Chris recounts his extremely brief high-school football career. The hosts then revisit their youth basketball and summer-league teams, coaching decisions, injuries and playing alongside athletes far above the local competition.30:06 — Phillies-Nationals preview: Jesús Luzardo’s matchup, Philadelphia’s latest lineup, CJ Abrams becoming an unexpected favorite in Matt’s household and the World Series market from oddsmakers.34:52 — Chris and Matt compare Uber passenger ratings, discuss why drivers may score riders poorly and share stories about sleeping during rides, unusual conversations and choosing premium cars.40:22 — The rideshare conversation shifts to Lyft, Uber Eats, bad-weather tipping, delivery etiquette and Chris offering extra food to drivers.43:24 — Wyndham Championship preview: Cameron Young, Jackson Koivun, Hideki Matsuyama, Ben Griffin and the tournament market from oddsmakers. The hosts also revisit Brad Dalke’s PGA Tour appearance and explain the enormous gap between professional and recreational athletes through golf and basketball stories.46:44 — Seamus Power enters the Wyndham Championship discussion before Chris and Matt close the episode.477: LeBron James to Philly
33:28|0:25 — Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone open with the weather, the week’s agenda and a brief look at the odds board.1:18 — The hosts revisit Matt’s improbable StockX mystery-box pull of the Kobe Grinches, his first look at the shoes and the recent-reveal history for the $200 box. Chris then opens several live mystery boxes, evaluates the shoes and trade-in values, and explains how he converts the credit into a pair he already wanted.9:57 — Philadelphia’s offseason takes over the show as Chris and Matt discuss Kentavious Caldwell-Pope joining the 76ers and their reactions to the surprise signing of LeBron James.12:58 — The Sixers conversation expands to LeBron’s reported decision process, the team’s place among the Eastern Conference favorites and how Philadelphia could manage the regular-season workloads of James and Joel Embiid.14:36 — Chris and Matt examine a potential starting group featuring Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, V.J. Edgecombe, Embiid and LeBron. They discuss offensive roles, roster depth, ticket demand and why the upcoming season has created unusual excitement around the franchise.17:11 — The hosts review Philadelphia’s MVP prices from oddsmakers and debate the expectations for this roster, whether reaching the NBA Finals should define the season and the possibility of LeBron returning for a second year.20:50 — Joel Embiid’s future, LeBron’s player option and speculative conversations involving Bronny and Bryce James lead into a broader discussion about how Philadelphia’s roster could evolve.23:17 — A deleted WNBA social-media post involving Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers sparks a discussion about an informal All-Star Game wager, the public reaction and whether the controversy is being exaggerated.24:55 — Chris and Matt discuss additional WNBA tension, including a team co-owner’s confrontation with young fans and the complicated league-wide conversation surrounding Caitlin Clark.25:57 — The Rocket Classic preview begins with the field, last week’s PGA Tour result and golfers including Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young, Keegan Bradley, Hideki Matsuyama, Chris Gotterup and Seamus Power.29:07 — Matt explains the career of former elite amateur and current golf creator Brad Dalke, including his Oklahoma success, Masters appearance, YouTube career and sponsor invitation into the Rocket Classic. The hosts compare his position with the rest of the field and close with the tournament market476: The Greatest Mystery Box Pull
50:43|0:25 — Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone open with some confusion over the day before turning to the Philadelphia 76ers’ trade for Jaylen Brown. They discuss the fit, the cost of moving off Paul George’s contract and how the deal changes Philadelphia’s NBA outlook.2:36 — LeBron James’ final-season options are examined, including Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia and Golden State. The hosts discuss family considerations, veteran ring-chasers, scheduling implications and current odds from oddsmakers without settling on a prediction.6:21 — Tom Brady, Logan Paul, Fanatics Fest, Michael Rubin and the rising cost of sports jerseys lead into a broader conversation about sports celebrity culture and whether premium merchandise pricing has become unreasonable.10:35 — Chris recommends Amazon Prime’s Murder 101, a true-crime series involving a high-school class investigating connected murders. The hosts also discuss another unusual documentary and the confusion created by shows moving between streaming platforms.12:38 — Matt takes over the StockX sneaker mystery-box experiment. A pair of pink Jordan 5s is traded back before the second box produces Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Grinches,” one of Kobe Bryant’s most recognizable shoes. They discuss the odds of the pull, resale value and whether the shoes should be worn or sold.26:36 — Phillies-Dodgers takes center stage with Trea Turner’s recent performance and Zack Wheeler’s upcoming start. The conversation covers Wheeler’s All-Star omission, Cy Young history, Hall of Fame case, retirement timeline and whether he would enter Cooperstown wearing a Phillies cap.30:58 — A Philadelphia high-school player being booed during the Home Run Derby leads to a discussion about local fan culture, while the hosts also look at Wheeler strikeout and Phillies home-run markets from oddsmakers.33:12 — Ryan Fox’s Open Championship victory is reviewed, including his rapid pace of play, record-tying weekend round and rise from deep on the leaderboard. Bryson DeChambeau’s controversial penalty and his reaction are also debated.40:14 — The 3M Open field, Scottie Scheffler’s heavy favorite status, Hideki Matsuyama, Keith Mitchell and Matt’s fantasy-golf struggles are discussed alongside increasingly ridiculous hypothetical parlays.45:28 — The episode closes with reactions to Hawk, plans to see The Odyssey in true IMAX and a debate over Will Ferrell’s best recent work, including Barbie, The Lego Movie 2, The Righteous Gemstones, Casa de Mi Padre and his run on The Office.475: Format Issues
34:54|0:25 — Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone open with wildfire smoke around Philadelphia, the MLB All-Star break and the difficulty of balancing summer sports, work and family schedules.1:14 — Phillies-Mets and the MLB All-Star Game are discussed, including Philadelphia’s second-half loss, Bryce Harper’s criticism of playing through poor air quality and Cristopher Sánchez’s difficult All-Star appearance.1:58 — Matt shares his in-person Home Run Derby experience, including his left-field seats, the speed of home-run balls, the event’s length and the high school metal-bat exhibition.3:48 — The hosts review the Derby’s new swing-based format, the added excitement of Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper participating, Philadelphia fans booing opposing hitters and Jordan Walker’s dramatic finish. They also discuss fans who took the exhibition result far too seriously.10:40 — The Phillies’ second-half outlook covers their World Series odds from oddsmakers, bullpen injuries, the need for another reliever and right fielder, and why one loss immediately after the All-Star break should not define the season.11:46 — Wildfire smoke leads to stories about California fire seasons, children being stuck indoors and surreal memories from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.14:15 — Chris opens two StockX sneaker mystery boxes. An Ash Blue Yeezy Boost produces a profit in store credit before an unusual Vans Old Skool selection gives most of it back.18:53 — France-England receives a spoiler-free World Cup third-place preview, including the financial value of tournament placement, federation prize money and compensation paid to clubs that release players.22:03 — Spain-Argentina receives a World Cup final preview centered on Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, the famous childhood photo connecting them, Spain’s defensive record, Argentina’s pursuit of another championship and the latest odds from oddsmakers.25:53 — Chris and Matt discuss The Sheep Detectives, Hugh Jackman’s role, the film’s trailer and their increasingly confusing attempts to track which streaming service carries each show or movie.28:07 — The Open Championship conversation covers surprise leader Jackson Suber, his Ole Miss background, links-golf conditions at Royal Birkdale, Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler remaining close, live futures from oddsmakers and Matt’s fantasy-golf standing.33:49 — The episode closes with the results of the sneaker experiment, problems accessing their wagering account and a final look at the World Cup weekend.474: Sneaker Loot Boxes and World Cup Picks
49:01|The Underdog: Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone cover the USMNT’s World Cup exit, World Cup quarterfinal odds, StockX sneaker mystery boxes, trading cards, sneakers, Phillies talk, travel complaints, food and diet, Scottish Open golf odds, and a Wyndham Clark-Baker Mayfield story.0:25 — Chris and Matt open the show with the USMNT’s World Cup exit, the Folarin Balogun red-card reversal controversy, FIFA weirdness, Christian Pulisic’s uneven tournament, and whether the United States could become a top-10 World Cup odds team by 2030.5:28 — The conversation shifts to NCAA 27, NIL systems in sports video games, PlayStation’s reported move away from physical discs, digital ownership, resale value, GameStop memories, and concerns about preserving physical game libraries.8:26 — Chris tries StockX sneaker mystery boxes live on the show, revealing multiple Jordan options while he and Matt break down the real cost, shipping, instant trade-in credit, and how the format feels like a real-life loot box.15:42 — Chris connects the mystery-box idea to a possible unboxing show, then talks about buying expensive sports cards from Panini and Target, using the CollectX app, pulling autographs, and finding cards like Alba Redondo and Cade Cunningham with real resale value.18:46 — Matt and Chris move into sneaker talk, including new Kobe Bryant colorways, the Caitlin Clark Kobe “Coconut Milk Spruce,” Devin Booker McDonald’s shoes, resale prices, and how StockX credit can make future purchases feel deceptively cheaper.23:33 — The hosts check in on the Phillies and Don Mattingly before drifting into sunscreen, golf tans, UK travel, air conditioning, ice, dryers, European grocery stores, and how different cereal culture feels outside the United States.31:22 — Cereal and snacks lead into Rice Krispie Treats, Fruity Pebbles, Matt’s lunch fatigue, Chris’s diet goals, fitting into XL shirts again, and a quick off-air tease about GLP-1 weight-loss medication.34:18 — The show returns to World Cup quarterfinal talk, with France-Morocco, Spain-Belgium, Norway-England, and Argentina-Switzerland discussed through oddsmakers’ lines, player storylines, Mbappé jokes, Ayoub Bouaddi, Spain’s clean-sheet streak, Haaland vs. Kane, Jordan Henderson’s celebration injury, and Argentina’s path forward.39:54 — Chris introduces Sprite Zero + Tea, which turns into a comedy detour through office gossip jokes, Jury Duty, Company Retreat, Pauly Shore movies, Encino Man, The Internship, Harry Potter audiobooks, Snape, Voldemort, and Matt’s Owen Wilson impression.44:40 — The closing sports segment focuses on golf, including Matt’s Scottish Open bet on Sepp Straka, the DP World Tour leaderboard, oddsmakers’ tournament prices, LIV names, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Reed, and Wyndham Clark’s college-era Baker Mayfield story.48:44 — Chris wraps the episode after a loose, comedy-heavy conversation that moves from World Cup odds and sneaker gambling to golf, pop culture, travel, food, and the kind of side conversations that define The Underdog.473: Ball News, Toy Story 5 and World Cup Picks
38:14|0:25 – Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone open The Underdog with sound-bar jokes, a listener pizza giveaway, and the usual loose setup before moving into NBA news, the World Cup, Phillies baseball, golf, and shoes.3:07 – LaMelo Ball’s trade to Minnesota leads the sports talk, with Chris breaking down the Hornets-Timberwolves deal, the sudden pivot from rumor to news on Yesterday in Sports, and jokes about LaMelo driving in Minnesota winters.4:48 – Matt brings up LeVar Ball’s divorce news, which turns into a conversation about live-stream clips, streamer culture, Neon, TikTok repurposing, and how professional clippers turn other people’s content into their own business.8:00 – House of the Dragon Season 3 gets a spoiler-light reaction, including the awkward first-episode family dynamic, Matt’s decision to watch a recap instead of all of Season 2, and Chris pushing A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms again.12:56 – Streaming and TV talk continues with Mayor of Kingstown, Jeremy Renner, Mare of Easttown, episode length, Rogue One, The Mandalorian, Star Wars lore, and why some franchises feel hard to jump back into.15:29 – Chris checks last week’s World Cup betting results from oddsmakers, with the card down about $15, before he and Matt raise the stakes and begin a new slate of World Cup picks.16:51 – Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast and Ecuador vs. Germany begin the World Cup card, with odds from oddsmakers, Matt’s quick logic, and Chris tracking each $20 wager as the board builds.19:55 – Japan vs. Sweden discussion leads into the day’s closest World Cup matchup, a draw angle, and a detour into Matt’s review of Toy Story 5, Conan O’Brien’s role, recent kids’ movies, and upcoming animated releases.23:37 – Toy Story 5 talk continues with Jessie, Buzz, Woody, Joan Cusack, Ham, John Ratzenberger, franchise aging, whether there will be a sixth movie, and how the series could eventually circle back to Andy’s family.26:41 – Tunisia vs. Netherlands brings the biggest long-shot pick of the card, with Tunisia at massive odds from oddsmakers and Matt embracing the underdog angle despite the Netherlands being the day’s heaviest favorite.27:51 – Paraguay vs. Australia becomes a group-stage qualification discussion, with Chris and Matt working through Group D math, goal difference, the U.S. position, and a brief Australia-New Zealand geography argument.30:39 – Turkey vs. USA closes the World Cup card, with Christian Pulisic’s return, the U.S. group-stage situation, and the hosts debating how much the final match still matters before placing the final wager.32:48 – Golf talk shifts to the Travelers Championship, where Matt explains his Brian Harman pick, the event’s signature status, and Harman’s wild opening round full of birdies, bogeys, a double bogey, and a late eagle.36:14 – Chris checks Travelers odds from oddsmakers, Matt talks through his rough run of golf picks, Collin Morikawa comes up, and Chris makes a Matt Fitzpatrick wager before the show wraps.471: NBA Finals, World Cup Picks, and Dad Shoes
49:44|0:25 – Chris Horwedel and Matt Krohn open The Underdog with a packed mid-June sports slate, including the NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Final, World Cup, MLB, golf, and odds from oddsmakers.1:09 – Matt talks about getting back into walking, buying Adidas Ultraboosts, and why the right shoe matters for longer dog walks, leading to a broader sneaker comfort debate about Pumas, Hokas, Nike Vomeros, dad shoes, and travel shoes.8:37 – Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals talk begins with Matt disavowing his brief Knicks fandom after ugly fan behavior in New York, while Chris discusses having money on San Antonio and why the series has become frustrating to watch.10:41 – Game 4 breakdown focuses on the Spurs blowing a huge lead, the Knicks comeback, San Antonio’s poor late-game decision-making, Mitch Johnson’s coaching issues, and why Charles Barkley’s criticism of the Spurs’ basketball IQ resonated.12:25 – Victor Wembanyama discussion covers his incredible talent but also his frustrating flaws, including post positioning, boxing out, physicality, shot selection, pick-and-roll usage, and comparisons to the Ben Simmons development problem.14:58 – De’Aaron Fox’s late-game mistake is broken down, with Chris and Matt explaining why he should have dribbled out the clock, forced a foul, and avoided giving the Knicks another chance.17:25 – Knicks fan behavior and New York title pressure are discussed, including whether it would be worse for the city if the Knicks win or lose, and how toxic fan reactions can make even neutral fans root against a team.20:01 – Chris and Matt debate the impact of a sitting president attending an NBA Finals game, including security restrictions, lost local business, past presidential appearances at major sporting events, and why championship games create unique logistical issues.24:48 – World Cup betting segment begins with Matt making picks despite limited soccer knowledge, starting with Canada vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, USA vs. Paraguay, Qatar vs. Switzerland, Brazil vs. Morocco, and Haiti vs. Scotland.32:42 – Jersey and dog-walking side conversation covers Haiti’s Polish-inspired kit detail, Loch Ness FC shirts from a mystery kit box, sizing struggles, summer heat, walking dogs safely, and problems caused by off-leash dogs.38:15 – World Cup picks continue with Australia vs. Türkiye, Germany vs. Curaçao, Netherlands vs. Japan, Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador, and Sweden vs. Tunisia, with Matt using everything from geography to old players to kit loyalty as his rationale.41:46 – Las Vegas Sphere discussion covers Matt seeing Dead & Company, the venue’s massive visuals, the exterior LED display, and whether smaller Sphere-style venues should exist outside Vegas.48:19 – Golf talk closes the episode with Matt’s RBC Canadian Open pick, Sahith Theegala, plus a quick look at Brooks Koepka, Sam Burns, Ryan Fox, Wyndham Clark, and the live tournament odds.49:36 – Chris and Matt wrap the show after placing $50 worth of World Cup picks and promising to check back next week on whether Matt’s soccer logic turned a profit.470: Sometimes a Win is Really a Loss
50:07|0:25 – Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone open The Underdog with a Thursday check-in, warm-weather banter, vitamin D jokes, gym memories, basketball nostalgia, and a rundown of a packed sports week featuring NBA Finals, NHL Finals, NFL trades, MLB, golf, and World Cup talk.4:49 – NBA Finals discussion focuses on Knicks vs. Spurs Game 1, Matt’s successful Knicks wager, updated series odds, Victor Wembanyama, and whether San Antonio can still control the matchup after dropping the opener.7:05 – Flyers memorabilia and sneaker talk includes a signed Legion of Doom-era Flyers jersey, Matt’s past jersey sale, Caitlin Clark Kobe 5s, Booker 2 “Sedona McDonald’s” shoes, upcoming Kobe releases, and the current sneaker market slowdown.12:26 – TV and streaming segment covers A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Season 2, Emma Myers, Wednesday, Stranger Things, Reacher, The Night Agent, Gabriel Basso, The Lincoln Lawyer, Suits, Sons of Anarchy, Mayans M.C., and how long-running shows can lose control when stakes keep escalating.24:59 – The Boys discussion centers on the final season, Daveed Diggs joining the cast, the show’s darker turns, over-the-top superhero violence, and why some shocking moments hit harder than others.26:44 – Documentary and podcast follow-up covers The Dark Wizard, Dean Potter, spoiler complaints, Matt’s golf outing, family updates, Better’s Delight, fashion week jokes, and a side conversation about shorts, Fabletics, and athletic gear.30:11 – NHL Stanley Cup Final update checks in on Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights series odds and leads into Phillies talk around Cristopher Sánchez’s historic scoreless-innings streak and whether he deserves All-Star Game consideration.33:14 – Phillies roster discussion looks at Don Mattingly’s impact, the team’s turnaround, possible trade-deadline needs, Alec Bohm frustration, right field questions, Bryce Harper’s defensive fit at first base, Rhys Hoskins nostalgia, and potential lineup upgrades.36:28 – Eagles trade reaction breaks down A.J. Brown being dealt to New England, Jordan Mailata’s “thank God it’s over” quote, locker-room tension, trade value concerns, Jalen Waddle comparisons, and how Philadelphia moves forward after losing a franchise-level receiver.41:31 – NFL blockbuster segment covers Myles Garrett being traded to the Rams, Jared Verse heading to Cleveland, the Rams becoming major Super Bowl favorites, Browns quarterback chaos, Deshaun Watson discussion, and Russell Wilson retirement jokes.46:26 – Golf talk closes the episode with the Memorial Tournament, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Wyndham Clark, Cam Young, Matt’s Titleist loyalty, fantasy-golf standings, and the upcoming U.S. Open picture.