Despite almost no detail of how it will play out the announcement by the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund that they have ceased legal hostilities and will instead join forces has rocked the golf world. What does it mean? Who knows but there is much to speculate on. It's also not the only thing happening in the golf world with a most intriguing US Open coming up at the Georgee Thomas designed LACC next week plus the release of co host Geoff Shackelford's latest book.

Despite almost no detail of how it will play out the announcement by the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund that they have ceased legal hostilities and will instead join forces has rocked the golf world. What does it mean? Who knows but there is much to speculate on. It's also not the only thing happening in the golf world with a most intriguing US Open coming up at the Georgee Thomas designed LACC next week plus the release of co host Geoff Shackelford's latest book.

SOG 127: WTF Is Going On?

It's taken 126 episodes and lord knows how much drinking by you, the loyal SOG listeners, but finally the USGA and R and A have listened and the ball is going to be rolled back. Sure it's not enough and of course it's too late but it's a step in the right direction and that's cause for celebration.

It's taken 126 episodes and lord knows how much drinking by you, the loyal SOG listeners, but finally the USGA and R and A have listened and the ball is going to be rolled back. Sure it's not enough and of course it's too late but it's a step in the right direction and that's cause for celebration.

SOG 126: Grab A Drink Because This One Is All About The Ball

Even for State of the Game  it's been a long break and even for us it's a long episode. But there was a lot to get through with Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton on Episode 125 including (but not limited to) The Australian Summer of Golf, LIV, the changing nature of digital media, how architecture has become more mainstream, a Seven Mile Beach update and plenty more as well. There's also some chat about Geoff's upcoming book Golf Architecture For Normal People which you can pre order at the links below. Pre order the new Geoff Shackelford book in the US at Amazon and in Australia at Booktopia. 

Even for State of the Game it's been a long break and even for us it's a long episode. But there was a lot to get through with Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton on Episode 125 including (but not limited to) The Australian Summer of Golf, LIV, the changing nature of digital media, how architecture has become more mainstream, a Seven Mile Beach update and plenty more as well. There's also some chat about Geoff's upcoming book Golf Architecture For Normal People which you can pre order at the links below. Pre order the new Geoff Shackelford book in the US at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Golf-Course-Architecture-Normal-People/dp/1732222754/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6X9SK1ODLRWO&amp;keywords=golf+architecture+for+normal+people&amp;qid=1675311072&amp;sprefix=golf+architecture+for+no%2Caps%2C278&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and in Australia at <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/golf-course-architecture-for-normal-people-geoff-shackelford/book/9781732222755.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Booktopia</a>.

SOG 125: It's Been A While

Let's leave the parlous state of world golf behind for a while and get back to talking one of our favourite topics here on SOG: course architecture. On Ep 124 Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri welcome Mike Devries and Mat Goggin for an update on the highly anticipated Seven Mile Beach project in Hobart, Tasmania. For those playing the drinking game Ep 124 will be disappointing...you can leave the bottle opener in the drawer as there's not a single mention of distance (or even LIV Golf!)

Let's leave the parlous state of world golf behind for a while and get back to talking one of our favourite topics here on SOG: course architecture. On Ep 124 Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri welcome Mike Devries and Mat Goggin for an update on the highly anticipated Seven Mile Beach project in Hobart, Tasmania. For those playing the drinking game Ep 124 will be disappointing...you can leave the bottle opener in the drawer as there's not a single mention of distance (or even LIV Golf!)

SOG 124: Seven Mile Beach Update

Matt Griffin

Theodore Roosevelt said it best in his 'Man in the Arena' speech more than 100 years ago and we took note in this episode of State of the Game. Matt Griffin, who teed up at the 150th Open, joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk all things St Andrews.

Theodore Roosevelt said it best in his 'Man in the Arena' speech more than 100 years ago and we took note in this episode of State of the Game. Matt Griffin, who teed up at the 150th Open, joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk all things St Andrews.

SOG 123: The Open with Matt Griffin

It won't go away but LIV Golf and all its implications can take a back seat for the next two weeks as golf hopefully celebrates everything good about the game with an Open Championship at the Old Course. Come along for the ride as Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton talk all things St Andrews.

It won't go away but LIV Golf and all its implications can take a back seat for the next two weeks as golf hopefully celebrates everything good about the game with an Open Championship at the Old Course. Come along for the ride as Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton talk all things St Andrews.

SOG 122: Enough LIV, Time To Talk the Old Course

Joe Ogilvie

There's probably not a lot left to say on the LIV Golf situation but when you get the chance to pick the brains of someone as smart as Joe Ogilvie you grab it.

There's probably not a lot left to say on the LIV Golf situation but when you get the chance to pick the brains of someone as smart as Joe Ogilvie you grab it.

SOG 121: Joe Ogilvie talks LIV Golf

It's happening too slowly for many but it does look like it IS happening. Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to discuss the 'under the radar' distance announcement, TPC Sawgrass, the Saudi League and more.

It's happening too slowly for many but it does look like it IS happening. Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to discuss the 'under the radar' distance announcement, TPC Sawgrass, the Saudi League and more.

SOG 120: Distance Insights and more

The Mickelson mess, the Norman missive, the distance report, beer throwing at Phoenix, falling TV ratings...take your pick we discuss it all with Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton on Ep 119 of State of the Game.

The Mickelson mess, the Norman missive, the distance report, beer throwing at Phoenix, falling TV ratings...take your pick we discuss it all with Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton on Ep 119 of State of the Game.

SOG 119: Well That Escalated Quickly

It was the most intriguing tournament of the year on multiple fronts but does the Sandbelt Invitational have a future? Tournament Director and State of the Game co-host Mike Clayton joins Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri for an in depth and behind the scenes look at the event that had golf nerds the world over salivating.

It was the most intriguing tournament of the year on multiple fronts but does the Sandbelt Invitational have a future? Tournament Director and State of the Game co-host Mike Clayton joins Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri for an in depth and behind the scenes look at the event that had golf nerds the world over salivating.

118: Is The Sandbelt Invitational the Future of Golf?

State of the Game was one of the first golf podcasts to hit the internet and remains one of the most respected. Hosted by Rod Morri and boasting two of the game's most important voices in co-hosts Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford, State of the Game is the go to podcast for untainted and unfiltered analysis of the game at every level. If you're looking for swing tips and gear reviews you've come to the wrong place but for thoughtful discussion about the big issues facing the game you'll find this a comfortable home.

Wish it was weekly!

Normally some great debate on current topics of golf.

Very good

State Of The Game

In this special combined episode of TalkinGolf and State of the Game Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to talk US Masters, Augusta National politics and Mike Clayton's amazing golf odyssey taking in some of America's very best golf courses. 

In this special combined episode of TalkinGolf and State of the Game Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to talk US Masters, Augusta National politics and Mike Clayton's amazing golf odyssey taking in some of America's very best golf courses.

Episode 8: SOG Ep 8 - "What have they done to Merion?"

With professional golf on hold for the foreseeable future only one thing is certain: the pay for play game will look very different on the other side of the Corona Virus pandemic. Can the European Tour survive the current crisis and if not will it be the PGA Tour or the Premier Golf League that becomes its saviour? Just one of the myriad questions pondered when Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by sports business expert Richard Gillis on Episode 104 of State of the Game. Links mentioend on this episode: Geoff Shackelford on Twitter and his new Podcast The Shack Show Mike Clayton on Twitter Rod Morri on Twitter Richard Gillis on Twitter and the excellent Unofficial Partner Podcast

With professional golf on hold for the foreseeable future only one thing is certain: the pay for play game will look very different on the other side of the Corona Virus pandemic. Can the European Tour survive the current crisis and if not will it be the PGA Tour or the Premier Golf League that becomes its saviour? Just one of the myriad questions pondered when Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by sports business expert Richard Gillis on Episode 104 of State of the Game. Links mentioend on this episode: Geoff Shackelford on <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffShac" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and his new Podcast <a href="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vSFNXMzMxODgyNjcyNQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Shack Show</a> Mike Clayton on <a href="https://twitter.com/mikeclaytongolf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> Rod Morri on <a href="https://twitter.com/Rod_Morri" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> Richard Gillis on <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardGillis1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and the excellent <a href="https://www.unofficialpartner.com/podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unofficial Partner</a> Podcast

Ep 104: What Will Become Of The European Tour?

Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to discuss the anchoring ban, racism in the game and how the Rio course is progressing as the clock ticks down to 2016....

Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to discuss the anchoring ban, racism in the game and how the Rio course is progressing as the clock ticks down to 2016....

Episode 22: SOG Episode 22: "Anchoring will be hard to police..."

Ran Morrissett

Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri are joined by co-founder of GolfClubAtlas, Ran Morrissett

Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri are joined by co-founder of GolfClubAtlas, Ran Morrissett

Episode 39: SOG Ep 39 Ran Morrissett

Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri chat with auhtor Chris Buie about his intirguing book "The Early Days of Pinehurst"

Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri chat with auhtor Chris Buie about his intirguing book "The Early Days of Pinehurst"

Episode 40: SOG EP 40 "Pinehurst back to its best"

Hank Haney

Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by Hank Haney, former coach to Tiger Woods and host of his own satellite radio show.

Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by Hank Haney, former coach to Tiger Woods and host of his own satellite radio show.

Episode 50: SOG EP 50 Hank Haney

Golf course architect Scott Macpherson from Scott Macpherson Golf Design chats about his fascinating new book on the world's 66 Royal golf clubs as well as discussing the controversial changes to the Old Course.

Golf course architect Scott Macpherson from Scott Macpherson Golf Design chats about his fascinating new book on the world's 66 Royal golf clubs as well as discussing the controversial changes to the Old Course.

Episode 43: SOG Ep 43 - How golf clubs become Royal

Curt Sampson

Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri chat with best selling author Curt Sampson.

Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri chat with best selling author Curt Sampson.

Episode 34: SOG Ep 34 - Author Curt Sampson

Not for the first time a World Golf Tour has been proposed with the noble intention of having 'the best play against the best more often'. Premier League Golf has been in the planning for several years and many of the world's top players have admitted to being interested. But can the PGA Tour put a stop to it and if not what would that mean for the Tour and the rest of world golf? Join Geoff Shackelford - the journalist who broke the story - Mike Clayton and Rod Morri as they ponder the potential fallout.

Not for the first time a World Golf Tour has been proposed with the noble intention of having 'the best play against the best more often'. Premier League Golf has been in the planning for several years and many of the world's top players have admitted to being interested. But can the PGA Tour put a stop to it and if not what would that mean for the Tour and the rest of world golf? Join Geoff Shackelford - the journalist who broke the story - Mike Clayton and Rod Morri as they ponder the potential fallout.

Ep 101: The Premier Golf League Bombshell

2006 US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy joins Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk about the new and intriguing Byron Nelson host venue Trinity Forest. With the course dominating pre-tournament talk, Ogvily outlines some of the reasons Trinity Forest will be an entertaining and important test this week. We also get some thoughts on whether he will consider a career as a commentator once his playing days are over  and there's a bonus 10 minutes of 'fly on the wall' chat as Ogilvy and Clayton shoot the breeze about the professional game.

2006 US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy joins Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk about the new and intriguing Byron Nelson host venue Trinity Forest. With the course dominating pre-tournament talk, Ogvily outlines some of the reasons Trinity Forest will be an entertaining and important test this week. We also get some thoughts on whether he will consider a career as a commentator once his playing days are over  and there's a bonus 10 minutes of 'fly on the wall' chat as Ogilvy and Clayton shoot the breeze about the professional game.

Episode 77: SOG Ep 77 Trinity Forest

Is golf going into meltdown or are we just having a rough patch because of the new rules? Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri delve into the seemingly weekly rules snafus in the professional game while also touching on the 'enhanced' rough we can expect at the 2021 Open at St Andrews and what might happen if the pro game made its own rules. Links mentioned in this episode: John Huggan talks to R&amp;A Chief Martin Slumbers Watson and Seve at St Andrews (19.03 is the start of the drama at the 17th): Information and booking form for the Barnbougle Dunes Course Study Tour

Is golf going into meltdown or are we just having a rough patch because of the new rules? Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri delve into the seemingly weekly rules snafus in the professional game while also touching on the 'enhanced' rough we can expect at the 2021 Open at St Andrews and what might happen if the pro game made its own rules. Links mentioned in this episode: John Huggan <a href="https://www.golfdigest.com/story/political-issues-in-and-out-of-golf-have-ra-chief-martin-slumbers-bracing-for-an-interesting-2019" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">talks to</a> R&amp;A Chief Martin Slumbers Watson and Seve at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHlVMMLgdeA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St Andrews</a> (19.03 is the start of the drama at the 17th): Information and booking form for the <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bdf7658f2e6b11788a032c0/t/5c35a09f758d4661a0dcbe64/1547018402789/Barnbougle+Dunes+Itinerary+and+Booking+Form.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnbougle Dunes Course Study Tour</a>

SOG Ep 090: Old Course Rough and Rules, Rules, Rules

Last month Ran Morrissett published a list of 147 courses he nominated as 'Custodians of the Game'. The venues all promote the simplest and most joyful elements of the game, from width and playing angles to walking and simple green keeping practises. But the pre-amble to the list was at least as - if not more interesting than - the list itself and Ran joins Mike Clayton and host Rod Morri to discuss his thinking when putting together his list.

Last month Ran Morrissett published a list of 147 courses he nominated as 'Custodians of the Game'. The venues all promote the simplest and most joyful elements of the game, from width and playing angles to walking and simple green keeping practises. But the pre-amble to the list was at least as - if not more interesting than - the list itself and Ran joins Mike Clayton and host Rod Morri to discuss his thinking when putting together his list.

Episode 82: SOG Ep 82 Ran Morrissett

The success of Royal Portrush, Xander Schauffele and the driver controversy, are the authorities planning to do something about the ball in the autumn and why you can't say anything bad about Memphis. All that and more in episode 97 of State of the Game. Links mentioend on this episode:  Geoff's story on the Distance Report Mark Giannotto's passionate defence of the Memphis tournament  Kyle Porter's Tweet that started the controversy

The success of Royal Portrush, Xander Schauffele and the driver controversy, are the authorities planning to do something about the ball in the autumn and why you can't say anything bad about Memphis. All that and more in episode 97 of State of the Game. Links mentioend on this episode: Geoff's story on the <a href="https://golfweek.com/2019/07/17/golf-distance-report-martin-slumbers-technology-driven-game/?utm_source=smg&amp;utm_medium=wasabi&amp;utm_content=home-latest-news" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Distance Report</a> Mark Giannotto's passionate defence of the <a href="https://golfweek.com/2019/07/23/golf-wgc-fedex-st-jude-invitational-means-more-to-memphis-than-to-the-world/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Memphis tournament </a> Kyle Porter's <a href="https://twitter.com/KylePorterCBS/status/1152630116830384128" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tweet</a> that started the controversy

SOG Ep 097: The Open Washup And Is Something Happening With The Ball?

Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford join host Rod Morri to discuss all things golf from The Open Championship and US PGA to the new USGA TV deal with FOX in the US.

Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackelford join host Rod Morri to discuss all things golf from The Open Championship and US PGA to the new USGA TV deal with FOX in the US.

Episode 26: SOG Ep 26 "We don't need more beer drinking cart driving golfers..."

Bob Denney

With the PGA Championship set to return to the Bethpage Black course in New York next week there will be plenty of discussion about course design AW Tillinghast. While known mostly as a course architect, Tillinghast had many more strings to his bow including a well known - though little understood - tour of the US during the depression years to advise courses on more financially sustainable management practises. What is less known is the extensive records he kept of that period and PGA Historian Bob Denney joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 93 to delve into the life and times of one of the game's great contributors. Links: Geoff Shackelford on Twitter Mike Clayton on Twitter Rod Morri on TwitterSpecial Guest: Bob Denney.

With the PGA Championship set to return to the Bethpage Black course in New York next week there will be plenty of discussion about course design AW Tillinghast. While known mostly as a course architect, Tillinghast had many more strings to his bow including a well known - though little understood - tour of the US during the depression years to advise courses on more financially sustainable management practises. What is less known is the extensive records he kept of that period and PGA Historian Bob Denney joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 93 to delve into the life and times of one of the game's great contributors. Links: Geoff Shackelford on <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffShac" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> Mike Clayton on <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelClayto15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> Rod Morri on <a href="https://twitter.com/Rod_Morri" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>Special Guest: Bob Denney.

SOG Ep 093: Bob Denney on AW Tillinghast

Tiger Woods winning his fifth green jacket was something special but The Masters is about so much more than just the 72 holes each year. Join Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri as they break down what the 2019 Masters means in the bigger picture, from changes to the course (in particular the fifth hole) to media, technology and the role of the Augusta National Women's Amateur. Oh, and there's a brief mention of the possibility that distance might be an issue as well.

Tiger Woods winning his fifth green jacket was something special but The Masters is about so much more than just the 72 holes each year. Join Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri as they break down what the 2019 Masters means in the bigger picture, from changes to the course (in particular the fifth hole) to media, technology and the role of the Augusta National Women's Amateur. Oh, and there's a brief mention of the possibility that distance might be an issue as well.

SOG Ep 091 The Masters Big Picture

Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to break down the ball debate which has broken out in the recent weeks.

Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to break down the ball debate which has broken out in the recent weeks.

Episode 75: SOG Ep 75 - The Ball Debate

It's been a while but Episode 73 is worth the wait as Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by Geoff Ogilvy to talk Presidents Cup, players not marking on the green before opponents hit their shot, where the best crowds in the world are to be found (this one was a surprise) and plenty more. 

It's been a while but Episode 73 is worth the wait as Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri are joined by Geoff Ogilvy to talk Presidents Cup, players not marking on the green before opponents hit their shot, where the best crowds in the world are to be found (this one was a surprise) and plenty more.

Episode 73: SOG Episode 73

It's been a couple of weeks but the controversy from the US Open continues to bubble with many believing the USGA has lost a significant amount of credibility after happenings at Shinnecock Hills. Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join Rod Morri to discuss the long term fallout from the 118th US Open as well as some Ryder Cup chat and more memories of Peter Thomson. For the reprint of Thomson's book mentioned, https://www.slatterymedia.com

It's been a couple of weeks but the controversy from the US Open continues to bubble with many believing the USGA has lost a significant amount of credibility after happenings at Shinnecock Hills. Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton join Rod Morri to discuss the long term fallout from the 118th US Open as well as some Ryder Cup chat and more memories of Peter Thomson. For the reprint of Thomson's book mentioned, <a href="https://www.slatterymedia.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.slatterymedia.com</a>

Episode 79: SOG Ep 79 US Open fallout - the big picture

On today's episode Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to discuss the surprise announement by Tim Finchem that the US PGA Tour would oppose the proposed ban on anchored putters. The team also discusses Rory McIlroy's poor play since switching to Nike and the Australian PGA's move to a golf course not in the country's top 100

On today's episode Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to discuss the surprise announement by Tim Finchem that the US PGA Tour would oppose the proposed ban on anchored putters. The team also discusses Rory McIlroy's poor play since switching to Nike and the Australian PGA's move to a golf course not in the country's top 100

Episode 17: SOG Ep 17: "I hope the end game is the ball..."

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!