2 Off the 1st
221 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating2 Off the 1st is for the hardcore golf fan who can't get enough of the sport. Host Ryan Ballengee digs deep on two stories each weekday in a snack-sized show that will catch you up on the most important stories in the game. Whether it has to do with the pro game (PGA Tour, LPGA, LIV, Euro Tour, etc.) or the game we play, we'll make sure you're caught up without wasting your time.
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Episodes
192: Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda rule the weekend (and Miles Russell)
April 22, 2024 15:58 - 28 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks back on the great week and run for both Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, as well as what Miles Russell did on the Korn Ferry Tour.
191: Nelly Korda lurks at The Chevron, Taylor Gooch wants 108 hole LIV events
April 19, 2024 16:57 - 25 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at the opening rounds across golf, including Nelly Korda at The Chevron and 15-year-old Miles Russell thriving on the Korn Ferry Tour. Also, Taylor Gooch doesn't see why LIV Golf tournaments can't be 90 or 108 holes.
190: Rory is not going to LIV Golf (again) and Masters ratings are in
April 16, 2024 16:40 - 25 minutesOn today's show, Ryan goes over Rory McIlroy once again denying he will go to LIV Golf and the BS reporting from another outlet. Also, the Masters ratings are in, and they might be telling us a lot of things. We are presented by GolfLync, a new golf-themed social network where you can post about your game, find new playing partners and courses, as well as form virtual golf clubs to make online communities around the game. Find them on the App Store or on Google Play!
189: Greg Norman shows at Augusta as Fred Ridley speaks out
April 10, 2024 21:30 - 21 minutesOn today's show, Ryan talks about the weird split screen of Greg Norman coming to the Masters as a ticketed patron while chairman Fred Ridley uses his post to discuss wide-ranging issues in the game.
188: Augusta National is minty, and Jon Rahm wants 72-hole LIV events
April 09, 2024 17:07 - 21 minutesOn today's show, Ryan shares comments that seem to suggest Augusta National is in as good a shape as it's been in a long time. Also, Jon Rahm thinks LIV Golf events should be 72 holes for more fans to accept the tour.
187: The Masters is here, Denny comes close and Nelly stays in Vegas
April 08, 2024 16:28 - 24 minutesOn today's show, Ryan gets you ready for the Masters and looks back on a great weekend of golf between the Valero Texas Open and Nelly Korda winning her fourth consecutive LPGA event.
186: Nelly Korda is on fire, and PGA Tour players feel in the dark
April 02, 2024 16:34 - 23 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks back on Nelly Korda winning her third tournament in a row on the LPGA and the unfortunate TV situation for the tour. Then he gets into how a number of PGA Tour umbrella players seem to feel increasingly in the dark about their tours. Spring is here, so get suited up for golf season with Swannies! Go to https://swannies.co and use the promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your first order.
185: Peter Malnati's inspirational Valspar win tops the weekend recap
March 25, 2024 13:23 - 26 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks back on a great weekend of tournaments, including why Peter Malnati's win at the Valspar Championship was so compelling and needed.
184: Callaway Golf reportedly for sale, the PGA Tour meeting with Yasir Al Rumayyan
March 20, 2024 19:15 - 26 minutesOn today's show, Ryan goes over the report out of Korea that Callaway Golf is for sale and Topgolf being spun off. Also, we look at the PGA Tour Enterprises meeting with LIV Golf benefactor and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan. What's next?
183: Scottie is on a heater, the PGA Tour meets with PIF
March 18, 2024 13:57 - 31 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks back on The Players and Scottie Scheffler's historic win at Sawgrass. Then he digs in on the scheduled meeting between the PGA Tour Enterprises board and the Public Investment Fund in the Bahamas.
182: The Players is underway as the future of the Tour is up for grabs
March 14, 2024 16:52 - 21 minutesOn today's show, Ryan talks about the start at TPC Sawgrass while stars like Rory and Scottie seems conflicted about what the Tour should do and how it should look in the future.
181: Jay Monahan says a lot and a little at The Players
March 12, 2024 23:47 - 30 minutesOn today's show, Ryan goes over PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan's news conference at The Players, and he walks away with a sense that the tone doesn't match the sense of urgency and action needed right now.
180: Scottie Scheffler's dominace, the stars want a smaller PGA Tour
March 11, 2024 18:29 - 32 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks back on Scottie Scheffler's incredible performance at Bay Hill and how impressive his demolition job was. Also, while some LIV Golf players definitely want back on the PGA Tour, some of its stars are advocating for a smaller tour.
179: LIV withdraws OWGR application, Signature tournaments need bigger fields
March 05, 2024 16:54 - 26 minutesOn today's show, Ryan goes over LIV withdrawing its application for OWGR recognition and what should happen from here. Also, he makes a plea to the PGA Tour to expand the fields (and have a cut) for the Signature events.
178: Anthony Kim's first week on LIV, and the Saudis might be done with the PGA Tour
March 04, 2024 16:26 - 31 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks back on Anthony Kim's debut week on LIV and the real players that the Tour should consider promoting instead. Also, rumors run amok that the Saudis may be walking away from the PGA Tour deal. Now what?
177: Anthony Kim's LIV deal explained, but welcoing LIV guys back?
February 28, 2024 17:43 - 28 minutesOn today's show, Anthony Kim is formally announced as playing on LIV, so what is he getting and how does that impact his insurance policy? Also, Webb Simpson talks about welcoming back LIV Golf players...all six of em.
177: Anthony Kim's LIV deal explained, but welcoming LIV guys back?
February 28, 2024 17:43 - 28 minutesOn today's show, Anthony Kim is formally announced as playing on LIV, so what is he getting and how does that impact his insurance policy? Also, Webb Simpson talks about welcoming back LIV Golf players...all six of em.
176: Taylor Gooch says something dumb, The Match was fun
February 27, 2024 16:07 - 28 minutesOn today's show, Ryan gets into the ridiculous comments from Taylor Gooch that the Masters could have an asterisk without him and other LIV players in it, and then he recaps The Match and hopes for more opportunities like this one.
176: Talor Gooch says something dumb, The Match was fun
February 27, 2024 16:07 - 28 minutesOn today's show, Ryan gets into the ridiculous comments from Talor Gooch that the Masters could have an asterisk without him and other LIV players in it, and then he recaps The Match and hopes for more opportunities like this one.
175: Anthony Kim is back on LIV and Rahm is candid about the money
February 26, 2024 18:05 - 32 minutesOn today's show, Ryan recaps his family golf trip to Florida before getting into Anthony Kim's comeback and what that tells us about golf right now. Then Jon Rahm is candid about his financial incentives, and Ryan wonders what that means for the future of golf.
174: Hideki wins at Riviera, Spieth and the wrong score
February 19, 2024 22:02 - 25 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at Hideki winning at Riv and wraps up the West Coast Swing. He also looks at Jordan Spieth getting DQ'd and why keeping score matters.
173: Sun Day Red debuts and reaction, a little ratings update
February 13, 2024 16:24 - 23 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at the debut of the Sun Day Red line from Tiger Woods and TaylorMade, as well as reaction to all facets of the launch. Then Ryan spends a little time on the ratings from Friday. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order! Sign up for my newsletter, The Break: https://golfnewsnet.beehiiv.com/
172: Sunday Red on a Monday, the Phoenix Open was crazy
February 12, 2024 18:42 - 31 minutesOn today's show, Ryan talks through the craziness at the Phoenix Open and what might actually be happening at Scottsdale, and he also gets into the debut of Tiger Woods' Sunday Red line. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order! Sign up for my newsletter, The Break: https://golfnewsnet.beehiiv.com/
171: 57! And PIF threatens bankers with imprisonment
February 09, 2024 15:28 - 33 minutesOn today's catch-up show, Ryan gets into Cristobal del Solar's amazing 57 on the Korn Ferry Tour, weather issues in Phoenix, and LIV players wanting to play some PGA Tour events. Also, the PIF is apparently threatening their bankers and consultants with prison time for cooperating with the US Senate PGA Tour-LIV probe.
170: LIV vs. PGA Tour ratings, and Tiger is announcing something
February 06, 2024 19:40 - 22 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at the weekend ratings for LIV Golf and the PGA Tour to see the comparison, what to take away from the numbers and what this week might tell us. Also, Tiger is announcing something big next week.
169: License to care about LIV? A weird Sunday
February 05, 2024 21:25 - 26 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at the void created by Pebble Beach not finishing all 72 holes and the space occupied by LIV in its absence. Some observations about the tone online, as well as the realities that haven't changed about that product.
168: Montezuma's Revenge on LIV? And some great LPGA news
February 02, 2024 19:18 - 23 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at the reporting around a stomach bug infecting LIV Golf en masse (or not?) and then gets into some great women's golf news from the USGA and LPGA. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order!
167: Spieth sees the Saudis as optional, a better TV experience incoming?
February 01, 2024 16:53 - 25 minutesOn today's show, Ryan threads together comments from Spieth, Homa, Morikawa, McIlroy and more to figure out where things stand with the Saudis and how this all might finally benefit you, the golf fan. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order!
166: Strategic Sports Group investment: What we know and what questions remain
January 31, 2024 17:17 - 24 minutesOn today's show, Ryan digs in on the announced investment of Strategic Sports Group into PGA Tour Enterprises, what it means for players, fans, LIV Golf and what could happen in the fallout of all of this.
165: Hatton and the Thundercats to LIV, while the LPGA-LET merger twists in the wind
January 30, 2024 17:56 - 20 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at the LIV Golf reveal of Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm's team logo that looks a lot like the Thundercats logo. Also the LPGA-LET merger is in peril after the Saudis exerted influence on the deal.
164: What the heck is going on with LIV? And more related questions
January 29, 2024 15:53 - 26 minutesOn today's show after a week off for the PGA Show, Ryan is really confused by everything that is and isn't happening with LIV, the Saudis, the PGA Tour, Strategic Sports Group and the DP World Tour. What in the world does all of this mean? Ryan tries to decide it all. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order!
163: Jack Burke Jr. passes away at 100, Cantlay talks negotiations
January 19, 2024 16:00 - 25 minutesOn today's show, Ryan pays tribute to the life of Jack Burke Jr., the two-time 1956 major winner, former Marine and co-founder of Champions Golf Club. Also, we get into Patrick Cantlay's role in the Big Negotiation.
162: Yasir Al-Rumayyan facing big lawsuit as Jay Monahan negotiates in Saudi Arabia
January 17, 2024 00:12 - 26 minutesOn today's late show, Ryan gets into the pending $74 million lawsuit against Yasir Al-Rumayyan and how that might impact the PIF negotiations with Jay Monahan that are reportedly unfolding in Saudi Arabia right now.
161: Who is Ken Weyand, and other craziness at the Dubai Invitational
January 12, 2024 14:51 - 21 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at why Keith Pelley is staying with the DP World Tour until April and why Ken Weyand is playing in the Dubai Invitational this week.
160: Phil says he's not the right Ryder Cup guy, and resignations galore
January 11, 2024 15:11 - 30 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at the abrupt exits of R&A CEO Martin Slumbers and European Tour Group CEO Keith Pelley, as well as what's next. Phil then says he's not the right man to captain at Bethpage Black, but it's more complex than that. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order!
159: The future of elite professional golf, according to Rory McIlroy
January 10, 2024 16:42 - 24 minutesOn today's show, Ryan gets into Rory McIlroy's vision for the future of elite professional golf, including taking the game global and ending the idea of an "independent contractor" pro golfer. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order!
158: Tiger Woods and Nike part ways, rookies struggle to get in Sony
January 09, 2024 17:06 - 27 minutesOn today's show, Ryan digs in on the Tiger Woods and Nike split: how it happened, why, what's next and a look back. Also, the Sony Open in Hawaii may be a litmus test for how tough it'll be to get into PGA Tour fields this year for rookies and reshuffle players. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order!
157: Patrick Reed ordered to pay legal fees, suggesting a rotating NBC booth
January 08, 2024 16:44 - 27 minutesOn today's show, Ryan gets into the court order that Patrick Reed pay legal fees for defendants in his dismissed defamation suit(s), as well as a suggestion to spice up the NBC Sports booth with a rotating guest player analyst. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order!
156: Jon Rahm spotted in Maui, and Greg Norman is appreciative of Rory
January 05, 2024 16:24 - 24 minutesOn today's episode, Ryan looks at Round 1 at Kapalua, then digs in on the mystery of Jon Rahm being in Maui right now and seeing players. Then Greg Norman seems to misinterpret what Rory McIlroy said earlier this week.
155: Rory says he was "too judgmental" of LIV defectors, Mac Hughes opens up
January 03, 2024 16:03 - 32 minutesOn today's show, Rory McIlroy shares his current thoughts on LIV players and being harsh on their decisions to leave for the Saudi-backed league, as well as what he hopes happens in the end. Then Mac Hughes offers some great, and different, perspective on the whole pro golf thing. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your orde...
154: Patrick Cantlay has 'no plans' to go to LIV, as Shane Lowry calls out Jon Rahm
January 02, 2024 16:35 - 27 minutesHappy New Year! On today's show, updates on Shane Lowry calling out Jon Rahm, Patrick Cantlay flirting with LIV, Tiger Woods to Footjoy and our dog debacle. Winter is here, so get warmer and look good with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order! Cantlay interview: https://golf.com/news/patrick-cantlay-speaks-ryder-cup-liv-pga-tour/
153: Is the Official World Golf Ranking preparing to accept LIV Golf?
December 22, 2023 15:50 - 24 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at three new (and good) changes to the Official World Golf Ranking for 2024 that will benefit tours with weaker fields and impact no-cut events in a positive way -- whether or not LIV Golf gets points some day.
152: Jon Rahm muzzled by LIV, and holy PGA Tour legal fees
December 14, 2023 19:43 - 27 minutesOn today's episode, Ryan gets into Jon Rahm explaining that he's been told not to talk or appear at public events until February (when LIV starts), as well as the mounting legal bills that the PGA Tour faced in 2022 and '23 that probably help explain the Framework Agreement.
151: The rank and file demand answers, while purses are a minor mystery
December 13, 2023 16:21 - 24 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at the lawyer-backed demands of PGA Tour rank-and-file players who want to see the investment proposals for NewCo. Also, there's a lot players aren't certain of about next year on Tour.
150: Tony Finau not going to LIV, and Mac Hughes owes Jon Rahm a fruit basket
December 12, 2023 18:23 - 23 minutesOn today's episode, Ryan looks at Tony Finau's decision to stay on the PGA Tour and why it might have happened. Also, Mac Hughes, Alex Smalley and Carl Yuan all benefit from Jon Rahm going to LIV with better PGA Tour status.
149: Jon Rahm (and more?) to LIV leads to PGA Tour picking a partner
December 11, 2023 15:56 - 31 minutesOn today's show, Ryan goes over Jon Rahm moving to LIV, what that brought about and what could be happening in the next few weeks. Also, the palpable anger golf fans feel right now is going to take a long time to assuage. It's getting cold out there, so be ready for winter golf with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order!
148: The Rollback Episode: What's changing and the reaction
December 06, 2023 15:07 - 26 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks into the details of the announced universal golf ball rollback, including all the specifics and what it should mean in raw numbers for golfers of all skill levels. Also, the PGA Tour doesn't like this proposal either, but Ryan explains why it's the right call for them, too.
147: Rollback performative art, LPGA Q-Series coming to an end
December 05, 2023 22:35 - 25 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at the sky-is-falling acting and disingenuous arguments being made by both supporters and opponents of the golf ball rollback. Hopefully we move on with a real proposal in hand. Also, the first of several Q-schools is coming to an end with the LPGA Q-Series wrapping up in Alabama. It's getting cold out there, so be ready for winter golf with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo co...
146: Rollback for all, and LIV Golfers win big on the DP World Tour
December 04, 2023 15:39 - 28 minutesOn today's show, Ryan looks at the news that the USGA and R&A are going to announce a golf ball rollback for all players and how it's going to work. Then, LIV Golf players win three of the first four DP World Tour events, and that's happening as the hot stove percolates. Digest story: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/usga-ra-rollback-announcement-december-2023 It's getting cold out there, so be ready for winter golf with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, an...
145: PGA Tour-PIF-Rahm game of chicken, and Chris Stroud disses the Tour
December 01, 2023 19:55 - 33 minutesOn today's show, Ryan talks about the game of chicken the PGA Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund seem to be playing in public, starring Jon Rahm. What does it all mean? Then PGA Tour veteran Chris Stroud shares why he thinks the Tour isn't valuing him high enough. It's getting cold out there, so be ready for winter golf with Swannies! Pick up awesome cold weather pullovers and quarter-zips, and T-shirt hoodies at https://swannies.co. Use promo code golfnewsnet25 to save 25% on your order...