Local Knowledge
465 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★ - 148 ratingsThe best golf stories have multiple layers to them. In each episode, Local Knowledge dives deep into a subject golfers want to know about, whether it’s about the game they play, the competition at the highest level, or the surprising ways golf factors into larger conversations throughout society. Hosts Alex Myers, Keely Levins, Shane Ryan and Sam Weinman weave together original interviews, Golf Digest reporting, and additional elements to tell the type of compelling stories that have been a Golf Digest staple for decades.
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Episodes
Phil wins at Pebble & teen phenom Akshay Bhatia
February 11, 2019 21:07 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBSeventeen-year-old phenom Akshay Bhatia discusses being the world's best junior golfer, his hectic schedule, and his decision to turn pro when he turns 18. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, Keely Levins discuss Phil Mickelson's wild win at Pebble Beach, pro-am highlights (and lowlights), and why you need to be careful when naming your buddies trip tournament.
Darius Rucker on his new golf gig; Sergio's meltdown; Rickie's ugly win
February 06, 2019 13:00 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBRock-turned-country music star Darius Rucker joins talks to Alex Myers and Sam Weinman about his new role with the PGA Tour and his own middling golf game. Plus, Myers, Weinman and Keely Levins discuss Sergio Garcia's bizarre DQ in Saudi Arabia, Rickie Fowler's stressful win, and Johnny Miller's emotional farewell.
Inside the Golf Digest Hot List process
January 29, 2019 00:50 - 50 minutes - 46 MBWith the release of the 2019 Golf Digest Hot List, senior equipment editors Mike Johnson and Mike Stachura joined the podcast to talk about the extensive process, trends, and tips for those looking to update their clubs. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Keely Levins discuss Justin Rose's latest win, Tiger Woods' PGA Tour return, and a new rule that led to a controversial penalty.
CBS' Peter Kostis talks "Tin Cup" memories & Tiger's soft side
January 23, 2019 13:13 - 1 hour - 55 MBLongtime CBS analyst and coach Peter Kostis shares stories about his pivotal role in the classic movie "Tin Cup," a softer side of Tiger Woods viewers don't see, and the unexpected way he got into broadcasting. Plus, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Ryan Herrington discuss Adam Long's stunning win over Phil Mickelson and give their Tiger predictions for 2019.
Matt Kuchar's resurgence & PGA Tour Live's John Swantek
January 15, 2019 01:45 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBLongtime voice of the PGA Tour John Swantek stops by to chat about a new season on PGA Tour Live, why streaming content has changed the media landscape, and how he broke the news of one of sport's all-time biggest trades. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Hally Leadbetter discuss Matt Kuchar's resurgence, Ho-sung Choi's Pebble Beach invite, and one of the craziest ball-striking rounds in history.
Breaking down America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses with Ron Whitten
January 08, 2019 04:13 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBGolf Digest senior editor and course architect Ron Whitten discusses the latest America's 100 Greatest ranking, from its meticulous process to some surprises on the list. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, Keely Levins, and Stephen Hennessey talk about Xander Schauffele's incredible final round at Kapalua and Bryson DeChambeau's flagstick strategy.
Cody Blick tells his crazy Q School story & our Christmas wish lists
December 12, 2018 02:19 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBCody Blick discusses the incredible 63 he shot to earn his Web.com Tour card after having his golf clubs stolen. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Keely Levins debate the Q School system, and give their Christmas golf wish lists.
GD Stories: The Grit Factor — What It Takes To Succeed & Improve In Golf
December 05, 2018 22:06 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBThe second in a series bringing classic stories from the Golf Digest archive to life is an audio version of "The Grit Factor: What It Takes To Succeed & Improve In Golf," an eye-opening look at how popular concepts in education about persistence and embracing challenge transfer to golf. Read by Steven Kearney.
Tiger vs. Phil reaction, and what's next for "The Match"?
November 27, 2018 02:29 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBGolf Digest's Dave Shedloski discusses what it was like being in Las Vegas for Tiger vs. Phil, and the future of "The Match." Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Keely Levins talk about the best and worst parts of the broadcast, a couple of big golf weddings, and a popular win by Ho-sung Choi.
Golf's crazy fall & our favorite prop bets for "The Match"
November 20, 2018 18:59 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBAlex Myers, Sam Weinman and Hally Leadbetter discuss emotional wins for Charles Howell III, Danny Willett, and Lexi Thompson, and make their predictions for "The Match" between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
GD Stories: My Last Round
November 14, 2018 12:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBThe first in a series bringing classic stories from the Golf Digest archive to life is an audio version of "My Last Round," a first-person account from longtime editor John Barton about his complicated relationship with golf, and the reasons he made the painful decision to stop playing. Read by Steven Kearney.
Cameron Champ on cracking drivers and managing expectations
November 06, 2018 01:26 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBCameron Champ discusses his breakthrough PGA Tour win, breaking drivers with his off-the-charts swing speed, and managing expectations as one of the game's rising star. Plus, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman and Hally Leadbetter talk about Bryson DeChambeau's latest victory, a bizarre cheating scandal and golf's best Halloween costumes.
Prodigies real and imagined: John Feinstein on his latest golf novel; the rise of Cam Champ
October 31, 2018 11:40 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBJohn Feinstein talks to Sam Weinman about his golf novel, The Prodigy, and how much of it is rooted in truth. Plus, Alex Myers, Christopher Powers, and Weinman talk about Cam Champ's impressive win in Mississippi, and debate when to bump it from off the green and when to flop it.
Jimmie James on playing all 100 Greatest courses, new world No. 1 Koepka; Azinger replaces Miller
October 23, 2018 12:55 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBJimmie James, a retired oil executive, joins Alex Myers to talk about his remarkable feat playing all of Golf Digest's 100 Greatest courses in one year. Also, Myers, Sam Weinman, and Steve Hennessey discuss new world No. 1 Brooks Koepka, and what to expect from Paul Azinger as he takes over for Johnny Miller as NBC's lead golf analyst.
Gary Player on fitness misconceptions, Tiger Woods' comeback, and his secret sweet tooth fix
October 16, 2018 13:56 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBNine-time major champ Gary Player reacts to some of the "nonsense" he hears regarding golfers in the gym, talks Tiger Woods' return to the winner's circle, and admits to having a weak spot for a certain candy. Plus, Alex Myers, Keely Levins, and Sam Weinman discuss the newest World Golf Hall of Fame class and a sneaky all-time great golf year.
Jeremy Roenick on the best celebrity golfers, the new NHL season, and his Golf Channel
October 09, 2018 21:14 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBNHL legend Jeremy Roenick discusses his golf obsession and his new gig as a judge on the Golf Channel show "Driver vs. Driver." Also the gang breaks down the PGA Tour season opener won by Kevin Tway.
Ryder Cup recap with Tom Watson
October 02, 2018 20:19 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBEight-time major champion Tom Watson joins the Golf Digest Podcast to discuss the 2018 Ryder Cup, why he originally paired Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth, and relive his magical run at the 2009 Open Championship. Also, Alex Myers, Ryan Herrington, Keely Levins, and Joel Beall breakdown what went wrong for the Americans in France and all the ensuing team drama.
Stewart Cink on Ryder Cup nerves, having Anthony Kim as a teammate, and his U.S. ping-pong ranking
September 26, 2018 13:32 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MBFive-time Ryder Cupper and 2009 British Open champ Stewart Cink joins us to discuss what it's like to play in the biennial event, be teammates with Tiger Woods and Anthony Kim, and give his Team USA ping-pong rankings. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, Joel Beall, and Steve Hennessey preview this year's clash between America and Europe in France.
Tiger Woods wins again (and we're not sure we can handle it)
September 24, 2018 20:21 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBTiger Woods added the most compelling chapter to his storybook return by winning the Tour Championship on Sunday, and Joel Beall, Alex Myers and Sam Weinman break it all down. The gang discusses where it ranks among Woods' all-time biggest wins, how it compares to some of sports' all-time biggest comebacks, and how many episodes a Tiger Woods "30 For 30" might actually require.
How Golf Digest helped an inmate win his freedom after 27 years
September 21, 2018 00:03 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBNo story in the history of Golf Digest has been anything like the one of Valentino Dixon, an inmate for 27 years in an upstate New York prison who helped bide his time by drawing golf courses. Dixon's initial connection to editorial director Max Adler led to Adler examining the questionable details of his murder case, and raised enough questions to eventually lead to Dixon's release from prison this week. Adler joins Sam Weinman and Keely Levins to tell the remarkable story of how a golf wri...
Can meditation help your golf game?
September 18, 2018 21:22 - 1 hour - 70 MBMeditation teacher and 1 Giant Mind founder Jonni Pollard discusses how meditation can help your golf game. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Keely Levins talk about about an unusual major championship record and preview the Tour Championship.
Chris Riley on playing the Ryder Cup with Tiger, why he sat out, and his new coaching gig
September 11, 2018 21:13 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBFormer PGA Tour player Chris Riley joins the podcast to discuss his experience in the 2004 Ryder Cup when he paired successfully with Tiger Woods, only to mysteriously sit out the afternoon, and his new position as head coach at the University of San Diego. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Keely Levins discuss Keegan Bradley's comeback win, Justin Rose's ascendance to No. 1, and Tiger's latest near miss.
Ryder Cup captain's picks, and Tyrrell Hatton on harnessing his emotions and "defying gravity"
September 05, 2018 20:04 - 1 hour - 59 MBAlex Myers and Keely Levins talk with the entertaining — and emotional — Tyrrell Hatton ahead of his first Ryder Cup appearance. They also discuss Bryson DeChambeau's dominant postseason, a hole-in-one business idea, and a co-worker's costly bet involving Jim Furyk's captain's picks.
Creative FedEx Cup changes, Bryson DeChambeau's Ryder Cup case, and Tyrrell Hatton's timely purchase
August 29, 2018 12:01 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBAlex Myers, Joel Beall, and Keely Levins discuss Bryson DeChambeau's big win, an unusual — but smart — purchase by Tyrrell Hatton, and bathroom breaks on the course. Plus, Brian Wacker calls in from this week's PGA Tour stop to discuss the expected major changes to the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
FedEx Cup/Northern Trust preview and James Hahn on tour life and his Craigslist obsession
August 22, 2018 01:18 - 1 hour - 61.6 MBGolf Digest's Alex Myers and Joel Beall come to you "live" from Ridgewood Country Club, site of the Northern Trust, to discuss the start of the 2018 FedEx Cup playoffs. Also joining the podcast is James Hahn, who discusses his storybook career from shoe salesman to PGA Tour winner, his obsession with Craigslist and his other thrifty habits.
PGA review: Koepka's resounding statement & Tiger's incredible run
August 13, 2018 11:40 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBAlex Myers and Joel Beall wrap up a wild Sunday in the season's final major, with Brooks Koepka capturing his second major of the season, and Tiger Woods at least giving him a scare.
Brandel Chamblee on the PGA, Tiger's biggest missteps & facing his critics
August 08, 2018 00:09 - 1 hour - 66.2 MBGolf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee joins Alex Myers and Sam Weinman to discuss who he likes in the PGA, how Tiger Woods wasted valuable years in his prime, and his own return to competition. Also, Joel Beall checks in from Bellerive to give his take on the dicey conditions.
DeChambeau's handshake etiquette, Scotland golf, shanks nightmares
August 01, 2018 01:14 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBAlex Myers, Sam Weinman and Keely Levins discuss Bryson DeChambeau's controversial handshake, a dream golf trip to Scotland, and one editor's case of the shanks. Also, the gang discusses Tiger Woods' upcoming swan song at Firestone.
Open Championship review: Francesco Molinari's win, Tiger's impressive run, Jordan Spieth's collapse
July 23, 2018 02:03 - 37 minutes - 34 MBAlex Myers, Hally Leadbetter and Ryan Herrington wrap up a frenetic Sunday from Carnoustie, where Francesco Molinari claimed his first major title in impressive fashion, holding off Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and others. They also talk Jordan Spieth's collapse and look ahead to the PGA.
Open Championship Preview: Tiger, Spieth & Rory's chances on baked-and-brown Carnoustie
July 17, 2018 00:41 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBGolf Digest's Ryan Herrington checks in from Carnoustie to fill in Alex Myers and Sam Weinman on the the baked-out conditions, assess Tiger Woods' chances, and identify a couple of sleepers to pick in the season's third major.
Kevin Na on his "unusual ratio," his slow-play rep, and overcoming actual golf nightmares
July 13, 2018 13:06 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBTwo-time PGA Tour winner Kevin Na talks to Alex Myers about his emotional win at the Greenbrier, his unusual career path, and trying to make a first Ryder Cup team. Also, Sam Weinman and Keely Levins join Alex to discuss the PGA Tour's revamped schedule, a tour pro finding a caddie on Twitter, and Tony Romo's big golf win.
David Toms on his Senior Open win, Tiger Woods' new putter, and the latest cheating scandal
July 03, 2018 00:42 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBU.S. Senior Open champ David Toms talks to Sam Weinman about his first win on the 50-and-over circuit, and its eery similarities to his landmark win in the 2001 PGA. Also, Alex Myers checks in with Sam and Keely Levins from his big golf trip to talk about his driver yips, Tiger Woods' latest strong showing, and another cheating controversy.
Upgrading your golf trip, Bubba Watson as Hall of Famer, and Bryson DeChambeau's "secret" weapon
June 26, 2018 00:19 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MBThe secret keys to a great golf trip, from format to food. Also, Alex Myers, Keely Levins and Sam Weinman debate Bubba Watson's worthiness as a Hall of Famer, and whether Bryson DeChambeau's use of a compass actually works.
U.S. Open Wrap-up: Brooks goes back-to-back, Phil's improbable rake & more Shinnecock drama
June 18, 2018 19:26 - 38 minutes - 35 MBIn the aftermath of a wild U.S. Open, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Ryan Herrington break down the big happenings at Shinnecock Hills, including Brooks Koepka's impressive title defense, Phil Mickelson's temporary insanity, and whether the USGA went too far with another treacherous Shinnecock setup.
Report from Shinneock: Mini-tour pro Mike Miller, Dustin Johnson's strong start, Tiger's struggles
June 16, 2018 10:12 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBMini-tour pro Mike Miller joins the podcast to talk about his experience playing in his second U.S. Open. Plus, Alex Myers, Joel Beall, and Christopher Powers discuss Dustin Johnson's strong start, and the trouble had by (seemingly) everyone else.
Sergio Garcia on Shinnecock, changing diapers, and life without the green jacket
June 13, 2018 23:00 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBSergio Garcia talks to Alex Myers about life as a new father and his chances this week in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Also Myers, Sam Weinman, Ryan Herrington, and Christopher Powers check in from Shinnecock to assess the golf course and try to predict who it might favor.
Brad Faxon talks all things Shinnecock in our 2018 U.S. Open preview
June 11, 2018 03:22 - 1 hour - 66.9 MBBrad Faxon joins Golf Digest's Alex Myers, Joel Beall and Ryan Herrington to talk about Shinnecock Hills and all the key storylines in advance of the 2018 U.S. Open
U.S. Open odds with a Vegas insider
June 07, 2018 18:32 - 1 hour - 67.8 MBNoted Las Vegas oddsmaker Jeff Sherman joins Alex Myers to talk about the future of gambling in golf in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, the challenge of handicapping Tiger Woods, and the golfer who draws the most action.
John Smoltz, Bryson DeChambeau's next big step, and a wild U.S. Women's Open
June 06, 2018 09:42 - 1 hour - 71.8 MBBaseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz talks to Alex Myers about qualifying for the U.S. Senior Open, the gang revisits Byrson DeChambeau's Memorial win, and Keely Levins describes her wild week covering Ariya Jutanugarn's win in the U.S. Women's Open.
Aaron Wise, the rising appeal of college golf, and Tiger returns at Memorial
May 30, 2018 12:41 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBRookie Aaron Wise, fresh off his win in the AT&T Byron Nelson, joins the pod to talk about his heady first season and his awkward celebration with his girlfriend. Plus Ryan Herrington enlightens Alex Myers and Sam Weinman on the intricacies of college golf, and the gang looks ahead to Tiger Woods' return at the Memorial.
John Feinstein on Ryder Cup intrigue, schedule changes, and players' complicated private lives
May 22, 2018 12:31 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBBest-selling author and Golf Digest contributing writer John Feinstein joins Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Keely Levins to discuss the changing PGA Tour schedule, the surprisingly thoughtful note he received from Patrick Reed, and the most important takeaway from the sad Lucas Glover story. The gang also discusses Aaron Wise's impressive win in the Byron Nelson, the good and bad of Trinity Forest, and looks ahead to the Fort Worth Invitational.
Webb Simpson caddie Paul Tesori, surviving TPC, and Tiger's latest run
May 16, 2018 12:14 - 1 hour - 66.4 MBPaul Tesori played 21 events on the PGA Tour, but has made a far bigger impact as one of the premier caddies in the game, winning 20 times alongside the likes of Webb Simpson, Vijay Singh, and Jerry Kelly. Tesori joins Alex Myers, Sam Weinman and Keely Levins to discuss the long road back to the winner's circle for he and Simpson, some tense exchanges during difficult times, and sharing a hotel room with the boss. Also the gang makes picks for this week's Byron Nelson played at the new Trini...
Willy Wilcox, Players hot topics, and Jason Day’s resurgence
May 09, 2018 12:08 - 1 hour - 93.5 MBTour pro Willy Wilcox talks about getting scolded by Tiger Woods, getting a nickname from Drake, and his famed hole-in-one on No. 17 at TPC Sawgrass. Also, Alex Myers, Keely Levins and Joel Beall discuss Jason Day's historic putting performance, a Tiger Woods first, and their picks to win the Players Championship.
Former NHLer Ryan Whitney, alternate golf formats, and walk-up music fails
May 02, 2018 11:26 - 1 hour - 61 MBRetired NHL defenseman turned podcaster and avid golfer Ryan Whitney talks golf in the hockey culture. Also, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman and Joel Beall discuss team formats, a joint PGA Tour and LPGA event, walk-up music fails, and their picks for the Wells Fargo Championship.
Fantasy Fix: 2018 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
April 25, 2018 01:35 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MBAlex Myers, Stephen Hennessey and Christopher Powers talk all things Zurich Classic as they explore their favorite two-man teams in this revamped PGA Tour event. Jonas Blixt and Cameron Smith (shown) are defending their title, but the duos that have our guys' eyes include Patrick Reed and Patrick Cantlay, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, and Rory Sabbatini and John Daly. Come for the picks and stay for the breakdown of the walk-up music that select teams will be sporting as their arrive at th...
Episode 132: Jimmy Walker
April 23, 2018 20:44 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBJimmy Walker, the 2016 PGA champion joins Alex Myers to discuss his ongoing battle with Lyme Disease, his recent resurgent play, and his hopes of making another U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Fantasy Fix: 2018 Valero Texas Open
April 18, 2018 15:19 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBJoel Beall, Stephen Hennessey and Christopher Powers are back to break down the fantasy options for this week's Valero Texas Open. The guys discuss the most obvious pick at TPC San Antonio (Charley Hoffman, who owns the AT&T Oaks course), while also exploring some other safe bets and sleepers to consider.
Episode 131: The amazing story of 'Caddyshack'
April 18, 2018 11:49 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBOne of the great misconceptions is that the golf comedy 'Caddyshack' was a hit right from the start. It wasn't. The script was a mess, there was infighting among cast members, and almost everyone on the set was high on something. Chris Nashawaty, author of a new book, 'Caddyshack: The Making of a Hollywood Cinderella Story' joins Sam Weinman in studio to tell the intricate story of how the film came together, and how it grew over time into the iconic film it is today.
Episode 130: Joe LaCava
April 12, 2018 13:04 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBThe veteran PGA Tour caddie who was on the bag for Tiger Woods' return to the Masters discusses the differences between Woods and his previous longtime boss Fred Couples, his preparation for tournaments, and how he got his start as a looper.
Fantasy Fix: 2018 RBC Heritage
April 11, 2018 00:41 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBGolf Digest's Joel Beall, Stephen Hennessey and Christopher Powers explore the RBC Heritage, breaking down the field at Harbour Town Golf Links, in Hilton Head, S.C., where Wesley Bryan is the defending champion. The short and tight course is different than a lot of PGA Tour venues, caused the guys to discuss some names you don't always consider when filling out a fantasy golf lineup.