It's funny to think that Facebook is developing artificial intelligence robots, Tesla is creating self-driving cars and the craze sweeping the media world is ... the podcast? And for a radio-style media channel, it's not just the older population that's listening, actually, quite the contrary. In a recent survey conducted by LinkedIn, 42% of their millennial users are listening to podcasts. So how does this relate to golf? Well, golf is often criticized for being out of touch with younger generation, it's encouraging to see that industry leaders are evolving and providing content through golf podcasts.
In hopes to try and spread some awareness for these great golf media sources, we did a lot of listening to provide you with our list of the top 5 golf podcasts and our favorite episodes. Will you get hooked?
1. Foreplay Podcast (Explicit)
The two hosts Trent and Riggs are self proclaimed "golf guys" and we think they fit the bill pretty well. These two are seemingly indecipherable from un-tucked, Bud-Light-slinging, Wednesday night crew at your local course; but they can button-it-up well and provide really cool insights from their guests. Their shtick is really everything golf for the average Joe. From pondering if they'd pay $1000 dollars for a hole-in-one to interview (and making videos) with Brandel Chamblee, they cover a wide variety of topics. Definitely worth a listen especially for the younger generation. | Our favorite episode: Wells Fargo Championship w/ Willy Wilcox and George Brett. Listen here
2. No Laying Up (Explicit)
We'd say this golf podcast is for the more traditional golf guy. The hosts have some fun with their interviewees but also get into some more serious golf questions especially with top golfers such as Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy. Between the quality guests and blend of light and serious discussion, it's a great podcast to listen to. | Our favorite episode: Episode 79 with Harold Varner III. Listen here
3. Local Knowledge
Golf Digest started the Local Knowledge podcast in 2020 in an effort to entertain the golf world during the COVID era. This podcast will get you hooked and engaged to hear some unique and fun stories about anything and everything in golf from PGA Tour controversies, local golf tournaments, and gambling on the course. The staff does a great job researching the stories and the host is very engaging with the audience. | Our favorite episode: September 28, 2020 "The Dirty Secret of Sandbaggers" episode. Listen to the Local Knowledge podcast
4. The Golfer's Journal Podcast
Looking to get some insider knowledge about what is happening behind the scenes of a major championship, learn about golf course arcitecture or unique stories from some of the legendary people in golf who you probably have never heard of, listen to the Golfer's Journal pod. These guys dig deep to find interesting stories about people and golf courses which you probably will not hear anywhere else.| Our favorite episode: Mike Madden and the Invisible Hand of Golf. Listen to the Golfer's Journal Podcast
5. Get a Grip with Shane Bacon
Although there is a lot of overlap in guests from podcast to podcast, Shane might have come up with the most impressive line up of past and present PGA players. Interviews from legends such as Gary Player and young guns like Rickie Fowler create a great mix of perspective and tone from episode to episode. I think there is a podcast episode for someone of all ages and interests in golf. This podcast was first called, The Clubhouse, but now Shane Bacon has teammed up with Max Homa and renamed it Get a Grip. This podcast will give you an inside look at what is happening on the PGA Tour from inside and outside the ropes. | Our favorite episode: Junior Golfer Q&A from December 15, 2020. We like this episode because it helps familes and junior golfers.
