Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show Episode: Hour 3 – Oakmont Looks Tough, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Description: Listen to Dan's daily radio show. With exclusive insider access, Patrick brings A-list guests from the world of sports and entertainment to the show. Sharing his perspective on pop culture and sports, Patrick also brings a dose of humor to his fans.

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, Dan Patrick delves into the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, exploring why the course is considered one of the toughest in America. Joining him is special guest Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo, a renowned sports commentator known for his expertise in golf and other sports.

2. Oakmont Country Club and the U.S. Open

a. Course Difficulty and Setup

Dan and Chris Russo kick off their discussion by highlighting Oakmont's notorious reputation in the golfing world. Oakmont Country Club has consistently been ranked among the most challenging courses for PGA players, making it a prime venue for the U.S. Open.

• Dan Patrick [04:32]: “Paul, I found a couple different articles, Golf Channel and other, saying it might be the toughest course in America and definitely the toughest for PGA players.”

Russo concurs, emphasizing the course's uncompromising nature and its impact on both players and spectators.

• Chris Russo [04:51]: “Oakmont is a course that doesn't apologize for being difficult. The greens are lightning quick, and the rough is unforgiving. It's designed to test every aspect of a golfer's game.”

b. Impact on Players

The conversation delves into how Oakmont's design influences player performance and tournament outcomes. The fast greens and dense rough demand precision and strategic play, often leading to higher scores and intense competition.

• Dan Patrick [04:55]: “There's going to be places where you can not put the ball. If you do, you're just asking for a double bogey. The rough is going to be really thick. It's a challenge.”

Russo adds his perspective on how modern golfers, like Scotty Scheffler, need to adapt their strategies to succeed on such a demanding course.

• Chris Russo [05:10]: “It's not about hitting it straight or bombarding it hard; it's about smart placement and avoiding the penalties. Players who can manage the course's temperament have a better shot at winning.”

c. Comparisons to Previous U.S. Opens

Patrick and Russo compare Oakmont to other U.S. Open venues, noting that while the challenge remains a staple of the tournament, Oakmont's particular features set it apart.

• Dan Patrick [04:48]: “We always say no, we don't think higher scores are good TV because the crowd doesn't like to see people struggle to that level.”

• Chris Russo [05:03]: “With the US Open, they want a challenge. They want it to be different. It's the ultimate test for the players, and that's what fans expect.”

3. Additional Sports Discussions

While Oakmont and the U.S. Open dominate the conversation, Dan and Russo also touch upon other sports topics, reflecting the diverse interests of the show's audience.

a. Hockey Fighting and Penalties

The hosts discuss recent NHL games, focusing on fights and penalties, analyzing their impact on teams and fan perceptions.

• Dan Patrick [07:11]: “Losers are cool when fighting breaks out, when a team is losing by several goals and they know it's out of reach and now they're just looking to start fights.”

• Chris Russo [07:32]: “It's a sport that polices itself. Whatever happens, teams like Florida and Edmonton will handle their end of things responsibly.”

b. NBA Playoffs and Player Comparisons

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the NBA playoffs, with debates surrounding LeBron James and Michael Jordan's legacies.

• Dan Patrick [35:21]: “LeBron's better than MJ.”

• Chris Russo [35:39]: “He's an all-timer. He's the best 40-year-old of all time. But if I had to choose, I would take Jordan.”

The hosts explore the nuances of each player's career achievements, impact on the game, and public perception.

c. Aaron Rodgers' Move to the Steelers

The episode also covers NFL news, specifically Aaron Rodgers' transition to the Pittsburgh Steelers, analyzing its implications for both Rodgers and the team.

• Dan Patrick [32:07]: “He should be a little better. I could care less if he didn't show up for the voluntary OTAs.”

• Chris Russo [32:26]: “The Steelers are a better team now than they were last week with Mason Rudolph. They have a better defense and a better cultural situation.”

4. Guest Insights: Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo

Throughout the episode, Russo provides expert analysis and shares his extensive knowledge on various sports topics, enhancing the depth of the discussions.

• Chris Russo [26:54]: “The match was an all-timer. They never knew who was going to win until the very end.”

His insights into the strategies employed by athletes and teams offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the sports landscape.

5. Conclusion

Dan Patrick wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of Oakmont in the upcoming U.S. Open and acknowledging Russo's valuable contributions to the discussion. The hosts encourage listeners to tune in for future episodes, promising more in-depth sports analyses and entertaining conversations.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick [04:32]: “Paul, I found a couple different articles, Golf Channel and other, saying it might be the toughest course in America and definitely the toughest for PGA players.”

• Chris Russo [05:10]: “It's not about hitting it straight or bombarding it hard; it's about smart placement and avoiding the penalties.”

• Dan Patrick [35:21]: “LeBron's better than MJ.”

• Chris Russo [35:39]: “He's an all-timer. He's the best 40-year-old of all time. But if I had to choose, I would take Jordan.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Hour 3 – Oakmont Looks Tough, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo of The Dan Patrick Show. From the formidable challenges posed by Oakmont Country Club to engaging debates on hockey, basketball, and football, the episode offers a rich blend of expert analysis and passionate sports commentary.