The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 3 – The Dark Side to Gambling with Ernie Els Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction

In the third hour of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves into several engaging topics ranging from the current state of the NBA Finals and the allure of star-free movies to the pervasive issues surrounding gambling in sports. The episode culminates with an insightful interview with golf legend Ernie Els, who shares his experiences and perspectives on the pressures of professional golf.

NBA Finals: The Lack of Star Power

Dan Patrick opens the discussion by critiquing the ongoing NBA Finals, highlighting the absence of marquee players that typically draw massive viewership.

Dan Patrick [03:14]: "People complaining that there's no stars in the NBA Finals. Here's LeBron James talking about that."

Todd Fritz concurs, emphasizing the importance of individual excellence while underscoring the strength of team dynamics.

Todd Fritz [04:07]: "You know, we have this Indiana OKC situation, and these are two great teams. And if you are a basketball fan and you really love our game and you can learn so much from watching the way those both of those teams play."

The conversation underscores the value of strong team performances even in the absence of superstar talents, suggesting that great teams can still captivate audiences and compete fiercely.

Movies Without Star Power: A Hidden Gem

Transitioning from sports, Dan and Todd explore the realm of cinema, specifically focusing on films that succeeded without relying on established stars at the time of their release.

Notable Films Discussed:

• Clerks
• Napoleon Dynamite
• Fast and Furious
• Rocky

Dan Patrick [07:14]: "But the movie Clerks is good, great or just okay because we're talking about great movies that didn't have star power."

Todd Fritz adds depth by referencing critical reception and the unexpected rise to fame of actors involved in these films.

Todd Fritz [08:04]: "Rotten Tomatoes. It was positive reviews, 72% for Napoleon Dynamite."

The hosts debate the merits of these films, acknowledging their cultural impact and the subsequent fame they brought to their casts, despite initial obscurity.

The Dark Side of Gambling in Sports

A pivotal segment of the hour addresses the challenges and ethical dilemmas posed by the intersection of gambling and professional sports.

Dan Patrick brings attention to Scorty Scheffler, who faced backlash leading to the deletion of his Venmo account.

Dan Patrick [06:48]: "Scorty Scheffler had to delete his Venmo account because he was getting paid by people who won bets because of him or people were asking him for money when he didn't win."

This highlights the intrusive nature of fan expectations and the pressures athletes face in the digital age, where gambling can strain player-fan relationships and personal boundaries.

Dan Patrick [06:59]: "That's the downside to gambling. Not to get up on my soapbox."

The discussion sheds light on the broader implications of gambling accessibility and its impact on athletes' mental health and personal lives.

Interview with Ernie Els: Navigating Pressure and Success in Golf

The highlight of the episode is an in-depth conversation with Ernie Els, a World Golf Hall of Famer renowned for his achievements, including two US Open titles and multiple major championships.

Oakmont and Championship Insights

Ernie Els shares his experiences of playing at Oakmont Country Club, emphasizing its challenging course design and historical significance in golf.

Ernie Els [27:34]: "The US Open is the toughest challenge by a bar none... They like to make them very, very hard, which is so you know what you're in for."

Career Reflections and Lessons Learned

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Ernie discusses the longevity of success in golf and the importance of mastering various aspects of the game.

Ernie Els [29:47]: "I've had some good stretches of golf. Thankfully, I've been in for the long run, you know, to have a 20-year career at the top level."

Interacting with Tiger Woods

Ernie recounts his early interactions with Tiger Woods, providing a personal glimpse into their dynamic and Tiger's rise to prominence.

Ernie Els [32:13]: "I was paired with him in 95 when John Daly won the Open Championship at St. Andrews. So we've known him for a long time."

Handling Pressure on the Course

The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of golfing under pressure, with Ernie offering insights on maintaining composure during high-stakes moments.

Ernie Els [35:15]: "Pressure is the best barometer to test yourself. It feels like you're getting through a test where your game's at."

Favorite Moments and Coolest Office Items

Ernie shares memorable moments from his career and discusses his collection of golf memorabilia, highlighting the sentimental value of items like signatures from legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

Ernie Els [41:08]: "I've got some US Open stuff here, and I got some signature stuff from Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer."

Closing Remarks

Dan Patrick wraps up the hour by thanking listeners for their support and teasing future content, including upcoming episodes and additional interviews. The episode not only entertains but also offers valuable perspectives on the complexities of sports, entertainment, and personal challenges within the realm of professional athletics.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick [03:14]: "People complaining that there's no stars in the NBA Finals."

• Todd Fritz [04:07]: "If you are a basketball fan and you really love our game and you can learn so much from watching the way those both of those teams play."

• Dan Patrick [07:14]: "We're talking about great movies that didn't have star power."

• Dan Patrick [06:59]: "That's the downside to gambling. Not to get up on my soapbox."

• Ernie Els [35:15]: "Pressure is the best barometer to test yourself."

• Ernie Els [41:08]: "I've got some US Open stuff here, and I got some signature stuff from Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show masterfully navigates through diverse topics, tying together sports analysis, cultural commentary on cinema, and a critical look at the influences of gambling in sports. The in-depth interview with Ernie Els offers listeners a rare and personal look into the life of a golfing legend, making it a must-listen for fans of sports and insightful discussions alike.

For more episodes and content, listeners can tune in via the iHeartRadio app or their preferred podcast platforms.