Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: Go Low - Keegan Bradley and the Ryder Cup, Tommy Fleetwood Chokes, Brian Rolapp New PGA Tour CEO
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff
Produced By: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middlekauff delves deep into recent high-profile events in the world of golf. The primary focus centers around Keegan Bradley's leadership in the Ryder Cup, Tommy Fleetwood's unexpected performance decline, and the appointment of Brian Rolapp as the new PGA Tour CEO. Additionally, the episode touches upon the evolving dynamics of golf media, player psychology, and the impact of modern equipment on the sport.

2. Keegan Bradley and the Ryder Cup

John Middlekauff initiates the discussion by highlighting Keegan Bradley's recent triumph as the Ryder Cup captain, particularly his decisive victory over Tommy Fleetwood on the 18th hole at his home course. He raises pertinent questions about Bradley's dual role as both captain and player:

• Leadership Role: Middlekauff debates whether Bradley should maintain his position solely as a captain or take on a playing captain role, likening the potential playing captaincy to that of legendary figures like Arnold Palmer.

  • “Should he just name himself as a member of the team that he's also the captain of? Can he be the playing captain?” ([02:32])

• Bradley's Performance: Emphasizing Bradley's consistency, Middlekauff notes his recent top 10 finishes and his resilient performance under pressure.

  • “He's clearly one of our best Americans. He just won a tournament for the second time in three years.” ([08:45])

• Team Dynamics: The discussion touches upon the chemistry within the Ryder Cup team, questioning if Bradley's inclusion enhances the team's overall strength.

  • “I just think he's the choice, right? In terms of the way he's playing. He's got to be on the team.” ([18:50])

3. Tommy Fleetwood's Performance Decline

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Tommy Fleetwood's surprising meltdown during the Ryder Cup:

• Critical Moments: Fleetwood's inability to secure the win after leading showcases a rare instance of performance under pressure in professional golf.

  • “...look at Tommy Fleetwood, who again, I'm pro. Tommy Fleetwood. I was rooting for Tommy Fleetwood. I wanted to see him win. He had no clue what to do, felt lost.” ([14:30])

• Comparison with Peers: Middlekauff contrasts Fleetwood's performance with other top players, suggesting a possible mental hurdle affecting Fleetwood's ability to close out tournaments.

  • “He just doesn't blow that tournament if you're him because he was playing well too.” ([19:10])

• Impact on Career: The meltdown raises questions about Fleetwood's future prospects and whether such performances will hinder his ability to secure major wins.

  • “...he could be a guy that wouldn't shock me if, like, I don't know, never wins a PGA Tour event.” ([20:05])

4. Brian Rolapp as New PGA Tour CEO

The appointment of Brian Rolapp as the new CEO and commissioner of the PGA Tour marks a pivotal change in the organization’s leadership:

• Immediate Actions Proposed: Middlekauff outlines three key initiatives Rolapp should prioritize:

  1. Reversing Suspensions: Rolapp should consider lifting existing player suspensions to foster unity and inclusivity within the tour.
     • “Number one thing he can do immediately tomorrow, tear up all the suspensions.” ([25:30])
  2. Implementing Injury Reports: Introducing transparent injury reports akin to the NFL to maintain trust and clarity among fans and players.
     • “Number two, there needs to be interview reports.” ([27:15])
  3. Enhancing Broadcasts: Overhauling the broadcasting strategy to make golf more engaging and viewer-friendly.
     • “Number three, one thing the NFL is very serious about is their relationship with their broadcast partners.” ([28:50])

• Comparison with NFL: Drawing parallels with the NFL's structure and broadcasting success, Middlekauff emphasizes the need for similar strategic partnerships in golf.

  • “The lifeblood of the sport is the games is Fox. CBS is NBC broadcasting the games.” ([29:55])

• Potential Challenges: Rolapp inherits a complex situation with previous leadership controversies, necessitating decisive and strategic moves to stabilize and grow the PGA Tour.

  • “This is where Rollup comes in. And he might be the right guy.” ([34:20])

5. Bryson DeChambeau's Performance and Ryder Cup Prospects

Bryson DeChambeau's recent performances and his influence on the golf landscape are also examined:

• Dominance and Influence: DeChambeau's ability to dominate courses and influence modern golf through his analytical approach is highlighted.

  • “Bryson entered that space, and he immediately became a rock star, and he changed the game.” ([37:10])

• Ryder Cup Inclusion: Middlekauff expresses strong support for DeChambeau's inclusion in the Ryder Cup team, citing his performance and popularity.

  • “He's a lock to be on that team. And he's another guy that I think is going to take a lot of pride and be a fucking awesome Ryder Cup player for us.” ([39:45])

• Fan Engagement: DeChambeau's significant presence on platforms like YouTube and his ability to engage fans through tutorials and performance breakdowns are noted as key factors in his rising prominence.

  • “He gave a hole by hole tutorial of what he plans on doing. It's pretty awesome.” ([38:20])

6. Golf Media and Player Psychology

The podcast delves into how media scrutiny and psychological pressures impact golfers differently compared to athletes in other sports:

• Media Focus: Golf media often centers on consistent narratives, sometimes overshadowing individual player stories and fluctuations in performance.

  • “The media is the one pushing that.” ([23:00])

• Pressure Handling: The contrast between players who thrive under pressure versus those who falter is explored, with Bradley lauded for his composure and Fleetwood critiqued for his underperformance.

  • “Keegan Bradley has been asked to be the captain. It consumes his life... he's been fucking awesome.” ([17:50])

• One-on-One Sport Dynamics: Unlike team sports, golf places the burden of success solely on the individual, making every lapse a personal failure.

  • “In golf, there's no one to blame but yourself, just you and your caddy.” ([21:30])

7. Tournament Viewership Statistics

Recent data on tournament viewership underscores the growing popularity and engaging nature of golf events:

• Record Ratings: The Ryder Cup drew 3.5 million viewers on Sunday, marking a 35% increase from the previous year.

  • “That Sunday drew 3.5 million people. It was up 35% from last year.” ([22:15])

• Comparative Analysis: The Travelers was noted as the third highest non-major tournament of the year in terms of viewership, trailing only behind major championships won by Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas.

  • “It was the third highest non major of the year behind the players, which obviously Rory won and the heritage, which Justin Thomas won.” ([23:45])

• Media Coverage: Thursday through Friday coverage also saw substantial viewership, averaging almost 600,000 viewers and peaking at 5.5 million.

  • “Golf channels Thursday through Friday coverage average almost 600,000 viewers, up 40%.” ([24:10])

8. Mailbag Highlights

Listeners submitted questions regarding various aspects of current golf dynamics, including player performance, career prospects, and the PGA Tour's leadership changes:

• Fleetwood’s Future: Concerns about Tommy Fleetwood's ability to overcome his recent performance slump and secure major wins.

  • “Do you think he ever breaks through? Would love to hear your answer on the pod.” ([44:02])

• Justin Thomas's Major Performance: Skepticism about Justin Thomas's ability to compete effectively in major tournaments based on his recent track record.

  • “He has missed seven cuts in his last eleven majors. It's pretty nuts.” ([60:15])

• Brian Rolapp’s Strategy: Recommendations for Rolapp to address suspensions, injury reporting, and broadcasting improvements.

  • “I would text Tiger and be like, can we just give Jay his golden parachute now and get him out of here?” ([58:20])

• Future Stars: Speculation on emerging talents like Charlie Woods and their potential to become golf greats amidst immense pressure.

  • “The pressure on him will be unlike anything we've ever seen.” ([63:40])

9. Equipment and Modern Golf Comparisons

A critical analysis is provided on how advancements in equipment have transformed the sport, affecting player performance and audience engagement:

• Consistency vs. Variance: Modern equipment allows for greater consistency, which in turn reduces the dramatic variances in player performances seen in past decades.

  • “You don't see as many meltdowns as you used to. Maybe it's the equipment, maybe the courses are too easy for these guys.” ([32:00])

• Impact on Play Style: The evolution from high-variance playstyles of legends like Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer to the more controlled, power-driven approaches of today's players like Scottie Scheffler.

  • “Equipment is a big reason it's harder for these guys. Everything is so optimized.” ([62:00])

• Nostalgia vs. Reality: Middlekauff reflects on the nostalgia for the unpredictable and flamboyant playstyles of past golfers, contrasting it with the current state of the game.

  • “You walk down some of these hallways ... You realize this network has broadcast some of the most important sports moments of mine in Your lives.” ([09:30])

10. Other Players and Major Performances

The episode also touches upon the performances and prospects of other notable golfers:

• Scottie Scheffler: Praised for his driving accuracy and potential to secure major wins.

  • “He’s swinging hard and hitting the ball really far. He's hitting the ball really straight.” ([49:00])

• Tony Finau and Rickie Fowler: Discussed in terms of their potential to win majors, with Finau seen as a credible contender and Fowler deemed unlikely.

  • “And do you think some players who won majors the last couple [of] years will ever win one again? ... Tony Finau, I would say, has a chance.” ([61:45])

• Charlie Woods: Speculated to face immense pressure as the progeny of Tiger Woods, with an uncertain yet promising future.

  • “He has to be an excellent high school golfer and play college. The pressure on him will be unlike anything we've ever seen.” ([64:30])

11. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

John Middlekauff wraps up the episode by emphasizing the intricate balance between player performance, leadership changes, and media dynamics in shaping the future of golf. He underscores the importance of strategic leadership under Brian Rolapp and the need for the PGA Tour to adapt to modern challenges to enhance both player experiences and viewer engagement.

• Key Takeaway: The integration of competent leadership, transparent operations, and engaging media coverage is pivotal for the PGA Tour's growth and the sport's sustained popularity.
  • “They have to make a better job and a more assertive effort to figure this out.” ([34:50])

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes you just got to cut through the noise and just call a spade a spade.” – John Middlekauff ([17:00])

• “In golf, there's no one to blame but yourself, just you and your caddy.” – John Middlekauff ([21:30])

• “What makes golf a lot different than these other sports is like, you know, finishing third is really impressive.” – John Middlekauff ([26:00])

• “This event being in America, especially in the Northeast, an area where he's comfortable with, it's been well documented he went to St. John's the Ryder Cups in New York.” – John Middlekauff ([18:05])

• “He can just kind of cut through, find an angle, something he's fired up on and just attack it.” – John Middlekauff ([16:45])

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth analysis of pivotal moments and figures in contemporary golf. Through insightful discussions and critical evaluations, John Middlekauff provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future trajectory of the sport, making it a must-listen for golf enthusiasts and sports aficionados alike.