Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: "Go Low - REACTION to Scottie Scheffler winning PGA Championship at Quail Hollow"

Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by John Middlekauff, listeners are treated to a comprehensive reaction and analysis of Scottie Scheffler's triumphant victory at the 2025 PGA Championship held at Quail Hollow. The discussion delves deep into Scheffler's performance, the dynamics of other key players like Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm, and the broader implications for the sport of golf.

Scottie Scheffler's Dominant Victory

[02:32] John Middlekauff:
John opens the discussion by celebrating Scottie Scheffler's impressive win, highlighting it as his third major title and his progression towards completing the career Grand Slam. "Scottie Scheffler is a monster," he asserts, emphasizing Scheffler's exceptional skill and consistency on the golf course.

Key Highlights:

• Scheffler's Performance:
  Scheffler showcased extraordinary skill, particularly in the latter stages of the tournament. His ability to birdie four of his last five holes demonstrated his clutch performance under pressure.

• Momentum and Strategy:
  John notes Scheffler's strategic approach, especially his performance on Saturday afternoon, which set the tone for his overall victory. "That stretch on Saturday afternoon was the equivalent of a drag race. He was in a legit drag racing car, and you’re in a Pinto. He flew by everybody."

Notable Quote:
“I do believe, no matter what anyone says, that this tournament was won on Saturday.” – John Middlekauff [02:32]

Rory McIlroy's Media Silence and Equipment Controversy

[05:15] John Middlekauff:
John addresses Rory McIlroy's recent behavior, particularly his refusal to engage with the media following his driver being found non-compliant. This incident has stirred controversy and raised questions about McIlroy's commitment to transparency and professionalism.

Key Points:

• Driver Compliance Issue:
  McIlroy's driver failed a performance test, leading to his replacement. This technicality has significant implications for his game and his standing among fans and sponsors.

• Media Interaction:
  Unlike other professionals who address issues head-on, McIlroy chose silence, which John criticizes as unprofessional and detrimental to the sport's image.

Notable Quote:
“Rory McIlroy, who is basically like an NFL quarterback relative to golf, just avoiding it all week in the middle of a controversial situation is just a joke.” – John Middlekauff [23:13]

Bryson DeChambeau's Continued Dominance

[10:45] John Middlekauff:
Bryson DeChambeau remains a formidable force in the golfing arena, securing a second consecutive second-place finish in the PGA Championship. His analytical approach and power play have solidified his reputation as a key competitor.

Key Insights:

• Technical Prowess:
  DeChambeau's ability to drive the ball longer distances than his peers gives him a significant advantage on the course. "Bryson's kind of hacked the system with his iron play," John remarks, acknowledging his unique style.

• Consistency:
  Maintaining high performance across multiple majors underscores DeChambeau's elite status and potential for future victories.

Notable Quote:
“Bryson's not missing fairways for the most part, and then he's so much better at irons than you. Like you don't have a shot.” – John Middlekauff [25:50]

Jon Rahm's Performance and Future Prospects

[15:30] John Middlekauff:
Jon Rahm's performance in the tournament was a mix of promise and underperformance. After showing signs of revival, he ultimately could not maintain his momentum against the top contenders.

Discussion Points:

• Early Struggles:
  Rahm began strong but faltered towards the end, missing critical putts that could have altered his standing in the leaderboard.

• Future Potential:
  Despite the recent setback, Rahm remains a significant competitor with the potential to reclaim his top form in upcoming tournaments.

Notable Quote:
“Jon Rahm is not that old, and he's already won a couple majors. I think he's going to fly right by him.” – John Middlekauff [28:10]

Impact on the Sport and Future Tournaments

[35:00] John Middlekauff:
John expands the conversation to the broader implications of Scheffler's win and the behaviors of other top players on the future of golf. He touches on the importance of media engagement, player transparency, and the evolving dynamics within the PGA Tour.

Key Topics:

• Player Conduct:
  The episode underscores the necessity for top athletes to maintain professionalism, especially in high-stakes environments.

• Gambling and Predictions:
  John shares his reservations about betting on golfers, emphasizing the unpredictability and the dominance of a few key players like Scheffler, DeChambeau, and McIlroy.

• Future Major Predictions:
  With Scheffler's current form, John is optimistic about his prospects in upcoming majors, including the U.S. Open and the British Open.

Notable Quote:
“Scotty's a monster. His game is so freaking good. It's stupid.” – John Middlekauff [37:25]

Listener Questions and Discussions

[40:03] John Middlekauff:
In the latter part of the episode, John addresses listener-submitted questions, ranging from the PGA Tour's course ownership to players' preferences in groupings during tournaments.

Highlighted Q&A:

• PGA Tour Course Ownership:
  John explains the complexities involved, including land availability and existing ownership, making it challenging for the PGA Tour to develop or acquire their own courses.

• Group Dynamics in Golf Tournaments:
  Discussing whether top players prefer to be grouped with other contenders to maintain competitive edge or avoid distractions, John suggests that playing with other top performers helps sustain momentum.

Notable Quote:
“If you're playing with other guys on Thursday and Friday that are playing well, like anyone that's ever played golf, it's easier to keep that momentum going.” – John Middlekauff [42:20]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[60:10] John Middlekauff:
John wraps up the episode by reiterating his support for Scheffler's achievements and expressing hope for the return of more competitive rivalries in golf. He congratulates Scheffler on his victory and encourages listeners to stay engaged with upcoming tournaments.

Final Remarks:

• Acknowledging Scheffler's Rise:
  Emphasizing the significance of Scheffler's win from a tumultuous period, John highlights the resilience and skill required to achieve such success.

• Looking Forward:
  Anticipating future tournaments, John remains optimistic about the prospects of the key players and the overall growth of golf.

Notable Quote:
“Congrats to Scotty. Wins his third major, and it's just on the top of the world, as I saw on Twitter.” – John Middlekauff [58:50]

Key Takeaways

• Scottie Scheffler's Emergence:
  Scheffler's consistent performance positions him as a dominant force in modern golf, with potential to win multiple majors.

• Player Conduct Matters:
  The episode underscores the importance of professionalism and media engagement for maintaining the sport's integrity and popularity.

• Future of Golf:
  With the current top players showing exceptional skill, the landscape of golf is set for exciting and competitive tournaments ahead.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Scottie Scheffler is a monster.” – John Middlekauff [02:32]

• “Rory McIlroy... just avoiding it all week in the middle of a controversial situation is just a joke.” – John Middlekauff [23:13]

• “Bryson's not missing fairways for the most part, and then he's so much better at irons than you. Like you don't have a shot.” – John Middlekauff [25:50]

• “Jon Rahm is not that old, and he's already won a couple majors. I think he's going to fly right by him.” – John Middlekauff [28:10]

• “Scotty's a monster. His game is so freaking good. It's stupid.” – John Middlekauff [37:25]

• “If you're playing with other guys on Thursday and Friday that are playing well... it's easier to keep that momentum going.” – John Middlekauff [42:20]

• “Congrats to Scotty. Wins his third major, and it's just on the top of the world, as I saw on Twitter.” – John Middlekauff [58:50]

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth and engaging analysis of Scottie Scheffler's recent PGA Championship win, offering listeners valuable insights into the performances of other top golfers and the evolving dynamics of professional golf. John Middlekauff's passionate commentary and expert observations make this episode a must-listen for golf enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive understanding of the sport's current landscape.