Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: "Go Low - Scottie is the Best, Where is Jordan's Game, Weekend's Best Bets"

Release Date: May 7, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a thought-provoking and opinionated exploration of the day's top sports stories. In this episode, Colin shifts his focus from football to the world of golf, delving deep into recent performances, tournament insights, and betting perspectives.

I. Introduction

Colin Cowherd kicks off the episode with a refreshing departure from his usual football-centric discussions. He introduces the theme of the episode: a "go low" podcast dedicated to golf, highlighting Scottie Scheffler's stellar performance and setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of current golf events and betting strategies.

Colin Cowherd [02:46]: "Today we're going to take a day off from football, take a deep breath and do a little go low podcast."

II. Scottie Scheffler's Dominant Win

Colin opens by reacting to Scottie Scheffler's impressive victory, likening it to a football team winning by a landslide score of 50-10. Scheffler's performance was described as an "absolute butt whooping," where he dominated the field by eight strokes and maintained a double-digit lead at one point.

Colin Cowherd [02:46]: "React to Scotty Scheffler's dominant win. If that was a football game, it'd be like winning 50 to 10."

He highlights Scheffler's consistency, noting his average of eight under par over four rounds and his potential to be regarded as one of the greatest American golfers, predicting he could secure around six major titles in his career.

Colin Cowherd [09:15]: "I just believe that Scotty will be considered one of the greatest American players to ever play golf."

III. Signature Events and the PGA Tour’s Live Ratings

The discussion transitions to the signature events held at venues like the Philly Cricket Club. Colin expresses concerns over declining live ratings, attributing improvements in viewership to the dominance of star players like Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau.

Colin Cowherd [15:30]: "This last week with Scotty was up 66% based on last year."

He critiques the structure of smaller-field tournaments, arguing that they lack the excitement and meritocracy of larger events, where up to 150 players compete and only the top performers thrive.

Colin Cowherd [22:10]: "These smaller field no cut events stink. They are just not that interesting."

IV. Ryder Cup and Player Selections

Colin delves into the Ryder Cup, discussing potential team selections and the importance of having top-performing golfers like Scheffler, McIlroy, and DeChambeau on the American team. He emphasizes the significance of recent performances in securing spots on the team.

Colin Cowherd [25:45]: "I will go Scotty Scheffler, I will go Bryson DeChambeau, I will go Xander Schoffele."

He also touches upon the depth of the European team, suggesting that maintaining a competitive edge will be challenging for the American side if key players falter.

V. Betting on Golf vs. Other Sports

A substantial portion of the episode focuses on betting strategies in golf compared to team sports like basketball and football. Colin argues that golf offers a more unpredictable and merit-based betting landscape, where individual performances can dramatically sway outcomes.

Colin Cowherd [18:20]: "Betting on golf tournaments is a lot different than betting on a basketball game or a football game."

He advises listeners to focus on top players when placing bets, citing their higher likelihood of success and the overall impact they have on tournament outcomes.

Colin Cowherd [27:10]: "Don’t try to hit some 80 to one guy bet Rory, bet Bryson, bet Scotty."

VI. Predictions for PGA Championship

Looking ahead to the PGA Championship at Rory McIlroy Country Club, Colin makes several predictions. He expects Scheffler, McIlroy, and DeChambeau to be the primary contenders, with at least one of them likely securing the top position. Colin also evaluates the course's layout and how it may favor certain playing styles.

Colin Cowherd [30:05]: "I would be stunned if two of the three guys, Rory, Bryson and Scotty, aren't heavily in the mix."

He underscores the importance of star players in driving viewership and fan engagement, which in turn boosts live ratings and the sport's overall popularity.

VII. Mailbag Questions from 'Golopod'

Colin addresses several audience questions submitted via the 'Golopod' Instagram account. Topics include tips for golfers aiming to lower their handicaps despite a demanding job, recommendations for golf courses to play in Arizona, and insights into appropriate golfing attire for beginners.

1. Improving Golf Handicap:

   • Question: Tips for a 26-year-old with a 6 handicap struggling to break into scratch golf.
   • Colin's Advice: Focus on consistency and enjoy the game rather than striving for scratch status. Maintain a positive mindset and play socially to reduce pressure.

2. Golf Course Recommendations:

   • Question: Best courses to play in Arizona during late summer.
   • Colin's Recommendations: Suggests TBC Scottsdale, Greyhawk, and Troon as top choices, emphasizing accessibility and quality.

3. Golfing Attire for Beginners:

   • Question: Concerns about fitting in with proper golf attire as a beginner.
   • Colin's Response: Advocates for relaxed dress codes at public ranges and newer country clubs. Encourages beginners to wear comfortable clothing without the pressure of expensive golf attire.

Colin Cowherd [36:02]: "If you want to wear a T shirt and a pair of just shorts, who cares?"

VIII. Conclusion

Colin wraps up the episode by reiterating the pivotal role of star players in golf's popularity and the necessity for the PGA Tour to continue fostering these talents to maintain and grow the sport's audience. He emphasizes the interplay between player performance, tournament structure, and viewership metrics, underscoring the complex dynamics that influence golf's current landscape.

Colin Cowherd [30:50]: "This is a star-driven sport. And right now I think we have three needle movers. Scotty, clearly Rory, Scotty and Bryson."

He invites listeners to stay engaged with upcoming tournaments and maintains his commitment to providing insightful sports analysis.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd [02:46]: "If that was a football game, it’d be like winning 50 to 10."
• Colin Cowherd [09:15]: "I just believe that Scotty will be considered one of the greatest American players to ever play golf."
• Colin Cowherd [15:30]: "This last week with Scotty was up 66% based on last year."
• Colin Cowherd [22:10]: "These smaller field no cut events stink. They are just not that interesting."
• Colin Cowherd [25:45]: "I will go Scotty Scheffler, I will go Bryson DeChambeau, I will go Xander Schoffele."
• Colin Cowherd [27:10]: "Don’t try to hit some 80 to one guy bet Rory, bet Bryson, bet Scotty."
• Colin Cowherd [30:05]: "I would be stunned if two of the three guys, Rory, Bryson and Scotty, aren't heavily in the mix."
• Colin Cowherd [36:02]: "If you want to wear a T shirt and a pair of just shorts, who cares?"

Final Thoughts:
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners gain a comprehensive look into the current state of professional golf, with a special focus on Scottie Scheffler's rise, the impact of star players on the sport's popularity, and practical advice for both golfers and sports bettors. Colin's blend of analysis, predictions, and audience interaction provides a rich and engaging narrative, making the episode a valuable listen for both golf enthusiasts and general sports fans.