Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Go Low - The Masters are Coming, JT is Coming Back, Creator Classic
Release Date: April 3, 2025

The Herd with Colin Cowherd in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts and The Volume presents a comprehensive and engaging discussion centered around the impending Masters Tournament, the anticipated return of JT (Jon Rahm), and the innovative Creator Classic. Hosted by John Middlecoff, this episode delves deep into the current state of professional golf, player performances, strategic insights, and the evolving landscape of golf-related content creation.

1. Masters Tournament Preview

John Middlecoff kicks off the episode with an enthusiastic overview of the upcoming Masters Tournament. He reflects on the beginning of the golf season, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement that surrounds the Masters.

John Middlecoff [01:20]: "The Masters right around the corner. It'll be here next week. Very, very fired up."

Middlecoff notes the unusual field strength leading up to the Masters, emphasizing that many of the top contenders are making their first appearances.

John Middlecoff [02:10]: "I think I saw a stat. 12 of the last 14 guys to win this tournament had not been in the Masters."

He discusses the significance of securing an invite by winning a tournament, citing Akshay Batia’s victory as a notable example.

2. Player Performance and Analysis

The conversation transitions into an in-depth analysis of key players poised to make an impact at the Masters.

Jon Rahm’s Return

Middlecoff expresses optimism about Jon Rahm's return to peak form, anticipating his potential success in the major season.

John Middlecoff [05:45]: "Honestly, I think it's way more likely that he wins multiple majors, winning moving forward than he never wins another one."

He assesses Rahm's recent performances, weighing his consistency and resilience against opponents.

Rory McIlroy’s Major Ambitions

Rory McIlroy’s quest for his first Masters title is a focal point of the discussion. Middlecoff debates McIlroy’s ability to overcome past shortcomings in major tournaments.

John Middlecoff [12:30]: "I have a hard time thinking Rory has ever been better at golf than he is right now."

Middlecoff analyzes McIlroy's performance trajectory, highlighting his potential to clinch multiple majors despite past challenges.

Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau

The hosts delve into Scottie Scheffler’s consistent performances and Bryson DeChambeau’s influence both on and off the course.

John Middlecoff [19:15]: "Scottie Scheffler is in a different world. I think as we sit here today, they are."

He contrasts Scheffler's dominance with DeChambeau's unique approach to the game, discussing their respective chances at the Masters.

3. Creator Classic and the Evolution of Golf Broadcasting

Middlecoff transitions to discussing the Creator Classic, a novel event that blends traditional golf with modern content creation.

John Middlecoff [25:40]: "They copied. I watched a couple weeks ago at the Players the Creator Classic that Horvat ended up winning. And listen, I thought it is a good idea."

He critiques the PGA Tour’s approach to integrating content creators, advocating for a more authentic and less restrictive broadcasting style as seen with platforms like YouTube.

John Middlecoff [29:00]: "The Creator Classic was on Golf Channel. I just go fully on YouTube where there aren't really any rules. It's got an old school feel to it."

Middlecoff praises the raw and unfiltered nature of YouTube content, suggesting it resonates more with the modern audience compared to traditional broadcasts.

4. Betting Insights and Strategic Picks

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to betting strategies for the Masters, providing listeners with actionable insights.

Top Bets and Sleeper Picks

Middlecoff shares his betting preferences, highlighting players he believes have strong odds of performing well.

John Middlecoff [31:10]: "I think you’re a little crazy to not have a little exposure and to think that Bryson can't be a serious."

He offers specific bets on players like Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia, analyzing their current form and historical performances at Augusta.

Undervalued Contenders

Highlighting the unpredictability of golf, Middlecoff points out underrated players who could surprise audiences and bettors alike.

John Middlecoff [33:30]: "I like guys that have had previous success here. I do think between Sergio, Phil, and Patrick Reed, one of those three guys is going to finish in the top 10."

5. Interactive Listener Engagement

To foster community interaction, Middlecoff encourages listeners to submit their questions via Instagram (@golopod), promising to address them in future episodes.

John Middlecoff [34:10]: "The easiest way to get in on the show is @golopod. So just fire in those DMs at Golopod and get your question answered on the show."

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, Middlecoff reiterates his excitement for the upcoming Masters and the major season, emphasizing the blend of tradition and innovation in today's golf landscape.

John Middlecoff [34:20]: "I’m pretty excited to watch this live Creator classic here in a couple of days."

He underscores the importance of balancing respect for the game's history with embracing new media and content creation avenues.

Notable Quotes:

• John Middlecoff [05:45]: "Honestly, I think it's way more likely that he wins multiple majors, winning moving forward than he never wins another one."

• John Middlecoff [12:30]: "I have a hard time thinking Rory has ever been better at golf than he is right now."

• John Middlecoff [25:40]: "They copied. I watched a couple weeks ago at the Players the Creator Classic that Horvat ended up winning. And listen, I thought it is a good idea."

• John Middlecoff [31:10]: "I think you’re a little crazy to not have a little exposure and to think that Bryson can't be a serious."

• John Middlecoff [34:20]: "I’m pretty excited to watch this live Creator classic here in a couple of days."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers listeners a thorough analysis of the current golf season, with a particular spotlight on the Masters Tournament. John Middlecoff's insights into player performances, betting strategies, and the intersection of golf with modern content creation provide a rich and engaging narrative for golf enthusiasts. By blending traditional sports analysis with contemporary trends, the podcast delivers value to both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.

For those who haven't tuned in, this summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and providing actionable insights into the upcoming Masters and the evolving landscape of professional golf.