Podcast
The Shotgun Start
Hosted by Fried Egg Golf · EN
The Shotgun Start with Andy Johnson and Brendan Porath of Fried Egg Golf is a podcast waiting for you early in the morning that quickly blasts through a variety of topics (usually) related to golf and (ideally) relevant to the day. It covers news from the pro tours around the world, amusing and important topics from the amateur game the rest of us play, and some irreverent stuff in between. There will be short interviews, previews, reviews, and dives into the archives. It provides what you need to know on golf through a rapid and fun catch-up discussion.
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Don Rea removed (officially) and a Craig Ranch renovation scoring catastrophe: A Bonus Happy Hour of Delights
3d ago00:43:20Tap to summarizeIt was late Friday afternoon going into a holiday weekend, just when everyone should unplug from being online and go about their merry way. And they tried to slip one by us at the PGA of America with a letter to members that Don Rea had been suspended for the remainder of his term. So PJ, Joseph, and Brendan gather for some degenerate hours when they had zero expectation to be online on Friday for a happy hour chat. The Removal of Rea and at the absolute castration of Craig Ranch, where $25 million was spent in part to challenge the pros but scoring is as low as ever with Si Woo Kim almost breaking 60 and Jordan Spieth piling up birdies. Is Lanny Wadkins going to pop off at a soft PGA Tour setup? Will it become a circular firing squad? Would it have been better to light the money on fire? The Boys and Brendan gather to go through these two massive subjects on a Friday evening bonus episode thanks to the breaking news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Bryson’s choice: content or pro golf?, Midpoint check on Tour under-performers, SGS Golf Advice
4d ago01:06:16Tap to summarizeThis Friday episode kicks off with a good old-fashioned Sports Minute following the latest exploits of Andy's beloved Pete Crow-Armstrong. Although bad, PCA's struggles seem like nothing compared to Brendan's Cavaliers after a historic collapse in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against PJ's Knicks. As a follow-up to Wednesday's show, Brendan provides an early update on the Browns' QB competition before transitioning into the all-important RATINGS! report for the 2026 PGA Championship. The masses turned out to watch Aaron Rai's back nine at Aronimink, giving CBS its highest viewership for the PGA since Phil Mickelson's win at Kiawah. With limited returns from the first go around Lanny's Place, the bulk of this episode focuses on Bryson DeChambeau's impending "choice" between playing professional golf or becoming a full-time YouTuber. Appearing on Katie Miller's podcast this week, Bryson implied that he must choose between pro golf and content creation with no way to do both simultaneously. He also confirmed that he DOES believe the moon landing happened - only because Elon Musk told him so - but doubts that the video footage of the event is real. Andy is willing to put money on "Bryson Plays Golf on the Moon" within the next decade, if anyone is willing to take him up on that. Elsewhere on LIV, ESPN has reported that Scott O'Neil's plan for a re-imagined LIV Golf has "significant interest" from potential investors. Brendan and Andy then take a look at a Josh Carpenter report about the 2028 PGA Tour schedule and the new markets that the Tour is looking to hold annual events in. Brendan is especially enthused about the Pacific Northwest getting a yearly stop, although it does not look like it will be at Chambers Bay as of now. Andy briefly checks in on the International Presidents Cup Team standings during a check-in on under-performers through two majors because he's worried about Pendy's status for Medinah. Viktor Hovland and the aforementioned Bryson are highlighted by Brendan, but Andy is much more focused on players like Neal Shipley and Tony Finau. To wrap things up for this post-major week, SGS Golf Advice returns with a layered question from a listener who unwillingly finds himself as a club committee chairman. Get your summer going at proshop.thefriedegg.com! From Thursday May 21st to Tuesday May 26th, take 15% off with code SUMMER15. Use our code FRIEDEGG at eightsleep.com/friedegg for up to $350 off the Pod 5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Golf’s course renovation excesses come to the Byron Nelson, LIV’s cost cutting, and U.S. Open qualifying starts
6d ago01:02:22Tap to summarizeWho needs a major championship when you have The CJ CUP Byron Nelson right around the corner?! Andy and Brendan are giddy for another installment of a longtime favorite event of this podcast, this time with a new twist! That's right, the Lanny Wadkins-led renovation at TPC Craig T. Nelson Ranch is ready for its much-anticipated PGA Tour debut. Andy and Brendan read through multiple articles from Dallas-area news publications detailing the behind-the-scenes work that went into this $25 million project. Did TPC Craig Ranch really need to spend all that money? It seems like that's up for debate, providing plenty of content for this Wednesday episode to chew on. Andy brings back 5 Guys to Monitor This Week (For Various Reasons) and highlights both Scottie Scheffler and a local PGA professional to tie a bow on last week's major championship. Elsewhere on the Schedule for the Week, the Champions Tour is off to Morocco. A piece of social media content has sent PJ deep down a rabbit hole with Brendan calling this PJ's "best work yet." Andy brings up "The Bumblebee" yet again as part of a look at this week's DP World Tour stop before a look at the first set of U.S. Open Final Qualifying results. Podcast favorite Matt Jordan will look to break par at Shinnecock after getting through at Walton Heath, and Caleb Surratt did Caleb Surratt things to get through in a playoff at the Dallas site. This episode also contains two different Sports Minutes, one previewing the Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers, and one focusing on the QB competition brewing in Cleveland. We will return on Friday to (hopefully) discuss the first round at Lanny's Place! FRIEDEGG discount code for 15% off at mobjak.com Visit your local Golf Galaxy and download the Golf Galaxy mobile app today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
2026 PGA Championship Recap: Aaron Rai, Aronimink, and a bunched field under the microscope
1w ago01:48:53Tap to summarizeA eventful, punchy, spicy PGA Championship week has come and gone so Brendan and Andy provide a full debrief following Aaron Rai’s win at Aronimink. Andy did show up and there are flowers to be given to Rai, whose story and Sunday are worthy of ample praise. They discuss the Sunday overall, and whether it fell flat or was an appropriate cap to what both considered a strong week for the PGA. That trends into a course and setup discussion, which was more of a hot topic than anything this week, and whether it delivered an appropriate major week testing the full range of skills. They are joined by KVV and Joseph LaMagna as well, and run through a Regret Index for players who came close, but could not put a major on the resume, such as Rory, Rahm, JT, Scottie, Ludvig, and a host of others in what was a condensed and chaotic weekend. They have some thoughts on the PGA’s future, upcoming venues, and the superstars as we roll towards Shinnecock and the U.S. Open. They close with a few amusing odds and ends and one big takeaway from what became a very memorable PGA. Learn more about Fried Egg Golf Club and join at thefriedegg.com/membership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
Saturday at the 2026 PGA Championship: Setup changes and a giant pack still in contention
1w ago01:32:36Tap to summarizeThis unforgettably unique PGA Championship goes to Sunday with an absolute boatload of players who could be considered “in contention” with 18 holes to play. Andy and Brendan break down a wild Saturday that saw birdie barrages early, a million different leaders, and a condensed leaderboard going to the final round. There is a beefy game of “Contender or Pretender” going through all the players from Alex Smalley out in front to some studs like Rahm, Rory, and down the board to Cam Young and Scottie Scheffler, who are six and five shots back. They discuss some storylines that nobody is talking about as well, from Big Potty to Brian Campbell, and close with Joseph LaMagna coming in with a glass of wine to offer up further discussion on the course setup quibbles and hollering about hole locations. We’ve teamed up with Shady Rays to bring you an exclusive offer. Head to shadyrays.com anduse code: SHOTGUN (for SGS) for 40% OFF 2+ pairs of polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
Friday at the 2026 PGA Championship: A golf course debate rages on in Philadelphia
1w ago01:26:11Tap to summarizeDo we have proper major setup or a total sham on our hands at the Aronimink for the PGA Championship? The golf course setup debates are raging in Philadelphia, as the PGA pushes pins to the corners and a leaderboard has condensed going to the weekend. Andy and Brendan get into some of the setup quibbles, what the data is saying, and just how enjoyable it has been to watch over the first two rounds despite some online chatter. Then they get into the stars like Scottie, Rory, Blockie, and the leaders like Smalley, Potty, McNealy, and Gotterup. Some missed cut disappointments like Bryson DeChambeau are called out before KVV joins late to discuss his impressions at the 36-hole mark in Philly, including some reaction to late Rory comments on the setup not being great. Learn more about Fried Egg Golf Club and join at thefriedegg.com/membership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
Thursday at the 2026 PGA Championship: Aronimink punches back, Blockie wins us over, and Higgo clown show
2w ago01:18:51Tap to summarizeWhat a day! Andy and Brendan are giddy from a Thursday at the PGA Championship that delivered a cornucopia of delights from Blockie rumbling back into our lives, Bryson DeChambeau’s dumb coat, an AI PGA Assistant that went haywire, and the incredible Garrick Higgo late-to-the-tee penalty and explanation. They begin with some Aronimink course thoughts, hailing the Donald Ross design, the greens, and the test that came stiffer than what was imagined. They discuss some stars that flopped, like Bryson and Rory, and others who soared, like Scottie and Potty. They close it out with the “real” leaderboard and some Storylines Nobody's Talking About as we head to day two at the PGA. Use FRIEDEGG discount code for 15% off at mobjak.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
2026 PGA Championship Preview: Questions about Rory, Bryson, and Aronimink
2w ago01:59:55Tap to summarizeAndy and Brendan return just in time to preview the second major championship of 2026! Brendan is on-site at Aronimink Golf Club outside of Philadelphia and spent his Tuesday gathering plenty of nuggets on subjects including Michael Block's speaking fees, Rory McIlroy's toe blister, and player issues with PGA of America Setup Czar Kerry Haigh. Andy provides insight into the Donald Ross-designed course and illuminates some setup issues facing the world's best this week due to modern equipment. The two bring in The Boys to make the all-important Gambling Pod Picks as the crew looks to stay unreasonably hot and select the winner of a second consecutive major. Andy and PJ cooked up a dozen Philly-themed Storylines Nobody's Talking About, calling out past Philadelphia sports moments and connecting them to players in this week's field. This episode has all the usual SGS Preview flair, from Best/Worst Tee Times, player-specific previews, and use of the Blockie button on the soundboard. We will be back with daily episodes following each round this week! Shop at perfectpractice.com and use promo code SGS for 20% off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Quail Hollow falls flat, TGL rents out to Pro Wrestling, and Early PGA thoughts
2w ago01:19:46Tap to summarizeSGS goes to the bullpen as PJ and Kevin Van Valkenburg slide into the big chairs for a late Sunday recording. The two aren't entirely sure how they got here, but they applaud Andy for taking the night off to celebrate the Bulls securing a top-four pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Things stay on the rails to start, as PJ and Kevin quickly get into another "juice-less" week at Quail Hollow for the Truist Championship. Kristoffer Reitan broke through for his first PGA Tour win after getting into this Signature Event on the Aon Swing 5 list, defeating a smattering of European Ryder Cup hopefuls like Alex Fitzpatrick and Nicolai Hojgaard. Reitan successfully navigated the "Green Mile" to round out his Sunday and got to show off an unlikely sponsor during his winner's interview on CBS. Kevin is quick to jump on a runner-up finish for Rickie Fowler and suggests that a Rickie win at the PGA could be the best possible outcome for the sport of golf. PJ is concerned about a "Space Jam" situation unfolding after Justin Thomas bragged about stealing Cameron Young's putter and a tough Sunday on the greens cost Cam a back-to-back win. There's also plenty of Jordan Spieth discussion after he resurrected the "go get that" moment early in an uncompetitive week. In other news, Team USA's captain has won on the PGA Tour yet again! Brandt Snedeker took home the title at the OneFlight Myrtle Beach Classic, his first win since 2018, but was quick to note that he has absolutely no plans to play in the Presidents Cup this fall. He is excited to play in his first major since 2021 this week, and PJ suggests keeping a close eye on who Snedeker tees it up with in practice rounds at Aronimink. Lucas Herbert went wire-to-wire at LIV Virginia, holding off a charging Anthony Kim on Sunday and securing his spot in the 2026 U.S. Open. In a very important installment of Champions Tour Minute, PJ recaps Boo Weekley's win at the Insperity Invitational and shares a special shoutout that Boo received from a famous friend on social media. Overseas, Yurav Premlall might've been the most unlikely DP World Tour winner of all time at this week's Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship, and Chris Wood returned to the winner's circle to round out this week of 2016 throwbacks. In news that we couldn't make up if we tried, professional wrestling company AEW held a show in the SoFi Dome on Saturday featuring wrestlers tackling each other into the very same bunkers that Kevin Kisner hit shanks in for Marty Smith's entertainment! Eamon Lynch also sat down with new PGA of America CEO Terry Clark to get the scoop on Don Rea's whereabouts (among other things) as we arrive at the year's second major championship. Andy and Brendan will return on Tuesday night for a LIVE preview of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Bryson, Poulter and more LIV players speak out, Quail hunting, and Flashback Friday to a Sergio Charlotte collapse
3w ago01:11:57Tap to summarizeBrendan is joined by The Boys for another installment of Golf's Preeminent Birthday Podcast, this time celebrating both Cameron Young and, of course, Brendan! himself. Joseph LaMagna comes in fresh off his first round of 2026 and admits he's been having trouble sleeping as of late, leading things perfectly into another Pillow Talk segment to kick off this Friday show. It was a sleepy Thursday round at a rain-soaked Quail Hollow for the Truist Championship where Matt McCarty leads at the conclusion of play. Joseph and Brendan take stock of the Truist as an event and Quail Hollow as a PGA Tour venue, making its return to the regular schedule after hosting last year's PGA Championship. Speaking of the PGA Championship, the "special invitations" into next week's field went out over the past few days and Joseph is taking exception to some invitees getting in ahead of Canada's sweetheart Sudarshan Yellamaraju. The bulk of this episode is spent on more news from LIV Virginia as seemingly everyone is now free to speak their mind about the league and its future. Brendan, Joseph, and PJ run through quotes and posts from Ian Poulter, Anirban Lahiri, Graeme McDowell, and Bryson DeChambeau after the latest rounds of media availability. Bryson seems to have a misunderstanding of the PGA Tour's social media policy and admits that it could factor into his decision about where to play in the future if he doesn't re-sign with the Crushers. The trio wonders if Bryson now sees himself as a YouTuber more than a Professional Golfer and how that mindset will impact his choices moving forward. Brendan then takes The Boys back to the 2005 Wachovia Championship for Flashback Friday, remembering Sergio Garcia blowing a record-tying six-shot lead after 54 holes. Things wrap up with some assorted amusements from the world of sports and Joseph's initial thoughts on next week's PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. We will return on Monday for another week of major championship golf, including live shows on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! Use our code FRIEDEGG at eightsleep.com/friedegg for up to $350 off the Pod 5. Visit BDraddy.com and use promo code SGS30 for 30% off your 2026 Presidents Cup gear!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →