Episode 90 - The BEST (and Most Overrated) Golf Courses We Played in 2026

Episode 90 - The BEST (and Most Overrated) Golf Courses We Played in 2026

Halfway through 2026, we're back with one of our favorite episodes of the year. Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth break down the five best new golf courses they've played so far this year—from legendary championship venues to hidden gems and some of the most exclusive clubs in the country. But we don't stop there. We also reveal the most overrated golf courses we've played in 2026, discuss what separates great golf architecture from great conditioning, and explain why some of golf's biggest names don't always get it right. Then we shift to politics, sharing the biggest political events that have personally impacted each of us this year—from Capitol Hill to Oklahoma's governor's race—and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how campaigns, endorsements, and lobbying really work. In this episode: * ⛳ Our Top 5 New Golf Courses of 2026 * 🏌️ The most overrated courses we've played * 🏛️ Behind-the-scenes political stories you won't hear elsewhere * 🎯 Golf architecture, strategy, and course design * 👀 Honest opinions, hot takes, and plenty of debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 89 - The Vision Behind High Pointe Golf Club | Featuring Rod Trump

What does it take to build one of the most talked-about new golf clubs in America? In this episode of Golf & Politics, we sit down with Rod Trump, founder and chairman of High Pointe Golf Club, to discuss the remarkable journey from caddie to successful entrepreneur—and ultimately to restoring and reimagining Tom Doak's first golf course. Rod shares how golf shaped his career, the lessons he learned building and selling businesses, and why creating a truly great golf club is about much more than designing a great golf course. We dive into the vision behind High Pointe, working alongside legendary golf architect Tom Doak, the importance of culture and membership, and what separates the world's greatest clubs from the rest. ⸻ In this episode: * Rod Trump's journey from caddie to entrepreneur * Why golf became the foundation of his business success * Restoring Tom Doak's first golf course * The vision behind High Pointe Golf Club * Golf course architecture and the new Golden Age of design * Building club culture that lasts for generations If you enjoy conversations about golf architecture, legendary golf clubs, course design, entrepreneurship, and the people shaping the future of the game, follow us on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 88 - Can Golf Stay Affordable? The Story Behind National Links Trust

In this episode of Golf & Politics, we dive deep into one of the most important—and overlooked—stories in the game today. We sit down with Will Smith, co-founder of the National Links Trust, to explore the intersection of golf, history, and power in Washington, DC. From restoring historic municipal courses to preserving access for everyday golfers, this conversation goes far beyond fairways and greens. We cover: * The mission to keep golf affordable and accessible * The untold civil rights history of DC’s municipal courses * How golf became a rare space where politics doesn’t matter * The rise of the Outpost Club and modern golf culture * The growing tension between public golf and elite development * What happens when politics enters the game This episode isn’t just about golf—it’s about community, opportunity, and who the game is really for. If you care about the future of golf, you need to hear this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 86: A Brutally Honest Talk About 2026

In this episode of Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob sit down with Sean O’Brien — former congressional chief of staff, Obama campaign operative, Pentagon speechwriter, and former speechwriter for Joe Biden. Sean shares what it was really like working in Rahm Emanuel’s office during the 2006 wave, running a rebellious Blue Dog-style congressional operation, writing speeches aboard Air Force Two, and serving at the Pentagon under both Democratic and Republican administrations. The conversation digs into: * Whether 2026 is shaping up to be a wave year * The strength (and limits) of Donald Trump’s influence in GOP primaries * Candidate quality vs. national mood in midterms * Redistricting, the Latino vote, and the hidden battlegrounds * Early 2028 Democratic possibilities, including Mark Kelly and Mitch Landrieu It’s candid, and it’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at how campaigns and power actually work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Episode 85 – Anthony Kim’s INSANE Comeback + Presidents Who Loved Golf

This week, we start with one of the wildest comeback stories in modern sports. Anthony Kim — after disappearing for a decade, battling addiction, injury, and mental health — shoots 63 in Australia and beats Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. For a guy who didn’t even own clubs for 10 years, it was electric. Not just a golf story — a life story. We also break down: * Scottie Scheffler’s absurd consistency and why he’s not flashy… just relentless. * Pebble Beach looking incredible — and the bigger question of whether modern equipment is making historic courses obsolete. * LIV drawing 115,000 fans in Australia and what that means for the future of pro golf. * And whether the PGA Championship is quietly losing relevance. Then we pivot to presidential golf history. From Woodrow Wilson playing 1,000 rounds, to Eisenhower practically living at Augusta National… to JFK’s talent, LBJ using golf to pass legislation, Nixon quitting for optics, Clinton rebuilding the White House putting green, Obama’s smack talk, and Trump’s serious game. Golf has always been a great tool fr connecting with others. If you love the game beyond just the leaderboard, this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]