Rory skips Memorial, Signature Event Over-saturation, and boosting NCAA golf

The Shotgun Start

This episode starts with a simple question: why isn't college golf more popular? Andy and Brendan look at this week's NCAA championships and wonder how the college game could raise its profile among golf fans. They compare top players, some of whom have PGA Tour cards already, and top-ranked schools to the top prospects and teams in college football and basketball that become household names during their respective seasons. After the lengthy college golf discussion, the two preview yet another Signature Event as the PGA Tour heads to the Memorial at Jack's Place (proper noun). Rory McIlroy will not be in Columbus, instead choosing to play in next week's Canadian Open in his quest to win every national open possible. One-and-done picks are made with Brendan steering into a bit after Andy boxes him into it. The U.S. Women's Open is at Erin Hills this week, leading to a debate about where the course stands in terms of major venues in the professional game. Andy and Brendan run through some notable groups for the first two rounds and share some excitement for on-location coverage from The Mixed Bag. The Champions Tour treks to Iowa and PJ has some questions about the Schwab Cup standings following the second senior major. Andy and Brendan wrap things up with some LIV contract news as the first wave of players are up for renewal.