Talk Birdie To Me (Nick O'Hern & Mark Allen)

The first episode of 'Talk Birdie To Me', a new podcast looking at what's been going on this week in golf around the world. Hosted by tour pro's Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen.

If you love golf, you'll love this podcast. It's a mix of news, inside information, tips and tricks and a few fun stories from Nick and Mark's golf careers.

This week the boys talk about LIV Golf, arguably the biggest story in the golf world: the drop in rankings of Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau; whether LIV Golf should contribute to world ranking points and if players who have gone to LIV Golf should be allowed to return to the PGA.

We hear about the time Tiger Woods asked Nick O'Hern in Miami 'what the f**k are you doing here', and why he said it. Tiger is a big topic this week, with him playing this week in the Genesis Invitational, the boys look at his odds, and whether he has a realistic chance. And with Tiger rejecting an $800m offer to join LIV Golf, Mark reveals his inside info on the number of tournaments Tiger was required to play to earn that cash.

Mark lists his Top 5 Golfers who have extraordinary ability but poor swings - he doesn't miss 'em, particularly Scottie Scheffler!

And the boys talk about the Vic Open last weekend and the great performance of Jiyai Shin to win the tournament, and Mark claims that Elvis Smylie was bullied into the drop at the weekend after he hit a hosel rocket.

And each show ends with our Masterclass segment where Nick and Mark analyse something great, or bad, and break down how and why it happened. This week Mark analyses how Jiyai Shin controlled the spin into the wind in her great performance at the weekend.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's week 8 of the season, and this is the second episode of the new 'Talk Birdie To Me' podcast where Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen discuss what's been going on this week in golf around the world and at home.

On this weeks show Nick and Mark talk about just how good Jon Rahm is, and in the Masterclass, Nick O'Hern breaks down Rahm's putting tempo. Nick also takes us through his Top 5 short par 4's in the world, and outlines his thoughts on them.

We talk about Riviera, is it the fairest test in golf? Mark thinks so, and the boys discuss why nobody is laying up at Riviera these days. And whilst we're talking Riviera, we obviously have to discuss Tiger. Tiger, oh Tiger, what were you thinking. Nick and Mark discuss Tiger's brain fade. However, brain fade aside, he was hitting the ball at Riviera at 180mph so was impressive.

Wouldn't be an episode without a LIV Golf update, there have been a bunch of new signings by LIV at the weekend, we run through the list and discuss.

And the new Netflix show Full Swing is streaming. Nick and Mark love it, and can't stop talking about it.

Before we forget - we've got a brand new segment featuring, well you.....it's called 'Tweets to the Editor' and Nick and Mark run through some of your feedback (good or bad) from the socials on the show.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Week 9 of the season, and there's so much going on in golf that the podcast could probably run for 3-hours - and whilst it's tempting, we'll keep it to a more manageable duration.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen discuss The Honda Classic from last week - the extraordinary results all leading up to a playoff between Eric Cole and Chris Kirk. The boys discuss the personal demons that Kirk has dealt with, and how impressive the win was at the weekend given those challenges. Nick and Mark both chat about how they handled alcohol when they were touring.

They discuss the remarkable results from the TPS Hunter Valley, and Brett Coletta's fantastic win, breaking the heart of Lincoln Tighe. A long discussion on Lincoln's performance before it went pear-shaped.

And light of the results in The Hunter, Mark lists his Top 5 brain explosions on a golf course - and there are some very funny stories that come out.

LIV is a discussion point, particularly in light of some of the scores being recorded last weekend - some great players shooting well over par. Nick has a theory on why it's happening.

A fascinating conversation about the financial pressures facing players, particularly young players, who go to the United States. Nick reveals that when he moved to America, he and his wife mortgaged their house to be able to afford to play mini-tours in the US.

During the week Mark posted a tweet saying, in part, "I absolutely hate that pros play pennant". And in the podcast, he doubles down and takes an even stronger position. Both Nick and Mark have been asked to play pennant, and they discuss their position on the issue.

Mark talks about missing the cut at the British Open one year, and then spending two days with his caddie getting drunk all over Scotland, before being shocked at the leaderboard showing Jean van de Verde leading.

As usual we read your input in 'Letters to the Editor', with Nick and Mark reading and responding to your feedback. Keep it coming.

And we wrap with the Masterclass with Mark talking about how a small adjustment to your backswing can improve your short game in 'one minute'.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From time to time on the Talk Birdie To Me podcast, we'll put out a different kind of chat, separate to the usual show structure. And this week Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen chat with Tour Pro Wade Ormsby just after he has arrived at Millbrook for the NZ Open.

We ask him about his time on the LIV tour, including getting into detail on the money involved for the players, how the exemptions and contacts work, and what his future in LIV may or may not be. And he explains in more details how the structure works with players moving in and out of the LIV roster, and what it means for them financially. And will Wade play in Adelaide in April? We find out.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Talk Birdie To Me, Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen talk about their love of Royal Melbourne, and take us through the new renovations - specifically the carpark which Mark describes as the 'best carpark in Australia by a mile'. Some people don't love the Royal Melbourne course, the boys don't get that, they love it and explain why. And Mark has a theory on the greens at Royal Melbourne which involves Ernie Els.

Mark tells a great story about how former Tour Pro Wayne Smith virtually saved his career at a time when he was about to go out backwards.

Whilst on renovations, the boys discuss the changes at Melbourne's metropolitan golf club, and the holes that have been redone.

As usual we look at letters to the editor, and there's a couple of ripping bits of feedback that have come from you: the boys discuss golfers with the worst etiquette on the course, and both Nick and Mark name names - and they don't hold back!

Top 5 this week: Nick names the Top 5 PGA courses that normal people can play - in fact he names 6, he couldn't separate two of them.

The PGA has outlined a new format with designated tournaments having no cuts. What is it, how does it work, what do they think of it? Nick takes us through the details.

The boys take us through the results over the past week, including Brendan Jones great win, and the bizarre situation that Shae Wools-Cobb found himself in with the 2-ball incident. And the results from The Athena, won by Grace Lennon.

And Nick reveals Kurt Kitayama's nickname, and the story behind it, following his victory at Bay Hill.

The Masterclass this week features Nick explaining why, and how, a lot of pros now are hitting a power fade, shaping the ball left to right off the tee. And why a fade is easier to control with the driver than a draw. See the video on our socials.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Talk Birdie To Me, Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are apart, much like Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle, the boys are in different parts of the country. Although at the end of the episode they don't meet up and make out, which is a relief all round. Nick is at the famous Cathedral Golf Course in regional Victoria, whilst Mark is doing the show overlooking the fourth hole at Box Hill Golf Course in Melbourne. You'll hear birds and the occasional golf swing in the background today!

Plenty on the show. And we're lucky to get through without losing our podcast license given Nick is sucking down chardonnay like it's going out of fashion, and Mark gets in a pickle talking about having mud on his balls.

The Players Championship in Florida was so exciting. Min Woo Lee didn't quite win, but what a performance. Scottie Scheffler in control and a deserved winner. The money involved, holy hell, some serious cash for the players, and Nick and Mark discuss how much Scheffler's caddie made, it's more than the vast majority of the golfers!

Mark has a problem with Aaron Rai and his iron covers and black gloves.

News this week on rolling the ball back, and having a ball specifically for elite competition. Nick and Mark break it down, and what it means. As usual, plenty of feedback from the Talk Birdie To Me family, the boys read out your tweets and Facebook comments, keep them coming in.

In the Top 5 this week, Mark counts down the Top 5 worst rules in golf - and wants your input on what he's missed. Let us know on the socials.

Nick runs through some results: we're taking credit for Wade Ormsby's great win in Thailand which came just after he was on the pod - if you haven't heard it, you can hear that bonus episode here. The boys are impressed with Louis Dobbelaar's first ever professional win at the New Zealand PGA, and Nick has some inside news on Brendan Jones.

And in the masterclass today, Mark explains how Scheffler moves his right arm across his chest when he hits the ball, and why it works so well. See the video on our socials.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Nick murdered a bottle of chardonnay on the show last week, the show opens with a discussion about a drink or two during the pod.

But after that, Nick and Mark are both pumped about Gabi Ruffels great performance from the weekend, what a great win, big future coming up. Mark talks about Gabi’s early days, her first ever swing, and her performance as a 15-year old at Victoria Golf Club.

And how about David Micheluzzi, great performance in NSW and he’s now in the Open, and has a DP World Tour card for 2023/2024. The boys run through how he played at the weekend.

Mark raves about the PGA drama this week, Nick and Mark talk through some of the notable performances from Valspar where Taylor Moore had a great win, impossible not to love. Nick has played this course multiple times, and talks through what the holes are like - particularly the challenges on 17 and 18. What about that putt on the last hole!

Putting is front row and centre this week, Nick counts down his Top 5 clutch putts of all time, and the Masterclass this week is on how to nail your putting. In the wake of Taylor’s win, particularly the putting, Nick and Mark chat about the importance of the mental aspect in golf.

Talking LIV, Mark and Nick talk about Marc Leishman going from a 2-shot lead, to, well, not the the result we’d have liked and his demise in the event. The boys talk through some of the poor performances from the LIV stars over the weekend, and comparing that to the drama in the PGA. Nick and Mark chat about the importance of scrambling well, Nick believes one of the most important stats each week is the scrambling stats.

The Champions Tournament. The boys love watching Fred Couples play, and they love his tweets! Controversy corner: Mark makes a big claim about a golfing legend, an icon, accusing him of ‘cheating’. He names the player involved and explains why: “He’s a star, but he’s cheating, we need to have a chat”.

The boys saw the snake that Leishman had to walk past at the weekend - nothing like a bit of snake chat. Mark reveals the animal that he saw at Kingston Heath recently and scared him…..hint, it isn’t a scary animal….

The ball is big news. What is going on. There’s an update which comes courtesy of the LPGA and their view on distance, and the ball discussion. Sounds like the LPGA has had a whack.

Feedback is back, we love your comments, and love to chat about them….plenty of feedback on last weeks comments about Scottie Scheffler from Nick and Mark. Always want to hear what you reckon, let us know on socials.

We had a Twitter poll after last weeks show where Nick was drinking chardonnay during the show to find out if your preference would be chardonnay, sav, red or a beer….results on the pod today. And we get an update on how Nick played at Cathedral.

Both Nick and Mark are playing Pro Am’s this week, Nick at Eynesbury and Mark at Box Hill. Mark makes the claim that he will shoot a 64. We look forward to it, and to hearing about how he did it on next weeks show, he’s convinced he’s a sure thing!

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back with another episode of Talk Birdie To Me, and it starts with a disagreement. Mark loves the matchplay when there is World Cup style groups prior to the Top 16, Nick isn't a fan and prefers 1v1. Ironically, Mark reckons Nick is the reason why it is the way it is given he knocked out Tiger twice.

Oh they don't get to that until after a bit of chardonnay chat. Ridiculous. This golf podcast is going downhill fast.

But back to the golf, and it's all about The Masters.

The boys are excited about the results of the matchplay - in particular, from an Aussie perspective, Jason Day's performance. Mark asks Nick if Jason can win The Masters, and if he is mentally capable of winning. They boys discuss. From a guy who has played the course, Nick outlines the hardest walk on the course - it may not be the one you'd expect. Mark talks about the involvement of Annika Sörenstam, he's a fan and reckons it's wonderful. Nick loves the ceremonial aspect of the event, and Mark tells a great story about meeting the legendary Sam Snead - a hilarious story about Sam being tanked in the bar at The Masters. Mark is excited about Justice Bosio and asks Nick if she were to win would that be back page on every paper in the country? It should be.

We've got feedback asking Nick and Mark about Cam Young from the weekend. The boys discuss. Moves into a discussion about line of sight relief and disqualifications - Nick tells a great story about abusing rules officials from Wayne Riley - very funny.

We get an update on Mark's performance in the Pro Am at Box Hill last week, where he had predicted he'd shoot a 64 or 65. Spoiler alert, he didn't. But Jay Mackenzie shot a 61 to win. What a performance! And we get an update on Nick's Pro Am performance at Eynesbury at the weekend. This leads to a chat about Graham Marsh and his secret career, he's a golf legend, and also from a famous sporting family. Mark wants to get him on to chat about his career, and that sets some homework for Nick to arrange.

Mark's Top 5 is a cracker. This week it's the Top 5 things that amateur golfers do, copying from pro's, that they shouldn't. And this leads to Mark's Masterclass this week, which is on maths, okay not quite, but sort of. Mark talks about using the aim line on your ball from 30+ feet, and he's going to use maths to prove that you shouldn't do it and it's a waste of time. On the aim line on your ball, Nick gives Mark a different idea on how to do it - which Mark has never done.

Nick talks us through the results this week. Matt Wallace wins on the DP World Tour, not a great week for the Aussies at the Puntacana Championship in the Caribbean. In the Asian tour, Travis Smythe has won a spot in the Open after his Hong Kong performance. And Gabi Ruffles with another strong performance, not a win, but a strong performance. Locally the Women's NSW Open in Foster/Tuncurry with a great win from Kiwi Momoka Kobori, and this week....what a week coming up....The National, the final event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, and Nick and Mark are commentating on Kayo/Fox Sports, and Nick is playing the Pro Am with Elvis Smylie.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a massive week in golf, The Masters is around the corner, and The National has just finished. 

Mark can’t believe how Tom Power Horan marked his ball at The National, and Nick thinks he might be onto something. Mark played a round with a 'kid' who marked his ball with something even more unusual. The National was great - even with the 'commentators curse' - and what Tom Power Horan did on the 8th hole was magical. Nick and Mark explain on the podcast.

Mark talks about the opportunities that now present for David Micheluzzi after his recent performances, and we'll chat to him in a bonus episode on Wednesday this week (if he answers his phone!). Nick and Mark touch on Michael Wright holing a 40-footer for a birdie on the last to keep his tour card. So good.

Nick talks about playing at Royal Pines back in the day and being mic'd up whilst playing.

Mark reads a message he received from Bradley Hughes where he outlined one of his teaching philosophies. Both Nick and Mark love it. Particularly one line from Bradley, the boys discuss.

Mark was surprised to hear that there are 18 LIV players who are in The Masters this weekend, and he talks about Greg Norman's comments about a potential LIV celebration should one of those players win. Will be fascinating to see, if it happens. Nick doesn't feel the LIV players, generally, are coming into The Masters with the best of form - Nick lists his favourites.

Mark had homework, which was to arrange Graham Marsh as a guest - has he done his job? Well no. Maybe next week. Letters to the Editor is back, we love your feedback - plenty of comments on Jason Day and whether he can win The Masters.

Baseball has introduced a new rule which has shortened games by an hour or so, and Nick and Mark reckon there is a lesson in this for golf. A 'no-brainer' is what Mark describes it as.

Nick runs us through all the results from the last few days, including the disappointing result for Justice Bosio. Dimi Papadatos got so close in Chile, but not quite the win - still a great result. Masters is on this week, and we'll have a Masters special later this week. Nick counts down his Top 5 Masters Moments - we want to know your great moments, let us know on the socials.

In the Masterclass this week, Nick talks through bunker shots and the importance of acceleration.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Micheluzzi is in a purple patch of form, and after numerous phone calls, emails, texts, faxes, our people talking to his people, finally Nick cornered him on a golf course and he agreed to come on the pod.

In this bonus episode of Talk Birdie To Me, Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen get under the hood of David Micheluzzi's stunning 2022/2023.

Including the story of when his coach said to him: 'How are you so good, yet this one aspect of your game is so shit', and what part of his game he needed to address.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Masters are here!

This is a bonus episode of Talk Birdie To Me with Nick O'Hern & Mark Allen talking everything Masters.

The Chairman of The Masters has laid down the law to the media about how much LIV discussion they can have during The Masters. Mark hypotheses what will happen if a LIV golfer wins, and the other 17 players join for a big celebration. Mark reckons it could change golf forever. 

Nick’s got some great stories about when he played The Masters - including the time he was asked to tee off in incorrect order due to weather delays. Mark and Nick watched the Par 3 competition this morning, and Mark wants to know what it’s like, given Nick has played it a few times. The boys refer to it as a ‘celebration of golf’. Nick loves it, but it can get out of control if you’re behind some of the superstars with the autographs and photos.

Nick and Mark discuss the new 13th tee at Augusta. Mark describes it as the most important hole in the world, and one of the most beautiful. Nick agrees, and says it is beautifully designed and it teases you. Nick is interested to see if the players take it on, or lay up. Nick tells a great story about over-riding what his caddy suggested on the 15th hole at Augusta ending with Nick saying ‘never again’.

Sir Nick Faldo has an idea for slowing the ball down, Mark and Nick discuss, Mark is hot for it and reckons it's a ripper.

Nick and Mark discuss Gary Players comments in recent days. They don’t hold back!

There is a rumour about Mark missing his tee time at Augusta. Is it true? Mark explains. It has a tragic end, Tragic for Mark, funny for us.

Nick and Mark run through the Australians in the masters and discuss their form and how they reckon they’ll go, and then they put their flag in the ground and name who they think will win. Nick is confident with his pick, Mark reckons a different player will win and gives his rationale.

Whoever wins - it's a big weekend on the way !!

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Mark Allen is away and Nick O'Hern brings in his good mate Craig Spence off the bench to cover the void. Craig has his own solid pedigree of course, as a tour pro of 14-years, player on the US PGA for 3-years, and winner of the 1999 Australian Masters - so he's no slouch!

Nick and Craig look over what happened at The Masters, with the fantastic win from Jon Rahm.

They discuss the rules infraction of Koepka's caddie on day 1, was it a violation? Does it matter? Tiger Woods brave performance given his injury challenges. And the weather, and the trees falling! How nobody was injured, or worse, is unbelievable.

Nick and Craig discuss Brooks Koepka's performance, and if the weather played a role. Nick believes professional golfers have to adapt to conditions, and he reckons in bad weather if you're leading, you're a good chance as it's harder to chase.

Phil Mickelson - what a performance! Nick says that his form coming in was terrible, but he nailed it today, and his last round was awesome. Phil inspires Nick's Top 5 this week, where he lists his Top 5 golfers over 50 of all time. This leads into a discussion around anchoring, and what the solution may be.

Nick and Craig discuss Rory and JT missing the cut in Augusta, and the disappointing week for the Aussies.

In the Masterclass this week, Nick talks through bunker Jon Rahm's ripping 128 metre 8-iron little 3/4 cut around the trees onto the green - and how you can have this shot in your arsenal.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast Mark Allen is away, and tour pro Craig Spence covers for him again in a big show.

Plenty of discussion points, particularly with the Aussies performance at the weekend - a great win from Grace Kim in Hawaii, Nick is a huge fan and explains why he loves her game. Strong performances also from Brett Drewitt, who nearly won at Arlington, and moves to #2 on the Korn Ferry points rankings, and Kevin Yuan had a great weekend in Vietnam.

Nick and Craig discuss how strong the Korn Ferry tour is.

A discussion around the PGA designated events, particularly around Rory McIlroy pulling out of the event which has attracted criticism. Including from Nick who calls it poor form from Rory.

Nick has a problem with golfers playing slowly, his key target is Patrick Cantlay and Nick says something has to be done. He supports the introduction of a shot clock in golf, and tougher enforcement by rules officials. Nick's Top 5 this week is the slowest golfers of all time - Nick names them, Craig has one to add, and we'd love you to let us know if you've got any to add.

Craig asks Nick what his secret is to handle pressure putting. Some great advice here from Nick for any golfer.

They discuss Hilton Head and how great the course is, and how nice the people of South Carolina are.

And this weekend, it's a big one, LIV comes to Adelaide - Nick and Craig discuss Greg Norman being everywhere at the moment, Nick bumped into Greg at Cathedral at the weekend and had a good chat. Craig says the list of LIV players in Adelaide is impressive, and is looking forward to seeing them play. Nick is not enamoured with the LIV format, but is still excited to watch it this weekend from the commentary box. The course they're playing, Grange, is an impressive track and Nick and Craig reckon it will play beautifully but will be a good test for the players.

The Masterclass this week is on Matt Fitzpatrick and his shot into the final hole at the weekend, and the importance of reacting to the target rather than the ball. Video up on socials.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a weekend, all the excitement of the LIV Adelaide event, Mark Hensby won in Texas, and in Japan Lucas Herbert quietly wins his third DP World Tour title! So exciting!

Nick O'Hern & Mark Allen talk extensively about LIV, Nick was there commentating, Mark was on the couch watching, so we've got it covered from both perspectives. Nick describes is as a party with a bit of golf, but he thought it was fantastic. Mark loved it and said it was compelling viewing but says fans are essential to the success of LIV, the crowds made it. Nick said that at Grange, what stood out to him was that music was playing everywhere all day, and the infrastructure was exceptional.

Mark says that LIV showed how starved we have been in Australia of superstar lineups in tournaments, outside of Presidents Cup. And Nick says this brought non-golfing fans into the sport.

Obviously a highlight was the great performance of Talor Gooch, with a dominant first two rounds leading to a victory - two rounds of 62 was impressive. And of course what about Chase Koepka's ace on the watering hole. Brilliant.

Nick spoke with Greg Norman in Adelaide, and Greg made some fascinating comments about the LIV prize money. Nick explains on the podcast.

And did Nick roll out the 'don't you know who I am' card to get an early car to the airport?

Mark says that as much as he loved LIV, if you want to win majors, LIV isn't for you and the PGA is the main game. Nick agrees and whilst he also loved LIV, he says it has an exhibition feel rather than a tournament feel to it.

But where to next for LIV? Nick and Mark discuss. Adelaide was great, but it's the first LIV tournament that has been so successful - Mark says Adelaide was the best LIV event by a squillion miles. Is that now the benchmark?

Whilst LIV dominates conversation, understandably, the boys were very excited about Lucas Herbert and his great win in Japan - Mark talks about the luck with the drop, but Lucas took advantage of it. Nick and Mark talk about Lucas banging the ground with the club - Nick's not convinced it was legal, Mark is okay with it. Nick says that Lucas has the X-Factor. An exciting win!

Mark Hensby won in Texas, a great win leading to Nick telling a story about being with Mark being at the White House and Mark accidentally setting something on fire in the ballroom of the White House. Mark makes a tip on Richard Green and reckons he is sure to get a big win at some point, he's that good. Nick agrees, and says it's a matter of time before Richard does something special.

Mark talks about the international series of events that the PGA is putting on around the world, and he is 100% sure that Australia will get one of the events. He believes it will be in Victoria and explains why.

The Top 5 today is from Mark, and he lists his Top 5 loudest moments in golf. Unsurprisingly, it becomes a Top 6 or 7, which is proving to be a pattern lately.

And on the masterclass today - bouncing your putter, and moving your feet, before the shot to calm the nerves. Mark explains and refers to it as 'don't be a statue'.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the podcast so much to talk about!

Mark Allen watched Hannah Green have a great win at the LPGA in California at the weekend and was extremely impressed. Nick O'Hern saw her coming up in Perth as a junior and felt she was always going to be something special. Big wrap! Nick is particularly impressed with her golf swing.

Discussion about the calibre of the LPGA tour at the moment, Nick says there are just so many great players to watch.

Mark gives Nick some homework: He wants a Masterclass on the short, soft chip to the green.

Talor Gooch. Another win, but Mark wants to talk about his caddie Malcolm Baker - who has made a fortune in the last couple of weeks! The boys try and do the numbers....it's a shiteload. They have a discussion about the Singapore LIV event, which wasn't as well supported as Adelaide - Nick reckons the weather plays a role, the humidity in Singapore is always tough. Nick and Mark chat about how they handled hot weather as players.

Mark discusses Tony Finau, who has a slightly bizarre putting technique, and he can't understand it - even though it's working a treat for Tony. Nick tells a story about playing with Tony many years ago. Mark talks about the the height of the blade when putting.

The boys discuss Quail Hollow in South Carolina and what kind of course it is, Nick describes as looking a bit like Augusta, Mark reckons it's a stunning course. The 18th hole at Quail Hollow is a tricky one - it always got Mark. Nick says 16, 17, 18 are pretty tough at Quail Hollow, but 18 is particularly challenging.

Nick and Mark talk about golfers they have based their game on at times - Mark was a wrap on Seve Ballesteros, and Nick talks about taking inspiration from Lee Trevino, and explains why he did, and what he took from him. Mark has a ripping photo of Lee Trevino, and he particularly likes the shoes! We've whacked it on socials.

And we have feedback - Nick and Mark read out your social media comments, plenty of feedback on LIV last week. Mark talks about the chapter in Nick's book 'playing to your personality'. And some feedback from you on the masterclass from last week, where Nick chatted about mind drifting on the course.

Top 5 this week is a ripper. Nick gives his Top 5 best putters who don't have the putter sitting flat. Leads to a hilarious story from Nick about Japanese golfer Isao Aoki - who knew Nick could speak Japanese? Perhaps not fluently - but he certainly knows enough to get by, and the story about Aoki has to be heard - brilliant.

Talking results, the boys are impressed with how Geoff Ogilvy is still performing and making cuts, and a good start for Micheluzzi in his first start on the DP World Tour, and a special performance from Steve Alker.

Mark remembers that we haven't gotten Graham Marsh on yet, we'll get onto that.

And the masterclass this week is great. Nick takes us through Mark's suggestion of how to hit a 'short softy' on the green. Video is on socials.

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Mark Allen joins the podcast fresh from the chipping green where he's been helping out show listener Matt who has been using a chipper, which unimpressed Mark, so he's done something about it! Leads to a conversation about chipping and some tips on how to nail your chips.

But into the show - and what a week it has been. Gabi Ruffles has won again, what a superstar, her second win on the secondary tour in the US. Both Mark and Nick are massive fans and she's got a big future ahead of her.

Still on the women, the Aussie team lost to Thailand but played well. The boys noticed the numbers on the teams, and both pick the numbers that they'd have chosen - leads to a basketball chat, neither Nick or Mark have seen 'Air', but want to.

Wyndham Clark had a big win, his biggest ever, at Quail Hollow at the weekend, Adam Scott was in the running for a while but couldn't quite nail it. Nick and Mark discuss Adam Scott, Mark says that Adam has never swung better, and Nick has never seen a swing like it. A long discussion about Adam Scott, and Mark tells a great story about playing with a 19-year old Adam when he was an amateur when Adam blew him away with his putting.

Nick talks about the theory of 'putt like a child' and why that mindset is so important.

A discussion about the importance of the handling the mental challenges in golf, Mark asks Nick how he managed it when he was at the highest level when he was playing. Nick talks about the importance of having a short memory, being like a 'goldfish', and why a pre-shot routine is key.

Plenty of feedback from you over the last week, and Nick and Mark read out a few of your messages, or tweets, from social media. The boys can't figure out what sort of car is in a pic sent in from Tommy, we've put it on twitter - if you know what it is let us know!

Nick and Mark run through some more results from around the world including a great result for Cassie Porter tying for 29th, but the boys are impressed with her, and reckon she has all the tools to go on and have a great career.

Top 5 this week is a bit of fun, Nick and Mark were talking about Air, the new Michael Jordan movie, so they decide to count down their Top 5 golf movies of all time. We've posted both top 5's on Twitter and the boys would love your votes on who got it right.

Masterclass this week - Mark talks about the importance of the 'side-bend' in your follow through. Video is on socials.

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Mark played golf with a new partner at the weekend, and was surprised to see this bloke using a hybrid, he had three in fact, and was hitting well. Mark does not understand why more amateur golfers don’t use hybrids, Nick agrees. When will the manufacturers make a good set of hybrids for men?

Discussion on Jason Day’s great performance at the weekend. The boys both were excited by Jasons performance, and unsurprised at the win. Nick was impressed by Austin Eckroat at the weekend, in coming second to Jason. Mark has a story about Austin finding an old putter in his garage, and using it! Nick tells a story about a Wilson 8813 putter - Mark gets veeeeery excited.

Nick and Mark are both impressed with Jason Day’s golf barn at his house. Wowee, impressive. Check it out here on YouTube.

Adam Scott in some good form going into the PGA this week, the boys both excited to see how he performs. And it wouldn’t be an Adam Scott discussion without talking about how good his swing is.

Chat about the women’s PGA coming up next month, which leads to Nick posing the question why do they not play a women's major at Augusta? Both Nick and Mark want it to happen.

At the weekend, Mark lost a bet that Nick recommended he make. 50 bucks lighter in the skyrocket.

Mark raises the one concern he has with Cameron Smith’s game. Nick and Mark discuss.

Plenty of feedback this week, most of it about last weeks Top 5 golf movies of all time - who won the poll as to the best Top 5 ? We discuss and read out your feedback on the show. Leads to some homework for Nick who put Seven Days in Utopia on his list, but hasn’t seen it for years - Mark asks Nick to rewatch it, and give a review on next weeks show. So he'll be getting all Margaret Pomerance on us.

Nick takes us through some other results from the weekend, some solid Aussie performances including Cameron Smith finishing second in the LIV tournament. 

Top 5 this week, Mark lists the Top 5 ‘lost their game, and found form again’ players. It’s a ripper. And a great masterclass on this weeks pod from Nick on pre-shot routines, why players do it, why it’s important, and how you can do it.

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Bonus episode with the US PGA in New York this weekend.

Nick O’Hern is put on the spot by Mark Allen to name the 5 Australians who have won the US PGA. Mark has a theory on Jason Day which augurs well for his performance this weekend, Mark reckons he’s a real shot.

The boys discuss the impact of the weather on the tournament, with the move from August to May. Mark loves the change, and feels that the date coming earlier has made the US PGA a far stronger tournament.

Nick and Mark discuss whether the PGA should travel around the world, they are in vigorous agreement, and reckon it should happen. They have an idea on how it could happen, and talk through it. But will it happen in their lifetime?

In the hypothetical event that the PGA came to Australia, Nick and Mark discuss what Australian course would be best, given the time of year it would be held. Mark believes Perth is where it should be. Nick thinks the sandbelt in Melbourne.

But back to the 2023 PGA, Nick and Mark discuss the calibre of the field.

Mark asks Nick about the course at Rochester and how it will play, what the players need to be doing to compete.

Both Nick and Mark list their players to watch, who they think will win, and who their roughy is. And of course they look at the Aussies.

It's a big bonus episode as we get ready for some late nights watching the PGA !

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Big episode this week, Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are both still pumped over the PGA, what a tournament! They discuss some of the great moments from the weekend, and Mark lists the reasons why he believes it was the best ever US PGA. It was a riveting tournament, that is for sure.

Nick and Mark both saw Tom Kim fall into the mud, very funny, particularly with his caddy not getting involved - you have to see the vision, check it here.

Mark says that the Koepka win shows that the elite LIV players can still compete in majors, equally that if the LIV players haven't won a major they will now never get a look in to play a major as the PGA Tour is 'playing hardball' with LIV and won't give an inch. He believes that LIV will come hard for some PGA players, Nick says there is no way that JT, Spieth, Scheffler will ever go to LIV.

Nick talks about Brooks Koepka's winning percentage in majors vs regular events, Nick calls him an 'anomaly', and that he will be regarded as a legend of the sport now won 5 majors.

Nick is amused at what Adam Scott was wearing at the PGA. Mark loved it, Nick less so.

Michael Block. What a story. Mark loved it and calls it the greatest Cinderella story since Caddyshack, one of the most beautiful things he's ever seen. And the hole in one was 'ridiculous'. Michael Block calls the PGA week the greatest week of his life, Mark loved the curtain call where Block came out and saluted the crowd. Mark says he welled up a little over the whole thing.

We find out if Nick and Mark had a career moment themselves as defining as this week has been for Block. Both have a great story! And the guys want to hear your stories - what is your great golfing story? Let us know on the socials.

To the Aussies, firstly Cam Davis. Now in the Top 50 in the world rankings and he gets into a couple more majors. Nick talks through Cam Smith, Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott, Lucas Herbert, David Micheluzzi, and Mark and Nick discuss Jason Day and why he didn't play a practise round prior to the tournament. Both believe Jason made an error in not at least walking the course before the tournament.

Nick discusses Gabi Ruffels performance, Mark says she is a star.

Top 5 this week is inspired by Brooks Koepka - the top 5 players who look like they don't care on the course, but clearly do. And Mark has an idea about a 'Nick O'Who' Top 5 - players who won, or performed well, but they were largely unheard of prior. A player who has come out of nowhere. The boys are after your feedback on the socials on who should be included.

And this weeks masterclass is from Mark and he looks at playing out of a bunker, particularly when you have a bad lie. Video is on socials. Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

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Looking forward to this weeks show. Starts off with Mark asking Nick if he'd go into golf course architecture, given there are a number of them in Australia being redesigned and rebuilt at the moment. Chat about some of the courses that Nick and Mark feel are underwhelming, and the changes coming at Royal Sydney with the routing alterations. Mark refers to Huntingdale as a disaster, largely because the greens are so big - both Nick and Mark hate what was done to the 5th hole.

Nick and Mark chat about Colonial, and Grillo's win over Schenk. The attention going in was on Michael Block after his great PGA performance, however he was unable to back it up. Mark wonders if the mental and physical strain of the PGA took a toll, and asks Nick how he dealt with it as a player. Nick explains how he handled it and gives a couple of specific examples. Mark says that the Michael Block show is over.

Steve Stricker gets another mention, he's almost an honourable member of the podcast given how much Nick and Mark talk about him.

Nick raises a reality show from a few years ago based on whether a 5-handicapper could break 100 on a US Open course.

Last week we chatted about 'Nick O'Who's', Nick and Mark could only think of 3, and threw it out to you for suggestions. We run through some of your feedback...keep it coming, we love it!

Just prior to the podcast today, Nick played Royal Melbourne and Mark is curious about whether Nick played left or right handed - as Nick has an idea to register for a right-handed handicap, which Mark is bang up for. Nick is already shooting low-80s as a right-hander...unbelievable.

We chat to Warwick from Sydney who reckons he can fill the final two spots in last weeks Top 5 Nick O'Who list. He's got a couple of ripping suggestions that Nick and Mark love. So Warwick has done some homework on last weeks Top 5 - has Nick done his? Has he watched and reviewed 'Seven Days in Utopia'? We find out.

Aaron from Curlewis Golf Club also called through with a ripping story about his 'I Can't Believe' moment. It's sensational. Mark admits to some thievery when he was a kid.

Nick has been reading the socials, and has found a couple more Nick O'Who suggestions from you.

Top 5 this week is great - the Top 5 caddy nicknames, it is very funny - #1 is a classic. And in the Masterclass Nick talks through the best way to do a downhill chip, and the importance of widening your stance. Video is on the socials now.

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Week 23 of the golfing calendar and Nick and Mark are back for another big show.

The show opens with Marko putting an accusation to Nick about left handed v right handed play. Marko tells us about watching Rose Zhang highlights from her big win at the weekend - he describes her swing as silky and perfect, and Nick agrees. It was the Rose Zhang show. Mark also suggested that Rose has come from nowhere - Nick lists off a litany of strong performances to suggest otherwise.

Discussion around Memorial and the great performance of Viktor Hovland and Denny McCarthy - Nick reckons Hovland is looking very good for the US Open. Mark decides to do a masterclass on the footwork of McCarthy which he reckons is impressive.

The boys talk about Billy Horschel, particularly the press conference after his Memorial performance. Marko reckons he is solid and strong, but suffers from paralysis by analysis, he overthinks his shots. Nick says that Jason Day has been disappointing again.

Marko reveals the exact figure that Texas Tech golfer Ludvig Aberg was offered to move to LIV, but turned down. Life-changing.

Nick talks about what he’d like to see Rory McIlroy change in his game.

Back to Rose Zhang - Marko and Nick are amazed about her choice of a 5-iron on the 72nd hole out of the bunker at the weekend. Which then leads Mark into banging on about hybrids again, he says everyone should have one!

Call into the show from Harley in Perth who has some questions for Nick who wants an update on his right-handed handicap, and they end up having a good old yak about a couple of courses in the South West of WA. Turns out Harley also does a golf podcast, which you can hear here. 

Letters to the Editor this week, plenty of feedback from you and Nick and Mark run through it. The boys always love reading your tweets and comments - even if you wanna give them a whack over something !

Nick and Mark talk about how many majors Tiger Woods would have won if he’d not parted ways with Butch Harmon. Both reckon a lot !!

Top 5 this week is inspired by Rose Zhang’s swing, and Mark counts down the greatest women’s golf swings he’s seen.

And we wrap the show with a masterclass from Mark inspired by Denny McCarthy at the weekend - specifically footwork.

Fun show, as always share it around and let us know any feedback!

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It was the golfing news that nobody, well almost nobody, saw coming and it has shocked the golfing world. The merger of the two bitter rivals, the PGA and LIV.

How will it work? How will the players who remained with the PGA and turned down the cash from LIV feel about it? What does it mean for ranking points? So much to discuss, and really the merger currently is light on detail - Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen discuss the merger on this bonus podcast of Talk Birdie To Me, and it will continue to be a huge topic of conversation on the podcast ongoing.

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Today we're live from the awesome Peter Thomson Room at Australian Golf HQ, surrounded by memorabilia and history. One thing we're not surrounded by, in amongst the hundreds of golf books, is Nick O'Hern's book....Nick is going to fix that major problem.

On the show, Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen discuss the Canadian Open, and the great performance of Nick Taylor. Mark was impressed with Tommy Fleetwood, even though he just fell short in the playoff - Nick thinks he had his chance and just didn't take it. A highlight of the event was Adam Hadwin getting tackled by security guards after Nick Taylors massive putt to win the Open.

The boys reckon that for non US golfers there are 5 majors - the Canadian if you're Canadian, The Australian Open if you're an Aussie.

Mark asks Nick about his approach to tapering before tournaments, and explains why he couldn't taper.

To the biggest golf news in the world. The PGA / LIV merger. A few days in, we still don't know the detail, Nick and Mark discuss. Nick and Mark point out that at this stage there is no deal, rather there is a non-binding agreement to make an agreement, and there is an outside chance it could fall over - although they don't believe it will.

Mark asks Nick a bunch of questions about the merger and what it means for some of the players to come back to the PGA tour. Mark reckons the big names are straight back into the PGA tour. Nick disagrees and doesn't believe they will be welcomed back, at least not initially.

Mark believes that there is only one pathway forward for Jay Monahan, and outlines what he believes should happen with the schedule.

With the US Open this weekend, Nick and Mark talk about LA Country Club and how great the course is looking.

A mountain of feedback this week, and Nick and Mark run through your comments. Plenty of feedback on the show (mostly good, but a couple of whacks), and a bunch of questions for the boys.

Mark chats about Dick Kirby's OAM in the Kings Birthday honours list, a great honour for a great servant of the game.

Nick runs through a bunch of results from around the world - Mark is impressed with Anne Van Dam's name and reckons, along with Elvis Smylie, she is a shoe-in for Top 5 best golf names ever.

Top 5 this week, with the US Open, Mark gives his favourite US Open venues and tells a story about the time he was screwed out of a spot in the US Open by a guy who he calls a 'mongrel'.

And this week in the Masterclass, Nick O'Hern talks about hitting out of the rough, the kind of club to use, and how to play the shot.

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Nick O’Hern and Mark Allen are all over the place this week, and we're on a Zoom call. Nick is doing the show from Cathedral in regional Victoria, and Mark is doing it from Canberra - will the technology work??? One way to find out.

What a US Open in Los Angeles, it was a ripper with a well deserved winner in Wyndham Clark, and Nick and Mark chat about how well he played and some of his impressive shots. Mark picked up some comments from Wyndham Clark’s caddy on the coverage which he thought were great. Leads to a chat on one of Nick’s core views which is about ‘reacting’ rather than taking too much time.

Nick and Mark also discuss Rory McIlroy who came thisclose to winning, but got pipped by Wyndham. Nick has spotted something in Rory’s putting that he feels could be slightly sharpened, and this sets up a fantastic Nick O’Hern Masterclass. 

We discuss the performance of the Aussies, the standouts being of course Cam Smith and Min Woo Lee - wonderful performances from both.

Both Nick and Mark were impressed with the course at the LA Country Club, it played well, it looked great. Mark has one criticism, and it isn’t about the course itself. Plus, Mark has decided he wants to play the course.

Lots of feedback this week from you, and Nick and Mark always love to hear what you think - and if you disagree with something they’ve said, or have a question, they definitely want to hear it on the socials. This week, Marko has to apologise for recommending a bet on Justin Rose, who didn’t make the cut.

Whilst the US Open was the big story, there were plenty of other tournaments on, and Nick talks us through a bunch of other results from the past few days.

Top 5 this week, Mark runs through his Top 5 shots made in the US Open of all time. Hard to narrow it down, but he has a good crack, and it’s an impressive list. We also find out Nick O’Hern’s favourite shot that he ever made in a US Open.

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As always plenty going on in the world of golf to talk about, and this week Nick O’Hern is at Cathedral, and Mark Allen at PGA & Golf Australia HQ.

We kick the show off chatting about Keegan Bradley, Marko doesn't like him and decides to list everything he dislikes about Keegan….he doesn’t miss! Marko does accept that he is an excellent golfer however, and Nick reckons he is one of the best ball-strikers around, but agrees that he is hard to watch, and reckons Cantlay and Bradley are uninspiring to watch.

Nick talks about TPC Hartford, and responds to comments from Rory McIlroy that technology has overtaken the course, and tells a funny story about one of the times he played there. He always enjoyed the course. Marko asks Nick about the TPC courses generally and how they’re built, because they look great fun.

Nick talks about how good Scheffler was at the weekend, and says he has to win a major this season.

Mark and Nick discuss the medical exemption that Zac Blair was given, and Mark says his performance was one of the best he’s seen this year. Nick talks about the time he was granted a medical exemption after a knee reco.

Mark is rapt that Min Woo Lee is being given such attention, getting the EarPods, the Netflix focus, he loves it. Nick runs through some of the Aussie results from the weekend. Some cracking performances in a low scoring week.

Mark has found another addition to the best female swings - and he reckons this one is brilliant. 

Nick runs through some notable results from the women from the weekend, and Marko wants to hear from you if you have something to ‘brag’ about, maybe you have just hit under 80 for the first time, perhaps you have a young one coming through who’s had a great performance. Let us know on the socials and we’ll shout it out.

Plenty of feedback this week, including some great questions from you that Nick and Mark discuss. Keep it coming.

Great Top 5 from Nick, he gives his Top 5 courses he’d love to see the women play at, followed by Marks masterclass on the importance of having a ‘deliberate’ backswing when trying to get distance on your drive.

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On this weeks episode, Mark Allen reveals a big theory about Tiger Woods, and he has a reliable source. A theory which, if it comes to fruition, would be fantastic for golf. Nick likes it, and says a world where Tiger is playing is a better world for golf.

Onto Rickie Fowler. What a win in Detroit, Nick loved the emotion in the press conference after the game, and the family involvement. Both Nick and Mark are fans, and Nick says that Rickie is one of the tours' nice guys. Nick and Mark discuss the importance of that win, following the disappointment of the US Open.

Mark suggests a masterclass following the Detroit tournament at the weekend for Nick, which will be later in the show today.

Nick reveals something about Mark's appearance that he has always admired. Came out of left-field to be honest, but hey whatever floats your boat!

Bernhard Langer. 65 years old and what a player. Nick and Mark discuss how impressive he is playing over a long time, and this year. Nick reveals an incredible story about Bernhard that he's not spoken about before...it's a ripper! And Nick reveals the nickname he gave Bernhard.

Mark tells a great story about the legendary Peter Thomson. Another cracking story that you need to hear.

And Nick and Mark discuss the drug testing on tour, when they got you, how it happened.

After the turn, Nick runs through a heap of results from the weekend, focusing of course on the Aussies. It goes slightly pear-shaped when the boys try to guess Anthony Quayle's age - and neither of them are correct. Apologies to Anthony.

We also discover that Taylor Gooch's caddy has won more this year than Mark made in his entire professional career. Mark is unimpressed.

We talk to podcast listener Finn who reached out with a 'bragline' story about his mate Cooper, which the boys love. Keep them coming in! Plenty of feedback this week, including people agreeing with Mark's comments on Keegan Bradley last week. And a conversation around how Tour Pro's count hole in ones.

Top 5 this week, Mark counts down the Top 5 most famous cases of the yips that golf has seen. Both Nick and Mark reveal the time that they each had the yips, and what they did about it.

We chat to listener Patrick from Sydney who reckons Mark missed an entry on last weeks Top 5, when he counted down the Top 5 US Open shots of all time.

And a great masterclass from Nick, one requested by Mark, on how to hit shots taking spin off the ball like Rickie Fowler did at the weekend.

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Big episode this week, and we're live from the famous Kingston Heath Golf Club, the recently announced host of the 2028 Presidents Cup - later in the show, after the turn, we chat with the boss of Kingston Heath, Andrew Taylor, about how they won the event and what it means now.

But we start with Nick and Mark raving about the US Women's Open finally being held at Pebble Beach, such a great tournament and what a performance from Allisen Corpuz who put on what Nick described as a 'ball-striking clinic'. As great as the performances themselves were, the boys are rapt it has finally been held at Pebble Beach.

Mark asks Nick a pop quiz question without notice: how many players have scored under 60 on the PGA tour? The numbers are impressive.

Mark discussed how fascinated he is with 'what's in the bag', particularly with the length of their clubs. Mark feels drivers these days are too long, Nick agrees. Good chat about length and how it applies to any golfer.

Nick was watching Nacho Elvira at the weekend and saw him play a shot that went pear-shaped, and Nick believes he should have belly-wedged the shot, and asks Mark to do a masterclass on belly-wedges later in the show.

Nick gives a great story about playing Presidents Cup in Washington DC with Peter Lonard, against Davis Love ||| and Kenny Perry. It's a ripper.

Great win from Cam Smith in LIV at the weekend, a great result and a huge paycheck for him, so fantastic all round. Cam put on a 'putting tournament' according to Nick, and Mark proposes an idea for how to handle playoffs in LIV.

We chat to the head honcho of Kingston Heath, Andrew Taylor, about the Presidents Cup announcement and what it means - and Andrew reveals what he is proposing the routing to be for the tournament, and plenty of other great insights into how they were awarded the event, and what they now need to put in place....there's a lot!

As usual, lots of feedback for Nick and Mark this week. Including a great question from Marcus about handicaps in the US vs Australia, leading to a long chat about 'gimmes'. And Brett phones up with a fantastic question for Nick and Mark about putting golf lessons into practice consistently.

Top 5 this week is the Top 5 voices in golf....some wonderful voices from the world of golf, and we play some audio from each of them. Great memories.

Masterclass this week is from Mark, and was requested by Nick, and looks at belly-wedges and how to do them effectively when your ball has rolled off the green into a decent chunk of thick grass.

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Excited for the show today because we’re live from the Peter Thomson room at The Australian Golf Centre, it’s a great spot and we love it here. Unfortunately we get off to a bad start when Mark Allen makes the claim that ‘golf is a stupid game’, and he blames Ben Hogan. Specifically, Ben’s book ’The 5 Modern Fundamentals of Golf’ which Mark reckons derailed his career.

Mark brings up link courses, and how much he loves them, Nick agrees, and Mark gives the best definition of what a ‘link course’ means that he’s heard. Nick says that he found Links Golf courses very much suited his game and his natural instincts.

The Scottish Open. Mark was enthralled by Bob MacIntyre and Rory McIllroy and how it played out, such an exciting finish. Nick and Mark discuss the two iron shots that Rory shot towards the end, and forcing a playoff on 18. Nick loved seeing Rory playing with a persimmon club. Nick and Mark talk about their favourite club, the one that they just couldn’t go wrong with.

Mark also reveals something he may have stolen from Renaissance Golf Club. We may need to call the authorities, we have a criminal on the show.

Burkie from Buninyong calls in with a masterclass suggestion, it’s a ripper, and topical given the Scottish Open. Thanks Burkie, a ripper thought and one that Nick was pleased to hook into.

Lots of feedback this week, including feedback on Marks comments on ‘gimmes’ last week. Plus a very important question about wine. Nick and Mark always love hearing from you, so keep it coming - feedback (good or bad) and questions are always welcome.

Plenty of results to run through, Nick has got all of them, including an incident that happened that Mark believes should have resulted in a spectator being ejected.

And a fun Top 5 this week with Mark looking at crazy rehearsals before playing a shot. Some of them are ridiculous.

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Bonus episode this week with the British Open about to start later today Australian time; Nick and Mark discuss it all. 

Nick reckons the new 17th hole is a beast, and is very keen to see it in action. Mark remembers how small the greens are, and that will be fun to watch.

Mark asks Nick for his thoughts on a few particular golfers, starting with Robert MacIntyre, Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth. Nick likes MacIntyre, and feels Spieth’s ability to move on from a bad shot during a tournament is a great attribute. Nick describes Viktor Hovland as a ball playing machine, Mark agrees.

Nick and Mark can’t believe that nobody is talking about Rahm, and Nick reckons he’s a real chance. Mark reckons that Brooks Koepka has his best chance in this Open.

Cameron Smith. The defending champion, in good form, how will he go? Nick and Mark discuss his chances. Nick has found a stat that may support a Smith win.

Scheffler and McIllroy have to be in consideration, two icons, and Nick and Mark chat about their lead-up to the Open.

After the turn, Nick and Mark turn the focus to the rest of the Aussies and look at their chances: Jason Day, Adam Scott, Min Woo Lee, Lucas Herbert. There are five Aussies making their British Open debut including Travis Smythe, David Micheluzzi, Haydn Barron, Harrison Crowe and Connor McKinney.

Nick and Mark then look at some of the pairings, with one pairing particularly amusing the guys.

We wrap up the podcast with Nick and Marks tips on who will win, who he reckons the bookies have gotten wrong, a roughie, and the leading Australian.

Always a special time when an Open is on, and this one will be a ripper!

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What a weekend of golf it was, and what a win from Brian Harman at Hoylake. Nick and Mark discuss The Open at length and chat about the fantastic performance of Harman's.

Mark was impressed with his ability to come back from a 'banana skin start', Nick's not heard of that term in reference to golf, so Mark explains. Harman's putting stats were unbelievably good, and they discuss the importance of a great caddy in wet conditions and explain why. On caddys, Nick makes the call that Rory McIllroy needs a new caddy, and gives his reasons. Mark reckons he's onto something.

Mark talks about his love of older courses, more specifically the tighter size of the greens.

Nick and Mark run through some other players who stood out, and discuss the Aussies. They speak about Jason Day in particular, with the volume of #2 positions he has now reached.

Lots of feedback, and as part of that we have an update on Nick O'Who's right-handed handicap.

The Top 5 this week is from Nick, and it goes next level - it's the Top 5 hardest players to watch over the ball. There are too many to fit in, so Nick makes an executive decision that it's a Top 7. And leading on from that, Mark's masterclass is to do with what you should do over the ball.

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Well we start with the most important thing this week in golf, an update on our quest to have at least one listener in Latvia. Nick is on the case and tells us all about it.

Big show. The Evian, a great win for Celine Boutier who made it look easy. Both Nick and Mark very impressed with Celine’s performance. Mark was also happy to see Aussie Stephanie Kyriacou continue to do well. Nick not a fan of the course generally, nor is Mark, but they both love the views there. And some controversy in the Evian this week with the slow play penalty for Carlota Ciganda, resulting in a DQ. Nick and Mark discuss, and have a different view on the decision. Long chat about slow play, which drives both of the guys crazy.

Nick and Mark chat about rules, they love the idea of banning yardage books on the greens, which has just come in at the USGA Amateur Events, both want to expand this rule to all tournaments.

The 3M Open finish on Monday was unbelievable. Lee Hodges won by 7 shots, but what Mark wants to discuss was J.T. Poston's performance on the 72nd hole which was a shocker, and cost him a small fortune. The guys do the maths…and it’s a lot of cash! Nick was pleased to see Aaron Baddeley do well at the 3M Open.

Nick runs us through how the standings work with respect to qualifying for tournaments this year.

Back onto rules, and the ball issue. Both Nick and Mark are disappointed with the US PGA decision on balls in elite competition, and Nick says Rory McIllroy is behind the decision. Long chat, Nick and Mark have very strong opinions on it and discuss it at length.

Plenty of feedback and questions from you this week, including a ripper from Brett on handling frustration on the golf course - Nick and Mark give their techniques for handling it.

Top 5 from Mark looks at the Top 5 worst dressed golfers of all time, inspired by Viktor Hovland. And the Masterclass this week is from Nick on spot lining, a masterclass requested by Mark.

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The show starts on an ironic note with Mark noticing something he finds unusual about Lucas Glover, but as interesting as that is, we have to discuss the extraordinary effort from Bryson DeChambeau - an insane performance by him. Nick talks about Bryson’s new driver, called a Crank Driver, and Nick feels that the drivers are having a disproportionate influence on the game today.

Without taking anything away from Bryson’s LIV performance, Mark was enthralled by the players on bubbles in the Wyndham Championship at the weekend, and we discuss some of those players and how they went. Nick and Mark talk about Justin Thomas’ on the last hole, and the chip that he needed to make. Video on our socials. Nick says that hole is very difficult and explains why. Ryder Cup selection coming up, and Nick and Mark discuss who might get picked and why.

Big news last week with Tiger Woods joining the PGA Advisory board, Nick and Mark like it, and discuss what it may mean. They feel that Tiger will have good intent and will be a strong advocate for the game, particularly for cuts which Nick and Mark are big supporters of and feel it is a hugely important part of golf.

Nick and Mark have a discussion on anchoring after watching Lucas Glover, and have a different view - so we decide to call Stuart McPhee - who is a USGA Expert Certified and R&A Level 2 qualified Rules Official, and hosts the GolfRules Questions podcast (listen here). Stuart knows the rules back to front and explains the anchoring rule to us very clearly. And Mark gives Stuart some homework for an upcoming pod.

Plenty of Aussies around the world in action over the last few days, and Nick runs through some notable performances.

As usual a heap of feedback, keep it coming, we love to hear from you be it feedback, questions or comments.

A fun Top 5 this week, Nick counts down the Top 5 golfers with ironic names. And a ripping masterclass from Mark today on using a 9 iron for bunker shots instead of a sand wedge.

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Ironically for a golf show, we start off today with the Matildas and the Women's World Cup, it's all everyone is talking about and Nick and Mark have been enthralled watching it! Leads to a chat about how well the women handled their nerves in the penalty shootout and how Nick and Mark dealt with nerves in clutch moments on the golf course.

Mark was at a function last week at St Michaels in Sydney, where they played 16 holes and he loved it. He reckons corporate golf days should all run with gimmes to help the pace.

Mark and Nick both watched Tommy Fleetwood at the weekend, and Mark was impressed with something that he saw Tommy doing. Onto Memphis; should the Fedex Cup Championship players should have been given an option to wear shorts, given the heat? And Nick and Mark discuss if shorts should be an option more broadly in hot weather. The discussion then turns to the butt-sweat situation we saw from Lucas Glover. Nick gives an early masterclass on how to avoid butt sweat. After chatting about Lucas Glover possibly anchoring last week, Mark reckons someone has had a word to him as he wasn’t doing it this past weekend. Nick talks about how Lucas’ recent form is fantastic.

Mark talks about one of the worst yips he has ever seen. See the video here.

Nick was impressed with Cameron Davis at the weekend, who moves into the Top 50 and into all next years signature events.

LIV was exciting at the weekend! Team Ripper finally got a win, led by Cam Smith who had a ripping weekend. Nick mentions something about the LIV coverage that frustrates him, and the boys discuss a theory as to why it happens.

Gabi Ruffles on the Epsom Tour, wow! Nick and Mark love everything about her and she is killing it. 3 wins in 12 starts. Incredible. Mark raves about the Walton Heath course and how great it looked, and reckons the women are playing on the most stunning courses at the moment. 

Nick and mark discuss the importance of a pre-shot routine after watching Charley Hull who doesn’t seem to have a consistent routine.

Min Woo Lee has confirmed for the Aust Open, and Nick is excited. The boys list the other players they now want to sign on.

Lots of feedback, a couple of questions and a couple of pieces of, shall we say, constructive criticism. Always fun, keep it coming, we love to hear from you and your comments and questions. We chat to Evan from Yarrawonga who has some new info about the great man Jarrod Lyle.

Nick runs through some results from around the world, particularly some of the notable Aussie performances. And the guys have an idea for a future Top 5 on short backswings, and discuss Stuart Appleby’s haircut.

A great Top 5 today, requested by Chris Payne - the Top 5 recovery shots of all time. And a ripping masterclass from Nick on toe down chip shots, video here.

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We’re live from the Melbourne Golf Park (formerly the Albert Park Driving Range) today overlooking the driving range, it’s a great spot for the podcast - we’re in the lounge area near the bar (obviously) looking out over the range. Great spot. And Mark has come in excited as a 5-year old at Christmas, he explains why on the podcast.

Nick and Mark talk about Viktor Hovland’s performance at the weekend, and this purple patch of form that he has been in - he hasn’t missed a cut this year! 

Mark then refers to a video, which you can see here, as one of the most beautiful things that you’ll ever see. 

The boys saw a fair bit of the Cherry Hills Amateur and loved it. Mark puts Nicks memory to the test asking about two very famous shots made at Cherry Hills. They talk about how Nick has now matched the great Tiger Woods as the only players to win both US amateurs.

Onto the Fedex Cup, Mark loves it, but isn’t a fan of the staggered start. Nick and Mark discuss.

Nick and Mark look at the prize money on offer in the 2023 Tour Championship - it is mind-blowing! 

Mark gets slightly sidetracked after the turn, because we’re live from the Melbourne Golf Park and he can smell pizza’s being cooked in the kitchen. He goes to his happy place for a moment. We also have to correct a criminal act from Producer Dan on last weeks show to do with superstar Minjee Lee, and be slightly defamatory towards Minjee. 

Nick and Mark had some homework from last weeks show. We discover that Mark has done zero. But Nick has done all of his homework, and he might have done Marks as well.

Nick then takes us around the world, and Australia, with a heap of notable results.

Plenty of feedback again this week, and we read out your messages - some good, and a couple of whacks. All in good fun. As a result of one piece of feedback, Nick decides that he’s bringing in a bottle of wine next week to drink during the show.

Top 5 this week is from Nick and is on the best short backswing golfers in the world, followed by a masterclass from Mark on hitting balls at the driving range; a couple of important tips on what to do, and what not to do.

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The show starts today with a toast to a great man who the golfing world lost this week, Glenn Joyner, who passed far too young from the scourge that is cancer. Nick and Mark say a few words about Glenn.

And we also welcome Ping on board as a friend of the podcast, Nick has had a long involvement with Ping, and talks about the vault room at Ping HQ - there, there’s a pic on socials of Nick in the vault! The boys meander down memory lane on Ping putters.

We have to discuss Viktor Hovland, and how well he played at the weekend. His driving was incredible, his last round amazing. A brilliant performance, for Nick the turning point was the 14th hole - he explains what he was seeing, and he reckons that hole almost decided the tournament. Nick makes an observation on Hovland’s chipping.

The boys have a great discussion around who they feel would be regarded as the player of the year. Rahm? Scheffler? Hovland? Nick and Mark name the player who they feel it is. We then discuss if Trump should be considered player of the year given his 67 at the weekend. Surely he’s not making that up? Trump telling lies…no way, we don’t believe it. That would never happen.

Onto the Ryder Cup and at the time of the pod recording, the teams aren’t announced, so Nick and Mark debate who will be in. They have differing views on a number of the players. It will be fascinating to see how close the boys are to the actual teams. Will they, as Mark suggests, have egg on their face?

After the turn, Mark talks about how he’s got new grips - and he is extremely excited. Nick and Mark chat about how they like to wear their grips, both a little different. Mark tells a story about people with old grips being fitted with new grips and how it impacted their speed.

Damien from Tassie is on the phone with an observation about Gabi Ruffels from the weekend, and a great example of why she’s a fantastic human.

Nick runs us around the results from all over the world, with a focus on the Aussies. It’s been a big week, lots happening. One of the things that Nick and Mark noticed was Paul Goydos messing up a 2-foot putt at a key moment. The vision isn’t pretty to watch. Speaking of hard to watch - Nick explains what happened to Curtis Luck this week, not good….if you’re not across it, Nick explains. Of all the performances, one that stood out to Nick was Sue Wooster.

As usual - heaps of feedback this week, which we always love. Feedback, questions, and a whack for Nick.

Top 5 this week comes from Mark, and he looks at the Top 5 players in history with a perceived weakness in their short game, with a focus on Australian players. If you have any you think Mark has missed, let us know on socials. Nick and Mark have some homework to report back next week on what they felt was the weakness in their game through their career.

And today’s masterclass is from Nick O'Who, not Nick O'Hern, and he talks about using the tee to your advantage if you're prone to hitting fades.

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Today the podcast comes from Royal Melbourne overlooking the Royal Melbourne East 18th hole; and it's a big show as usual!

Nick and Mark both are excited about what they saw in the European Masters, obviously the big story was Ludvig Aberg winning, and what a career this 23 year old has ahead of him. The Fitzpatrick brothers were also impressive, and very competitive. At the time of recording the European Ryder Cup team was yet to be announced, so Nick and Mark speculate on who will and won't make it. Ludvig has to be a lock, Nick believes that he is a player that they can build a Ryder Cup team around for years.

Last week Nick and Mark speculated on the makeup of the US Ryder Cup team. How close were they? Reasonably close as it turns out. We discuss.

Cardigan chat. Yes that's correct. We move onto cardigan chat with Nick noticing the cardigans in the Walker Cup were - Mark had noticed. He loves a good cardigan. He's a bit weird like that.

Mark talks about Royal Melbourne Composite, and how American pros who play it believe that were it in America it would be regarded as the #1 or #2 golf course in the world. Nick names his 3 favourite courses in the world.

Anne Van Damme. If you haven’t seen the footage, watch it here. Nick and Mark discuss. It’s terrible, but also a little funny. Has Anne Van Damme won any titles? The boys aren’t sure, so they do some research in the turn, and find out.

Mark is rapt to hear that Cam smith has confirmed that he is playing in the Australian Open. Still on the Open, Mark has some inside info on some changes that he believes will influence pace of play.

As usual, Nick takes us around the world to look at a heap of results, with a focus on the Aussies. He also shares a fantastic story from the LPGA’s Portland Classic. 

And plenty of feedback this week, with some excellent questions from you - we love them, so keep them coming. And we kick off our new segment ‘We’ve Got Mail’ where we listen to your voicemails on the show. If you'd like to send a voicemail you can do that here. And during the feedback, Nick reveals some appalling camerawork from Mark Allen who is fast developing poor form in this area. Probation might be required.

Top 5 this week is from Nick, and he counts down his Top 5 strangest DQs. Some classics.

And this weeks Masterclass is from Mark. If you're a topper of the ball, he shows how to address it.

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Today we're live from the library at Woodlands Golf Club in the famous sandbelt, and Nick has noticed that his book isn't in the library. We thought we might see a tantrum but then he found a bottle of wine, and the world was all good again.

We start the show by toasting the fantastic win by Minjee Lee over the weekend in Cincinnati, what a star she is. Nick and Mark discuss her performance, and Nick describes what he says was the shot of the week, which Minjee made on the 2nd playoff hole - and he decides to do a masterclass on that particular shot.

Mark has an idea. He'd like to see caddies mic’d up so you can hear how they assist and advise the players, he feels it would be a great help to anyone watching to go inside the inner sanctum.

Nick tells a great story about playing the K Club in Ireland, involving his wife Allanah and Dr Michael Smurfit who owned it at the time. On the Irish Open, both Nick and Mark would prefer the tournament in Dublin to be on a links course, but Nick talks about a couple of holes on the K Club course he particularly likes.

Both Nick and Mark chat about last weeks announcement of the European Ryder cup team.

LIV and the PGA. The schedule is yet to be released for 2024, what will happen, how will they structure it? Nick has a view on what will happen, Mark has a slightly different one. We discuss.

And then we get notification of a voicemail message from Chris Payne, with a question for Nick and Mark. If you want to send the guys a voicemail you can record it here.

Nick asks Mark for his advice on the best format for corporate golf days, there's plenty of ways it can be done, and Mark reckons he's got the perfect setup.

As usual Nick runs around the world with lots of results, and a focus on the Aussies and Kiwis. Plenty of solid performances over the last week or so.

We then call Joseph, who listens to the show and is a greenkeeper at Napier in New Zealand, we love hearing from our Kiwi Whanou ! Joseph wants to chat to the boys about a challenge he's having - not with his playing, but with something else. Whilst we've got him, Mark asks for a tip for the Rugby World Cup, and unsurprisingly Joseph reckons the All Blacks have it in the bag, and he is tipping the Warriors against Newcastle this weekend in the NRL. Who'd have thought.

Lots of feedback again this week, including from someone (not Nick) who has been involved in beating Tiger Woods!

A fun Top 5 today from Mark on great names in golf. And Nick's masterclass, inspired by Minjee Lee on her fantastic shot in Cincinnati at the weekend.

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After a few shows at various golf clubs, we're back at Australian Golf HQ today, and there's a lot to discuss in the world of golf!

We start the show with Mark making and admission about something he did whenever he played in Singapore or Malaysia; and he then asks Nick for some advice on his game, as Nick is now Mark's unofficial golf coach.

But to more important things - the golf from the weekend. Ryan Fox, a wonderful result swooping back in to with the BMW PGA Championship. Very impressive performance. Nick and Mark discuss the Wentworth course, how beautiful it is, but how it has had some challenges over the years with the redesigns. Nick was also impressed with Aaron Rai's performance, Mark has some concerns about his gear and his clothing - Nick agrees.

Following Min Woo Lee giving Ryan Fox a huge hug after his win, Mark wants you to suggest some of the great hugs in golf history to compile a Top 5. Let us know on the socials or send a voicemail here.

Another great result from the weekend was from Scott Hend on the Europeans Legends Tour, a great performance, and Mark recommends following Hendy on social media - very entertaining. Nick was impressed with the performance of PING player Sahith Theegala in the Napa Valley, both Nick and Mark loved the scenes when he won with his family present, wonderful footage and a victory a long time coming. Mark had a look at what was in Theegala's bag, one of the things that he loves to do - he calls himself a golf dork.

Nick talks about the performance of the European players and has a theory on why they are stronger than the Americans leading into the Ryder Cup.

After the turn, Mark has a crack at Nick over a disgraceful oversight.

We love getting voicemails from you, keep them coming. Today we hear from Paul Higgins with a question about a recent Top 5; and Ry Coleman who asks the guys about left and right holes. Nick & Mark give some great advice.

Plenty of feedback this week, starting with Mark copping a whack. And it's something that he's been picked up on previously. We may have an endemic issue with something he is doing. Keep the feedback, comments coming on socials, or send a voicemail anytime here.

Nick gets Mark up to speed on some recent changes to the PGA Tour with the reintroduction of the PGA Tour Q-School presented by Korn Ferry. And then lots of results from around the world, with a focus on the Aussies and Kiwis.

A fun Top 5 this week from Nick, who counts down his Top 5 'poor form' moments in golf history. If you have any to add let us know.

And todays masterclass is from Mark and inspired by Scott Hend at the weekend on the DP World Tour, and is specifically for people who are slicers.

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It's another big show this week and Nick and Mark are up and about after the Solheim Cup at the weekend, so much to unpack, some wonderful performances, plenty of emotion, a massive shank, and a snappy media conference. And of course what a performance from Carlota Ciganda. We discuss it all on the pod.

The chip from Lexi leads into a chat from Mark about something he's been trying in his own game, a chipping technique from Gabriel Hjersted.

Mark asks Nick to explain what different pressures are at play when you're playing as part of a team, as opposed to an individual game. With Nick having played Presidents Cup twice, he's well placed to answer.

Mark has also been following the news that Australian company OCM will be redeveloping the Medinah Golf Course in Chicago. Very exciting.

We have a voicemail from Jamie in Tassie, a great fun question to do with the Ryder Cup that Nick and Mark get right into and have a lot of fun with; and we have a bunch of feedback from you, including some constructive criticism on how we have been pronouncing a certain players name. Mark has homework as a result.

Nick runs us through the Aussie performances around the world in the Ping Global Results, plenty of news to cover.

This weeks Top 5 is one that Nick and Mark could only get a Top 3 out of last week, and enlisted your help with. It is the Top 5 golf hugs of all time. You have come through with a heap of great suggestions, and the boys try to narrow it down to a Top 5.

And inspired by 'that shot' from Lexi at the weekend in the Solheim Cup, a great masterclass from Nick O'Hern.

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A massive show, so much to discuss - in fact so much so that we don't even have time to play the show opener today. Because we must talk about what we saw in the Ryder Cup, so much to unpack.

Nick and Mark discuss the performances, particularly from the European team who were exceptional. We analyse who stood up and played well and who underperformed. Both Nick and Mark believe that the US team don't feel as strongly about the Ryder Cup as the Europeans, and they explain why.

And Nick outlines some of the moves that they made prior to the tournament which had a major influence on the outcome. There was controversy of course, Mark says that Joe LaCava's behaviour on the course was 'shameful', Nick agrees, but also believes Rory McIllroy probably regrets his reaction in the carpark afterwards.

Plenty to discuss with Patrick Cantlay and 'hat-gate', what about Viktor Hovland's chip shot? And once and for all, we find out how to pronounce Ludvig Aberg's name. And we have a question from Talk Birdie To Me listener Tim on how good the greens looked in Rome, which Nick and Mark discuss.

Nick 'nearly' tells a great story about a 'charitable donation' from a PGA golfer which went, perhaps, to a 'charity' a little closer to home than was expected. Mark finishes the story, very funny.

Mark and Nick discuss the LIV & PGA tour schedule for next year, or at least what we know about it so far.

Mark is angry about a local council proposal considering closing down a local golf course.

We have a voicemail today from Neal in Townsville with a ripping question about matchplay tips. Helpfully, we have a bloke who may have beaten Tiger Woods twice in matchplay, the only person in the world to ever do so, so Neal has come to the right place. And we chat to Steve from the Gold Coast who is passing on a tip he read from Ian Baker-Finch on chipping.

Some great feedback as usual, keep it coming - including a comment today from Nick O’Hern's mum!

We go around the world with the Ping global results, a cracking Top 5 today with Nick counting down the Top 5 golfers who don't wear hats (requested by Franco Caruso), and a masterclass from Mark on the importance of not stopping your swing at impact on the ball.

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Another big show this week. Marko wants to discuss his new favourite player, Ludvig Aberg, who he describes as a 'machine'. Nick agrees that he is going to be a superstar and calls him a tall, strapping strong, ball striking machine. Mark reckons he’ll play in the the next US Masters, Nick believes he is the most exciting player since Rory McIllroy.

Speaking of Rory - we discuss Rory's height.

There's great golf swings, and then there is this one from Carl Yuan. Worth a look. Nick and Mark discuss.

Celebrations for the Fitzpatrick family in the Dunhill - what a tournament and what a result for the family. Mum might have outperformed Dad!

Mark discusses Charlie Woods swing, and how he is developing. Clearly an awesome pedigree, so how’s he doing? Nick and Mark discuss. Nick loves how Charlie is developing and calls him a ‘mini-me’ of Tiger, all the mannerisms are the same. Fascinating chat about how Tiger has worked with Charlie to teach him to play, and Nick tells the story of kicking balls with Charlie when he was about 8-years old.

Leading on to Nick and Mark discussing other father/sons in golf.

What about Lexi Thompson being invited to play the PGA tournament in Vegas. Mark and Nick love the experiment and reckon it's great for golf.

Shad Tuten. Very tough outcome for him, nearly had a tour card and missed out after what happened in Indiana. Nick and Mark discuss. Very tough for the young guy.

Nick runs through the PING global results, some rippers and some surprises from around the world. And how about Gabi Ruffels!! Brilliant!

Great voicemail from David Craig from Brisbane with a ripper Top 5 suggestion for Nick and Mark , which we’ll do next week on the show. David suggested Top 5 shots that players would love to redo. Great idea, and if you have a suggestion let us know - you can leave a voicemail or message us on socials.

Lots of great feedback this week. We love it, keep it coming.

So the Top 5 this week is from Mark, he looks at the "Top 5 Non Short Par 4 Fun Holes in Australia". Very specific. Any to add? Let us know.

And a ripping masterclass from Nick on nailing short putts.

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What a week in golf, there is so much to discuss, so settle into your walk, drive, or chair and get ready for a big episode of Talk Birdie To Me.

We start with Min Woo Lee’s big win in Macau at the weekend, what a superstar he is becoming. And we discover that Mark Allen has turned into an 'FWG'....what is that? We explain on the podcast, it's not something to be proud of!

Great win from Rod Pampling - a golfer with 'effortless power' according to Mark, and Nick reckons he is one of the good guys, even though Pamps beat him in a matchplay tournament, not that Nick is still bitter about it. Nick and Mark discuss Ben Eccles great win in the WA PGA Championship, an excellent win, particularly after a slow start. And Nick names one of the big earners in golf this week....and it's not a player!

We discuss the decision not to award world rankings to LIV players, Mark believes that the PGA/LIV talks are not going well, although the CEO of the PGA Gavin Kirkman has told him that they are proceeding well, so Mark will take him at his word on that. We discuss some of the challenges with giving points to LIV players, and explore a couple of ways it could work, and what they’d like to see happen.

This week saw Ben An suspended for doping. Nick talks about when he was drug tested on tour, how often and how it happens. He describes it as quite a humiliating process.

This week Lexi Thompson played the PGA tournament in Vegas, and shot even. Nick and Mark discuss how she played, and Nick was fascinated by what she carried in her bag.

Nick had a fitting at PING this week, and Mark wants to know all about it. Nick explains what he’s arranged and how the fitting went.

Lots of feedback this week, a great question about how US social golfers are ‘liberal’ with the handicap system, and we find out who the nicest bloke on tour is.

Nick takes us around the world with the PING global results. Some ripping performances from there Aussies over the weekend; and Nick then talks about playing in Madrid, and his favourite bar there called El Toro.

The Top 5 this week was suggested by David Craig from Brisbane, and is the Top 5 shots that pros would like a redo on, Nick has compiled his list, thanks for all your suggestions. One of the Top 5 is from Scott Hoch in the US Masters, and Mark tells a very funny story about having dinner with Scott in New Zealand with their waiter doing something very awkward.

And a great masterclass this week from Mark Allen on not moving your head when putting, but moving your eyes instead.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss an episode! If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and if you can rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts that would be great.

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Seems we say it every week, but it really is another big week in the world of golf. We kick off todays show remembering the great Ivor Robson, one of the most famous voices in golf - and the man who made Mark Allen nervous at Carnoustie when he teed off at the British Open.

Mark and Nick chat about the Asia Pacific Amateur Championships, which are on in Melbourne later this week and have caused havoc with the boys finding a carpark at Golf Australia headquarters for the podcast. Really is a first world problem.

On a more serious note, we discuss the awful fire that destroyed the Eastern Golf Club in the Yarra Valley last week; and the challenges facing Oakleigh Golf Club in Melbourne, and more recently Moore Park in Sydney. Almost seems golf clubs are under threat everywhere.

A great win by Minjee Lee in South Korea this week, making it 2 wins in 3 starts for her. What a star. Will she be one of our greats? The boys think so, and discuss whether she is a hall of famer.

The LIV/PGA 'agreement to agree' has gone quiet. Mark mentioned last week that the Golf Australia boss has assured him it's on track, however Mark has another source who reckons that the two groups are not talking. Watch this space. But he does have a theory on what may help the two parties come closer, and discusses with Nick.

Nick admits to not liking lamingtons. Ridiculous.

We get a call from Drew in Western Australia who is not only a listener to the pod, but a former caddie of Marks, and played against Nick in their younger days. Drew tells a ripping story about beating Nick in matchplay - not bad for bragging rights - and about when he caddied for Mark.

We discuss what songs Nick and Mark would choose as their 'play-on' song if they had to have one. Both make excellent choices.

As usual heaps of feedback and questions from you, keep them coming, we love them.

Nick takes us around the world with the PING global results - one of our most popular segments. And we have a great Top 5 today from Mark where he counts down the top 5 duffs, and we have a bit of help from one of the most famous Duffs. This guy here.

A great masterclass from Nick this week on using your right hand to place your putter head, and why it makes such a difference.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss an episode! If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and if you can rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts that would be great.

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Another fun Talk Birdie To Me this week...

We start with Mark and Nick giving us an update on their preparations for this Fridays pro-am at Box Hill, Mark predicts he'll win, and Nick is less confident. A long chat about the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships, won by Jasper Stubbs with a superb performance - particularly in the last 12 or 13 holes - but what a fantastic weekend at Royal Melbourne, the entire tournament was a cracker full of some awesome golf.

Mark runs through three amateurs who have been offered a place in this weekends Queensland PGA tournament as professionals. Times have changed, but what a great achievement.

A discussion about Michael Block being invited to play in the Australian Open. Neither Nick or Mark are completely on board with the invite, and feel there were more suitable people to invite rather than Block.

Mark believes the US College Golf system is a natural pathway for young golfers from Australia and Asia; and explains why. He reckons any young golfer worth their salt in Australia, if they're good, but not quite on the radar of Golf Australia - the US College system is worth a look.

Nick made a whirlwind trip to Fiji last week to MC the welcome and evening function for the BMW National Golf Club Final for Australia and New Zealand. Very windy, but some great scores. Mark is, tonight, at Huntingdale in Melbourne just before they rip up the course and it is rebuilt by OCM.

Email from Greg from the Central Coast, who has a question on bunker play for Nick and Mark. Fortunately, Mark Allen was arguably the best bunker player in the world and so he can give some cracking advice to Greg. And we have a voicemail from Damien from Sandringham asking a question about Ambrose Golf, and other golf game variants.

PING global results from Nick this week again huge. Lots going on, the main news being the Asia-Pacific Amateurs. And results from the DP World tour in Qatar, which reminds Nick of one of most disappointing results as a player - and he tells us the story. Plus a heap of other tournaments from around the world.

This weeks Top 5 comes from Nick O'Hern, and he looks at the Top 5 wind players in the world.

And we wrap up with a killer masterclass from Mark Allen on how to address the dreaded double cross, the shots that go left.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss an episode! If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and if you can rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts that would be great.

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What a week in golf it has been, so much to talk about we barely have time for the show opener.

And today's show isn't from the Australian Golf Centre, home of the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia, Nick is live from Central Victoria not far from Cathedral, and Mark is overlooking the beautiful 4th hole at Box Hill Golf Course in Melbourne.

We start by looking at the Erik Van Rooyen's incredible win in the World Wide Technology Championship. A great performance with so many brilliant stories coming out of it, not only from Erik.

Nick and Mark discuss how a number of Australian golfers from the current Order of Merit will be able to go to Round 1 of LIV qualifying, and how the PGA tour might respond to the players who do go to qualifying. Mark's view is that the PGA will not be impressed if any Australian player goes to LIV qualifying, and asks Nick for his opinion. Leads to a chat about what World Rankings mean, Nick believes that rankings may become less relevant over time.

Mark mentions his view that LIV and PGA talks are not progressing. Nick describes it as an ongoing saga.

Mark is over the moon that Robert MacIntyre is coming to the Australia Open, but less impressed about Michael Block and doesn't want him in with the big boys. Nick and Mark discuss some of the players coming out for the Open, the field of women and men is extraordinary.

But....onto the big news story of the week. The Box Hill Pro-Am. Mark promised he'd shoot a course record of 62, however he shot 72, just a touch off the course record. Nick played well, particularly given he was injured. Mark has a tip for Nick on his speaking content and some of the stories he should focus on.

Lots of feedback this week, and some great questions from you that Nick and Mark answer on the pod. Keep them coming in, always keen to hear from you. A ripping question from Chris about the 1996 Australian Open where only Greg Norman shot under par, given weather conditions, and Chris wants to know what the worst conditions Nick and Mark ever played in were.

Leads to a great story when Mark thought his playing partner was going to be Tiger, but the pairing didn't go his way...instead Tiger was paired with Mark's nemesis.

We also had a lot of feedback this week on one aspect of the Box Hill Pro-Am....to do with something Mark Allen was wearing.

Troy has sent a video of a putting grip that he asks the boys for their thoughts on. You can see the video here.

Nick takes us around the world with the PING global results.

A great Top 5 this week, inspired by Andrew Kelly, Mark counts down the Top 5 most unusual starts to golf swings. And, while we're on Andrew Kelly, Nick's masterclass is on stepping into the ball when driving.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss an episode! If you've got a friend who is into golf, we'd love you to share the podcast with them, and if you can rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts that would be great.

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We say it every week, but it's another massive show, starts off a little rough when Nick admits to forgetting to bring the wine. Flog behaviour.

But on a positive note, Nick and Mark - probably the entire golf world - are so pleased with Camilo Villegas win at the weekend. With what he's had to deal with on a personal level with his daughter's passing, it's a great result\, particularly with him now having the next 2-years locked in with starts.

But....Hong Kong. Oh. My. Gosh. What we saw in Hong Kong on the 16th hole at the weekend was insane, and Nick and Mark discuss at length what happened, how it could happen, and call our rules expert Stuart McPhee live on the pod to break it down for us. Mark puts Stuart on the spot to give us a Top 5 most broken golf rules later in the pod, and gives him 25-minutes to get it ready.

Finally the first glimpse of the LIV schedule, a small part of it anyway, with Adelaide being announced for April 2024. And there is no clashes with any local events, so good news all round. Speaking of LIV, Mark has a friend who spotted Greg Norman at Melbourne International Airport, so is curious as to whether that was to do with Adelaide, or something bigger. Nick talks us through the LIV trade structure for the off-season.

After the turn, Mark Allen has some advice for Jam TV on the weekend coverage, pertaining to the menu for the commentary team. He's a fan of Saturday food, less so of Sunday food. No doubt someone will get onto that.

Nick tells a great story about playing the World Matchplay against Dudley Hart where they both halved the 3rd hole at metropolitan with a triple bogey!

Voicemail comes in from Peter who has a question for Nick about playing left-handed vs right-handed. Nick and Mark kick it around, and chat about some great golfers who were left-handed, but played right-handed. Mark tells a story about two well-known golfers who started as lefties and changed to being righties.

Some great feedback this week. Lots of comments on the 1996 Australian Open card that we discussed on last weeks show. Nick tells a story about being partnered with The Shark in 1998 and how nervous he was, but not as nervous as his caddy !

Then we get the the PING Global Results, and Mark has a surprise for Nick....he has created an opener for the segment. It sets up the results nicely!

To the Top 5. Mark has enlisted Stuart McPhee to create a Top 5 of Golf's most broken rules. Stuart gives us a great list, a lot of fun.

Inspired by The Shark and Camilo Villegas, Mark Allens' masterclass this week is using your hips to give yourself space through impact.

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After a disgraceful effort last week by Nick O'Hern, forgetting to bring any wine to the pod, he has redeemed himself this week with a lovely Pinot Noir to toast David Micheluzzi's win in the Victorian PGA at the weekend.

After that, we discuss some incredible golf performances over the weekend, incredible. Mark Allen says the quality of golf he is seeing is as good as it's ever been. Particularly impressed with Ludvig Åberg and Eric Cole, Matt Wallace birdieing the entire the back 9 in round 3, the women's results were next level. Nick and Mark reveal their strongest performance with consecutive birdies. Mark believes the balls are contributing to this, Nick agrees, but adds some thoughts on driver head size.

Nick and Mark discuss Ludvig and just how good he is, and will be. Mark predicts Top 5 this time next year, Nick says Top 10.

Fun chat about the 'tree' incident involving Joost Luiten, see the video here. Hilarious.

We discuss the Victorian PGA and Kazuma Kobori who played well, but had no caddy. Both Nick and Mark like Kazuma, particularly at Moonah Links, but feel the lack of a caddy hurt his game. Nick and Mark chat about the importance of a caddy, and talk through their experiences.

Voicemail from Sam who has a question about his PING clubs for Nick. You can leave a voicemail for us any time at the website here. Lots of feedback for Nick and Mark, thanks for your comments and questions - keep them coming in.

Nick takes us around the world with the PING global results, some great performances from the weekend - including the final DP World Tour Event of the year.

Mark's Top 5 this week is on the best final holes in the world at courses that don;'t host a major.

Nick's Masterclass is inspired by David Micheluzzi, and is on the importance of continual movement when you're putting.

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Sandwiched between the Australian PGA and the Australian Open, it's a huge week on Talk Birdie To Me.

Marko announces that Nick O'Hern has officially 'made it'. He explains why, but then Nick lets us all down by revealing he forgot to bring wine to toast Min Woo Lee's huge win in Brisbane. Nick and Mark discuss Min Woo Lee's performance. Absolute superstar, full of highlights. Nick and Mark analyse his performance, what went well, and his recovery after a shaky start to the 4th round. They love him, although Nick has a small concern about his putting.

Both loved seeing him play with Adam Scott on Saturday, and Mark was pleased to see Curtis Luck do well.

Cam Smith missed the cut, and Nick and Mark discuss his emotional reaction to it and what may have contributed to that. Mark isn't concerned about Cam, he had a bad week, but he's 'one helluva player'. Conversation about appearance money, Nick tells us about a time he was paid appearance money in Europe....but he won't reveal the amount, despite Mark pushing for it!

Still on Brisbane, Nick talks about Nicolas Colsaerts being mic'd up in the commentary, and dropping the f-bomb live on air. And hitting the wrong ball!

What was the Royal Queensland course like? Mark is curious and asks Nick to talk us through it.

The new LIV schedule is out, Nick and Mark discuss. Does Australia get another event? there are two spots yet to be announced. There are some LIV/PGA event clashes, which Nick talks us throug; along with the Jon Rahm rumours which Nick and Mark are dubious about.

Exciting news for Nick, his new PING clubs have arrived ad he is like a kid in a candy shop. Nick talks us through them, he is very excited.

Greg from the Central Coast calls in with a comment about our caddy conversation last week.

Lots of feedback this week, which we love - keep it coming - including Peter who wants to apply for a job with Talk Birdie To Me.

PING global results are back with Nick O'Hern, not a lot of Aussies around the globe this week given the PGA tournament in Brisbane, but still a few results to run through. Nick does start differently with the Greg Norman medal winner.

Great Top 5 this week from Nick, controversial as Mark disagrees with Nicks selections. Leading to a vigorous debate. In honour of Min Woo Lee and Minjee Lee, Nick counts down the Top 5 siblings in golf. If you reckon he's missed one, let us know.

And a great Masterclass from Mark this week, revisiting an older one on the importance of your backswing when matching how far you want to hit the ball.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss an episode!

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What a week. What a week!

The Australian Open has been run and won, some wonderful performances across the weekend. Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen break it down and have a look at the incredible golf played, and whether the 'experiment' of 3 tournaments in one worked. Nick was there commentating, and has the inside word on how it went.

A wonderful win from Joaquin Niemann in the mens, who was impressive all weekend. And Ash Buhai with a fantastic performance to go back to back. The conditions were tough, particularly on Sunday, and Nick talks us through what he saw. Minjee Lee and Min Woo Lee finished 2nd and 3rd respectively, couldn't quite get over the line - although Minjee's performance on Sunday was exceptional. Min Woo was excellent, and Mark calls him a lock for a major next year.

Both Nick and Mark have a couple of concerns about the structure of the tournament and the vagaries that it tossed up. Mark believes that the national tournament has to be fair, and both Nick and Mark feel there are some lessons to be taken from this year; Adam Scott may have been disadvantaged by the Udraw. Nick and Mark discuss what happened to Scotty on the 7th hole and our man, rules official Stuart McPhee, was the guy who made the ruling - and he told Nick the background to his call.

We get a voicemail from Michael who is concerned about the proposed rules to roll back the ball. Nick and Mark both have strong views and discuss at length.

Tiger Woods played in the Bahamas at the weekend, Nick saw none of it, Mark saw a fair bit and has some observations on how Tiger is going.

As usual lots of feedback, and a bunch of questions for Nick and Mark - we love them, so keep them coming.

We give Scott a call who has a couple of questions and comments for Nick and Mark, he went to the PGA in Brisbane and has a question about what he saw. He also a suggestion for Nick regarding a potential new job....could be awkward.

Nick takes us around the world with the PING global results, and there's a lot to like this week. A great Top 5 this week from Mark, he looks at some of the greatest playoff performances in history. Mark may poke the bear a bit by bringing up one of Nick's most lamented moments. And for the second week in a row we have a Masterclass inspired by Min Woo Lee, this time from Nick, hitting out of a dodgy lie.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss an episode! We'd love you to share the podcast with them, and if you can rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts that would be great.

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A huge week in golf, every week seems to be at the moment. Before we get onto the big LIV news, and the new rules, Nick and Mark are pumped about the Aussies performance in the champions tour qualification. One of Marks top 5 things he's ever seen in golf,

We have to discuss the huge Rahm deal to go to LIV. Mark believes this is a clear sign that talks have completely broken down between LIV and the PGA, Nick agrees. We discuss at length what it might mean, who's next, what the PGA can do to defend against the LIV poaching - if anything. The numbers are extraordinary. Both Nick and Mark have plenty of thoughts on what needs to be done, and describe the current situation in golf worldwide as 'sad'. Nick asks where will it all end, and Mark believes there is one first step that needs to be done to move towards a resolution, involving one particular person being removed from their current role.

The new rules are confirmed. Nick and Mark support the changes, but don't believe they've gone far enough yet and discuss on the pod.

Lots of feedback this week to discuss, including a couple of great questions from you. If you have any questions or comments, let us know on socials, email or voicemail. We have a ripping voicemail this week from David who has a couple of questions for Nick and Mark about visualisation and swing thoughts.

As usual Nick takes us all over the world with the PING global results, plenty to look at, some excellent performances.

This weeks Top 5 has a twist. Nick is counting down his Top 5 best shots of the year....but he can't narrow it down, so he makes an executive decision to expand it to a Top 10. When you hear the shows, hard to argue - all very worthy!

And Mark does the masterclass this week on the importance of staying down, particularly at the start of your backswing.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss an episode! We'd love you to share the podcast with them, and if you can rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts that would be great.

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It's the last Talk Birdie To Me pod for 2023, thanks for listening through the year we appreciate it. We will be back in 2024, so look forward to seeing you then. In the meantime, we've got a massive final episode to get through!

We kick off with Footjoy/Nike gate and Tiger Woods. Is the Tiger/Nike partnership over? We'll know for sure in a couple of weeks, but Tiger certainly isn't talking as though it will continue. Mark is staggered that he hasn't tried to create his own footwear line.

On Tiger, Mark suggests to Nick that Charlie Woods has a better swing than his Dad...big call, but Nick and Mark discuss. One thing is for sure, Charlie is developing very fast and he is already an excellent golfer. Nick and Mark explain why the young kids coming through in the US are so good.

Onto LIV. Plenty of players rumoured to be moving across in the wake of the Rahm move, and we discuss. How will it end? Nick believes ultimately they'll come together, but that it is not out of the question that they may remain separate. Mark asks Nick what he would do with the kind of money offered. Nick believes the PGA's most powerful bargaining tool is the majors, as ultimately players want to win majors. Mark suggests that once LIV gets more involved in women's golf, that will be a game-changer.

Mark is impressed with the Min Woo Lee sizzle reel that he saw online this week. We have a listen.

Mark then raises the idea of moving the Australian open to February right after the tennis. And he has an idea about a Sandbelt Masters....interesting.

We discuss weird drinks at golf clubs, there are always a few strange ones. Mark has had a new one and he is hooked on it.

Plenty of feedback this week, including a couple of whacks for Nick and Mark, and an apology to the boys from pod listener Dazzler. And our final PING global results for the year, and there's lots for Nick to run through!

It's back to a Top 5 this week after Nick made an executive decision to expand last week to a Top 10. Mark counts down the Top 5 best things he has seen in golf this year. Includes Mark trying to claim credit for one of the best young players in the world.

Masterclass this week is from Nick O'Hern and for the final one in 2024 Nick talks about effortless power.

Thanks for listening this year, we appreciate it - we'd love you to share the pod with a friend or two, and maybe listen back to some of the other episodes from the year - lots of good gear.

Talk Birdie To Me is back in 2024, with new episodes weekly from mid-January wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss an episode! We'd love you to share the podcast with them, and if you can rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts that would be great.

We'd love you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here.

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Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back live on Tuesday January 16 with the first Talk Birdie To Me podcast for 2024. Until then we're replaying some of the Top 5's and Masterclasses that you particularly engaged with throughout the last 12 months or so.

This one from Nick O'Hern, the Top 5 shots that he reckons pros would love a redo on.

Don't forget to share the pod with a friend who is into golf, and to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And we'd love to hear from you, either on socials or you can leave a voicemail here.

We'll see you on the 16th!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back live on Tuesday January 16 with the first Talk Birdie To Me podcast for 2024. Until then we're replaying some of the Top 5's and Masterclasses that you particularly engaged with throughout the last 12 months or so.

This one from Mark Allen, inspired by Camilo Villegas, a masterclass on using your hips.

Don't forget to share the pod with a friend who is into golf, and to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And we'd love to hear from you, either on socials or you can leave a voicemail here.

We'll see you on the 16th!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back live on Tuesday January 16 with the first Talk Birdie To Me podcast for 2024. Until then we're replaying some of the Top 5's and Masterclasses that you particularly engaged with throughout the last 12 months or so.

This one from Mark Allen, the Top 5 worst rules in golf history.

Don't forget to share the pod with a friend who is into golf, and to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And we'd love to hear from you, either on socials or you can leave a voicemail here.

We'll see you on the 16th!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back live on Tuesday January 16 with the first Talk Birdie To Me podcast for 2024. Until then we're replaying some of the Top 5's and Masterclasses that you particularly engaged with throughout the last 12 months or so.

This one from Nick O'Hern, a masterclass on chipping downhill

Don't forget to share the pod with a friend who is into golf, and to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And we'd love to hear from you, either on socials or you can leave a voicemail here.

We'll see you on the 16th!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back live on Tuesday January 16 with the first Talk Birdie To Me podcast for 2024. Until then we're replaying some of the Top 5's and Masterclasses that you particularly engaged with throughout the last 12 months or so.

This one from Mark Allen, counting down his Top 5 Golf movies of all time.

Don't forget to share the pod with a friend who is into golf, and to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And we'd love to hear from you, either on socials or you can leave a voicemail here.

We'll see you on the 16th!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back live on Tuesday January 16 with the first Talk Birdie To Me podcast for 2024. Until then we're replaying some of the Top 5's and Masterclasses that you particularly engaged with throughout the last 12 months or so.

This one from Nick O'Hern on Fades vs Draws.

Don't forget to share the pod with a friend who is into golf, and to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And we'd love to hear from you, either on socials or you can leave a voicemail here.

We'll see you on the 16th!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back live on Tuesday January 16 with the first Talk Birdie To Me podcast for 2024. Until then we're replaying some of the Top 5's and Masterclasses that you particularly engaged with throughout the last 12 months or so.

This one from Mark Allen, listing his Top 5 US Open shots of all time.

Don't forget to share the pod with a friend who is into golf, and to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And we'd love to hear from you, either on socials or you can leave a voicemail here.

We'll see you on the 16th!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back live on Tuesday January 16 with the first Talk Birdie To Me podcast for 2024. Until then we're replaying some of the Top 5's and Masterclasses that you particularly engaged with throughout the last 12 months or so.

This one from Nick O'Hern inspired by Corey Conners, on acceleration out of the bunker.

Don't forget to share the pod with a friend who is into golf, and to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And we'd love to hear from you, either on socials or you can leave a voicemail here.

We'll see you on the 16th!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back live on Tuesday January 16 with the first Talk Birdie To Me podcast for 2024. Until then we're replaying some of the Top 5's and Masterclasses that you particularly engaged with throughout the last 12 months or so.

This one from Nick O'Hern, his Top 5 golfers with ironic names.

Don't forget to share the pod with a friend who is into golf, and to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And we'd love to hear from you, either on socials or you can leave a voicemail here.

We'll see you on the 16th!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen are back live on Tuesday January 16 with the first Talk Birdie To Me podcast for 2024. Until then we're replaying some of the Top 5's and Masterclasses that you particularly engaged with throughout the last 12 months or so.

This one from Nick O'Hern, a Masterclass inspired by Min Woo Lee's performance at the Australian Open, specifically out of the pine straw.

Don't forget to share the pod with a friend who is into golf, and to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And we'd love to hear from you, either on socials or you can leave a voicemail here.

We'll see you on the 16th!

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Welcome to 2024, and there is already plenty to discuss. We kick off with great news about 'Nick O'Who' and the evolution from a lefty to a righty.

We pick up where we left off, with an update on the PGA / LIV 'agreement to agree'. Has there been developments, are they talking, where could it end up? Nick and Mark discuss, and kick around the comments from Rory McIllroy a couple of weeks ago. There are huge complications and details to work through, and we put it up on the blocks.

Big news a week or so ago with Tiger leaving Nike, not a surprise to anyone, but his next move will be interesting (and lucrative).

Top 5 this week, first of the year, is Mark Allen's Top 5 Australian Open venues. A tough one to fit into 5, but hard calls had to be made.

Onto the Australian Open. Mark is worried about where it's heading, and suggests that neither Victoria or New South Wales want the Open in 2024, but Western Australian do. Nick would love to see it in Perth, specifically at Mount Lawley. Mark and Nick agree that there are fundamental problems with the format and the players do not like it at all. Nick and Mark discuss some possible solutions.

Some feedback this week from the summer break, and a couple of questions for the guys. Keep them coming in, we love your questions, comments, feedback.

One of our mot popular segments last year was the PING global results with Nick, and it returns for 2024 - with lots to run through!

And a great masterclass this week on pre-shot routines on the putting green from Nick O'Hern.

Thanks for being back in 2024 , look forward to a big year with you!

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great.

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Today we're coming live from the famous Huntingdale Golf Club which is undergoing a huge redevelopment, we're in the lounge looking over piles of dirt with tractors and dump trucks everywhere.....it's a mess right now, but it will be incredible when it's done. Nick and Mark discuss what made Huntingdale so good, why it is such a special place - and Nick asks Mark about a dark secret from his past which resulted in him being suspended from the club for 6-months.

But....Nick Dunlap. Wow. What a performance, he has a huge future ahead of himself and Nick and Mark have massive wraps on him. Will LIV come knocking? We discuss.

Speaking of LIV. Still no word on what the Rahm team structure will look like, and the first event is a fortnight away. Lucas Herbert has just gone to LIV, and Nick and Mark speculate on what the money might be for the move. And where are LIV and the PGA on the agreement to agree? Well Jay Monahan has met with the Saudis, so there is at least some movement there. Mark does not believe, when all is said and done, that Monahan can stay calling his position 'untenable'.

A fun Top 5 this week from Nick where he counts down the Top 5 Amateur wins of all time, inspired by Nick Dunlap. Nick reveals that he dislikes the move from Matchplay to Strokeplay in the Australian Amateurs and wants Golf Australia to revisit it. Mark agrees.

Lots of feedback, including a request for a Masterclass from Julie Hooker in Far North Queensland - Mark loves it, and decides to change his planned Masterclass today to Julie's suggestion. And a great request from Greg Pollard who asks for Nick's righty golf link number so he can follow Nicks progress - Nick and Mark love it, if you'd like to add Nick O'Who the number is 30818 00338.

Heaps of results from around the world which Nick takes us through in the PING Global Results.

And we wrap it up with Marks Masterclass by request with thanks to Julie.

And this Thursday we'll have a special bonus pod, we'll chat with Mike Cocking from OCM - who are a Melbourne based company redesigning courses all over the world - including Huntingdale, where we are today.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great.

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A bonus episode of Talk Birdie To Me today, and it's a ripper.

OCM are arguably the most sought after golf course designers in the world, and they are based right here in Australia. With multiple projects on the go around the world, Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen sat down with Mike Cocking of OCM to talk through how their redevelopment of the famous Huntingdale Golf Club is going, and some of the things we can look forward to.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great.

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Lot of fun this week on Talk Birdie To Me, and if you can, we'd love you to subscribe, rate and review the pod wherever you listen. It really helps with the algorithms of the pod platforms to share us more widely.

We start this week with some of the fantastic French commentary of Matthieu Pavon's win at Torrey Pines last weekend. Fantastic! Nick and Mark both watched a bit of it and discuss the tournament and Pavon's win. Mark was pleased with how well the internationals were doing. However, both are not fans of the Torrey Pines course, saying it's just a bad course - Mark describes it as a joke of a course.

As expected, Nick Dunlap turned pro last week, Mark feels that Nick not playing Torrey Pines was a smart move as he could have cost himself a lot of cash if he'd missed the cut.

Nick and Mark discuss the club head speed drills that they are seeing more of.

Whilst Mark has failed miserably with his homework on guests coming on the pod, Nick has arranged for Gary Lisbon to have a chat with us about his new book, we'll chat with Gaz over the next week or two. We then have a chat about what golf books Nick and Mark would recommend you read.

LIV seems to be a bit late on confirmation of the teams, particularly as it starts this coming friday. Nick and Mark discuss, and Pete from Brisbane calls in with a rumour he's heard about the name of the new Jon Rahm team. Maybe Pete is our new 'breaking news' reporter?

** update: since the pod was recorded, this rumour has been confirmed by LIV **

Mark has an idea about a grand slam of hole in ones that he runs by Nick.

A ripping Top 5 this week, Mark counts down the Top 5 dodgiest things in golf that he's seen. Very funny. One particular golfer gets lined up big time.

Voicemail today from Fehan with some LIV questions and comments.

A big week of PING global results with PING players killing it all over the world, as you'd expect given they're using the incredible gear from PING.

Lots of feedback to run through, which we love - lots of feedback on the Huntingdale development by OCM, plus a challenge for Nick O'Who from Darren....one which Nick reckons he would fail at the moment. And a great question from Ben about the Grand Prix of Golf concept, which the boys discuss - Mark has some info direct from Scottie Scheffler's brother in law, from Scottie.

Great masterclass is on uphill lies inspired by a few poor shots in the Torrey Pines and Rosebud tournaments at the weekend.

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Another week in the world of golf, and another show where we barely have enough time to discuss it all! But we'll give it a red hot crack.

We're at Australian Golf Headquarters today for the pod and there is a long drive competition happening, which reminds Mark of the time he was paired with Jason Zuback and at the time didn't know his reputation. Have a look at some of Jason's work here.

Since the last pod, the PGA have announced a huge investment from a private equity syndicate. What does it mean? Is it enough? Nick and Mark discuss the comments Rory McIllroy made about it. Nick talks about how the US based players typically don't like to travel, they prefer to play at home.

LIV was in Mexico at the weekend, and it was the first tournament from Jon Rahm. His team won, although he had a tougher day out. There were some slight tweaks to the LIV structure as well, which Nick talks through. And the PGA was at Pebble Beach with, ironically, the tournament being shorted due to weather. Mark was rapt with the changes at Pebble Beach, which Nick outlines and explains why the changes were done.

Mark was at a swap day on the weekend and he reckons the groundskeeper rigged the greens to make it more difficult. Does this happen? Nick and Mark are keen to hear from any groundskeepers who have done it, and what you may have done.

A fun Top 5 from Mark Allen this week, he's listing the Top 5 wanker moves that golfers do when they're playing with their mates - some very funny ones. Love to hear any that you have to add. Let us know on the socials, or leave a voicemail at the link below. We call Talk Birdie To Me listener Eric from Brisbane who wants to pick Mark up on some inappropriate language on last weeks podcast.

Nick O'Hern's mate Lachlan Wood, a gun all abilities golfer from Queensland, is having a fundraiser this friday arvo (Feb 9) in Hervey Bay to help fund his travel to the US. If you're near Hervey Bay and can attend, you can get tickets here, or shoot a message to Lachlan here if you might be able to make a donation.

Massive week for PING players this week, and Nick runs through them all in the PING global results. If you needed convincing that PING helps you play your best - this weeks results should be evidence enough! Last weeks masterclass from Nick was on uphill lies, and this week he talks about downhill lies.

And we finish the show with a tribute to one of the worlds most iconic golf figures for anyone who loves Caddyshack.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great.

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A fantastic bonus episode of Talk Birdie To Me today, Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen chat to Gary Lisbon, who is a hugely accomplished Melbourne based golf-course photographer, and has been for over 25 years. His photography journey has seen him visit and photograph over 650 courses in 25 countries around the world. How do we get a gig like that !!!

We chat with Gary about his photography, some of his techniques, the backstory to some of the amazing photos - including the story of a photo he took of the 7th hole at Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania which he had to wait a year for!

Nick, Mark and Gary all list their favourite 5 courses in the world - there are some surprises and some conflicting views.

Gary's new book is in panoramic form, it is stunning. It's called 'Great Golf Courses of the World' and you can find out more, and order it here. And you can follow Gary on Instagram here.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great.

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Another big week in golf with lots to discuss on the Talk Birdie To Me podcast.

We start at party central, Phoenix, what an event it was and what a finish! They shut down alcohol service at one point, and they had to lock the gates. 200,000 people through the gates. Huge. Nick and Mark loved it and discuss how the players handle the noise and excitement, and how some don't. Cue audio of Billy Horschel. Nicks view is, as a player, that you know what you're getting into and if you can't handle it, then don't play the event. Mark asks about the famous 'cheat sheets' on players weaknesses that are rumoured to be handed around the crowd - Nick confirms that it is true, and it happens.

Mark discusses the newly christened King (Kazuma) Kobori and says that it is clear that he is the best putter on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, and it is no coincidence that he is also the best player currently. Mark doesn't believe that aspiring pros practise their putting enough, and we hear some extraordinary stats about Scottie Scheffler to do with his putting. Conversely, Nick Taylors putting in Phoenix was exceptional.

And we get a voicemail from Chris with a ripping question about Par 3 courses for Nick and Mark.

Following Phoenix, Nick counts down the Top 5 courses he has played around the world and both Nick and Mark each have a great story about the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus.

Into feedback, and a question from Ross about his clubs and how often to update. Nick and Mark give their view, and Nick decides that we should go to an expert, so we call Matt Austin from PING to put it to him. Unfortunately (for us, not the person), he is fitting someone for new PING gear when we call so we get bumped to voicemail.....the perils of a live podcast. But who are we to interrupt a PING club fitting !!!! If Matt doesn't call before the end of the pod, we'll get him next week.

Also in feedback, we get a massive whack. Not from one person, but from a bunch on the same issue.....we fall on our sword, we're guilty. When you get it wrong, you have to go with it. But some feedback is great, and as a result Mark has an idea that he'll raise with Sam at the Golf Clearance Outlet about Talk Birdie To Me merchandise....watch this space.

Nick takes us around the world for a run through of all the PING Global results and he outlines what he'd like to see Scheffler try with his putting. One global result he is unhappy about is the Superbowl - he was keen on San Francisco, but unfortunately Kansas City got there in overtime.

Mark's Masterclass this week is on the importance of practising like a professional if you want to be a professional, or even play at the highest level you are capable of.

Talk Birdie To Me, new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great.

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Something a little different today. First some background.

When Mark Allen isn't chatting golf with Nick O'Hern on the Talk Birdie To Me podcast, often you'll find him having fun with his great mate David 'The Ox' Schwarz over at the Couple of Blokes podcast here.

This week, on the Couple of Blokes pod, Marko tells a never before publicly told story about some exceptionally bad behaviour during the 1998 Presidents Cup in Melbourne. Massive names were involved in this particular Presidents Cup: Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Peter Thomson, Greg Norman, Ernie Els, Stuart Appleby and plenty more. But there was one particular player who took bad behaviour and inappropriateness to a level not seen before, and hopefully not seen again.

Listen to the excerpt here on Talk Birdie To Me, the excerpt here is safe to listen to - however the full, unedited version, over at the Couple of Blokes pod comes with a language warning, an NSFW warning, and a 'don't listen around the kids' warning. Full story here.

Talk Birdie To Me resumes normal transmission next Tuesday, see you then!

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This weeks show kicks off with a prediction from Mark Allen. He and Nick are playing today (Tuesday 20th February) in the Portarlington Pro-Am in Victoria, and he is determined to shoot 65. Nick is hoping to shoot par given he is out of practise following his recent injury.

Nick and Mark discuss 'ambush marketing' where players were getting paid cash to wear hats in tournaments, and they each tell a couple of fun stories about how it worked.

Riviera: Mark watched Tiger closely and was impressed with his swing, his walking, and thinks he is well on the way back following the car crash. That said, both Nick and Mark thought Tigers explanation for his shank, a back spasm, was very funny and not accurate. Which reminds Nick of a similar story from Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry when he refused to admit that he had ever 3-putted a final hole. Mark discusses the new Tiger 'Sun Day Red' range, and is unimpressed that there is a hoodie involved. Still on Riviera, Jordan Spieth was DQ'd. We discuss how the rules work now with regards to signing an incorrect scorecard compared to how it used to be. And Nick talks about why he disliked playing Riviera.

Hotline rings - and it's an ambush. Talk Birdie To Me listener El Chappo is calling in to ask Mark a very curly question.

Mark has a theory, which he has read about and feels has merit, it is to do with the DP World Tour and the PIF. Interesting. Nick and Mark discuss.

And we get a voicemail from the weekend, a message from pod listener Fehan who spotted something in the Hunter Valley tournament, and is after clarification. We call our rules guru Stu from the Golf Rules Questions podcast to get the answers. Ripping pod, you can hear it here.

The Top 5 this week is inspired by Hideki Matsuyama's great win at Riviera over the weekend, and Mark counts down his Top 5 memorable Asian Mens professional moments in golf. It's a ripper.

Nick takes us around the world with the PING global results - one of the most popular parts of the show. And then we get to feedback, and there is lots as usual - including Patrick who we get on the phone who has some thoughts on Tiger, and a couple of book suggestions to add to the reading list.

A great masterclass this week from Nick where he has found something in common with Matsuyama and Daniel Gale's swing. It's to do with the transition from the back swing to the through swing. Video on socials.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great.

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A ripping bonus pod this week. Following an email from Talk Birdie To Me listener Ross asking how often he should be upgrading his clubs, Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen decided to go to the best in the business - Matt Austin from PING - to give us his perspective. You might expect someone in the business of fitting and selling clubs to say upgrade often, but Matt didn't do that, he gave us some fantastic rationale for how often you need to, and when you might need to.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts, subscribe to never miss an episode.

And we'd love you to share the podcast with a friend who loves golf, and if you have a moment to rate and review us that would be great.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

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We've been getting plenty of voicemails from Talk Birdie To Me listeners, some are questions for Nick and Mark, others are you simply leaving a comment or a story. As much as we'd love to play them all on the show, if we did the podcast would go for 2-hours - and nobody wants that!

So, from time to time, we'll pop a voicemail in the Talk Birdie To Me podcast feed. If you want to leave a message for us - it is very simple, just head to our website here on your mobile or computer, hit the record button, tell us who you are, where you're from, where you play your golf, and leave your message. Couldn't be easier, you'll be done in 60-seconds.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and you can see all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

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Mark Allen, you might recall, last week promised to shoot a 65 in the Portarlington Pro-Am. As you'll know if you follow our socials he did not in fact shoot 65. We discuss. That said, both Nick and Mark had a lot of fun, and the hits on the link following the players scores were at record levels - naturally Mark takes credit for that. Nick explains why he thought at one point he was going to be DQ'd.

Nick and Mark discuss Charlie Woods attempt to qualify for his first tournament, and that whilst not qualifying will hurt, it may take some pressure off him. Nick would have preferred Charlie wait another year or two before jumping into the cauldron. Mark believes he has one of the most pure swings he's seen.

We chat Anthony Kim, a very confident golfer. Nick talks about playing a round with Kim when he spent much of the round on the phone to his agent discussing deals.

Onto LIV. The PIF has said the fund is expanding to 2 Trillion Dollars. Mark can't believe the money and calls it the biggest shot over the bow towards the PGA in history. Nick describes the money involved now as pure greed and sickening. Nick and Mark crunch the numbers on how a revised, and more lucrative, prize money structure for the PGA could look.

World ranking points remain an ongoing bone of contention. Nick discusses them, and the discrepancies that he is seeing between something called Data Golf and the official world golf rankings. Lots of variances. Mark runs through the criteria for a tournament to qualify for world ranking points.

Just as Mark is about to hoof into a party pie, Tim from the Warratah Golf Club in NSW calls on the hotline to pump up Warratah and their Pro-Am which is on tomorrow (28th).

A great Top 5 today, Nick counts down the longest players that he ever played with. There are some big names there!

We then call Michael from Leongatha in Victoria who has a question for Nick and Mark about tee time etiquette. It's a good question and a ripping conversation. Lots of feedback this week as usual, keep it coming, and Nick tells a great story about his Top 10 finish in the US Open in 2006...he was on the winning score with 9 holes to play, he tells us what happened next.

Some great performances by Aussies and Kiwis around the world, which Nick discusses in the PING global results - Mark again expresses his 'concern' for Momoka Kobori, and hopes her family haven't forgotten her. Masterclass this week is on a new chipping technique that Mark Allen reckons is a gamechanger.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

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We've hit the road this week for Talk Birdie To Me, and we're coming live from The National Golf Club at beautiful Cape Schanck in Victoria.

Nick and Mark are excited to discuss Hannah Green's fantastic performance at the weekend, where she scored birdies on the final 3 holes to win in Singapore. Brilliant. Birdie, birdie birdie! Nick and Mark both love what Hannah has achieved over the past couple of years, although Nick is annoyed with her because he feels she is now the best golfer to come out of Mount Lawley, knocking him off the perch.

Big performance from Min Woo Lee in the US, scoring a big payday with his T2 finish in Palm Beach. Mark asks Nick to talk about what winning that kind of money does to your mindset at that level of golf.

A big headline has been the return of Anthony Kim. Even though he had a tough day at the office, Mark was impressed with how he played given how long since he has played golf at this level. Nick doesn't love the fact Kim is with LIV, but sees it as a good short term move, perhaps less so long term.

Nick and Mark discuss LIV, and the rumoured meeting last week. Mark again states his view that the big winner from the whole thing could be the DP World Tour, and this may be good news for Australia and New Zealand. Whilst we're talking LIV, listener Luke has a question about Rory McIllroy, so we get him (Luke not Rory) on the phone for a chat.

We've had another great question, this time from Brian, about off the shelf shafts vs custom shafts. Nick and Mark are unsure about the benefit for Brian - so we call Matt Austin from PING who knows this stuff like the back of his hand.

A fun Top 5 today from Mark on the Top 5 fast swings. Nick is surprised by one of Marks entries.

Into feedback - lots of it, and one listener gives Nick a whack. We give Nick right of reply. We also find out that Nick is not aware of a massive historical television moment. Mark is horrified. You will be as well. Click here for a clue.

Mark reveals that he bumped into Peter 'Chooky' Fowler at the driving range recently, and has invited him to come on the pod and talk about his short game competitions with Seve. If you have any questions for Chook, let us know and we'll put them to him.

Huge results this week in the PING global results. Led by Hannah Green and Min Woo Lee. And a ripping masterclass from Nick O'Hern on swing tempo.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

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We're doing Talk Birdie To Me internationally this week, well in part anyway. Nick O'Hern is at Tara Iti and Te Arai in New Zealand, and Mark Allen is at Australian Golf Headquarters in Melbourne. Mark is ever so slightly jealous of Nick being at Tara Iti as he's not played it and wants to! Nick is playing Tara Iti this week, but over the last few days has played the north and south courses of Te Arai, and he discusses the two courses and which is harder.

Mark asks Nick if, as in the US and NZ, should Australian private clubs explore 'Member/Guest' weekends and tournaments. Huge in the US, could they work in Australia? Are there any already? Let us know if you're aware of any.

Wyndham Clark. Was it a rules violation or not? Nick and Mark discuss what happened on the 18th hole at Bay Hill and whether the right decision was made by the officials. Nick and Mark disagree on the interpretation, and Nick says professional golfers always know if they move their ball - despite what they might say.

Scottie Scheffler found his putting mojo, at least to a degree. The technique might still not be perfect, but he got into a rhythm, and Nick and Mark discuss what he has changed. Mark says if he nails his putting consistently, he will terrify every golfer on the tour. However, when putting, Mark believes Scheffler has what he calls an 'anxious head', and that's what this weeks masterclass is on.

Leads to a chat on the Netflix Full Swing 2 series. Brilliant. Mark discusses an episode where Wyndham Clark sees a sports psychologist.

Back to Bay Hill, a course Nick dislikes immensely, and Nick tells a story about being DQ'd from the Arnold Palmer Invitational because of John Daly going on a bender...a very funny story, not at the time for Nick, but in hindsight.

Top 5 this week was suggested by pod listener Chris Payne who was keen to hear Nick and Marks thoughts on the Top 5 players who were right-handed, but pretty handy as lefty's. Chris said Mac O'Grady was a highlight, and he makes the list, however Mark disagrees with Nicks choice for #2.

Lots of feedback, and some questions for the guys, always great - shoot any questions or comments through.

Massive PING global results this week, with plenty of Aussies around the world doing well - Minjee Lee a standout, and on the verge of something special according to Nick and Mark.

And Marks masterclass on having an 'anxious head' when putting is a ripper.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today the gang is back together. Nick is back from Tara Iti and Te Arai in New Zealand and Mark is back from The National at Cape Schanck. And Mark is keen to find out all about Nick's experience on the New Zealand courses. Did they live up to expectations? Or did they disappoint? Nick talks us through it. He describes Tara Iti as tough, fiery and brilliant, and reckons Te Arai has nailed the experience for golfers, and for families. He explains why on the pod.

This inspires Mark's Top 5 today, which is great, but also one of the more self-indulgent Top 5's we've had - the 5 courses in the world that Mark would like to play but hasn't. Does Tara Iti make his list?

But all is not smooth sailing. Mark is annoyed that Nick didn't bring him back a Tara Iti or Te Arai hat. Disappointing and could threaten the future of the podcast if we don't solve this impasse.

Mark raises the Players Championship, he loved it, and says Scheffler is playing at the moment so well, almost like he is on ice skates. We didn't get the reference either. And we discuss Wyndham Clark and how well he played. Mark wants to know how Nick felt standing on the 18th tee when he played TPC Sawgrass, and Nick said that the course forces you to focus on your mental game. He talks about the pressure of the island green, knowing it is coming.

Nick and Mark both have some thoughts on Scheffler's putting, and feel his body is twisted, closed. We discuss.

Still on the Players, US journalist Evin Priest has suggested the season should end with that tournament. Could it happen? Nick and Mark discuss.

During the Top 5 Mark tells a story about trying to sneak his way into Augusta years ago, did it work? And the story of how he was offered a spot playing in Augusta but turned it down to go to a party.....oh dear.

Some wonderful golf at The National at the weekend, a great way to wrap up the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, and Mark congratulates Cameron John on a fantastic win. We chat about the Order of Merit results, and 'the bubble'. This leads us into the PING Global Results in what was a slightly quieter weekend around the world, and perhaps not the strongest week for some Aussies.

Plenty of feedback, including a whack for the boys from pod listener Andrew Huntley who reckons they missed an obvious golfer in the lefty/righty conversation last week.

And Nick gives a fantastic masterclass, inspired by Scottie Scheffler, on transitioning your weight into the ball when driving.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hatgate.

The Talk Birdie To Me WhatsApp group has been going crazy this week. Mark is grumpy about the lack of a Tara Iti hat, Nick is unapologetic that he should not be regarded as a hat courier for people. How does it all end? We find out on the pod. The elephant, or hat, in the room needs to be discussed before we get to any golf chat.

After that convo, we get to the golf. Mark has had a sneak peak at the new Commonwealth course, we've put some pics on socials, he loves it and can't wait to play it. Nick suggests we do a pod from Commonwealth, so we're on. Mark discusses how he loves the way that Tom Doak designs golf courses. Nick is a massive fan of the history at golf clubs, of the history lesson when you walk through the clubhouses - the names, the pictures.

There was the big meeting in the Bahamas last week with all the big wigs from the PIF and the PGA. Mark has some inside info from his US source on how the meeting went, what was discussed, the vibe in the room. And Nick and Mark discuss what it could mean and how things may end up.

Nick has finally caught up on the new series of Full Swing, and we discuss some of the stories. Both Nick and Mark have some thoughts on Keegan Bradley after watching the series.

A fun Top 5 today, Nick counts down his Top 5 weirdest hats on Tour Pros over the years. A bit of controversy with one left out that Mark felt should be in the list.

Pod listener Steve calls in from the beautiful Rich Rivers Golf Club with a story about watching the great Peter Lonard playing there recently. Which takes us to feedback, lots of it, including a ripping caddy question which we'll follow up next week - and we run through your votes and comments on the GOAT, and put Nick and Mark on the spot to name their GOAT. Interestingly, they each name a different player.

Lots of fantastic performances over the last week, and Nick runs through them all in the PING global results, and we wrap the show with a masterclass from Mark Allen inspired by Pro Keith Mitchell on the importance of holding your head still, or close to, right into your follow-through.

And this Thursday we'll have a bonus pod with the legendary Peter Chooky Fowler where we'll pick his brains on his short game. Can't wait!

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fantastic bonus episode of Talk Birdie To Me today. Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen have a chat with the legendary Peter 'Chook' Fowler about his career, life, and specifically his short game tips and experiences.

It's a wonderful listen with plenty to be learnt from an icon of the game. If you enjoy it, we'd love it you share the episode around with anyone else you think may find it interesting, sharing like that really helps us out !

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Okay we always say it, but it's always the case - another big week in golf, and Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen will cover it all. Nick is at Cathedral in Victoria today on the dodgiest wifi connection we've ever heard, and Mark is at Australian Golf Headquarters in Melbourne on a fantastic connection.

But no time for that......in breaking news, Mark has heard, from someone in the know, in the know, that a decision on where the 2024 Australian Open will be held is imminent, and he reveals the inside info on what he has heard. He'll get to that later in the podcast, he's just waiting on a text message from his 'mole' to confirm a couple of details.

A fun chat about the first clubs Nick and Mark ever played with, let us know yours on the socials!

Augusta. It is so close, and Nick and Mark are excited. Nick tells us about the course, what it's like to play it, and some of the nuances of the various holes. Nicks insights are great, and we can't wait for the tournament, will be brilliant.

A huge weekend for Nelly Korda and Scheffler, whilst he didn't win, he is in a purple patch of form - perhaps with the exception of his putting. Nick and Mark chat about how good Nelly is, and Scheffler of course. Both hugely impressive golfers (captain obvious). Hannah Green got off to a wonderful start at the weekend in the desert, but then fell away. Still, she'll be back, she's a gun. Nick was impressed with Hira Naveed, particularly when he discovered that she's from Perth, even moreso when he discovered that she is a Mount Lawley girl!

Okay the text message is in from Mark's contact. Mark reveals what state is definitely out of the running for the Open, and how much the respective state governments have bid to host it, there are two states in the hunt and the bid levels are quite a way apart......but..... it's not that simple. Mark explains why.

After the turn, it's the Top 5 - Mark's favourite Australian Open courses. Nick takes us around the world in what has been a big weekend for some of the Aussies in the PING global results. And we have some feedback, including questions for Nick and Mark as usual, and a comment from listener Syd, that Nick and Mark vehemently disagree with, about our Peter Fowler bonus ep. Keep your questions and comments coming.

And in todays Masterclass, Nick talks us through the one-hop chip shot. He saw Scheffler and Taylor Moore play it at the weekend in Houston. Nick is a fan, and whilst it's a high risk shot, it's a great one to have in the repertoire if you can.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Masters week, one of the most exciting weeks in world golf! Nick and Mark loved seeing some of the pictures and videos of Drive, Chip and Putt Day at Augusta at the weekend, and were impressed with some of the young ones, but amazed at the composure of the kids playing in front of some icons of the game.

But back to the Masters. Nick believes that there is nothing like Masters week, the energy, the feel, the media focus, he loves it, as does Mark. And Mark asks Nick how he felt driving down Magnolia Lane when he first played the Masters. And he chats about the overall experience of being there. Thursday this week we'll have a Masters bonus pod, which will be a must-listen. And later in this episode, we'll get Nick and Marks tips.

What a finish at the Texas Open, an incredible finish with an incredible back 9 from Denny McCarthy hitting 28! But it wasn't enough to nail the win with youngster Akshay Bhatia holding on under enormous pressure for the win. Nick and Mark talk about how incredible it was to see such a performance from the young Akshay when Denny was coming for him. Mark says, in Moneyball style, he doesn't believe that Akshay would be chosen in a team environment, as he doesn't have, on the surface, the attributes you look for - yet he is developing into a wonderful golfer, and Mark loves it and this is one of the things he loves about golf, the only measure that matters is the score you shoot.

A fun Top 5 from Nick, Aussie superstar Karrie Webb made this list, remember this?

Pod listener Damian calls in with a question about his driver, he has just bought a new PING G430 Max 10k driver and loves it, but has a question for Nick and Mark about shafts.

And being Masters week - we get Nick and Marks tips. They each give us who they think will win, and why, which notable player won't win and why, and who their respective dark horse is. Interestingly, the player Mark believes can't win, is the one Nick believes will win. Controversial.

Into the PING global results, and there are plenty. Nick takes us through them all.

As usual, plenty of feedback, we love it, so keep it coming either on voicemail, email or socials.

Mark's turn for the Masterclass, and this week it is for golfers with 'hands of gold'.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being Masters week, we have a fantastic bonus pod this week.

The pod is in in two parts. Firstly, pod listener Mitch from Sydney wrote in and asked how you get into caddying, and make a career of it. We thought, who better to ask than Simon Clarke, who has been a caddie on the pro tour for 30+ years and is currently in Augusta caddying for Aussie Jasper Stubbs who is playing his first US Masters this week. Clarkey talks us through his career, how it started, who he has worked with and what he loves about it. And Clarkey talks us through how Jasper's preparation is going for the Masters.

After the turn, we take a forensic look at Augusta. Mark Allen has Nick O'Hern and Clarkey talk us through the Augusta course hole by hole. How each hole plays, the shot selection, club selection, and the pitfalls of each. It is a fascinating insight into one of the worlds great tournaments - perhaps the greatest.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're live here on Saturday arvo Australian time for a bonus US Masters pod 'after the cut'. Not from Australian Golf Headquarters, but we've hooked up the trusty old Zoom and got all high tech!

Nick and Mark discuss The Masters so far. The wind has made it tough, very tough to play but Nick says 'a joy to watch'. Mark said that on day 1 Bryson DeChambeau played some of the most special golf he's seen. However, he has done a reverse on his pre-Masters prediction, and Mark now believes that Scheffler will win the tournament. Nick agrees, and in fact Nick predicted Scheffler prior to the tournament beginning.

Mark has come armed with stats. 92% of masters winners of all time have been within 5 shots of the lead entering the final 2 days, which Mark says, from a statistical point of view, any player with a score even or 1 under, or worse, cannot win from here.

Nick discusses the extraordinary 10 minutes where we saw Justin Thomas and Matsuyama double bogey the last hole to let 11 players into T50, including our own Adam Scott. Keep in mind the cutline was T50 + ties. Unbelievable. Great for Adam Scott who looked gone.

Can Cam Davis win from here? Mark says no, but he can get second.

And we discuss Greg Norman buying a ticket like us normies to get into the tournament behind the ropes. And Jason Days pants. Oh. My. Goodness. What was he thinking.

A fun one today, 2-days to go - can't wait to see how it ends up!

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me. New episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and you'll never miss one! And we'd love you to share the podcast, and if you can rate and review us that would be great. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, or send a voicemail to us here. And all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a weekend in Augusta. Lots to unpack, and Nick O'Hern and Mark Allen whilst tired, are ready for a debrief on The Masters.

Scottie Scheffler, a huge victory, with exceptional game management according to Nick. And his putting was a lot better, although still room to improve, which Nick and Mark call 'scary'. Last week Mark said, of the notable players, he felt Scheffler couldn't win. We've filed last weeks pod under 'episodes that won't age well'. However, he did pick Aberg to do well, and was bang on. Nick and Mark are impressed with how calm Scheffler is, and Mark adds that Aberg is so calm for his age, and he loves his before the ball routine, it is so consistent. Nick says there is 'something special' about Aberg.

We discuss DeChambeau's iron specs, which are quite unique. Nick says that Augusta is a very difficult course for a player like Bryson, and has two reasons why, which he talks us through. Jason Day's clothing. Mark reckons he looked like Carl Spackler in Caddyshack. Tiger, even though it wasn't the result he'd have hoped for, Mark won't hear a bad word about him - 24 straight cuts, got around the course, and he loved the video of Tiger that Augusta shared. On our Twitter feed here. Tiger commented at Augusta that he wants to get bigger, Nick and Mark don't feel he needs to.

We chat about the Aussies, Cam Smith finished in T6 in what Nick called a strange weekend, only one eagle and only a couple of bogeys, but T6 impressive nonetheless. Davis was up there for a long time, and his finish gets him Masters entry next year. Min Woo Lee, playing with a broken finger, was good, and Scotty did well after sneaking into the cut. Jason Day....well we still can't believe the outfits. And NZ's Ryan Fox led early, and fell away.

Mark reveals a huge whisper about Rory McIllroy and the Australian Open.

Top 5 from Mark on 'unusual technique flushers'. In the PING global results, plenty of results aside from The Masters, Nick runs through them. And a fantastic Masterclass from Nick on how Scottie Scheffler managed his way around the course on Sunday. And we wrap the show with the NBC tribute to the great Verne Lundquist, who has retired this week, and a very funny story about Mark escorting a tour group to The Masters, and a 75-year old guest ending up being 'sin-binned' by Augusta for breaking their strict rules.

A huge thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• and the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Talk Birdie To Me has new episodes weekly, and regular bonus eps. Subscribe to never miss an ep. And we'd appreciate you sharing the pod with a friend who may like it. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We love to receive your voicemails, some are questions for Nick and Mark, others are you simply leaving a comment or a story. So, from time to time, we'll pop a voicemail in the Talk Birdie To Me podcast feed.

Today, we've got a voicemail from Scott Mitchell in Brisbane who left a message about not aiming for the pin, putting Nick's course management advice from last weeks episode into his game at the weekend. How'd it go? Well Scott tells us. If you missed Nick's advice, it is in Episode 59, and see the video here.

If you want to leave a message for us - it is very simple, just head to our website here on your mobile or computer, hit the record button, tell us who you are, where you're from, where you play your golf, and leave your message. Couldn't be easier, you'll be done in 60-seconds.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here. And watchMynumbers, the powerful data-based golf app in the world - play smarter by using data. Download from the AppStore or GooglePlay.

And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and you can see all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark is excited about how many people he is seeing on golf courses and driving ranges at the moment, saying interest in golf feels to be at an all-time high, Nick agrees. The carpark at Australian Golf HQ is chockers. And even though TV ratings are down Nick and Mark discuss if that may be due to people watching on smartphones...there'll be people way smarter than us who can figure that stuff out.

Fine wins in a row for Nelly Korda. Nick says it's 'crazy' how good Nelly is. And Scheffler on fire again, his iron play is a 'joke' according to Mark. He runs through Schefflers stats. Impressive, leaving everyone else well behind. Another player who impressed was 15-year old Miles Russell. Mark and Nick discuss. Nick runs through some of Miles stock yardages, they are good. See here from our mates at Flushing It. And then we take a twist with Mark outlining his knowledge of trees. Yes trees. If you have any tree questions, feel free to reach out and Mark will answer them.

LIV Adelaide is nearly here. Last year was huge, the biggest LIV event in the world. Mark has heard that the crowds will be 20% up this year, Nick has heard 50%. Both are hoping it's not too wild, but is still great fun. Nick says that LIV last year was the biggest tournament buildout of a course that he has seen, including the PGA tour.

We discuss those Rory rumours from last week. Mark is very happy Rory didn't go. And then the pod goes pear-shaped for a sec when Nick sends Mark a stupid video that Mark can't stop playing. It is very juvenile, but you can see it here.

Nick's Top 5 is inspired by Nelly Korda. The Top 5 female golfers in recent times who have 'changed the game'. The Gisborne Golf Club, destroyed by fire last week, have a fundraiser to rebuild here. Lots of feedback, including Daniel who says Scheffler is 'boring', Nick & Mark respond. Nick brings us the PING global results & Marks masterclass is on ‘landing closed’ for watchMynumbers. He explains in the masterclass on the pod.

A huge thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• & the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. And we'd appreciate you sharing the pod with a friend. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A ripping bonus pod today!

Former World #16 Nick O'Hern and former Tour Pro Mark Allen chat with US Pro Golfer Hannah Gregg, who has just been in Australia playing a couple of tournaments.

Hannah shares her views on our courses, in particular the famous Sandbelt and names her favourite Aussie course. We were aware of one run in with a snake while Hannah was here, but she shares a story about a second snake incident. Perhaps she was fortunate to get back to the US alive !

Whilst in Australia, Hannah got engaged to her partner Fred - an accomplished golfer in his own right - and Hannah hands the phone to Fred to tell us how it happened!

Hannah has built a strong social media following, and she posts some fantastic content, this enables her to work with some terrific brands, and assists in funding her golf career. Hannah tells us about the importance of that community to her golf, and we hear all about 'Short Game Gains', the business that Fred and her have developed.

And we find out the next steps for Hannah, and when she heads back to Europe.

You can check out Short Game Gains here. And follow Hannah on Twitter/X, Insta, TiKTok and Facebook.

A huge thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• & the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. And we'd appreciate you sharing the pod with a friend. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hold everything. Mark has come in worked up, he is not happy that Cape Wickham has been named the #1 golf course in Australia by Australian Golf Digest, and says that they have clearly got it wrong. Mark says that the list (see it here) has now lost all credibility and whilst he loves Cape Wickham, it is not the #1 course by a long shot. Mark believes the list should be immediately changed as it is clearly flawed. Love your thoughts.

LIV Adelaide last weekend was huge. Massive crowds, a fantastic atmosphere - couple of muppets here and there, but largely well behaved - and Nick and Mark discuss what they saw and how they reckon it went. We also give Sam from the Golf Clearance Outlet a call as he was there playing with a couple of superstars - he tells us all about it! And Mark reveals that he has the inside word on a couple of major LIV signings who he says have indicated that they will not be re-signing with LIV at the end of their current agreement. Brooks Koepka, DJ and Bubba Watson.

And we have a new number 1 female Aussie golfer, Hannah Green has knocked off Minjee Lee. Both wonderful players, but Minjee has missed a couple of cuts lately, leaving the door open for Hannah.

Mark watched Rory McIlroy's win at the weekend, and thinks he looks tired. Nick and Mark discuss the workload on pro golfers and what the ideal number of tournaments to play in may be. That said, Rory wasn't too tired to smash out a version of Journey's Don't Stop Believing (here) which wasn't too bad.

And Talk Birdie listener Michael has a problem with his golf, which he's after some input on from the boys, so we get him on the phone for a yak.

Fun Top 5 today, Mark gives us his Top 5 pros who never won a major. Has he missed any obvious ones?

Huge PING global results today, there is plenty to discuss and Nick runs us through it all - including some dubious fashion choices that Mark raises.

And lots of feedback, plenty on LIV. It was divided, about half of the feedback we received was from people who loved it, half weren't into it, but that's cool - we're all into different stuff! And Mark gives us an update on the Australian Open - which is that there is no update yet.

Great masterclass from Nick today on distance control with pitching.

A huge thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• & the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. And we'd appreciate you sharing the pod with a friend. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big week at Talk Birdie To Me HQ, plenty to discuss, and Mark is excited to be playing one of Nick's fave courses this week, Cathedral.

We chat Ripper GC's LIV win in Singapore, second in a row for the Aussies. Hopeless last year, on fire this year, says Nick. The hopeless team now in LIV is the Majesticks. Nick and Mark discuss playing Sentosa - water always a factor. And we kick around how many majors Brooks Koepka will end up winning. Currently on 5, Nick & Mark reckon by the end of his career he'll have 8.

Nick mentions the doco 'Duel in the Sun', Mark says that if you haven't seen it you are banned from listening to the pod until you do. And he wants to know what you think of it. Onto TPC Craig Ranch. Mark says it looked poor on TV, he's not a fan. Nick agrees. This inspires Nick’s Top 5 for later in the show: his Top 5 worst courses on tour.

Last week we discussed the Golf Digest Top 100 list, which Mark was unhappy about - specifically Cape Wickham being named #1. Today he doubles down saying that Cape Wickham is not even close to #1, and looks at the criteria used by Golf Digest. Mark feels it's too complex, needs to be simplified, and because of the spectacular outlook at Cape Wickham, that is why it got the nod. Nick wonders how consistently playable Cape Wickham is, given the winds on the island.

On Thursday this week we’ll have a bonus pod with Steve Keipert of Golf Digest to discuss the Top 100 list with him, get his rationale for the rankings, and give him an opportunity to respond to Marks comments last week.

We chat about LIV Adelaide and how much it cost to put on. Following last weeks pod, Mark had a call from his mate James who works for LIV and says that he believes Mark's inside info on a couple of players leaving LIV to be incorrect. We'll get James on for a bonus pod at some point and get his thoughts.

Top 5 from Nick on the worst courses on the PGA and European tours. Ouch!

Lots of feedback, a few whacks this week, but we don't shy from that we're happy to cop a whack. We also realise we have a lack of prizes, and Mark has the idea to give away copies of his DVD which strangely didn't sell out - the ironically titled '87 ways to make golf simple'. And we need your input for pod listener Rob - what are the 'must play' courses for him in Northern NSW. Let us know and we'll read them out next week.

Huge week in the PING global results from Nick, and Marks masterclass for watchMynumbers is on a flaw he discovered in his game last week.

A huge thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• & the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe and never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. And we'd appreciate you sharing the pod with a friend. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A couple of weeks ago Golf Digest released their Top 100 Golf Courses in Australia list, and Royal Melbourne West was knocked off the #1 perch by Cape Wickham in Tassie. It created plenty of talk. Some people felt it was well deserved by Cape Wickham, others felt that Royal Melbourne should have retained the top spot. If you've not seen the list, you can find it here.

One of the people in the latter category was Mark Allen who, on last weeks Talk Birdie To Me (Ep61) made his feelings abundantly clear saying that it was clearly the wrong call and that the ranking meant that Golf Digest's list had 'no credibility'. A fair whack. The team at Golf Digest said that a whack of that kind without asking them to give some context wasn't ideal and it's a fair point. So this week, a bonus pod with Steve Keipert, Associate Editor at Golf Digest and the bloke responsible for the Top 100 list.

Steve talks us through the rationale, the criteria, with Nick and Mark and we see where the common ground might be. Nick is a fan of Royal Melbourne, but he hasn't played Cape Wickham so doesn't have a strong view on that course, however does Steve convince Mark? Or does Mark convince Steve?

Find out on this weeks bonus episode of Talk Birdie To Me.

A huge thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• & the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. And we'd appreciate you sharing the pod with a friend. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Nick O'Hern returned from playing Tara Iti and Te Arai in New Zealand a couple of weeks ago, making Mark Allen extremely envious, we decided we needed to find out more about this incredible place. And who better to talk to than one of the founders of, and head honchos at, the courses, Jim Rohrstaff.

Jim talks to us about how they built the courses, and the story of how they found the land parcel is a ripper. He tells us about the design, and some of the challenges they worked through, and how the Tara Iti course in particular plays.

Mark has heard a rumour about Tara Iti, that he puts directly to Jim - to do with how many times you are allowed to play the course. The membership model of Tara Iti is unusual for this part of the world, but as Jim tells us it is not uncommon in the US, and he explains how it works and the benefits for members, guests and the club.

And Jim is excited about their new partnership with The Hills course in Queenstown and explains what some of the plans are for that course.

We also find out about the 'secret sauce' of Tara Iti and Te Arai, which is framed by the philosophy of 'The answer is yes, what's the question?', but there is more to it, and Jim talks us through it.

A fun bonus pod, and you'll enjoy hearing some of the secrets of one of the worlds great courses.

A huge thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• & the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. And we'd appreciate you sharing the pod with a friend. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Nick and Mark are flying solo, every chance this could go pear-shaped. No time to worry about that, cos Mark has info on the Golf Digest Top 100 that he wasn't aware of last week, and he feels sheds further light on the rankings. If you haven't heard our bonus pod with the head honcho of the Top 100, Steve Keipert, worth checking out. Mark asks Nick to outline if he were doing what Steve does, what parameters would he use. Nick agrees with Steve that a criteria is important, and he talks through what his criteria might be.

Nick and Mark discuss Pine Valley. Nick has never played it, but has heard it described as a 'beast'. Mark gives Nick homework to watch the drone flyover video, it's fantastic, check it out here. You might recall last week, Mark was going to play Cathedral, however the trip was cancelled due to heavy fog. Instead, he played Peninsula Kingswood South, and gives a review of the course. Short version. He loved it.

Nick and Mark discuss Rory McIlroy's win at Quail Hollow, a fantastic performance from the superstar. Nick shares his mixed memories of that course.

Mark gives an Australian Open update, which is that there is none. No state, no course, nothing locked in, state governments being frustrating. We discuss how much it would cost to ensure it's not an Australian Open 'light'. And Mark says whilst it's a big golf story, how long until it becomes a big sports story in this country. Nick and Mark discuss where it could/should be.

Mark poses his 'everyday playability' question to Nick and wants him to choose between Tara Iti or Royal Melbourne West. Nick asks for some time to consider, he'll answer at the end of the pod. And controversy in the PING global results when Nick suggests he has found a music piece to rival the intro we use. We'll play it at the end of the pod today, or see the video here.

If you have played Cottesloe recently, Nick and Mark want your feedback on how the house plays with the trees removed. Better? Worse? Top 5 from Mark on things he loves about Rory. Most are great, one is ridiculous. Nick adds 2 things he’d like Rory to change. And Mark then reveals a juicy rumour he's heard about the Strategic Sports Groups PGA investment.

We wrap the show with a masterclass from Nick on hitting a flyer effectively.

A huge thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• & the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. And we'd love you to share the pod with a friend. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a huge episode this week, so much to unpack from Valhalla. And we kick it off with 'jail confessions'. Have Nick or Mark been to prison? One has, and one nearly did. We hear the stories of what happened at the start of the pod. But then onto Scottie Scheffler. Not often you see a golf pro in prison midway through a tournament - in fact it is probably the first time ever! Nick and Mark discuss what happened and how it impacted his tournament.

But of course, whilst the Scheffler sideshow was fascinating, Xander Schauffele is the star of the week, after a huge win following a very tight finish at Valhalla. Nick and Mark discuss how he played, a few of the notable holes and shots he played. His swing changes appear to have made a difference. Tiger's performance was disappointing and both Nick and Mark found him difficult to watch, and explain why. Mark was impressed with Sam Torrance's commentating and gave him a 10/10 for his performance.

Nick found the battle between Bryson and Hovland fascinating, and Mark was impressed with Bryson's performance saying whilst he got lucky on 16, he 'cashed in' on that luck which only champions can do. Nick says whilst he's not been a huge Bryson fan, he is warming to him. Speaking of champions, Nelly Korda. Unbelievable. Nudging our own Hannah Green. Nick and Mark discuss.

Mark gets a bit Kardashian and raises a rumour he's been reading about regarding Rory McIlroy and his recently filed for divorce. Just rumours, and our lawyer Dennis Denuto has advised us to say 'allegedly' which we are definitely going with.

A great Top 5 from Nick today, he lists his Top 5 pros who have won one major, and are still looking for their 2nd. Confusion over whether it's a Top 5 or a Top 7 in classic Nick style.

Mark has an insider at LIV who has tipped him off that the Strategic Sports Group's investment in the PGA has some conditions around the 1.5billion and that the SSG have had some words to certain high profile PGA players to 'stop talking' about that money.

Lots to unpack in the PING global results this week, and Nick runs us through it all. Feedback aplenty with comments still coming in on the Top 100 list, some agreeing with Nick and Mark, and some with an alternate view. And we have a question from a listener on The Australian Open which opens a can of worms.

And thanks to the team at the new watchMynumbers app we wrap with a masterclass from Mark, inspired by Xander, on putting - specifically tapping prior to your putt, and why it works.

A big thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• and the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. And we'd love you to share the pod with a friend. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fantastic bonus episode today with one of the world's best golf coaches, who just happens to be an Aussie. Steve Bann has coached a number of superstars in world golf: Ian Baker-Finch, Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, K. J. Choi among others and has an enviable record of success. And he's a pretty handy player as well!

Nick and Mark chat with Steve about how he got into golf, despite his desire to be a rock star. He tells us about Peter Thomson and changing Ian Baker-Finch's swing, and what it was like having a front row seat to Robert Allenby's career. He also talks about why Ian Baker-Finch lost his way on the golf course and what caused it.

A big thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• and the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. And we'd love you to share the pod with a friend. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We love to receive your voicemails, some are questions for Nick and Mark, others are you simply leaving a comment or a story. So, from time to time, we'll pop a voicemail in the Talk Birdie To Me podcast feed.

Today, Damian from Melbourne has called in regarding the Top 100 discussion, he's played Cape Wickham at the weekend and has some thoughts.

If you want to leave a message for us - it's easy, head to our website here on your mobile or computer, hit the record button, tell us who you are, where you're from, where you play your golf, and leave your message. Couldn't be easier, you'll be done in 60-seconds.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here. And watchMynumbers, the powerful data-based golf app in the world - play smarter by using data. Download from the AppStore or GooglePlay.

And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and you can see all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another big episode of Talk Birdie To Me today, and we start by discussing the awful news from the weekend at Colonial with the passing of Grayson Murray. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and we hope they navigate through this terrible period with all the support they'll need. If you're struggling or need someone to talk to, you don't have to go it alone. Lifeline provide 24-hour crisis counselling on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue can help if you or a loved one need help on 1300 22 46 36. Vale Grayson.

Onto the rest of the show. Nick and Mark have come in worked up over the situation in Coffs Harbour where an 11-year old girl has been refused entry into a competition by the club. On the surface it seems ridiculous, and after a chat with Golf Australia it seems even more ridiculous. Mark says that he has 'never seen anything so stupid in all my life', and that the board at Coffs Harbour Golf Club need to 'pull their head out of their arse'. Hard to argue. It's a dreadful position to take and against the spirit of what the game is trying to do.

We discuss Colonial from the weekend, Nick and Mark were impressed with the tees and greens given they ripped up the course only a year ago. We discuss the grass they've used, it's not Pure Distinction, it's not Zoysia, but it is 007 Bentgrass. Mark is keen to see if Australian courses are considering Zoysia given it is drought-resistant and holds its colour, and Nick thinks that Mount Lawley might have put 007 in. Mark is annoyed with Richard Bland in the seniors, who knocked out a couple of Aussies - Richard Green and Greg Chalmers. We discuss how Nick and Mark use their left and right arms when putting or driving.

Fun voicemail from Chris with a comment about Cape Wickham vs Royal Melbourne. After the turn we get back to the lefty conversation with Mark counting down the best Aussie lefties.

Plenty of results from around the world, Nick runs through the PING global results.

Lots of feedback, some great questions for Nick and Mark. Keep them coming at our website here. We chat with Steven Loader who is a Director of Rich Rivers Golf Club and a pod listener, and has some thoughts on the importance of the Top 100 course list to clubs. He also gives a plug to Golf on the Murray, a great website to plan a golf trip on the Murray.

And a great Masterclass from Nick on the difference between your iron swing and driver swing.

A big thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• and the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fun bonus pod today with Aussie tennis superstar Todd Woodbridge, who is also a veeeery handy golfer.

Nick O'Hern & Mark Allen speak Todd about his commentary and how he navigates the personalities of guys like John McEnroe and Jim Courier. He tells us why he loved doubles so much.

How did Todd go from tennis commentator to game show host? And why does he feel that commentating has helped him prepare for hosting a game show. Todd talks through the audition process when he got the gig on Tipping Point.

Todd spent a lot of time with the late Payne Stewart and we hear some of those stories, and how that friendship came about, and what Payne taught him.

Todd tells us the one thing that is different about golf than any other sport and why he loves this aspect of it.

We hear how Todd and Nicks friendship came about and find out if Todd could have made it as a golfer....and we find out the superstar US golfer that Todd beat and how it happened.

And finally, in the wake of Scottie Scheffler being arrested, and Nick and Mark sharing their stories of being arrested, or close to it in Nicks case, Todd tells us about the time he was arrested in Atlanta, spent time in a jail cell, and went out the next day and played tennis in the Olympics, ultimately winning gold!

A big thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• and the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. And we'd love you to share the pod with a friend. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We always love getting voicemails, some we play on the show, some we pop in the feed here.

Lots of comments on the Coffs Harbour Golf Club decision regarding young Eden and the rules around her playing. Ed from Adelaide, who is a member at The Grange had an opinion he wanted to share.

If you want to leave a message for us - it's easy, head to our website here on your mobile or computer, hit the record button, tell us who you are, where you're from, where you play your golf, and leave your message. Couldn't be easier, you'll be done in 60-seconds.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here. And watchMynumbers, the powerful data-based golf app in the world - play smarter by using data. Download from the AppStore or GooglePlay.

And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and you can see all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We love it when we can do the pod from a golf club, and today we're in Melbourne's sandbelt at the stunning Southern Golf Club to celebrate the unveiling of a statue of the legendary Bob Shearer. It looks incredible, we've put some pics on our socials.

Nick and Mark have a couple of cracking stories about Bob, including one where Victoria Golf Course was famously deemed 'unplayable' in Round 1 of the 2002 Australian Open with Bob, Mark and Richard Ball. Mark explains what happens to them all on the tee to cause the days play to be cancelled, leading to that famous picture of Peter Thomson dropping the ball to check the green. It was quite a dark day for Australian golf.

After the turn we chat with the head honch at Southern, Brad Robb, and find out the backstory and hear some more stories about Bob.

Onto some golf news from the past week. Minjee Lee. We love her so it was disappointing to see her fall away in the US Open at the weekend. She was doing so well, but then a rough few holes knocked her out of contention. However credit to Yuka Saso who played beautifully to win the tournament.

What kind of Chair will Ian Baker-Finch make? Nick and Mark discuss what the PGA of Australia need, and what his style might be.

Nick loved the story of Robert MacIntyre winning the Canadian Open at the weekend, with his Dad Dougie as his caddie. Great scenes, plenty of emotion. Fantastic stuff.

We call pod listener Pete from Western Australia, who has a comment of some recent advice that Mark Allen gave here. Pete tells us the impact that it has had on his game. It's a ripping story.

After the turn we have a chat with Brad Robb, the General Manager at Southern Golf Club. He talks us through how the statue of Bob Shearer came about, who they commissioned to design it and why, and some of the work they've been doing on the course to make it even better. Southern have been working with our mate Mike Cocking at OCM which means you know the outcome will be stunning.

Nick counts down his Top 5 divorces in golf. One may surprise you.

Plenty of feedback, lots on young Eden from Coffs Harbour, far too much to read out, but we touch on a couple. And a couple of great questions for Nick and Mark.

Nick takes us around the world with the PING global results, and for our mates at the new watchMynumbers app, Mark has a masterclass inspired by Minjee Lee and something he saw her doing in the US Open.

A big thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• and the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

Subscribe to never miss a Talk Birdie To Me ep. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, send a voicemail here, and see our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plenty of feedback on socials on the Coffs Harbour situation, and another voicemail about it from fomer tour pro Scotty Laycock from Royal Hobart.

If you want to leave a voicemail - it's easy, head to our website here on your mobile or computer, hit the record button, tell us who you are, where you're from, where you play your golf, and leave your message. Couldn't be easier, you'll be done in 60-seconds.

We're here each week with the great support of PING, see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting. Just like they have with Nick O'Hern, PING will help you play your best. And the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them instore in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here. And watchMynumbers, the powerful data-based golf app in the world - play smarter by using data. Download from the AppStore or GooglePlay.

And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and you can see all our Masterclass videos on YouTube here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.