Despite almost no detail of how it will play out the announcement by the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund that they have ceased legal hostilities and will instead join forces has rocked the golf world. What does it mean? Who knows but there is much to speculate on. It’s also not the only thing happening in the golf world with a most intriguing US Open coming up at LACC next week and co host Geoff Shackelford’s latest book being released.

It’s taken 126 episodes and lord knows how much drinking by you, the loyal SOG listeners, but finally the USGA and R and A have listened and the ball is going to be rolled back. Sure it’s not enough and of course it’s too late but it’s a step in the right direction and that’s cause for celebration.

Even for State of the Game it’s been a long break and even for us it’s a long episode. But there was a lot to get through with Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton on Episode 125 including (but not limited to) The Australian Summer of Golf, LIV, the changing nature of digital media, how architecture has become more mainstream and plenty more as well. There’s also some chat about Geoff’s upcoming book Golf Architecture For Normal People which you can pre order at the links below.

Having trouble keeping up with who’s who and what’s what in the tumultuous world of rival golf leagues? Join the club. Thankfully, State of the Game co-host Geoff Shackelford is across it all as he joins Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to explain the evolving world Golf Order, the green reading book ban and the intriguing Sandbelt Invitational.

In a world of all too often non-descript players, Korea’s So Yeon Ryu stands out. Intelligent, thoughtful, eloquent and funny – all in a second language – what a treat it was to welcome the former World Number One to episode 116 alongside Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri.

It’s that time in the golf cycle again….the interminable wait for the Ryder Cup to get underway. With a week and a bit to go before the first ball is struck former European Tour player now Sky Sorts commentator Andrew Coltart joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk all things Whistling Straits and more.

McKellar Magazine co-founder Lawrence Donegan joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to talk about his recent trip to Scotland, the performance of his son Niall at the British Boys Championship, the success and future of McKellar magazine and more. And there’s a special reward for those who stick around till the end, after you hear it click the link below and enjoy.

For just the second time in its 12-year history, State of the Game bears an ‘Explicit’ badge this week. Why, you ask? You’ll need to listen to find out but among the topics covered are: Is ‘Strategic Alliance’ really just code for a PGA Tour takeover of the European Tour? And if so, is that a bad thing? One of sports business’ best analysts Richard Gillis joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri on Episode 113 to dissect what’s happening at the top end of professional golf.

Washington journalist and golf nut Arthur MacMillan joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri to chat Premier Golf League, Jon Rahm and Covid, the US Open and plenty more.

The impact of Hideki’s win in his homeland and the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program. Plenty to talk about when eight time major winning caddy and Japan resident Tom Watson joins Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri for Episode 111 of State of the Game.