State of the Game

Hosted ByRod Morri, Geoff Shackelford and Mike Clayton

State of the Game was one of the first and is still considered one of the best golf podcasts in the world. Hosted by respected blogger and Golf Channel regular Geoff Shackelford, former European Tour player turned course architect Mike Clayton and long time golf writer Rod Morri this is ‘the golf podcast that talks about stuff that matters.’

State of the Game was one of the first and is still considered one of the best golf podcasts in the world. Hosted by respected blogger and Golf Channel regular Geoff Shackelford, former European Tour player turned course architect Mike Clayton and long time golf writer Rod Morri this is ‘the golf podcast that talks about stuff that matters.’

 


All Episodes

SOG 130: Frank Nobilo

TV commentators get their fair share of criticism but few can take issue with New Zealand’s Frank Nobilo who joins episode 130 of State of the Game. Nobilo is as thoughtful and articulate as any analyst in the business and he’s also not afraid to speak his mind on everything from ‘rollback’ (he doesn’t like the term) to his controversial belief that golfers are overpaid. There’s also a bonus Mac O’Grady story in this episode for those who are into that sort of thing.

SOG 129: The Politics of Public Golf with Dan Andrews

Public golf facilities around the world are under pressure as a recent announcement to shut down half of Moore Park in Sydney, one of the nation’s busiest public courses, proves. So what are the politics of public golf in a world where cities face increasing housing pressure? Former Victorian Premier and avid golfer Dan Andrews joins the pod to discuss how golf can better make its case in the debate over how we use our public space.

SOG 128: Digging Deeper on Saudi Arabia with Dr Joshua Ralston

LIV Golf has brought Saudi Arabia into sharp focus for golf and golfers but how much do we really know about the Kingdom and how it works? Dr Joshua Ralston from the Edinburgh University School of Divinity joins the pod to discuss some of the big, ethical questions facing golf.

SOG 127: WTF Is Going On?

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.

SOG 126: Grab A Drink Because This One Is All About The Ball

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.

SOG 125: It’s Been A While

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.

SOG 117: Golf’s Hot Mess: Greg Norman, Saudi Arabia, The PGL and the PGA Tour

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.

SOG Ep 116: So Yeon Ryu

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.

SOG 115:Ryder Cup Preview With Andrew Coltart

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.