Golf And Politics

By: Reach Right Network
  • Summary

  • Is it possible to bring Republicans and Democrats together? Maybe. Rob Ellsworth, Matt Parker and Cory Toth grew up in the upper Ohio Valley playing junior golf, and today they all work in politics. Rob is a Democratic lobbyist, Matt is a Republican strategist, and Cory is a refining and petrochemical lobbyist. While they rarely all see eye-to-eye on politics, they wholeheartedly agree that golf is the greatest game ever invented and are passionate about expanding it.
    Reach Right Network
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Episodes
  • Episode 35 - PGA Championships to Municipal Golf with Legendary Southern Hills GM Nick Sidorakis
    Jan 29 2025
    Join us for an exclusive conversation with Nick Sidorakis, former GM of Southern Hills Country Club, as he shares insights from nearly three decades at one of America’s most prestigious clubs. From hosting the 2022 PGA Championship to revitalizing Tulsa’s public golf courses, Nick reveals the art of golf course management, the politics of major tournaments, and the culture of the game across the globe. Key Highlights: How Southern Hills became a PGA Championship hub. The impact of public-private partnerships in municipal golf. Stories of golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. The artistry of golf course design and renovation. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Episode 34 - 9 Holes 9 Questions: Navigating Faith and Politics with Pastor Jeremy Fair
    Jan 24 2025
    Episode Description: In this episode of Golf and Politics, host Matt Parker hits the back nine of his home course with Pastor Jeremy Fair of Christ Presbyterian Church to discuss the intersection of faith, politics, and personal growth—all while enjoying a round of golf. They explore how the game reveals deeper truths about life, the evolving role of the church in today's political climate, and the challenges pastors face when faith and politics collide. Plus, thoughts on hot-button issues like gender, public policy, and whether Bibles should be mandated in public schools. Key Topics: How golf serves as a ministry tool. Should pastors endorse political candidates from the pulpit? The church’s response to cultural hot topics. The future of faith in a politically charged society. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    45 mins
  • Episode 33 - Geoff Shackelford’s Unfiltered Takes on Golf Architecture, PGA v. LIV, and Politics
    Jan 22 2025
    In this episode of Golf and Politics, hosts Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth are joined by a special-guest co-host, course rater and golf architecture enthusiast, Jake Marvin as they welcome renowned golf writer and architecture expert Geoff Shackelford to discuss the evolving landscape of golf and its intersection with politics. The conversation dives into the impact of modern technology on golf course design, the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, and how public and private courses are adapting to economic and environmental changes. Geoff provides expert insights on course restoration efforts, the growing popularity of minimalist designs, and the role of walking in enhancing the golfing experience. Beyond golf architecture, the discussion explores how politics influence the game, including Donald Trump’s impact on professional golf and how political polarization is shaping public perception of the sport. The episode also covers the new Trump administration’s proposed policies and how they may affect course construction, labor availability, and the efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in golf. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or politically engaged listener, this episode offers a compelling look at how the sport and politics intersect in unexpected ways. Key Takeaways: Donald Trump’s Influence on Golf’s Global Landscape: The episode explores how Trump's involvement in the sport has impacted professional tours, course developments, and the political perception of golf. The Evolution of Golf Course Architecture: Modern golf design trends are shifting back to strategic, minimalist layouts that challenge players while preserving the integrity of classic courses. Economic and Political Policies Shape Golf’s Future: Tariffs, immigration policies, and economic regulations are influencing everything from course construction costs to labor availability in the industry. The Role of Walking in Golf: Shackelford discusses how walking courses enhances the golfing experience, contributing to a better understanding of course strategy, fitness, and overall enjoyment. Technology's Impact on the Game: Advancements in golf equipment have significantly altered how courses are played, with Shackelford emphasizing the need to adapt course designs to maintain the challenge and appeal of the game. The Importance of Course Restoration: Preserving the original vision of legendary architects like Alister MacKenzie and Donald Ross is essential to maintaining the unique character of historic courses. Get the full video version: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJlYfWps6ip7PQvHzniDfw Listen to the audio version: https://link.chtbl.com/CtYwP8fV Join the email list to be notified about the latest episodes: https://golfandpolitics.com
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    1 hr and 55 mins

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