Korn Ferry Tour rookie, Ryan Gerard, successfully Monday qualified for the Honda Classic and spent much of the tournament in contention. He finished solo 4th on Sunday earning a massive paycheck, temporary special member points, and a spot in the Puerto Rico Open. Gerard talks about the pressure, the performance and what it means to his career. 

The hits kept coming for Austen Truslow. After contending in multiple Korn Ferry Tour events, he has battled through a series of unfortunate events that left him sidelined for 21 months. In his first competitive round back, he successfully Monday Qualified for the Sony Open this week. Ryan speaks to Austen as Austen prepares for the first round in Oahu, Hawaii. 

Ryan French revisits some of his favorite interviews from 2022. This year end episode features clips from the most insightful and entertaining interviews of The Grind. A 16-for-1 playoff, Patrick "Mr. Monday Q" Flavin, golf's most entertaining personalities, the golf scandal of the year, and more. Happy New Year!  

Alistair Docherty and Brady Calkins were triumphant at final stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q school, earning guaranteed starts for next season. The two discuss Q school, reflect on the journey, share stories of celebration, and look forward to the first events of the new year. 

Brandon Mathews is one of the longest players in professional golf. He and wife Danielle discuss Brandon's first year on the PGA Tour, hitting bombs and honeymooning at the Sanderson Farms Championship. 

The pressures of stardom, self-care and empowerment: Jensen Castle joins The Grind for a candid conversation about the transformative year after her 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur victory. She explains why her story is more than the No. 63 seed and other revelations that followed the hardest week of her career. 

PGA Tour member Robert Garrigus is known for his unfiltered, blunt honesty. In this episode he calls players out, talks LIV and PGA Tour leadership, tells wild stories, and discusses the future of the professional game. 

Professional golfer Mark Baldwin recently traveled to first stage of DP World Tour Q-School in Denmark. He wrote about the sights, recorded the sounds and compiled the experience into this special pod. Enjoy a trip to one of the world's happiest countries. 

In this very special Grind crossover event, Alan Shipnuck is joined by Ryan French and Michael Bamberger to discuss Kim’s emergence as a budding superstar, as well as Eugenio Lopez-Chicarra’s win at LIV and what that means for the competition for young talent. Ryan brings to life his scoop on how the MENA Tour stiffed its players and what that means for LIV. They also riff on everyone from Frank Lickliter to Peter Thomson and its a delightfully discursive conversation.

Guest host, Jordan Perez, invites Jeff Johnston, father and founder of Living Undeterred, a nonprofit dedicated to combatting two crises: substance abuse and mental health. Johnston lost his son Seth and wife Prudence to substance abuse and is devoted to destigmatizing and uplifting those surrounding these issues.  This summer, Jeff embarked on a 95-day roadtrip with his sons Ian and Roman. Ian, a college golfer at South Dakota, sells streetwear and donates a part of his profits to the nonprofit. Jeff shares more about his why and shares tales from the road.

Ryan French speaks with Matt Moroz, a professional golfer disqualified from Q-School after a series of strange and unlikely events. 

The Pre-Qualifying Stage at Korn Ferry Tour Q-School is usually uneventful. The name of the game is to survive the preliminary stage and advance. In one particular group however, the final day became something wild and contentious and ultimately led to one player's disqualification. In this episode, host Ryan French listens to two different sides of the crazy story from a player in the group, and the caddie of the disqualified player.

Guest host, Jordan Perez, got a chance to catch up with semifinalist Derek Hitchner, a fifth-year at Pepperdine whose successes in golf have been a bit of an uphill battle. Growing up in Minnesota, Derek spent a lot of his junior career overlooked but landed an offer from Pepperdine. Initially, Derek didn’t receive a ton of playing opportunities – including having been left out of the National Championship team lineup in 2021, but ever since his game has only blossomed. We talk overcoming that, his week at the U.S. Amateur, and his mastery at not just match play, but Catan. Yes, the board game Catan. 

Parker McLachlin has been everywhere in the game, from mini tours to the PGA Tour winner's circle. He's an inventor, a businessman and now known as The Short Game Chef. Parker discusses his career, winning on Tour, the swing yips, and his new project building wedges with Titleist. 

Chris Naegel, who had Monday qualified four times in the last five weeks, missed by one at the Wyndham Monday Q. That is when his week got interesting. His wait to see if he if he was in the KFT finals has been a roller coaster. Listen what it’s been like to be in, out, in, out and possibly back in again.

Host Ryan French recounts an eventful return to his hometown city championship with friend and Tour player, Mark Baldwin, caddying. Thanks GolfTec for their support.  Check out their August Sale. Up to 20% off on lessons. 

Ryan French and Mark Baldwin give their instant reactions to making the cut at the 2022 Barracuda Championship. Mark's round started fast with a chip in eagle on hole 2. The guys also discuss the decision to go for the green on the par-4, 16th hole while on the cut line.  Follow along at www.firepitcollective.com

On this episode of the Grind, we talk with Mark Baldwin about the struggles during the first round of the Barracuda. We are also joined by the long-time social media director of the Korn Ferry Tour, Kevin Prise.  Mark discusses his round and whether it's more frustrating not to play well or to be playing well and not get anything out of it. And his plan going into tomorrow well off the cut line. We also talk about a couple of important moments in the round.  Kevin, a golf nerd like me, talks about his love for opposite-field events. He also talks about the worst hotel he has ever stayed.

The Live podcast that wasn’t live. We planned to have a live video podcast, but it didn’t work, so we did the next best thing.  Justin Lower is one of my favorite people in golf. He was eating lunch in player dining when Mark asked if he would join us for a podcast. He, of course, did and, as always, had such great answers.  Last week at the Barbasol Championship, he was four off the cut line with just five holes to go. All he did was birdie four of the last five to make the cut on the number. He followed that up with a pair of 66s and the best finish of his PGA Tour career. He discussed with us what that finish could mean to his career. He also dropped some huge personal news.  We were also joined by Army veteran Hagan Parkman, who works on the social media team on the Korn Ferry Tour. She tells about her unusual path to loving the game of golf.  Please give it a listen! 

We have all sat down and watched a Tour event. Most of us never think for a second about the logistics and planning that go into it. The entire year was spent planning for four days. On this week's episode of "The Grind," we talk with Chris Hoff, the Tournament Director of the Barracuda Championship. Hoff covered many topics, including, what defines a successful event, how a course is chosen, and what a perfect Sunday looks like. We also discussed how the Barracuda markets itself with the challenges of being an opposite-field event.   It all looks so simple on TV, but it's a culmination of a year of work—the inside info on the life of a tournament director.

Seven of the most prestigious men's amateur golf events have united to form the Elite Amateur Golf Series, a summer-long race to USGA and pro exemptions for its top five finishers. Jordan Perez chats with co-founder Andy Priest of the Southern Golf Association to learn more about the formation, how the series works, if LIV Golf exemptions could be in its future, and more.

Patrick Flavin made the most of his sponsor exemption into the John Deere Classic finishing tied for 10th and locking up a spot in the Korn Ferry Tour Finals series. Not long ago, he had missed advancing through second stage of Q-School and was staring down a season on the Latin America Tour. Patrick discusses a magical Sunday playing with Zach Johnson and an incredible back nine run that secured him the best finish of his career. 

Longtime PGA Tour member Robert Garrigus was the first reported player to ask for a waiver from the PGA Tour to play in a LIV event. Much has changed since. Professional golf has been deeply shaken and Garrigus discusses all of it openly and unfiltered. 

Hayden Buckley is T-3 and one stroke behind the leaders heading into the weekend at the 122nd US Open at The Country Club. Last year, after his unlikely win on the Korn Ferry Tour, Hayden spoke with Ryan French. Given his incredible rise and relevance in the moment, Ryan revists that interview with Hayden, providing context for how he made it to the top of the US Open leaderboard. 

We check in with Hayden Springer who joined The Grind from a PGA Tour Latinoamerica event in Colombia. He discusses travel, his solid recent play and his daughter's health condition.  

Jordan Perez caught up with the top-ranked amateur ahead of the 42nd Curtis Cup at Merion Golf Club. Rose opens up about her incredible freshman year and the attention that has come with it. 

The NCAA's burgeoning mental health crisis is a cause for concern in every sport, but what does it mean for college golf? Fire Pit Collective's Jordan Perez sat down with Mike Clark, a sport psychologist at the University of Arizona, to explore the question. 

In part two, Dustin Manning attempts to explain how the financial health of the Big Money Classic fell apart. Dustin agreed to speak to host Ryan French, in an unedited interview, about the distressed history of the operation and how it all went wrong. 

Dustin Manning founded and operated the Big Money Classic, a mini tour event that promised a big return to tournament contenders, but didn't deliver. Dustin agreed to speak to host Ryan French, in an unedited interview, about the distressed history of the operation and how it all went wrong. Part 1 of 2. 

Rob Labritz was a lifelong club professional who had the dream of winning a PGA Tour card. After a career of giving lessons and running his club's golf operations, he achieved what he had long visualized at Champions Tour Q-School and won. Rob reflects on his journey in this uplifting pod. 

Daniela Iacobelli is the all-time leading money winner on the Epson Tour. She is a 3 time winner who has played multiple seasons on the LPGA Tour. More importantly, she is one of the most fun and entertaining personalities in the game. She shares hilarious stories from the road and discusses her strong recent play. 

JJ Killeen is many things: former PGA Tour player, club pro, podcast host, social media star, beer aficionado and now, course developer. JJ discusses his role in developing Red Feather Golf Course in Lubbock, Texas, his upcoming start in the Byron Nelson Classic, and rates an assortment of beers sent by host Ryan French. 

One year ago, Ben Griffin was a mortgage loan officer. Now, he is on the verge of earning a PGA Tour card. Ryan French talks to Ben about an amazing year. 

Golf Sponsorship company, Carry, is attempting to democratize golf sponsorship for aspiring Tour professionals. Carry CEO, Donnie Dotson and professional golfer Matt Picanso join the pod to discuss how the company works. 

Willy Wilcox has struggled with a drug addiction for 20 years. He tried what his friends called “birdie pills” for the first time when he was 15. Since then he has used most hard-core drugs that you can think of, has overdosed multiple times, and somehow for a couple years was one of the best ball strikers in the entire world. Willy takes us through his battle with addiction while being a member of the PGA Tour. As he fights to stay clean, he shares his story as a message to others who might be struggling. If you are anyone you know are struggling please visit:  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/  

After losing his Korn Ferry Tour status and missing at 2nd Stage of Q-School, Patrick Flavin Monday qualified for the PGA Tour's Butterfield Bermuda Championship. With Patrick's Dad Mark on the bag, the duo were in contention on Sunday, leading to nearly enough non-member points to change the course of Patrick's career. Patrick and Mark join The Grind to discuss recent success and the highs and lows of the chase. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

West Florida Golf Tour President and Tournament Director Christian Bartolacci discusses the state of developmental tour golf and how to improve the system. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

2002 PLAYERS Champion and current Golf Channel commentator, Craig Perks, reflects on his win 20 years ago and the ups and downs of his career. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ryan sits down with Brett Graff and Geoff Lofstead of the South Florida PGA section, to discuss the recent 16 for 1 playoff at the Honda Monday Q and all the considerations of operating a PGA Tour qualifier. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ryan French and Mark Baldwin recap what it was like to shoot a third round 66 and make the cut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ryan French sits down with Mark Baldwin after the completion of his first round at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This is the first episode of the week that is the AT&T Pro-am. As Mark Baldwin starts his week in Pebble Beach and prepares for the AT&T Pebble Beach pro-am, he and I talk about what led up to this point. What began with sleepless nights waiting for the decision of whether he would get an exemption to the excitement of getting it. Mark discusses his goals for the week and finding the balance of enjoying such a fantastic opportunity and not forgetting this is a workweek.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

A collection of all the best clips from the past season of Any Given Monday. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In this special holiday Any Given Monday, we compiled a handful of the best stories from qualifiers around the country. Various guests tell hilarious and wild tales of massive playoffs, drug use, strange attire choices and crazy breaks, which make qualifiers so unique and memorable. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

It's been a long and difficult road back to golf for Brett White, who was diagnosed with brain encephalitis and underwent surgery in 2017. At the time, Brett had been playing well on PGA Tour Latinoamerica and just finished 2nd at the New Hampshire Open. In this special Any Given Monday episode, Brett talks about losing control of his body before realizing his dire circumstances and his incredible and successful climb back through 2021 Korn Ferry Tour Q-School. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Jim Knous (Hard K) is a PGA Tour player who recently had 2 events to save his status after coming back from a medical extension. Jim discusses what a medical leave from the PGA Tour means and the improvable finishes that saved his job. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Zack Fischer is the only professional player to ever win Korn Ferry Tour Q-School Final Stage twice. After losing his KFT status and spending the past few seasons trying to fight his way back, Zack returned to Q-School Finals in Savannah in November where he battled through the cold, wet elements to win Q-School again. Zack talks about his journey, his support system and his win. Intro Music "Triumphant Return" by Youtube Studio creator Audionautix Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Callum Tarren has earned his PGA Tour card after a long journey that began in England, took him all over China and onto America. In this episode, Callum discusses crossing many time zones in search of achieving his dream, stories from the journey and what it means to be a new parent and PGA Tour card holder. Callum's fiancee is a pilates instructor who gives online consultations and teaches classes in her studio. Find out more about the strong Mama at www.pilatesguru.co.uk or on IG, at @ashleigh_mckenna Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Host Ryan French has often referred to Mark Anguiano as the best professional golfer without status. Mark changed that recently when he made it through 2nd stage of Q-School and reflects on what it means to finally regain KFT status. Mark discusses his plan for final stage and how a COVID year changed his perspective on golf. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Host Ryan French speaks with 2 different Korn Ferry Tour members detailing the specific costs of chasing golf's highest level. This episode is a detailed look at how much it costs to play professional golf. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com