Between long commutes, I’ve been listening to a lot more golf podcasts lately—and some have truly elevated my appreciation for the game. Whether you’re obsessed with golf course design, enjoy sharp Ryder Cup debates, or just want to laugh at the latest PGA Tour antics, these are the five podcasts that keep me coming back. Each brings something different, and I’ve included recent episode details and standout YouTube links to help you jump in.
1. Fore Play (Barstool Sports)
Best for: Tour drama, big-name interviews, Ryder Cup takes
Style: Candid, unfiltered, highly entertaining
Hosts: Riggs, Frankie, Trent, and Dan
If you like your golf content with a strong shot of personality, Fore Play is the loudest, loosest, and most entertaining podcast out there. The Barstool guys bring a young and often irreverent take on golf, but they back it up with surprisingly thoughtful insights and top-tier access to PGA Tour stars. Whether they’re talking about playing Pine Valley with Brooks Koepka or navigating a heated debate on Ryder Cup team chemistry, there’s never a dull moment.
Their recent episodes show a solid mix of storytelling and debate. A June 24 episode spotlighted Keegan Bradley’s emotional Travelers win and speculation on whether he could be the first player-captain since Arnold Palmer. On June 26, hockey personality Paul Bissonnette joined to debate golf’s Mount Rushmore and LIV’s long-term effect on the sport. And most recently, on July 1, the crew broke down sneaky TOUR winners like Chris Kirk and playfully crafted updated Ryder Cup rosters, offering unique insight into team dynamics.
2. The Fried Egg Podcast
Best for: Golf course architecture, major previews, design deep-dives
Style: Intellectual, precise, architecture-forward
Host: Andy Johnson (with regular contributors like Joseph LaMagna)
The Fried Egg Podcast is the gold standard for thoughtful golf conversation. It’s especially beloved by fans of course design, tournament setup, and architecture history. Andy Johnson brings deep research and calm, smart commentary to every conversation. You won’t find hot takes here—just well-crafted discussions on what makes the game beautiful and challenging.
Their most recent episodes have been some of their best. On June 25, Andy and Joseph ranked past U.S. Open venues, debated the hiring of Brian Rolapp as PGA Tour CEO, and predicted which pros must shine at the Open Championship. On June 16, Andy and Trevor Immelman broke down how J.J. Spaun conquered Oakmont in tough Sunday conditions. A week earlier, 2006 U.S. Open champ Geoff Ogilvy offered a masterclass on what makes Oakmont special and how players must prepare mentally and physically for it. If you want to better understand the course under your feet—or dream of walking Oakmont, Pinehurst, or Shinnecock—this is your listen.
3. GOLF’s Subpar
Best for: Player interviews, funny stories, and candid locker room insight
Style: Lighthearted, conversational, player-driven
Hosts: Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz
GOLF’s Subpar brings PGA Tour personalities to the forefront in a format that feels like grabbing a drink after a round. Colt Knost (former Tour winner) and Drew Stoltz (“The Sleaze”) use their own tour experience and friendships to get top pros to open up in ways you won’t hear elsewhere. It’s not about stats—it’s about stories.
Their most recent run of episodes has been a masterclass in laid-back, insider access. On June 24, Tony Finau joined the show to reflect on his time away from the winner’s circle and his mindset heading into the FedEx Cup Playoffs. A week earlier, Luke Donald shared what it’s like preparing Team Europe for Bethpage Black, giving an inside look at Ryder Cup captain duties. And on July 1, Tom Kim brought both humor and humility to his recap of learning links golf the hard way ahead of The Open.
If you want the most entertaining takes from the locker room and the range, this is your go-to. It’s like being on the team bus—without having to hit a single fairway.
4. The Smylie Show
Best for: Behind-the-ropes access, player stories, tour life
Style: Conversational, laid-back, tour-connected
Host: Smylie Kaufman, with co-host Charlie Hulme
Former PGA Tour player Smylie Kaufman has carved out an authentic space in the golf podcasting world. His player friendships and media experience give him the best of both worlds—access and polish. Co-host Charlie Hulme adds chemistry and insight, making the show feel like a candid locker room hangout.
Recent episodes have focused on both inside scoop and Ryder Cup speculation. On June 26, they reacted to Collin Morikawa’s tense exchange with a reporter and broke down Ryder Cup locks and bubble players for both teams. On June 23, they debated whether Keegan Bradley could select himself as a captain’s pick, while welcoming Golf Magazine’s James Colgan to analyze CEO Brian Rolapp’s NFL-style leadership. A June 19 show featuring Dan Hicks and Kevin Kisner recapped the U.S. Open from the broadcast booth—complete with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and reflections on Spaun’s winning moment. Fans who love human drama and player psychology will especially enjoy this pod.
5. Top 100 Clubhouse
Best for: Architecture lovers, golf travel planners, bucket-list chasers
Style: Aspirational, review-driven, design-focused
Hosts: James and Jasper, passionate course reviewers
Top 100 Clubhouse is a dream for those who love to talk architecture, travel to elite destinations, and break down what makes a course Top 100 material. James and Jasper bring warmth and rigor to their reviews—whether they’re discussing renovations in Scotland or interviews with modern course architects.
Their latest episodes reflect their global curiosity. On June 30, architect Christian Lundin discussed his work on Crownwood Club in Sweden and redesigns in Scotland with Henrik Stenson. Earlier in June, they reviewed every course built in Scotland since the 1990s, highlighting which new links deserve international acclaim. Their June 2 episode previewed the U.S. Open at Oakmont, focusing on course setup, green speeds, and the profile of a player who can survive that historic beast. If you build travel itineraries around fairways and bunkers, this one’s a must.
Final Thoughts
With more time on the road lately, these podcasts have become part of my weekly routine. Whether I’m laughing with the Barstool guys, absorbing Andy Johnson’s architecture insights, or learning about tour life from Smylie Kaufman, there’s always something to take away. They make the game feel deeper, more personal, and more connected. If you’re not already tuning in, give one of these a shot—there’s no better way to make the most of your time between tee times.
David is an avid golfer who loves walking Connecticut’s courses and playing alongside his family. He’s passionate about golf course architecture and one day hopes to play at Pebble Beach.
