345: Wright Thompson on Augusta’s New Muni, St. Andrews & Why Golf Matters

Wright Thompson joins The Smylie Show to discuss his new ESPN series Where It Lies, including Episode 3 featuring Augusta's beloved municipal golf course, The Patch.

Wright shares stories from Augusta, St. Andrews, municipal golf around America, and why golf courses create communities unlike any other place. The conversation explores the soul of the game, the importance of public golf, junior development, unforgettable golf characters, and why golf remains stronger than all the forces trying to commercialize it.

Plus, Wright reflects on years covering The Open Championship, his favorite golf destinations, and the relationships that make golf special.

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00:00:18 Intro
00:01:30 Wright Thompson & ESPN's "Where It Lies"
00:03:30 The Patch & Augusta's Municipal Golf Revival
00:07:15 The Characters That Make Munis Special
00:11:10 Wright's Daughter Falls in Love with Golf
00:14:30 Legendary Clubhouse Meals & Open Championship Stories
00:16:45 Why Golf Communities Feel Different
00:20:00 The Difference Between Loving Golf & Selling Golf
00:22:45 Future Stars, Local Legends & Muni Lore
00:24:30 The Blue Foot Creative Process
00:27:30 Wright's Municipal Golf Mount Rushmore
00:31:05 Ole Miss vs LSU & SEC Football
00:34:00 Final Thoughts

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