346: PGA TOUR’s Massive 2028 Shakeup: Two Tier System Explained
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme react to the PGA TOUR’s newly announced 2028 competitive structure, including the Championship Series, Challenger Series, promotion and relegation, minimum purse changes, no sponsor exemptions in top-tier events, and a revamped fall “last chance” series.The guys break down what this means for players, sponsors, fans, Korn Ferry Tour graduates, DP World Tour pathways, and the future of the FedExCup Playoffs — including the possibility of a rotating, match-play Tour Championship at some of golf’s most iconic venues.CHAPTERS00:00:57 — PGA TOUR’s 2028 shakeup00:02:23 — Smylie’s first reaction to Brian Rolapp’s plan00:04:52 — Why the two-tier model makes sense00:07:08 — What it means for players and purses00:13:26 — Can stars still play hometown events?00:15:17 — Midseason promotion and smaller fields00:18:18 — Why schedule clarity matters00:24:19 — Is this better for mid-tier PGA TOUR players?00:28:36 — No sponsor exemptions in Championship Series00:31:39 — “Last chance” fall series explained00:38:40 — Match play and the future playoffs00:42:58 — Pine Valley, Cypress Point, Seminole rumors00:49:23 — Could elite private clubs actually host?00:53:18 — Why match play can work anywhere00:55:36 — Why 2027 suddenly matters more#golf #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #pgatour #pgatournews #golfrecap #golfhighlights
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.Subscribe to The Smylie Show and follow our socials @thesmylieshow for more PGA TOUR analysis, player insight, and weekly golf conversation. ⛳️ 📺00:00:18 Intro00:01:30 Wright Thompson & ESPN's "Where It Lies"00:03:30 The Patch & Augusta's Municipal Golf Revival00:07:15 The Characters That Make Munis Special00:11:10 Wright's Daughter Falls in Love with Golf00:14:30 Legendary Clubhouse Meals & Open Championship Stories00:16:45 Why Golf Communities Feel Different00:20:00 The Difference Between Loving Golf & Selling Golf00:22:45 Future Stars, Local Legends & Muni Lore00:24:30 The Blue Foot Creative Process00:27:30 Wright's Municipal Golf Mount Rushmore00:31:05 Ole Miss vs LSU & SEC Football00:34:00 Final Thoughts#golf #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #wrightthompson #golfchannel
344: Wyndham Clark Survives Shinnecock to Win His 2nd U.S. Open
Wyndham Clark is a two-time U.S. Open champion.Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme recap the final round from Shinnecock Hills, where Clark survived a chaotic Sunday, a charging Sam Burns, a final pairing with Scottie Scheffler, and a hostile New York crowd to claim his second major championship.Smylie was inside the ropes with the final group all day and breaks down the shots that decided the championship: Scottie’s slow start, Wyndham’s short-game saves, the massive birdie at 16, Sam Burns’ near-misses on 17 and 18, and how Shinnecock Hills played across four demanding rounds.The guys also debate the course setup, fan behavior toward Wyndham Clark, what this win means for his legacy, the leaderboard names who made a jump, and Rory McIlroy skipping the Travelers.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome from Shinnecock01:55 Smylie inside the final group06:09 Scottie’s Sunday start10:47 Wyndham’s early battle13:18 The key moment at No. 519:00 Wyndham and Scottie at 1020:40 Why No. 11 is elite23:27 Sam Burns makes his charge27:46 Wyndham’s huge break at 1629:07 Did Shinnecock get the setup right?36:03 Fan treatment of Wyndham Clark50:01 Leaderboard quick hitters57:11 Rory skips Travelers01:03:40 Final thoughts from U.S. Open week#golf #usopen #wyndhamclark #golfrecap #smylieshow
343: Saturday at the U.S. Open: Can Anyone Catch Wyndham Clark?
Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are on-site at 18th green at Shinnecock Hills - with the historic clubhouse as a backdrop - to recap Round 3 of the U.S. Open, where Wyndham Clark built a commanding six-shot lead heading into Sunday.The two break down Wyndham’s clutch putting, his massive eagle on 16, and how the wind and course setup shaped Moving Day at Shinnecock. Smylie and Charlie also discuss the blockbuster final group pairing alongside Scottie Scheffler, and what Scottie needs to do in order to mount a comeback and win a career Grand Slam.Plus, TSS producer Jaxon Brown joins from behind the camera with boots-on-the-ground thoughts on Theegala/Burns group, spectator vibes, and the best shots he saw Saturday.And stay tuned for our full recap tomorrow night from the 126th U.S. Open!CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome from 18 green at Shinnecock02:19 Wyndham’s clutch putting clinic04:36 The eagle shot that may define the tournament06:24 Wind, firmness, and Shinnecock’s brutal setup08:26 Sunday pressure: Wyndham vs. Scottie11:34 Did Wyndham benefit from the draw?12:55 Scottie’s Grand Slam chase, birthday & Father’s Day14:16 Jaxon joins from behind the camera15:15 Sahith Theegala and Sam Burns’ boring-good golf16:14 On-site crowd vibes at Shinnecock17:41 Wire-to-wire U.S. Open trivia20:21 SK Fit Check: Keith Mitchell vs. Justin Thomas21:31 Final predictions for Sunday#golf #usopen #shinnecock #wyndhamclark #scottiescheffler #smylieshow #smyliekaufman
342: Friday at the U.S. Open: Will Shinnecock Hills Play Harder This Weekend?
From the bleachers at the 16th green, Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme rehash the second day of play at Shinnecock Hills - with a leading score of 7-under halfway through the U.S. Open.Was the setup too easy? Will it get harder this weekend? We read some differences of opinion on that topic from several players near the top of the leaderboard, plus Smylie's thoughts on the Saturday and Sunday setup.Plus - we discuss Joaquin Niemann's two-shot penalty for throwing a sand wedge + missed cuts for Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.Check out our conversation with tournament leader Wyndham Clark on Monday: https://youtu.be/vkSIcRM1U0IAnd stay tuned for weekend recaps at the 126th U.S. Open!CHAPTERS:0:00 Day 2 Complete at Shinnecock1:01 T-Mobile Range Cast Trivia2:22 Joaquin Niemann's Wild Penalty & Recovery5:04 Will the USGA Firm Up Shinnecock?7:35 Is This Playing More Like an Open Championship?9:53 Matt Fitzpatrick's Ridiculous Short Game11:14 Wyndham Clark Takes Command14:18 Xander Schauffele Looming15:33 Smylie's Inside-the-Ropes Scottie Story17:58 The Great Hot Dog Debate20:10 Rahm, Bryson & Major Missed Cuts22:27 Weekend Predictions at Shinnecock#USOPEN #Shinnecock #wyndhamclark #scottiescheffler #smylieshow #smyliekaufman