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PODCAST

Golf And Politics

Reach Right Network

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.

sports golf

All Episodes

45:02

Episode 51 – Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Dominance and...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/05/21

In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt breaks down Scottie Scheffler’s dominant win at the PGA Championship and what it means for his trajectory toward golf greatness. Is Scheffler the next to complete the career Grand Slam? Matt makes the case. He also takes on critics of LIV players, defending Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau from what he calls lazy media narratives.Plus: a deep dive into the Parker Improvement Project—Matt’s personal mission to reach scratch by year’s end. He shares his

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63:34

Episode 50 - Jake Ward talks AI, golf culture, and...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/05/14

In our 50th episode of Golf and Politics, we celebrate the milestone with tech entrepreneur and longtime friend of the show Jake Ward. From his time on Capitol Hill to founding multiple companies and trade associations, Jake brings a rare mix of policy savvy, startup hustle, and serious golf chops.We dive into Jake’s golf life—his game, his favorite courses, and the rise of club culture in places like Daniel Island and Bandon Dunes—before shifting into a wide-ranging conversation on technology in

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36:49

Episode 49 - 9 Holes, 9 Questions with Rob Ellsworth

Golf And Politics ·

2025/05/07

Golf and Politics is back with 9 Holes, 9 Questions as co-host Rob Ellsworth joins Matt Parker on the Par 3 course at LaFortune Park in Tulsa. Rob opens up about his lifelong love of golf, his bond with his late father, his battle with stage 4 cancer, and his journey from Republican Hill staffer to Democratic lobbyist.As Matt and Rob trade shots and stories, they dive into the personal, the political, and the power of saying “yes” to life’s second chances. You’ll also hear Rob’s thoughts on the

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48:21

Episode 48 - Inside Political Ground Games with...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/04/30

In this episode of Golf and Politics, Rob and Matt are at Tour Quality Golf in Tulsa, joined by returning guest Jefferson Thomas, founder of The Synapse Group and a seasoned political strategist with a passion for golf. Jefferson opens up about his early days in Missouri politics, working with high-profile campaigns and initiatives across the country, and how golf has become a vital part of his professional and personal life.The episode dives into the changing landscape of field campaigns, how

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33:01

Episode 47 - Ross MacDonald on Golf Equipment, Golf...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/04/24

In this episode of Golf and Politics, we go behind the scenes at Tour Quality Golf in Tulsa with owner and longtime golf industry pro Ross MacDonald. From how he got his start in golf to what it’s really like running one of the region’s top club fitting shops, Ross opens up about the grind of golf entrepreneurship, the state of golf tech, and his insights into the future of the indoor game.We talk golf ball rollback, custom fittings for LIV Tour winner Eugenio Chacarra, and the rise of indoor golf

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96:55

Episode 46 - Around the World in 1,000 Rounds: Rich...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/04/16

In this episode of Golf and Politics, Rob and Matt welcome Rich Levine—world traveler, elite club member, and golf connoisseur—who’s played nearly 1,000 courses, including nearly every entry on multiple Top 100 lists. From Shanqin Bay in China to Trump International in Florida, Rich shares wild stories of golf around the world, elite club hospitality, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.Rich also opens up about playing regularly with President Trump, sharing what it’s like inside Mar-a-Lago, and

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53:03

Episode 45 - Recapping the 2025 Masters and Rory...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/04/15

Rory McIlroy finally completes the career Grand Slam with a dramatic victory at the 2025 Masters—and the Golf and Politics crew is here to break it all down. In this special recap episode, Matt and Rob relive Rory’s rollercoaster performance, from jaw-dropping mistakes to clutch shot-making, including one of the most iconic playoff shots in tournament history.The hosts debate the mental side of Rory’s win, what it means for his legacy, and how Bryson, Rose, and others shaped a wild Sunday

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68:54

Episode 44 - Celebrating 1 Year of Golf & Politics!...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/04/09

Golf and Politics turns one year old, and we're celebrating the only way we know how—by mixing passionate political debate with golf course therapy and a little trash talk along the way. In this milestone episode, Matt and Rob reflect on what they’ve learned after a year of building the show, the friendships it’s fostered, and the conversations it’s sparked.But it wouldn’t be Golf and Politics without a good ol’ fashioned throwdown: the duo dives into a heated exchange on tariffs, the national

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60:18

Episode 43 - Agreement Across the Aisle? The SCOTUS...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/04/03

In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt and Rob dive into a surprisingly thoughtful and balanced political conversation centered around a proposed Catholic charter school in Oklahoma. Despite often sparring from opposite sides of the aisle, the hosts find rare common ground as they explore the constitutional, cultural, and political implications of public funding for religious education.The conversation touches on the separation of church and state, legal precedent, and the long-term

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72:51

Episode 42 - Casey Lang on Golf, Investing and the...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/03/26

Episode Description:In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt and Rob welcome Casey Lang, a longtime friend of Matt, financial advisor, and Managing Director of Lang Financial. The conversation dives into how everyday investors are reacting to market volatility, tariffs, and political shifts—plus, a deep look at the national debt and whether either party is doing enough to address it. Casey offers practical insights into wealth management, the psychological side of investing, and how personal

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53:53

Episode 41 - 9 Holes, 9 Questions w/ Chris Benge:...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/03/19

In this episode of Golf and Politics, we take the conversation to the Ernie Fox Okemah Municipal Golf Course with Chris Benge, former Oklahoma Speaker of the House and Secretary of State. As we play, Benge reflects on his journey in politics, the rise of the Republican majority in Oklahoma, and the role golf has played in his life and career. From campaign support from his father-in-law, Ernie Fox, to debating the future of professional golf and the impact of government investment in public courses,

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92:15

Episode 40 - Brad Cheney: What Lobbyists Really Do,...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/03/12

In this episode of Golf and Politics, we sit down with Brad Cheney, a veteran political strategist, former Capitol Hill chief of staff, and top Democratic lobbyist. Brad takes us inside the world of Washington politics, reflecting on his experiences working with Hillary Clinton, Capitol Hill campaigns, and major policy battles. He also shares insights on the role of lobbyists, the state of modern political campaigns, and what it really takes to succeed in DC. But it’s not all politics—we also dive

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23:56

Episode 39 - Keeping Small-Town Golf Alive: Earnie...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/03/05

Episode Description:In this special episode of Golf and Politics, we visit Okemah, Oklahoma to sit down with Ernie Fox, the 90-year-old local legend who has dedicated over 30 years to keeping Okemah’s only golf course alive. From its humble beginnings as a volunteer-built community course to its renaming in Ernie’s honor, we hear firsthand how passion, grit, and small-town pride have kept the game alive for generations. Ernie shares stories of building the course, maintaining its bent grass greens,

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65:14

Episode 38 - How Tracy Phillips Conquered the Yips...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/02/26

Episode Description:In this inspiring episode of Golf and Politics, we sit down with golf pro Tracy Phillips, who made headlines as one of the oldest players ever to qualify for the PGA Championship at 61 years old. Tracy shares his incredible journey—a 20-year break from the game, overcoming the driving yips, and his triumphant return to competitive golf. We dive into his experiences at Valhalla, his philosophy on teaching the next generation, and the state of professional golf today, including

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80:10

Episode 37 - Rob Airs His Grievances with Trump 2.0 |...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/02/20

Episode Description:In this special episode of Golf and Politics, co-host Rob Ellsworth takes center stage for an unfiltered airing of grievances about the early days of the Trump 2.0 administration. From policy decisions to leadership style, Rob breaks down what’s frustrating him most—and co-host Matt Parker pushes back with counterpoints, leading to an engaging and spirited debate. Key Topics: The impact of Trump’s early policy moves The role of government waste, reform, and fiscal

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45:53

Episode 36 - Weak Fields, Slow Play, and No...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/02/13

Episode Description:As the story of LIV and PGA continues to unfold, we discuss the latest. In this episode of Golf and Politics, we break down President Trump and his potential role in bringing LIV and the PGA Tour together. Plus, we discuss Tiger Woods’ involvement, the challenges of growing the game, and how golf can evolve to better engage fans. From pace-of-play issues to tournament innovations, we cover what needs to change for golf’s next era. Key Topics: Trump’s role in the LIV-PGA merger

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69:40

Episode 35 - PGA Championships to Municipal Golf with...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/01/29

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

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44:33

Episode 34 - 9 Holes 9 Questions: Navigating Faith...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/01/24

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

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114:36

Episode 33 - Geoff Shackelford’s Unfiltered Takes on...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/01/22

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

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75:08

Episode 32 - Dreaming BIG in 2025: Goals For Golf,...

Golf And Politics ·

2025/01/15

In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth kick off the new year by discussing their golf goals for 2025. Matt shares his mission to reduce double bogeys, improve his mental game, and embrace the process of getting better at golf. Rob focuses on playing fewer but more meaningful rounds, aiming for consistency on the courses he loves. The conversation also touches on bucket-list destinations like Cypress Point, Bandon Dunes, and iconic West Virginia courses, with an eye

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74 results

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