Golf And Politics

Katie Harbath joins Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth for a fascinating conversation about the evolution of social media, politics, and the impact technology is having on American democracy. A former Facebook executive, longtime political strategist, and author of "Disrupting Politics: A Front Row Seat to the Collision of Technology and Democracy", Katie has had a front-row seat to the transformation of political campaigning over the past two decades. She first worked alongside Matt during Bob Ney's 2006 congressional campaign before helping shape Facebook's role in political communication around the world. The conversation covers how social media changed political campaigns, why algorithms reward increasingly extreme content, and whether technology is bringing Americans together or pushing them further apart. Katie also shares her perspective on AI, misinformation, Big Tech accountability, and the challenges facing lawmakers as they try to keep up with an industry that moves faster than government. Plus, the group looks back on the early days of digital campaigning and discusses the future of technology and democracy. Learn more about Katie's book, "Disrupting Politics", and follow her work at anchorchange.substack.com.

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The 2026 midterms are shaping up to be a major test for both parties. On this episode of Golf & Politics, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth are joined by Republican pollster John Rogers and Democratic political veteran Brad Cheney to break down the races, the polling, and what could determine control of Congress.

The panel discusses President Trump’s declining approval ratings, the divide between traditional conservatives and Trump Republicans, and why the economy, tariffs, and the war with Iran could reshape the political landscape. They also examine key Senate races, along with the impact of candidate quality, primary elections, and voter turnout.

Plus, the group gets into polling margins of error, prediction markets, undecided voters, and the challenge of figuring out which party has the advantage heading into Election Day.

With perspectives from both sides of the aisle, this is a wide-ranging look at what to watch in the 2026 midterms and why the outcome may be closer than the headlines suggest.

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Luke Savage is a professional pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization, a former TCU baseball standout, and the man behind one ambitious golf challenge: playing golf in all 50 states in 50 days.

On this episode of Golf & Politics, Luke joins Matt and Rob from the road to talk about the logistics of pulling off this trip, playing some of the country's best courses, and spending the first 50 days of his marriage traveling across America with his wife.

The trip is about more than golf. Luke is raising money for Play Yellow, supporting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and helping provide critical care for kids across the country.

From sleeping in the car before playing Bethpage Black to his favorite courses so far, a six-pound Chipotle food challenge, and what he's learned about the country along the way, Luke shares the stories behind this incredible adventure.

Follow Luke: @LukeSavage.13 on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

Support the cause:https://helpmakemiracles.com/lukesavage2026

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Matt Parker is joined by Oklahoma State Representative Anthony Moore to recap an unforgettable golf trip through Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. From the unforgettable experience of playing Ballybunion to the challenge of Royal Portrush, the guys break down their favorite courses, memorable shots, wild weather, and the places that made the trip special.

Along the way, they share stories about an unexpected 36-hole day at Waterville, late nights in Irish pubs, a visit to Ireland's parliament, and Senator Chuck Hall's remarkable turnaround at Turnberry. They also discuss the upcoming midterm elections and what the political landscape could mean for Republicans.

It's a conversation about great golf, great people, and why some golf trips stay with you long after you get home.

🧠 Topics Covered

• The 2026 midterm elections and the political outlook in Oklahoma
• Reviewing 10 golf courses across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
• Why Ballybunion stands out as a special golf experience
• Royal Portrush, Waterville, Ardglass, Turnberry, and more
• Irish pubs, travel mishaps, and the stories that made the trip memorable

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On this episode of Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob sit down with Daniel Belk, an entrepreneur and former Division I track athlete who set out to play Golf Magazine’s Top 100 public courses in a single year.

Daniel is already 53 courses into the journey, traveling the country in an RV and working with a $70,000–$85,000 budget. He breaks down how he’s managing the logistics, where the money goes, the courses that have stood out, and why the experience has become about much more than simply checking courses off a list.

The conversation also gets into Daniel’s approach to rating courses, the role of social media in his journey, entrepreneurship, and the importance of staying present instead of constantly worrying about what comes next.

And because this is Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob get into a bigger question: after traveling to dozens of courses and meeting people all over the country, does Daniel still have hope for America despite the political divisions we see online?

Plus, Daniel takes on the 10-Round Split, Shotgun Nine, his most controversial golf opinions, his dream foursome, and the ridiculous lengths he’s gone to for a tee time.

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On this episode of Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob sit down for a candid conversation about the Oklahoma governor’s race, the Republican Party, President Trump, and where American politics goes from here.

Matt reflects on the incredibly close Oklahoma governor’s race and the experience of spending 20 months working on the Gentner Drummond campaign. The conversation then expands to Trump’s influence over the Republican Party, the challenges facing Republicans heading into the midterms, and whether the party has delivered on the promises that helped bring Trump back to the White House.

Matt and Rob also discuss political polarization, immigration, foreign policy, tariffs, the role of social media in politics, and the need for politicians to disagree without treating each other as enemies.

At the end of the day, the conversation comes back to something both Matt and Rob agree on: politics can be competitive without losing sight of the country and the people it is supposed to serve.

And, of course, there’s golf. The episode closes with a look ahead to the next G&P Cup at RTJ.

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With Oklahoma’s Republican primary runoff just days away, Golf & Politics sits down with four candidates competing for statewide office.

Gentner Drummond joins us in the final stretch of the governor’s race to talk about his military service, ranching background, political independence, integrity, and why he says he wants to be a statesman rather than a politician.

Bob Sullivan discusses the Oklahoma insurance market, why he believes Oklahomans are paying too much for property and casualty insurance, and his decision not to accept money from insurance companies or insurance PACs.

John Pfeiffer breaks down what the Labor Commissioner actually does, Oklahoma’s workforce challenges, and his proposal to bring the state’s Workforce Commission under the Labor Department.

And Robert Franklin explains why he believes his decades in Oklahoma public education make him the right choice for State Superintendent.

The Republican primary runoff is August 25.

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Louis Jackson joins Golf & Politics for another round of Nine Holes, Nine Questions at the Landrunner Golf Classic.

Jackson, a longtime friend of the program and a candidate for the Oklahoma State House, talks about his lifelong interest in politics, growing up in Lawton, why he decided to run for office in 2026, and what it takes to actually build a campaign from the ground up.

Along the way, we get into knocking 1,200 doors, raising $60,000 in his first two weeks, the importance of golf as a place to build relationships, what most voters don't understand about campaigns, working in politics, and why Jackson considers Richard Nixon one of the most underrated presidents in American history.

Plus: plenty of golf, a dream foursome, and a few lessons learned on the course.

Learn more about Louis Jackson: votelouisjackson.com

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Bryson DeChambeau's controversial two-stroke penalty stole the headlines at The Open, but it was far from the only story coming out of Royal Birkdale.

This week, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth break down why the course produced both record-low rounds and a winning score of just 10-under. Rob also shares his firsthand perspective from playing Royal Birkdale and every Open rota course in Europe.

They also discuss:

• Whether Bryson deserved the penalty
• Why Rory vs. Bryson is becoming golf's biggest rivalry
• What makes links golf so different from American golf
• How social media has changed both golf and politics

Do you think the R&A got the Bryson ruling right?

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Halfway through 2026, we're back with one of our favorite episodes of the year.

Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth break down the five best new golf courses they've played so far this year—from legendary championship venues to hidden gems and some of the most exclusive clubs in the country.

But we don't stop there.

We also reveal the most overrated golf courses we've played in 2026, discuss what separates great golf architecture from great conditioning, and explain why some of golf's biggest names don't always get it right.

Then we shift to politics, sharing the biggest political events that have personally impacted each of us this year—from Capitol Hill to Oklahoma's governor's race—and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how campaigns, endorsements, and lobbying really work.

In this episode:

• ⛳ Our Top 5 New Golf Courses of 2026
• 🏌️ The most overrated courses we've played
• 🏛️ Behind-the-scenes political stories you won't hear elsewhere
• 🎯 Golf architecture, strategy, and course design
• 👀 Honest opinions, hot takes, and plenty of debate

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What does it take to build one of the most talked-about new golf clubs in America?

In this episode of Golf & Politics, we sit down with Rod Trump, founder and chairman of High Pointe Golf Club, to discuss the remarkable journey from caddie to successful entrepreneur—and ultimately to restoring and reimagining Tom Doak's first golf course.

Rod shares how golf shaped his career, the lessons he learned building and selling businesses, and why creating a truly great golf club is about much more than designing a great golf course. We dive into the vision behind High Pointe, working alongside legendary golf architect Tom Doak, the importance of culture and membership, and what separates the world's greatest clubs from the rest.

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In this episode:

• Rod Trump's journey from caddie to entrepreneur
• Why golf became the foundation of his business success
• Restoring Tom Doak's first golf course
• The vision behind High Pointe Golf Club
• Golf course architecture and the new Golden Age of design
• Building club culture that lasts for generations

If you enjoy conversations about golf architecture, legendary golf clubs, course design, entrepreneurship, and the people shaping the future of the game, follow us on social media.

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In this episode of Golf & Politics, we dive deep into one of the most important—and overlooked—stories in the game today.

We sit down with Will Smith, co-founder of the National Links Trust, to explore the intersection of golf, history, and power in Washington, DC. From restoring historic municipal courses to preserving access for everyday golfers, this conversation goes far beyond fairways and greens.

We cover:

• The mission to keep golf affordable and accessible

• The untold civil rights history of DC’s municipal courses

• How golf became a rare space where politics doesn’t matter
• The rise of the Outpost Club and modern golf culture
• The growing tension between public golf and elite development
• What happens when politics enters the game

This episode isn’t just about golf—it’s about community, opportunity, and who the game is really for.

If you care about the future of golf, you need to hear this.

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In this episode of Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob sit down with Sean O’Brien — former congressional chief of staff, Obama campaign operative, Pentagon speechwriter, and former speechwriter for Joe Biden.

Sean shares what it was really like working in Rahm Emanuel’s office during the 2006 wave, running a rebellious Blue Dog-style congressional operation, writing speeches aboard Air Force Two, and serving at the Pentagon under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

The conversation digs into:

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Whether 2026 is shaping up to be a wave year

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The strength (and limits) of Donald Trump’s influence in GOP primaries

•

Candidate quality vs. national mood in midterms

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Redistricting, the Latino vote, and the hidden battlegrounds

•

Early 2028 Democratic possibilities, including Mark Kelly and Mitch Landrieu

It’s candid, and it’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at how campaigns and power actually work.

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This week, we start with one of the wildest comeback stories in modern sports. Anthony Kim — after disappearing for a decade, battling addiction, injury, and mental health — shoots 63 in Australia and beats Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. For a guy who didn’t even own clubs for 10 years, it was electric. Not just a golf story — a life story.

We also break down:

• Scottie Scheffler’s absurd consistency and why he’s not flashy… just relentless.

• Pebble Beach looking incredible — and the bigger question of whether modern equipment is making historic courses obsolete.

• LIV drawing 115,000 fans in Australia and what that means for the future of pro golf.

• And whether the PGA Championship is quietly losing relevance.

Then we pivot to presidential golf history.

From Woodrow Wilson playing 1,000 rounds, to Eisenhower practically living at Augusta National… to JFK’s talent, LBJ using golf to pass legislation, Nixon quitting for optics, Clinton rebuilding the White House putting green, Obama’s smack talk, and Trump’s serious game. Golf has always been a great tool fr connecting with others.

If you love the game beyond just the leaderboard, this one’s for you.

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In this episode of Golf and Politics, we sit down with Cori Kramer, longtime Washington insider and President of Center Forward, to talk about something increasingly rare in American politics: building trust across divides.

Cori shares her journey from Capitol Hill staffer to leading one of DC’s most influential bipartisan organizations, where she’s spent the last 15 years convening lawmakers, chiefs of staff, and policy leaders from both parties—often off the record and far from the cameras. Why? Because governing without trust doesn’t work.

We dig into:

• How primary elections, fundraising, and social media are warping incentives in Congress
• What Center Forward’s voter behavior study reveals about compromise, values, and civil discourse
• Why most Americans actually live in the center—but don’t show up for primaries
• How personal relationships (and yes, golf) can break down political walls
• The real human cost of politics, friendship, and showing up for people during life’s hardest moments

Plus, Kori opens up about her path to DC, mentors who shaped her career, lessons on leadership and listening, and even her growing connection to the game of golf—including a Ryder Cup experience and a young golfer in the family.

This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about politics as a process, not just an outcome—and why disagreement doesn’t have to mean division.

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What does golf teach us about winning elections?

In this episode of Golf & Politics, we play nine holes at Split Rail Golf Club outside Fort Worth with Drew Ryan, founder of Campaign Sidekick, to break down what actually wins campaigns: discipline, ground game, calculated risk, and authenticity.

As the Texas wind kicks up, Drew shares lessons from building Campaign Sidekick from scratch, working on high-profile races like Ron DeSantis (2018) and Brian Kemp, and why most candidates still misunderstand voter contact.

We cover:

• Why the ground game still decides elections

• The biggest mistakes candidates are making right now

• How Trump reshaped the GOP — and what comes next

• Entrepreneurship, faith, and taking smart risks

• Advice for young people who want a career in politics

Plus: clutch putts, tough lies, and a momentum-changing eagle.

If you care about campaign strategy, conservative politics, entrepreneurship, or golf, this episode is for you.

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In this episode, Matt sits down with Ross MacDonald, owner of Tour Quality Golf in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to talk about what smart practice really looks like and how everyday golfers can improve by utilizing Trackman.

Ross breaks down how TrackMan technology, monthly combines, and data-driven feedback help golfers identify exactly where they’re losing strokes—from wedge play and gapping issues to course management and mindset. We also dive into why focusing on the next shot matters more than dwelling on the last one, and how structured practice can save golfers time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Whether you’re new to TrackMan or looking for a more efficient way to practice and improve, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

📍 Location: Tour Quality Golf – Tulsa, OK 🏌️

Topics Covered:

• TrackMan Combine explained
• How to practice with purpose
• Identifying weaknesses in your game
• Wedge play, gapping, and consistency
• Mindset and course management
• Why data beats guesswork in golf improvement
If you’re serious about lowering your scores and practicing smarter—not harder—this one’s for you.

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In this episode of Golf & Politics, Colton Craig joins Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth for a deep conversation on golf course architecture, strategic design, and how great courses shape the way the game is played.

The discussion centers on why timeless golf architecture prioritizes decision-making over raw power, how course design influences risk-reward choices, and what distinguishes truly great golf courses from those that rely solely on length or conditioning. Craig shares his perspective on playing and studying well-designed courses, as well as competitive experiences, and how architecture exposes strengths and weaknesses in a golfer’s game.

They also dive into the National Links Trust debate, using it as a real-world case study in public golf, access, and how decisions about preservation play a big role in the game’s future.

The episode explores how thoughtful golf course design mirrors life — forcing players to manage mistakes, adapt to conditions, and think their way around a course rather than simply reacting. From classic architectural principles to modern design trends, this conversation is for golfers who care about why courses are designed the way they are.

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🧠 Topics Covered:

• Golf course architecture and strategic design principles
• Why great courses reward thinking golfers
• Risk-reward decisions in course design
• Timeless architecture vs. modern trends
• The National Links Trust debate and public golf stewardship
• Competitive golf lessons shaped by design
• How architecture enhances the golf experience

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In this New Year episode of Golf & Politics, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth sit down to map out what a great golf year actually looks like — from realistic travel planning to chasing bucket-list courses without turning golf into a job.

The conversation covers how to plan golf trips around work, family, and seasons, why over-planning can ruin the joy of the game, and how some of the world’s greatest courses fit into a long-term strategy rather than a rushed checklist. Rob shares insight from playing hundreds of courses worldwide, while Matt breaks down how election years, travel, and club commitments shape his golf calendar.

From Oklahoma and Midwest gems, to Ireland, Scotland, Australia, and iconic venues like Augusta National, Oakmont, and St. Andrews, this episode is about playing great golf intentionally — not just playing more golf.

The episode closes with a deep dive into bucket-list courses, golf architecture, and how both hosts balance demanding careers while still finding time to play at the highest level.

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🧠 Topics Covered:

• How to plan a golf year without burnout

• Choosing quality rounds over quantity

• Seasonal strategy for international golf travel

• Bucket-list courses in the U.S. and abroad

• Midwest, Oklahoma, and municipal golf gems

• Ireland & Scotland trip planning

• Augusta National, Oakmont, and top-tier architecture

• Balancing high-level careers with serious golf

• Productivity habits that make golf travel possible

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In our annual Christmas episode, we look back on 2025 — on the course, off the course, and everywhere in between. With Christmas right around the corner, we reflect on the best golf courses we played this year, our favorite trips and memories, and what made this season special.

We break down our top golf courses of 2025, first-time plays, favorite holes, and unforgettable trips to places like Pine Valley, Oakmont, Shinnecock, Bandon Dunes, England, and beyond. We also discuss the Golf & Politics Cup, the competitive moments that mattered, and how the event continues to grow heading into 2026.

To close things out, we share goals for next year, lessons learned, and a few thoughts on what’s ahead — all in the spirit of Christmas, reflection, and gratitude.

Thanks for listening all year. Merry Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026.

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🧠 Topics Covered

• Best golf courses played this year
• Golf trips, travel, and bucket-list rounds
• The Golf & Politics Cup recap
• Year-end golf reflections and lessons learned
• Goals for next season and plans

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