The golf course ranking no one agrees with

The golf course ranking no one agrees with

Author: Golf Digest May 4, 2021 Duration: 25:02

In 1962, Mapmaker C.S. Hammond & Co. asked Golf Digest for a list of the country’s best courses for its cartographers to chart, but editors thought such a list was too subjective. Instead, the magazine embarked on a four-year project using USGA course ratings along with its own research to determine the country’s most difficult tracks. The first such list, America’s 200 Toughest Courses, was published in 1966. In 1975, the list became America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses, and it's been the definitive ranking of golf courses since. In this episode of Local Knowledge, Alex Myers explores the process and criteria that go into constructing the list, how it's evolved over the last half-century, and why criticism from pundits and everyday golfers is still unavoidable.


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Hosted by Shane Ryan and Jamie Kennedy, 50 Things That Changed Golf is less a straightforward history lesson and more a series of conversations about the pivotal moments that truly reshaped the game. This Golf Digest podcast operates on a simple but compelling premise: identifying the fifty people, innovations, rules, and cultural shifts that redirected golf's trajectory. Every other week, Ryan and Kennedy select one of these transformative elements and unpack its story, exploring not just the "what" but the lasting "why." You'll hear about everything from equipment breakthroughs and iconic tournaments to the influence of particular players and unexpected pop culture intersections. The tone is engaging and accessible, blending deep knowledge with a relaxed rapport that includes a good dose of humour and their own invented, often witty awards. Tuning in feels like joining a thoughtful yet lively discussion between two well-informed fans, one that connects the sport's past directly to the way it's played and perceived today. For anyone curious about how golf became what it is now, this podcast provides a thoroughly entertaining and insightful guided tour through the milestones that mattered.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 482

50 Things That Changed Golf
Podcast Episodes
Matthew Wolff's breakthrough win & George Gankas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:19
Instructor George Gankas discusses his star pupil Matthew Wolff's breakthrough PGA Tour victory, his philosophy on swing speed, and the star golfer he'd like to coach. Plus, Golf Digest photo editor Michael Sneeden stops…
The PGA Tour's "Content Kings" & Steve Stricker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:44
Steve Stricker discusses his dominant performance at the U.S. Senior Open, his duties as U.S. Ryder Cup captain, and his philosophy on putting. Plus, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Keely Levins talk about our PGA Tour Cont…
Gary Woodland wins U.S. Open in Brooks Koepka-like fashion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:20
In the aftermath of Gary Woodland's impressive win in the 119th U.S. Open, Alex Myers, Joel Beall, and Ryan Herrington discuss the evolution of his game, break down the events of Sunday afternoon, and analyze Brooks Koep…
2019 U.S. Open preview & Tony Finau [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:04
Tony Finau talks about U.S. Open setups, that Masters final pairing with Tiger Woods, and his signature dish in the kitchen. Plus, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Chris Powers preview the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, loo…
Kevin Na's Colonial win & Colin Montgomerie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:50
World Golf Hall of Fame member and Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie discusses some peculiar captain's duties, road-tripping across America, his toughest loss, and the time Jack Nicklaus jinxed him. Plus, Alex Myers, Sa…
2019 PGA Championship recap from Bethpage Black [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:53
After witnessing Brooks Koepka win a fourth major in eight tries, Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, and Christopher Powers recap a surprisingly suspenseful Sunday at the 2019 PGA Championship. Plus, the gang discusses Koepka's pl…
PGA Championship sleepers & Bubba Watson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:49
Bubba Watson joins the Golf Digest Podcast to talk about his green jacket habits, the time he got blocked by Tracy McGrady, and the other reason he was rooting for Tiger Woods to win the Masters. Plus, Ryan Herrington jo…
2019 PGA Championship preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:50
Bethpage Black will host its first major championship in a decade with the 2019 PGA Championship. Alex Myers, Sam Weinman, Ryan Herrington, and Joel Beall discuss their favorite parts of the famed public course, their fa…