There are countless high end resorts and private communities around the world, including a handful in the Hawaiian Islands. But take it from someone who's been there and done that: There is nothing like Kohanaiki. In this download, Brian reconnects with former baseball great and Kohanaiki VP of Sales and Marketing Chuck Cary to explore firsthand wh…

It's a tradition like no other, and we're not talking about The Masters. It's our annual kickoff conversation with NBC and Golf Channel commentator Mark Rolfing. Rolf's been a fixture on golf broadcasts for 39 years now, outlasting his contemporaries with his versatility, work ethic, and rapport with viewers. In this download he joins Brian to reca…

It's time to tee it up again on the PGA Tour, where change has been the only constant over the past year- on, and off the course. So it's nice to be back in a familiar setting, with a friendly voice at Kapalua for the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Mark Rolfing announces his new multi-year deal with NBC and Golf Channel, and welcomes us back to Ma…

Few know the PGA Tour- on the course, and behind-the-scenes, better than Peter Jacobsen. As we enjoy the Arnold Palmer Invitational this weekend and celebrate Jake's 68th birthday, Peter is back with us. In this episode he offers his outlook for Tiger, his prior predictions for Patrick Cantlay's success, and the state of a tour loaded with talent.…

The PGA Tour plays a wraparound schedule, but as far as the calendar's concerned, the Sentry TOC at Kapalua is the official kickoff of the '22 season. NBC & Golf Channel commentator Mark Rolfing is back with us to preview the event in his backyard. "Mr. Hawaii" gives us his picks, shares why Phil has a shot, and we also welcome Bones back to the Ma…

A half century ago only a handful of people knew how special Oregon's Willamette Valley was for grape growing. Cal Knudsen was among them, and as word got out, Brian Croser made the journey from Australia to see, and taste, for himself. With his expectations confirmed, Croser teamed up with sparkling wine guru Rollin Soles to start Argyle, with Knu…

We've all heard the saying "it all starts in the vineyard". It's a cliche because it's true! When the legends of the Oregon wine industry needed an expert hand on their vineyards, they called Allen Holstein. In this episode, Brian invites Page Knudsen Cowles to co-host another episode as we celebrate Knudsen Vineyards 50th Anniversary with the man …

The Burgundian influence on the Oregon Wine Industry, particularly the Willamette Valley, is inescapable. The Drouhin Family, led by Veronique, planted the French flag in the Dundee Hills in the 1980's and in doing so, legitimized the Oregon industry and fostered a partnership and friendship between the two regions. In this episode, Veronique joins…

1971 was a landmark year in Willamette Valley Wine Country- they just didn't know it at the time! Both Knudsen Vineyards and the Sokol Blosser Winery were founded in '71, and a half century later, they're both celebrating their 50th Anniversary. The parallels don't end there- both operations are now run by each family's second generation. In this e…

You've probably heard of Argyle Wines thanks to Rollin Soles, who put the winery, and Oregon sparkling wine, on the map. There's a Knudsen connection in the DNA of Argyle, as Cal Knudsen teamed up with Brian Croser to found the Dundee Wine Company, giving birth to Argyle. To this day, Argyle is still sourcing the Knudsen Vineyards fruit for its awa…

There are many iconic names associated with the Oregon wine industry, but perhaps none as widely recognized as Dick Erath, who partnered with Cal Knudsen in 1971 to form the iconic Knudsen-Erath label. In this episode, Brian welcomes Page Knudsen Cowles and Dick Erath to revisit the roots of the Willamette Valley and the rolling Dundee Hills, refle…

Asking a golf course designer to pick his favorite is like asking a winemaker to choose a preferred varietal. It's not about the course itself, but the people and the experience- both physical & emotional, over a period of years as raw land is transformed and a vision becomes reality. For David McLay Kidd, it's not Bandon, Gamble Sands, Nanea, or h…

You've heard of Bandon Dunes. And you've heard the story of how young David McLay-Kidd made Mike Keiser's dream a reality on the Oregon Coast. But have you heard who inspired him, and why? Learn the role his father played, and how the thread of ancient links courses runs through challenging designs like Tetherow, and the big bunch of fun at Gamble …

Before Whistling Straits, Erin Hills and Sand Valley there was, and still is, SentryWorld. Known worldwide for its gorgeous "Flower Hole" (#16 for those of you scoring at home) this spectacular Robert Trent Jones Junior layout put Wisconsin golf on the map back in 1982 and teed things up for others to follow. Now, Sentry Insurance is set to open Th…

If you can't be at Augusta this week, the next best option is the Big Island private paradise of Kohanaiki. With the only, immaculate Rees Jones course in the Hawaiian Islands, prime oceanfront property and literally everything you could dream of, it's no surprise that celebrities, professional athletes and successful business leaders call Kohanaik…

If you can't be at Augusta this week, the next best place on the planet is the luxurious & private Big Island community of Kohanaiki. In this episode, Brian counts down to The Masters with Peter Jacobsen who shares his picks and stories from behind-the-scenes at Augusta National, where Jake teed up his first Masters 40 years ago. We're also passing…

As you know I don't endorse stuff and my primary source of income isn't derived from doing this podcast. I'm certainly not an "influencer". More like Joe 6-Pack, a guy who happens to be in media and loves golf. I didn't walk into True Spec expecting to buy a new set of irons... 3 hours later, I walked out with an order for a new set of irons. I'm s…

Think you're not a good enough golfer to invest in a custom fitting experience? Think again. In this episode Brian goes behind-the-scenes for an depth interview with Master Club Fitter Jason Owens. What began as research for another podcast ended up with Brian becoming a big believer in True Spec Golf's unique agnostic approach- with the data to ba…

This is the tournament that delivers a straight shot of Vitamin D during the cold & dark days of winter. And this year, thanks to a COVID shortened 2020 season, we have the biggest and best field ever. In this episode, NBC & Golf Channel veteran commentator and Maui resident Mark Rolfing joins Brian to take us behind the scenes at the Sentry Tourna…

With Hawaii re-opening, a migration away from urban lifestyles and work from anywhere here to stay, the dream of living full-time or seasonally in Hawaii is no longer reserved for retirement. For those who've achieved success, it's all about the here & now. Kohanaiki is uniquely positioned, both geographically and in terms of amenities. This exclus…

The Island Lifestyle, and the drinks that go with it, can now be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. A decade in the making, Tommy Bahama brings us the finest craft spirits from it's Coral Cay Distilling. Rum is obviously a prerequisite here, but Coral Cay is also delivering hand crafted bourbon, gin and vodkas. For those on the go, "Tommy Trave…

Social distancing was a thing at Brasada Ranch long before it became the new norm. This award-winning resort community in Central Oregon's high desert allows you to sample this coveted lifestyle, and perhaps make it your full or part-time home away from home. In this episode, Brian reconnects with Alan Cornelius who shares the unique story behind t…

You never know what Mother Nature has planned for harvest in the Willamette Valley. This year, a cool spring and early summer impacted the vineyards. Then, just when it appeared fall was ready to arrive, a heatwave hit forcing vintners & vineyard managers to scramble. In this episode, Brian welcomes Winemaker Katie Santora and Vineyard Manager Jaso…

There's no shortage of premier golf communities in the Coachella Valley. And in the midst of a global pandemic that's changing the way we live and work, more people are making the investment in a desert getaway. In this episode, we explore Andalusia Country Club in La Quinta, where The Sunrise Company has made a major investment looking to duplicat…

One thing we all learn the hard way at some point is that equipment makes a major difference- even for those of us who aren't scratch golfers or tour pros. In this episode, Brian welcomes club fitting guru Nick Sherburne, Founder of Club Champion, to share when he first picked up a set of clubs (thanks grandma) and got the idea to turn his passion …

For the past 60 years, Jack Nicklaus has dominated the world of golf- on, and off the course. His contemporary in Japan, Katsuhiro Miura, is a legend in his own right crafting hand-forged clubs that are the most sought-after in the world. Jack paid a visit to Miura-san's forging house in 2014, setting the stage for a partnership that was decades in…

We return to one of our favorite destinations, the Applegate Valley and Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden. Brian reconnects with Bill Steele, who co-founded the winery with his wife Barbara. They revisit the backstory of this iconic winery and what prompted Bill & Barbara to become the industry leaders in biodynamics. Ultimately, it's all about the Rhone v…

You can't miss the iconic Stitch Golf bags. Their crisp, clean lines and monochromatic color schemes have redefined what's cool to carry on the course. So even if, or when, you don't play well you still look good. Now the best just got better with the release of four new colors for the SL2 bag. In this episode, Stitch Founder Charlie Burgwyn joins …

Gamble Sands opened in Eastern Washington's high desert to wide acclaim., earning Golf Digest's "Best New Course" in 2014 and currently ranked #35 on the magazine's list of Top 100 Public Courses. Now, we're counting down to the much anticipated opening of Quick Sands, the 14 hole short course that promises to be one of, if not the best short cours…

How many times have you dreamed you were at your favorite winery or vineyard? Probably often these days... Unfortunately, your favorite winery or vineyard is hours away, requires a reservation or must limit capacity due to the virus. What if you could experience it pre-COVID? No masks, no crowds, in virtual reality? That's what Stoller Family Estat…

He's one of the icons of the golf industry, and also one of the most down-to-earth guys you'll meet anywhere. John Ashworth redefined "the look" of golf not once, but twice with his namesake Ashworth brand and today's popular combo of California surf, skateboard, golf & lifestyle brand Linksoul. In this episode, John shares why he decided to donate…

In the midst of a global pandemic and with America in crisis, the recent re-opening of Bandon Dunes and opening day at Sheep Ranch provide us with a welcome escape in the midst of a year that's been unthinkable, to say the least. In this episode, Bandon Dunes Director of Resort Operations Jeff Simonds joins Brian to recap the first-ever closure, ma…

The Seattle-area and Washington State were early adopters to stay-at-home orders, and unfortunately that included all golf courses. Fortunately, Phase 1 of the state's re-opening included golf courses, with precautions in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In this episode, Chambers Bay GM Zac Keener joins Brian to discuss the shutdown,…

In this interactive, virtual episode Brian welcomes Stoller Family Wine Group VP of Winemaking Melissa Burr and Chehalem Winemaker Katie Santora to share the story of Chemistry, a collaboration between the teams at Stoller & Chehalem. Follow along with us at www.chemistrywine.com to browse the lineup from Chemistry, and have these amazing wines at …

Author and golf insider Michael Bamberger is back to share his latest work, "The Second Life of Tiger Woods". Most takes on Tiger focus on what he was able to overcome physically. Bamberger's in-depth reporting takes a different approach, delving into Tiger's mind where he finds peace, patience and the mental balance to return to glory. And this ti…

Masters week moves to November (fingers crossed) and we ponder what a Tiger vs Phil with Friends duel might look like with golf insider Michael Bamberger, author of "The Second Life of Tiger Woods". Also, Brian & Michael reminisce about the good old days when Sports Illustrated arrived in the mailbox every week and how Golf Magazine is luring reade…

10 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the past two weeks, the majority of them in the hospitality industry, as the coronavirus sweeps across the nation and brings the economy to its knees. In this time of need, Oregon's Stoller Wine Group is partnering with popular local restaurant The Botanist House and Meals on Wheels to feed restau…

This year's Destin Charity Wine Auction moves from its familiar spot on the calendar in late-April to August 21-22. In times like this, it just gives us more to look forward to! Nothing can stop us from counting down to one of America's top wine events, one that many would argue is the most fun. Destin showcases the finest wines, but this event, li…

We open our virtual tasting room with a trip to Anacortes to visit with Doug Charles at Compass Wines. Over the past 20 years, Compass Wines has gained a well-deserved reputation as THE expert on Washington State wines and as a worldwide wine sleuth, finding incredible wines and values around the globe. Doug shares his story in the Washington resta…

Few clubs in America are as iconic as Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando. As the PGA Tour revisits Arnie's Florida home this week, we welcome Bay Hill GM Don Emery, one of the industry's most popular and respected leaders. Don has led high profile clubs including Winter Park's Interlachen Country Club and The Riviera Country Club with…

Legendary winemaker and Master of Wine Bob Betz founded this iconic winery in 1997 and sold to South African business partners Steve & Bridgit Griessel in 2011. Bob has remained as consulting winemaker, forging a close friendship with the Griessel's. Their goal was not to not only continue Bob's high standards, but to take this already prestigious …

Founded in 1983 as the third winery in the Walla Walla Valley, L'Ecole No. 41 enters its fifth decade as an American favorite and an international player. As Sara Schneider wrote in Robb Report "L'Ecole... has turned into a world ambassador with Ferguson." Those accolades, the result of claiming Best Bordeaux Blend in the World with the 2011 Estate…

We can't think of a better way to pop the cork on our 2020 episodes than to do it on Valentines Day at the American epicenter of Grower Champagne, Fat Cork in Seattle. In this episode, Brian reconnects with Brian Maletis, who along with wife Abby founded Fat Cork a decade ago. Together, they bring the best of the best to America to share with the r…

It's all about the golf at Bandon Dunes. But Bandon wouldn't be Bandon without the people. The caddies, our friends in the pro shops, the excellent service staff, and Shoe greeting us upon every return. When it comes to instruction, Grant Rogers will educate you- not only about golf, but life. In this episode, Brian spends time with one of the most…

Can Bandon become even better? The answer in unequivocally YES. Sheep Ranch opens on June 1st, and we haven't experienced this much anticipation since Old Mac debuted at Bandon a decade ago. It's been an amazing 20 year transformation for this iconic setting on Oregon's southern coast, where no one outside of Mike Keiser could've imagined it. Brian…

As Bandon Dunes celebrates its 20th Anniversary, there's no doubt that golf is the draw. But it's the experience and the people that keep us coming back. Businessman and visionary Mike Keiser made his dream a reality here, but he shuns the limelight and allows his people to shine. The first smiling face we see upon arrival is usually Bob Gaspar, af…

Easily the most recognizable golf course in the world, the Kapalua Plantation Course was due for a refresh after almost 30 years of entertaining tour pros and weekend warriors vacationing in Maui. Beloved NBC Sports & Golf Channel commentator Mark Rolfing joins Brian to give us a hole-by-hole, play-by-play on the updates to this iconic golf course,…

In the past, choosing a golf club or second home community was largely based on word-of-mouth between friends. These days, with a premium on time and more of a focus on family, relying on a tip from your buddy can lead to a club or community that may work for him, but not you. Thanks to technology and club relationships nationwide, Golf Life Naviga…

Dr. Madaiah Revana found the perfect piece of property in St. Helena and began a journey that led him to establish vineyards & wineries in Oregon and Argentina. In this exclusive interview, Brian travels to Napa to sit down with the Houston cardiologist and learn how his passion for wine produced this trifecta of respected wineries in two hemispher…

We're hearing more & more about the positive benefits of CBD- especially from players on the pro tours. But what is CBD, and how is it helping players and their games? Brian welcomes perennial Champions Tour contender Brandt Jobe to the show to revisit his successful run on the Japanese Tour, the PGA Tour, injuries throughout the years, and how CBD…