On the pod he explains to Peter and Ronan how he came to the decision to move on from professional golf, the highs and lows of life on tour, the financial difficulties of playing on the smaller tours, reclaiming his amateur status and his goals of playing for Ireland again and qualifying for the Great Britain and Ireland team for the 2026 Walker Cup in Lahinch.

Pádraig Harrington made his 500th DP World Tour start last week but Gary Hurley was also another good news story as he showed a return to form in South Africa after a hellish year out of the game. Plus Patrick Reed leads the Race to Dubai by a considerable distance, might that prompt Rory McIlroy to add more events to his DP World Tour schedule in order to win his 8th Race to Dubai crown?

The academy is called the Raflewski Golf academy after the world renowned short game coach Gareth Raflewski who has joined forces with PGA professional Gordon Smyth. With the season closing out we made our way up to Cavan to check it out and chat to the two coaches behind it.

Former GUI CEO, Pat Finn was the man in the hot seat when Covid-19 first hit Irish shores and he explains the challenges the Union faced when coming to terms with this unpredictable pandemic. The Managing Director of Carr Golf Services, Ed Pettit, whose team is charged with the running of 19 golf clubs around the country, discusses the various impacts Covid-19 has had on the industry as a whole. Director of Golf at Ardglass, Paul Vaughan gives us an insight into how the absence of an overseas travel market has hurt operations at the club while Lucan Golf Club General Manager, Mark Ruddy talks about how the domestic market has reacted across the year and the challenge clubs now face to convince members that their loyalty is needed now more than ever. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Let us know what you think.

Rory McIlroy played all four rounds at TPC Sawgrass as did Séamus Power while Shane Lowry went home on Friday. McIlroy was quick to ease fears over a back twinge which prevented him from playing a practice round and he is open to the idea of adding one more event to his pre-Masters diary.

It's also crunch time this week for Conor Purcell, Liam Nolan and Max Kennedy with promotion to the DP World Tour and survival on the agenda.

On this week's podcast edition, the lads hold back the tears for differing reasons as they discuss Rory McIlroy's Grand Slam Sunday after he edged out Justin Rose in a playoff to win the 89th Masters and finally slip into a green jacket. What is next for McIlroy? Four in a row? Ten majors? There will never be another story like it.

We also discuss how LIV's broadcasts (and leaderboards) continue to win over new admirers, G-Mac's resurgence, that horrendous shank from Jon Rahm that made us all feel a little better about ourselves, and how Tom McKibbin continues to impress with his steady performances on the DP World Tour.

All this, plus a round up of the Irish in action, including Lauren Walsh's maiden outing as an LET Tour member alongside Olivia Mehaffey and Conor Purcell's frustrations after an excellent start in Cape Town.

As always we hope you enjoy the listen and if you do please hit the subscribe button and leave a comment.

In Tour news, there was only the PGA Tour to talk about this week but the AT&T Pebble Beach Championship provided plenty of topics for discussion. From Daniel Berger's superb win to another near-miss for a resurgent Jordan Spieth, we assess what's next for both 27-year old Americans in the coming months in a Ryder Cup year. We also chat Padraig Harrington's hopes of a return to action at this week's Genesis at Riviera after the European Ryder Cup Captain contracted Covid-19, while we take a look at the PGA of America's decision to permit Distance Measuring Devices at their Major championships and how that might impact the game. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen and let us know what you think.

First tee pressures won't be exclusive to just Harrington as big receptions await Shane Lowry, Tom McKibbin and Rory McIlroy at Royal Portrush. We have a chat with Harrington about having the honour of hitting the opening tee shot at 06:35 on Thursday morning and why he has no intention of becoming a ceremonial golfer despite the scenario he finds himself in.

The DP World Tour reaches its finale as Rory McIlroy chases a seventh Race to Dubai crown which would move him to within one of Collin Montgomerie's record eighth. Does the Race to Dubai still mean as much? And if so have we given Montgomerie's dominance enough credit given the depth of talent on the old European Tour.

There are also card permutations on both sides of the Atlantic as Seamus Power resumes his quest to retain his PGA Tour playing rights as five Irish bid for Alps Tour status. Leona Maguire looks to secure her spot in the LPGA Tour season finale.

There was glory for Robert Moran who chipped in on the 18th at Killeen Castle to finish fourth at the Irish Challenge and earn a spot in next months Amgen Irish Open while Simon Thornton joined Paul McGinley and Philip Walton in winning his fourth Irish PGA Championship at Monkstown.

Ronan and Mark sit down to digest Saturday at The Open. Scottie Scheffler holds a four-shot lead going into the final day as the world number one carded a third-round 67 to reach 14-under-par. Is this over or can one of the challenging pack chase him down? Rory is still hopeful that a fast start on Sunday can put some pressure on. We are not so sure.

We hope you enjoy the listen and do leave a comment or review if you like the pod!

Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe and get notified every Monday when a new episode lands.

McIlroy and Scheffler showed their Masters mojo in Texas, with the world number one sending a warning sign to his fellow green jacket contenders at just the right time. Is Rory playing mind games in the media or is this elbow niggle something to be concerned about? Plus, slow play was an issue again on the PGA Tour.

And Mark dishes out the results of our 2024 predictions and after being humbled to the point of questioning the point of this podcast, the lads dust off the crystal ball for some not so accurate 2025 predictions.

There was more than just a tentative link between Rory's Masters success and the Championship as Rory is a two-time West of Ireland winner (2005 & 2006) while Rory's caddie, Harry Diamond, followed suit with a win in Rosses Point in 2012.

Mark is joined by defending champion Keith Egan and County Sligo Golf Club Men's Captain, Robbie Fitzpatrick for a look back on the incredible events of 12 months ago, the Centenary Champions Dinner where Egan and 25 other past winners came together to celebrate the Championship's historic landmark, and for a look ahead to what's in store as a top-class field gets set to tackle the prestigious Harry Colt Championship Course that's undergone significant transformation over the winter months.

We also delve into another fine performance from Tom McKibbin on the DP World Tour, the renaissance of Italian sensation Matteo Manassero, an underwhelming LIV event in Hong Kong, how Stephanie Meadow brushed off the cobwebs to top-10 on the LPGA in China, and detail the continued Irish success on amateur circuits all over the world.

World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Padraig Harrington takes centre stage this week as the lads discuss his impact on Irish golf, the general esteem in which he's held and whether or not he's the greatest sportsman the country has ever produced.

We also break down another Scottie Scheffler victory, a calamitous collapse on the DP World/LET Tour, Gary Hurley's resurgence, the state of negotiations between the PGA Tour and the PIF and there are unanimous choices for hero and villain of the week.

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Tom McKibbin's fine run of form continued with a top-6 finish at the KLM Open while there was drama in more ways than one at the Travelers Championship but it didn't stop Scottie Scheffler from rolling to another victory + Padraig Harrington's eighth Champions Tour victory

But that day is a long way away and, as the three-time Irish PGA Champion gazes at a Trophy he first marvelled at 40 years previous, he knows that that fuel is still burning as intensely as ever. “I still get up every day and I go and hit balls. I love it. I always said as soon as that goes, I’m finished. I won’t do it anymore. It’s either 100 percent or nothing.”

Pádraig Harrington makes his 500th DP World Tour appearance at the Qatar Masters this week in a career that just keeps on giving on the course and in front of the camera. Meanwhile, Seamus Power is showing encouraging signs of getting back to form, but the Farmers Insurance Open was dominated by Justin Rose, who, at 45, is enjoying much more of an Indian summer and is surely too good not to play in the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare Manor.

Meanwhile, there was no such fairytale for the home contingent at Woodbrook where Lorna McCylmont captured the Flogas Women’s Amateur at Woodbrook despite a stout Beth Coulter challenge. There was ample joy for Roscommon’s Olivia Costello, however, as the teenage talent romped to the Girls prize. We also have heroes and villains, and we round-up all the action from elsewhere too, including a landmark week for Gary Murphy on the Legends Tour. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.

We also go deep on the new PGA Tour deal of investment of up to $3 billion from Strategic Sports Group (SSG), a consortium of American sports teams owners led by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the almost 200 Tour members would collectively be able to receive over $1.5 billion in equity

As always we hope you enjoy the listen and if you do please hit the subscribe button and leave a comment.

Meanwhile, the clocks have sprung forward in Ireland meaning it is championship season. First up is the West of Ireland and we have a full preview in the second half of the podcast.

Lowry led by three strokes with three to play but back to back double bogeys compounded a disastrous finish as Nico Echavarria stole in for the victory and to pay off the mortgage. There are still plenty of reasons to be positive for Lowry going forward on what was a generally positive week for the Irish with two runner-up finishes on mini tours while Áine Donegan shone in Australia on her professional debut on the Ladies European Tour.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry had disappointing weeks while there was more media controversy for McIlroy who took a jibe at journalists on site while Lowry had a moment to forget on the 14th. Meanwhile, 18 Irish are in action at the Amateur Championship while the Flogas Women's Irish Amateur takes places in Headfort.

Rory McIlroy gets the last leg of his Masters preparation underway in Texas while there is lots on the agenda at the Houston Children's Open for Seamus Power and Pádraig Harrington, plus all the usual round up from around the tours and TGL finals.

McIlroy beat JJ Spaun in a playoff on Monday to win his second Players Championship title, meaning he is in red hot form heading to Augusta while Shane Lowry is also ticking along nicely after an encouraging Florida swing. There were plenty of Irish in action across the globe as the girls continue to shine on the Ladies European Tour and Tom McKibbin I back in DP World Tour action in Singapore.

Shane Lowry reached a career high world ranking of 14 with a seventh place finish but when is that big win going to come again after 18 months of remarkable consistency? Lowry and Rory McIlroy tinkered with equipment at Bay Hill and with Augusta looming is there any need for McIlroy to change anything?

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan will address the media on Tuesday ahead of the Players Championship, can we expect any major updates over golf's future or will he kick the can down the road again?

Meanwhile, Liam Nolan's season came to an end without a DP World Tour card but the glass is half full for the 25-year-old rookie professional. It's the last chance saloon for the Irish at the final stage of Q-School as five hopefuls brace themselves for the six-round marathon at Infinitum, looking to earn cards for the DP World Tour.

Leona Maguire is trending nicely ahead of next week's KPMG Women's Irish Open in Carton House while the big story of the weekend was Keegan Bradley vs Tommy Fleetwood as the Travelers Championship provided a sneak peak into the Ryder Cup. Is Bradley capable of being a playing captain?

Ronan is hot off the plane after experiencing a LIV (Maxi Golf League) event for the first time at JCB Golf and Country Club. He talks through what he believes works and what he can't buy into and also the type of atmosphere they are trying to create. A 57 year drought was ended at the South of Ireland as Jonathan Keane ensured that the trophy remained on home soil for the first time since 1968 when he beat Caolan Rafferty in a thrilling final. Additionally, we preview the AIG Women's Open and examine Seamus Power's concerning form.

It's only February but we have already had an Irish winner on tour in the shape of Portumna's Sam Murphy who won the opening Alps Tour event of the season on his debut appearance as a professional as he and Robert Moran completed an Irish 1-2 in Egypt. Ronan caught up with Sam to talk about his win, overcoming some major injury struggles including six surgeries and looking towards the future.

Shane Lowry's putting continues to be a worry despite all of his excellent golf from tee to green while slow play reared its ugly head at the US Women's Open but there were positive signs for Leona Maguire despite a third missed cut in a row at Erin Hills.

At the time of recording, Rory McIlroy is expected to tee it up for round one of the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass but he is taking it hour by hour as he recovers from a niggling back injury which forced him out of last weekend at Bay Hill and the first two practice days this week. Shane Lowry is in the field as is Seamus Power who was a late entry from the reserve list.

There was also huge drama at Pebble Beach as Collin Morikawa... eventually... won the AT&T Pro-Am for his first win in over two years while there were signs of encouragement for Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy heading into the Genesis and beyond as Max Kennedy gave his DP World Tour hopes a shot in the arm during an overall fruitful period for the Irish in South Africa over the last month.

Tom McKibbin also completed a great year in South Africa's Nedbank Golf Challenge. McKibbin has made LIV Golf work for him and has combined that with impressive appearances on the DP World Tour as well as a victory in Hong Kong which has punched his ticket to the Masters and Open next year.

There is still lots on the line for the Irish as Lauren Walsh and David Carey bid for PGA Tour and LPGA Tour cards respectively.

It was take two at TGL for Peter in the SOFI centre and after an underwhelming first season he was intrigued to see has the product improved. There was also underwhelming weeks on tour for Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Seamus Power while Tom McKibbin and Alex Maguire have started the year brightly.

Instead of trending upwards towards similar heights again, golf and life has had other ideas. Bad luck and some injury hell had Sugrue contemplating giving up the game but he salvaged his 2025 season and won his HotelPlanner Tour card. Now after emerging from the wilderness, he will embark on the "biggest year" of his career as he looks to reach the DP World Tour.

There was good news from an Irish perspective with Ronan Mullarney claiming 2nd on the Alps Tour as Hugh Foley claimed a first top-10 on his professional debut while John Murphy broke a torrid run of missed cuts in Egypt as he hopefully begins his ascent back up the golfing pyramid.

Liam Nolan gave Irish men's golf something to cheer about early in the year with an excellent performance on the HotelPlanner Tour while there's plenty of meat on the bone this week with Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Leona Maguire all in action Stateside.

There were close shaves for Lauren Walsh and Graeme McDowell on Tour while Darren Clarke teamed up with Thomas Bjorn for a team Champions Tour win and Jessica Ross made it third time lucky as she won the European Mid-Am in Portugal. We also have an Irish Challenge preview with Liam Nolan at Killeen Castle.

Plus, we hear from leading amateur Hugh Foley ahead of this week's West of Ireland Championship at County Sligo Golf Club, and the boys discuss what makes the first of the Amateur Championships such a special occasion.