Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Off TRAQ Podcast — Golf's Real Conversations
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Should Amateurs Play Blades, Ryder Cup Chaos & Golf's D-Bag Behaviors | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:43:41 | |
We kick off Off TRAQ with three of golf’s most heated debates - should amateurs play blades, are Ryder Cup fans out of control, and what really makes someone a golf D-bag? Charles and Roy dive into the opinions that golfers actually argue about. | |||
| Club Buying Mistakes, One-Length Irons, and AI on Golf Brands | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:55:03 | |
This week on Off TRAQ, Charles and Roy break down the biggest mistakes beginners and amateurs make when buying clubs — from $800 “starter kits” to full matching bags that scream marketing. Then they dive into the debate over one-length irons: genius idea or total gimmick? And finally, they asked ChatGPT what it thinks of major golf brands and the golfers that play them; see if AI actually nailed the stereotypes. | |||
| The PGA Tour’s Personality Problem | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:57:32 | |
Does the PGA Tour have a marketing problem — or a personality problem? In this episode, we compare golf to leagues like the NFL and NBA and ask why professional golf feels so different. Is it the lack of rivalries? Not enough storytelling? Too much focus on stats and not enough on drama? We also cover: • Rory going back to blades • The Luke Kwon controversy • Anthony Kim’s comeback win • And whether classic golf sayings are actually good advice Chapters:00:00 Fixing the PGA Tour34:02 Rory Going Back to Blades25:13 The FULL Luke Kwon Saga41:10 Anthony Kim Wins LIV Adelaide44:51 Golf Sayings: Good or Bad Advice? Follow Off TRAQ for weekly golf conversations that go beyond swing tips. | |||
| Breaking 90 feels like a mystery for most golfers — but it doesn’t have to be. | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:53:18 | |
In this episode of Off TRAQ, we talk through what it really takes to break 90, why you don’t need great golf to do it, and how most amateurs quietly sabotage their rounds without realizing it. We dig into the real numbers behind breaking 90, the mistakes that blow up scorecards, and how managing penalties, putting, and expectations matters more than chasing birdies. We also cover what’s happening this week in golf — from the fifth major debate to PGA Tour bans and the spectacle that is the Waste Management Open — before ending with a lighter “Pick One to Lose Forever” segment. If you’re trying to score better without overhauling your swing, this one’s for you. Chapters: 00:00 How to Break 90 07:30 The Biggest Score Killers 17:45 The Stats That Actually Matter 31:30 This Week in Golf 44:30 Pick One to Lose Forever | |||
| Internet Invitational Review: Cheating, Format, and Standout Players | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:48:04 | |
This week on Off TRAQ, Charles and Roy break down the entire $1M Internet Invitational, the creator golf tournament that’s taken over YouTube thanks to slope-gate, lie-gate, captaincy drama, and some surprisingly elite golf.We dig into our first impressions, what the event got right, and where it completely fell apart. We talk slope controversy, lie-flattening, Paige’s captain decisions, and why one team’s strategy worked.We also run through our winners and losers of the event: who impressed, who disappointed, and who came out looking better (or worse) than before.Should they run this back … or should it never happen again?If you enjoy creator golf, Good Good drama, tournament breakdowns, and honest golf debates, this episode is for you. | |||
| Building the Perfect Golf Bag on a Budget | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:58:07 | |
This week on Off TRAQ, Charles and Roy go head-to-head in the Build-A-Bag Challenge, competing to build the perfect golf bag for their guest, Richard Kim, using his budget. They break down wood choices, iron setups, wedge gapping, and putter philosophy, revealing how two golfers can create completely different bags from the same starting point. Whose setup will Richard choose — and which one would you play? If you love What’s In The Bag videos, golf debates, and gear talk, this one’s for you. | |||
| Best Putter Style in Golf and Swing Hard or Smooth | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:51:11 | |
This week on Off TRAQ, Charles and Roy tee up two of the most debated topics in golf. First, they break down the pros and cons of the most popular putter styles: blade, mallet, and zero torque. Whether you're a feel-first player or chasing tech and forgiveness, they unpack which design might actually help amateurs sink more putts and why looks vs performance might not be as straightforward as you think. Then, the conversation shifts to full swings: should golfers swing hard or swing smooth? They explore how swing effort affects performance, injury risk, tempo, and control — and whether a “Rory rip” or an “Fred Couples tempo” is better for the average player.1:29 Today's Topics1:54 What's Happening in Golf8:14 Which Putter is Best?32:23 Shoulder Golfers Swing Hard or Smooth? | |||
| Do Golf Balls Matter, Course vs Range, and AI on Golf Brands Pt.2 | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:48:53 | |
This week on Off TRAQ, Charles and Roy ask the question many amateurs overlook; does the golf ball actually matter? Then they square off over which is better for golfers' game: playing a short course or grinding at the range. And finally, they bring back a fun segment: asking ChatGPT what it thinks of more golf brands, this time covering Cobra, PXG, Mizuno, and Srixon. | |||
| What If? Tiger Debuts in 2010: Is He Still the GOAT? | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:56:57 | |
What if Tiger’s entire career starts in 2010 instead of 1996? We break down the alternate timeline and debate whether Tiger still becomes “GOAT Tiger” in the modern era. How much of his dominance was skill, how much was timing, and how much was psychological pressure on the field? We also get into what GOAT even means, the majors math, and how the modern tour changes the ceiling. After the main debate, we hit the weekly golf news and close with a fun ranking of the worst feelings in golf. Chapters:00:00 2010 Tiger Debut: Is He Still GOAT?32:27 This Week's Golf Headlines42:22 Blind Ranking: Worst Feeling in Golf | |||
| Driver vs Iron Swings, PGA Show Recap & What Makes A Fun Golf Round? | 27 Jan 2026 | 01:13:58 | |
Are the driver and iron swings actually the same, or are they two completely different swings? In this episode of Off TRAQ, we kick things off with a deep debate on one of golf’s most argued questions: driver vs iron swings. We break down setup, mechanics, feel vs reality, and why so many golfers stripe irons but lose their driver or vice versa. From there, we recap the most interesting tech from the PGA Show, including smart putting balls, grip sensors, budget launch monitors, and why so much modern golf tech provides data without real instruction. We close the episode with a mindset conversation every golfer can relate to: what’s the difference between a fun round and a scoring round? Should you always keep score, or is it okay to stop caring and just enjoy the day? If you like honest golf debates, tech breakdowns, and real conversations about how golfers actually play the game, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 Driver vs Iron Swing Debate 24:21 2026 PGA Show Recap 24:36 Smart Putting Tech 35:41 Budget Launch Monitors 44:49 New Equipment Standouts 53:36 Push Carts & Scooters 01:04:09 Fun Rounds vs Scoring Rounds | |||
| How We Buy Drivers, Golf’s Biggest Headlines, and the Fitter Problem | 21 Jan 2026 | 01:04:45 | |
Buying a new driver shouldn’t feel this complicated — but for most golfers, it does. In this episode, we cover three core topics: We cut through marketing noise, talk honestly about gear decisions, and dig into the structural problems that lead golfers to spend money without getting better. This is a candid, practical conversation for everyday golfers who want clarity — not hype. Chapters 00:30 – What Charles Actually Looks for in a Driver | |||
| 2026 Golf Drivers, PGA Rule Changes & Our Golf Goals of the Year | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:56:38 | |
2026 golf drivers are starting to surface, and we break down the driver releases and early teases we’ve heard so far — what’s actually new, what feels incremental, and what golfers should realistically care about heading into the season. We also dive into the six new PGA of America rule changes, explaining what changed, why it matters, and how these updates impact everyday golfers, not just tour players. To close things out, we get personal and talk through our 2026 golf goals — what we’re working on, where we’re being honest about our games, and how we’re approaching improvement this year. If you’re into golf equipment, rule updates, and real conversations about getting better, this episode covers it all. ⏱ Chapters
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| Golf Etiquette We All Break, Should Tour allow LIV Golfers Return & Our Golf Year in Review | 17 Dec 2025 | 01:06:08 | |
Golf etiquette. LIV Golf. And a little self-reflection to close it out. In this episode, Charles and Roy break down the golf pet peeves and etiquette rules golfers break all the time — including the ones they’re guilty of themselves. From pace-of-play issues to subtle on-course habits, nothing is off-limits. They also dive into the LIV Golf debate, discussing whether LIV players should be allowed back on the PGA Tour and what fairness really looks like in professional golf. To wrap it up, they reflect on their own golf year in review — what worked, what didn’t, and what they’re taking into the next season. This is also our last episode of the year. We’ll be taking a few weeks off to reset and recharge, and we’ll be back soon with more Off TRAQ. Whether you’re a weekend golfer, a golf traditionalist, or just tired of that guy in your group, this episode hits close to home. Chapters
About Off TRAQ Off TRAQ is a weekly golf podcast where Charles and Roy break down the debates, culture, gear, and stories golfers actually talk about. Honest takes, relatable experiences, and zero perfect swings required. | |||
| I Played My Best Round as a New Dad + $50 Rangefinder Review, LAB Putter Round 2 & Viral Golf Debate | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:46:26 | |
New dad, no range time, stuck in traffic, shows up late… and somehow plays one of his best rounds of the year. In this episode, Charles breaks down how a single swing thought (footwork!) completely changed his game — and why training while holding a newborn actually works. We also review the $50 Amazon rangefinder vs a $550 Bushnell Pro XE, talk LAB putter feel and inserts, and debate the Golf Digest “Build Your Ultimate Round” challenge. Whether you’re a golf dad, gear nerd, or someone trying to get better without touching a range, this episode hits all the relatable pain points. ⛳ Chapters00:00 – Solo Dad Golf Hour01:19 – Stressful No-Warmup Round05:50 – LAB DF3 Putter Review Round 209:44 - LAB DF3 Insert Sighting11:29 – Testing the $50 Rangefinder vs Bushnell20:49 – What New Dads Can Actually Train at Home27:28 – Ultimate Round Golf Draft ($80 Challenge) 🎧 Topics • Playing well with no warmup | |||
| The Best Golf Gifts of 2025 + Why the Skins Game Flopped | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:58:48 | |
Shopping for golfers is impossible — we’re picky, brand-loyal, and half the time we already bought the thing you were planning to gift us.
We also give our honest take on the 2025 Skins Game, why it didn’t live up to the hype, and why the Internet Invitational pulled off a better creator event. Whether you’re a golfer shopping for yourself or someone trying to buy a gift for the golfer you love, this episode will save you money, frustration, and a few returns. Chapters • 0:00 – Ultimate Golf Gift 2025 About Off TRAQ Every week, Charles and Roy break down golf’s biggest debates, myths, gadgets, gear decisions, and the stories golfers actually talk about. Raw takes, honest opinions, and zero perfect swings required. | |||
| Are You Playing the Wrong Tees? + The One Pro Skill We’d Steal | 25 Nov 2025 | 01:01:46 | |
This week on Off TRAQ, we break down one of golf’s most overlooked decisions: choosing the right tee box. Most golfers play from the wrong tees — and it affects scoring, pace, and the way the course is meant to be played. We walk through different ways to pick your tees, what yardages matter, and the ego traps every amateur falls into. We also have some fun with a big hypothetical: And finally, we share our honest thoughts on TopGolf — just our experiences and how it fits into the golf world today. Come hang out for a mix of real golfer talk, practical tips, and the usual Off TRAQ debates. Chapters
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| Best Golf Brand for Each Club in the Bag | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:00:14 | |
In this episode of Off TRAQ, Charles and Roy go through the bag and debate which brand performs best in each category. Starting with the first brand that comes to mind, they talk through their picks for: • Drivers (00:49) • Irons (09:25) • Wedges (16:09) • Putters (23:22) • Golf Balls (28:58) The episode also covers two other big topics in golf this week: - Rory McIlroy withdrawing from The Players Championship with a back injury and what that might mean for the season. (36:17) - And a debate around whether The Players Championship should officially be considered the 5th major in golf. (39:11) | |||
| Bryson’s 51% LA Golf Story, Michelle Wie & WTGL, & The Masters Debate | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:50:28 | |
In this episode of Off Traq, we unpack the business drama behind Bryson DeChambeau’s reported push for 51% ownership of LA Golf and what majority control really means in corporate structure. We also discuss: • Michelle Wie joining WTGL as both player and investor • LIV Golf receiving another $267M from PIF • The evolving power dynamics in professional golf • A legacy debate: Masters vs the other three majors | |||
| Stock Shot vs Shot Shaping: Which Is Better For Your Game? | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:47:33 | |
Should you master one reliable stock shot… or learn to shape it both ways? This week on Off TRAQ, we debate whether golfers are overcomplicating the game by chasing all 9 windows instead of building one predictable pattern. Then we shift gears:
If you’re serious about lowering scores or just love debating where golf is headed, this episode covers both. | |||
| LIV Lost. Golf Won. | 12 May 2026 | 01:01:50 | |
This week on Off Track, we discuss the end of LIV Golf funding and whether the league ultimately failed or changed golf forever. We break down why fans never fully connected with LIV, what the PIF may have originally wanted from golf, and what happens next for players like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. We also discuss Bryson’s possible PGA Tour return, YouTube golf’s growing influence, and the PGA Tour’s changing media policies. Finally, we dive into the real reason most golfers make double bogeys and why course management, decision making, and putting matter more than most amateurs realize. Chapters:00:47 What was LIV Golf's real purpose?03:22 Why fans never connected to LIV12:06 Did LIV actually change golf forever?22:13 Bryson's strange conditions for returning to PGA Tour27:06 Why did PGA Tour create the Bryson rules?31:24 Can YouTube golf replace PGA Tour?37:45 Double bogeys are usually emotional, not technical | |||
| Putter Fitting: Worth It or Not? + PGA Tour Leaves Hawaii & Golf’s 3-Point Line Debate | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:57:02 | |
Roy gets fitted for a new putter… but does a putter fitting actually make you better? In this episode of Off TRAQ, we break down our real experiences with putter fittings — what actually matters, what most golfers get wrong, and why a “perfect fit” doesn’t always translate to better results on the course. From high-tech tools like TrackMan and SAM PuttLab to simple setup adjustments, we explore the balance between data and feel — and how much each should influence your decision. We also get into: Then we shift to this week in golf: And finally, we ask a bigger question: What if golf had a 3-point line? Would adding risk/reward elements make the game more exciting — or take away what makes golf great? ⛳️ CHAPTERS00:20 Look Inside Putter Fitting14:38 What People Get Wrong About Putter Fitting16:42 Why Does Lie, Length, and Loft Matter?21:41 When Is the Right Time to Get Fit?33:37 PGA Tour Leaving Hawaii38:47 LPGA Majors43:22 Should PGAT Have More Events Like Zurich Open?46:26 Does Golf Need a 3-Pt Line? If you love golf, strategy, and honest takes on the game, follow Off TRAQ for new episodes every other week. | |||
| Is Something Happening at Augusta? Rory Wins Back-to-Back Masters | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:56:24 | |
Rory McIlroy wins the Masters in dramatic fashion, but the bigger question remains: is something happening at Augusta? In this episode of Off TRAQ, we break down Rory’s performance and what this win means for his legacy, while also examining the subtle shifts surrounding The Masters. From changing broadcast dynamics to course setup and scoring conditions, this year’s tournament raised new questions about the future of Augusta National. We also discuss:
Finally, we evaluate where Rory now ranks all-time and whether he has become the defining golfer of this era outside of Tiger Woods. CHAPTERS 00:34 The Masters Felt Different 08:35 Did Augusta Manipulate the Course? 15:25 LIV Golfers Struggle Again 19:39 Justin Rose Falls Short Again 21:39 Morikawa Adjusts His Swing and Still Contends 23:46 Sergio Garcia’s Meltdown 26:22 Gary Player’s Distance Rant 31:48 Rory McIlroy Wins the Masters 37:52 Where Rory Ranks All Time 52:34 Is Rory the Best of This Era After Tiger? Is Something Happening at Augusta? Rory Wins Back-to-Back Masters | |||
| Can You Win The Masters From 125 Yards? | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:14:47 | |
Can you win the Masters… without ever hitting a tee shot? We created a 125-yard challenge at Augusta National Golf Club to test a simple idea: Would an amateur actually have a chance? In this episode, we go hole-by-hole through Augusta, breaking down strategy, scoring expectations, and where things fall apart fast. Because it turns out… distance isn’t the real defense of Augusta. By the end, we simulate a full 4-round Masters to see if either of us is actually walking away with a green jacket. We also get into the latest on Tiger Woods — from his TGL Finals appearance to his recent car incident — and ask the bigger question: how does this stretch impact his legacy? And we bring back a fan-favorite segment: What’s the fastest way to break 100? We break down the real stats, what actually matters, and the biggest mistakes amateur golfers need to eliminate. ⛳️ Chapters 00:00 Podcast Update (Bi-Weekly Schedule) 00:21 Can You Win The Masters from 125 Yards? 06:49 Hole-by-Hole Breakdown (Front 9) 26:10 Back 9 Breakdown (Amen Corner Pressure) 46:20 Final Scores: Do We Win The Masters? 50:06 This Week in Golf (Tiger Woods TGL Debate) 53:33 Tiger Woods Car Incident + Legacy Discussion 1:00:02 Fastest Way to Break 100 (Real Stats + Tips) If you started every hole at 125 yards… what are you shooting at Augusta? | |||
| Distance is Dead? Why the PGA Tour Might Not Follow | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:56:10 | |
Is the golf ball rollback actually necessary… or is it solving a problem no one asked for? In this episode, we break down the rollback rule (00:00), what the USGA and R&A are changing, and why the PGA Tour might not fully adopt it. We debate whether distance is really an issue in golf, who could be behind the decision, and what it means for both pros and everyday players. We also cover: • Colin Morikawa’s mid-round withdrawal and the reaction (40:34) • Why golf movies and shows rarely live up to expectations (42:49) • A blind ranking of the most intimidating shots in golf (47:00) If you’ve been hearing about the rollback but aren’t sure what’s actually happening, this episode will get you up to speed. | |||
| Is Modern Golf Actually Making Us Better? | 07 Jul 2026 | 01:00:47 | |
On this episode of Off TRAQ, Charles and Roy ask a deceptively simple question: is modern golf actually better? With better equipment, launch monitors, rangefinders, YouTube instruction, and more data than ever, golfers should be getting dramatically better… so why has the average handicap barely moved? They break down how golf has changed from the early 90s and 2000s to today, where technology has genuinely helped, and where it may actually be making golfers more confused, dependent, and cluttered. Then they hit current events, including Scottie Scheffler’s playoff loss, Jordan Spieth testing a new putter, and first reactions to Your Golf Tour. To close, they put each other on the spot with a bag audit and call out the one club the other probably shouldn’t be carrying. Chapters: | |||
| Watching The PGA Tour Is Making You Worse At Golf | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:49:49 | |
What if the biggest thing hurting your golf game isn’t your swing… it’s the golf you’re watching? This week on Off TRAQ, Charles and Roy explore why the modern PGA Tour may actually be teaching amateur golfers all the wrong lessons. From flop shots and hero recoveries to going for par 5s in two, they discuss why what works for the best players in the world often leads to bigger scores for the rest of us. Then they dive into Wyndham Clark’s U.S. Open victory and why the tournament felt strangely flat, why so many fans seem to be rooting against him, and what his win says about personality in professional golf. They also discuss the latest developments surrounding the golf ball rollback, why the governing bodies suddenly appear to be reconsidering their plans, and whether professional golf is finally moving toward a true shot clock to combat slow play. To wrap things up, they play a round of Overrated or Underrated on some of golf’s biggest traditions, including: Chapters If you enjoy thoughtful golf conversations from an amateur’s perspective, follow Off TRAQ for new episodes every week. | |||
| The PGA Tour Has Changed Forever | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:24:37 | |
The PGA Tour has changed forever. In a surprise emergency episode of Off TRAQ, Charles and Roy break down the biggest structural change to professional golf in decades. Starting in 2028, the PGA Tour will split into a new Championship Series and Challenger Series featuring promotion, relegation, smaller fields, and dramatically different purses. We discuss: • What actually changed • Why the Tour is doing this now • Whether fans will care about relegation battles • Which recognizable names could be in danger • The return of match play • The winners and losers of the new system • Whether this helps reunify professional golf Chapters: 2:03 What Actually Changed? 6:39 Why is the Tour Doing This Now? 9:58 Who’s in Danger? 13:14 The Match Play Twist 14:06 Winners and Losers 17:46 Buy or Sell? Is this the future of professional golf—or did the PGA Tour miss an opportunity to go even further? | |||
| Why Golfers Get Stuck at 10 Handicap | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:58:49 | |
Most golfers improve quickly at first… until they hit the same wall. The scores stop dropping. The handicap stays stuck. And no matter how much they practice, nothing seems to change. In this episode of Off TRAQ, we break down why golfers plateau at every stage of improvement — from beginners trying to break 100 all the way to low handicaps chasing scratch. We talk about the biggest mistakes golfers make at each level, what actually unlocks the next jump in scoring, and why so many players get trapped around the 10 handicap range. We also discuss: If you’ve ever felt stuck in your golf game, this episode is for you. ⛳️ CHAPTERS 00:23 Why Golfers Plateau 01:26 Beginner → 15 Handicap 8:46 Why Most Golfers Get Stuck at 10 Handicap 19:55 The Jump from 10 → 5 27:42 What Scratch Golfers Do Differently 32:17 PGA Tour’s New Relegation System 36:32 Brad Dalke Gets PGA Tour Sponsor Exemption 39:17 Slow Play Is Becoming a Problem 42:45 Building Our Dream Golf Trip Is 10 handicap the hardest plateau in golf? Follow Off TRAQ for weekly conversations about golf, competition, improvement, and the modern game. 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VUqJIu… 📸 Instagram: / traqgolf Learn more about TRAQ Golf: | |||
| Why YGT Could Be the Future of Golf | Bryson’s Struggles, Rory vs Fans & More PGA Championship Reactions | 26 May 2026 | 01:00:25 | |
This week on Off TRAQ, we ask a massive question: Could YouTube golf actually become the future of the sport? With YGT officially launching and creator golf exploding in popularity, we break down why this could be one of the biggest shifts golf has seen in years and why the PGA Tour may need to pay attention. We dive into: We also react to several major storylines from the PGA Championship: Then we close the episode with a fun golf version of Deal or No Deal: Would you take Prime Tiger’s irons? Phil Mickelson’s short game? Bryson’s driver? Tiger’s mentality? ⛳️ CHAPTERS 00:27 Byron Nelson & “Arcade Golf” 02:39 Is YGT the Future of Golf? 07:09 Could YouTube Golf Lead to the PGA Tour? 10:09 Is YGT Real Competition or Just Content? 13:43 The Genius of YGT’s Wildcard Format 25:16 The Biggest Risk for YGT 31:48 Bryson’s Struggles Continue 34:24 Aaron Rai Wins the PGA Championship 35:39 Rory vs the Fans 37:45 Is Cam Smith Back? 40:04 Build the Perfect Golfer: Deal or No Deal Edition Follow Off TRAQ for weekly golf conversations covering the PGA Tour, YouTube golf, equipment, media, culture, and the future of the game. | |||