The DROP Podcast

NBC Sports' lead golf voice Dan Hicks joins us for an inside look at Oakmont ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open, where he’ll be on the call live. We get his take on what makes Oakmont such a brutal test, break down Kevin Kisner's mindset, and make a few bold predictions for this week's action. Dan also shares insight on the next Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and how it's shaping up to be one of the most el...

We spent the day at Berkshire Valley Golf Course - one of NJ’s top-rated public tracks - and we’re breaking it all down: staff, course conditions, layout strengths, pace, pricing, and overall feel. If you're a local or just golf-tripping through the Garden State, this is your tee-to-green guide to one of the best public plays in New Jersey. Follow The DROP for weekly stories, player highlights, an...

Fresh off the Ron Jaworski Celebrity Golf Outing at RiverWinds, Mike breaks down what went down on the course - the setup, the stories, and standout moments. Then it’s on to Oakmont as we preview the U.S. Open with bold picks, sleeper names, and why this field is packed with our guys: Max, Chris, Ryan, and James. Plus: a shoutout to NJ Mid-Am champ John Havay, a look ahead to the MGA Public Links...

How do you win a championship when the weather’s awful and the pressure is real? This week on The DROP, we dive into the 2025 NJ Golf’s 4-Ball victory with Sean Vowells and Henry Bolster. Representing Canoe Brook, the longtime friends and partners take us inside their win at North Jersey Country Club - from how they became a team, to how they leaned on each other through one of the toughest mental...

Is Shore Gate Golf Club the most overlooked public course in New Jersey? This week on The DROP, we break down why this Ron Fream–David Dale design deserves more attention - from its bold bunkering and dense pine corridors to its undulating greens that demand precision on every hole. We get into current conditions, value vs. price, and whether Shore Gate is still flying under the radar or finally r...

From early inspiration to the head pro at one of NJ’s top private clubs, Craig Smith’s story is everything golf fans love. This week on The DROP Podcast, he shares how he got into golf, the people who inspired him along the way, and what makes the MCGC membership one of the most remarkable in the Garden State. With the 42nd NJ Mid-Amateur Championship just days away, we break down who’s in, what’s...

Blue Heron Pines takes center stage this week with a full course breakdown - from current conditions and summer rates to the social media reactions that stirred up real debate. Whether you’re planning a tee time or just curious how this South Jersey staple is holding up, here’s what’s clicking and what’s not. Also in the mix: reactions to the new Golf Digest Top 100, takeaways from the Charles Sch...

How do you go from picking up golf as a beginner to earning a spot in the New Jersey Golf Hall of Fame? This week on The DROP Podcast , we sit down with Brian Komline, the only player to win all five of New Jersey’s major amateur championships — the Open, Amateur, Mid-Amateur, Four-Ball, and Public Links. Brian walks us through his journey from learning the game to becoming a scratch golfer and a...

Did the NJ 4-Ball Championship live up to the hype at North Jersey Country Club? And who rose to the moment at Quail Hollow during the second major of the year? This week on The DROP Podcast, we recap two high-stakes events that defined the week in golf, from amateur excellence in the Garden State to the pressure-packed drama on the PGA Tour. We also talk about the latest Breaking Par video from R...

In this episode of The DROP Podcast, we sit down with Brian Schneider, co-owner of Renaissance Golf Design, for an educational deep dive into the world of golf course restoration, renovation, and design and how to understand the differences between each. With consulting work at Hollywood Golf Club, Montclair Golf Club, and North Jersey Country Club, Brian shares how he's helped restore and ref...

In this episode of The DROP Podcast, we tee off with a head-to-head battle: Rock Spring Golf Club vs. Francis Byrne Golf Course - which Essex County public gem truly reigns supreme? We break down course architecture, conditioning, layout nuances, and why Essex might just be the #1 county for public golf in New Jersey. Plus, we preview the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, the second major of...

North Jersey Country Club’s Head Pro, Brian Krulfeifer, joins The DROP Podcast to talk leadership, legacy, and what it takes to run one of New Jersey’s premier private golf clubs. He shares how his passion for the game shaped a career rooted in Garden State golf and how he’s built a culture of excellence at a Walter Travis gem. We also preview next week’s NJ Golf’s 4-Ball Championship, hosted at N...

Golf creators and YouTubers are set to face off at Philly Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course, playing under pro-level conditions in Creator Classic: Round 2 and we’re breaking it all down. We preview NJ Golf’s 4-Ball Championship, look ahead to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic where Chris Gotterup defends his title, and recap the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour action from this past weekend. At the...

New Jersey Golf is celebrating 125 years — and a bold new era. This week on The DROP Podcast, President Rod McRae joins us to break down the rebranding, the championship legacy, and what’s next for the Garden State’s golf community. We also go inside Baltusrol Golf Club, where Rod shares firsthand insight into Gil Hanse’s acclaimed restoration of the iconic Lower and Upper Courses. From his MGA Se...

This week on The DROP Podcast, we’re unlocking the secrets to scoring big with KemperSports' Tour of the Turnpike — the ultimate way to play more, win more, and experience the best of New Jersey golf. From April 15 through October 31, you can earn premium rewards just for teeing it up at all eight of the Garden State’s KemperSports-managed public courses, including Heron Glen, Galloping Hill,...

What does it take to rise through the ranks in New Jersey golf? This week on The DROP Podcast, we sat down with Alex Champagne, the newly appointed Head Golf Professional at Metuchen Golf & Country Club. Alex reflects on his time learning under Dave Reasoner at Ridgewood CC, the mentorship that shaped him, and the vision he’s bringing to one of Middlesex County’s most beloved courses. Whether...

Looking to level up your spring golf trip? We’ve got you covered. This week on The DROP Podcast, we’re reviewing three standout courses that should be on your radar — Tidewater and Caledonia in Myrtle Beach, Abacoa Golf Club down in Jupiter, Florida, and South Jersey’s underrated gem, Ballamor GC. From palm-lined fairways to smooth greens right here in the Garden State, this episode delivers trave...

This week on The DROP, we welcome Scott Paris, 2025 PGA Professional of the Year and Director of Golf at the iconic Plainfield Country Club. Scott reflects on what this national honor means and how his journey helped shape Plainfield CC into one of New Jersey’s most respected private clubs. We also dive into Plainfield’s Donald Ross roots, its PGA Tour moments with The Barclays in 2011 and 2015, a...

This week on The DROP Podcast, we’re diving into one of New Jersey’s crown jewels - Plainfield Country Club. After getting a second crack at this Donald Ross classic, we’re breaking down our full experience: course conditions, standout holes, and how it stacks up among the elite. Is Plainfield CC truly a Top 5 Private Golf Course in New Jersey? We’ve got thoughts - and we’re not holding back. Then...

She’s back! CBS Lead On-Course Reporter Dottie Pepper joins The DROP for the third time and she’s not holding back. From calling out slow play during the PGA Tour’s West Coast Swing to revealing how CBS is changing the way we watch golf in 2024, Dottie brings heat - and expertise. With The Masters in full swing, we get her Augusta outlook: bold picks, key storylines, and under-the-radar players to...

The biggest week in golf is here - get our bold Masters picks, sleeper bets, and Augusta insights to fuel your weekend watchlist. We also recap our day at Heron Glen Golf Course, one of NJ’s top public tracks. Hear all about the layout, conditions, and why it should be on your spring tee sheet. Also on deck: Somerset Hills wins The Parkway Playoff, our local pros make moves on Tour, and a wild “Mo...

What if 4 months of focused training could change your swing - and your game - for good?  Dr. Mike Pomykala returns to The DROP to break down Ryan’s full Physical Fitness Friday journey, a four-month transformation. From his initial TPI test to the final retests using force plates and 4D motion capture, Ryan’s progress tells the story of what smart, data-driven training can do for your golf game. ...

Posting Season is HERE - and The DROP Podcast is kicking off NJ golf’s biggest bracket, boldest predictions & the start of spring golf across the Garden State. We’re diving into a listener question: “Birdie or Death” focused on Monmouth County courses, recapping the Parkway Playoff Final Four & unpacking the massive vote totals and tightest matchups yet. Private clubs are dominating - but...

Think you understand how golf handicaps really work? Think again. In this episode of The DROP Podcast, we sit down with NJ Golf’s Rich Kennedy, Director of Handicapping & Membership Services, to break down everything you didn’t know about the numbers behind your game - and how they’re helping shape the future of Golfing in the Garden State. Inside this episode: • How USGA handicaps are calculated...

This week on The DROP Podcast, we tackle one of the latest debates in New Jersey golf: What’s the BEST county for public golf in the Garden State? Whether you’re a muni course grinder or just love discovering new tracks, this episode is packed with value. We break down: • Top public & municipal courses • Standout tracks and hidden gems • The #1 county for public golf in NJ - did your home turf mak...