This episode was a fun one as we sat down with Gipper Finau, brother of PGA Tour star Tony Finau, for a wide-ranging conversation that hits on golf, family, grit, and what’s next. Gipper shared some great stories from back in the day, including how walking down a path he probably shouldn’t have been on is actually what led to his introduction to the game of golf. We talked about the journey since then and how golf became a powerful force in his life. We also dove into the incredible work being done through the Gipper Finau Foundation, the impact it’s having, and what Gipper sees for the future. On top of that, Gipper teased future plans involving Pro Mastery Classes for content creators, aimed at helping others grow, build, and succeed in the golf content space. The guys also chopped it up about Lombardi Putters — why they’re so good, why they’re affordable, and why they’ve become a favorite. Gipper even shared some stories about time spent with Uncle Paulie down in New Orleans and how that relationship came together. Of course, we couldn’t have Gipper on without talking about Tony’s success on the PGA Tour, including the wild moment at Augusta when Tony made an ace during the Par 3 Contest, dislocated his ankle, popped it back into place, and then went out leading after Day One. Unreal. And don’t skip the spitfire questions at the end — including the big one: 👉 Who talks more smack… Tony or Gipper? You’ll have to tune in to find out. Check out everything Gipper has going on here: 👉 https://gipperfinau.com/?v=966cb237d600 Huge shoutout to our sponsors for making the show possible: ⛳ 88 Links Golf — use promo code UPSTATE20 at checkout ⛳ Hudson Valley Indoor Golf — book your time at hvigolf.com Hit play, enjoy the stories, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking back on some of our best golf moments from the 2025 season. From unforgettable rounds to big milestones on and off the course, we reflected on what made this year special and why golf continues to bring the best stories with it. We also showed love to some of our favorite guests who joined us on the podcast over the past year — incredible golfers, creators, and personalities who brought insight, laughs, and real conversations to the mic. If you’ve been riding with us all year, this episode is a reminder of just how stacked the guest list has been. To kick off the New Year, we got into golf New Year’s resolutions — what we’re working on, what we’re leaving behind, and how we’re attacking the upcoming season with fresh motivation. Goals, mindset, improvement, and plenty of banter along the way. Huge shoutout to our sponsors who continue to support the podcast: 88 Links — your go-to for golf gear, apparel, and accessories, specializing in shoes while also carrying hats, polos, gloves, and ball markers. Hudson Valley Indoor Golf — elite indoor golf experience with cutting-edge simulator technology, access to over 150,000 courses, and a massive putting green to dial in your short game. New year, same love for the game. Tune in and kick off 2026 with us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode we’re joined by Jared Lott, father of junior golfer Brantley Lott, who you might remember from his appearance on the podcast a few months back. Jared hopped on to talk all things junior golf, especially for families and players who love competitive golf and are looking for the right tours to get involved with. We broke down two of the best junior tours to join right now. First up was iGen Junior Golf, with their opening event set at Sea Trail Resort. Tons of giveaways, two days of awesome golf, and a great competitive environment for junior players. If you’re looking to get your junior involved, this is one you don’t want to miss — check them out at igenjuniorchampionships.com. We also talked about the Southern Showcase Tour, another excellent option for juniors getting into competitive golf and looking to grow their game in the right environment. You can learn more about that tour at southernshowcasejuniorgolf.com. Of course, we couldn’t help ourselves and got into a little Tiger Woods talk — will we ever see him truly back competing again? And we wrapped things up by finding out whether Jared ever actually gets time to golf himself between raising a junior golfer and everything else life throws at you. Huge shoutout to our awesome sponsors 88 Links Golf and Hudson Valley Indoor Golf for continuing to support the show. Be sure to check them out and support the brands that support the pod. Another great conversation packed with junior golf insight — tune in and enjoy! ⛳ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of the Upstate Golf Guys Podcast is loaded from top to bottom with tournament news, competitive fire, and big things coming for the upcoming season. We were joined by Golfweek Amateur Tour Director Evan Silkworth, along with Assistant Director Mike Winters, to break down what events are officially set in stone and what players across the region have to look forward to this year. From confirmed stops like Swan Colony Country Club and Shaker Ridge, to the overall vision for the season, Evan and Mike give a behind-the-scenes look at how the Golfweek Amateur Tour continues to grow and deliver a true competitive experience for golfers of all skill levels. The Upstate Golf Guys plan on doing weekly segments bringing the highlights from Golfweek events to the podcast week to week. We also brought in Jeremy Hays and Josh Parlapiano, two finalists from the Upstate Golf Guys Indoor Invitation, to recap an intense indoor showdown. Both guys battled their way through the field, with Jeremy ultimately taking home the cheddar and claiming bragging rights. They break down the pressure, the format, and what it meant to compete in one of the most competitive indoor events we’ve hosted. Huge shoutout to our sponsors who make all of this possible — 88 Links, your go-to for premium golf gear, shoes, apparel, and accessories, and Hudson Valley Indoor Golf, the home for year-round competition, elite practice, and top-tier indoor golf experiences. If you’re into competitive golf, local tournaments, and what’s next for the Upstate golf scene, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎙️⛳ SIGN UP NOW AT Golfweek Amateur Tour Please subscribe to the Upstate Golf Guys on You Tube for all the video versions of the podcast and golf content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Upstate Golf Guys Podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Austen, also known as your favorite one-armed golfer. Andrew was most recently featured in the Internet Invitational put on by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports, and he didn’t just show up — he made a serious run and delivered some truly epic golf content along the way. We dive deep into Andrew’s journey in adaptive golf, the unforgettable moment he got the call from Frankie at Barstool, and how everything went from zero to real fast. From landing at Big Cedar Lodge to seeing the Good Good boys and Paige Spiranac in person, Andrew talks about the exact moment it hit him — this was real. We got into each round and what it was like playing with the Duke where he walked away with some cheddar! Andrew also played with one of the winners at one point, Brad Dalke! Plus, you won’t want to miss the hilarious Andrew Santino mix-up when the Andrews arrived at Big Cedar, an all-time story that had us rolling. We can’t thank Andrew enough for taking time out of his busy schedule to come chop it up with The Upstate Golf Guys. His story, mindset, and love for the game are straight-up inspiring. Check out Andrew on Instagram at Jimmythekiiid and follow his journey! https://www.instagram.com/jimmythekiiid?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Huge shoutout to our sponsors: 88 Links Golf 88Links Golf Hudson Valley Indoor Golf HOME | Hudson Valley Golf This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We went live on the pod to draft teams for our upcoming event at Hudson Valley Indoor Golf, and it got competitive fast. We straight copy-catted the full Internet Invitational format, bringing that same high-stakes, made-for-content energy to the Upstate golf scene. The format is simple but ruthless: round one is 27 holes where only the winning team advances, eventually narrowing the field down to a final six, with $1,200 on the line for the last two standing. Tune in as Captain John Cole (Team Blue) and Captain Kevin Dumacich (Team Red) break down who they picked, the matchups, and the strategy behind every move. Huge shoutout to our sponsor HVI Golf for making it all possible. Check them out at HVIGolf.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with rising talent Cole Ponich for an in-depth conversation about his incredible journey through the game of golf. Cole takes us back to his early days, including his unforgettable experience representing the U.S. in the Junior Ryder Cup and teeing it up alongside players like Akshay Bhatia. We dive into his standout career at BYU, where he sharpened his game, built lifelong relationships, and delivered some of the most clutch shots of his career. Cole also shares the story behind his most memorable shot—one you won’t want to miss. Now, with college in the rearview, Cole is making the push into the professional ranks. We talk about the grind of Q-School, the mindset shift required to compete at the next level, and his impressive start on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he’s already 2-for-2 in made cuts. His perspective on staying locked in, staying grateful, and staying hungry is something every golfer will appreciate.From junior golf, to college golf, to the brink of the PGA Tour—this is Cole Ponich’s story so far. A huge thank you to our sponsors:  88 Links Golf – Premium golf apparel and accessories built for players who want to look good and feel better on the course. Shop now at 88LinksGolf.com and use code UPSTATE20 at checkout for 20% off your order.  Hudson Valley Indoor Golf – Your go-to golf spot all year long. Rain, shine, or freezing Upstate winters, stay sharp and keep your swing dialed in with top-tier simulators and a great environment to train. Book your session at HVIGOLF.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ New Episode – Upstate Golf Guys Podcast 🎙️ This week we’re joined by rising golf content creator Daniela Rengifo, who’s only been in the game for three years but caught the golf bug fast. Daniela has always been an athlete — she grew up playing tennis, and that competitive drive eventually led her to golf, where she’s been grinding and improving ever since. We dive into her Miami roots, the courses she plays down there, and how the South Florida golf scene helped shape her love for the game. Co-host RGB joined me on this one, and he and Daniela connected immediately as fellow Miami Hurricanes fans, adding a fun and lively vibe to the episode. Daniela also shares a hilarious story from a trip to Canada, where she ended up being the only golfer on the entire course, making for one of the most unique rounds she’s ever played. We also talk about her experience competing in the Golf Creator Classic, where she teamed up with two fantastic creators — Mei Brennan (a past guest of the podcast) and Brian Athey, another strong voice in the golf creator community and was just recently on the Pitch Putt and Puff podcast Make sure to follow Daniela on Instagram at @daniren_mia and support her journey in the game! Huge shoutout to our sponsors 88LinksGolf.com — specializing in golf shoes, hats, polos, gloves, ball markers, and much more — and HVI Golf for supporting the Upstate Golf Guys Podcast and the golf community. HOME | Hudson Valley Golf 88Links Golf USE "UPSTATE20" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we sit down with Taylor Zachary, a senior standout at Florida Southern, where she’s been a key contributor to one of the strongest NCAA Division II golf programs in the country. Taylor joins us to talk about her journey in the game, what it’s taken to compete at the collegiate level, and how she’s approaching her final year as a Moc. We dive into the senior-season mindset — leadership, preparation, pressure, and goals — along with how she balances academics, travel, and tournament play. Taylor breaks down her practice routines, the mental side of her game, and the biggest lessons she’s learned over four years of college golf. And of course, she shares some fun off-course stories and her favorite courses along the way. Big thank you to our sponsors, who help keep the show rolling: 🔥 88LinksGolf.com – Specializing in golf shoes, plus hats, polos, gloves, ball markers, and much more. Premium gear built for the modern golfer. ⛳ HVI Golf – The home for elite indoor golf, with top-tier simulators, lessons, leagues, fittings, and year-round game improvement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Bonus Episode – Upstate Golf Guys Podcast LIVE at Hudson Valley Indoor Golf-Anthony gets fitted🎙️ Heads up — we had a slight audio issue at the very beginning of this bonus episode, so the audio is a little choppy at first. But stick with it, because once we move into the simulator, everything clears up, and the episode takes off! 🎥 Want to see it all live? After listening, head over to our YouTube page to watch the full podcast — all the action shots of Anthony getting his fitting are there! Make sure to subscribe and follow: ⁠Upstate Golf Guys YouTube⁠ Tune in and get an inside look at the ultimate club fitting experience — you’ll want to see this one! The whole crew — Scrounge, RGB, and Anthony — headed up to Hudson Valley Indoor Golf to see Evan Silkworth, PGA Pro, and this place is incredible for anyone who loves golf. From a 450-square-foot putting green with realistic undulations and lasers that show your lines and misses, to state-of-the-art simulators, this is a golfer’s paradise. The highlight of the episode? Anthony's club fitting! After testing various clubs, it came down to Srixon vs. Mizuno, which did he choose? And it turned out Anthony was using a completely wrong club for his swing!!! With the right fit, he instantly gained 15 yards off of his irons. Tune in to hear the play by play, the science behind club fittings and Anthony’s reactions live! A huge thanks to Hudson Valley Indoor Golf and Evan Silkworth for making it happen. If you need lessons, club repairs, or a custom fitting Evan is the guy to see. Check out hvigolf.com for more info and to book your session. Also, shoutout to our sponsors: 88 Links Golf – shop at 88links.com and use code UPSTATE20 for 20% off. Hudson Valley Indoor Golf – the only indoor golf facility for real golfers HOME | Hudson Valley Golf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Upstate Golf Guys Podcast – Episode Featuring JB Richardson Jr. 🎙️ On this episode of the Upstate Golf Guys Podcast, we sat down with JB Richardson Jr., a rising talent from South Carolina — the golf capital of the country! At 5'4", JB is out there taking on 7,000-yard tees with the big hitters and proving he belongs. JB competes on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, one of the top junior circuits in the nation. He talked about being a fast player, a few rules he’d love to change, and what it’s like trying to match distance with older, stronger players. What really stood out is JB’s discipline. School always comes first — he comes home, gets his homework done, then heads to golf lessons. And on some days, after dropping a few putts to wrap up practice, he’s right there in the clubhouse finishing homework. That mix of work ethic and passion sets him apart. Follow his journey and show him some love on Instagram: 👉 @jbrichardsongolf Shoutout to Our Sponsors 88 Links Golf Shop at 88links.com and use code UPSTATE20 for 20% off your order. Hudson Valley Indoor Golf The only indoor golf facility for real golfers. Book your session at hvigolf.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Upstate Golf Guys, we took a break from the golf talk and headed down south to the Big Easy. Upstate Ant sat down with his former doorman from the iconic Hotel Monteleone —Also known as music artist “TheRealTMilli” — to dive deep into the food, lifestyle, and music that make New Orleans one of a kind. They swapped stories about the best local spots to eat, the soul and sound of the city, and the resilience of NOLA in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This episode is packed with heart, history, and rhythm — a true taste of New Orleans. 🎷✨ 🎧 Brought to you by our sponsor — 88LinksGolf.com. Bring your clubs back to life, play better, and feel confident. 88 Links — where style meets your game. ⛳ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ The End Is Near (For Golf Season...) This week it was just Anthony and RGB holding it down, breaking down their weekend of golf and the epic two-man scramble that came down to the 18th hole. It was a heated match full of clutch shots, bad breaks, and a few laughs along the way. For our YouTube viewers, we rolled some highlights from the round — so if you haven’t checked that out yet, make sure to watch the video version for all the on-course moments. We also talked a little Halloween, but mostly reflected on the sad reality that golf season is winding down here in Upstate. Winter is coming, and we’re already missing those long summer rounds. A huge shoutout to our newest sponsor Hudson Valley Indoor Golf — the best place to keep your swing sharp all winter long. Check them out at hvigolf.com. And of course, big love to our longtime sponsor 88LinksGolf.com — bringing style, comfort, and performance to every round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Golfweek Am Boys Are Back from Hilton Head! Upstate Ant had the Upstate Golfweek Am crew fresh off their trip to Hilton Head for the National Tournament! We welcomed Champ Flight Kevin D. and Mike W., B Flight Salem Jacobson, and D Flight Brian Dabell and Matt Willgocki to the show. We broke down their tough rounds on that tricky Bermuda grass and how it compares to what we’re used to up here in the Northeast. Big shoutout to Brian D. for a strong Top 20 finish! The guys walked us through each round, course by course, sharing their highlights, struggles, and lessons learned from the trip. Plus, we wrapped things up with some fun quick-fire questions you won’t want to miss. It was an absolute blast having the boys on — even if we’re all a little depressed the season’s over and winter is creeping in. 🎙️ Sponsored by 88LinksGolf.com — the go-to spot for the latest in golf gear, lifestyle, and performance apparel. Check them out and upgrade your game on and off the course! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ New Episode of The Upstate Golf Guys Podcast! Hosted by Upstate Ant, this week’s episode features Ed from Drive and Grind Golf — an Army vet, 2.8 handicap, and awesome Instagram golf creator who recently made the move from Washington, D.C. to the Rochester area. Roger (aka RGB) joins Ant in the studio as they recap their Sunday round — including Upstate Ant’s 38 on the back nine at Frear Park with three birdies 🔥 — before diving into a fun, wide-ranging golf chat. They talk with Ed about what got him into the game, how his girlfriend quickly caught the golf bug and became his perfect golf partner, and his upcoming trip to Vegas. The crew also breaks down their favorite golf games to gamble on, with Ed giving a full lesson on how to play Wolf. From favorite golf movies, to some of the courses Ed’s played out west, to his switch from a Ping Anser to a Lombardi putter — and you’ll never guess who Ed compared Bryson to in the NFL 👀 — this episode is packed with laughs, stories, and plenty of golf talk. 🎧 Episode brought to you by 88LinksGolf.com — where style meets fairways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ The Upstate Golf Guys — Hockey Edition with Oops All Goalies & Marty McDangle We switched things up this week and hit the ice instead of the fairway! Joining us are the man behind Oops All Goalies Kyle Sorenson and the always-entertaining Marty McDangle. You may have seen "Oops all goalies" featured on ESPN, MSG, and the NHL Network, but today they’re on the Upstate Golf Guys podcast talking hockey, content creation, and what it takes to build a passionate community around the game. Tune in to hear what "Oops all goalies" is all about from when it started to where it is has grown to today. From hilarious behind-the-scenes stories to real talk about growing in the sports media space, this one’s packed with laughs, energy, and plenty of puck talk. 🎧 Whether you’re a golfer, a hockey fan, or just love great banter — this crossover episode is one you don’t want to miss. 🔥 Presented by 88LinksGolf.com — use code UPSTATE20 to save 20% on everything from polos and hats to handcrafted shoes by “Shoe Dog,” who’s been in the business for over 50 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎧 The band is back!!! 🎧 This one’s a bonus episode, recorded live on Instagram with the full crew back together! Mike’s fresh off his trip to Hilton Head where he competed at Nationals — not quite the finish he wanted, but still an awesome experience (minus a little food poisoning). We break down the trip, talk about the highs and lows, and get into what Mike’s planning for next year. Always good vibes when the band’s back together with the Upstate guys! Big thanks to our sponsor 88LinksGolf.com — use code UPSTATE20 to save 20% on shoes, polos, hats, and more from “Shoe Dog,” a shoemaker with over 50 years in the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ New Episode of The Upstate Golf Guys Podcast! This week we’re joined by 11-year-old rising golf phenom and content creator, Brantley Lott — a kid who’s already turning heads both on the course and online. Brantley shares his dream foursome, his big goals for the future, which PGA player he looks up to most, and even his go-to golf course snack (you won’t believe this one!). We also bring in Brantley’s dad, Jared Lott, for some great bonus content. Jared talks about what it’s like being the man behind the camera, traveling to tournaments, and supporting Brantley’s growing golf journey. He also fills us in on some upcoming youth golf tournaments in Myrtle Beach — an amazing opportunity for young players to compete, connect, and have fun. These events are a steal — two rounds of golf, awesome giveaways, and a chance to network with other passionate junior golfers. If you’ve got a young golfer in the family, you’ll definitely want to check them out: 🏌️‍♂️ Southern Showcase Junior Golf 🏌️‍♀️ iGEN Junior Championships Be sure to follow Brantley Lott Golf on all social media platforms and subscribe to his YouTube channel for some awesome junior golf content 👉 youtube.com/@brantleylottgolf 🎧 Tune in now to The Upstate Golf Guys Podcast — where golf, stories, and good vibes always come together. 👟 Big shoutout to our sponsor — 88LinksGolf.com! Check out Shoe Dog, the man behind the brand, who’s been making quality golf shoes for over 50 years. That’s not all — he’s got polos, hats, ball markers, and more. Use code UPSTATE20 at checkout to save 20% on your order. Support a true craftsman and play in style with 88 Links Golf! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ New Episode of The Upstate Golf Guys Podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tracy Hoffman, co-founder of the John P. Morizio Memorial Golf Tournament — an incredible event and cause that’s been making a real impact for seven years strong. John P. Morizio Golf Memorial We just wrapped up the 7th Annual Tournament at Frear Park, and it couldn’t have gone any better — perfect weather, great golf, and even better people all coming together to honor John’s legacy and raise money for a truly meaningful purpose. Tracy shares the heartfelt story behind how it all started, why it continues to grow each year, and where the donations go to help families and the local community. This one’s all about golf, giving back, and the power of community. Don’t miss it. ⛳️ Listen now on The Upstate Golf Guys Podcast! 🎧 Presented by 88LinksGolf.com — use code UPSTATE20 to save 20% on all gear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Upstate Golf Guys Podcast 🎙️This week on the Upstate Golf Guys Podcast we had the pleasure of sitting down with Tom Bodolato — “The Tampa Golfer” — and what a story he has! We talked about his amateur golf career, where he’s traveled the world representing Team USA, including competing in Korea, and he’ll be heading back there again soon to tee it up. 🇺🇸⛳ Off the course, Tom is a private investigator, helping bail bondsmen track down fugitives — and he shared some wild, can’t-miss stories from his work. We also reminisced about the podcast he did with his wife Suzy back in 2012, where they even met Bret Michaels — proving that podcasting can lead to some unexpected adventures! It’s an episode packed with golf, grit, and incredible stories — from fairways to fugitives! 🎧 Tune in now to The Upstate Golf Guys Podcast — available everywhere! 👟 Big shoutout to our sponsor 88LinksGolf.com — founded by Shoe Dog, a true craftsman with 50 years of experience making top-quality golf shoes. But that’s not all — he’s got polos, hats, and ball markers too! Use code UPSTATE20 at checkout to save 20% on your order. 🙏 Special thanks to Paulie Lombardi at Lombardi Golf for connecting us with Tom — couldn’t have made this episode happen without you CHECK OUT THE TOM AND SUZY SHOW AT https://www.reverbnation.com/thetomandsuzieshow "THE TAMPA GOLFER" INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/thetampagolfer?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices