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Divots & Skins

Divots & Skins

Written by: Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney
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Divots & Skins is a golf podcast for everyday golfers who love the game, the grind, and the stories that come with chasing better rounds. Hosted by Jake and Brett from Upstate New York, the show covers amateur golf, local courses, tournament play, simulator golf, golf rules, the mental-game, and plenty of laughs along the way. We’re not pros. We’re just two golfers who love competing, talking golf, and trying to get a little better one round at a time.© 2026 Divots and Skins Golf
Episodes
  • Ep 6 - Thunderhart, Clutch Putts & Tournament Drama
    Jul 2 2026

    In Episode 6 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett cover a busy stretch of amateur golf filled with tough courses, tournament pressure, clutch putts and a few painful mistakes.

    The episode begins with a surprise scramble at Brookhaven Golf Course, where the tight layout and difficult greens proved that even a four-person team can get into trouble. After shooting far lower at a previous scramble, the group quickly learned just how demanding their home course can be.

    Next, they recap their latest US Am Tour Albany Region stop at Thunderhart Golf Course in Freehold, New York. They discuss the wooded layout, doglegs, elevation changes, hidden water hazards, drop zones and the importance of knowing what is waiting beyond a blind shot. The day also featured a dramatic comeback, clutch birdies, skins and another trophy added to the collection.

    Jake then shares his experience filling in at the ALS Open at Van Patten Golf Course, where his long game struggled but his putter came alive. A 50-foot putt, several long birdie makes and key par saves helped the team finish six under while supporting ALS research and patient care.

    The Rule of the Day explains when a missed swing counts as a stroke, why accidentally knocking a ball off the tee does not count, and when taking an unplayable lie may be smarter than attempting a hero shot.

    The episode wraps with a preview of the upcoming US Am Tour regional event at West Point Golf Course and a trip to the Travelers Championship.

    Links:
    Thunderhart Golf - https://www.thunderhartgolf.com
    Scottie with his son - https://www.tiktok.com/@pgatour/video/7655405620350209294?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    Sponsors:
    Blueprint Leadership Development - https://www.robshauger.com
    US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html
    The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net

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    56 mins
  • Ep 5 - Major Headlines, Mountain Views & a Wild Day at US AM Tour Stop Wahconah
    Jun 17 2026

    Episode 5 begins with some of the biggest stories happening around golf, including Nelly’s latest major victory, the difference between a Grand Slam and a career Grand Slam, and the young amateurs earning spots in the U.S. Open.

    Jake and Brett also discuss the growing world of YouTube golf, where personalities, production and massive prize pools are changing how fans experience the game.

    Then it is time to recap their latest US Am Tour Albany Region event at Wahconah Country Club in Massachusetts. They talk about the mountain views, changing weather, difficult greens, elevation changes and the small creek that winds through several holes. It turned into a memorable day for both golfers, but you will have to listen to hear exactly how it ended.

    The Rule of the Day explores the different relief options available when a ball is unplayable in a bunker. They also answer a viewer’s scramble question about whether a team can change its selected ball after everyone has already played the next shot.

    The episode wraps with a conversation about Brookhaven, The Luxury Box, upcoming events and why golfers of every handicap level should consider trying a flighted amateur tour.

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    37 mins
  • Ep 4 - Normanside, Tournament Pressure, Back-To-Back Wins & The Mental Side of Golf
    Jun 5 2026

    In Episode 4 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett dig into the highs and lows of amateur tournament golf.

    Brett shares his recap from the latest US Am Tour stop at Normanside, where swirling winds, thick fescue, rough putting, and late-round pressure made for a grind to the finish. Even without his best stuff, he held on for a one-stroke win and proves one of golf’s biggest truths: sometimes your best round is not required, just your best effort that day.

    The guys also celebrate Erin’s back-to-back tournament wins at McGregor and Normanside. Her story opens up a great conversation about confidence, staying calm after bad holes, handling tournament nerves, competing in a male-dominated space, and why more women should feel welcome joining amateur golf tours.

    Plus, Jake and Brett talk about what makes the US Am Tour experience so much fun, from local competition to national travel opportunities. The episode wraps with the Rule of the Day, covering putting alignment, using your putter as an alignment tool, caddie restrictions, and whether you can legally stand behind another golfer to read a putt.

    If you love amateur golf, real tournament stories, course talk, and trying to figure out how to get better one round at a time, this one is for you.

    Links:
    Divots and Skins Podcast: www.divotsandskins.com
    US AM Tour: www.usamtour.com
    The Luxury Box: www.theluxurybox.net
    Normanside Golf Course: https://www.normanside.com
    McGregor Links Country Club: https://www.mcgregorlinkscc.com

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    38 mins
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