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Golf And Politics

Golf And Politics

Written by: Reach Right Network
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Is it possible to bring Republicans and Democrats together? Maybe. Rob Ellsworth and Matt Parker grew up in the upper Ohio Valley playing junior golf, and today they all work in politics. Rob is a Democratic lobbyist, and Matt is a Republican strategist. While they rarely see eye-to-eye on politics, they wholeheartedly agree that golf is the greatest game ever invented and are passionate about expanding it.Reach Right Network Golf Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Golf Across the Pond: Our 10-Course Ireland & Scotland Adventure

    Golf Across the Pond: Our 10-Course Ireland & Scotland Adventure
    Oct 14 2026
    Matt Parker is joined by Oklahoma State Representative Anthony Moore to recap an unforgettable golf trip through Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. From the unforgettable experience of playing Ballybunion to the challenge of Royal Portrush, the guys break down their favorite courses, memorable shots, wild weather, and the places that made the trip special. Along the way, they share stories about an unexpected 36-hole day at Waterville, late nights in Irish pubs, a visit to Ireland's parliament, and Senator Chuck Hall's remarkable turnaround at Turnberry. They also discuss the upcoming midterm elections and what the political landscape could mean for Republicans. It's a conversation about great golf, great people, and why some golf trips stay with you long after you get home. 🧠 Topics Covered The 2026 midterm elections and the political outlook in Oklahoma Reviewing 10 golf courses across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland Why Ballybunion stands out as a special golf experience Royal Portrush, Waterville, Ardglass, Turnberry, and more Irish pubs, travel mishaps, and the stories that made the trip memorable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • The $85,000 Quest to Play America’s Top 100 Golf Courses

    The $85,000 Quest to Play America’s Top 100 Golf Courses
    Sep 23 2026
    On this episode of Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob sit down with Daniel Belk, an entrepreneur and former Division I track athlete who set out to play Golf Magazine’s Top 100 public courses in a single year. Daniel is already 53 courses into the journey, traveling the country in an RV and working with a $70,000–$85,000 budget. He breaks down how he’s managing the logistics, where the money goes, the courses that have stood out, and why the experience has become about much more than simply checking courses off a list. The conversation also gets into Daniel’s approach to rating courses, the role of social media in his journey, entrepreneurship, and the importance of staying present instead of constantly worrying about what comes next. And because this is Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob get into a bigger question: after traveling to dozens of courses and meeting people all over the country, does Daniel still have hope for America despite the political divisions we see online? Plus, Daniel takes on the 10-Round Split, Shotgun Nine, his most controversial golf opinions, his dream foursome, and the ridiculous lengths he’s gone to for a tee time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Where Does Politics Go From Here?

    Where Does Politics Go From Here?
    Sep 17 2026
    On this episode of Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob sit down for a candid conversation about the Oklahoma governor’s race, the Republican Party, President Trump, and where American politics goes from here. Matt reflects on the incredibly close Oklahoma governor’s race and the experience of spending 20 months working on the Gentner Drummond campaign. The conversation then expands to Trump’s influence over the Republican Party, the challenges facing Republicans heading into the midterms, and whether the party has delivered on the promises that helped bring Trump back to the White House. Matt and Rob also discuss political polarization, immigration, foreign policy, tariffs, the role of social media in politics, and the need for politicians to disagree without treating each other as enemies. At the end of the day, the conversation comes back to something both Matt and Rob agree on: politics can be competitive without losing sight of the country and the people it is supposed to serve. And, of course, there’s golf. The episode closes with a look ahead to the next G&P Cup at RTJ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
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