Episode 3: LIV Golf, Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
In Episode 3 of Tee’d Off, Ben and Aaron talk LIV Golf bombshells and preview the US Open. Special guest AJ Gohil joins the show to talk the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail!
Ben Clyburn and Aaron Thomas introduce the episode and outline the topics to be covered, including a recap of the Memorial Tournament, US Open picks, and a discussion about the new LIV Golf tour. They begin with a recap of the Memorial Tournament, highlighting Billy Horschel’s win and Hideki Matsuyama’s disqualification due to a non-conforming club. They also share their thoughts on players’ on-course behavior, such as Horschel’s club-throwing and frustration.
The crew analyzes the odds for the upcoming US Open and makes their predictions, with Justin Thomas emerging as a potential favorite. They also delve into the controversial new LIV Golf tour, backed by Saudi Arabian money. They discuss the high-profile players who have joined or been rumored to join, such as Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Bryson DeChambeau. They explore the potential impact of LIV Golf on the PGA Tour and its events, as well as the sustainability of the new tour’s business model.
The hosts interview AJ Gohil, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail. Gohil shares his journey from working in gas stations to becoming involved in the golf industry, eventually leading to his current role with the Trail. He provides insights into the Trail’s 20 premium courses, including popular choices like Meadowlands, River’s Edge, and Glen Dornoch, as well as the newly added Man O’War and Wizard courses. Gohill also discusses the Trail’s beer, the ‘Long Day Lager,’ and the various package options available.
In the local Myrtle Beach golf news segment, the hosts mention the busy fall golf booking season and the potential impact of a proposed change to daylight saving time on November golf. The featured accommodations are the Barefoot North Tower and Yacht Club Villas, luxury condos overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and Barefoot Landing. The hosts highlight the amenities and benefits of these accommodations for golf groups.
The episode concludes with the hosts and Gohil sharing experiences that ‘tee them off’ on the golf course. Ben Clyburn recounts an incident of slow play and the frustration of having to ask a group to let them play through. Aaron Thomas shares his annoyance when the beverage cart runs out of his preferred drink during a round. Gohil discusses his frustration with opponents making miraculous putts and shares a humorous story about a friend giving him a new driver that helped him outperform his regular golfing buddies.