Talk Birdie To Me. Episode 113
Mar 14, 2025
Karl Vilips Wins Big. Are GA Serious about the Aus Open? Jack Nicklaus Shows Who's Boss
A huge Talk Birdie To Me pod today, we start with Karl Vilips' fantastic win in Puerto Rico. Nick and Mark chat about his path to this point, from an Australian prodigy at 6-years old to PGA winner, how he did it and why he moved to the US so young. Nick chats about what impressed him about Karl's performance, and Mark raises his swing and suggests it may be the new modern swing. Nick would prefer to see Karl waggling, but at the same time he's doing pretty well without it!
We discuss Jason Day's suble change in his putting. Nick raises some of the changes at Bay Hill and talks about playing that course.
Mark raises 'fast greens' and says that whilst many golfers like to say they play them well, they are not ideal generally. We talk about ideal green speeds.
The Australian Open dates, for all tournaments, are yet to be announced. Mark asks are Golf Australia serious about the Open or not? And he invites James Sutherland onto the pod to explain where it's at.
Mark has heard that the discussions between the PIF and the PGA in Washington have broken down.
Nick's Top 5 is on well known players who wore gloves to putt, in order of worst to best. It won't surprise you to know that it is in fact a Top 6. Surely by now this is an ACCC issue. Nick also tells a great story about the Golden Bear at a conference - very funny.
Feedback today - including a call from David in Brisbane who is heading off next week to the Barossa for a boys drinking , ahem, golf trip and wants some advice on how to maintain energy and momentum under duress (ie: late nights, wines and beers). Also in feedback a couple of whacks for Mark. Always fun.
PING global results - we're yet to resolve the trumpet situation. Watch this space. And Marks masterclass is on how 'locking your shirt' under your armpit can help your putting. Our intern Javier was in charge of audio, might explain why we fired him.
We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ, and here thanks to our great partners:
- The watchMynumbers app, play smarter and use your data. Download from the App Store or Google Play;
- PING will help you play your best. See your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
- Golf Clearance Outlet, visit them online here to find your nearest store, they're all over the country;
- Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;
- Southern Golf Club - now with their brand new Simulator Room including Trackman.
And of course Titleist and FootJoy!
Subscribe to my new video series PLAY YOUR BEST GOLF. Get access to 17 categories with 100+ videos and more.
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join my mailing list to receive the latest news and updates.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.