Monday Qualifier: Road to The PGA TOUR w/ Ryan French
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In this episode, Matt Cook and Ryan French dive into the world of golf, discussing the importance of Monday qualifiers and the financial challenges of the Korn Ferry Tour. They cover controversial golf stories, discuss the journeys of Chris Kirk and Grayson Murray, and speculate on Tiger Woods' next apparel partner. The episode also includes a preview of the American Express tournament and talks about the life-changing nature of Q-school and cheating allegations in pro events.

In this episode of the Pull Hook Golf podcast, host Matt Cook sits down with Ryan French, the man behind Monday Q Info, who has turned six years of intense interest in lesser-known golf competitions into a career. Offering a unique glimpse into the trials and jubilations of golf's Monday qualifiers, French discusses the fascinating journeys of lesser-known players fighting for a spot in the big leagues.

The conversation kicks off with French's personal journey into the realm of golf, followed by his transition to covering Monday qualifiers. French recounts favorite moments and impactful stories, underlining the significance of these events which often serve as a career-defining turning point for many players. The discussion also wades into the impact of LIV Golf on the golf landscape and French's perspective on the various changes it's brought about.

About the Guest:

Ryan French, also known as Monday Q Info, brings to the forefront the lesser-seen world of golf—Monday qualifiers and mini tours. He founded Monday Q Info as a hub for all things related to Monday qualifiers, providing centralized links, updates, and captivating stories from golf's grassroots levels. French is not just an ardent golf fan but also a narrator of the untold struggles and triumphs of those seeking glory in the sport. His insightful analysis and commitment to sharing these narratives have garnered him a dedicated following on Twitter and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

- Ryan French delves into the motivations behind his focus on Monday qualifiers and the incredible stories that emerge from these events, which provide opportunities for both known and obscure golf players.

- French expresses his preference for the competitive aspect of golf over the no-cut, guaranteed-pay events, highlighting the distinction between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf from a purist’s perspective.

- The inner workings of professional golf qualifications are unpacked, shedding light on the challenges and the importance of fair competition.

- French's perspective on the current state of professional golf emphasizes the divide caused by LIV Golf and its implications on the sport's viewership and future.

- Engagement with audience queries reveals insights on cheating in golf, the struggles of the Korn Ferry Tour, and the practicalities of playing within professional golf circuits.

Notable Quotes:

- "I'll always go with Twitter and tweet at all times." — Ryan French on the preferred nomenclature for social media engagement.

- "Mondays are hard, but there’s a lot of future or past talent often in each field." — Ryan French on the competitive nature of Monday qualifiers.

- "I'm not a LIV fan, but I don’t blame players for going there." — Ryan French on the contentious rise of LIV Golf.

- "As soon as you tap in and get your card, you don't have to play that well. And for guys that don't have any money, that is huge." — Ryan French on the financial implications of playing with LIV Golf.

- "It happens way more than you think." — Ryan French on the prevalence of cheating in golf.

Resources:

- Follow Ryan French's updates and insights on Monday qualifiers via his Twitter handle @acaseofthegolf1).

- Check out the official website Monday Q Info) for links to scores and the latest news from around the world of Monday golf qualifiers.

- Listen to French's podcast, Any Given Monday, for more in-depth discussions and stories from the golf course.

Remember, listeners of Pull Hook Golf get 25% off at Swannies.co) when using promo code PullHookGolf25 at checkout!

Tune in to the full episode of Pull Hook Golf to hear all the firsthand insights from Ryan French and discover why the world of Monday qualifiers is a microcosm of passion, determination, and heart that defines the game of golf. Stay connected for more episodes that dive deep into the untold facets of the sport we love.

(0:00) Introduction and guest introduction - Ryan French (0:41) Sponsor: Swani's golf (1:34) Ryan French's journey into the world of golf and importance of Monday qualifiers (8:12) Discussion on the Korn Ferry Tour and its financial challenges (20:30) Covering controversial stories in golf and polarization in professional golf (29:31) Chris Kirk's and Grayson Murray's journeys and performance (35:30) Sponsor message from Swannies (36:32) Introduction of streetwear in golf and speculation on Tiger Woods' next apparel partner (42:19) Preview of the American Express tournament and Ryan French's stance on live golf (50:33) The life-changing nature of the Q-school and cheating allegations in pro events (1:06:06) Rules for playing in Korn Ferry and PGA Tours and cheating in Golf (1:08:04) Wrapping up the episode and where to find Ryan French and his work (1:09:27) Sponsor: Swannies and their Golden Lake collection promotion (1:10:02) Conclusion and thanks for listening