PGA Tour Caddie: Lance Bennett
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In this episode, Matt Cook and Lance Bennett dive deep into the world of caddying, discussing Austin Smotherman's game, long-term caddy-player relationships, and the Farmer's Insurance Open. They touch on mental health in golf, strategies for playing at Pebble Beach, and delve into the controversy surrounding Live Golf. The episode wraps up with listener questions and potential for a major championship in Australia.

In this engaging episode of Pull Hook Golf, the podcast, host Matt Cook welcomes returning guest Lance Bennett, a veteran PGA Tour caddie, to delve into a range of topics from the world of golf. From the intricacies of PGA Tour caddying to the nuances of conditional status and high-stakes tournament talk, this conversation is a must-listen for golf enthusiasts.

The discussion kicks off with an update on Lance Bennett's recent caddie career, highlighting his experiences with notable PGA Tour players. The episode then transitions into an insightful breakdown of PGA conditional status, shedding light on its impact on players' opportunities. Attention shifts to a recap of the Farmers Insurance Open's outcomes, teed up with a preview of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am's challenges. Bennett and Cook cap off the episode with their perspectives on the drama-infused LIV Golf saga, offering unique takes from within the industry.

About the Guest:

Lance Bennett is a seasoned PGA Tour caddie with a career spanning over multiple decades and players. Having started his journey in the caddie world, Bennett has been on the bag for prominent golfers, most notably Matt Kuchar, with whom he enjoyed a near decade of partnership. His experience extends to caddying for players such as Davis Riley, Sungjae Im, and more. Bennett's insight into the tour's inner workings and his experience with PGA conditional status make him an authoritative voice in golf discussions.

Key Takeaways:

- Lance Bennett's professional insights reveal the complexities and challenges of being a PGA Tour caddie.

- PGA conditional status has a significant impact on players' access to tournaments under the new PGA Tour structure.

- Players' ability to adjust to the unique conditions at Pebble Beach is crucial for success in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

- The discussion around LIV Golf highlights its controversial influence on the golfing world and players' decisions.

- The episode provides a balanced view of the current state of professional golf, with nuanced takes on recent events and players' standings.

Listener Rewards:

- Get 25% off at Swannies Golf) by using promo code PullHookGolf25 at checkout

- Get 10% off at Bushwood Spirits) by using promo code PullHook at checkout

- Get 50% off at Sauce Golf) by using promo code PullHook50 at checkout

(0:00) Introduction and welcoming back Lance Bennett (1:10) Sponsor: Swani's golf (2:16) Lance's journey and insights into the caddy world (8:59) Austin Smotherman's game status and dynamics of long-term caddy-player relationships (18:14) In-depth discussion on the Farmer's Insurance Open and the DP World Tour (24:13) Controversies and unfair advantages in the game (29:33) Sponsor: Swannies (31:16) Importance of mental health in golf and recovery stories (36:23) The talent pool in golf and Rory McElroy's stance on lift golf (41:04) Strategy for playing at Pebble Beach and the importance of GIR and strokes gained approach (47:12) Insights into Pebble Beach's position in the Signature Series and rotating Signature Series locations (52:59) The caddy-player relationship: the case of Bones and JT (1:02:00) Joaquin Neiman and Sebastian Munoz's dissatisfaction with Live Golf (1:06:38) Rumors about Anthony Kim's return to golf and his decision between the PGA Tour and Live Golf (1:14:59) Listener questions and discussion on challenges for conditional status players and potential for major championship in Australia (1:21:11) Closing remarks and sponsor mentions: Swanese Golf and Bushwood Spirits