Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 487 - Global Golf Adventures & Rankings with Jason Deegan and Jason Lusk
We welcome two of the most well-traveled and respected voices in golf media: Jason Deegan, Managing Editor at GolfPass.com, and Jason Lusk, Director of Travel and Rankings for Golfweek. Together, they have played, photographed, and reviewed thousands of courses across the globe, bringing an insider’s perspective on the world’s top golf destinations and what makes each course memorable.
In this episode, host Bill Hobson sits down with Deegan and Lusk during a rain delay at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota, where Tom Lehman recently completed a 27-hole redesign. The conversation dives into the stories behind their extensive travels, how golf course rankings are created, and why certain destinations consistently stand out to both casual players and golf purists.
Deegan shares how his Michigan roots and early career, including coverage of major events like the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship, propelled him into a global golf career. He opens up about “pinch-me” moments—like standing on a tee box in New Zealand—and the joy of uncovering the artistic elements of golf course design around the world. Lusk, with his deep experience in both editorial design and travel coverage, reveals the behind-the-scenes work that goes into Golfweek’s trusted rankings. He also recounts humorous and jaw-dropping travel stories, from playing unexpected pro-ams alongside Fred Funk and Bernhard Langer to battling travel nightmares with lost clubs and endless airport delays.
The episode also highlights the importance of authenticity in course rankings. Both guests emphasize that their lists are based on genuine golfer reviews or expert panels, not advertising dollars, and why rankings should be seen as conversation starters rather than absolute truths.
Deegan and Lusk reflect on the future of golf travel and share their personal dream destinations. Whether it’s the rugged charm of Ireland, the pristine beauty of New Zealand, or iconic American destinations like Bandon Dunes, these experts know where the next great golf adventure awaits.
Listeners will come away with:
Insights on how golf media has evolved from print to digital.
Travel tips and hacks learned from decades on the road.
A better understanding of what makes a golf course truly exceptional.
Inspiration to explore both local gems and bucket-list destinations.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer planning your next trip or simply love the stories that make golf unique, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and discover the passion, humor, and expertise that Deegan and Lusk bring to every fairway they visit.
----------------
Subscribe to the FGN Podcast
Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports
TEXT or CALL
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.