Golf And Politics
Is it possible to bring Republicans and Democrats together? Maybe. Rob Ellsworth, Matt Parker and Cory Toth grew up in the upper Ohio Valley playing junior golf, and today they all work in politics. Rob is a Democratic lobbyist, Matt is a Republican strategist, and Cory is a refining and petrochemical lobbyist. While they rarely all see eye-to-eye on politics, they wholeheartedly agree that golf is the greatest game ever invented and are passionate about expanding it.
Episodes
July 9, 2025 • 59 mins
In this special episode of Golf and Politics, Matt and Rob unveil the first annual Golf and Politics Cup (G&P Cup)—their Ryder Cup-style showdown set for August at GrayBull Club in Nebraska, a new top-ranked course. They reveal their full eight-man teams, including vice captains Nick Kirsch and Casey Lang, and share insider scouting reports, from scratch players to fiery grinders ready for match play pressure.
The hosts break down...
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In this special on-course episode of Golf and Politics, Matt is joined by PJ, Alex, and Fritz Wenzel of Ring Digital for Nine Holes, Nine Questions during the Nightbirde Foundation Charity Outing at Virtues Golf Club. From humble beginnings in journalism and law to building a successful family-run digital firm serving top political and corporate clients, the Wenzels share their journey, lessons learned, and plenty of laughs along t...
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June 26, 2025 • 75 mins
In this episode of Golf and Politics, Rob and Matt reunite to unpack a whirlwind few weeks of golf—both as players and fans. From LIV Golf at Rob’s home course, RTJ, to a bucket-list golf adventure across Scotland, and a reflective look at their own game stats and progress in 2025, this episode blends insight, laughter, and some seriously enviable travel stories.
Rob shares candid impressions of LIV Golf in person, including surpr...
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In Part 2 of our conversation with Mike Blackham, Golf and Politics dives deep into Mike’s recent golf adventure through England’s elite courses, from his beloved Sunningdale to iconic tracks like Royal St. George's, St. George's Hill, and St. Enodoc. Mike and Rob break down why England’s diverse golf scene—featuring both heathland and links courses—might just be the most underrated golf destination on the planet.
They discuss the...
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June 18, 2025 • 75 mins
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Golf and Politics welcomes Mike Blackham — world traveler, elite golfer, and one of the few people on Earth closing in on completing the World Top 100 golf course list. Mike shares his journey picking up golf in his late 20s and what he's learned about golf culture, club access, and course architecture along the way. From Augusta and Pine Valley to international B-side hidden gems, we dive i...
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In this wide-ranging episode of Golf and Politics, Rob sits down with Tony Russo—a top Washington lobbyist, former collegiate golf standout, and the undisputed No. 1 golfer in American politics. From playing alongside Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman, to his early days on Capitol Hill working for Senator Joe Biden, Tony shares unforgettable stories from a life that’s crossed paths with legends in both golf and politic...
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This week on Golf and Politics, co-host Rob Ellsworth sits down with Scott Furlong, longtime superintendent of the iconic Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, to talk turf, tournaments, and the truth behind maintaining a world-class course. Recorded on the eve of LIV Golf Virginia, Scott shares what it takes to host back-to-back global events like the Solheim Cup and LIV Golf, and how weather, politics, and even immigration policy affect ...
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May 28, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt sits down with Mitch Marczewski, founder of the Nightbirde Foundation, to explore how charity golf tournaments are a force for good—and a model for effective fundraising. Inspired by the legacy of his sister Jane “Nightbirde”, a breakout star from America’s Got Talent, Mitch shares the emotional journey of turning tragedy into tangible hope for women battling breast cancer.
They break dow...
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May 21, 2025 • 45 mins
In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt breaks down Scottie Scheffler’s dominant win at the PGA Championship and what it means for his trajectory toward golf greatness. Is Scheffler the next to complete the career Grand Slam? Matt makes the case. He also takes on critics of LIV players, defending Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau from what he calls lazy media narratives.
Plus: a deep dive into the Parker Improvement Project—Matt’s...
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May 14, 2025 • 63 mins
In our 50th episode of Golf and Politics, we celebrate the milestone with tech entrepreneur and longtime friend of the show Jake Ward. From his time on Capitol Hill to founding multiple companies and trade associations, Jake brings a rare mix of policy savvy, startup hustle, and serious golf chops.
We dive into Jake’s golf life—his game, his favorite courses, and the rise of club culture in places like Daniel Island and Bandon Dun...
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May 7, 2025 • 36 mins
Golf and Politics is back with 9 Holes, 9 Questions as co-host Rob Ellsworth joins Matt Parker on the Par 3 course at LaFortune Park in Tulsa. Rob opens up about his lifelong love of golf, his bond with his late father, his battle with stage 4 cancer, and his journey from Republican Hill staffer to Democratic lobbyist.
As Matt and Rob trade shots and stories, they dive into the personal, the political, and the power of saying “yes...
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April 30, 2025 • 48 mins
In this episode of Golf and Politics, Rob and Matt are at Tour Quality Golf in Tulsa, joined by returning guest Jefferson Thomas, founder of The Synapse Group and a seasoned political strategist with a passion for golf. Jefferson opens up about his early days in Missouri politics, working with high-profile campaigns and initiatives across the country, and how golf has become a vital part of his professional and personal life.
The ...
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April 24, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode of Golf and Politics, we go behind the scenes at Tour Quality Golf in Tulsa with owner and longtime golf industry pro Ross MacDonald. From how he got his start in golf to what it’s really like running one of the region’s top club fitting shops, Ross opens up about the grind of golf entrepreneurship, the state of golf tech, and his insights into the future of the indoor game.
We talk golf ball rollback, custom fitti...
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, Rob and Matt welcome Rich Levine—world traveler, elite club member, and golf connoisseur—who’s played nearly 1,000 courses, including nearly every entry on multiple Top 100 lists. From Shanqin Bay in China to Trump International in Florida, Rich shares wild stories of golf around the world, elite club hospitality, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Rich also opens up about playing regularly w...
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April 14, 2025 • 53 mins
Rory McIlroy finally completes the career Grand Slam with a dramatic victory at the 2025 Masters—and the Golf and Politics crew is here to break it all down. In this special recap episode, Matt and Rob relive Rory’s rollercoaster performance, from jaw-dropping mistakes to clutch shot-making, including one of the most iconic playoff shots in tournament history.
The hosts debate the mental side of Rory’s win, what it means for his l...
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April 9, 2025 • 68 mins
Golf and Politics turns one year old, and we're celebrating the only way we know how—by mixing passionate political debate with golf course therapy and a little trash talk along the way. In this milestone episode, Matt and Rob reflect on what they’ve learned after a year of building the show, the friendships it’s fostered, and the conversations it’s sparked.
But it wouldn’t be Golf and Politics without a good ol’ fashioned throwdo...
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In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt and Rob dive into a surprisingly thoughtful and balanced political conversation centered around a proposed Catholic charter school in Oklahoma. Despite often sparring from opposite sides of the aisle, the hosts find rare common ground as they explore the constitutional, cultural, and political implications of public funding for religious education.
The conversation touches on the separatio...
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March 26, 2025 • 72 mins
Episode Description:
In this episode of Golf and Politics, Matt and Rob welcome Casey Lang, a longtime friend of Matt, financial advisor, and Managing Director of Lang Financial. The conversation dives into how everyday investors are reacting to market volatility, tariffs, and political shifts—plus, a deep look at the national debt and whether either party is doing enough to address it. Casey offers practical insights into wealth m...
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March 19, 2025 • 53 mins
In this episode of Golf and Politics, we take the conversation to the Ernie Fox Okemah Municipal Golf Course with Chris Benge, former Oklahoma Speaker of the House and Secretary of State. As we play, Benge reflects on his journey in politics, the rise of the Republican majority in Oklahoma, and the role golf has played in his life and career. From campaign support from his father-in-law, Ernie Fox, to debating the future of profess...
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March 12, 2025 • 92 mins
In this episode of Golf and Politics, we sit down with Brad Cheney, a veteran political strategist, former Capitol Hill chief of staff, and top Democratic lobbyist. Brad takes us inside the world of Washington politics, reflecting on his experiences working with Hillary Clinton, Capitol Hill campaigns, and major policy battles. He also shares insights on the role of lobbyists, the state of modern political campaigns, and what it re...
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