The Course of Life Podcast features two life-long golfers talking golf, sports, and pop-culture. Every week, they are joined by celebrity guests offering a new perspective on the game we love.
Episodes
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Max Homa, that guy from twitter who just happens to be a PGA Tour Pro, became a repeat winner at the Wells Fargo Championship, where sleeping with the lead didn't work out well for the guys. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell look at the now 4-time champ Homa, and how some of the other pros fared at TPC Potomac (1:36).
Overheard during the week was Sergio Garcia, getting very upset about his apparent remaining time on the PGA Tour, perhaps before bolting to the LIV Tour (5:47).
With a week to go before the PGA Championship, 7 of the World's top 15 are in the field for the AT&T Byron Nelson, making for a fun weekend in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (8:52).
In Tuned In, Michael is, arguably, being a bad husband as he watches his wife paint the house, while Alex is still fuming at the Spring Baking Championship as the season comes to a close (10:50).
This week's guest is Pat Monahan, the lead singer of the multi-GRAMMY and Billboard Award-winning band Train. Pat chats with Alex about Train's music and new album, AM Gold (out May 20), how golf influenced one of his songs, and shares stories from playing in the AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach and forging friendships with PGA Tour champions like Jason Day (13:48).
Alex shares his pessimistic views on the Celtics chances against the defending champion Bucks in the NBA Playoffs, but Michael holds out hope (40:25).
As Alex and Michael #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex heads to the midwest staple Culver's, while Michael dives head first into baking in a more permanent setting (41:17).
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Tuesday May 03, 2022
Tuesday May 03, 2022
A weak field allowed Jon Rahm to cruise to victory at the new-to-the-PGA-Tour Mexico Open at Vidanta, where Alex and Michael's picks couldn't keep up with Rahm's consistent play (1:48).
Lydia Ko injected some much needed honesty in women's sports when she openly and casually discussed what happens to her body during her period (5:02).
As the PGA Championship is only a few weeks away, Tiger Woods heads to Southern Hills to check out the course, and Alex wonders if the stalker-like coverage is over the top, while Michael wonders if Tiger is getting preferential treatment ahead of the season's second major (6:56).
This weekend's PGA Tour stop is a familiar tournament but a temporary venue, as The Wells Fargo Championship heads to TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, where a more exciting field is anchored by Rory McIlroy (9:12).
In Tuned In, Michael is learning all about Julia Child in the new HBO Max series Julia, while Alex is ready as the final season of Better Call Saul comes out (at last!) (11:56).
This week's guest is legendary sports broadcaster Joe Tessitore, known for calling games on ABC and ESPN for college football, the blow-by-blows for boxing, and sitting alongside Rob Riggle as part of ABC's Holey Moley broadcast team. Alex chats with Joe about the new season of Holey Moley, working alongside Kermit the Frog, and what was the loudest sporting event he's ever worked at (13:55).
Alex and Michael make quick work of the other major sporting news, including the NBA Playoffs, NFL Draft, and the young MLB season (40:19).
As the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex is enjoying a new chicken sandwich at Texas institution Whataburger, while Michael is digging into the first watermelon of the season (43:28).
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Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
It was a week with alligators and a golf clinic as Xander Shauffele and Patrick Cantlay roll to victory at the Zurich Classic. Co-host Alex Lauzon celebrates his victory, while Michael wonders why we can't have a joint PGA/LPGA team event (1:36).
The LPGA put on a show in Hollywood as Nasa Hataoka wins at Wilshire Country Club by five strokes (5:29).
The Champions Tour is sometimes a place for players to have a second life as a golfer, and Scott Parel is doing just that as he notched his fourth career victory at the ClubCorp Classic (6:59).
Names are finally coming out for the LIV Classic, and so far, they aren't that much to be excited about (8:29).
The PGA Tour heads to a new tournament this weekend in Mexico, and Alex isn't about to make this field look better than it is (11:08).
In Tuned In, Michael is getting his relaxing and supportive vibes from the pottery cousin of Great British Bake Off, while Alex is awfully upset with the Food Network's latest decision on Spring Baking Championship (13:11).
This week's featured guest is yet another Holey Moley contestant, Gerard Dyson, aka Sgt. Swag. Gerard talks about his time on the mini golf course, his time in the military and playing golf, and enjoying watching the pros play in Atlanta (17:04).
The basketball playoffs are in full swing, and Alex and Michael are on the Celtic bandwagon (38:01)!
This weekend in the NFL Draft, so resident football expert Cole Thompson joins Alex for our annual draft preview (39:16).
As we #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex is enjoying a coconut donut while Michael is baking up more delicious babka flavors (58:48).
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
It was an Easter Sunday finish at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town, and for the second Easter in a row, Jordan Spieth took the win. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell wonder about Spieth's chances next Easter Sunday, recap the rest of the field, and find themselves frustrated at golf's weird rules (1:35).
The LPGA moved the Lotte Championship forward to not end on Easter, and Alex and Michael wonder if this is what the LPGA should do from now on (8:25).
The Match is back! But it's missing something rather important: a professional golfer (9:51).
Team golf and walkup music return to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic, where star power comes in pairs (12:06).
In Tuned In, Michael gets his fill of Supernatural thanks to his wife, while Alex is excited after a fast start for his Austin FC soccer club (14:05).
This week's guests are Tom Loftus and Pat Sheridan. Tom, half of A Couple of Putts and a former contestant on ABC's Holey Moley, and Pat, half of The Putting Penguin and also a former content on Holey Moley, have teamed up to create the American Mini Golf Alliance. They chat with Alex about all things miniature golf, including why now may be the most exciting time for the game (16:27).
Baseball season rolls on, but Michael and Alex can't comprehend why a perfect outing isn't allowed to be completed this early in the season (53:12).
As the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex is enjoying his Easter Dinner for two, while Michael is celebrating Passover with homemade matzah (55:23).
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Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
What a Masters weekend it was! Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell look at Scottie Scheffler's historic win at Augusta National and his chances to continue on this incredible run throughout the season. Plus, a look at Tiger's triumphant return to professional golf, and what we should expect now that he's back on the PGA Tour (1:57).
On the fashion side of The Masters, Michael shares his least favorite looks from the pros out on the course during the season's first major (12:09).
Alex gives us a behind the scenes look at his (half) day at Augusta National, breaking down everything as a first time patron at one of the most hallowed courses in golf (16:25).
The Tour now heads to the coast for the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, the only venue that could possibly follow up the majesty that is Augusta National (32:50).
In Tuned In, Michael is checking out the new HBO MAX series Tokyo Vice, while Alex is checking out with a little break to Marco Island, FL (34:23).
This week's guest is Tadd Fujikawa, perhaps best known as the youngest golfer to qualify for the US Open, and to make a cut on a PGA Tour event. Tadd talks about his time on Tour, being the first openly gay male golfer, and his new life in Pickleball at Sea Island Resort in Georgia (36:29).
Baseball kicked off its season on Thursday, and Michael is already able to rib Alex and his Red Sox after the Yankees took the opening series (1:00:39).
Meanwhile, the NBA begins its extra long playoff season (1:13:12).
As the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex shares just how special it was to feast at Augusta National, while Michael is feasting on s'mores babka with homemade marshmallows (1:14:58).
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Tuesday Apr 05, 2022
Tuesday Apr 05, 2022
This weekend was the last chance to get into The Masters, and J.J. Spaun punched his ticket at the Valero Texas Open with his first PGA Tour victory in his 147th start ().
Meanwhile the Korn Ferry Tour was in Savannah for the Club Car Championship, and Michael was there for T.J. Vogel's first win on Tour and shares some stories from behind the scenes ().
What we're all excited about is this week's Masters Tournament. All eyes are on Augusta as Tiger Woods makes a potential comeback (we've recorded before his announcement), and Alex and Michael look at the field and who may have the best chance to don a Green Jacket ().
Alex, meanwhile, will have been on course for the practice rounds on Tuesday. Hear what he plans were going to be before he headed out to some of the most hallowed fairways in golf ().
In Tuned In, Michael has returned to the comfort of some funny TV doctors, while Alex is remembering what it was like to dream of turning pro thanks to his new series ().
This week's guest is Fred Evanko, founder of Links Drinks, transfusion cocktails in a can for the course. Fred chats with Alex about how he fell in love with the popular course cocktail, the company's plans for expansion, and the heartbreaking story behind the company ().
March Madness may not be over, but it wasn't without one final knife in the back to Coach K ().
In #AlwaysEndWithFood, Michael shares his new challah buns, while Alex is contemplating how much food he'll be eating at Augusta ().
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
History was made in Austin as Scottie Scheffler picked up his third win in 43 days and is now the #1 ranked golfer in the world. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell ponder if Sheffler will add a major to his win total this year, and Alex breaks down everything he saw behind the scenes at the WGC Dell Match Play (1:47).
The LPGA had their last tune-up ahead of this weekend's first major, and it resulted in Atthaya Thitikul winning on the second playoff hole (9:50).
Tiger Woods is monopolizing the headlines as he is spotted out on the course again and is planning a trip to Augusta ahead of next week's Masters. Will he be playing? Alex and Michael give their best guesses (11:44).
This weekend, Michael will be volunteering at the Korn Ferry's Club Car Championship, and is ready to give a full account from his vantage point on the par 3 12th (14:59).
The PGA Tour stays in Texas for the Valero Texas Open, and this typically quiet tournament will include big names this year, like Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau (16:30).
In Tuned In, it's all about the slap heard 'round the world at the Oscars from Will Smith, but that didn't stop Alex from still enjoying some sinful YouTube rabbit holes (18:07).
This week's guest is Hagan Parkman, an Army Reservist and communication specialist for the Korn Ferry Tour, shares her love of the game, her time in the reserves, and how she got to be on The Amazing Race with her mom (22:52).
March Madness took a sad turn this weekend as the Saint Peter's Peacocks couldn't keep it going, but that won't stop Michael from looking forward to Coach K's potentially embarrassing finale (50:01).
As the guys end with #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex shares his love of buffets, while Michael ponders who has the best fast food burger (54:21).
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Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
The weekend at Innisbrook resulted in a playoff and a repeat winner for the Valspar Championship. But hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell are most interested in the questionable fashion choice for one of the big stars who played the weekend (1:48).
A week late (and maybe a penny short?) was the official announcement for the LIV Golf Invitational series, featuring courses all around the world. But Alex really wants to know: who's playing (6:17)?
On the Ladies European Tour, American Kelly Whaley recorded an incredible 8 birdies in a row, proving once again that the ladies are just as exciting as the men (10:48).
The past week allowed Alex and Michael to play another D3 match from their respective corners of the world, and it sounds like they're going to need a rubber match to decide who's the best (12:31).
This weekend is a double dose of golf action, with the Corales Putacana Championship and the always exciting WGC Dell Match Play. Alex gives us a look at what to expect as he hits the course as a volunteer once again in Austin (13:54).
In Tuned In, Michael is excited for new Mario Kart courses hitting the Switch, while Alex is keeping his eyes on the weather in central Texas (19:05).
This week's guest is a returning favorite, golf influencer Mei Brennan. Mei chats with Alex about how her internet pretense has exploded in the past two years since her last appearance on the podcast, and shares the creepiest asks in her DMs (22:12).
Tom Brady's retirement was short, and he's teasing everyone with who he's not posting workout videos with, especially those Patriot fans (46:41).
The Madness is real in March, and everyone's brackets are busted, but Michael is all in on Saint Peters (48:34).
As the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex shares his obsession with Cheesecake Factory, and Michael attempts to recreate a childhood favorite (52:58).
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Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
It was a wet and wild weekend at TPC Sawgrass. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell look at the long PLAYERS Championship weekend and the impressive win from Australian Cam Smith (1:52).
The PLAYERS week was also supposed to be the biggest week of the year for the new Saudi Golf League/Premiere Golf League. So what big news did we get from Greg Norman and the new league? Spoiler alert: it wasn't much (7:28).
Tiger Woods was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame this past week as well, and Alex and Michael wonder why an athlete can get inducted into the Hall when they still may have time left out on the course (8:39).
The LPGA saw another record setting tournament weekend, as a new tournament record was set (twice!) and Denmark got to see their first LPGA victory (10:13).
This weekend's Valspar Championship on the opposite Florida coastline may end up being a little weaker than expected after the Monday finish at The PLAYERS, but that doesn't mean Alex won't let you know who to put a dollar down on (11:33).
In Tuned In, Alex is all hyped up as SXSW returns to his hometown of Austin, TX. Meanwhile, Michael is watching the new Hulu series, "Pam and Tommy," which Alex has and hasn't seen, if you know what he means (12:34).
This week's guest is PBA Tour winner Marshall Kent, who returns to the podcast to chat about his fifth PBA victory, how his game has fared since his last time on, and how his golf game has been going (15:07).
The sports world received quite a shock this week as Tom Brady ended his retirement, and Alex and Michael share opposing opinions on how Giselle is responding to her husband's return to the NFL (35:41).
As Tom Brady returns, so does Major League Baseball, and the guys are hyped for the return of our national pastime (38:30).
As March Madness looks to begin this week, Alex gives us all his 15 second brain dump on each section of the bracket (39:57).
As the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex is all set for the St Patrick's Day festivities, while Michael is cranking out little miniature babkas from his kitchen (45:31).
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Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
It felt like a Sunday at a major this weekend as everyone but Scottie Scheffler fell away at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell wonder what the rest of the season holds for the white-hot Scheffler (1:49).
At the Puerto Rico Open, meanwhile, a Hollywood story played out in textbook fashion as Ryan Brehm stole the show (5:10).
Tiger Woods, meanwhile, stole any thunder Phil Mickelson had left as the PGA Tour announced the REAL winners of the PIP money (7:31).
On the LPGA Tour, the wonder never ceased as Jin Young Ko continued to put up staggering statistics in her 6th win in 10 starts (9:46).
The PGA Tour heads to TPC Sawgrass for the one and only THE PLAYERS Championship. Alex and Michael throw out some names to look at to win this weekend in what should be, as always, an electric event (14:46).
In Tuned In, Michael, as a self-proclaimed Trekie, is all over the return of "Picard," while also checking out the new Taika Waititi show "Our Flag Means Death." Alex, meanwhile, is diving down the rabbit hole on YouTube and learning more and more about the Amish (18:06).
This week's guest is Erikah Neger, an up-and-coming pro on the Epson Tour, who chats with Alex about how she got started in the game, her love of Stetson hats, and her personalized touches lightening bolts on her gear (22:22).
Major League Baseball continues down the road of not having a season, but that doesn't stop Alex and Michael from discussing the potential changes that could be coming to baseball (46:08).
The end of an era occurred this weekend as Coach K had his final game at Duke, but it wasn't exactly the fairy tale ending everyone had hoped for (50:50).
The Quinnipiac Bobcats women's hockey team is headed to the big dance, and the guys are super excited for their alma mater (52:21).
When the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex is extending an olive branch to McDonalds after his disgust at their land-air-sea move a few months ago, while Michael is enjoying the s'mores hamantaschen his wife whipped up this weekend (53:20).
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