Must Play - A Golf Course Review Podcast

Every great golf season starts with a clear golf goals, and in this episode of Must Play: Bonus Round, we’re setting the tone for 2026 while looking back at what actually happened in 2025. Shawn and T.J. sit down to recap 2025's golf goals. The wins, the misses, and the ones that we forgot even existed, before laying out their official 2026 golf goals.

We kick things off with a 2025 recap, revisiting the goals we set and being honest about what worked, what didn’t, and why some goals came a bit easier than others. From...

It’s awards season on Must Play, and we’re closing out 2025 by celebrating the Must Play golf courses that defined our year (and lumping in 2024). In the final episode of 2025, Shawn and T.J . debut the inaugural 2025 Must Play Awards (also known as The Musties) honoring the best golf courses that stood out across our episodes in each respective ranking factor on the Must Play Test.

If this is your first time tuning in, every course featured on Must Play is evaluated using our 10-question Must Play rubric, designed to determine whether a cour...

In this episode of Must Play, we’re giving you a full Papago Golf Club Review to see where it really belongs among the best Phoenix golf courses.

Shawn & T.J. welcomed back recurring guest Mike Dressor to break down the headlines surrounding Papago Golf Club, explore its history in the Phoenix golf scene, and figure out where it truly belongs among the best Phoenix golf courses. If you’re planning a Phoenix golf trip or wondering whether Papago deserves a spot in your regular rotation, this episode gives you an honest, first-hand perspective.

We star...

If you’re shopping for golf gifts this year — or you are the golfer trying to casually drop some hints to your significant other, this episode has you fully covered. Shawn & T.J. each put together their own curated list of five items they’d love to unwrap this Christmas, giving you ten total ideas across gear, apparel, accessories, training tools, and fun upgrades for the golfer in your life. No gimmicks. No junk. Just really useful gifts or upgrades to existing golf gear that they already own.

From things that help you play better...

In this episode of Bonus Round, we’re diving deep into golf exercise, mobility, and performance with Dr. Nima Enayati from TeeItUpPT in San Diego, CA .

Nima joins us to talk about his background, his Titleist Performance Institute certification, and why he believes not just the golf offseason is the perfect time for golfers to get screened to prevent something from going wrong. We break down the essentials of golf stretches, mobility, and strength training, giving you practical ways to protect your body and level up your swing without overcomplicating your training.

Duration: 01:04:11

In this episode of Must Play: Level Select, we dive into a full Bellair Golf Park review with none other than Mariah Swigart — better known online as Ms Swag Golf.

Mariah joins us to share how golf became a huge part of her life, how she became a teacher, and why Bellair has become one of her go-to golf spots in Arizona. From the vibe of the facility to the energy of the community around it, she breaks down what makes Bellair a fun, accessible, must-play experience for golfers of all levels. We chat ab...

In this episode of Must Play, we deliver our Phoenician Golf Club Review, one of the most talked-about resort courses in Arizona. We’re joined by golf photographer Brian Oar, who shares how he got his start behind the lens, his experiences shooting world-class courses, and what makes The Phoenician such a unique stop in the desert.

We dive into everything that defines a great golf experience from the course conditions and layout to the surrounding history of the iconic Scottsdale resort. Together, we break down the our highlights of the Phoenician Golf Club, debate where it ra...

Trying to plan the ultimate San Diego golf trip? We’ve got you covered. In this episode of Must Play: Bonus Round, we sat down with Noly from Happy Hour Golf Club to design three dream itineraries for anyone looking to tee it up at some of San Diego's best golf Courses. Each itinerary is a little different — whether you’re chasing bucket-list rounds, hidden gems, or the best value plays in the San Diego you can pick and choose your options from all.

Weve got current and former San Diego locals breaking down everyt...

We’re diving into Northwood Golf Club, one of California’s most unique nine-hole tracks, with none other than Monterey Golf Guy himself, Derek Thomas. In this episode of the Must Play: Level Select, Derek joins Shawn and T.J. to talk about his golf life in Monterey, the community he’s built through the Twilight Social Club, and his pitch for why Northwood deserves the Must Play label.

Designed by Alister MacKenzie (ahem...Augusta National) and set among towering redwoods of Northern California, Northwood Golf Club sparks one of our best debates yet; would...

Looking for a first-hand Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course review? In this episode of the Must Play Podcast, Shawn and T.J. are joined by Kevin Sarreal ( @SurrealGolf ) to break down one of San Diego’s classic resort courses. Whether you’re planning a golf trip, curious about the course history, or just love hearing golfers debate architecture and strategy, this review has you covered.We dive into what makes Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course stand out, from its tree-lined fairways and challenging par 3s to the relaxed resort vibe that’s made it a favorite for locals and traveler...

The Ryder Cup is headed to Bethpage Black in 2025, and we’ve got headlines, history, trivia, and even a wager to go along with breaking it all down. In this episode of Must Play: Bonus Round, we’re joined by our friend Nish Agarwal from the Top 100 in 10 Podcast to break down the biggest storylines heading into the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black Golf Course. With Nish repping Team Europe and us pulling for Team USA, you’ll get both sides of the hype, history, and some friendly banter leading up to golf’s biggest team event.

We kic...

In Episode 31 of Must Play: Bonus Round, we’re not breaking down a specific golf course this time. Instead, we’re diving into what really makes a course stand out: the golf course amenities.

We’re talking the little things that make a big difference. The icy cold towels. The grass range with unlimited Pro V1s. The carts with speakers and built-in phone chargers. The snack shacks that serve tacos instead of sad sandwiches. This week, we snake draft the top golf course amenities that set the experience apart.

Joining us once again is recurr...

In Episode 30 of Must Play: Level Select, we’re heading to Boston to preview William J Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park—a muni with more golf-related history than you can even imagine and a layout that still holds up over a hundred years later.

This place is old-school in all the best ways. Tree-lined holes. Sneaky doglegs. Greens that don’t need to be flashy to punch you in the mouth. And it’s right in the middle of the city, which means you can rip driver and grab a cannoli within 10 minutes of finishing 18 or just hea...

In Episode 29 of Must Play, we’re headed to the heart of Scottsdale to present our Camelback Golf Club review, specifically of the Ambiente Course. Camelback is a desert resort track that challenges expectations with an eco-sensitive design, fast conditions, and more elevation change than you'd think from the flat valley floor.

Joining us is Phoenix local legend and content creator Austin Rezzonico, who brings an Arizona-native’s perspective as we break down whether Ambiente deserves a spot on your next Scottsdale golf trip itinerary. We put it through the full Must Play grading system: affordability, merch, food...

In Episode 28 of Must Play: Level Select, we’re heading to Beulah, Michigan, to preview a course that perfectly blends small-town charm with big-time golf character: Champion Hill Golf Course. Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Michigan, this is one of those rare courses that feels equally welcoming for casual players and compelling for experienced golfers chasing smart shot-making.

Joining us is Marco from The Scratch Golf Show, who helps us break down what makes Champion Hill a standout in a state loaded with top-notch golf. From wide, forgiving fairways that tempt you to swing away, to...

Episode 27 of Must Play is a Bonus Round, where we check in with the boys on the goals they set for themselves, FairWagers, & Must Play at the beginning of 2025!

Has T.J. played a round with only 1 ball? Has Shawn broken 70 yet? Are the boys going to play 15 times this year? Tune in to find out!

Don’t forget to subscribe to Must Play on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts for more in-depth golf course reviews & previews!

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In Episode 26 of Must Play, we head to the Pacific Northwest to take on a course that’s bold, brawny, and built for championships: Chambers Bay Golf Course. With its dramatic elevation changes, wide fescue fairways, and stunning Puget Sound views, this municipal masterpiece has sparked debate ever since the 2015 U.S. Open—and we’re here to settle whether it truly earns the Must Play stamp.

Joining us is returning guest Chris Jones, who brings a fresh perspective as we break Chambers Bay Golf Course down across our usual categories: design, conditions, food at the turn, vibes...

In Episode 25 of Must Play, this time we've got a Bonus Round. We’re stepping away from the course to break down golf trends. From gear and fashion to drinks and club tech, we’re talking through 10 of the biggest golf trends in the game right now—and whether we’re buying or selling them sticking around for the next 5 to 10 years.

Joining us is content creator and professional opinion-haver @ShaneOhGolfs, who brings sharp takes with zero sugarcoating, Together, we dig into what’s hot, what’s fading, and what might become the next golf essential.

We’re cove...

In Episode 24 of Must Play: Level Select, we’re dropping into the massive, mind-bending fairways of Landmand Golf Club—a modern Midwestern monster with scale, strategy, and chaos baked into every corner.

Joining us is Brett Sapp of Bird Darts, who helps us dissect a golf course that’s unlike anything else in American public golf. Built on a 500-acre footprint with views for days and greens the size of your apartment complex, Landmand isn’t here to ask politely—it’s here to challenge your entire understanding of course design.

We walk...

In Episode 23 of Must Play, we’re heading deep into the Anza-Borrego desert to take on Rams Hill Golf Club—a remote, high-desert course that’s become a pilgrimage site for SoCal golf trip junkies and often called one of the best golf courses in Southern California. So much so, it is currently ranked as the 91st Greatest Public Golf Course according to Golf Digest.

In our first in-person recording, we're joined by Kevin Sarreal (https://www.instagram.com/surreal.golf) and returning guest Josh McQueen (https://www.instagram.com/rev__mac) from the House of the Hill a...

In Episode 22 of Must Play: Level Select, we’re heading to the Pacific Northwest to talk about Summerfield Golf Course in Tigard, Oregon—a local favorite with a unique charm that punches above its weight. Joining us is Jeff Peart of Chasing Aces Golf, who shares his love for this community gem and gives us the inside scoop on his upcoming two-man scramble event, The Franklin Open.

We kick things off with Jeff’s take on what makes Summerfield so special, from its welcoming vibe to the deceptively tricky layout that keeps even seasoned players on their toes...

Join hosts Shawn and T.J. on Episode 21 of Must Play as they welcome special guest Alex Andersen, Founder of Babes Golf, for an in-depth review of the Estates Course at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club in Phoenix, AZ.

Known for its iconic central location and elevated design, the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club’s Estates Course is fast becoming a favorite among Phoenix golfers seeking a d

In this episode, the guys plus Alex break down their first impressions of the Estates Course at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, exploring what makes it stand out in the cr...

In our third installment of Level Select, we're talking to Pinehurst No. 2 at the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina, a Donald Ross masterpiece that has hosted everything from U.S. Opens to amateur championships. Joining us is Nick Bonilla of Bev Boys Golf, to share why No. 2 is his favorite golf course and why Pinehurst is the best place to take a golf trip.

We open with Nick's first impressions of Pinehurst and how it compares to the lofty expectations that surround it. Pinehurst No. 2 isn’t flashy—it’s elegant, understated, and relent...

In this episode of Must Play, Shawn and T.J. dive into one of the most buzzed-about projects in golf—Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe, Arizona with special guest Clayton Gelfand, also known as Esquire Golf. Known for its unique vibe and innovative approach, this course is quickly becoming a cult favorite for Phoenix golfers looking for something different. And yes, we’re talking about night golf—big lights, desert air, and tee times well into the night.

The guys break down their first impressions of Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, what makes it unlike any other course...

In this Must Play: Bonus Round, we’re talking about The Masters. We’re joined by our good friend, Chris Jones, but we’re not doing picks and storylines. Instead, we’re talking about the tradition of the Masters that’s also full of myths & our ideal Masters champion dinner.

To start, we break down five of the most common misconceptions about Augusta National and the tournament itself.

Then, we dive into one of the coolest traditions in golf—the Masters Champions Dinner. If we won a green jacket, what would we serve? A five-star steakhouse m...

In our second episode of Level Select, we're heading to Great Chebeague Golf Club on Chebeague Island in Maine, a historic and picturesque course that offers a truly unique golf experience. Joining us is Aaron Shrank, the mind behind Rustic Golf Provisions, to share his insights on what makes this hidden gem special.

We kick things off with Aaron giving us an intro to Great Chebeague—its stunning coastal setting, old-school charm, and how it delivers an unforgettable round of golf. Then, we take a look at Reviews of Reviews, discussing what stands out and what might su...

In Episode 16 of Must Play, Shawn and T.J. head to Oceanside, California for a Goat Hill Park Golf Club review. Goat Hill is a golf course with deep community roots and a laid-back coastal vibe. Joining them for this episode is Andrew Zanzig, Brand Manager for Linksoul, a brand that has helped shape the golf culture in Oceanside and beyond.

Andrew shares his insights on what makes Goat Hill Park a unique spot, from its design philosophy to the ways it embodies the relaxed yet competitive energy of Southern California golf. The crew discusses first impressions...

Welcome to the first episode of Level Select, the podcast where we dive deep into the nation’s most talked-about golf courses and uncover hidden gems, all with the help of our friends and their first-hand experiences. If you're a golfer looking to explore new courses or just love hearing about the best spots to tee it up, this is the show for you.

In our first episode of Level Select, we're heading to Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville, Florida, with a special focus on the Karoo Course. Joining us is our good friend, Blake Von Thaden (Mu...

Shawn and T.J. are joined by Bernadette Corona, President of the Babes Golf (San Diego Chapter), to talk about Encinitas Ranch Golf Course in Encinitas, CA.

This course is loved by many for its playability and friendly course layout, but is it a Must Play in the San Diego area? Find out how they rank it and learn more about how this course came to be, including its ties to the Poinsettia flower and Legoland!

You can catch every episode of Must Play on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple...

Join hosts Shawn and T.J. on Episode 11 of Must Play as they welcome special guest Camiren Huth (Instagram (@cam1ren)) for an in-depth review of Quarry Pines Golf Club in Marana, Arizona.

The crew dives into the course’s unique desert-meets-pine-meets-quarry aesthetic, its dramatic canyon holes, and the stunning views that make Quarry Pines a standout in the Southwest golf scene. Camiren shares his firsthand experiences of playing the course with Shawn & T.J., adding an extra layer of perspective to the discussion.

In true Must Play fashion, Shawn, T.J., and Camiren break do...

In this Must Play: Bonus Round, Shawn and T.J. take a break from course reviews to reflect on their golf goals from 2024 and set their sights on the year ahead.

T.J. kicks things off by sharing the story of how he shot his personal best on the very last day of 2024—proving that sometimes, the best rounds happen when you least expect it. Shawn chimes in with his own reflections, from the wins to the near-misses, as they both break down their golf goals from 2024 and how they performed against them.

With 2025 on th...

In our first-ever Must Play: Bonus Round, hosts Shawn and T.J. are back, joined once again by Mike Dressor to help you plan the ultimate 3-night, 4-day Scottsdale golf trip. With all three having grown up in or spending a large amount of time living in Arizona, they bring their insider expertise to every detail—making them true Scottsdale golf trip aficionados.

The episode does contain their must-play course recommendations, highlighting the tracks that perfectly embody desert golf. From championship layouts with jaw-dropping mountain backdrops to hidden gems with smooth greens and challenging par-3s, they’ve g...

Join hosts Shawn and T.J. on Episode 10 of Must Play as they welcome special guest Joshua McQueen (https://www.instagram.com/rev__mac) for an in-depth The Crossings at Carlsbad review, a stunning golf destination in Carlsbad, CA.

The crew dives into the course's unique location, its dramatic elevation changes, and the views of the Pacific that make it a standout in Southern California's golf scene. Joshua shares his firsthand experiences and insights along with the group that adds an extra layer of depth to the discussion.

In true Must Play fashion, Shawn, T...

Join hosts Shawn and T.J. on Episode 9 of "Must Play" as they welcome special guest Scott Brooks (@pnw_golfer) for an in-depth look at Elk Ridge Golf Course in Carson, WA just outside of Portland.

The guys go through the course location's fascinating history of over 100 years and how Elk Ridge changed hands to eventually become a true one-of-a-kind golf experience in the Columbia River Gorge.

In true "Must Play" fashion, Shawn, T.J., and Scott will break down the pros and cons and share their experiences on the course that makes it unique...

Join hosts Shawn and T.J. on Episode 8 of "Must Play" as they welcome special guest Jamie Martel for an entertaining discussion about the challenging Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, AZ. Listen to the fascinating history of this course and how it became the 6th Best Public Course in Arizona by Golfweek Magazine. In true "Must Play" fashion, Shawn, T.J., and Jamie will break down the pros and cons of Southern Dunes. They'll share their experiences on the course and discuss what makes this course fun but difficult at the same time. As always, the episode...

Join hosts Shawn and T.J. on Episode 7 of "Must Play" as they welcome special guest Alissa Kacar for an entertaining discussion about the picturesque Coronado Golf Course in San Diego, California.

Explore the charm of Coronado Golf Course, one of Southern California's most beloved public courses. From its opening in the late 1950s to its status as a must-play destination for golfers of all levels, you'll hear stories and fascinating facts that make this course a true gem of San Diego golf.

In true "Must Play" fashion, Shawn, T.J., and Alissa...

Join hosts Shawn and T.J. on Episode 6 of "Must Play" as they welcome special guest Dane Delgado from Matchstick Golf for an entertaining discussion about the historic Eastmoreland Golf Course in Portland, Oregon.

Explore the rich history of Eastmoreland, one of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest and most cherished courses. From its roots in the early 20th century to its enduring place as a local favorite, you'll hear stories and fascinating facts that make this course a true gem of Portland golf.

In true "Must Play" fashion, Shawn, T.J., and Dane will break do...

Join hosts Shawn and T.J. on Episode 5 of "Must Play" as they welcome special guest Kubari Eady for an entertaining discussion about the renowned Grayhawk Golf Club - Raptor Course in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dive into the not so lengthy but rich history behind Grayhawk's Raptor Course, a masterpiece of desert golf design. From its inception to its rise as a premier destination for golfers, you'll uncover the unique stories and fascinating history that sets this course apart from other Scottsdale golf courses. In true "Must Play" fashion, Shawn, T.J., and Kubari will break down the pros and...

On Episode 4 of "Must Play" join hosts Shawn and T.J. as they welcome special guest Alex Dias for an engaging and entertaining discussion about the historic Balboa Park Golf Course in San Diego, California.

Dive into the rich and fascinating history of the land where Balboa Park Golf Course stands today. From its origins to its transformation into one of San Diego’s most beloved golf courses, you'll uncover stories and facts that make this course a truly historic site among San Diego’s best golf courses.

In true "Must Play" fashion, Shaw...

Join hosts Shawn and T.J. on Episode 3 of "Must Play" as they welcome special guest Chris Jones for an engaging and entertaining discussion about the charming Wildwood Golf Course in Portland, Oregon.

Dive into the wild and fascinating history of the land where Wildwood Golf Course stands today. From its origins to its transformation into a beloved local gem, you'll uncover stories and facts that make this course unique.

In true "Must Play" fashion, Shawn, T.J., and Chris will break down the pros and cons of Wildwood Golf Course. They'll share their personal...

Join hosts Shawn Massie and T.J. Van Gunten on Episode 2 of "Must Play" as they welcome special guest Blake von Thaden for an engaging and entertaining discussion about the legendary Torrey Pines South Course.

Dive into the wild and fascinating history of the land where Torrey Pines stands today. From its origins to its transformation into a world-renowned golf course, you'll uncover stories and facts that make this course unique.

In true "Must Play" fashion, Shawn, T.J., and Blake will break down the pros and cons of the Torrey Pines South Course. They'll...

Must Play is a golf podcast hosted by Shawn & TJ of the FairWagers crew which will visit courses around the country to objectively decide if they should be in any golfer's shortlist when planning a trip to the area.