Welcome to Episode 8 of GolfLoopz – the Golf Podcast for Kids.

I

n this episode, we preview the 2026 U.S. Open at the historic and fearsome Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York.

We look at what makes the U.S. Open different from every other golf tournament, explore the history and unusual name of Shinnecock Hills, and examine why its hard greens, coastal wind and sloping fairways create such a difficult challenge.

We also run through the leading contenders, including Scottie Scheffler’s attempt to complete the career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele — plus GolfLoopz favourites Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland and Patrick Reed.

• The history of the U.S. Open and why it is genuinely an “Open”
• How players qualify through local and final qualifying
• Shinnecock Hills and the meaning behind its name
• Why Shinnecock is one of the toughest courses in championship golf
• Brooks Koepka’s victory at Shinnecock in 2018
• Scottie Scheffler’s bid to complete the career Grand Slam
• The chances of Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and the other favourites
• Wild-card picks Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed and Viktor Hovland

Official 2026 U.S. Open website:
https://www.usopen.com/

Shinnecock Hills course guide and history:
https://www.usopen.com/2026/about-shinnecock-hills-golf-club.html

Video flyovers of all 18 holes at Shinnecock Hills:
https://www.usopen.com/2026/videos/features/02/18/2026-u-s--open-course-tour--flyovers-of-every-hole-6389523936112.html

2026 U.S. Open tee times:
https://www.usopen.com/2026/tee-times.html

U.S. Open qualifying information and results:
https://www.usopen.com/2026/qualifying.html

Learn more about the Shinnecock Nation:
https://www.shinnecock-nsn.gov/

The story of Brooks Koepka’s 2018 U.S. Open victory at Shinnecock:
https://victory.usopen.com/watch/features/2021/05/17/champion-s-journey--brooks-koepka-2018-u-s--open-6254695108001.html
Phil Mickelson's meltdown on the greens in 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW084qWwhV4

Email:
jamie@sportsandlegal.com

Instagram:
@golfloopzpod

Welcome to Episode 7 of Golf Loopz - Golf Podcast for Kids.

In this episode we take our first look at women's golf with coverage of the US Women's Open and Nelly Korda's epic win at Riviera CC in California.

Key topics:

• Overview of the 2026 US Women's Open and the venue Riviera Country Club
• Profile of dominant player Nelly Korda and her journey to victory
• Charley Hull's rise and personality as a golf ‘rock star’
• Remarkable story of Madeline Sagström competing while seven months pregnant
• Future women’s golf majors: KPMG Women's PGA, Evian Championship, AIG Women's Open, and the Solheim Cup

Resources & Links:

• US Women's Open
• Riviera Country Club
• Hogan's Alley
• Riviera bunker in middle of the green
• Nelly final round
• Charley Hull 2nd Place
• Charley "Shy kids don't get sweets!"
• Madelene Sagström playing US Open pregnant
• AIG Women's Open
• 2026 Solheim Cup
  

Connect with the Host:

• Email: jamie@sportsandlegal.com
• Instagram - @GolfLoopzpod

2026 PGA Championship Review

Aaron wins at The Mink! This episode covers the thrilling upset at the PGA Championship as England's Aaron Rai claims his first major as the pros struggled on the crazy greens at Aronimink GC. We delve into Aaron's funky iron covers, two gloves and more, as well as reviewing the whole tournament - happy listening!

Timestamps:

00:00 - PGA Championship overview and key questions 00:17 - Aaron Rai's winning performance and tournament setting

01:05 - The challenging course conditions and scoring environment

01:28 - Rai’s final round

01:58 - Rai's career background and steady rise

02:14 - Unique gear choices: two gloves and iron covers

03:35 - Rory McIlroy's week: a tough start but resilient recovery

04:34 - Scotty Scheffler’s tenure as defending champ

05:01 - Jordan Spieth and Ricky Fowler’s performances

05:44 - PGA Club Pros and noteworthy efforts

06:01 - Final thoughts: lessons from the tournament

Resources & Links:

• Aaron Rai's Profile
• Aronimink Golf Club
• Tournament Highlights
• (BIG!) Trophy Presentation
• 2 Gloves
• Iron Covers
• Long Jim Barnes - first ever 300 yard drive