app02 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:46:24 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Divots & Skins https://www.divotsandskins.com Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:45:06 -0400 Divots & Skins is a golf podcast for everyday golfers who love the game, the grind, and the stories that come with chasing better rounds. Hosted by Jake and Brett from Upstate New York, the show covers amateur golf, local courses, tournament play, simulator golf, golf rules, the mental-game, and plenty of laughs along the way. We’re not pros. We’re just two golfers who love competing, talking golf, and trying to get a little better one round at a time. en-us © 2026 Divots and Skins episodic For golfers chasing better rounds and better stories. Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Divots & Skins is a golf podcast for everyday golfers who love the game, the grind, and the stories that come with chasing better rounds. Hosted by Jake and Brett from Upstate New York, the show covers amateur golf, local courses, tournament play, simulator golf, golf rules, the mental-game, and plenty of laughs along the way. We’re not pros. We’re just two golfers who love competing, talking golf, and trying to get a little better one round at a time. false Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney divotsandskins@gmail.com Bryson DeChambeau: Golf Genius or Golf Circus? | Ep. 15 https://www.divotsandskins.com/bryson-dechambeau-golf-genius-or-golf-circus-ep15 a24c805a-4eb4-49a1-83a5-33263af8d066 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:30:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Bryson DeChambeau has mastered YouTube golf, but has all the spectacle helped or hurt his career? Jake and Brett debate Bryson’s $100,000 backyard challenge, then recap two charity scrambles, settle a straightest-drive controversy, tackle the “Angry Golfer Rule” and look ahead to Season 2 of Divots & Skins. 26:59 false Bryson DeChambeau knows how to get people watching, but is everything he's doing on YouTube good for his golf career?

Episode 15 kicks off with Bryson's latest YouTube creation, a $100,000 golf challenge taking place at his own house. Golfers compete head-to-head until one player earns the opportunity to take on Bryson for the money. If Bryson wins, one of his subscribers gets the $100,000.

Jake loves what Bryson has done with YouTube and social media. Brett sees it a little differently, comparing Bryson to the P.T. Barnum of golf and questioning whether all the spectacle and side projects have prevented him from reaching an even higher level as a professional golfer.

That leads to a bigger conversation about Bryson's career, LIV Golf, his two major championships and what his future in professional golf could look like.

Brett even compares him to John Daly, another incredibly talented golfer who knew how to attract attention well beyond what happened on the scorecard.

Then Jake and Brett get back to their own golf.

For once, they both played charity scrambles without each other.

Brett played at Hiland Golf Club in Queensbury in a tournament benefiting Ronald McDonald House, while Jake played at Cronin's Golf Resort in Warrensburg for North Country Ministry.

Both teams managed to finish under par, but the bigger stories came from some of the creative contests along the way.

At Cronin's, Jake encounters a putting contest where golfers attempt to win bottles of liquor and wine positioned around the green. He also comes away with an idea for future charity tournaments: giving each team one opportunity to move up and play a shot from the red tees.

Then Brett presents a golf dilemma that needs to be settled.

During a straightest-drive contest on a short par 4, Brett hit his drive beyond the designated contest line and onto the green. The ball was directly in line with the flagstick.

Does that count as the straightest drive?

Brett decided it did.

He took the cooler.

Then it's time for the Rule of the Day, and this one comes from personal experience.

Brett calls it the "Angry Golfer Rule."

After being hit into multiple times during a casual round, Brett finally lost his patience and hit the other group's golf ball back toward them. He later learned that interfering with another player's ball in that situation can result in a penalty during competitive play.

The lesson is simple: Don't let your anger cost you strokes.

Finally, Jake and Brett look ahead.

The 2025-26 US Am Tour season has come to an end and the 2026-27 season is getting underway. That also means this episode marks the end of Season 1 of Divots & Skins.

Season 2 will bring more US Am Tour golf, more players and guests, more course reviews and plenty of indoor golf as winter approaches in Upstate New York.

The guys also talk about what's coming at The Luxury Box, including a new teaching bay designed to analyze your swing and help golfers work on their games throughout the offseason.

Season 1 is in the books.

Season 2 is coming.

*COURSES FEATURED:
*
Hiland Park Country Club
https://www.hilandparkcc.com

Cronin's Golf Resort
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057524286627

*SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
*
Blueprint Leadership Development
https://www.blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box
https://theluxurybox.net

US AM TOUR ALBANY REGION:
https://www.usamtour.com/

If you're an everyday golfer who loves discovering new courses, amateur tournament golf, golf course reviews, golf rules and honest conversations about trying to get better at this ridiculous game, you're in the right place.

SUBSCRIBE to Divots & Skins and come along for the ride.

And tell us in the comments: Do you watch DeChambeau's YouTube stuff?

]]> Bryson DeChambeau, Bryson DeChambeau YouTube, Bryson YouTube golf, Bryson golf challenge, Bryson $100000 challenge, YouTube golf, golf YouTube, LIV Golf, PGA Tour, John Daly, Bryson DeChambeau LIV, golf podcast, charity golf scramble, golf scramble, straightest drive contest, golf rules, golf etiquette, amateur golf, US Am Tour, US Am Tour Albany, tournament golf, Hiland Golf Club, Cronins Golf Resort, Upstate NY golf, New York golf, Divots and Skins, Divots & Skins Bryson DeChambeau knows how to get people watching, but is everything he's doing on YouTube good for his golf career?

Episode 15 kicks off with Bryson's latest YouTube creation, a $100,000 golf challenge taking place at his own house. Golfers compete head-to-head until one player earns the opportunity to take on Bryson for the money. If Bryson wins, one of his subscribers gets the $100,000.

Jake loves what Bryson has done with YouTube and social media. Brett sees it a little differently, comparing Bryson to the P.T. Barnum of golf and questioning whether all the spectacle and side projects have prevented him from reaching an even higher level as a professional golfer.

That leads to a bigger conversation about Bryson's career, LIV Golf, his two major championships and what his future in professional golf could look like.

Brett even compares him to John Daly, another incredibly talented golfer who knew how to attract attention well beyond what happened on the scorecard.

Then Jake and Brett get back to their own golf.

For once, they both played charity scrambles without each other.

Brett played at Hiland Golf Club in Queensbury in a tournament benefiting Ronald McDonald House, while Jake played at Cronin's Golf Resort in Warrensburg for North Country Ministry.

Both teams managed to finish under par, but the bigger stories came from some of the creative contests along the way.

At Cronin's, Jake encounters a putting contest where golfers attempt to win bottles of liquor and wine positioned around the green. He also comes away with an idea for future charity tournaments: giving each team one opportunity to move up and play a shot from the red tees.

Then Brett presents a golf dilemma that needs to be settled.

During a straightest-drive contest on a short par 4, Brett hit his drive beyond the designated contest line and onto the green. The ball was directly in line with the flagstick.

Does that count as the straightest drive?

Brett decided it did.

He took the cooler.

Then it's time for the Rule of the Day, and this one comes from personal experience.

Brett calls it the "Angry Golfer Rule."

After being hit into multiple times during a casual round, Brett finally lost his patience and hit the other group's golf ball back toward them. He later learned that interfering with another player's ball in that situation can result in a penalty during competitive play.

The lesson is simple: Don't let your anger cost you strokes.

Finally, Jake and Brett look ahead.

The 2025-26 US Am Tour season has come to an end and the 2026-27 season is getting underway. That also means this episode marks the end of Season 1 of Divots & Skins.

Season 2 will bring more US Am Tour golf, more players and guests, more course reviews and plenty of indoor golf as winter approaches in Upstate New York.

The guys also talk about what's coming at The Luxury Box, including a new teaching bay designed to analyze your swing and help golfers work on their games throughout the offseason.

Season 1 is in the books.

Season 2 is coming.

*COURSES FEATURED:
*
Hiland Park Country Club
https://www.hilandparkcc.com

Cronin's Golf Resort
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057524286627

*SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
*
Blueprint Leadership Development
https://www.blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box
https://theluxurybox.net

US AM TOUR ALBANY REGION:
https://www.usamtour.com/

If you're an everyday golfer who loves discovering new courses, amateur tournament golf, golf course reviews, golf rules and honest conversations about trying to get better at this ridiculous game, you're in the right place.

SUBSCRIBE to Divots & Skins and come along for the ride.

And tell us in the comments: Do you watch DeChambeau's YouTube stuff?

]]> Bryson DeChambeau knows how to get people watching, but is everything he's doing on YouTube good for his golf career?

Episode 15 kicks off with Bryson's latest YouTube creation, a $100,000 golf challenge taking place at his own house. Golfers compete head-to-head until one player earns the opportunity to take on Bryson for the money. If Bryson wins, one of his subscribers gets the $100,000.

Jake loves what Bryson has done with YouTube and social media. Brett sees it a little differently, comparing Bryson to the P.T. Barnum of golf and questioning whether all the spectacle and side projects have prevented him from reaching an even higher level as a professional golfer.

That leads to a bigger conversation about Bryson's career, LIV Golf, his two major championships and what his future in professional golf could look like.

Brett even compares him to John Daly, another incredibly talented golfer who knew how to attract attention well beyond what happened on the scorecard.

Then Jake and Brett get back to their own golf.

For once, they both played charity scrambles without each other.

Brett played at Hiland Golf Club in Queensbury in a tournament benefiting Ronald McDonald House, while Jake played at Cronin's Golf Resort in Warrensburg for North Country Ministry.

Both teams managed to finish under par, but the bigger stories came from some of the creative contests along the way.

At Cronin's, Jake encounters a putting contest where golfers attempt to win bottles of liquor and wine positioned around the green. He also comes away with an idea for future charity tournaments: giving each team one opportunity to move up and play a shot from the red tees.

Then Brett presents a golf dilemma that needs to be settled.

During a straightest-drive contest on a short par 4, Brett hit his drive beyond the designated contest line and onto the green. The ball was directly in line with the flagstick.

Does that count as the straightest drive?

Brett decided it did.

He took the cooler.

Then it's time for the Rule of the Day, and this one comes from personal experience.

Brett calls it the "Angry Golfer Rule."

After being hit into multiple times during a casual round, Brett finally lost his patience and hit the other group's golf ball back toward them. He later learned that interfering with another player's ball in that situation can result in a penalty during competitive play.

The lesson is simple: Don't let your anger cost you strokes.

Finally, Jake and Brett look ahead.

The 2025-26 US Am Tour season has come to an end and the 2026-27 season is getting underway. That also means this episode marks the end of Season 1 of Divots & Skins.

Season 2 will bring more US Am Tour golf, more players and guests, more course reviews and plenty of indoor golf as winter approaches in Upstate New York.

The guys also talk about what's coming at The Luxury Box, including a new teaching bay designed to analyze your swing and help golfers work on their games throughout the offseason.

Season 1 is in the books.

Season 2 is coming.

*COURSES FEATURED:
*
Hiland Park Country Club
https://www.hilandparkcc.com

Cronin's Golf Resort
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057524286627

*SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
*
Blueprint Leadership Development
https://www.blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box
https://theluxurybox.net

US AM TOUR ALBANY REGION:
https://www.usamtour.com/

If you're an everyday golfer who loves discovering new courses, amateur tournament golf, golf course reviews, golf rules and honest conversations about trying to get better at this ridiculous game, you're in the right place.

SUBSCRIBE to Divots & Skins and come along for the ride.

And tell us in the comments: Do you watch DeChambeau's YouTube stuff?

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+dXYdOZ3W ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney We Played Golf Around NY & MA and Found Some Gems | Ep. 14 https://www.divotsandskins.com/we-played-golf-around-ny-and-ma-and-found-some-gems-ep14 9ca58585-9f9b-4fc1-86ad-94546c8f3ed4 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:45:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Jake and Brett packed six golf courses into two weekends while helping scout potential future US Am Tour stops across New York and Massachusetts. They break down the courses that impressed them, talk Shane Lowry, golf course etiquette, why amateur tournament golf really is for everyone and another bizarre Rule of the Day involving cigarette smoke and the wind. 49:22 false Six courses. Two weekends. Lots of golf!

Episode 14 of Divots & Skins starts with Shane Lowry's dominant performance at the Irish Open before the guys turn their attention to the golf they've been playing themselves.

And there's been a lot of it.

Over Labor Day weekend, Jake and Brett joined US Am Tour Albany Region director Don to check out several courses that could potentially become future tour stops.

The trip started at Apple Greens Golf Course in Highland, New York, a unique layout built through an apple orchard with rows of apple trees lining portions of the course.

From there they headed to Western Massachusetts for Veterans Memorial Golf Course in Springfield and Chicopee Country Club in Chicopee before returning home and adding one more round at Top of the World Golf Resort near Lake George.

Top of the World provided one of the highlights of the weekend, including a spectacular par 3 overlooking Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.

Four rounds in three days apparently wasn't enough.

The following weekend, Jake and Brett headed back into the Hudson Valley to play Casperkill Golf Club and McCann Memorial Golf Course in Poughkeepsie.

Jake put together one of his better rounds of the season with a 93 at Casperkill, while the course gave the guys a chance to talk about playing smart from heavy rough, avoiding hero shots and why keeping the ball straight can be far more important than hitting it a long way.

At McCann Memorial, they learn about the history of the course, experience possibly the most comfortable golf carts they've ever ridden in and eventually find themselves playing speed golf as they race to get their cart back before the deadline.

All of these rounds lead into a larger conversation about the US Am Tour and why Jake and Brett believe more everyday golfers should give competitive amateur golf a try.

You don't need to shoot in the 70s.

You don't need to shoot in the 80s.

Jake won a tournament this season with a 97.

Flighted competition gives golfers the opportunity to play against people at a similar ability level while experiencing courses, including private clubs, they might never otherwise have an opportunity to play.

The guys talk about the competition, friendships and community they've found through the tour and why the experience has changed the way they look at amateur golf.

Brett also brings a couple of complaints for Golfer Gripe of the Day, including golfers who wander into other fairways without paying attention and people who pick up golf balls that clearly might still be in play.

Then it's time for another Rule of the Day.

If another golfer is smoking a cigarette, can you watch the smoke to determine which way the wind is blowing?

Yes.

But intentionally creating smoke for the purpose of gauging the wind is another story.

*COURSES FEATURED:
*
Apple Greens Golf Course
https://applegreens.com/

Veterans Memorial Golf Course
https://vets-franconia-golf.com

Chicopee Country Club
https://www.chicopeecountryclub.com

Top of the World Golf Resort
https://www.topoftheworldgolfresort.com/golf/

Casperkill Golf Club
https://casperkillgolf.com/

McCann Memorial Golf Course
https://www.mccanngolfcourse.com/

*SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
*
Blueprint Leadership Development
https://www.blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box
https://theluxurybox.net

US AM TOUR ALBANY REGION:
https://www.usamtour.com/

If you're an everyday golfer who loves discovering new courses, amateur tournament golf, golf course reviews, golf rules and honest conversations about trying to get better at this ridiculous game, you're in the right place.

SUBSCRIBE to Divots & Skins and come along for the ride.

And tell us in the comments: What's the hidden-gem golf course near YOU that we should know about?

]]> golf courses, hidden gem golf courses, New York golf, Upstate NY golf, Massachusetts golf, Hudson Valley golf, Adirondack golf, Apple Greens Golf Course, Veterans Memorial Golf Course, Chicopee Country Club, Top of the World Golf, Casperkill Golf Club, McCann Memorial Golf Course, US Am Tour, US Am Tour Albany, amateur golf, tournament golf, golf course reviews, golf podcast, golf rules, Shane Lowry, Irish Open, weekend golfers, Divots and Skins, Divots & Skins Six courses. Two weekends. Lots of golf!

Episode 14 of Divots & Skins starts with Shane Lowry's dominant performance at the Irish Open before the guys turn their attention to the golf they've been playing themselves.

And there's been a lot of it.

Over Labor Day weekend, Jake and Brett joined US Am Tour Albany Region director Don to check out several courses that could potentially become future tour stops.

The trip started at Apple Greens Golf Course in Highland, New York, a unique layout built through an apple orchard with rows of apple trees lining portions of the course.

From there they headed to Western Massachusetts for Veterans Memorial Golf Course in Springfield and Chicopee Country Club in Chicopee before returning home and adding one more round at Top of the World Golf Resort near Lake George.

Top of the World provided one of the highlights of the weekend, including a spectacular par 3 overlooking Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.

Four rounds in three days apparently wasn't enough.

The following weekend, Jake and Brett headed back into the Hudson Valley to play Casperkill Golf Club and McCann Memorial Golf Course in Poughkeepsie.

Jake put together one of his better rounds of the season with a 93 at Casperkill, while the course gave the guys a chance to talk about playing smart from heavy rough, avoiding hero shots and why keeping the ball straight can be far more important than hitting it a long way.

At McCann Memorial, they learn about the history of the course, experience possibly the most comfortable golf carts they've ever ridden in and eventually find themselves playing speed golf as they race to get their cart back before the deadline.

All of these rounds lead into a larger conversation about the US Am Tour and why Jake and Brett believe more everyday golfers should give competitive amateur golf a try.

You don't need to shoot in the 70s.

You don't need to shoot in the 80s.

Jake won a tournament this season with a 97.

Flighted competition gives golfers the opportunity to play against people at a similar ability level while experiencing courses, including private clubs, they might never otherwise have an opportunity to play.

The guys talk about the competition, friendships and community they've found through the tour and why the experience has changed the way they look at amateur golf.

Brett also brings a couple of complaints for Golfer Gripe of the Day, including golfers who wander into other fairways without paying attention and people who pick up golf balls that clearly might still be in play.

Then it's time for another Rule of the Day.

If another golfer is smoking a cigarette, can you watch the smoke to determine which way the wind is blowing?

Yes.

But intentionally creating smoke for the purpose of gauging the wind is another story.

*COURSES FEATURED:
*
Apple Greens Golf Course
https://applegreens.com/

Veterans Memorial Golf Course
https://vets-franconia-golf.com

Chicopee Country Club
https://www.chicopeecountryclub.com

Top of the World Golf Resort
https://www.topoftheworldgolfresort.com/golf/

Casperkill Golf Club
https://casperkillgolf.com/

McCann Memorial Golf Course
https://www.mccanngolfcourse.com/

*SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
*
Blueprint Leadership Development
https://www.blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box
https://theluxurybox.net

US AM TOUR ALBANY REGION:
https://www.usamtour.com/

If you're an everyday golfer who loves discovering new courses, amateur tournament golf, golf course reviews, golf rules and honest conversations about trying to get better at this ridiculous game, you're in the right place.

SUBSCRIBE to Divots & Skins and come along for the ride.

And tell us in the comments: What's the hidden-gem golf course near YOU that we should know about?

]]> Six courses. Two weekends. Lots of golf!

Episode 14 of Divots & Skins starts with Shane Lowry's dominant performance at the Irish Open before the guys turn their attention to the golf they've been playing themselves.

And there's been a lot of it.

Over Labor Day weekend, Jake and Brett joined US Am Tour Albany Region director Don to check out several courses that could potentially become future tour stops.

The trip started at Apple Greens Golf Course in Highland, New York, a unique layout built through an apple orchard with rows of apple trees lining portions of the course.

From there they headed to Western Massachusetts for Veterans Memorial Golf Course in Springfield and Chicopee Country Club in Chicopee before returning home and adding one more round at Top of the World Golf Resort near Lake George.

Top of the World provided one of the highlights of the weekend, including a spectacular par 3 overlooking Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.

Four rounds in three days apparently wasn't enough.

The following weekend, Jake and Brett headed back into the Hudson Valley to play Casperkill Golf Club and McCann Memorial Golf Course in Poughkeepsie.

Jake put together one of his better rounds of the season with a 93 at Casperkill, while the course gave the guys a chance to talk about playing smart from heavy rough, avoiding hero shots and why keeping the ball straight can be far more important than hitting it a long way.

At McCann Memorial, they learn about the history of the course, experience possibly the most comfortable golf carts they've ever ridden in and eventually find themselves playing speed golf as they race to get their cart back before the deadline.

All of these rounds lead into a larger conversation about the US Am Tour and why Jake and Brett believe more everyday golfers should give competitive amateur golf a try.

You don't need to shoot in the 70s.

You don't need to shoot in the 80s.

Jake won a tournament this season with a 97.

Flighted competition gives golfers the opportunity to play against people at a similar ability level while experiencing courses, including private clubs, they might never otherwise have an opportunity to play.

The guys talk about the competition, friendships and community they've found through the tour and why the experience has changed the way they look at amateur golf.

Brett also brings a couple of complaints for Golfer Gripe of the Day, including golfers who wander into other fairways without paying attention and people who pick up golf balls that clearly might still be in play.

Then it's time for another Rule of the Day.

If another golfer is smoking a cigarette, can you watch the smoke to determine which way the wind is blowing?

Yes.

But intentionally creating smoke for the purpose of gauging the wind is another story.

*COURSES FEATURED:
*
Apple Greens Golf Course
https://applegreens.com/

Veterans Memorial Golf Course
https://vets-franconia-golf.com

Chicopee Country Club
https://www.chicopeecountryclub.com

Top of the World Golf Resort
https://www.topoftheworldgolfresort.com/golf/

Casperkill Golf Club
https://casperkillgolf.com/

McCann Memorial Golf Course
https://www.mccanngolfcourse.com/

*SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
*
Blueprint Leadership Development
https://www.blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box
https://theluxurybox.net

US AM TOUR ALBANY REGION:
https://www.usamtour.com/

If you're an everyday golfer who loves discovering new courses, amateur tournament golf, golf course reviews, golf rules and honest conversations about trying to get better at this ridiculous game, you're in the right place.

SUBSCRIBE to Divots & Skins and come along for the ride.

And tell us in the comments: What's the hidden-gem golf course near YOU that we should know about?

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+WhTx-M92 ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Scottie Scheffler Dominates, Amsterdam Muni Delivers | Ep. 13 https://www.divotsandskins.com/scotties-cheffler-dominates-amsterdam-muni-delivers-ep-13 4561945a-d00f-4ff4-a9ee-f0c93bac0f0d Tue, 22 Sep 2026 18:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Scottie Scheffler does it again, and Jake and Brett break down what makes him so dominant, consistent and easy to root for. Then it’s back to their own golf with 36 holes at Amsterdam Municipal, a conversation about playing the right tees, Brett’s ready-golf gripe and one of the strangest Rules of the Day yet. Long Description 41:25 false Scottie Scheffler does it again, and Jake and Brett kick off Episode 13 with a look at another incredible performance from the world’s top golfer.

They talk about what separates Scottie from the rest of professional golf, his remarkable consistency, ability to avoid bogeys and the mentality that allows him to stay locked in regardless of where he stands on the leaderboard. They also discuss the other side of Scottie, including his interactions with fans, his family and why his personality away from the course has made them even bigger fans.

Then it’s back to the kind of golf Jake and Brett know best.

The guys made their first trip to Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course in Amsterdam, New York, and the course exceeded expectations. Great conditions, excellent greens, an interesting layout and even a par 3 with two different greens made it a memorable first visit.

They liked it enough to play another 18.

Brett followed an opening 86 with an 82 in the second round, and the experience leads to a bigger discussion about something every amateur golfer should consider: Are you actually playing the right tees?

Jake and Brett talk about choosing tees based on your game instead of your ego, why moving forward can make golf more enjoyable and how the US Am Tour determines yardages for different flights.

Brett also introduces his Golfer Gripe of the Day, and this time he has one simple request: Play ready golf.

That doesn’t mean rushing around the course. It means being prepared to hit when it’s your turn, paying attention to the golfers around you and doing the little things that can keep a round moving.

Then the Rule of the Day gets strange.

What happens if your golf ball somehow ends up inside the clubhouse? Under the right circumstances, the Rules of Golf may actually allow you to play it from inside the building.

Jake and Brett also look ahead to more golf at Brookhaven, Apple Greens, Veterans Memorial Golf Course and Chicopee Country Club as they continue exploring new courses, competing and finding out where their games take them next.

It’s PGA Tour talk, municipal golf, amateur golf strategy, golf etiquette, bizarre rules and plenty of the usual Divots & Skins conversation.

COURSES:
Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course
[https://www.golfamsterdammuni.com]
Brookhaven Golf Course
[https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com]
Apple Greens Golf Course
[https://applegreens.com]
Veterans Memorial Golf Course
[https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://vets-franconia-golf.com/&ved=2ahUKEwjZmM6AkYGXAxWRiCsGHYb3FA8QFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0BlThdYVtGEdlmDB_YeuXW]
Chicopee Country Club
[https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.chicopeecountryclub.com/&ved=2ahUKEwits4q5kYGXAxUAlCsGHYNbDTsQFnoECBoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0nTjaCSWeLuYgeqpkvhVIv]

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Blueprint Leadership Development: https://blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box - Queensbury, NY: https://theluxurybox.net

US Am Tour - Albany Region: https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html

]]> Scottie Scheffler, Scottie Scheffler FedEx Cup, Scottie Scheffler 2026, FedEx Cup, FedEx Cup 2026, PGA Tour, Scottie Scheffler golf, Scottie Scheffler highlights, golf podcast, Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course, Amsterdam NY golf, New York golf, Upstate NY golf, municipal golf course, amateur golf, US Am Tour, US Am Tour Albany, tournament golf, golf rules, ready golf, golf etiquette, golf tee boxes, choosing golf tees, Tee It Forward, golf course review, Divots and Skins, Divots & Skins Scottie Scheffler does it again, and Jake and Brett kick off Episode 13 with a look at another incredible performance from the world’s top golfer.

They talk about what separates Scottie from the rest of professional golf, his remarkable consistency, ability to avoid bogeys and the mentality that allows him to stay locked in regardless of where he stands on the leaderboard. They also discuss the other side of Scottie, including his interactions with fans, his family and why his personality away from the course has made them even bigger fans.

Then it’s back to the kind of golf Jake and Brett know best.

The guys made their first trip to Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course in Amsterdam, New York, and the course exceeded expectations. Great conditions, excellent greens, an interesting layout and even a par 3 with two different greens made it a memorable first visit.

They liked it enough to play another 18.

Brett followed an opening 86 with an 82 in the second round, and the experience leads to a bigger discussion about something every amateur golfer should consider: Are you actually playing the right tees?

Jake and Brett talk about choosing tees based on your game instead of your ego, why moving forward can make golf more enjoyable and how the US Am Tour determines yardages for different flights.

Brett also introduces his Golfer Gripe of the Day, and this time he has one simple request: Play ready golf.

That doesn’t mean rushing around the course. It means being prepared to hit when it’s your turn, paying attention to the golfers around you and doing the little things that can keep a round moving.

Then the Rule of the Day gets strange.

What happens if your golf ball somehow ends up inside the clubhouse? Under the right circumstances, the Rules of Golf may actually allow you to play it from inside the building.

Jake and Brett also look ahead to more golf at Brookhaven, Apple Greens, Veterans Memorial Golf Course and Chicopee Country Club as they continue exploring new courses, competing and finding out where their games take them next.

It’s PGA Tour talk, municipal golf, amateur golf strategy, golf etiquette, bizarre rules and plenty of the usual Divots & Skins conversation.

COURSES:
Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course
[https://www.golfamsterdammuni.com]
Brookhaven Golf Course
[https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com]
Apple Greens Golf Course
[https://applegreens.com]
Veterans Memorial Golf Course
[https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://vets-franconia-golf.com/&ved=2ahUKEwjZmM6AkYGXAxWRiCsGHYb3FA8QFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0BlThdYVtGEdlmDB_YeuXW]
Chicopee Country Club
[https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.chicopeecountryclub.com/&ved=2ahUKEwits4q5kYGXAxUAlCsGHYNbDTsQFnoECBoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0nTjaCSWeLuYgeqpkvhVIv]

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Blueprint Leadership Development: https://blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box - Queensbury, NY: https://theluxurybox.net

US Am Tour - Albany Region: https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html

]]> Scottie Scheffler does it again, and Jake and Brett kick off Episode 13 with a look at another incredible performance from the world’s top golfer.

They talk about what separates Scottie from the rest of professional golf, his remarkable consistency, ability to avoid bogeys and the mentality that allows him to stay locked in regardless of where he stands on the leaderboard. They also discuss the other side of Scottie, including his interactions with fans, his family and why his personality away from the course has made them even bigger fans.

Then it’s back to the kind of golf Jake and Brett know best.

The guys made their first trip to Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course in Amsterdam, New York, and the course exceeded expectations. Great conditions, excellent greens, an interesting layout and even a par 3 with two different greens made it a memorable first visit.

They liked it enough to play another 18.

Brett followed an opening 86 with an 82 in the second round, and the experience leads to a bigger discussion about something every amateur golfer should consider: Are you actually playing the right tees?

Jake and Brett talk about choosing tees based on your game instead of your ego, why moving forward can make golf more enjoyable and how the US Am Tour determines yardages for different flights.

Brett also introduces his Golfer Gripe of the Day, and this time he has one simple request: Play ready golf.

That doesn’t mean rushing around the course. It means being prepared to hit when it’s your turn, paying attention to the golfers around you and doing the little things that can keep a round moving.

Then the Rule of the Day gets strange.

What happens if your golf ball somehow ends up inside the clubhouse? Under the right circumstances, the Rules of Golf may actually allow you to play it from inside the building.

Jake and Brett also look ahead to more golf at Brookhaven, Apple Greens, Veterans Memorial Golf Course and Chicopee Country Club as they continue exploring new courses, competing and finding out where their games take them next.

It’s PGA Tour talk, municipal golf, amateur golf strategy, golf etiquette, bizarre rules and plenty of the usual Divots & Skins conversation.

COURSES:
Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course
[https://www.golfamsterdammuni.com]
Brookhaven Golf Course
[https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com]
Apple Greens Golf Course
[https://applegreens.com]
Veterans Memorial Golf Course
[https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://vets-franconia-golf.com/&ved=2ahUKEwjZmM6AkYGXAxWRiCsGHYb3FA8QFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0BlThdYVtGEdlmDB_YeuXW]
Chicopee Country Club
[https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.chicopeecountryclub.com/&ved=2ahUKEwits4q5kYGXAxUAlCsGHYNbDTsQFnoECBoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0nTjaCSWeLuYgeqpkvhVIv]

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Blueprint Leadership Development: https://blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box - Queensbury, NY: https://theluxurybox.net

US Am Tour - Albany Region: https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+vDS2hU7p ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Scottie Won’t Quit, Gary Player Defies Age & We Survive Wyndhurst | Ep. 12 https://www.divotsandskins.com/scottie-wont-quit-gary-player-defies-age-we-survive-wyndhurst-ep12 e6f91b1d-afa6-439e-93a6-887a03ac5285 Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Jake and Brett talk Scottie Scheffler battling through illness, Gary Player still bringing it at 90 and a tough US Am Tour season finale at Wyndhurst Manor & Club. Plus, they discuss when to grind through a bad round, the strange cactus rule and what's coming in Season 2 of Divots & Skins. 36:45 false Scottie Scheffler played through an illness that left him with blisters on his hands and feet. Gary Player is still striping fairways at 90 years old. And then Jake and Brett tried to survive their own battle at Wyndhurst Manor & Club.

Episode 12 of Divots & Skins starts with Scottie Scheffler and the grit it took to battle through the BMW Championship while sick. We talk about what makes Scottie so consistent, his ability to avoid bogeys and scramble for pars, and a lesson he learned from watching Tiger Woods bring the same intensity whether he was in contention or not.
Then there's Gary Player.

Jake watched Bryson DeChambeau's Break 50 with the 90-year-old golf legend, and Player's game, fitness and energy are incredible. We get into his longevity, career, legendary approach to fitness and a golf term Jake hadn't heard before: "ham and eggs."
Then it's time for our golf.

Can I Break 50 with a 90 Year Old? - https://youtu.be/2WwmlhkXE7k?si=nxX4AjNvFeHGMorh

The US Am Tour Albany Region wrapped up its 2026 local season at Wyndhurst Golf & Club in Lenox, Massachusetts. Jake was trying to break 100 and shot exactly 100, while Brett battled through illness, dizziness and his toughest tour round of the season.

It leads to a bigger conversation every amateur golfer can relate to: What do you do when the round starts falling apart?

Do you quit, or do you reset and keep grinding?

We also look ahead to US Am Tour Nationals in Oregon, the beginning of the 2027 tour season, our upcoming Myrtle Beach golf trip and Season 2 of Divots & Skins.

And Brett's Rule of the Day gets weird again.

What can you legally do when your golf ball ends up next to a cactus? You might be surprised by what the Rules of Golf allow you to protect and what you're NOT allowed to protect.

IN THIS EPISODE:
• Scottie Scheffler battling through illness
• What Scottie learned from Tiger Woods
• Gary Player playing golf at 90
• Bryson DeChambeau's Break 50 with Gary Player
• What "ham and eggs" means in golf
• US Am Tour at Wyndhurst Golf & Club
• Battling through a terrible round
• When withdrawing from a tournament makes sense
• Why you shouldn't quit just because you're playing badly
• US Am Tour Nationals and the 2027 season
• Our upcoming Myrtle Beach golf trip
• Rule of the Day: the cactus rule
• What's ahead for Season 2 of Divots & Skins

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Blueprint Leadership Development: https://blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box - Queensbury, NY: https://theluxurybox.net

US Am Tour - Albany Region: https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html

Courses:
Wyndhurst Golf & Club: https://wyndhurstgolfandclub.com

Have a course on the East Coast we need to play? Especially in Myrtle Beach? Drop it in the comments. We're building our list and want to hear where YOU think we should tee it up.

]]> Divots & Skins, Divots and Skins, Scottie Scheffler, Scottie Scheffler sick, Gary Player, Gary Player 90 years old, Bryson DeChambeau, Bryson Break 50, Break 50, Tiger Woods, PGA Tour, FedEx Cup, golf podcast, amateur golf, tournament golf, US Am Tour, US Am Tour Albany, Wyndhurst Manor, Wyndhurst golf, Lenox MA golf, golf mental game, golf rules, cactus golf rule, golf course management, Myrtle Beach golf, Upstate NY golf, The Luxury Box Scottie Scheffler played through an illness that left him with blisters on his hands and feet. Gary Player is still striping fairways at 90 years old. And then Jake and Brett tried to survive their own battle at Wyndhurst Manor & Club.

Episode 12 of Divots & Skins starts with Scottie Scheffler and the grit it took to battle through the BMW Championship while sick. We talk about what makes Scottie so consistent, his ability to avoid bogeys and scramble for pars, and a lesson he learned from watching Tiger Woods bring the same intensity whether he was in contention or not.
Then there's Gary Player.

Jake watched Bryson DeChambeau's Break 50 with the 90-year-old golf legend, and Player's game, fitness and energy are incredible. We get into his longevity, career, legendary approach to fitness and a golf term Jake hadn't heard before: "ham and eggs."
Then it's time for our golf.

Can I Break 50 with a 90 Year Old? - https://youtu.be/2WwmlhkXE7k?si=nxX4AjNvFeHGMorh

The US Am Tour Albany Region wrapped up its 2026 local season at Wyndhurst Golf & Club in Lenox, Massachusetts. Jake was trying to break 100 and shot exactly 100, while Brett battled through illness, dizziness and his toughest tour round of the season.

It leads to a bigger conversation every amateur golfer can relate to: What do you do when the round starts falling apart?

Do you quit, or do you reset and keep grinding?

We also look ahead to US Am Tour Nationals in Oregon, the beginning of the 2027 tour season, our upcoming Myrtle Beach golf trip and Season 2 of Divots & Skins.

And Brett's Rule of the Day gets weird again.

What can you legally do when your golf ball ends up next to a cactus? You might be surprised by what the Rules of Golf allow you to protect and what you're NOT allowed to protect.

IN THIS EPISODE:
• Scottie Scheffler battling through illness
• What Scottie learned from Tiger Woods
• Gary Player playing golf at 90
• Bryson DeChambeau's Break 50 with Gary Player
• What "ham and eggs" means in golf
• US Am Tour at Wyndhurst Golf & Club
• Battling through a terrible round
• When withdrawing from a tournament makes sense
• Why you shouldn't quit just because you're playing badly
• US Am Tour Nationals and the 2027 season
• Our upcoming Myrtle Beach golf trip
• Rule of the Day: the cactus rule
• What's ahead for Season 2 of Divots & Skins

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Blueprint Leadership Development: https://blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box - Queensbury, NY: https://theluxurybox.net

US Am Tour - Albany Region: https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html

Courses:
Wyndhurst Golf & Club: https://wyndhurstgolfandclub.com

Have a course on the East Coast we need to play? Especially in Myrtle Beach? Drop it in the comments. We're building our list and want to hear where YOU think we should tee it up.

]]> Scottie Scheffler played through an illness that left him with blisters on his hands and feet. Gary Player is still striping fairways at 90 years old. And then Jake and Brett tried to survive their own battle at Wyndhurst Manor & Club.

Episode 12 of Divots & Skins starts with Scottie Scheffler and the grit it took to battle through the BMW Championship while sick. We talk about what makes Scottie so consistent, his ability to avoid bogeys and scramble for pars, and a lesson he learned from watching Tiger Woods bring the same intensity whether he was in contention or not.
Then there's Gary Player.

Jake watched Bryson DeChambeau's Break 50 with the 90-year-old golf legend, and Player's game, fitness and energy are incredible. We get into his longevity, career, legendary approach to fitness and a golf term Jake hadn't heard before: "ham and eggs."
Then it's time for our golf.

Can I Break 50 with a 90 Year Old? - https://youtu.be/2WwmlhkXE7k?si=nxX4AjNvFeHGMorh

The US Am Tour Albany Region wrapped up its 2026 local season at Wyndhurst Golf & Club in Lenox, Massachusetts. Jake was trying to break 100 and shot exactly 100, while Brett battled through illness, dizziness and his toughest tour round of the season.

It leads to a bigger conversation every amateur golfer can relate to: What do you do when the round starts falling apart?

Do you quit, or do you reset and keep grinding?

We also look ahead to US Am Tour Nationals in Oregon, the beginning of the 2027 tour season, our upcoming Myrtle Beach golf trip and Season 2 of Divots & Skins.

And Brett's Rule of the Day gets weird again.

What can you legally do when your golf ball ends up next to a cactus? You might be surprised by what the Rules of Golf allow you to protect and what you're NOT allowed to protect.

IN THIS EPISODE:
• Scottie Scheffler battling through illness
• What Scottie learned from Tiger Woods
• Gary Player playing golf at 90
• Bryson DeChambeau's Break 50 with Gary Player
• What "ham and eggs" means in golf
• US Am Tour at Wyndhurst Golf & Club
• Battling through a terrible round
• When withdrawing from a tournament makes sense
• Why you shouldn't quit just because you're playing badly
• US Am Tour Nationals and the 2027 season
• Our upcoming Myrtle Beach golf trip
• Rule of the Day: the cactus rule
• What's ahead for Season 2 of Divots & Skins

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Blueprint Leadership Development: https://blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com

The Luxury Box - Queensbury, NY: https://theluxurybox.net

US Am Tour - Albany Region: https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html

Courses:
Wyndhurst Golf & Club: https://wyndhurstgolfandclub.com

Have a course on the East Coast we need to play? Especially in Myrtle Beach? Drop it in the comments. We're building our list and want to hear where YOU think we should tee it up.

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+gOMBgzeN ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Golf Cheaters, REAL Hole-in-One & Big Wins at Brookhaven and Wiltwyck | Ep. 11 https://www.divotsandskins.com/golf-cheaters-real-hole-in-one-big-wins-at-brookhaven-and-wiltwyck-ep11 7211bc2b-1fa3-498b-8ac8-ea775afe0656 Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Golf is supposed to be a game of integrity, but one golfer took cheating to another level by faking a hole-in-one and getting caught on camera. Jake and Brett also recap a charity scramble at Cronin’s, the Brookhaven Club Championship, a real hole-in-one and Jake’s second US Am Tour win of the season at Wiltwyck. 49:43 false A fake hole-in-one, a real hole-in-one and a couple of tournament wins make for a packed Episode 11 of Divots & Skins.

Jake and Brett start with one of the craziest golf cheating stories they’ve heard. A former college golfer tried to claim a hole-in-one by dropping his ball into the cup when nobody was watching. Unfortunately for him, a nearby camera caught the entire thing. That leads to a bigger conversation about cheating in golf, questionable scramble scores and why integrity remains such an important part of the game.

Cheater Story: https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/49577068/golfer-resigns-club-admitting-fake-hole-one

From there, it’s back to their own golf. Jake and Brett recap a great day at the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department charity scramble at Cronin’s Golf Resort, where their team finished third and had plenty of laughs along the way.

Then it’s time for the two-day Club Championship at their home course, Brookhaven Golf Course. Brett walked away as the net club champion, Jake finished fifth gross and their group witnessed Peter Taylor make a real hole-in-one on the fifth hole.

The US Am Tour Albany Region also took them to Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston, New York, where Jake went into one of the tougher courses he’s played on tour simply hoping to break 100. He shot 97 and walked away with his second tour victory of the season. They also talk about getting an early look at Wyndhurst Manor & Club in Lenox, Massachusetts, ahead of their upcoming tour stop.

Plus, the Rule of the Day takes an unusual turn with a look at what the Rules of Golf say when your ball ends up near a dangerous animal, and what happens when that animal isn’t alive.

It’s another episode filled with amateur tournament golf, great courses, bad shots, good rounds, golf rules and the stories that keep bringing Jake and Brett back to the game.

COURSES FEATURED
Cronin's Golf Resort - Warrensburg, NY: https://croninsgolfresort.com
Brookhaven Golf Course - Porter Corners, NY: https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com
Wyndhurst Manor & Club - Lenox, Mass: https://wyndhurstgolfandclub.com
Wiltwyck Golf Club - Kingston, NY: https://wiltwyck.org

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Blueprint Leadership Development: https://blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com
The Luxury Box - Queensbury, NY: https://theluxurybox.net
US Am Tour - Albany Region: https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html

]]> Divots & Skins, Divots and Skins, golf podcast, golf cheating, golf cheater, fake hole in one, hole in one, golf hole in one, amateur golf, tournament golf, US Am Tour, US Am Tour Albany, Wiltwyck Golf Club, Wiltwyck golf, Brookhaven Golf Course, club championship, golf club championship, Wyndhurst Manor, Cronins Golf Resort, charity golf scramble, golf scramble, golf rules, rules of golf, golf integrity, Upstate NY golf, New York golf, amateur golf tournament A fake hole-in-one, a real hole-in-one and a couple of tournament wins make for a packed Episode 11 of Divots & Skins.

Jake and Brett start with one of the craziest golf cheating stories they’ve heard. A former college golfer tried to claim a hole-in-one by dropping his ball into the cup when nobody was watching. Unfortunately for him, a nearby camera caught the entire thing. That leads to a bigger conversation about cheating in golf, questionable scramble scores and why integrity remains such an important part of the game.

Cheater Story: https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/49577068/golfer-resigns-club-admitting-fake-hole-one

From there, it’s back to their own golf. Jake and Brett recap a great day at the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department charity scramble at Cronin’s Golf Resort, where their team finished third and had plenty of laughs along the way.

Then it’s time for the two-day Club Championship at their home course, Brookhaven Golf Course. Brett walked away as the net club champion, Jake finished fifth gross and their group witnessed Peter Taylor make a real hole-in-one on the fifth hole.

The US Am Tour Albany Region also took them to Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston, New York, where Jake went into one of the tougher courses he’s played on tour simply hoping to break 100. He shot 97 and walked away with his second tour victory of the season. They also talk about getting an early look at Wyndhurst Manor & Club in Lenox, Massachusetts, ahead of their upcoming tour stop.

Plus, the Rule of the Day takes an unusual turn with a look at what the Rules of Golf say when your ball ends up near a dangerous animal, and what happens when that animal isn’t alive.

It’s another episode filled with amateur tournament golf, great courses, bad shots, good rounds, golf rules and the stories that keep bringing Jake and Brett back to the game.

COURSES FEATURED
Cronin's Golf Resort - Warrensburg, NY: https://croninsgolfresort.com
Brookhaven Golf Course - Porter Corners, NY: https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com
Wyndhurst Manor & Club - Lenox, Mass: https://wyndhurstgolfandclub.com
Wiltwyck Golf Club - Kingston, NY: https://wiltwyck.org

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Blueprint Leadership Development: https://blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com
The Luxury Box - Queensbury, NY: https://theluxurybox.net
US Am Tour - Albany Region: https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html

]]> A fake hole-in-one, a real hole-in-one and a couple of tournament wins make for a packed Episode 11 of Divots & Skins.

Jake and Brett start with one of the craziest golf cheating stories they’ve heard. A former college golfer tried to claim a hole-in-one by dropping his ball into the cup when nobody was watching. Unfortunately for him, a nearby camera caught the entire thing. That leads to a bigger conversation about cheating in golf, questionable scramble scores and why integrity remains such an important part of the game.

Cheater Story: https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/49577068/golfer-resigns-club-admitting-fake-hole-one

From there, it’s back to their own golf. Jake and Brett recap a great day at the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department charity scramble at Cronin’s Golf Resort, where their team finished third and had plenty of laughs along the way.

Then it’s time for the two-day Club Championship at their home course, Brookhaven Golf Course. Brett walked away as the net club champion, Jake finished fifth gross and their group witnessed Peter Taylor make a real hole-in-one on the fifth hole.

The US Am Tour Albany Region also took them to Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston, New York, where Jake went into one of the tougher courses he’s played on tour simply hoping to break 100. He shot 97 and walked away with his second tour victory of the season. They also talk about getting an early look at Wyndhurst Manor & Club in Lenox, Massachusetts, ahead of their upcoming tour stop.

Plus, the Rule of the Day takes an unusual turn with a look at what the Rules of Golf say when your ball ends up near a dangerous animal, and what happens when that animal isn’t alive.

It’s another episode filled with amateur tournament golf, great courses, bad shots, good rounds, golf rules and the stories that keep bringing Jake and Brett back to the game.

COURSES FEATURED
Cronin's Golf Resort - Warrensburg, NY: https://croninsgolfresort.com
Brookhaven Golf Course - Porter Corners, NY: https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com
Wyndhurst Manor & Club - Lenox, Mass: https://wyndhurstgolfandclub.com
Wiltwyck Golf Club - Kingston, NY: https://wiltwyck.org

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Blueprint Leadership Development: https://blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com
The Luxury Box - Queensbury, NY: https://theluxurybox.net
US Am Tour - Albany Region: https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+LlWxCzp1 ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Bryson’s Penalty, Our Fox Run Playoff Holes & Turning Stone Weekend | Ep. 10 https://www.divotsandskins.com/brysons-penalty-our-fox-run-playoff-holes-turning-stone-weekend-ep-10 9287d461-e3e3-4b99-a651-d53eb65b00f0 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Bryson DeChambeau’s controversial penalty has the golf world talking, and so do we. Plus, Jake and Brett battle through extra holes at Fox Run before heading to Turning Stone for a huge US Am Tour weekend, both Albany Region and North East Regional. 48:43 false Bryson DeChambeau found himself at the center of a rules controversy, and golfers have plenty of opinions about it. Was his two-stroke penalty justified? Does intent matter? And what about his initial reaction to the ruling? Jake and Brett break it all down, including Rory McIlroy’s comments and why this particular rule isn’t as gray as it might seem.

Then it’s time for some golf of our own.

On the way to Turning Stone, we made an early-morning stop at Fox Run Golf Club in Johnstown, N.Y., for a head-to-head round. Eighteen holes later, we were tied at 92 and neither of us was ready to call it a draw. That meant extra holes, an unexpected hype man and a memorable finish to a course we’ve quickly become big fans of.

From Fox Run, we headed to Turning Stone Resort Casino for a massive US Am Tour weekend featuring 115 golfers from across the country and beyond. We talk about the atmosphere surrounding the event, our winner interviews and what makes Kaluhyat such a demanding target golf course.

We also get into Scottie Scheffler’s season, tournament golf, course strategy and why events like this show just how competitive and diverse amateur golf can be.

Courses mentioned in this episode:
Fox Run Golf Club
https://www.foxrungolf.club/

Turning Stone Resort Casino Golf
https://www.turningstone.com/golf

Brookhaven Golf Course
https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com/

Sponsors & Partners:
Blueprint Leadership Development
https://www.robshauger.com/

The Luxury Box
https://theluxurybox.net/

US Am Tour Albany Region
https://www.usamtour.com/

From PGA Tour controversy to our own amateur golf adventures, it’s another packed episode of Divots & Skins. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE!

]]> Divots & Skins, Divots and Skins, golf podcast, Bryson DeChambeau, Bryson DeChambeau penalty, Bryson penalty, golf controversy, golf rules, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, US Am Tour, US Am Tour Albany, amateur golf, tournament golf, Turning Stone golf, Turning Stone Resort, Kaluhyat, Kaluhyat Golf Course, Fox Run Golf Club, Fox Run Johnstown NY, New York golf, Upstate NY golf, golf course review, golf match, golf playoff, amateur golfers, golf podcast 2026 Bryson DeChambeau found himself at the center of a rules controversy, and golfers have plenty of opinions about it. Was his two-stroke penalty justified? Does intent matter? And what about his initial reaction to the ruling? Jake and Brett break it all down, including Rory McIlroy’s comments and why this particular rule isn’t as gray as it might seem.

Then it’s time for some golf of our own.

On the way to Turning Stone, we made an early-morning stop at Fox Run Golf Club in Johnstown, N.Y., for a head-to-head round. Eighteen holes later, we were tied at 92 and neither of us was ready to call it a draw. That meant extra holes, an unexpected hype man and a memorable finish to a course we’ve quickly become big fans of.

From Fox Run, we headed to Turning Stone Resort Casino for a massive US Am Tour weekend featuring 115 golfers from across the country and beyond. We talk about the atmosphere surrounding the event, our winner interviews and what makes Kaluhyat such a demanding target golf course.

We also get into Scottie Scheffler’s season, tournament golf, course strategy and why events like this show just how competitive and diverse amateur golf can be.

Courses mentioned in this episode:
Fox Run Golf Club
https://www.foxrungolf.club/

Turning Stone Resort Casino Golf
https://www.turningstone.com/golf

Brookhaven Golf Course
https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com/

Sponsors & Partners:
Blueprint Leadership Development
https://www.robshauger.com/

The Luxury Box
https://theluxurybox.net/

US Am Tour Albany Region
https://www.usamtour.com/

From PGA Tour controversy to our own amateur golf adventures, it’s another packed episode of Divots & Skins. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE!

]]> Bryson DeChambeau found himself at the center of a rules controversy, and golfers have plenty of opinions about it. Was his two-stroke penalty justified? Does intent matter? And what about his initial reaction to the ruling? Jake and Brett break it all down, including Rory McIlroy’s comments and why this particular rule isn’t as gray as it might seem.

Then it’s time for some golf of our own.

On the way to Turning Stone, we made an early-morning stop at Fox Run Golf Club in Johnstown, N.Y., for a head-to-head round. Eighteen holes later, we were tied at 92 and neither of us was ready to call it a draw. That meant extra holes, an unexpected hype man and a memorable finish to a course we’ve quickly become big fans of.

From Fox Run, we headed to Turning Stone Resort Casino for a massive US Am Tour weekend featuring 115 golfers from across the country and beyond. We talk about the atmosphere surrounding the event, our winner interviews and what makes Kaluhyat such a demanding target golf course.

We also get into Scottie Scheffler’s season, tournament golf, course strategy and why events like this show just how competitive and diverse amateur golf can be.

Courses mentioned in this episode:
Fox Run Golf Club
https://www.foxrungolf.club/

Turning Stone Resort Casino Golf
https://www.turningstone.com/golf

Brookhaven Golf Course
https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com/

Sponsors & Partners:
Blueprint Leadership Development
https://www.robshauger.com/

The Luxury Box
https://theluxurybox.net/

US Am Tour Albany Region
https://www.usamtour.com/

From PGA Tour controversy to our own amateur golf adventures, it’s another packed episode of Divots & Skins. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE!

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+2t_XFKWE ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Play It Foreward 518: How Two Brothers' Journey Became a Foundation for Kids https://www.divotsandskins.com/play-it-foreward-518-how-two-brothers-journey-became-a-foundation-for-kids f773eccb-bd40-43e1-97e0-947ca11f2bdb Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Ryan Trueba joins Divots & Skins to share the story behind Play It Foreward 518, a Capital Region family foundation supporting local kids and families facing serious illness. From a Make-A-Wish trip to TPC Sawgrass to an honorary captain program with Siena basketball, Ryan opens up about the personal journey that built this organization — and the community that keeps it going 11 years strong. 31:58 false In this episode of Divots & Skins, we sit down with Ryan Trueba, co-founder of Play It Foreward 518, a family foundation based in New York's Capital Region dedicated to supporting local children and families navigating serious illness and hardship. Ryan shares the deeply personal story behind the foundation's origin — inspired by his brother Joe's own health battle and the outpouring of community support that carried their family through it — and how that experience shaped Play It Foreward 518's mission of paying that generosity forward.

We talk about the foundation's annual golf tournament, now entering its 11th year, along with some of the standout initiatives it's helped bring to life: a Make-A-Wish trip to TPC Sawgrass, a long-running partnership with the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, an honorary captain program with Siena College basketball that's now surpassed 100 honorees, and continued support for organizations like Double H Ranch. Ryan also reflects on what it means to build something rooted in family, community, and the belief that even small contributions can make a real difference. It's a heartfelt conversation about turning hardship into purpose — and the power of a community that shows up.

]]> Play It Foreward 518, Play It Foreward 518 golf tournament, Divots and Skins, Divots and Skins podcast, charity golf tournament, golf for a cause, Capital Region NY charity, pediatric cancer foundation, Make-A-Wish golf, TPC Sawgrass hole in one, Children's Hospital Albany Medical Center, Siena College honorary captain, Double H Ranch, family foundation story, golf podcast interview, Ryan Trueba, Capital District charity, cancer survivor story golf, non-profit golf tournament, giving back community In this episode of Divots & Skins, we sit down with Ryan Trueba, co-founder of Play It Foreward 518, a family foundation based in New York's Capital Region dedicated to supporting local children and families navigating serious illness and hardship. Ryan shares the deeply personal story behind the foundation's origin — inspired by his brother Joe's own health battle and the outpouring of community support that carried their family through it — and how that experience shaped Play It Foreward 518's mission of paying that generosity forward.

We talk about the foundation's annual golf tournament, now entering its 11th year, along with some of the standout initiatives it's helped bring to life: a Make-A-Wish trip to TPC Sawgrass, a long-running partnership with the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, an honorary captain program with Siena College basketball that's now surpassed 100 honorees, and continued support for organizations like Double H Ranch. Ryan also reflects on what it means to build something rooted in family, community, and the belief that even small contributions can make a real difference. It's a heartfelt conversation about turning hardship into purpose — and the power of a community that shows up.

]]> In this episode of Divots & Skins, we sit down with Ryan Trueba, co-founder of Play It Foreward 518, a family foundation based in New York's Capital Region dedicated to supporting local children and families navigating serious illness and hardship. Ryan shares the deeply personal story behind the foundation's origin — inspired by his brother Joe's own health battle and the outpouring of community support that carried their family through it — and how that experience shaped Play It Foreward 518's mission of paying that generosity forward.

We talk about the foundation's annual golf tournament, now entering its 11th year, along with some of the standout initiatives it's helped bring to life: a Make-A-Wish trip to TPC Sawgrass, a long-running partnership with the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, an honorary captain program with Siena College basketball that's now surpassed 100 honorees, and continued support for organizations like Double H Ranch. Ryan also reflects on what it means to build something rooted in family, community, and the belief that even small contributions can make a real difference. It's a heartfelt conversation about turning hardship into purpose — and the power of a community that shows up.

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+koFHgd2A ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Ep 9 - Missed Cuts, Mindset, and Playoff Holes at Fox Run https://www.divotsandskins.com/ep8-missed-cuts-mindset-and-playoff-holes-at-fox-run fac486f7-d10b-4b68-996d-d0b970078f9a Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Brett and Jake catch up from Brookhaven and Frear Park, break down why Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda both missed the cut the same weekend, and preview our trip to Turning Stone for the US Amateur Albany Region event. 28:28 false On this episode, we're catching you up from two different rounds, our Thursday league night at Brookhaven Golf Course in Greenfield, New York, and our trip out to Frear Park in Troy for a Capital District Golf Tour stop. I talk about coming one bad stretch away from finally breaking 80, and Brett explains how a positive mindset carried him to a birdie on 18 and a pocket full of skins money to go with it.

We also get into the bigger story from the PGA and LPGA this week, Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda both missing the cut on the same weekend, and why that says more about how hard golf actually is than it does about either of their games. Along the way we talk about Bryson DeChambeau's analytical approach to the game, why your best shots usually come on the range, and why nobody, amateur or pro, gets to skip the mental side of golf.

From there we head to Fox Run Golf Course in Johnstown for a great round that included a two hole playoff, and wrap up with a preview of the US Amateur Albany Region event at Turning Stone, where we'll be interviewing winners and losers straight off the course.

Courses mentioned in this episode:
Brookhaven Golf Course, Greenfield, NY - https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com
Frear Park Golf Course, Troy, NY - https://www.troyny.gov/1411/Frear-Park-Golf-Course
Fox Run Golf Course, Johnstown, NY - https://www.foxrungolf.club
Turning Stone Resort, Kaluhyat, Verona, NY - https://www.turningstone.com/golf/kaluhyat

Thanks to our sponsor, Blueprint Leadership Development (https://www.blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com). If you're looking for a business coach, Rob's info is in the show notes. And thanks to The Luxury Box (https://www.theluxury.net) for letting us record in their simulator room, if you're looking for a place to swing when the weather turns, that's the spot.

If you enjoy the show, follow us wherever you listen and leave a review, it helps more golfers find us and it means we can get to more tournaments.

]]> Divots and Skins, golf podcast, amateur golf, US Amateur, US Amateur Albany Region, Capital District golf, Frear Park golf course, Brookhaven golf course, Fox Run golf course, Turning Stone golf, Scottie Scheffler, Nelly Korda, Bryson DeChambeau, golf mental game, golf mindset tips, break 80, golf skins game, Troy NY golf, Saratoga golf, Johnstown NY golf, Capital Region golf, amateur golf tour, golf interviews, golf sponsors, golf course review, weekly golf podcast, golf vlog, New York golf courses On this episode, we're catching you up from two different rounds, our Thursday league night at Brookhaven Golf Course in Greenfield, New York, and our trip out to Frear Park in Troy for a Capital District Golf Tour stop. I talk about coming one bad stretch away from finally breaking 80, and Brett explains how a positive mindset carried him to a birdie on 18 and a pocket full of skins money to go with it.

We also get into the bigger story from the PGA and LPGA this week, Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda both missing the cut on the same weekend, and why that says more about how hard golf actually is than it does about either of their games. Along the way we talk about Bryson DeChambeau's analytical approach to the game, why your best shots usually come on the range, and why nobody, amateur or pro, gets to skip the mental side of golf.

From there we head to Fox Run Golf Course in Johnstown for a great round that included a two hole playoff, and wrap up with a preview of the US Amateur Albany Region event at Turning Stone, where we'll be interviewing winners and losers straight off the course.

Courses mentioned in this episode:
Brookhaven Golf Course, Greenfield, NY - https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com
Frear Park Golf Course, Troy, NY - https://www.troyny.gov/1411/Frear-Park-Golf-Course
Fox Run Golf Course, Johnstown, NY - https://www.foxrungolf.club
Turning Stone Resort, Kaluhyat, Verona, NY - https://www.turningstone.com/golf/kaluhyat

Thanks to our sponsor, Blueprint Leadership Development (https://www.blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com). If you're looking for a business coach, Rob's info is in the show notes. And thanks to The Luxury Box (https://www.theluxury.net) for letting us record in their simulator room, if you're looking for a place to swing when the weather turns, that's the spot.

If you enjoy the show, follow us wherever you listen and leave a review, it helps more golfers find us and it means we can get to more tournaments.

]]> On this episode, we're catching you up from two different rounds, our Thursday league night at Brookhaven Golf Course in Greenfield, New York, and our trip out to Frear Park in Troy for a Capital District Golf Tour stop. I talk about coming one bad stretch away from finally breaking 80, and Brett explains how a positive mindset carried him to a birdie on 18 and a pocket full of skins money to go with it.

We also get into the bigger story from the PGA and LPGA this week, Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda both missing the cut on the same weekend, and why that says more about how hard golf actually is than it does about either of their games. Along the way we talk about Bryson DeChambeau's analytical approach to the game, why your best shots usually come on the range, and why nobody, amateur or pro, gets to skip the mental side of golf.

From there we head to Fox Run Golf Course in Johnstown for a great round that included a two hole playoff, and wrap up with a preview of the US Amateur Albany Region event at Turning Stone, where we'll be interviewing winners and losers straight off the course.

Courses mentioned in this episode:
Brookhaven Golf Course, Greenfield, NY - https://www.brookhavengolfcourse.com
Frear Park Golf Course, Troy, NY - https://www.troyny.gov/1411/Frear-Park-Golf-Course
Fox Run Golf Course, Johnstown, NY - https://www.foxrungolf.club
Turning Stone Resort, Kaluhyat, Verona, NY - https://www.turningstone.com/golf/kaluhyat

Thanks to our sponsor, Blueprint Leadership Development (https://www.blueprintleadershipdevelopment.com). If you're looking for a business coach, Rob's info is in the show notes. And thanks to The Luxury Box (https://www.theluxury.net) for letting us record in their simulator room, if you're looking for a place to swing when the weather turns, that's the spot.

If you enjoy the show, follow us wherever you listen and leave a review, it helps more golfers find us and it means we can get to more tournaments.

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+hqh6_zRt ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Ep 8 - The US Am Tour: Competitive Golf for Every Handicap https://www.divotsandskins.com/ep8-the-us-am-tour-competive-golf-for-every-handicap 30e5a7f4-ae38-4f2c-87d6-f4650c3b4aeb Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Think tournament golf is only for scratch players? US Am Tour Albany Region director Don Frame joins us to explain how flighted competition gives golfers of nearly every handicap a chance to compete, win and experience tournament golf at courses across the country. 46:59 false Think you need to be a scratch golfer to play competitive tournament golf? Don Frame, director of the US Am Tour Albany Region, joins us to explain why that could not be further from the truth.

Don breaks down how the US Am Tour creates competitive opportunities for golfers of nearly every skill level through six handicap-based flights. He explains what tournament entry fees include, how live scoring works, how handicaps are monitored and how golfers earn trophies, prize payouts and Order of Merit points throughout the season.

We also discuss senior and women’s competition, qualifying for the national championship, traveling to play events outside your home region and turning tournament weekends into destination golf trips. Don shares how winning his first event changed his entire approach to the game and why tournament golf motivated him to practice, improve and explore courses he might never have played otherwise.

Later in the episode, we talk about standout municipal courses including Frear Park and Schenectady Municipal, preview upcoming Albany Region stops and share an unusual Rule of the Day involving the one situation where a golfer may legally hit a moving ball.

Whether you regularly shoot in the 70s, 80s, 90s or around 100, the US Am Tour may offer the competitive golf experience you have been looking for.

]]> US Am Tour, US Amateur Golf Tour, amateur golf tournament, amateur tournament golf, golf tournament for high handicappers, competitive golf for average golfers, Albany golf, Albany NY golf, US Am Tour Albany, Don Frame golf, Divots and Skins, Divots & Skins podcast, golf podcast, amateur golf podcast, high handicap golfer, weekend golfer, tournament golf, flighted golf tournament, handicap golf tournament, senior golf tournament, women’s amateur golf, golf competition, golf travel, destination golf, golf road trip, Order of Merit golf, live golf scoring, golf tournament prizes, Frear Park Golf Course, Schenectady Municipal Golf Course, Turning Stone golf, Leatherstocking Golf Course, Edison Club golf, Wiltwyck Golf Club, Wyndhurst Manor and Club, Brookhaven Golf Course, Capital Region golf, New York golf courses, golf rules, hitting a moving golf ball, golf rule of the day Think you need to be a scratch golfer to play competitive tournament golf? Don Frame, director of the US Am Tour Albany Region, joins us to explain why that could not be further from the truth.

Don breaks down how the US Am Tour creates competitive opportunities for golfers of nearly every skill level through six handicap-based flights. He explains what tournament entry fees include, how live scoring works, how handicaps are monitored and how golfers earn trophies, prize payouts and Order of Merit points throughout the season.

We also discuss senior and women’s competition, qualifying for the national championship, traveling to play events outside your home region and turning tournament weekends into destination golf trips. Don shares how winning his first event changed his entire approach to the game and why tournament golf motivated him to practice, improve and explore courses he might never have played otherwise.

Later in the episode, we talk about standout municipal courses including Frear Park and Schenectady Municipal, preview upcoming Albany Region stops and share an unusual Rule of the Day involving the one situation where a golfer may legally hit a moving ball.

Whether you regularly shoot in the 70s, 80s, 90s or around 100, the US Am Tour may offer the competitive golf experience you have been looking for.

]]> Think you need to be a scratch golfer to play competitive tournament golf? Don Frame, director of the US Am Tour Albany Region, joins us to explain why that could not be further from the truth.

Don breaks down how the US Am Tour creates competitive opportunities for golfers of nearly every skill level through six handicap-based flights. He explains what tournament entry fees include, how live scoring works, how handicaps are monitored and how golfers earn trophies, prize payouts and Order of Merit points throughout the season.

We also discuss senior and women’s competition, qualifying for the national championship, traveling to play events outside your home region and turning tournament weekends into destination golf trips. Don shares how winning his first event changed his entire approach to the game and why tournament golf motivated him to practice, improve and explore courses he might never have played otherwise.

Later in the episode, we talk about standout municipal courses including Frear Park and Schenectady Municipal, preview upcoming Albany Region stops and share an unusual Rule of the Day involving the one situation where a golfer may legally hit a moving ball.

Whether you regularly shoot in the 70s, 80s, 90s or around 100, the US Am Tour may offer the competitive golf experience you have been looking for.

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+-m2I92Z1 ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Ep 7 - Golf Broke Jake At West Point, Then Travelers Championship Made It Better https://www.divotsandskins.com/ep7-golf-broke-jake-at-west-point-then-travelers-championship-made-it-better 0b70d0b7-63f4-4bee-8188-c3e758f2359f Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Jake and Brett recap a packed golf weekend featuring a US AM Tour stop at West Point, a trip to the Travelers Championship and a very honest conversation about fighting through a broken golf game. 56:38 false In Episode 7 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett break down a busy golf weekend that included league play at Brookhaven, a US AM Tour stop at West Point Golf Course and a trip to the Travelers Championship.

The episode gets honest as Jake talks through the frustration of feeling like his golf game is broken, from first-tee nerves to struggling through tournament rounds and trying to figure out what needs to change. Brett shares his perspective on pushing through golf slumps, focusing on fundamentals and remembering that even the best players in the world go through rough stretches.

The guys also recap Brett’s win at West Point, the importance of short game, what it was like seeing PGA Tour players up close at the Travelers, and why watching a pro hit a massive shank made every amateur golfer feel a little better.

Plus, the Rule of the Day covers free relief from manmade obstructions, including cart paths, rakes and temporary structures.

Honest amateur golf talk, tournament stories, PGA Tour reactions and plenty of reminders that this game can humble anyone.

Links:
West Point Golf - https://westpoint.armymwr.com/programs/west-point-golf-course
Travelers Championship - https://travelerschampionship.com

Sponsors:
Blueprint Leadership Development - https://www.robshauger.com
US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html
The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net

]]> golf podcast, Divots and Skins, amateur golf, golf slump, golf mental game, golf confidence, broken golf swing, bad golf round, golf tournament recap, US AM Tour, US AM Tour Albany, amateur golf tour, West Point Golf Course, West Point golf, New York golf, tournament golf, golf pressure, golf nerves, first tee nerves, golf course management, short game golf, golf tips for amateurs, high handicap golfer, mid handicap golfer, Brookhaven golf, Brookhaven Country Club, golf in the heat, provisional ball rule, golf rules, USGA rules, free relief golf, cart path relief, manmade obstruction golf, nearest point of relief, Travelers Championship, PGA Tour, Scottie Scheffler, Ludvig Aberg, Justin Thomas, Cameron Young, PGA Tour shank, golf fan experience, golf podcast 2026, amateur golf stories In Episode 7 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett break down a busy golf weekend that included league play at Brookhaven, a US AM Tour stop at West Point Golf Course and a trip to the Travelers Championship.

The episode gets honest as Jake talks through the frustration of feeling like his golf game is broken, from first-tee nerves to struggling through tournament rounds and trying to figure out what needs to change. Brett shares his perspective on pushing through golf slumps, focusing on fundamentals and remembering that even the best players in the world go through rough stretches.

The guys also recap Brett’s win at West Point, the importance of short game, what it was like seeing PGA Tour players up close at the Travelers, and why watching a pro hit a massive shank made every amateur golfer feel a little better.

Plus, the Rule of the Day covers free relief from manmade obstructions, including cart paths, rakes and temporary structures.

Honest amateur golf talk, tournament stories, PGA Tour reactions and plenty of reminders that this game can humble anyone.

Links:
West Point Golf - https://westpoint.armymwr.com/programs/west-point-golf-course
Travelers Championship - https://travelerschampionship.com

Sponsors:
Blueprint Leadership Development - https://www.robshauger.com
US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html
The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net

]]> In Episode 7 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett break down a busy golf weekend that included league play at Brookhaven, a US AM Tour stop at West Point Golf Course and a trip to the Travelers Championship.

The episode gets honest as Jake talks through the frustration of feeling like his golf game is broken, from first-tee nerves to struggling through tournament rounds and trying to figure out what needs to change. Brett shares his perspective on pushing through golf slumps, focusing on fundamentals and remembering that even the best players in the world go through rough stretches.

The guys also recap Brett’s win at West Point, the importance of short game, what it was like seeing PGA Tour players up close at the Travelers, and why watching a pro hit a massive shank made every amateur golfer feel a little better.

Plus, the Rule of the Day covers free relief from manmade obstructions, including cart paths, rakes and temporary structures.

Honest amateur golf talk, tournament stories, PGA Tour reactions and plenty of reminders that this game can humble anyone.

Links:
West Point Golf - https://westpoint.armymwr.com/programs/west-point-golf-course
Travelers Championship - https://travelerschampionship.com

Sponsors:
Blueprint Leadership Development - https://www.robshauger.com
US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html
The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+z6GSNIYh ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Ep 6 - Thunderhart, Clutch Putts & Tournament Drama https://www.divotsandskins.com/ep6-thunderhart-clutch-putts-tournament-drama 7f3a4bb5-6819-4697-9a6f-980a77f2f235 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney ake and Brett recap a tough scramble at Brookhaven, a dramatic US Am Tour stop at Thunderhart, and a charity golf event where the putter finally caught fire. They also break down hidden hazards, clutch birdies, golf rules, and why the short game can save your round. 55:44 false In Episode 6 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett cover a busy stretch of amateur golf filled with tough courses, tournament pressure, clutch putts and a few painful mistakes.

The episode begins with a surprise scramble at Brookhaven Golf Course, where the tight layout and difficult greens proved that even a four-person team can get into trouble. After shooting far lower at a previous scramble, the group quickly learned just how demanding their home course can be.

Next, they recap their latest US Am Tour Albany Region stop at Thunderhart Golf Course in Freehold, New York. They discuss the wooded layout, doglegs, elevation changes, hidden water hazards, drop zones and the importance of knowing what is waiting beyond a blind shot. The day also featured a dramatic comeback, clutch birdies, skins and another trophy added to the collection.

Jake then shares his experience filling in at the ALS Open at Van Patten Golf Course, where his long game struggled but his putter came alive. A 50-foot putt, several long birdie makes and key par saves helped the team finish six under while supporting ALS research and patient care.

The Rule of the Day explains when a missed swing counts as a stroke, why accidentally knocking a ball off the tee does not count, and when taking an unplayable lie may be smarter than attempting a hero shot.

The episode wraps with a preview of the upcoming US Am Tour regional event at West Point Golf Course and a trip to the Travelers Championship.

Links:
Thunderhart Golf - https://www.thunderhartgolf.com
Scottie with his son - https://www.tiktok.com/@pgatour/video/7655405620350209294?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Sponsors:
Blueprint Leadership Development - https://www.robshauger.com
US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html
The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net

]]> Divots and Skins, Divots & Skins, golf podcast, golf YouTube, amateur golf, US Am Tour, US Am Tour Albany Region, amateur tournament golf, Thunderhart Golf Course, Thunderhart golf, Freehold New York golf, Adirondack golf course, Brookhaven Golf Course, Brookhaven golf, Van Patten Golf Course, ALS Open golf tournament, charity golf scramble, golf scramble, scramble golf strategy, golf course management, golf mental game, hidden water hazard, golf drop zone, golf rules, missed swing golf rule, does a whiff count in golf, ball knocked off tee rule, unplayable lie golf, short game golf, putting tips, clutch putt, 50 foot putt, golf skins, super skins golf, flighted golf tour, high handicap golf, mid handicap golf, women in amateur golf, West Point Golf Course, Travelers Championship, Scottie Scheffler, golf tournament recap, Upstate New York golf, Capital Region golf, weekend golfer, everyday golfer, golf stories, golf improvement In Episode 6 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett cover a busy stretch of amateur golf filled with tough courses, tournament pressure, clutch putts and a few painful mistakes.

The episode begins with a surprise scramble at Brookhaven Golf Course, where the tight layout and difficult greens proved that even a four-person team can get into trouble. After shooting far lower at a previous scramble, the group quickly learned just how demanding their home course can be.

Next, they recap their latest US Am Tour Albany Region stop at Thunderhart Golf Course in Freehold, New York. They discuss the wooded layout, doglegs, elevation changes, hidden water hazards, drop zones and the importance of knowing what is waiting beyond a blind shot. The day also featured a dramatic comeback, clutch birdies, skins and another trophy added to the collection.

Jake then shares his experience filling in at the ALS Open at Van Patten Golf Course, where his long game struggled but his putter came alive. A 50-foot putt, several long birdie makes and key par saves helped the team finish six under while supporting ALS research and patient care.

The Rule of the Day explains when a missed swing counts as a stroke, why accidentally knocking a ball off the tee does not count, and when taking an unplayable lie may be smarter than attempting a hero shot.

The episode wraps with a preview of the upcoming US Am Tour regional event at West Point Golf Course and a trip to the Travelers Championship.

Links:
Thunderhart Golf - https://www.thunderhartgolf.com
Scottie with his son - https://www.tiktok.com/@pgatour/video/7655405620350209294?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Sponsors:
Blueprint Leadership Development - https://www.robshauger.com
US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html
The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net

]]> In Episode 6 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett cover a busy stretch of amateur golf filled with tough courses, tournament pressure, clutch putts and a few painful mistakes.

The episode begins with a surprise scramble at Brookhaven Golf Course, where the tight layout and difficult greens proved that even a four-person team can get into trouble. After shooting far lower at a previous scramble, the group quickly learned just how demanding their home course can be.

Next, they recap their latest US Am Tour Albany Region stop at Thunderhart Golf Course in Freehold, New York. They discuss the wooded layout, doglegs, elevation changes, hidden water hazards, drop zones and the importance of knowing what is waiting beyond a blind shot. The day also featured a dramatic comeback, clutch birdies, skins and another trophy added to the collection.

Jake then shares his experience filling in at the ALS Open at Van Patten Golf Course, where his long game struggled but his putter came alive. A 50-foot putt, several long birdie makes and key par saves helped the team finish six under while supporting ALS research and patient care.

The Rule of the Day explains when a missed swing counts as a stroke, why accidentally knocking a ball off the tee does not count, and when taking an unplayable lie may be smarter than attempting a hero shot.

The episode wraps with a preview of the upcoming US Am Tour regional event at West Point Golf Course and a trip to the Travelers Championship.

Links:
Thunderhart Golf - https://www.thunderhartgolf.com
Scottie with his son - https://www.tiktok.com/@pgatour/video/7655405620350209294?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Sponsors:
Blueprint Leadership Development - https://www.robshauger.com
US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.bluegolf.com/amateur/programs/usamtour_nyalbany/index.html
The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+lMDkAhbX ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Ep 5 - Major Headlines, Mountain Views & a Wild Day at US AM Tour Stop Wahconah https://www.divotsandskins.com/ep5-major-headlines-mountain-views-a-wild-day-at-usamtour-stop-wahconah b81868be-b5fc-4587-9cad-1a7135d17c58 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Jake and Brett talk major golf headlines, YouTube golf’s growing prize money and their latest US Am Tour stop at Wahconah Country Club. They also cover bunker relief, scramble rules and why flighted amateur golf gives every player a chance to compete. 37:21 false Episode 5 begins with some of the biggest stories happening around golf, including Nelly’s latest major victory, the difference between a Grand Slam and a career Grand Slam, and the young amateurs earning spots in the U.S. Open.

Jake and Brett also discuss the growing world of YouTube golf, where personalities, production and massive prize pools are changing how fans experience the game.

Then it is time to recap their latest US Am Tour Albany Region event at Wahconah Country Club in Massachusetts. They talk about the mountain views, changing weather, difficult greens, elevation changes and the small creek that winds through several holes. It turned into a memorable day for both golfers, but you will have to listen to hear exactly how it ended.

The Rule of the Day explores the different relief options available when a ball is unplayable in a bunker. They also answer a viewer’s scramble question about whether a team can change its selected ball after everyone has already played the next shot.

The episode wraps with a conversation about Brookhaven, The Luxury Box, upcoming events and why golfers of every handicap level should consider trying a flighted amateur tour.

]]> Divots and Skins, Divots & Skins podcast, golf podcast, amateur golf podcast, US Am Tour, US Am Tour Albany Region, Wahconah Country Club, Massachusetts golf, Berkshire golf, Upstate New York golf, amateur tournament golf, flighted golf tour, high handicap golf, mid handicap golf, women in golf, golf course review, golf tournament recap, golf news, women’s golf, major championship golf, career Grand Slam, U.S. Open golf, amateur U.S. Open qualifiers, YouTube golf, influencer golf, Barstool golf, amateur golf prize money, golf course management, golf mental game, bunker relief, unplayable ball in bunker, golf bunker rules, scramble golf rules, provisional ball rules, golf scramble, Brookhaven Golf Course, The Luxury Box, indoor golf simulator, everyday golfers, weekend golfers, golf stories, golf talk Episode 5 begins with some of the biggest stories happening around golf, including Nelly’s latest major victory, the difference between a Grand Slam and a career Grand Slam, and the young amateurs earning spots in the U.S. Open.

Jake and Brett also discuss the growing world of YouTube golf, where personalities, production and massive prize pools are changing how fans experience the game.

Then it is time to recap their latest US Am Tour Albany Region event at Wahconah Country Club in Massachusetts. They talk about the mountain views, changing weather, difficult greens, elevation changes and the small creek that winds through several holes. It turned into a memorable day for both golfers, but you will have to listen to hear exactly how it ended.

The Rule of the Day explores the different relief options available when a ball is unplayable in a bunker. They also answer a viewer’s scramble question about whether a team can change its selected ball after everyone has already played the next shot.

The episode wraps with a conversation about Brookhaven, The Luxury Box, upcoming events and why golfers of every handicap level should consider trying a flighted amateur tour.

]]> Episode 5 begins with some of the biggest stories happening around golf, including Nelly’s latest major victory, the difference between a Grand Slam and a career Grand Slam, and the young amateurs earning spots in the U.S. Open.

Jake and Brett also discuss the growing world of YouTube golf, where personalities, production and massive prize pools are changing how fans experience the game.

Then it is time to recap their latest US Am Tour Albany Region event at Wahconah Country Club in Massachusetts. They talk about the mountain views, changing weather, difficult greens, elevation changes and the small creek that winds through several holes. It turned into a memorable day for both golfers, but you will have to listen to hear exactly how it ended.

The Rule of the Day explores the different relief options available when a ball is unplayable in a bunker. They also answer a viewer’s scramble question about whether a team can change its selected ball after everyone has already played the next shot.

The episode wraps with a conversation about Brookhaven, The Luxury Box, upcoming events and why golfers of every handicap level should consider trying a flighted amateur tour.

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+JMeQ_wR- ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Ep 4 - Normanside, Tournament Pressure, Back-To-Back Wins & The Mental Side of Golf https://www.divotsandskins.com/ep4-normanside-golf-course-tournament-pressure-back-to-back-wins-the-mental-side-of-golf a995ec10-de62-4655-81c9-2a369a95e294 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Jake and Brett recap Brett’s US Am Tour win at Normanside, celebrate Erin’s back-to-back tournament victories, and talk about confidence, bad holes, women in competitive golf, and putting alignment rules. 38:01 false In Episode 4 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett dig into the highs and lows of amateur tournament golf.

Brett shares his recap from the latest US Am Tour stop at Normanside, where swirling winds, thick fescue, rough putting, and late-round pressure made for a grind to the finish. Even without his best stuff, he held on for a one-stroke win and proves one of golf’s biggest truths: sometimes your best round is not required, just your best effort that day.

The guys also celebrate Erin’s back-to-back tournament wins at McGregor and Normanside. Her story opens up a great conversation about confidence, staying calm after bad holes, handling tournament nerves, competing in a male-dominated space, and why more women should feel welcome joining amateur golf tours.

Plus, Jake and Brett talk about what makes the US Am Tour experience so much fun, from local competition to national travel opportunities. The episode wraps with the Rule of the Day, covering putting alignment, using your putter as an alignment tool, caddie restrictions, and whether you can legally stand behind another golfer to read a putt.

If you love amateur golf, real tournament stories, course talk, and trying to figure out how to get better one round at a time, this one is for you.

Links:
Divots and Skins Podcast: www.divotsandskins.com
US AM Tour: www.usamtour.com
The Luxury Box: www.theluxurybox.net
Normanside Golf Course: https://www.normanside.com
McGregor Links Country Club: https://www.mcgregorlinkscc.com

]]> Divots and Skins, golf podcast, amateur golf podcast, US Am Tour, US Am Tour Albany, Normanside, Normanside golf, McGregor Links, tournament golf, amateur tournament golf, competitive golf, golf mental game, golf confidence, golf pressure, women in golf, women’s golf, women in tournament golf, golf course management, bad holes in golf, golf rules, putting rules, putting alignment, reading putts, golf caddie rules, Albany golf, Capital Region golf, New York golf, golf stories, golf recap, golf competition, amateur golfer, weekend golfer, golf simulator, The Luxury Box, Never leave a birdie putt short In Episode 4 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett dig into the highs and lows of amateur tournament golf.

Brett shares his recap from the latest US Am Tour stop at Normanside, where swirling winds, thick fescue, rough putting, and late-round pressure made for a grind to the finish. Even without his best stuff, he held on for a one-stroke win and proves one of golf’s biggest truths: sometimes your best round is not required, just your best effort that day.

The guys also celebrate Erin’s back-to-back tournament wins at McGregor and Normanside. Her story opens up a great conversation about confidence, staying calm after bad holes, handling tournament nerves, competing in a male-dominated space, and why more women should feel welcome joining amateur golf tours.

Plus, Jake and Brett talk about what makes the US Am Tour experience so much fun, from local competition to national travel opportunities. The episode wraps with the Rule of the Day, covering putting alignment, using your putter as an alignment tool, caddie restrictions, and whether you can legally stand behind another golfer to read a putt.

If you love amateur golf, real tournament stories, course talk, and trying to figure out how to get better one round at a time, this one is for you.

Links:
Divots and Skins Podcast: www.divotsandskins.com
US AM Tour: www.usamtour.com
The Luxury Box: www.theluxurybox.net
Normanside Golf Course: https://www.normanside.com
McGregor Links Country Club: https://www.mcgregorlinkscc.com

]]> In Episode 4 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett dig into the highs and lows of amateur tournament golf.

Brett shares his recap from the latest US Am Tour stop at Normanside, where swirling winds, thick fescue, rough putting, and late-round pressure made for a grind to the finish. Even without his best stuff, he held on for a one-stroke win and proves one of golf’s biggest truths: sometimes your best round is not required, just your best effort that day.

The guys also celebrate Erin’s back-to-back tournament wins at McGregor and Normanside. Her story opens up a great conversation about confidence, staying calm after bad holes, handling tournament nerves, competing in a male-dominated space, and why more women should feel welcome joining amateur golf tours.

Plus, Jake and Brett talk about what makes the US Am Tour experience so much fun, from local competition to national travel opportunities. The episode wraps with the Rule of the Day, covering putting alignment, using your putter as an alignment tool, caddie restrictions, and whether you can legally stand behind another golfer to read a putt.

If you love amateur golf, real tournament stories, course talk, and trying to figure out how to get better one round at a time, this one is for you.

Links:
Divots and Skins Podcast: www.divotsandskins.com
US AM Tour: www.usamtour.com
The Luxury Box: www.theluxurybox.net
Normanside Golf Course: https://www.normanside.com
McGregor Links Country Club: https://www.mcgregorlinkscc.com

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+prPbnlnd ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Ep 3 - McGregor Links Country Club US AM Tour Stop, Clutch Putts & Scramble Stories https://www.divotsandskins.com/ep3-mcgregor-links-country-club-usamtour-stop-clutch-putts-scramble-stories ee34531d-3a88-49a5-876b-fb9967114f45 Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Jake and Brett recap Episode 3 of Divots & Skins, covering their US Am Tour Albany Region stop at McGregor Links Country Club, Erin’s win, a useful provisional ball rule, and a second-place finish at The Conklin Center charity scramble at Hiland Park. Real golf talk from everyday players. 37:34 false In Episode 3 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett cover two very different golf experiences: competitive tournament golf at McGregor Links Country Club and a fun charity scramble at Hiland Park.

The episode starts with a recap of the latest US Am Tour Albany Region stop at McGregor in Saratoga Springs (Wilton), a course that recently went fully private. Jake and Brett talk about the course conditions, the challenge of playing tournament golf, and Erin’s win in the event.

They also dig into the Rule of the Day, focusing on provisional balls and why knowing the rule can matter when you’re playing in a more structured event.

Later, the conversation shifts to The Conklin Center’s charity golf tournament at Highland Park in Queensbury, where the team finished second, made some clutch putts and helped support a great local organization.

It’s a mix of course talk, tournament lessons, golf rules, scramble stories and the kind of conversation everyday golfers can relate to.

Links:
US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.usamtour.com
The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net
McGregor Links Country Club - https://www.mcgregorlinkscc.com
Hiland Park Country Club - https://www.hilandparkcc.com/golf
The Conklling Center - https://www.theconklingcenter.org

]]> Divots and Skins, Divots & Skins, golf podcast, golf YouTube, amateur golf, amateur golf podcast, everyday golfers, weekend golfers, US Am Tour, US Am Tour Albany Region, amateur golf tournament, competitive amateur golf, McGregor Country Club, McGregor golf, Saratoga Springs golf, Albany golf, Upstate New York golf, Queensbury golf, Highland Park golf, Conklin Center golf tournament, charity golf scramble, golf scramble, scramble golf, best ball vs scramble, provisional ball rule, golf provisional ball, golf rules, rules of golf, golf tournament rules, bad golf round, golf mental game, golf comeback, golf course review, local golf, women in golf, women’s amateur golf, The Luxury Box, indoor golf simulator, golf stories, golf talk, high handicap golf, mid handicap golf, tournament nerves, amateur golfer, golf course strategy In Episode 3 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett cover two very different golf experiences: competitive tournament golf at McGregor Links Country Club and a fun charity scramble at Hiland Park.

The episode starts with a recap of the latest US Am Tour Albany Region stop at McGregor in Saratoga Springs (Wilton), a course that recently went fully private. Jake and Brett talk about the course conditions, the challenge of playing tournament golf, and Erin’s win in the event.

They also dig into the Rule of the Day, focusing on provisional balls and why knowing the rule can matter when you’re playing in a more structured event.

Later, the conversation shifts to The Conklin Center’s charity golf tournament at Highland Park in Queensbury, where the team finished second, made some clutch putts and helped support a great local organization.

It’s a mix of course talk, tournament lessons, golf rules, scramble stories and the kind of conversation everyday golfers can relate to.

Links:
US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.usamtour.com
The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net
McGregor Links Country Club - https://www.mcgregorlinkscc.com
Hiland Park Country Club - https://www.hilandparkcc.com/golf
The Conklling Center - https://www.theconklingcenter.org

]]> In Episode 3 of Divots & Skins, Jake and Brett cover two very different golf experiences: competitive tournament golf at McGregor Links Country Club and a fun charity scramble at Hiland Park.

The episode starts with a recap of the latest US Am Tour Albany Region stop at McGregor in Saratoga Springs (Wilton), a course that recently went fully private. Jake and Brett talk about the course conditions, the challenge of playing tournament golf, and Erin’s win in the event.

They also dig into the Rule of the Day, focusing on provisional balls and why knowing the rule can matter when you’re playing in a more structured event.

Later, the conversation shifts to The Conklin Center’s charity golf tournament at Highland Park in Queensbury, where the team finished second, made some clutch putts and helped support a great local organization.

It’s a mix of course talk, tournament lessons, golf rules, scramble stories and the kind of conversation everyday golfers can relate to.

Links:
US AM Tour Albany Region - https://www.usamtour.com
The Luxury Box - https://theluxurybox.net
McGregor Links Country Club - https://www.mcgregorlinkscc.com
Hiland Park Country Club - https://www.hilandparkcc.com/golf
The Conklling Center - https://www.theconklingcenter.org

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+oEar5QpZ ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Ep 2 - When Golf Gets Tough: Brookhaven, Bad Breaks And The Rise Of A YouTube Golf Tour https://www.divotsandskins.com/ep2-when-golf-gets-tough-brookhaven-bad-breaks-and-the-rise-of-a-youtube-golf-tour 3227f0bc-d6b5-4c16-ac36-0741b015bb26 Wed, 20 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney 41:25 false Episode 2 of Divots & Skins is all about adjusting when the course refuses to let you get comfortable.

Jake and Brett talk through their early rounds at Brookhaven in Greenfield, N.Y., a course that has already forced both of them to rethink club selection, course management and the urge to pull driver on every tee box. They also get into birdie tracking, breaking 90, Jake’s chip-in birdie and why golf can feel like one big Rubik’s Cube.

The episode also covers a few practical golf rules, including embedded ball relief and whether stakes can be moved when they interfere with your swing.

Then the conversation shifts to the growing world of YouTube golf, including Grant Horvat, the Bryan Bros and the launch of the Your Golf Tour. Is it good for the game? Is it entertainment, competition or a potential circus? Jake and Brett have some thoughts.

A little course strategy, a little rule talk, a little ranting about pace of play and plenty of amateur golf honesty.

]]> golf podcast, golf talk, amateur golf, weekend golfers, golf course strategy, course management golf, golf rules, golf etiquette, pace of play golf, YouTube golf, YouTube golf tour, Your Golf Tour, Grant Horvat, Bryan Bros Golf, golf influencers, Brookhaven Golf Course, Greenfield NY golf, Saratoga Springs golf, breaking 90 golf, golf tips for amateurs, embedded ball rule, USGA rules, golf drops, driver vs iron off tee, Divots and Skins Episode 2 of Divots & Skins is all about adjusting when the course refuses to let you get comfortable.

Jake and Brett talk through their early rounds at Brookhaven in Greenfield, N.Y., a course that has already forced both of them to rethink club selection, course management and the urge to pull driver on every tee box. They also get into birdie tracking, breaking 90, Jake’s chip-in birdie and why golf can feel like one big Rubik’s Cube.

The episode also covers a few practical golf rules, including embedded ball relief and whether stakes can be moved when they interfere with your swing.

Then the conversation shifts to the growing world of YouTube golf, including Grant Horvat, the Bryan Bros and the launch of the Your Golf Tour. Is it good for the game? Is it entertainment, competition or a potential circus? Jake and Brett have some thoughts.

A little course strategy, a little rule talk, a little ranting about pace of play and plenty of amateur golf honesty.

]]> Episode 2 of Divots & Skins is all about adjusting when the course refuses to let you get comfortable.

Jake and Brett talk through their early rounds at Brookhaven in Greenfield, N.Y., a course that has already forced both of them to rethink club selection, course management and the urge to pull driver on every tee box. They also get into birdie tracking, breaking 90, Jake’s chip-in birdie and why golf can feel like one big Rubik’s Cube.

The episode also covers a few practical golf rules, including embedded ball relief and whether stakes can be moved when they interfere with your swing.

Then the conversation shifts to the growing world of YouTube golf, including Grant Horvat, the Bryan Bros and the launch of the Your Golf Tour. Is it good for the game? Is it entertainment, competition or a potential circus? Jake and Brett have some thoughts.

A little course strategy, a little rule talk, a little ranting about pace of play and plenty of amateur golf honesty.

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+Mfc57DRr ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney Ep 1 - Our First Tour Stop, First Podcast and First Rule of the Day https://www.divotsandskins.com/ep1-our-first-tours-top-first-podcast-and-first-rule-of-the-day 993ce0c1-9928-42a9-b6e1-243087861f6c Sun, 03 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 divotsandskins@gmail.com (Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney) full 1 Jake Van Ness & Brett Varney Jake and Brett launch Divots & Skins with their golf stories, their first Albany-area amateur tour stop, a course review of Fairways of Half Moon, simulator golf talk, and their first “Rule of the Day.” 49:27 false Welcome to the first episode of Divots & Skins, a golf podcast for everyday golfers who love the game, the stories, the competition, and the occasional bad decision.

In this episode, Jake and Brett introduce themselves, share how they got into golf, and explain why they decided to start a podcast built around amateur golf, local courses, tournament stories, golf rules, and the conversations golfers have before, during and after a round.

They also break down their first Albany-region US Am Tour event at Fairways of Half Moon, including tournament nerves, fast greens, course management, mental-game struggles, flighted competition, and what it feels like to have your name announced on the tee like the pros.

The episode also includes a look at indoor simulator golf at Luxury Box, how winter practice helped build confidence, and the first “Rule of the Day” segment, focused on playing from red and yellow penalty areas.

Whether you’re a high handicap golfer, weekend player, competitive amateur, or just someone who loves golf talk, this episode sets the tone for what Divots & Skins is all about.

]]> amateur golf podcast, golf podcast, Divots and Skins, US Am Tour, Albany golf, amateur golf tournament, competitive amateur golf, golf mental game, high handicap golf, golf course review, Fairways of Half Moon, Lake George golf, Saratoga golf, Upstate New York golf, indoor golf simulator, golf rules, penalty area golf rule, red stakes golf, yellow stakes golf, golf tournament nerves, weekend golfer, golf course management, simulator golf practice Welcome to the first episode of Divots & Skins, a golf podcast for everyday golfers who love the game, the stories, the competition, and the occasional bad decision.

In this episode, Jake and Brett introduce themselves, share how they got into golf, and explain why they decided to start a podcast built around amateur golf, local courses, tournament stories, golf rules, and the conversations golfers have before, during and after a round.

They also break down their first Albany-region US Am Tour event at Fairways of Half Moon, including tournament nerves, fast greens, course management, mental-game struggles, flighted competition, and what it feels like to have your name announced on the tee like the pros.

The episode also includes a look at indoor simulator golf at Luxury Box, how winter practice helped build confidence, and the first “Rule of the Day” segment, focused on playing from red and yellow penalty areas.

Whether you’re a high handicap golfer, weekend player, competitive amateur, or just someone who loves golf talk, this episode sets the tone for what Divots & Skins is all about.

]]> Welcome to the first episode of Divots & Skins, a golf podcast for everyday golfers who love the game, the stories, the competition, and the occasional bad decision.

In this episode, Jake and Brett introduce themselves, share how they got into golf, and explain why they decided to start a podcast built around amateur golf, local courses, tournament stories, golf rules, and the conversations golfers have before, during and after a round.

They also break down their first Albany-region US Am Tour event at Fairways of Half Moon, including tournament nerves, fast greens, course management, mental-game struggles, flighted competition, and what it feels like to have your name announced on the tee like the pros.

The episode also includes a look at indoor simulator golf at Luxury Box, how winter practice helped build confidence, and the first “Rule of the Day” segment, focused on playing from red and yellow penalty areas.

Whether you’re a high handicap golfer, weekend player, competitive amateur, or just someone who loves golf talk, this episode sets the tone for what Divots & Skins is all about.

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/THe4FBAW+v5zHgPvH ]]> Jake Van Ness Brett Varney