300: Chaos at the Cognizant: The Bear Trap Delivers + Gil Hanse on Restoring Seminole

Today • 1:13:51

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Episode Notes

Smylie and Charlie recap a wild Sunday at PGA National where the Bear Trap once again decided the Cognizant Classic. After Shane Lowry appeared in total control — birdieing 9, eagling 10, and building a three-shot lead — everything unraveled at the 16th tee. The guys break down the wind setup, hole locations, and the pivotal swings that flipped the tournament in minutes. They dive into Nico’s composure, his no-bogey weekend, and what this win says about his resilience after a rocky rookie season. Plus: Shane Lowry’s growing 54-hole storyline, Brooks Koepka’s encouraging signs with the putter, Max Homa’s progress, the state of PGA National on the schedule, Bay Hill projections, and behind-the-scenes stories from a full week in South Florida.

Additionally, Gil Hanse joins the show! Seminole Golf Club is often regarded as one of Donald Ross’s greatest works, but due to environmental factors and architectural modifications, the course was in need of some restorative work to ensure its future.

Gil joins to discuss his two-year process in Juno Beach, rediscovering Ross’s original green shapes, and why he's thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Seminole Superintendent Nelson Caron.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 – On-Site at PGA National
1:30 – Shane Lowry
4:15 – The 16th Tee Shot: What Happened?
8:10 – Nico’s 17th Hole Birdie & Clutch Moment
12:30 – Lowry’s Closing Struggles & 54-Hole Trend
16:00 – Nico’s Resilience & Rookie Season Perspective
20:00 – Brooks Koepka: Putter Adjustment & Players Outlook
23:40 – Max Homa’s Progress Report
26:30 – Thursday Chaos: Gerard, David Ford & Bear Trap Carnage
29:00 – Should PGA National Play Harder?
32:00 – Schedule Debate: Where Does This Event Fit?
35:00 – Bay Hill Projections (Next 10 / Swing 5 Discussion)
37:00 – USGA Venue Announcements (Future Opens & Walker Cups)
39:00 – South Florida Week Recap (Old Palm & Practice Stories)
43:20 – Justin Thomas Episode Tease
46:00 – Jacob Bridgeman Conversation Preview
47:00 — Gil Hanse joins TSS: Restoring Seminole
01:06:40 — Final Thoughts