Peter Kessler Is Back!

The former Golf Channel and Sirius/XM host, whose contract was not renewed last year, has 11 podcast episodes already posted on iTunes, with guests like Venturi, Wadkins, Jacklin, Weiskopf and a two-parter with Casper.

Check it out.

Without even listening I know he beats the alternative...Radio Sawgrass, a.k.a the PGA Tour Network!

Comments

[Bobby D]

This is great, thanks for posting, just listened to the Weiskopf interview. Always great to hear from Tom who I played high school and caddy golf with.

[Matt Adams]

I'm happy for Peter. He is my friend and mentor. I own my show and syndicate it through SiriusXM and Back9Network (so I am not beholden to the PGA Tour - SiriusXM is a licensee, not me - or anyone else), however, Geoff is correct and I share his opinion that Peter's work continues to be something that I can only aspire to achieve and I wish him great success, as ever.

[tlavin]

Kessler, despite his self-important, ponderous mien, really knows his "stuff" and is a terrific interviewer. I think the shot at PGA Network is undeserved, however. Katrek, Adams and Maginnes do a really good job with their shows. Maginnes, in particular, has a great skill set. He's a former Tour player, so he knows how players compete under pressure. He's smart and gabby, so he is never without a quick observation. He's a "regular guy", who relates well to his callers. And he has fun at his job, and it shows. Golf is supposed to be a game. Games are supposed to be fun. Regular guys are supposed to have fun playing games like golf and should have fun listening to coverage about the game. Too often, those who broadcast about games, golf included, act like they're put out to be in the position of doing play-by-play or acting as a commentator. Maginnes enjoys his job and it shows. I should mention that I've met Maginnes on a couple occasions and was happy to host him and Jeff Rude at Beverly CC in Chicago for a round of golf. Rude had a hole-in-one at the third hole (220 yards) and we celebrated by going to Wrigley for a night game. So, call me biased if you will, but I think he's a good guy and he does a great job on the satellite show. If I were involved in programming at CBS, he'd be on my short list.

Just saying...

[elf]

Shack I don't listen to much radio golf, but the shot at siriusxm golf seems undeserved. It strikes me as more the type of deal you have with golf digest - and I think you wouldn't be all that happy to be called a shill for digest.

[Bobby D]

@elf It says "In partnership with Golf Digest" right on the new masthead at the top of this site. I always thought of this site as being out of the mainstream and not "beholdin" to the golf establishment. Now I'm not so sure.

[tlavin]

@Bobby D:

The relationship with Golf Digest is a win/win for this blog. Today's threads are pretty good evidence of the fact that Geoff won't pull his punches where appropriate, not that he's gonna throw stones at GD for "dissing" LACC North!

[Bobby D]

So if it came out that Golf Digest was guilty of some scandalous malfraction like, say, currying favor from certain golf courses in return for Top 100 List status, we wouldn't hear about it here? (is malfraction even a word?) :o)

[Skippy]

As a XM subscriber for specifically PGA network, I have to somewhat agree with Geoff. For the first time in probably 4 years or so I am thinking of giving it up as last year was honestly just not worth it. As a golf junkie I'll listen to almost anything golf, and there are a few shows like Maginnes on Tap and Fairways of Life(the golf interview part-call ins ruin the show Matt). Katrek, IMO, is beyond the worst host on all of radio. Wants everyone to think he's a player claiming a scratch handicap but somehow can't break 80 in qualifiers. And a nasty disposition. I loved Peter Kessler and am glad he's landed on his feet.

[Tommy]

I think the shot at PGA TOUR Network is a bit unfair. I love all their talk programming and I am not even sure their talk shows are even related to the TOUR coverage on the network?

[Matt Adams]

Skippy - completely understand that there will be things that do or do not appeal to you about our shows. All told, John, Brian and I (Talk of the Tour with John Swantak in the time slot that replaced Peter's show is produced by PGA Tour Entertainment, not by SiriusXM like the rest of us) account for 48 hours of programming each week. Live coverage of the PGA Tour accounts for another 26 hours each week. There will be things you do not like. Frankly, we feel the same way sometimes. However, I love my listeners (and callers) and conducting interviews is my favorite thing to do. I feel that the strength of our medium is due to the fact that we talk with our audience, rather than pontificate. There are enough vitriolic blow hards out there to spew their venom (I've found that most of them are embittered by the fact that the rest of the world hasn't embraced the raging glory they are convinced they possess). I strive to use the forum as a vehicle to celebrate a common passion. I think John Maginess is our superstar. He's a been there-done that guy that is as humble and approachable as anyone you will ever meet. Brian Katrek is a professional sportscaster (John is a former Tour player and I work professionally in golf on the ops side - so neither one of us claim to have a clue how to be a pro broadcaster). BK's style is intended to engage and incite your emotions, but off air he has a heart of gold. As stated earlier ("beholden"), Peter is my friend and I am happy for him. I don't know what happened between him and SiriusXM because it was none of my business. I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Peter at the U.S. Open and he told me that the move was the "best thing that had ever happened" to him. He said that after his initial frustration and disappointment he was overwhelmed with offers. The fact that he has landed so solidly on his feet is not a shock to me at all.

[cpljohnst]

Wow. This is my first and probably last visit to this site. Just scrolling through the article on Kapalua I get the feel that Geoff Shackleford, whoever he is, is one of "those" media types. Jaded. I guess that's why he took the shot at PGA Tour Radio as Kessler is jaded and pompous as well. I certainly was pleased to hear that Kessler was not renewed by PGA Tour Radio and I frankly love the line up just the way it was in 2012.

For me Kessler had become a self important curmudgeon that only seemed to complain. His pompousness knows no bounds as his twitter profile says "Voice of #golf".....um, no you are not. I think of 30 voices before yours Peter. The Twitter profile says his podcast is the "#1 podcast in golf".....didn't it just start? who is doing these rankings?

Why take a swipe at PGA Tour Radio, Geoff? Lessens my first impressions of you for sure.....

[John]

Geoff not sure why you would take a jab at the PGA Tour Network, but as an avid golf fan and a loyal PGA Tour Network listener I am a little insulted. If you disagree with their decision to part ways with Peter Kessler then I can understand and respect your view, but say that. However, your broad jab at the Network insults the likes of Matt Adams, Brian Katrek, John Maginnes, John Swantek, and all the other hard working people at the Network; I can only image what you think of the people who listen to it.

As a side note, read "Trouble In Paradise: Pro Golf In Hawaii ", to a true golf fan there is no such thing as "over-saturation" the only thing getting over-saturated these days might be the purses and as one reader commented shame on those players who really don't get it.

[Skippy]

Matt, I appreciate your response, and like I said, your passion and John Maginnes and Swantek are good listens, I do enjoy those three shows. Like I said, I'm a junkie and will listen to anything golf, but something about Katrek and his attitude on the air has made me switch the station, which I don't typically do. Keep up the good work.

[digsouth]

Best wishes Peter.

Interesting comments, and some loyal fans of PGA Radio (''I'm on a Mexican Radio, personally) were very passionate. I have never watched(!?!) golf on the radio, other than a half hour show in Austin a few years ago...I think Jim Affenbach (sp?) was the host, and he had some great guests, as it sounds like the PGA guys do.

Nice to see you jumping in Matt.

To the new reader, damn man, I never post on a new read without reading it a while....you may be leaving your favorite site, and not know:

Like putting salt in your soup before you've tried it, you really never had a taste of what goes on here.

Anyway-aloha, and aloha, I guess.

[Adam S from NJ]

I think it speaks volumes to the person that Matt Adams is that he personally came to this site and posted 2 classy posts while Geoff hides behind his blog after taking an unnecessary jab at PGA Tour Radio.

As for BK, I don't get the feeling that you get Skippy when listening to BK. I think I relate to him more than any other host due to the fact that he is a scratch golfer even if he struggles in qualifiers. I think Matt is more in the lines of an avid golfer who plays and follows the game for the love of the sport and not necessarily to compete (unless it is winning the listeners cup). I think each host brings their own unique dynamic to the station and each is worlds better than what is offered on local sports talk radio or ESPN radio.

[Wendell42]

Interesting discussion but still have not read why it was necessary or appropriate for Geoff to take the swipe. In fact it seems to suggest Peter is still bitter with PGA radio if he is let him say it and if he is not then the jab is misleading. Geoff which is it?

[Matt from GA]

I know for a fact that I would not have known anything about Geoff Shackelford's blog without listening to Matt Adams. Matt has given several mentions to his blog and maybe even said he enjoys the blog? I can understand if Geoff and Peter are friends and Geoff is standing up for his friend, but he could have promoted Kessler's podcast without being derisive to PGA Tour radio. Geoff, like the rest of us, is entitled to his opinion. I have opinions as well, and Kessler comes off as having an elitist attitude and non approachable. I listen to PGA Tour because the hosts of these shows seem approachable if I saw them at a PGA tour event or even at Arby's.

[Sun Mountain Man]

Is Matt Adams the guy who addresses all his guests as "Mister"? As in," Mr. Stricker thanks for your time.."

@Skippy-

Totally agree about Brian Katrek. His favorite topic of discussion is his own game and how he's getting ready for some qualifier or tournament somewhere. I also find his knowledge of what is going on in the amateur golf world lacking, to say the least. In summary, he's quite lousy.

[digsouth]

@Matt from GA.

There are still Arby's?

[peter kessler]

Thanks Matt for the nice compliments, very much appreciated. Excited about your new opportunity, good for you my friend. You'll be at the show, right? Gonna play Streamsong that week, heard great things about it. Get ahold of Tom Doak and play or call Crenshaw.
For the posters above, just so you know, Geoff and I have never discussed PGA TOUR Radio or my 7 year run at SiriusXM or even the new show for that matter, I never had any reason to feel bitter about my time there, it was a long time, 5 days a week for 7 years. I'm very approachable and you can find me at Arby's most afternoons working on not being pompous or ponderous. All the best to all of you for a great year and the best golf of your life.

[Matt Adams]

Peter, you are the best! Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks

[peter kessler]

I'm a 12, dude, so let's play, but I was pretty sure I found the secret last night. I was afraid to go to bed - I thought it might be gone in the morning. And so it was. I hit ten hideous shots with a wedge this morning and then waddled over to the breakfast buffet, where I am a plus 2. Actually I'd like to have you on the show if you'd like- we can talk about whatever and it's taped by me if I don't screw that part up. I can even edit out the boring bits ( mostly from some long winded questions from me) and make it move faster which I think is right for a podcast - "get to the heart of the thing and don't treat me like a moron" is what I hope the audience wants, it's what I would want.
I have a game with Scarlett Jo now, she's an 8.

[Skippy]

Adam S, we must listen to a different show. Katrek is the classic "scratch" golfer that always seems to get all the bad breaks and there is some reason that he misses every qualifier for the US Mid Am or State Open or what not. BK also likes to tell everyone he would have probably shot 74 or 75, not 81, but he knew he wasn't going to make it so he 3 jacked the last 4 holes because he really didn't care. I must know 20 guys like that who love to act like "players" with their lingo but should actually be a legit 7 or 8 handicap. Off of that he also loves to rail on the Euros and Euro announcers when they are the ones that are doing it the right way.

[Adam S from NJ]

Let me first start off by welcoming Peter Kessler to the discussion. I like how you have separated yourself from the garbage that Geoff spewed.

As for Skippy's comments, are you calling BK a cheater or a sandbagger? What is your index? It seems to me that you do not know or understand the handicap system at all. A scratch golfer does not break par every round and is very capable of shooting an 81 one day and then shooting a 71 the next day. Your handicap is your LOWEST 10 rounds out of 20. His "scratch" index is clearly posted on the GHIN website and it looks rather legitimate to me. Do you play competitive golf? Because until you get used to it, which takes a VERY long time.... It isn't the same thing.

As for his comments about the Euro's.... loosen up a little bit
He has stated numerous times that he has family that lives over there, I think he is just being playful with that stuff and means no harm by it.

He's has a goofy-ish style when he hosts because he is on the show to have fun. I am sure Matt and Peter can agree with me on this as I have heard them with him on the air live many times. Matt and Peter on their own are/were much more serious hosts during their own solo shows. I don't see any harm in any of the styles.

[Skippy]

Adam S, you just made my point for me. He's the oppisite of a sandbagger, he's what is known as someone with a vanity handicap. He likes to throw around terms that make people believe he's a player by having a scratch handicap but for some odd reason all of his low rounds are when he plays with friends and his family or by himself. You see Adam, a sandbagger shoots his best scores when he plays in tournaments. I don't have to call him what he is he has done that himself. If you want to keep believin he's a scratch you can do that, but the real scratch players I know qualify for USGA tournaments and state opens and compete at city championships. Are you the Adam from New Jersey that calls into his show and always asks the silly questions? That explains it.

[Adam S from NJ]

Actually you are very wrong in many instances but I would like to continue our interaction on a mature level and not sling mud at one another.

1- I have never called into any of the shows perhaps I will now but thank you for making a false assumption.
2- A 0.0 handicap is a far cry from a +3 who qualifies for USGA events yet both are considered scratch. I have a friend that is a +2 who missed cuts at both the US Open local qualifier and US Mid AM qualifier yet he dominates locally. Are you telling me that he is not a scratch player because he shot 78 in a few tournaments? Similar to what BK has said in winning the Smyrna City Championship at least twice since he has been on the air, my friend dominates locally. I have seen my friend go from a course record tying 64 to an 80 the following day in the same tournament. These things happen and do not mean that they player isn't scratch.
3- BK has 2 tournament rounds posted on his GHIN that are below scratch thus making your statement about only playing well for friends and family incorrect.

Skippy what is your GHIN? I am a 2 index and I have seen first hand how scores can vary by 10+ strokes day to day in a tournament as I have gone from a 73 to an 83 on consecutive days on the same course.

[Skippy]

No handicap. Play on eGolf Tour out of Charlotte. You cannot be serious about the Smyrna City tournament can you? This is not a city championship my friend. Do some research. It would be like you winning the Jersey Shore championship.....No, I take that back, that would be harder to win. Peace out Adam.

[Skippy]

http://www.smyrnacity.com/index.aspx?page=15&recordid=2265

Here you go Adam. Take a look. Play with who you want? Does that sound like a "Championship" to you? And it's not even called the Smyrna City Championship. The local Rotary tournament might be harder to win.

[Adam S from NJ]

Winning is winning my man... but thanks for showing a lack of maturity again

[Adam S from NJ]

There will be a 9 a.m. shotgun start each day. Groups will be paired with preferred partner requests. Individual handicaps will not be considered when scoring. The lowest two-day gross score for each flight (determined by the Saturday round at Legacy) will be declared the winner. Additionally, prizes are awarded in each flight.

Sounds like a tournament to me...clearly not a premier tournament but nontheless it is a tournament

Do you have a player profile on the egolf tour website?

[digsouth]

Adam s/NJ

Interesting stuff.

The one bit of info that you said that added to common knowledge-ie: how a handicap is done.....only 20% of rounds are at your index or better, etc.... *is that it takes A LONG TIME to play well in competitive tournament play*, and it is not only a ''nerves' factor.

A lot of things can happen in 18 holes that make a 5 play like a 12 until the tournament legs are firmly planted, and sometimes it is just plain goofy.

Peter, nice to see you posting....don't be a stranger here...we have world problems to solve and guitar solos to review..

[Skippy]

Nice try Adam. I'll pass on giving that out for various reasons. My point is: You, and BK, don't really know what a true scratch is, in terms of good players.

[Adam S from NJ]

A true scratch is a 0 handicap.... you may have your own definition

[Adam S from NJ]

Also skippy I think you are full of ____ as it relates to the egolf tour

[Skippy]

I thought you were so intent on remaining mature Adam. Not worried about what you believe but it's true. Ask some of your scratch buddies, they'll know who Skippy is. Everyone knows Skippy.

[Geoff]

I meant nothing against Matt, but my "shot" was just a reference to the PGA Tour fully subsidizing PGA Tour Radio (thankfully, to keep it alive). But that also means, like with Radio Saigon, that this severely limits the range of discussion and I have little doubt that Peter Kessler's tendency to not always talk about the PGA Tour every minute of his 60 each day made him expendable. That's essentially why I don't listen any longer.

[Matt Adams]

Geoff, thank you for your note. If Peter was expendable due to a propensity to not spend every minute of his airtime discussing the PGA Tour, then I fear I am subject to a similar fate. The confusion apparently rests in the idea of the PGA Tour subsidizing the channel. They do not. I do not receive a penny from the Tour (nor did Peter). Peter's agreement with SiriusXM and mine were identical. We kept half the commercial inventory and SiriusXM kept the other half (that is still the way it is today. As mentioned earlier, I own my show, just like Peter owned his). The PGA Tour has zero input as to the editorial content of my show and no one from the PGA Tour has ever attempted to force me, or even influence me to focus on their Tour or players. I discuss whatever I please. The confusion in all of this is due to the LIVE coverage of the PGA Tour on a weekly basis. THAT is where the Tour is directly involved and SiriusXM pays them a rights fee (in addition to a license fee for use of the name). This all relates back to three years ago where it was widely speculated that the channel would disappear because SiriusXM was spending massive amounts of money on it, disproportionally to their vast other sports specific channels. So they did two things: A. they informed their hosts that we are on our own. If you want to host a show on the channel, then you do it for free, or find your own sponsors. B. They completely restructured their agreement to carry live weekly coverage of the PGA Tour and their license. To point B, that still has nothing to do with me and it had nothing to do with Peter as neither one of us are part of live coverage. When I do live coverage commentary or play-by-play, it is for the Majors, Ryder Cup or European Tour - none of which are owned or influenced by the PGA Tour, as to my daily content, my discussions of all things PGA Tour (which I enjoy) is in balance against the European Tour (whom, as a matter of disclosure, does pay me to do live coverage for them), LPGA, etc., but more importantly, I focus a great deal of time on areas where I do have unique experience: course architecture, golf equipment, travel, long-form interviews (tutored by Peter) and instruction. As my show comes on the air at 7amET, we also try to touch on national weather and key news items to set listeners up on the day ahead. Finally, my show is the only one that is also streamed live around the world on Back9Network.com a golf lifestyle network/website that promotes itself as for "those who don't just want to follow leaderboards". Please know, Geoff, I am not trying to lobby you to like or to listen to my show, but with Peter's departure there was great speculation as to why it happened and when speculation gets elevated to a status of fact (either through ignorance or Machiavellian reasons), then others are unfairly swept up in it's deceptive net (via iPhone, please forgive any autocorrects)

[Ron Mintz]

Matt Adams and Peter Kessler are just two of many great golf commentators.

I remember years ago when we only had golf news in the paper, and on TV at tournament coverage, or wait on your Monthly Golf Digest to arrive.

Now we have so many sources, social media, podcasts, satellite radio, TV, etc.
And the great news is the more professionals we have like Matt and Peter, the better. There is no competition for those of us who love golf, it just gives us more opitions to keep up with our passion for golf.

Best wishes to Matt and Peter and continued success.

Ron

[Troy]

I could of done without all the posts back and forth between a few chia talking index. Peter and Matt I will volunteer if needed to fill a spot in a group going to Streamsong. Drove by last week and the place looks incredible.

[PK]

You're in Troy, what's your index?