Elvis Smylie’s Breakthrough, The "Lethal Weapon" of Golf, and the Mixed-Format Debate
In the premiere episode of Chipping In, the brand new golf podcast from Fanatics, hosts Ollie Silton and Ewan Porter set the stage for a deep dive into the modern game. From the technical grind of the professional tour to the chaotic charm of the Australian summer of golf, the debut episode offered an unfiltered look at the sport through the eyes of those who have lived it on the greens.
The Professional and the ‘Loose’ Professional
The episode kicks off with a look at the contrasting backgrounds of our hosts. While Ollie Silton brings the production expertise from his years creating viral content for the DP World Tour, Ewan Porter provides the elite perspective of a former pro. Porter spent a decade competing at the highest levels, including wins on the Nationwide Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Reflecting on his career, Porter joked that he is glad he no longer plays for a living, noting the depth of talent in the modern game is "frightening," specifically highlighting how the bar for entry has shifted since his "swan song" victory in Georgia, which came just as he was preparing to walk away from the professional circuit.
The Rise of Elvis Smylie and Riggs Johnston
The Australian summer has already provided two of the most compelling storylines of the year:
- Elvis Smylie: Porter, who has known Smylie since the youngster was 14, broke down the significance of his emotional victory at the Australian PGA Championship. Playing alongside global stars like Cam Smith, Smylie’s poise was remarkable. The win was a genuine "life-changer," securing him a DP World Tour exemption and vindicating years of hype around the talented left-hander.
- Riggs Johnston: Named after Mel Gibson’s character in Lethal Weapon, the American has enjoyed a month that sounds like a movie script. After securing his card at Q-School in Spain, Johnston headed straight to Australia to win the Open. The panel discussed his rapid ascent and why he is a name to watch as the tour heads to South Africa.
The Great Format Debate: Addressing the "Shambles"
The episode did not shy away from the controversial logistics of the recent Australian Open. Porter was particularly vocal about the mixed-event format, describing the execution as a "shambles." He argued that while the concept of men and women playing together is noble, the women’s field often felt like it played "second fiddle" to the men’s. The consensus was clear: both fields deserve their own respective stages to ensure the climax of each tournament receives the broadcast coverage and atmosphere it deserves.
LIV Golf and the Global Vision
On the inevitable topic of LIV Golf, the discussion turned toward the long-term future of the professional landscape. Porter suggested that the initial "hoopla" and tribalism around the breakaway tour are finally dying down. He proposed a future where the PGA Tour remains a US-centric powerhouse, while a separate, truly global tour—potentially backed by Saudi investment and incorporating elements of the DP World Tour—operates across the rest of the world. According to the panel, a unified calendar is the only real path forward for the fans.
Tips for the Weekend: Who to Back
For those looking for a steer on the upcoming tournaments, the hosts shared their "ones to watch":
- Nedbank Golf Challenge: Keep an eye on Denmark’s Niklas Norgaard. Porter described him as a "freak" with effortless power, currently holding the title of the longest hitter on the DP World Tour.
- Hero World Challenge: While Scottie Scheffler is the logical favourite, Porter is leaning towards Keegan Bradley. He noted Bradley’s consistency and the "chip on his shoulder" following his appointment as Ryder Cup captain.
- Victorian PGA Championship: Corey Lamb is the form player to watch. After a narrow second-place finish to Lucas Herbert, he is currently in a "purple patch" that makes him a dangerous contender.
The Amateur’s Corner: Pranks and Flop Shots
To close the episode, the conversation moved to the lighter side of the game. Porter offered a stern warning to club golfers attempting "Bryson-style" flop shots: unless you have elite hands, club up and keep your head still. He also shared a classic tour story involving Zimbabwean legend Mark McNulty and a snapped Bullseye putter—a reminder that even the greats have their breaking points.
Watch the full episode on FanaticsTV.
