08/21/13 The Golf Insiders

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Holly G and Rich Bianco are in the studio on the eve of The Barclays, the kickoff to the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Holly and Rich talk about Patrick Reed's win at the Wyndham Championship with his caddy and wife. Reed won in a playoff against Jordan Spieth.

The U.S. Amateur Championship won by Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, the Solheim Cup won by the European team and Reed's win at the Wyndham Championship dominated the golf airwaves this past weekend. Senior Professional National Club Championship at Reunion with seven spots at stake for the Nationals. 

Bob Harig, ESPN.com, calls in from The Barclays to talk to Holly and Rich about and the first stage of the FedEx Cup Playoffs (FedEx Cup 101). The course has been changed so it is not as tough which Bob feels maybe a good thing to let the players go after it in a birdie fest.  Bob and Holly talk about Tiger's stiff neck after sleeping in an uncomfortable bed. 

Bob talks about how the points have changed. Each win in the regular season of the PGA Tour is 500 pts. If you win one FedEx Cup event, it is 2,500 points or the equivalent of 5 PGA Tour wins. Now you have to perform in the playoffs.

If you finish in the Top 30 at the end of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, you automatically qualify you for the first 3 Major championships in 2014 if you are not already there. Bob feels that the when it is all said and done, finishing in the Top 30 at the end of this season is not a whole reflection of the entire season. 

The positive of the FedEx Cup is that for the next 5 weeks draws the attention of the world as some of the best players are still competing at the end of the season. Bob's pick on ESPN.com is Webb Simpson to win the first event.

The Golf Insiders welcomes Michael Collins senior golf analyst from ESPN to the show. Michael got his start to golf as a caddy on the Nationwide Tour. He blogs and tweets at the PGA Championship and conducts a Golf Cast at each of the majors. Michael who is a professed one finger typer talks about what is the most fun for him on the job. Hanging out with his friends. Michael says he is the same on and off the camera. 

Global Golf Post's Steve Eubanks calls in to wrap the show and wrap the Solheim Cup. Steve feels that the Europeans were able to close well, even after being All Square or behind in the match and being able to come from behind on Holes 16-18 and win. He loves Charley Hull and he natural flow and natural talent. Holly also talks about Caroline Hedwell who went 5-0 for the European. 

Steve commented that Lexi Thompson hit the ball far but teammate Gernia Piller was by far the longest hitter at the Solheim Cup.