As a long-time listener, I’ve witnessed the cringeworthy degeneration of this podcast from a delightful blend of humor and insightful golf discourse to a frustratingly elitist echo chamber. The over-the-top fake rage Brendan displays for such trivial things is the very thing he decries when he sees it in others—and if it’s authentic rage, then we’re even further gone than I thought. I know, I know—it’s a “free” podcast that offers a money back guarantee. While I agree monetarily it is free, it has absolutely cost me the quality time it takes to listen that I will never get back. I know the next suggestion from fanboys and even the hosts alike will be “just don’t listen.” I agree. I will not be listening, but I wanted to voice this to possibly save some unsuspecting soul from devoting time to this reprehensible podcast and its miserable hosts. I’ll end by saying I wish the hosts would take this criticism—along with the other criticism they constantly complain about— reflect, and get back to what made them a popular podcast in the first place. But I know they won’t. If they do see this review, it will be the butt of one of their rants about how they could never be wrong and shouldn’t be questioned. They’ll disguise it with their usual fake self-deprecation and claim they’re just “idiots”. I know they won’t actually take it in and act on it—lazy and arrogant people don’t do that. And that’s exactly who these hosts are.

Let me give you my money. I need a tie dye SGS sweatshirt like billy boy needs his baton

Everybody who is hating on this podcast has nothing better to do, and if you don’t like it listen to something else. These guys are able to incorporate other interesting topics into a golf podcast. This is the only podcast I listen to anymore. Don’t know why people are hating. Love the addition of PJ

Still doing the terrible dayman but. One star.

Pre-eminent Champions Tour podcast with loads on ongoing jokes and self-jamming. Loving it.

Best golf podcast that is also very passionate about protecting 2nd amendment rights

Fantastic, just wish they would incorporate more football talk. Best golf podcast out there. Cheers.

Podcast is unlistenable these days. All the hosts do is offer 3rd grade level football analysis while not talking about golf. Hosts don’t prepare at all for the show, and after a while you realize you haven’t heard them talk about anything interesting. If you want to actually hear about golf, listen to No Laying Up. Very strange to see shotgun start completely sabotage their own brand and actively ignore their listeners’ complaints about too much non golf talk. Completely arrogant, but makes sense since one of the hosts is a stay at home dad who really doesn’t need this job. Complete joke of a golf podcast. Go elsewhere if you’re looking for any actual analysis on the game you love.

Worth your while

Been listening to this show since pre- pandemic, my favorite podcast. They offer great views on the state of pro golf with some great insights but also do not take themselves too seriously. It's the perfect combination of information and entertainment. The addition of PJ has elevated the pod even higher. Who doesn't love a little champs tour content. Great work gents.

Nobody not being held at gun point would choose Illinois over Colorado as a place to live

I’m a fan of several golf podcasts — NLU, the Chipping Forecast, Rick Shiels, RGC — and have samples all of them. Started listening after Full Swing revealed that Rory is a listener, and honestly — didn’t like it at first. But listened to a couple of more looking for why Rory was listened, And now I can’t miss a pod. Brendan is a tremendous host — organizing what appears to be a chaotic mess into a subtly well-organized series of funny but incredibly insightful discussions of all things PGA Tour and majors-related, and hilarious running gags and bits. Andy is, I have come to realize, the singular best analyst of golf today. They both have encyclopedic knowledge of courses the world over and golf architecture— and it’s amazing how much better you understand the game after learning about all of the details that you didn’t pay attention to before, but that make golf the game it is with challenges changing from course to course. Really couldn’t recommend The Shotgun Start and the related Fried Egg Golf podcast (and Get a Grip) more highly. Just give it a chance even if you don’t love it at first — you’ll be glad that you did.

Some of the content is ok but this guy has the most annoying voice on planet earth.

“Hey, can I ask you a question?” <pregnant pause> <one add’l short beat> “Sure…”

Every time a sports podcast hits it's peak they start bringing in ensemble trash pieces that threaten to tank the whole thing. Turn back!! Tuurrnnnn baacckkkkkkk!!!

Andy has me rolling and laughing out loud every episode. Great golf takes and amazing foolishness and clownery. My favorite golf podcast! Their bits are fantastic. BRENDAN!!!

Way to promote women’s golf, smh. Thanks!

SGS is one of few great golf Pod-Casts, besides giving great takes on the current professional golf landscape, the recent Tommy Tolles flashlight is what sets the SGS apart from the rest. As a long time pro golf fan, that was greatly appreciated. Andy and Brendan’s passion for the game is evident to see (hear). Keep up the good work to all the SGS team, the golf sicko’s appreciate you.

Just found this and have to say it’s now my favorite golf pod. I follow Tour golf and they have very entertaining , funny takes. Keep up the good work

I feel bad for Brendan. Andy’s constant interruptions and derailments of the transitions are so out of control I don’t know if it is a bit at this point. Andy had surpassed this show’s ads as the hardest thing to listen to…

Probably the best golf podcast who also sells coffee that ever existed. No one really knows for sure. Coffee is really good so we got that.

Brendan is a fantastic human for being able to put up with Andy 2-3x a week. Andy is a whiny narcissist, prone to falling in love with his opinions, no matter how flawed the logic is behind them, and pays little attention to how Brendan is trying to guide the show. The show is much better and more coherent when it’s Brendan and guest host.

Tried listening to these 30 something’s banter about subjects with their opinionated observations. Hard to swallow their total disrespect for people who try to follow the rules and maintain the integrity of golf etiquette both on and off the golf course.. Again proving 30 something’s have no clue !

These two have always reminded me of click and clack! I always look forward to each episode, the chuckles as well as insight. Great balance! My fav!

Thanks for talking with your mouth full of a pimento sandwich

I’m a female listener and this is my favorite podcast of any genre. I listen religiously three times each week. I love the inside jokes, random non-golf tangents, and genuine golf takes. Brendan and Andy are the best duo. They sometimes act like an old married couple and I love it. I’ve listened to other golf podcasts and this one just feels so natural and is so fun. The intro and Andy’s “Brendan!” sets up every episode perfectly and puts a smile on my face every time. Keep up the great work!!

These guys are so dumb and this show is so dumb but it brings me 3 entertaining and dumb episodes each week. Highly recommend.

My go-to podcast for Tosti updates. No interest in fighting.

I love this pod. Listen 3 times a week. Highly recommend. I don’t know what form to do this, but I just need to get it out there. Nothing makes me want to quit the pod more than listening to SGS when Andy and Brendan are physically together. My wife refers to this pod as “the guys with the voices.” That’s because the boys have distinctive voices, and they are an acquired taste. Now, I’m not here to speak ill of someone’s voice. Very little you can do about that. But when the boys are podcasting in person, they dip into what I would refer to as a “lay down” voice. It is a cross between a mumble, whisper, and resembles tones that would be used in an intimate setting. I am sure this is something to do with the recoding set up, but I start getting nervous anytime the guys are co-locating. Especially a trip. My only gripe. 5 stars for sure.

Andy and Brendan bring intelligence and humor to pro golf and golf architecture chatter. I love the fried egg but make no mistake- this is my favorite podcast out there.

I really enjoy the pod and it’s one of the best out there. They’re topical and having fun. But I just wish brendan didn’t throw cold water on everything and stop andy from going down some fun tangents. Brendan approaches the pod as if he’s hitting bullet points and trying to get done as fast as possible. Andy tends not to be able to accept equipment opinions other than his own. But overall, it’s fun and worth listening.

I’ve been listening to this podcast for 3 or 4 years. The shed storm door, might be the hardest I’ve laughed!! I’ll order a shirt with the storm door flying opening with a Twister movie theme!

Z best golf pod!

My go to for all my champions tour news.

The best bits and banter. Have noticed a few of their segments being shamelessly copied by other golf pods with lesser result. My go-to golf pod.

I’ve given the other golf pods a try and this is my favorite. If Shotgun didn’t exist I would listen to NLU or Shane Bacon or the Golfer’s Journal. Those are fine podcasts but I don’t have time to be dedicated to more than one and Shotgun is the best for its irreverence and humor. I love the golf advice. If you like to laugh, give these guys a chance.

Best golf podcast out there and it’s not even close

It’s worth listening if only for the player nicknames and bespoke jargon. I giggle every time I hear Sepptic Tank, The Coetzee Zone, Tommy Tables among many others. My friends now wonder why I refer to people as Burly Boys or Thirst Buckets - it’s oddly infectious and provides amusing context that make following golf much more enjoyable.

A podcast brought to you by 2x guys who cook bacon with their shirts off

Took me time getting used to Andy. When I started listening, I had seen a picture of Brendan and thought it was Andy. Something about Andy’s voice coming out of Brendan’s body was just odd and I couldn’t get into it. Saw Andy on Tourist Sauce and I got it. Now I listen every episode and can’t live without these two. Wish they’d have more guests and Andy would get agree to complicate his life by adding a third Mic. Overall, three day a week golf pod with up to the second golf news with two hilarious golf nuts—hard to beat!

Always makes me laugh. —Alex, 31, 5’11”, 135 lbs, willing to fight after a 6 pack.

Congratulations on your fiver-year anniversary of The Shotgun Start pod. By far, my favorite golf pod. Makes my day 3x a week. Thanks for a wonderful potpourri of news, humor, insights, analysis and zany stuff. Keep it up! Congratulations! PS Only suggestion is a California geography episode to welcome Andy and his family to Northern California 😊

12 minutes in and these jokers are still talking about themselves. Total losers and one has a voice that’s so annoying it could replace waterboard.

Now too much cursing And no actual analysis Only good part is schedule of the week

Perfect balance of nonsensical comedy and informative content & takes.

The pod is great

Comparing the Beatles to the Foo Fighters? Tapping out. You two are ridiculous.

I’m 22 y/o with no kids. Found myself scrolling Blippi videos on YouTube this morning to investigate the allegations from todays pod.

They are funny, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and at times, silly. This is my favorite pod that I listen to. As soon as they release an episode, I listen to it.

I’ve been a big fan of the No Laying Up guys, but recently have been very much enjoying this pod as well and I’d say it is a a great complement to their podcast feed. Insightful takes and good recaps, and I love the way Andy says “Brendan!” at the beginning of each episode haha. Good stuff fellas.