Tough Lies ~ The Golfer's Podcast ~ Episode 11 ~ Resiliency, Rollbacks and What’s New in Equipment for 2026!
Matt Fitzpatrick turned heartbreak into victory at the Valspar Championship, bouncing back from a tough loss at The Players with a disciplined, methodical performance that highlights what separates elite competitors from the rest.
This week on Tough Lies, Colin and Richard break down Fitzpatrick’s response, the strategic challenge of Innisbrook, and the growing issue of slow play — including a rare moment where a Tour official was called in mid-round.
The guys also run through a packed week across professional golf: Hyo Joo Kim edges Nelly Korda on the LPGA Tour, Steven Alker wins in a playoff on the Champions Tour, Doc Redman dominates on the Korn Ferry Tour, and Bryson DeChambeau takes down Jon Rahm in a LIV playoff with a 300+ yard fairway wood under pressure.
Then they’re joined by longtime equipment expert Rick Young (Score Golf) for a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in the game — the golf ball rollback. Who’s making the decision? Does it go far enough? And what does it mean for the future of golf? Also - what can we expect to see in new equipment for the coming golf season.
Plus: a Mindtrak mental moment on how to be stoic with your game when it counts. Remember, at Tough Lies, we talk about the parts of the game golf doesn’t.
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Thanks for listening to Tough Lies ~ The Golfer's Podcast ~ with Colin McDougall & Richard Zokol.
What is Tough Lies ~ The Golfer's Podcast?
Tough Lies – The Golfer’s Podcast is where golf’s harder conversations finally get airtime.
Hosted by PGA Tour veteran Richard Zokol and marketing strategist Colin McDougall, Tough Lies goes beyond equipment launches and leaderboard chatter to explore the real issues shaping the modern game — from the mental side of competition and modern professional golf, to the narratives and assumptions shaping the game, questioned thoughtfully, critically, and constructively.
Each episode blends insider perspective with candid conversation, featuring stories from inside the ropes, lessons learned the hard way, and thoughtful takes on where the game is headed — and why.
This isn’t hot takes for clicks. It’s honest dialogue, grounded experience, and constructive debate — for golfers who love the game enough to question it.
If you’ve ever thought “someone should talk about this” while watching golf… this is that podcast.