Resigned over Rahm, Merion madness, and Spieth signs of life

An "invigorated" Brendan kicks off this Friday episode with some observations from two days at Merion Golf Club as the 2026 U.S. Amateur has now reached the match play rounds. He and Andy discuss the early results and they wonder if the USGA should re-seed the bracket to avoid top players facing each other too early. Brendan also passes along some feedback from the ground about Wednesday's segment regarding Ben Hogan's famous one-iron, but Andy doubles down on the fact that the plaque could be better served commemorating a different moment from Hogan's round. The two debate Merion's status as a top-tier championship venue and whether it could host a U.S. Open given its current setup, with more to come on this topic on Monday. In Memphis, Jordan Spieth is out to an early lead at the FedEx St. Jude as he looks to finish in the top ten for the first time this season. Rory McIlroy turned in a 74 in his first competitive round since Birkdale, but he'll have to suffer through three more days of the heat given this is a no-cut event. On Thursday morning, James Corrigan reported that LIV officials were "resigned" to the fact that Jon Rahm will not return for the 2027 season, seemingly setting him up for a full year on the DP World Tour instead. Andy and Brendan discuss what this means for LIV 2.0 and its possible lone star, Bryson DeChambeau. Lastly, Kevin Van Valkenburg once again joins for a B. Draddy Flashback Friday focusing on the 2000 Presidents Cup and a rivalry between Tiger Woods and a famous caddie.   We’re returning to SPACE for a Presidents Cup week Live Show Presented by B.Draddy! Join us in Chicago on September 21 - doors will open at 5 pm and show begins at 7 pm. Tickets go on sale on Friday at 11 AM ET. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.