Subpar - Train frontman Pat Monahan talks his private golf lesson from Tiger Woods, breaking 80 at Augusta National

Episode Date: February 24, 2026

On this week's episode GOLF's Subpar, Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz are joined by Train lead singer and songwriter Pat Monahan. The three-time Grammy Award winner talks how he was able to secure an hour-long lesson from Tiger Woods, breaking 80 at Augusta National and what Jake Knapp taught him during the Pebble Beach Pro-Am this year. --Thanks to our official sponsor Zone Nicotine.Warning: This product contains nicotine.  Nicotine is an additive chemical.  Underage sale prohibited.  Introducing Zone Nicotine Pouches - the perfect balance of unparalleled comfort - longer-lasting flavor - and nicotine that satisfies.  Whether you’re zoning in for an important putt or zoning out after a tough day at work, Zone gets you there faster and keeps you there longer.  Available in seven flavors and in six and nine milligram strengths.  Want zone pouches at a discount and mailed right to your door? Head to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Nicokick.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and enter code “SubPar20” at checkout for an additional 20% off.

I had this thing happened to me a few years ago where I got to hang out with Tiger because a band canceled Tiger Jam, so they called me. And I was like, I'm good. I've been working too hard. And they were like, Tiger will give you an hour long lesson. I was like, I'll be there tomorrow. Yes. All right, welcome back to golf subpar.

Colt Nost Drew Stoltz. West Coast Swing is over. It's been a hell of a run for us over there at CBS. Just finished off an incredible four weeks. West Coast Swing tough to beat and what a way to end it with Jacob Bridgman winning the Genesis Invitational

hosted by Tiger Woods this kid's been knocking at the door on the door sleeves and he finally just ran all the way through it. Yeah, that was, I mean, six shot lead going into Sunday at that place that is not even close to being a fluke. Like this guy's not a one,

you look at how he's played all this year going into last year he's been a beast, he's super high up and all the important strokes gain stuff. It looked like it was going to be a snoozer or a little runaway where he had his seven shot lead

with 12 to play. And it got real interesting. I was not expecting to have to sit there until the final putt drop to know who was going to win that golf tournament. Props to him, though, dude, after the way everything was going on 18 to have to step up,

hit that T shot, and hit that second shot that he hit, which was phenomenal. I didn't expect him to have to grind for par after those two, but tip of the cap, that's hard to get any win on the PJ tour, much less your first one,

especially when Tiger's watching you. Yeah, it's been an interesting ride for Jacob Bridgman. This guy barely kept his card his first year. Then boom, tour championship. He's in all the majors. Gets off to a great start this year. Top 20 in every single event. You know, had a chance, had a two-shot lead at Pebble Beach at one point on Sunday and then had a little bit of a rough finish. But he played some phenomenal golf. The Iron Game was just absurd. I mean, he was at one point on Sunday after the third hole, he had hit 33% of his approach shots inside of 15 feet for the week. This isn't some of pitch and put.

normal around Riviera from my man, Justin Ray, around 18%. So he almost doubled him up. Like, he was throwing darts. He's always been a fantastic putter. But it got a little closer. It just shows you how hard it is to win. I mean, he was obviously trying to protect a little bit, playing safe. Rory really wasn't making a move.

The move was coming from Kurt Kittiyama up in front. But for the most part, and Adam Scott was also on a little bit of a heater there. Two-sixthys, by the way, in one week. He's a joke at Riviera. He loves that place. So good. It got a little. It was interesting listening to Jacob Bridgman afterwards saying,

and he's like, I really wasn't nervous all day until the bogey putt on 16. And that's when, you know, he had to play the bunker shot out to the side a little bit and then had that crazy fast putt and made a five-footer for bogey to keep it going. But it's just, it fascinates me what nerves do to even a world-class player like that. Like you said, I mean, the striped T shot off 18 when, I mean, it's a 500-yard part 4, 182 mile an hour ball speed for a guy that's not that big. and then just, I think if you just said, hey, go drop this ball where you want to with your second shot, that's probably right where he would have dropped it.

17 feet short of the hole. Straight up the hill. Up the hill. Very little break. And then it's just the mind takes over. It's, hey, all I got to do is two putt and you leave it three and a half feet short. On those greens in that situation, around that amphitheater, which, by the way, probably maybe the coolest closing, like, atmosphere on the PJ tour. And it looks so easy for three days.

It was just auto. He said it was easy. He was shooting these scores. I'm like, he's not, he's not holding chips. He doesn't hold any irons. He's not doing any weird shit. It's just pepper, pepper the flag, make the putt, do it again on the next hole. I didn't expect, going into the day, I was like, I didn't expect him to go win by nine.

I'm like, Rory's behind him. If Rory can make a push early and just make him start thinking about it, this thing's going to get close. But then with 12 left, I was like, all right, seven up, like something weird. And there's not really any disaster holes out there, more or less. You can make a lot of bogeys, kind of like Tori, but there's not like a double-learning. or like a 17 at sawgrass or something like that. But dude, it's just, I mean, it ain't easy. And some of those puts, he went from, like, putter being automatic to some of those

puts late in the round that were like right to left breakers. They'd be below the whole, a few feet off the blade and with like a lot of pace, too. And then he said after the round, it's like, I couldn't feel my arms for the ass fuels. I was like, I get it. Like, it's different. Until you're in that, you got no idea. But he handled it. And damn, I'm going to start trying this 10-finger grip.

I think I'm going to go arranged tomorrow. A lot of people out there try that 10-finger. He's a stud, though, man. And he's a great kid, great athlete. I mean, Scotty Sheffler said if he had to make up a basketball starting five of PJ Tour players, Jacob Bridgman will be on it. It's getting crowded on that basketball starting five in it. Yeah.

It's all right to be the six man. Yeah, that's a great spot to be. But he's just, he's such a nice kid, man, just a really solid golf swing. He's now leading the FedEx Cup standings. He's 20th in the world. I like his game. Like, I don't think he's going to go out and win five times a year, but I just think he's going to be one of those guys that just prints money out there on the PGA tour,

year in and you're out. Staying with Chris Godder up this week. Good juju going on in that house anymore. Oh, that's correct. Yeah, it makes sense. But he's going to take the week off. Those two spend a lot of time together. A lot of people will be wanting to go to dinner with that group

because they got some good vibes right now. Yeah, they're playing nice. Congrats, Jacob Bridgman on your first PJ Tour win. Congrats to Scotty. Just missed out on the 19th consecutive top 10, 18 straight. Six more than the next best VJ seeing. Damn near did it again, dude. Damn near came.

You got the 10th. at one point late in the final round. And then just a couple guys made birdies pass him up. But, I mean, he had a seven-footer just to play the weekend. Yeah, it just shows you like, I mean, we talk about how great he is. And, I mean, I just love the kid. But there's no quit in him. Like, he was five over par through 10 holes on Thursday.

He was in DFL. He could easily said, you know what? This is it. I've had a good run. Three weeks in a row. It's been a good run. I'm tired. I'm over it.

But there's no quid in him. He battles back. It makes a seven, birdie on 17. then makes a seven and a half footer for par on 18 just to get to play the weekend. Then it goes out to shoot 66, 65. Yeah, I mean, it's the least surprising thing ever. It's like, yep, I mean, the odds for him to top 10 after he made the cut. I'm sure we're not even that juicy.

Everyone expected it and he did it. But it's going to start over now. Also want to give some love to Jake Knapp, who just continues phenomenal golf. Another guy who hadn't finished outside the top 20, hadn't finished outside the top 11 so far in 2020. He's coming, man. I feel like a big year is coming for Jake Nass. It's so fun to watch. It's so fun.

Even the ones where he's like, he rarely gets to hit like full out driver. So it's his little like peeler cuts. And just watching those like, it looks like he's trying to go slow. And then it shows ball speed. And it's like his fairway finders, 184. Effortless. It's crazy. So fun to watch that golf.

How about some of those T shots? Rory? How about some of those T shots of Rory? And they were 22 feet off the ground. Yeah. When did this cut? Those were, those were some cool shots, some useful shots to have out there. But I'm not used to seeing him do all that.

Yeah, that's different. I don't know where. why this came about? Good to see him get another shot in his arsenal. Saturday on 13 he had a real cool and where he peeled it around, hit a little low stinger draw around the corner and they went way down there

and then same hole on Sunday, literally the apex was 22 feet. Yeah. I was like, that's barely off the ground. It's sitting some cool shots. Like Chris Goddorup type of stuff where the ball barely gets in the air.

He damn near did it too. Yeah. 40 footer on the last. He made an extra six Honda. I know. The fact that if you just watch that round to golf through however many holes in, hey, he's going to lose by one.

He's at every chance and he hadn't done it. Those greens are nasty, man. They're tough. You know, they gave the host Tiger Woods a lot of trouble throughout the years. One of the places, one of the few places, he never won out. But it was cool to see Tiger up in the booth Saturday. He joined us up there, sat with Jim and Trevor, called some golf for about an hour. Dude, he was in a great mood.

I thought he looked great. Getting me more and more excited and optimistic that we might see him tee it up at the Masters here in a few weeks. I was firmly in the no camp prior to this week. I'm still in the no camp, but I'm less in the no camp after that. Like his little sheepish grin, ever they ask him about it and all this type of stuff, it's just, I think there's a legit chance. If he can get around physically, I just am like, if he doesn't like where his game is, he's like, do I go play at a guy's first time

to him up in, you know, year plus against these guys that are at the top of their game, does he do it just because he's able to get through 72? Because he's physically able to get through 72. I don't know. Or does he want to be like, I want to show up with something that at least gives me a chance? And he's got the cut street. Yeah, 24 straight at the Masters. He is hitting full shots.

We've seen him at TGL walking around, not playing, just coaching him up. I watched him walk up and down those steps at Riviera several times. And it looked great. That's good. So, I mean, I think that's the biggest thing for all this is he's got to be able to walk at Augusta. And I just think that competitive fire burns so much in him. I mean, he said it too. He's like, I wish I could be out here playing my event right now.

But he just wasn't ready. The Achilles is not a problem. I don't know, man. I'm getting a little excited. I think it's going to happen. I love, I mean, he's watching like, Bridgman hit shots. Like, man, I wish I could do that.

Yeah. Yeah. And no one gets his walk more scrutiny. I mean, just walking around TGL for eight yards, the people are looking at like, oh, is that a little hitch? But I'll see, I need to turn down the heat and the tower up there. My man was sweating a little bit.

Trust me. It was not hot up there. Let's just wind that back a little bit. I got the pleasure of handing Tiger a sweat towel. Oh, you did? Did you keep it after? Put that on the bay? I did, and I should have, though.

People buying messy's shit for like hundreds of thousands. You can get Tiger and some super fan out there. Yeah, we were sitting there. We went to commercial and his girlfriend, Vanessa, was sitting behind me. And she was, hey, will you take this to Tiger? I was like, yeah, sure. A sweat towel? Yeah.

Yeah. Like, if you ever see him again, there'll be another opportunity for a sweat towel. Man can do some sweating. Yeah. But it was great to see him. Stay's hot. And him, his tournament director, Mike Ant, Antalini, they put on an awesome show out there.

It never disappoints. Riviera's so great. One thing that wasn't great, Slees, that we got to talk about. I know where you're going. And I love my man Sellers Shy. He's the best golf producer in the business. We brought Johnson Wagner on this year. One, because he's a great golf announcer. Two, he's became rather famous recreating shots.

And we've kind of had this segment on the West Coast where we pick a shot each weekend and he goes out and recreates it. But our man, Mark Eamleman, who's on. on the ground normally was sick this week. So he was out. So it was just Doddy Pepper and Johnson Wagner. So because Jacob Bridgman had such a big lead, they decided to each go with the final

pairing. Dottie took Jacob Bridgman and Johnson took Rory. So we get to the sixth hole, the famous part three with the bunker in the middle and Rory hits this pulled iron shot over there right behind that bunker. And we all believe like, hey, probably not going to be able to put it. He's going to have to

chip it, do something cool. And he surveys his options, decide to chip it over the left side of it and he had a phenomenal shot. I mean, flew it right over. Get two phenomenal chips in the green on that hole. Got it to spin, catch the slope, went down to six feet. He missed it, but whatever. But that's one of my holes.

And I was like, I cannot wait for John to Wagner to get out here and recreate this. Like, this is going to be beautiful. A guy who's been open that he can't chip it. And by the way, I've seen it because I dummied him again, dumbied him again this past weekend, a little six and five at Bel Air, by the way. Damn, my goo. Come on, dog. I was like, we got to send him down there.

and Sellers is in my ear. He's like, don't do it. We don't know if we're doing it yet. And I'm like, we got to do it. What are we doing? We have to do it. Like, by the time, he had a seven-shot lead, too. Like, this thing was dirt nap.

I was like, send his ass out there. And if Johnson's going to recreate one shot the entire year, that people want to see, I want to see him chip off of a green at Riviera. Oh, by the way, Tiger's up there. Over a bunker. Don't, there was, and don't take a divot. I mean, there was no chance his club would have hit the ground, and it would have been all will just watch him rehearsed.

And talking us through it. Like, so here's what I, here's what you do here. I was waiting for it, dude. I was wondering. I was like, there's no way they missed this. I am so sad. I'm very upset that we did not do this. How happy do you think he was?

He was like, oh, dude, I got to stay with Rory. He's only seven back. He was sweating more than Tiger. I promise you. He was like, no warm up. No, no, no. He'd trap back there and hit that little clipy real quick. You imagine just taking a piece of real estate.

That's what I'm saying. He's either laying sod, which I don't think he would because he'd be scared. If he takes a chunk out of ribs green, people are going to just crush him. It would have been... I mean, it would have been a missile. Or he shocks the world and it's the best one ever, and it would have been a great story anyways, but I wanted to see it.

I could just see it. Just the immediate right at him back. Oh, God. Dude, when Rory hit the shot there and pulled the, when he finally pulled the wedge from the bag, Johnson had to be like, oh, fuck. Yeah. What do we do here?

If he puts it, I don't hit this pot. But please don't chip. David Sellers. No, that was a tough. Get well sued, Mark Gilman, do we need Johnson. We need Wagu out there hitting these things. I was like, Doddy's a pro. She's one of the best.

ever do this. She can handle both shots for two holes. We got a million people up in the tower that know how to call a golf shot. Give them a little breather for a minute. It'd be fine. Let them go loosen up. Oh, man. Damn. I got one last golf thing for you before we get zoned in because I got the Shadow Creek hat on. It's one of our favorite places. Yeah, of course. We've had some historic matches there. I'm actually going in a few weeks with Mike Commodore. We got a big match to handle up there. But they wanted me to let everybody know. June 18th through July 2nd. The lights are coming back at Shadow Creek.

Open every single Thursday. Friday and Saturdays, comp only. So if you're a big whale out there, maybe go check it out. We have done it. It is awesome. Did we do it? It is so fun. Allegedly.

There's no evidence of it. Green fees, 1250, a pop. Bargain. Six to midnight. So every Thursday, Friday, Friday Saturday. And see that bitch on the lights. But go check it out, man. It's so cool.

Like I said, June 18th to July 22nd. Sorry, June 18th to July. I second. Every Thursday, it's open, 12, 56 to midnight, under the lights, and then Friday, Saturday, big dogs only. It's a ticket. It's, you know, it's spent a little cash for not one of the whales. It's gone. It's also incredibly cool. That golf course, period, is awesome. But under the lights, like, nobody gets to do it. It play that back nine. It's really fun. So you've got the chance to do it. Highly recommend. Plus, it's in Vegas. Good place. There's some other stuff to do. Yeah. Nice place. Good. I'd love to do it sometime. All right. Well, let's get zoned in with our friends over in Zone Nicotine.

I'd love to check that out. I know you're not the biggest hockey fan, but you're a proud American. I'm a patriot. And this Sunday morning, even though it was bright and early, before the sun came up, United States, Canada, gold medal game at the Olympics. What a show it was. USA winning 2 to 1 in overtime on the heels of Jack Hughes scoring. By the way, after getting a couple teeth knocked out, no big deal.

You do it for your country. All-world American Jack Hughes. The picture of him, teeth knocked out, blood on the mouth, fist in the air, American flag draped around. Put that, blow that thing up and stick it next to the Statue of Liberty when people come in this thing. That is as American as it gets. That is going to go down as one of the great sports pictures. That and just the performance of Connor Hellebuck, the goalie, he plays for the Winnipeg Jets, but he's an American. Mark will put it on there, but the one save he made where he reaches the stick back.

I mean, it was wide open and he said, no, sir, not up in here, not on my watch. Rock flag and eagle. The Americans, gold medal winners, first time since the miracle on ice in 1980. It was all time. I didn't catch it from the opening tip, if you have to know, but I did catch like second period. It was 6.10 a.m. Phoenix time. It's a bit early for the kid. But the level of butt hurt by my Canadian friends is all world too.

like everything we were so much better but even Connor Mcdae was like I'll let you guys be the judge of who was the better team I was like yeah you know but I said I was sorry Nate McKinnon I was like yeah there's a scoreboard that actually does that for us coincidentally so we could tell but dude jack Hughes we got to get him on the show dude he's apparently a big golfer at some people reach out like you know loves golf loves golf he's gonna have a good run in front of him for a while but if he ever has a free time we'd love to have him on plus his interview afterwards where it's just like man there's something athletes that use the mic is like a chance to take a political stand or here's what's wrong and here's what's not great and all that it's just like this you know USA hockey brotherhood I'm so proud to be an American all that style like I thought it was just I mean that was storybook stuff storybook yeah and how about his girlfriend is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet and a very big hockey fan's right and she's a Canadian Kate McCray he he Jack's running right now he's running right oh and

his brother on the team gets a gold oh and by the way my mom, his mom, coaching on the women's side, who also won gold. We just straight- We're a hockey country. We just snatched Canada's pride and joy and just said, and we'll take it.

But congratulations to Team USA, man. It was so cool to watch. That was cool. Like you said, you're not the biggest hockey fan, but when it's like this? I mean, even the four nations. That's the one. That's the last one I watch where I'm into it.

As soon as the USA goes on the chest, I'm like, I'm a hockey guy. It was sick, man. Sick uniforms, too. Great. Sweeters. Great sweaters. Dude, I saw someone's already made a head cover that's that. It's got the, like, the lace, you know how they have, like, on the sweaters and stuff. And it's the mimic of the U.S. sweaters is sick. Did you see the sweatshirt that came out? And on the back, it says things that Canada is better than the U.S. at. And it has said hockey and it was crossed out. That's it. End of the list.

Dude, I love Canada, by the way. It's tough sledding up there. I spent numerous summers up there. I'm basically half Canadian. No, I'm like 10% Canadian, but sorry, we're a hockey country. We are hockey. And we love America.

In four years, you get another crack at it. Yeah, that was cool, man. They were definitely zoned in. Let's get to our guest this week. We've got a very special one. Talented human. The man can sing. A multiple-time Grammy winner.

Loves his golf. The man, Pat Monaghan from Train, joins us on subpar. All right, we have a very talented man joining us today. He is the lead singer, frontman, and primary songwriter for Train, where he has had 14 songs on the Billboard Hot Top 100, 13 albums on the Billboard 200, sold over 10 million albums and totaled over 6 billion global streams, not to mention he's a golf sicko as well. Mr. Pat Monaghan joins us. Pat, how we doing? Man, if I had that kind of resume with my golf, I'd be

way happier. Six billion. What is the highlight of the golf resume? Well, I just played in the AT&T pro I'm at Pebble Beach. And it's kind of the highlight of the year when you get that rare invitation. Since they've turned it into an elevated event, I'm usually the last guy called. And that's if somebody cancels. But it's an incredible week.

Well, Steve, John, I know takes good care of y'all up there. he does a fantastic dress. Did you correct me if I'm wrong, Keith Mitchell this year? No. Was that years past? Keith Mitchell played with a guy named Travis Kelsey this year. Oh, that's correct. I remember him.

You guys are looking like. It's an easy thing to mix up. Keith and I played together last year. There was. He became one of my favorite people. So I text him all the time because I love that guy. Yeah, I was talking to him a little bit before this. And he's like, ask him about the wine.

He's like, you didn't bring up wine until like, I guess you guys were deep in the tournament. And you have this mutual love. The 16th hole the second day. So it was like we had two holes left and I just went. So my guy came over and he goes, hey, man, he's into wine. So I just go up to him and I go, wine. And he goes, why do you wait this long? If you like watches and nice shoes, too, we're going to really love each other.

Kashmir Keith. One of the best. Let's talk a little music before we get into the golf because obviously it's just been an incredible career. I want to know. I'm always curious, how do band names come about with y'all with train? I mean, one of the most popular groups there is, how did that even happen? That was a working title. One of the guys who started the band with me, who was no longer with the band,

he was listening to an interview with Echo and the Bunny Men, and they're from the UK, and the guy said there's nothing romantic about America. And the guy in the band said, the train's pretty romantic. And so we just used train. And I was quietly hoping it had already been taken. so we can change the name, but it wasn't. Well, it worked out. It's worked out just fine for you,

10 million albums and 6 billion global streams. I'd love to hear the story, though, how a kid from Erie PA moves to California. I guess we were playing like the coffee house circuit, and then a few years later, forms train off to the races. Yeah, so I was in a cover band in Pennsylvania called Rogue's Gallery,

and we just did a bunch of Eppelin. And down the street, share was playing the small arena. It was like 5,000 seats. So her band came into where I was performing and I was maybe 18. And a guy named David Shelley, who's her guitar player, pulled me aside and said, hey, man, here's my phone number. You've got to go to L.A. You have the stuff. And so I went and called him every week and he was always on tour, but he at least got me to L. L.A. and that's where I met the guys from train, and we moved everything to San Francisco and just played everywhere we could for free for two years. That's incredible. Was there like a low point

where you're like this might not? I mean, a lot of people move out there with that dream. Very few, if any, turn into you. Was there a low point where like, man, maybe this isn't in the cards? It was rough, man, because I was a house painter and I'm not sure if you've ever painted houses, especially in the Bay Area, but it's not easy. So I had a, a small child at the time. I was in my early 20s, so I'd work all day, go home, take a shower, drive right back to San Francisco. So I was in graphics for, you know, four hours a day, trying to figure out if it was going to happen or not. And just things started to get better and better and better because it, and it was at the point where if something hadn't gone,

it was going to be the end. But it's like, you know, you watch golfers. Like, it's, It's a very similar thing to golf. You know, you see the elite 1% on TV. But think of all the kids that are, you know, in a minivan, just trying to make enough money to play the next tournament. That's what music is. Yeah, that's a great analogy. And you're right.

There are so many great players in the professional golf world that no one has never heard of and no one will because you got to have that moment where you break through and make it for y'all and train. Like, what was that moment where you're like, Like, okay, we've made it. There was a place called the Sweetwater in Mill Valley. And we deeped in the windows one day and saw 400 people and thought, when we can do this, it'll start to go.

And, man, we did. We got that. And then the next thing. And then we started to get a following. And we could play places like Slims, which at the time was. owned by a guy named Bosn Gags. And my manager at the time was like, Bob was not a train fan at all, but he's going to let you guys play his club. Cool. My manager had a way with words. But anyway, it was, I think once we played the

Fillmore, that's when we knew maybe we had a chance. And how about it? I didn't realize this still a few days ago, but one of your many hits, drops of Jupiter turns 25 years old this year. How odd is that? Yeah, it's pretty weird. You know, it's just, reminds me that I lost my mom that long ago because I wrote that song after she passed away. And I'm pretty sure she wrote it because it happened very quickly. I wrote it down in 15 minutes and that was the end. 15 minutes. And it turned into, I mean, obviously, one of the, this massive hit.

Yeah. I mean, at the time, we had a record done. And the guy who was running Columbia Records at the time, Don Iner was like, you don't have a first single. And so we were trying for three months to try to finish this album. And one day, I just woke up from a dream and dropped the Jupiter down and flew to New York and played it for him. And he just lifts up his arms and goes, fucking song of the year!

And that was the end of it. That's amazing. Yeah, that's wild. I read that story about that. I had no clue. That was how it worked. Give us an idea like a typical, that one you said your mom wrote that for you, a normal song that you write.

Like, what's the time? the process that goes into that, that one being 15 minutes for drops of Jupiter. The shorter the time you spend on it, the better the song, because then it's happening organically and naturally. But I mean, I've spent, you know, I've learned a lot in the last few years. So six years ago, I started, I was asked to write the music for a musical called Begin Again. And it finally has a theater, so it starts at the Old Globe in San Diego on the 16th of September. that was the process that is very hard because it's more of a committee thing but in my world you know writing songs for an album a train album if it's fast it's good if you have to dwell on it for weeks

you should probably move on makes sense we've had some other musicians on here and like i'm always fascinated to ask them about like do they have a spot where they go right or maybe like just because you you wrote one here and it was such a success like that's kind of like your good luck spot. Yeah, I don't really have that. But what I did for years was I would go to Sedona for a few days in Arizona and just kind of meditate and go up into the mountains, take hikes, and I would always leave something behind, like something I cared about, a necklace or a ring or something.

and I would really ask past musicians who weren't here anymore to give me whatever they thought that they should have left behind here. And it worked out for a while. Yeah, that's pretty cool. As a singer and songwriter, what gives you more satisfaction? Like when you're in the writing process, writing something, you're like, yep, this is going to be awesome, or is it like performing on stage in front of the thousands you play in front of? I think it's both because, you know, you get burnt on one or the other. It's like, you know, at the AT&T pro em, I had the pleasure to, well, my pro was a great kid named Stephen Fisk, but the other pro was Jake Knapp.

And Jake said something to me that really made a difference because I played terrible golf. I mean, it was the worst I've ever played at the pro em. And he said, I find so much joy in practicing. And I was like, really? That sounds crazy to me because I don't really practice. So I went up to Aldera the other day and practiced and listened to hip hop and just kind of got in a zone. And for the first time, I liked practicing because it felt like somebody told me you're supposed to like it. And so music has always been like that.

Like, I like writing songs, which is practice. You know, you're always practicing something. But I don't really want to rehearse for a tour after all these years. that's not as fun. So the only rehearsals we do for touring is for lighting and production. So we'll fly somewhere before a tour for a week and just get everything dialed in for our crew guys

so that it looks great, this sounds great. But like practicing music is more writing songs for me. Interesting. And it sounds like 2026 is a big year for train. What do we got coming up? I feel like it could be a really fun year. have a new album. We have a new single called The Weekend that comes out in about a week. And, you know, I'm not sure what that means. If it doesn't happen on TikTok and social media,

it doesn't really become anything anymore. When I started, you would get a song on the radio and they would play it enough that it became familiar to people and then people would request it and then it was either a hit or it wasn't. This is a different world. I live in a world with children and the children know how to do these things a lot better than I do. No doubt about it. The older I get, the more I realize the less I know about that type of stuff. But being that you're going on tour this year, tour life sounds phenomenal. Do you still enjoy the tour life this far into your career?

Yeah, I love the touring. We'll be out with Bar-Nicked Ladies and Matt Nathanson this summer, starting July all the way through August. And it's always so great to reconnect with train fans who have become family to me. that's why we do a cruise every other year so I can be closer to them like they've made my life a pretty dreamy life you know that's awesome to hear you still love doing it I mean because I feel like a lot of golfers and stuff it's like okay I've been doing this a long time I'm I'm exhausted from it but I mean you get to go out there and perform in front of thousands every night it's got to be a

thrill it is a thrill but you know I asked Jason day Jason's been a pal of mine for a while I asked his agent bud Martin one time I was like does does Jay still like playing golf? He goes, no, he hates it. He likes to win. And I feel like maybe that's what it is. Maybe I'm in the same place where I like to win, but it seems like every show it's a win.

So maybe it's not like golf. I like to do it either way. How much golf do you play when you're on tour? More than I play when I'm not, because when I'm not on tour, I'm still doing private shows. There's a lot more flight travel. Like, I'll be in Vegas three times in the next two weeks to do private shows.

But, you know, I have a family with, you know, kids that are 14 and 17. And I try to be home as much as I can. So I don't take my golf clubs with me on a trip like that. But I will have a few other golf trips this year that I get pretty excited about. I love the year. that and you've been all over the world all over the united states give me the pat monahan maybe top five favorite places you like to go golf courses golf okay cypress point good one um augusta national also good uh san francisco golf club mhm i played a place

see i'm a big fan of david mclea mcley kid. Am I saying that right? David McLean, designer. David, Kid, wait. It's, yeah, David McLean. He designs, basically, he designs golf courses that are much more European because he's a Scottish guy.

And so I really love his courses and played one in, was it Eugene, Oregon? I think it was Eugene last year that I loved. So all of his courses I love. I got to play Seminole last year and adored it. I love playing the Fosbio courses like Aldera that I play out of. You know, I like Pine Valley a lot. It's interesting. I had dinner with Rory a couple of weeks ago in Pebble Beach,

and he considers Pine Valley a top-level golf course in the United States because he said it's so challenging. Yeah, I mean, him and I talk about it. It's my favorite ever. As far as like eight, a whole entire 18 holes. Like, I don't know if you can find a better place. Like, there's not a bad hole on it. You can nitpick places everywhere else, but Pine Valley, not really.

It's hard goal, man. It is very hard. It is extremely hard. Are you guys low index or zeros or what are you? Yeah. Yeah. Plus is. Plus a few.

We used to both play professionally for a while. He played on tour for a long time. I'm just a jickeyjack guy, but yeah, Pine Valley is hard for anybody. But all those force carries and things like that make it brutal. And the greens. But you're always trying to break par, right? Like, that's always going to be the goal being a great golfer. That's the goal.

Yes. Occasionally we accomplish it. Occasionally we do not. At Pine Valley, very tough to do so. Oh, man. Yeah, that places. Yeah. Extreme hard.

Do you guys both only play from the tips at every course? too. Oh, I've given that up. I'm very happy to play from like 6,500 if they want to. It's so nice hitting the wedges. Like I don't hit the ball very far. I was one of the short hitters on tour. So going up the T-box now and like I hit it now where the Rory does because I'm 70 yards, T-N off 70 yards further up. So I'm like, this is fun from up here. Man, I, it's so hard. Like they had us so far back at the pro M that even the pros were like, man, they really are making you go long. And we would hit drivers from 70 yards up,

and they would hit three woods and still be past us by 30 or 40 yards. And the way that you guys can get through a ball is like, wow. I mean, it's different. Those guys you're playing with are either, like watching Jake Knapp hit it. What do you think of, I mean, is there a more fun guy to watch swing a golf club than Jake Knapp? Not to me. Yeah.

I mean, I've had the pleasure to play with a lot. lot of these great kids. And man, Jake is, he's, if not the number one guy through, like, with his beautiful swing. He'd definitely up there. No question. And he is playing some golf right now. Five straight top 11s to start the season. Yeah. And, you know, it's funny. My catty is a really close friend of Jason Day. He's an Australian kid who also is a great golfer like you guys. and we got to play with Austin Eckrode a few years ago. And my caddy, his name is Ricka. And he was like, Austin's going to win soon.

He could just tell by the way he played. And then about a month later, Austin won his first tournament. When he watched Jake, he goes, he's a major winner. And so he's like, Jake is going to win a major soon. I like it, man. Got a good eye. Yeah, he is heading the right direction. It's fun to watch.

Speaking of caddies, I heard. your first ever time at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am, you actually had to do an interview about your caddy. Oh, was it Dave Lost a lot? Yeah. It was a friend of Steve John. Yeah. I heard you got a media request to talk about your caddy after the round.

Lost a lot? That's his name as a caddy. It's a famous golf family. It's a great, it's a great last name. But, yeah, Dave's a good guy. I see him every time. He was, I think he was catting for. Alex Smith this time.

Okay, cool. Alex is the loveliest guy ever, man. Have you got a chance to talk to him? Great, dude. He's awesome. Love his golf. He's the best. Yeah.

I got to go back to Augusta National real quick. How many times have you played it? March will be my fourth. Oh, got a trip. Oh, you got one coming soon. How's the game? Are we ready? That's what I'm saying.

I just had the worst round of golf ever. at the pro em so i went and practiced yesterday i'm going to have a lesson from a guy you remember a guy named rick spare he was a professional uh played in six masters like he uh he he lives in the uh in the seattle area now and he used to be at alderan he's no longer but uh i'm going to meet with rick tomorrow and see if he can help me with a few things like everything just just like everything all 14 clubs will be great i like that everything um Taking it serious, heading into Augusta. What's your low round at Augusta out of the three times you played?

79. Okay. That's good. Breaking 80 is my goal. Like, you guys want to break par. I want to break 80. And I think that's a reasonable goal. Unfortunately, I've gotten my handicap.

Like last summer, I had some really good rounds and got my handicap to like a 5, 5. Now it's a 6.3. but I'm playing in the 10-12 area right now, and I've got to get back to the better golf. Breaking 80 at Augusta is a cool thing. I'm sure it was on your mind coming down the stretch. What did you do on like 17, 18? Did you make double-double and barely do it,

or did you kind of cruise in? No, I'm definitely a barely-do-it kind of got. Yeah. I mean, if I'm having a round that looks like I'm going to come in at 75, I'll come in at 79. Yeah, that's just the way it's going to be. It's amazing how powerful that brain is, isn't it? It's crazy.

I mean, that's what happened at the AT&T. Like, every shot, it would just be so bad. I would look at Rick and be like, what, what has happened? It's this. Like, I get stressed out and want to do well for the pro. And like, he doesn't care. That's what A, I think, like people say, I'm playing with so-and-so and be so nervous. I'm like, I got that.

But let me just tell you right now. does not care at all what you do. As long as you keep up and you're a nice dude, like he couldn't care less if you shoot 70 or 90. Yeah. I had this thing happened to me a few years ago where I got to hang out with Tiger because a band canceled Tiger Jam,

so they called me. And I was like, I'm good. I've been working too hard. And they were like, Tiger will give you an hour long lesson. I was like, I'll be there tomorrow. So I got to talk. to Tiger about that the pro ams and you know he doesn't do him anymore and this was before he had his car accident and uh I said why not he said six hour rounds I don't like I don't want to do it

and then he told me that he got paired up with the CEO of some company and Tiger was like I'm on the T-box ready to go and this guy runs up who's the assistant of the CEO that he's about to play with and he puts the bag down and starts to take all the cellophane off the clubs. Oh, nice. And Tiger goes, that was the time I went,

I think this is the last one. Yeah. I don't blame him. Not the best look back. I do not blame him. Give me, all right, you get a one hour or less from Tiger.

How nervous hitting your first couple shots in front of Tiger Woods? I wasn't nervous, man. I, he is, he's one of my favorite guys. Like,

he's like, one of us. And he handles himself so professionally, but when you can get him in a small group, you know, he's just a dude. And he just made me feel like I just wanted to hit a couple good shots. And he was like, oh, a pack, you get through a shot, you know. And that, he just makes it, he made it fun more than stressful. That's awesome. That's a cool experience. But it wasn't a round of golf, you know, it was just me at the range with him. So it was, there was no pressure to make a, you know, to make par or anything. That's so cool.

And one-on-one with Tiger for an hour, you're one of very few. Like, a lot of people played golf with him or gone to his clinics. But to get one-on-one with him for an hour, that's all world. It was, you know, I was like, man, I want to be best friends. And he was like, I'm good. He knows how to get you, though, now. It's like, hey, we need you to come play this. No, I'm good.

I'll spend an hour with you on the range. All right, deal, fine. Yeah. And then it's not, it's not, it's not, terrible for him because, you know, I'm reasonably fun to hang out with. And, you know, I wasn't, it wasn't a technical thing for me. Like, I'm just hitting some shots. He's showing me a few things. We went over and putted for a little bit. And that was it. Then he was out of his obligation. And I had the time of my life. That's great. What a cool story that is. That's sweet. Let's get to R&9.

quickly before we let him get out here. You got it. Pat, we ask nine fun questions, everyone. We mix around the first one. I'm going to do this. I'm going to say, you can be anybody else for a day. Anyone in the history of time, who would you be? Wow. I can be anyone else for a day. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Dead or alive. There's so many people that come up, like, I just saw the Dracula, the new Dracula movie. It's incredible. Like, I loved it so much. So in a way, I want to kind of be Count Dracula, but...

That's a first here. Yeah, that is new. I think, I think because it just came to me, maybe Sam Cook. I think Sam Cook was one of the all-time great artists, and he saw things that not many people got to see. It was during a pretty dark time in the United States, and he was making beautiful music, and maybe seeing what he saw those through that time

might have been interesting. This just shows you're the most cultured person we've had on our show. It's wrong like Michael Jordan, next question, or tag, which is not a bad answer, by the way. But we haven't had any... No, that's not a bad answer at all. Count Dracula's in the mix. All right, I got one I'm curious about here for you as a world-class musician.

We asked some of our guests who aren't in music this question, but best concert you've ever attended. Hmm. That's There's been a few When I was a kid I got to see Hank Floyd

without Roger Waters and that was life-changing but I grew up a Led Zeppelin fan and so I got to see I got to see Robert Plant perform

and that was magical but I think the defining concert for me was going to see Aerosmith and it was when I was 14 you know I wanted to be a

musician and Tommy Kramer, the drummer, through a drumstick and it hit me right in the chest. And I picked it up and I was like, I think I just got dubbed by a saint, you know, or and so that was a monumental concert. I would have to say, Aerosmith. Yeah, that's tough to top. Wow. It hits you right in the chest with the drumstick. That's like an omen. Like you're destined for it. Yeah. And now this is what you're going to do for the rest of your life. All right. Since you're a part of writing a Taylor Swift smash hit, does that mean you automatically get an invite to the wedding. No, I will not be invited to the wedding, I promise.

I haven't talked to Taylor in a really long time. She's super sweet, but I don't have access to Taylor. Like, she's a, she's a very smart girl, and that was a time we worked together, and she's moved on ever since, which is totally cool. I get it. like a lot of people move to different writers and everything. But I wish them the best. I hear nothing but great things about the Kelsey boys.

They're fun. They're fun. Yeah, to tell you that. It would be a good time at that wedding. All right, my next one, Pat. Every kid, like I said, grows up being like a rock star. And I'm sure there's a handful of them. But give me one or two negative things about being a global rock sensation.

Well, see, I don't have a lot of negative because I'm not a famous guy. I have famous music, and I've always wanted, like, when I was young, being famous was really something I wanted. And then as it didn't come, I became jealous of those that it came to. And then that passed quickly because then I got to see the torture of being famous. And so I don't have that. And I don't really have a lot of complaints about my life except for having to go through, TSA. That's my only bitch.

That's a big one, and that's justified. All right. Yeah. Speaking of being a rock star, I mean, you're a big golf fan. Of all the PJ tour players out there, do you think anyone player, because golfers can be kind of nerds, do you think any of them could ever be a rock star? Oh, yeah. First one.

Easy. Jick Knap could be a boss. It's good answer. He's got good flow already, too. Oh, yeah. He's good cabbage for it. But you know who else could is Keith Mitchell. Keith would just walk on the stage and you're like,

I just want to hear what the guy's got to say. Kisses would walk. Two very different styles. Yeah, I feel like Jake could like rock a stadium. I feel like Keith would walk out with a stool and play the guitar. Yeah, well, I think Keith would come out and just be like a Johnny Cash. That's good. That's good.

Keith is going to enjoy this part of the interview. you. All right, I'll give you one here. Would you trade one of your Grammys to be able to play golf like Scotty Sheffler for one year? Oh, hell yeah. Okay. What, a rephrase, what would you give to be able to play golf like Scotty for a year? Well, for a year, is like, could you learn anything from it when you got to be normal again? What would I give? I don't know. I mean, you can probably have all the awards. I don't, I don't, but hold on. Are you taking the Grammy like it never happened? Or are you just taking the Grammy away? No, like it never happened. Not like you don't have the trophy anymore. It's like you won't be recognized as Grammy, you know what I mean, on your resume.

That's different. Yeah. That's tough. Yeah, I'm not sure about that. Yeah. It was just a trophy. I think I would. I think I can live without playing like Scotty, but sure would be fun. God, it wouldn't it? Maybe we'll go monetary instead. a trophy next time. All right, well, that's, that's perfect for this next one. Do you have more Grammys or holes in one? I have more Grammys because I have zero holes in one. All right. Well, there it is. Okay. It's coming. How about you? You got a few weeks away from Augusta. Oh, number 12. 12's just sitting there for you. Could you imagine? Yeah, the last time I was there, we were close to the hole and heard a bunch of roars and somebody else hit a hole in one there.

It wasn't me. Oh, I mean, that'd be. Wow. That's all world. That's all world. That might be my favorite hole in the world. My favorite hole in the world? I said it's mine. Oh, that's yours. I just remember the first time I were 12. Yeah, I remember my first time I walked over the hill on 11 and you could see down there and then you see 12th and I was just like, that's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. There's everything there is incredible. And every time I go, something has changed that you wouldn't dream of ever changing, but then they do it. you're like, wow, like the vision that they have is just absolute. It's the church, man. It's like there's nothing like it.

Yeah, they don't miss. That's the mecca, every golf fan. Yeah, they don't, they don't miss. It's like, you know, I don't really have a lot of suggestions, but that's the place that I wouldn't dream of suggesting anything. It would only be worse. They actually, I have a great thing there that I've been told by somebody who would know that if you, let's say you're at the club and you have, you do have a suggestion.

You know what, it'd be great here? This and that. If the word gets up to the top and they actually agree with you and they're like, oh, that is a good idea. They do it and then they send you the invoice for it. Oh. Like, we took your idea. You owe us X million for whatever building or, you know, facility they put up, which is great.

It's the closest thing to gangsters around, right? Because if you get a pink slip in your locker, guess what you would do. Pay it. Yep. 100% of that. No questions asked. not paying this. I know. It's so cool. You just, you kiss the ring any chance you get to be out there.

Pat, we thank you so much, man. You got any more? I got one last one. Okay, we got one last one for you. I thought this was cool going through it real quick. You've done a lot of really cool national anthems at some big events. Favorite one you've ever done? My favorite one, I stopped doing them, and there's a long story about why. But my favorite one, when I resigned from doing them anymore, my son, he's 14. now. He is an incredible singer, guitar player. And there was, it's called the Halder Cup, which is the American Hockey League. It's the Stanley Cup of the league just below the NHL.

And the the Crackens' AHL team are called the Firebirds from Coachella Valley. So they asked if I would sing the anthem, and I was like, only if my son sing. it with me. So we, I sang the first half and then he can sing, you know, like Ella Fitzgerald. So he signed the second half and just brought the house down. That was my favorite one ever. 14 years old. Then the Seahawks asked if I would sing an anthem after that. And I said, sure, if my son does it with me. And they were like, nope, which is a mistake because he's such a better singer than me. Wow. And then you do it and it's cool. Like people appreciate the family aspect of that.

It was so cool, man. It was a really magical thing for a dad. Yeah, that's awesome, man. I could imagine. Well, Pat, this has been awesome. We can't thank you enough. I want to wish y'all the best of luck on the tour and everything upcoming in 2026. And here's to making the cut at the 2027 18T Pebble Beach Proaam.

Man, thanks a lot. I appreciate it. And just remember, guys, when you're out there and you're not having the best day, golf is fun. That's right. We need that. I needed that. Golf was fun. Golf is fun.

golf is fun. I don't care what people say, by God. Well, thank you, Pat. We appreciate you. And congratulations on the tour. Thanks for the time. That was Pat Monaghan from Train, joining us there on Subpar, man.

The dude loves it. How about the Tiger story? That's what I was like, he's like, oh, by the way, by the way, you guys are a golf show. I had a one-on-one with Tiger. Okay, maybe we get into that. Yeah, a little bit.

But looking forward to their tour later this year. He's a stud, man. Always out there at AT&C, Pebble Beach. I shouldn't have wished him well on making the cut because there isn't one anymore. Right. I don't want to bring that up, but he understands. Yeah. He understands. He's got a gust on his mind anyway. It's true. March. It's coming up.

All right, let's get some picks real quick. See if we can pick you a winner for the cognizant classic. Maybe we're just more of an East Coast. Need one. Kind of guy. Yeah. PJ National, one of your favorites. Love it. Even though it's not as hard as it used to be. I don't know what's going on in the golf world. We're making courses easier. But, you killed it. Listen, let's be honest. This field is not that great.

It's tough. We just went WM. Phoenix Open. Pebble, L.A., which are back-to-back signature events, and then, by the way, after this week, those Bay Hill players. So the tough spot in the schedule, but listen, someone's going to win. Someone's going to win a lot of money, a lot of FedEx Cup points, and get a two-year exemption. And for me, I'm looking for this kid

to break out. I think the time is now. He's a Texas boy. When it gets windy, I think he can handle it. He won the Corn Fairy Tour points list last year, and he's plus 220 to top 20. Give me Johnny Kiefer. I like that, and I love these top 20 bets. We can get like a

a two to one on that. Great opportunity for a lot of these dudes that aren't obviously in the signature events with not the strongest field in the world, which is why I'm taking what the biggest name in the field. Only two star's under his belt this year. Made cut, miscut here at the Phoenix Open. I expect him to, is that a little time off now?

Expect him to get better and better as the year goes on. But he just sleep in his own bet this week too, which is a nice little part. Give me Brooks Kepka top 20 plus 200. Yeah, had a couple weeks off. Yeah, I mean, top 20 up there's not a, I mean, he could not. not do it, of course, but I'm like,

if he plays well, that should be not even a concern. And two of the betting favorites just with Drew, Ben Griffin and Jacob Bridgman last week's winner. So, great opportunity for a lot of guys out there. No question. No question about it. A big thank you to Pat Monahan for coming on. This is when we get off the Schneid, gambling-wise.

We also should go play Shadow under the lights. I think... For the first time. For the first time ever, we would enjoy that. But thank you all for listening. A quick note from our boys over at Zone Nicotine. Warning, this product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical underage sale is prohibited. Golf's all about having the right club for the right situation,

and the same goes for zone nicotine pouches, offering a variety of bold flavors, available in strengths of 6 milligrams and 9 milligrams. Whether you're a fan of mint, citrus, subtle, or spicy, you're sure to find intensity and flavor that lasts. Want zone pouches at a discount? Mailed right to your door. Get 20% off at nicocic.com slash zone. That's N-I-C-O-K-com slash.

zone when you use promo code subpar 20 there you have it right that's going to do it for us we'll talk to you next week god bless america america