FORE! Kash & Matty Talkin’ Golf!
FORE! Matt Smith and Steve Kashul from Kash & Matty Talkin' Golf
This week I want to shout out Matt Smith and Steve Kashul and their podcast, Kash & Matty Talkin' Golf, based out of Chicago. They keep things fun, entertaining, and real—exactly what golf media should be.
Kash is a former Chicago Bulls announcer, and Matt a former bullfighter. Ok, I totally made up the last part. But Matty the Matador has a snazzy ring to it. Nonetheless, they're both great to listen to.
We originally connected through the Broken Tee Society, and I've been following their work ever since. They've interviewed interesting people throughout the Chicago golf community and recently writers like Tom Coyne from The Golfers Journal and US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy.
Whether it's a local guest or a nationally recognized figure, they always put a focus on their impact on the Chicago and Upper Midwest golf communities. With events like The Presidents Cup coming to storied spots like Medinah later this year, the excitement is already buzzing.
Recording from a small production garage nicknamed Laird's Pub, that effort has already started to pay off. The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN)—home to the Blackhawks, White Sox, and Bulls—has started airing the Talkin' Golf show at local bars and restaurants in the Chi-town area.
Being from Michigan and spending a handful of years around Chicago, I know what Matty means: Chicago summers are amazing to behold. The humans are in full bloom. Shirts off, car windows down and golf clubs out at the first sight of a flower and green sprouts from the dirt.
I asked Matty a few questions to get a better sense of what they're building:
In your own words, why did you guys start Talkin' Golf?
"Fame and fortune, of course (haha)… we saw an opportunity to highlight Chicago golf in a really personal way. We both absorb a ton of golf content, and nothing was really talking about golf life here in Chicago. We only get a few months to play golf out on the course here, and we thought the everyday Chicago golfers would really enjoy connecting with each other and hearing about what makes that experience unique."
Who's someone you'd love to interview on Talkin' Golf but haven't yet?
"Bill Murray. He's lived the Chicago life to the fullest… There's Caddyshack… he's f***ing Bill Murray."
Say no more.
What makes the Chicago golf scene special, and what do you want people to know about it?
"Chicago's golf scene has incredibly historic golf and prestigious clubs, and when it comes to public and accessible golf, they are anything but a slouch. What I've picked up in talking with superintendents and operators here is that people really take pride in running their courses, and people can feel that in the experience when playing. On top of all that, there's the food and drinks... There's a Chicago-style flavor and atmosphere. You can find craft beer and Chicago-style dogs at the turns. Because of the limited season, our indoor market is booming too and shaping up to be a place to hang out during the winters too. Every city likes to brag about what they have, but there's so much here that's unique and special in our scene, and that's worth sharing with other people."
They've got a great thing going, and they're worth keeping your ears on.
Check out Kash & Matty Talkin’ Golf:
Podcast: Spotify/Apple
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KashandMatty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kashandmatty/
FORE! is a weekly series from From The Fringe highlighting the people and organizations shaping golf. From The Fringe also creates premium video content for golf courses, resorts, and brands. Interested in a feature or working together? Connect at johnny@fromthefringe.golf
