345: Wright Thompson on Augusta's New Muni, St. Andrews & Why Golf Matters
345: Wright Thompson on Augusta's New Muni, St. Andrews & Why Golf Matters  
Podcast: The Smylie Show
Published On: Wed Jun 24 2026
Description: Wright Thompson joins The Smylie Show to discuss his new ESPN series Where It Lies, including Episode 3 featuring Augusta's beloved municipal golf course, The Patch.Wright shares stories from Augusta, St. Andrews, municipal golf around America, and why golf courses create communities unlike any other place. The conversation explores the soul of the game, the importance of public golf, junior development, unforgettable golf characters, and why golf remains stronger than all the forces trying to commercialize it.Plus, Wright reflects on years covering The Open Championship, his favorite golf destinations, and the relationships that make golf special.Subscribe to The Smylie Show and follow our socials @thesmylieshow for more PGA TOUR analysis, player insight, and weekly golf conversation. ⛳️ 📺00:00:18 Intro00:01:30 Wright Thompson & ESPN's "Where It Lies"00:03:30 The Patch & Augusta's Municipal Golf Revival00:07:15 The Characters That Make Munis Special00:11:10 Wright's Daughter Falls in Love with Golf00:14:30 Legendary Clubhouse Meals & Open Championship Stories00:16:45 Why Golf Communities Feel Different00:20:00 The Difference Between Loving Golf & Selling Golf00:22:45 Future Stars, Local Legends & Muni Lore00:24:30 The Blue Foot Creative Process00:27:30 Wright's Municipal Golf Mount Rushmore00:31:05 Ole Miss vs LSU & SEC Football00:34:00 Final Thoughts#golf #pgatour #smylieshow #smyliekaufman #wrightthompson #golfchannel