Episode 15

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Published on:

8th Apr 2025

EP 15 NBC/GolfChannel commentator Steve Burkowski on The Masters,Tiger and much more!

Ever wondered what makes Augusta National truly special or how Tiger Woods reshaped professional golf? Join host Jim Powell as he speaks with NBCSports/GolfChannel expert Steve Burkowski. Explore the fascinating evolution of professional golf, uncovering how technology and advanced training have transformed the game. Gain exclusive, behind-the-scenes insights into Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament, and discover how they adapt to modern advancements. Steve shares compelling stories about Tiger Woods' groundbreaking influence and dives into the ongoing divide between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. He also reveals his top picks for the 2025 Masters Tournament, analyzing contenders and potential dark horses. This episode is a must-listen for golf enthusiasts eager for expert analysis and predictions.

Key Timestamps:

  • (01:35)  Introduction of Steve Burkowski
  • (02:18)  Evolution of golf technology
  • (04:36)  Tiger Woods' impact on golf
  • (08:40)  Why the Masters Tournament is unparalleled
  • (12:01)  How Augusta National adapts to technology
  • (15:41)  LIV Golf and its influence
  • (21:00)  Top contenders for the 2025 Masters
  • (24:36)  The relationship between golfers and media
  • (28:01)  Which tournaments golfers would cut from the tour
  • (30:21)  Steve Burkowski’s professional journey and advice for success

Key Takeaways:

  • Technology and training advancements have dramatically reshaped golf.
  • Tiger Woods significantly influenced golf's popularity among younger athletes.
  • The Masters at Augusta National is the pinnacle of professional golf tournaments.
  • The divide between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour significantly impacts golf’s future.

Resources Mentioned:

About the Guest:

Steve Burkowski joined Golf Channel in 2000, and currently serves as play by play host for the Korn Ferry Tour and most USGA championships as well interviewer for the PGA Tour.

In addition to his on-air responsibilities for the game’s professional tours, Burkowski is instrumental in the network’s coverage of the NCAA Golf Championships as Golf Channel’s resident college golf expert.


Prior to joining Golf Channel, Burkowski worked in Columbia, S.C., as a radio personality for WVOC 560 AM and Sports Radio 1400, where he hosted The 19th Hole, a weekly golf radio show and covered events such as the Masters and the RBC Heritage. While in Columbia, he also was the voice of the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program, and co-hosted the university’s local pre-game football and pre-game basketball shows. Burkowski is a graduate of the University of Florida and resides in Orlando.


Tags:

Golf, Masters Tournament, Steve Burkowski, Augusta National, Tiger Woods, LIV Golf, PGA Tour, Golf Commentary, Sports Media, Fans First a Sports Podcast, Jim Powell, Sports Announcer, PGA, NBCSports, GolfChannel

Transcript

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About the Podcast

Fans First a Sports Podcast
Welcome to "Fans First: A Sports Podcast," where your voice matters most! Hosted by the legendary Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell, this show puts fans at the heart of the conversation. We believe sports are more than just games—they’re a way of life, a source of passion, and a community that brings people together. That’s why "Fans First" is here to celebrate your insights, opinions, and love for the game like never before. Whether you’re cheering in the stands, shouting at the TV, or debating trades with friends, "Fans First" is your go-to destination for all things sports.


Each episode features fan-driven discussions, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Jim Powell brings his wealth of experience and storytelling prowess to every episode, guiding conversations that are as engaging as they are insightful. But this podcast isn’t just about the headlines—it’s about the stories that matter to you. From the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, from blockbuster trades to unforgettable moments in sports history, "Fans First" covers it all. We’re here to give you a platform to share your thoughts, ask tough questions, and connect with a community of fellow sports enthusiasts.


Join us each week as we explore the stories behind the scores, the emotions behind the plays, and the fans who make it all possible. Plus, don’t miss our special segments—“Flip the Switch,” where we suddenly turn the conversation in an unexpected new direction, and “Get Off My Lawn,” where fans can offer their spirited opinions about the hottest current topics in sports before the host gets his chance to react. So, tune in, speak up, and be part of the sports conversation that celebrates what makes the game great—you, the fan!


Bio: Jim Powell is an American radio and television sportscaster, previously employed with Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers (1996–2008) and Atlanta Braves (2009–2023). A native of Roswell, Georgia, Powell was educated at the University of Georgia. He began his baseball play-by-play career with the minor-league Columbia Mets (1987–89, 1993–94) and Charlotte Knights (1990–91, 1995), also calling games part-time for the Minnesota Twins in 1993–94 before being hired by the Brewers in 1996. Teaming with Bob Uecker, Powell called games for the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network and was Uecker’s longest-tenured partner. Powell was named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year in 1998. In 2009, he began teaming with Don Sutton to call games on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network and continued his play-by-play role through 2023. In addition to his baseball work, Powell has called college football (for the University of South Carolina and CBS Radio) and college basketball (for Davidson College and South Carolina) at various points in his career. Powell was a National Merit Scholar and is MENSA-qualified. He was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020.


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Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com

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