Steve Kashul and Matt Smith celebrate the courses, characters, and culture that make Midwest golf unique
In a crowded world of golf podcasts, Kash & Matty Talkin’ Golf has quickly carved out a niche by celebrating the people, places, and stories that make Chicago golf unique. Hosted by longtime Chicago sports personality Steve Kashul and golf enthusiast Matt Smith, the podcast brings an authentic, entertaining, and distinctly Midwest perspective to the game. Their conversations are less about swing tips and tour gossip and more about the culture, camaraderie, and experiences that connect golfers throughout Chicagoland and beyond.
The idea for the podcast was born from a simple observation: while countless golf shows cover the professional game, few focus on what it means to be a golfer in Chicago. With a relatively short outdoor golf season, local players embrace every opportunity to get on the course, creating a passionate community that deserves its own voice. Kash and Smith have tapped into that enthusiasm, shining a spotlight on the courses, personalities, and traditions that define golf in the Windy City.
“Steve and I met a few years back through Laird, our producer. Laird has produced The Golf Scene for Kash for 20+ years now and Laird happens to be good friends with my father-in-law,” began Co-Host Matt Smith. Laird introduced me to Kash to help with sales for The Golf Scene. Kash and I hit it off immediately. The idea of Kash & Matty Talkin’ Golf came to us last summer and we’ve run with it. Our friendship makes us a great team behind the mics. When it’s two pals chatting about local golf….it’s easy. We come in with a gameplan, we have topics prepared, and then we just go and let it rip.
Recording from their production space affectionately known as “Laird’s Pub,” the duo has attracted an impressive lineup of guests ranging from local golf leaders and course operators to nationally recognized figures. Recent interviews have included acclaimed golf writer Tom Coyne and U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy, yet the show’s mission remains unchanged: highlighting the impact these individuals have on the Chicago and Midwest golf scene. Their ability to blend insightful conversation with lighthearted humor has resonated with listeners throughout the region.
What makes Kash & Matty Talkin’ Golf especially refreshing is its celebration of Chicago’s golf identity. From historic private clubs and outstanding public facilities to the city’s thriving indoor golf scene, the hosts showcase the many reasons golfers are proud to call Chicago home. They frequently discuss the unique atmosphere surrounding local golf, where a round can be accompanied by craft beer, Chicago-style food, and a strong sense of community that extends well beyond the final putt.
“Golf storytelling is special for both of us,” explained Smith. “Golf is all about relationships and shared experiences. The places golf takes us, all of us, are memorable. We get to talk about the courses, the people, the ups and downs, and the local golf community. Simply put, it’s a joy to talk golf and story tell of the happenings here in Chicago and the greater Midwest. Beyond the golf talk, Kash and I love to let people into our lives. It’s not forced, it just happens. We get into conversations on food, on drink, on our kids, and funny and/or interesting things happening in our lives. We’re just two normal, golf-obsessed, dudes.”
That grassroots approach is already paying dividends. The podcast’s growing popularity has led to expanded exposure through the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), bringing the show to sports fans across the market. As excitement builds for major events such as the upcoming Presidents Cup at Medinah CC, Kash & Matty Talkin’ Golf is perfectly positioned to continue serving as one of the most engaging voices in Midwest golf. For anyone looking to stay connected to the pulse of Chicago golf, this is one conversation worth joining.
How To Find Kash & Matty Talkin’ Golf:
Podcast: Spotify/Apple
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KashandMatty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kashandmatty/
