In this special combined episode of TalkinGolf and State of the Game Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to talk US Masters, Augusta National politics and Mike Clayton's amazing golf odyssey taking in some of America's very best golf courses. 

The most anticipated US Masters in years gets underway this week and, like everyone else with an interest in the game, we at State of the Game are keen to talk about it. Join Rod Morri, Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan as they break down the field, the course and the lingering controversy over Augusta's lack of female members which has reared its head again this year.

It's the biggest golf course design announcement in history and this week on State of the Game co-hosts Geoff Shackelford and Rod Morri catch up with Gil Hanse to discuss his winning design for the 2016 Olympic Games golf course.

Does your club have a problem with slow play? Well today's episode of State of the Game is a must listen. Host Rod Morri is joined by blogger Geoff Shackelford and Scotland on Sunday columnist John Huggan as they meet John Small, a tournament organiser and inventor fom Australia whose Solution 240 product is achieving remarkable results in eliminating slow play at two Sydney golf clubs.

Former touring professional turned golf course designer, New Zealand's Greg Turner is one of the more articulate members of the golfing fraternity. This week he joins host Rod Morri and co-host Mike Clayton to discuss the joy of the short par-4, the impact of the professional game on golf more broadly and why the 1970s and 1980s will be viewed historically as a bleak time in golf course development.

The USGA - and Tiger Woods - are talking banning the belly and long putter. Join host Rod Morri, co-hosts John Huggan and Mike Clayton and long time broomstick putter user Craig Spence as they dissect just how dificult - or even desirable - that might be.

Could the USGA be preparing to take on golf's major manufacturers over distance? New USGA President Glen Nager was talking tough on the issue at last week's USGA annual meeting and Geoff Shackelford was there. Join Shackelford and host Rod Morri as they dissect what looks to be a brave new era for the game's govrning body in the US. Also this week a John Huggan interview with player manager Andrew "Chubby" Chandler discussing the new US Tour Q School proposal and it's potential effects on world golf.