Macklemore Golf Resort nearly steals the show before the competition even gets underway, with the group repeatedly stopping to admire the mountain setting, dramatic elevation changes and cliffside views. That enthusiasm feels genuine rather than manufactured, and the course eventually justifies the buildup with holes that demand unusual decisions. The steeply downhill sixth, where an eight iron reportedly travels roughly 225 yards, is an especially memorable example of terrain shaping both the golf and the conversation around it.
Bringing back the 18-hole two-man format also gives the outing enough structure to keep the sprawling group dynamic focused. Garrett and Steve, Bubby and Getty, and Team Buckets each have a clear competitive objective, while the scramble-style teamwork creates useful strategic exchanges about club selection, putting lines and when to attack. Garrett and Steve gradually establish themselves at the front, reaching four under at the turn and eventually pushing into double digits, but the fight behind them remains close enough to give the final holes a second contest worth following.
The golf itself produces a satisfying mixture of quality and chaos. There are errant drives, difficult recoveries and repeated struggles judging firm greens, but also excellent iron shots, long putts and an eagle late in the round. The sixth hole is particularly effective because its extreme downhill approach looks almost implausible while still requiring the players to commit to their numbers. Later, Garrett and Steve’s pursuit of an ambitious back-nine target provides another layer of tension beyond simply protecting their lead.
Team chemistry remains the main entertainment engine. Garrett and Steve settle comfortably into their partnership, while the constant chirping between teams prevents quieter stretches of golf from feeling sterile. Snake jokes, the “orange goblin” nickname, debates about walking in putts and Blake’s increasingly sharp commentary all give the round a loose personality. The best exchanges arise naturally from shots or competitive situations rather than feeling like comedy inserted solely to fill time.
That looseness also creates the episode’s biggest weakness. There are stretches of repetitive shot reactions, overlapping chatter and side conversations that do little to advance either the competition or the viewer’s understanding of the course. Subscription requests and repeated promotions for Good Good Mini Golf add further interruptions. With 18 holes and three teams already supplying plenty of material, tighter editing could have preserved the camaraderie while making the championship feel more consistently purposeful.
The finish rewards the long runtime with genuine competitive payoff. Garrett and Steve close at 11 under, while Bubby and Getty and Team Buckets arrive at the 18th still fighting over second. Getty receives a putt explicitly framed as being for the win in that secondary battle, and the eventual tie at six under gives the final green more significance than a routine procession behind the leaders. The combination of a convincing winning performance, a tied chase group and one last spectacular vista makes the conclusion feel earned rather than merely scenic.
Pros
- Macklemore’s dramatic elevation changes and mountain views give the round a distinctive setting that directly affects several shots.
- The three-team format provides a clear competitive framework while leaving plenty of room for the group’s natural banter.
- Garrett and Steve’s strong play creates a convincing lead, while the other two teams remain locked in a meaningful battle through the final hole.
- Memorable downhill approaches, difficult greens, strong iron shots and a late eagle provide enough golf variety to sustain an 18-hole competition.
- The chemistry between teammates and opponents produces entertaining reactions without overwhelming the competitive premise.
Cons
- Repetitive shot reactions and extended conversational detours make portions of the round feel longer than necessary.
- Frequent promotional comments about subscriptions and Good Good Mini Golf periodically interrupt the competitive flow.
- Score updates are sometimes spaced far enough apart that the overall standings become less immediately clear.
- Some strategic discussions are difficult to follow amid overlapping dialogue and rapid transitions between players.
A spectacular course, relaxed group chemistry and a surprisingly competitive finish make this a successful return for the two-man format. The round could be considerably tighter, but its best golf moments and the battle through the 18th give the championship enough substance to match the scenery.
