Wednesday in Massachusetts It's Kirk Minihane V. Riggs In a Haters Golf Match For The Ages

"I'm not going to be friends with Riggs anymore."

I mean, I was in studio when Kirk said it. In fact, I asked him the question that led to that quote. But it was still shocking. 

As a listener to The Kirk Minihane Show, it sure seemed like Kirk and Riggs had been friends for years. Riggs would answer when KMS called, typically while he was getting his morning coffee. Kirk was friendly with Riggs and the Fore Play guys. The two hosted the popular Golf Gambling Show together. All good. 

Then this spring, when the roster for the much-ballyhooed Internet Invitational was announced, Kirk did not make the final cut. 

There was a lot of finger-pointing as to who kept Kirk out. Dave. Robby Berger. Salespeople. Eventually, Kirk believed that Riggs was at the center of it because, as a real friend, he didn't have Kirk's back behind closed doors when it came to filling out the roster. 

The Golf Gambling show continued this summer and fall, with no Riggs, and Kirk made it clear he hated the Fore Play host. 

To the point where, a few months ago, Kirk texted Riggs, “I would like to play in this hater series because there’s a lot of documented evidence that I hate you." To his credit, Riggs quickly accepted the challenge. Riggs has an entire series where he just plays people who hate him. 

Next up on his list - Kirk Minihane.

The two are set to play an 18-hole match play event tomorrow, Wednesday, October 15, at Granite Links in Quincy, MA. This is an open-to-the-public event, with a tee time set for 9:00 AM. Riggs has promised the beverage cart will be stocked and ready to go. 

There is no doubt Riggs did a great job finding the beverage cart in the Fore Play/Spittin' Chiclets showdown.  

In fact, his performance in that match might be a factor on Wednesday, according to Dave. 

There's too much at stake for Riggs to get buckled in this spot, right? Right??? I think so, at least. I've watched Riggs play in a handful of Barstool events and Fore Play videos - he seems like a strong player. I mean, a 5.5 handicap is pretty freakin' good (Kirk says he is around a 10. Kirk himself, not Riggs).  

I've played a few holes of golf with Kirk over the years. He hits the ball straight as an arrow and is excellent around the greens. He's also willing to go the extra mile to win. Mental Game 100 of 100. 

The X-Factor on Wednesday is the crowd - this is a home game for Team Minihane, and I expect the crowd to be massively in Kirk's favor. He's given The Minifans so much over the years, they owe it to him to show up and make life hell on Riggs. Maybe the Fore Play fandom shows out, we'll see. But it's clear Kirk expects his fans to be there. 

I recently found out that 'in perpetuity" means "for all time or forever," so yeah. Show up, Minifans. 

Riggs is probably a better player, but he's giving Kirk 4.5 strokes as part of the Match Play event. He's also played this course a lot more than Kirk (Riggs was once a member), but the home crowd should be a significant advantage for Team Minihane. Plus, Kirk's caddie, Mick, has been locked in on this event for weeks. And I give Kirk the mental edge. 

I'm biased - I am rooting for my friend Kirk and expect him to win. But I won't be shocked when it's not decided until the final three or four holes. 

Friends - now enemies - playing for pride on Wednesday. Looks like a beautiful day for golf. See you there. 

Seriously, if you're in the area, get your ass there.