In Part 2 of Episode 26, I'm joined by Brian Jacobs, Chandler Withington, and Eddie Murray. Brian recently moved from Rochester, New York to Palm Beach Florida. Brian is a two-time Western New York Teacher of the Year. His new club is one of the top facilities anywhere in the world, Ballenisle Country Club. It features 3 top-rated courses, 5 restaurants, tennis courts, pickleball, and a host of other amenities. It's the Club we'd all love to belong to. Check it out online at www.ballenisle.org. Brian talks us around the club. We also discuss his recent email newsletter outlining the characteristics that make up great leaders. We also get a playing lesson for those of us who struggle with coming over the top and early extension. Chandler Withington was a PGA Professional at some of the top courses in the country like Merion and Hazeltine. He recently shifted his attention to spending more time with his family, his artwork, and speaking engagements. His artwork is off-the-charts great. Check it out online at www.archive22.com. Chandler shares one of his favorite Arnold Palmer stories, plus the story behind his hand-drawn Masters piece. He bet on himself when he walked away from Hazeltine so he could spend more time with his family and focus on public speaking engagements. Hear him talk about why and how he made that switch. Former Pro Bowl Kicker and a member of the 1980 Team of the Decade, Eddie Murray rounds out the show. Eddie talks about what it was like being in Detroit for this year's NFL draft plus the Lions' return to the playoffs last season. We go back to when he was first introduced to golf over in England, when he got his first set of clubs, the similarities between kicking and the golf swing, plus the Hope Network Golf Classic he hosts annually that's coming up on Monday, June 17th at the Oakland University golf course in Rochester, Michigan.

In Season 11 Episode 26 Part 1, I'm joined by PGA Professional Hall of Famer Bob Ford and Uneekor VP of Marketing Greg Sabella. Bob Ford is a living legend in our game. He is perhaps the most decorated PGA Professional of all-time. Bob shares his insights on this year's Masters, Neal Shipley's performance, the falling television ratings, rising greens fees around the country, his Yinzer pride, the Pirates season, what the Steelers have done this offseason, and his role as the Starter at the US Open. Greg Sabella is back and we discuss Uneekor's new EYE Mini Lite Launch Monitor. It's the launch monitor we've all dreamed of having in our basement or den, and now it's more affordable. Not only do we get all the data we need like ball speed, launch angle, and smash factor, but now there's Game Day Software so we can play simulator golf with our friends anywhere in the world. There's also Target Practice which is like having Top Golf in your house. Plus, there's an AI Trainer to help you with your swing. This is unbelievable and will take your game to a whole new level and provide hours of family fun.

In Part 2 of this week's show, I'm joined by PGA Tour Caddie and in my opinion the best player in the history of the state of Tennessee Kip Henley, and one of Golf Digest's Best Young Teachers in America Eva Rogers. Kip Henley has a tremendous resume. As a junior player, he won the Chattanooga City Prep Championship and the Ewing Watkins Award for being the most outstanding junior golfer in the city. In college, he was an All-Southern Conference player at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He later became a Class A Teaching Professional and taught at a few local clubs before becoming a Tour Caddie. His playing accomplishments include: The Tennessee Assistant Pro Championship Tennessee PGA Section Championship 4 times Tennessee State Open twice Tennessee Player of the Year 5 times Won The Golf Channel's Big Break II in 2004 He added the Tennessee Senior Open Championship in June of 2023. He is a fantastic Caddie and has been on the bag for players like Steward Cink, Vijay Singh, Austin Cook, Brian Gay, Boo Weekly, and Grayson Murray. Kip takes us back to last summer when he won the state Senior Open Championship doing it in honor of his mentor and a staple in Tennessee Golf Warren Huddleston, who passed away. He also shares stories from his time caddying for Brian Gay including their 10-shot victory in the 2009 Heritage Classic. Eva Rogers was named by Golf Digest as one of the Best Young Teachers in America. She is also a certified US Kids Instructor. She teaches at one of the most historic courses in the country, Medinah Country Club just outside of Chicago. Medinah has hosted several majors including 3 US Opens, 2 PGA Championships, a US Senior Open, and the 2012 Ryder Cup. Eva shares what it like to call Medinah home and the great membership they have there. She was recently selected to serve on the 2024/2025 PGA Lead Team and we hear what they are working on. We also discuss how she keeps her junior players engaged and enjoying the game in a Tic Toc, immediate gratification world. She reflects on Nelly Korda's current historic run and the call she received from Illinois House Representative Jennifer Sanalitro regarding Eva's success in a male-dominated industry.

In Episode 25 Part 1, I'm joined by two fantastic Instructors, Tom Patri and Larry Rinker. TP and I talk about the history unfolding in front of all of us from Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda. He shares his thoughts on why in the world Victor Hovland went from winning the Tour Championship to making swing and coach changes. We also get into the unprecedented amount of money that Scheffler's Caddie, Ted Scott is making. It's about to be more in the last few months than Arnold Palmer made playing golf in his career. Larry Rinker played his college golf at the University of Florida and was the medalist at the 1978 SEC Championship. He is now one of the top Instructors in our game. Larry played in a couple of Masters Tournaments and we talk about his first experience back in 1983. He played a practice round with Payne Stewart and Scott Hoch and the Par 3 Tournament with Gary Player and Gay Brewer. We get both of those stories plus what it was like playing in the final group at the 1984 Heritage Classic with Nick Faldo, when Faldo got his first PGA Tour victory. Check him out online at www.larryrinker.com.

In Part 2 of this week's show, I'm joined by 1983 PGA Champion and 2-time Players Champion Hal Sutton and former PGA Tour Player who is now one of the all-time great Golf Analysts, Frank Nobilo. Hal has designed a new course outside of Houston, Texas called Darmor. It is sure to be named the Top New Private Course of 2024/2025. We start off getting an update on how it's progressing. I then get Hal's thoughts on Scottie Scheffler's win in The Masters and his impressive play in the extremely windy conditions in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. He also shares his thoughts on what he saw from Ludvig Aberg playing in his first major plus Tiger's performance as well. We then look ahead to the PGA Championship at Valhalla and a look back at Hal's win in the PGA Championship in 1983. Hal talks about having his idol, Jack Nicklaus, make a charge in the final round and what it was like having Jack waiting for him on 18 as Hal closed out that victory. Frank Nobilo was a part of the CBS broadcast team for The Masters. We talk about why Augusta National always brings out the best in past champions. He shares his insights on the play of Sscheffler, Aberg, and Tiger. Then I get Frank's thoughts on why golf's ratings are down 20+% this year. We conclude by looking back at the 1994 US Open at Oakmont. Frank was in the field that year and in the press room when Arnold Palmer finished his final US Open round. Frank talks about the emotional scene of watching Mr. Palmer address the press and his fans.

In the first segment of a special "Happy Birthday to Me" episode, I'm joined by Olin Browne, the 2011 US Senior Open Champion, and John Patrick, whom I regard as the finest Golf & Talk Show Radio Host ever. Olin Browne shares insights on why Scottie's career trajectory resembles that of Tiger's. Additionally, we delve into Ludvig Aberg's apparent enjoyment during the typically tense final nine holes of The Masters on Sunday. Olin also recounts his experiences competing in the Senior PGA Championship at Valhalla in 2011, which is also the venue for this year's PGA Championship, and the US Open at Pinehurst in 2005, the location of this year's US Open. In the second segment, I'm joined by the best to ever do it, John Patrick. I refer to John as the Godfather of Golf Talk Radio, because he is the gold standard. John delves into Augusta National's recent property acquisitions surrounding the Club, speculating on their potential plans. He discusses the challenging winds that affected the tournament over Friday and Saturday, offering insights into Tiger's future and what might need to happen for Rory to secure a victory there. Additionally, we discuss what might be causing the declining television ratings of the PGA Tour. In Part 2, I'll cover those same topics with 1983 PGA Champion Hal Sutton and former Tour Player and now CBS Analyst Frank Nobilo.

Former Bills, Panthers, & Packers WR Don Beebe joins me in this special episode of Next on the Tee. Don was a 3rd round pick in 1989 but the first pick the Buffalo Bills had that year. He was an integral part of their 4 Super Bowl appearances in the early 90s. After a good warm-up and prayer session before the start of Super Bowl 27, he was convinced that he'd make the game-winning TD catch against the Cowboys. Well, the game was a route in the other direction. The Cowboys won 52-17 but it was a second away from the Cowboys putting another touchdown on the board when Don ran down Leon Lett who was dancing his way toward the endzone after recovering a fumble. Don swiped the ball out of Lett's hand causing a touchback and giving the Bills the ball back. It was an innocuous play in a blowout game. But it showed Don hadn't given up and was going to hustle until the game was over. During pregame, he had asked God to help him honor and praise Him through a game-winning touchdown. Instead, He gave him a play that has resonated with millions in a much deeper way. Hear Don tell that story and the reaction he continues to receive from people all over the world 31 years later.

In Part 2 of this week's show, we continue The Masters conversation with a guy who played in the tournament 18 times and was currently over in Augusta, Mark Calcavecchia. Following Mark, I'm joined by Rob Strano. Rob grew up playing at the same country club as 1968 Masters Champion Bob Goalby. Mark starts off sharing some personal stories of Augusta National like why he's nicknamed the bunker on 10 Brenda's Bunker, after his wife. We learn that the tradition of skipping shots across the pond on 16 during the practice rounds was started by Mark and his college teammate Ken Green. Mark and Ken used to bet about who could make all kinds of shots. When they got to 16 during a practice round in 1987, they threw a few balls down and tried to see who could get it closer. The next morning there was a letter waiting for Green in his locker from Augusta National Chairman Hord Harden saying "We don't do that at Augusta National." Of course, now it's a tradition during the practice rounds. If players don't skip one across the pond, the patrons boo them. Mark and I switch gears and talk about the Masters merchandise craze and one we don't understand around Masters nomes. We then get into some of his playing memories like the time he shot 29 on the back 9 in 1992. In 2001 he started the final round tied with Tiger and Phil. We hear about how he got ahead of himself and let that one get away. He and his wife Brenda are great people and great follows on social media. Be sure to follow them @MarkCalc and @BrendaCalc. Rob Strano grew up in St. Louis playing at the same country club as 1968 Masters Champion Bob Goalby. Mr. Goalby won that Masters in part thanks to Roberto DiVincenzo signing an incorrect scorecard. In the final round, Goalby birdied 13 and 14 and then eagled 15. DiVincenzo birdied 17 to take a one-stroke lead but his playing partner Tommy Aaron marked down a 4 instead of a 3. When their round was over, Goalby and DiVincenzo thought they were headed for an 18-hole playoff on Monday. But since DiVincenzo signed the card with the higher score, USGA rules state the higher score stands, so he lost by a stroke. Rob shares how Mr. Goalby dealt with how all that unfolded. I also get his insights on the topography of the course, how undulated those greens are, and who he likes to win this week.

Happy Masters Week everyone. For me, this is THE most magical week of the year. As they say, The Master is a tradition unlike any other. This week both parts of the show are dedicated to taking you inside the tournament to give you a sense of what it's like to be on those magnificent grounds. I kick it off with Tom Patri, who has been out there several times with his good friend, 1992 Masters Champion Fred Couples. Also joining me in Part 1 of this week's show is John Cook. Cookie played in 15 Masters tournaments dating back to 1979. He earned his way into that Masters field with his victory in the 1978 US Amateur. Tom Patri shares stories of being alongside Fred Couples during his run to the Green Jacket in '92. To this day, none of us know how Fred's tee shot on #12 didn't roll back into Rae's Creek. We hear what Fred's reaction was. Tom also shares some of his other favorite Masters memories, the legends he wished could have donned a Green Jacket, and current players he'd love to see win. I also get his thoughts on Scottie Scheffler's place in history if he were to win his second Masters. John Cook takes us down Magnolia Lane, remembering that first drive up alongside his mentor Ken Venturi. We hear about his night in the Crows Nest and the Augusta National memorabilia he collected over the years. I also get Cookie's thoughts on what's driving television ratings down, and why the networks are trying to replace the great Analysts that many of us love.

In Part 2 of Episode 21, I catch up with 2003 PGA Champion Shaun Micheel and Top 10 Instructor Martin Chuck. I have been saying for years that Shaun Micheel is the most underrated and under-appreciated player in PGA Tour History. Most remember his incredible win at the 2003 PGA Championship, hitting one of the greatest approach shots in major golf history. He came to that 72nd hole with a 1-stroke lead over Chad Campbell. He then hit his 7-iron approach shot to 3 inches from the cup. What people don't remember is that he nearly doubled down at the 2006 PGA, finishing 2nd to Tiger. He also finished runner-up at the 2006 World Match Play Championship after defeating Tiger in the first round 4 & 3. During his PGA Tour career he had 20 Top 10 finishes and 57 Top 25s. You'll hear him share his experiences playing in the 2004 Masters. His practice round with Jack and playing in the group behind Arnold Palmer during Arnie's final Masters appearance that year. Plus, playing in the group with Seve during his final Open appearance. Martin Chuck is ranked #7 in Golf Digest's Top Instructor rankings. He has recently teamed with Chris McGinley, formerly of Titleist and the guy who discovered Bob Vokey years ago, and Performance Golf to promote a set of wedges that are simply fantastic. We talk about the technology that Chris put into these wedges that will help us hit better shots from tight lies, divots, rough, and green-side bunkers. Plus the spin these full-face wedges put on the ball so we can get our chips closer to the hole. I love the feel of these wedges.

In Part 1 of this week's podcast, my guests are former LPGA Commissioner & Author Charlie Mechem and The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Robert Winters. Charlie Mechem has recently written his third book titled, Arnie & Jack, Stories of My Long Friendship with Two Remarkable Men. We hear about how he met both men and stories from his 10 years working as a Consultant to Arnold Palmer following Charlie's tenure as Commissioner of the LPGA Tour. One of the many great stories that Charlie share is from when former PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem asked him to convince Mr. Palmer and Mr. Nicklaus to Co-Design The King & the Bear. Finchem failed to get them to agree to it multiple times. Charlie had a very unique idea how to get them to do it...and it worked. We also hear about the true mutual respect and friendship Jack and Arnie had. Charlie tells the story of having lunch with Mr. Palmer following The Masters one year. They talked about a player who was in contention laid up on 13 & 15. Neither couldn't imagine why anyone would do that. Palmer asked Charlie, do you remember how many times I finished 2nd in The Masters? Charlie said no. Mr. Palmer replied, neither do I. Hear those stories plus several other wonderful ones including Charlie playing golf with Neil Armstrong, Paul Brown, Pete Rose, and Tommy Thayer of Kiss. Dr. Bob Winters, The Confidence Doctor, joins me in the second segment. He shares tips for how to keep those intrusive negative thoughts out of our minds when we want to see all the trouble around the golf course. Change Your Mind, Change Your Game is his mantra. He also talks about how to be smarter than your doubt plus shares a wonderful story of meeting Jack Fleck out on the driving range and the impact that had on him going forward.

In Part 2 of this week's show, I'm joined by SportsBox Ai Founder Jeehae Lee plus Caddie Hall of Famer Dennis Cone and former PGA of America Write & Historian Bob Denney. Jeehae Lee picked up a plastic bat at the age of 8, swung it and the next thing she knew her parents bought her a set of clubs, got her an Instructor, dropped her off at the driving range, and told her to find her way there each day after school to practice...in Seoul, South Korea...at the age of 8! She played her college golf at Yale, helped them win the 2003 & 2006 Ivy League Championships, broke 70 for the first time ever at LPGA Q-School, finished 12th, and earned her Tour card. She retired from the Tour in 2014 and became Michelle Wie's Assistant/Manager. From there she went on to be the Director of Business Strategy for Top Golf. She then started her own company called SportsBox Ai. Their software creates a 3D video of your swing taken from your cell phone. You can see your swing from every possible angle including overhead and underneath. You can overlay your good swings and bad swings to understand what was different. You can also overlay Tour Player swings and learn to swing like they do. Hear all this plus check out Sportbox Ai here: https://www.sportsbox.ai/ Dennis Cone is a Caddie Hall of Famer and the Founder of the Professional Caddies Association. Before his retirement, Bob Denney was a Writer and Historian for the PGA of America. They tell the stories of two remarkable ladies in our game, Madelyn "Moochie" Turner and Renee Powell. Moochie is also a member of the Caddier Hall of Fame. Renee Powell played on the LPGA Tour and is the daughter of Bill Powell who is the first African American to design, build, and own a golf course in the US. It's Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio. Hear all of those stories plus what both guys are doing to assist our Veterans around the country.

In part 1 of this week's show my guests are former Tour Pros David Peoples and Tom Purtzer.  David Peoples won the 1979 Florida State Amateur Championship before joining the PGA Tour. He went on to win twice on the Tour, at the 1991 Southern Open and the 1992 Anheuser-Busch Classic. He also won the 1990 Kapalua International.  David talks about coming from behind to win that '79 Florida State Amateur defeating then 44-year-old and multi-time champion Jack Vegte and future Tour Pro Jay Schrader. He also shares memories of finishing runner-up at Q-School in 1982 when it was played at TPC Sawgrass, his appearances in the 1992 and '93 Masters, and why he decided not to play in The Open Championship until playing in the Senior Open Championship when he was on the Champions Tour. Tom Purtzer shares his insights on this year's Players Championship plus his experiences playing in that tournament from the late 70s through the early 90s. He talks about the challenge of figuring out the winds swirling around the 17th green, just like the ones around the 12th green at Augusta National. We also talk about the incredible putt he made from the back lip of the bunker on the 13th hole on his way to victory at the 1991 Colonial Invitational and why he never mentioned that putt to tournament host Ben Hogan. We round out Part 1 of this week's show talking about the fracture in the Pro game and if we would be here if Deane Beman was still Commissioner. 

Former PGA Tour Pros Bill Mallon and Scott Gump join​ed me ​in Part 2 of last week's show. Bill Mallon played Tour in the mid to late 1970s during the Golden Age of the PGA Tour. After winning 43 amateur titles he earned his way through Q-School in 1975. He finished 6th at the 1976 Western Open, 3 stroke​s back of Al Geiberger. He played in the 1977 US Open at Southern Hills. The heat that week was brutal but Bill talks about how he thrives in conditions like that even though he's from New England. We talked about the death threats that eventual winner Hubert Green dealt with that week. Bill decided to walk away from the Tour after the 1979 season and go back to college to get his medical degree. He became a leading Orthopaedic Surgeon and medical advisor to Golf Digest. I got his thoughts on what Tiger Woods is now trying to play through following his surgeries to fuse a joint in his foot and vertebrae in his back. Scott Gump was a tremendous Amateur player as well. He was the medalist during the stroke play portion of the 1987 US Amateur. He earned his way on Tour by finishing 3rd at Q-School in 1990 and then winning on the Space Coast and Korn Ferry Tours. You'll hear his stories about that US Amateur and the grueling 6 rounds of Q-School. His good play at the '87 US Amateur earned him a trip to the 1988 Masters. Scott recalls his stay in the Crows Nest for the week, the legendary inexpensive meals, playing a practice round with Gary Player, and playing in the Par 3 Tournament. We then hear about his hot play late in the 1991 season at The International Tournament and the Walt Disney World Classic. 

In the episode, you'll hear the amazing journey of former NFL QB Craig Nall and How to Conquer Your Mind from Top 50 LPGA Instructor Debbie O'Connell. Craig takes us through his playing career which really started with a historic senior season at Northwestern State. We hear how he led them to the FCS playoff and nearly upset top-ranked Montana. Craig was drafted in the 5th round in 2002 by the Green Bay Packers. He backed up Brett Favre for the majority of his career. He also was assigned to NFL Europe in 2003 where he played for the Scottish Claymores. He was 2nd in the League in passing and led the League in just about every other category. During his NFL career, he came through every time his number was called. He threw for 402 yards, completed 63% of his passes, had 5 TDs and 0 interceptions, yet no other team gave him a true shot to play. Following his playing career and the passing of his father who was his best friend, Craig dealt with alcoholism and divorce. He's now sober, in a loving relationship, and started a new career. He takes us through his highs and lows in this segment. We go from that previous extreme to the other end of the rainbow in segment 2 when I'm joined by Debbie O'Connell. Debbie is one of the most positive individuals you'll ever meet. She teaches us how to strengthen our minds and bodies in this segment. We learn how to release our minds from worrying about the outcomes of our shots. If being in a greenside bunker gets your blood pressure up like it does mine, she gives us some tips for how to overcome that. We also hear about her Conquer Your Mind Challenge course that's coming up starting April 15th. If you want to improve your mental approach and play your best golf, just text "Next" to 7273390106 and use coupon code Next to get a discount on this fantastic course. It will help you think better, lower your scores, and have more fun out on the course.

On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are 1986 Players Champion John Mahaffey, Titleist Manager of Preferred Player Promotions Michael Gibson, Soleta Golf Club Developer David Turner, and Popticals CEO Gary DiSalvo. John Mahaffey shares his memories of Arnold Palmer and how the King helped him get his life straightened out after 10+ years of drinking. We look back to the early days of The Player Championship when it first moved over to the Pete Dye Stadium course and what it's like trying to deal with the swirling winds around the 17th hole. John compares it to trying to figure out how the winds swirl on the 12th hole at Augusta National. We also get an update on his Nemesis mystery novel series. If you love golf wrapped inside a mystery check out his books, Shafted, Unfinished Business, and Dead Quiet on Amazon or www.johnmahaffeyauthor.com. Michael Gibson is one of the all-time great club and golf ball fitters. He has a true passion for it. At the end of each day he asks himself if he did everything he could to help the people he worked with that day. Michael and I talk through how to test which is the right golf ball for our game. We also get into how to figure out the correct bounce and grind for your wedges based on your local turf conditions. David Turner is a Developer currently working with Nick Price and David Ledbetter on a new private golf club outside of Sarasota called Soleta Golf Club. We hear why it's important to all of them not to disturb the local wetlands and preserve the natural surroundings. No homes will be built on the course so players will be consumed by the game and nature. It is set to be one of the premier private clubs in the country. They are aiming to have it ready for play in late 2024 or early 2025. Check out the course online at www.soletagolf.com. I round out this week's show with a visit from Popticals CEO Gary DiSalvo. Popticals are the best sunglasses I've ever worn. They are geared for people who enjoy being outdoors. They are second to none for blocking glare and helping us see with more clarity on the course, while fishing, hunting, skiing, whatever takes you outdoors. Gary tells us about their NYDEF polycarbonate lenses which are super lightweight but have the same clarity as glass. Their patented rail system allows us to fold them up and pack them away in a small hard case that protects them from breaking or getting scratched up if you prefer to keep them in your golf bag. The case also fits easily into your pocket, so if you're at a concert, it starts to get dark, or you go indoors, you don't have to ask someone to hold them for you, keep them sitting on top of your head, or hang them on your shirt. See these wonderful sunglasses online at www.popticals.com.

On this episode, I'm joined by former VP of Sales & Marketing for the Arnold Palmer Golf Company now Founder of Sqairz Golf Bob Winskowicz, The Confidence Doctor Dr. Bob Winters, and former NFL DB and Indiana State Hall of Famer Vencie Glenn. Bob Winskowicz takes us back to his days working with Mr. Palmer. He talks about their relationship and Arnie's mantra, "What's in it for the consumer?" Then he updates us on what sets the Sqairz models for 2024 apart from other golf shoes, the science behind why Sqairz helps us generate more swing speed and gain greater distance, and the brand's move into the baseball cleat market. Dr. Bob Winters is now going to be part of the show the first week of every month. This week he talks about his talk with the men's golf team at his alma mater Ball State University and their subsequent victories at the Dorado Beach Invitational and the MAC Match Play Championship. We also hear about the work he did recently with a couple of junior players over at The Concession Club, a wonderful Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin co-design, and the confidence-building seminar with junior players in Colorado on the Summit Junior Tour. Rounding out this week's show is former NFL DB Vencie Glenn. Vencie played 10 seasons in the League for the Patriots, Chargers, Saints, Vikings, and Giants. I get Vencie's thoughts on the Chiefs current dynasty and Pat Mahomes' place in history. We also talk about his time playing for Tony Dunger in Minnesota when Dungy was their Defensive Coordinator. Vencie is also a really good golfer. He tells the story of his career-best round 67 plus the hole-in-one he made and the car he won at LaDainian Tomlinson's Celebrity Golf Tournament.

This week I'm joined by Tom Patri, John Kennedy, Martin Chuck, and Chris Mitchell. TP and I get into fan behavior and whether we've all lost our collective minds following the Wasted Management Open, Charlie Woods dealing with unruly fans at a pre-qualifying event for the Cognizant Classic, and the Duke/Wake Forest incident where a player got injured when Wake Forest fans stormed the court. John Kennedy is one of THE most nationally and locally decorated and respected PGA Professionals in the game. John talks about his years as the Director of Golf at Westchester Country Club, the rich history there, the time Gene Sarazen defeated Walter Hagan at the Golf Championship of the World and then immediately went to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy, plus what it's like being the host for 18 PGA Tour events and majors on the Champions and LPGA Tours. Martin Chuck has been named a Top 100 Instructor every year since 2017. He has also created several of the best training aids on the market. We start out talking about how he shagged balls for Moe Norman at age 9 and then took lessons from the great George Knudson. We hear about his college golf days at New Mexico State playing alongside 2002 PGA Champion Rich Beem. Martin's training aids have been used by PGA Tour Players like Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy and we get into which ones and why they use them. I wrap up this week's show with a visit from Chris Mitchell. Chris is one of the foremost experts in fantasy sports. He is also about to start writing for NewEngland.golf. He will be reviewing courses all along Cape Cod. If you're headed over there this summer, you'll want to hear what Chris has to say.

In this special segment of Next on the Tee, I'm joined by Michael Vrska, Director of Custom Fitting & Player Performance for Callaway. Michael is one of THE foremost authorities on equipment in the industry. He and I sat down at the PGA Merchandise Show to talk about their new AI Smoke driver and iron set. He explains how Callaway went about designing the new line, the research and technology that went into it, and why that technology will help you hit longer and straighter shots. Michael also talks about the importance of getting fit for the right golf ball and what to do to find the right one for your game.

On this episode, I'm joined by former Rams Pro Bowl QB Jim Everett, 2014 Georgia PGA Teacher of the Year Kevin Roman, former Tour Caddy and Founder of Inspiring Warriors Golf Russ Holden, and Oklahoma Junior Golf Hall of Famer, Tour Caddie, & Wife, Tami Mayfair. Jim Everett is a long-time friend and his football IQ and insights are off the charts good. I get his thoughts on the Steelers QB situation, where he thinks the Steelers should go in the draft, his admiration for Jared Goff, Dan Campbell's ill fated decisions to forego 2 crucial field goals, and some of his favorite Pro-Am stories. Kevin Roman is not only one of the Top Teachers in our game, he's also an equipment expert. If you're thinking about buying new wedges, irons, or a driver Kevin lets you know what to consider and how to pick out what's right for your game. Russ Holden has had a passion for giving back to our military Veterans and wounded warriors for many years. First, he established the Caddy for a Cure program to provide wonderful experiences for Veterans to caddy for PGA Tour stars plus presenting them life-changing gifts. He's taken that up a notch with his new organization Inspring Warriors Golf (www.iwg.golf). If you're a Veteran or know one, this is an important segment. We round this week's show with a visit from Tami Mayfair. Tami has had an amazing career in the game. We hear about her junior golf career which culminated with her being inducted into the Edmond, Oklahoma Junior Golf Hall of Fame. She starred on the Arizona State Women's Golf team at a time when both the women's and men's teams were winning national championships. She's also had a fantastic career in the broadcasting side of golf. She tells us some funny stories from her days covering The Masters. Tami is the one who figured out that her husband Billy Mayfair, might be on the Autism spectrum. Hear what tipped her off and what life has been like for both of them since he was officially diagnosed.

Tom Patri is back with me this week along with 3 Next on the Tee rookies, 1984 National Champion John Inman, 1986 Florida State Amateur Champion Barry Cheesman, and Robert Morris University Head Men's Golf Coach Steve Shingledecker. TP and I got into this past weekend's Wasted Management Open and if it has gone from being The People's Open to needing The People's Court? We also talk about the rash of 60 and sub 60 rounds we've seen recently, plus the resurrection of the Maxfli golf ball. John Inman won the 1984 National Championship while at the University of North Carolina. We hear about that victory, what it was like teaming with Davis Love III and Jack Nicklaus II to win the 1983/84 ACC Championship, getting the better of Rocco Mediate twice at the '84 Western Amateur and the Provident Classic, plus whether his brother Joe, a 4-time winner between the PGA & Champions Tours, would make a great next Commissioner of the PGA Tour. Barry Cheesman started out as a Minor League baseball player in the Cardinals farm system back in the 70s. He later turned his attention to golf and won the 1986 Florida State Amateur Championship. We hear that story plus about his 2 wins on the Ben Hogan Tour including at Quail Hollow outside of Cleveland. We also hear what it took to be a long driver out on Tour in the days of persimmon woods and balata golf balls. Steve Shingledecker is a great multi-sport athlete. He was an All-American baseball player at North Carolina State. He coached Franklin High School in the Pittsburgh area to the 2006 AAA PIAA basketball state championship, and he's now the Head Men's Golf Coach at Robert Morris. We started out talking about his high school friendship/rivalry with Top 100 Instructor and fellow Pittsburgh area native Eric Johnson during their Oil Creek Region days. We transitioned to his college baseball days at NC State where he was the ACC Tournament MVP in 1990. We then got into his golf career and being in the mix at the 2002 Pennsylvania State Mid Amateur Championship, what it was like leading Franklin High to that state basketball championship, and now building the Robert Morris men's golf program.

On this episode I'm joined by PGA Professional & Director of Golf at Alpine Country Club John Mascari, 2019 Champions Tour Player of the Year Scott McCarron, 2-time winner on Tour and now Top Instructor Rick Fehr, plus 2008 Minnesota Teacher of the Year and 2022/2023 Top Instructor in South Dakota Todd Kolb. John Mascari weighs in on the state of professional golf and where he thinks it'll be 5-10 years down the road. We hear the best pieces of advice he's been given in his business and golf careers and if the golf ball rollback is much to do about nothing. Scott McCarron shares his thoughts on golf becoming more of a worldwide game and if Rory was right in saying we could see a Premier League like structure. He also shared his thoughts on what it will be like when Tiger comes to play out on the Champions Tour, and we looked back on his first PGA Tour victory and how Johnny Miller's comments on the practice range fueled him to turn a 1 shot lead over Tom Watson into a 5 stroke victory. We finish off hearing about a great property he recently bought down in the Bahamas in Jack's Bay Club which features courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Rick Fehr won twice out on the PGA Tour. He is also one of the most decorated amateur players in the last 40 years. He helped BYU win a national championship and he was low Amateur in the 1984 Masters and US Open. Rick teaches in the Seattle area. We focused our conversation on the mental side of the game. We talked about how to get into a flow state or "the zone". He shared tips for how to figure out which tips on the internet are good and which ones may be leading us down the wrong path. Rick was annually one of the best putters on Tour and provided some drills to help us make more putts. Todd Kolb rounds out the show. He's one of the Top Instructors in the north-central part of the country. He has written a wonderful book titled, The Bad Lie, Why Traditional Golf Instruction is Failing You and What To Do Instead. We delve into why that's the case and what his Vertical Line Swing System is. We get tips for how to hit a high, soft flop shot, how to gain more distance off the tee for those of us north of 50, and how to get your hips to turn versus sway in your downswing.

What a privilege to get to spend some time with one of the great people you get to meet in this life, Melissa Fitzgerald. Melissa played Carol Fitzpatrick, CJ's assistant, on The West Wing. You've also probably seen her movies like The Truman Show and Monument Avenue or on other TV shows like Gray's Anatomy and Chasing The Hill. Melissa and I start out talking about growing up in Philadelphia. She is the daughter of a father who was a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Judge and her mother was also politically active and volunteered in the community. They are graduates of the University of Pennsylvania. I asked Melissa what it was like for her to give the commencement speech at Chestnut Hill College. We then delved into how loyal West Wing fans are to the cast and show. She talks about the support she's gotten over the years from her West Wing cast members, and the new book that she and Mary McCormack have written about their West Wing experience called, What's Next, due out later this summer. We then transition into the incredible work she's done following the show. We hear about how the In Excelsis Deo episode became a reality for her when she was hired as the Director of Justice for Vets, a non-profit organization focused on veterans' treatment courts. It has recently gone through a rebranding to All Rise. Her cast mates have rallied around her in her new role to help raise money and awareness for the great things this court system is doing to help our Veterans, who are dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues, get their lives back on track. Be sure to check out the great things Melissa and All Rise are doing online at www.allrise.org plus give her a follow on Instagram or X @maffyfitz. The book will be available later his summer in August. You can pre-order on Amazon. I will try to get both Melissa and Mary McCormack to join me when the release date gets closer.

I ran into two great friends and Top Instructors in our game, Rob Strano and Debbie O'Connell, while walking the floor of the PGA Merchandise show. We talked, new putting products, AI's impact on the game, resurrecting old equipment, feel vs. data, rooting for small businesses, Season 6 of The Golf Kingdom, the power of the mind, focusing on our positive shots, the one hole that always gets us,

I had the privilege of spending a few minutes with Jill Spiegel, President of the PGA Tour SuperStore, on the floor of the PGA Merchandise Show. Jill is one of the most influential people in the golf retail business. I got her thoughts on the shift in the retail soft goods side of the business over the years, some of the merging trends for 2024, where Nike stands in the market now, their relationship with the Travis Matthew brand, and what influences AI will have going forward.

This week I am joined by 4 of the Top Instructors and Body Movement experts in the game. Keith Jarvis is a Lead Instructor at Golf Channel Academy. He can be found in the New York/New Jersey areas and on the V1 app. Keith breaks down Trackman data and helps us understand what smash factor is, what good spin rate numbers are off the driver, how to take a pivot after we strike the ball, and why you should tee the ball lower than what you've been told. Terry Hashimoto is the Founder of BodiTrak Golf and Golf Rehab.com. Terry explains why all good players have 80+% of their weight on the lead leg by the time they get to the top of their backswing. We also learn why golf is a great rehab game for those suffering from concussions, and which fundamentals are no longer relevant. Katherine Robers is the Top Movement Skills person and Yoga Instructor in the world in my opinion. She's about to begin her 10th season working with the Chicago Cubs. She takes us through how she can help those of us suffering from some sort of injury get back in the game. We hear how ground reaction forces can help us generate more distance, and some stretches we can do to warm up before we go play. TP joins me and shares his thoughts on last week's PGA Merchandise Show, the time he spent working with Jackie Burke Jr., Rory's about-face on yet another LIV issue, and who he's picking to win the Super Bowl.

Former Giants 2-time Super Bowl Champion DB Mark Collins joins me on this special segment of Next on the Tee. Mark also played for the Chiefs, Seahawks, and Packers. Mark talks about his favorite Pro-Ams to play in including the Mid Penn Bank Celebrity Golf Tournament. We hear about his recent trip to the TaylorMade Kingdom, his week working with Butch Harmon, how Butch got him to realize that golf is supposed to be fun since he doesn't play it for a living, the courses on Mark's bucket list, and who he thinks will be playing in the Super Bowl.

This week I'm joined by Tom Patri and a trio of Next on the Tee rookies, one of the Top 100 Teachers to Watch for 2024 & 2025 Meaghan Francella, one of the most decorated Amateur players ever Steve Scott, and the Director of Golf at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts Brendan Walsh. TP and I recap where we aren't with the PIF/PGA Tour merger, Keith Pelley's resignation as CEO of the DP World Tour, Martin Slumber's resignation from the R&A, plus a playing lesson to help you fix your slice. Meaghan Francella won back-to-back New York State junior championships in the late 90s. She would go on to win the Conference USA title at the University of Memphis before transferring to the University of North Carolina and winning the ACC Championship there. We hear those stories plus her remarkable debut on the LPGA Tour where she beat Annika Sorenstam in a playoff to win the MasterCard Classic in just her second start on Tour. Steve Scott was another accomplished junior player having won the 1992, '93, and '94 South Florida Junior Championship. He was an All-American at the University of Florida, winning 3 individual titles his senior season. He famously battled Tiger Woods in the 1996 US Amateur taking a 5 UP lead into the last 18 holes of their match. If Steve hadn't reminded Tiger to move his ball mark back on the 16th green, he would have won the match 3&2. Instead, he did the right thing and went on to lose the match on the 38th hole. The golf gods gave him great karma as he went on to a great amateur career including 2 appearances in the Walker Cup and now as a top Broadcast Analyst for ESPN and PGA Tour Live. Brenden Walsh is the Director of Golf at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. He is the 12th of 15 children to a father who is a Philadelphia golf legend and a mother who is clearly a saint. Brendan played his college golf over at the College of Wooster just outside of Akron, Ohio. He won the 1996 Connecticut Open. During his tenure at The Country Club, he hosted the 1999 Ryder Cup, 2013 US Amateur, and the 2022 US Open. Hear all those stories and more during our conversation.

Mike McGee is from East Palestine, Ohio. He is the son of 4-time winner on Tour and Western Pennsylvania PGA Section Hall of Famer Jerry McGee. He is also the Managing Director of the Annika brand and Annika Sorenstam’s husband. Mike was also an All-Conference baseball player at the University of Mount Union over in Alliance, Ohio. He shares stories about growing up in the small town of East Palestine, Ohio in the early 80s. Mike speaks of a simpler time of backyard games and never locking your door. Mike reflects back on the Annika Fore East Palestine campaign that helped that community recover from the tragic train derailment and chemical spill that resulted last year. We also hear about his father’s career including playing in the 1977 Ryder Cup, multiple appearances in The Masters, and what it was like for Mike to induct his father into the Western Pennsylvania PGA Section Hall of Fame last fall. Mike is a huge Steelers fan so he weighs in on this weekend’s playoff matchup against Buffalo.

Suzy Whaley was the first female President of the PGA of America. She is now the President of the new golf platform Golf Nation. We hear about the great shows they've created for Golf Nation including Three Courses featuring my recent guests Gabi Powel and Hannah Lerner. We also hear about Suzy's show Do I Know You, which is a Dating Game like show with Tour players and their spouses. Suzy and I also breakdown the Solheim Cup, the Ryder Cup, whether players should get paid to play, and her participation on the Legends of the LPGA Tour.

Eddie & the Cruiser star and the host of Backspin Golf Matthew Laurance joins me on this special bonus edition of Next on the Tee.  Matthew shares his thoughts on what could be next for Tiger's brand, Jon Rahm's defection to LIV, plus the recent resignations of DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley and R&A CEO Martin Slumbers. We also hear about some of Matthew's favorite courses down in the Lexington, Kentucky area, who has the prettiest practice swing you ever saw, the filming of Eddie & the Cruisers, and remembering his friend Tim Wakefield. Check out Matthew's show Backspin Golf every Sunday morning at 8:03 AM EST on ESPN Radio WLXG (www.wlxg.com) and follow him on X @reallauro5.

This week I am joined by Mike McGee former Mount Union All-Conference baseball player, Jerry McGee’s son, and Managing Director of the Annika brand and her husband, Jeff Smith Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor and Golf Digest’s Top Instructor in the state of Indiana, and Evan Schiller PGA Professional and renowned golf course Photographer. Mike McGee is from East Palestine, Ohio. He is the son of 4-time winner on Tour and Western Pennsylvania PGA Section Hall of Famer Jerry McGee. He is also the Managing Director of the Annika brand and Annika Sorenstam’s husband. Mike was also an All-Conference baseball player at the University of Mount Union over in Alliance, Ohio. He shares stories about growing up in the small town of East Palestine, Ohio in the early 80s. Mike speaks of a simpler time of backyard games and never locking your door. Mike reflects back on the Annika Fore East Palestine campaign that helped that community recover from the tragic train derailment and chemical spill that resulted last year. We also hear about his father’s career including playing in the 1977 Ryder Cup, multiple appearances in The Masters, and what it was like for Mike to induct his father into the Western Pennsylvania PGA Section Hall of Fame last fall. Mike is a huge Steelers fan so he weighs in on this weekend’s playoff matchup against Buffalo. Jeff Smith has been named a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor each of the last four years. Golf Digest has named him the best Teacher in the state of Indiana. Jeff also Co-Hosts a wonderful podcast alongside John Ashton called Those Weekend Golf Guys. We start out by hearing how his wife Kathy is one who got him started playing golf. Kathy played college golf at Indiana University, where they both went to school. Jeff shares the story of what it was like for him when he got the call that he was named a Top 100 Instructor by Golf Magazine. He says something that will stick with me forever, “You can do a lot of good in this world if you can teach someone to play golf.” We get into his winter seasonal jobs down at Bonita Bay Club outside of Naples, Florida and summering at Eagle Springs Golf Club in Wolcott, Colorado. We also get a couple of playing lessons for how to transition to playing on Bermuda grass if you’re going to Florida this winter and why we should consider leaving our 3-wood in the garage and replacing it with a 5-wood. Evan Schiller is quite possibly THE best golf course photographer of all-time. If you think that may be hyperbole, please check out his work online at www.evanschillerphotography.com. Evan and I start out talking about his 2024 calendar and how he went about deciding which courses to include. He talks about his use of drone videos and what it was like shooting the 7th hole at Pebble Beach plus the range of clubs people have used on that very short Par 3 depending on whether the wind was up. We transition to some of the incredible courses he’s photographed overseas including Old Head in Ireland plus which courses remain on is bucket list.

We kick off 2024 and Season #11 of the show with Tom Patri, Kermit Zarley, Dr. Bob Winters, and Jane Crafter. TP and I get into the deadline that wasn't with the PIF and the PGA Tour. The New Year's deadline came and went and instead of professional golf going into a new year with all this behind them, we got nothing. I also get his thoughts on the power play that some players may be trying to pull off like telling Fred Ridley that The Masters needs to up their prize money. TP also gives us a lesson on what to do if we've contracted the dreaded Y word with our putting. Kermit Zarley played his college golf at the University of Houston. He was the medalist at the 1962 National Championship and helped the Cougars win the team title as well. We hear about what it was like being a part of Houston's domination of men's college golf from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. Kermit then takes us through his 4 wins on tour and what it was like battling Jack Nicklaus at the 1972 US Open at Pebble Beach. Dr. Bob Winters is back. He is one of the Top Sports Psychologists. He takes us through his 5 Truth Bombs to Help Create Golf Confidence. We also learn about his recent trip to Scotland where he played at Prestwick, the site of the very first Open Championship. His trip also include a stop at Dundonald Golf Club site of the Women's Open Championship. I round out the show with a visit from Jane Crafter. Jane is from Perth, Australia. She is a two-time Australian Ladies Masters Champion plus winner of the 1997 Australian Open. We hear about those tremendous victories plus what it was like battling Nancy Lopez at the 1990 Phar-Mor at Inverrary and being a driving force behind starting the Legends of the LPGA Tour.

It was a huge thrill getting to spend some time with an all-time great player in Jay Haas. Jay was the medalist at the 1975 National Championship and he helped Wake Forest win back-to-back National Championships in 1975 and '75. He won 27 times between the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour. He was also recognized with the Payne Stewart Award and the Bob Jones Award for his sportsmanship, character, and charity. Jay is the nephew of 1968 Masters Champion Bob Goalby, and his sons Bill, Jay Jr., and nephew Dillard Pruitt also played out on the PGA Tour. We start out talking about how his Uncle got him started in the game. We move on to the story of how Arnold Palmer and Lanny Watkins influenced his decision to play his college golf at Wake Forester. Jay gives us behind-the-scenes stories about teaming with Curtis Strange, Bob Byman, and David Thore and dominating college tournaments while they were there. We then get into his relationship with two great friends of this show, Tom Purtzer and Rob Strano. We hear about how he battled Ben Crenshaw in the 1995 Masters plus what it was like being on the course during Jack Nicklaus' great triumph at the '86 Masters. We then go through his major breakthrough at the 2006 Senior PGA Championship, winning it again in 2008, and coming from 5 strokes back to defeat Tom Watson in the 2009 Senior Players Championship. We round things out by hearing about this 1983 Ryder Cup experience and his plans for 2024.

We close out season #10 in style as I am joined by a trio of outstanding people, Mitch Laurance, Ross Greenburg, and David Peoples. Mitch Laurance has hosted several fantastic golf podcasts, the most recent is Talking Golf Getaways. He's also one of my favorite people on the planet. Mitch's perspective as a golf Historian is invaluable. He exclusively plays hickory clubs and a golf ball from the 1920s. Rolling the golf back means nothing to him but his perspective on the loss of trust between the PGA Tour and the fans has impacted his desire to watch golf on TV; that is something the PGA Tour should sit up and listen to. We also hear about his experience being in Rome for the Ryder Cup earlier this year and why it seems to mean so much more to the European fans than it does for us in the US. Ross Greenburg is the former President of HBO Sports and is now head of Ross Greenburg Productions. He's produced many of the great films and documentaries of our time. He did 61 with Billy Crystal, Miracle the movie about the 1980 US Hockey team, a series of documentary films for the USGA including the battle between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus at the 1962 US Open at Oakmont, the 1999 US Open won by Payne Stewart, and the 1991 Ryder Cup, the War at the Shore. Ross takes us inside the making of each of those films plus tell us what it was like being in Tokyo for the Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas fight and interviewing both fighters prior to the fight. David Peoples played his college golf at the Unversity of Florida alongside our good friend Mark Calc plus Rick Pearson and Larry Rentz. We get some funny stories of how those guys punished their clubs when they didn't act right, like Rick tying his putter behind the team van and dragging it back to Gainesville, and Larry trying out for the Gator football team. We also hear about David's wins at the 1990 Kapalua Invitational, the '91 Southern Open, and the '92 Anheuser Busch Classic over some legendary fields.

This week I'm joined by 3 of the best Instructors and PGA Professionals in our game Tom Patri, Tom Wildenhaus, and Nancy Quarcelino plus aspiring Tour Pro and Trackman Golf Rep Andrew Strother. TP and I try to make sense of what's going on in the game with Jon Rahm signing with LIV when the proposed partnership deadline is still weeks away. Has Patrick Cantlay gone all Alexander Haig on the PGA Policy Board? Why has yet another tournament sponsor pulled out? Could we be headed for tournament specific golf balls at USGA & R&A hosted tournaments if the PGA Tour and PGA of America hold fast to not adopting the rolled-back ball. If so, who's going to produce that ball? As usual we try to solve the world's problems in segment one. Tom Wildenhaus is a 2 time South Florida PGA Professional of the Year. He has also spent over 2 decades at one of the top courses in Florida, Olde Florida Golf Club. We discuss the high expectations of one of their founding members, Mike Ditka. We also hear about the wonderful things the section has done for people away from the game of golf and some of the tremendous junior talent that has come up through the section as well. Nancy Quarcelino is not only annually named one of the Top 50 LPGA Teachers by Golf Digest, she has now reached Elite status. We talk about that recognition. I also get her thoughts on the new influx of money into the LPGA Tour, a return to mixed team events like the Grant Thornton tournament, the recent loss of her friend and University of Kentucky women's golf coach Betty Lou Evans, working with our mutual friend Dr. Alison Curdt, and how incredibly talented Minjee Lee is. Andrew Strother is one of the great people you get to meet in our game. After playing high school golf in rural Kentucky he went on to the University of Kentucky and graduated with a triple major in finance, marketing, and communications. He didn't play college golf but did help establish club golf at UK. In his late 20s, he decided to give professional golf a try after competing in long-drive contests. Andrew talks about his grind to get through Q-School to play on the Mexican Tour, his Top 30 finish in the Colorado Open, and caddying at the Barbasol Championship earlier this year.

This week I'm joined by Champions Tour Pro and member of the University of Texas Hall of Honor Bob Estes, Pittsburgh native and now Director of Golf at the Golf Club of Houston Adam Lockwood, Top Instructor and Host of The Golf Kingdom TV Show Rob Strano, and Champions Tour Pro and 1987 US Amateur Champion Billy Mayfair. This week I got all four guys to weigh in on the rollback of the golf ball. It is certainly the hot topic around the game and will have reverberations for years to come. In addition to that: Bob Estes talks about his Texas Longhorns run at the National Championship in college football. We also talk about this season on the Champions Tour, the great history of men's golf at Texas, and the complicated formula for players to qualify to play on the Champions Tour. Adam Lockwood is from just outside of my hometown of Pittsburgh. He had a very successful high school golf career at Apollo-Ridge which launched him to attend PennWest California and enter their Professional Golf Management program. We get into that, the internships he did around the New York City area, and now being the Director of Golf at the Golf Club of Houston, the former site of the Houston Open. Rob Strano is one of the Top Instructors in our game plus the Host of The Golf Kingdom TV Show which you can check out on Amazon Fire, Roku TV, Blab TV, and Rob's YouTube Channel. He shares his thoughts on the rumors of the day including an interesting idea for what could happen if Jon Rahm defects to LIV and Rory moves to England. We also get a playing from his Time To Build segment and a pointer on Don't Be That Guy. Billy Mayfair and his wife Tami are two outstanding people. I got to spend some time with them on the practice tee prior to the Mitsubishi Electric Classic in Atlanta. Billy went out and had his best tournament of the year that week, which I'm totally taking credit for. Along with that, Billy shares memories from his win at the 1987 US Amateur Championship, the pressure of being an Arizona State grad standing on the 16th tee at the Waste Management Open knowing the fans can't wait to boo or cheer you. We also learn one of the best parts of playing in the Greater Milwaukee Open which had nothing to do with the golf and what it feels like to have how much money you earned publicized every week.

On this episode, I'm joined by Top Instructor Tom Patri, Pittsburgh Sports Talk Radio Host Paul Alexander, Wisconsin Golf Hall of Famer Gary D'Amoto, and US Kids Top 50 Master Professional Chris Knobloch. Tom Patri and I talk golf conspiracy theories like Jon Rahm leaving for LIV, why Rory resigned from the PGA Tour Policy Board and looking at moving back to England, why NBC Sports let Paul Azinger and 15-year Producer Brandt Packer go, and what happens if the LIV/PGA Tour merger doesn't go through. Paul Alexander can be heard on 93.7 The Fan up in Pittsburgh. He is an expert on not only Pittsburgh sports, but also Western PA golf. I get his thoughts on the Steelers now that Matt Canada is gone plus if the Penguins can make to the post season. Paul recently emceed the Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremony and we hear about that night and in particular Mke McGee, Annika Sorenstam's husband, inducting his father Jerry McGee. Jerry was a 4-time winner on Tour and a part of the victorious 1977 Ryder Cup team. Paul also shares a great story of how he went from caddying for Arnold Palmer at a Pro-Am to teaming with Hale Irwin to beat Arnie and his partner. Gary D'Amoto is an Officer for the Golf Writer's Association of America and is also a member of the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame. He's written several books one of which is autobiographical titled, A Perfect Childhood, Growing up in the 1960s with Baseball, the Beatles, and Beaver Cleaver. He shares his stories about what it was like growing up in the 60s, stories many of us can related to. We also talk Wisconsin golf, the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills, and the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. Gary has covered every Masters since 1993 and we hear about his chance meeting with a young Tiger Woods in 1996 and what it was like watching Jack Nicklaus make a run at a 7th Green Jacket at age 58 in 1998. Chris Knobloch is a US Kids Top 50 Master Professional. He takes us inside his junior golf school and how he gets kids excited to play golf at a young age. We also get some advice for us as parents on how to allow our kids to enjoy the game without the pressure of our expectations for them.

We get into those questions and much more with my guests: Hall of Fame Instructor Jim McLean, former Tour Player and all-time great Analyst Frank Nobilo, the Starter at 23 US Opens Ron Read, and PGA Tour Advance Rules Official Stephen Cox. Jim McLean has been inducted into 4 Hall of Fames. His list of awards and accolades as an Instructor are too numerous to list. I get Jim's thoughts on how we can build confidence in ourselves and our game's, how to raise our play to tournament level, and the one thing we can do today to lower our scores this weekend. Frank Nobilo won 14 times around the world, he finished in the Top 10 of all 4 majors, and is now an all-time great Analyst. We discuss why PGA Tour players are overpaid, what could happen if the PIF/PGA Tour partnership doesn't go through plus, we go back to his T4 finish in the 1994 US Open at Oakmont, and what it was like being on the course at Augusta National as Greg Norman was collapsing in 1996. Ron Reed worked for the USGA for over two decades and was the Starter at the US Open from 1986 to 2010. We hear his memories of announcing Arnold Palmer in Arnie's final US Open at Oakmont in 1994, who Ron thought was the most nervous player he ever saw standing on the first tee (his answer will surprise you), being there for Payne Stewart's triumph in 1999 and Phil's heartbreak in 2006. You'll also hear the heartwarming story of presenting Tom Watson's caddie Bruce Edwards with the flag from the 17th green from the 1982 US Open. We also get the story of the beaver who halted the 1990 US Amateur Public Links tournament. Follow Ron on Twitter @golfdinosaurrr and get his book, Starting the US Open, Shinnecock to Pebble Beach online at www.ronread.com or on Amazon. Stephen Cox has been a PGA Tour Rules Official since 1997. We hear about some of the unpopular rulings he's had to give out over the years and the players who didn't agree with him. We learn about the job the Rules Officials do which goes way beyond riding around in a golf cart handing out penalties. They are responsible for course setup and playing conditions and sometimes they are working on those things a year in advance of the tournament. We also discuss the rule he thinks the USGA & R&A need to take another look at. You can follow Stephen and his peers plus send them your rules questions on Twitter @pgatourrules.

In this special segment of the show, I'm joined by one of the all-time great Sports Writers and Authors, The Boston Globe's Chad Finn. Chad has a fantastic new book out titled, "Story of the Red Sox, More Than A Century Of Championships, Challenges, and Characters. If you are a Red Sox or an avid baseball fan, this is a must-read. Chad goes back and collects articles from The Boston Globe from the very beginning days of the franchise, right up through the 2022 season. You'll learn about the birth of the Red Sox, Babe Ruth's arrival and departure, the greatest hitter who ever lived Ted Williams, the Impossible Dream season of 1967, the 1975 World Series, '86, and the departures of Clemens, Pedro, Nomar, and Boggs, to their ultimate triumphs in 2004, '07, '13, and '18. The book is a fantastic read. You'll not only learn everything you need to know about the history of the Red Sox franchise, you'll also have a great time doing it because Chad is such a wonderful writer. You can get your copy of the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Boston-Globe-Story-Red-Championships/dp/0762482079

On this episode two of the Top Instructors in our game, Tom Patri and John Hughes, join me along with Champions Tour Pro Rob Labritz and PGA Tour SuperStore Chief Merchandising Officer Randy Peitsch. TP and I also reflect back on two great feel-good stories from the Bermuda Championship in the performances of Tyson Alexander and Camilo Villegas's inspirational victory. Champions Tour Pro Rob Labritz and I go back to his journey through Champions Tour Q-School in 2021. He was the medalist which earned him his Tour card. You'll hear about his grind to get there. We also talk about perhaps the best bogey save I've ever seen which earned Rob the final spot in last week's Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Randy Peitsch is the Chief Merchandising Officer for the PGA Tour SuperStore. Randy shares several great gift ideas for the golf enthusiast in our lives, even if that person is us. We hear what his Top 3 gift ideas are plus some great new tech items that have recently hit the shelves. Next, we get into the new TGL League. Arthur Blank not only owns the Atlanta Falcons, he also owns the PGA Tour SuperStore and the new Atlanta franchise in the TGL. We talk about the team, the players, and how the SuperStore is going to be involved with the League. We round out the show with PGA Master Professional John Hughes. I tap into John's swing expertise to get tips for how to make more putts when we're faced with fast downhill lies. He gives us some mental tips when we're faced with pitching over a pond, and how get more distance off the tee. John also hosted a couple of golf schools up at McLemore this year. He got a firsthand look at the second course that Bill Bergin and Rees Jones are Co-Designing up there called The Keep. Rees shared with us a few months ago that it's so good it could host a major tournament one day. John walked the course and shared his perspective on what we'll see when that course opens in the Spring.

This week I am joined by 2 legends of the game, John Cook and John Mahaffey, plus one of the great players in Western Pennsylvania history Bob Friend Jr., and Top 100 Instructor and Pittsburgh native Eric Johnson. John Cook and I go back to his epic victory at the 1983 Canadian Open when he defeated Johnny Miller on the 6th playoff hole. We hear how, in his 2nd season on Tour, he held up to the pressure of trying to win arguably the 5th biggest event on Tour at the time, over a legend like Miller. We also get into the great things his father Jim did to advance PGA Tour purses plus John's course design work. John Mahaffey won the 1978 PGA Championship at Oakmont. We go back to that tournament and hear what it was like for him to get that win after having lost 2 previous US Opens. John would double down on that PGA victory by winning the very next week at the American Optical Classic over the only Optometrist on Tour, Dr. Gil Morgan. John also shares his memories of being a part of the victorious 1979 Ryder Cup team and why it's the most scared he's ever been. Bob Friend Jr. was a grinder on Tour for over 20 years. He's also one of the best players in Western Pennsylvania golf history. He won the 1984 & '85 Western Pennsylvania Amateur Championships. He backed that up by winning the '85 Pennsylvania State Amateur Championship. We hear about all 3 of those victories plus insights into some of the other great area courses he enjoys including his own club, Oakmont Country Club. Eric Johnson has been named a Top 100 Instructor for over a decade now. He spent 17 years at Oakmont CC, several of which were as the Director of Instruction. He's now at Yellowstone Golf Club in Big Sky, Montana. We hear about Yellowstone and some other great Montana courses that should be on our list to play. Eric recently took a trip to Southern California where he played Monterey Peninsula CC, Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, and Spanish Bay. If that wasn't great enough, he followed that up with a visit to Pine Valley. We hear about all of that plus we get a tip for how to play better as the temperatures go down and the turf gets harder.

On this week's show, I'm joined by the great Tom Patri, 9-time winner between the PGA & Champions Tours Tom Purtzer, the Pittsburgh Field Club's Head Golf Professional Chris Sheehan, and the Curator of History at Oakmont and Allegheny Country Club, David Moore. TP and I go back to his 1981 D2 National Championship while he was at Florida Southern. We hear about the penalty levied on him and his team in 1980 that cost them the National Championship and how they used that to fuel them to win it the next year. Tom shares some advice for kids and their parents looking to play college golf and he talks about the great player that Andy Bean was. We lost Andy a couple of days ago. Tom Purtzer won 9 times between the PGA & Champions Tours. One of the many amazing things about his accomplishments is that he won tournaments over the course of 3 different decades, winning in 1977, '84, '88, and '91. We get into one of his professional wins not on the PGA Tour, a 10-stroke victory at the 1979 Japan vs. USA Golf Matches. He also takes us inside his conversation with Ben Hogan at the Champions Dinner prior to the Colonial National Invitational. Chris Sheehan is the Head Professional at the Pittsburgh Field Club. Chris has worked at some of the most prestigious courses in our country like Oak Hill, Inverness, and Lebanon Country Club. Along his golf journey, he got to work with Bill and Craig Harmon. Chris and I get into the rich history of PFC. The club is 142 years old and beginning preparation for their 150th anniversary in 2032. We hear about Alexander Findlay's original course design plus the Hall of Fame Designers who have tinkered with the course over the years like A.W. Tillinghast, Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones, and Tripp Davis. We also hear the tale of the 18th hole which was transformed from a 275-yard Par 4 into a Par 3 after a few members died climbing up the steep elevation change from the tee to the green. David Moore is the Curator of Collections at Oakmont and Allegheny Country Clubs. David tells some fantastic Arnold Palmer stories that give great insight into who Mr. Palmer was. We go way back and hear the history behind the first 25 years at Oakmont. He also shares his insights on the origin of the Stimpmeter, the Golf Heritage Society's National Convention, the work he did at Montclair Golf Club in New Jersey, and an inexpensive DIY project to display your autographed golf balls.

Peter Gray and Gary Lisbon have put together a fantastic book titled, Golfing the British Isles, The Weekend Warrior's Companion. In it, we learn about the rich history of many of the legendary courses along the British Isles like, The Old Course, Royal Portrush, Turnberry, Carnoustie, Prestwick, and Old Head to name just a few. The photos taken by Gary Lisbon are breathtaking, ones you'd love to have framed in your den or office. The whole book from cover to cover is spectacular. Have a listen as Peter Gray takes us on a journey to some of the greatest courses in our game.

On this episode, I am joined by one of the all-time great Authors and Golf TV Broadcast Producers Keith Hirshland, PGA Tour Legend Hal Sutton, Host of Grilling at the Green & BBQ aficionado Jeff Tracy, and top Sports Psychologist Dr. Bob Winters. Keith Hirshland is my all-time favorite author. He's written 6 wonderful books like "Song Girl, A Mystery in 2 Verses" (watch out for the CT Mascaro character), "Cover Me Boys I'm Going In, Tales of the Tube from a Broadcast Brat (my all-time favorite book), and his latest is the second book in the Murphy Murphy series, The Case of the Commission on Cliches. You can get all of them out on Amazon or www.keithhirshland.com. Keith and I talk about what mischief Murphy gets into this time around. Keith is also the Producer of the LIV Golf broadcasts. We hear his thoughts on Season 2 of LIV golf, if he thinks there will be a Season 3 plus some of the cool new drone technology they're looking to use in Season 3. Hal Sutton is currently putting the finishing touches on his new course design called Darmor Club located just outside of Houston. It's an old-school Scottish design using templates from C.B MacDonald and Seth Raynor. He has created a course that we can all enjoy. I also get Hal's thoughts on the Ryder Cup and if NIL deals are about to infiltrate the world of golf. Hal also shares his disappointment about how playing on Tour used to be about the Tour and playing for charities first, playing for your coaches second, and then yourself. Now it's about self first. Jeff Tracy is a BBQ Master. He shares his excitement over his recent first trip to a Bucky's and their barbecue and the wall of jerky. He expounds on Hal's thought of giving back and the importance of benefit golf tournaments and doing for others. Jeff also talks about the crossover between the golf and horse industries. I also got his recommendation for a great barbecue sauce and rub we can use to up our barbecue game. Dr. Bob Winters is one of the top Sports psychologists in the country. He shares a wonderful story about Arnold Palmer and a putting tip Arnie gave him as a teenager when Bob attended one of Arnold's golf academies in Pennsylvania and that tip paid dividends when they played together again together at Bay Hill in 2007. We also learn techniques for how to calm down after a bad shot, the importance of self-belief, and his sports vision research that can lead to improved putting.

This week I'm joined by LPGA Top 50 Instructor Debbie O'Connell, Simon Millington CEO for MacGregor, Ram, Ben Hogan, and Zebra Golf, 2017 & 2018 Senior Italian Open Champion Clark Dennis, Power2Golf Co-Founder & CMO Steve Fluke, and our Resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri. Debbie O'Connell is a multi-award winning Instructor. She is doing great work on the mental side of the game. Debbie shares what flow state is and how we can get into it so our minds are freed up to perform at peak levels. You can watch her Master Class titled, 5 Keys to Unlocking Flow State, free using the link below. You can also get her Flow State ebook by texting FLOW to 727-339-0106. https://debbie-oconnell.com/unlock-your-brain Simon Millington is resurrecting several of the iconic brands in golf, like MacGregor, Ram, Ben Hogan, Zebra, and Teardrop. We hear about the MacGregor MT86 irons, Ram FX77 irons, what makes Zebra putters, formerly used by Raymond Floyd and Nick Price to win majors, the easiest putters to line up, and the exciting relaunch of the Ben Hogan Golf brand coming next month. Clark Dennis started his college golf career at the University of Arkansas where he was teammates with John Daly. Clark says John has been the same guy going all the way back to their junior golf days. Clark turned pro in 1986 and we hear about his first victory on the then Nike Tour defeating Jim Furyk and Sonny Skinner in a playoff at the 1993 Bakersfield Open. Clark finished T6 at the 1994 US Open at Oakmont. He watched from the 10th fairway as Arnold Palmer walked up 18 for the final time in his US Open career. He right in the thick of it until the back 9 on Sunday. We also hear about Clark's back-to-back Senior Italian Open titles and how he came from 6 shots back during the final round of the 2017 Dutch Masters tournament to take home the trophy. Steve Fluke is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer for Power2Golf. They've designed a swingless golf club for adaptive golfers who can no longer swing a club. It's a fascinating device which players can dial up distances, change trajectory, and hit fades and hooks. He takes us through what is literally the rocket science behind the club. Tom Patri joins me in the final segment and we discuss the rules we weekend warriors created like 2 off the first tee, mulligans, the fall and winter leaf rule, plus stroke and distance when we should go back to the tee. We also talk about the one rule we'd change if we could.

This week I'm joined by LPGA Top 50 Instructor Debbie O'Connell, Simon Millington CEO for MacGregor, Ram, Ben Hogan, and Zebra Golf, 2017 & 2018 Senior Italian Open Champion Clark Dennis, Power2Golf Co-Founder & CMO Steve Fluke, and our Resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri. Debbie O'Connell is a multi-award winning Instructor. She is doing great work on the mental side of the game. Debbie shares what flow state is and how we can get into it so our minds are freed up to perform at peak levels. You can watch her Master Class titled, 5 Keys to Unlocking Flow State, free using the link below. You can also get her Flow State ebook by texting FLOW to 727-339-0106. https://debbie-oconnell.com/unlock-your-brain Simon Millington is resurrecting several of the iconic brands in golf, like MacGregor, Ram, Ben Hogan, Zebra, and Teardrop. We hear about the MacGregor MT86 irons, Ram FX77 irons, what makes Zebra putters, formerly used by Raymond Floyd and Nick Price to win majors, the easiest putters to line up, and the exciting relaunch of the Ben Hogan Golf brand coming next month. Clark Dennis started his college golf career at the University of Arkansas where he was teammates with John Daly. Clark says John has been the same guy going all the way back to their junior golf days. Clark turned pro in 1986 and we hear about his first victory on the then Nike Tour defeating Jim Furyk and Sonny Skinner in a playoff at the 1993 Bakersfield Open. Clark finished T6 at the 1994 US Open at Oakmont. He watched from the 10th fairway as Arnold Palmer walked up 18 for the final time in his US Open career. He right in the thick of it until the back 9 on Sunday. We also hear about Clark's back-to-back Senior Italian Open titles and how he came from 6 shots back during the final round of the 2017 Dutch Masters tournament to take home the trophy. Steve Fluke is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer for Power2Golf. They've designed a swingless golf club for adaptive golfers who can no longer swing a club. It's a fascinating device which players can dial up distances, change trajectory, and hit fades and hooks. He takes us through what is literally the rocket science behind the club. Tom Patri joins me in the final segment and we discuss the rules we weekend warriors created like 2 off the first tee, mulligans, the fall and winter leaf rule, plus stroke and distance when we should go back to the tee. We also talk about the one rule we'd change if we could.

It's Girls Night Out II this week on Next on the Tee featuring my guests: former PGA of America President, now President of Golf Nation Suzy Whaley, Mark Calcavecchia's wife, part-time Caddie and better half Brenda, Junior Golf Leader of the Year Megan Younkman, and Adaptive Golf Instructor Gianna Rojas. Suzy Whaley was the first female President of the PGA of America. She is now the President of the new golf platform Golf Nation. We hear about the great shows they've created for Golf Nation including Three Courses featuring my recent guests Gabi Powel and Hannah Lerner. We also hear about Suzy's show Do I Know You, which is a Dating Game like show with Tour players and their spouses. Suzy and I also breakdown the Solheim Cup, the Ryder Cup, whether players should get paid to play, and her participation on the Legends of the LPGA Tour. Brenda Calcavecchia is not only Mark's wife, she's also his part-time Caddie. She provides her perspective of Tour events through the eyes of a Caddie during the day and a wife in the evenings. She shares which events treat the caddies well on Tour and RV life, going from tournament to tournament. Megan Younkman is the Director of Instruction at Bethpage Black. They are already making preparations for the Ryder Cup in 2025. If you thought the European crowd was harsh, wait until the event comes to New York City in '25. We hear about the other courses at Bethpage, which one is her favorite, plus keeping pace of play moving on the Black course. Megan was just named Junior Golf Leader of the Year and when you hear her talk about her junior program you'll understand why. She's fantastic! Gianna Rojas was born without a left hand but she has never let that stop her. We hear how she got started playing golf and ultimately created her fantastic adaptive golf program. She shares all the wonderful benefits that golf has on our physical and emotional well-being. She talks specifically about her adaptive golf program and the work she's doing getting more people to learn or re-learn how to play. Check out her program at www.adaptivegolfers.org

We fix the Ryder Cup this week on Next on the tee. I am joined by 4 of the very best Instructors in our game and we not only recap what took place, but we have the fix for how the US team can win next time around in 2025 at Bethpage. Hear Tom Patri, Frank Darby, Andy Traynor, and Rob Strano not only weigh in on that but also share some tips to help improve your short game.

On this episode I'm joined by 1989 Open Champion and 4 time US Ryder Cup team member Mark Calcavecchia, one of the great Amateur players, Broadcasters, and now Instructors in our game Bobby Clampett, one of the most decorated Instructors in our game, and 2 time Tennessee Teacher of the Year Virgil Herring, and former Tour Caddie of the Legends Larry Malestic. Mark Calcavecchia and I talk about his 4 Ryder Cup appearances. We hear about some of the classic pairings he had and matches he played in. We talk about the celebratory moments, how the pressure of the Ryder Cup compares to playing in a major, and his go-for-broke playing style. Bobby Clampett is one of the all-time great amateur players. We go back to his time at BYU and some of the great tournaments he won. We hear about the 1978 World Amateur Championship, his win at the Western Amateur, and the Porter Cup that same year. We also get into his Impact Zone Golf training philosophy and the dynamics of the golf swing. Virgil Herring is a 2 time Tennessee Teacher of the Year along with being a Top 50 US Kids Instructor. He has also coached several Tour players including Brandt Snedeker. We hear about how they got hooked up and what made Brandt one of the all-time great putters on Tour. We also talk mental approach and why Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is right when he says, "It's not what you're capable of, it's what you're willing to do." Larry Malestic caddied on the European Tour for 2 years and on the PGA & Champions Tour for 12. He was on the bag for legends like Gary Player, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Lee Trevino, Tom Weiskopf, Orville Moody, and Bruce Crampton. He's written a wonderful book titled, Golf Road, My Time with the Masters of the Game. Larry shares some of the great stories he tells in the book including caddying for Gary Player at The Masters, being on the bag for Chi Chi during the 1991 Senior Skins Game which also included Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino. So many great stories in this segment and in his book. Larry is a great storyteller.