Episodes
In Part 2 of this week’s show, we’re diving into the holiday season with some fantastic gift ideas for the golfer who seems to have it all.
First, I’m joined by Ben Helmrath, VP of Merchandising for Hard Goods at the PGA Tour SuperStore. Ben shares insights into the booming in-home golf simulator market and their exciting partnership with Full Swing. We’ll also discuss the PGA Tour SuperStore’s role as the official retailer for the much-anticipated TGL League, spearheaded by Tiger Woods...
Published 11/16/24
This week on the show, I’m excited to welcome back my “long lost cousin” John Mascari. John shares his thoughts on the proposed changes to the PGA Tour for 2026, which include reducing field sizes, the number of Tour cards available, and the number of Monday qualifiers, among other changes. As someone on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey PGA Section and the Director of Golf at Alpine Country Club, John has a unique perspective on how these changes could impact the game. Speaking of...
Published 11/15/24
In Part 2 of Episode 56, I’m thrilled to welcome Jenn Whaley, who’s making her Next on the Tee debut. If her last name sounds familiar, it should—she’s the daughter of Suzy Whaley, former President of the PGA of America and now President of Golf Nation. Suzy has been a wonderful friend of the show, and she’s raised an equally wonderful daughter in Jenn. Jenn’s passion for the game and her work with Top Golf and Callaway Brands comes shining through the energy in her voice. We chat about what...
Published 11/08/24
In Part 1 of this week’s episode, we’re kicking things off with our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who’s joining us for the 107th time and on the 9th anniversary of the first time he joined the show. Tom and I dive into the proposed changes for the 2025 PGA Tour season, which unfortunately don’t seem focused on growing the game at the professional level. We discuss the trickle-down effect these changes could have on top instructors like Tom and on others around the game who are...
Published 11/08/24
In this special bonus edition of the show I'm joined by former Houston Oilers Pro Bowl QB Dante Anthony Pastorini.
Dan Pastorini is not only a multi-time Hall of Fame athlete but also a Hall of Fame human being. Despite what you might see on commercials, he truly is one of the most interesting men on the planet—which you can read more about in his book, Taking Flak: My Life in the Fast Lane.
In this segment, Dan reflects on his journey with golf, sharing how he developed a passion for the...
Published 10/31/24
In Part 2 of Season 11, Episode 54, I welcome back good friend Matthew Laurance for another fun conversation. No matter how many times we get together, it never seems quite enough. This time, Matthew shares stories from his experience at a Major League Fantasy Camp with a team that's an unexpected choice for a lifelong Yankees fan! We also celebrate the anniversary of some of Matthew's most memorable acting roles, including his appearances on Beverly Hills 90210 and Eddie & the...
Published 10/27/24
In Part 1 of Season 11, Episode 54 I'm joined by the one and only Tom Patri plus top Sports Psychologist and the grandson of Bobby Jones, Dr. Bob Jones IV.
Tom Patri and I dive into the controversy surrounding the high cost of Ryder Cup tickets. With the PGA of America positioning the event as a “Super Bowl-level” spectacle, fans and potential volunteers are feeling the impact of sky-high prices. Tom shares his thoughts on whether the PGA's pricing strategy is justified, especially given...
Published 10/27/24
In Part 2 of Season 11, Episode 53, LPGA Top 50 Instructor Debbie O’Connell and Montauk Downs Golf Course Director of Instruction Keith Jarvis join me.
Debbie has a fantastic new mental game program starting on October 21st, called "Conquering Your Golf Mind." If you want to quickly improve your mental approach, have more fun on the course, and lower your handicap, this is the course for you. To sign up, you can text the word “YES” to 727-339-0106 and use the coupon code “Conquer50” to get...
Published 10/18/24
In Part 1 of Episode 53, I'm joined by Super Agent Leigh Steinberg and Buffalo Dunes Director of Instruction Jason Hase.
I’m excited to be joined by one of the most prominent figures in the history of sports and a member of our Thursday Night Tailgate Guest Hall of Fame, Leigh Steinberg. Leigh has been a regular guest for over 11 years, with his first appearance dating back to August 1, 2013. We’ll be diving into the massive surge in money within the world of sports, from skyrocketing...
Published 10/17/24
In Part 2 of Season 11, Episode 52 I'm joined by one of the most trusted and revered voices in Pittsburgh sports, Paul Alexander, and one of the all-time great Instructors Jim McLean.
Paul Alexander has been broadcasting in Pittsburgh for over 30 years. You've heard him on KDKA-TV and 93.7 The Fan, covering the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. His long tenure and deep connection with the local sports community have made him a respected and well-known voice in Pittsburgh. You can listen to...
Published 10/15/24
In Part 1 of Season 11, Episode 52, I’m joined by our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, and 1983 PGA Champion and two-time Players Champion, Hal Sutton.
As Tom prepared for the arrival of Hurricane Milton in Naples, Florida, he shared his insights on the Presidents Cup, including reports of players swearing at Tom Kim, and highlighted the impressive performances of golfers over 60 who are still proving they can compete at a high level.
Hal Sutton gives us an update on his...
Published 10/14/24
In Part 2 of Episode 51, I’m joined by two of Golf Tips Magazine’s Top 25 Instructors, Jon Decker and Tom Stickney, for long-overdue conversations packed with invaluable insights.
Jon Decker, the 2015 Southern Ohio Teacher of the Year and Director of Instruction at the Medallion Club, shares stories from his time with legendary mentor Phil Rogers, a memorable encounter involving Rogers and Gary Player, and strategies for overcoming the mental challenges that can sabotage your game. He also...
Published 10/11/24
In Part 1 of Season 11, Episode 51, I'm joined by Steelers Legend Rocky Bleier and The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters.
Rocky is one of the greatest storytellers in sports and has been a frequent and favorite guest over the years. He first joined me way back in 2011, and this marks the 13th time I've had the honor of chatting with him. We'll dive into the Steelers' season, revisit his early days in Pittsburgh, and hear some fantastic stories about playing alongside Terry Bradshaw. Rocky...
Published 10/07/24
In Part 2 of Episode 50, I’m joined by two-time Tennessee PGA Teacher of the Year, Virgil Herring, and two-time PGA Tour winner, Rick Fehr.
Virgil Herring is a graduate of Mississippi State’s Professional Golf Management program and has earned the title of Middle Tennessee Section PGA Teacher of the Year five times, as well as Tennessee Teacher of the Year twice. He has worked with several Tour players, including Brandt Snedeker.
In our conversation, Virgil shares stories about his time...
Published 10/02/24
In Part 1 of Episode 50, I’m joined by Steelers legend and Hall of Honor member Greg Lloyd, along with top physical therapist and athletic trainer, Dr. Kathy Hoeft.
Greg Lloyd, a Steelers Hall of Honor inductee, is also a member of our Guest Hall of Fame over on our football show, Thursday Night Tailgate. This is the 13th time I’ve had the privilege of speaking with Greg. In this segment, we discuss the challenges of being a late-round pick from a small college, overcoming judgments based...
Published 10/01/24
In Part 2 of Episode 49, I’m joined by two fantastic people: Megan Younkman, the Director of Instruction at Bethpage State Park, one of the Top 50 Junior and LPGA Instructors in the game, plus comedic legend and veteran of 61 appearances with Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, Tom Dreesen.
Megan Younkman is not only a top junior instructor, but she’s also the Director of Instruction at Bethpage State Park. This year, her 17 & Under team is competing for the National Championship, while...
Published 09/29/24
In Part 1 of Season 11, Episode 49, I'm joined by two remarkable women: Suzy Whaley, the first female President of the PGA of America and now President of Golf Nation, and Missie Berteotti, one of Western Pennsylvania’s top instructors and players plus LPGA Tour legend.
Suzy Whaley is one of the most knowledgeable and gracious individuals you'll ever meet. She made history as the first woman to qualify (not through a sponsor’s exemption) to play in a PGA Tour event since Babe...
Published 09/25/24
In Part 2 of Episode 48, I'm joined by 1978 PGA Champion John Mahaffey.
John takes us back to his incredible comeback at the 1978 PGA Championship at Oakmont, where he rallied from 7 strokes down with 14 holes to play to defeat Tom Watson. He also reflects on his memories of Arnold Palmer in honor of what would have been Arnie’s 95th birthday. John shares his thoughts on the current fractured state of the Tours and how things might have been different if Deane Beman were still Commissioner....
Published 09/23/24
In Part 1 of Episode 48, I'm joined by two incredible guests: our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, and New York Times bestselling author, Tom Coyne.
TP is currently on a bucket-list golf trip in New York, playing some of the most renowned courses in the country, and we get to live vicariously through him. He also shares his fond memories of "The King" on what would have been Arnold Palmer’s 95th birthday, including why he named his son after Arnie and Palmer's touching reaction....
Published 09/18/24
In Part 2 of Episode 47, I'm thrilled to welcome back The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters, along with Chris Sheehan, the Head Golf Professional at the Pittsburgh Field Club and a longtime friend of the show.
Dr. Bob Winters recently explored Alaska, returning with captivating stories that offer insights into golf, highlighting lessons in patience and perseverance. He’ll share the remarkable experiences from his Alaskan adventure.
Chris Sheehan, who has held Head Golf Professional roles...
Published 09/11/24
In Part 1 of Episode 47, I’m joined by two remarkable guests: Jonathan Yarwood, a Top 100 Golf Magazine Instructor, and Tom Purtzer, one of my all-time favorite guests, a tremendous player who enjoyed success over four decades.
Jonathan Yarwood, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor and the Director of Instruction at Alpine Country Club in New Jersey, has worked with major champions like Michael Campbell and Nelly Korda, as well as winners across almost every Tour. We dive into Michael...
Published 09/10/24
In Part 2 of Episode 46, I'm joined by Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor Scott Munroe.
Scott Munroe came highly recommended by another Top 100 Instructor and guest on the show Jeff Smith. Just like when James Hong joined me, when Jeff Smith says you gotta have this guy on the show, you have this guy on the show.
Scott is from Indiana and found early success in his career playing in Australia. In this episode, he reflects on his experiences down under and shares some fantastic stories about...
Published 09/04/24
In Part 1 of Episode 46, I’m joined by world-renowned instructor Tom Patri and the toughest man I’ve ever met, Tim Simpson.
This week, TP and I dive into the Tour Championship, with a focus on Keegan Bradley’s remarkable journey. Keegan barely made it into last week’s BMW Championship at Castle Rock, entering the tournament ranked 50th—just inside the Top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings. Not only did he secure his spot, but he also went on to win, catapulting himself to 4th place with a real...
Published 09/01/24
In this special bonus segment, I’m thrilled to be joined by two incredible actors, ladies, and stars of The West Wing, Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack.
As a HUGE fan of The West Wing, we affectionately referred to as Wingnuts, I’m excited to take the show off the course with these wonderful ladies. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of hosting Melissa Fitzgerald, who portrayed Carole Fitzpatrick. During that episode, she gave us a teaser about a behind-the-scenes book she was...
Published 08/26/24