Golf Podcast: next on the tee

In this very special episode of the show, I get to spend time with the best Sports Writer, Author, Journalist, Screenwriter, and Speaker of this or any other time, Rick Reilly. We delve into the absurdity of the dumbest debate in the history of presidential debates. Rick reveals how Trump claims to have won 12 Club Championships, often declaring himself the winner even when he wasn't present. We also revisit Erik Compton's remarkable runner-up finish in the 2014 US Open and hear about Greg Norman's impressive driving skills during the Memorial Tournament a few years ago—though not with a golf club. Additionally, Rick shares a hilarious story of four players each thinking they made a hole-in-one on the same hole on the same day at Lahinch. Finally, he settles the long-standing debate of who is the greatest of all time (GOAT): Jack or Tiger.

In Part 2 of Episode 37, I am joined by former UCLA two-time All-American and Tour Pro Jay Delsing, as well as US Kids Golf Lifetime Master Teacher James Hong. Jay kicks things off with an entertaining story about previous guest Mark Calcavecchia. He then shares his experience playing in the 1985 Open Championship at St. Andrews, where he stayed until the dramatic conclusion when Constantino Rocca holed a miracle putt from the Valley of Sin to force a playoff with John Daly, which Daly ultimately won. Jay was also in the group behind Arnold Palmer, who was playing his final Open. He witnessed "The King" wave goodbye to the patrons from the Swilken Bridge and on the 18th green. Jay also shares his pick to win this year's Open and discusses the honor he received from the St. Louis Children's Miracle Network. Jay is wonderfully positive and a joy to talk to. Be sure to check out Jay's great show, Golf with Jay Delsing, anywhere you get your podcast content. James Hong comes highly recommended by Tom Patri and Jeff Smith. Jeff insisted, "You've got to have this guy on the show," while Tom described him as "absolutely one of the best Junior Instructors in our game." James certainly lived up to these accolades. We delve into his journey in golf, his early desire to play catcher in baseball, and how that influenced his teaching career. He explains how he sets proper expectations for his students and their parents, keeps young players engaged, and shares tips for improving our short game at home. Give James a follow on Instagram @jameshonggolf.

In Part 1 of Episode 37, I'm thrilled to be joined for the 100th time by Tom Patri, along with a special return visit from the 1989 Open Champion, Mark Calcavecchia. Tom Patri and I kick things off by reflecting on last week's Scottish Open and Robert MacIntyre's impressive victory. We also discuss the ISCO Championship and the close call for Pierceson Coody, a rising star Tom has been touting. Tom shares his experiences playing at Royal Troon and offers a valuable putting lesson on how to get the ball rolling end over end instead of skidding for the first few feet. Mark Calcavecchia returns to share memories from his triumph at the 1989 Open Championship, held at this year's venue, Royal Troon. He discusses the challenges of the 123-yard 8th hole, famously known as The Postage Stamp, and recounts his long par save on the 11th hole, the slam dunk chip shot he made on the 12th that shifted his mindset, and what it felt like standing over a 7-footer on the final playoff hole with three putts to win. Mark also shares his prediction for who will be holding the Claret Jug this Sunday afternoon.

In Part 2 of Episode 36, I am joined by Jeremy Jean-Marie, a self-taught +3 handicap, and Damon Hack, one of the most renowned writers, hosts, and interviewers in the world of golf. Jeremy Jean-Marie started playing golf at the age of 20, and he embodies what practice and dedication can help you achieve. While it often takes many of us a decade to progress from being awful to just bad, Jeremy has become an elite player during that time. You'll hear about his journey, his experiences in Minor League Golf tournaments, and his tips for how you can prepare for and hit better shots from tee to green. Damon Hack is well-known for his years as a host on The Golf Channel. He has also written for Newsday, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. In this segment, Damon shares his recent experience interviewing players at the US Open, including thoughts on Bryson's remarkable bunker shot on the 18th and Rory's heartbreaking moments. We also discuss his views on the prolonged merger negotiations between the PIF and the PGA Tour, Keegan Bradley's appointment as US Ryder Cup Captain, and Scottie's historic run.

In Part 1 of Episode 36, I am joined by Jonathan Shuskey, a 20-year Army veteran, three-time Fort Benning Club Champion, and 2013 All-Army Champion, as well as Julia Rae, an actress, singer, dancer, writer, and one of the stars of the movie "Playing Through." Jonathan Shuskey enlisted in the Army the week before 9/11. He shares his experience of sitting in the barber’s chair getting his hair shaved when the planes struck the Towers. We also discuss how his confidence secured him a spot in his first Army golf tournament, some of the excellent golf courses on military bases, his transition to playing college golf after retiring from the Army, and his excitement when Michigan won the National Championship. You can follow Jonathan on social media @j_shuskey1. Julia Rae is not only a talented actress, singer, dancer, and writer, but she is also a Cystic Fibrosis activist and hero. Born with CF, Julia has battled this condition her entire life. She shares her story of how, late in her teens, her situation became life-threatening and how she managed to overcome it. Julia is one of the stars of the movie "Playing Through," which tells the story of Ann Gregory, the Queen of African American women's golf, who won hundreds of tournaments and broke the color barrier in women’s golf. Julia plays Babs Whatling, one of the main characters in the movie, delivering a performance that makes you root for her character almost as much as for Ann Gregory. Julia also hosts a wonderful podcast called "A Deeper Look," available on most podcast platforms, where she shares her warm, genuine, and vulnerable self. You can follow Julia and her podcast on social media @itsjuliarae and @deeperlookpod.

In this episode, I'm joined by The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters; the Founder of Golf Live, Keith Scioli; and our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri. Dr. Bob makes his regular monthly appearance and discusses the importance of having a SOLID foundation for your game. What does SOLID stand for? He explains it as: SOLID Dr. Bob also shares insights about a hidden gem course in Ocala, which he says may be the best in Florida. Keith Scioli transitioned from being a Landman for Southwest Energy to creating the ultimate golf app, Golf Live. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, this app offers real-time live playing lessons with a PGA Professional, no matter where you or they are. Struggling on the range and wish you could get a live lesson right then? Now you can. Keith walks us through the app's features, including the soon-to-be-added swing data integration, making it feel like you're in a simulator with your coach, even if you're just hitting into a net in your backyard. Tom Patri is back, and this week we discuss more missed short putts on tour. At least this time, the player didn't avoid the media and fans. Tom also explains why your handicap might be misleading if you play most of your rounds on the same course.

In Part 2 of Episode 34, I'm joined by Bob Friend Jr., the 1984 and 1985 Western Pennsylvania Amateur Champion and 1985 Pennsylvania State Champion, and David Peoples, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour. Bob Friend Jr. is the son of Bob Friend, the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher who helped them win the 1960 World Series. Known among his former Tour peers as one of the all-time great grinders, Bob Jr. honed his game much like US Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau, spending countless hours on the course and range. He won the 1991 Fort Wayne Open on the Korn Ferry Tour and finished 2nd in the 1998 Canadian Open. In this episode, Bob shares his insights on this year's US Open, Rory McIlroy's putting struggles, Bryson's image transformation, Scottie Scheffler's achievement of becoming the first player since Arnold Palmer in 1962 to have six wins before July 1st, and Paul Skenes' impact on the Pirates. David Peoples, who won twice on the PGA Tour, also joins the discussion. He expresses his surprise when Rory missed those short putts on holes 16 and 18 and shares his thoughts on Rory leaving the course without congratulating Bryson. David also reflects on his experiences playing in the 1993 and 2001 US Opens, explains why Fuzzy Zoeller was his favorite playing partner, reveals why he hates Pebble Beach, and describes what it was like seeing himself on a trading card for the first time.

In Part 1 of Episode 34 I'm joined by Top Instructor and Host of The Golf Kingdom TV show Rob Strano and PGA Tour Legend Bruce Devlin. Rob Strano shares his reaction to the US Open and why the 5th and 15th holes were pivotal to the outcome. I also get his thoughts on LIV's growing leverage in the merger discussions, and why even after winning 6 times so far this season, Scottie Scheffler's accomplishments aren't touted enough. Think about what it would be like if Tiger was winning at this rate. Bruce Devlin won 8 times on the PGA Tour and had 5 Top 10s in the US Open. Bruce also shares his insights on this year's tournament plus we go back to his Top 10 in the 1982 US Open after the media had written him off. We also look ahead to The Open at Royal Troon in July and look back at his win in the 1960 Australian Open as an Amateur.

In this very special edition of "Next on the Tee," I'm joined by broadcasting legend Tim Brando. Tim Brando has practically done it all in the world of broadcasting. He started out calling high school football games alongside his father, Hub, in Shreveport, Louisiana. His entertainment career began at the tender age of 5 on his father's local variety show. As his career grew, he became the Assistant Sports Director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge and called men's and women's basketball for LSU. In 1984, he joined ESPN, hosting SportsCenter and their College Football Half-Time Show. By 1996, he was with CBS Sports, calling basketball games and hosting College Football Today. He also contributed to their digital media team, broadcasting The Masters. Fox Sports came calling in 2014, and he's been with them ever since. Tim is also an avid golfer and a member of Southern Trace Country Club in Shreveport. In our conversation, Tim walks us through his Hall of Fame career, touching on his partnership with Pittsburgh's own Beano Cook and the Pirates' pillbox hat given to him by Phil Garner. He's an amazing man who has done so much to enhance what we watch, thanks to his style and knowledge across a wide variety of sports. You can follow him on social media @timbrando.

In Part 2 of Episode 32, I'm joined by Courtney Weber, a Level 3 TPI Certified Instructor, and Cree Morris, former San Diego State QB now a top QB Coach. Courtney Weber is a Level 3 Titleist Performance Institute and Golf Digest certified Trainer. I had the privilege of being introduced to her by Top Instructor and my gumba Rob Strano at this year's PGA Merchandise Show. Courtney shares exercises aimed at enhancing power and explosiveness in our golf swings. She delves into Advanced Dissociation Exercises, their benefits for overall fitness, and the optimal balance between cardio, weight training, and explosive movements. Cree Morris, a standout QB at Orange Glen High School in San Diego with his jersey recently retired, began his college career alongside Marshall Faulk at San Diego State. He recounts these experiences and offers insights into QB fundamentals, advice for NFL rookie QBs, and what made Dan Marino exceptional. We conclude with Cree discussing cherished moments on the golf course with his son and their favorite spots in San Diego.

In Part 1 of this week's show, I'm joined by our Resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri and 2013 Senior Open Champion Mark Wiebe. At the top of the show, I give a HUGE shout-out to 77-year-old Bob Ross of Greensburg, PA. Bob made not 1, but 2 hole-in-ones during his round at Mt. Oden Park Golf Course on June 3rd. His first ace came on the Par 3 4th hole. He found the bottom of the cup using a 9 iron. Then to prove to his buddies that was no fluke, he made a second ace on the Par 3 11th hole from 142 yards using a 26-degree hybrid. Huge congratulations Bob! I hope many more of your tee shots find the bottom of the cup...#sojealous... If you have a great golf story or you witnessed one, please share it with me at chris@nextonthetee.net Tom Patri and I break down the US Open. From Rory's agony of defeat to the 180 degree turnaround Bryson DeChambeau has done. What a tremendous finish we all witnessed. Mark Wiebe shares his insights on the US Open as well. We also hear the edgier side of Mark regarding some of his concerns about the game. We also look ahead to next month's Open. The first Open Championship that Mark played in was at Royal Troon and the first Senior Open Championship he played in was there as well. He shares some great insights on the course with us...

In Part 2 of Episode 32 I'm joined by PGA Tour SuperStore Chief Merchandising Office Randy Peitsch and Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor Jeff Smith. Randy is such a delightful, wonderful, very uplifting person. He's the kind of guy you'd love to have in your foursome. He's also a great family man. He shares heartwarming stories of times out on the course with his 3 sons and the memories they've made together. You'll hear about the emergency 9 they got in when they pulled over for a restroom break while traveling and stumbled upon a great local muni. For my Yinzers out there, you'll also hear about when he took one of his sons to Pittsburgh for a Penguins game. This segment is all about the impact golf has on our lives and the memories you make with family and friends out on the course. Memories that you'll talk about for years to come. Randy also tells us about the hot items you can get Dad this year for Father's Day. Jeff Smith makes a return visit in segment 2. We hear about his new summer home at Pine Canyon, in Flagstaff, Arizona and its sister course Talking Rock in Prescott. Then Jeff and I talk about the evolution of the golf swing and putting stroke, going from the reverse-C finish and wristy putter stroke to ones now where we finish perpendicular to the ground on our full swing and the locked wrist putting stroke. We also talk about the benefits kids have by being well-rounded athletes versus focusing on one sport, Lexi Thompson's retirement announcement, and taking out that decorative alignment stick from our bag and actually using it.

In Part 1 of Episode 32, I'm joined by Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Famer & 1997 Assistant Ryder Cup Captain Dennis Satyshur and renowned Sports Psychologist Dr. Bob Winters. Dennis Satyshur is from Erie, Pennsylvania. He won the high school state golf championship in 1968. He went to Duke on a football scholarship, captained the football team, and lettered 3 years on the golf team. He began his career in golf working at Pinehurst. He later moved to Columbia Country Club where he worked for Bill Strausbaugh for 3 years. Several years later he won the Bill Strausbaugh Award for his commitment to mentoring others. Later on, he became the first Director of Golf at Caves Valley Golf Club, one of the premier courses in the country. Dennis shares stories from his time at Duke, the day he met Tom Kite, Jim Simons, and Andy North when they were all college players, how he stalked Kite to learn from him, and their friendship which led to Kite asking him to be an Assistant Captain on the 1997 Ryder Cup team. You'll also hear about his years at Caves Valley, playing alongside members like Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley, and the culture he created there. Dr. Bob Winters makes his monthly visit to the show this week. Doc addresses what to do if we have a blow-up hole like Nelly Korda did at the Women's US Open. He also gives insights into what sets his Asian players apart from his American players.

In Part 2 of Episode 30, I'm joined by two of the best Oil Creek Region athletes of all-time, Steve Shingledecker and Eric Johnson. Steve Shingledecker, who hails from Franklin, Pennsylvania, serves as the Head Coach of the Men's Golf Team at Robert Morris. Returning to coach RMU after successful tenures as Director of Golf Operations at the Turn Club in Cranberry Township and Director of Golf at Nemacolin Woodlands, Shingledecker did a great job leading the team this year. Their impressive performance includes a 3rd place finish at the Carpetbagger Classic in Frederick, Maryland, a feat coincidentally following Steve's last appearance on the show. I'm just sayin'. Steve is a great coach and PGA Professional and an even better guy. In our conversation, Steve sheds light on the Colonials' season progression and the departure of key graduating players. Additionally, we delve into strategies for rebounding from a challenging hole and the benefits of encouraging children to explore multiple sports rather than specializing early. Eric Johnson is a Golf Digest Top 100 Instructor. You can find him teaching each summer at Yellowstone Golf Club in Big Sky, Montana, one of the premier private courses in the country. Eric was the Director of Instruction at Oakmont for 17 years and then for a couple at Nemacolin. Eric was fresh off playing a round at Oakmont, with Pittsburgh Brewing Company Owner Cliff Forrest. We hear about the changes they've made at Oakmont in preparation for hosting the US Open in 2025. Eric also shares his thoughts on the PGA Championship, Tiger Woods' play, and the exceptional features of Yellowstone Country Club. Eric is one of my all-time favorites and when you listen to this segment you'll understand why.

In Part 1 of this week's show, I'm joined by LPGA Elite Instructor Cindy Miller and former Atlanta Falcons WR Brian Finneran. Cindy Miller was recognized as an Elite LPGA Professional & Instructor at the PGA Merchandise Show earlier this year. We hear about that honor. On the heels of the tragic news of Grayson Murray, Cindy shares the story of her husband Allen Miller who found himself in a similar dark place. Allen was a top Amateur player in the early 70s. He played on the PGA Tour from the mid-70s to early 80s. He competed in 5 Masters Tournaments. The expectations of his father always haunted him. No matter what Allen achieved it was never good enough. It led Allen into some dark places. He attempted suicide which led him and Cindy to the brink of divorce. Hear his story as told from Cindy's perspective. Brian Finneran was an All-American WR at Villanova. He won the Walter Payton Award for being the best player in FCS College Football in 1997. He was an undrafted free agent signed by the Seattle Seahawks. He played in the NFL from 1999 to 2010 with the Eagles and Falcons. Brian is now a Sports Talk Radio Host at 680 The Fan in Atlanta. I get his insights on the Falcons draft and our shared dismay at why they selected Michael Penix with the 8th overall pick. We also discuss Angel Hernandez doing baseball a favor by retiring, plus we hear about Brian's round of golf at Augusta National.

In Part 2 of Episode 29 I'm joined by a pair of Tim's...Simpson and Gaestel. Tim Simpson is known for being one of the all-time great ball strikers. He won 5 times on the PGA Tour, had 82 Top 10s, and the GOAT Jack Nicklaus even marveled at how frequently Tim would shoot low scores. Tim has overcome several physical ailments throughout his playing career. He won Comeback Player of the Year on the PGA and Champions tours. He beat Lyme disease and now he's battling a rare form of blood cancer. You'll hear how his positive attitude is going to lead him to beating it plus his thoughts on the PGA Championship, his relationship with his father, how Raymond Floyd intimidated players with his eyes, remembering Payne Stewart's 1999 US Open victory, and working with the great Sam Snead. Tim Gaestel is a former Sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army. As fate would have it, Tim was being sworn into the military on September 11th, 2001. Hear him talk about how that day unfolded and becoming even more driven to charge into the fight. We hear about his deployment to Afghanistan and the IED that exploded and sent shrapnel into his back as he and his peers were headed to Baghdad. Tim also talks about how golf saved his life when he returned home, how the game brought him and his father back together, his experience playing alongside show favorite Scott McCarron, and his fight to save a local municipal course, Lions Municipal Course, in Austin, Texas. Follow him on X @TGolfer83.

In Part 1 of Episode 29, I'm joined by Top Instructor Tom Patri and Legends Tour Pro Clark Dennis. Tom Patri delves into Xander's major triumph at the PGA Championship, the mixed sentiments towards Bryson, speculations surrounding Tiger's future following another missed cut, and the potential repercussions of Jimmy Dunne's departure from the PGA Tour Policy Board. Clark Dennis, won the 2017 & '18 Senior Italian Open and the 2017 Dutch Masters on the Legends Tour. We reflect on his illustrious career, he reminisces about winning the 1983 Texas State Junior Championship and shares his elation at the Texas Rangers winning their first World Series. Additionally, Clark offers his insights on the PGA Championship and the low scores at Valhalla. He takes us back to his standout performances at the Colonial National Invitational in the 90s and recounts a memorable encounter with the legendary Ben Hogan. Furthermore, Clark sheds light on the caliber of players and awe-inspiring venues featured on the European Legends Tour, which needs more love and support.

In Part 2 of Episode 28, I'm joined by PGA Master Professional John Hughes and Journalist & Author Ward Clayton. John Hughes is not only one of the rare PGA Masters Professionals, he's also the 2023 North Florida PGA Section Teacher of the Year. His summer residency is up at McLemore outside of Chattanooga. John shares his perspective of McLemore and the new course The Keep. He teaches us why it's important to positively express our goals, how to consistently make putts inside 5 feet, successfully chip from hard pan lies, and why we should hover our driver off the ground instead of resting it on the ground. Ward Clayton was the Sports Editor for The Augusta Chronicle and Director of Editorial Services for the PGA Tour. He is the Editorial Director for Augusta National and their digital presence on Masters.com. In 2004 he wrote his first book, "Men on the Bag, The Caddies of Augusta National. He recently came out with an updated version of that book titled, "The Legendary Caddies of Augusta National." In our conversation, you'll learn who Stovepipe, Skillet, Pete, and Cemetary are. You'll discover similar stories about even more legendary caddies when you get your copy of the book which you can find on www.blairpub.com or on Amazon.

In Part 1 of Episode 28, I'm thrilled to be joined by two incredible guys: former Pirates and Red Sox outfielder Adam Hyzdu, and 5-time winner on Tour, now outstanding broadcaster Jim Gallagher Jr. Adam Hyzdu's journey in baseball is nothing short of remarkable. A standout prospect in high school, he left an indelible mark by breaking records, including surpassing Ken Griffey Jr.'s home run record at Moeller High School in Cincinnati. Despite not being selected as the first overall pick or landing with the Reds as he anticipated, being drafted 15th by the San Francisco Giants fueled his determination. Battling skepticism, Adam's resilience led him to remarkable minor league seasons in 1999 and 2000, where he showcased his abilities by combining to hit 61 home runs and drive in over 200 runs. His eventual stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates saw him etch his name in history, with the AA Altoona Pirates who retired his number—a testament to his impact on the organization. From his memorable Major League debut with the Pirates against the Reds to the clutch pinch-hit home run that sealed a victory a couple of weeks later against the Phillies, Adam shares great stories from his time in the big leagues, including his stint with the 2004 Red Sox during their historic World Series season. Jim Gallagher Jr., a beacon of sportsmanship, success, and positivity in the world of golf. Hailing as the most decorated player in University of Tennessee history, Jim's accolades span across prestigious halls of fame, including Indiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Reflecting on his recent honor of inducting his siblings into the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame, Jim shares poignant insights into his incredible family and the significance of their shared legacy. From discussing his alma mater the UT Vols' participation in the NCAA Men's Golf Regional Tournament to revisiting his remarkable third-place finish in the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick—a tournament that witnessed the meteoric rise of John Daly—Jim's journey in golf is one of incredible triumphs and fantastic stories. We finish off the segment with Jim’s thoughts on what needs to happen to bring the Professional game back together so we can move forward with the best players being in the same fields.

In Season 11 Episode 27 Part 2, I chat with Wake Forest and Georgia Golf Hall of Famer Joe Inman and TaylorMade's President & CEO David Abeles. Joe Inman was a walk-on at Wake Forest in 1967. In 1969 he won the Arnold Palmer Award as Wake's Top Athlete. Twenty-six years after arriving on campus, he was inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame. In 2017, after living in the state for several years and amid an 11-year run as Head Coach of the Georgia State Men's Golf Team, Joe was inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. We start by discussing his time at Wake Forest playing alongside guys like Lanny Wadkins and Leonard Thompson. From there we move to how he went from an alternate on the victorious 1969 Walker Cup team to going 2-0 in those matches. His play there earned him an invite to the 1970 Masters Tournament. Wait til you hear who he got paired with in the first two rounds. We finish by discussing his first PGA Tour win at the 1976 Kemper Open at Quail Hollow and then his years coaching at Georgia State. I am grateful to David Abeles and the TaylorMade brand because they have been supporters of this show for nearly a decade. From the first time I met David, I learned he is one of the most upbeat guys you'll ever meet. He shares the brand's excitement over what Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda have achieved over the last few months. Their players on all Tours have had remarkable success this year. We transition to talking about the science behind their new Qi10 driver and how they were able to reach a 10K moment of inertia, something no brand had achieved until this year. We also hear what's new with their TP5 and TP5X golf balls which has gotten David and me a 1/2 club longer. We round out the segment talking about their R&D team who are working on things well into the future. Check out all their great products at www.taylormadegolf.com or on social media @taylormadegolf.