Golf Podcast: next on the tee

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 and Rory McIlroy, set to launch in January. Plus, Ben highlights their heartwarming initiative to "Give the Gift of Golf" to our military heroes. Later, Gary DiSalvo, CEO of Popticals, returns to the show. As half of the dynamic duo behind what I consider the best sunglasses on the market, Gary talks about the innovative design of Popticals sunglasses. These lightweight, glare-reducing glasses not only help golfers read greens better but also prevent eye fatigue throughout the round. If you’re looking for the perfect gift to enhance your favorite golfer's game, Popticals might just be it. Don’t forget to check out their website at Popticals.com while you tune in to hear Gary break down what makes these sunglasses a game-changer on and off the course.

This week on the show, I’m excited to welcome back my “long lost cousin” John Mascari. John will be sharing 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 Alpine, there’s a rumor that a sequel to a certain movie featuring a hockey player-turned-professional golfer was recently filmed there, and John might give us a hint about that. We’ll also chat about the growing excitement for next year’s Ryder Cup. Plus, as a big Yankees fan, John’s going to have to endure a little ribbing from me—a Red Sox fan—about their recent loss in the World Series. John will join me in just a few minutes. Following John, we have the pleasure of hearing from 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater Scott Hamilton. Scott is genuinely one of the most inspiring people I know. He’s overcome countless challenges in his life and still reached the pinnacle of his sport. We’ll talk about the obstacles he’s faced, his incredible optimism and faith, and the Hall of Fame inductions that continue to recognize his remarkable achievements. Scott’s story is one of resilience, positivity, and triumph, and I’m thrilled to share it with you all.

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 it was like growing up in a true golf family and the golf lessons that happened at the dinner table. Jenn also shares highlights from her remarkable college golf career at Quinnipiac in Connecticut, along with her current role leading a program aimed at getting more beginners into the game and helping them stay engaged with it. We’ll round Part 2 with former Michigan State, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Mitch Lyons. Mitch helped Michigan State achieve some fantastic victories, including a win over #1-ranked Michigan at The Big House—a story he’ll share with us. He’ll also recall the day he set the Michigan State record for catches by a tight end. We discuss his experiences playing for an incredible array of coaches, from George Perles to Jerry Glanville, June Jones, and Bill Cowher. Naturally, we spend a good portion of the conversation on his time with the Steelers, where he reflects on what it was like to play for “The Chin,” and how special it is to play for the Rooney Family versus any other organization. Mitch is also a golfer and joins us from Arizona, where he’s set to play in the Pro-Am before the Schwab Cup playoffs on the Champions Tour. He has plenty of great stories to share, and you won’t want to miss this conversation later in the show.

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 dedicated to helping aspirational players. These changes risk shrinking the game at the top, giving a larger piece of the pie to fewer players. As usual, it seems to come down to more money for fewer people. You’ll hear Tom’s thoughts on this and much more. After Tom, we’ll have our monthly visit from “The Confidence Doctor,” Dr. Bob Winters. This month, we’re focusing on the fantastic results he’s seeing with his junior players as they work toward achieving their goals. Dr. Bob also shares his insights on staying in the present moment instead of constantly projecting ahead. Plus, we discuss the importance of prioritizing enjoyment on the course, asking each other if we had fun instead of immediately asking, “What did you shoot?”

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 game and even helped his Houston Oilers teammates get invited to the Houston Open, breaking a tradition where only Cowboys players were previously included. He recalls the thrill of teaming up with fellow Houston Sports Hall of Famer Jackie Burke to win the Pro-Am and names the players who would make up his most fun foursome. Dan also highlights his annual Celebrity Golf Invitational, which raises funds for the inspiring organization Be An Angel (www.beanangel.org). Shifting to football, he reminisces about the fierce yet respectful rivalry between the Steelers and Oilers in the late ’70s, including memorable third showdowns in the AFC Championship Games in 1978 & '79. He shares stories of mutual respect, like Joe Greene and John Banaczak helping him off the field after the '79 Championship game and Joe being there to honor him at his Houston Sports Hall of Fame induction.

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 Cruisers. Rounding out the episode, I sit down with PGA Professional Keith Stewart, founder of the golf betting handicapping site Read The Line. Combining his deep knowledge of the game with firsthand experience at tournament sites each week, Keith has become remarkably adept at picking winners, with over 30 outright wins across various tours. He shares his strategies and insights into the art of golf handicapping.

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 the New York City setting where high prices are often the norm. Drawing a comparison to Billy Joel’s famous Millennium Concert at Madison Square Garden—where the singer himself remarked on the outrageous ticket prices—they may be right, we may be crazy... Following Tom, I'm joined by Dr. Bob Jones IV, the grandson of legendary golfer Bobby Jones and an esteemed sports psychologist. Doc brings a unique blend of spirituality and warmth that’s rare in the sports world. In a world increasingly dominated by social media negativity, he offers advice on how to maintain mental resilience on and off the course. He also discusses strategies for overcoming a single frustrating hole that can derail a round, the importance of carefully choosing who we share our goals with, and tips for staying centered amid daily distractions. Doc brings a calming, grounding presence to every conversation, making this episode a truly special experience for listeners looking to elevate not only their game but their mindset.

In Part 2 of Season 11, Episode 53, LPGA Top 50 Instructor Debbie O’Connell and Montauk DownGolf 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 access to the five-day program for the unheard of price of $47. You can join in to the live sessions or each day is recorded so you can watch at your convenience. This week Debbie and I will discuss what’s included in the program, as well as her impressive work with a student, helping them lower their handicap from 22.3 to 13.9 in a short period of time. I also get her thoughts on the Solheim Cup and whether adding U.S. and International women to the Presidents Cup could bring some excitement to the event, which could use a refresh. I always enjoy my time with Debbie. You'll see why Golf Positive is the perfect title to what she does. I round out this week’s show, with another good friend, Keith Jarvis. Keith spent the summer teaching at Montauk Downs Golf Course, located at the very tip of Long Island. Megan Younkman, the Director of Instruction for the New York State park system and a friend of the show, praised Montauk as a hidden gem, and the great work Keith is doing there. Tom Patri is also a big fan of the course. Keith will share more about what makes Montauk Downs such a special place, and he’ll provide tips on how to overcome mental barriers to breaking 80, 90, or 100 for the first time. We’ll also talk about making better contact with the ball and the best strategies to avoid those blow-up holes.

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 player contracts to the impact of NIL deals in college athletics. We’ll also discuss something that was once unimaginable: sports leagues and teams being sponsored by gambling sites, as well as Las Vegas becoming home to multiple major sports franchises. Leigh is a great friend, and I’m thrilled to have him on the show again. Following Leigh, I’ll be joined by Jason Hase, Director of Instruction at Buffalo Dunes in Garden City, Kansas. Buffalo Dunes was recently recognized as the 8th best municipal course in the country by Golf Magazine, and Jason will share what makes the course so special, including the ongoing renovations and the amazing community volunteers helping with the project. We’ll also talk about the fantastic junior golf program he’s running. Jason will be joining me about 30 minutes into the show, and I can’t wait for you to hear from him.

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 his golf show Going Low on Saturday mornings on 93.7 The Fan. In this segment, Paul shares his insights on the Steelers and Pirates, reflects on his recent rounds at Olde Stonewall and Wanango Country Club, and discusses why Pittsburgh is an underrated gem when it comes to golf. Jim McLean, one of the most respected instructors in golf, is in several Hall of Fames and has led his golf schools to certify over 400 teachers, many of whom are now top instructors across the country. He has quickly become one of my favorite guests. We discuss his soon-to-open golf school in Armonk, New York, and dive into his thoughts on the evolution of teaching techniques. Jim also shares his experience opening a new golf school in South Korea and the growing popularity of the sport there.

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 latest course design, the Darmor Club, which recently opened to rave reviews and is poised to become one of the top courses in the U.S. Hal recounts a special call from Sahith Theegala, who sought to play Darmor as part of his Presidents Cup preparation. We also take a trip down memory lane to Hal’s very first lesson with the legendary Harvey Penick.

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 gives us a sneak peek into his new book, Fairways to Heaven...One Shot at a Time. Tom Stickney, a Top 100 Teacher by Golf Magazine and a Top 50 International Instructor, brings his expertise to the table as we explore the differences between old-school and new-school teaching methods, the debate between speed training and letting the club do the work, and tips for golfers over 50 looking to increase their driving distance. Tom also offers his take on how to fix the over-the-top swing and shares his perspective on the current state of the PGA Tour.

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 also shares his thoughts on the toughest moments he’s had on the football field, my favorite Chuck Noll story, and his experiences playing in some of his favorite Pro-Ams. Following Rocky, we get our monthly visit from The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters. This time, Doc talks about how to create a "Personal Zone of Control" and the importance of managing our expectations rather than trying to meet the expectations of others and creating a personal playing space. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their mental game. Tune in for these amazing stories and more!

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 working with Snedeker, and we discuss Brandt's recent accolades—being named the recipient of the 2024 Payne Stewart Award and serving as an Assistant Captain at both this year’s Presidents Cup and next year’s Ryder Cup. Virgil also offers valuable advice on how to get your swing on the correct plane and how to reach a Flow State on the mental side of the game. Rick Fehr, who helped BYU win the national championship in 1981, was the low amateur at both the 1984 Masters and U.S. Open. After winning twice on the PGA Tour, Rick transitioned into becoming a top instructor. Rick and I dive into the topic of old-school versus new-school golf instruction. Have tools like Trackman and home simulators given us a false sense of knowledge about our game? He also shares his thoughts on Scottie Scheffler’s claim that his mind is the strongest part of his game. We discuss whether trying harder or trying something different is the right approach, and Rick reflects on what it was like seeing himself on a trading card for the first time.

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 on school size rather than talent, and his approach of going full speed at every practice, never taking a play off. Greg also reflects on a special visit from The Chief when he had knee surgery during his rookie year, Bill Cowher’s idea of moving him to Inside Linebacker, playing alongside Kevin Greene, and the moment he first saw fans wearing his #95 jersey in the stands. Dr. Kathy Hoeft makes her debut on Next on the Tee. She’s a fantastic physical therapist and athletic trainer, and in this episode, she shares her expertise on taking a holistic approach to relieving knee, hip, ankle, and lower back pain. We also dive into topics like Tai Chi, shedding the “dad bod,” the best foods to eat at the turn, and which supplements are worth taking and which ones are best avoided.

In Part 2 of Episode 49, I’m joined by two fantastic people: Megan Younkman, one of the Top 50 Junior and LPGA Instructors in the game, and comedy legend 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 took home the National Championship, while her 13 & Under All-Star team made it to the finals. Megan shares insights into their success and talks about the preparations already underway at Bethpage Black for next year’s Ryder Cup matches. Tom Dreesen brings over 50 years of show business experience to the conversation. With 61 appearances on The Tonight Show and years spent as the opening act for Frank Sinatra, he’s got a treasure trove of stories. He’s also hosted his own Pro-Am, played in the Bob Hope Desert Classic for several years, and competed on the Celebrity Tour. Plus, he’s a proud member of the Caddie Hall of Fame. In this segment, Tom shares his fascinating experiences and more.

In Part 1 of Episode 49, I'm joined by two remarkable women in the world of golf: Suzy Whaley, the first female President of the PGA of America, and Missie Berteotti, one of Western Pennsylvania’s top instructors and players. 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 Didrikson-Zaharias did it in 1945. Suzy was also the first female President of the PGA of America and now serves as the President of the exciting new golf platform, Golf Nation. In our conversation, Suzy shares her insights on the recent Solheim Cup, a thrilling victory for Team USA. We discuss the possibility of creating a Presidents Cup-style event for women, giving international players a stage to showcase their talents. Suzy also reflects on Nelly Korda’s phenomenal season, the sometimes negative focus of media, and the innovative work happening at Golf Nation. Missie Berteotti is one of Western Pennsylvania’s greatest golfers. She helped the University of Miami win a national championship and secured her first LPGA Tour victory at the 1993 Ping/Welch’s Championship, defeating Dottie Mochrie in an epic battle that went to the 5th playoff hole. Today, Missie is a leading instructor in the game. Missie and I talk about a recent charity event where she teed it up alongside Steelers legend John Banaszak, and she shares her experience of going head-to-head with Mochrie to capture her first Tour win. We also chat about some of her favorite golf courses in the Pittsburgh area.to play.

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. We also discuss his time at the University of Houston, where they won multiple national championships during his college career.

In Part 2 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. Plus, we dive into Scottie Scheffler’s record-breaking season, Jim Furyk’s Presidents Cup captain picks, and how coaching in golf has evolved since TP’s early playing days. Tom Coyne, one of the premier golf authors and journalists of our time, joins me as well. His novel, A Gentleman's Game, was named one of the top 25 sports books of all time by the Philadelphia Daily News. He’s also penned several New York Times bestsellers like A Course Called Ireland, A Course Called Scotland, and A Course Called America. In this episode, he shares stories from these unforgettable journeys, talks about the prestigious award named in his honor, and gives us a glimpse into his podcast, The Golfer’s Journal.

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 at prestigious courses like Oak Hill, Inverness, and Lebanon Country Club, is now at the Pittsburgh Field Club. Chris will recount his journey through the golf world, delve into the rich history of the Pittsburgh Field Club, discuss the influential designers behind its layout, and explore the rivalries among notable Pittsburgh clubs such as Oakmont, Fox Chapel, and Allegheny Country Club.