next on the tee

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 16, I’m joined once again by our great friend and 9-time winner across the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, Tom Purtzer. This time around, Tom and I dive into a thought-provoking conversation about the direction of the PGA Tour—whether their current moves are aimed at growing the game or favoring their top players, and if their actions are simply an overreaction to the competition posed by LIV Golf. We also look back at 1991, the best year of Tom’s career, which came 18 years after he turned pro. He shares fond memories of winning both the World Series of Golf and the Texas Open, the latter of which earned him a coveted seat next to Ben Hogan at the following year’s champions dinner. Tom’s insight, humility, and great storytelling always make for a fantastic listen, and I know you’re going to really enjoy hearing from one of the game’s true legends and gentlemen.

On this week’s episode, we kick things off with a visit from our good friend and Robert Morris University Men's Head Coach Steve Shingledecker. RMU is riding high on a wave of momentum, thanks to their men’s basketball team capturing the Horizon League Championship and making an impressive showing in the NCAA Tournament, where they pushed powerhouse Alabama to the limit in the first round. Steve shares what the energy has been like on campus during the team’s thrilling run, how that success is already paying dividends in the recruiting process, and how the evolving landscape of college athletics—including the transfer portal—is impacting mid-major programs like RMU. We dive into whether top talent from these schools is at risk of being poached annually by Power Five programs, turning everyone outside the SEC and Big Ten into a de facto minor league system. Then, I’m joined by World Golf Hall of Famer David Graham. David had a stellar career both here in the U.S. and internationally after coming over from his native Australia. We reflect on his standout 1970 season, where he captured the Tasmania, Victorian, Thailand, and French Opens, and teamed up with Bruce Devlin to win the World Cup. We also revisit his major championship triumphs at the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open plus his home national championship at the Australian Open. David also offers his thoughts and memories about The Masters and what it was like to contend at The Open at St. Andrews. You won’t want to miss these incredible stories and insights from a true legend of the game.

In this special bonus episode of Next on the Tee, I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Russell Levenson. Russ recently retired after 32 years in ministry, most notably serving 17 years as Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston—the largest Anglican/Episcopal congregation in North America. He’s a renowned theologian, author, and speaker who also developed a deep friendship with President George H.W. and First Lady Barbara Bush. Russ talks about his inspiring new book, “In God’s Grip: What Golf Can Teach Us About the Bible,” with a foreword by the legendary Jim Nantz. We dive into the powerful spiritual and life lessons drawn from golf and how the swing philosophies of Ben Hogan intertwine with Biblical wisdom. From focusing on fundamentals to letting go of perfection, Russ explores how the mindset that helped Hogan master the game can also guide our spiritual journeys. We also reflect on his close relationship with the Bush family, what heaven meant to them, and how the second half of the book—The Downswing—challenges our assumptions about God as a harsh judge, encouraging instead a perspective of grace, abundance, and purpose. Plus, we talk Augusta, Oakmont, and Jim Nantz’s unforgettable first Masters call in 1986. This conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and a few good swings of perspective. Whether you’re seeking more meaning in your game or your life, this is one you won’t want to miss.

In Part 2 of Episode 14, I’m joined by first-time guest Taylor Crosby, and trust me—you’re going to love this conversation. Taylor brings great energy to the show and an impressive resume, having worked alongside one of the greatest instructors of all time, Jim McLean. Taylor is now teaching at one of the premier golf facilities in the world: The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee. We dive into what makes The Kingdom such a special place—from their PGA Tour-level fitting experience, to their on-site TaylorMade fitting trailer, and their cutting-edge studio and hitting bays. Unlike most fittings, at The Kingdom, you walk away with your custom-fit clubs the same day—ready to take down your weekend group right away. Taylor also shares insights into the seven stunning golf courses at Reynolds Lake Oconee, each designed by a legendary architect. And if that’s not enough, he brings along some fantastic playing lessons and tips to help you lower your scores and improve your swing. It’s a jam-packed segment with gear talk, game improvement tips, and plenty of laughs.

This Week on Next on the Tee, I'm joined by three incredible guests. In Part 1, I start with one of the game's all-time great instructors—Tom Patri. Not only is Tom a phenomenal teacher, he's also a fantastic player. Tom is sharpening his game for the Senior Florida Open, happening April 22–24 at Aberdeen Golf & Country Club in Boynton Beach, Florida. You'll hear how he dominated the course during his practice round for the qualifier, plus his thoughts on Rory McIlroy's win at The Players, J.J. Spaun’s valiant effort and willingness to face the media after falling short, perhaps something Collin Morikawa could take a lesson from. Next up is a longtime friend from our Thursday Night Tailgate football show, former NFL defensive back Vencie Glenn. Vencie played for the Patriots, Chargers, Saints, Vikings, and Giants—and he’s just as popular in golf circles as he was on the football field. I share one of my favorite stories about walking Augusta National with him and how he introduced me to Phil Knight and Tiger’s mom. The golf world knows and loves this guy, and for good reason. We chat about former NFL players who excel at golf, and how Vencie honed his skills to become a ball hawk in the league, racking up 35 career interceptions. Please come back for Part 2 of this week's show featuring the Next on the Tee debut of another Top Instructor in our game, Taylor Crosby. Taylor is a disciple of Jim McLean and is now teaching at The Kingdom at Reynold Lake Oconee. He's fantastic! You're going to really enjoy his stories plus the playing lessons he shared. Thank you for pressing play on this week's show. I appreciate you!

In Part 2 of episode 13, I’m thrilled to welcome back one of my all-time favorite guests—acclaimed author and legendary golf TV producer, Keith Hirshland. Keith is not only one of the nicest people on the planet but also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to golf, television production, and life itself. We dive into his work with LIV Golf, where he leads their broadcasts, and discuss the great broadcast technology they've brought to the game including doing a tournament played under the lights in Riyadh. Keith shares the challenges of tracking the ball at night and introduces us to the newest addition to their broadcast team, Pat Perez. We also take a trip down memory lane as Keith reminisces about his role in launching The Golf Channel back in 1995 and his relationship with Arnold Palmer. Plus, Keith gives us an update on his latest book, a sequel to Song Girl, featuring the return of that intriguing CT Mascaro character. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of the best in the business!

This week on Next on the Tee, I’m thrilled to welcome three great friends to the show. I start things off in Part 1 with a player who I believe is one of the most underrated and underappreciated of the 21st century—Shaun Micheel. Most people remember Shaun for his incredible win at the 2003 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, but his career extends far beyond that. He finished runner-up to Tiger Woods at the 2006 PGA and even defeated Tiger in the first round of the Match Play Championship that same year. Beyond his playing career, Shaun offers incredible insight into the current state of both the professional and college golf scenes. We haven’t seen much of him on the Champions Tour recently, and unfortunately, there’s a heartbreaking reason why—you’ll hear all about it. He also weighs in on the shrinking number of Tour exemptions and the ongoing struggles the PGA Tour faces in marketing its players, given how much they’ve relied on Tiger Woods for the past 28 years. Then, I’m joined by Top 100 Instructor Tom Stickney, who shares some fantastic playing lessons and short-game tips. In a fun twist, I recently discovered that not only did Shaun and I attend Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, but Tom is an alumnus as well! Tom has earned a Doctorate from The Golf Machine organization, a system that has had a major influence on the game. Shaun is a big believer in it, and Tom breaks down why more golfers should be paying attention to its principles. He also shares his expertise on how to fix a big slice or banana hook off the tee and offers short-game strategies from 100 yards in. It’s a jam-packed episode with great stories, insights, and tips. Thank you so much for pressing play!

In Part 2 of Episode 12, I welcome back our resident mental game expert, Dr. Bob Winters, The Confidence Doctor. This month, Dr. Bob dives into the crucial role that your dominant eye plays—not just in your swing, but also in your overall confidence on the course. Get your notepads ready because he shares a couple of key insights you’ll want to remember. Then, we wrap things up with our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri. TP gives us the inside scoop on some of his recent Instagram Live interviews, including conversations with our mutual good friend Damon Hack from The Golf Channel and his longtime pal Jimmy Roberts. And in a hilarious twist, TP must’ve been feeling nostalgic—because for the rest of our chat, he calls me Jimmy...not kidding, you’ll hear it for yourself. We also get into his thoughts on some hot topics in the game right now, like slow play and AimPoint green reading. It’s a fun and insightful conversation, so stick around and let’s tee it up!

On this episode of Next on the Tee, I'm joined by Ben Helmrath, VP of Merchandising at PGA Tour Superstore and Team Coordinator for the Atlanta Drive of the TGL League. Ben is deeply involved in team strategy, working alongside Captain Justin Thomas to set match-day lineups plus helps layout all the winning scenarios for when they should throw the Hammer. He takes us behind the scenes at SoFi Stadium, giving us a look at what really goes into a team’s preparation and what it's like down on the floor. Plus, with golf simulators becoming more and more affordable, Ben shares insights on how owning one might now be within reach for all of us. Then, mkaing his Next on the Tee debut is Champions Tour Pro Wes Short Jr. His longtime friend and Next on the Tee favorite, Bob Estes suggested that Wes would make a great guest, and boy was he right. Wes has an inspiring career—after years of grinding, he earned his PGA Tour card in 2004 at the age of 40, won his first event a year later in Las Vegas, and even qualified for his first U.S. Open at 52 years of age. His story proves that persistence pays off and we should never give up on our dreams. It’s a great lineup with insights, inspiration, and plenty of great stories, so thank you tuning in!

On this special bonus segment of Next on the Tee, I welcome back PGA Tour winner Bob Byman for a deep dive into some of the most defining moments of his career. With it being Arnold Palmer Invitational week on the PGA Tour, Bob takes us back to his victory at Bay Hill in 1979, reflecting on what it meant to win a tournament so closely connected to his college mentor, Arnold Palmer. As a Wake Forest alum who played on an Arnold Palmer scholarship, Bob shares personal stories about his relationship with The King and how Palmer’s influence shaped his career. We also revisit Bob’s impressive performances at The Open Championship, including his debut at St. Andrews in 1978, where he finished T17 alongside legends like Seve Ballesteros and Tom Weiskopf. The following year at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, he was in contention heading into the final round before finishing T7 in a tournament that saw Seve claim his first major title. Bob gives us a behind-the-scenes look at those experiences, the challenges of links golf, and what it was like competing on golf’s biggest international stage. His victory at Bay Hill also earned him a spot in the 1979 Masters, where he got his first taste of Augusta National. Bob walks us through that unforgettable experience, from the pressure of teeing it up at golf’s most revered venue, playing a practice round with Jack Nicklaus, to the lessons he took away from his first major start at Augusta. From Bay Hill to St. Andrews to Augusta, Bob Byman has been part of some incredible golf history. Don’t miss this conversation filled with career-defining moments, legendary names, and stories that every golf fan will appreciate.

In this episode of Next on the Tee, we’re joined by 2019 Charles Schwab Cup Champion Scott McCarron, as he gears up for the new season. Scott shares insights into his current health and the state of his game as he prepares for another competitive year. We also discuss the accessibility and visibility challenges the Champions Tour faces, despite the exceptional talent and fan engagement from its players. We explore why the PGA Tour seems to treat the Champions Tour as an afterthought and how that might change when Tiger Woods turns 50 and potentially joins the field. Scott reflects on his leadership role within the Tour, offering his perspective on the upcoming changes to the PGA Tour in 2026, including the reduction of full-time Tour cards and the impact of LIV Golf’s emergence has had on player earnings. We then take a deep dive into Scott’s impressive record at the Senior PGA Championship, a tournament where he’s consistently performed well, and discuss his chances at Congressional Country Club this year. He also reflects on his past successes in Atlanta, where he has multiple victories at TPC Sugarloaf, and how playing on a course with such great memories impacts his confidence. In a fun hypothetical, Scott answers the question: if he could turn back time, regain peak health, and take one more shot at a title—where would it be? Finally, we switch gears to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the 1980 Miracle on Ice, one of the greatest moments in sports history. Scott shares his thoughts on whether it stands as the greatest sporting event of his lifetime or if another moment holds that top spot. Tune in for a compelling conversation covering everything from the Champions Tour’s future to unforgettable sports moments with one of golf’s most respected voices, Scott McCarron.

On this very special bonus episode of Next on the Tee, I’m excited to welcome golf instruction and broadcasting legend Peter Kostis. A trusted voice in the game, Peter spent decades delivering expert swing analysis and commentary for USA Network and CBS Sports while coaching countless Tour players and amateurs. He shares how a casual round with his cousin sparked his love for golf and how his passion for learning the swing evolved into teaching players at every level. Peter reflects on his time with Golf Digest Golf Schools, his journey from a young instructor in Maine to one of golf’s most sought-after teachers, and how broadcasting allowed him to teach millions of amateur golfers in real time. He also shares memorable rounds with presidents, athletes, and celebrities, along with the joy of helping others improve their game. We also dive into the PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf saga, whether a true merger is possible, and the increasing divide between the "haves and have-nots" on Tour. Peter weighs in on whether former commissioner Deane Beman could have prevented today’s split. Plus, he opens up about his abrupt departure from CBS Sports and his favorite memories from Augusta National.

This week on Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two fantastic guests who bring both incredible stories and valuable insights to the show. Leading things off is John Cook, a 21-time winner across the PGA and Champions Tours and a former National Champion from his days at Ohio State. This marks John’s 10th visit to the show, and every conversation with him ha been fantastic thanks to his upbeat attitude and passion for the game — you can literally hear the smile in his voice. We kick things off by talking about this year’s Mexico Open, a tournament that holds special meaning for John since his father, Jim Cook, helped resurrect it back in the 1980s, and John himself went on to win it in 1995. As we continue looking ahead to this year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont, John also shares his memories of competing in the 1994 U.S. Open there. We also reminisce about some of the fun team events he’s played in alongside Sergio Garcia, Mark O’Meara, and Rex Caldwell. Following John, I’m excited to welcome Jeff Harper to the show for the first time. Jeff is the Director of Operations for Byler Holdings, which owns and manages five fantastic golf courses across Central and Eastern Pennsylvania. Each course presents its own unique challenge, making them the perfect progression for players as they advance their skills. Jeff takes us on a virtual tour of Broad Run Golfer’s Club in West Chester, Iron Valley in Lebanon, Berkleigh Golf Club in Kutztown, Lebanon Valley in Myerstown, and Blue Mountain in Fredericksburg. With his passion for golf and knack for storytelling, Jeff brings these courses to life and highlights what makes each one special. It’s a can’t-miss episode for anyone looking to discover hidden gems and enjoy some great golf stories along the way.

In this special segment, I catch up with Cindy Miller, whose incredible career continues to be recognized with two more Hall of Fame inductions. Cindy reflects on what it means to be honored by the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame and how special it is to join an elite group of athletes, including Jim Kelly, Jimmy Johnson, Ed Reed, and Neal Heaton, in the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame—where her induction makes her the 13th golfer to be enshrined. We also talk about her exciting new book, Take Another Shot: At Business, Golf, or Life, and the powerful personal experiences that shaped it, including her family’s journey through her husband Allen’s struggles with depression and a suicide attempt, and how they all overcame those challenges together. Cindy shares her thoughts on the negative influence of social media, referencing Lexi Thompson’s comments about how much words can hurt, and how she overcame people telling her she wasn't good enough to play college and then she helped the Hurricanes win back-to-back National Championships, and how she wasn't famous enough to write a book yet here we are a couple of months away from hers being published.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Next on the Tee! I hope your week has been filled with reasons to smile. If not, I’m sending some positive vibes your way and hoping to bring you a little mental relief over the next couple of hours. This week's episode, to quote Billy Joel, is in a New York State of Mind. All of my guests hail from New York, and we take a way-too-early look ahead to the Ryder Cup, including a discussion about Keegan Bradley with his former college coach at St. John’s. Leading things off, our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, joins me to dive into Ryder Cup predictions and early concerns. With the event set to take place at Bethpage State Park, a course that Tom grew up near, he’ll give us insights on the layout and playing conditions. Plus, with six of the first seven winners on the PGA Tour this season being non-U.S. players, is it too soon to worry about Team USA’s chances? Maybe it’s time to start sending some positive energy out to them. Tom and I will break it all down in the first segment. Following TP, I welcome back Frank Darby, former St. John’s Men’s Head Golf Coach and Co-Host of the On Course show on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. Frank, another New York native, has served as a rules official and has been involved in setting up tournaments at Bethpage, giving him firsthand knowledge of what players can expect at the Ryder Cup. And with Keegan Bradley—one of his former players—hoping to make the team as a player, Frank shares his perspective on if that's a good idea. We’ll also get into Tiger Woods’ potential move to the Champions Tour and what the PGA Tour should do about slow play. Frank is fantastic and has great golf insights!

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 7, I get the privilege of spending more time with Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor and Golf Digest's Best in the State of Indiana, Jeff Smith. You probably also know Jeff as Co-Host of the popular golf podcast Those Weekend Golf Guys alongside John Ashton. Jeff is the Taylor Swift of Golf Instructors, sought out by thousands everywhere he goes. We start out hearing about his home course The Vintage Club in Indian Wells, California. Jeff tells us about his recent Golf School there featuring lessons from Jason Day. We also hear about his incredible day caddying for the Pro-Am sponsor at the Waste Management Open. Jeff also delivers two valuable lessons to get you out of some very tough situations: how to hit a hybrid from a downhill lie and what to do when your ball winds up behind a tree with a low-hanging limb. Don’t miss this insightful and entertaining conversation. Jeff Smith is an all-timer. Thank you for tuning in to Next on the Tee!

In Part 1 of Season 12, Episode 7, I'm joined by John Hughes and John Mahaffey. John Hughes, is one of only 448 among approximately 30,000 PGA members to reach Master Professional Status. He has been recognized by Golf Digest as a top instructor in Florida, and The Golf Range Association as a Top 100 Growth of the GAme Instructors. During our conversation, John offers his perspective on whether investing in the latest and greatest golf equipment can enhance your game or if those funds are better spent on lessons. He also provides strategies for setting effective golf goals, discussing whether to aim for reducing stroke counts or going after milestone scores such as breaking 100, 90, or 80. Following John, I welcome back 1970 NCAA National Champion and 1978 PGA Champion John Mahaffey. John was a great player, but he's an even better person which I hope you get a sense of as you listen to his insights. John shares the ironic story of winning the 1978 American Optical Classic by two strokes over Dr. Gil Morgan—the only optometrist on Tour. He also weighs in on the upcoming structural changes to the PGA Tour, including reduced field sizes and fewer available Tour cards. Additionally, John names one of the most formidable competitors from the 70s and 80s—a choice that may surprise listeners. Finally, he offers a unique perspective on why former President Donald Trump might be the key to bringing together the PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger. Tune in for these great conversations, expert insights, and much more on this week’s episode!

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 6, I welcome David Swan in for his debut appearance on the show. David is the inventor of the PUR Golf putting trainer, a game-changing aid designed to help golfers refine their stroke and sink more putts. Both Tom Patri and I were immediately drawn to this innovative training aid when we saw it at last year’s PGA Merchandise Show, and now, David breaks down how it works and why it’s making waves in the golf world. If you’ve ever wished you could drain more putts, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Plus, you can check out the PUR Golf trainer for yourself at PUR.golf while you listen in! Thanks for checking out Part 2 of the episode, it could change your putting game forever!

Golf season is just around the corner, and that means new equipment drops from all the major manufacturers! In this episode of Next on the Tee, we break down the latest gear and help you make smart decisions before dropping big money on new clubs. Joining me first is Scott Felix, one of the Top 100 Club Fitters, to guide us through the maze of new equipment. From TaylorMade’s Qi35 woods and irons, which just earned top honors on the Golf Digest Hot List, to other big-name releases, Scott takes us beyond the marketing hype. We’ll cover: When to buy new clubs, when to hold off, and when to invest in lessons insteadUnderstanding the shaft and clubhead marketWhy the latest driver won’t magically fix your slice Then, we shift gears to the mental side of the game with our monthly visit from Dr. Bob Winters, aka The Confidence Doctor. This month, Doc shares strategies on "finding a way to get it done" and how to remind yourself that you're smarter than your doubts and better than your fears. His insights will be worth jotting down in your golf notebook before your next round! It’s an episode packed with game-changing advice—don’t miss it!

In this very special episode of Next on the Tee, 2011 U.S. Senior Open Champion Olin Browne and 1987 US Amateur Champion Billy Mayfair join the show. Olin shares his thoughts on the PGA Tour’s controversial changes—smaller field sizes, fewer Monday qualifiers, and the dominance of signature events. Is the tour catering too much to top players at the expense of the grinders? Olin shares his perspective on how these changes might impact the next generation of Tour players. We also discuss the financial side of the game, from $25 million purses to sponsors pulling out. With TV ratings down and fans feeling disconnected from today’s stars, what can the PGA Tour do to bring back its audience? Olin weighs in on whether accessibility and engagement changes could make a difference. Shifting gears, we reminisce about Olin’s experiences at Oakmont, site of the 2025 U.S. Open. He reflects on his rounds there in ‘94 and ‘07, the legendary greens, and even witnessing Arnold Palmer’s farewell. Billy Mayfair was also witness to The King's final US Open round and talks about sticking around following his Friday round to see it. We discuss his trip to Morocco to open up his Champion's Tour season. Billy reflects on his legendary iron play, including a streak of six consecutive birdies on Par 3s last season—an impressive feat on today’s long courses. Billy also gives his perspective on equipment advancements, comparing today’s clubs and balls to those from earlier eras. He recalls playing alongside icons like Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, and Trevino, sharing his favorite memories from competing against legends. Billy also gets candid about his journey in professional golf, revealing how he turned pro without telling his parents and when he finally broke the news. Finally, we check in on his wife, Tami, who has been a huge influence on his career—both as a caddie and in her own golf endeavors—and ask Billy how much longer he envisions competing at a high level, given that Bernhard Langer is still winning at 67! It’s a fascinating discussion with two of golf’s true competitors—don’t miss it!