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!

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 4, I’m joined by my gumba Rob Strano, who brings us his unique perspective from the PGA Merchandise Show. As the host of The Golf Kingdom Golf Show, Rob always has his finger on the pulse of the latest golf trends, and he’s here to share the most exciting innovations he spotted at the event. He also takes us inside the Coaches Academy he hosted at Bay Hill prior to the show. We’ll also talk about his incredible recreation of Bryson DeChambeau’s famous over-the-house hole-in-one that he recreated in his in-studio simulator and his view on data vs. old school ball flight. Then, I wrap things up with a return visit from Christopher Carter, who’s back to talk about his new book, The Zen Golfer: Cultivating Calm and Concentration on the Course. Chris will help us understand how to relax over shots, stay loose, and truly enjoy the game more. He’ll also explain why having a consistent pre-shot routine is key to better performance. If you want to improve your mental game, you’ll definitely want to hear this conversation. You can grab a copy of The Zen Golfer now on Amazon. I’m excited to have Chris back on the show!

This week on Next on the Tee, I have a fantastic lineup of guests and insights that I can't wait to share with you. Kicking things off is our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who was my eyes and ears at the PGA Merchandise Show last week. Since I couldn’t be there this year, Tom fills us in on all the exciting new technology and innovations making waves in the industry. As the ultimate advocate for short game, short game, short game, Tom will also weigh in on an age-old debate—should you invest in a new driver or a new set of wedges? I have a feeling I know where he stands, but you’ll find out at the top of the show. Following Tom, our good friend and former Tour pro, David Peoples, joins me. Peeps has quickly become one of my favorite guests because he brings so much energy, fun, and great stories to every conversation. Recently, he reached out to Tom for a lesson, and TP was stunned when he saw what David had in his bag. We’ll talk all about that surprise, plus get David’s take on two of the hottest topics in professional golf: the ongoing slow play issues on Tour and the reduced fields in Signature Events and set to be in place across the board for 2026. David always brings great insight and perspective, and you'll hear why he's become a show favorite. It’s another can’t-miss episode packed with golf knowledge, humor, and expert analysis, so settle in with us and enjoy the show!

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 3, we’re diving into Pittsburgh sports and golf history with two fantastic guests! First up, our good friend and Pittsburgh Sports Talk Radio Host, Paul Alexander, is back on the show! It’s always an honor and a blast catching up with Paul. He is a part of the KDKA team that just won the prestigious Marconi Award for being the best News Talk radio station in the country. Having Paul as part of the team, it's no shock that they won it. This time, we cover everything from the Steelers' offseason moves, Mike Tomlin’s lack of leadership, and the state of Penn State football. Plus, with the U.S. Open returning to Oakmont this summer, I get Paul’s take on what to expect from one of golf’s toughest courses. I could talk to Paul all night, and you'll understand why but we kept it to a great 40-minute conversation packed with insights and laughs. Then, we round things out with David Moore, the Curator of Collections at Oakmont Country Club along with several other iconic Western Pennsylvania courses. David is also the co-author of the newly released book, Battling The Church Pews: The History of Golf’s Premiere Events in Western Pennsylvania. We take a deep dive into his book, discussing some of Oakmont’s legendary tournaments, including: 🏆 The 1925 U.S. Amateur Championship won by Bobby Jones 🏆 The 1935 U.S. Open, where Oakmont member Sam Parks Jr. shocked the golf world by defeating legends like Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, and Horton Smith 🏆 Ben Hogan’s dominant 1953 U.S. Open win 🏆 The epic 1962 U.S. Open battle between Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer David brings these historical moments to life, and his book is a must-read for golf history buffs. You can grab your copy now on Amazon! This episode is packed with Steelers talk, golf history, and insights into Oakmont’s storied past—so settle in and enjoy the conversation!

I’m so stoked about this week’s episode because I get to share some truly great friends with you! First up is Allen Miller, a former University of Georgia team captain, 2-time Walker Cup competitor, and Canadian Amateur Champion, where he dominated the field by 10 strokes. He also had an impressive career on the PGA Tour. He T15 at the 1975 Masters, which was one of the most memorable Masters Tournaments ever. Allen was a top competitor on Tour for well over a decade. Beyond his playing career, Allen’s story is one of resilience. He overcame personal struggles, particularly with a father who never thought anything he did was good enough—something that pushed him into a deep depression. His journey was so compelling that Sirius/XM’s PGA Tour Channel featured it in a special called The Allen Miller Story. I highly encourage you to check it out—it’s a story that could truly change lives. We dive into Allen's playing career, dealing with his father, and ultimately becoming one of the Top Instructors in the game. Then, I welcome back a longtime friend of the show, Bob Friend Jr., who has been a part of Next on the Tee since episode #3—12 years ago! A Pittsburgh native and one of the all-time greats in the Western PA & Tristate area, plus out on the PGA Tour. Bob has a deep understanding of what it means to be a grinder. With major changes coming to the PGA Tour next year, including restrictions on Tour cards and Monday qualifiers, Bob is the perfect person to break it all down. No one worked harder to earn their spot on Tour than Bob, and you'll hear his take on how these changes will impact future players. Plus, as a lifelong Steelers fan, I get his thoughts on where the team needs to go from here. This episode is packed with inspiration, golf wisdom, and insights into the state of the game—so settle in and enjoy the conversation!

In Season 12, Episode 2, Part 2, I am joined by perhaps the most decorated instructor in Canadian golf history—Paul Horton. Paul has been recognized as the PGA of Canada National Teacher of the Year and National Coach of the Year, alongside multiple PGA of Alberta Teacher and Coach of the Year awards. We take a journey back to his early days, where he spent time with two legendary figures in Canadian golf—George Knudson and Moe Norman. Paul shares incredible insights into his teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of mastering the mind before mastering the swing. We also discuss the immense satisfaction he’s gained from coaching 60 students who earned college scholarships and 28 who have gone on to turn pro. With so many incredible stories from Paul, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical lessons for golfers at every level. Tune in and enjoy this fascinating conversation with one of the great minds in golf instruction!

This week on Next on the Tee, I’m kicking things off with Courtney Weber, one of the stars of last year’s PGA Merchandise Show in my opnion. Courtney, works alongside our good friend Rob Strano at the Strano Golf Academy down in Destin, Florida. She took center stage last year at the PGA Show to talk about training and fitness, and she’s back on the show to share even more insights. As a Level 3 TPI-certified expert with additional certification from Golf Digest, she’ll guide us on how to improve our flexibility, build strength, and prepare our bodies to play our best golf. Her positivity comes shining through the speakers. Then, we welcome back Champions Tour Pro Rob Labritz, one of the most positive and approachable guys in professional golf. Rob’s infectious energy and passion for the game make him a fan favorite, but last season came with challenges. After battling a back injury in the second half of the year, he narrowly missed keeping his Champions Tour card by just two spots and around $20,000. Despite the setback, Rob kept grinding, trying to make it into the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs. We’ll hear his reflections on last season, what he’s learned, and what’s next for him in 2025. It’s an episode filled with inspiration, resilience, and expert advice—thank you for pressing play and let’s get to who's Next on the Tee!

In Part 2 of Episode 1 of Season 12, we get to spend some with two incredible golf instructors who are making waves in the game. First up is Brandon Stooksbury, a 2-time Georgia PGA Teacher of the Year who is now excelling at Metairie Country Club in Louisiana. Brandon is a renowned short game expert and author of two must-read books, The Wedge Book: An Owner’s Manual for Your Short Game and The Putter Book: An Owner’s Manual for Your Green Game. He shares great tips and drills to help you chip, pitch, have better speed control with your putts, and improve your green reading. We’ll round out the episode with Jason Carbone, the Head Golf Professional at Canterbury Golf Club in Ohio. Jason brings a wealth of experience from his time at legendary courses like Muirfield Village, Baltusrol, and Woodland Country Club. As a student of the great Jim McLean, Jason shares stories from his career, including working with Jack Nicklaus, competing at Firestone Country Club, and winning majors in the Northern Ohio PGA Section. It’s an episode packed with expertise, inspiration, and actionable advice for golfers at every level!

We're kicking off 2025 and Season 12 with a fantastic lineup on Next on the Tee! This week in Part 1, we start the new year in the best way possible—with our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri and The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters. Come back for Part 2 featuring 2 time Georgia PGA Teacher of the Year Brandon Stooksbury and the Head Golf Professional at Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood, Ohio Jason Carbone. In Part 1, TP shares his insights on the first PGA Tour event of the year in Hawaii, where Hideki Matsuyama put on a record-breaking performance, finishing at an astonishing 35 under par. With an incredible 88% greens-in-regulation and 1.56 putts per GIR, Matsuyama won in record-setting fashion shooting a PGA Tour 35 under par. Tom shares his thoughts on that plus we dive into the latest golf equipment hitting the market and discuss the one Tour player he’d love to have a crack at fixing. Then, I welcome back The Confidence Doctor himself, Dr. Bob Winters, for our monthly deep dive into the mental side of the game. Dr. Bob takes us deep inside the mental game, to its core. Doc breaks down how our actions follow our thoughts and shares practical strategies to combat negativity and how to strengthen our mental approach. It's an episode packed with insight, strategy, and inspiration—so let's get 2025 started the right way!

In Part 2 of Episode 60, I close out 2024 and Season 11 with two of my favorite people, John Inman and Matthew Laurance. John is always a blast to talk to, and his stories from his playing days on Tour to his time as the Head Men’s Golf Coach at the University of North Carolina are nothing short of fantastic. We dive into the impact of the changes coming to NIL deals plus roster changes in college sports. Then we get into, all the PGA Tour’s newly approved adjustments to field sizes and the number of available Tour cards starting in 2026. I also get John's thoughts on his brother Joe becoming an Advisor to the PGA Tour Policy Board. Several of Joe’s peers have told me he’d make a great Tour Commissioner, and while he once dismissed the idea as more hassle than it’s worth, perhaps he’s had a change of heart—I sure hope so. You can follow John on X/Twitter @audubonjohn62 To wrap up this season, I’ll be joined by my good friend Matthew Laurance for another of our always lively conversations. We touch on the same NIL and PGA Tour changes, discuss his thoughts on the TGL League, and share some incredible celebrity golf stories that are guaranteed to make you laugh—I know I did! Be sure to follow Matthew on X/Twitter @reallauro5 and stay tuned in March when his show, Backspin Golf, returns to WLXG.com, ESPN Radio in Lexington, Kentucky which you can stream online or on the WLXG app.

In this special season-ending episode of Next on the Tee, I'm joined by legendary sports documentary and movie Producer Ross Greenburg. With over 33 years at HBO Sports and countless award-winning documentaries to his name, Ross reflects on his incredible career, his passion for storytelling, and some of the most memorable sports moments in history. We discuss: MiracleWhen It Was A GameNine Innings from Ground Zero Ross also shares his thoughts on the transformation of professional sports, the importance of preserving stories for future generations, and what drives him to keep uncovering the narratives behind the games we love. You'll also get a hint about his upcoming project around the US Women's Soccer Team who electrified us all by winning the 1999 World Cup. This is an episode filled with nostalgia, insight, and inspiration – the perfect way to start closing out 2024 and Season 11.

In Part 2 of episode 59 , I’m joined by two of the nicest people on the planet Jim Gallagher Jr. and Scott Hamilton. Jim Gallagher Jr., shares his thoughts on all the recent chaos in the professional golf world. Jim, a member of three state Hall of Fames – Indiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi – reflects on his incredible career and reveals the secret to finding joy in the game. Later, I round out the episode with a return visit from the legendary 1984 Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton. Scott hinted in our last conversation that he has some amazing golf stories, including playing alongside big-name celebrities – and he absolutely delivered! Known for his positivity and warmth, Scott shares these captivating stories and reminds us why he might just be the nicest person on the planet. You won’t want to miss this engaging and uplifting episode!

In this episode, I’ve got four fascinating guests lined up for you. Part 1 kicks off with our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri. TP and I dive into the mass exodus happening among top leaders across all the tours. Plus, we’ll discuss the recent announcement that PGA Tour Enterprises is seeking a CEO to work alongside Jay Monahan – which I’m hoping is code for replacing him. We’ll also touch on the outgoing CEO of the R&A, Martin Slumbers, and his parting warning for professional golf. All that and more with TP! Next, we’re joined by the "Confident Doctor," Dr. Bob Winters, for our monthly visit. Doc will share insights about an exciting new Tour he’s joined as a Board member, designed to give talented young women a pathway to the LPGA. We’ll also explore the double-edged sword that is golf – how it feels magical when everything is going right but challenging when our minds and bodies aren’t in sync. Dr. Bob will join the conversation about 30 minutes in. Tune in for these great discussions, and be sure to come back for Part 2 of this week's show featuring my conversations with Jim Gallagher Jr. and Scott Hamilton.

In Part5 2 of Season 11, Episode 58, I’m thrilled to introduce two first-time guests who bring unique perspectives and expertise to the show. First, I’m joined by Mike Malizia, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor based at The Club at Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter, Florida. Known for being a haven for sports enthusiasts, Admiral’s Cove is an incredible facility—possibly one of the finest I’ve ever seen online. Mike talks about what makes the club so special and we dive into his expertise as an instructor. He shares invaluable tips on hitting straighter shots, squaring the clubface at the moment of impact, and eliminating those frustrating chunks and thin shots with our wedges. Later in the show, I chat with Jonathan Sessa, an Army Veteran and Founder of the Warrior Golf Academy. Jonathan’s Academy is doing amazing work helping Veterans—especially those wounded in service—rediscover or learn the game of golf. Beyond that, the Academy offers a Caddie training program to help Vets find employment in golf and teaches them how to restore clubs, further enhancing their skill set. Tune in for expert instruction, inspiring stories, and a celebration of the impact golf can have on lives.

In Part of this week's show, I’m excited to welcome two incredible guests who bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the game of golf. First, I’ll be joined by Steve Shingledecker, Head Coach of the Robert Morris Men’s Golf Team. This marks the third time I've had the privilege of having Steve on the show. He’s doing an outstanding job building a strong program for the only Division 1 men’s golf team in the Pittsburgh area. (Yes, surprisingly, Pitt doesn’t have one!) Steve and I will discuss his young and promising team, which features standout player Chuck Tragesser, a name you might see on the PGA Tour in the future, along with a talented group of freshmen. We’ll also dive into the implications of the recent $2.78 billion settlement in the House vs. NCAA case and what it means for college athletics, both for roster spots and the player payment challenges it presents. Later, I’ll be joined by Tom Wildenhaus, one of the most celebrated figures in the game. A former National PGA Professional of the Year and a two-time Florida Professional of the Year, Tom is also a member of the South Florida PGA Section Hall of Fame. For the past 30 years, he’s been the Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club, one of the state’s premier private courses. Tom and I will discuss his approach to servant leadership, which I believe, has led those awards to finding him. We’ll also explore why Olde Florida thrives without amenities like tennis or pickleball courts or evening dining, yet still boasts an extensive waiting list to join. Could it be his leadership style...I think so. It’s an episode packed with insight, inspiration, and a celebration of the people driving the game forward. Don’t miss this segment or Part 2 featuring Top 100 Instructor Mike Malizia and the Founder of the Warrior Golf Academy, Jonathan Sessa. You can stay up-to-date with everything going on with the show on our site at https://.nextonthetee.net. You can follow me on social plus share your thoughts on Instagram and X at @ctmascaro.

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 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 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 leads off this week's show. Follow John on Instram and X @johnmascaripga 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, wonderful people on the planet. 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. You can following on Instragram at @scotthamilton84 plus help him fight cancer at https://scottcares.org You can stay up-to-date with everything going on with the show on our site at https://.nextonthetee.net. You can follow me on social plus share your thoughts on Instagram and X at @ctmascaro.