Golf Podcast: next on the tee
Next on the Tee takes a unique approach to golf coverage. The show is more than just an analysis of the latest scores and tournament results. It provides in-depth interviews with some of the biggest names in golf, giving listeners an inside look at the sport and its players. Additionally, the show has a friendly and engaging tone that makes it accessible to both die-hard golf fans and casual listeners alike. With its high production value, compelling interviews, and insightful commentary, Next on the Tee is striving to be a part of your weekly golf content.
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
In Part 2 of this week's show, I'm joined by PGA Tour Caddie and in my opinion the best player in the history of the state of Tennessee Kip Henley, and one of Golf Digest's Best Young Teachers in America Eva Rogers.
Kip Henley has a tremendous resume. As a junior player, he won the Chattanooga City Prep Championship and the Ewing Watkins Award for being the most outstanding junior golfer in the city. In college, he was an All-Southern Conference player at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He later became a Class A Teaching Professional and taught at a few local clubs before becoming a Tour Caddie. His playing accomplishments include:
The Tennessee Assistant Pro Championship
Tennessee PGA Section Championship 4 times
Tennessee State Open twice
Tennessee Player of the Year 5 times
Won The Golf Channel's Big Break II in 2004
He added the Tennessee Senior Open Championship in June of 2023.
He is a fantastic Caddie and has been on the bag for players like Steward Cink, Vijay Singh, Austin Cook, Brian Gay, Boo Weekly, and Grayson Murray.
Kip takes us back to last summer when he won the state Senior Open Championship doing it in honor of his mentor and a staple in Tennessee Golf Warren Huddleston, who passed away. He also shares stories from his time caddying for Brian Gay including their 10-shot victory in the 2009 Heritage Classic.
Eva Rogers was named by Golf Digest as one of the Best Young Teachers in America. She is also a certified US Kids Instructor. She teaches at one of the most historic courses in the country, Medinah Country Club just outside of Chicago. Medinah has hosted several majors including 3 US Opens, 2 PGA Championships, a US Senior Open, and the 2012 Ryder Cup.
Eva shares what it like to call Medinah home and the great membership they have there. She was recently selected to serve on the 2024/2025 PGA Lead Team and we hear what they are working on. We also discuss how she keeps her junior players engaged and enjoying the game in a Tic Toc, immediate gratification world. She reflects on Nelly Korda's current historic run and the call she received from Illinois House Representative Jennifer Sanalitro regarding Eva's success in a male-dominated industry.
3 days ago
3 days ago
In Episode 25 Part 1, I'm joined by two fantastic Instructors, Tom Patri and Larry Rinker.
TP and I talk about the history unfolding in front of all of us from Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda. He shares his thoughts on why in the world Victor Hovland went from winning the Tour Championship to making swing and coach changes. We also get into the unprecedented amount of money that Scheffler's Caddie, Ted Scott is making. It's about to be more in the last few months than Arnold Palmer made playing golf in his career.
Larry Rinker played his college golf at the University of Florida and was the medalist at the 1978 SEC Championship. He is now one of the top Instructors in our game. Larry played in a couple of Masters Tournaments and we talk about his first experience back in 1983. He played a practice round with Payne Stewart and Scott Hoch and the Par 3 Tournament with Gary Player and Gay Brewer. We get both of those stories plus what it was like playing in the final group at the 1984 Heritage Classic with Nick Faldo, when Faldo got his first PGA Tour victory. Check him out online at www.larryrinker.com.
Sunday Apr 21, 2024
Sunday Apr 21, 2024
In Part 2 of this week's show, I'm joined by 1983 PGA Champion and 2-time Players Champion Hal Sutton and former PGA Tour Player who is now one of the all-time great Golf Analysts, Frank Nobilo.
Hal has designed a new course outside of Houston, Texas called Darmor. It is destined to be named the Top New Private Course of 2024/2025. We start off getting an update on how it's progressing. I then get Hal's thoughts on Scottie Scheffler's win in The Masters and his impressive play in the extremely windy conditions in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. He also shares his thoughts on what he saw from Ludvig Aberg playing in his first major plus Tiger's performance as well. We then look ahead to the PGA Championship at Valhalla and a look back at Hal's win in the PGA Championship in 1983. Hal talks about having his idol, Jack Nicklaus, make a charge in the final round and what it was like having Jack waiting for him on 18 as Hal closed out that victory.
Frank Nobilo was a part of the CBS broadcast team for The Masters. We talk about why Augusta National always brings out the best in past champions. He shares his insights on the play of Sscheffler, Aberg, and Tiger. Then I get Frank's thoughts on why golf's ratings are down 20+% this year. We conclude by looking back at the 1994 US Open at Oakmont. Frank was in the field that year and in the press room when Arnold Palmer finished his final US Open round. Frank talks about the emotional scene of watching Mr. Palmer address the press and his fans.
Sunday Apr 21, 2024
Sunday Apr 21, 2024
In Part 1 of a special "Happy Birthday to Me" episode of the show, I'm joined by 2011 US Senior Open Champion Olin Browne, and The Godfather of Golf Talk Radio John Patrick, whom I regard as the finest Golf & Talk Show Radio Host ever.
Olin Browne shares insights on why Scottie's career trajectory resembles that of Tiger's. Additionally, we delve into Ludvig Aberg's apparent enjoyment during the typically tense final nine holes of The Masters on Sunday. Olin also recounts his experiences competing in the Senior PGA Championship at Valhalla in 2011, which is also the venue for this year's PGA Championship, and the US Open at Pinehurst in 2005, the location of this year's US Open.
In the second segment, I'm joined by the best to ever do it, John Patrick. John is the gold standard for what golf talk radio should sound like. We delve into Augusta National's recent property acquisitions adjacent to the Club, speculating on what their plans may be. He discusses the challenging winds that affected the tournament over Friday and Saturday, offers insights into Tiger's future and what might need to happen in order for Rory to secure a victory there. Additionally, we get into what might be causing the declining television ratings of the PGA Tour. Check out his show at www.augustagolfshow.com
In Part 2, I'll cover those same topics with 1983 PGA Champion Hal Sutton and former Tour Player and now CBS Analyst Frank Nobilo.
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Former Bills, Panthers, & Packers WR Don Beebe joins me in this special episode of Next on the Tee.
Don was a 3rd round pick in 1989 but the first pick the Buffalo Bills had that year. He was an integral part of their 4 Super Bowl appearances in the early 90s. After a good warm-up and prayer session before the start of Super Bowl 27, he was convinced that he'd make the game-winning TD catch against the Cowboys. Well, the game was a route in the other direction. The Cowboys won 52-17 but it was a second away from the Cowboys putting another touchdown on the board when Don ran down Leon Lett who was dancing his way toward the endzone after recovering a fumble. Don swiped the ball out of Lett's hand causing a touchback and giving the Bills the ball back. It was an innocuous play in a blowout game. But it showed Don hadn't given up and was going to hustle until the game was over. During pregame, he had asked God to help him honor and praise Him through a game-winning touchdown. Instead, He gave him a play that has resonated with millions in a much deeper way. Hear Don tell that story and the reaction he continues to receive from people all over the world 31 years later.
Get your copy of Don's wonderful new book at www.donbeebe.com
Saturday Apr 13, 2024
Saturday Apr 13, 2024
In Part 2 of this week's show, we continue The Masters conversation with a guy who played in the tournament 18 times and was currently over in Augusta, Mark Calcavecchia. Following Mark, I'm joined by Rob Strano. Rob grew up playing at the same country club as 1968 Masters Champion Bob Goalby.
Mark starts off explaining why he's nicknamed the bunker on 10 Brenda's Bunker, after his wife. We learn that the tradition of skipping shots across the pond on 16 during the practice rounds was started by Mark and his college teammate Ken Green. Mark and Ken used to bet about who could make all kinds of shots. When they got to 16 during a practice round in 1987, they threw a few balls down and tried to see who could get it closer. The next morning there was a letter waiting for Green in his locker from Augusta National Chairman Hord Harden saying "We don't do that at Augusta National." Of course, now it's a tradition during the practice rounds. If players don't skip one across the pond, the patrons boo them. Mark and I switch gears and talk about the Masters merchandise craze and one we don't understand around Masters nomes. We then get into some of his playing memories like the time he shot 29 on the back 9 in 1992. In 2001 he started the final round tied with Tiger and Phil. We hear about how he got ahead of himself and let that one get away. He and his wife Brenda are great people and great follows on social media. Be sure to follow them @MarkCalc and @BrendaCalc.
Rob Strano grew up in St. Louis playing at the same country club as 1968 Masters Champion Bob Goalby. Mr. Goalby won that Masters in part thanks to Roberto DiVincenzo signing an incorrect scorecard. In the final round, Goalby birdied 13 and 14 and then eagled 15. DiVincenzo birdied 17 to take a one-stroke lead but his playing partner Tommy Aaron marked down a 4 instead of a 3. When their round was over, Goalby and DiVincenzo thought they were headed for an 18-hole playoff on Monday. But since DiVincenzo signed the card with the higher score, USGA rules state the higher score stands, so he lost by a stroke. Rob shares how Mr. Goalby dealt with how all that unfolded. I also get his insights on the topography of the course, how undulated those greens are, and who he likes to win this week.
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Happy Masters Week everyone. For me, this is THE most magical week of the year. As they say, The Master is a tradition unlike any other. This week both parts of the show are dedicated to taking you inside the tournament to give you a sense of what it's like to be on those magnificent grounds.
I kick it off with Tom Patri, who has been out there several times with his good friend, 1992 Masters Champion Fred Couples. Also joining me in Part 1 is John Cook. Cookie played in 15 Masters tournaments dating back to 1979. He earned his way into that Masters field with his victory in the 1978 US Amateur.
Tom Patri shares stories of being alongside Fred Couples during his run to the Green Jacket in '92. To this day, none of us know how Fred's tee shot on #12 didn't roll back into Rae's Creek. We hear what Fred's reaction was. Tom also shares some of his other favorite Masters memories, the legends he wished could have donned a Green Jacket, and current players he'd love to see win. I also get his thoughts on Scottie Scheffler's place in history if he were to win his second Masters. Check out Tom's YouTube Channel where you can get over 300 free video lessons: https://www.youtube.com/@TomPatriGolf
John Cook takes us down Magnolia Lane, remembering that first drive up alongside his mentor Ken Venturi. We hear about his night in the Crows Nest and the Augusta National memorabilia he collected over the years. I also get Cookie's thoughts on what's driving television ratings down, and why the networks are trying to replace the great Analysts that many of us love. Give John a follow on Twitter @johncookgolf & Instagram @jncookosu.
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
In Part 2 of Episode 21, I catch up with 2003 PGA Champion Shaun Micheel and Top 10 Instructor Martin Chuck.
I have been saying for years that Shaun Micheel is the most underrated and under-appreciated player in PGA Tour History. Most remember his incredible win at the 2003 PGA Championship, hitting one of the greatest approach shots in major golf history. He came to that 72nd hole with a 1-stroke lead over Chad Campbell. He then hit his 7-iron approach shot to 3 inches from the cup. What people don't remember is that he nearly doubled down at the 2006 PGA, finishing 2nd to Tiger. He also finished runner-up at the 2006 World Match Play Championship after defeating Tiger in the first round 4 & 3. During his PGA Tour career he had 20 Top 10 finishes and 57 Top 25s. You'll hear him share his experiences playing in the 2004 Masters. His practice round with Jack and playing in the group behind Arnold Palmer during Arnie's final Masters appearance that year. Plus, playing in the group with Seve during his final Open appearance.
Martin Chuck is ranked #7 in Golf Digest's Top Instructor rankings. He has recently teamed with Chris McGinley, formerly of Titleist and the guy who discovered Bob Vokey years ago, and Performance Golf to promote a set of wedges that are simply fantastic. We talk about the technology that Chris put into these wedges that will help us hit better shots from tight lies, divots, rough, and green-side bunkers. Plus the spin these full-face wedges put on the ball so we can get our chips closer to the hole. I love the feel of these wedges.
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
In Part 1 of this week's podcast, my guests are former LPGA Commissioner & Author Charlie Mechem and The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Robert Winters.
Charlie Mechem has recently written his third book titled, Arnie & Jack, Stories of My Long Friendship with Two Remarkable Men. We hear about how he met both men and stories from his 10 years working as a Consultant to Arnold Palmer following Charlie's tenure as Commissioner of the LPGA Tour. One of the many great stories that Charlie shares is from when former PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem asked him to convince Mr. Palmer and Mr. Nicklaus to Co-Design The King & the Bear. Finchem failed to get them to agree to it multiple times. Charlie had a very unique idea of how to get them to do it...and it worked. We also hear about the true mutual respect and friendship Jack and Arnie had. Charlie tells the story of having lunch with Mr. Palmer following The Masters one year. They talked about a player who was in contention who laid up on 13 & 15. Neither couldn't imagine why anyone would do that. Palmer asked Charlie, do you remember how many times I finished 2nd in The Masters? Charlie said no. Mr. Palmer replied, neither do I. Hear those stories plus several other wonderful ones including Charlie playing golf with Neil Armstrong, Paul Brown, Pete Rose, and Tommy Thayer of Kiss.
Dr. Bob Winters, The Confidence Doctor, joins me in the second segment. He shares tips for how to keep those intrusive negative thoughts out of our minds when we want to see all the trouble around the golf course. Change Your Mind, Change Your Game is his mantra. He also talks about how to be smarter than your doubt plus shares a wonderful story of meeting Jack Fleck out on the driving range and the impact that had on him going forward.
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Part 1: Former Tour Pros David Peoples & Tom Purtzer Join Me...
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Friday Mar 29, 2024
In Part 1 of this week's show, I'm joined by PGA Tour Legends David Peoples and Tom Purtzer. David had a fantastic Amateur career which included winning the 1979 Florida State Amateur Championship before he joined the PGA Tour. He went on to win twice on Tour, at the 1991 Southern Open and the 1992 Anheuser-Busch Classic. He also won the 1990 Kapalua International.
David was so much fun when he joined me in December that I couldn't wait to have him back on the show. He and I talk about how he came from 2 strokes back to win that '79 Florida State Amateur defeating then 44-year-old and multi-time champion Jack Vegte and future Tour Pro Jay Schrader. He also shares memories of finishing runner-up at Q-School in 1982 when it was played at TPC Sawgrass, his appearances in the 1992 and '93 Masters, and why he decided not to play in The Open Championship until playing in the Senior Open Championship when he was on the Champions Tour.
Tom Purtzer is one of my all-time favorites. In his 7th visit to the show, he shares his insights on this year's Players Championship plus his experiences playing in the tournament from the late 70s through the early 90s. He talks about the challenge of figuring out the winds swirling around the 17th green, similar to the ones around the 12th green at Augusta National. We also talk about the incredible putt he made from the back lip of the bunker on the 13th hole on his way to victory at the 1991 Colonial Invitational and why he never mentioned that putt to tournament host Ben Hogan. We round out Part 1 of this week's show by talking about the fracture in the Pro game and if we would be here if Deane Beman was still Commissioner.