On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: Champion Tour Player Guy Boros; legendary broadcaster Ben Wright; Director of Marketing for Bionic Golf, Cheryl Fink; and the Voice of Golf, Peter Kessler.
On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: the author of Zen Golf, Zen Putting, How to Make Every Putt, and the Best Diet Book Ever, Dr. Joe Parent; Drew Dunn, Head Golf Pro at East Lake Golf Club, the home of Bobby Jones and the Tour Championship; the Founder and Inventor of Pine Valley Orthotics, Stuart Sackowitz.
Dr. Joe Parent - Doc started out talking about diets and what causes us to gain weight. He calls them the 3 Too's: we eat too much, too fast for too long. To remedy that we need the 3 S's: east smaller portions, more slowly, and stopping earlier. We transitioned over to talking about how to make more putts and the difference between making a putt and holing a putt. We talked about the mental side of the game and all the negative talk we do to ourselves. He said we could play better if we'd just get out of our own way. "You can't hit it straight if you're bent out of shape."
Drew Dunn - Drew took us through the rich history of the land that East Lake is built on. Even though it's 5 miles outside of Atlanta, back in the early 1900s it was considered to be a vacation getaway spot for Atlantans. He talked about feeling the history of the people who once walked their fairways and what it's like hosting the Tour Championship there every year.
Stuart Sackowitz - Stuart talked about what make his new orthotics so much better than any others on the market. They are designed to help golfers get a more full turn and weight transfer because of a 2 degree pitch he built into them. Their energy return system in the heels push back as you step to help you walk and feel less fatigued. They are perfect for not only golfers but anyone on their feet all day. They can also help if you're dealing with specific things like: heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, archilles issues, flat feet and pronation. Check them out at www.pinevalleyorthotics.com
On this edition of Next on the Tee hear my conversations with: Golf Course Architect & former PGA Tour Pro Bill Bergin; the Founder and CEO of Caddy for a Cure Russ Holden and the recipient of the mortgage free house former Marine Lyndon Ortiz; and Golf Club Designer and former CEO of the Ben Hogan Golf Company, Terry Koehler.
On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: 7 time Canadian Long Drive Champion, Lisa "Longball" Vlooswyk; Actor (Eddie & the Cruisers, Streets of Fire, St. Elmo's Fire, SNL, Beverly Hills 90210), ESPN Radio Host and Color Analyst for Kentucky Basketball, Matthew Laurance; and the Founder and Creator of Par Bar energy bars, Gerry Mullally.
On this episode of Next on the Tee my guests are: PGA Master Professional Paul Rudeen, Golf Digest Top 100 Instructor Tom Stickney, and TaylorMade Golf CEO David Abeles.
Paul Rudeen - Paul shard his tips for how to warm up before your round of golf, tips for how to pitch and chip the ball closer to the hole, how to read the grain on the green and one swing tip to keep in mind as you play.
Tom Stickney - Tom shared stories about some of the players he got to be around when he was a Golf Instructor at Big Horn Golf Club in Palm Desert, California. He also shared tips for how to hit better shots from uphill lies, how to use the slope of the green to our advantage plus hitting a safety flop shot to help you not walk away with making a double or triple bogey when we miss the green with our second shots.
David Abeles - David shared his story from graduating with a finance degree from the University of Connecticut to catching on at TaylorMade. He also talked about having two TaylorMade guys battle it out at the Masters, the disappointment of Dustin Johnson's injury, the science and technology behind their M1 & M2 golf clubs and TP5 golf balls plus Tiger's future with the brand.
On this editon of Next on the Tee my guests are: world renowned golf course designer Rees Jones; Founder of the Ben Hogan Golf Company and master club designer, Terry Koehler; and Allen Edmonds CEO Paul Grangaard.
Rees Jones - Rees talked about the relationship between his father Robert Trent Jones and Bobby Jones. Though they aren't related they did work together on Augusta National and other courses around Atlanta. Rees also shared stories about some of the over 225 courses he's either designed or reconstructed including a couple of new ones getting lots of attention and praise. We also talked about how advances in equipment technology has impacted how he lays out and designs courses, how he goes about trying to keep maintenance costs low and a new computer device that tracks where players hit the ball on the course that could revolutionize the game.
Terry Koehler - Terry talked about how he broke into the golf club design business back on the '80s with his Destiny putter that quickly started being was used by 30 Tour players. He also talked about his fantastic (my word for it) V sole wedge design that can help golfers hit better, more consistent shots from any lie. He told the story about the time he met Ben Hogan, why the Ben Hogan company and any small golf equipment company struggles to compete with the big boys, and much more...
Paul Grangaard - Paul talked about their wonderful line of golf shoes, some created in collaboration with Jack Nicklaus. He also walked us through some of the dress and casual shoes which are designed to last 20-30 years vs. shoes you buy everywhere else that last 1-2 years. We also talked about their wonderful discount program for military members, first responders and students, so they can have great shoes as they transition back to civilian life or go for interviews after graduation.
On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: Andy Fortner, Head PGA Professional at the French Lick Resort; Kyle Roggenburk, Founder of EKR Brands; Stone Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation which operates The First Tee, We Are Golf and the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Andy Fortner - Andy talked about establishing The First Tee chapter at Shawnee Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. He also talke about the Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses at the French Lick Resort, being a part of the team that put on the 2015 Sr. PGA Championship, the inaugural Sr. LPGA Championship which will be held later this year, and the rich history of the resort that dates back to the early 1900s.
Kyle Roggenburk - Kyle talked about how he and his wife established EKR brands and the services they offer to help brands grow their presence online and over social media. He also talked about their Sink It brand and their tagline "Play with Confidence". They've also added another apparel line called Slang Apparel. We also talked about Cleveland sports and what may be next for them.
Steve Mona - Steve and I talked about the incredible amount of money that the PGA Tour raises for charity every year; more than every other major sport combined. We also talked about the amount of jobs and impact that golf has on our economy, whether or not the golf ball needs to be dialed back, the new rules changes and how to better deal with the cost of playing the game.
On this Edition of Next on the Tee my guests are Top 100 Instructor Tom Patri and the Voice of Golf Peter Kessler.
Tom Patri - Tom shared his experience being at Augusta National for this year's Masters and stories from his 30 year friendship with Fred Couples. He also shared his thoughts on the importance of spending time practicing from 30 yards in and tips for how to relax your mind on the golf course.
Peter Kessler - Peter talked about his new podcast titled "Reading the Break" which can found on iTunes and Soundcloud. It's a Paul Harvey style podcast where Peter shares stories about the history of the game, plus some of the game's legends and his insights into topics taking place right now. On this episode Peter shared his thoughts on this year's Masters, if there is another greatest player to not have won a major, and who should be in and who should be out of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Here all that and much more on this episode of Next on the Tee.
On this episode of Next on the Tee hear my conversations with: 18 year industry veteran of club research, design and development Michael Vrska, former PGA Tour Pro Kenny Knox and Lead Instructor on the Golf Channel Golf Academy Brian Jacobs.
Michael Vrska - Michael shared his expertise on golf club and golf ball design and history. He talked about whether golf manufacturers are willing to dial the ball down, how to decide which golf ball is right for your game and what room is left for manufacturers to improve golf equipment since they are maxing out against the USGA limits.
Kenny Knox - Kenny shared his memories of playing in 5 Masters including his rookie debut in 1986. Hear what it was like driving up Magnolia Lane for the first time, seeing the extreme elevation changes throughout the course and what it was like putting those greens. He also talked about his great line of putters and wedges that he has available on www.kennyknoxgolf.com.
Brian Jacaobs - Brian talked about the wonderful caddy program he got started up in Rochester, New York, plus tips on how to read the grain on the greens, how to know if you need to chip or pitch the ball for greater success around the greens and the importance of writing down your goals for your practice sessions.
Check out a special Masters Review and Preview edition of Next on the Tee with my guest Mr. Gary Player. My. Player and I talked about his now 60 year love affair with Augusta National, victory in 1961, the longevity that he and Jack Nicklaus had winning major tournaments, the needling he and Mr. Nicklaus do over who hits the longest ceremonial tee shot, what he likes to show people who go to Augusta National for the first time, how Jordan Spieth can overcome his meltdown last year and who he thinks is going to win the tournament this year.
On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: Hall of Fame Caddy Dennis Cone and 10 year old phenom Avery Zweig.
Dennis Cone - Dennis talked about the work he's doing to help bring back caddy programs at courses across the country. He also talked about the caddy's role in keep his/her player in a positive frame of mind, his memories of playing Augusta National and his memories of fellow Hall of Fame Caddy Tom Dreesen.
Avery & Ivan Zweig - Avery is a 10 year old golfing phenom. She talked about the work she's doing to help raise money to fight pediatric cancer through her Win Green Campaign (www.wingreencampaign.com). She also talked about her goal of trying to qualify for the US Open this year, what it's like moving up to play in the 11-12 age bracket and as high as the 18 and under bracket. She shared what she does in order to not get intimidated playing against girls who are much older and bigger than she is. We also talked a bit about her equipment, her upcoming schedule and who her players are.
On this episode of Next on the Tee my guests are: Champions Tour Pro Donnie Hammond and Comedian/Actor Tom Dreesen.
Donnie Hammond - Donnie talked about this year's Arnold Palmer Invitational, what the mood of the event is with this being the first year since we lost Mr. Palmer. He also talked about the condition of the course and why it is that some of the big named players skip this event every year. He also shared stories from his first time playing in the Masters in 1986, the practice 9 holes he player with Arnold that year and the deceiving topography of Augusta National.
Tom Dreesen - Tom shared what it was like going out on stage the first time he as on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He also talked about the celebrities and athletes he's gotten to play golf with over the years at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM, at the Bob Hope Desert Classic. He shared with players surprised him with how good they are and which ones were a danger to the fans. He talked about being a caddie at age 10 and recently being inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame. You'll hear those stories and so many more...
On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: former NHL star, mutiple time winner on the Celebrity Tour and PGA Tour Caddie, Dan Quinn plus LPGA Top 50 Instructor and founder of Golf Positive, Debbie O'Connell.
Dan - Dan and I talked at length about his experience caddying for Ernie Els at the 2010 Masters. Dan shared stories about how caddies are treated at Augusta National, what it's like wearing all the white caddy jump suit, what it's like carrying a 40 pound golf bag up and down the different elevation changes of the course plus his conversation with Ernie Els last year following Ernie's 6 putt on the first hole of the tournament. Dan also talked about his love for Shinnecock Hills and his thoughts whether the Pittsburgh Penguins can repeat as Stanley Cup Champions.
Debbie O'Connell - Dabbie shared her tips for helping to improve our mental approach. She gave tips for how to flip our negative self-talk into empowering words, how we need to strive for progress not perfection, how to deal with pressure situations like when we face a long shot over water, and how to hit more consistently good shots by creating a one piece take away and backswing. Debbie is so uplifting and positive that you can't help but smile through the whole conversation. Check out her Web site at www.golfpositive.com.
On this edition of Next on the Tee with Chris Mascaro my guests are: PGA Pro and Golf Course Designer Bill Bergin and 2003 PGA Champion Shaun Micheel.
Bill Bergin - Bill played his college golf at Auburn and led them to the 1981 SEC Championship. He shared stories of playing against some of the game's best when they were in college, his experience playing in the 1980 US Open and 1984 Open Championship. He also talked about some of the great courses he's designed around the country plus some historic course renovations he's currently working on.
Shaun Micheel - Shaun is going to be the Lead Analyst for the BBC at this year's Masters Tournament. He talked about that role and how he's preparing for his first broadcasting role. We also talked about golf equipment technology advances and his thoughts around it in general and how he's dealing with it with his own game.
On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: Top Instructor and Trackman Master Porofessional Andy Traynor and Top Golf Instructor and author of the book, "Golf, The Last Six Inches...Change Your Brain, Change Your Game" Sue Wieger.
Andy Traynor - Andy and I talked about the data we get from Trackman about our swings including what launch angle and spin we should be looking for. We also talked ways we can more accurately read putts.
Sue Wieger - Sue and I talked in depth about the mental side of the game and gave us many tips for how to get so much more out of the game by improving our thought process. She talked about getting away from the negative we talk we do to ourselves after we need a not so good shot. She shared ways to stop negative thoughts from creeping into our minds when we face shot surrounded by hazards. She also talked about how important it is to understand WHY you play golf and being true to your WHY.
On this episode of Next on the Tee my guests are: Legendary Broadcaster Ben Wright and the owner of the Bradley Putter company Bradley Converse.
Ben Wright - Mr. Wright shared his thoughts on who he thinks is the greatest golfer of all-time, plus stories about his turbulent relationship with Jack Nicklaus, his concern over Tiger's health, his relationship with Ben Hogan and insights on Jordan Spieth as we look ahead to the Masters.
Bradley Converse - Bradley shared the story of how he went from the concept for putters made from burl wood on Black Friday to being one of the sensations at the PGA Merchandise show in January. He talked in great detail about the process he goes through to design, carve and assemble his putters as well as the plan for an experiencial tour of their new facility in Grants Pass, Oregon. It really is an amazing product. Check them out online at www.bradleyputters.com
On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: The Manager of Retail Operations for Golfballs.com, Andy Melancon and the the Global Director of Golf R&D for Wilson Sporting Good,s Michael Vrska.
Andy Melancon - Andy sharing his experience from the PGA Merchandise Show and which products stood out to him. He talked about the extensive list of iteams that Golfballs.com can personalize for you plus the hometown feel and support his stores gets from the local Lafayette, Louisiana community.
Michael Vrska - Michael and I started out talking about his excitement over his hometown Cubs winning the World Series. He talked about the Wilson Golf's team time down at the PGA Merchandise Show and waht they saw there. We also talking their Driver vs. Driver video series featuring Red Sox legends Kevin Millar, Josh Beckett and former NFL Head Coach Herm Edwards. Michael walked us through their new Triton, Magnus and Pivot drivers, their D300 and V6 irons and Duo golf balls. We closed by talking about how digitial data will likely be the next big thing in the golf industry.
On this episode of Next on the Tee my guests are: Head PGA Professional at Lebanon Country Club, Chris Sheehan and the Director of Golf at the Hammock Beach Resort, Brad Hauer.
Chris Sheehan - Chris recently became the Head PGA Professional at Lebanon Country Club up in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Lebanon is a private club established back in 1920. Chris gave us an overview of the course and the club, plus he shared stories from his time at Oak Hill, how we can aid our golf swings over the winter, and he weighed in on whether technology has gone too far now that we're seeing 59 shot more frequently.
Brad Hauer - Brad is the Dirctor of Golf at the Hammock Beach Resort which is a spectacular place set alongside the Atlantic Ocean in Daytona Beach, Florida. We talked about their 2 golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. He walked us around the courses plus shared stories from his journey in the game of golf starting with his father putting the first golf club in his hands, to caddying for Jack Nicklaus in a practice round at the Greater Milwaukee Open to playing his college golf at Edison Junior College and Southeastern Louisiana and finally to teaching at Hammock Beach.
On this episode of Next on the Tee my guests are: PGA Tour Legend and the winner of the 1964 PGA Championship, Bobby Nichols and Top 100 Instructor Eric Johnson.
Bobby Nichols - Bobby shared stories about starting out as a caddie at age 9 and caddying for baseball Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reece. He also shared stories about playing with legends like Ben Hogan and the betting games they played. He also talked about winning the 1964 PGA Championship over Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, how his winner's share at the '64 PGA Championship is 1% of what the winner gets today his second life in golf on the Senior Tour and what it was like to be recognized as a hometown hero in Louisville during the 2014 PGA Championship.
Eric Johnson - Eric and I talked his time playing college golf at Mississippi State, the increased frequency with which players are threatening 59, and the incredible resort he teaches at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. We also discussed whether Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day are too fit, and swinging too fast causing their back, knee and rib injuries and how get in the right frame of mind when we're dealing with adversity out on the golf course.
On this episode of Next on the Tee my guests are: World Golf Hall of Famer David Graham and PGA Tour Pro and Sirius/XM PGA Channel Broadcaster Paul Stankowski.
David Graham - I talked with David about his induction in the World Golf Hall of Fame, the Australian Sports Hall of Fame and his major victories at the 1979 PGA Championship and the 1981 US Open. We also discussed the swing change he made in order to be successful playing in the US, how he was able to be mentally tough in the '79 PGA Championship after double bogeying the last hole to fall back into a playoff against Ben Crenshaw and ultimately comebacking to win. He also talked about battling back from congestive heart failure in 2004.
Paul Stankowski - Paul talked about his win at the 1997 Hawaiian Open in a playoff over Jim Furyk and now broadcasting from that event. He also shared his thoughts on Justin Thomas' success, young players like Rory McIlroy and Jason Day dealing with back injuries plus we talked a little football too...
