Next on the Tee: Where Golf Legends Live & Your Game Gets Better

Rees Jones, Terry Koehler, & Paul Grangaard

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.

Andy Fortner, Kyle Roggenburk, & Steve Mona

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.

Top 100 Instructor Tom Patri & The Voice of Golf Peter Kessler

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.

Top Instructors & Fitters Michael Vrska, Kenny Knox, Brian Jacobs Join Me

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.

Conversation with Gary Player - A Special Masters Review and Preview Edition of Next on the Tee

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.

Dennis Cone + Avery & Ivan Zweig

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.