Golf Podcast: next on the tee

Rick Werner, Top Teaching Professional & South Dakota Golf Hall of Famer, Joins Me...

In this special segment of the show I am joined by one of the Top PGA Club Professionals of our time, 1979 Ohio PGA Section Champion, and a member of the 2023 South Dakota Golf Hall of Fame Class, Rick Werner. 
Rick and I start off by going back to his days at the University of South Dakota and the tremendous success he had there. We hear the story about the date he went on with Cheryl Ladd when they were in high school together. We hear the details of his victory in the 1979 Ohio PGA Section. We get into the time he spent as a Teaching Professional at Quaker Ridge Golf Club which is annually ranked among the top courses in the country. Rick talks about the other great Instructors he's learned from over the years including our good friend Jim McLean, plus John jacobs, Davis Love Jr., and Jackie Burke. We hear about the many rounds of golf he played with Gene Sarazen and Ken Venturi plus a fabulous story from when he was paired with the great Charlie Sifford. He met legendary Notre Dame Head Coach Ara Parseghian along his journeys and Rick talks about the influence Coach had on his life. Finally, you'll hear an emotional Rick talking about what it will mean to him when he gets inducted into the South Dakota Golf Hall of Fame this week.

Generating more power after 50, Zach Johnson’s Captain’s Picks, Gabi Powel & Three Courses, & A Brilliant Video Comment by Padraig Harrington...

On this episode, I'm joined by one of the most innovative minds in our game, Manitoba Golf Hall of Famer Terry Hashimoto, 2013 Senior Open Champion Mark Wiebe, Co-Host of the Golf Nation show Three Courses Gabi Powel, and all-time great Instructor Tom Patri.
TP and I get into Zach Johnson's 6 Ryder Cup Captain's picks plus a great video of Padraig Harrington breaking down why some players succeed while others don't.
Terry Hashimoto helped Co-Design Bodi Trak Golf and is now working with Golf Rehab. Terry explains why your lead big toe is what starts the backswing, why most of the pressure should be on your lead foot by the time your arms are parallel with the ground on your backswing, and how those of us north of 50 can still generate more distance.
Mark Wiebe shares his insights on Zach Johnson's Captain's picks plus, a little-known players meeting called back in the 90's due to player frustration over having no say in what took place on Tour.
Gabi Powel makes her Next on the Tee debut and we hear about how she went from a beginner her sophomore year in high schedule to breaking 80 and being a weekly Top 10 finisher her senior year. We also hear how she earned her way onto the FIU women's golf team, became a top women's long drive participant, and now Co-Hosts the show Three Courses on Golf Nation (www.golfnation.com).

This Week I talk with LPGA Legend Jane Blalock, Long-Time Golf Executive Rich Katz, & Setting the Record Straight on Earl Woods with Joe Grohman...

On this episode I talk with LPGA Legend and should be World Golf Hall of Famer Jane Blalock, one of the most influential marketers in the game's history Rich Katz, and PGA Professional and long-time Woods family friend Joe Grohman.
Jane and I discuss the upcoming Senior US Women's Open for which she helped lobby the USGA. We talk about the possibility of the LPGA Legends Tour adding more majors including a Masters Tournament and a mixed team event with the Champions Tour players. They do have a women's team event set for later this year in Lexington, Kentucky. I also get Jane's thoughts on whether the PIF will turn their attention to the LPGA if their partnership with the PGA Tour goes through.
Rich Katz is a long-time golf marketing executive, player representative, and industry consultant. Rich talks about his relationship with Billy Casper and the man Billy was. We also hear about the work he's doing now with Golf Nation, some of the innovative products that he's seen that deserved more attention but failed, and the new On Core golf ball that could revolutionize the golf ball market.
Joe Grohman is back to set the record straight on Earl Woods and what Joe witnessed as Tiger grew from a junior champion to a 2 time US Amateur Champion. Joe was the Pro at the Navy Golf Club at Seal Beach in Long Beach, California where Earl was a member. Joe saw Tiger developing his game as a young player. We hear about the father Earl was and what Tiger was like as a teenager.

Talking Adaptive Golf, Managing The Big 3, Faldo, Vijah, Langer, Price, and Much More with former IMG Agent John Simpson...

John Simpson is the Founder of the On Course Foundation, dedicated to assisting our wounded Veterans and helping them learn or relearn how to play the game through their Adaptive Golf program. If you are a Veteran or know one who would like to see how they can get you back in the game, please look them up online at www.oncoursefoundationusa.org.
John's golf industry career took off when he wrote to Mark McCormack, Founder of IMG, and told Mark that he couldn't grow his organization without him. Mark either believed him or was impressed by John's boldness because he hired him. We get to hear that amazing story plus:
How John overcame polio as a child.
How his father and uncle were pilots in WWII.
What it was like working with Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, & Gary Player.
Getting an opportunity to represent Nick Faldo, Vijay Singh, Bernhard Langer, and Nick Price.
The crazy things advertisers wanted them to do.
What led him to create the On Course Foundation.
Mr. Palmer's involvement with the Foundation.
The Simpson Cup tournament.
And much more...

Tiger Taking the Lead, Trusting Jay, Getting Fit, & What’s in Panger’s Bag...

On this episode, I'm joined by all-time great Instructor Tom Patri, Two-Time Winner on the PGA Tour Richard Zokol, Equipment Expert Michael Vrska, and all-time great Hockey Analyst Darren Pang.
This week TP shares his thoughts on Tiger joining the Player Policy Board, did Justin Thomas do enough at the Wyndham Championship to get on the US Ryder Cup team, what about Sam Burns or Bryson DeChambeau, playing through brutal conditions, and a tip to help fix your slice off the tee. Be sure to follow TP online at www.tompatri.com or on Instagram @tompatrigolf
Richard Zokol played 20 years on the PGA Tour and is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. He lends his thoughts on Tiger joining the Policy Board and whether the players can ever trust Jay Monahan again. He also updates us on what he's doing now with Mind Trak Golf. Follow him on Twitter @richardzokol
Michael Vrska is an equipment expert. He has a mechanical engineering degree and has worked for Wilson Sports, Adams Golf, and now Callaway. We talk about his start in the game, watching the '86 Masters, playing Forest Park Golf Course for $3.50 back in the day, the impact that AI is now having on equipment design, and his first hole-in-one back in March. There's also a Shane LeBaron mention. Give Michael a follow on Twitter @vgolfman.
Darren Pang is one of the all-time great Hockey TV Analysts. He will be calling Chicago Blackhawks games next season. He is also a Miura Golf Brand Ambassador. He talks about what's in his bag and the attention to detail Muira puts into all their handcrafted clubs. We also talk about his trips over to Ireland and Scotland, playing St. Andrews, and Brian Harman's great win at The Open. Give him a follow on Twitter @Panger40.

Brian Harman Alligator Wrestler? Hear That Story Plus Insights from Rees Jones, Alison Curdt, Cindy Miller, and Dave Stockton Jr...

On this episode, I'm joined by Golf Course Design Hall of Famer Rees Jones plus 3 of the Top Instructors in our game Dr. Alison Curdt, Cindy Miller, and Dave Stockton Jr.
Rees Jones is one of the all-time great course designers. Son of Robert Trent Jones, and brother to Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Rees carved out his own Hall of Fame career. We hear about the second course he's working on with Bill Bergin up at McLemore called The Outpost. Rees says it's major championship worthy. We also talk about some of his other great designs like Haig Point, Victory Ranch, Lake Isles, Echelon Golf Club, and Brian Harman's home course, Southbridge Golf Club in Savannah. Rees also takes us through how the picks out the plot of land he wants to use for new courses, the process he uses to determine the path of the course, and how he keeps both the skill level of the membership and average golfers in mind as he lays out the course.
Dr. Alison Curdt earned her doctorate in Sports Psychology. She is one of only a few Instructors who have reached Master Professional status on both the LPGA and PGA sides of Instruction. We talk about getting past the ingrained bad feeling we get every time we play that one hole that always seems to ruin our rounds. We also discuss getting away from all the negative self-talk we do plus tips for shifting our weight, getting out of a greenside bunker, and stabilizing our wrists during our putting stroke.
Cindy Miller was the 2010 LPGA National Teacher of the Year. She is also an expert in improving our mental game. We hear about her alter ego Cynthia and how to quiet her negative voice. We also learn that Brian Harman used to wrestle alligators, plus get a tip for how to make consistent, clean contact.
Dave Stockton Jr. shares his thoughts on the PIF/PGA Tour merger and Jay Monahan's future. Dave was an Assistant Captain when his father captained the US team in 1991. He shares his insights on what that was like and who he thinks should be on this year's team. He also says I'm not imagining things when I'm seeing Tour pros striking their putts on the upswing or follow through versus the center of the putter face.

Talking The Open, Cheating, LOHLA Sport, Arnold Palmer, & Cherry Hills...

On this episode, I'm joined by Top Instructors Tom Patri and Shane LeBaron plus former 5-time winner on Tour and Golf Channel Analyst Jim Gallagher Jr., and the Founder & CEO of LOHLA Sport Lisa O'Hurley.
A theme this week is looking back at The Open and the tremendous performance of Brian Harman. I also get reaction to the cheating scandal on the Canadian Tour. You'll also hear:
Tom Patri shares his thoughts on Justin Thomas' struggles, about a tremendous Par 3 course in Palm Beach, Florida, and a lesson on how to fix your swing if you suffer from early extension.
Jim Gallagher Jr. shares his experiences playing in The Open including the practice round he played at St. Andrews with Jack Nicklaus. He also shares his thoughts on Brandel Chamblee's comment about Rory McIlroy not having as much runway in front of him as he did when he won his last major.
I start with Lisa O'Hurley going back to her high school and college golf days at Baylor. We hear about her roles at The Golf Channel when it got started back in 1995, her friendship with Mr. Palmer and Annika Sorenstam, what inspired her to start LOHLA Sport, and being married to John O'Hurley of Seinfeld J. Peterman fame.
Shane LeBaron has been recognized as a Top Instructor in his former summer and winter homes of Illinois and Arizona. He's now the first-ever Director of Instruction at Cherry Hills in Colorado. Cherry Hills is the site of this year's US Amateur Championship plus several previous majors including Arnold Palmer's come-from-behind win at the 1960 US Open. Shane also gives us tips for dealing with tournament pressure and why we can make a 5-footer for par but struggle to make it for birdie.

Talking The Open & PIF/PGA Tour Partnership, Jay Monahan’s Future, & Much More with Ron Sirak, Jay Delsing, John Mahaffey, & David Ogrin...

In this episode, I'm joined by one of the all-time great golf writers Ron Sirak, St. Louis Sports Hall of Famer Jay Delsing, 1978 PGA Champion & 1986 Players Champion John Mahaffey, and 1996 Texas Open Champion David Ogrin.
I get all four guys to weigh in on this week's Open Championship, their experience playing in or covering The Open, plus if there is a path back for Jay Monahan. We also discuss:
Ron Sirak shares his thoughts on the Women's US Open, the escalating purses on the PGA & LPGA Tours, his thoughts on who is the greatest of all-time on the men's side, his long-time friendship with Arnold Palmer, plus he reminds us of the greatness of Ben Hogan.
Jay Delsing and I go back to his days as a top junior golfer and what it was like making it to the quarterfinals of the US Junior Golf Tournament. We hear about his college days at UCLA playing alongside Corey Pavin, Steve Pate, and Duffy Waldorf, his greatest thrill being paired with Arnold Palmer, and his final round 61 at the 1993 FedEx St. Jude Classic.
John Mahaffey and I go back to 1975 and his T10 finish in The Open Championship and what it was like competing against Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Trevino, Floyd, and the superstars of the 70s and 80s.
David Ogrin shares stories from his T13 finish at the 1983 US Open at Oakmont and what it's like putting on those greens. Fourteen years later, at the 1997 US Open, he finished T10 but says his brother-in-law cost him and Tom Lehman a shot at winning. We also get a lesson about stretching yourself to find what you're capable of on the course.

Is There A Path Back for Monahan, Bernhard Langer, Renovations at Oakmont, Bullseye Putters, Ken Venturi Stroke Savers, & Whisky Run Golf Club...

In this episode, I'm joined by Top Instructor Tom Patri, former Tour Players Bob Friend Jr. and John Cook, plus Whisky Run Golf Club Owner Luke Nieuwland.
Tom gets credit where credit is due for accurately picking Rickie Fowler to win the Rocket Mortgage Classic. We also talk about how to pick the right bounce for your wedges, the amazing Bernhard Langer, and how different the game is over in Scotland and Ireland.
Bob Friend Jr. talks about his father's illustrious Major League Baseball career including being the winning Pitcher in the 1956 All-Star game. I get Bob's thoughts on whether there is a path back for Jay Monahan and we hear about the renovations currently going on at Oakmont Country Club that will make it play even hard at the 2025 US Open.
John Cook gives his insights on the PIF/PGA Tour partnership and whether Jay Monahan will make it through this calendar year as CEO. I get his thoughts on Bernhard Langer's amazing career, how in the world he ever successfully putted with a Bullseye putter, and Ken Venturi's legendary stroke-saver tips.
Luke Nieuwland rounds out the show. Luke is the owner of Whisky Run Golf Club up in Ontario, Canada. It's a family-owned course featuring three 9-hole layouts. We hear about each of those, plus their stay-and-play packages, and the Birrdi golf tee sheet software that Luke and friends developed to help increase revenue, organize tee times, and make it faster and easier for players to book and pay for their rounds.

Tom Patri, Rob Labritz, Doug Coors, & Chandler Withington Join Me...

In this episode I'm joined by Top Instructor Tom Patri, Champions Tour Pro Rob Labritz, Edel Golf CEO Doug Coors, & PGA Professional turned fantastic Artist Chandler Withington.
TP shares his insights on Rickie Fowler and why he will win this season, plus unconventional swing success, gaining length through technology, and the challenge of teaching this generation's junior golfers.
Rob Labritz shares stories from his start as a PGA Professional and winning all the local New York events. We hear about the grind through mini Tours and barely making enough money to live week to week. How he got through Champions Tour qualifying to now playing on the Champions Tour. Rob also talks about his preparation for the US Senior Open, and picking the brains of his peers.
Doug Coors is a member of the Coors Brewing family. He talks about growing up Coors and getting into the family business. We also hear about how he first got interested in golf and how a chance request to help Edel Golf with their manufacturing process led to him buying the company.
Chandler Withington is a PGA Professional who worked at some of the best courses in the US like Seminole, Merion, and Hazeltine. He talks about what it was like being at those historic courses and helping to host the Walker Cup, a Ryder Cup, and the Women's PGA Championship. Then he bet on himself and walked away to start his own business as an artist. Check out www.archive22.com to see his amazing artwork.