Golf Podcast: next on the tee

Season 11 Episode 34 Part 2: Western PA Golf Legend Bob Friend Jr., and 2x Winner on Tour David Peoples Join Me...

In Part 2 of Episode 34, I'm joined by Bob Friend Jr., the 1984 and 1985 Western Pennsylvania Amateur Champion and 1985 Pennsylvania State Champion, and David Peoples, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour.
Bob Friend Jr. is the son of Bob Friend, the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher who helped them win the 1960 World Series. Known among his former Tour peers as one of the all-time great grinders, Bob Jr. honed his game much like US Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau, spending countless hours on the course and range. He won the 1991 Fort Wayne Open on the Korn Ferry Tour and finished 2nd in the 1998 Canadian Open. In this episode, Bob shares his insights on this year's US Open, Rory McIlroy's putting struggles, Bryson's image transformation, Scottie Scheffler's achievement of becoming the first player since Arnold Palmer in 1962 to have six wins before July 1st, and Paul Skenes' impact on the Pirates.
David Peoples, who won twice on the PGA Tour, also joins the discussion. He expresses his surprise when Rory missed those short putts on holes 16 and 18 and shares his thoughts on Rory leaving the course without congratulating Bryson. David also reflects on his experiences playing in the 1993 and 2001 US Opens, explains why Fuzzy Zoeller was his favorite playing partner, reveals why he hates Pebble Beach, and describes what it was like seeing himself on a trading card for the first time.

Season 11 Episode 34 Part 1: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly from the US Open with Rob Strano & Bruce Devlin...

Season 11 Episode 33: Broadcast Legend Tim Brando Joins Me...

In this very special edition of "Next on the Tee," I'm joined by broadcasting legend Tim Brando.
Tim Brando has practically done it all in the world of broadcasting. He started out calling high school football games alongside his father, Hub, in Shreveport, Louisiana. His entertainment career began at the tender age of 5 on his father's local variety show. As his career grew, he became the Assistant Sports Director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge and called men's and women's basketball for LSU. In 1984, he joined ESPN, hosting SportsCenter and their College Football Half-Time Show. By 1996, he was with CBS Sports, calling basketball games and hosting College Football Today. He also contributed to their digital media team, broadcasting The Masters. Fox Sports came calling in 2014, and he's been with them ever since.
Tim is also an avid golfer and a member of Southern Trace Country Club in Shreveport.
In our conversation, Tim walks us through his Hall of Fame career, touching on his partnership with Pittsburgh's own Beano Cook and the Pirates' pillbox hat given to him by Phil Garner. He's an amazing man who has done so much to enhance what we watch, thanks to his style and knowledge across a wide variety of sports. You can follow him on social media @timbrando.

Season 11 Episode 32 Part 2: Fitness Expert Courtney Weber & Top QB Coach Cree Morris Join Me...

In Part 2 of Episode 32, I'm joined by Courtney Weber, a Level 3 TPI Certified Instructor, and Cree Morris, former San Diego State QB now a top QB Coach.
Courtney Weber is a Level 3 Titleist Performance Institute and Golf Digest certified Trainer. I had the privilege of being introduced to her by Top Instructor and my gumba Rob Strano at this year's PGA Merchandise Show. Courtney shares exercises aimed at enhancing power and explosiveness in our golf swings. She delves into Advanced Dissociation Exercises, their benefits for overall fitness, and the optimal balance between cardio, weight training, and explosive movements.
Cree Morris, a standout QB at Orange Glen High School in San Diego with his jersey recently retired, began his college career alongside Marshall Faulk at San Diego State. He recounts these experiences and offers insights into QB fundamentals, advice for NFL rookie QBs, and what made Dan Marino exceptional. We conclude with Cree discussing cherished moments on the golf course with his son and their favorite spots in San Diego.

Season 11 Episode 32 Part 1: Greensburg's Bob Ross Makes Not 1 But 2 Hole-In-Ones, TP & I Break Down the US Open, 2013 Senior Open Champ Mark Wiebe & I Look Ahead to The Open...

In Part 1 of this week's show, I'm joined by our Resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri and 2013 Senior Open Champion Mark Wiebe.
At the top of the show, I give a HUGE shout-out to 77-year-old Bob Ross of Greensburg, PA. Bob made not 1, but 2 hole-in-ones during his round at Mt. Oden Park Golf Course on June 3rd. His first ace came on the Par 3 4th hole. He found the bottom of the cup using a 9 iron. Then to prove to his buddies that was no fluke, he made a second ace on the Par 3 11th hole from 142 yards using a 26-degree hybrid. Huge congratulations Bob! I hope many more of your tee shots find the bottom of the cup...#sojealous...
If you have a great golf story or you witnessed one, please share it with me at chris@nextonthetee.net
Tom Patri and I break down the US Open. From Rory's agony of defeat to the 180 degree turnaround Bryson DeChambeau has done. What a tremendous finish we all witnessed.
Mark Wiebe shares his insights on the US Open as well. We also hear the edgier side of Mark regarding some of his concerns about the game. We also look ahead to next month's Open. The first Open Championship that Mark played in was at Royal Troon and the first Senior Open Championship he played in was there as well. He shares some great insights on the course with us...

Season 11 Episode 31 Part 2: PGA Tour SuperStore Chief Merchandise Officer Randy Peitsch & Gof Magazine Top 100 Instructor Jeff Smith Join Me...

In Part 2 of Episode 32 I'm joined by PGA Tour SuperStore Chief Merchandising Office Randy Peitsch and Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor Jeff Smith.
Randy is such a delightful, wonderful, very uplifting person. He's the kind of guy you'd love to have in your foursome. He's also a great family man. He shares heartwarming stories of times out on the course with his 3 sons and the memories they've made together. You'll hear about the emergency 9 they got in when they pulled over for a restroom break while traveling and stumbled upon a great local muni. For my Yinzers out there, you'll also hear about when he took one of his sons to Pittsburgh for a Penguins game. This segment is all about the impact golf has on our lives and the memories you make with family and friends out on the course. Memories that you'll talk about for years to come. Randy also tells us about the hot items you can get Dad this year for Father's Day.
Jeff Smith makes a return visit in segment 2. We hear about his new summer home at Pine Canyon, in Flagstaff, Arizona and its sister course Talking Rock in Prescott. Then Jeff and I talk about the evolution of the golf swing and putting stroke, going from the reverse-C finish and wristy putter stroke to ones now where we finish perpendicular to the ground on our full swing and the locked wrist putting stroke. We also talk about the benefits kids have by being well-rounded athletes versus focusing on one sport, Lexi Thompson's retirement announcement, and taking out that decorative alignment stick from our bag and actually using it.

Season 11 Episode 31 Part 1: Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Famer Dennis Satyshur & The Confidence Doctor Dr. Bob Winters Join Me...

In Part 1 of Episode 32, I'm joined by Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Famer & 1997 Assistant Ryder Cup Captain Dennis Satyshur and renowned Sports Psychologist Dr. Bob Winters.
Dennis Satyshur is from Erie, Pennsylvania. He won the high school state golf championship in 1968. He went to Duke on a football scholarship, captained the football team, and lettered 3 years on the golf team. He began his career in golf working at Pinehurst. He later moved to Columbia Country Club where he worked for Bill Strausbaugh for 3 years. Several years later he won the Bill Strausbaugh Award for his commitment to mentoring others. Later on, he became the first Director of Golf at Caves Valley Golf Club, one of the premier courses in the country.
Dennis shares stories from his time at Duke, the day he met Tom Kite, Jim Simons, and Andy North when they were all college players, how he stalked Kite to learn from him, and their friendship which led to Kite asking him to be an Assistant Captain on the 1997 Ryder Cup team. You'll also hear about his years at Caves Valley, playing alongside members like Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley, and the culture he created there.
Dr. Bob Winters makes his monthly visit to the show this week. Doc addresses what to do if we have a blow-up hole like Nelly Korda did at the Women's US Open. He also gives insights into what sets his Asian players apart from his American players.

Season 11 Episode 30 Part 2: Robert Morris University Men's Golf Head Coach Steve Shingledecker Plus Former Oakmont and Nemacolin Director of Instruction Eric Johnson Join Me...

In Part 2 of Episode 30, I'm joined by two of the best Oil Creek Region athletes of all-time, Steve Shingledecker and Eric Johnson.
Steve Shingledecker, who hails from Franklin, Pennsylvania, serves as the Head Coach of the Men's Golf Team at Robert Morris. Returning to coach RMU after successful tenures as Director of Golf Operations at the Turn Club in Cranberry Township and Director of Golf at Nemacolin Woodlands, Shingledecker did a great job leading the team this year. Their impressive performance includes a 3rd place finish at the Carpetbagger Classic in Frederick, Maryland, a feat coincidentally following Steve's last appearance on the show. I'm just sayin'. Steve is a great coach and PGA Professional and an even better guy.
In our conversation, Steve sheds light on the Colonials' season progression and the departure of key graduating players. Additionally, we delve into strategies for rebounding from a challenging hole and the benefits of encouraging children to explore multiple sports rather than specializing early.
Eric Johnson is a Golf Digest Top 100 Instructor. You can find him teaching each summer at Yellowstone Golf Club in Big Sky, Montana, one of the premier private courses in the country. Eric was the Director of Instruction at Oakmont for 17 years and then for a couple at Nemacolin. Eric was fresh off playing a round at Oakmont, with Pittsburgh Brewing Company Owner Cliff Forrest. We hear about the changes they've made at Oakmont in preparation for hosting the US Open in 2025. Eric also shares his thoughts on the PGA Championship, Tiger Woods' play, and the exceptional features of Yellowstone Country Club. Eric is one of my all-time favorites and when you listen to this segment you'll understand why.

Season 11 Episode 30 Part 1: Rising from the Depth of Depression & Suicide, The Allen Miller Story As Told by Cindy Miller & Former NFL WR Brian Finneran Talk Falcons & Playing Augusta National...

In Part 1 of this week's show, I'm joined by LPGA Elite Instructor Cindy Miller and former Atlanta Falcons WR Brian Finneran.
Cindy Miller was recognized as an Elite LPGA Professional & Instructor at the PGA Merchandise Show earlier this year. We hear about that honor. On the heels of the tragic news of Grayson Murray, Cindy shares the story of her husband Allen Miller who found himself in a similar dark place. Allen was a top Amateur player in the early 70s. He played on the PGA Tour from the mid-70s to early 80s. He competed in 5 Masters Tournaments. The expectations of his father always haunted him. No matter what Allen achieved it was never good enough. It led Allen into some dark places. He attempted suicide which led him and Cindy to the brink of divorce. Hear his story as told from Cindy's perspective.
Brian Finneran was an All-American WR at Villanova. He won the Walter Payton Award for being the best player in FCS College Football in 1997. He was an undrafted free agent signed by the Seattle Seahawks. He played in the NFL from 1999 to 2010 with the Eagles and Falcons. Brian is now a Sports Talk Radio Host at 680 The Fan in Atlanta. I get his insights on the Falcons draft and our shared dismay at why they selected Michael Penix with the 8th overall pick. We also discuss Angel Hernandez doing baseball a favor by retiring, plus we hear about Brian's round of golf at Augusta National.

Season 11 Episode 29 Part 2: Tim Simpson & Tim Gaestel Join Me...

In Part 2 of Episode 29 I'm joined by a pair of Tim's...Simpson and Gaestel.
Tim Simpson is known for being one of the all-time great ball strikers. He won 5 times on the PGA Tour, had 82 Top 10s, and the GOAT Jack Nicklaus even marveled at how frequently Tim would shoot low scores. Tim has overcome several physical ailments throughout his playing career. He won Comeback Player of the Year on the PGA and Champions tours. He beat Lyme disease and now he's battling a rare form of blood cancer. You'll hear how his positive attitude is going to lead him to beating it plus his thoughts on the PGA Championship, his relationship with his father, how Raymond Floyd intimidated players with his eyes, remembering Payne Stewart's 1999 US Open victory, and working with the great Sam Snead.
Tim Gaestel is a former Sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army. As fate would have it, Tim was being sworn into the military on September 11th, 2001. Hear him talk about how that day unfolded and becoming even more driven to charge into the fight. We hear about his deployment to Afghanistan and the IED that exploded and sent shrapnel into his back as he and his peers were headed to Baghdad. Tim also talks about how golf saved his life when he returned home, how the game brought him and his father back together, his experience playing alongside show favorite Scott McCarron, and his fight to save a local municipal course, Lions Municipal Course, in Austin, Texas. Follow him on X @TGolfer83.