Episodes

Mar 28, 2025

1hr 26 min

In Part 2 of Episode 12, I welcome back our resident mental game expert, Dr. Bob Winters, The Confidence Doctor. This month, Dr. Bob dives into the crucial role that your dominant eye plays—not just in your swing, but also in your overall confidence on the course. Get your notepads ready because he shares a couple of key insights you’ll want to remember.
Then, we wrap things up with our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri. TP gives us the inside scoop on some of his recent Instagram Live interviews, including conversations with our mutual good friend Damon Hack from The Golf Channel and his longtime pal Jimmy Roberts. And in a hilarious twist, TP must’ve been feeling nostalgic—because for the rest of our chat, he calls me Jimmy...not kidding, you’ll hear it for yourself. We also get into his thoughts on some hot topics in the game right now, like slow play and AimPoint green reading.
It’s a fun and insightful conversation, so stick around and let’s tee it up!

Mar 28, 2025

1hr 14 min

On this episode of Next on the Tee, I'm joined by Ben Helmrath, VP of Merchandising at PGA Tour Superstore and Team Coordinator for the Atlanta Drive of the TGL League. Ben is deeply involved in team strategy, working alongside Captain Justin Thomas to set match-day lineups plus helps layout all the winning scenarios for when they should throw the Hammer. He takes us behind the scenes at SoFi Stadium, giving us a look at what really goes into a team’s preparation and what it's like down on the floor. Plus, with golf simulators becoming more and more affordable, Ben shares insights on how owning one might now be within reach for all of us.
Then, mkaing his Next on the Tee debut is Champions Tour Pro Wes Short Jr. His longtime friend and Next on the Tee favorite, Bob Estes suggested that Wes would make a great guest, and boy was he right. Wes has an inspiring career—after years of grinding, he earned his PGA Tour card in 2004 at the age of 40, won his first event a year later in Las Vegas, and even qualified for his first U.S. Open at 52 years of age. His story proves that persistence pays off and we should never give up on our dreams.
It’s a great lineup with insights, inspiration, and plenty of great stories, so thank you tuning in!

Mar 15, 2025

35 min

On this special bonus segment of Next on the Tee, I welcome back PGA Tour winner Bob Byman for a deep dive into some of the most defining moments of his career. With it being Arnold Palmer Invitational week on the PGA Tour, Bob takes us back to his victory at the first Arnold Palmer Invitational played Bay Hill in 1979, reflecting on what it meant to win a tournament connected to Arnold Palmer. As a Wake Forest alum who played on an Arnold Palmer scholarship, Bob shares personal stories about his relationship with The King and how Palmer’s influence shaped his career.
We also revisit Bob’s impressive performances at The Open Championship, including his debut at St. Andrews in 1978, where he finished T17 alongside legends like Seve Ballesteros and Tom Weiskopf. The following year at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, he was in contention heading into the final round before finishing T7 in a tournament that saw Seve claim his first major title. Bob gives us a behind-the-scenes look at those experiences, the challenges of links golf, and what it was like competing on golf’s biggest international stage.
His victory at Bay Hill also earned him a spot in the 1979 Masters, where he got his first taste of Augusta National. Bob walks us through that unforgettable experience, from the pressure of teeing it up at golf’s most revered venue, playing a practice round with Jack Nicklaus, to the lessons he took away from his first major start at Augusta.
From Bay Hill to St. Andrews to Augusta, Bob Byman has been part of some incredible golf history. Don’t miss this conversation filled with career-defining moments, legendary names, and stories that every golf fan will appreciate.

Mar 10, 2025

58 min

On this very special bonus episode of Next on the Tee, I’m excited to welcome golf instruction and broadcasting legend Peter Kostis. A trusted voice in the game, Peter spent decades delivering expert swing analysis and commentary for USA Network and CBS Sports while coaching countless Tour players and amateurs. He shares how a casual round with his cousin sparked his love for golf and how his passion for learning the swing evolved into teaching players at every level.
Peter reflects on his time with Golf Digest Golf Schools, his journey from a young instructor in Maine to one of golf’s most sought-after teachers, and how broadcasting allowed him to teach millions of amateur golfers in real time. He also shares memorable rounds with presidents, athletes, and celebrities, along with the joy of helping others improve their game.
We also dive into the PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf saga, whether a true merger is possible, and the increasing divide between the "haves and have-nots" on Tour. Peter weighs in on whether former commissioner Deane Beman could have prevented today’s split. Plus, he opens up about his abrupt departure from CBS Sports and his favorite memories from Augusta National.

Mar 10, 2025

1hr 8 min

This week on Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two fantastic guests who bring both incredible stories and valuable insights to the show. Leading things off is John Cook, a 21-time winner across the PGA and Champions Tours and a former National Champion from his days at Ohio State. This marks John’s 10th visit to the show, and every conversation with him ha been fantastic thanks to his upbeat attitude and passion for the game — you can literally hear the smile in his voice. We kick things off by talking about this year’s Mexico Open, a tournament that holds special meaning for John since his father, Jim Cook, helped resurrect it back in the 1980s, and John himself went on to win it in 1995. As we continue looking ahead to this year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont, John also shares his memories of competing in the 1994 U.S. Open there. We also reminisce about some of the fun team events he’s played in alongside Sergio Garcia, Mark O’Meara, and Rex Caldwell.
Following John, I’m excited to welcome Jeff Harper to the show for the first time. Jeff is the Director of Operations for Byler Holdings, which owns and manages five fantastic golf courses across Central and Eastern Pennsylvania. Each course presents its own unique challenge, making them the perfect progression for players as they advance their skills. Jeff takes us on a virtual tour of Broad Run Golfer’s Club in West Chester, Iron Valley in Lebanon, Berkleigh Golf Club in Kutztown, Lebanon Valley in Myerstown, and Blue Mountain in Fredericksburg. With his passion for golf and knack for storytelling, Jeff brings these courses to life and highlights what makes each one special.
It’s a can’t-miss episode for anyone looking to discover hidden gems and enjoy some great golf stories along the way.

Mar 7, 2025

45 min

In this special segment, I catch up with Cindy Miller, whose incredible career continues to be recognized with two more Hall of Fame inductions. Cindy reflects on what it means to be honored by the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame and how special it is to join an elite group of athletes, including Jim Kelly, Jimmy Johnson, Ed Reed, and Neal Heaton, in the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame—where her induction makes her the 13th golfer to be enshrined. We also talk about her exciting new book, Take Another Shot: At Business, Golf, or Life, and the powerful personal experiences that shaped it, including her family’s journey through her husband Allen’s struggles with depression and a suicide attempt, and how they all overcame those challenges together.
Cindy shares her thoughts on the negative influence of social media, referencing Lexi Thompson’s comments about how much words can hurt, and how she overcame people telling her she wasn't good enough to play college and then she helped the Hurricanes win back-to-back National Championships, and how she wasn't famous enough to write a book yet here we are a couple of months away from hers being published. 

Mar 7, 2025

58 min

Welcome to this week’s edition of Next on the Tee! I hope your week has been filled with reasons to smile. If not, I’m sending some positive vibes your way and hoping to bring you a little mental relief over the next couple of hours. This week's episode, to quote Billy Joel, is in a New York State of Mind. All of my guests hail from New York, and we take a way-too-early look ahead to the Ryder Cup, including a discussion about Keegan Bradley with his former college coach at St. John’s.
Leading things off, our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, joins me to dive into Ryder Cup predictions and early concerns. With the event set to take place at Bethpage State Park, a course that Tom grew up near, he’ll give us insights on the layout and playing conditions. Plus, with six of the first seven winners on the PGA Tour this season being non-U.S. players, is it too soon to worry about Team USA’s chances? Maybe it’s time to start sending some positive energy out to them. Tom and I will break it all down in the first segment.
Following TP, I have the privilege of welcoming back Frank Darby, former St. John’s Men’s Head Golf Coach and Co-Host of the On Course show on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. Frank, another New York native, has served as a rules official and has been involved in setting up tournaments at Bethpage, giving him firsthand knowledge of what players can expect at the Ryder Cup. And with Keegan Bradley—one of his former players—hoping to make the team as a player, Frank shares his perspective on if that's a good idea. We’ll also get into Tiger Woods’ potential move to the Champions Tour and what the PGA Tour should do about slow play. Frank is fantastic and has great golf insights!

Mar 2, 2025

50 min

Season 12, Episode 7 Part 2: Jeff Smith, Golf's Rock Star & MacGyver Gets You Out of Tough Situations.
In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 7, I get the privilege of spending more time with Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor and Golf Digest's Best in the State of Indiana, Jeff Smith. You probably also know Jeff as Co-Host of the popular golf podcast Those Weekend Golf Guys alongside John Ashton.
Jeff is a superstar in our game. He's sought out by thousands everywhere he goes. We start out hearing about his home course The Vintage Club in Indian Wells, California. Jeff tells us about his recent Golf School there featuring lessons from Jason Day. We also hear about his incredible day caddying for the Pro-Am sponsor at the Waste Management Open.
Jeff also delivers two valuable lessons to get you out of some very tough situations: how to hit a hybrid from a downhill lie and what to do when your ball winds up behind a tree with a low-hanging limb.
Don’t miss this insightful and entertaining conversation. Jeff Smith is an all-timer. Thank you for tuning in to Next on the Tee!

Mar 2, 2025

57 min

In Part 1 of Season 12, Episode 7, I'm joined by John Hughes and John Mahaffey.
John Hughes, is one of only 448 among approximately 30,000 PGA members to reach Master Professional Status. He has been recognized by Golf Digest as a top instructor in Florida, and The Golf Range Association as a Top 100 Growth of the GAme Instructors. During our conversation, John offers his perspective on whether investing in the latest and greatest golf equipment can enhance your game or if those funds are better spent on lessons. He also provides strategies for setting effective golf goals, discussing whether to aim for reducing stroke counts or going after milestone scores such as breaking 100, 90, or 80.
Following John, I welcome back 1970 NCAA National Champion and 1978 PGA Champion John Mahaffey. John was a great player, but he's an even better person which I hope you get a sense of as you listen to his insights. John shares the ironic story of winning the 1978 American Optical Classic by two strokes over Dr. Gil Morgan—the only optometrist on Tour. He also weighs in on the upcoming structural changes to the PGA Tour, including reduced field sizes and fewer available Tour cards. Additionally, John names one of the most formidable competitors from the 70s and 80s—a choice that may surprise listeners. Finally, he offers a unique perspective on why former President Donald Trump might be the key to bringing together the PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger.
Tune in for these great conversations, expert insights, and much more on this week’s episode!

Mar 2, 2025

31 min

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 6, I welcome David Swan in for his debut appearance on the show. David is the inventor of the PUR Golf putting trainer, a game-changing aid designed to help golfers refine their stroke and sink more putts.
Both Tom Patri and I were immediately drawn to this innovative training aid when we saw it at last year’s PGA Merchandise Show, and now, David breaks down how it works and why it’s making waves in the golf world.
If you’ve ever wished you could drain more putts, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Plus, you can check out the PUR Golf trainer for yourself at PUR.golf while you listen in!
Thanks for checking out Part 2 of the episode, it could change your putting game forever!

Feb 26, 2025

1hr 1 min

Golf season is just around the corner, and that means new equipment drops from all the major manufacturers! In this episode of Next on the Tee, we break down the latest gear and help you make smart decisions before dropping big money on new clubs.
Joining me first is Scott Felix, one of the Top 100 Club Fitters, to guide us through the maze of new equipment. From TaylorMade’s Qi35 woods and irons, which just earned top honors on the Golf Digest Hot List, to other big-name releases, Scott takes us beyond the marketing hype. We’ll cover:
When to buy new clubs, when to hold off, and when to invest in lessons instead
Understanding the shaft and clubhead market
Why the latest driver won’t magically fix your slice
Then, we shift gears to the mental side of the game with our monthly visit from Dr. Bob Winters, aka The Confidence Doctor. This month, Doc shares strategies on "finding a way to get it done" and how to remind yourself that you're smarter than your doubts and better than your fears. His insights will be worth jotting down in your golf notebook before your next round!
It’s an episode packed with game-changing advice—don’t miss it!

Feb 26, 2025

1hr 36 min

In this very special episode of Next on the Tee, 2011 U.S. Senior Open Champion Olin Browne and 1987 US Amateur Champion Billy Mayfair join the show.
Olin shares his thoughts on the PGA Tour’s controversial changes—smaller field sizes, fewer Monday qualifiers, and the dominance of signature events. Is the tour catering too much to top players at the expense of the grinders? Olin shares his perspective on how these changes might impact the next generation of Tour players.
We also discuss the financial side of the game, from $25 million purses to sponsors pulling out. With TV ratings down and fans feeling disconnected from today’s stars, what can the PGA Tour do to bring back its audience? Olin weighs in on whether accessibility and engagement changes could make a difference.
Shifting gears, we reminisce about Olin’s experiences at Oakmont, site of the 2025 U.S. Open. He reflects on his rounds there in ‘94 and ‘07, the legendary greens, and even witnessing Arnold Palmer’s farewell.
Billy Mayfair was also witness to The King's final US Open round and talks about sticking around following his Friday round to see it. We discuss his trip to Morocco to open up his Champion's Tour season. Billy reflects on his legendary iron play, including a streak of six consecutive birdies on Par 3s last season—an impressive feat on today’s long courses.
Billy also gives his perspective on equipment advancements, comparing today’s clubs and balls to those from earlier eras. He recalls playing alongside icons like Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, and Trevino, sharing his favorite memories from competing against legends.
Billy also gets candid about his journey in professional golf, revealing how he turned pro without telling his parents and when he finally broke the news.
Finally, we check in on his wife, Tami, who has been a huge influence on his career—both as a caddie and in her own golf endeavors—and ask Billy how much longer he envisions competing at a high level, given that Bernhard Langer is still winning at 67!
It’s a fascinating discussion with two of golf’s true competitors—don’t miss it!

Feb 22, 2025

56 min

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 4, I’m joined by my gumba Rob Strano, who brings us his unique perspective from the PGA Merchandise Show. As the host of The Golf Kingdom Golf Show, Rob always has his finger on the pulse of the latest golf trends, and he’s here to share the most exciting innovations he spotted at the event. He also takes us inside the Coaches Academy he hosted at Bay Hill prior to the show. We’ll also talk about his incredible recreation of Bryson DeChambeau’s famous over-the-house hole-in-one that he recreated in his in-studio simulator and his view on data vs. old school ball flight.
Then, I wrap things up with a return visit from Christopher Carter, who’s back to talk about his new book, The Zen Golfer: Cultivating Calm and Concentration on the Course. Chris will help us understand how to relax over shots, stay loose, and truly enjoy the game more. He’ll also explain why having a consistent pre-shot routine is key to better performance. If you want to improve your mental game, you’ll definitely want to hear this conversation. You can grab a copy of The Zen Golfer now on Amazon. I’m excited to have Chris back on the show!

Feb 22, 2025

1hr 56 sec

This week on Next on the Tee, I have a fantastic lineup of guests and insights that I can't wait to share with you. Kicking things off is our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who was my eyes and ears at the PGA Merchandise Show last week. Since I couldn’t be there this year, Tom fills us in on all the exciting new technology and innovations making waves in the industry. As the ultimate advocate for short game, short game, short game, Tom will also weigh in on an age-old debate—should you invest in a new driver or a new set of wedges? I have a feeling I know where he stands, but you’ll find out at the top of the show.
Following Tom, our good friend and former Tour pro, David Peoples, joins me. Peeps has quickly become one of my favorite guests because he brings so much energy, fun, and great stories to every conversation. Recently, he reached out to Tom for a lesson, and TP was stunned when he saw what David had in his bag. We’ll talk all about that surprise, plus get David’s take on two of the hottest topics in professional golf: the ongoing slow play issues on Tour and the reduced fields in Signature Events and set to be in place across the board for 2026. David always brings great insight and perspective, and you'll hear why he's become a show favorite.
It’s another can’t-miss episode packed with golf knowledge, humor, and expert analysis, so settle in with us and enjoy the show!

Feb 17, 2025

1hr 12 min

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 3, we’re diving into Pittsburgh sports and golf history with two fantastic guests!
First up, our good friend and Pittsburgh Sports Talk Radio Host, Paul Alexander, is back on the show! It’s always an honor and a blast catching up with Paul. He is a part of the KDKA team that just won the prestigious Marconi Award for being the best News Talk radio station in the country. Having Paul as part of the team, it's no shock that they won it. This time, we cover everything from the Steelers' offseason moves, Mike Tomlin’s lack of leadership, and the state of Penn State football. Plus, with the U.S. Open returning to Oakmont this summer, I get Paul’s take on what to expect from one of golf’s toughest courses. I could talk to Paul all night, and you'll understand why but we kept it to a great 40-minute conversation packed with insights and laughs.
Then, we round things out with David Moore, the Curator of Collections at Oakmont Country Club along with several other iconic Western Pennsylvania courses. David is also the co-author of the newly released book, Battling The Church Pews: The History of Golf’s Premiere Events in Western Pennsylvania.
We take a deep dive into his book, discussing some of Oakmont’s legendary tournaments, including:
🏆 The 1925 U.S. Amateur Championship won by Bobby Jones
🏆 The 1935 U.S. Open, where Oakmont member Sam Parks Jr. shocked the golf world by defeating legends like Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, and Horton Smith
🏆 Ben Hogan’s dominant 1953 U.S. Open win
🏆 The epic 1962 U.S. Open battle between Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer
David brings these historical moments to life, and his book is a must-read for golf history buffs. You can grab your copy now on Amazon!
This episode is packed with Steelers talk, golf history, and insights into Oakmont’s storied past—so settle in and enjoy the conversation!