Hall of Famer Ozzie “The Wizard” Smith joins Jeff to talk about discovering golf after baseball, what “freedom” and “flow” really mean, and how the lessons from a life in baseball still drive him on the course.

Ozzie Smith is a Hall of Fame shortstop, St. Louis icon, and—since 1996—a full-blown golf nut. In this episode, Ozzie shares how he fell for the game after retirement, why his very first ceremonial tee shot at Whitey Herzog’s event went “right down the middle,” and what golf gives him that baseball no longer could: an honest challenge and a place to compete.

We dig into the athlete-to-golfer crossover: rhythm, timing, and the true meaning of “release” for a baseball player learning to keep the ball in play (“aim it at the second baseman”). Ozzie explains why nothing replaces repetitions—“it’s not until you’ve hit three, four thousand balls that it starts to make sense”—and how playing “totally free” fueled both his defensive wizardry and his love of golf. He also talks creativity on double plays, learning to fall and move like an acrobat as a kid, and why improvisation kept him healthy for 19 seasons.

Beyond the swing, Ozzie opens up about purpose and community. As president of Gateway PGA REACH, he’s helping kids and veterans access the game—and the business of golf—with a vision to build a nine-hole, multi-recreation facility in St. Louis. If you want a masterclass in staying competitive, staying humble, and keeping the joy, this one hits home.

Links & Mentions:

• Ozzie’s charity & event info: ozzysmithgolf.com
• Gateway PGA REACH: pgareachgateway.org
• Jeff & JB intro topics: 100-Hole Hike for Youth on Course, Jeff’s 36×13 Challenge for Folds of Honor, JB’s speed training with The Stack System

Show Partners:

• 1st Phorm — premium nutrition for golfers who play strong and live stronger.
• 18STRONG.com — programs & community to help you Play More Golf. Live More Life.