Golf: next on the tee

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.

On this edition of Next on the Tee our guests are: Andy Fortner, Head Golf Professional at the French lick Resport; Kyle Roggenburk, Founder of EKR Brands; David Abeles, President & CEO of TaylorMade Adidas Golf; Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation.

On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: Top 100 Instructor Tom Patri and the Voice of Golf Peter Kessler.

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.

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.

On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: Hall of Fame Caddie Dennis Cone, and one of the top Junior players Avery Zweig and her Caddie/Dad Ivan Zweig.

On this edition of Next on the Tee with guests are PGA Pro and 7 time winner Donnie Hammond and Comedian/Actor Tom Dreesen.

I'll talk with Donnie about his memories of playing the Masters including being in the next to last group on Sunday in 1986. Hear what it was like being in the middle of perhaps the greatest Masters of all-time. Hearing the roars as Jack Nicklaus made his amazing run on the back 9. Donnie was paired with Berhard Langer that day and Bernhard made another run last year, finishing in the Top 10. We'll hear what it was like for him playing alongside Bernhard and his thoughts on watching Bernhard still competing 30 years later.

You know Tom Dreesen from his many years appearing on and gest hosting the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Tom was also the opening act for Frank Sinatra for many years and the host of Pebble Beach Pro Am. We'll talk about his many memories surrounding the game golf and being around 2 giants in the entertainment industry.

On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: former NHL star and multiple winner on the Celebrity Tour Dan Quinn and Top 50 Female Instructor Debbie O'Connell.

On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: PGA Pro and Golf Course Designer Bill Bergin and 2003 PGA Champion Shaun Micheel.

Bill Bergin- Bill played his college golf at Auburn and in over 250 professional tournaments worldwide. Hear his memories from the 1981 SEC Championship, the 1980 US Open, 1984 Open Championship and some of the top golf courses he's designed and reclaimations projects he's involved with now.

Shaun Micheel - Shaun will be working as the Lead Analyst at this year's Masters Tournament. We talked about how he's preparing for his first broacasting role, plus his thoughts on golf equipment technology and what brands he's playing now plus what his schedule looks like for 2017.

On this edition of Next on the Tee my guests are: Trackman Master Professional and Lead Golf Instructor at the Plane Truth Golf Academy at the Courses at Watters Creek, Andy Traynor and Sue Wiger, #1 Best Selling International Author, Top 5 Nationally Ranked LPGA Teacher and Peak Performance Coach.