In this very special edition of Next on the Tee, I welcome back one of the greatest players in golf history—Mr. Gary Player. For the past 12 years,I've had the incredible honor of spending time with Mr. Player, a true legend whose achievements on and off the course are unmatched. With more worldwide victories than any other golfer and the distinction of being the only player to complete the career Grand Slam on both the PGA and Champions Tours, Gary Player’s place in golf history is undeniable. As Rory McIlroy joins the elite Grand Slam club, Mr. Player reflects on the significance of that achievement and the greatness of fellow legends like Ben Hogan and Bobby Lcke. He also shares powerful insights on mental strength, preparing for major championship pressure, and the evolution of his own golf swing and putting stroke. Mr. Player offers fond memories of the U.S. Opens he played at Oakmont, including holding the 36-hole lead in 1973, and takes us back to his Masters victories—especially the emotional reception he received at Augusta in 1978. Now approaching 90, his enthusiasm for life and the game remains as vibrant as ever. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of a remarkable man and the enduring friendship he’s shared with the show since being its very first guest.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of this week’s Next on the Tee, I’m joined by Champions Tour and European Legends Tour standout Clark Dennis. Over the past few years, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Clark, including spending time with him at last year’s Mitsubishi Electric Classic here in Atlanta. Clark has had an impressive career with 9 professional victories so far, including five recent wins on the Legends Tour including back-to-back titles at the Italian Open in 2017 and 2018 and last June's victory at Costa Navarino. We revisit his memorable T6 finish at the 1994 U.S. Open at Oakmont—a brutally hot week in Pittsburgh that played to his advantage as a native Texan. Clark also shares the incredible story of qualifying for both the 2023 U.S. Open and Senior U.S. Open on back-to-back days, earning medalist honors in each. With the Senior PGA Championship at Congressional on the horizon, we talk about his preparation for that event, and he reflects proudly on his son Will, who’s now caddying for rising PGA Tour star Sam Stevens, currently ranked inside the Top 100. It’s a fantastic conversation filled with great stories and insight from one of the game’s most seasoned pros.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 1 of this week’s episode of Next on the Tee, I kick things off with a return visit from NHL legend and a fantastic golfer Dan Quinn. Dan played 14 seasons in the NHL, including memorable years alongside Mario Lemieux with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Off the ice, Dan has logged countless rounds at Oakmont and spent several years caddying on the PGA Tour for the likes of Ernie Els, John Daly, Yost Luiten—and a then up-and-coming Cam Smith. We revisit his experiences playing Oakmont, and I get his insights on this year's US Open. We hear about the rounds he played there with Mario Lemieux and Next on the Tee favorite Bob Ford. You'll hear about his times on the bag for Ernie Els at the 2013 US Open and the 2015 US Open for a rookie named Cam Smith. We finish up discussing what the Penguins need to do in order to get back being a playoff caliber team.

Then I’m joined by longtime friend and fellow broadcaster Jeff Tracy, host of Grilling at the Green and Barbecue Nation shows on AM 860 in Portland. Jeff’s a true Renaissance man—he’s not only a seasoned radio host and golf analyst, he’s also a competitive barbecue master and a former horse show judge. We talk golf, brisket, and Jeff’s thoughts on the PGA Championship and the upcoming U.S. Open.

You won’t want to miss the insights and laughs with two guys who bring serious flavor—both on the course and off.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of this week’s Next on the Tee, LPGA Hall of Famer Jane Geddes returns for a long-overdue visit, and as always, she brings her trademark positivity, incredible storytelling, and contagious energy to the conversation. Jane shares her thoughts on this year’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Legends of the LPGA Tour. We revisit her first win on the LPGA Tour—the 1986 U.S. Women’s Open—which she captured in a Monday playoff over Sally Little. That week was marred by apocalyptic chaos just short of locusts and the 4 Horseman. You'll hear about that plus how Jane arrived early for the Monday playoff and was sitting on her bag on the 1st tee before the USGA officials set up the tee markers. When asked what she was doing, she said I'm ready to play. Jane also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the Legends of the LPGA Tour came to be, reflects on last year’s Senior Women’s U.S. Open at Fox Chapel in Pittsburgh, and looks ahead to this year’s championship in San Diego. It’s always so much fun having Jane on the show, and I know you’ll enjoy every minute of this segment.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 1 of this week’s Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two of the most legendary PGA Professionals the game has ever known—quite possibly ranked 1 and 1A on that list. First up is PGA Professional Hall of Famer Bob Ford. Bob’s accolades span across four Hall of Fames, the prestigious William D. Richardson Award from the Golf Writers Association of America, and the Bobby Jones Award—one of the highest honors in the game. He’s served as Head Professional at both Oakmont and Seminole, and his coaching tree reaches wider than any in history. If you’ve watched the U.S. Open over the past decade, you’ve likely heard his voice—he’s been the official Starter since 2017 and will continue as long as he wants the job. Bob shares his insights on this year’s Masters, what to expect from the U.S. Open’s return to Oakmont, and, as a proud Yinzer, throws in some thoughts on the Steelers.

Then, I’m honored to welcome another giant in the game—Suzy Whaley. A Hall of Famer in her own right, Suzy was the first female President of the PGA of America, is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor, and currently preparing to Captain the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team. She was also recently on the bag for her niece, Phoebe Brinker, at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Suzy reflects on that experience, discusses the potential for a Women’s Masters Tournament, and we explore a few exciting job opportunities where her leadership would be a perfect fit. Don’t miss this conversation with two all-time greats.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of Episode 21, I'm joined by a truly fascinating first-time guest—certified hypnotherapist Paul Salter. Paul helps us explore the power of the mind and how hypnotherapy can free us from the fear of judgment on the golf course—especially when standing on the first tee with eyes all around. Whether it’s your buddies, a crowd at the club championship, or groups waiting to tee off behind you, we’ve all felt that pressure. Paul breaks down where that fear comes from and how he works with golfers to eliminate it for good.

Then, one of my favorite people on the planet, PGA Tour legend Hal Sutton returns to the show to share updates on his latest course design, the Darmor Club outside Houston, and why—for the first time ever—he’s endorsing a putter. It’s not because of a paycheck. Hal explains what impressed him about Makefield Putters, their precision fitting process, and how they get the ball rolling faster and truer than nearly anything else out there. If it’s good enough to go in Hal’s bag, you’ll want to hear why.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Season 12, Episode 21 Part 1 of Next on the Tee, I’ve got a fantastic lineup of four fun and insightful guests that I’m excited to share with you. They’re sure to spark your interest, maybe raise an eyebrow or two, and quite possibly have you thinking, “I need to connect with that guy.” Leading things off, as always, is our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri. We caught up with TP just as he was wrapping up a member trip to Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville, Florida—so yes, we might be delaying his dinner and bedtime just a bit, so he's a little extra cranky. Tom’s also gearing up for his annual golf marathon to support a great cause. Last year, he played an incredible 153 holes before running out of daylight. Head over to his Instagram page to learn more and consider pledging whatever makes sense for you. In our chat, we cover Justin Thomas’s big win at Hilton Head, take an early look ahead to the Ryder Cup, and debate whether today’s advanced equipment is helping make the game more accessible, less frustrating, a major reason why our game at all levels is packed with more good players than in the persimmon wood and wound ball era.

After TP, I’m joined by Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor and Golf Digest Top 50 in Florida, Mike Malizia from Admirals Cove in Jupiter. Mike shares some great drills to help improve your short game, explains why he doesn’t teach hitting up on the ball with the driver, and encourages us to trust our feel rather than overthinking every swing.

It’s a loaded show, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did putting it together. Come back for Part 2 featuring certified Hypnotherapist Paul Salter and PGA Tour Legend Hal Sutton.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of our special Masters review edition of the show, I’m honored to be joined by the Godfather of Golf Talk Radio, John Patrick.

John has covered The Masters for the past 41 years. He was there for Jack Nicklaus’ historic sixth Masters victory in 1986 — and he might even have the ball Jack used to finish it off (you’ll hear that incredible story). As Bernhard Langer makes his final appearance as a player at Augusta, John shares memories of both of Langer’s victories and covering Langer's remarkable 40-year journey in the tournament.

We dive deep into Rory McIlroy’s historic win this year, reliving the highs, the lows, and his inspiring comeback. John also shares his thoughts on where Rory now stands in the game's history after completing the career Grand Slam.

Plus, we discuss some exciting upcoming innovations at Augusta National, including a new players-only facility, underground parking, and which Chairman has made the biggest impact on the game.

John Patrick is truly one of the finest people and broadcasters in the history of golf. Tune in to hear our conversation—you’ll quickly understand why he’s such a beloved figure in the game.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special Masters Post Game edition of Next on the Tee, we look back on an unforgettable week at Augusta National, both from the grounds and from the booth. I kick things off by recapping the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, where Spain’s Carla Bernat Escuder fired a final round 68 to capture the title by one shot over 16-year-old American Asterisk Talley. I also spotlight standout performances by rising stars Eila Galitsky and Lottie Woad—young talents whose names we’re sure to hear more in the years to come. Then it’s on to one of the most thrilling Masters final rounds in recent memory, as Rory McIlroy overcame ghosts of past collapses, a double on 13, and a missed opportunity on 18 to ultimately defeat Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff. With that win, Rory became just the sixth player in history to complete the career Grand Slam. My guests and I walk through every twist and turn of Rory’s journey and what this victory means for his legacy.

I welcome back two fan favorites to break it all down—Resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri and 17-time winner between the PGA & Champions Tours Mark Calcavecchia. Calc takes us back to his own near miss at Augusta and the shot by Sandy Lyle that denied him a green jacket. Together, we talk about the magic of this year’s tournament, from Rory immediately losing his lead on the first hole, gaining it back 2 holes later, losing it again on 13, more missed putts, throwing it away on 18 and ultimately getting the gorilla off his back. We also preview what’s ahead for the rest of the major season.

Thank you for pressing play and taking the journey with us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thank you for coming back for Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 19, a special Masters preview edition. In this segment, we continue our Masters preview with two guys who competed in 8 Masters tournaments starting with one of the finest golf analysts in the history of broadcasting and a 14-time winner around the world, Frank Nobilo. Frank will be on the CBS Sports broadcast team this weekend, providing commentary on four key holes. He’s competed in The Masters four times himself, with a standout 4th-place finish in 1996. We dive into how he approached playing Augusta National, especially the challenges of navigating Amen Corner. Frank also shares some great insights into the tournament’s history, and the patience required to succeed at Augusta. Plus, like my other guests this week, he offers his predictions for who will be atop the leaderboard on Sunday—and throws in an intriguing dark horse to watch.

Then we wrap things up with two-time PGA Tour winner John Inman. John and his brother Joe both played in The Masters multiple times, and John tells a hilarious story about Joe’s suggestion to drop a ball into Rae’s Creek while crossing the Hogan Bridge—and the surprising reason behind it. We also hear about John’s experience staying in the Crow’s Nest as an amateur, what it was like staying on-site during tournament week, and the time Tom Watson caught him and a fellow amateur watching a movie in the Champions Locker Room. John gives his perspective on the tricky Par 3 fourth hole and the always-demanding 12th. He’s a fantastic storyteller, and I think you’ll really enjoy our conversation.

There’s a ton of great stuff in store for you this week on Next on the Tee. Thank you for being here and pressing play.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.