Golf Podcast: next on the tee

In Part 2 of this week’s show, we’re diving into the holiday season with some fantastic gift ideas for the golfer who seems to have it all.

First, I’m joined by Ben Helmrath, VP of Merchandising for Hard Goods at the PGA Tour SuperStore. Ben shares insights into the booming in-home golf simulator market and their exciting partnership with Full Swing. We’ll also discuss the PGA Tour SuperStore’s role as the official retailer for the much-anticipated TGL League, spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, set to launch in January. Plus, Ben highlights their heartwarming initiative to "Give the Gift of Golf" to our military heroes.

Later, Gary DiSalvo, CEO of Popticals, returns to the show. As half of the dynamic duo behind what I consider the best sunglasses on the market, Gary talks about the innovative design of Popticals sunglasses. These lightweight, glare-reducing glasses not only help golfers read greens better but also prevent eye fatigue throughout the round. If you’re looking for the perfect gift to enhance your favorite golfer's game, Popticals might just be it. Don’t forget to check out their website at Popticals.com while you tune in to hear Gary break down what makes these sunglasses a game-changer on and off the course.

This week on the show, I’m excited to welcome back my “long lost cousin” John Mascari. John shares his thoughts on the proposed changes to the PGA Tour for 2026, which include reducing field sizes, the number of Tour cards available, and the number of Monday qualifiers, among other changes. As someone on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey PGA Section and the Director of Golf at Alpine Country Club, John has a unique perspective on how these changes could impact the game. Speaking of Alpine, there’s a rumor that a sequel to a certain movie featuring a hockey player-turned-professional golfer was recently filmed there, and John might give us a hint about that. We’ll also chat about the growing excitement for next year’s Ryder Cup. Plus, as a big Yankees fan, John’s going to have to endure a little ribbing from me—a Red Sox fan—about their recent loss in the World Series. John leads off this week's show. Follow John on Instram and X @johnmascaripga

Following John, we have the pleasure of hearing from 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater Scott Hamilton. Scott is genuinely one of the most inspiring, wonderful people on the planet. He’s overcome countless challenges in his life and still reached the pinnacle of his sport. We’ll talk about the obstacles he’s faced, his incredible optimism and faith, and the Hall of Fame inductions that continue to recognize his remarkable achievements. Scott’s story is one of resilience, positivity, and triumph, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. You can following on Instragram at @scotthamilton84 plus help him fight cancer at https://scottcares.org

You can stay up-to-date with everything going on with the show on our site at https://.nextonthetee.net. You can follow me on social plus share your thoughts on Instagram and X at @ctmascaro.

In Part 2 of Episode 56, I’m thrilled to welcome Jenn Whaley, who’s making her Next on the Tee debut. If her last name sounds familiar, it should—she’s the daughter of Suzy Whaley, former President of the PGA of America and now President of Golf Nation. Suzy has been a wonderful friend of the show, and she’s raised an equally wonderful daughter in Jenn. Jenn’s passion for the game and her work with Top Golf and Callaway Brands comes shining through the energy in her voice. We chat about what it was like growing up in a true golf family and the golf lessons that happened at the dinner table. Jenn also shares highlights from her remarkable college golf career at Quinnipiac in Connecticut, along with her current role leading a program aimed at getting more beginners into the game and helping them stay engaged with it. Check out how she and the Top Golf are doing online at https://shop.topgolf.com.

We’ll round Part 2 with former Michigan State, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Mitch Lyons. Mitch helped Michigan State achieve some fantastic victories, including a win over #1-ranked Michigan at The Big House—a story he’ll share with us. He’ll also recall the day he set the Michigan State record for catches by a tight end. We discuss his experiences playing for an incredible array of coaches, from George Perles to Jerry Glanville, June Jones, and Bill Cowher. Naturally, we spend a good portion of the conversation on his time with the Steelers, where he reflects on what it was like to play for “The Chin,” and how special it is to play for the Rooney Family versus any other organization. Mitch is also a golfer and joins us from Arizona, where he’s set to play in the Pro-Am before the Schwab Cup playoffs on the Champions Tour. Mitch is now in the financial management business. If you're looking for help managing your retirement nest egg, check him company out online at www.mitchlyonswealth.com.

You can stay up-to-date with everything going on with the show on our site at https://.nextonthetee.net. You can follow me on social plus share your thoughts on Instagram and X at @ctmascaro.

In Part 1 of this week’s episode, we’re kicking things off with our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who’s joining us for the 107th time and on the 9th anniversary of the first time he joined the show. Tom and I dive into the proposed changes for the 2025 PGA Tour season, which unfortunately don’t seem focused on growing the game at the professional level. We discuss the trickle-down effect these changes could have on top instructors like Tom and on others around the game who are dedicated to helping aspirational players. These changes risk shrinking the game at the top, giving a larger piece of the pie to fewer players. As usual, it seems to come down to more money for fewer people. You’ll hear Tom’s thoughts on this and much more. Be sure to check out his website at www.tompatri.com and give him a follow on Instragram @tompatrigolf. Here is a link to his YouTube channel where you can get over 360 free video playing lessons, https://www.youtube.com/@TomPatriGolf

After Tom, we’ll have our monthly visit from “The Confidence Doctor,” Dr. Bob Winters. This month, we’re focusing on the fantastic results he’s seeing with his junior players as they work toward achieving their goals. Dr. Bob also shares his insights on staying in the present moment instead of constantly projecting ahead. Plus, we discuss the importance of prioritizing enjoyment on the course, asking each other if we had fun instead of immediately asking, “What did you shoot?” Stay up-to-date with Dr. Bob on his website at www.theconfidencedoctor.com.

In this special bonus edition of the show I'm joined by former Houston Oilers Pro Bowl QB Dante Anthony Pastorini.

Dan Pastorini is not only a multi-time Hall of Fame athlete but also a Hall of Fame human being. Despite what you might see on commercials, he truly is one of the most interesting men on the planet—which you can read more about in his book, Taking Flak: My Life in the Fast Lane.

In this segment, Dan reflects on his journey with golf, sharing how he developed a passion for the game and even helped his Houston Oilers teammates get invited to the Houston Open, breaking a tradition where only Cowboys players were previously included. He recalls the thrill of teaming up with fellow Houston Sports Hall of Famer Jackie Burke to win the Pro-Am and names the players who would make up his most fun foursome.

Dan also highlights his annual Celebrity Golf Invitational, which raises funds for the inspiring organization Be An Angel (www.beanangel.org). Shifting to football, he reminisces about the fierce yet respectful rivalry between the Steelers and Oilers in the late ’70s, including memorable third showdowns in the AFC Championship Games in 1978 & '79. He shares stories of mutual respect, like Joe Greene and John Banaczak helping him off the field after the '79 Championship game and Joe being there to honor him at his Houston Sports Hall of Fame induction.

In Part 2 of Season 11, Episode 54, I welcome back good friend Matthew Laurance for another fun conversation. No matter how many times we get together, it never seems quite enough. This time, Matthew shares stories from his experience at a Major League Fantasy Camp with a team that's an unexpected choice for a lifelong Yankees fan! We also celebrate the anniversary of some of Matthew's most memorable acting roles, including his appearances on Beverly Hills 90210 and Eddie & the Cruisers.

Rounding out the episode, I sit down with PGA Professional Keith Stewart, founder of the golf betting handicapping site Read The Line. Combining his deep knowledge of the game with firsthand experience at tournament sites each week, Keith has become remarkably adept at picking winners, with over 30 outright wins across various tours. He shares his strategies and insights into the art of golf handicapping.

In Part 1 of Season 11, Episode 54 I'm joined by the one and only Tom Patri plus top Sports Psychologist and the grandson of Bobby Jones, Dr. Bob Jones IV.

Tom Patri and I dive into the controversy surrounding the high cost of Ryder Cup tickets. With the PGA of America positioning the event as a “Super Bowl-level” spectacle, fans and potential volunteers are feeling the impact of sky-high prices. Tom shares his thoughts on whether the PGA's pricing strategy is justified, especially given the New York City setting where high prices are often the norm. Drawing a comparison to Billy Joel’s famous Millennium Concert at Madison Square Garden—where the singer himself remarked on the outrageous ticket prices—they may be right, we may be crazy...

Following Tom, I'm joined by Dr. Bob Jones IV, the grandson of legendary golfer Bobby Jones and an esteemed sports psychologist. Doc brings a unique blend of spirituality and warmth that’s rare in the sports world. In a world increasingly dominated by social media negativity, he offers advice on how to maintain mental resilience on and off the course. He also discusses strategies for overcoming a single frustrating hole that can derail a round, the importance of carefully choosing who we share our goals with, and tips for staying centered amid daily distractions. Doc brings a calming, grounding presence to every conversation, making this episode a truly special experience for listeners looking to elevate not only their game but their mindset.

In Part 2 of Season 11, Episode 53, LPGA Top 50 Instructor Debbie O’Connell and Montauk Downs Golf Course Director of Instruction Keith Jarvis join me.

Debbie has a fantastic new mental game program starting on October 21st, called "Conquering Your Golf Mind." If you want to quickly improve your mental approach, have more fun on the course, and lower your handicap, this is the course for you. To sign up, you can text the word “YES” to 727-339-0106 and use the coupon code “Conquer50” to get access to the five-day program for the unheard of price of $47. You can join in to the live sessions or each day is recorded so you can watch at your convenience.

This week Debbie and I will discuss what’s included in the program, as well as her impressive work with a student, helping them lower their handicap from 22.3 to 13.9 in a short period of time. I also get her thoughts on the Solheim Cup and whether adding U.S. and International women to the Presidents Cup could bring some excitement to the event, which could use a refresh. I always enjoy my time with Debbie. You'll see why Golf Positive is the perfect title to what she does.

I round out this week’s show, with another good friend, Keith Jarvis. Keith spent the summer teaching at Montauk Downs Golf Course, located at the very tip of Long Island. Megan Younkman, the Regional Director of Instruction for several of the state courses including Bethpage and Montauk Downs, and a wonderful friend of the show, praised Montauk as a hidden gem, and the great work Keith is doing there. Tom Patri is also a big fan of the course. Keith will share more about what makes Montauk Downs such a special place, and he’ll provide tips on how to overcome mental barriers to breaking 80, 90, or 100 for the first time. We’ll also talk about making better contact with the ball and the best strategies to avoid those blow-up holes.

In Part 1 of Episode 53, I'm joined by Super Agent Leigh Steinberg and Buffalo Dunes Director of Instruction Jason Hase.

I’m excited to be joined by one of the most prominent figures in the history of sports and a member of our Thursday Night Tailgate Guest Hall of Fame, Leigh Steinberg. Leigh has been a regular guest for over 11 years, with his first appearance dating back to August 1, 2013. We’ll be diving into the massive surge in money within the world of sports, from skyrocketing player contracts to the impact of NIL deals in college athletics. We’ll also discuss something that was once unimaginable: sports leagues and teams being sponsored by gambling sites, as well as Las Vegas becoming home to multiple major sports franchises. Leigh is a great friend, and I’m thrilled to have him on the show again.

Following Leigh, I’ll be joined by Jason Hase, Director of Instruction at Buffalo Dunes in Garden City, Kansas. Buffalo Dunes was recently recognized as the 8th best municipal course in the country by Golf Magazine, and Jason will share what makes the course so special, including the ongoing renovations and the amazing community volunteers helping with the project. We’ll also talk about the fantastic junior golf program he’s running. Jason will be joining me about 30 minutes into the show, and I can’t wait for you to hear from him.

In Part 2 of Season 11, Episode 52 I'm joined by one of the most trusted and revered voices in Pittsburgh sports, Paul Alexander, and one of the all-time great Instructors Jim McLean.

Paul Alexander has been broadcasting in Pittsburgh for over 30 years. You've heard him on KDKA-TV and 93.7 The Fan, covering the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. His long tenure and deep connection with the local sports community have made him a respected and well-known voice in Pittsburgh. You can listen to his golf show Going Low on Saturday mornings on 93.7 The Fan. In this segment, Paul shares his insights on the Steelers and Pirates, reflects on his recent rounds at Olde Stonewall and Wanango Country Club, and discusses why Pittsburgh is an underrated gem when it comes to golf.

Jim McLean, one of the most respected instructors in golf, is in several Hall of Fames and has led his golf schools to certify over 400 teachers, many of whom are now top instructors across the country. He has quickly become one of my favorite guests. We discuss his soon-to-open golf school in Armonk, New York, and dive into his thoughts on the evolution of teaching techniques. Jim also shares his experience opening a new golf school in South Korea and the growing popularity of the sport there.