Warm weather has finally arrived at London Downs! This week on Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth sits down with Director of Golf Marty Chandler to break down the latest in local conditions and major golf headlines.

In this episode, we cover:

• Bermuda & The Rain: How the recent 3-inch deluge and upcoming warm nights are setting up the course—plus, how local players are handling the early summer humidity.

• The Aaron Rai Effect: Marty reacts to the shocking PGA Championship winner, his "one-track" 3-wood strategy, and the viral debate on iron covers (including a look into London Downs' lost-and-found!).

• Local Boy Makes Good: An update on Forest, VA native Zach Bauchou’s spectacular T6 finish on the PGA Tour, his hunt for a permanent tour card, and his chances at making the Memorial Tournament.

• The Hidden Costs of the PGA Tour: Breaking down why it costs a touring pro upwards of $50,000 a week just to stay on the road.

• Golf Tip of the Week: Marty gives a masterclass on pitching over obstacles like bunkers and creeks when you have zero green to work with. Learn why you need to open the face before you grip the club.

Upcoming Events at London Downs:

• 🗓️ June 17th: Titleist Fitting Day (Appointments required!).

• 🗓️ June 21st: Callaway Demo Day.

0:00 - Weather Update & Preparing London Downs for Summer

1:32 - PGA Tour News: Aaron Rai’s Win & The Iron Cover Debate

3:45 - Local Legend Zach Bauchou’s Career-Best PGA Tour Finish

5:10 - How Much Does It Really Cost to Travel on the PGA Tour?

6:40 - London Downs Demo Days: Titleist & Callaway Fitting Dates

7:50 - Golf Tip: How to Pitch Over Hazards (Bunkers & Creeks)

9:15 - Outro & Contact Info

#LocallyOnTheLinks #LondonDowns #PGAClubPro #PGAPro #GolfTips #ShortGame #ShortGameTips #ZachBauchou #AaronRai #GolfInstruction #GolfLife #CentralVAGolf #LynchburgVA #TitleistGolf #CallawayGolf

Struggling with uneven lies on the course? In this episode of Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth sits down with Mark Fry, the Director of Golf at The Omni Homestead Resort, to break down the exact adjustments you need to make for tricky downhill and uphill mountain golf shots. 

We also dive deep into a recap of Aaron Rai's incredible major victory at the PGA Championship at Aronimink, the evolving future of the PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf, and exciting summer events happening right here in Virginia.

⛳️ LEARN MORE ABOUT VHYGA: Support junior golf development and scholarships at https://vhyga.org

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Introduction & Mountain Weather at The Homestead

1:12 - 2026 PGA Championship Recap: Aaron Rai’s Win & Aronimink Course Setup

3:45 - PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf: Will the Jumped Players Face Fines?

5:22 - The Historic Old Course vs. The Cascades Course

7:05 - Upcoming Events: Women’s Golf Day & The Generation Cup

8:40 - Golf Lesson: Pro Tips for Conquering Uneven & Downhill Lies

11:15 - Supporting the Virginia Highlands Youth Golf Academy (VHYGA)

Marty Chandler of London Downs joins Rich Roth to preview the 2026 PGA Championship, discuss Cameron Young’s chances and share course management tips.

About This Episode:

In this episode of Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth sits down with Marty Chandler, Director of Golf at London Downs Golf Club, to dive deep into the heart of the 2026 golf season.

We discuss the transition from frost to 80-degree fairway weather and what golfers can expect from the Bermuda grass greens this summer. Marty also gives his expert take on the 2026 PGA Championship, explaining how modern technology is changing course strategy and why Cameron Young is his top pick for the title.

Key Topics Covered:

• 2026 PGA Championship Preview: Why technology is making traditional course hazards obsolete.

• Local Course Update: How London Downs is preparing for the summer tournament season.

• The "Golf DNA" Strategy: Why your course management might be failing and how to play to your actual skill level.

• Upcoming Demo Days: Get fitted for new gear from Titleist and Cleveland/Srixon this June.

Timecodes:

• 0:00 – Intro: Golf Season in Lynchburg

• 2:15 – London Downs Course Conditions & Bermuda Grass

• 5:30 – 2026 PGA Championship: Course Strategy vs. Technology

• 9:45 – Expert Picks: Why Cameron Young is the One to Watch

• 12:20 – Improving Your Game: The Importance of "Golf DNA"

• 16:10 – Managing Bad Lies & Wedge Strategy

• 19:45 – June Demo Days at London Downs

#PGAChampionship2026 #GolfTips #GolfPodcast #CameronYoung #CourseManagement #GolfDNA #Titleist #Srixon #LynchburgVA #LynchburgGolf #LondonDowns #VirginiaGolf #LocallyOnTheLinks

In this episode of Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth sits down with Geoff Redgrave, Director of Golf at Wintergreen Resort, to help you navigate the transition into the 2026 golf season.

The unpredictable spring weather has left many courses with "tight lies" and dormant patches. Geoff shares professional-level "free tips" on how to handle these conditions, including a unique "putting motion" for chipping that prevents digging and sculling. We also dive into the current state of the PGA Tour, Rory McIlroy’s recent dominance, and why Matt Fitzpatrick’s putting is a "work of art" every amateur should study.

Whether you’re looking for a discount on your next round at Stoney Creek or curious about the "bowling alley" fairways at Devil’s Knob, this episode is packed with value for every golfer.

• 00:00 – Intro: Spring weather swings and turf impact.

• 02:15 – How to play "punch shots" from emerging Bermuda and Zoysia grass.

• 04:30 – The Chipping Secret: Using a putting motion with your wedges.

• 07:45 – Choosing your "chipping friends": Club selection strategy.

• 10:20 – Wintergreen Update: Devil’s Knob vs. Stoney Creek conditions.

• 13:10 – Special Offer: The Stoney Creek 4-Pack (plus a bonus round!).

• 15:45 – PGA Tour Talk: Rory McIlroy’s resurgence and the LIV Golf debate.

• 18:20 – Why Matt Fitzpatrick is the best putting model for amateurs.

Resources:

• Book a Tee Time: Wintergreen Resort Official Site

• Special Offer: Purchase the Stoney Creek 4-Pack (Buy 4, Get 1 Free through May 10th)

#GolfTips #ShortGame #WintergreenResort #LocallyOnTheLinks #GolfInstruction #PGATour #RoryMcIlroy #GolfLife #VirginiaGolf #StoneyCreek

Join Rich Roth on Locally on the Links as he sits down with Jason Brown, owner of Birdies… Where Are You, the premier indoor golf facility at Smith Mountain Lake. Jason shares the moving inspiration behind his facility’s name—a tribute to his late grandson, Colton Grey—and how it fuels his passion for teaching the game.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Indoor Revolution: How GS Pro simulator technology is changing how we practice, offering 45-minute rounds and data-driven instruction.

• Pro Instruction: Why "swinging harder" is a common mistake and how to use physics for a more leisurely, effective swing.

• Masters Recap: Analysis of Rory McIlroy’s historic back-to-back win at Augusta and Scottie Scheffler's calm under pressure.

• Local Access: Everything you need to know about the Westlake facility, from 24/7 member access to public hourly rentals.

Visit Birdies… Where Are You: birdieswhereareyou.com | 804-398-9203

• 0:00 – Intro to Jason Brown & Birdies, Where Are You?

• 1:45 – The Heartfelt Story: Colton Gray’s Legacy

• 5:10 – Benefits of Indoor Simulators vs. Outdoor Play

• 8:30 – Common Golf Mistakes: Swing Physics & Effort

• 12:15 – Mastering GS Pro: Putting, Chipping & Lie Angles

• 15:40 – Masters Recap: Rory McIlroy & Scotty Scheffler

• 20:10 – Booking Info & Westlake Location

#SmithMountainLake #SML #WestlakeVA #VirginiaGolf #LynchburgVA #RoanokeVA #GolfInstruction #IndoorGolf #GolfSimulators #GSPro #Masters2026 #RoryMcIlroy #BirdiesWhereAreYou #GolfTips #Podcast #LocallyOnTheLinks

In this edition of Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth is joined by Marty Chandler, Director of Golf at London Downs Golf Course. Fresh off a trip to Augusta National, Marty shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at a Masters Monday practice round, from the 7:00 AM merch lines to the extreme slopes of Hole #5 that television cameras never quite capture.

They also dive into the current state of golf in the Lynchburg area, including the "green up" of Bermuda fairways and upcoming demo days for Titleist and Callaway at London Downs. Whether you're curious about Tiger Woods' future or need a quick tip to fix your driver setup, this episode has you covered.

Locally on the Links: Spring Opening at The Omni Homestead

Host Rich Roth welcomes Mark Fry, Director of Golf at the historic Omni Homestead, to discuss the highly anticipated 2026 golf season. As the legendary Cascades Course prepares for its grand opening this Saturday, April 4th, Mark shares what golfers can expect from the conditions and layout this year.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Course Previews: An inside look at the championship-level Cascades and the unique "6-6-6" layout of the historic Old Course.

• Pro Instructional Tips: Why putting is 43% of your score and the specific "Ladder" and "Feel" drills you should use to shake off winter rust.

• 2026 Event Calendar: Details on the upcoming Ladies Golf Day (May 30th), the Youth Golf Academy Fundraiser (August 4th), and the September Generation Cup.

• The Masters & PGA Tour: Mark and Rich discuss Tiger Woods, Gary Woodland’s emotional comeback, and who to watch for at Augusta.

Planning a trip? Learn about "Buddy Golf" packages for groups of 12-16 and why spring is the perfect time to take advantage of twilight rates.

In this episode of Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth sits down with Geoff Redgrave, the Director of Golf at Wintergreen Resort, to gear up for the 2026 golf season. From the latest PGA Tour drama to getting your own bag ready for the spring thaw, we cover everything you need to know to hit the fairways this month.

• PGA Tour & The Players Recap: We dive into Cameron Young’s massive win at Sawgrass, including that historic 375-yard drive on the 18th.

• Masters Speculation: Is Tiger Woods ready for Augusta? We discuss the rumors surrounding his health and the possibility of him joining the Champions Tour now that he’s 50.

• Playing Wintergreen: Geoff gives an update on course conditions at Stoney Creek and Devil’s Knob, plus a look at the Unlimited Golf Package and the 4-Play punch card savings.

• Tech Talk & Demo Days: Why you shouldn't buy "off the rack" this year. Learn about Cobra’s new 33-setting driver technology and the rise of zero-torque putters.

Don't miss the upcoming Demo Days at Stoney Creek featuring Callaway, Titleist, and Cobra. Get fitted by professionals using Trackman technology to ensure your equipment matches your swing.

Join host Rich Roth for a deep dive into the 2026 golf season with special guest Colton King, Head Golf Professional at Poplar Grove. Whether you are a casual fan or a scratch player, this episode covers everything from the professional tour's biggest controversies to practical tips for improving your game this spring.

• The State of Pro Golf: We discuss the prestige of The Players Championship, the debate over it becoming a "fifth major," and the impact of the PGA Tour’s restructured schedule.

• LIV Golf vs. PGA: Colton shares his candid thoughts on the sustainability of LIV Golf, the return of Anthony Kim, and how the professional landscape is shifting for stars like Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy.

• Course Updates at Poplar Grove: Learn about the major drainage projects and the exciting redesign of Hole 14, making it one of the area's premier "risk-reward" drivable par fours.

• Spring Training for Your Swing: Colton breaks down his "back to basics" checklist, including alignment drills, maintaining balance, and the importance of using your club’s bounce when chipping.

• Why you should spend 20 minutes on the putting green for every 10 minutes on the range.

• How to use weight distribution to stop "chunking" your iron shots.

• The evolution of golf technology and how affordable launch monitors can dial in your yardages.

Spring has officially arrived in Lynchburg, and it's time to get those clubs out of the garage! In this episode of Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth sits down with Marty Chandler, Director of Golf at London Downs Golf Club.

As the weather warms up, Marty shares essential advice for transitioning from simulator "screen golf" back to the real-deal dormant Bermuda grass. We dive deep into:

• The "Chip Once" Rule: Why getting on the green is more important than being close to the pin.

• Target Acquisition: How a simple leaf or broken tee just two feet in front of your ball can fix your alignment.

• Scoring Benchmarks: Practical strategies for breaking 100, 90, or 80 by managing expectations and avoiding the "hero shot".

Plus, we get an update on Lynchburg’s own Zach Bauchou on the PGA Tour and discuss whether we’ll see Tiger Woods at Augusta this year.