MUSINGS ON GOLF

He is the only full-blooded American Indian to ever play on the PGA TOUR, and he won four times, all within a span of nine months.

And while back injuries derailed the playing career of Notah Begay III, they hardly kept him from the much larger role he continues to play in the lives of so many young people on the golf course and far beyond.

All of that wonderful labor of love has led Notah, who played with Tiger Woods at Stanford University, to earning the treasured Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company.

Join Notah as we discuss the Award, his outstanding work at NBC Sports and Golf Channel, and what his Foundation continues to accomplish. 

Plus, we look at the amazing victory by Jackson Koivun on Sunday at the PGA TOUR'S 3M Open.

As we look back at Ryan Fox's victory at The Open here on "Musings on Golf," we encourage you to look ahead and purchase a terrific book, "Fairways and Greens: A Novel," by Rich Poggi.

"Foxy" wasted no time in sealing his first major title, while the storylines abounded last week, with the drama produced by Bryson DeChambeau and the ensuing reaction from Rory McIlroy. Scottie Scheffler getting a free drop for a ball he never found! And so close again for Sam Burns and Cameron Young. 

And what about Doug Parker, who was once destined for PGA Tour stardom? Poggi nails it with the father-son dynamic Doug Parker's in this character-driven story of family, rediscovery, and second chances, all set against a game that has a way of revealing the truth about people when it matters most.

Many great baseball players have also found considerable success playing golf, but only Jim Kaat has a unique distinction in golf that goes far beyond anything that any other baseball player (or anyone) has ever accomplished. 

Jim's 283 career wins earned him election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and he spent 22 seasons calling games for the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins. 

So many great stories from the southpaw, plus you'll hear from Rory McIlroy, and about Tommy Fleetwood, Arnold Palmer, Walter Hagen, and my late podcast partner, Bob Bubka, as we get set for the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. 

It is the Major Championship for celebrity golfers, and NFL great Brian Urlacher is getting his game in shape for the American Century Championship this weekend at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Nevada.

Join the University of New Mexico legend for a terrific talk about his playing days at Soldier Field, watching Caleb Williams lead the Bears now, and his expectations when NBC Sports, Peacock and NBCSN showcase the 90-player field that also includes Stephen Curry, Tony Romo, Charles Barkley, and Annika Sorenstam. 

Tighten up that chin strap for a ride with Brian Urlacher, on "Musings on Golf."

As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, with the biggest sporting event in the world on our shores right now, we are joined by Rick Horrow, "The Sports Professor."

Rick, a Harvard Law School graduate. is a pioneer in the business of sports. With his fast-paced style, Rick talks about the massive dollars (and Euros) behind the PGA Tour, the four major golf championships and the Ryder Cup.

He also goes deep on the NFL, and pays tribute to his Dad through a new collaboration with Jack Nicklaus.

Buckle up to talk green, and get out some red, white and blue, with Rick Horrow on "Musings on Golf."

Talk about a tough crowd!

They don't come too much harsher than the galleries that Wyndham Clark had to endure in winning his second U.S. Open, on Long Island. Yes, Clark made a terrible mistake at Oakmont last year, but he has owned up to it and he proved how resilient he is in holding off Scottie Scheffler and others at Shinnecock Hills. 

Join Mark as he takes you "inside the ropes" in reporting on his 35th U.S. Open. Plus, find out the details on the entirely new look for the PGA Tour starting in 2028.

John Bodenhamer, who was a member of BYU's first championship team in any sport, knows what it means to succeed at the highest levels of golf. Join John for this comprehensive preview of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, the only club to host our national championship in three different CENTURIES. 

You'll also hear from Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and defending champion J.J. Spaun as NBC Sports, USA Network and Peacock ready to bring you the U.S. Open!

Adam Schriber is one of Golf Digest's 50 Best Teachers in America, a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher, and a two-time Michigan PGA Section Teacher of the Year. For reigning U.S. Open Champion J.J. Spaun, Adam is more than his swing coach -- he is the one who instills belief and positive thoughts for J.J., and has been instrumental in J.J. climbing to #9 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Come along for an eventful road trip with Adam, who talks about his humble origins in playing the game, how he landed J.J. as a student, and what the pair is doing in advance of J.J.defending his title next week at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York. 

Fred Funk was cut from his college golf team at the University of Maryland, yet ultimately returned to coach at that same school. He was an older rookie on the PGA Tour, and he went on to capture the Tour's marquee event as its oldest winner. 

Hardly long off the tee, he led the Tour in driving accuracy eight times en route to eight wins, two Presidents Cup appearances and a spot on the 2004 U.S. Ryder Cup Team. 

Enjoy this terrific interview with Fred, whose fighting spirit has made him one of golf's great stories. And the Tiger Woods tale is so awesome!

Yes, he won on the PGA Tour after an extraordinary career at BYU. He also was behind the mic for CBS Sports for nearly 30 years. Yet, his passion for impact-based teaching is what truly drives Bobby Clampett, the founder of Impact Zone Golf.

Join Bobby as he talks about the profound influence that the book "The Golfing Machine" has had on his playing and teaching -- Bryson DeChambeau is also a disciple of the influential book -- and how Impact Zone Golf can better your game, whether in person or online. 

Plus, we talk about the PGA of America relieving Don Rea of his presidential duties, and why it's so hard to be a big fan of Wyndham Clark.