In this episode, we review the past 2025 season and preview the upcoming 2026 season with Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association, Todd Johnson! First, Phil and Tom discuss some goals for the 2026 season and go through the random Cincinnati golf fact for this episode. Todd then shares all the highlights and winners from the 2025 golf season and previews the season ahead in 2026. We close the episode discussing the past year for the podcast and what to look out for in 2026.

https://www.youtube.com/@secondshotallamericanpodcast

Register for 2026 GCGA Events

https://www.gcga.org/tournaments/gcga-championships/

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at [email protected]

In this episode, we are joined by 6-time GCGA Player of the Year, Bill Williamson! Bill shares his journey from playing at Loveland High School to becoming a 13-time GCGA tournament winner. We discuss his experience in competitive golf, the balance between his professional career and passion for the game, and he offers advice for aspiring amateur tournament players. We wrap the episode discussing his runner-up finish at the 2013 U.S. Mid-Am, 2012 MET win, and the Cincinnati 9.

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at [email protected]

Joining us in this episode is Brad Wilder, the 2011 Cincinnati MET Champion and President of the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association. Discover Brad's journey from a baseball-loving kid to a golf enthusiast, his collegiate experiences at the University of Cincinnati, and his impressive achievements in the amateur golfing world. Brad shares personal stories, insights into his leadership role, and talks about some of his favorite courses he’s played. We conclude the episode with our Cincinnati 9 segment. 

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Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at [email protected]

In this episode, we are joined by 7 time MET champion, Jim Volpenhein! We dive into Jim's storied career, from his early days in Northern Kentucky to his triumphs on the amateur circuit. Discover the secrets behind his success, his thoughts on the evolution of the game, and his most memorable moments on the course. We conclude the episode with our new Cincinnati 9 segment! 

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at [email protected]

In this episode, we welcome PGA Tour Caddie, Joel Craft! We discuss Joel's journey from a young golfer to becoming a caddie on the PGA Tour, sharing insights about the challenges and experiences on the Korn Ferry Tour. The conversation covers tournament preparation, the camaraderie among caddies, and the qualities needed to succeed in this competitive field. Joel also shares his thoughts on preferred golf course conditions and how to handle difficult situations with players.

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the world of college golf with Brian Arlinghaus, the head coach of Xavier University's men's golf team. Discover Brian's journey from a young golfer to a respected coach, his unique approach to recruiting and player development, and the challenges and opportunities in today's collegiate golf landscape. Also, Brian gives us a lesson in sports psychology analyzing Tom’s poor first tee shots. We conclude talking about the current season for the Xavier men’s golf team. 

https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/238247/scoring/team

Xavier Men’s Golf Team Home Page 

https://goxavier.com/sports/golf

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Today, we are joined by GCGA volunteer and USGA Rules Official, Dave Osborne! Dave shares his unique journey from a casual golfer to a respected rules expert, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation and decision-making involved in major amateur tournaments. He also provides insights and tips on the best ways to learn current or revised rules of the game. Dave concludes by discussing his favorite courses and places he’s had the opportunity to visit from being a rules official.

Articles used for research about Sammy Byrd 

https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/latest/2024/10/25/meet-sam-byrd-who-played-in-a-world-series-and-won-on-tour

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at [email protected]

We are joined this episode by the Men’s Head Golf Coach at the University of Cincinnati, Doug Martin. We discuss Doug’s journey as a highly ranked amateur player, professional golfer, and what led to him becoming the golf coach at UC. We also discuss Doug’s coaching philosophy and the goals for this upcoming season, wrapping up the conversation talking about some of Doug’s favorite stories as a player and from his 17 years as the Bearcats Head Coach. 

Learn more about the UC Men’s Golf Program 

https://gobearcats.com/sports/mens-golf

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at [email protected]

In this episode, we are joined by the General Manager at TPC River’s Bend, Michelle Lipka! Michelle shares her journey in the game from high school state champion to a leader in the golf industry. We also discuss the logistics with hosting the upcoming LPGA Kroger Queen City Championship and the excitement around the event!

Learn more about the Kroger Queen City Championship

https://queencitylpga.com

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at [email protected]

In this episode, we welcome back the Director of Rules and Competitions at the GCGA, Jared Riesenberg! We recap the 25th Metropolitan Mid-Amateur Championship along with the USGA Men’s and Women’s Mid-Amateur qualifiers. We also give some shoutouts to local high school and junior players for their accomplishments on the course. The episode is wrapped up with us discussing what’s ahead for the GCGA schedule and podcast. 

25th Metropolitan Mid-Amateur Championship Results

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5113896

USGA Men's Mid-Amateur Qualifier Results 

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5105594

USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifier Results 

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5105804

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at [email protected]