The Back of the Range

A private club in Texas is turning its amateur invitational into one of the most coveted weeks in mid-am and senior golf. Emile Asous, Director of Golf at The Club at Carlton Woods reveals why The Carlton Woods Invitational keeps growing, how the course tests elite players without ruining the experience, and what makes October the perfect reset for the field. Emile shares what it takes to host a serious 54-hole championship while still making every player feel like a member for the week.You'll discover:

Emile also explains Carlton Woods' long commitment to amateur golf and how that tradition shapes the Invitational today.

Carlton Woods Invitational - Official Website

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Voice Work by Mitch Phillips

Blake Smart, head coach of the University of Memphis, joins The Back of the Range to discuss the long road to building a successful college golf program. From Bucee’s-fueled van trips and early-career sacrifices to a breakthrough season, Smart shares the lessons that shaped his coaching philosophy. He reflects on his time at Berry College, Kennesaw State, and Oklahoma, explaining why hard work, trust, and finding the right fit matter in recruiting and player development. Smart also discusses navigating NIL, building team culture with an international roster, and the emotional journey to Memphis’s first NCAA Championship appearance under his leadership. Plus, hear why the Quail Valley Collegiate victory felt meaningful—and what the Tigers learned at Nationals as they look ahead.

Blake Smart - Memphis Men's Golf Coach

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Former mini-tour pro Andrew Bailey’s unlikely path to becoming U.S. Mid-Amateur champion began on Cleveland’s municipal courses. In this episode, he shares why he left professional golf, how reinstatement as an amateur changed his game, and how a chance pairing with Cleveland State coach Steve Weir helped shape his journey. Bailey reflects on the grind of the SwingThought Tour, the joy and community he found in amateur golf, and the pressure of his U.S. Mid-Amateur run. He also discusses earning exemptions to the Masters and U.S. Open, the future of the mid-amateur, and what it means to approach competition as a student of golf history.

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Wake Forest senior Macy Pate stops by The Back of the Range to share the story behind her team-voted exemption to compete at The Annika Driven by Gainbridge—and her upcoming LPGA debut. She reflects on growing up near Wake Forest, finding a family in the women’s golf program, and balancing elite competition with academics. Macy also discusses the mentors and teammates who shaped her and the legacy she hopes to leave at Wake Forest. A conversation about gratitude, ambition, and taking the next big step while staying true to what matters.

Macy Pate - Wake Forest Women's Golf

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Johnnie Clark of the University of New Mexico is making a statement: he won his first three stroke-play events this fall, a rare feat in Division I golf. In this episode, he shares the journey behind his breakthrough, from discovering the game at six in Mesa, Arizona, to competing against future PGA Tour talent as a junior. Johnnie talks about emailing top college programs at 16, his experience at Oklahoma State, and why transferring to New Mexico helped him find a better fit. He also takes us on the road, reflecting on a team trip to Japan filled with Tokyo adventures plus a memorable Canadian tournament. Hear how he stays focused by ignoring leaderboards, trusting his game, and embracing the people around him—and what his rise could mean for a future in professional golf.

Johnnie Clark - University of New Mexico Men's Golf

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Alabama assistant coach Forrest Schultz joins The Back of the Range to share his journey from Division II golf to the SEC. Hear how he builds competitive schedules, develops players, and creates a championship culture—plus what makes Alabama’s practices, team traditions, and approach to player development stand out.

Forrest Schultz - Alabama Men's Golf Assistant Coach

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Mike Sposa’s U.S. Senior Amateur win is only part of the story. The real surprise is how a former pro who spent years grinding on tour found himself energized by amateur golf again, from the pressure of match play to the joy of competing without the weight of a paycheck. Ben and Mike unpack what changes—and what doesn’t—when a lifelong tournament golfer steps back into elite amateur competition. Mike shares what he’s learned about preparing faster, handling nerves differently, and using better self-talk under pressure. He also explains why the mental side matters more now than ever, and why the game can feel freer when it stops being a job.You’ll also hear about the whirlwind after Baltimore, when a championship celebration turned into a sprint to JFK and a next-morning arrival in Ireland for the Walker Cup at Lahinch. Mike revisits the 1991 Walker Cup, the star power of Phil Mickelson and David Duval, the wild atmosphere at Portmarnock, and what it means to be part of a Walker Cup society that lasts a lifetime.Ben and Mike also break down how junior golf has changed from both sides of the equation. Mike, now Senior Manager of Junior Development and Developmental Tours at Callaway, explains what he looks for in elite juniors, how technology like TrackMan and GC Quad is reshaping training, why speed has become nonnegotiable, and where today’s players still need more touch, creativity, and wind game. He also pulls back the curtain on what parents and players often misunderstand about equipment, brand relationships, and what companies actually look for beyond rankings and scorecards.Mike is the reigning U.S. Senior Amateur champion and a former PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour player who won in Boise in 1998. He now leads Callaway’s junior development efforts, working at the intersection of equipment, player growth, and elite amateur golf.

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NC State women’s golf coach Darby Sligh speaks about the experiences that shaped her path—from growing up in North Augusta, South Carolina, and working the range at Augusta National to coaching at Newberry, Illinois State, and NC State. Darby shares what she learned building a program with limited resources, why connection and consistency matter when developing a team, and how the NCAA’s 50/50 postseason rule influences scheduling. Coach Sligh also discusses how college golf has changed, the importance of team chemistry, and the challenges facing women’s golf programs today.

Darby Sligh - N.C. State Women's Golf Coach

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College golf is won long before the first tee shot - in the fundraising, the relationships, and the relentless behind-the-scenes grind that most fans never see. Toledo's Jeff Roope pulls back the curtain on how he turned vision into a nationally relevant program, why Inverness Intercollegiate has become one of the best events in the sport, and what it really takes to compete when your budget is a fraction of the power programs. From high school coaching to a national championship at Wittenberg and now leading Toledo, Roope shares the lessons that still shape everything he does: trust, accountability, and building teams that know exactly who they are. He also explains how college golf has changed - from multi-sport athletes to year-round specialization, rising travel costs, and the pressure to do more with less - and why the schools that adapt best are the ones that stay grounded in culture.

Jeff Roope - Toledo Men's Golf Coach

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GB&I’s Walker Cup win at Lahinch wasn’t just a trophy—it was a masterclass in team chemistry, preparation, and handling the biggest amateur stage in golf. Josh Hill stops by The Back of the Range to relive the wild celebration and the moments that turned a week in Ireland into the best night of his life. Beneath the laughter is a deeper story: how a player who felt he underachieved at Tennessee used setbacks, injuries, and hard-earned lessons to become a key part of a championship team. In this episode, Josh shares:

Josh also looks ahead to Q School and his transition into the professional ranks, explaining why he’s focused on trusting the process, stacking consistent days, and continuing to climb the leaderboard.

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Voice Work by Mitch Phillips