Episode 65 – Inside the Mind of a World-Class Coach with Mark Blackburn

This week, Chris and Gregg sit down with Mark Blackburn, one of the most respected coaches in modern golf and founder of the Blackburn Golf Academy at Greystone. Mark shares stories from his early mentorship under Alex Sloan, how the Golf Machine shaped his methodology, and what he’s learned from decades of coaching elite players.

Whether you're a golf junkie or just love great stories, this episode delivers.

Keywords

Mark Blackburn, golf coaching, Blackburn Academy, Alabama golf, teaching philosophy, tour players, coaching techniques, golf instruction, family life, coaching team

Summary

In this episode, Mark Blackburn shares his journey from England to becoming a prominent golf coach in Alabama. He discusses his teaching philosophy, the importance of communication in coaching, and the challenges of working with tour players. Mark also highlights the significance of family support in his career and the development of his coaching team at the Blackburn Academy.

Takeaways

Mark Blackburn emphasizes the importance of adapting coaching styles to individual players.
He believes in a holistic approach to coaching that considers both technical skills and mental resilience.
Mark's journey from England to Alabama showcases his passion for golf and teaching.
He values the role of family support in achieving professional success.
Mark's coaching philosophy is centered around helping players find their unique swing.
He has built a strong coaching team at the Blackburn Academy to support various skill levels.
Mark's experiences with tour players highlight the unique challenges they face in their careers.
He stresses the importance of communication and understanding in the coaching process.
Mark's dedication to continuous learning and improvement is evident in his approach to coaching.
He believes that success in golf is a combination of hard work, strategy, and adaptability. 

Titles

The Journey of Mark Blackburn: From England to Alabama
Coaching Philosophy: The Art of Golf Instruction

Sound bites

"I'm very proud to be from Alabama."
"I love an underdog. I love a challenge."
"I try and treat them all like my kids."

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Stuart Sink's Victory
02:09 Insights from Coach Mark Blackburn

Brad Nelson’s lifelong love for golf took him from the fairways of Florence Country Club to the grounds crew at East Lake Golf Club during the PGA Tour Championship. In this episode, Chris and Gregg sit down with Brad to hear how his passion for turf, hard work, and a simple email turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He shares stories from inside the ropes — raking bunkers for Rory, early-morning grind, and the culture that makes East Lake one of golf’s most respected venues.

📜 Transistor Show Notes (Full Description)

Brad Nelson grew up around the game of golf in Florence, Alabama — from junior days at Florence Country Club to becoming a self-taught lawn care pro. But when he sent an email to East Lake Golf Club ahead of the Tour Championship, he never imagined it would lead to a life-changing week on the course where legends compete.

In this episode:

• Brad’s early golf days in Florence and his love for turf management
• How persistence and passion got him a spot on East Lake’s agronomy team
• The behind-the-scenes detail of preparing for the PGA Tour Championship
• What he learned about bunkers, greens, and perfection at the game’s highest level
• Why the East Lake culture stands out — and how it inspired him back home

🎙️ Hosted by Chris Lemley & Gregg Dewalt
 📍 Recorded in Alabama — celebrating the people, places, and stories that make golf special here.

Golf historian John Morton reveals his latest auction win — a Douglas McEwen long-nose putter crafted in the 1870s by one of Scotland’s most legendary club-making families. He explains why left-handed clubs from that era are nearly extinct and what makes this find so special.

In this short from The Cart Barn Podcast, golf historian and collector John Morton shares the story behind his newest find — a 150-year-old Douglas McEwen long-nose putter from the 1870s.

The McEwen family, based in Musselburgh, Scotland, represents one of golf’s most historic lineages. Five generations of McEwens handcrafted clubs from the 1700s through the early 1900s, shaping how the modern game began. John’s latest acquisition, a rare left-handed McEwen putter, adds another piece to his carefully curated collection of antique golf equipment.

He explains how uncommon left-handed clubs were in the 19th century, how craftsmanship and artistry defined golf equipment before mass production, and why preserving these tools matters for the game’s history.

If you love golf history, collecting memorabilia, or simply hearing stories that connect today’s game with its roots in Scotland, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 The Cart Barn Podcast — exploring the stories, people, and places that make golf great.

🔍 SEO Keywords / Tags

golf history, antique golf clubs, Douglas McEwen, McEwen family, Musselburgh golf, long nose putter, 1870s golf, Scottish golf history, left-handed golf clubs, golf collectibles, golf memorabilia, golf craftsmanship, historic golf equipment, The Cart Barn Podcast

In this episode of The Cart Barn, Wayne Flint joins Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt to share his remarkable journey from a young Chicago golfer to one of Alabama’s most respected teachers. Wayne reflects on his early days at Riverchase and NorthRiver, learning from legends like Hank Johnson, Bob Toski, and Davis Love Sr. He discusses what separates good teachers from great ones, how technology has changed golf instruction, and what it takes to truly help players improve — from weekend golfers to tour professionals.

Key Takeaways:

• How Wayne’s early experiences with Golf Digest schools shaped his teaching philosophy.
• Lessons learned from mentors like Toski, Flick, and Hank Johnson.
• The importance of teamwork, humility, and lifelong learning in golf instruction.
• What defines a great teacher and why communication matters as much as technique.
• Insights on Jason Dufner and Alabama’s legacy of elite instructors.
• The evolving role of technology (TrackMan, Swing Catalyst, etc.) in modern coaching.

Episode Highlights:

• “I’ve never tried to make Wayne Flint famous — I’ve always tried to get around the best team I can.”
• “Great teachers never think they’re great — they’re always learning.”
• “The old fundamentals still matter. It’s just about how we teach them today.

”#GolfPodcast #GolfInstruction #WayneFlint #AlabamaGolf #GolfCoach #GolfLife #CartBarnPodcast #GolfLessons

In this episode of The Cart Barn Podcast, Alabama’s own Linda Jeffery shares her incredible golf journey—from picking up the game later than most to winning a national championship in college and competing in USGA events, including the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur.

Linda talks about the mental side of golf, the state of women’s golf in Alabama, and her approach to training and competition. She reflects on memorable tournaments, the power of mindset, and what it means to keep improving as the game evolves.

If you love stories that blend passion, perseverance, and performance, this episode is a must-listen.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to The Cart Barn Podcast
00:28 – Spotlight on Linda Jeffery
02:54 – Early Golf Journey
09:32 – College Golf & National Championship
19:31 – Competing in USGA Events
23:53 – U.S. Senior Women’s Am Experience
35:24 – The Mental Side of Competitive Golf
40:29 – Women’s Golf in Alabama
42:38 – Off-Season Training
48:14 – Equipment Talk & Closing Thoughts

Former PGA Tour pro Will Wilcox opens up about his remarkable journey—from growing up at his mom’s golf course in Pell City, Alabama, to battling addiction at the height of his career, to finding redemption as a caddie for Sungjae Im on the PGA Tour. In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, Will shares the highs of shooting 59, making a hole-in-one at TPC Sawgrass, and competing alongside golf’s elite, as well as the lows of anxiety, substance abuse, and recovery. He talks candidly about life on tour, lessons learned, and how golf ultimately helped save his life.

Key Topics:

• Growing up in Pell City and learning the game from his mom
• Struggles with anxiety, substance abuse, and multiple arrests
• Life on tour and shooting 59 in Utah
• Making a hole-in-one on 17 at TPC Sawgrass
• The mental side of golf and finding peace in caddying
• Inside look at working for Sungjae Im
• Reflections on golf, redemption, and purpose

Links & Mentions:

• Follow Will on Instagram: @wavegodwilcox

• The Cart Barn Podcast: cartbarnpodcast.com

Former PGA Tour pro and golf analyst Gary Christian returns to The Cart Barn Podcast for a brutally honest breakdown of the 2025 Ryder Cup — from Europe’s early dominance to the chaos outside the ropes.

Gary joins hosts Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt to discuss:

• The toxic fan behavior that stole the spotlight
• Why Team Europe’s chemistry can’t be manufactured
• How Team USA’s culture problem keeps showing up
• The quiet influence of Eduardo Molinari and data analytics
• “Pay-for-play” controversy and the PGA of America’s response
• Lessons from Tiger Woods, team leadership, and sportsmanship

Gary also shares personal insight from playing alongside Tiger Woods, and his hopes for a better, classier Ryder Cup in the future.

🎧 Listen now for one of the most candid Ryder Cup discussions you’ll hear anywhere.

🔗 Subscribe & Follow The Cart Barn Podcast
👉 YouTube: @CartBarnPodcast

👉 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
👉 Instagram / Facebook / X: @CartBarnPodcast

Keywords: Ryder Cup 2025, Gary Christian, Team Europe, Team USA, PGA of America, Luke Donald, Keegan Bradley, Eduardo Molinari, golf podcast, Ryder Cup controversy, golf culture, Cart Barn Podcast

Summary

In this episode of the Cart Barn Podcast, Jerry Pate shares his remarkable journey through the world of golf, from his early days growing up in Anniston to his experiences in the Ryder Cup and his transition into golf course design. He discusses the importance of entertaining fans, his educational journey, and his commitment to junior golf programs, emphasizing the need for community involvement in nurturing young talent. Pate also reflects on his favorite golf courses and the evolution of golf architecture, providing insights into the future of the sport.

Takeaways

Jerry Pate's journey in golf began in Anniston, Alabama.
The Ryder Cup experience was pivotal in Pate's career.
Pate emphasizes the importance of entertaining fans during tournaments.
He graduated from college in 2001 alongside his daughter.
Working with Tom Fazio was a significant early career experience for Pate.
Kiva Dunes is one of Pate's favorite courses due to its unique play.
Community involvement is crucial for successful junior golf programs.
Pate has been involved in various philanthropic efforts for youth golf.
The evolution of golf architecture is an ongoing conversation.
Pate believes in the importance of making golf accessible and enjoyable for all. 

Titles

Jerry Pate: A Golf Legend's Journey
The Ryder Cup: Behind the Scenes with Jerry Pate

Keywords

Jerry Pate, golf, US Amateur, PGA Tour, broadcasting, Ryder Cup, golf history, sports commentary, golf championships, golf career, Ryder Cup, golf, Jerry Pate, golf architecture, junior golf, PGA Tour

Takeaways

Jerry Pate's family had a significant influence on his golf career.
He won the US Amateur Championship after a series of unexpected victories.
Transitioning to professional golf was a challenging yet rewarding experience for Pate.
Pate's first year on the PGA Tour was marked by significant achievements, including winning the US Open.
He emphasizes the importance of resilience and moving forward after mistakes in golf.
Broadcasting became a natural fit for Pate after his playing career ended due to injury.
He learned the importance of teamwork in broadcasting, contrasting it with individual competition in golf.
Pate reflects on the evolution of golf and its increasing popularity and financial rewards.
His experiences in the Ryder Cup highlighted the camaraderie and competition among top players.
Pate's journey illustrates the blend of talent, opportunity, and personal growth in sports. The Ryder Cup was a pivotal moment in my career.
Playing with legends like Trevino and Watson was unforgettable.
Golf is not just a sport; it's about entertaining fans.
Graduating with my daughter was a proud moment.
Meeting Pete Dye influenced my interest in golf architecture.
Understanding drainage is crucial in course design.
The orange ball made it easy to identify my shots.
Starting a junior golf tour was a way to give back.
It's essential to develop young golfers into good citizens.
Golf course ownership requires deep pockets and commitment.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Jerry Pate shares his journey from a young golfer in Georgia to a celebrated professional on the PGA Tour. He discusses the influence of his family, his unexpected rise to fame through the US Amateur Championship, and the challenges he faced transitioning to professional golf. Pate reflects on his experiences on the PGA Tour, including his victories and the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks. He also delves into his successful broadcasting career, emphasizing the need for teamwork and the evolution of golf as a sport. Finally, Pate shares insights from his time in the Ryder Cup, highlighting the camaraderie and competition among elite golfers. In this conversation, Jerry Pate shares his experiences as a professional golfer, including his memorable moments in the Ryder Cup, his journey beyond the golf course, and his passion for golf course architecture. He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the game and nurturing the next generation of golfers through initiatives like the Jerry Pate Jr. Golf Tour and the First Tee program.

Titles

The Journey of Jerry Pate: From Amateur to Pro
Jerry Pate: A Golfer's Tale of Triumph and Transition

Sound bites

"I was born in Macon, Georgia."
"I loved to compete."
"I met Pete Dye at Casa de Campo."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jerry Pate
00:53 Early Days and Family Influence in Golf
03:31 Transition to Competitive Golf
08:14 Winning the US Amateur Championship
12:10 The Impact of Coach Bear Bryant
14:59 Turning Professional and Early Success
20:46 Challenges and Injuries in Professional Golf
27:36 Mindset and Lessons Learned in Golf
28:28 Playing Alongside Golf Legends
29:22 Reflections on a Golf Career
34:51 The Evolution of Golf Broadcasting
39:44 Transitioning from Player to Broadcaster
44:29 The Ryder Cup Experience
51:20 Life Beyond Golf: Business Ventures and Family
53:50 Golf Course Design and Architecture
01:02:04 The Influence of Agronomy in Golf
01:04:38 Memorable Golf Course Designs and Collaborations
01:07:29 The Evolution of Golf Course Management
01:13:17 The Legacy of Golf Courses and Community Impact
01:20:02 Junior Golf and Giving Back to the Community

Auburn Women’s Golf Head Coach Melissa Luellen joins The Cart Barn Podcast to share her incredible journey from LPGA champion to one of the most respected coaches in college golf. Melissa opens up about her family’s golfing legacy, her own 11-year LPGA career, recruiting future stars like Anna Davis, and the challenges of building Auburn into a national contender.

We dive into:

• Growing up with a Hall of Fame golf coach mom and competing against her
• Melissa’s LPGA Tour win and life on tour
• The transition from pro golf to coaching at Tulsa, Arizona State, and Auburn
• Recruiting in the NIL era and developing players on and off the course
• Auburn’s facilities, SEC competition, and the future of Tiger women’s golf

Whether you’re an Auburn fan, golf enthusiast, or student of leadership, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and lessons from one of the game’s greats.

🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube & all podcast platforms.

Keywords

• Auburn Women’s Golf
• Auburn Tigers Golf
• Melissa Luellen interview
• LPGA Champion Melissa Luellen
• NCAA Women’s Golf
• Auburn Golf Coach
• College golf recruiting
• Auburn sports podcast
• Women’s college golf

Summary

In this episode of the Cart Barn podcast, host J Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt welcome Auburn's women's head coach, Melissa Fleming Luellen. They discuss her early influences in golf, her transition from a successful playing career on the LPGA Tour to coaching, and the challenges and triumphs of building the Auburn women's golf program. Coach Luellen shares insights on recruiting, the impact of NIL in women's sports, and her coaching philosophy focused on player development and emotional growth. The conversation highlights the evolution of women's golf and the importance of mentorship and support in the sport.

Takeaways

Melissa's early love for golf was influenced by her parents' passion for the game.
Her mother, a Hall of Fame coach, instilled a strong work ethic and respect for golf etiquette.
Winning her first tournament against her mother was a significant milestone in her youth.
Transitioning from player to coach was a challenging yet rewarding experience for Melissa.
Winning on the LPGA Tour was a childhood dream come true for Melissa.
Building the Auburn golf program has been a fulfilling challenge for Coach Luellen.
Recruiting strategies have evolved, focusing on both local and international talent.
NIL has changed the landscape of college sports, including women's golf.
Coaching philosophy emphasizes emotional growth and the importance of teamwork.
The outlook for Auburn's women's golf team is optimistic, with a focus on competitiveness and development.

Sound bites

"I fell in love with it."
"I think I could do this."
"It's a phenomenal thing."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Coach Melissa Llewellyn
01:35 Early Influences and Family Legacy in Golf
05:04 Lessons from a Hall of Fame Mother
10:42 Transitioning from Player to Coach
16:01 Winning on the LPGA Tour
21:36 The Journey into Coaching and Mentorship
23:58 Lessons from Early Coaching Experiences
26:58 Transitioning from Arizona State to Auburn
29:41 Building a Competitive Golf Program at Auburn
35:15 Recruiting Strategies and Player Development
39:49 Navigating New Rules and NIL in Women's Golf
44:54 The Evolving Landscape of Golf Coaching
50:53 Personal Passions and Team Dynamics