Scott Verplank, Tom Patri, Linda Hartough, & Keith Hirshland Join Me...

Two of the Top Instructors in the game Rob Strano & Brandon Stooksbury plus my all-time favorite Author and Emmy Award Winning TV Producer Keith Hirshland, & former PGA Tour Caddy and Founder of Caddy For A Cure, Russ Holden all join me... Rob Strano shares his insights on the Presidents Cup and the performances of Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Max Homa, and Tom Kim. I also got his thoughts on the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, playing in drastically different weather conditions from one round to the next, plus a tip for strategizing our rounds. Keith Hirshland joined me from Bangkok, Thailand where he's preparing for this week's LIV Golf broadcast. Keith shared what he knows about any potential TV contract for next year. We hear what it's like trying to produce a golf tournament when every player is on the course at the same time. He talks about the on-the-fly decision to allow their players to wear shorts and where they got the idea for their leaderboards. We also hear about his latest book, "Song Girl, A Tale In Two Verses" and that CT Mascaro character. Brandon Stooksbury is annually among the Top Instructors in Golf Digest. He was the PGA Teacher of the Year in Georgia in 2015 and 2018. He's now out at Metairie Country Club in Louisiana. Brandon shares stories of how he got started as a Golf Instructor working for Jim McLean at Doral. We learn the difference between teaching golf and teaching golf for a living. We also get tips for hitting a bump and run chip and the importance of attitude in sinking more putts. Russ Holden is the founder of Caddy For A Cure and we get an update on the great things his organization is doing to help support our wounded military heroes, including their new program Inspiring Warriors Golf. We also hear about his daughter's win at the Sea Island Women's Amateur Championship and his son Brandon playing in the PGA National Assistants Championship.

I close out Season 9 in style with 4 of my all-time favorite guests: Top Instructor Tom Patri, former Actor & Host of Backspin Golf Matthew Laurance, PGA Tour Legend Hal Sutton, and the former President of HBO Sports & multi-time Emmy Award Winning Executive Producer Ross Greenburg. This week Tom Patri updates us on how things are going in Southwest Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian. We hear about how the recovery is going for local residents plus the trickle impact on the local golf scene. Many golf courses won't recover because bermuda grass can't tolerate the salt water dumped on them from the surge. Local PGA Professionals are looking at a very difficult Winter season without golf courses to teach on and students who may not come down this winter because there aren't places to stay. Please go to www.redcross.org and donate to help our friends in Florida get a roof over their heads and back on their feet. Matthew Laurance starred in the movie Eddie & the Cruisers. He shares the story of a very cool recent event where they showed the movie at a local historic theater in Lexington, Kentucky. The event was used to help raise money for victims of the flooding in Eastern Kentucky. Matthew also didn't hold back his hatred when we discussed LIV Golf. Hal Sutton and I started out by talking about his new golf course design project. We also hear which designers have influenced him. I asked Hal about the burden of expectation placed on him as a young player and what he would say to Tom Kim to help him deal with that. Hal joined my guest from last week, Tony Ruggiero, on Tony's podcast Tour Coach and they had one of the most important golf conversations that I've heard in a long time. We recap that conversation which included why we focus on our bad shots instead of the good ones and how some players place blame on everybody else instead of taking responsibility for their own golf games when things go wrong. Ross Greenburg has won over 100 major television awards over the course of his career. We talk about the movie he did along with Billy Crystal titled "61" about the 1961 homerun record chase between Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. We also talk about 3 other films he's done: "Extra Innings From 9/11...20 Years Later", the Disney movie "Miracle" about the 1980 US Hockey Team, and "Jack Nicklaus, Making of a Champion."

In this episode, I'm joined by 2 of the Top Instructors in the game, Tom Patri and Tony Ruggiero plus former Tour Pro Mark Lye, and 20-year Army Combat Veteran now a 40-year-old member of the Stephen F. Austin men's golf team Jonathan Shuskey. TP shares his thoughts on the Presidents Cup, the great week that Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Max Homa had, and the forgettable one that Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns did. I also get his thoughts on the rise of Tom Kim, and a playing lesson for how to dial in our wedges from 100 yards in. Mark Lye was an All-American in college at San Jose State and played on Tour from 1977 to 1994. During his high school days, he never lost a match yet colleges thought he was too small and his game was too erratic to recruit him. The only one who came knocking was San Jose State. He made the others school regret their decision. Mark won the 1976 Australian Order of Merit and the 1983 Bank of Boston Classic. Hear those stories and more in his segment. Jonathan Shuskey was a 20-year Army Combat Veteran who saw 5 tours of duty in the Middle East. We hear about his play on the All-Army golf team, winning the Fort Benning Club Championship 3 times, and what it's like being a 40-year-old Sophomore playing on the Stephen F. Austin men's golf team. Tony Ruggiero is a Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor and Host of the Tour Coach Podcast. He and I have a lot of synergies with show partners and mutual guests. Tony recently had an amazing conversation with Hal Sutton. We talk about that and how Tour Pros focus on their good shots instead of obsessing over their bad ones. We also get a playing lesson on how to fix our slice and square the clubface at impact.

On this episode, I'm joined by Top Instructor Tom Patri, PGA Tour VP of Product Development Allison Fillmore, and Brenda Calcavecchia, Mark's wife, caddie, and by his own admission, funnier half. Tom Patri shares his thoughts on some of the all-time great swings, players like Sam Snead, Fred Couples, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Purtzer, and Adam Scott. On the opposite side of that coin, Tom talks about how you go about fixing it when a player with an unorthodox swing starts to struggle. I also get Tom's thoughts on Sergio withdrawing from the BMW Championship and showing up on the sidelines at the Texas/Alabama game. Plus, we get a lesson on how to make sure our setup and alignment are correct. Be sure to subscribe to Tom's channel on YouTube to get over 300 free video lessons. It was great having Allison Fillmore back on the show. She catches us up on the great things she's been doing over the past year since she was last on the show. We hear about her new role as PGA Tour VP of Product Development. She tells why it's good business to partner with sports organizations. She also talks about what it was like for her to return to her previous stomping grounds at East Lake Country Club for the Tour Championship and the exciting Sunday she got to see firsthand at the tournament. Brenda Calcavecchia was a hoot. She tells the story of how she met Mark at the 2001 Memorial Tournament and what led to them starting to date. We hear why she decided to start caddying for Mark, the things she can get away with saying to him that would get other caddies fired, their amazing experience this year at The Open Championship when they got to wave goodbye to the fans from the Swilken Bridge, and their life RV'ing from tournament to tournament.

In this edition, I'm joined by 3 of the Top Instructors in the game Tom Patri, Bob Grissett, and Chris Sheehan, plus Kyle Groth of Whiskers Laces. Tom Patri and I talked about the latest players to go over to join the LIV Tour plus the rumors that 3 more of the Top 30 players could be next. We also get tips for how to improve our mental approach regarding how to put a poor shot in the rearview mirror and not get ahead of ourselves when we're playing really well. Bob Grissett breaks down some of the all-time best ball strikers including what makes them so good. We also hear the gruesome details shared by a doctor Bob knows who works at the hospital that attended to Tiger following his 2021 car accident. According to the doctor, Tiger's right leg was only still attached by a few tendons. Chris Sheehan is the Head Golf Professional at one of the oldest golf courses in the country, the Pittsburgh Field Club. We hear all about the course's rich history, from the numerous legendary course designers who have lent their hands there, to the incredible legend of the 18th hole where some members died back in the day climbing the steep incline, to the famous athletes who have come and requested to play the course. Kyle Groth is the Co-Founder and CEO of Whiskers Laces, a company that makes quality shoelaces that add a flash of color to your golf shoes, dress shoes, boots, and/or sneakers. Set your shoes apart by checking out their great laces and cool, matching socks at: www.whiskerslaces.com

2 time Major Champion Dottie Pepper, the only player to beat Tiger Woods twice in match play Nick O'Hern, & one of the Top Instructors and Host of A New Breed of Golf, Michael Breed, join me... Dottie Pepper became the first On-Course Commentator in Master's history. She shares the story of how that came about, plus Tiger's surprise when he saw her inside the ropes. She also tells the stories of how she was able to get into Augusta National and down Magnolia Lane to see the final round of the 1987 Masters when she was a senior at Furman. She answers the question of what the greatest round is that she's ever witnessed either as a player or commentator, and the dramatic finish from when she captured her first LPGA major championship victory at the 1992 ANA Inspiration. Nick O'Hern talks about his new book "How To Play Your Best Golf, Strategies From A Tour Pro. I also get his thoughts on players going over to the LIV Tour, what his strategy was that allowed him to beat Tiger Woods twice in World Match Play events, plus why players insist on going for the pin on 12 at Augusta National during the final round when we've seen so many of those shots wind up in Rae's Creek. Michael Breed starts out talking about his dream to play in Major League Baseball. We hear about the endowment fund he started for the men's golf team at his college alma mater in honor of his coach Ted Keller. Michael shares his experience qualifying for and then playing in the 1994 Greater Hartford Open. I also get his perspective on the LIT Tour, plus Lexi Thompson's performance at the KPMG PGA Championship.

In this episode, I'm joined by 3 of the Top Instructors in the game Brian Jacobs, Cindy Miller, and Nancy Quarcelino, plus the Owner of the #1 Public Course in Alabama David Pursell for Farm Links at Pursell Farms. Brian Jacobs has been named one of the Top Instructors in the state of New York. He shares his perspective on the LIV Tour and who he likes this week at the US Open. We hear about his recent 2 day school with Jason Day's former Instructor Colin Swatton. We also get a couple of playing lessons for how to square up our clubface at impact and how to get up and down from a greenside bunker. Cindy Miller was the 2010 LPGA National Teacher of the Year and is annually named one of the Top Instructors in New York. She weighs in on the LIV Tour and what would happen to the LPGA if they decided to start a Women's Tour. We talk about the emerging Legends of the LPGA Tour and get a lesson on how to fix our slice. Nancy Quarcelino is in the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals Hall of Fame. You'll hear her thoughts on the LIV Tour plus we go back in her career to hear what it was like being the Host Professional for the 1992 Sara Lee Classic on the LPGA Tour. We get a lesson for her on how to hit a high, soft pitch shot when we've short sided ourselves. Rounding out the show is the Owner of the #1 Public Course in the state of Alabama, FarmLinks at Pursell Farms, David Pursell. David shares the latest renovations they've done to the course. We learn about their new bunkers and drainage system. Plus, how David's artistic eye and Tripp Davis' design team went about renovating some of the holes, greens, and bunker locations.

Tour Legends Tim Simpson and Ian Baker-Finch plus Tour Caddies Paul Tesori & Kip Henley join me. Tim Simpson shares his thoughts on the LIV Tour, having to pay to use pictures of himself on his Web site, and if there is a path back to the PGA Tour for the players choosing to play there if that Tour fails. Tim also shares some tips to help us improve our mental game. Ian Baker-Finch won the Open Championship in 1991 and is now one of the best Analysts in the game. You can hear Ian as part of the CBS broadcast team. In this segment, he shares his insights and concerns about the LIV Tour. We talk about his 3 Top 10 finishes and The Masters and what allowed him to play so well there. We hear about how he taught himself the game by reading Jack Nicklaus' book "Golf My Way" and then years later playing alongside Jack in a practice round at the 1985 Open Championship at Royal St. George's. We also go back to his first PGA Tour victory at Colonial in 1989 and his big win at the 1991 Open Championship that featured a 3rd round 64 that included nine 3s on his scorecard. He followed up with opening his final round with a front nine 29 that included 5 birdies in his first 7 holes, on his way to shooting 66. Paul Tesori is the caddie for Webb Simpson. Paul shares memories from his college golf days at the University of Florida and being a part of their National Champion and back-to-back SEC Championship teams in the mid-90s. We also hear about his relationship with Vijay Singh, how he and Webb started working together, and Paul's thoughts on the LIV Tour. Kip Henley caddies on Tour for William McGirt. In this segment, Kip tells us why he hopes the LIV Tour becomes successful and how underpaid Tour players are in relation to other athletes. We go back to 2009 when he was on the bag for Brian Gay when Brian won at Habour Town by 10 strokes. Kip also talks about the important role his wife plays in his career even when he's away on Tour plus details the good and the bad sides of life as a Tour caddie.

LPGA Legend Jane Blalock, Top Instructor Tom Patri, the Host of Grilling at the Green Jeff Tracy, & Golf Channel Host Damon Hack Join Me... Jane Blalock updates us on the upcoming tournaments on the Legends of the LPGA Tour and Annika Sorenstam's impact of playing last year in the US Women's Senior Open. We also look back to what it was like playing on the LPGA Tour during the 1970s and '80s, her desire to start a Women's Masters Tournament, and the PGA Women's Clinics that she's a part of to help grow the game. Tom Patri shares his thoughts on Mito Pereira's collapse on the 72nd hole at the PGA Championship and on whether any shine comes off Justin Thomas' win because of how it transpired. We also hear his thoughts on whether Tiger should continue to play this year, the meteoric rise of Steven Alker on the Champions Tour, and not only is the equipment and golf ball better than it was in the 70s and 80s but also how much better course conditions are now. Jeff Tracy shares the story of how he got his start in broadcasting 30 years ago hosting The Horseman's World. He shares how golf and food started to get intertwined with his shows. He talks about working with The Galloping Gourmet, Graham Kerr, having a role in the Kevin Costner film The Postman, and whether he gets more satisfaction out of playing a great round of golf or barbequing the perfect rack of ribs. Damon Hack shares his thoughts on whether Jack Nicklaus' reputation is under any threat after being sued by the Nicklaus Companies. We hear which milkshake is his favorite that's being served this week at The Memorial Tournament and who he likes to win the event. I also get his thoughts on Mito Pereria and Tiger Woods, plus when or if we'll see Phil Mickelson playing this season.

This week I'm joined by Top Golf Course Designer Bill Bergin and 2014 Georgia PGA Teacher of the Year Kevin Roman. Bill Bergin updates us on what's going on with several of his course design and restoration projects like The McLemore, Waterfall, and Oaks Country Club, which is down the street from this week's PGA Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bill gives me advice on how to play McLemore since my buddies and I are headed back there this week for our annual golf trip. McLemore is an award-winning design and the 18th hole has been named one of the Top 10 Finishing Holes in all of golf. We also hear about his experience playing in the 1984 Open Championship at St. Andrews when he finished 14th and his 3rd round 66 was tied for the best round of the tournament. Top Instructor, Kevin Roman shares his memories from playing in the 2009 PGA Championship at Hazeltine. he talks about being paired with Matt Kuchar and Louie Oosthuizen. We also hear about the practice round he played with Louie and Rory McIlroy and how far Louie outdrove Rory. We get some great chipping tips including set-up, ball position, and club selection. Plus, how much his new Srixon ZX irons and Cleveland Golf wedges have improved his play including hitting 2 flagsticks on his approach shots during his qualifying round for the US Senior Open.