• Season 11, Episode 59 Part 2: Joy, Golf, and Positivity: Conversations with Jim Gallagher Jr. and Scott Hamilton
    Dec 27 2024

    In Part 2 of episode 59, I’m joined by two of the nicest people on the planet Jim Gallagher Jr. and Scott Hamilton.

    Jim Gallagher Jr., shares his thoughts on all the recent chaos in the professional golf world. Jim, a member of three state Hall of Fames – Indiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi – reflects on his incredible career and reveals the secret to finding joy in the game.

    Later, I round out the episode with a return visit from the legendary 1984 Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton. Scott hinted in our last conversation that he has some amazing golf stories, including playing alongside big-name celebrities – and he absolutely delivered! Known for his positivity and warmth, Scott shares these captivating stories and reminds us why he might just be the nicest person on the planet.

    You won’t want to miss this engaging and uplifting episode!

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Season 11, Episode 59 Part 1: From Tour Leadership Shakeups to A New Path to the LPGA Tour with Tom Patri & Dr. Bob Winters...
    Dec 27 2024

    In this episode, I’ve got four fascinating guests lined up for you.

    Part 1 kicks off with our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri. TP and I dive into the mass exodus happening among top leaders across all the tours. Plus, we’ll discuss the recent announcement that PGA Tour Enterprises is seeking a CEO to work alongside Jay Monahan – which I’m hoping is code for replacing him. We’ll also touch on the outgoing CEO of the R&A, Martin Slumbers, and his parting warning for professional golf. All that and more with TP!

    Next, we’re joined by the "Confident Doctor," Dr. Bob Winters, for our monthly visit. Doc will share insights about an exciting new Tour he’s joined as a Board member, designed to give talented young women a pathway to the LPGA. We’ll also explore the double-edged sword that is golf – how it feels magical when everything is going right but challenging when our minds and bodies aren’t in sync. Dr. Bob will join the conversation about 30 minutes in.

    Tune in for these great discussions, and be sure to come back for Part 2 of this week's show featuring my conversations with Jim Gallagher Jr. and Scott Hamilton.

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Season 11, Episode 58 Part 2: From Perfecting Your Swing to Changing Lives: Mike Malizia & Jonathan Sessa...
    Dec 27 2024

    In Part 2 of Season 11, Episode 58, I’m thrilled to introduce two first-time guests who bring unique perspectives and expertise to the show.

    First, I’m joined by Mike Malizia, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor based at The Club at Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter, Florida. Known for being a haven for sports enthusiasts, Admiral’s Cove is an incredible facility—possibly one of the finest I’ve ever seen online. Mike talks about what makes the club so special and we dive into his expertise as an instructor. He shares invaluable tips on hitting straighter shots, squaring the clubface at the moment of impact, and eliminating those frustrating chunks and thin shots with our wedges.

    Later in the show, I chat with Jonathan Sessa, an Army Veteran and Founder of the Warrior Golf Academy. Jonathan’s Academy is doing amazing work helping Veterans—especially those wounded in service—rediscover or learn the game of golf. Beyond that, the Academy offers a Caddie training program to help Vets find employment in golf and teaches them how to restore clubs, further enhancing their skill set.

    Tune in for expert instruction, inspiring stories, and a celebration of the impact golf can have on lives.

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    52 mins
  • Season 11, Episode 58 Part 1: Building Golf Excellence: From College Players on the Rise to Legendary Leadership with Steve Shingledecker & Tom Wildenhaus...
    Dec 27 2024

    In Part 1 of this week's show, I’m excited to welcome two incredible guests who bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the game of golf.

    First, Im joined by Steve Shingledecker, Head Coach of the Robert Morris Men’s Golf Team. This marks the third time I've had the privilege of having Steve on the show. He’s doing an outstanding job building a strong program for the only Division 1 men’s golf team in the Pittsburgh area. (Yes, surprisingly, Pitt doesn’t have one!) Steve and I will discuss his young and promising team, which features standout player Chuck Tragesser, a name you might see on the PGA Tour in the future, along with a talented group of freshmen. We’ll also dive into the implications of the recent $2.78 billion settlement in the House vs. NCAA case and what it means for college athletics, both for roster spots and the player payment challenges it presents.

    Later, I’m joined by Tom Wildenhaus, one of the most celebrated figures in the game. A former National PGA Professional of the Year and a two-time Florida Professional of the Year, Tom is also a member of the South Florida PGA Section Hall of Fame. For the past 30 years, he’s been the Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club, one of the state’s premier private courses. Tom and I will discuss his approach to servant leadership, which I believe, has led those awards to finding him. We’ll also explore why Olde Florida thrives without amenities like tennis or pickleball courts or evening dining, yet still boasts an extensive waiting list to join. Could it be his leadership style...I think so.

    It’s an episode packed with insight, inspiration, and a celebration of the people driving the game forward. Don’t miss this segment or Part 2 featuring Top 100 Instructor Mike Malizia and the Founder of the Warrior Golf Academy, Jonathan Sessa.

    You can stay up-to-date with everything going on with the show on our site at https://nextonthetee.net. You can follow me on social plus share your thoughts on Instagram and X at @ctmascaro.

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    1 hr
  • Season 11, Episode 57 Part 2: From Simulators to Sunglasses: Unique Golf Gifts for the Holidays...
    Dec 1 2024

    In Part 2 of Episode 57, we’re diving into the holiday season with some fantastic gift ideas for the golfer who seems to have it all.

    First, I’m joined by Ben Helmrath, VP of Merchandising for Hard Goods at the PGA Tour SuperStore. Ben shares insights into the booming in-home golf simulator market and their exciting partnership with Full Swing. We’ll also discuss the PGA Tour SuperStore’s role as the official retailer for the much-anticipated TGL League, spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, set to launch in January. Plus, Ben highlights their heartwarming initiative to "Give the Gift of Golf" to our military heroes.

    Later, Gary DiSalvo, CEO of Popticals, returns to the show. As half of the dynamic duo behind what I consider the best sunglasses on the market, Gary talks about the innovative design of Popticals sunglasses. These lightweight, glare-reducing glasses not only help golfers read greens better but also prevent eye fatigue throughout the round. If you’re looking for the perfect gift to enhance your favorite golfer's game, Popticals might just be it. Don’t forget to check out their website at Popticals.com while you tune in to hear Gary break down what makes these sunglasses a game-changer on and off the course.

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    45 mins
  • Season 11, Episode 57 Part 1: Tour Shake-Ups & Triumph Over Adversity: Insights from John Mascari and Scott Hamilton...
    Dec 1 2024

    This week on the show, I’m excited to welcome back my “long lost cousin” John Mascari. John shares his thoughts on the proposed changes to the PGA Tour for 2026, which include reducing field sizes, the number of Tour cards available, and the number of Monday qualifiers, among other changes. As someone on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey PGA Section and the Director of Golf at Alpine Country Club, John has a unique perspective on how these changes could impact the game. Speaking of Alpine, there’s a rumor that a sequel to a certain movie featuring a hockey player-turned-professional golfer was recently filmed there, and John might give us a hint about that. We’ll also chat about the growing excitement for next year’s Ryder Cup. Plus, as a big Yankees fan, John’s going to have to endure a little ribbing from me—a Red Sox fan—about their recent loss in the World Series. John leads off this week's show. Follow John on Instram and X @johnmascaripga

    Following John, we have the pleasure of hearing from 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater Scott Hamilton. Scott is genuinely one of the most inspiring, wonderful people on the planet. He’s overcome countless challenges in his life and still reached the pinnacle of his sport. We’ll talk about the obstacles he’s faced, his incredible optimism and faith, and the Hall of Fame inductions that continue to recognize his remarkable achievements. Scott’s story is one of resilience, positivity, and triumph, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. You can following on Instragram at @scotthamilton84 plus help him fight cancer at https://scottcares.org

    You can stay up-to-date with everything going on with the show on our site at https://nextonthetee.net. You can follow me on social plus share your thoughts on Instagram and X at @ctmascaro.

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Season 11, Episode 56 Part 2: Family, Fairways, and Football: Jenn Whaley & Mitch Lyons on Life and Golf...
    Nov 14 2024

    In Part 2 of Episode 56, I’m thrilled to welcome Jenn Whaley, who’s making her Next on the Tee debut. If her last name sounds familiar, it should—she’s the daughter of Suzy Whaley, former President of the PGA of America and now President of Golf Nation. Suzy has been a wonderful friend of the show, and she’s raised an equally wonderful daughter in Jenn. Jenn’s passion for the game and her work with Top Golf and Callaway Brands comes shining through the energy in her voice. We chat about what it was like growing up in a true golf family and the golf lessons that happened at the dinner table. Jenn also shares highlights from her remarkable college golf career at Quinnipiac in Connecticut, along with her current role leading a program aimed at getting more beginners into the game and helping them stay engaged with it. Check out how she and the Top Golf are doing online at https://shop.topgolf.com.

    We’ll round Part 2 with former Michigan State, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Mitch Lyons. Mitch helped Michigan State achieve some fantastic victories, including a win over #1-ranked Michigan at The Big House—a story he’ll share with us. He’ll also recall the day he set the Michigan State record for catches by a tight end. We discuss his experiences playing for an incredible array of coaches, from George Perles to Jerry Glanville, June Jones, and Bill Cowher. Naturally, we spend a good portion of the conversation on his time with the Steelers, where he reflects on what it was like to play for “The Chin,” and how special it is to play for the Rooney Family versus any other organization. Mitch is also a golfer and joins us from Arizona, where he’s set to play in the Pro-Am before the Schwab Cup playoffs on the Champions Tour. Mitch is now in the financial management business. If you're looking for help managing your retirement nest egg, check him company out online at www.mitchlyonswealth.com.

    You can stay up-to-date with everything going on with the show on our site at https://.nextonthetee.net. You can follow me on social plus share your thoughts on Instagram and X at @ctmascaro.

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Season 11, Episode 56 Part 1: Tom Patri on PGA Tour Changes: Growth or Greed? Plus Dr. Bob Winters Helps Us Stay in the Moment...
    Nov 14 2024

    In Part 1 of this week’s episode, we’re kicking things off with our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who’s joining us for the 107th time and on the 9th anniversary of the first time he joined the show. Tom and I dive into the proposed changes for the 2025 PGA Tour season, which unfortunately don’t seem focused on growing the game at the professional level. We discuss the trickle-down effect these changes could have on top instructors like Tom and on others around the game who are dedicated to helping aspirational players. These changes risk shrinking the game at the top, giving a larger piece of the pie to fewer players. As usual, it seems to come down to more money for fewer people. You’ll hear Tom’s thoughts on this and much more. Be sure to check out his website at www.tompatri.com and give him a follow on Instragram @tompatrigolf. Here is a link to his YouTube channel where you can get over 360 free video playing lessons, https://www.youtube.com/@TomPatriGolf

    After Tom, we’ll have our monthly visit from “The Confidence Doctor,” Dr. Bob Winters. This month, we’re focusing on the fantastic results he’s seeing with his junior players as they work toward achieving their goals. Dr. Bob also shares his insights on staying in the present moment instead of constantly projecting ahead. Plus, we discuss the importance of prioritizing enjoyment on the course, asking each other if we had fun instead of immediately asking, “What did you shoot?” Stay up-to-date with Dr. Bob on his website at www.theconfidencedoctor.com.

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    1 hr and 6 mins