next on the tee is a golf podcast featuring conversations with the greats of the game. Hear Tour Legends, Players, and Top Instructors sharing their stories, insights, and playing lessons to help you play better and have more fun.

S12, Ep 7, Pt 1: Joined by John Hughes and John Mahaffey.

John Hughes, is one of only 448 among approximately 30,000 PGA members to reach Master Professional Status. He has been recognized by Golf Digest as a top instructor in Florida, and The Golf Range Association as a Top 100 Growth of the GAme Instructors. During our conversation, John offers his perspective on whether investing in the latest and greatest golf equipment can enhance your game or if those funds are better spent on lessons. He also provides strategies for setting effective golf goals, discussing whether to aim for reducing stroke counts or going after milestone scores such as breaking 100, 90, or 80.

Following John, I welcome back 1970 NCAA National Champion and 1978 PGA Champion John Mahaffey. John was a great player, but he’s an even better person which I hope you get a sense of as you listen to his insights. John shares the ironic story of winning the 1978 American Optical Classic by two strokes over Dr. Gil Morgan—the only optometrist on Tour. He also weighs in on the upcoming structural changes to the PGA Tour, including reduced field sizes and fewer available Tour cards. Additionally, John names one of the most formidable competitors from the 70s and 80s—a choice that may surprise listeners. Finally, he offers a unique perspective on why former President Donald Trump might be the key to bringing together the PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger.

Tune in for these great conversations, expert insights, and much more on this week’s episode!

S12, Ep 6, Pt 2: Mastering the Greens with David Swan & the PUR Golf Putting Trainer

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 6, I welcome David Swan in for his debut appearance on the show. David is the inventor of the PUR Golf putting trainer, a game-changing aid designed to help golfers refine their stroke and sink more putts.

Both Tom Patri and I were immediately drawn to this innovative training aid when we saw it at last year’s PGA Merchandise Show, and now, David breaks down how it works and why it’s making waves in the golf world.

If you’ve ever wished you could drain more putts, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Plus, you can check out the PUR Golf trainer for yourself at PUR.golf while you listen in!

Thanks for checking out Part 2 of the episode, it could change your putting game forever!

S12, Ep 6, Pt 1: Latest gear and help you make smart decisions before dropping big money on new clubs

Golf season is just around the corner, and that means new equipment drops from all the major manufacturers! In this episode of Next on the Tee, we break down the latest gear and help you make smart decisions before dropping big money on new clubs.

Joining me first is Scott Felix, one of the Top 100 Club Fitters, to guide us through the maze of new equipment. From TaylorMade’s Qi35 woods and irons, which just earned top honors on the Golf Digest Hot List, to other big-name releases, Scott takes us beyond the marketing hype. We’ll cover:

  • When to buy new clubs, when to hold off, and when to invest in lessons instead
  • Understanding the shaft and clubhead market
  • Why the latest driver won’t magically fix your slice

Then, we shift gears to the mental side of the game with our monthly visit from Dr. Bob Winters, aka The Confidence Doctor. This month, Doc shares strategies on “finding a way to get it done” and how to remind yourself that you’re smarter than your doubts and better than your fears. His insights will be worth jotting down in your golf notebook before your next round!

It’s an episode packed with game-changing advice—don’t miss it!

S12, Ep 5: 2011 U.S. Senior Open Champion Olin Browne and 1987 US Amateur Champion Billy Mayfair

In this very special episode of Next on the Tee, 2011 U.S. Senior Open Champion Olin Browne and 1987 US Amateur Champion Billy Mayfair join the show.

Olin shares his thoughts on the PGA Tour’s controversial changes—smaller field sizes, fewer Monday qualifiers, and the dominance of signature events. Is the tour catering too much to top players at the expense of the grinders? Olin shares his perspective on how these changes might impact the next generation of Tour players.

We also discuss the financial side of the game, from $25 million purses to sponsors pulling out. With TV ratings down and fans feeling disconnected from today’s stars, what can the PGA Tour do to bring back its audience? Olin weighs in on whether accessibility and engagement changes could make a difference.

Shifting gears, we reminisce about Olin’s experiences at Oakmont, site of the 2025 U.S. Open. He reflects on his rounds there in ‘94 and ‘07, the legendary greens, and even witnessing Arnold Palmer’s farewell.

Billy Mayfair was also witness to The King’s final US Open round and talks about sticking around following his Friday round to see it. We discuss his trip to Moroccoto open up his Champion’s Tour season. Billy reflects on his legendary iron play, including a streak of six consecutive birdies on Par 3s last season—an impressive feat on today’s long courses.

Billy also gives his perspective on equipment advancements, comparing today’s clubs and balls to those from earlier eras. He recalls playing alongside icons like Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, and Trevino, sharing his favorite memories from competing against legends.

Billy also gets candid about his journey in professional golf, revealing how he turned pro without telling his parents and when he finally broke the news.

Finally, we check in on his wife, Tami, who has been a huge influence on his career—both as a caddie and in her own golf endeavors—and ask Billy how much longer he envisions competing at a high level, given that Bernhard Langer is still winning at 67!

It’s a fascinating discussion with two of golf’s true competitors—don’t miss it!

S12, Ep 4, Pt 2: The PGA Show, Innovation, Shot-Making & Mental Mastery with Rob Strano & Christopher Carter

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 4, I’m joined by my gumba Rob Strano, who brings us his unique perspective from the PGA Merchandise Show. As the host of The Golf Kingdom Golf Show, Rob always has his finger on the pulse of the latest golf trends, and he’s here to share the most exciting innovations he spotted at the event. He also takes us inside the Coaches Academy he hosted at Bay Hill prior to the show. We’ll also talk about his incredible recreation of Bryson DeChambeau’s famous over-the-house hole-in-one that he recreated in his in-studio simulator and his view on data vs. old school ball flight.

Then, I wrap things up with a return visit from Christopher Carter, who’s back to talk about his new book, The Zen Golfer: Cultivating Calm and Concentration on the Course. Chris will help us understand how to relax over shots, stay loose, and truly enjoy the game more. He’ll also explain why having a consistent pre-shot routine is key to better performance. If you want to improve your mental game, you’ll definitely want to hear this conversation. You can grab a copy of The Zen Golfer now on Amazon. I’m excited to have Chris back on the show!

S12, Ep 4, Pt 1: Former Tour pro, David Peoples

This week on Next on the Tee, I have a fantastic lineup of guests and insights that I can’t wait to share with you. Kicking things off is our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who was my eyes and ears at the PGA Merchandise Show last week. Since I couldn’t be there this year, Tom fills us in on all the exciting new technology and innovations making waves in the industry. As the ultimate advocate for short game, short game, short game, Tom will also weigh in on an age-old debate—should you invest in a new driver or a new set of wedges? I have a feeling I know where he stands, but you’ll find out at the top of the show.

Following Tom, our good friend and former Tour pro, David Peoples, joins me. Peeps has quickly become one of my favorite guests because he brings so much energy, fun, and great stories to every conversation. Recently, he reached out to Tom for a lesson, and TP was stunned when he saw what David had in his bag. We’ll talk all about that surprise, plus get David’s take on two of the hottest topics in professional golf: the ongoing slow play issues on Tour and the reduced fields in Signature Events and set to be in place across the board for 2026. David always brings great insight and perspective, and you’ll hear why he’s become a show favorite.

It’s another can’t-miss episode packed with golf knowledge, humor, and expert analysis, so settle in with us and enjoy the show!

S12, Ep 3, Pt 2: Steelers, Oakmont, and Golf History with Paul Alexander & David Moore

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 3, we’re diving into Pittsburgh sports and golf history with two fantastic guests!

First up, our good friend and Pittsburgh Sports Talk Radio Host, Paul Alexander, is back on the show! It’s always an honor and a blast catching up with Paul. He is a part of the KDKA team that just won the prestigious Marconi Award for being the best News Talk radio station in the country. Having Paul as part of the team, it’s no shock that they won it. This time, we cover everything from the Steelers’ offseason moves, Mike Tomlin’s lack of leadership, and the state of Penn State football. Plus, with the U.S. Open returning to Oakmont this summer, I get Paul’s take on what to expect from one of golf’s toughest courses. I could talk to Paul all night, and you’ll understand why but we kept it to a great 40-minute conversation packed with insights and laughs.

Then, we round things out with David Moore, the Curator of Collections at Oakmont Country Club along with several other iconic Western Pennsylvania courses. David is also the co-author of the newly released book, Battling The Church Pews: The History of Golf’s Premiere Events in Western Pennsylvania.

We take a deep dive into his book, discussing some of Oakmont’s legendary tournaments, including:

🏆 The 1925 U.S. Amateur Championship won by Bobby Jones

🏆 The 1935 U.S. Open, where Oakmont member Sam Parks Jr. shocked the golf world by defeating legends like Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, and Horton Smith

🏆 Ben Hogan’s dominant 1953 U.S. Open win

🏆 The epic 1962 U.S. Open battle between Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer

David brings these historical moments to life, and his book is a must-read for golf history buffs. You can grab your copy now on Amazon!

This episode is packed with Steelers talk, golf history, and insights into Oakmont’s storied past—so settle in and enjoy the conversation!

S12, Ep 3, Pt 1: Perseverance, Passion & the Grind: Allen Miller & Bob Friend Jr. on Golf & Life

I’m so stoked about this week’s episode because I get to share some truly great friends with you!

First up is Allen Miller, a former University of Georgia team captain, 2-time Walker Cup competitor, and Canadian Amateur Champion, where he dominated the field by 10 strokes. He also had an impressive career on the PGA Tour. He T15 at the 1975 Masters, which was one of the most memorable Masters Tournaments ever. Allen was a top competitor on Tour for well over a decade.

Beyond his playing career, Allen’s story is one of resilience. He overcame personal struggles, particularly with a father who never thought anything he did was good enough—something that pushed him into a deep depression. His journey was so compelling that Sirius/XM’s PGA Tour Channel featured it in a special called The Allen Miller Story. I highly encourage you to check it out—it’s a story that could truly change lives. We dive into Allen’s playing career, dealing with his father, and ultimately becoming one of the Top Instructors in the game.

Then, I welcome back a longtime friend of the show, Bob Friend Jr., who has been a part of Next on the Tee since episode #3—12 years ago! A Pittsburgh native and one of the all-time greats in the Western PA & Tristate area, plus out on the PGA Tour. Bob has a deep understanding of what it means to be a grinder.

With major changes coming to the PGA Tour next year, including restrictions on Tour cards and Monday qualifiers, Bob is the perfect person to break it all down. No one worked harder to earn their spot on Tour than Bob, and you’ll hear his take on how these changes will impact future players. Plus, as a lifelong Steelers fan, I get his thoughts on where the team needs to go from here.

This episode is packed with inspiration, golf wisdom, and insights into the state of the game—so settle in and enjoy the conversation!

S12, Ep 2, Pt 2: Mastering The Mind Before the Swing: Lessons & Stories from the Great Paul Horton

In Season 12, Episode 2, Part 2, I am joined by perhaps the most decorated instructor in Canadian golf history—Paul Horton. Paul has been recognized as the PGA of Canada National Teacher of the Year and National Coach of the Year, alongside multiple PGA of Alberta Teacher and Coach of the Year awards.

We take a journey back to his early days, where he spent time with two legendary figures in Canadian golf—George Knudson and Moe Norman. Paul shares incredible insights into his teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of mastering the mind before mastering the swing.

We also discuss the immense satisfaction he’s gained from coaching 60 students who earned college scholarships and 28 who have gone on to turn pro. With so many incredible stories from Paul, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical lessons for golfers at every level.

Tune in and enjoy this fascinating conversation with one of the great minds in golf instruction!

S12, Ep 2: Pt 1: Building a Stronger Game & Bouncing Back: Fitness with Courtney Weber & Rob Labritz’s Road Back to the PGA Tour Champions

This week on Next on the Tee, I’m kicking things off with Courtney Weber, one of the stars of last year’s PGA Merchandise Show in my opnion. Courtney, works alongside our good friend Rob Strano at the Strano Golf Academy down in Destin, Florida. She took center stage last year at the PGA Show to talk about training and fitness, and she’s back on the show to share even more insights. As a Level 3 TPI-certified expert with additional certification from Golf Digest, she’ll guide us on how to improve our flexibility, build strength, and prepare our bodies to play our best golf. Her positivity comes shining through the speakers.

Then, we welcome back Champions Tour Pro Rob Labritz, one of the most positive and approachable guys in professional golf. Rob’s infectious energy and passion for the game make him a fan favorite, but last season came with challenges. After battling a back injury in the second half of the year, he narrowly missed keeping his Champions Tour card by just two spots and around $20,000. Despite the setback, Rob kept grinding, trying to make it into the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs. We’ll hear his reflections on last season, what he’s learned, and what’s next for him in 2025.

It’s an episode filled with inspiration, resilience, and expert advice—thank you for pressing play and let’s get to who’s Next on the Tee!