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 51, Pt 1: Designing Greatness: David Duval & Shane LeBaron on Building Olde Eight

This week on Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two incredible guests —former World #1, 1999 Players Champion, and 2001 Open Champion David Duval, and Top Instructor and the first ever Director of Instruction at Cherry Hills Shane LeBaron, who’s been a great friend of the show for nearly a decade.

Shane and David are teaming up on something VERY special down in Greenwood, South Carolina — the Olde Eight Golf Club and the amazing surrounding community they’re building. They’re here to give us an inside look at the vision behind it and what’s sure to be one of the great private communities in the country. We talk about what makes the course unique, its state-of-the-art practice facilities, and whether it might one day host a Tour event. You’ll also hear how David got involved in the project, what inspired its design (including a hole that might remind you of Augusta’s 12th), and how the two are building something far beyond your typical golf club experience.

We also discuss the work that Shane and David have put in on David’s game that has improved each of the last 4 seasons out on the Champions Tour — which resulted in multiple Top 10 finishes this season and a strong close at the Simmons Bank Championship and at the Furyk & Friends tournament.

It’s a deep dive into design and passion for the game — straight from two guys who live and breathe golf.

🎧 Press play, settle in, and enjoy another great conversation on Next on the Tee.

S12, Ep 50 Pt 2: From Green to Tee: How Top 100 Teacher Scott Munroe Builds Better Golfers

In Part 2 of Episode 50, I’m joined by Scott Munroe, Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher and one of the “Hoosiers” from the Two Hoosiers & a Hong crew. Scott is a longtime Teaching Professional at the ultra-exclusive Nantucket Golf Club in the summer. If you’ve ever wondered what golf looks like behind the gates of one of the most private clubs in the country, Scott takes us there. Nantucket has had members like Jack Welch and Bill Belichick, and the course was designed by our good friend Rees Jones, so the stories run deep.

Scott also shares how he develops junior players in a way that may surprise you — teaching them backwards, starting on the putting green and working out toward the tee. It’s a strategy we also heard from our friend Eva Rogers. Scott explains why it helps kids understand scoring, feel, and confidence faster than any launch monitor ever could.

We also talk about the unique culture among great coaches in golf: the freedom and willingness to share knowledge, not guard it. No “secret sauce.” No holding back. Just helping each other help more players enjoy the game.

And before we wrap, Scott gives us a few simple home drills to keep your swing loose and active during the colder months, so you don’t feel like you’re starting over when spring rolls back around.

It’s fun, insightful, and full of takeaways you can use right away. Scott is fantastic, you’re going to love him.

S12, Ep 50 Pt 1: Qualifying Isn’t Guaranteed: Shaun Micheel on the Fight for the Champions Tour + US Kids Lifetime Master Teacher James Hong, The Next Generation Starts Here

Thank you for coming back and pressing play on this week’s show. I’ve got a jam-packed episode featuring a major champion…and two of the most dedicated and respected teachers in our game.

Leading things off is my great friend Shaun Micheel, the 2003 PGA Champion, and one of the very first guests to ever join this show. This marks Shaun’s 39th appearance here, and as always, he brings thoughtful insight and honesty. We get into just how tough it is to qualify for the Champions Tour — and why winning a major doesn’t automatically open that door. We also dive into how LIV has forced the PGA Tour to evolve, whether Shaun would consider playing if LIV launched a senior circuit, and we check in on how his Indiana Hoosiers have been surprising folks this football season.

Then I’m joined by James Hong, a U.S. Kids Golf Lifetime Master Teacher, and one-third of the famed Two Hoosiers & a Hong trio. James gives us a fascinating look into coaching young players today — in a world where instant gratification, TrackMan numbers, and social comparison are everywhere. We talk expectations, patience, parents, and how to keep the fun and curiosity alive in junior golf.

Be sure to come back for Part 2, because another one of the Hoosiers joins me — Scott Munroe, longtime Teaching Professional at the extremely exclusive Nantucket Golf Club. Scott shares what it’s like teaching at one of the most private clubs in America, how he earned the nickname “99,” and why he teaches juniors backwards — starting at the hole and working back to the tee. He also gives us some great drills to keep our swings sharp through the winter months.

It’s an insightful and really fun episode — full of stories, wisdom, and a whole lot of passion for growing the game.

Thanks as always for taking the journey with me.

S12, Ep49: Legends, Fitness, and the Power of Gratitude with John Cook & Courtney Weber

Hi folks — and welcome in to this episode of Next on the Tee, where golf legends live and your game gets better!

I’ve got two incredible guests joining me on this episode who continue to make a big impact on the game — and on how we enjoy it. First up is PGA Tour legend John Cook — U.S. Amateur Champion, 21-time winner across the PGA and Champions Tours, and one of the sharpest voices in golf broadcasting. John and I start off talking a little Ohio State football and how the Steelers already have their next franchise QB on their roster. We then move to how surprised I was that a 5 time Ryder Cup player didn’t get a mic for this year’s event (and should have), and why we’re both pumped about the return of the Skins Game. We also tackle one of my favorite debates — how players from John’s era would stack up against today’s stars. Spoiler: guys from the 70s & 80s would dominate IMO.

Then, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Courtney Weber, a TPI Level 3 Certified Trainer and Golf Digest Certified Fitness Coach. She shares simple, effective ways to build strength, improve mobility, and get rid of those nagging aches that hold your swing back — even if you “hate leg day.” We talk ankle mobility, lower back stiffness, and yes, how to ditch the “dad bod” and find more Vitamin G — Gratitude.

It’s a mix of stories, laughs, and real takeaways you can put to work — on and off the course.

🎧 Press play, enjoy the show, and as always, thank you for being the greatest supporters in the history of podcasts.

S12, Ep48, Pt2: More Distance Starts at Your Feet, It’s Not a Gimmick: The Sqairz Story with Bob Winskowicz

On this week’s Next on the Tee, I’m joined by my good friend Bob Winskowicz, Founder and CEO of Sqairz Golf — the company changing the way athletes connect to the ground, generate power, and perform.

We start by celebrating Sports Illustrated naming Sqairz the Top Performing Golf Shoe of 2025 — another huge milestone for a brand that just keeps innovating. Bob shares stories from his days working alongside Arnold Palmer as a Senior Vice President, how that relationship shaped his approach to product design, and how Sqairz continues to honor legends like Sir Nick Faldo with special edition releases.

We also dive deep into the science behind the swing, discussing why the feet and knees are the true foundation of motion and power, and why the structure of a shoe — not flexibility — makes the biggest difference in distance and accuracy. Bob explains how Sqairz has expanded beyond golf into baseball, softball, and pickleball, where players are seeing real results: up to 9 MPH more exit velocity and a 70% improvement rate in swing power.

From new styles and partnerships (like the Coastal Riptide) to game-changing performance data, Bob breaks down how one innovative design is redefining what athletes can expect from their footwear. And of course, we wrap it up talking about our shared love for the Boston Red Sox, and how a little extra ground force might be just what they need next season.

If you’ve ever doubted whether shoes could change your game — this episode will make you think again.

S12, Ep48 Part 1: When Fans Crossed the Line — and How to Stay Cool Over a 4-Footer Insights from Tom Patri & Paul Horton

This week on Next on the Tee, I’ve got an all-star lineup that spans championship memories, golf instruction excellence, and game-changing technology.

We kick things off with our resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri, who returns to share his thoughts on the Ryder Cup and the recent uproar around fan behavior. Tom and I talk about the PGA of America’s late response to the controversy, what it might mean for the next Cup in Ireland, and why ticket prices didn’t seem to make any difference in fan behavior. We also take a trip back to 1981 to relive his Florida Southern team’s Division II National Championship and future PGA stars — like Rocco Mediate, Lee Janzen, and Marco Dawson — who followed up that ’81 team’s championship with one of their own.

Next up, I’m joined by one of Canada’s most decorated coaches, Paul Horton. Paul shares insights on what Brooke Henderson’s latest win means for Canadian golf, and he gives us valuable lessons to add distance off the tee, make those tricky 4–6 footers, and control pace on long putts. He also weighs in on whether we might see another round of unruly fan behavior when the Presidents Cup arrives at Medinah in 2026.

Be sure to come back for Part 2, when my longtime friend Bob Winskowicz, Founder of Sqairz Golf, returns to take us inside the science of performance footwear. If you think Sqairz are just another pair of golf shoes, think again. Bob explains the data and common-sense design that prove why the squared-toe concept improves balance, stability, and power — now expanding beyond golf into baseball and pickleball. Like Sir Nick Faldo and so many top instructors, I’ve seen the difference first-hand, and once you try them, you’ll understand why I ditched every other pair of golf shoes that I owned.

It’s a packed show full of knowledge, nostalgia, and new perspectives on how to play — and think — better golf.

 

S12, Ep 47 Part 1: From PGA Victories, Becoming a Better Putter, to Augusta National & Hurricane Recovery with Kenny Knox & Darren Davis

On this week’s episode of Next on the Tee, I’m joined by three incredible guests who bring stories, insights, and passion for the game from very different perspectives.

We kick things off with three-time PGA Tour winner and short game guru Kenny Knox. Kenny captured titles at the 1986 Honda Classic, the 1987 Hardee’s Golf Classic, and the 1990 Buick Southern Open. He also set a putting record at the 1989 Heritage Classic — just 8 putts for 9 holes, 18 for the round, and 93 for the entire tournament! Kenny and I dive into why the European Ryder Cup team consistently putts lights out, why he believes Bethpage was poorly setup for the Americans, and who he thinks should be the next U.S. Captain. We also revisit some of the grueling conditions he faced during his Tour wins and what it took to grind out victories under pressure.

Next, I’m joined by Darren Davis, longtime Superintendent at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, Florida. Darren came highly recommended by my great friend Tom Wildenhaus, the club’s Director of Instruction — and when Wildy says “you need to talk to this guy,” you listen. Darren studied Agronomy at Penn State, completed an apprenticeship at Augusta National, and has been leading course operations at Olde Florida for an incredible 33 years. He shares what it’s like to maintain world-class course conditions while facing the challenges of South Florida weather — from extreme heat to afternoon storms — and how his team has recovered from devastating hurricanes over the years. Darren’s stories of resilience, leadership, and love for the game are truly inspiring.

It’s a fantastic mix of Tour-level insight, behind-the-scenes expertise, and heartfelt storytelling that reminds us why we all love this game. Be sure to come back for Part 2 of the episode featuring my conversation with David Moore, Oakmont’s Curator of Collections and Co-Author of Battling the Church Pews, The History of Golf’s Premier Events in Western Pennsylvania.

S12, Ep46, Pt 2: Augusta Days & Banyan Nights with David Eby

Making his Next on the Tee debut is David Eby, Director of Golf at Banyan Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida, where he’s been leading the charge for nearly 30 years. David’s journey through the game is a great story of passion, hard work, and lifelong dedication to golf.

He played his college golf at Augusta University (then Augusta College) from 1986–1989, earning a degree in Economics and helping the team capture multiple tournament titles, including the 1987 Big South Conference Championship. During those years, he also had the unique opportunity to caddie at Augusta National, looping for several notable people like Don Shula, Peter Ueberroth, and Jack Welch. He even got to play the course himself—a dream few golfers ever realize.

After college, David began his professional career as an Assistant Golf Pro at Augusta National, followed by a move to Pine Valley as First Assistant Pro, then becoming Head Golf Professional at Cedar Point Club in Virginia. Before long, he found his home at Banyan Golf Club, where he’s built one of the finest golf environments in South Florida.

In our conversation, David reflects on his experiences at legendary venues like Moraine Country Club (site of Byron Nelson’s 1945 PGA win), shares great stories from his college days—including a Joe Namath like experience while playing a tournament at Furman. He then offers insights on how technology has reshaped the game. We also discuss Banyan’s world-class facilities, designed by Joe Lee, and how their state-of-the-art practice area rivals even Augusta National’s.

David’s stories span from Augusta to Palm Beach, filled with heart, history, and lessons that remind us why we love this game.

S12, Ep46, Pt 1: Ryder Cup Real Talk & Mental Game Mastery with Ron Sirak & Jeff Smith

Welcome back to Next on the Tee, where golf legends live and your game gets better. This week’s lineup is one that’s sure to knock your socks off.

Leading things off is the man I consider to be the greatest golf writer of this or any generation, Ron Sirak. Ron joined me recently, and I couldn’t wait to bring him back. This time, he breaks down what we saw—and heard—at the Ryder Cup. Ron shares his thoughts on Europe’s decision to “run it back” with Luke Donald and we could see this same team until the U.S. proves it can beat them. We also discuss whether it’s time for the US team to look outside of golf for its next captain—someone who’s more motivator than buddy. And since Ron’s a proud Western Pennsylvania native, we couldn’t resist mixing in a little Steelers talk too.

Then, Top 100 Instructor Jeff Smith makes his fourth appearance on the show. Jeff, one of the most sought-after coaches in the game, is currently based at The Vintage Club in Indian Wells, California. We cover his thoughts on the Ryder Cup, joke about a Sam Wyche–style reminder that European fans might need in 2027 (“You don’t live in New York!”), and dive into Jeff’s insights on the mental side of golf—how to stop overthinking and why failure often teaches what success cannot.

Be sure to come back for Part 2 when David Eby makes his Next on the Tee debut. David played his college golf at Augusta University—known then as Augusta College—where he and his teammates helped build the foundation for the program that would later win back-to-back national championships with the likes of Patrick Reed. While in college, David also caddied at Augusta National, where he looped for some of sports biggest names and even got to tee it up there himself. After stints as an Assistant Pro in Ohio and Virginia, David has spent nearly three decades at Banyan Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida, and he brings with him a treasure trove of stories you won’t want to miss.

So settle in and enjoy another great week of golf talk, laughs, and great tips here on Next on the Tee.

S12, Ep45, Pt 2: Paul Ollinger: From Facebook Exec to Stand-Up & Being Reasonably Happy

Making his Next on the Tee debut is comedian, author, and former Facebook executive Paul Ollinger. Paul is the host of The Reasonably Happy Podcast and the author of Reasonably Happy: Essays on Money, Work, and Other Things That Piss Me Off. Before turning to stand-up comedy and writing, Paul served as VP of Sales at Facebook, leading one of the most successful teams in the tech world.

In our conversation, Paul shares the story behind his unlikely journey—from corporate boardrooms with Mark Zuckerberg to comedy clubs where the only bottom line is laughter. He talks about the moment he decided to leave the corporate grind for the stage, the lessons he’s learned from both worlds, and what “reasonable happiness” really means. We discuss how much financial stability you need before chasing a dream, why fear and money often hold people back, and how to take that first step toward a more fulfilling life.

Paul also shares insights from his book, including why Denmark consistently ranks as one of the world’s happiest countries, what our pandemic obsession with toilet paper says about us, and the humor behind a chapter titled Nightmare on the Back Nine. And yes—he even confesses how his golf index jumped after buying a Jailbird putter.

It’s a fun, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation with a man who’s lived life on both sides of success—and learned that happiness isn’t about what you earn, but what you love doing.