Tree of Life

17 Feb

S13, Ep 4: Debbie O’Connell on Golf Mindset & Bunker Play + Chad Finn reflects on the Miracle on Ice, the Super Bowl Plus his Outlook for the AL East

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 – 10:44 am

On this edition of Next on the Tee, we blend game improvement with big-time sports conversation.

Leading things off is LPGA Class A Teaching Professional and Top 50 LPGA Instructor Debbie O’Connell. Debbie shares insights from her upcoming Conquer Your Golf Mind session and explains how mastering your mindset can transform not just your golf game—but your life. We dive into practical tips you can take straight to the course, including how to gain confidence in greenside bunkers, eliminate negative self-talk, stop labeling clubs as “can’t hit it,” and create more power through better body rotation. She also walks us through the importance of forward shaft lean at impact, and what she’s building with her Business Golf Live venture.

Then we switch gears with Boston Globe columnist and acclaimed sports journalist Chad Finn. We kick things off with a look back at the 1980 “Miracle on Ice”and where it ranks among the greatest moments in sports history before breaking down the Super Bowl, Drake Maye’s performance and mindset, and the Patriots’ future under Mike Vrabel. From there, we head to spring training to discuss offseason moves, roster decisions, and his outlook for the AL East. Chad also shares insights from his outstanding books chronicling the Boston Celtics from 1946 to the present and more than a century of Red Sox history.

It’s a full episode packed with instruction, perspective, and stories from two outstanding guests.

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11 Feb

S13, Ep 3 Part 2: How To Practice With Purpose: Martin Chuck on Golf Instruction, Confidence & the 2 Easy Things You Need To Score Better

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 – 10:56 am

In Part 2 of Season 13, Episode 3, I have the privilege of spending more time with Martin Chuck, one of the very best instructors in our game.

Martin shares incredible insight into what you should focus on if you only have time to work on one thing in your golf swing—and why clarity beats complexity every time. We also dive into whether we’re reaching the point of data overload in today’s game, especially with more and more technology and new data points becoming available.

Martin weighs in on the role confidence plays in becoming a great ball-striker and offers a fantastic tip on how to warm up with purpose before a round. Instead of just beating balls on the range, he explains why you should practice the specific shots you know you’ll face that day—so when it’s time to hit them on the course, you already know you can pull them off.

It’s practical, thoughtful, and packed with lessons you can take straight from the range to the first tee.

Thank you again for pressing play and being part of the journey.

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06 Feb

S13, Ep 3 Part 1: Part 1: Great Friends, New Tech & Inside Pittsburgh Sports with Tom Patri & Paul Alexander

published in category: Next on the Tee on Friday, February 6th, 2026 – 3:21 pm

Hi folks, and welcome in to this edition of Next on the Tee, where golf legends live and your game gets better. I’m grateful that you’re here and for pressing play.

This week’s show is one of those perfect blends of insight, instruction, and fun, as I’m joined by three great friends to talk about what’s happening around our game—and how we can all play it better.

Leading things off is our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, fresh off the PGA Merchandise Show. TP shares some of the exciting new technology he saw on the floor, plus why playing the right golf ball for your swing matters more than most people realize. We also dive into Scottie Scheffler picking up right where he left off last season and the incredible performance by high school senior Blades Brown, who went toe-to-toe with Scottie—and why not winning may actually be the best thing that could’ve happened for him.

Then I go a little homer on you as I hop a ride with my good friend Paul Alexander from 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. We talk Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, a little Winter Olympics nostalgia—including the Miracle on Ice—and how Paul is keeping his golf swing from getting rusty during the winter months.

And he’s perfectly sandwiched between two of the best instructors in the game, because when you press on Part 2, I have the privilege of spending more time with Top 10 Golf Digest Instructor Martin Chuck. Martin shares what you should focus on if you only have time to work on one thing in your game, whether we’re reaching a point of data overload with all today’s technology, and how confidence plays a critical role in becoming a great ball-striker. He also delivers a fantastic tip on how to warm up with purpose—by practicing the shots you know you’ll need that day—so when you’re faced with those shots on the course, you already know you can pull them off.

So no… I don’t have a good show for you this week. I’ve got a great one.

Thank you again for pressing play and for being part of the journey.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

03 Feb

S13, Ep 2 Part 2: Why Confidence Wins with Dr. Bob Winters Plus the Tour Is Changing, and Why You’ll Never Catch Mark Calcavecchia in an Autonomous Vehicle

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 – 10:28 am

In Part 2 of Season 13, Episode 2, I’m excited to welcome back our good friend Dr. Bob Winters, The Confidence Doctor, for our monthly visit. Dr. Bob shares updates on the tremendous success his students continue to have and walks us through how to get into the right mindset—staying persistent, pushing through negativity, and learning how to get to “Yes” when self-doubt tells us “no”.

Then we get another opportunity to visit with our good friend 17x winner Mark Calcavecchia. Calc shares his thoughts on the possibility of the PGA Tour reducing the number of tournaments starting in 2027, tells a terrific story about sitting with Jack Wulcotte while the legendary McGregor persimmon woods were being made for Mr. Nicklaus, explains why you won’t see him riding in an autonomous vehicle, and weighs in on whether he agrees with Jack Nicklaus’s belief that winning a major was sometimes easier than winning a regular Tour event.

It’s a fun, thoughtful, and story-filled close to the show. Thanks so much for pressing play and spending part of your week with me—I’m truly grateful you’re here.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

28 Jan

S13, Ep 2 Part 1: Better Putting, Smarter Practice, and Where Golf Instruction Is Headed with Mike Miller & Tom Patri

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 – 10:37 am

Hi folks… and welcome in to this edition of Next on the Tee—where golf legends live and your game gets better. I thank you so much for pressing play.

This week, I’m excited to share four terrific guests who will give you plenty to think about—and plenty of great stories to smile about along the way.

We kick things off with Mike Miller, Head Golf Professional at Big Canoe in Jasper, Georgia. Mike is also the newly elected Vice President of the PGA of Georgia—and the former Mayor of Flowery Branch, home of Atlanta Falcons training camp. Mike shares several practical tips you can work on right now, even if you’re dealing with snow or freezing temps. He’s an outstanding putter—having finished Top 10 twice at the Georgia Putting Championship—and he offers simple, effective putting advice, plus one tip that makes so much sense you’ll wonder why we haven’t all been doing it already. Mike also talks about the challenges of being a mayor in the social-media era and the incredible setup they have at Big Canoe.

Following Mike, our Resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri joins me. TP is always on the cutting edge, and he’s fully embraced AI in his instruction. His AI Assistant Pro—“Tommy Jr.”—helps students stay accountable with drills, video follow-ups, and lesson summaries. While I share some concerns about how AI could impact PGA and LPGA instructors, Tom explains how he’s using it as a tool to enhance learning, not replace great teaching.

Come back for Part 2 of the episode when we’re joined by The Confidence Doctor himself, Dr. Bob Winters. Dr. Bob updates us on the continued success of his students and walks us through how to develop the right mindset, push through negativity, and keep getting to “yes” when doubts creep in.

We wrap things up with our good friend Mark Calcavecchia. Calc shares his thoughts on the possibility of the PGA Tour reducing the number of tournaments beginning in 2027, tells a wonderful story about sitting with Jack Wulcotte while old McGregor persimmon woods were being made, explains why you won’t catch him in an autonomous vehicle, and weighs in on Jack Nicklaus’ famous belief that winning a major could be easier than winning a regular Tour event.

It’s a fun, insightful, and story-filled episode from start to finish. Thanks again for pressing play—and for being part of this week’s show.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

23 Jan

S13, Ep 1, Pt 2: Inside the Ropes, On The Bag, & Inside the Mind: Powerful Stories with Bobby Palmeri & Bryce Paup

published in category: Next on the Tee on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 – 12:36 pm

Bobby is a longtime New York caddie who’s spent several years looping at Bethpage Black. He shares some fantastic stories from life on the bag, including memorable rounds looping for celebrities like Brian Harman, Cal Clutterbuck, and one incredibly touching experience caddying for the late Tim Wakefield. Bobby has a great way of telling stories, and his love for the game and the people he’s met along the way really shines through. I know you’re really going love him and his stories.

We then round out the show with an unforgettable visit from NFL legend Bryce Paup, the 1995 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Bryce opens up about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, being labeled “dumb” as a kid, and how negative self-talk—both from others and his own inner voice—shaped his self-image for years. He shares how his high school sweetheart, now his wife, became his rock and helped him find his way back from rock bottom.

From there, we transition into his football journey—his college years, his time in Green Bay, why the Packers let him get away, signing with the Bills, and becoming bookends with the legendary Bruce Smith. Bryce also offers powerful advice for kids who are struggling with similar challenges today.

It’s an honest, emotional, and inspiring conversation—one I truly believe you’ll get a lot out of.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

20 Jan

S13, Ep 1 Part 1: Stories from Golf’s Golden Era From Pure Swinging Tom Purtzer Plus Insights & a Key Lesson from Jim Woods

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 – 11:59 am

We kick off Season 13 of Next on the Tee, with a great lineup featuring one of my all-time favorite guests, plus two guys making their Next on the Tee debuts.

We kick things off with Tom Purtzer, a man known for one of the purest swings in golf history. Tom shares stories from his career on the PGA and Champions Tours, including his first Tour win at the Glen Campbell LA Open, the celebrity-hosted events of golf’s golden era, and on-course lessons Mickey Rooney thought he’d give Tom. We also talk about his win at Colonial, what it meant to sit next to Mr. Hogan at the Champions Dinner, and his thoughts on proposed PGA Tour changes.

Next up is Jim Woods, Director of Golf at the historic Omni Bedford Springs. Jim shares his journey from college golf at SUNY Broome Community College through being one of the first to attend the PGA of America’s Golf Training Program. He also talks about the great new Performance Center he’s put together in Bedford Springs, and a simple but powerful tip that can significantly improve your game.

Come back for Part 2, when I’m joined by caddie Bobby “Loops” Palmeri. Loops shares great stories from being on the bag at Bethpage State Park, particularly the Black Course. We talk about the famous sign, his experiences looping for Brian Harman, Cal Clutterbuck, and a very special, touching experience caddying for the late Tim Wakefield.

We round things out with a visit from NFL Legend Bryce Paup. Bryce had a challenging upbringing due to dyslexia, which he didn’t receive a diagnosis for until he was in his 30s. Growing up he was called “stupid” and the psychological effects from that are hurtful to this day. You’ll hear how he hit rock bottom and thanks to his girlfriend, now wife, he’s overcoming it. We also talk about his playing career in Green Bay and Buffalo plus his advice for kids going through the same things that he did. It’s a powerful segment that you won’t want to miss.

Thanks so much for being here and pressing play—I’m grateful for each and every one of you.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

14 Jan

S12, Ep 57 Part 2: Hal Sutton: Perspective, Gratitude & the Game That Shaped Us

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 – 12:15 pm

Season 12 Finale | Part 2

We close out Season 12 of Next on the Tee with the kind of conversation I always like to save for last — an honest, thoughtful, and heartfelt visit with Hal Sutton.

Hal is genuine, speaks from the heart, and is someone I’m proud to call a friend. We talk about the success of his design at The Darmoor Club outside of Houston, how course design, his podcast Be the Right Club Today, and work in the Instruction space have given him meaningful ways to give back to the game. I asked Hal how golf has been both a blessing and sometimes a burden throughout his life, and if good has always outweighed the bad.

We then dive deep into the Ryder Cup, including why Hal decided to add Jackie Burke Jr. as an Assistant Captain in 2004, how he handled leading a team with massive star power, and why the U.S. continues to struggle in team competition. Hal also shares his thoughts on what might need to change if we’re going to turn the tide.

Hal offers candid insight on the current state of the PGA Tour — shrinking fields, fewer Tour cards, and whether recent changes are about growing the game or overreacting to LIV. We also have some fun reminiscing about persimmon woods, blade irons, balata golf balls, and the artistry required to succeed in his era.

We wrap things up talking equipment, confidence on the greens, his partnership with Makefield Putters, and whether more course design projects might be ahead.

It’s a fitting way to end the season — filled with perspective, honesty, and appreciation for the game and the people who shape it, like Charlie Rymer, Suzy Whaley, and Hal Sutton. I’m incredibly grateful to each of them for their friendship and openness, and I’m truly thankful for you — the listeners — for spending another season with me. Thank you for pressing play and being part of the Next on the Tee family.

 

Posted in Next on the Tee

 



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