Jonathan Tourney and Taylor Orlowski were killed on Christmas weekend last year when the speeding SUV they were in with four other teens crashed on a dark road in Allegheny County’s North Park.
Those closest to the teens searched for ways to cherish their loved ones’ memories as they struggle to move forward.
Reporter Justin Vellucci joins Zac Gibson to talk about the tragic event, the subsequent court hearings and how the parents and loved ones of these teens honor their “Forever Young” family members.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 – 9:19 am
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.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, November 27th, 2024 – 8:18 pm
First, I’ll be 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’ll be 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://www.nextonthetee.net. You can follow me on social plus share your thoughts on Instagram and X at @ctmascaro.
Light Up Night on Saturday night in Downtown ignited the holiday season in the Pittsburgh area and signaled the start of holiday gatherings, festivities and time with loved ones.
But for some families this year, there’s a glaring obstacle. On the heels of a particularly energetic and polarizing election, politics are sure to be a hallmark of this year’s holiday place settings.
With so many differing opinions coming together at mealtime, it may prove difficult to get through a holiday dinner unscathed. Here, with some expert advice to make this holiday season easier to navigate, is Alexis Papalia.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, November 18th, 2024 – 9:50 am
In Part 2 of this week’s show, 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.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Friday, November 15th, 2024 – 3:06 pm
This week on the show, I’m excited to welcome back my “long lost cousin” John Mascari. John will be sharing 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 will join me in just a few minutes.
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 people I know. 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 all.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, November 11th, 2024 – 11:22 am
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.
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. He has plenty of great stories to share, and you won’t want to miss this conversation later in the show.
Don Rebel chats with former WPIAL basketball head coach & current WPIAL basketball official Ron Richards. He also recaps the PIAA football championships.
Don Rebel chats with former WPIAL basketball head coach & current WPIAL basketball official Ron Richards. He also recaps the PIAA football championships.
