Tree of Life

08 Jul

S12, Ep 29, Pt 2: Swagger & Stories: Redefining Golf with Style and Legends with Sunday Swagger’s Kyle Moloo & 4x HOFer Richard Zokol

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 – 2:51 pm

In Part 2 of Episode 29, I’m joined first by Kyle Moloo, the Chief Marketing Officer of Sunday Swagger, a bold and fast-rising brand that’s redefining golf apparel. Kyle shares how the company is shaking up the game with vibrant colors, standout designs, and exciting partnerships—including one with Guinness that caught my attention as a longtime fan. They are making golf apparel fun for the whole family.

Then, I close out the episode with a quick turnaround visit from 2-time PGA Tour winner and 4-time Hall of Famer Richard Zokol. Richard was such a hit last week, I had to bring him back to finish some incredible player stories. He shares stories of PGA Pro turned Lee Trevino bodyguard, Jim King, a practical joke he played on Jack Nicklaus, a transformative moment with Moe Norman and Clay Edwards, his interaction with Byron Nelson at the 1993 Masters, and what it was like early in his career when he didn’t feel like he belonged on Tour.

You won’t want to miss this one!

 

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

07 Jul

S12, Ep29, Pt 1: When Golf Emotions Run High: Lessons from the U.S. Open & Beyond from Tom Patri & His Mentor + Met Section HOFer John Kennedy

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, July 7th, 2025 – 11:03 am

In this episode of Next on the Tee, our resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri returns to share his take on this year’s U.S. Open and what it meant to see a guy he’s favored all season, J.J. Spaun, take home the title. We also dive into some of the more controversial moments from the tournament, including Rory McIlroy’s tee marker incident and Wyndham Clark destroying a couple of lockers. Tom weighs in on how players and the media handle tense moments and opens up about the deep respect he has for his longtime mentor, John Kennedy.

Speaking of John, he joins me next and brings with him a legacy of excellence in golf instruction and service. A past PGA Professional of the Year, multi-time Bill Strausbaugh Award winner, Patriot Award recipient, and a proud member of the Met Section Hall of Fame, John reflects on his time at Westchester Country Club, where the Learning Center now bears his name. We talk about whether it’s more difficult being the host pro for a PGA Tour event or an LPGA or Senior Major, and his answer may surprise you. John also shares his insights on next year’s U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills and how the wind can drastically alter the challenge, as well as his early thoughts on the upcoming Ryder Cup, which will be hosted just down the road from him at Bethpage Black.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

02 Jul

Podcast: What closing time in the South Side looks like

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 – 2:00 pm

 

Early Sunday morning, the South Side streets were host to hundreds of weekend revelers after the bars closed at 2 a.m. along East Carson Street in Pittsburgh.

A hefty police presence awaited the crowds, forming a riot line and using pepper spray to disperse them. At one point gunfire rang out. Police recovered one casing and no one was injured.

In recent weeks Pittsburgh officials, including the district’s councilman, Bob Charland, along with South Side business owners have been urging people to vacate the entertainment district quickly after last call.

TribLive reporters Justin Vellucci and Megan Trotter discuss the late night crowds and the local sentiment as this dispersal seems to be the start of a weekly summer trend.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

02 Jul

What It’s S12, Ep 27, Pt 2: Like to Play Oakmont—Olin Browne Looks Back Plus Pasatiempo, Old Head & Hidden Gems with Evan Schiller

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 – 10:15 am

In Part 2 of Episode 27 I’m joined by 2011 U.S. Senior Open Champion Olin Browne and one of the all-time great golf course Photographers Evan Schiller.

Olin shares memories from playing in the US Open at Oakmont in 1994 and 2007, including battling brutal heat during a sweltering second-round tee time in ’94 and the honor of playing the same day as Arnold Palmer’s final U.S. Open round. We also talk about Oakmont’s legendary rough and greens, whether a 15-handicap could even break 150, and how it ranks among the toughest courses Olin has ever played.

Then I’m joined by world-renowned golf course photographer Evan Schiller, who reflects on his experience playing in the 1986 U.S. Open at Shinnecock. We dive into Evan’s recent and upcoming travels, including his return to Ireland to shoot Old Head, his thoughts on Andrew Green’s restoration work at East Lake, and why Pasatiempo might feature the best collection of par 3s anywhere. We wrap up with a deep dive into Reynolds Lake Oconee’s Creek Club, the incredible courses at The McLemore, and the designers who’ve left the biggest impression on him. From Tour-tested insight to breathtaking golf course imagery, it’s a conversation every golf fan will love.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

26 Jun

Why are younger people behind on financial literacy?

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Thursday, June 26th, 2025 – 10:45 am

“Are you saving for retirement?”

It’s a question that gets a range of answers, especially across age groups. Some think it’s too early to start; others believe it’s never too soon.

Among millennials and Generation Z, one trend stands out: a significant gap in financial literacy.

Many young Americans lack the most basic financial knowledge, according to researchers at the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center at George Washington University.

To explore the topic, TribLive reporter Haley Daugherty spoke with financial experts, and with 21-year-old Michael Weleski, a young man who’s already spent nearly a decade earning and strategically investing his income to build a secure financial future.

Haley joins host Zac Gibson to talk about Weleski’s story, examine financial planning trends among young people, and share some practical advice for starting your own financial journey.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

19 Jun

S12, Ep 28: Justin LaBar & Richard Zokol

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, June 19th, 2025 – 7:14 pm

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by two incredible guests who bring unique perspectives from both the sports media and golf worlds.

First up is Justin LaBar, General Manager of TribLIVE’s High School Sports Network and longtime content creator for TribLIVE. Justin shares his journey from attending Point Park University in Pittsburgh to covering Super Bowl 43 in Tampa as a student journalist, and eventually transitioning straight into a full-time role at the Trib. He also reflects on the special Father’s Day he spent with his dad at this year’s U.S. Open. Beyond his media career, Justin is also a well-known pro wrestling analyst and weekend host on SiriusXM’s Busted Open radio show. He’s full of great stories and insights you won’t want to miss.

Then, I’m joined by 2-time PGA Tour winner and 4-time Hall of Fame inductee Richard Zokol. Richard makes his 8th appearance on the show, and this time we focus on the mental side of the game. He shares a preview of his upcoming book, Zokology: Winning With Your Mind, set to be released on Father’s Day 2026. Richard opens up about how to overcome self-imposed expectations and those placed on you, strategies for quieting mental noise, and how a Sony Walkman helped him win on Tour. We also look back at his memorable front-nine 30 during the final round of the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and why you should celebrate your own accomplishments.

Both conversations are insightful, inspiring, and filled with powerful takeaways. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

18 Jun

What it was like covering the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 – 10:41 am

J.J. Spaun took home the title of champion of the 125th U.S. Open as the sole golfer under par Sunday night at Oakmont Country Club.

The championship rounds during the past week reaffirmed Oakmont Country Club’s reputation as one of the toughest tests of the world’s best. The course’s slick greens and punishing rough made for one of the toughest major setups in recent memory.

Throughout the week, Triblive reporters brought coverage of varied aspects of the event to give readers an in-depth look at all it takes to bring the U.S. Open together, and showcase the experience of the spectators.

TribLive reporter James Engel joins host Zac Gibson to discuss their experiences covering the U.S. Open.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

16 Jun

S12, Ep 27, Pt 1: Crafting Great Beer and Golf Memories: Rachel Gill & Rosalie Wisotzski

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, June 16th, 2025 – 11:36 am

In Part 1 of this week’s Next on the Tee, I had the pleasure of visiting Pittsburgh Brewing Company and sitting down with their amazing Marketing Director, Rachel Gill. Rachel shares the story behind the evolution of this iconic brand—it’s not just your grandfather’s Iron City anymore. While staying true to classics like Iron City and IC Light, they’re also brewing exciting craft selections like Pool Side and Block House Blueberry Wheat.

We talk about their stunning new facility, built on the historic site of the old Pittsburgh Glass Works, and their impressive on-site concert venue that’s quickly becoming a must-visit destination—set to host country legends Alabama during U.S. Open week and Joan Jett later this summer.

Then I got a surprise guest—Rosalie Wisotzski, a spirited golfer who’s played Oakmont and just returned from a dream trip to St. Andrews. She, her stories, perspective, and love of the game were absolutely captivating. I’m so glad she stopped by—you will be too.

It’s a fun, inspiring, and very Pittsburgh kind of episode.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 



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