Tree of Life

10 Apr

Podcast: How do Trump supporters feel about tariffs?

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Thursday, April 10th, 2025 – 10:39 am

The tariffs are on. The tariffs are paused.

President Donald Trump’s second term has been dominated by a jarring back-and-forth of American trade policy. Trump says the aim of the high tariffs is to encourage companies to move their manufacturing and production to the U.S. to create jobs and lower prices. However, many economists argue that tariffs only raise prices for Americans.

News editor Tom Davidson is here to discuss the effects of Trump’s tariff policy, the potential effectiveness of the measures, and how Trump supporters feel as he nears the 100-day mark.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

09 Apr

S12, Ep 19, Pt 1: Inside Augusta: Masters Preview with Tim Simpson & Donnie Hammond

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 – 10:03 am

This week on Next on the Tee, I’m taking you inside the ropes and into the heart of Augusta National with four incredible guests who’ve lived The Masters—from competing in the tournament to calling the action for CBS Sports. First up is one of the greatest ball strikers in PGA Tour history and a local Georgia golf legend, Tim Simpson. Making his ninth appearance on the show, Tim shares what it was like playing in The Masters six times, with his best finish coming in 1985 when he tied for 18th. A proud Atlanta native and UGA alum, Tim opens up about both the highs and the struggles he faced at Augusta, particularly on those famously challenging greens.

Next, I’m joined by longtime friend of the show Donnie Hammond. Donnie played in The Masters four times, beginning in 1986—the year he found himself in the second-to-last group on Sunday, paired with none other than Bernhard Langer. Donnie reflects on the excitement of that final round and the intensity of hearing the roars from all over the course as Jack Nicklaus made his legendary charge. He also takes us back to 1975 when he worked at Augusta during another unforgettable Masters, won by Jack in a dramatic finish over Tom Weiskopf and Johnny Miller. Donnie shares stories about being on the grounds both as a player and a fan, giving us a rich, inside look at one of golf’s most iconic events.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

07 Apr

S12, Ep 18: Junior Golf Greatness, Jay’s Wild Encounters, and a Masters Preview

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, April 7th, 2025 – 2:57 pm

On this week’s show, we kick things off with our regular monthly visit from The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters. Doc shares insight into the incredible success his junior players are having, including several competing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. One standout is Megha Ganne, who set a first-round record with a 63 at Champions Gate. Although our conversation was recorded the night before the tournament began, Doc explains exactly why her stellar performance came as no surprise. He also highlights the accomplishments of other young players he works with and reminds us once again why he’s the best in the business—change your mind, change your game.

Following Doc, Jay Delsing returns to the show. Jay is not only one of the kindest and most uplifting voices in the game, he’s also got a new book coming out titled You Wouldn’t Believe Me If I Told You, and trust me, you’re going to want to read it. He shares some unforgettable stories, including teeing it up with Stephen Stills, meeting Sean Connery (who then introduced him to Steven Spielberg and George Lucas), and playing with presidents—and a young Tiger Woods. You’ll love his energy and storytelling.

Finally, we bring in our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri. With a scheduling conflict bumping him up in the lineup, Tom gives us his take on Min Woo Lee’s breakthrough victory at the Houston Open and the crucial role Lee’s caddie played in avoiding disaster. We also look ahead to The Masters, and Tom shares the four players he expects to be battling it out on the back nine come Sunday.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

07 Apr

S12, Ep 17: Rick Reilly on Trump, Norman, and Caddying at Augusta

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, April 7th, 2025 – 10:27 am

In this very special bonus episode of Next on the Tee, acclaimed author and golf journalist Rick Reilly returns to the show. Rick and I cover a wide range of topics that span everything from Trump’s “club championships wins” to The Masters.

We kick things off with Rick’s take on President Trump’s self-declared victories at his various club championships, including winning the Triple Crown at his home course. I ask Rick: how many of these wins are actually real and Rick doubles down on his doubts about by saying he’d play Trump for $100,000 on a neutral course with USGA rules officials watching both players. Rick shares his thoughts on the potential PGA Tour–LIV Golf merger, including a reported high-profile meeting at the White House, and whether any real progress was made. We then dig into Rick’s past relationship with Greg Norman, how Norman’s difficult relationship with his father may have influenced his drive to create LIV, and whether that ambition came more from Norman’s disdain for the PGA Tour or a personal need for validation from his father.

Rick also breaks down why Jack Nicklaus is the undisputed GOAT. As we gear up for The Masters, Rick shares stories from his time caddying at Augusta National for 1973 champion Tommy Aaron, including the physical demands of the course and the behind-the-scenes grind of being a caddy. We close with a lighthearted debate over his Washington Post article about spreading ashes on golf courses—specifically Augusta—and whether it’s okay to become part of the fairway after your final round.

This episode is filled with insight, laughs, and some truly unique perspectives from one of golf’s most entertaining storytellers.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

03 Apr

S12, Ep16, Pt 2: Tom Purtzer: Reflections, Rivalries, and a Seat Beside Ben Hogan

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 – 1:08 pm

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 16, I’m joined once again by our great friend and 9-time winner across the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, Tom Purtzer. This time around, Tom and I dive into a thought-provoking conversation about the direction of the PGA Tour—whether their current moves are aimed at growing the game or favoring their top players, and if their actions are simply an overreaction to the competition posed by LIV Golf. We also look back at 1991, the best year of Tom’s career, which came 18 years after he turned pro. He shares fond memories of winning both the World Series of Golf and the Texas Open, the latter of which earned him a coveted seat next to Ben Hogan at the following year’s champions dinner. Tom’s insight, humility, and great storytelling always make for a fantastic listen, and I know you’re going to really enjoy hearing from one of the game’s true legends and gentlemen.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

02 Apr

Podcast: What’s really driving up concert tickets?

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 – 12:00 pm

Spring is here, bringing the start of concert season to Pittsburgh. With ticket prices soaring, affordability has become a key topic among concertgoers.

Ticket prices are influenced by various factors, such as free-market resale and the dynamic pricing strategies used by major ticket vendors like Ticketmaster.

TribLive reporter and reviewer Alexis Papalia joins Zac Gibson to help explain why ticket prices seem to be sky-high.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

01 Apr

S12, Ep 16, Pt 1: Robert Morris Being Turned Away For A Home Course & Player Equity Program Leaves Out 2x Major Champion

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 – 12:34 pm

On this week’s episode, we kick things off with a visit from our good friend and Robert Morris University Men’s Head Coach Steve Shingledecker. RMU is riding high on a wave of momentum, thanks to their men’s basketball team capturing the Horizon League Championship and making an impressive showing in the NCAA Tournament, where they pushed powerhouse Alabama to the limit in the first round. Steve shares what the energy has been like on campus during the team’s thrilling run, how that success is already paying dividends in the recruiting process, and how the evolving landscape of college athletics—including the transfer portal—is impacting mid-major programs like RMU. We dive into whether top talent from these schools is at risk of being poached annually by Power Five programs, turning everyone outside the SEC and Big Ten into a de facto minor league system.

Then, I’m joined by World Golf Hall of Famer David Graham. David had a stellar career both here in the U.S. and internationally after coming over from his native Australia. We reflect on his standout 1970 season, where he captured the Tasmania, Victorian, Thailand, and French Opens, and teamed up with Bruce Devlin to win the World Cup. We also revisit his major championship triumphs at the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open plus his home national championship at the Australian Open. David also offers his thoughts and memories about The Masters and what it was like to contend at The Open at St. Andrews. You won’t want to miss these incredible stories and insights from a true legend of the game.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

01 Apr

S12, Ep 15: Dr. Russell Levenson – Faith, Golf, The Bible, & the Wisdom of Hogan

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 – 12:21 pm

In this special bonus episode of Next on the Tee, I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Russell Levenson. Russ recently retired after 32 years in ministry, most notably serving 17 years as Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston—the largest Anglican/Episcopal congregation in North America. He’s a renowned theologian, author, and speaker who also developed a deep friendship with President George H.W. and First Lady Barbara Bush.

Russ talks about his inspiring new book, “In God’s Grip: What Golf Can Teach Us About the Bible,” with a foreword by the legendary Jim Nantz. We dive into the powerful spiritual and life lessons drawn from golf and how the swing philosophies of Ben Hogan intertwine with Biblical wisdom. From focusing on fundamentals to letting go of perfection, Russ explores how the mindset that helped Hogan master the game can also guide our spiritual journeys.

We also reflect on his close relationship with the Bush family, what heaven meant to them, and how the second half of the book—The Downswing—challenges our assumptions about God as a harsh judge, encouraging instead a perspective of grace, abundance, and purpose.

Plus, we talk Augusta, Oakmont, and Jim Nantz’s unforgettable first Masters call in 1986.

This conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and a few good swings of perspective. Whether you’re seeking more meaning in your game or your life, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 



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