Tree of Life

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

 

31 Mar

S12, Ep14, Pt 2: Inside The Kingdom: Tour-Level Fitting & On-Course Wisdom with Taylor Crosby

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, March 31st, 2025 – 7:02 pm

In Part 2 of Episode 14, I’m joined by first-time guest Taylor Crosby, and trust me—you’re going to love this conversation. Taylor brings great energy to the show and an impressive resume, having worked alongside one of the greatest instructors of all time, Jim McLean.

Taylor is now teaching at one of the premier golf facilities in the world: The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee. We dive into what makes The Kingdom such a special place—from their PGA Tour-level fitting experience, to their on-site TaylorMade fitting trailer, and their cutting-edge studio and hitting bays. Unlike most fittings, at The Kingdom, you walk away with your custom-fit clubs the same day—ready to take down your weekend group right away.

Taylor also shares insights into the seven stunning golf courses at Reynolds Lake Oconee, each designed by a legendary architect. And if that’s not enough, he brings along some fantastic playing lessons and tips to help you lower your scores and improve your swing.

It’s a jam-packed segment with gear talk, game improvement tips, and plenty of laughs.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

31 Mar

S12, Ep 14, Pt 1: Ball Strikers & Ball Hawks: Golf & Gridiron Greats Tom Patri & Vencie Glenn

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, March 31st, 2025 – 10:32 am

This Week on Next on the Tee, I’m joined by three incredible guests. In Part 1, I start with one of the game’s all-time great instructors—Tom Patri. Not only is Tom a phenomenal teacher, he’s also a fantastic player. Tom is sharpening his game for the Senior Florida Open, happening April 22–24 at Aberdeen Golf & Country Club in Boynton Beach, Florida. You’ll hear how he dominated the course during his practice round for the qualifier, plus his thoughts on Rory McIlroy’s win at The Players, J.J. Spaun’s valiant effort and willingness to face the media after falling short, perhaps something Collin Morikawacould take a lesson from.

Next up is a longtime friend from our Thursday Night Tailgate football show, former NFL defensive back Vencie Glenn. Vencie played for the Patriots, Chargers, Saints, Vikings, and Giants—and he’s just as popular in golf circles as he was on the football field. I share one of my favorite stories about walking Augusta National with him and how he introduced me to Phil Knight and Tiger’s mom. The golf world knows and loves this guy, and for good reason. We chat about former NFL players who excel at golf, and how Vencie honed his skills to become a ball hawk in the league, racking up 35 career interceptions.

Please come back for Part 2 of this week’s show featuring the Next on the Tee debut of another Top Instructor in our game, Taylor Crosby. Taylor is a disciple of Jim McLean and is now teaching at The Kingdom at Reynold Lake Oconee. He’s fantastic! You’re going to really enjoy his stories plus the playing lessons he shared.

Thank you for pressing play on this week’s show. I appreciate you!

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

26 Mar

Podcast: Pittsburgh Mills’ pothole problems

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 – 2:00 pm

 

Pittsburgh Mills has spent much of its 20-year existence as part of the discussion about dying malls around the area adn the country.

But lately, it’s potholes — not vacancies — that have people talking. These are not ordinary potholes — we’re talking three-foot-wide, one-foot-deep, bone-rattling holes that have damaged cars and deterred shoppers. For years, owner Namdar Realty has done little to fix roads.

It wasn’t until Monday that a crew hired by the mall appeared to patch the worst of the potholes. However, a full repair job is estimated to cost $4.5 million.

TribLive followed the story as it snowballed into code violations, a civil suit, and even criminal charges against the mall’s owners.

TribLive reporter Jack Troy talks with fellow reporter Shaylah Brown about the story.

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

21 Mar

S12, Ep 13, Pt 2: Golf Under the Lights: Keith Hirshland on LIV, Legends & Literature

published in category: Next on the Tee on Friday, March 21st, 2025 – 2:46 pm

In Part 2 of episode 13, I’m thrilled to welcome back one of my all-time favorite guests—acclaimed author and legendary golf TV producer, Keith Hirshland. Keith is not only one of the nicest people on the planet but also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to golf, television production, and life itself. We dive into his work with LIV Golf, where he leads their broadcasts, and discuss the great broadcast technology they’ve brought to the game including doing a tournament played under the lights in Riyadh. Keith shares the challenges of tracking the ball at night and introduces us to the newest addition to their broadcast team, Pat Perez. We also take a trip down memory lane as Keith reminisces about his role in launching The Golf Channel back in 1995 and his relationship with Arnold Palmer. Plus, Keith gives us an update on his latest book, a sequel to Song Girl, featuring the return of that intriguing CT Mascaro character. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of the best in the business!

Posted in Next on the Tee

 



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