Tree of Life

06 Feb

S12, Ep 4, Pt 2: The PGA Show, Innovation, Shot-Making & Mental Mastery with Rob Strano & Christopher Carter

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, February 6th, 2025 – 2:45 pm

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 4, I’m joined by my gumba Rob Strano, who brings us his unique perspective from the PGA Merchandise Show. As the host of The Golf Kingdom Golf Show, Rob always has his finger on the pulse of the latest golf trends, and he’s here to share the most exciting innovations he spotted at the event. He also takes us inside the Coaches Academy he hosted at Bay Hill prior to the show. We’ll also talk about his incredible recreation of Bryson DeChambeau’s famous over-the-house hole-in-one that he recreated in his in-studio simulator and his view on data vs. old school ball flight.

Then, I wrap things up with a return visit from Christopher Carter, who’s back to talk about his new book, The Zen Golfer: Cultivating Calm and Concentration on the Course. Chris will help us understand how to relax over shots, stay loose, and truly enjoy the game more. He’ll also explain why having a consistent pre-shot routine is key to better performance. If you want to improve your mental game, you’ll definitely want to hear this conversation. You can grab a copy of The Zen Golfer now on Amazon. I’m excited to have Chris back on the show!

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

05 Feb

Podcast: Seton Hill’s Setonian hiatus signals journalism’s need to adapt

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 – 1:59 pm

 

Seton Hill University in Greensburg has decided to place its student-run newspaper on indefinite hiatus.

While the Setonian’s shuttering came as a surprise to some students, university representatives and the organization’s longtime adviser said the newspaper needs to change and the journalism major needs to regain student interest.

TribLive reporter and former Editor-in-chief at Penn State’s The Daily Collegian, Megan Swift, discusses the story and looks at traditional journalism’s adaptability in today’s digital age with host Zac Gibson.

This is ‘From the Newsroom’

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

04 Feb

S12, Ep 4, Pt 1: Former Tour pro, David Peoples

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 – 9:22 am

This week on Next on the Tee, I have a fantastic lineup of guests and insights that I can’t wait to share with you. Kicking things off is our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who was my eyes and ears at the PGA Merchandise Show last week. Since I couldn’t be there this year, Tom fills us in on all the exciting new technology and innovations making waves in the industry. As the ultimate advocate for short game, short game, short game, Tom will also weigh in on an age-old debate—should you invest in a new driver or a new set of wedges? I have a feeling I know where he stands, but you’ll find out at the top of the show.

Following Tom, our good friend and former Tour pro, David Peoples, joins me. Peeps has quickly become one of my favorite guests because he brings so much energy, fun, and great stories to every conversation. Recently, he reached out to Tom for a lesson, and TP was stunned when he saw what David had in his bag. We’ll talk all about that surprise, plus get David’s take on two of the hottest topics in professional golf: the ongoing slow play issues on Tour and the reduced fields in Signature Events and set to be in place across the board for 2026. David always brings great insight and perspective, and you’ll hear why he’s become a show favorite.

It’s another can’t-miss episode packed with golf knowledge, humor, and expert analysis, so settle in with us and enjoy the show!

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

30 Jan

S12, Ep 3, Pt 2: Steelers, Oakmont, and Golf History with Paul Alexander & David Moore

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, January 30th, 2025 – 6:11 pm

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 3, we’re diving into Pittsburgh sports and golf history with two fantastic guests!

First up, our good friend and Pittsburgh Sports Talk Radio Host, Paul Alexander, is back on the show! It’s always an honor and a blast catching up with Paul. He is a part of the KDKA team that just won the prestigious Marconi Award for being the best News Talk radio station in the country. Having Paul as part of the team, it’s no shock that they won it. This time, we cover everything from the Steelers’ offseason moves, Mike Tomlin’s lack of leadership, and the state of Penn State football. Plus, with the U.S. Open returning to Oakmont this summer, I get Paul’s take on what to expect from one of golf’s toughest courses. I could talk to Paul all night, and you’ll understand why but we kept it to a great 40-minute conversation packed with insights and laughs.

Then, we round things out with David Moore, the Curator of Collections at Oakmont Country Club along with several other iconic Western Pennsylvania courses. David is also the co-author of the newly released book, Battling The Church Pews: The History of Golf’s Premiere Events in Western Pennsylvania.

We take a deep dive into his book, discussing some of Oakmont’s legendary tournaments, including:

🏆 The 1925 U.S. Amateur Championship won by Bobby Jones

🏆 The 1935 U.S. Open, where Oakmont member Sam Parks Jr. shocked the golf world by defeating legends like Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, and Horton Smith

🏆 Ben Hogan’s dominant 1953 U.S. Open win

🏆 The epic 1962 U.S. Open battle between Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer

David brings these historical moments to life, and his book is a must-read for golf history buffs. You can grab your copy now on Amazon!

This episode is packed with Steelers talk, golf history, and insights into Oakmont’s storied past—so settle in and enjoy the conversation!

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

30 Jan

S12, Ep 3, Pt 1: Perseverance, Passion & the Grind: Allen Miller & Bob Friend Jr. on Golf & Life

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, January 30th, 2025 – 6:04 pm

I’m so stoked about this week’s episode because I get to share some truly great friends with you!

First up is Allen Miller, a former University of Georgia team captain, 2-time Walker Cup competitor, and Canadian Amateur Champion, where he dominated the field by 10 strokes. He also had an impressive career on the PGA Tour. He T15 at the 1975 Masters, which was one of the most memorable Masters Tournaments ever. Allen was a top competitor on Tour for well over a decade.

Beyond his playing career, Allen’s story is one of resilience. He overcame personal struggles, particularly with a father who never thought anything he did was good enough—something that pushed him into a deep depression. His journey was so compelling that Sirius/XM’s PGA Tour Channel featured it in a special called The Allen Miller Story. I highly encourage you to check it out—it’s a story that could truly change lives. We dive into Allen’s playing career, dealing with his father, and ultimately becoming one of the Top Instructors in the game.

Then, I welcome back a longtime friend of the show, Bob Friend Jr., who has been a part of Next on the Tee since episode #3—12 years ago! A Pittsburgh native and one of the all-time greats in the Western PA & Tristate area, plus out on the PGA Tour. Bob has a deep understanding of what it means to be a grinder.

With major changes coming to the PGA Tour next year, including restrictions on Tour cards and Monday qualifiers, Bob is the perfect person to break it all down. No one worked harder to earn their spot on Tour than Bob, and you’ll hear his take on how these changes will impact future players. Plus, as a lifelong Steelers fan, I get his thoughts on where the team needs to go from here.

This episode is packed with inspiration, golf wisdom, and insights into the state of the game—so settle in and enjoy the conversation!

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

29 Jan

Podcast: Bishop’s sermon falls on deaf ears as Trump sets new tone in D.C.

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 – 1:51 pm

President Donald Trump made his return to the White House when he was sworn in last week.

In his first week, he signed more executive orders than any other president. These swift actions signaled the beginnings of the second Trump administration’s attempts to make good on promises made during campaign season.

The executive orders range in variety and focus from “ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity,” which ended federal DEI programs and identified them as illegal, to withdrawing from the World Health Organization.

During the inaugural prayer service on Jan. 21, Washington’s Bishop of the Episcopal church Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde took time during her sermon to give advice and remind Trump of his duty to all the people of the country.

TribLive Community Engagement Editor Lori Falce and Zac Gibson discuss Budde’s sermon and the new tone in Washington.

This is From the Newsroom.

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

24 Jan

S12, Ep 2, Pt 2: Mastering The Mind Before the Swing: Lessons & Stories from the Great Paul Horton

published in category: Next on the Tee on Friday, January 24th, 2025 – 2:18 pm

In Season 12, Episode 2, Part 2, I am joined by perhaps the most decorated instructor in Canadian golf history—Paul Horton. Paul has been recognized as the PGA of Canada National Teacher of the Year and National Coach of the Year, alongside multiple PGA of Alberta Teacher and Coach of the Year awards.

We take a journey back to his early days, where he spent time with two legendary figures in Canadian golf—George Knudson and Moe Norman. Paul shares incredible insights into his teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of mastering the mind before mastering the swing.

We also discuss the immense satisfaction he’s gained from coaching 60 students who earned college scholarships and 28 who have gone on to turn pro. With so many incredible stories from Paul, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical lessons for golfers at every level.

Tune in and enjoy this fascinating conversation with one of the great minds in golf instruction!

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

23 Jan

From the Newsroom: Workers brave frigid temps to keep Pittsburgh operational

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 – 1:49 pm

 

It’s been brutally cold this week in Western Pennsylvania.

But, for some people, the job doesn’t stop just because the temperature drops.

Justin Vellucci joins host Zac Gibson bringing the experience of Western Pennsylvania’s winter weather workers. This episode centers on stories and strategies from those workers to survive and thrive in the elements.

This is ‘From the Newsroom.’

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 



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