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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 – 9:16 am
This week on Next on the Tee, I’m kicking things off with Courtney Weber, one of the stars of last year’s PGA Merchandise Show in my opnion. Courtney, works alongside our good friend Rob Strano at the Strano Golf Academy down in Destin, Florida. She took center stage last year at the PGA Show to talk about training and fitness, and she’s back on the show to share even more insights. As a Level 3 TPI-certified expert with additional certification from Golf Digest, she’ll guide us on how to improve our flexibility, build strength, and prepare our bodies to play our best golf. Her positivity comes shining through the speakers.
Then, we welcome back Champions Tour Pro Rob Labritz, one of the most positive and approachable guys in professional golf. Rob’s infectious energy and passion for the game make him a fan favorite, but last season came with challenges. After battling a back injury in the second half of the year, he narrowly missed keeping his Champions Tour card by just two spots and around $20,000. Despite the setback, Rob kept grinding, trying to make it into the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs. We’ll hear his reflections on last season, what he’s learned, and what’s next for him in 2025.
It’s an episode filled with inspiration, resilience, and expert advice—thank you for pressing play and let’s get to who’s Next on the Tee!
S13, Ep 23: Scott McCarron Opens Up About His Cancer Battle | Brandt Jobe on His Battle to Get Back out on Tour, & Clark Dennis on Competing on the European Legends Tour
