Light Up Night on Saturday night in Downtown ignited the holiday season in the Pittsburgh area and signaled the start of holiday gatherings, festivities and time with loved ones.
But for some families this year, there’s a glaring obstacle. On the heels of a particularly energetic and polarizing election, politics are sure to be a hallmark of this year’s holiday place settings.
With so many differing opinions coming together at mealtime, it may prove difficult to get through a holiday dinner unscathed. Here, with some expert advice to make this holiday season easier to navigate, is Alexis Papalia.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, November 18th, 2024 – 9:50 am
In Part 2 of this week’s show, we’re diving into the holiday season with some fantastic gift ideas for the golfer who seems to have it all.
First, I’m joined by Ben Helmrath, VP of Merchandising for Hard Goods at the PGA Tour SuperStore. Ben shares insights into the booming in-home golf simulator market and their exciting partnership with Full Swing. We’ll also discuss the PGA Tour SuperStore’s role as the official retailer for the much-anticipated TGL League, spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, set to launch in January. Plus, Ben highlights their heartwarming initiative to “Give the Gift of Golf” to our military heroes.
Later, Gary DiSalvo, CEO of Popticals, returns to the show. As half of the dynamic duo behind what I consider the best sunglasses on the market, Gary talks about the innovative design of Popticals sunglasses. These lightweight, glare-reducing glasses not only help golfers read greens better but also prevent eye fatigue throughout the round. If you’re looking for the perfect gift to enhance your favorite golfer’s game, Popticals might just be it. Don’t forget to check out their website at Popticals.com while you tune in to hear Gary break down what makes these sunglasses a game-changer on and off the course.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Friday, November 15th, 2024 – 3:06 pm
This week on the show, I’m excited to welcome back my “long lost cousin” John Mascari. John will be sharing his thoughts on the proposed changes to the PGA Tour for 2026, which include reducing field sizes, the number of Tour cards available, and the number of Monday qualifiers, among other changes. As someone on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey PGA Section and the Director of Golf at Alpine Country Club, John has a unique perspective on how these changes could impact the game. Speaking of Alpine, there’s a rumor that a sequel to a certain movie featuring a hockey player-turned-professional golfer was recently filmed there, and John might give us a hint about that. We’ll also chat about the growing excitement for next year’s Ryder Cup. Plus, as a big Yankees fan, John’s going to have to endure a little ribbing from me—a Red Sox fan—about their recent loss in the World Series. John will join me in just a few minutes.
Following John, we have the pleasure of hearing from 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater Scott Hamilton. Scott is genuinely one of the most inspiring people I know. He’s overcome countless challenges in his life and still reached the pinnacle of his sport. We’ll talk about the obstacles he’s faced, his incredible optimism and faith, and the Hall of Fame inductions that continue to recognize his remarkable achievements. Scott’s story is one of resilience, positivity, and triumph, and I’m thrilled to share it with you all.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, November 11th, 2024 – 11:22 am
In Part 2 of Episode 56, I’m thrilled to welcome Jenn Whaley, who’s making her Next on the Tee debut. If her last name sounds familiar, it should—she’s the daughter of Suzy Whaley, former President of the PGA of America and now President of Golf Nation. Suzy has been a wonderful friend of the show, and she’s raised an equally wonderful daughter in Jenn. Jenn’s passion for the game and her work with Top Golf and Callaway Brands comes shining through the energy in her voice. We chat about what it was like growing up in a true golf family and the golf lessons that happened at the dinner table. Jenn also shares highlights from her remarkable college golf career at Quinnipiac in Connecticut, along with her current role leading a program aimed at getting more beginners into the game and helping them stay engaged with it.
We’ll round Part 2 with former Michigan State, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Mitch Lyons. Mitch helped Michigan State achieve some fantastic victories, including a win over #1-ranked Michigan at The Big House—a story he’ll share with us. He’ll also recall the day he set the Michigan State record for catches by a tight end. We discuss his experiences playing for an incredible array of coaches, from George Perles to Jerry Glanville, June Jones, and Bill Cowher. Naturally, we spend a good portion of the conversation on his time with the Steelers, where he reflects on what it was like to play for “The Chin,” and how special it is to play for the Rooney Family versus any other organization. Mitch is also a golfer and joins us from Arizona, where he’s set to play in the Pro-Am before the Schwab Cup playoffs on the Champions Tour. He has plenty of great stories to share, and you won’t want to miss this conversation later in the show.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Friday, November 8th, 2024 – 11:46 am
In Part 1 of this week’s episode, we’re kicking things off with our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who’s joining us for the 107th time and on the 9th anniversary of the first time he joined the show. Tom and I dive into the proposed changes for the 2025 PGA Tour season, which unfortunately don’t seem focused on growing the game at the professional level. We discuss the trickle-down effect these changes could have on top instructors like Tom and on others around the game who are dedicated to helping aspirational players. These changes risk shrinking the game at the top, giving a larger piece of the pie to fewer players. As usual, it seems to come down to more money for fewer people. You’ll hear Tom’s thoughts on this and much more.
After Tom, we’ll have our monthly visit from “The Confidence Doctor,” Dr. Bob Winters. This month, we’re focusing on the fantastic results he’s seeing with his junior players as they work toward achieving their goals. Dr. Bob also shares his insights on staying in the present moment instead of constantly projecting ahead. Plus, we discuss the importance of prioritizing enjoyment on the course, asking each other if we had fun instead of immediately asking, “What did you shoot?”
published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, November 4th, 2024 – 3:25 pm
In this special bonus edition of the show I’m joined by former Houston Oilers Pro Bowl QB Dante Anthony Pastorini.
Dan Pastorini is not only a multi-time Hall of Fame athlete but also a Hall of Fame human being. Despite what you might see on commercials, he truly is one of the most interesting men on the planet—which you can read more about in his book, Taking Flak: My Life in the Fast Lane.
In this segment, Dan reflects on his journey with golf, sharing how he developed a passion for the game and even helped his Houston Oilers teammates get invited to the Houston Open, breaking a tradition where only Cowboys players were previously included. He recalls the thrill of teaming up with fellow Houston Sports Hall of Famer Jackie Burke to win the Pro-Am and names the players who would make up his most fun foursome.
Dan also highlights his annual Celebrity Golf Invitational, which raises funds for the inspiring organization Be An Angel (www.beanangel.org). Shifting to football, he reminisces about the fierce yet respectful rivalry between the Steelers and Oilers in the late ’70s, including memorable third showdowns in the AFC Championship Games in 1978 & ’79. He shares stories of mutual respect, like Joe Greene and John Banaczak helping him off the field after the ’79 Championship game and Joe being there to honor him at his Houston Sports Hall of Fame induction.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 – 3:12 pm
In Part 2 of Season 11, Episode 54, I welcome back good friend Matthew Laurance for another fun conversation. No matter how many times we get together, it never seems quite enough. This time, Matthew shares stories from his experience at a Major League Fantasy Camp with a team that’s an unexpected choice for a lifelong Yankees fan! We also celebrate the anniversary of some of Matthew’s most memorable acting roles, including his appearances on Beverly Hills 90210 and Eddie & the Cruisers.
Rounding out the episode, I sit down with PGA Professional Keith Stewart, founder of the golf betting handicapping site Read The Line. Combining his deep knowledge of the game with firsthand experience at tournament sites each week, Keith has become remarkably adept at picking winners, with over 30 outright wins across various tours. He shares his strategies and insights into the art of golf handicapping.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 – 3:09 pm
Tom Patri and I dive into the controversy surrounding the high cost of Ryder Cup tickets. With the PGA of America positioning the event as a “Super Bowl-level” spectacle, fans and potential volunteers are feeling the impact of sky-high prices. Tom shares his thoughts on whether the PGA’s pricing strategy is justified, especially given the New York City setting where high prices are often the norm. Drawing a comparison to Billy Joel’s famous Millennium Concert at Madison Square Garden—where the singer himself remarked on the outrageous ticket prices—they may be right, we may be crazy…
Following Tom, I’m joined by Dr. Bob Jones IV, the grandson of legendary golfer Bobby Jones and an esteemed sports psychologist. Doc brings a unique blend of spirituality and warmth that’s rare in the sports world. In a world increasingly dominated by social media negativity, he offers advice on how to maintain mental resilience on and off the course. He also discusses strategies for overcoming a single frustrating hole that can derail a round, the importance of carefully choosing who we share our goals with, and tips for staying centered amid daily distractions. Doc brings a calming, grounding presence to every conversation, making this episode a truly special experience for listeners looking to elevate not only their game but their mindset.
