Tree of Life

01 Oct

S11, Ep 49, Pt 2: Bethpage Director of Instruction Megan Younkman Plus Comedic Legend Tom Dreesen

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 – 2:40 pm

In Part 2 of Episode 49, I’m joined by two fantastic people: Megan Younkman, the Director of Instruction at Bethpage State Park, one of the Top 50 Junior and LPGA Instructors in the game, plus comedic legend and veteran of 61 appearances with Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, Tom Dreesen.

Megan Younkman is not only a top junior instructor, but she’s also the Director of Instruction at Bethpage State Park. This year, her 17 & Under team is competing for the National Championship, while her 13 & Under All-Star team made it to the finals. Megan shares insights into their success and talks about the preparations already underway at Bethpage Black for next year’s Ryder Cup matches.

Tom Dreesen brings over 50 years of show business experience to the conversation. With 61 appearances on The Tonight Show and years spent as the opening act for Frank Sinatra, he’s got a treasure trove of stories. He’s also hosted his own Pro-Am, played in the Bob Hope Desert Classic for several years, and competed on the Celebrity Tour. Plus, he’s a proud member of the Caddie Hall of Fame. In this segment, Tom shares his fascinating experiences and more.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

25 Sep

S11, Ep 49, Pt 1: Two Great Ladies in our Game, Western Pennsylvania’s own Missie Berteotti and the First Female President of the PGA of America, Suzy Whaley

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 – 9:53 am

Suzy Whaley is one of the most knowledgeable and gracious individuals you’ll ever meet. She made history as the first woman to qualify (not through a sponsor’s exemption) to play in a PGA Tour event since Babe Didrikson-Zaharias did it in 1945. Suzy was also the first female President of the PGA of America and now serves as the President of the exciting new golf platform, Golf Nation.

In our conversation, Suzy shares her insights on the recent Solheim Cup, a thrilling victory for Team USA. We discuss the possibility of creating a Presidents Cup-style event for women, giving international players a stage to showcase their talents. Suzy also reflects on Nelly Korda’s phenomenal season, the sometimes negative focus of media, and the innovative work happening at Golf Nation.

Missie Berteotti is one of Western Pennsylvania’s greatest golfers. She helped the University of Miami win a national championship and secured her first LPGA Tour victory at the 1993 Ping/Welch’s Championship, defeating Dottie Mochrie in an epic battle that went to the 5th playoff hole. Today, Missie is a leading instructor in the game.

Missie and I talk about a recent charity event where she teed it up alongside Steelers legend John Banaszak, and she shares her experience of going head-to-head with Mochrie to capture her first Tour win. We also chat about some of her favorite golf courses in the Pittsburgh area.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

24 Sep

The Keystone Key: Unlocking younger votes

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 – 10:01 am

As we approach the pivotal 2024 presidential election, Pennsylvania appears to be key to victory. With Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly visiting the state almost weekly, voters are grappling with critical issues that will shape the future of our country.

Today, we’re diving deep into the perspectives of young voters in Pittsburgh, exploring their hopes, concerns, and the challenges they face as a strong bloc in the electorate.

TribLive reporter Megan Swift interviewed young voters, including Cory Roma, a passionate advocate for progressive issues, and Mike Chiarlone, a dedicated member of the Allegheny County Young Republicans.

Today, we’re unpacking their views on the economy, political representation, and the importance of youth engagement in the electoral process.

This is From the Newsroom.

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

23 Sep

S11, Ep 48, Pt 2: John Mahaffey on Oakmont, Arnie, Deane Beman, & Playing at the University of Houston

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, September 23rd, 2024 – 9:50 am

John takes us back to his incredible comeback at the 1978 PGA Championship at Oakmont, where he rallied from 7 strokes down with 14 holes to play to defeat Tom Watson. He also reflects on his memories of Arnold Palmer in honor of what would have been Arnie’s 95th birthday. John shares his thoughts on the current fractured state of the Tours and how things might have been different if Deane Beman were still Commissioner. We also discuss his time at the University of Houston, where they won multiple national championships during his college career.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

18 Sep

S11, Ep 48, Pt 1: A Pair of Toms, Patri & Coyne Talk Arnie and A Course Called Ireland, Scotland, and America

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 – 10:55 pm

TP is currently on a bucket-list golf trip in New York, playing some of the most renowned courses in the country, and we get to live vicariously through him. He also shares his fond memories of “The King” on what would have been Arnold Palmer’s 95th birthday, including why he named his son after Arnie and Palmer’s touching reaction. Plus, we dive into Scottie Scheffler’s record-breaking season, Jim Furyk’s Presidents Cup captain picks, and how coaching in golf has evolved since TP’s early playing days.

Tom Coyne, one of the premier golf authors and journalists of our time, joins me as well. His novel, A Gentleman’s Game, was named one of the top 25 sports books of all time by the Philadelphia Daily News. He’s also penned several New York Times bestsellers like A Course Called Ireland, A Course Called Scotland, and A Course Called America. In this episode, he shares stories from these unforgettable journeys, talks about the prestigious award named in his honor, and gives us a glimpse into his podcast, The Golfer’s Journal.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

18 Sep

S11, Ep 47, Pt 2: Pittsburgh Field Club Head Golf Professional Chris Sheehan Plus The Confidence Doctor Makes A House Call

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 – 11:35 am

 

Dr. Bob Winters recently explored Alaska, returning with captivating stories that offer insights into golf, highlighting lessons in patience and perseverance. He’ll share the remarkable experiences from his Alaskan adventure.

Chris Sheehan, who has held Head Golf Professional roles at prestigious courses like Oak Hill, Inverness, and Lebanon Country Club, is now at the Pittsburgh Field Club. Chris will recount his journey through the golf world, delve into the rich history of the Pittsburgh Field Club, discuss the influential designers behind its layout, and explore the rivalries among notable Pittsburgh clubs such as Oakmont, Fox Chapel, and Allegheny Country Club.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

18 Sep

From the Newsroom: Why do police withhold officers’ names in deadly encounters?

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 – 9:57 am

In the summer of 2023, Jonathan Faidley, a U.S. Army veteran from Somerset County, found himself in an unimaginable situation. After learning from the news that his father, Robbie Saunders, 59, had been fatally shot by police in Ligonier Valley, Faidley sought answers. Saunders, who was disabled and had a history of substance abuse, had been holding a machete on his porch when the incident occurred.

Faidley’s quest for clarity led him to the local police station, where he encountered silence and evasiveness. Despite repeated attempts to obtain crucial information—including the police report, body camera footage, and statements from those involved—he faced resistance.

While Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli’s office eventually released some information in response to an open-records request, Faidley felt stonewalled and neglected.

Justin Vellucci joins Zac Gibson to explore the challenges Faidley faced in his search for answers and the broader implications of transparency in law enforcement.

This is From the Newsroom.

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

11 Sep

Podcast: U.S. Steel navigates political storm

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 – 12:05 pm

In recent months, Pittsburgh has been the center of a national conversation on an international sale.

The proposed purchase of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel in a $14.9 billion deal still faces opposition from politicians on both sides as well as the U.S. Department of Justice.

As the 2024 election ramps up, the conversation of the sale’s impact on Pittsburgh and the American Steel industry is being debated by local and national leaders alike.

Here to give us the ins and outs on U.S. Steel’s hard sell is TribLive reporter Jack Troy. He joins TribLive host Zac Gibson.

This is From the Newsroom.

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 



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