Tree of Life

11 Sep

S11, Ep 47, Pt 1: Jonathan Yarwood, a Top 100 Golf Magazine Instructor, and Tom Purtzer, one of my all-time favorite guests

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 – 9:29 am

Jonathan Yarwood, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor and the Director of Instruction at Alpine Country Club in New Jersey, has worked with major champions like Michael Campbell and Nelly Korda, as well as winners across almost every Tour. We dive into Michael Campbell’s career and discuss why he is so underrated. Jonathan also recounts the memorable day he accompanied Michael Campbell to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange after his 2005 US Open victory. Additionally, we talk about unqualified swing advice circulating on social media, and Jonathan shares a useful tip to improve your putting.

Tom Purtzer offers his insights on the Tour Championship, speculates on if the Pro game might not be splinted the way it is if Deane Beman were still Commissioner, reminisces about late-season 2 team tournaments he played in, and reflects on his time playing in the Gerald Ford Invitational Pro-Am.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

10 Sep

S11, Ep 46, Pt 2: Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor Scott Munroe

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, September 10th, 2024 – 9:38 am

Scott Munroe came highly recommended by another Top 100 Instructor and guest on the show Jeff Smith. Just like when James Hong joined me, when Jeff Smith says you gotta have this guy on the show, you have this guy on the show.

Scott is from Indiana and found early success in his career playing in Australia. In this episode, he reflects on his experiences down under and shares some fantastic stories about his time with Bernhard Langer and working with Jimmy Connors. We also get a rare look inside one of the nation’s premier country clubs, Nantucket Golf Club. Scott offers valuable tips on improving driver contact, identifies our most common swing flaw, and gives advice on how to hit better pitch shots using our bellies. Finally, we learn about what’s sure to be a smash at next year’s PGA Merchandise Show, “2 Hoosiers & a Hong.”

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

04 Sep

From the Newsroom: A tale of 2 rallies

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 – 10:55 am

Starting last week and over the holiday weekend, the presidential election nominees from both parties have made headlines in Pennsylvania.

Former President Donald Trump addressed a crowd in Johnstown on Friday, touching on topics like the Arlington cemetery incident and the Harris-Walz interview.

Then, on Labor Day, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden appeared together in Pittsburgh, showcasing their commitment to labor issues in one of their first joint campaign appearances.

TribLive reporter Megan Swift joins host Zac Gibson to share her insights from the rallies and discuss their impact on the Pennsylvanians who attended.

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

03 Sep

S11, Ep 46, Pt 1: Tom Patri and Tim Simpson

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 – 2:10 pm

This week, TP and I dive into the Tour Championship, with a focus on Keegan Bradley’s remarkable journey. Keegan barely made it into last week’s BMW Championship at Castle Rock, entering the tournament ranked 50th—just inside the Top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings. Not only did he secure his spot, but he also went on to win, catapulting himself to 4th place with a real shot at winning the entire championship. We’ll explore the possibility of Keegan playing in the Presidents Cup and even serving as a player-captain in next year’s Ryder Cup. Plus, we’ll discuss the LPGA’s Player of the Year race.

Tim Simpson is a legendary ball striker and perhaps the strongest person I’ve ever known. He’s faced multiple back surgeries, Lyme disease, neurological issues caused by Lyme disease, brain surgery, and, most recently, one of the rarest forms of cancer in the world. Despite it all, Tim never complained and overcame every challenge. In this episode, you’ll hear his incredible story, including the time he played in a Pro-Am with Michael J. Fox, and his thoughts on what’s next for Keegan Bradley.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

29 Aug

S11, Ep 44: America’s Caddie Michael Collins Joins Me

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, August 29th, 2024 – 11:15 am

Michael is one of those remarkable individuals you’re lucky to encounter, not just in the golf community, but in life in general. His talents are truly limitless. He began as an outstanding comedian and evolved into a top-notch caddie, broadcaster, and now, you can add photographer to his impressive resume.

In this episode, you’ll hear Michael’s insights on who should be named PGA Tour Player of the Year, his memorable experience playing Augusta National, some of his favorite photographs—including the one he wants to be buried with—and his thoughts on the powerful Mike Tomlin video about the difference between players who are capable and those who are willing.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

26 Aug

S11, Ep 43: The Keep: Redefining Golf Course Excellence

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, August 26th, 2024 – 11:49 am

The Keep is the latest addition to the McLemore property, complementing the existing Highlands course. This project holds special significance for Duane Horton, who has a deep connection to the area, having grown up at the base of McLemore Cove. Duane’s vision brought this land to life, and with the expertise of Bill Bergin and Rees Jones, they’ve crafted two of the finest courses in the country.

Charlie Rymer, known for his time on the PGA Tour and as a host on The Golf Channel, has also played a key role in this endeavor. Charlie is also from the area and helped bring this masterpiece to life. As the Executive Vice President and Ambassador for the resort, Charlie has applied his playing experience and keen understanding of what golfers seek in a destination resort. Together, these four men have created a resort that is sure to become a top destination on golfers’ bucket lists worldwide.

The Keep is their latest masterpiece—a breathtaking course featuring cliff edge holes with panoramic vistas from every point on the property. Designed as a links-style course with multiple tee setups, The Keep offers a unique experience each time you play.

In this episode, you’ll hear from all four of these visionaries as they share their insights, stories, and enthusiasm for the project. They’ll discuss how The Keep came together, the challenges they faced, the course’s routing, and what makes this course truly stand out from any other you’ve ever played.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

21 Aug

S11, Ep 42, Pt 2: Former Pro Bowl QBs Gus Frerotte & Chris Miller

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 – 10:59 am

Gus Frerotte, who hails from Ford City, just outside of Pittsburgh, kicks off the conversation by sharing his thoughts on the Steelers’ quarterback situation, particularly the dynamic of having both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Gus draws on his own experience from when he was drafted by the Commanders as a 7th round pick, the same year they selected Heath Shuler with the #3 overall pick. He offers his perspective on whether Pittsburgh’s situation can succeed. We also discuss the skyrocketing salaries of quarterbacks and wide receivers, the evolution of the game since his playing days, his memorable conversation with Matthew McConaughey, and some of his favorite Pro-Am tournaments.

Chris Miller, an Oregon Duck Hall of Famer, was a 1st round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 1987. After retiring from the NFL, he went on to serve as the Offensive Coordinator for the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL. We begin by discussing the new UFL and its potential to develop players overlooked by NFL teams. Chris shares his thoughts on the Falcons drafting Michael Penix in the 1st round after signing Kirk Cousins to a massive free-agent contract. He also provides insights on his Oregon Ducks, who are entering the college football season ranked #3. Finally, we hear about his memorable round of golf with his father at Augusta National and his participation in the annual Mike Bellotti MDA Golf Tournament.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

15 Aug

S11, Ep 42, Pt 1: Jane Crafter Talks Fox Chapel & the US Senior Women’s Open & Tom Patri shares his thoughts on Matt Kuchar & the Wyndham Championship

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, August 15th, 2024 – 12:28 pm

This week, Tom and I kick things off by discussing the puzzling decision of Matt Kuchar to be the only player to finish the Wyndham Championship on Monday morning, despite being seven strokes off the lead. Tom also shares his thoughts on Aaron Rai’s first win, Billy Horschel’s classy gesture, and what’s been going wrong with his own short game lately.

Jane Crafter, hailing from Perth, Australia, had an exceptional amateur career, winning the 1978 New Zealand and 1980 Belgian Amateur Championships and finishing as runner-up in the 1977 Australian and 1980 Canadian Amateur Championships. We delve into those achievements, as well as her reflections on this year’s U.S. Senior Open Championship and her own Top 5 finish in that event in 2019. Jane also revisits her victory at the 1997 Austrian Open, and she shares some drills and tips that made her one of the best putters in the game.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 



Podcasts