Tree of Life

26 Aug

S12, Ep 37, Pt 2: The Caddie Who’s Won It All — But Still Isn’t in the Hall & Why Uneekor Might Be the Smartest Golf Investment You’ll Ever Make

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 – 10:29 am

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 37, I’m joined by two guests who bring both heart and innovation to the game. First up, legendary Tour caddie Kip Henley returns to share stories from a lifetime inside the ropes. Beyond his work with stars like Vijay Singh, Brian Gay, Stewart Cink, and Boo Weekly, Kip has an incredible playing résumé of his own — winning nearly every major title in Tennessee golf, earning Player of the Year honors five times, and a place in his hometown Hall of Fame. We look back at some of his biggest wins, the tournaments he’s helped capture as a caddie, and even a few “what-if” moments from bags he left behind.

Then, Aaron Waltz, VP of Sales at Uneekor, steps in to talk about the meteoric rise of in-home golf simulators. We discuss how Uneekor’s cutting-edge tech delivers a realistic, affordable, and family-friendly way to enjoy the game year-round — whether you’re introducing juniors to golf, competing with buddies across the globe, or transforming your simulator into a home theater for movie night.

Two great conversations, one unforgettable episode — thank you for pressing play and coming along for the ride.

 

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

25 Aug

S12, Ep37, Pt 1: Golden Age Greatness: Bruce Devlin’s Victories & Ron Sirak’s Game-Changing Journalism

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, August 25th, 2025 – 9:26 am

On this episode of Next on the Tee, I’m blessed to be joined by four wonderful friends from different corners of the golf world. In part 1, we start with a true legend of the game — Bruce Devlin. One of Australia’s all-time greats, Bruce won the 1959 Australian Amateur, enjoyed a stellar career during golf’s golden age, and later became an acclaimed broadcaster and course designer. We start out talking about his battles at Oakmont in the 1962, ’73, and ’83 US Opens. We then hear about his victory at the 1972 Houston Open. From there, we transition to his memories of leading the 1982 U.S. Open through 36 holes, competing against Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus at Pebble Beach, and sealing a dramatic victory at the 1983 New Zealand Open by birdying the 72nd hole. We also talk about his outstanding run in the broadcast booth during the ’80s and ’90s — and the surprising fact that aspiring broadcasters have never sought his advice, which blew me away.

Next, I’m joined by the incomparable Ron Sirak, whose writing forever changed golf journalism. I simply don’t understand how he’s not in the World Golf Hall of Fame for his many contributions to the game over the years. A proud fellow Yinzer, Ron has been honored with the PGA of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award and lauded by the Associated Press for elevating their coverage of the game. We revisit Oakmont’s storied place in U.S. Open history, reflect on his Western Pennsylvania roots, and hear about the resilience of the community as the steel mills closed. Ron also shines a light on one of the greatest — yet least celebrated — female amateurs in golf history. His storytelling is as powerful as his reporting, and I think you’ll enjoy every moment.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

18 Aug

S12, Ep36, Pt 2: The Ball Marker That’s Helping Fellow Yinzer Jim Furyk Plus Charlie Hull Make More Putts

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, August 18th, 2025 – 11:02 am

 

Thank you for coming back for Part 2 of Episode 36 featuring my conversation with Briston Peterson, founder of On Point Golf. Briston takes us through the science behind how his 3D ball marker is changing the way golfers see the line—and sink more putts. With Jim Furyk, Charley Hull, and Top Instructor Nick Bradley already trusting it in competition, Briston reveals what makes it so successful and why it might just be the secret weapon to help you make more putts, cut a few strokes off your score, and get over the hump to breaking 80, 90, or 100.
Want to try one free? Reach out to me on social media, @ctmascaro, and while my supply lasts, I’ll send you one.
Posted in Next on the Tee

 

16 Aug

S12, Ep36, Pt 1: The Right Way to Leave, the Best Way to Think & a New Way to Putt

published in category: Next on the Tee on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 – 2:07 pm

On this episode of Next on the Tee, I’m joined by three great friends who each bring their own expertise and perspective to the game. First up, our Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, is fired up about the importance of basic human decency in player/coach relationships. We discuss how parting ways can be a natural part of the game, but it should always be done with class—especially when a coach has gone above and beyond to help a player in tough times. That leads us into a candid conversation about the player/caddie dynamic, including Collin Morikawa’s rapid caddie changes this season and when instead players need to take a hard look in the mirror. Next, The Confidence Doctor Dr. Bob Winters, joins me to continue that discussion and share insights on one of his students, Rianne Malixi, who recently had an impressive run at the U.S. Women’s Amateur. As always, Doc leaves us with wisdom to remember, including this pearl of wisdom, it’s hard to keep hungry when the refrigerator is always full, and the meaning behind his PLAY acronym.

Please come back for Part 2, when I’m joined by Briston Peterson, founder of On Point Golf, to talk about his innovative 3D ball marker that’s making waves on the Champions and LPGA Tours. Even Jim Furyk and Charley Hull have embraced it. Briston explains the science behind why it helps you make more putts, and I share how you can get one in your hands while my supply lasts.

 

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

11 Aug

S12, Ep35, Pt 2: Dwight Stone: Steelers Memories, Big Plays & Giving Back

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, August 11th, 2025 – 2:38 pm

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 35, former Steelers, Panthers, and Jets standout Dwight Stone makes his long-overdue return to the show. Dwight takes us inside his years in Pittsburgh, sharing what it was like to play under both Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher and how their leadership styles differed. He reflects on training camps in Latrobe, his relationships with teammates like Eric Green and Greg Lloyd, and one of his career highlights — an 89-yard touchdown catch in the 1991 season opener against the Chargers. Dwight also talks about facing the Steelers later in his career as a member of the Jets, and how it felt to line up against his former team. Off the field, he’s making an impact through his celebrity golf tournament, which benefits Tools For School and the Chase Your Marvelous Dream Foundation.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

11 Aug

S12, Ep35, Pt 1: Eva Rogers on Developing Enthusiastic Junior Golfers at Medinah + NFL Legend Don Beebe’s Run To Glory

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, August 11th, 2025 – 11:29 am

On this episode of Next on the Tee, I’m thrilled to share two remarkable guests whose stories, insights, and passion for what they do will inspire you on and off the course. I start with one of my all-time favorite women in golf, Eva Rogers, a Class A Teaching Professional at the iconic Medinah Country Club. Known for hosting some of golf’s greatest championships, Medinah is also home to Eva’s award-winning junior program. She shares her unique approach to identifying weaknesses in her students’ games, the damaging impact of parental pressure, and why letting kids enjoy the game is key to their growth. Eva has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Best Young Teachers in America, and you’ll quickly see why.

Next, I welcome back long-time friend and former NFL wide receiver Don Beebe, now the Head Coach at Aurora University. Don, a natural motivator shaped by his faith and his years under Coach Marv Levy, talks about the upcoming film Run to Glory based on his life, plus breaking news he shares first with us. We revisit his favorite rounds at Medinah and other local courses, and we look ahead to his Aurora Spartans’ promising 2025 season following last year’s playoff run. Don is fantastic. If you enjoy his segment half as much as I did, we’ve really got something in store for you.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

04 Aug

S12, Ep33, Pt 1: Tom Patri on Golf’s Discipline Problem: Time to Call Out the Chaos & Tom Wildenhaus Discusses Leadership, Legacy & the Lessons We’re Forgetting

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, August 4th, 2025 – 9:27 am

In this episode of Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two outstanding guests who share more than just a first name, Tom, both bring incredible insight and passion to the game.

First up is our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who’s been on the road working with his young players across Florida and Michigan. Tom and I dive into the highs and lows of what’s happening on the PGA Tour. We celebrate Scottie Scheffler’s win at The Open and debate whether his methodical dominance is “boring” or simply brilliant. While Tom sees predictability, I see a player achieving greatness through precision, consistency, and class. We also discuss some disappointing trends—like Wyndham Clark’s tantrum at Oakmont and the rise of club-throwing and tee marker destruction. Tom and I both believe the Tour needs to start publicly addressing these actions with transparent fines and suspensions to help clean up the game.

Then I welcome back one of the most respected PGA Professionals in the country, Tom Wildenhaus. Wildy is the Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club and a former National PGA Professional of the Year. He’s also a terrific writer with a must-follow Substack, where he recently tackled topics like the hidden costs of employee turnover, how to instill club culture in new hires, and the importance of building real relationships with members. We also talk about the fading presence of empathy in society and what that’s doing to our communities. On the teaching side, Tom shares valuable tips on structuring a more purposeful practice session. It’s a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation you don’t want to miss.

Come back for Part 2 when Bill Mallon shares some of his favorite player stories including being there when Craig Stadler got the nickname, The Walrus.
Posted in Next on the Tee

 

25 Jul

S12, Ep32, Pt 2: In the Face of Goodbye: Michael Whelan’s Most Powerful Chapter Yet

published in category: Next on the Tee on Friday, July 25th, 2025 – 11:46 am

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 32, I’m joined by someone I truly admire and consider a creative genius — Michael Whelan. If you don’t already follow him, go find him on X (Twitter) @MichaelJWhelan. Michael’s legacy in the world of golf media is nothing short of extraordinary. He was the visionary who launched The Golf Channel back in 1994–95 — hiring the talent, creating the programming, and turning Arnold Palmer’s dream of a 24/7 golf network into reality. He helped launch the career of Scott Van Pelt and many others.

What’s more impressive is how quickly he pulled it all together — building out the entire channel in under six months and proving the skeptics wrong with exceptional programming and production quality.

But this segment goes much deeper than career highlights. Michael bravely shares the physical and emotional challenges he’s currently facing. He opens up about his battle with cancer and the pain of watching his wife slowly fade due to Parkinson’s disease. It’s a moving, raw, and deeply personal conversation that reveals the strength, vulnerability, and creative spirit that defines him.

Michael has also teamed up with our friend Tucker Booth to co-author a powerful new book titled The Final Broadcast, which we preview during the show.

This is an emotional, inspiring segment you won’t forget.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 



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