Tree of Life

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

 

23 Jul

S12, Ep32, Pt 1: Ian Baker-Finch Beyond Claret Jug & Paul Stankowski’s Birdies for a Cause

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 – 11:11 am

In Part 1, 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch, a man whose excellence on the course has often been overshadowed by the wrong narrative. This time, we set the record straight. We go back to his incredible performance at Royal Birkdale, where he played brilliant golf over all four days to capture the Claret Jug. Ian also reflects on his many wins around the world, including the 1983 New Zealand Open (his first professional event) and top finishes at The Players and The Masters following his Open Championship. Between 1983 and 1994, Ian was one of the top players on the planet—winning 17 times across the PGA, European, Japanese, and Australasian Tours.

In addition to his playing career, we celebrate his nearly 30 years as one of golf’s most respected broadcasters. He also gives us a preview of his upcoming book collaboration title, To Hell & Back, a docu-drama style memoir due out in August.

Next, I’m joined by Paul Stankowski, one of my all-time favorite guests, now making his 14th appearance on the show. Paul’s game is in top form coming off back-to-back Top 10 finishes at the U.S. Senior Open and Dick’s Sporting Goods Open. We talk about those performances, the joy of having his son Josh on the bag, and his excitement for the upcoming Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale.

Off the course, Paul is doing meaningful work with Direction 61:3, a nonprofit that supports young adults aging out of foster care. When these kids turn 18 and cycle out of foster care, the state gives them $500, but if they don’t have someplace to go, now they’re homeless. Paul is raising money through his birdie campaign on Tour—check out Direction613.org and Paul’s Instagram page to learn more and support the cause.

Be sure to come back for Part 2 featuring my conversation with the amazing Michael Whelan. His story is going to hit you in the heart…

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

21 Jul

S12, Ep31, Pt 2: Precision Perfected: Inside Proto Concept Golf with Marcy Kamoda

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, July 21st, 2025 – 3:38 pm

I’m joined by Marcy Kamoda, CEO of Proto Concept Golf, one of the fastest-rising equipment brands in the game today. Their clubs have earned multiple spots on the Golf Digest Hot List, and after hearing from Marcy, it’s easy to understand why.

We dive into Proto Concept’s incredible commitment to quality — from their use of 3D CAD technology to the meticulous inspection of every single club head they produce. No sampling here — just precision engineering and tour-level performance in every piece.

Marcy walks us through their full product lineup, including their new RR wedge series featuring laser milling for optimized spin, and the C01D driver, specially designed for players who don’t swing like the pros but still want to launch it long and straight.

Marcy’s passion and positivity shine throughout the conversation. Whether you’re a gearhead, a weekend warrior, or just curious about what sets great clubs apart from the rest, this is a segment you won’t want to miss.

 

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

17 Jul

S12, Ep31, Pt 1: From Hypnosis to Hilarity: Bosco & Calc Bring the Heat

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, July 17th, 2025 – 2:38 pm

Get ready for one of the most fun and insightful episodes of the season! In Part 1 of this week’s show, I’m joined by two incredible guests who bring a mix of laughs, life lessons, and game-changing golf knowledge.

First up is PGA Professional and Top Mental Performance Coach Joe Bosco. Joe came highly recommended by top instructor Jeff Smith, and after spending time with him, I can see why. Joe is not only a short game guru—he’s also a certified hypnotherapist, and in this episode, we dive into what hypnotherapy is, how it works, and how it can help you improve your game and your recovery. (Spoiler alert: I even went through a session myself to help with my ankle surgery recovery!) Joe also shares some techniques and strategies for sharpening your game with your scoring clubs, making this a segment one you’ll want to bookmark and come back to.

Then, fan favorite and 1989 Open Champion Mark Calcavecchia returns for another round of great stories and off-the-cuff laughs. We hear about the infamous Christmas cardfrom him and Brenda featuring a streaker at The Open, his encounter with a water cooler that nearly took out his mom, and how JC Snead taught him—and by extension, me—what the “Through Line” is and why you don’t walk in it. We also talk about his practice rounds with Tiger at the 2000 Open, wins at the 1993 and 1995 Argentine Open, and why he believes All in the Family and Green Acres deserve more love.

This one’s packed with entertainment and insights from tee to green and beyond. Don’t miss it!

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14 Jul

S12, Ep30, Pt 2: Vision for Victory: Morne Botha on Golf, Innovation & JondoSport

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, July 14th, 2025 – 4:53 pm

This Week on Next on the Tee, If you’ve ever wondered whether your $10 shades are holding your game back, this is the episode for you.

I’m excited to welcome Morne Botha to the show for the first time. Morne is the CEO of JondoSport, one of the premier eyewear brands in the game today, and a PGA Professional from South Africa with a deep background in golf instruction and club management.

We’ll rewind to his early days in the game and the influence a local PGA Pro had on his journey. Morne shares stories from his time launching golf academies with South African legend Andries Oosthuzien and leading operations at Pecanwood Estate Golf & Country Club—a Jack Nicklaus-designed gem where he transformed the member experience both on and off the course.

Then, we dive into JondoSport and what makes their KRISP lenses stand out from traditional and polarized options. Morne explains how their lens technology helps players read greens better and why Jondo’s precision-engineered design offers serious golfers a competitive edge. We also talk about the challenge of launching a premium eyewear brand internationally and how Ernie Els became one of their key brand ambassadors.

Plus, we cover the stylish side of performance with designs like the “Club Champ” and “Gimme” that are turning heads and elevating vision on the course.

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14 Jul

S12, Ep30, Pt 1: Mastering Pressure: Dr. Bob Winters on Choking & Confidence + Darren Pang Talks Hockey, Olympics, Royal County Down, & His Celebrity Green

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, July 14th, 2025 – 11:37 am

On this episode of Next on the Tee:

We kick things off with one of the most respected voices in sports psychology, Dr. Bob Winters, aka the “Confidence Doctor.” Dr. Bob joins me each month to help us strengthen our mental approach to the game, and this week we dive into the topic of “choking” — what it really is, and more importantly, what it isn’t. Following Tommy Fleetwood’s tough finish at the Travelers Championship, social media lit up with talk about pressure and performance. Dr. Bob offers his expert perspective and guidance to help us stay focused when the pressure’s on. Plus, we talk about the incredible success his junior players are having — if you know a young player looking to elevate their game, Dr. Bob is the person to call.

Then I’m joined by my wonderful friend and Assistant Captain, Darren Pang. With the Stanley Cup Finals in the rearview mirror, it’s always great catching up with Panger to talk hockey and golf. We discuss what it’s going to take to dethrone the now back-to-back Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers and preview next February’s Olympic hockey tournament. On the golf side, Darren shares his love for Miura clubs, why Royal County Down tops his list of favorite courses, and his memories from being at the 1997 Open at Royal Troon. He also gives us a look inside his home course Prestwick Village Golf Club in Michigan and his personal backyard putting green crafted by Celebrity Greens.

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08 Jul

S12, Ep 29, Pt 2: Swagger & Stories: Redefining Golf with Style and Legends with Sunday Swagger’s Kyle Moloo & 4x HOFer Richard Zokol

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 – 2:51 pm

In Part 2 of Episode 29, I’m joined first by Kyle Moloo, the Chief Marketing Officer of Sunday Swagger, a bold and fast-rising brand that’s redefining golf apparel. Kyle shares how the company is shaking up the game with vibrant colors, standout designs, and exciting partnerships—including one with Guinness that caught my attention as a longtime fan. They are making golf apparel fun for the whole family.

Then, I close out the episode with a quick turnaround visit from 2-time PGA Tour winner and 4-time Hall of Famer Richard Zokol. Richard was such a hit last week, I had to bring him back to finish some incredible player stories. He shares stories of PGA Pro turned Lee Trevino bodyguard, Jim King, a practical joke he played on Jack Nicklaus, a transformative moment with Moe Norman and Clay Edwards, his interaction with Byron Nelson at the 1993 Masters, and what it was like early in his career when he didn’t feel like he belonged on Tour.

You won’t want to miss this one!

 

Posted in Next on the Tee

 



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