Tree of Life

19 Sep

S12, Ep40: Steve Shingledecker’s RMU Men’s Golf Team Is On The Rise Plus 6x Hall of Famer Jim McLean Talks US Open, Ryder Cup, & Bethpage Setup

published in category: Next on the Tee on Friday, September 19th, 2025 – 9:49 am

On this bonus edition of Next on the Tee, I’m thrilled to be joined by two outstanding guests who are making a major impact on the game.

First up is legendary instructor Jim McLean, one of the most decorated teachers in golf history and a 2025 inductee into the PGA of America Hall of Fame. Jim reflects on the honor, his extraordinary playing career that included the Masters, U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, and U.S. Senior Open, and why he was an early adopted of technology like video analysis and TrackMan, to stay ahead of the curve. We talk about his student James Nicholas, who impressed at this year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont. Jim also shares lessons from his archives, the debate around “swinging left,” and what he’s most looking forward to at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage.

Then I catch up with Robert Morris Head Men’s Golf Coach Steve Shingledecker, who has transformed the Colonials into a rising contender. We revisit their best-ever Horizon League finish, the confidence it created, and standout play recently from Chuck Tragresser, who earned his first win at the Western PA Spring Stroke Play and finished runner-up at the WPGA Open. Steve also shares the hard work that the rest of his roster has put in, and why they’ve gone from being near the bottom of leaderboards to expecting to win. He also previews their fall and spring schedules—including a big opener at Pinehurst—and shares how the energy around RMU athletics has the whole campus buzzing.

Two great conversations this week filled with stories, lessons, and inspiration for players and fans alike.

 

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

15 Sep

S12, Ep39, Pt 2: Stepping Into Greatness: Matt Cahill’s Path from Junior Golf to Oakmont to Seminole

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, September 15th, 2025 – 1:21 pm

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 39, I’m joined by Matt Cahill, the man chosen by the legendary Bob Ford himself to succeed him as Head PGA Professional at Seminole Golf Club. When Ford retired, his short list for the role had just one name—and Club President Jimmy Dunne agreed.

Matt shares his perspective on what it’s like working for two icons of the game and answers the fun question: who’s tougher to impress—Bob Ford or Jimmy Dunne? Beyond being a world-class professional, Matt is also a terrific player. He takes us back to his junior days competing in the Junior Team Championship, the U.S. Junior Amateur, the U.S. Amateur, and even teeing it up at the PGA Championship a couple of years ago at Oak Hill.

You’ll hear some of his favorite memories from those events, the incredible fields he competed against, plus what it was like working at Shoal Creek, Oakmont, Shinnecock Hills as part of the team that hosted the 2018 U.S. Open, and now at Seminole.

Matt is so much fun. He is a great player, but he’s an even better person. It comes shining through during our conversation. I know you’re going to love that and him.

 

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

13 Sep

S12, Ep 39, Pt 1: Ryder Cup Reality Check: Keegan’s Picks, Bethpage Truths & Overcoming Doubt with Tom Patri & Dr. Bob Winters

published in category: Next on the Tee on Saturday, September 13th, 2025 – 3:07 pm

On Part 1 of this episode of Next on the Tee, we’re turning up the heat as we look ahead to one of the greatest events in all of sports—the Ryder Cup. With the Captains’ picks announced, the big question is: Did Keegan Bradley get it right? Or did he fall into the “old boys club” trap he once criticized? I dig deep into the picks, including whether Keegan should’ve made himself the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, and how Bethpage Black might—or might not—be set up to favor the U.S. Team. Our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, shares why he thinks course setup won’t matter, plus we break down the unique challenges of Patrick Cantlay’s hat size and the no-win nature of Ryder Cup captaincy.

From there, we pivot to the FedEx Cup and the so-called “season-long” chase before welcoming back Dr. Bob Winters. This month, Doc delivers the mental keys to overcoming doubt—whether you’re chasing your club championship, trying to break a scoring milestone, or facing that one hole you can’t seem to conquer. His mantra: Process over Prizes.

Be sure to come back for Part 2, I welcome Matt Cahill, the man handpicked by Bob Ford to succeed him as Head PGA Professional at Seminole Golf Club. Matt talks about the opportunity to work for both Ford and Jimmy Dunne, his impressive playing career from junior championships to US Amateur Championship, to the PGA Championship at Oak Hill, and his experiences helping Shinnecock Hills host the 2018 U.S. Open.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

08 Sep

S12, Ep34, Pt 1: Rocco Mediate Helps Me Find 10 Extra Yards Plus the Key to Better Golf After 50

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, September 8th, 2025 – 10:23 am

Fellow Yinzer and fan-favorite Rocco Mediate joins me in Part 1 of the episode. Rocco was recently featured in the inspiring documentary Steel Links, hosted by former Pirates star Neil Walker and featuring Pittsburgh icons like Charlie Batch and Carole Semple-Thompson. Rocco talks about what it was like being a part of that project. We also hear his memories of playing in the 1994 U.S. Open at Oakmont alongside Mr. Palmer during his final appearance in the championship. Despite needing back surgery, Rocco wasn’t going to miss that moment. He shares what it was like inside the ropes with The King and what he said to him on the 18th green that sent Mr. Palmer’s emotions over the edge. Rocco also discusses his emotions following getting back in the winner’s circle at the Furyk & Friends event, plus he shares a tip he posted on Instagram that helped me gain 10 more yards and straighter shots—a true key to better golf after 50.

Rocco is a delight, and I know you’re going to love this segment. Come back for Part 2, where one of the all-time Players and Instructors, Larry Rinker, proves how little I understand about the mechanics of the golf swing.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

04 Sep

S12, Ep 38: Ryder Cup Prep: From the Guys Who Know, Tom Patri & Frank Darby

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, September 4th, 2025 – 11:22 am

In this special bonus edition of Next on the Tee, we’re mixing things up. My good friend Tom Patri kicks things off as we dive into some of the hottest topics in golf right now. We cover USGA President Fred Perpall doubling down on the golf ball rollback—regardless of the PGA Tour’s stance—and debate what it means for the future of the game. We talk about the big-name players who missed out on this year’s Tour Championship, the sponsor exemptions that helped Rickie Fowler get in, Tommy Fleetwood’s quest to break through, and JJ Spaun’s eyebrow-raising quote.

Then we’re joined by Metropolitan PGA Section legend and Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio’s On Course co-host, Frank Darby. With decades of experience setting up courses like Bethpage Black for major tournaments, leading in the Met Section, and coaching Keegan Bradley during his St. John’s days, Frank offers unmatched insight alongside Tom—who also cut his teeth in the Met Section and has played the course numerous times. Together, we break down Bethpage Black, Ryder Cup implications, and what might be going through Keegan’s mind. It’s an insider’s look at two legends’ home turf, and you won’t want to miss it.

 

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

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

 



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