Tree of Life

02 Jul

Podcast: What closing time in the South Side looks like

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 – 2:00 pm

 

Early Sunday morning, the South Side streets were host to hundreds of weekend revelers after the bars closed at 2 a.m. along East Carson Street in Pittsburgh.

A hefty police presence awaited the crowds, forming a riot line and using pepper spray to disperse them. At one point gunfire rang out. Police recovered one casing and no one was injured.

In recent weeks Pittsburgh officials, including the district’s councilman, Bob Charland, along with South Side business owners have been urging people to vacate the entertainment district quickly after last call.

TribLive reporters Justin Vellucci and Megan Trotter discuss the late night crowds and the local sentiment as this dispersal seems to be the start of a weekly summer trend.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

02 Jul

What It’s S12, Ep 27, Pt 2: Like to Play Oakmont—Olin Browne Looks Back Plus Pasatiempo, Old Head & Hidden Gems with Evan Schiller

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 – 10:15 am

In Part 2 of Episode 27 I’m joined by 2011 U.S. Senior Open Champion Olin Browne and one of the all-time great golf course Photographers Evan Schiller.

Olin shares memories from playing in the US Open at Oakmont in 1994 and 2007, including battling brutal heat during a sweltering second-round tee time in ’94 and the honor of playing the same day as Arnold Palmer’s final U.S. Open round. We also talk about Oakmont’s legendary rough and greens, whether a 15-handicap could even break 150, and how it ranks among the toughest courses Olin has ever played.

Then I’m joined by world-renowned golf course photographer Evan Schiller, who reflects on his experience playing in the 1986 U.S. Open at Shinnecock. We dive into Evan’s recent and upcoming travels, including his return to Ireland to shoot Old Head, his thoughts on Andrew Green’s restoration work at East Lake, and why Pasatiempo might feature the best collection of par 3s anywhere. We wrap up with a deep dive into Reynolds Lake Oconee’s Creek Club, the incredible courses at The McLemore, and the designers who’ve left the biggest impression on him. From Tour-tested insight to breathtaking golf course imagery, it’s a conversation every golf fan will love.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

26 Jun

Why are younger people behind on financial literacy?

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Thursday, June 26th, 2025 – 10:45 am

“Are you saving for retirement?”

It’s a question that gets a range of answers, especially across age groups. Some think it’s too early to start; others believe it’s never too soon.

Among millennials and Generation Z, one trend stands out: a significant gap in financial literacy.

Many young Americans lack the most basic financial knowledge, according to researchers at the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center at George Washington University.

To explore the topic, TribLive reporter Haley Daugherty spoke with financial experts, and with 21-year-old Michael Weleski, a young man who’s already spent nearly a decade earning and strategically investing his income to build a secure financial future.

Haley joins host Zac Gibson to talk about Weleski’s story, examine financial planning trends among young people, and share some practical advice for starting your own financial journey.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

19 Jun

S12, Ep 28: Justin LaBar & Richard Zokol

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, June 19th, 2025 – 7:14 pm

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by two incredible guests who bring unique perspectives from both the sports media and golf worlds.

First up is Justin LaBar, General Manager of TribLIVE’s High School Sports Network and longtime content creator for TribLIVE. Justin shares his journey from attending Point Park University in Pittsburgh to covering Super Bowl 43 in Tampa as a student journalist, and eventually transitioning straight into a full-time role at the Trib. He also reflects on the special Father’s Day he spent with his dad at this year’s U.S. Open. Beyond his media career, Justin is also a well-known pro wrestling analyst and weekend host on SiriusXM’s Busted Open radio show. He’s full of great stories and insights you won’t want to miss.

Then, I’m joined by 2-time PGA Tour winner and 4-time Hall of Fame inductee Richard Zokol. Richard makes his 8th appearance on the show, and this time we focus on the mental side of the game. He shares a preview of his upcoming book, Zokology: Winning With Your Mind, set to be released on Father’s Day 2026. Richard opens up about how to overcome self-imposed expectations and those placed on you, strategies for quieting mental noise, and how a Sony Walkman helped him win on Tour. We also look back at his memorable front-nine 30 during the final round of the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and why you should celebrate your own accomplishments.

Both conversations are insightful, inspiring, and filled with powerful takeaways. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

18 Jun

What it was like covering the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 – 10:41 am

J.J. Spaun took home the title of champion of the 125th U.S. Open as the sole golfer under par Sunday night at Oakmont Country Club.

The championship rounds during the past week reaffirmed Oakmont Country Club’s reputation as one of the toughest tests of the world’s best. The course’s slick greens and punishing rough made for one of the toughest major setups in recent memory.

Throughout the week, Triblive reporters brought coverage of varied aspects of the event to give readers an in-depth look at all it takes to bring the U.S. Open together, and showcase the experience of the spectators.

TribLive reporter James Engel joins host Zac Gibson to discuss their experiences covering the U.S. Open.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

16 Jun

S12, Ep 27, Pt 1: Crafting Great Beer and Golf Memories: Rachel Gill & Rosalie Wisotzski

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, June 16th, 2025 – 11:36 am

In Part 1 of this week’s Next on the Tee, I had the pleasure of visiting Pittsburgh Brewing Company and sitting down with their amazing Marketing Director, Rachel Gill. Rachel shares the story behind the evolution of this iconic brand—it’s not just your grandfather’s Iron City anymore. While staying true to classics like Iron City and IC Light, they’re also brewing exciting craft selections like Pool Side and Block House Blueberry Wheat.

We talk about their stunning new facility, built on the historic site of the old Pittsburgh Glass Works, and their impressive on-site concert venue that’s quickly becoming a must-visit destination—set to host country legends Alabama during U.S. Open week and Joan Jett later this summer.

Then I got a surprise guest—Rosalie Wisotzski, a spirited golfer who’s played Oakmont and just returned from a dream trip to St. Andrews. She, her stories, perspective, and love of the game were absolutely captivating. I’m so glad she stopped by—you will be too.

It’s a fun, inspiring, and very Pittsburgh kind of episode.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

09 Jun

S12, Ep26, Pt 2: Bill Mallon

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, June 9th, 2025 – 10:22 am

In Part 2 of this week’s episode of Next on the Tee, I’m joined by someone quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite guests—Bill Mallon. Bill’s remarkable journey through golf, medicine, and the story of tickets to the 1980 Winter Olympics that he gave to his father, is one you won’t want to miss.

A former standout amateur and 2x All-American at Duke, Bill captured 43 amateur titles, including the Massachusetts and New England Amateurs twice each. He played on the PGA Tour from 1975 to 1979 and teed it up in the 1977 U.S. Open at Southern Hills—an event made unforgettable by winner Hubert Green playing through death threats, a moment Bill experienced firsthand.

After his time on Tour, Bill returned to Duke for medical school and went on to become one of the country’s top orthopedic surgeons. He also shares an unforgettable story about the time he and Gary McCord set the PGA Tour record for the fastest round ever played—finishing in just 1 hour and 26 minutes at Harbour Town in 1977, a developing story that caught the attention of TV cameras and eventually Commissioner Deane Beman.

We also dive into Bill’s passion as an Olympic historian, including a powerful and emotional story about gifting his father tickets to the 1980 Winter Olympics to see speed skating legend Eric Heiden—a moment that would become part of his father’s final words years later.

This is an episode filled with incredible stories, heartfelt moments, and the kind of perspective only someone like Bill Mallon can bring.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

07 Jun

S12, Ep 26, Pt 1: Inside Oakmont: Joe Inman’s Major Moments & Dr. Bob’s Winning Mindset

published in category: Next on the Tee on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 – 4:36 pm

This week on Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two incredible guests who each bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and heart to the game.

First up is former PGA Tour Pro Joe Inman, whose remarkable career includes being a 3-time All-American at Wake Forest, winner of the Arnold Palmer Award in 1969, and a member of that year’s victorious U.S. Walker Cup team. Joe takes us back through the majors he played at Oakmont, the ’69 U.S. Amateur, the ’78 PGA Championship, and the ’83 U.S. Open. Plus he talks about playing with and against future legends Lanny Watkins, Steve Melnyk, Allen Miller, Tom Watson, Jay Siegel, and Paul Purtzer in the Walker Cup and at the US Amateur. Joe’s peers say he’d make the perfect PGA Tour Commissioner—and after hearing this conversation, you might agree with that they’re right.

Then, we welcome back our resident “Confidence Doctor” Dr. Bob Winters. In his regular monthly segment, Doc shares stories from his early days in the game, including a touching memory of meeting the great Jim Dent. As always, he brings unmatched positivity and teaches us how to build lasting confidence both on and off the course.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 



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