Tree of Life

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

 

04 Jun

S12, Ep25, Pt 2: Mindset, Milestones & Magic Numbers with Rob Strano & Dr. Bob Winters

published in category: Next on the Tee on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 – 10:23 am

In Part 2 of Episode 25, my gumba Rob Strano joins me to celebrate the grand opening of his new state-of-the-art golf academy in the Florida panhandle. Rob takes us back to his days playing on Tour, sharing reflections on what he calls the “Uecker effect” which he unfairly depicts his PGA Tour career, since he became one of the 1% of the 1% who reached the elite level of the sport. He also recounts a wild story involving what might just be a Tour record on a par 5 at Smithfield Country Club. We also talk about the power of belief, mindset, and staying positive—both on the course and in life.

Then, I’m joined by the Confidence Doctor himself, Dr. Bob Winters. Doc shares stories from his recent travels, including a golf-filled trip to a lesser-known Hawaiian island. With the U.S. Women’s Open last week, we discuss some of the players he’s currently working with in the field, plus the incredible work one of his students is doing for junior golfers across Asia and the Philippines. It’s a fun and insightful wrap to another fun episode.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

04 Jun

Podcast: Inside the Penn State closure decision

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 – 9:31 am

 

Penn State’s Board of Trustees voted to close seven of the twelve branch campuses that were up for consideration in a virtual meeting on May 22.

Those campuses, to close after the spring 2027 semester, are New Kensington, Fayette, DuBois, Mont Alto, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York.

According to Penn State’s 2024 records, the closing campuses hosted 3,100 students and 520 full-time employees who will experience the brunt of the effects.

Penn State trustees indicated a commitment to helping those affected students explore options to continue their education with PSU and the remaining campuses, including the online World Campus.

The fate of the campuses themselves and the towns that they have become staple hubs within are unsure, leaving community leaders and students with questions.

Triblive reporter Kellen Stepler joins host Zac Gibson to explain the rationale behind these closures through the lens of Pennsylvania’s changing college landscape and provide insight on the possibilities for the future of the soon-to-close campuses.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

02 Jun

S12, Ep25, Pt 1: Lessons from the Oakmont Rough From Tom Patri & Mark Wiebe on the PGA Tour They Don’t Want You To See

published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, June 2nd, 2025 – 12:16 pm

In this week’s episode of Next on the Tee, we kick things off with our resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri. After a long drive from Key West to Naples, a quick round of golf with students, and another sprint home just to make it on the show, TP shows up delightfully “extra crispy.” Tom shares his expert thoughts on this year’s PGA Championship, including whether the tournament should’ve implemented lift, clean, and place rules after heavy rain left the course saturated—something that cost Scottie Scheffler a couple of strokes thanks to a muddy fairway lie. We also dive into his experiences playing Oakmont both with and without trees, and what makes its lightning-fast greens and 6-inch rough such a brutal test of golf.

Then, we’re joined by 2013 Senior Open Champion Mark Wiebe, who brings his trademark candor, wit, and honesty back to the show. Mark shares behind-the-scenes stories the PGA Tour would rather keep quiet, including past efforts by the players to form a players’ union, the contrast between today’s luxury tour travel and the motels and coach flights of his era, and his own memories of facing Oakmont’s fierce layout.

It’s a mix of golf wisdom, honesty, and humor you won’t want to miss.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

29 May

Podcast: Navigating the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Thursday, May 29th, 2025 – 1:31 pm

 

In two weeks, about 200,000 people will flock to Oakmont Country Club for the U.S. Open golf championship to watch some of the world’s best golfers.

Those fans should plan ahead. With shuttles bussing crowds to and from off-site parking lots on top of the regular event traffic, delays are all but certain during the event.

TribLive reporter Megan Swift, who spoke with Danny Sink, USGA senior director of U.S. Open Championships, gives an overview of the parking situation along with tips for spectators and residents to better navigate the event.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

29 May

S12, Ep24: The Black Knight Returns. Gary Player Talks Greatness, Longevity, Oakmont, Hogan, Locke, & Nicklaus

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, May 29th, 2025 – 12:19 pm

In this very special edition of Next on the Tee, I welcome back one of the greatest players in golf history—Mr. Gary Player. For the past 12 years,I’ve had the incredible honor of spending time with Mr. Player, a true legend whose achievements on and off the course are unmatched. With more worldwide victories than any other golfer and the distinction of being the only player to complete the career Grand Slam on both the PGA and Champions Tours, Gary Player’s place in golf history is undeniable. As Rory McIlroy joins the elite Grand Slam club, Mr. Player reflects on the significance of that achievement and the greatness of fellow legends like Ben Hogan and Bobby Lcke. He also shares powerful insights on mental strength, preparing for major championship pressure, and the evolution of his own golf swing and putting stroke. Mr. Player offers fond memories of the U.S. Opens he played at Oakmont, including holding the 36-hole lead in 1973, and takes us back to his Masters victories—especially the emotional reception he received at Augusta in 1978. Now approaching 90, his enthusiasm for life and the game remains as vibrant as ever. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of a remarkable man and the enduring friendship he’s shared with the show since being its very first guest.
Posted in Next on the Tee

 



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