Tree of Life

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

 

27 May

S12, Ep23, Pt 2: Heat, History & Heart: Clark Dennis on Major Moments, Big Wins, & a Father’s Pride

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 – 12:11 pm

In Part 2 of this week’s Next on the Tee, I’m joined by Champions Tour and European Legends Tour standout Clark Dennis. Over the past few years, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Clark, including spending time with him at last year’s Mitsubishi Electric Classic here in Atlanta. Clark has had an impressive career with 9 professional victories so far, including five recent wins on the Legends Tour including back-to-back titles at the Italian Open in 2017 and 2018 and last June’s victory at Costa Navarino. We revisit his memorable T6 finish at the 1994 U.S. Open at Oakmont—a brutally hot week in Pittsburgh that played to his advantage as a native Texan. Clark also shares the incredible story of qualifying for both the 2023 U.S. Open and Senior U.S. Open on back-to-back days, earning medalist honors in each. With the Senior PGA Championship at Congressional on the horizon, we talk about his preparation for that event, and he reflects proudly on his son Will, who’s now caddying for rising PGA Tour star Sam Stevens, currently ranked inside the Top 100. It’s a fantastic conversation filled with great stories and insight from one of the game’s most seasoned pros.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

22 May

S12, Ep23, Pt 1: Chasing Cups & Smoking Butts: Former Penguins Star Dan Quinn & Grilling at the Green Host Jeff Tracy Talk Golf, Hockey, Horses, & BBQ

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 – 11:14 am

In Part 1 of this week’s episode of Next on the Tee, I kick things off with a return visit from NHL legend and a fantastic golfer Dan Quinn. Dan played 14 seasons in the NHL, including memorable years alongside Mario Lemieux with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Off the ice, Dan has logged countless rounds at Oakmont and spent several years caddying on the PGA Tour for the likes of Ernie Els, John Daly, Yost Luiten—and a then up-and-coming Cam Smith. We revisit his experiences playing Oakmont, and I get his insights on this year’s US Open. We hear about the rounds he played there with Mario Lemieux and Next on the Tee favorite Bob Ford. You’ll hear about his times on the bag for Ernie Els at the 2013 US Open and the 2015 US Open for a rookie named Cam Smith. We finish up discussing what the Penguins need to do in order to get back being a playoff caliber team.

Then I’m joined by longtime friend and fellow broadcaster Jeff Tracy, host of Grilling at the Green and Barbecue Nation shows on AM 860 in Portland. Jeff’s a true Renaissance man—he’s not only a seasoned radio host and golf analyst, he’s also a competitive barbecue master and a former horse show judge. We talk golf, brisket, and Jeff’s thoughts on the PGA Championship and the upcoming U.S. Open.

You won’t want to miss the insights and laughs with two guys who bring serious flavor—both on the course and off.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

22 May

Pittsburgh mayoral primary recap

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 – 8:32 am

On primary day in Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Democratic mayoral candidate Corey O’Connor bested incumbent Ed Gainey for the seat on the general election ballot this fall. His challenger will be Tony Moreno, who won the Republican primary for mayor.

TribLive reporter Julia Burdelski, who covers Pittsburgh City Hall, joins host Zac Gibson to discuss the ins and outs of the primary election and how the slimmed-down Pittsburgh mayoral race is shaping up.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

 

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 



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