Tree of Life

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

 

12 May

S12, Ep21, Pt 2: Jane Geddes: On Fox Chapel, Augusta National Women’s Am, Winning the 1986 U.S. Open, & the LPGA Legends Tour

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

In Part 2 of this week’s Next on the Tee, LPGA Hall of Famer Jane Geddes returns for a long-overdue visit, and as always, she brings her trademark positivity, incredible storytelling, and contagious energy to the conversation. Jane shares her thoughts on this year’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Legends of the LPGA Tour. We revisit her first win on the LPGA Tour—the 1986 U.S. Women’s Open—which she captured in a Monday playoff over Sally Little. That week was marred by apocalyptic chaos just short of locusts and the 4 Horseman. You’ll hear about that plus how Jane arrived early for the Monday playoff and was sitting on her bag on the 1st tee before the USGA officials set up the tee markers. When asked what she was doing, she said I’m ready to play. Jane also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the Legends of the LPGA Tour came to be, reflects on last year’s Senior Women’s U.S. Open at Fox Chapel in Pittsburgh, and looks ahead to this year’s championship in San Diego. It’s always so much fun having Jane on the show, and I know you’ll enjoy every minute of this segment.
Posted in Next on the Tee

 

09 May

Podcast: Pet funeral director accused of burials that didn’t happen

published in category: From The TribLIVE Newsroom on Friday, May 9th, 2025 – 9:38 am

A longtime funeral director in Pittsburgh is facing felony charges after authorities say he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from grieving pet owners, some of whom were unknowingly given ashes that did not belong to their animals.

Patrick Vereb, who ran a pet cremation business in Pittsburgh and Natrona, is accused of defrauding thousands of clients between 2021 and 2024. Investigators say the number of potential victims could exceed 6,500, making the alleged scheme one of significant scope and emotional impact.

The case has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting widespread public outrage and calls for accountability. As the criminal investigation unfolds, community members and victims alike are seeking answers and justice.

TribLive reporters Tawnya Panizzi and Haley Daugherty break down the key developments, their reporting process, and the public response to this developing story.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Posted in From The TribLIVE Newsroom

 

08 May

S12, Ep22, Pt 1: From Oakmont to Augusta: Inside the Ropes with Bob Ford & Suzy Whaley

published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 – 10:55 am

In Part 1 of this week’s Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two of the most legendary PGA Professionals the game has ever known—quite possibly ranked 1 and 1A on that list. First up is PGA Professional Hall of Famer Bob Ford. Bob’s accolades span across four Hall of Fames, the prestigious William D. Richardson Award from the Golf Writers Association of America, and the Bobby Jones Award—one of the highest honors in the game. He’s served as Head Professional at both Oakmont and Seminole, and his coaching tree reaches wider than any in history. If you’ve watched the U.S. Open over the past decade, you’ve likely heard his voice—he’s been the official Starter since 2017 and will continue as long as he wants the job. Bob shares his insights on this year’s Masters, what to expect from the U.S. Open’s return to Oakmont, and, as a proud Yinzer, throws in some thoughts on the Steelers.

Then, I’m honored to welcome another giant in the game—Suzy Whaley. A Hall of Famer in her own right, Suzy was the first female President of the PGA of America, is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor, and currently preparing to Captain the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team. She was also recently on the bag for her niece, Phoebe Brinker, at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Suzy reflects on that experience, discusses the potential for a Women’s Masters Tournament, and we explore a few exciting job opportunities where her leadership would be a perfect fit. Don’t miss this conversation with two all-time greats.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 

06 May

S12, Ep21, Pt 2: Hypnotherapy & Performance with Paul Salter + Hal Sutton on Darmor Club & Rolling the Rock Right Better with Makefield Putters

published in category: Next on the Tee on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 – 1:59 pm

In Part 2 of Episode 21, I’m joined by a truly fascinating first-time guest—certified hypnotherapist Paul Salter. Paul helps us explore the power of the mind and how hypnotherapy can free us from the fear of judgment on the golf course—especially when standing on the first tee with eyes all around. Whether it’s your buddies, a crowd at the club championship, or groups waiting to tee off behind you, we’ve all felt that pressure. Paul breaks down where that fear comes from and how he works with golfers to eliminate it for good.

Then, one of my favorite people on the planet, PGA Tour legend Hal Sutton returns to the show to share updates on his latest course design, the Darmor Club outside Houston, and why—for the first time ever—he’s endorsing a putter. It’s not because of a paycheck. Hal explains what impressed him about Makefield Putters, their precision fitting process, and how they get the ball rolling faster and truer than nearly anything else out there. If it’s good enough to go in Hal’s bag, you’ll want to hear why.

Posted in Next on the Tee

 



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