Next On The Tee With Chris Mascaro, Golf Podcast

In Part 1 of Episode 53, I'm joined by Super Agent Leigh Steinberg and Buffalo Dunes Director of Instruction Jason Hase. I’m excited to be joined by one of the most prominent figures in the history of sports and a member of our Thursday Night Tailgate Guest Hall of Fame, Leigh Steinberg. Leigh has been a regular guest for over 11 years, with his first appearance dating back to August 1, 2013. We’ll be diving into the massive surge in money within the world of sports, from skyrocketing player contracts to the impact of NIL deals in college athletics. We’ll also discuss something that was once unimaginable: sports leagues and teams being sponsored by gambling sites, as well as Las Vegas becoming home to multiple major sports franchises. Leigh is a great friend, and I’m thrilled to have him on the show again. Following Leigh, I’ll be joined by Jason Hase, Director of Instruction at Buffalo Dunes in Garden City, Kansas. Buffalo Dunes was recently recognized as the 8th best municipal course in the country by Gol

In Part 2 of Season 11, Episode 52 I'm joined by one of the most trusted and revered voices in Pittsburgh sports, Paul Alexander, and one of the all-time great Instructors Jim McLean. Paul Alexander has been broadcasting in Pittsburgh for over 30 years. You've heard him on KDKA-TV and 93.7 The Fan, covering the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. His long tenure and deep connection with the local sports community have made him a respected and well-known voice in Pittsburgh. You can listen to his golf show Going Low on Saturday mornings on 93.7 The Fan. In this segment, Paul shares his insights on the Steelers and Pirates, reflects on his recent rounds at Olde Stonewall and Wanango Country Club, and discusses why Pittsburgh is an underrated gem when it comes to golf. Jim McLean, one of the most respected instructors in golf, is in several Hall of Fames and has led his golf schools to certify over 400 teachers, many of whom are now top instructors across the country. He has quickly become one of my favorite gues

In Part 1 of Season 11, Episode 52, I’m joined by our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, and 1983 PGA Champion and two-time Players Champion, Hal Sutton. As Tom prepared for the arrival of Hurricane Milton in Naples, Florida, he shared his insights on the Presidents Cup, including reports of players swearing at Tom Kim, and highlighted the impressive performances of golfers over 60 who are still proving they can compete at a high level. Hal Sutton gives us an update on his latest course design, the Darmor Club, which recently opened to rave reviews and is poised to become one of the top courses in the U.S. Hal recounts a special call from Sahith Theegala, who sought to play Darmor as part of his Presidents Cup preparation. We also take a trip down memory lane to Hal’s very first lesson with the legendary Harvey Penick.

In Part 2 of Episode 51, I’m joined by two of Golf Tips Magazine’s Top 25 Instructors, Jon Decker and Tom Stickney, for long-overdue conversations packed with invaluable insights. Jon Decker, the 2015 Southern Ohio Teacher of the Year and Director of Instruction at the Medallion Club, shares stories from his time with legendary mentor Phil Rogers, a memorable encounter involving Rogers and Gary Player, and strategies for overcoming the mental challenges that can sabotage your game. He also gives us a sneak peek into his new book, Fairways to Heaven...One Shot at a Time. Tom Stickney, a Top 100 Teacher by Golf Magazine and a Top 50 International Instructor, brings his expertise to the table as we explore the differences between old-school and new-school teaching methods, the debate between speed training and letting the club do the work, and tips for golfers over 50 looking to increase their driving distance. Tom also offers his take on how to fix the over-the-top swing and shares his perspective on the curr

In Part 1 of Season 11, Episode 51, I'm joined by Steelers Legend Rocky Bleier and The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters. Rocky is one of the greatest storytellers in sports and has been a frequent and favorite guest over the years. He first joined me way back in 2011, and this marks the 13th time I've had the honor of chatting with him. We'll dive into the Steelers' season, revisit his early days in Pittsburgh, and hear some fantastic stories about playing alongside Terry Bradshaw. Rocky also shares his thoughts on the toughest moments he’s had on the football field, my favorite Chuck Noll story, and his experiences playing in some of his favorite Pro-Ams. Following Rocky, we get our monthly visit from The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters. This time, Doc talks about how to create a "Personal Zone of Control" and the importance of managing our expectations rather than trying to meet the expectations of others and creating a personal playing space. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their me

In Part 2 of Episode 50, I’m joined by two-time Tennessee PGA Teacher of the Year, Virgil Herring, and two-time PGA Tour winner, Rick Fehr. Virgil Herring is a graduate of Mississippi State’s Professional Golf Management program and has earned the title of Middle Tennessee Section PGA Teacher of the Year five times, as well as Tennessee Teacher of the Year twice. He has worked with several Tour players, including Brandt Snedeker. In our conversation, Virgil shares stories about his time working with Snedeker, and we discuss Brandt's recent accolades—being named the recipient of the 2024 Payne Stewart Award and serving as an Assistant Captain at both this year’s Presidents Cup and next year’s Ryder Cup. Virgil also offers valuable advice on how to get your swing on the correct plane and how to reach a Flow State on the mental side of the game. Rick Fehr, who helped BYU win the national championship in 1981, was the low amateur at both the 1984 Masters and U.S. Open. After winning twice on the PGA Tour, Rick

In Part 1 of Episode 50, I’m joined by Steelers legend and Hall of Honor member Greg Lloyd, along with top physical therapist and athletic trainer, Dr. Kathy Hoeft. Greg Lloyd, a Steelers Hall of Honor inductee, is also a member of our Guest Hall of Fame over on our football show, Thursday Night Tailgate. This is the 13th time I’ve had the privilege of speaking with Greg. In this segment, we discuss the challenges of being a late-round pick from a small college, overcoming judgments based on school size rather than talent, and his approach of going full speed at every practice, never taking a play off. Greg also reflects on a special visit from The Chief when he had knee surgery during his rookie year, Bill Cowher’s idea of moving him to Inside Linebacker, playing alongside Kevin Greene, and the moment he first saw fans wearing his #95 jersey in the stands. Dr. Kathy Hoeft makes her debut on Next on the Tee. She’s a fantastic physical therapist and athletic trainer, and in this episode, she shares her exper

In Part 2 of Episode 49, I’m joined by two fantastic people: Megan Younkman, the Director of Instruction at Bethpage State Park, one of the Top 50 Junior and LPGA Instructors in the game, plus comedic legend and veteran of 61 appearances with Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, Tom Dreesen. Megan Younkman is not only a top junior instructor, but she’s also the Director of Instruction at Bethpage State Park. This year, her 17 & Under team is competing for the National Championship, while her 13 & Under All-Star team made it to the finals. Megan shares insights into their success and talks about the preparations already underway at Bethpage Black for next year’s Ryder Cup matches. Tom Dreesen brings over 50 years of show business experience to the conversation. With 61 appearances on The Tonight Show and years spent as the opening act for Frank Sinatra, he’s got a treasure trove of stories. He’s also hosted his own Pro-Am, played in the Bob Hope Desert Classic for several years, and competed on the Cel

In Part 1 of Season 11, Episode 49, I'm joined by two remarkable women: Suzy Whaley, the first female President of the PGA of America and now President of Golf Nation, and Missie Berteotti, one of Western Pennsylvania’s top instructors and players plus LPGA Tour legend. Suzy Whaley is one of the most knowledgeable and gracious individuals you'll ever meet. She made history as the first woman to qualify (not through a sponsor’s exemption) to play in a PGA Tour event since Babe Didrikson-Zaharias did it in 1945. Suzy was also the first female President of the PGA of America and now serves as the President of the exciting new golf platform, Golf Nation. In our conversation, Suzy shares her insights on the recent Solheim Cup, a thrilling victory for Team USA. We discuss the possibility of creating a Presidents Cup-style event for women, giving international players a stage to showcase their talents. Suzy also reflects on Nelly Korda’s phenomenal season, the sometimes negative focus of media, and the innovative

In Part 2 of Episode 48, I'm joined by 1978 PGA Champion John Mahaffey. John takes us back to his incredible comeback at the 1978 PGA Championship at Oakmont, where he rallied from 7 strokes down with 14 holes to play to defeat Tom Watson. He also reflects on his memories of Arnold Palmer in honor of what would have been Arnie’s 95th birthday. John shares his thoughts on the current fractured state of the Tours and how things might have been different if Deane Beman were still Commissioner. We also discuss his time at the University of Houston, where he won the 1970 National Championship and helped the team win multiple national championships during college.

In Part 1 of Episode 48, I'm joined by two incredible guests: our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, and New York Times bestselling author, Tom Coyne. TP is currently on a bucket-list golf trip in New York, playing some of the most renowned courses in the country, and we get to live vicariously through him. He also shares his fond memories of "The King" on what would have been Arnold Palmer’s 95th birthday, including why he named his son after Arnie and Palmer's touching reaction. Plus, we dive into Scottie Scheffler’s record-breaking season, Jim Furyk’s Presidents Cup captain picks, and how coaching in golf has evolved since TP’s early playing days. Tom Coyne, one of the premier golf authors and journalists of our time, joins me as well. His novel, A Gentleman's Game, was named one of the top 25 sports books of all time by the Philadelphia Daily News. He’s also penned several New York Times bestsellers like A Course Called Ireland, A Course Called Scotland, and A Course Called America. In this ep

In Part 2 of Episode 47, I'm thrilled to welcome back The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters, along with Chris Sheehan, the Head Golf Professional at the Pittsburgh Field Club and a longtime friend of the show. Dr. Bob Winters recently explored Alaska, returning with captivating stories that offer insights into golf, highlighting lessons in patience and perseverance. He’ll share the remarkable experiences from his Alaskan adventure. Chris Sheehan, who has held Head Golf Professional roles at prestigious courses like Oak Hill, Inverness, and Lebanon Country Club, is now at the Pittsburgh Field Club. Chris will recount his journey through the golf world, delve into the rich history of the Pittsburgh Field Club, discuss the influential designers behind its layout, and explore the rivalries among notable Pittsburgh clubs such as Oakmont, Fox Chapel, and Allegheny Country Club.

In Part 1 of Episode 47, I’m joined by two remarkable guests: Jonathan Yarwood, a Top 100 Golf Magazine Instructor, and Tom Purtzer, one of my all-time favorite guests, a tremendous player who enjoyed success over four decades. Jonathan Yarwood, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor and the Director of Instruction at Alpine Country Club in New Jersey, has worked with major champions like Michael Campbell and Nelly Korda, as well as winners across almost every Tour. We dive into Michael Campbell's career and discuss why he is so underrated. Jonathan also recounts the memorable day he accompanied Michael Campbell to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange after his 2005 US Open victory. Additionally, we talk about unqualified swing advice circulating on social media, and Jonathan shares a useful tip to improve your putting. Tom Purtzer offers his insights on the Tour Championship, speculates on if the Pro game might not be splinted the way it is if Deane Beman were still Commissioner, reminisces about late-

In Part 2 of Episode 46, I'm joined by Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor Scott Munroe. Scott Munroe came highly recommended by another Top 100 Instructor and guest on the show Jeff Smith. Just like when James Hong joined me, when Jeff Smith says you gotta have this guy on the show, you have this guy on the show. Scott is from Indiana and found early success in his career playing in Australia. In this episode, he reflects on his experiences down under and shares some fantastic stories about his time with Bernhard Langer and working with Jimmy Connors. We also get a rare look inside one of the nation’s premier country clubs, Nantucket Golf Club. Scott offers valuable tips on improving driver contact, identifies our most common swing flaw, and gives advice on how to hit better pitch shots using our bellies. Finally, we learn about what's sure to be a smash at next year's PGA Merchandise Show, "2 Hoosiers & a Hong."

In Part 1 of Episode 46, I’m joined by world-renowned instructor Tom Patri and the toughest man I’ve ever met, Tim Simpson. This week, TP and I dive into the Tour Championship, with a focus on Keegan Bradley’s remarkable journey. Keegan barely made it into last week’s BMW Championship at Castle Rock, entering the tournament ranked 50th—just inside the Top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings. Not only did he secure his spot, but he also went on to win, catapulting himself to 4th place with a real shot at winning the entire championship. We’ll explore the possibility of Keegan playing in the Presidents Cup and even serving as a player-captain in next year’s Ryder Cup. Plus, we’ll discuss the LPGA’s Player of the Year race. Tim Simpson is a legendary ball striker and perhaps the strongest person I’ve ever known. He’s faced multiple back surgeries, Lyme disease, neurological issues caused by Lyme disease, brain surgery, and, most recently, one of the rarest forms of cancer in the world. Despite it all, Tim never comp

In this special bonus segment, I’m thrilled to be joined by two incredible actors, ladies, and stars of The West Wing, Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack. As a HUGE fan of The West Wing, we affectionately referred to as Wingnuts, I’m excited to take the show off the course with these wonderful ladies. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of hosting Melissa Fitzgerald, who portrayed Carole Fitzpatrick. During that episode, she gave us a teaser about a behind-the-scenes book she was co-writing with fellow cast member Mary McCormack, who played Deputy National Security Advisor Kate Harper. That book, titled What's Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, has since been released and has become a New York Times Bestseller. In our conversation, you’ll hear the fascinating story of how the book was conceived over cake and drinks at Alison Janney’s house. We also discuss the show’s enduring legacy 25 years later, its call to service, the powerful impact of the “In Excelsis Deo” episode, and the key episodes the

In Episode 44 I'm extremely blessed to get a return visit from America's Caddie Michael Collins. Michael is one of those remarkable individuals you’re lucky to encounter, not just in the golf community, but in life in general. His talents are truly limitless. He began as an outstanding comedian and evolved into a top-notch caddie, broadcaster, and now, you can add photographer to his impressive resume. In this episode, you'll hear Michael’s insights on who should be named PGA Tour Player of the Year, his memorable experience playing Augusta National, some of his favorite photographs—including the one he wants to be buried with—and his thoughts on the powerful Mike Tomlin video about the difference between players who are capable and those who are willing.

In this special episode of Next on the Tee, I’m joined by Duane Horton, Charlie Rymer, Bill Bergin, and Rees Jones to discuss the creation of The Keep, the stunning new course co-designed by Bill and Rees. The Keep is the latest addition to the McLemore property, complementing the existing Highlands course. This project holds special significance for Duane Horton, who has a deep connection to the area, having grown up at the base of McLemore Cove. Duane’s vision brought this land to life, and with the expertise of Bill Bergin and Rees Jones, they’ve crafted two of the finest courses in the country. Charlie Rymer, known for his time on the PGA Tour and as a host on The Golf Channel, has also played a key role in this endeavor. Charlie is also from the area and helped bring this masterpiece to life. As the Executive Vice President and Ambassador for the resort, Charlie has applied his playing experience and keen understanding of what golfers seek in a destination resort. Together, these four men have created

In Part 2 of Episode 42, I'm joined by two former Pro Bowl quarterbacks, Gus Frerotte and Chris Miller. Gus Frerotte, who hails from Ford City, just outside of Pittsburgh, kicks off the conversation by sharing his thoughts on the Steelers' quarterback situation, particularly the dynamic of having both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Gus draws on his own experience from when he was drafted by the Commanders as a 7th round pick, the same year they selected Heath Shuler with the #3 overall pick. He offers his perspective on whether Pittsburgh's situation can succeed. We also discuss the skyrocketing salaries of quarterbacks and wide receivers, the evolution of the game since his playing days, his memorable conversation with Matthew McConaughey, and some of his favorite Pro-Am tournaments. Chris Miller, an Oregon Duck Hall of Famer, was a 1st round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 1987. After retiring from the NFL, he went on to serve as the Offensive Coordinator for the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL. We

In Part 1 of Episode 42, I'm joined by our Resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri and one of the all-time great ladies in our game, Jane Crafter. This week, Tom and I kick things off by discussing the puzzling decision of Matt Kuchar to be the only player to finish the Wyndham Championship on Monday morning, despite being seven strokes off the lead. Tom also shares his thoughts on Aaron Rai’s first win, Billy Horschel’s classy gesture, and what’s been going wrong with his own short game lately. Jane Crafter, hailing from Perth, Australia, had an exceptional amateur career, winning the 1978 New Zealand and 1980 Belgian Amateur Championships and finishing as runner-up in the 1977 Australian and 1980 Canadian Amateur Championships. We delve into those achievements, as well as her reflections on this year’s U.S. Senior Open Championship and her own Top 5 finish in that event in 2019. Jane also revisits her victory at the 1997 Austrian Open, and she shares some drills and tips that made her one of the best p