Explore every episode of the podcast Fairway and Friends Pawdscast

The Keeper of the TraditionDale Morgan, PGA — Leadership, Legacy & a Life inGolfThis is a conversation about golf—but even more, it's aboutstewardship, relationships and legacy.Dale Morgan — The Keeper of the Tradition.Fairways & FriendsMore Than Golf. It's Connection.YouTube TitleDale Morgan, PGA | The Keeper of the Tradition | Fairways & FriendsWebsite DescriptionSome people work in the golf business.Others spend a lifetime helping carry the game forward.In this episode of Fairways & Friends, Courtney Connell sits downwith longtime PGA Professional Dale Morgan for a conversationabout a remarkable life in golf—one shaped by relationships,mentorship, leadership, tradition and service.Dale's journey has placed him at the heart of one of the game'smost storied golf communities: Austin Country Club.It is a place where the fingerprints of legendary teacher HarveyPenick remain unmistakable, and where names such as Ben Crenshawand Tom Kite are woven into the club's history. But Dale's storyisn't simply about being around great players and historic names.It's about what he learned from them—and what he has tried topass along.Throughout the conversation, Dale takes us behind the résumé andshares the people and experiences that shaped his journey as a PGAProfessional. He reflects on mentorship, developing youngprofessionals, the responsibilities that come with leadership, andwhat it means to preserve the traditions of the game whilecontinuing to move it forward.Dale's influence also extends far beyond Austin Country Club. Hisyears of service and leadership within the Southern Texas PGA andhis role as a PGA of America District 12 Director reflect a careerdevoted not simply to the golf business, but to the PGAProfessionals who serve the game every day.And in 2026, another chapter was added to that journey with Dale'sselection to the Texas Golf Hall of Fame.But as we like to do on Fairways & Friends, this conversation isn'treally about titles, awards or accomplishments.It's about the people behind them.Who opened doors for Dale Morgan?What did he learn from the people who came before him?What responsibility comes with becoming the person who now opensthose doors for someone else?And after a lifetime around this wonderful game, what does Dalehope will remain when the titles and business cards are eventuallyput away?

What happens when the hands behind some of golf’s greatest equipment finally get to tell their story?On this episode of Fairways & Friends, Courtney Connell sits down with master clubmaker Mike Taylor of Artisan Golf for a conversation about craftsmanship, mentorship, relationships and legacy.Mike’s remarkable journey runs through some of the most important chapters in modern golf equipment—from the Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company and the influence of legendary clubmaker Gene Sheeley, to Nike Golf’s famed Oven in Fort Worth, where Mike helped create equipment for Tiger Woods and many of the game’s greatest players.But this conversation is about much more than golf clubs.Mike shares what Gene Sheeley taught him about the craft, what it was like building equipment for players with extraordinary feel, the emotions surrounding Nike’s decision to leave the golf-equipment business, and how that ending eventually helped lead to a new beginning with Artisan Golf.We also explore the fascinating people who have crossed Mike’s path—from Tour champions to legendary athletes and entertainers—and the young golfer named Scottie Scheffler who was walking through the shop long before the rest of the world knew his name.And then we go somewhere deeper.What does a craftsman feel while watching a player win a major championship with a club his own hands helped create?Who will carry this increasingly rare craft into the next generation?And when Mike Taylor’s days at the grinding wheel eventually come to an end, what does he hope his fingerprints will have touched beyond golf clubs?From Ben Hogan and Gene Sheeley to Tiger Woods and the next generation, this is the story of knowledge passed from one set of hands to another.There are no shortcuts to craftsmanship.Mike Taylor — The Ultimate Artisan.Welcome to Fairways & Friends.More Than Golf. It’s Connection.

Stewards of the LegacyMike Wright & Lindy Miller Remember Ben HoganThe world knew Ben Hogan.Mike Wright and Lindy Miller knew Mr. Hogan.In this special edition of Fairways & Friends, Courtney Connell travelsto historic Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, for aconversation surrounded by the photographs, clubs, memorabilia—andmemories—of one of the most important figures in the history of golf.Mike Wright and Lindy Miller didn't learn about Ben Hogan from booksor highlight reels. They knew him personally.Lindy's relationship with Mr. Hogan reaches back to his younger days,when he had the remarkable opportunity to shag practice balls for Hogan and witness, up close, the precision and discipline behind one of golf's most admired swings.Mike arrived at Shady Oaks as a young PGA Professional and developedhis own special relationship with Hogan. Over the decades thatfollowed, Mike became not only one of Shady Oaks' most respectedprofessionals, but also someone entrusted with helping preserve Hogan's history, equipment, stories and legacy.Together, Mike and Lindy take us beyond the championships, thefamous swing and the public image of “The Hawk.” They sharememories of the man they encountered at Shady Oaks—his personality,humor, standards, loyalty, practice habits, friendships and the quietermoments that rarely found their way into the history books.This conversation is also about stewardship.What responsibility comes with personally knowing a legend? How doyou preserve stories that otherwise disappear with time? And whatshould future generations understand about Ben Hogan that can't befound on a trophy, a scorecard or a Google search?Some stories belong to history.Others live in the people who were there.Mike Wright and Lindy Miller were there.Stewards of the Legacy: Mike Wright & Lindy Miller Remember BenHogan.Fairways & Friends — More Than Golf. It's Connection.

What happens when the mentee becomes the mentor?PGA Professional Maulana Dotch shares a remarkable journey of family, opportunity, history and the people who opened doors along the way—and why she's determined to hold those doors open for the next generation.Maulana Dotch — The Legacy of MentorshipSome people find their way into the game of golf. Others help create a pathway for those coming behind them.In this episode of Fairways & Friends, PGA Professional Courtney Connell sits down with his friend Maulana Dotch, PGA, for a conversation about golf, family, opportunity, leadership—and the extraordinary power of mentorship.Maulana's golf journey began with her father, Emanuel, who introduced her to the game as a young girl. From playing on the boys' golf team at Irving High School to competing collegiately at Bethune-Cookman University, Maulana developed into an accomplished player before discovering an even larger purpose within the game.Along the way, mentors including PGA Professional Ira Molayo and PGA Hall of Fame Member Renée Powell helped encourage, challenge and inspire her.Maulana would go on to become the second Black woman to earn PGA Membership, serve as Head PGA Professional at historic Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, and later make history as the first Black woman PGA Member to serve as general manager of a golf facility, leading Hermann Park Golf Course in Houston.But this conversation is about much more than historic firsts.It's about the person behind the résumé.Maulana shares the influence of her father, the people who believed in her, the responsibility that comes with opening doors for others, and what happens when the mentee eventually becomes the mentor.Her story also intersects with the remarkable history of Hermann Park Golf Course—a public golf facility whose own story includes an important chapter in the desegregation of municipal golf in Houston.Today, Maulana is using the experiences and opportunities others poured into her to invest in another generation of young people. It is a beautiful reminder that perhaps one of the greatest measures of mentorship isn't simply what we accomplish ourselves—it's what the people we encourage are able to accomplish after us.Join us for Maulana Dotch: The Legacy of Mentorship—a conversation about golf, history, leadership, friendship, gratitude and leaving the game better than you found it.Fairways & FriendsMore Than Golf. It's Connection.

The Road Less Traveled — A Conversation with Beau Welling!
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In this episode of Fairways & Friends, Courtney Connell sits down with acclaimed golf course architect Beau Welling for a conversation about the road that led him to a life designing places where people gather, compete, connect and create memories.
Beau shares the experiences and relationships that helped shape his philosophy—not simply as a golf course architect, but as someone who believes thoughtful design can bring people together. His journey has taken him around the world, working alongside some of the game’s most influential people and helping create golf experiences at the highest level.
But as is so often the case on Fairways & Friends, this conversation goes beyond the résumé.
“The Road Less Traveled” is about curiosity, relationships, taking chances, finding your own path, and recognizing that some of life’s most meaningful destinations are reached by roads we never expected to travel.
It’s a conversation about golf, design, friendship, purpose—and the journey along the way.
Fairways & Friends — More Than Golf. It’s Connection.

Today on Fairways & Friends, we have a gentleman who has enjoyed one of the great front-row seats in North Texas golf.For more than two decades, Jon Drago has served as Tournament Director of the Byron Nelson—helping guide one of the PGA TOUR’s most celebrated events through different chapters, different golf courses, and generations of the game’s greatest players.But today, we’re going beyond the ropes.I want to learn about Jon Drago the person—where his love for the game began, the people who influenced him along the way, the lessons he learned from carrying on the extraordinary legacy of Byron Nelson, and what golf has given him in return.I am grateful to have a conversation with someone who loves the game and the people who make it special.

Randy Smith / A lifetime of LessonsThere are golf instructors... and then there are teachers whose influence reaches far beyond the game itself.My guest today is one of the most respected teachers in the history of the game. Randy Smith has spent a lifetime helping players discover not only better swings, but greater confidence, discipline, and purpose. From major champions to aspiring juniors, his impact has been felt across generations.Known for his humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his students, Randy reminds us that great coaching is never just about technique—it's about people.It is an absolute honor to welcome one of golf's true treasures.This is Randy Smith... and this is Fairways & Friends Pawdscast.

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DEPISODE 006Published: August 3, 2026Topics: Golf Travel • Storytelling • The Golfer’s Journal • Golf Architecture • Friendship • Adventure • Writing Tom Coyne is one of golf’s most celebrated storytellers, an award-winning author, and the Senior Editor of The Golfer’s Journal. Through his books and journalism, he has inspired golfers around the world to view the game not simply as a sport, but as a lifelong journey of discovery, friendship, and self-reflection.A lifelong golfer and passionate traveler, Tom has logged thousands of miles in pursuit of the game’s greatest experiences. His bestselling books—including A Course Called Ireland, A Course Called Scotland, A Course Called America, and A Course Called Home—chronicle unforgettable adventures that blend world-class golf with rich history, local culture, and the remarkable people he meets along the way.In this episode, PGA Master Professional Courtney Connell welcomes Tom for a conversation that goes far beyond scorecards and swing tips. Together they explore the meaning of home, the lessons found on the road, the friendships forged through golf, and why the longest journeys often lead us back to where we truly belong.Whether you’ve read every one of Tom’s books or are discovering his work for the first time, this episode is an invitation to slow down, appreciate the walk, and remember that golf’s greatest rewards are often found far beyond the final score.

EPISODE 005Runtime: Coming SoonPublished: July 2026Topics: Golf Channel • Sports Illustrated • Journalism • Storytelling • Leadership • Relationships • The Game of GolfOne of golf’s most respected journalists joins the Fairways & Friends Pawdscast.From his early days at Sports Illustrated to becoming one of the most recognizable voices on Golf Channel, Damon Hack has spent his career telling the stories that have shaped the game. Throughout his journey, he has earned the trust of the sport’s greatest champions while covering the biggest moments in professional golf with insight, integrity, and genuine curiosity.In this conversation, PGA Master Professional Courtney Connell sits down with his longtime friend to go beyond the headlines and behind the television camera. Damon reflects on the people who influenced his career, the unforgettable moments he’s witnessed, lessons learned from interviewing golf’s legends, and why the relationships built through the game continue to matter most.This is more than a conversation about golf. It’s a conversation about character, purpose, friendship, and the power of storytelling.The full episode premieres soon. Check back for the complete conversation with Damon Hack, including chapter links, memorable quotes, episode highlights, and links to watch or listen on your favorite platform.Meet the GuestDamon HackGuest: Damon HackOrganization: Golf Channel / NBC SportsKnown For: Golf Channel, Sports Illustrated, award-winning golf journalismAwards: Acclaimed journalist and television hostDamon Hack is one of the most respected voices in golf journalism. As a host and reporter for Golf Channel, he has covered the game’s biggest championships, interviewed many of golf’s greatest players, and become known for thoughtful conversations that go far beyond scores and leaderboards.Before joining Golf Channel, Damon spent more than a decade as a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, where his insightful reporting and feature stories earned widespread respect throughout the sports world. His ability to connect with athletes and uncover the personal stories behind the competition has made him one of the most trusted interviewers in golf.Known for his professionalism, authenticity, and genuine curiosity, Damon continues to help fans better understand the people who define the game. Whether covering major championships or sitting down for in-depth conversations, his work reflects a deep appreciation for golf, leadership, and the relationships that make the sport unique.

What can one bicycle teach us about changing lives?In this episode of Fairways & Friends Pawdscast, PGA Master Professional Courtney Connell sits down with Mark Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Texas PGA, whose passion for growing the game extends far beyond the golf course.Known affectionately as "Mate" we learned of another key nickname..."The Bike Guy," Mark has helped transform the Northern Texas PGA into one of the most impactful organizations in golf, creating opportunities that change lives through youth programs, military initiatives, scholarship opportunities, adaptive golf, and community outreach. Whether it's introducing a child to the game for the very first time. Mark believes golf has the power to create hope, confidence, lifelong friendships as well as make a positive impact on communities. Go beyond the résumé as Mark shares the journey that led him to one of the most influential leadership roles in the game, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why serving others has become his life's greatest calling.Whether you're a golfer, a volunteer, or someone who simply believes in making a difference, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the greatest victories often happen far away from the leaderboard.In this episode you'll discover:The story behind the nickname "The Bike Guy!"How the Northern Texas PGA Foundation is changing thousands of lives each yearWhy golf is one of the world's greatest vehicles for teaching life skillsThe importance of servant leadership and giving backBehind-the-scenes stories from one of golf's most respected charitable organizationsWhy relationships—not trophies—are the true measure of successIf you enjoy conversations that celebrate the people who make golf unforgettable, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share.At Fairways & Friends, we believe every round has a story, every friendship has a beginning, and every person has something worth sharing. Thank you for joining us. Until next time, here's to Wide Fairways & Deep Friendships.

What does it mean to dedicate a lifetime to doing things the right way?In this episode of Fairways & Friends Pawdscast, PGA Master Professional Courtney Connell sits down with one of golf's most respected ambassadors, David Price—a past National PGA Professional of the Year, member of the PGA Hall of Fame, the Byron Nelson Foundation–Northern Texas PGA Hall of Fame, and one of the game's most trusted Rules Officials.For nearly four decades, David has walked alongside the greatest players in golf, officiating at The Masters, the Ryder Cup, the PGA Championship, and many of the sport's most historic championships. Yet his greatest legacy may not be the tournaments he's worked, but the character, humility, integrity, and servant leadership he has demonstrated throughout his remarkable career.Go beyond the résumé as David shares unforgettable stories from inside the ropes, lessons learned from golf's greatest champions, and timeless wisdom about leadership, friendship, and living a life of purpose.Whether you're passionate about golf or simply appreciate hearing from extraordinary people, this conversation is a reminder that excellence is measured not only by achievement—but by the way we treat others.In this episode you'll discover:Behind-the-scenes stories from golf's biggest championshipsWhat it's like to officiate at The Masters and the Ryder CupThe importance of integrity in competition and in lifeLeadership lessons from a lifetime in the gameWhy David Price has become one of the most respected figures in golfIf you enjoy conversations that celebrate the people who make golf unforgettable, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share.Here's to Wide Fairways & Deep Friendships.

For more than four decades, our guest played a pivotal role at CBS Sports, producing and directing some of the most iconic moments in golf and sports television. From the hallowed grounds of Augusta National and The Masters to PGA Championships, Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, and countless historic sporting events, his vision and leadership helped bring those moments into our living rooms with a level of excellence that became the gold standard in sports broadcasting.He began his CBS Sports career in the 1970s and eventually became only the second producer in history to oversee CBS's Masters Tournament coverage, following the legendary Frank Chirkinian. Along the way, he earned numerous Emmy Awards and was later inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in recognition of a truly remarkable career.His faith and his family is a priority and always will be. He is as humble as he is proud as a member of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, one of the richest Halls of Fame in the United States. Look for more Hall of Fame Inductions to follow. But beyond the awards and accomplishments, Lance Barrow is respected throughout the game as a storyteller, a mentor, a leader, and someone who deeply understands the people and traditions that make golf so special.

Stanford, who served as an assistant captain three times, is a seven-time LPGA Tour winner and six-time veteran of the U.S. TeamDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 20, 2025) – After three turns as an assistant captain, Angela Stanford will take the helm of her first U.S. Solheim Cup Team in 2026. Stanford, a six-time veteran of the American squad, will captain the top 12 American female golfers as they represent their country at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, from Sept. 11-13, 2026. “I’m extremely grateful to be named the next American captain for the Solheim Cup and join a list of my heroes in the game. I’ve always believed that I represent more than myself on the LPGA Tour, and there is no greater honor than representing your country,” said Stanford. “I consider this the pinnacle of my career, and I’m looking forward to leading our players to the Netherlands in 2026. “Angela Stanford will certainly be a wonderful captain for the U.S. Team at the 2026 Solheim Cup,” said Interim LPGA Commissioner Liz Moore. “Angela has always been a spark on and off the course, a true leader and a dedicated partner to her teammates. It’s now her time to take the helm of the U.S. Team, and I have no doubt that she will lead her squad to a successful week in the Netherlands.” Stanford retired in 2024 after a 23-year LPGA Tour career. She has seven LPGA Tour victories, earning her first major title at the 2018 Amundi Evian Championship in her 18th season on Tour. Stanford has also won the 2023 and 2024 Senior LPGA Championships. She competed in 98 consecutive major championships from 2002 to 2024, second only to Jack Nicklaus for consecutive majors played in professional golf. Stanford has competed in six Solheim Cups, representing the USA in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015. In 2015, Stanford earned the winning point for the U.S. Team with her 2-and-1 victory over Suzann Pettersen. She then served as an assistant captain in 2021 under Captain Pat Hurst, and again in 2023 and 2024 under Captain Stacy Lewis. Prior to joining the LPGA Tour, Stanford was a four-year All-American at Texas Christian University, where she won nine collegiate tournaments. She is a 2000 TCU graduate with a degree in Speech Communications and is enshrined in the Texas Golf Hall of Fame and the TCU Athletics Hall of Fame. Off the course, Stanford runs the Angela Stanford Foundation, which provides scholarships to kids in her native Texas whose families have fallen victim to breast cancer. Stanford works in honor of her mother, Nan, who battled the disease for 13 years before her death in 2022. Information on ticket options and prices for the 2026 Solheim Cup is available at www.solheimcup2026.golf. Anna Nordqvist was recently announced as captain for the 2026 European Solheim Cup Team. STUART FRANKLIN LPGA Communications