Golf Podcast: next on the tee – Details, episodes & analysis

In this special bonus segment, I’m thrilled to be joined by two incredible actors and stars of The West Wing, Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack.

As a HUGE fan of The West Wing, I’m excited to take the show off the course with these talented 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 they chose to highlight. Melissa and Mary also share what it was like to work with Aaron Sorkin, the culture Martin Sheen established from day one, the loss of John Spencer, and the epic prank wars between Bradley Whitford and Josh Malina. Bradley even reflects on how, no matter what else they achieve in their careers, The West Wing will always be the first line in their obituaries.

I highly recommend picking up this beautifully written book—it’s a fantastic read and is available wherever books are sold.

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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.

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In part 1 of Episode 39, I am joined by two remarkable figures in the golf world: 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch and 1984 National Champion John Inman.

Finchy and John are among the most wonderful people you could meet in golf. Ian and I delve into his victory at the '91 Open, held at Royal Birkdale. He gives us an inside look at his third round course record 64 (which Jodie Mudd broke the next day). We hear about his eagle on the 17th hole, followed by a birdie on the 18th that tied him with Mark O'Meara going into the final round. We then discuss the five birdies he made in his first seven holes on Sunday, en route to a front nine 29 which put him in control of the tournament. I asked him how he stayed focused in the moment and didn't let himself think ahead to becoming the Champion Golfer of the Year. You'll also hear how his family kept him grounded that week, about his friendship with Mark O'Meara, his close calls in 1984 and 1990, and how those experiences prepared him to win in '91. Ian also shares his thoughts on this year's Open and Xander Schauffele's impressive win.

John Inman was so great earlier this season that I couldn't wait to have him back on the show. We get his thoughts on Xander's big win and discuss why he never played in The Open. We then look back at this year's US Open, John's T14 finish in the 1990 US Open at Medinah, his hole-in-one in the '91 US Open at Hazeltine, and his recent trip to Cleveland to see Ralphie's house from A Christmas Story.

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On this episode, I'm joined by Top Instructors Tom Patri and Shane LeBaron plus former 5-time winner on Tour Jim Gallagher Jr., and the Founder & CEO of LOHLA Sport Lisa O'Hurley.

A theme this week is looking back at The Open and the tremendous performance of Brian Harman. I also get reaction to the cheating scandal on the Canadian Tour. You'll also hear:

Tom Patri shares his thoughts on Justin Thomas' struggles, a tremendous Par 3 course in Palm Beach, Florida, and a lesson on how to fix early extension.

Jim Gallagher Jr. shares his experiences playing in The Open including the practice round he got to play at St. Andrews with Jack Nicklaus. He also shares his thoughts on Brandel Chamblee's comment about Rory McIlroy not having as much runway in front of him as he did when he won his last major.

Lisa O'Hurley shares stories from her high school and college golf days at Baylor. We also hear about her roles at The Golf Channel when it got started back in 1995, her friendship with Mr. Palmer and Annika Sorenstam, what inspired her to start LOHLA Sport, and being married to John O'Hurley of Seinfeld J. Peterman fame.

Shane LeBaron has been recognized as a Top Instructor in his former summer and winter homes in Illinois and Arizona. He's now the first-ever Director of Instruction at Cherry Hills in Colorado. Cherry Hills is the site of this year's US Amateur Championship plus several majors including Arnold Palmers come from behind win at the 1960 US Open. We hear about that plus tips for dealing with tournament pressure and why we can make a 5-footer for par but struggle to make it for birdie.

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In this episode, I'm joined by one of the all-time great golf writers Ron Sirak, St. Louis Sports Hall of Famer Jay Delsing, 1978 PGA Champion & 1986 Players Champion John Mahaffey, and 1996 Texas Open Champion David Ogrin.

I get all four guys to weigh in on this week's Open Championship, their experience playing in or covering an Open, plus if there is a path back for Jay Monahan. Here is what we also discuss:

Ron Sirak shares his thoughts on the Women's US Open, the escalating purses on the PGA & LPGA Tours, his thoughts on who is the greatest of all-time is on the men's side, and he reminds us of the greatness of Ben Hogan.

Jay Delsing talks about what it was like making it to the quarterfinals of the US Junior Golf Tournament. We hear about his days playing alongside Corey Pavin, Steve Pate, and Duffy Waldorf at UCLA, what it was like being paired with Arnold Palmer, and his final round 61 at the 1993 FedEx St. Jude Classic.

John Mahaffey shares his experience finishing T10 in the 1975 Open Championship and what it was like competing against the superstars of the 70s and 80s.

David Ogrin tells us about his T13 finish at the 1983 US Open at Oakmont and what it's like putting on those greens. Fourteen years later at the 1997 US Open, he finished T10 and why his brother-in-law cost him and Tom Lehman a shot at winning. We also get a lesson about stretching to find what you're capable of on the course.

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Maureen Madill is one of the all-time great Golf Analysts and On Course Commentators. Every broadcast she joins, she makes infinitely better due to her knowledge and style. In this special segment of the show we talk:

1. Scottish Open
2. Rory
3. Shane Lowry
4. Royal Liverpool
5. Padraig Harrington
6. Jay Monahan
7. PIF/PGA Tour partnership
8. The dreaded golf dress code
9. And her memories of the great Peter Alliss.

Be sure to check out Maureen & sister's blog at www.madillgolf.com. It's a really fun read.

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In this episode, I'm joined by Top Instructor Tom Patri, former Tour Players Bob Friend Jr. and John Cook, plus Whisky Run Golf Club Owner Luke Nieuwland.

Tom gets credit where credit is due for accurately picking Rickie Fowler to win the Rocket Mortgage Classic. We also talk about how to pick the right bounce for your wedges, the amazing Bernhard Langer, and how different the game is over in Scotland and Ireland.

Bob Friend Jr. talks about his father's illustrious Major League Baseball career including being the winning Pitcher in the 1956 All-Star game. I get Bob's thoughts on whether there is a path back for Jay Monahan and we hear about the renovations currently going on at Oakmont Country Club that will make it play even hard at the 2025 US Open.

John Cook gives his insights on the PIF/PGA Tour partnership and whether Jay Monahan will make it through this calendar year as CEO. I get his thoughts on Bernhard Langer's amazing career, how in the world he ever successfully putted with a Bullseye putter, and Ken Venturi's legendary stroke-saver tips.

Luke Nieuwland rounds out the show. Luke is the owner of Whisky Run Golf Club up in Ontario, Canada. It's a family-owned course featuring three 9-hole layouts. We hear about each of those, plus their stay-and-play packages, and the Birrdi golf tee sheet software that Luke and friends developed to help increase revenue, organize tee times, and make it faster and easier for players to book and pay for their rounds.

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Rob shares his thoughts on the proposed merger/partnership between the PIF and PGA Tour. I get his thoughts on whether there is a path back, not for the LIV Tour players to the PGA Tour, but for Jay Monahan. We get a great tip from Rob for how to recover from a wayward shot into the brush with a restricted backswing and a drill to improve your putting stroke and full swing using two water bottles.

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A theme on this show this week is getting reactions to the proposed merger between the PIF and PGA Tour. Brian shares his surprise when he heard the news. We also discuss if there is a path back, not for the LIV Tour players to the PGA Tour, but is there one for Jay Monahan? Brian also shares the work he's doing with several members of the Buffalo Bills. Plus, we hear about his incredible weight loss and fitness journey that has dramatically increased his clubhead speed and overall distance.

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A theme on this show this week is getting reactions to the proposed merger between the PIF and PGA Tour. Eric shares his disappointment when he heard the news. We also discuss if there is a path back to the PGA Tour, not for the LIV Tour players, but for Jay Monahan. We talk about how a player like Rickie Fowler can wake up one day and lose their swing and the grind to find their way back to the winner's circle. Eric also updates us on what's going on up at one of the great private clubs in the US, Yellowstone Club in Boseman, Montana.

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