In this episode, we welcome back listeners and introduce our partnership with the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association (GCGA). Todd Johnson, the Executive Director of the GCGA, joins the conversation to explain the association's role in the local golf area, including volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. We also share our future plans for the podcast. 

Learn more about the GCGA here:

https://www.gcga.org

Follow the GCGA on Instagram @gcga1905

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ssaagolfpod

On this episode, we are joined by Ryne Burnett (6:07)! Ryne is the junior golf leader at Kenwood Country Club and the recipient of the 2021 SOPGA Youth Player Development Award! We have an in-depth discussion about junior golf plus his work with Operation 36 and Birdie Basics.

Follow Ryne on Instagram & Twitter- @ryneburnettpga

Learn more about Operation 36- https://operation36.golf

Learn more about Birdie Basics- https://birdie-basics.com

A brief discussion and our conversation with Eric Hensler who is a club fitter at Miles of Golf (2:35). 

A few quick notes and our conversation with the Millers who are in charge of golf course maintenance at Snow Hill Country Club (4:05). 

Some programming notes and brief discussion about The Match 3.0, picks for the Mayakoba Golf Classic (11:49), and our conversion with Chad Gilligan who is the head golf professional at Losantiville Country Club (16:35). 

A brief introduction to the podcast, picks for the RSM Classic, and our conversation with Joe Sparhawk who is the head men’s and women’s golf coach at Mount St. Joseph University. 

Please join us as we welcome back Gerry Lanham! Gerry is the author of a book called Golf Reaches the Seven Hills which covers the history of golf in the Queen City from 1890-1960. Please consider picking up a copy at https://www.orangefrazer.com/store/golf-reaches-the-seven-hills

Please join us for our conversation with Luke Muller! Luke is an incoming collegiate golfer at Northern Kentucky University and the current Kentucky Junior Amateur champion (4:35). We are also joined by Luke’s father John Muller to discuss the Luke Muller Golf Outing (18:15). Please visit www.lmgo.org to learn more!

On this episode, we have a few quick shoutouts and a great interview with JD Fletcher! JD is the head men’s golf coach at Earlham College as well as a coach with the Mark MacDonald Golf Academy (6:35).

Follow JD on Instagram @fletchersfairway

On this episode, we recognize more winners within the Cincinnati golf area and have a conversation with Janet Carl who is the head women’s golf coach at the University of Cincinnati (5:04).

Please join us as we recognize some winners connected to the Cincinnati golf area and for our conversation with Clay Hood who is the CEO and co-founder of Precision Pro Golf (6:08).

Please join us for our interview with Gerry Lanham! Gerry is a board member of the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association and an author of a soon to be released book called Golf Reaches the Seven Hills. We have an in-depth discussion about the various aspects and topics of the book!

Please join us for our conversation with Gary Rogers who is an assistant golf coach at Elder High School and caddie master at Western Hills Country Club.

A few quick notes and our conversation with Todd Johnson (3:40) who is the executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association.

In this episode, we are joined by the General Manager of The Vineyard Golf Course, Sam Arnold. Sam shares insights about his upbringing in golf, his experiences at The Vineyard Golf Course, and the impact of the pandemic on golf course management. He reflects on his high school state championship win, his college days at Wright State, and his career in professional golf. Sam also discusses his experiences at the PGA Championship and his aspirations for the future, including competing on the Champions Tour.

Follow the GCGA on Instagram @gcga1905

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ssaagolfpod

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we welcome Jared Riesenberg, Director of Rules and Operations at the GCGA. We discuss recent events, including the US Open local qualifier and Metropolitan Four-Ball Championship. We also recognize local college athletes and teams on their recent accomplishments. 

US Open Local Qualifying Results

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5104213

Metropolitan Four-Ball Results

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5085283

Winton Woods Clash Results 

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5102699

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we welcome the Director of the 1905 Junior Tour, Dave Miller. We discuss Dave’s journey in golf as well as his work with the 1905 Junior Tour and Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA). We also cover recent events in the Greater Cincinnati area and shoutout some postseason accomplishments from local college players and teams.

Follow the GCGA on Instagram @gcga1905

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ssaagolfpod

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we are joined by 3-Time PGA Tour winner and 2000 Tony Blom Metropolitan Amateur champion, Jim Herman. Jim shares his journey from his early days in golf, growing up in Cincinnati, to then becoming a professional golfer and achieving success on the PGA Tour. He discusses his experiences in high school and college golf, the challenges of transitioning to professional play, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his victory at the 2016 Shell Houston Open. Jim reflects on the importance of perseverance, the support of his family, and his love for the game as he looks towards the future.

Joel Beall article referred to in episode

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/a-pga-tour-players-goodbye-and-record-breaking-round-at-his-childhood-course

Follow the GCGA on Instagram @gcga1905

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ssaagolfpod

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we are joined by the CEO of the USGA, Mike Whan. Mike shares his journey in the world of golf, from his early experiences at Coldstream Country Club to his current role as CEO of the USGA. He discusses the importance of local golf associations like the GCGA, the excitement surrounding the upcoming U.S. Open, and the development of the U.S. National Development Program for elite junior golfers. Mike also reflects on his legacy in the sport. 

Cincinnati Enquirer article referenced

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/golf/2024/04/22/usga-ceo-mike-whan-returns-to-play-golf-at-coldstream-country-club/73387919007/

Follow the GCGA on Instagram @gcga1905

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ssaagolfpod

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we recap the most recent GCGA Senior Women’s, Women’s, and Men’s Metropolitan Amateur Championships! We are joined once again by the GCGA Director of Rules & Competitions, Jared Riesenberg, to discuss all the action. We also recap the U.S. Amateur qualifier at Kenwood Country Club and discuss what’s upcoming for the next episode of the podcast.

The Big “O” Golf Classic (Registration ends July 14th)

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/4653311

110th Metropolitan Senior Women’s Amateur Championship Results

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5192207

110th Metropolitan Women’s Amateur Championship Results

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5085572

116th Tony Blom Metropolitan Amateur Championship Results

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5092139

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

Happy National Intern Day! In this episode, the interns of the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association share their backgrounds, experiences, and insights gained during their time with the GCGA. They discuss their favorite tournaments, daily responsibilities, challenges faced, and how they have enjoyed working with the Cincinnati golf community. Each intern also reflects on their future aspirations and how their internship has shaped their career paths. Prior to the interview, we discuss recent events and happenings in the world of greater Cincinnati golf. 

77th Metropolitan Senior Men’s Amateur Championship Leaderboard

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5102425

U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier Leaderboard

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5104385

1905 Junior Tour Championship Leaderboard

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5141506

Good Good Golf YouTube Video with Cincinnati Bengals

https://youtu.be/9HdDM-6VrEQ?si=dkt-j8XD9iQ36NER

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we recap the 84th Metropolitan Junior Boys and 63rd Metropolitan Junior Girls Championships. We also welcome the Gerwins! Robert Gerwin II and Robert Gerwin III discuss their journeys in golf and reflect on both winning the Junior Boys Metropolitan Amateur Championship 40 years apart. Robert Gerwin III shares his journey as a current player at the University of Dayton, while his father, Robert Gerwin II, reflects on his illustrious career and achievements in the sport. Both also discuss what’s ahead for them the rest of the golf season.

84th Metropolitan Junior Boys & 63rd Metropolitan Junior Girls Championship Leaderboard

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5102306

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

We are joined this episode by the Men’s Head Golf Coach at the University of Cincinnati, Doug Martin. We discuss Doug’s journey as a highly ranked amateur player, professional golfer, and what led to him becoming the golf coach at UC. We also discuss Doug’s coaching philosophy and the goals for this upcoming season, wrapping up the conversation talking about some of Doug’s favorite stories as a player and from his 17 years as the Bearcats Head Coach. 

Learn more about the UC Men’s Golf Program 

https://gobearcats.com/sports/mens-golf

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we are joined by the General Manager at TPC River’s Bend, Michelle Lipka! Michelle shares her journey in the game from high school state champion to a leader in the golf industry. We also discuss the logistics with hosting the upcoming LPGA Kroger Queen City Championship and the excitement around the event!

Learn more about the Kroger Queen City Championship

https://queencitylpga.com

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we welcome back the Director of Rules and Competitions at the GCGA, Jared Riesenberg! We recap the 25th Metropolitan Mid-Amateur Championship along with the USGA Men’s and Women’s Mid-Amateur qualifiers. We also give some shoutouts to local high school and junior players for their accomplishments on the course. The episode is wrapped up with us discussing what’s ahead for the GCGA schedule and podcast. 

25th Metropolitan Mid-Amateur Championship Results

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5113896

USGA Men's Mid-Amateur Qualifier Results 

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5105594

USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifier Results 

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5105804

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

Please join us for our conversation with Alex Kepley, the legendary former golf coach of St. Xavier High School! With a career spanning over two decades, Alex shares his journey from an unexpected start in coaching to leading his team to numerous championships. Discover his coaching philosophy, the life lessons he imparted to his players, and hear memorable stories from his tenure.

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we welcome PGA Tour Caddie, Joel Craft! We discuss Joel's journey from a young golfer to becoming a caddie on the PGA Tour, sharing insights about the challenges and experiences on the Korn Ferry Tour. The conversation covers tournament preparation, the camaraderie among caddies, and the qualities needed to succeed in this competitive field. Joel also shares his thoughts on preferred golf course conditions and how to handle difficult situations with players.

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we dive into the world of college golf with Brian Arlinghaus, the head coach of Xavier University's men's golf team. Discover Brian's journey from a young golfer to a respected coach, his unique approach to recruiting and player development, and the challenges and opportunities in today's collegiate golf landscape. Also, Brian gives us a lesson in sports psychology analyzing Tom’s poor first tee shots. We conclude talking about the current season for the Xavier men’s golf team.  Moraine Intercollegiate Results

https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/238247/scoring/team

Xavier Men’s Golf Team Home Page 

https://goxavier.com/sports/golf

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

Today, we are joined by GCGA volunteer and USGA Rules Official, Dave Osborne! Dave shares his unique journey from a casual golfer to a respected rules expert, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation and decision-making involved in major amateur tournaments. He also provides insights and tips on the best ways to learn current or revised rules of the game. Dave concludes by discussing his favorite courses and places he’s had the opportunity to visit from being a rules official.

Articles used for research about Sammy Byrd  https://www.si.com/golf/news/feature-2020-10-18-a-man-for-all-seasons-from-world-series-to-masters

https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/latest/2024/10/25/meet-sam-byrd-who-played-in-a-world-series-and-won-on-tour

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

Joining us in this episode is Brad Wilder, the 2011 Cincinnati MET Champion and President of the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association. Discover Brad's journey from a baseball-loving kid to a golf enthusiast, his collegiate experiences at the University of Cincinnati, and his impressive achievements in the amateur golfing world. Brad shares personal stories, insights into his leadership role, and talks about some of his favorite courses he’s played. We conclude the episode with our Cincinnati 9 segment. 

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we are joined by 7 time MET champion, Jim Volpenhein! We dive into Jim's storied career, from his early days in Northern Kentucky to his triumphs on the amateur circuit. Discover the secrets behind his success, his thoughts on the evolution of the game, and his most memorable moments on the course. We conclude the episode with our new Cincinnati 9 segment! 

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we are joined by 6-time GCGA Player of the Year, Bill Williamson! Bill shares his journey from playing at Loveland High School to becoming a 13-time GCGA tournament winner. We discuss his experience in competitive golf, the balance between his professional career and passion for the game, and he offers advice for aspiring amateur tournament players. We wrap the episode discussing his runner-up finish at the 2013 U.S. Mid-Am, 2012 MET win, and the Cincinnati 9.

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we review the past 2025 season and preview the upcoming 2026 season with Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association, Todd Johnson! First, Phil and Tom discuss some goals for the 2026 season and go through the random Cincinnati golf fact for this episode. Todd then shares all the highlights and winners from the 2025 golf season and previews the season ahead in 2026. We close the episode discussing the past year for the podcast and what to look out for in 2026.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

https://www.youtube.com/@secondshotallamericanpodcast

Register for 2026 GCGA Events

https://www.gcga.org/tournaments/gcga-championships/

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

On this episode, we are joined by 4-time PGA Tour winner, Steve Flesch! We discuss Steve’s journey from his early days in Cincinnati and Kentucky golf to battling the grind of professional golf. He breaks down his toughest moments, winning the Nike Tour championship, and competing against Tiger Woods in a demanding era of PGA Tour golf. We also explore other topics like the Cincinnati Reds, TGL, slow play, and more! We wrap up the episode with our Cincinnati 9.

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

On this episode, we welcome Doug Flynn, former utility infielder for “The Big Red Machine” in 1975 and 1976. Doug shares captivating stories from his baseball career, his love for golf, and his charitable work with Hope for the Warriors. Discover how Doug transitioned from the baseball diamond to the golf course, and hear his insights on Cincinnati as a vibrant sports town. Whether you're a fan of baseball, golf, or good stories, this episode is a must-listen!

Learn more about Hope for the Warriors: https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we are joined by former Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association, John Reis! He is also a former golf coach at both Northern Kentucky University and University of Cincinnati. We open the conversation talking about John’s journey getting into the game of golf and eventually leading him to becoming a college golf coach. John tells us fun stories from his time as a coach, talks about his time as the Executive Director of the GCGA, and shares insights about his work as a rules official with the USGA. We also discuss John’s work with his foundation. We conclude the episode with the Cincinnati 9.

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

On this episode, we are joined by Joey Ryan! Joey is a certified TPI Level 1 Coach, personal trainer, and owner of It's Working Out—a premier fitness studio with golf training programs in Cincinnati. Joey starts by sharing his journey with us and what led him to It’s Working Out. Joey explains why a "fitness handicap" can measure your progress, just like your golf score, and how to start reducing it today. You’ll also discover how tailored assessments and strength routines can boost your swing, prevent injuries, and extend your playing years. Whether you're looking to hit longer drives, improve your recovery, or just stay healthy through the seasons, this episode provides information on how to achieve those goals. We conclude the episode with our Cincinnati 9.

Learn more about It’s Working Out- https://www.itsworkingout.com

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

Today, we are joined by the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Cincinnati Country Club, Joe Zinchini and Director of Grounds, Tony Weaver! The duo introduces themselves and a brief background about their experience at CCC, then we dive into the "transformation" of the golf course. Joe discusses the process of hiring Dr. Michael Hurdzan, and the mindset the world-class golf architect utilized in bringing a new look to the course. Tony describes the effort of all contractors and grounds teams throughout the entire multi-year project, and the collaboration and communication necessary from a superintendent's eye. The duo then tells us some of the significant changes that are now present throughout the layout, the change of specific holes, par, and some of their favorite holes. 

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss the 1905 Junior Tour with the Assistant Director and Director of the tour, Caden Brown and Dave Miller. We first introduce Caden and dive deeper into his journey in golf leading up to his new role with the GCGA. We then talk about the past 2025 season and about the upcoming 2026 season. Next, we explore the essentials into running smooth events on the tour and why completing even the little known tasks adds to the experience. We wrap the episode with our Cincinnati 9. 

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we are joined by 2017 MET Champion, 5-time MET Mid-Am Champion, 4-time GCGA Player of the Year, and Pepperdine University graduate, Alex Rodger! We first discuss his golf journey and what eventually led him to Pepperdine University. Alex tells stories from his time at Pepperdine, including playing alongside his twin brother. We then talk about his professional career on various tours and what eventually brought him to Cincinnati. We wrap the episode with Alex giving advice to local junior tour players, discussing his involvement with the LPGA event at Maketewah, and our Cincinnati 9.

Follow the GCGA (@GCGA1905) & Podcast (@ssaagolfpod) on Instagram 

Please feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions at secondshotallamericanpod@gmail.com