Next On The Tee With Chris Mascaro, Golf Podcast

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 Presiden

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

This week on Season 12, Episode 21 Part 1 of Next on the Tee, I’ve got a fantastic lineup of four fun and insightful guests that I’m excited to share with you. They’re sure to spark your interest, maybe raise an eyebrow or two, and quite possibly have you thinking, “I need to connect with that guy.” Leading things off, as always, is our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri. We caught up with TP just as he was wrapping up a member trip to Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville, Florida—so yes, we might be delaying his dinner and bedtime just a bit, so he's a little extra cranky. Tom’s also gearing up for his annual golf marathon to support a great cause. Last year, he played an incredible 153 holes before running out of daylight. Head over to his Instagram page to learn more and consider pledging whatever makes sense for you. In our chat, we cover Justin Thomas’s big win at Hilton Head, take an early look ahead to the Ryder Cup, and debate whether today’s advanced equipment is helping make the game more acce

In Part 2 of our special Masters review edition of the show, I’m honored to be joined by the Godfather of Golf Talk Radio, John Patrick. John has covered The Masters for the past 41 years. He was there for Jack Nicklaus’ historic sixth Masters victory in 1986 — and he might even have the ball Jack used to finish it off (you’ll hear that incredible story). As Bernhard Langer makes his final appearance as a player at Augusta, John shares memories of both of Langer’s victories and covering Langer's remarkable 40-year journey in the tournament. We dive deep into Rory McIlroy’s historic win this year, reliving the highs, the lows, and his inspiring comeback. John also shares his thoughts on where Rory now stands in the game's history after completing the career Grand Slam. Plus, we discuss some exciting upcoming innovations at Augusta National, including a new players-only facility, underground parking, and which Chairman has made the biggest impact on the game. John Patrick is truly one of the finest people a

On this special Masters Post Game edition of Next on the Tee, we look back on an unforgettable week at Augusta National, both from the grounds and from the booth. I kick things off by recapping the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, where Spain’s Carla Bernat Escuder fired a final round 68 to capture the title by one shot over 16-year-old American Asterisk Talley. I also spotlight standout performances by rising stars Eila Galitsky and Lottie Woad—young talents whose names we’re sure to hear more in the years to come. Then it’s on to one of the most thrilling Masters final rounds in recent memory, as Rory McIlroy overcame ghosts of past collapses, a double on 13, and a missed opportunity on 18 to ultimately defeat Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff. With that win, Rory became just the sixth player in history to complete the career Grand Slam. My guests and I walk through every twist and turn of Rory’s journey and what this victory means for his legacy. I welcome back two fan favorites to bre

Thank you for coming back for Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 19, a special Masters preview edition. In this segment, we continue our Masters preview with two guys who competed in 8 Masters tournaments starting with one of the finest golf analysts in the history of broadcasting and a 14-time winner around the world, Frank Nobilo. Frank will be on the CBS Sports broadcast team this weekend, providing commentary on four key holes. He’s competed in The Masters four times himself, with a standout 4th-place finish in 1996. We dive into how he approached playing Augusta National, especially the challenges of navigating Amen Corner. Frank also shares some great insights into the tournament’s history, and the patience required to succeed at Augusta. Plus, like my other guests this week, he offers his predictions for who will be atop the leaderboard on Sunday—and throws in an intriguing dark horse to watch. Then we wrap things up with two-time PGA Tour winner John Inman. John and his brother Joe both played in The Maste

This week on Next on the Tee, is a Special Masters Preview edition of the show. I’m taking you inside the ropes and into the heart of Augusta National with four incredible guests who’ve lived The Masters—from competing in the tournament a combined 18 times to calling the action for CBS Sports. In Part 1, is one of the all-time great ball strikers in PGA Tour history and a local Georgia golf legend, Tim Simpson. Making his ninth appearance on the show, Tim shares what it was like playing in The Masters six times, with his best finish coming in 1985 when he tied for 18th. A proud Atlanta native and UGA alum, Tim opens up about both the highs and the struggles he faced at Augusta, particularly on those famously challenging greens. Next, I’m joined by a longtime friend of the show Donnie Hammond. Donnie played in The Masters four times, beginning in 1986—the year he found himself in the second-to-last group on Sunday, paired with none other than Bernhard Langer. Donnie reflects on the excitement of that final r

On this week’s show, we kick things off with our regular monthly visit from The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters. Doc shares insight into the incredible success his junior players are having, including several competing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. One standout is Megha Ganne, who set a first-round record with a 63 at Champions Gate. Although our conversation was recorded the night before the tournament began, Doc explains exactly why her stellar performance came as no surprise. He also highlights the accomplishments of other young players he works with and reminds us once again why he’s the best in the business—change your mind, change your game. Following Doc, Jay Delsing returns to the show. Jay is not only one of the kindest and most uplifting voices in the game, he’s also got a new book coming out titled You Wouldn’t Believe Me If I Told You, and trust me, you’re going to want to read it. He shares some unforgettable stories, including teeing it up with Stephen Stills, meeting Sean Conner

In this very special bonus episode of Next on the Tee, acclaimed author and golf journalist Rick Reilly returns to the show. Rick and I cover a wide range of topics that span everything from Trump's "club championships wins" to The Masters. We kick things off with Rick’s take on President Trump’s self-declared victories at his various club championships, including winning the Triple Crown at his home course. I ask Rick: how many of these wins are actually real and Rick doubles down on his doubts about by saying he'd play Trump for $100,000 on a neutral course with USGA rules officials watching both players. Rick shares his thoughts on the potential PGA Tour–LIV Golf merger, including a reported high-profile meeting at the White House, and whether any real progress was made. We then dig into Rick’s past relationship with Greg Norman, how Norman’s difficult relationship with his father may have influenced his drive to create LIV, and whether that ambition came more from Norman's disdain for the PGA Tour or a p

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 16, I’m joined once again by our great friend and 9-time winner across the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, Tom Purtzer. This time around, Tom and I dive into a thought-provoking conversation about the direction of the PGA Tour—whether their current moves are aimed at growing the game or favoring their top players, and if their actions are simply an overreaction to the competition posed by LIV Golf. We also look back at 1991, the best year of Tom’s career, which came 18 years after he turned pro. He shares fond memories of winning both the World Series of Golf and the Texas Open, the latter of which earned him a coveted seat next to Ben Hogan at the following year’s champions dinner. Tom’s insight, humility, and great storytelling always make for a fantastic listen, and I know you’re going to really enjoy hearing from one of the game’s true legends and gentlemen.

On this week’s episode, we kick things off with a visit from our good friend and Robert Morris University Men's Head Coach Steve Shingledecker. RMU is riding high on a wave of momentum, thanks to their men’s basketball team capturing the Horizon League Championship and making an impressive showing in the NCAA Tournament, where they pushed powerhouse Alabama to the limit in the first round. Steve shares what the energy has been like on campus during the team’s thrilling run, how that success is already paying dividends in the recruiting process, and how the evolving landscape of college athletics—including the transfer portal—is impacting mid-major programs like RMU. We dive into whether top talent from these schools is at risk of being poached annually by Power Five programs, turning everyone outside the SEC and Big Ten into a de facto minor league system. Then, I’m joined by World Golf Hall of Famer David Graham. David had a stellar career both here in the U.S. and internationally after coming over from his

In this special bonus episode of Next on the Tee, I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Russell Levenson. Russ recently retired after 32 years in ministry, most notably serving 17 years as Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston—the largest Anglican/Episcopal congregation in North America. He’s a renowned theologian, author, and speaker who also developed a deep friendship with President George H.W. and First Lady Barbara Bush. Russ talks about his inspiring new book, “In God’s Grip: What Golf Can Teach Us About the Bible,” with a foreword by the legendary Jim Nantz. We dive into the powerful spiritual and life lessons drawn from golf and how the swing philosophies of Ben Hogan intertwine with Biblical wisdom. From focusing on fundamentals to letting go of perfection, Russ explores how the mindset that helped Hogan master the game can also guide our spiritual journeys. We also reflect on his close relationship with the Bush family, what heaven meant to them, and how the second half of the book—The Down

In Part 2 of Episode 14, I’m joined by first-time guest Taylor Crosby, and trust me—you’re going to love this conversation. Taylor brings great energy to the show and an impressive resume, having worked alongside one of the greatest instructors of all time, Jim McLean. Taylor is now teaching at one of the premier golf facilities in the world: The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee. We dive into what makes The Kingdom such a special place—from their PGA Tour-level fitting experience, to their on-site TaylorMade fitting trailer, and their cutting-edge studio and hitting bays. Unlike most fittings, at The Kingdom, you walk away with your custom-fit clubs the same day—ready to take down your weekend group right away. Taylor also shares insights into the seven stunning golf courses at Reynolds Lake Oconee, each designed by a legendary architect. And if that’s not enough, he brings along some fantastic playing lessons and tips to help you lower your scores and improve your swing. It’s a jam-packed segment with gear

This Week on Next on the Tee, I'm joined by three incredible guests. In Part 1, I start with one of the game's all-time great instructors—Tom Patri. Not only is Tom a phenomenal teacher, he's also a fantastic player. Tom is sharpening his game for the Senior Florida Open, happening April 22–24 at Aberdeen Golf & Country Club in Boynton Beach, Florida. You'll hear how he dominated the course during his practice round for the qualifier, plus his thoughts on Rory McIlroy's win at The Players, J.J. Spaun’s valiant effort and willingness to face the media after falling short, perhaps something Collin Morikawa could take a lesson from. Next up is a longtime friend from our Thursday Night Tailgate football show, former NFL defensive back Vencie Glenn. Vencie played for the Patriots, Chargers, Saints, Vikings, and Giants—and he’s just as popular in golf circles as he was on the football field. I share one of my favorite stories about walking Augusta National with him and how he introduced me to Phil Knight and T

In Part 2 of episode 13, I’m thrilled to welcome back one of my all-time favorite guests—acclaimed author and legendary golf TV producer, Keith Hirshland. Keith is not only one of the nicest people on the planet but also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to golf, television production, and life itself. We dive into his work with LIV Golf, where he leads their broadcasts, and discuss the great broadcast technology they've brought to the game including doing a tournament played under the lights in Riyadh. Keith shares the challenges of tracking the ball at night and introduces us to the newest addition to their broadcast team, Pat Perez. We also take a trip down memory lane as Keith reminisces about his role in launching The Golf Channel back in 1995 and his relationship with Arnold Palmer. Plus, Keith gives us an update on his latest book, a sequel to Song Girl, featuring the return of that intriguing CT Mascaro character. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of the best in the business!

This week on Next on the Tee, I’m thrilled to welcome three great friends to the show. I start things off in Part 1 with a player who I believe is one of the most underrated and underappreciated of the 21st century—Shaun Micheel. Most people remember Shaun for his incredible win at the 2003 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, but his career extends far beyond that. He finished runner-up to Tiger Woods at the 2006 PGA and even defeated Tiger in the first round of the Match Play Championship that same year. Beyond his playing career, Shaun offers incredible insight into the current state of both the professional and college golf scenes. We haven’t seen much of him on the Champions Tour recently, and unfortunately, there’s a heartbreaking reason why—you’ll hear all about it. He also weighs in on the shrinking number of Tour exemptions and the ongoing struggles the PGA Tour faces in marketing its players, given how much they’ve relied on Tiger Woods for the past 28 years. Then, I’m joined by Top 100 Instructor Tom Sti

In Part 2 of Episode 12, I welcome back our resident mental game expert, Dr. Bob Winters, The Confidence Doctor. This month, Dr. Bob dives into the crucial role that your dominant eye plays—not just in your swing, but also in your overall confidence on the course. Get your notepads ready because he shares a couple of key insights you’ll want to remember. Then, we wrap things up with our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri. TP gives us the inside scoop on some of his recent Instagram Live interviews, including conversations with our mutual good friend Damon Hack from The Golf Channel and his longtime pal Jimmy Roberts. And in a hilarious twist, TP must’ve been feeling nostalgic—because for the rest of our chat, he calls me Jimmy...not kidding, you’ll hear it for yourself. We also get into his thoughts on some hot topics in the game right now, like slow play and AimPoint green reading. It’s a fun and insightful conversation, so stick around and let’s tee it up!

On this episode of Next on the Tee, I'm joined by Ben Helmrath, VP of Merchandising at PGA Tour Superstore and Team Coordinator for the Atlanta Drive of the TGL League. Ben is deeply involved in team strategy, working alongside Captain Justin Thomas to set match-day lineups plus helps layout all the winning scenarios for when they should throw the Hammer. He takes us behind the scenes at SoFi Stadium, giving us a look at what really goes into a team’s preparation and what it's like down on the floor. Plus, with golf simulators becoming more and more affordable, Ben shares insights on how owning one might now be within reach for all of us. Then, mkaing his Next on the Tee debut is Champions Tour Pro Wes Short Jr. His longtime friend and Next on the Tee favorite, Bob Estes suggested that Wes would make a great guest, and boy was he right. Wes has an inspiring career—after years of grinding, he earned his PGA Tour card in 2004 at the age of 40, won his first event a year later in Las Vegas, and even qualified f

On this special bonus segment of Next on the Tee, I welcome back PGA Tour winner Bob Byman for a deep dive into some of the most defining moments of his career. With it being Arnold Palmer Invitational week on the PGA Tour, Bob takes us back to his victory at the first Arnold Palmer Invitational played Bay Hill in 1979, reflecting on what it meant to win a tournament connected to Arnold Palmer. As a Wake Forest alum who played on an Arnold Palmer scholarship, Bob shares personal stories about his relationship with The King and how Palmer’s influence shaped his career. We also revisit Bob’s impressive performances at The Open Championship, including his debut at St. Andrews in 1978, where he finished T17 alongside legends like Seve Ballesteros and Tom Weiskopf. The following year at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, he was in contention heading into the final round before finishing T7 in a tournament that saw Seve claim his first major title. Bob gives us a behind-the-scenes look at those experiences, the challen

In this episode of Next on the Tee, we’re joined by 2019 Charles Schwab Cup Champion Scott McCarron, as he gears up for the new season. Scott shares insights into his current health and the state of his game as he prepares for another competitive year. We also discuss the accessibility and visibility challenges the Champions Tour faces, despite the exceptional talent and fan engagement from its players. We explore why the PGA Tour seems to treat the Champions Tour as an afterthought and how that might change when Tiger Woods turns 50 and potentially joins the field. Scott reflects on his leadership role within the Tour, offering his perspective on the upcoming changes to the PGA Tour in 2026, including the reduction of full-time Tour cards and the impact of LIV Golf’s emergence has had on player earnings. We then take a deep dive into Scott’s impressive record at the Senior PGA Championship, a tournament where he’s consistently performed well, and discuss his chances at Congressional Country Club this year