Golf Podcast: next on the tee

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 current state of the PGA Tour.

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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 guests. We discuss his soon-to-open golf school in Armonk, New York, and dive into his thoughts on the evolution of teaching techniques. Jim also shares his experience opening a new golf school in South Korea and the growing popularity of the sport there.

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This week on the show, I’m excited to welcome back my “long lost cousin” John Mascari. John will be sharing his thoughts on the proposed changes to the PGA Tour for 2026, which include reducing field sizes, the number of Tour cards available, and the number of Monday qualifiers, among other changes. As someone on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey PGA Section and the Director of Golf at Alpine Country Club, John has a unique perspective on how these changes could impact the game. Speaking of Alpine, there’s a rumor that a sequel to a certain movie featuring a hockey player-turned-professional golfer was recently filmed there, and John might give us a hint about that. We’ll also chat about the growing excitement for next year’s Ryder Cup. Plus, as a big Yankees fan, John’s going to have to endure a little ribbing from me—a Red Sox fan—about their recent loss in the World Series. John will join me in just a few minutes.

Following John, we have the pleasure of hearing from 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater Scott Hamilton. Scott is genuinely one of the most inspiring people I know. He’s overcome countless challenges in his life and still reached the pinnacle of his sport. We’ll talk about the obstacles he’s faced, his incredible optimism and faith, and the Hall of Fame inductions that continue to recognize his remarkable achievements. Scott’s story is one of resilience, positivity, and triumph, and I’m thrilled to share it with you all.

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In this special bonus edition of the show I'm joined by former Houston Oilers Pro Bowl QB Dante Anthony Pastorini.

Dan Pastorini is not only a multi-time Hall of Fame athlete but also a Hall of Fame human being. Despite what you might see on commercials, he truly is one of the most interesting men on the planet—which you can read more about in his book, Taking Flak: My Life in the Fast Lane.

In this segment, Dan reflects on his journey with golf, sharing how he developed a passion for the game and even helped his Houston Oilers teammates get invited to the Houston Open, breaking a tradition where only Cowboys players were previously included. He recalls the thrill of teaming up with fellow Houston Sports Hall of Famer Jackie Burke to win the Pro-Am and names the players who would make up his most fun foursome.

Dan also highlights his annual Celebrity Golf Invitational, which raises funds for the inspiring organization Be An Angel (www.beanangel.org). Shifting to football, he reminisces about the fierce yet respectful rivalry between the Steelers and Oilers in the late ’70s, including memorable third showdowns in the AFC Championship Games in 1978 & '79. He shares stories of mutual respect, like Joe Greene and John Banaczak helping him off the field after the '79 Championship game and Joe being there to honor him at his Houston Sports Hall of Fame induction.

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In Part 1 of Season 11, Episode 54 I'm joined by the one and only Tom Patri plus top Sports Psychologist and the grandson of Bobby Jones, Dr. Bob Jones IV.

Tom Patri and I dive into the controversy surrounding the high cost of Ryder Cup tickets. With the PGA of America positioning the event as a “Super Bowl-level” spectacle, fans and potential volunteers are feeling the impact of sky-high prices. Tom shares his thoughts on whether the PGA's pricing strategy is justified, especially given the New York City setting where high prices are often the norm. Drawing a comparison to Billy Joel’s famous Millennium Concert at Madison Square Garden—where the singer himself remarked on the outrageous ticket prices—they may be right, we may be crazy...

Following Tom, I'm joined by Dr. Bob Jones IV, the grandson of legendary golfer Bobby Jones and an esteemed sports psychologist. Doc brings a unique blend of spirituality and warmth that’s rare in the sports world. In a world increasingly dominated by social media negativity, he offers advice on how to maintain mental resilience on and off the course. He also discusses strategies for overcoming a single frustrating hole that can derail a round, the importance of carefully choosing who we share our goals with, and tips for staying centered amid daily distractions. Doc brings a calming, grounding presence to every conversation, making this episode a truly special experience for listeners looking to elevate not only their game but their mindset.

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