Golf podcasts: Listen to Next on the Tee with Chris Mascaro

Next on the Tee with Chris Mascaro

On Next on the Tee we believe that PGA & LPGA Legends, players, top instructors and media members tell great stories that you'll really enjoy listening to. We are a golf podcast that challenges the notion that you have to be controversial or focused on Tiger Woods' swing or personal life in order to get people to listen. The way we challenge that notion is by bringing you a great lineup of guests every week who their share stories from inside the ropes plus insights and playing lessons that can help all of us lower our scores, improve our mental approach, and get more enjoyment out the game. We research the details and don't ask the simple general questions. We hope you'll make us a regular part of your golf content consumption.

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Season 11, Episode 57 Part 2: From Simulators to Sunglasses: Unique Golf Gifts for the Holidays...

11-16-2024

In Part 2 of this week’s show, we’re diving into the holiday season with some fantastic gift ideas for the golfer who seems to have it all.

First, I’m joined by Ben Helmrath, VP of Merchandising for Hard Goods at the PGA Tour SuperStore. Ben shares insights into the booming in-home golf simulator market and their exciting partnership with Full Swing. We’ll also discuss the PGA Tour SuperStore’s role as the official retailer for the much-anticipated TGL League, spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, set to launch in January. Plus, Ben highlights their heartwarming initiative to "Give the Gift of Golf" to our military heroes.

Later, Gary DiSalvo, CEO of Popticals, returns to the show. As half of the dynamic duo behind what I consider the best sunglasses on the market, Gary talks about the innovative design of Popticals sunglasses. These lightweight, glare-reducing glasses not only help golfers read greens better but also prevent eye fatigue throughout the round. If you’re looking for the perfect gift to enhance your favorite golfer's game, Popticals might just be it. Don’t forget to check out their website at Popticals.com while you tune in to hear Gary break down what makes these sunglasses a game-changer on and off the course.



Season 11, Episode 57 Part 1: Tour Shake-Ups & Triumph Over Adversity: Insights from John Mascari and Scott Hamilton...

11-15-2024

This week on the show, I’m excited to welcome back my “long lost cousin” John Mascari. John shares 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 leads off this week's show. Follow John on Instram and X @johnmascaripga

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, wonderful people on the planet. 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. You can following on Instragram at @scotthamilton84 plus help him fight cancer at https://scottcares.org

You can stay up-to-date with everything going on with the show on our site at https://.nextonthetee.net. You can follow me on social plus share your thoughts on Instagram and X at @ctmascaro.



Season 11, Episode 56 Part 2: Family, Fairways, and Football: Jenn Whaley & Mitch Lyons on Life and Golf...

11-08-2024

In Part 2 of Episode 56, I’m thrilled to welcome Jenn Whaley, who’s making her Next on the Tee debut. If her last name sounds familiar, it should—she’s the daughter of Suzy Whaley, former President of the PGA of America and now President of Golf Nation. Suzy has been a wonderful friend of the show, and she’s raised an equally wonderful daughter in Jenn. Jenn’s passion for the game and her work with Top Golf and Callaway Brands comes shining through the energy in her voice. We chat about what it was like growing up in a true golf family and the golf lessons that happened at the dinner table. Jenn also shares highlights from her remarkable college golf career at Quinnipiac in Connecticut, along with her current role leading a program aimed at getting more beginners into the game and helping them stay engaged with it. Check out how she and the Top Golf are doing online at https://shop.topgolf.com.

We’ll round Part 2 with former Michigan State, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Mitch Lyons. Mitch helped Michigan State achieve some fantastic victories, including a win over #1-ranked Michigan at The Big House—a story he’ll share with us. He’ll also recall the day he set the Michigan State record for catches by a tight end. We discuss his experiences playing for an incredible array of coaches, from George Perles to Jerry Glanville, June Jones, and Bill Cowher. Naturally, we spend a good portion of the conversation on his time with the Steelers, where he reflects on what it was like to play for “The Chin,” and how special it is to play for the Rooney Family versus any other organization. Mitch is also a golfer and joins us from Arizona, where he’s set to play in the Pro-Am before the Schwab Cup playoffs on the Champions Tour. Mitch is now in the financial management business. If you're looking for help managing your retirement nest egg, check him company out online at www.mitchlyonswealth.com.

You can stay up-to-date with everything going on with the show on our site at https://.nextonthetee.net. You can follow me on social plus share your thoughts on Instagram and X at @ctmascaro.



Season 11, Episode 56 Part 1: Tom Patri on PGA Tour Changes: Growth or Greed? Plus Dr. Bob Winters Helps Us Stay in the Moment...

11-08-2024

In Part 1 of this week’s episode, we’re kicking things off with our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who’s joining us for the 107th time and on the 9th anniversary of the first time he joined the show. Tom and I dive into the proposed changes for the 2025 PGA Tour season, which unfortunately don’t seem focused on growing the game at the professional level. We discuss the trickle-down effect these changes could have on top instructors like Tom and on others around the game who are dedicated to helping aspirational players. These changes risk shrinking the game at the top, giving a larger piece of the pie to fewer players. As usual, it seems to come down to more money for fewer people. You’ll hear Tom’s thoughts on this and much more. Be sure to check out his website at www.tompatri.com and give him a follow on Instragram @tompatrigolf. Here is a link to his YouTube channel where you can get over 360 free video playing lessons, https://www.youtube.com/@TomPatriGolf

After Tom, we’ll have our monthly visit from “The Confidence Doctor,” Dr. Bob Winters. This month, we’re focusing on the fantastic results he’s seeing with his junior players as they work toward achieving their goals. Dr. Bob also shares his insights on staying in the present moment instead of constantly projecting ahead. Plus, we discuss the importance of prioritizing enjoyment on the course, asking each other if we had fun instead of immediately asking, “What did you shoot?” Stay up-to-date with Dr. Bob on his website at www.theconfidencedoctor.com.



Season 11, Episode 55: Dan Pastorini Talks Luv Ya Blue, Oilers/Steelers Rivalry, & His Celebrity Golf Invitational Supporting the Be An Angel Organization...

10-31-2024

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.