Golf Podcast: next on the tee Chris Mascaro

In Episode 25 Part 1, I'm joined by two fantastic Instructors, Tom Patri and Larry Rinker.


TP and I talk about the history unfolding in front of all of us from Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda. He shares his thoughts on why in the world Victor Hovland went from winning the Tour Championship to making swing and coach changes. We also get into the unprecedented amount of money that Scheffler's Caddie, Ted Scott is making. It's about to be more in the last few months than Arnold Palmer made playing golf in his career.


Larry Rinker played his college golf at the University of Florida and was the medalist at the 1978 SEC Championship. He is now one of the top Instructors in our game. Larry played in a couple of Masters Tournaments and we talk about his first experience back in 1983. He played a practice round with Payne Stewart and Scott Hoch and the Par 3 Tournament with Gary Player and Gay Brewer. We get both of those stories plus what it was like playing in the final group at the 1984 Heritage Classic with Nick Faldo, when Faldo got his first PGA Tour victory. Check him out online at www.larryrinker.com.

In Part 2 of this week's show, I'm joined by 1983 PGA Champion and 2-time Players Champion Hal Sutton and former PGA Tour Player who is now one of the all-time great Golf Analysts, Frank Nobilo.


Hal has designed a new course outside of Houston, Texas called Darmor. It is destined to be named the Top New Private Course of 2024/2025. We start off getting an update on how it's progressing. I then get Hal's thoughts on Scottie Scheffler's win in The Masters and his impressive play in the extremely windy conditions in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. He also shares his thoughts on what he saw from Ludvig Aberg playing in his first major plus Tiger's performance as well. We then look ahead to the PGA Championship at Valhalla and a look back at Hal's win in the PGA Championship in 1983. Hal talks about having his idol, Jack Nicklaus, make a charge in the final round and what it was like having Jack waiting for him on 18 as Hal closed out that victory.


Frank Nobilo was a part of the CBS broadcast team for The Masters. We talk about why Augusta National always brings out the best in past champions. He shares his insights on the play of Sscheffler, Aberg, and Tiger. Then I get Frank's thoughts on why golf's ratings are down 20+% this year. We conclude by looking back at the 1994 US Open at Oakmont. Frank was in the field that year and in the press room when Arnold Palmer finished his final US Open round. Frank talks about the emotional scene of watching Mr. Palmer address the press and his fans.

In Part 1 of a special "Happy Birthday to Me" episode of the show, I'm joined by 2011 US Senior Open Champion Olin Browne, and The Godfather of Golf Talk Radio John Patrick, whom I regard as the finest Golf & Talk Show Radio Host ever.


Olin Browne shares insights on why Scottie's career trajectory resembles that of Tiger's. Additionally, we delve into Ludvig Aberg's apparent enjoyment during the typically tense final nine holes of The Masters on Sunday. Olin also recounts his experiences competing in the Senior PGA Championship at Valhalla in 2011, which is also the venue for this year's PGA Championship, and the US Open at Pinehurst in 2005, the location of this year's US Open.


In the second segment, I'm joined by the best to ever do it, John Patrick. John is the gold standard for what golf talk radio should sound like. We delve into Augusta National's recent property acquisitions adjacent to the Club, speculating on what their plans may be. He discusses the challenging winds that affected the tournament over Friday and Saturday, offers insights into Tiger's future and what might need to happen in order for Rory to secure a victory there. Additionally, we get into what might be causing the declining television ratings of the PGA Tour. Check out his show at www.augustagolfshow.com


In Part 2, I'll cover those same topics with 1983 PGA Champion Hal Sutton and former Tour Player and now CBS Analyst Frank Nobilo.

Former Bills, Panthers, & Packers WR Don Beebe joins me in this special episode of Next on the Tee.


Don was a 3rd round pick in 1989 but the first pick the Buffalo Bills had that year. He was an integral part of their 4 Super Bowl appearances in the early 90s. After a good warm-up and prayer session before the start of Super Bowl 27, he was convinced that he'd make the game-winning TD catch against the Cowboys. Well, the game was a route in the other direction. The Cowboys won 52-17 but it was a second away from the Cowboys putting another touchdown on the board when Don ran down Leon Lett who was dancing his way toward the endzone after recovering a fumble. Don swiped the ball out of Lett's hand causing a touchback and giving the Bills the ball back. It was an innocuous play in a blowout game. But it showed Don hadn't given up and was going to hustle until the game was over. During pregame, he had asked God to help him honor and praise Him through a game-winning touchdown. Instead, He gave him a play that has resonated with millions in a much deeper way. Hear Don tell that story and the reaction he continues to receive from people all over the world 31 years later.


Get your copy of Don's wonderful new book at www.donbeebe.com

In Part 2 of this week's show, we continue The Masters conversation with a guy who played in the tournament 18 times and was currently over in Augusta, Mark Calcavecchia. Following Mark, I'm joined by Rob Strano. Rob grew up playing at the same country club as 1968 Masters Champion Bob Goalby.


Mark starts off explaining why he's nicknamed the bunker on 10 Brenda's Bunker, after his wife. We learn that the tradition of skipping shots across the pond on 16 during the practice rounds was started by Mark and his college teammate Ken Green. Mark and Ken used to bet about who could make all kinds of shots. When they got to 16 during a practice round in 1987, they threw a few balls down and tried to see who could get it closer. The next morning there was a letter waiting for Green in his locker from Augusta National Chairman Hord Harden saying "We don't do that at Augusta National." Of course, now it's a tradition during the practice rounds. If players don't skip one across the pond, the patrons boo them. Mark and I switch gears and talk about the Masters merchandise craze and one we don't understand around Masters nomes. We then get into some of his playing memories like the time he shot 29 on the back 9 in 1992. In 2001 he started the final round tied with Tiger and Phil. We hear about how he got ahead of himself and let that one get away. He and his wife Brenda are great people and great follows on social media. Be sure to follow them @MarkCalc and @BrendaCalc.


Rob Strano grew up in St. Louis playing at the same country club as 1968 Masters Champion Bob Goalby. Mr. Goalby won that Masters in part thanks to Roberto DiVincenzo signing an incorrect scorecard. In the final round, Goalby birdied 13 and 14 and then eagled 15. DiVincenzo birdied 17 to take a one-stroke lead but his playing partner Tommy Aaron marked down a 4 instead of a 3. When their round was over, Goalby and DiVincenzo thought they were headed for an 18-hole playoff on Monday. But since DiVincenzo signed the card with the higher score, USGA rules state the higher score stands, so he lost by a stroke. Rob shares how Mr. Goalby dealt with how all that unfolded. I also get his insights on the topography of the course, how undulated those greens are, and who he likes to win this week.

Happy Masters Week everyone. For me, this is THE most magical week of the year. As they say, The Master is a tradition unlike any other. This week both parts of the show are dedicated to taking you inside the tournament to give you a sense of what it's like to be on those magnificent grounds.


I kick it off with Tom Patri, who has been out there several times with his good friend, 1992 Masters Champion Fred Couples. Also joining me in Part 1 is John Cook. Cookie played in 15 Masters tournaments dating back to 1979. He earned his way into that Masters field with his victory in the 1978 US Amateur.


Tom Patri shares stories of being alongside Fred Couples during his run to the Green Jacket in '92. To this day, none of us know how Fred's tee shot on #12 didn't roll back into Rae's Creek. We hear what Fred's reaction was. Tom also shares some of his other favorite Masters memories, the legends he wished could have donned a Green Jacket, and current players he'd love to see win. I also get his thoughts on Scottie Scheffler's place in history if he were to win his second Masters. Check out Tom's YouTube Channel where you can get over 300 free video lessons: https://www.youtube.com/@TomPatriGolf


John Cook takes us down Magnolia Lane, remembering that first drive up alongside his mentor Ken Venturi. We hear about his night in the Crows Nest and the Augusta National memorabilia he collected over the years. I also get Cookie's thoughts on what's driving television ratings down, and why the networks are trying to replace the great Analysts that many of us love. Give John a follow on Twitter @johncookgolf & Instagram @jncookosu.