MUSINGS ON GOLF

In covering his fourth U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, Mark Rolfing of NBC Sports and Golf Channel provides great insights and perspectives on the thrilling victory by J.J. Spaun and the beatdown that the course (and Mother Nature) inflicted on the field. Plus, Mark fondly recalls his interview with Arnold Palmer, shortly after The King played his final U.S. Open round, in 1994.

The 125th U.S. Open Golf Championship begins Thursday at Oakmont Country Club, and no one knows more about the storied club than Bob Ford. For 37 years, he was the PGA of America Head Professional at Oakmont, and he's the last host professional to make the cut in the U.S. Open (1983). This week, he will serve for the ninth consecutive year as the Official Starter for our national championship. Come along with Mr. Ford, who has plenty to say about this beast of a course, and what it takes to have a chance to prevail on it.

The influence that Deane Beman wielded over golf for two decades cannot be overstated, and his legacy as PGA Tour Commissioner rightfully led to his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He launched THE PLAYERS Championship, formed the Senior PGA Tour (now PGA TOUR Champions), developed the TPC network of courses, grew charitable contributions from less than $1 million a year to more than $30 million, and grew the assets of the Tour from $400,000 to $260 million.  Hear what Deane has to say about LIV Golf, the current state of the game at the elite level, and what still drives him today. Plus, Scottie and Jack talk about another winning week by the World No. 1.

Down the stretch, Scottie Scheffler never wavered in capturing his third major title, Sunday at the PGA Championship. We'll talk Scottie, and visit with PGA of America Professional Brennan Little, full-time caddie for Gary Woodland who is competing this week at the Senior PGA Championship in the Nation's Capital.  Plus, join Kelly on his journey across the UK, playing many of the courses on the Open Championship Rota with seven other golf nuts!

Were it not for a fellow soldier in Vietnam who told Larry Nelson about the wonders of golf, it's entirely possible that Larry might never have taken up the game at age 21. As we celebrate PGA Championship week, we welcome in a Southern gentleman whose classy manner belies a burning desire to win ... and win he did, twice capturing the PGA Championship as well as a U.S. Open. Join Bob and Kelly for the unique story of Larry Nelson, a major winner and World Golf Hall of Fame member. 

Before she was a standout on the LPGA Tour, Morgan Pressel was just a kid who lost her Mom to breast cancer. Using her fame on the course, and with great assistance from PGA of America Professional Paul Clivio, Morgan has gone on to raise more than $14 million through the Morgan Pressel Foundation to fight this insidious disease. Join Bob and Kelly as we talk with Morgan and Paul, and as we celebrate the great work also being done by the South Florida PGA Section to benefit their community.

Long before Tiger and Phil and Justin and Jordan became household names, Stephen Hamblin knew of their golfing prowess as the Executive Director of the American Junior Golf Association.  Join Bob and Kelly as we hear great stories from Stephen, who has guided the country's premier junior golf circuit for 41 years, helping countless kids achieve their dreams of playing collegiate golf, and, in many cases, far beyond.

There are good golf lists, then there is the well-researched, powerfully written new book by Michael Arkush, "The Golf 100: A Spirited Ranking of the Greatest Players of All Time." Arkush focuses on success in the majors as his primary criteria for who makes his list (and who doesn't). What a book and what an interview with the A-lister among golf writers!

Adam Schupak, a senior writer at Golfweek, joins Bob and Kelly for the recap of one of the most compelling and dramatic Masters Tournaments ever. In the end, through all the twists and turns, it was an emotional Rory McIlroy who emerged with the Green Jacket and a spot on the game's mountaintop.

As Bob and Kelly preview the 2025 Masters, we're joined by Corey Conners, who has finished in the top-10 three times at Augusta National Golf Club. Discover how Corey has played the course so well and what it's been like for the Canadian to represent his country in both the Olympics and the Presidents Cup.

Injuries and illnesses have proven to be mere bumps in the road for Eric Cole, who continues to forge his identity on the PGA Tour. The son of two professional golfers, Eric was the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year on Tour. His compelling story, though, goes far beyond the course and illustrates the enduring spirit of golf. Join Bob and Kelly as we talk with Eric, who inspires through his talent and tenacity.

From learning at the feet of his uncle, himself an elite player, to creating and updating masterpieces to challenge all golfers, Tom Fazio has risen to the greatest of heights in the field of course architecture. Join Bob and Kelly as we take a journey through the years with the legendary designer, who is very much a "player" in the major championships of today and golf's grandest event in the future.

When you are mentioned by Rory McIlroy, you must be on the mind of the newly crowned Players Champion. So it is in the case of Dr. Bob Rotella, golf's pre-eminent psychologist, who continues to get into the mind of elite golfers such as Rory and help them achieve greater success in their careers. Find out how Dr. Bob gets the best in the game to clear their thoughts and, yes, at times, just be average. Right now, on "Musings on Golf."

He has represented his country twice in the Presidents Cup and broke through with his first PGA Tour victory last year. Taylor Pendrith is among five talented Canadians who are climbing leaderboards and turning heads. Oh, and he's made eight Albatrosses! That's a 2 on a par 5, folks. Catch up with this Canuck, who is ranked 41st in the world, and moving up!

He's one of golf's top strength and conditioning professionals, and a co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), which has certified more than 30,000 golf, fitness and medical professionals.  Find out how Dr. Greg Rose made the right moves professionally, and how you can tap into the vast knowledge of a TPI Certified expert, to take the right steps necessary to find your most efficient golf swing.

The son of an acclaimed golf course superintendent, David McLay Kidd brought his Scottish lineage and passion for links golf to create the incredible Bandon Dunes along the rugged coast of southern Oregon. Join Bob and Kelly to hear glorious tales of Old Tom Morris and Scotland's ancient layouts, all of which continue to drive David as he soars (he's a pilot!) in his career while always creating designs that are in harmony with the natural environment. 

We have a long talk about the short game with Bob Vokey, a magnificent storyteller who is synonymous with wedge design and who continues to be driven by his passion to help golfers score better. It's ironic, actually ... for a guy who joined Titleist to work on drivers, Bob Vokey has stamped his legacy in the game with the wedges that bear his name.

He's the guy who the likes of Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, and Vijay Singh have entrusted to make them stronger and better as they compete at the highest levels of golf. He's the high-energy Joey D (technically, Joey Diovisalvi), and he has helped improve the fitness of many of the game's best players ... and who can do the same for you! Join Bob and Kelly for this fantastic verbal workout with Joey D!

He is as lovable as anyone in golf, and behind the big mustache comes great wisdom from Fluff Cowan. With over 40 years of experience caddying on the PGA Tour, Fluff has guided the play of Peter Jacobsen, Jim Furyk, and for magical days at Augusta for a very young Tiger Woods. Join Fluff as we take a long walk with the man who certainly knows his way around the best courses in the world. 

He has co-authored best-selling books with Tiger, as well as Tiger's dad, Earl, yet the most significant time for Pete McDaniel is one that spoke to the African-American golfers who were left out of the spotlight. Join Bob and Kelly as we hear Pete's many personal stories, of the famous, and those who never had a chance to get that far because of the times in which they lived. Passionate and persistent. Traits of Pete McDaniel, and the men behind the stories he weaves.

As we celebrate the 85th birthday of Jack Nicklaus today, we also welcome Derek Sprague, another PGA of America Professional, as our special guest. From the small town of Malone, New York, Derek has risen to great heights in the game, and is now the first PGA of America Past President to be named the CEO of the organization that oversees the professional needs of more than 30,000 golf professionals. Oh, and he'll also be heavily involved in the preparation for a little event this fall, called the Ryder Cup!

For the first time in 30 years, Europe brings a repeat Captain to the biggest spectacle in golf -- the Ryder Cup. And you can bet that Luke Donald will again have his lads ready for battle -- he was stellar during his first go-round in Rome in '23 -- this fall as they step into the cauldron that will be the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on Long Island. Hear what Captain Donald has to say about Europe's passion for the Ryder Cup, who (and what books) he leans on for his leadership traits, and what he expects to hear from the rowdy New Yorkahs in September!

He went back-to-back in '24 to capture his first two major titles, and now Xander Schauffele closes out a stellar year with a repeat performance here on "Musings on Golf." Wishing all of you a Happy New Year, with lots of fairways and greens in '25!

The development of a major sports figure often can be years in the making. Earlier in 2024, we heard from PGA of America Professional Randy Smith as to how he helped shape young Scottie Sheffler into the man to beat in golf.  Relive the message that Randy has passed along to the best player in golf here in a special holiday episode of "Musings on Golf."

She burst onto the scene in '78 with that big smile and massive game that both delighted fans and pulverized opponents. Nancy Lopez's five straight wins that year set the LPGA standard for extended success, and her appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated established her as a transcendent figure in the game.  Come along for a whimsical ride down memory lane, as Nancy recalls all that went right in that remarkable rookie campaign and beyond. And find out how (and why) she continues to give back today. 

Next week, greats from the four major sports teams in the U.S. will gather at Innisbrook Resort in Florida for the inaugural THE PRO. Jon Barry, son of Hall of Famer Rick Barry, will captain the basketball team in this Ryder Cup-style event. Hear great stories from Jon about his passion for the game, excitement for THE PRO, and having his Dad as his partner on the course. Oh, what tales to be heard on "Musings on Golf."

Family is at the core of Thanksgiving, and for David and Noah Kent, the bonds between a father and son continue to strengthen as they reflect on a remarkable year in golf.  Join Bob Bubka and me for a special talk with a proud PGA of America Professional, and his talented son, who nearly captured the U.S. Amateur!

He has a great job as a PGA of America Head Professional, and Jason Caron will now have more opportunities to showcase his stellar playing skills next year as a card-carrying member of the PGA Tour Champions.  Come along to hear the amazing, if not improbable journey of Jason Caron, who most definitely has earned his spot on the 50-and-over circuit!

Last week in Michigan, he was elected the 44th President of the PGA of America. Hear the story of Don Rea, who once called balls and strikes and now is leading the call for one of the world's largest sports organizations.  Over the next two years, Don will lead the PGA of America's efforts to grow the game and serve the needs of the 31,000 PGA of America Professionals. Batter up ... er ... tee it up, with President Rea, on "Musings on Golf."

The numbers are impressive, and they tell much of the amazing story of David Leadbetter. He has coached elite players such as Nick Faldo, Nick Price, Greg Norman, and Ernie Els to more than 20 major championship titles and more than 100 individual worldwide tournament victories. Yet, the full tale of Leadbetter lies in his passion for getting to know his players and helping them maximize their abilities. What an instructor and what an interview!

Achieving excellence in one sports medium is noteworthy. Doing so in another ... well, now we're talking Damon Hack. From his days covering the NFL, NBA and golf for Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and Newsday to his 12-plus years of stellar work in front of the camera at Golf Channel/NBC Sports, Damon reveals what has driven him to heights of success few have attained!

The title of her new book captures only a part of the remarkable years that Ann Liguori has lived in the ever-evolving world of sports media. From major golf championships to big-time interviews with sports legends, Ann continues to ask about, and tell the stories that educate and inspire. What a great interview, and what a terrific book!

He was a key component of the amazing World Series champion New York Mets in '86. Now, hear what Tim Teufel, the man with the distinctive shuffle, has to say about this year's MLB playoffs, how golf and baseball are similar (and different), and who would join him in his dream foursome. Step up to the plate and settle in with the "Teufel Shuffle," on "Musings on Golf."

Steve Sands worked his eighth Presidents Cup for Golf Channel and NBC Sports, so he brings a wealth of experience in dissecting why the Americans continue to dominate the Internationals. Hear Steve's thoughts on Captain Jim Furyk, Keegan Bradley and the other American stalwarts, plus his special dream golf foursome.

You know him as an integral part of CBS Sports coverage of the Masters, PGA Championship and the PGA Tour. Ian Baker-Finch is also a major champion (1991 Open Championship), and four times he was Assistant Captain for the International Team at the Presidents Cup. Join Ian in looking back and previewing the Presidents Cup, which begins tomorrow at Royal Montreal Golf Club.

The U.S. regained the Solheim Cup on Sunday, and Tom Abbott found himself right in the center of it -- calling the action for NBC Sports and Golf Channel. Join Bob and Kelly as we talk with the talented anchor, who certainly knows his way around big-time golf events.

Thanks to the guiding eye of his father, Dave Stockton went on to win two PGA Championships and captain the U.S. to a dramatic Ryder Cup triumph. Hear Dave talk about his glory days on the course, and how he has helped elite and recreational golfers achieve great results through his short-game philosophy.

He has been tutored in the dark by U.S. Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau. He has brought Golf Channel viewers a unique, interactive approach to the game. Johnson Wagner is a star in the making, and what great stories he brings to "Musings on Golf."

Whether he's wrasslin' an orangutan for money, rentin' a U-Haul to get to the next Tour stop, or "ridin'" a horse at the Ryder Cup, Boo Weekley is uniquely, well, Boo. Oh, and never forget how well this country boy can play the game. Have a visit with Mr. Boo, golf's authentic character.

From his playing days at the University of Houston all the way to his renowned Golf School, PGA of America Master Jim McLean has been a champion in the game. Discover what sets Jim apart, and how he can help your game, too.

He is one of the newest members of the World Golf Hall of Fame, and Padraig Harrington might just be its classiest. Learn why "Paddy" had a back-up plan for professional golf, what clicked during an amazing stretch of accomplishments, and how all of us can help the next generation love the game as much as he does. 

He guided Olympic gold medalist Scottie Scheffler through his four years in Austin, and University of Texas men's golf coach John Fields continues to be a driving force in the collegiate game after 27 seasons at the helm. Hear what Scottie's dramatic win meant to Coach, and why he believes the NCAA Men's Golf Championships need to look like the College World Series.

He spent 27 years in various roles at Golf Channel before making the move to be one of the lead commentators for LIV Golf. Hear Jerry Foltz talk about the initial fear he had in taking the new job and the fun he has had with the team-oriented league ever since.

An epic conclusion to The Open deserves a Roundtable Recap worthy of a champion writer. So, 16-time author Lorne Rubenstein, the golf columnist for the Globe and Mail in Toronto for nearly 35 years, joins Bob and Kelly to review another major triumph for Xander Schauffele. Oh, and Bob picked Xander to win. Just call him the Nostradamus of Golf!

For Xander Schauffele, the road directly ahead might just be paved with both another major championship and one more Olympic gold medal. Hear how the X Man, who won his first major title in May at the PGA Championship, is preparing for The Open this week and the defense of his golden glory outside of Paris in a few weeks!

He led the Washington Redskins to their first Super Bowl title and enjoyed a lengthy career in broadcasting. This week, Joe Theismann tees it up again in the American Century Championship in Tahoe. Hear why No. 7 continues to give it his all at the top celebrity event in golf. Also, Bob and Kelly discuss the surprise pick of Keegan Bradley to be the next U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain. 

As we celebrate the 4th of July this week, we look ahead to another grand tradition -- the American Century Championship later this month at Lake Tahoe. Who better to talk about this star-studded celebrity golf event than one of America's most versatile entertainers, John O'Hurley.  Enjoy some special stories, on the course and off, from J. Peterman of "Seinfeld."

The challenges were extraordinary, but for Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the preparation and perseverance paid off when he reached the summit of Mount Everest last month. Join us for an incredible visit with a golf leader unlike any other.

Award-winning journalist Ron Green Jr. of Global Golf Post joins Bob and Kelly for an in-depth review of the riveting U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. From Bryson's heroics to Rory's disasters, we tell the stories of a major championship that will be talked about for a very long time.

Gary Koch was an integral part of NBC Sports' golf team for 25 years before he and Roger Maltbie were let go in the fall of '22. Wisely, the network has brought back both for this week's U.S. Open at Pinehurst. Gary gives his insights on the famous course, who his (surprise) pick is, and how it feels to be back on air.  As an added bonus, Bob Bubka shares his interview with Payne Stewart just moments after he won the 1999 U.S. Open.  Check out the man who is really way "better than most."

Yes, more folks may know Andy North today for his 30-plus years covering golf than the two U.S. Opens he captured decades ago. What you may not know about are the personal setbacks that put Andy on the path to a great career in golf and which drive him to try to rid all of us of cancer. Tee it up with the tall Badger who is getting ready for Pinehurst next week!