MUSINGS ON GOLF

He's a business executive with a passion for golf -- he's played 93 of the top 100 courses in the U.S. -- and a new book that is absolutely terrific. "PARdon Me: 50 Years of Golf, One Hole at a Time," is Joe Bronson's third book, and this one is packed with stories about Arnie, family, his 18 most challenging holes, and even, yes, 18 that NEVER should have been designed.  Get this book, and get ready for a great read, thanks to Joe!

What an incredible interview this is with the legendary Gary Player, who celebrates his 90th birthday on November 1. From the challenges of his youth in South Africa to a touching letter from his great friend, Jack Nicklaus, to the philanthropy that drives him today, you will hear it all in this special episode. A remarkable life. An amazing man. Gary Player at 90, and still going strong.

Eleven times he entered the winner's circle on the PGA TOUR, and 10 times he won on PGA TOUR Champions. His stellar resume also includes a U.S. Amateur title, an NCAA Team Championship at his beloved The Ohio State University, and a spot on the last U.S. Ryder Cup Team to win on foreign soil.  Join John Cook as he shares stories about his journey in golf -- how the great Ken Venturi helped shape John into the outstanding player he was, and how his Dad, Jim, mentored him into the man he is today as an analyst for Golf Channel. Gobble up the treats from "Cookie," on a frightfully good "Musings on Golf."

Over his 10 1/2 seasons in Major League Baseball, Tommy Hutton played for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, the two teams who will square off in the World Series starting on Thursday. Join Tommy for plenty of baseball talk -- 2026 will be his 43rd year broadcasting the sport -- and lively banter about his golf game, as he gets you set for the Fall Classic and mixes in some great stories about Tommy Lasorda, Tom Seaver and even the great television talk-show host, Mike Douglas. Play ball, World Series style, with Tommy Hutton!

You talk about a fun, new book! Former PGA Tour player Jay Delsing is out with "You Wouldn't Believe Me If I Told You: An Unforgettable Memoir of Golf, Grit and a Blue-Collar Kid on the PGA Tour," and you are going to be roaring while reading this one. From Jack Nicklaus to Sean Connery to John Daly, and, what, almost a fist fight on the course! It's all here in a laugh-filled interview with St. Louis's Jay Delsing!

He was an American sports hero in the 2014 Winter Olympics and a 2018 Stanley Cup Champion with the Washington Capitals. As the puck drops on the 2025-26 NHL season, join the recently retired T.J. Oshie, who talks about his passion for golf, his new opportunities as a hockey analyst, and the special bond he will always share with his late Dad, "Coach."

She has covered every Ryder Cup since 1999, and does she ever have strong opinions about what took place over three crazy days at Bethpage Black. Join Ann Liguori, Host of "Talking Golf," on WFAN-NY and the Sports Innerview podcast,  and author of "Life on the Green, Lessons and Wisdom from Legends of Golf," as we dissect the good, the bad, and the really ugly out of Europe's 15-13 victory. Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole!

His playing record of 17-8-3 is impressive, and he was never on the losing side. He also captained two U.S. teams. Yet, the real legacy of Jack Nicklaus and the Ryder Cup is forged in the vision of the Golden Bear, who saw the global growth of golf early on and convinced the powers that be that all of continental Europe needed to be included in the Matches.  Join Jack on a Ryder Cup stroll down the fairways of the past, and hear who he thinks will raise the golden chalice in victory on Sunday.

Imagine being PGA of America Professional David Young this week. Imagine the pride of watching your son, Cameron, tee it up in the Ryder Cup. In your home state.  For David, it's the real deal. It's happening. So, join him as he talks about the journey of helping develop Cam into the elite player he is, working with him to prepare for this week, and what it will be like to see his boy in golf's most riveting event. It's a special Ryder Cup edition, family style, on "Musings on Golf."

He is known as "Bones," and he delivers a full body of stories culled from 11 appearances in the Ryder Cup and five major championships while on the bag for Phil Mickelson.  Hear great insights from Jim "Bones" Mackay, as he reminisces on the great, and what could have been, and looks ahead to being on-course next week, reporting in the heat of the drama at the 45th Ryder Cup on Long Island. Get the skinny, from Bones, on "Musings on Golf."

He is known as "Bones," and he delivers a full body of stories culled from 11 appearances in the Ryder Cup and five major championships while on the bag for Phil Mickelson.  Hear great insights from Jim "Bones" Mackay, as he reminisces on the great, and what could have been, and looks ahead to being on-course next week, reporting in the heat of the drama at the 45th Ryder Cup on Long Island. Get the skinny, from Bones, on "Musings on Golf."

He was not on anyone's list of favorites to win the 2002 PGA Championship outside of Minneapolis. Yet, when he offered up a little jig after securing the Wanamaker Trophy -- and holding off a ferocious rally by Tiger Woods -- Rich Beem had earned his place as a major golf champion.  Join Rich, now completing his first decade with Sky Sports, as we discuss his incredible story and look ahead to who will be dancing in victory in two weeks, at the Ryder Cup. 

 What began in 1927 at Worcester (Massachusetts) Country Club has grown into one of the great spectacles in sports, and Hank Gola captures the passion and patriotism of the biennial event in his fabulous new book, "Ryder Cup Rivals: The Fiercest Battles for Golf's Holy Grail." Join Hank as he takes us from Walter Hagen at the outset, to Seve Ballesteros and the Spanish armada changing the game, to Paul Azinger and the pods that produced victory at Valhalla. What a read covering 13 different years of the Ryder Cup and the chase for the chalice!

He's the unique combination of great player and award-winning Coach. Indeed, as class gets back in session on college and university campuses, Coach Mike Small is looking to produce yet another year of high marks for the men's golf team at the University of Illinois.  A three-time winner of the PGA Professional Championship, Coach Small also has been named Big 10 Coach of the Year a conference-record 13 times. So, take a seat, listen up, and learn how Mike Small has done it all, on the course and for his alma mater, on "Musings on Golf."

From those summer nights of his youth working at his dad's driving range and miniature golf course to having dinner with Arnold Palmer while The King kept signing autographs, Rich Lerner of Golf Channel provides a masterclass in storytelling in this episode. 

Funny how a single moment can alter the course of one's life. For John Maginnes, who achieved some success as a professional golfer, the question he asked Tiger Woods after a PGA Tour round -- and the incredible answer from Tiger -- propelled John to the terrific career he has enjoyed on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, Golf Channel and many other media outlets.  Join John for fabulous stories about Tiger, Nick Faldo, Justin Rose, and even James Patterson. Yes, THAT James Patterson! It's amazing how one single question changed John Maginnes's life!

He has been called "The Mayor of Tempo Town" because of his sweet golf swing. And deservedly so. Yet, the story of Jake Knapp goes far beyond his record-setting rounds on the PGA Tour -- to his mastery of Rubik's Cube, his days as a bouncer, and his passion for a certain NHL team. You'll love the stories from Jake as he prepares for his second go-round in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, right here on "Musings on Golf."

He caddied at some great golf destinations, and Matt Welter identified a problem that he urgently wanted to fix. His solution? An on-site Dormy House, where employees could live for the extended time they are working at the facility, instead of fending for housing on their own. His initial build, at the fabulous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, just might the model for new and existing resorts. And that might just lead to even better experiences at those venues where you and your buddies are headed to play!

The game of golf is a bit quieter, and certainly sadder, with the passing of The Voice of Golf, Bob Bubka, the co-host of "Musings on Golf." Please join Kelly Elbin as he welcomes Adam Schupak of Golfweek.com and PGA of America Golf Professional Bob Joyce, who reflect on the bountiful life of their buddy, Bob, a master storyteller who loved the game. Plus, you'll hear Bob Bubka, the master storyteller, voicing some of his favorite stories, and reflections from his friend and colleague, Rupert Bell, of talkSPORT.

Just get Lee Trevino started, on his two victories in The Open, his relationship with Tiger, his newfound fame through YouTube, whether Keegan should be a Playing Captain, whatever. The Merry Mex is at his finest as he offers advice and commentary on the game as it was in his day and all the way to the present. What a ride it is with the one and only Lee Trevino!

From his playing days for Coach K at Duke to his 30 years as ESPN's college basketball analyst to a legal case involving Barney the Purple (what!), Jay Bilas has established himself as a major player in sports and beyond.  Join Jay as he gets set.for the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, where he'll hang with Steph Curry, Tony Romo and Charles Barkley in Tahoe.

With Independence Day upon us, we delve deep into the business of golf, where the sustainability and survival of many facilities are often dependent upon companies such as Nanula's Concert Golf Partners.  Join Peter as we explore the dynamics of this massive part of the golf industry, right here on "Musings on Golf."

It was rated by both ESPN and Golf Channel as the greatest shot in golf history, and New York Times best-selling author Chris Millard delivers a terrific new account of what led to Tom Watson's historic chip-in on the famed 17th hole at Pebble Beach that propelled him to the 1982 U.S. Open title over Jack Nicklaus.  Join Chris as he takes you on the journey that led to the moment that changed everything in golf. What a listen, and what a book, "The Shot."

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!