On The Green Podcast

Episode 44 is the fourth highlight show in a series where we take a look back at previous shows over the past three years.  On this show we look back at Episode 34 - a preview of the 2021-2022 PGA TOUR season, where my co-host, Jeff Adams, and I make some predictions, highlight the rookie class and welcome Andy Pazder, Chief Tournament and Competitions Officer at the PGA TOUR,  who adds some incredible insight into the season.

This is the 3rd (of 4) highlight show featuring some great sound-bytes from Episode 2 with Michael Tothe, Executive Director of the Charles Schwab Challenge, and Steve Wilmot, Executive Director of the RBC Heritage.  The CSC was the first event of the PGA TOUR restart and the RBC Heritage was the second.  You'll hear some really interesting answers about how the TOUR was dealing with the pandemic and just how much the events differed from previous years.

This special episode features a timely interview with the Executive Director of the PGA TOUR's Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, MS, scheduled for September 26 - October 2, 2022.  Jackson is the site of some recent flooding and I'll talk with Steve about the relief efforts and how the tournament benefits the local community.

Episode 42 features highlights of an earlier interview with nine-time PGA TOUR winner, Jay Haas.  This is the second of a four-part highlight series. 

On this episode I welcome the Tournament Director of the Constellation Furyk & Friends, Adam Renfroe.  Adam gives our listeners an inside the ropes look at the event; what big names will be competing, what special events will happen around the tournament, how to become a sponsor or volunteer and how to get tickets to the 2nd Annual PGA TOUR Champions event being held October 3 - 9 at Timuquana Country Club.

On this episode you'll hear from Mike Monahan, General Manager of a brand new golf course opening September 10th in St. Johns County Florida, Stillwater Golf & Country Club.  This Hampton Golf managed property is the centerpiece of a new Lennar Homes 55+ community and features 18 holes designed by Bobby Weed, unique stack faced bunkers, a well appointed practice facility , including a Himalayan putting green, and so much more.  Get the inside scoop you'll only hear on this podcast on the first golf course built in the NE Florida area in over 20 years!

This is the first in a series of four highlight shows taken from the first three years of On The Green Podcast.  In this episode I take the listeners back to Episode 13 and highlight some of the interview I did with LPGA Hall of Famer, Amy Alcott.

On this episode I welcome Paige Crawford an aspiring LPGA Tour player.  She gives us an inside the ropes look at women's developmental golf and just how difficult (and expensive) it really is out there as she follows her dream of one day joining Nelly, Jessica, Lexi and many others on the LPGA Tour.

On this show I catch up with Mark Berman, owner/operator of the brand new East Coast Women's Professional Golf Tour. What does it take to start a women's tour?  Why did Mark start the Tour in the first place?  Why is this Tour so vital to women's golf, women's sports and women's initiatives?  How does the ECWPGT fit into the golf landscape?  These and many other question will be answered on this exciting episode - enjoy!

On this show I catch up with LPGA staffer Mike Nichols, Chief Business Officer, LPGA Qualifying Tours, and we talk in-depth about the Epson Tour.  Epson is the new title sponsor of the tour that graduates players onto the LPGA Tour - past graduates include Lorena Ochoa, Allie Ewing, Hannah Green, and Nelly Korda.  Epson, along with Mike, have a lot of great changes in store for the 2022 season.  Learn more about Mike, the history of the Tour, past graduates and what these amazing athletes can expect on tour this year.

This episode features an interview with Taylor Fuller, Director of Marketing for both the Slammer & Squire and King & Bear golf courses at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL.  These Troon managed courses have played host to PGA TOUR & LPGA Tour events, as well as many high profile collegiate, amateur and charity events.  The Slammer & Squire, named for Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen, and designed by Bobby Weed, plays through tree lined fairways and offers many views of the Hall of Fame spire.  The King & Bear is the only course in the world co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.  Taylor and I discuss the unique features of each course, and how you too can play and enjoy these well manicured layouts.

For the first time I welcome a co-host into the studio, Jacksonville Area Golf Association President, Jeff Adams, as we preview the upcoming PGA TOUR season.  We look at the millions of dollars up for grabs in 2021 -2022, talk about some of the changes to the schedule including the strategic alliance with the DP World Tour, review the completed tournaments of the wrap around season, give our audience a few players to watch and preview this years majors.  AND we welcome special guest, Andy Pazder, Chief Tournaments and Competitions Officer at the PGA TOUR to give us his first-hand insights on what to expect on TOUR this year.

On this episode I sit down with Willy Williams, SE Regional Manager for Parsons Xtreme Golf ("PXG").  You all know the commercials and know PXG is an industry leader in golf club technology and design.  Willy will talk about PXG the company and also discuss the companies title sponsorship of the PXG Women's Match-Play Championship, a Women's All Pro Tour event that will be played at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL, October 25 - November 4.

This episode features a great interview with two International Golf Federation team members heading to Tokyo for the Olympic Games.  Both Chris Smith and Chris Reimer are former PGA TOUR staffers who will be covering Olympic Golf from Kasumigaseki Country Club.  We discuss both the men's and women's fields, some of the great stories to watch for, and who they think will bring home the Gold!

This episode features an in-depth interview with Brad Hauer, General Manager and Director of Golf at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, located in Palm Coast, FL.  Brad takes the listeners for a complete tour of this beautiful property that features oceanfront accommodations, six restaurants, a 90,000 square foot pool complex, complete with a lazy river, and two of Florida's top rated golf courses the Jack Nicklaus designed Ocean Course and the Tom Watson designed Conservatory Course.  

This is the fourth and final episode of Influential Women In Golf Series featuring an interview with Suzy Whaley, the first female officer and President of the PGA of America.  Suzy shares her insights on the game of golf today, her career, how she gives back to the game and becoming the first President of the PGA of America.

This is the third installment of Influential Women In Golf Podcast Series featuring an interview with Renee Powell.  Renee was the second African-American woman to play on the LPGA Tour, is a member of both the Ohio Golf and PGA of America Hall of Fames, is an honorary member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, a PGA and LPGA professional, mentor to many and the owner of Clearview Golf Club in Ohio.

This is the second installment in the Influential Women in Golf Series, featuring an interview with Chief Brand and Communications Officer at the LPGA Tour, Roberta Bowman.  Roberta will share her many insights and stories about her career, the many accomplishments she has seen during her tenor at the LPGA Tour, including purse increases,  diversity and inclusion programs she and her team have implemented and how "Drive On" and "The Hoodie Project" have brought incredible exposure to the organization.

This is the first installment in the Influential Women in Golf Series featuring Cathy Harbin.  Cathy is the current Secretary of the National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA of America Board Member At-Large, member of three Hall of Fames, and owner/operator of Pine Ridge Golf Course in Paris, TX.  She shares her career highlights, how she gives back to the great game of golf and exactly why the Florida Times Union named her one of the seven most powerful women in sports.

On this episode I check-in with Michael Tothe, Tournament Director of the Charles Schwab Challenge,  during advance week of the May 24 - 30 tournament.  Things have definitely changed since our original interview last year prior to the PGA TOUR restart.  And Michael also makes a very exciting announcement about the future of Colonial Country Club.

On this episode you'll learn all about the North Florida PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections under the PGA of America's umbrella.  I sit down with CEO and Executive Director, Steve McMillen, as he shares how the section, one of the largest in the US, and it over 1,500 men and women professionals help grow the game of golf.  And don't miss a great story about his time working with Tom Watson! 

On this episode I sit down with Florida's First Coast of Golf President, David Reese, to talk about how his organization markets  golf and tourism along the Florida coast from Amelia Island down to Daytona Beach and all points in-between.  Lot's of great insights on golf and tourism that you don't want to miss.

This is the fourth and final episode of the "Countdown To PLAYERS" Series. In this episode I sit down with PLAYERS Volunteer Chairman, Troy Smith, to talk about the many different roles of the volunteer force. It is the dedication of these individuals that allows THE PLAYERS Championship to give back MILLIONS of dollars to charity each and every year - over $100M to date. The 47th PLAYERS starts March 11th.

In the 3rd episode of the series "Countdown To PLAYERS," I sit down with Derek Sprague, General Manager of the PGA TOUR's flagship property, TPC Sawgrass. TPC Sawgrass has been the host site of THE PLAYERS Championship since 1982 and we'll talk about what it takes to host golf's fifth major.

During Episode 2 of the "Countdown To PLAYERS" series, I sit down with Senior Director of Tournament Operations, Todd Tatarek, to find out what it really takes to put together one of the largest and most prestigious tournaments on the PGA TOUR. You'll hear insights you won't find anywhere else!

This is the first podcast in a four part series, Countdown To PLAYERS, leading into the 47th playing of golf's fifth major, THE PLAYERS Championship. In this episode I sit down with the tournaments Executive Director, Jared Rice, discussing the enormous impact the event has on the golf world, the local economy, and of course charity.

On this episode Matt Carroll, PGA Head Professional at Palencia Golf Club in St. Augustine, gives us an inside the ropes look at the Arthur Hills design course and all of the clubs wonderful amenities. I also sit down with Mark Berman the creator of the first ever women's professional golf tournament to be held in St. Johns County, who will tell us all about The Orca Golf Bags Women's Match-Play Championship, which will be played this October at World Golf Village. AND Orca Golf Bags founder and CEO, Deb Bennett stops by to give us some great company insights.

On this episode I sit down with PGA TOUR champion and past Presidents Cup Captain, Jay Haas. We talk about his beginnings in golf under the watchful eye of his uncle, 1968 Masters Champion, Bob Goalby, his time at Wake Forest, the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions and his current venture, Haas Family Golf.

Ever wonder how sports management companies are keeping the doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic? Well, on this show we sit down with Bruno Event Team Vice President, George Shaw, to discuss how the sports management giant has had to adjusted its business model through the pandemic and utilized an entrepreneurial spirit to take on new, innovative projects that have helped weather the storm.

Show 15 spotlights one of Jacksonville's most exclusive golf clubs, Timuquana Country Club, featuring an interview with Director of Golf Blanton Tessin. Timuquana CC will play host to a new PGA TOUR Champions event, The Constellation Furyk & Friends, next October and I sit down with Tournament Director, Adam Renfroe, to talk about this exciting event.

Show 14 features a roundtable discussion with three incredible ladies who are Tournament Directors of PGA TOUR events. Tracy West, Valspar Championship; Jane Wandmacher, Insperity Invitational; and Cheyenne Overby, Savannah Golf Championship share insights about their careers and how they ascended to the role of Tournament Director on the PGA TOUR, as well as, sharing their philosophies, successes and some great stories.

A special treat for my listeners as I sit down for an in-depth interview with LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame Member, Amy Alcott. From her humble beginnings swinging a club in the front yard at age 8 to what she is up to day, we cover everything in-between in this wonderful interview with one of golf's great legends.

Timely interview with Alex Baldwin, the first female president of a major men's professional golf tour, the PGA TOUR's Korn Ferry Tour. You will learn about early career, her first two years at the helm of the Korn Ferry Tour, the players making an impact on the PGA TOUR and what to expect on Tour in 2021.

Great interview with local golf icon and PGA of America Hall of Fame member, Boots Farley. He has had a fascinating 42+ year career in NE Florida and shares his story, teaching techniques and how technology has changed the game of golf.

Great interview with PGA of America Past President, MG Orender, co-owner of Hampton Golf. We put a spotlight on Blue Sky Golf Club here in Jacksonville, which is under Hampton Golf's umbrella, talked about his distinguished 40 year career in golf and got some inside knowledge about his current venture, Hampton Golf.

A special "travel" edition this week. We head to Tallahassee to spotlight the completely renovated Seminole Legacy Golf Club at Florida State University, featuring an interview with PGA Head Professional, Matt O'Brien. We'll also check in with THE TOUR Championship Tournament Director, Martin Stephenson, during round two of the season ending event. Martin shares with us how he and his team had to get creative to ensure a seamless event and raise important charity dollars for the local community.

This edition features a great interview with Bruce Mohler, General Manager at Jacksonville Beach Golf Club about all of the recent changes to the course and upgraded amenities. I also spoke with one of my favorite members of the media, Garry Smits, lead sports writer at the Florida Times Union. We talked about his career, golf and of course the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A great interview this week with University of North Florida head men's golf coach, Scott Schrodeder. We take a look at the UNF Golf Complex, a 38-acre state of the art practice facility that is open to the public, and delve into his 15-year career as head coach and what it takes to play golf on the Division I level.

We have an exciting show spotlighting Hidden Hills Golf Club in Jacksonville, featuring an interview with course owner, Russ Libby. Hidden Hills has some great amenities and a terrain that is very fitting to the clubs name. Lots of great elevation changes challenge every part of your game. We also have a very timely interview with David Charles, Senior Director of Tournaments at the PGA of America on the eve of the PGA Championship, the years first major. We talk about everything from the affects of COVID-19 on the PGA Championship, to the postponement of the Ryder Cup. It is information you'll only hear on this show. Enjoy!

In this Special Edition episode I speak with Senior Vice President of Administration at the PGA TOUR, Andy Levinson, who talks about how the TOUR put together the COVID-19 protocols for the restart of the 2019-2020 season. It is information you'll only find here on the this podcast.

The show spotlights St. Johns Golf & Country Club in St. Augustine, FL featuring interviews with General Manager, Ben Pasquith, and PGA Head Professional, Brad Calkins. We also interview Chief Sales Officer with the LPGA Tour, Kelly Hyne, who gives us an inside the ropes look at the Tour as they prepare for the restart of their season next week.

On this episode, we wrap up the past two weeks on the PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour. We also spotlight Deerwood Country Club in Jacksonville, FL featuring an interview PGA Head Professional, Tim Cooper and check in with World Golf Foundation and First Tee CEO, Greg McLaughlin.

Interviews with Michael Tothe, Tournament Director of the PGA TOUR's Charles Schwab Challenge, Steve Wilmot, Tournament Director of the PGA TOUR's RBC Heritage presented by Boeing, and Jeff Adams, Vice-President of the Jacksonville Area Golf Association.

Interview with Matt Borocz, Director of Golf at TPC Sawgrass, including a spotlight on the property, strategy of playing the iconic 17th hole, and a tour of the state of the art Performance Learning Center. Also, a timely interview with Charles Schwab Challenge tournament Director, Michael Tothe, as they prepare for the restart of the PGA TOUR season, with no spectators, new COVID-19 testing protocols and a group of top name professionals taking on storied Colonial Country Club for the first time.

This is the intro to my new podcast.