Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori

Ann interviews Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland, whom she sat down with on the Saturday afternoon of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. They discuss his team's trip to this Ryder Cup, what they learned for their preparations for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, in County Limerick, where the Minister is from, and much more. Ann replays her conversation with Bill Byrne of Aer Lingus on the impact of golf tourism on the Emerald Isle and air travel between the U.S. and Ireland. And Ann shares her guest appearance on BBC News while the exciting singles matches of the Ryder Cup were being played.

Ann interviews Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland, on the Saturday afternoon of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, as they discuss his team's trip to this Ryder Cup, his observations, and their preparations for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, in County Limerick, where the Minister is from.

Ann guests on Kelly Elbin's 'Musings on Golf' show as they recap the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and Europe's 15-13 win over the United States.

Ann broadcasts from the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and discusses top storylines of both the U.S. Team and the European Team with Greg Allen, Golf Correspondent, RTE Radio, Ireland. Ann talks about U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Keegan Bradley's success story with his college golf coach, Frank Darby. Frank was Coach of the St. Johns University golf team and recruited Keegan to play there. 

Ann previews the Ryder Cup, the home course advantage that Bethpage Black gives Ryder Cup USA; downplays what many are expecting to be a 'hostile' crowd in NY; the leadership qualities of both Captains; and Scottie Scheffler, world # 1 needing a strong Ryder Cup performance after going 0-2-2 at Marco Simone in 2023. 

Ann visits with Don Rea, President of the PGA of America, about the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, the PGA itself, and his own story about becoming a PGA member in his early thirties.

Ann talks with veteran sports writer Hank Gola, author of 'Ryder Cup Rivals: The Fiercest Battles for Golf's Holy Grail,' and Ann visits with Don Rea, President, PGA of America, on the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, the PGA itself, and Don's own story of becoming a PGA member in his early thirties. 

Ann talks about various 'Ryder Cups' with veteran sportswriter Hank Gola, author of 'Ryder Cup Rivals: the Fiercest Battles for Golf's Holy Grail.'

Ann talks with Bill Byrne, Sr. VP, Global Sales, Aer Lingus, about Ireland's growth in golf tourism, industry and culinary in the past 20 years and what Aer Lingus Airlines has to offer  to and from the U.S. to Ireland. Ann talks with Hank Gola, author of 'Ryder Cup Rivals, the Fierest Battle for Golf's Holy Grail,' as we reminesce about the various Ryder Cups we've covered. 

Ann talks with Steve Flink, Hall of Fame tennis journalist, about the 'Big Three' Rivalry in men's tennis, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, and the Chris Evert - Martina Navratilova on-court rivalry and off-court, long-time friendship.

Ann shares a conversation she had with sisters Phung, Amelie and Alexa, extraordinary teenagers from Forest Hills, N.Y., who excel on and off the golf course; and with Steve Flink, Hall of Fame tennis journalist, about the 'Big Three' Rivalry in men's tennis, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, and the Chris Evert - Martina Navratilova on-court rivalry and off-court, long-time friendship.

Ann visits with Randy Walker, Publisher, New Chapter Media, writer/editor, WorldTennisMag.com, on the 2025 U.S. Open Tennis Championship, and the USTA dedicating this Tennis Championship to Althea Gibson, and Randy's re-release of Althea's autobiography, 'Althea Gibson: I Always Wanted to be Somebody.' Ann shares an interview she did with New Jersey's own Megha Ganne, who won the 2025 U.S. Women's Amateur title at Bandon Dunes. 

Ann shares her conversation with Megha Ganne, winner of the U.S. Women's Amateur, how she got through the grueling week of competition, how she balances golf, studies, and her social life at Stanford, her wish to turn pro after she graduates from Stanford and more.

Ann visits with David Cone, 5-time World Series Champion and Baseball Analyst, ESPN and YES Network, on his passion for golf, what he brings from baseball to golf, who he'd pick to play in his favorite foursome, and top baseball memory.

Ann talks with Jason Birnbaum, Dir. of Instruction at Manhattan Woods in Nyack, N.Y., about his PGA Tour star pupil, Chris Gotterup. Ann visits with David Cone, 5-time World Series winner, Baseball TV Analyst for ESPN and YES Network, about his passion for golf and the similarities between a pitching motion and the golf swing. And Ann and Golf Insider Dan Rapaport, Skratch, opine about the Fed Ex Cup playoff format and U.S. Ryder Cup team picks. 

Ann shares her conversations with former NFL Quarterback, Super Bowl Champ, Joe Theismann, and with Alex Lifeson,  Hall of Fame guitarist for the band, RUSH, about what they've been working on and their passion for golf.

Ann interviews the legendary Alex Lifeson, Hall of Fame guitarist for RUSH, passionate golfer, about the iconic band RUSH, his new work with 'Envy of None,' his favorite golf foursome with music buddies, what he brings from music to golf, pale ale, and much more.

Ann talks with former Super Bowl winning QB Joe Theisman about playing in his 35th American Century Celebrity Tournament, the similarities between football and golf, and who to watch in the upcoming NFL season.

Ann talks about JJ Spaun, winner of the U.S. Open, the Travelers Championship, the KPMG Women's PGA Champ Minjee Lee; and winning a second Gracie Award; visits with course architect Gil Hanse on his refurbishing both the Lower Course and Upper Course at Baltusrol; talks with Keith Stewart, PGA Member and Founder, Read the Line, about the top stories in golf; and with Aaron Straub, VP, Operations, Concert Golf Partners.

Ann broadcasts from the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pa. Ann talks with Paul Alexander, Host/Anchor, KDKA Radio and 93.7 The Fan, about the difficulty of Oakmont, what makes it so special, and stories about the beloved Arnold Palmer. Ann visits with Hall of Famer, Ernie Els, who won his first Major title at the 1994 U.S. Open at Oakmont, and shares his memories of that win and the brutal test the course presents, in addition to his opinions on a variety of issues in golf.

Ann visits with Aaron Straub, Sr. VP of Operations, Concert Golf Partners about the company's strategy, their new acquisition of New Seabury n Cape Cod, what sets them apart from other owners and operators and the current popularity of golf.

Ann talks with Hall of Famer Ernie Els, about his first Major victory, the 1994 U.S. Open title at Oakmont Country Club; his thoughts on the USGA not going to Monday for an 18 hole play-off, which was changed years ago; the dominance of Scottie Scheffler on the PGA Tour; and how Ernie, now 55, stays sharp on the PGA Tour Champions.

Ann talks with Don Rea, Pres., PGA of America; Dr. Jeff Poplarski, the Performance & Recovery Dir. of 7 USGA Championships each summer; and Nicholas Callaway, co-editor and co-publisher of 'The Unconquerable Game: Ely Callaway on the Game of Golf, Business, and Life.'

Ann visits with Nicholas Callaway, co-editor and co-publisher of 'The Unconquerable Game: Ely Callaway on the Game of Golf, Business, and Life,' about Nicholas' Dad, Ely, the Founder of Callaway Golf, how the Big Bertha driver revolutionized the golf biz, and business wisdom from Ely, who ran several companies before founding Callaway Golf in his 60's.  

Ann visits with Links Magazine Editor George Peper about the LINKS Top 100 golf courses in the world, as voted on by course atchitects; Nathan Grube, Tournament Dir., Travelers Championship; and Hal Sutton, winner of 14 PGA Tour titles, the 1983 PGA Championship and 2 time Player Championship winner, about a variety of topics including if he feels if money is ruining pro men's golf. 

Ann visits with Links Magazine Editor George Peper about the LINKS Top 100 golf courses in the world, as voted on by course atchitects; Nathan Grube, Tournament Dir., Travelers Championship; and Hal Sutton, winner of 14 PGA Tour titles, the 1983 PGA Championship and 2 time Player Championship winner, about a variety of topics including if he feels if money is ruining pro men's golf. 

Ann and Gary Player discuss Rory McIlroy's rollercoaster Masters win and Player, 1 of the now 6 male players in the career grand slam club, talks about the impact of Rory's win.  Ann interviews Evin Priest, co-author with Tiger's former caddie Steve Williams, their new book, 'Together We Roared.' 

Ann asks golf legend Gary Player, who has played in over 50 Masters, to share his insight on the mental strength, nerves control, and resilience it took Rory McIlroy to finally win his first Masters title, and capture the Career Grand Slam. 

Ann talks with Evin Priest, co-author with Steve Williams, Tiger's former caddie, 'Together We Roared: Alongside Tiger for his Epic Twelve-Year, Thirteen-Majors Run' about their most successful partnership, why they didn't speak to each for  over a decade, how they reconciled, and great anecdotes from their friendship and 13 Major Titles

Joe Highsmith, Masters rookie, shares his joy and strategy about playing in his first Masters. He talks about planning to play a practice round with his good friend, Freddie Couples, who will be playing in his 40th Masters, and how Augusta National sets up for his game as a left hander.

36-year-old Rafael Campos of Puerto Rico shares his excitement on playing in his first Masters, how he has approached his preparation for Augusta National, how winning the Bermuda Championship changed his life, and playing for a bigger purpose.

Ann visits with Alison Metcalfe of Tourism Ireland and they discuss Ireland and Northern Ireland being a popular golf destination for men, women, and families. And Lynn McCool, General Manager, Donegal Golf Club in western Ireland, talks about the beauty of the course and all that the County of Donegal has to offer.

Ann visits with Bobby Barnes, interim General Manager at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida, home of the Valspar Championship, as they talk about the Copperhead Course, in great shape year-round, the Valspar PGA Tour event there every year, and Bobby's journey in the golf industry.

Ann visits with long-time actor and passionate golfer, Alex Hyde White, known for a wide variety of roles throughout his career, including his polo playing role in 'Pretty Woman;' and Ann interviews Jordan Peace of Concert Golf Partners, on CGP's rapid growth of owning and growing private golf properties. 

Lynn McCool, GM, Donegal Golf Club, talks about the special links course in NorthWest Ireland, originally designed by Eddie Hackett, being refurbished by 2014 Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley. Lynn talks about why Donegal Golf Club is so special, other courses to play in the area, its proximity to Royal Portrush, host of the 2025 Open Championship, and her career path in the golf industry.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland VP, discusses many of the highlights of golf in Ireland this season, from Royal Portrush hosting the Open Championship July 17-20; the strong Irish talent from Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Leona McGuire shining professionally; and the abundance of golf properties, fine accomodations, and delicious culinary the Emerald Isle offers.

Michael Manavian, one of the world's leading instructors using the 3D motion capture software GEARs golf, an authorized instructor of Stack and Tilt, and a guest instructor at Halfmoon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, talks about the advantages of 3D teaching technology and being inside the ropes at PGA Tour Champion events.

Keith Stein, Dir. of Operations, Rose Hall Golf, Cinnemon Hill and White Witch, talks about the rich and compelling history of the two golf properties in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Kevyn Cunningham, Dir of Golf, Half Moon Resort, a Salamander property, describes the golf property and all the resort has to offer at their slice of paradise in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Ann visits with John Riley, author of 'A Will to Win: Legendary Amateur Bill Hyndman's Story of Perseverance and Trumph' and discusses this most recent book; his previous book on Ed 'Porky' Oliver; 'How He Played the Game: Ed 'Porky' Oliver and Golf's Grestest Generation;' in addition to what made him start a writing career at the age of 70; his thoughts on amateur golf, and much more.

Ann visits with John Riley, author of 'A Will to Win: Legendary Amateur Bill Hyndman's Story of Perseverance and Triumph' and discusses this most recent book; his previous book on Ed 'Porky' Oliver; 'How He Played the Game: Ed 'Porky' Oliver and Golf's Greatest Generation;' in addition to what made him start a writing career at the age of 70; his thoughts on amateur golf, and much more.

Ann visits with Jordan Peace, Sr. VP, Corporate Development, Concert Golf Partners, and they discuss CGP's rapid growth in the last two years, CGP's new golf course acquisitions including the stunning story behind Jasna Polana near Princeton, N.J.; CGP's winning strategy for acquisitions and transferring ownership, and much more.

Ann broadcasts from Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and talks about the resort and golf experience with Kevyn Cunningham, Dir. of Golf, Halfmoon Golf; Keith Stein, Dir. of Operations, Rose Hill (Cinnamon Hill and White Witch Golf); and Michael Manavian, Guest Golf Instructor at Half Moon, Certified Golf Instructor, Stack & Tilt.

Travis Wilson, Head Golf Professional, Balsam Mountain Preserve, in the mountains of western North Carolina, talks about the stunning and unique real estate property's Arnold Palmer design, mountain golf, and tips on hitting off of slopes. 

Ann visits Balsam Mountain Preserve in N.C. and connects with Sean McLaughlin, Dir. of Sales; Travis Wilson, Head Golf Pro; and Lisa Kilby, Equestrian Director, about the exquisite real estate property in the Blue Ridge/Smokey Mountains.

Karen Atkinson, Army Captain Reserve, Grant Recipient &  Board Member, Stand Up and Play Foundation, talks about how she has overcome her disability and how she is helping others do the same by educating adaptive athletes about the opportunities available through Foundations like Stand Up and Play Foundation.

Ann talks about the Stand Up and Play Foundation, a not for profit that makes active standing therapy a reality for individuals with mobility challenges. Karen Atkinson, Army Captain Reserve, Grant Recipient &  Board Member, Stand Up and Play Foundation, and Anthony Netto, S.A. retired military veteran, master golf professional, Founder, StandUpandPlayFoundation.org are guests and talk about how they both have overcome their disability and are helping others do the same.

Ann visits with Hall of Famer Renee Powell, and they discuss how she overcame racism throughout her life, and the work that Clearview Golf Club & the Powell Education Center in Canton, Ohio, are doing to promote diversity in the game.

Ann talks about the 2024 AIG Women's Open which took place at St. Andrews in Scotland, with Championship Dir. Zoe Ridgway, Martin Dempster, veteran golf writer for The Scotsman, and Hall of Famer Renee Powell, who was named an Honorary Member of the R&A.

Ann talks with veteran golf writer Ron Sirak, winner of the PGA of America Lifetime in Journalism Award, about Lydia Ko's Gold Medal, getting into the LPGA Hall of Fame, the difficulty of getting into the LPGA Hall of Fame, her career, and the success of Olympic Golf with a mixed-gender event on the horizon for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Ann visits with renown actor/excellent golfer Alex Hyde White about his passion for golf, similarities between acting and golfing, working with the likes of Steven Spielberg and Julia Roberts, and working in the Pro Shop of a golf club Bubba Watson owns.