In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 35, former Steelers, Panthers, and Jets standout Dwight Stone makes his long-overdue return to the show. Dwight takes us inside his years in Pittsburgh, sharing what it was like to play under both Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher and how their leadership styles differed. He reflects on training camps in Latrobe, his relationships with teammates like Eric Green and Greg Lloyd, and one of his career highlights — an 89-yard touchdown catch in the 1991 season opener against the Chargers. Dwight also talks about facing the Steelers later in his career as a member of the Jets, and how it felt to line up against his former team. Off the field, he’s making an impact through his celebrity golf tournament, which benefits Tools For School and the Chase Your Marvelous Dream Foundation.

On this episode of Next on the Tee, I’m thrilled to share two remarkable guests whose stories, insights, and passion for what they do will inspire you on and off the course. I start with one of my all-time favorite women in golf, Eva Rogers, a Class A Teaching Professional at the iconic Medinah Country Club. Known for hosting some of golf’s greatest championships, Medinah is also home to Eva’s award-winning junior program. She shares her unique approach to identifying weaknesses in her students’ games, the damaging impact of parental pressure, and why letting kids enjoy the game is key to their growth. Eva has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Best Young Teachers in America, and you’ll quickly see why.

Next, I welcome back long-time friend and former NFL wide receiver Don Beebe, now the Head Coach at Aurora University. Don, a natural motivator shaped by his faith and his years under Coach Marv Levy, talks about the upcoming film Run to Glory based on his life, plus breaking news he shares first with us. We revisit his favorite rounds at Medinah and other local courses, and we look ahead to his Aurora Spartans’ promising 2025 season following last year’s playoff run. Don is fantastic. If you enjoy his segment half as much as I did, we've really got something in store for you.

In this special bonus edition of Next on the Tee, I get to share time with two incredible guests who each taught me something game-changing—especially for those of us playing golf after 50.

First up is fellow Yinzer and fan-favorite Rocco Mediate. Rocco was recently featured in the inspiring new documentary Steel Links, hosted by former Pirates star Neil Walker and featuring Pittsburgh icons like Charlie Batch and Carole Semple-Thompson. We talk about that project, but we also go deep into Rocco’s memories of playing in the 1994 U.S. Open at Oakmont alongside Mr. Palmer during his final appearance in the championship. Despite needing back surgery, Rocco wasn't going to miss that moment. He shares what it was like inside the ropes with The King and what he said to him on the 18th green that sent Mr. Palmer's emotions over the edge. Rocco also shares his emotions following his recent victory at the Furyk & Friends event, plus he shares a tip he posted on Instagram that gave me 10 more yards and straighter shots—a true key to better golf after 50.

Then I’m joined by PGA Tour veteran and elite instructor Larry Rinker. Larry opened my eyes to how much I still have to learn about the golf swing. He walks us through the Wright Balance system and its three swing models, explains what I was getting wrong, and provides clear insight that will help your game. We also reflect on his T12 finish at the 1992 Open at Muirfield, his Masters experience, including playing the Par 3 contest with Gary Player and Gay Brewer, and the pressure of surviving Q-School. He even shares a great tip for holing more downhill putts. It’s a jam-packed, fun, and informative episode I know you’ll enjoy.

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 33, former PGA Tour player, top orthopedic surgeon, and Olympic historian Bill Mallon returns to share some incredible stories from his time around the game. Bill tells the story of being there when Craig Stadler earned the nickname "The Walrus." He reflects on the players who taught him the most during his time on Tour — including our good friend Gary Player. He also shines a light on some of the most underrated players he’s seen over the years. Bill then takes us into his deep well of Olympic knowledge, sharing his favorite Olympic memories and a fascinating connection between golf and the origins of the stones used in Olympic curling.

In this episode of Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two outstanding guests who share more than just a first name, Tom, both bring incredible insight and passion to the game.

First up is our resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, who’s been on the road working with his young players across Florida and Michigan. Tom and I dive into the highs and lows of what’s happening on the PGA Tour. We celebrate Scottie Scheffler’s win at The Open and debate whether his methodical dominance is “boring” or simply brilliant. While Tom sees predictability, I see a player achieving greatness through precision, consistency, and class. We also discuss some disappointing trends—like Wyndham Clark’s tantrum at Oakmont and the rise of club-throwing and tee marker destruction. Tom and I both believe the Tour needs to start publicly addressing these actions with transparent fines and suspensions to help clean up the game.

Then I welcome back one of the most respected PGA Professionals in the country, Tom Wildenhaus. Wildy is the Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club and a former National PGA Professional of the Year. He’s also a terrific writer with a must-follow Substack, where he recently tackled topics like the hidden costs of employee turnover, how to instill club culture in new hires, and the importance of building real relationships with members. We also talk about the fading presence of empathy in society and what that’s doing to our communities. On the teaching side, Tom shares valuable tips on structuring a more purposeful practice session. It’s a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation you don’t want to miss.

Come back for Part 2 when Bill Mallon shares some of his favorite player stories including being there when Craig Stadler got the nickname, The Walrus.

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 32, I’m joined by someone I truly admire and consider a creative genius — Michael Whelan. If you don’t already follow him, go find him on X (Twitter) @MikelJWhelan. Michael’s legacy in the world of golf media is nothing short of extraordinary. He was the visionary who launched The Golf Channel back in 1994–95 — hiring the talent, creating the programming, and turning Arnold Palmer’s dream of a 24/7 golf network into reality. He helped launch the career of Scott Van Pelt and many others.

What’s more impressive is how quickly he pulled it all together — building out the entire channel in under six months and proving the skeptics wrong with exceptional programming and production quality.

But this segment goes much deeper than career highlights. Michael bravely shares the physical and emotional challenges he’s currently facing. He opens up about his battle with cancer and the pain of watching his wife slowly fade due to Parkinson’s disease. It’s a moving, raw, and deeply personal conversation that reveals the strength, vulnerability, and creative spirit that defines him.

Michael has also teamed up with our friend Tucker Booth to co-author a powerful new book titled The Final Broadcast, which we preview during the show.

This is an emotional, inspiring segment you won’t forget.

In This Episode of Next on the Tee:

I’ve got three incredible friends back on the show this week—each with a powerful story and a lasting impact on the game of golf.

In Part 1, 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch, a man whose excellence on the course has often been overshadowed by the wrong narrative. This time, we set the record straight. We go back to his incredible performance at Royal Birkdale, where he played brilliant golf over all four days to capture the Claret Jug. Ian also reflects on his many wins around the world, including the 1983 New Zealand Open (his first professional event) and top finishes at The Players and The Masters following his Open Championship. Between 1983 and 1994, Ian was one of the top players on the planet—winning 17 times across the PGA, European, Japanese, and Australasian Tours.

In addition to his playing career, we celebrate his nearly 30 years as one of golf’s most respected broadcasters. He also gives us a preview of his upcoming book collaboration title, To Hell & Back, a docu-drama style memoir due out in August.

Next, I’m joined by Paul Stankowski, one of my all-time favorite guests, now making his 14th appearance on the show. Paul’s game is in top form coming off back-to-back Top 10 finishes at the U.S. Senior Open and Dick’s Sporting Goods Open. We talk about those performances, the joy of having his son Josh on the bag, and his excitement for the upcoming Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale.

Off the course, Paul is doing meaningful work with Direction 61:3, a nonprofit that supports young adults aging out of foster care. When these kids turn 18 and cycle out of foster care, the state gives them $500, but if they don't have someplace to go, now they're homeless. Paul is raising money through his birdie campaign on Tour—check out Direction613.org and Paul's Instagram page (@paulstankowski) to learn more and support the cause.

Be sure to come back for Part 2 featuring my conversation with the amazing Michael Whelan. His story is going to hit you in the heart...

In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 31 of Next on the Tee:

I’m joined by Marcy Kamoda, CEO of Proto Concept Golf, one of the fastest-rising equipment brands in the game today. Their clubs have earned multiple spots on the Golf Digest Hot List, and after hearing from Marcy, it’s easy to understand why.

We dive into Proto Concept’s incredible commitment to quality — from their use of 3D CAD technology to the meticulous inspection of every single club head they produce. No sampling here — just precision engineering and tour-level performance in every piece.

Marcy walks us through their full product lineup, including their new RR wedge series featuring laser milling for optimized spin, and the C01D driver, specially designed for players who don’t swing like the pros but still want to launch it long and straight.

Marcy’s passion and positivity shine throughout the conversation. Whether you’re a gearhead, a weekend warrior, or just curious about what sets great clubs apart from the rest, this is a segment you won’t want to miss.