Great Tips from Top Instructors Tim Cusick & Shane LeBaron, Plus Reflections From 1979 Bay Hill Invitational Champion Bob Byman & 1977 US Amateur Champion John Fought
- S8E27
- 1:52:35
- September 15th 2021
In this episode I'm joined by Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor Tim Cusick, 1979 Bay Hill Classic Champion Bob Byman, Cherry Hills Director of Instruction Shane LeBaron, and 1977 US Amateur Champion John Fought.
Tim Cusick is now a member of the Education Faculty of the PGA of America at their new headquarters in Frisco, Texas. Tim updates us on how their new facility and two championship golf courses that will host major championships are coming along. He also shares tips for how to read greens, dial in our distance control from 100 yards in, and fix your swing if you're struggling with coming over the top.
Bob Byman shares stories from his college golf days at Wake Forest and how Arnold Palmer encouraged him to go there following a practice round they played together at Pebble Beach when Bob qualified to play in the US Open at age 17. We also hear about how he teamed with Curtis Strange and Jay Haas while at Wake Forest to win back-to-back National Championships in 1974 & '75. Things would come full circle with Mr. Palmer when Bob won the 1979 Bay Hill Invitational, which was the first year Mr. Palmer took over as tournament Host.
Shane LeBaron recently became the first Director of Instruction at Cherry Hills Golf Club which has been the site of many major championships. We all remember Arnold Palmer's charge in the final round to win the 1960 US Open there. Its also seen Andy North win a US Open, Phil Mickelson win a US Amateur, and Jack Nicklaus win a US Senior Open. Shane takes us around the course plus shares the best putting tip I've heard in the 8 years of doing this show.
John Fought shares stories from his college days at BYU and their rich golf history. We also hear how he captured the 1977 US Amateur championship, his time being a part of the victorious US Walker Cup team, his 5th place finish in the 1983 PGA Championship plus his golf course design work.
Next on the Tee, Where Golf Legends Live & Your Game Gets Better
Next on the Tee with Chris Mascaro is a conversation-driven golf podcast built on gratitude, storytelling, and a genuine love for the game. Each week, award-winning host Chris Mascaro welcomes golf legends, major champions, top instructors, broadcasters, caddies, and industry insiders to share the stories you won’t hear anywhere else—stories that entertain, inspire, and help you play better golf.
More than swing tips and scorecards, Next on the Tee is about the people who make the game special. From behind-the-scenes moments at major championships to practical instruction you can take straight to the course, every episode blends insight, heart, and a deep appreciation for the game’s traditions and its future.
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Meet the Host
I’m Chris Mascaro, who is blessed to be the award-winning host and creator of Next on the Tee. The heart of the show is a deep gratitude for my guests who share great stories, and a genuine love for the game of golf. Each week, I’m fortunate to sit down with golf legends, major champions, top instructors, broadcasters, caddies, and storytellers who are kind enough to share their time, insights, and experiences with all of us.
I believe golf is at its best when it brings people together. My goal with every episode is to go beyond the leaderboard and the swing tips, and instead focus on the stories, lessons, and moments that stay with us—both on and off the course. I want listeners to enjoy the game more, think about it a little differently, and feel connected to the people who have shaped it.
Next on the Tee has been honored with multiple industry awards, including w3, Davey, and Communicator Awards, and I’m incredibly grateful for that recognition. Even more meaningful to me is the community that’s grown around the show—“Next on the Tee Nation.” I never take for granted that you choose to spend your time here, and I’m thankful every time you press play.
At the end of the day, I approach each episode with humility, curiosity, and appreciation—for the guests who trust me with their stories, and for the listeners who continue to take the journey with me.