Rory's FedEx Cup Bombshell, Tour-Pro Coaching Secrets & Golf's Greatest Comeback
- S13E40
- 2:16:20
- August 9th 2026
Golf instruction, unforgettable stories, and inside perspectives from some of the brightest minds in the game headline this week's edition of Next on the Tee.
Resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri returns fresh off his annual charity golf marathon to discuss how many holes he was able to play and the incredible job he's done raising money for the South Florida PGA Foundation, plus Rory McIlroy's controversial comments about the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and the meteoric rise of PGA Tour rookie Jackson Koivun. Tom also shares lessons learned from coaching more than 125 PGA and LPGA Tour professionals, reveals what separates great players from good ones, explains how 10-15-handicappers can lower their scores faster, and names the best ball striker, driver, wedge player, putter, competitor, and most naturally gifted players he's ever seen.
Then, another one of the top instructors in our game, Virgil Herring joins me to discuss his recognition as one of MSN's Top 10 Keynote Speakers, the messages he hopes every audience takes home, his unique Ryder Cup of Wine event, TEDx speaking experiences, and how he helps players get prepared to win.
In the third segment, sports historian, author, and The Sports Time Traveler podcast host Len Ferman takes us back through some of the greatest stories in sports history. We revisit Arnold Palmer's heartbreaking collapse and Billy Casper's legendary comeback at the 1966 U.S. Open. Len talks about the legends who filled that leaderboard, from Ben Hogan to a very young Johnny Miller. From that gripping story, we shift to tales about the '66 baseball season and a couple of stories near and dear to my heart about Pirates greats Woodie Fryman and Dale Long. We dive way inside Long's stretch of 8 home runs in 8 consecutive games, a record that's been tied but never broken, and what kept Long in the minor leagues so long.
Whether you're looking to improve your game, hear incredible stories from golf history, or gain insights from some of the game's top teachers, this episode delivers another memorable edition of Next on the Tee—where golf legends live and your game gets better.
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.
Whether you’re a lifelong golfer or simply someone who loves great stories, this is your front-row seat to the heart of the game—where golf legends live, your game gets better, and gratitude always leads the way.
And as always…thank you for pressing play and sharing the show.
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.