S12, Ep 15: Gary Player Masters Wins, Legendary Golf Stories & Championship Mindset + Agustin Piza Brilliant Golf Course Designer, Talks Course Layout, Playing Strategy, MacKenzie, Nicklaus, Fazio, & Player
- S13E15
- 1:28:21
- April 8th 2026
On this episode of Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two incredible guests who bring both legendary perspective and modern innovation to the game.
First up is my annual Masters week conversation with the great Gary Player. Mr. Player shares insights from his three Masters victories, how Mr. Palmer lost his focus and opened the door to Mr. Player's win in 1961, perhaps the greatest shot I've ever seen leading this win in '74, and how he nearly shot 27 on the back 9 in '78, leading to his 3rd Green Jacket. You'll also hear what it takes to develop a true championship mindset, how discipline, fitness, and preparation fueled his success and longevity in the game, and why his book Don't Choke should be required reading for every junior player. We finish talking about what today’s players can learn from the legends, and why growing the game and giving back remain so important to him.
Then, I’m joined by world-renowned golf course designer Agustin Piza, who takes us inside the art and strategy of course design. Augie explains what separates a good course from a great one, how architecture influences shot-making and decision-making, and how modern design is evolving for today’s golfer. He also shares stories from his work around the world, with Nicklaus Construction, Tom Fazio, and Gary Player, plus his involvement in designing holes for TGL. You'll also hear how Alister MacKenzie redesigned bunkers for the British military to help disguise where their soldiers were set up during World War 1.
Augie is a brilliant designer who thinks outside the box, has a fresh take, and an amazing artistic eye. His passion for design and the game shines throughout our conversation. You're really going to enjoy the segment.
This episode is a perfect blend of legendary wisdom and forward-thinking innovation—one that will not only entertain you but might just change the way you see and play the game.
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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.