S12, Ep9 Part 1: Fairways & Friendships: John Cook on Tour & Jeff Harper on PA Golf Destinations.
- S12E9
- 1:08:00
- March 5th 2025
This week on Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two fantastic guests who bring both incredible stories and valuable insights to the show. Leading things off is John Cook, a 21-time winner across the PGA and Champions Tours and a former National Champion from his days at Ohio State. This marks John’s 10th visit to the show, and every conversation with him ha been fantastic thanks to his upbeat attitude and passion for the game — you can literally hear the smile in his voice. We kick things off by talking about this year’s Mexico Open, a tournament that holds special meaning for John since his father, Jim Cook, helped resurrect it back in the 1980s, and John himself went on to win it in 1995. As we continue looking ahead to this year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont, John also shares his memories of competing in the 1994 U.S. Open there. We also reminisce about some of the fun team events he’s played in alongside Sergio Garcia, Mark O’Meara, and Rex Caldwell.
Following John, I’m excited to welcome Jeff Harper to the show for the first time. Jeff is the Director of Operations for Byler Holdings, which owns and manages five fantastic golf courses across Central and Eastern Pennsylvania. Each course presents its own unique challenge, making them the perfect progression for players as they advance their skills. Jeff takes us on a virtual tour of Broad Run Golfer’s Club in West Chester, Iron Valley in Lebanon, Berkleigh Golf Club in Kutztown, Lebanon Valley in Myerstown, and Blue Mountain in Fredericksburg. With his passion for golf and knack for storytelling, Jeff brings these courses to life and highlights what makes each one special.
It’s a can’t-miss episode for anyone looking to discover hidden gems and enjoy some great golf stories along the way.
Golf Podcast: next on the tee
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Meet the Host
I have a passion for game that started when I was 12 years old playing golf in the evenings with my father. I took lessons from a gentleman named Ken Friend at Tides Golf Club in Seminole, Florida and I have loved the game ever since. I grew up idolizing Jack Nicklaus. The '75 & '86 Masters remain two of my favorite sports memories.
Augusta National is my favorite place on the planet. Attending The Masters tournament is one of the highlights of every year since 2001. I cherish walking those hallowed grounds. It gives me a feeling of wonder and excitement that has become a part of me and I never want it to leave.
I was born in Pittsburgh and the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates are in my DNA. I also lived outside of Boston for several years and spending time at Fenway Park and the Boston Garden, infused my soul with the Red Sox and Celtics.
Tranquil late afternoon rounds of golf with my father and son some of my happiest moments. My annual golf trip with my buddies is always another highlight of the golf year. I also enjoy going to our local PGA Tour SuperStore and testing out new equipment with my son; it's one of our favorite things to do together.
You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @ctmascaro and the show @nxtonthetee. You can interact with me on the show's Facebook page or through the Contact Us form on the website. If you have a question for one of my upcoming or previous guests, please let us know via social media and I'll gladly get that question answered for you.
I have been privileged to have great players like Hal Sutton, Mark Calcavecchia, John Cook, Olin Browne, Tim Simpson, Donnie Hammond, Chip Beck, Scott McCarron, Frank Nobilo, Ian Baker-Finch, Mark Wiebe, Suzy Whaley, Dottie Pepper, Jane Blalock, Tom Purtzer, John Mahaffey, Shaun Micheel, Rick Fehr, Dave Stockton, Dave Stockton Jr., Billy Mayfair, Jim Gallagher Jr., Nick O'Hern, plus several others become regular guests and friends. The Top Instructors in the game like Tom Patri, Rob Strano, Brian Jacobs, Jim McLean, Cindy Miller, Debbie O'Connell, Tim Cusick, John Hughes, Michael Breed, Kellie Stenzel, Michelle Holmes, Alison Curdt, Andy Traynor, and many many more join me each week to help you play your best golf.
If that all isn't enough to make you want to give the show a try, I don't want else is. I hope you'll listen and make the podcast a part of your regular golf content.