Season 11, Episode 22 Part 1: Talking Masters Past & Present with Tom Patri & John Cook artwork
Next on the Tee: Where Golf Legends Live & Your Game Gets Better

Season 11, Episode 22 Part 1: Talking Masters Past & Present with Tom Patri & John Cook

  • S11E22
  • 1:01:22
  • April 10th 2024

Happy Masters Week everyone. For me, this is THE most magical week of the year. As they say, The Master is a tradition unlike any other. This week both parts of the show are dedicated to taking you inside the tournament to give you a sense of what it's like to be on those magnificent grounds.

I kick it off with Tom Patri, who has been out there several times with his good friend, 1992 Masters Champion Fred Couples. Also joining me in Part 1 is John Cook. Cookie played in 15 Masters tournaments dating back to 1979. He earned his way into that Masters field with his victory in the 1978 US Amateur.

Tom Patri shares stories of being alongside Fred Couples during his run to the Green Jacket in '92. To this day, none of us know how Fred's tee shot on #12 didn't roll back into Rae's Creek. We hear what Fred's reaction was. Tom also shares some of his other favorite Masters memories, the legends he wished could have donned a Green Jacket, and current players he'd love to see win. I also get his thoughts on Scottie Scheffler's place in history if he were to win his second Masters. Check out Tom's YouTube Channel where you can get over 300 free video lessons: https://www.youtube.com/@TomPatriGolf

John Cook takes us down Magnolia Lane, remembering that first drive up alongside his mentor Ken Venturi. We hear about his night in the Crows Nest and the Augusta National memorabilia he collected over the years. I also get Cookie's thoughts on what's driving television ratings down, and why the networks are trying to replace the great Analysts that many of us love. Give John a follow on Twitter @johncookgolf & Instagram @jncookosu.

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

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Chris Mascaro
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.