Season 12, Episode 5: Deep Dive Into Golf's Changing Landscape Plus Memories of the 1994 US Open with Olin Browne & Billy Mayfair...
- S12E5
- 1:36:30
- February 10th 2025
In this very special episode of Next on the Tee, 2011 U.S. Senior Open Champion Olin Browne and 1987 US Amateur Champion Billy Mayfair join the show.
Olin shares his thoughts on the PGA Tour’s controversial changes—smaller field sizes, fewer Monday qualifiers, and the dominance of signature events. Is the tour catering too much to top players at the expense of the grinders? Olin shares his perspective on how these changes might impact the next generation of Tour players.
We also discuss the financial side of the game, from $25 million purses to sponsors pulling out. With TV ratings down and fans feeling disconnected from today’s stars, what can the PGA Tour do to bring back its audience? Olin weighs in on whether accessibility and engagement changes could make a difference.
Shifting gears, we reminisce about Olin’s experiences at Oakmont, site of the 2025 U.S. Open. He reflects on his rounds there in ‘94 and ‘07, the legendary greens, and even witnessing Arnold Palmer’s farewell.
Billy Mayfair was also witness to The King's final US Open round and talks about sticking around following his Friday round to see it. We discuss his trip to Morocco to open up his Champion's Tour season. Billy reflects on his legendary iron play, including a streak of six consecutive birdies on Par 3s last season—an impressive feat on today’s long courses.
Billy also gives his perspective on equipment advancements, comparing today’s clubs and balls to those from earlier eras. He recalls playing alongside icons like Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, and Trevino, sharing his favorite memories from competing against legends.
Billy also gets candid about his journey in professional golf, revealing how he turned pro without telling his parents and when he finally broke the news.
Finally, we check in on his wife, Tami, who has been a huge influence on his career—both as a caddie and in her own golf endeavors—and ask Billy how much longer he envisions competing at a high level, given that Bernhard Langer is still winning at 67!
It’s a fascinating discussion with two of golf’s true competitors—don’t miss it!
Golf Podcast: next on the tee
I am proud and humbled to say that Next on the Tee has won 13 awards over the last 3 years at the w3 Awards, Communicator Awards, Signal Awards, and Davey Awards for Best Sports Podcast Episodes & Specials plus Best Host. If you enjoy listening to Golf's Greatest Legends, Top Players, & the Best Instructors in the game sharing their stories, Insights, & playing lessons, this truly is the podcast for you.
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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.