The Open Championship, Royal Birkdale, Underrated 5x Open Champ Peter Thompson, & Putting Tips That Will Save Strokes
- S13E34
- 1:00:00
- July 17th 2026
Open Championship Week Special: Frank Darby, Tom Patri, Royal Birkdale Preview & Putting Tips That Can Change Your Game
Open Championship week is here, and this episode of Next on the Tee is packed with championship history, game-changing instruction, and unforgettable stories from two of golf's most respected voices.
First, SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio's Frank Darby joins me to discuss receiving the prestigious Deacon Palmer Award, an honor recognizing extraordinary character, perseverance, and mentorship. Frank reflects on his remarkable coaching career at St. John's University, mentoring players like 2011 PGA Champion Keegan Bradley, overcoming a life-threatening heart emergency, the impact of the Metropolitan PGA Section, fan behavior at recent major championships on Long Island, Jordan Spieth's career, and his picks for The Open at Royal Birkdale.
Then, our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri, delivers another round of practical instruction you can immediately use to improve your game. Tom explains the putting adjustment that transformed his own stroke, shares a recent student success story, looks back at the Scottish Open, celebrates the legendary career of five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson, previews this week's championship, and explains why playing Oakmont and Carnoustie over and over again would be golfing hell. We also discuss his annual marathon golf fundraiser and his quest to break his own record of playing 156 holes in a single day.
Whether you're looking for better putting, Open Championship insights, stories from two lifelong PGA Professionals, or simply great golf conversation, this episode delivers all of it.
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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.