The Open Doctor: Rees Jones Reveals the Secrets of Great Golf Course Design Plus Top 100 Instructor, Jeff Smith's Mental Game Secrets
- S13E38
- 1:05:29
- July 30th 2026
This week on Next on the Tee, I'm joined by two of the game's very best. Legendary golf course architect Rees Jones—known worldwide as "The Open Doctor"—shares stories about designing or renovating more than 225 golf courses including 7 US Open sites, 8 PGA Championship courses, 5 Ryder Cup courses, 2 Walker Cup venues, and 1 President's Cup site. Rees also renovated Bethpage Black and explains why the sign stating the course is meant for highly skilled players is no joke. You'll also hear what makes The Keep at McLemore so special, and how he decides where to put the par 3s and par 5s in his course layouts.
Then, Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor Jeff Smith returns to help us all enjoy the game more. Jeff makes every segment he's a part of so much fun. His teaching style makes him one of the most sought-after teachers in our game. Jeff shares practical advice on the mental side of golf, how to flush away the negative thoughts and where we don't want to it and replace it with something positive...but you'll be surprised how he does that. Jeff is great, and you're really going to enjoy and get a lot out of the segment.
If you love golf course architecture, golf instruction, the mental game, golf course design, and stories from the people who continue to shape our game, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Thank you, as always, for pressing play. Sit back, relax, and enjoy another great conversation where golf legends live and your game gets better.
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.