golf stories

This week, we welcome Kristine Stone, the illustrious voice of classic rock from SiriusXM, to share her tales from spinning records to swinging clubs. Stone's journey from the local Connecticut radio scene to the expansive airwaves of SiriusXM is nothing short of a rock odyssey, complete with the transformational riffs of motherhood and a devotion to the fairways. Her anecdotes are a backstage pass to the heydays of radio DJ life and the enduring legacy of the genre we adore.

Lastly, don't think we've forgotten the soulful strings and electrifying solos that set the stage for life's grand performance. We're harmonizing the chords of music, golf, and life's symphony, riffing on the coolness of golf's best nicknames and concocting our ultimate classic rock concert fantasy. From personal revelations with rock's pantheon to debating the hottest takes on golf's rulebook, this episode is a masterclass in blending the best of laughter, storytelling, and candid conversation. Prepare for an auditory feast that's sure to resonate with classic rock devotees and golf aficionados alike.

Gather 'round as we explore the holiday season through a kaleidoscope of traditions, laughter, and the heartfelt story of resilience in the face of adversity. The jingle of Salvation Army bells and the debate over the perfect golf ball gift set the stage for a festive conversation that traverses from the frivolous to the profound.  It's a mix of yuletide cheer and a dash of golfing banter, topped with a sprinkling of personal anecdotes that are sure to resonate with anyone who's ever struggled to find that perfect present for a golfer in their life.

Then, we're honored to share time with Fred Claire, the former GM of the Dodgers, who graces us with a narrative that's as captivating as it is inspiring. Fred reflects on his storied career, the friendships with legends like Vin Scully and Tommy Lasorda, and how those relationships mirrored the camaraderie found in golf. But it's his courageous battle with neck cancer, underscored by the support from his family, friends, and the medical team at City of Hope, that truly captures the essence of teamwork and the human spirit. Delve into Fred's experience, from his unyielding optimism to his dedication to cancer research through his book "Extra Innings", and prepare to be moved by a conversation that's as much about the love of a game as it is about the game of life.

Hold onto your hats, sports fans, because we're delighted to have on board Steve Beuerlein, former NFL quarterback, renowned for his grit and perseverance. Steve reminisces about his challenging NFL career, including a breath-taking touchdown against the Green Bay Packers that still sends a chill down our spines. But don't think he's all about football, Steve's competitive spirit spills over into the greens of golf courses, and yes, even into his kitchen. Trust us; you won't want to miss his hilarious account of the way he was introduced to Howie Long to the most disastrous golf shot he's ever played.

We wrap up the episode with a candid conversation with Steve about his Super Bowl win, his Pro Bowl appearance, and his experiences on the golf course. From funny anecdotes about his role in the Flintstones movie to profound insights about his life mantra "DTRT" (Do the Right Thing), Steve's stories are inspiring, amusing, and everything in between. As we bid adieu, we express our sincere appreciation for Steve, whose charismatic presence made this episode one of our most memorable ones this season. Make sure to subscribe to the Approach Shot and catch all our episodes on approachshot.net.

Golf aficionados, brace yourselves for a heated debate! We're tossing the rulebook and questioning the controversial decisions of the United States Golf Association (USGA) that seem to be out of touch with the pulse of the game. From the questionable selection for the Top 100 teachers to the exclusion of Florida State from the college football playoffs, it's a swing and a miss in our opinion. We also can't ignore the stir caused at the Tiger Woods' Hero Open about the use of technology in golf. Hang tight as we take you through the maddening maze of absurd rules and debatable decisions.

It's time to call out the elephant in the room - the USGA's perplexing decision to curtail golf ball distance. As PGA professionals, we openly express our discontent and explore the potential fallout. We question the likelihood of bifurcation in rules for professional and amateur players. The ramifications for ball manufacturers and the potential erosion of the USGA's relevance are grave concerns. Adding an extra layer to the conversation, we have Rory McIlroy sharing his thoughts on the issue. 

In the final act, we scrutinize the looming impact of the USGA's decision on the golfing public. With manufacturers potentially defying regulations by selling non-compliant clubs, we're anticipating a standoff between the USGA and manufacturers. Listen in as we forecast a future dominated by false handicaps due to players using non-compliant equipment. The clock is ticking, and the golfing world is on edge. Prepare to be enlightened, surprised, and perhaps even a little enraged. We're not holding anything back - because we believe the love of the game deserves nothing less.

Isn't it worth exploring how a gladiatorial sport like football can coexist with the softer aspects of human nature? Brace yourselves for a truly interesting discussion with Steve Wright, former NFL offensive lineman for the Cowboys, Raiders and more, and Survivor contestant. Our conversation weaves through his life, challenges, and the societal pressures. It’s an exciting journey through his experiences that are as enlightening as they are entertaining.

We meander through the pages of Steve's book, "Aggressively Human," which forms the crux of the conversation. It's a unique perspective on balancing aggression with empathy, challenging the stereotypical machismo associated with footballers. Steve's reflection on his rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys and Dwight Clark's infamous "Catch" adds a fascinating dimension. While delving into his personal life, he also shares his father's cherished popcorn recipe, adding a touch of homely warmth to the discussion.

Tune in for this inspiring journey that might change your perspective on life, football, and everything in between.

Join Albi and Panda as they embark on an intriguing exploration of two of golf's most fascinating figures.

🏌️‍♂️ First up, Calvin Peete: a golf legend with a staggering record of 1,200 PGA Tour rounds and only one out-of-bounds shot. Dive into the story of how a childhood injury inadvertently set the stage for Peete's extraordinary accuracy and success.

🎙️ Then, get ready for a wild ride into the eccentric world of Mac O'Grady. Discover the man who chased pro status with both hands – literally! From his dual-handed golfing pursuits to his notorious legal battles with the PGA, O'Grady's tale is a goldmine of golf quirks and oddities.

🌟 Tune in to DITYAMA.FM for this captivating episode where Albi and Panda unravel the tales of golf's hidden gems and their incredible journeys. #GolfLegends #PGAStories #EccentricGolf #DITYAMA"

[00:00:13] Calvin Peet's incredible accuracy.

[00:04:23] Golf and physical deformity.

[00:07:37] Evolution of Q School.

[00:11:35] Putting statistics and accuracy.

[00:14:24] The most accurate golfer.

[00:19:26] Calvin's unique swing.

[00:21:58] Swaying in golf technique.

[00:25:39] Mac O'Grady, the golf psycho.

[00:27:19] A golfer's tournament history.

[00:30:49] Golfers and beta blockers.

[00:34:12] Mac O'Grady - A Crazy Scientist

sources: 

• Lou Stagner, GolfStatPro, Hack it out golf 
• Calvin Peete Award
• Calvin Peete at the PGA Tour official site
• Calvin Peete at the Japan Golf Tour official site
• Calvin Peete at the Official World Golf Ranking official site
• Calvin Peete Golf Companies
• Tales from Q School: Inside Golf's Fifth Major Paperback – June 5, 2008, by John Feinstein (Author)
• The incredible true story behind Calvin Peete's legendary accuracy, By Luke Kerr-Dineen, https://www.golfdigest.com/story/calvin-peete-broken-arm-accuracy-ball-striker
•  "Week 06 1987 Ending 8 Feb 1987" (pdf). OWGR. Retrieved October 8, 2019. 
• Jump up to:a b O'Grady carries the bag but dreams of swinging the clubs,
• Mac O'Grady - Mr. Unpredictable
• Golfers meet in O'Grady-Beman feud
• O'Grady fined and suspended by US Tour
• Masters golfers scoff at drug allegations
• Golfweek Mac is back
• Tour Sets O'Grady Ban

 Episode 12: Scottie Scheffler's Spaghetti Sunday:

• Shepherd's Victory: Diving into Sheppard's triumph in the "senior division" of the Net Championship amid swirling speculations.
• Unique Rewards: Exploring the charm of unconventional prizes like parking spots.

Introducing New Segments

• Panda's (Life on the Line): Starting December 1st, join Panda for a unique betting adventure.
• Scott Van Pelt Fridays: Albi sends a weekly message to Scott Van Pelt every Friday
• Swing Aid Saturdays: Albi dives into his war chest of swing aids and gives everyone his honest opinion 
• Scottie Scheffler’s Spaghetti Sundays: "Scottie Can hit it off anything, including. a plate of pasta..." -Panda / Albi wants to see it 

Main Topics

• TGL Update: Discussing the postponement of Tomorrow’s Golf League to 2025.
• Simulator Showdown: Debating whether a simulator pro can outperform a real pro in a virtual setting.
• Whimsical Experiment: Imagining the dynamics of hitting a golf ball off a pile of spaghetti.
• Giveaway Reveal: 9 minutes in, discover how to double your chances in our latest giveaway.

Special Mentions

• Shepherd's Shenanigans: Recapping Shepherd's hilarious prank on Abi after a bet victory.
• Chris’s Insight (34-minute mark): Chris, a new friend of the show: GENERATIONS AT WAR - Lebron James / Michael Jordan 
• Lou Stagner, the 'Stat Guy': Honoring Lou Stagner’s significant contributions to golf analytics -best stat in golf's history CALVIN PETE
• Golf Legends Tribute: Reflecting on the legacies of Calvin Pete and Mo Norman.

Sponsor Segments

• High Noons Thanks (36 minutes): A special acknowledgment and a sneak peek into the upcoming Swing Aid Saturday.

Fun Segments

• Stump the Panda: Test your knowledge in this challenging and fun segment.
• Panda's Dilemma: Deliberating whether Panda should legally change his name or get a panda-themed tattoo.

Serious Moments

• Albi's Journey: Discussing Albi’s health challenges, including his struggle with reading and on-air and is he having "seizures" live?
• Golfing Greats: Celebrating the remarkable consistency of golf legends Calvin Pete and Mo Norman.

Financial Insights

• Golf’s Economy: Breaking down golf’s cost per swing, with Sheppard’s average at $1.90, albie coming in around 3.08 Paid, meanwhile 
• Tennis Sponsorships and Economics: Offering insights into the financial world of tennis and drawing parallels with James Conrad's "JESUS" and his resemblance to Albi.

And finally, we can't forget Stump the Panda, everyone's favorite segment! Panda's golf knowledge is second to none, and he's ready to tackle any trivia challenge. Can you stump him? Give it a try!
Creators & Guests

• Brandon Redding, "ALBI" - Host
• Laken Fischer "Panda" - Host
• Billy Heiser "Shepherd", "Koala", "Mayor" - Host

We have a real treat in store for you as we welcome our guest, Baltimore Oriole (and Arizona Diamondback) great Gregg Olson, to the field! 

Great's wit is as sharp as the break on his famous curve ball as he tells stories from his nearly perfect early days to his awe-inspiring journey to Birdland the desert.

We talk about Greg’s American League Rookie of the Year performance in 1989, and his strategy when closing out a no-hitter. But it's not all easy as Gregg talks about dealing with injury and failure, too.

And Gregg is one serious golfer, so his stories don't stop between the lines; they make it to the links as well.

Then, get ready to chuckle at the hilarious anecdotes from Gregg's book, "We Got To Play Baseball". So, grab your mitt, put on your cleats, and let's hit this episode out of the park!

What if there was a technique that could shave strokes off your golf game? If that sparks your curiosity, then prepare to swing into a conversation that'll transform how you approach golf. From the picturesque veranda of Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, we're observing golfers' reactions as they round off at the last hole, discussing the new face of golf magazines offering valuable advice from golf pros, and exploring a Japanese putter grip technique that could revolutionize your game.

Strap in as we then steer the conversation towards golf swing analysis technology, weighing up the reliability and consistency of the products available for the average golfer against professional-grade models. While the price tags may vary wildly, we'll reveal the importance of understanding the accuracy of the technology you're using. It's a fascinating look at how a deeper understanding of your golf swing could level up your performance on the green.

Finally we delve into the world of numbers and data, as we demystify what launch monitor figures really mean. We'll break down the concept of the smash factor, and how it links to clubhead speed and ball speed when you hit the ball. With a focus on club head speed, smash factor, and ball speed, we'll reveal their impact on carry distance - knowledge that could give you that extra edge. So whether you're a beginner keen to learn, or a seasoned player looking to refine your game, this episode is teed up to be an enlightening exploration of all things golf. Tune in and elevate your game.

Our guest this week was described as a "hitting artist" and won 2 World Series rings; one with the Mets and later, as a coach with the Red Sox.  

We're delighted to have Dave Magadan join us and he shares stories of his early career, and when the Mets won the World Series in 1986.  In a special segment, Dave talks about being on team with Daryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez, and the Amazing Mets.  Hold on to your seats, as "Mags" takes you through his rollercoaster baseball career, sharing the ups and downs that come with the game.

The episode doesn't just stop at baseball, as Mags brings in his golfing experiences into the mix. From Thanksgiving rounds with Lou Panella to unforgettable exhibition matches against the world champion softball team, the Kentucky Bourbons, David's tales are as thrilling as they are inspiring. He emphasizes the role of attitude and a positive mindset, both in baseball and golf, drawing parallels from his personal experiences. So tune in, get inspired, and let's hit this one out of the park together.

Ever wondered why more golfers are trading their three wood for a five wood? Tune in to our lively discussion where we dissect the differences between the two, and explain why the five wood, with its less demanding club head speed and ball speed requirements, is becoming the new favorite. This switch could be especially beneficial for older golfers, who may find the loft and ease of a five wood more forgiving than a three wood. And if you have an old Callaway's heaven wood gathering dust in your garage, it might be time to give it another shot.

Thinking about equipment changes to compensate for a lack of speed? Hold your horses... or should we say, hold your clubs! Before you go splashing cash on new gear, it's essential to understand your physical capability and limitations. We'll share some telling anecdotes about golf buddies, and nasty golf swings and revisit the advantages of switching from a three wood to a five wood. But we're not just about the laughter; we're also about the controversy. The USGA's consideration of golf ball distance limits has sparked a heated debate. Is it fair to take away the fun from the sport? We'll let you decide.

Is a lack of swing speed impacting your golf game? We've got you covered. From exercises and training tools to timing your swing and understanding the importance of "body brakes", we'll share practical insights to help you increase your swing speed. And if you're looking to improve your golf distance, we'll explore the importance of getting fitted for clubs, working with a golf teacher, and finding the perfect ball for your game. Join us for an episode that promises to deliver tips, stories, controversy, and, most importantly, a fresh perspective on golf.

Imagine stepping up to the plate in a baseball game. Now, imagine teeing off on a golf course. Two different contexts, two different sports, but surprisingly similar strategies. That's what we're unpacking today - the fascinating comparison between baseball and golf, revealing how the anticipation in baseball closely mirrors the precision required in golf. And who better to shed light on this than our upcoming guest, baseball legend Howard Johnson, who'll share his transition from baseball's 90-degree playing field to golf's demanding fairways.

We're flipping the switch from bustling baseball stadiums to the sunny golf courses of Florida. Harnessing the subtleties that set golf apart from other sports, we offer game-changing advice that'll help you triumph on the course. From mastering the art of club selection to delivering a smooth swing, we're serving up tips that'll keep you out of the bunker and on the green. No more making excuses for a bad shot; instead, we'll show you how to surprise your opponents and yourself with your improved game.

But it's not all about the swing; we're also getting up close and personal with the green. Warning - don't be deceived by its innocuous appearance. Being aware of the green's slope can make or break your score. We're divulging strategies to enhance your feel of the game and eliminate tension. And just when you thought we'd covered it all, we're taking it a step further with techniques to amp up your short game. So, are you ready to elevate your golfing prowess? Tune in and let's tee off to better golf together.

In this bonus episode of "Did I Tell You About My Albatross?", host Albi takes listeners on a spine-chilling journey through the haunted golf courses of North America. With a passion for Halloween and a love for true crime, Albi unravels the darkest secrets and mob-related mysteries surrounding the world of golf. Sharing his personal connection to the supernatural, Albi recounts a strange experience that has haunted him for the past 16 years. Get ready to tee off with Albi as he delves into the gruesome tales and eerie encounters on the haunted links.

Ghosts of Amelia & other tales

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/the-10-worst-ways-to-die-on-a-golf-course/amp

https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/coroner-on-scene-at-mill-creek-golf-course/amp/

https://golfsupport.com/blog/sports-related-injuries-golf-more-dangerous-than-rugby/

https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/08/07/broward-golfer-accused-of-causing-mans-death-in-villages-clearly-has-anger-issues-expert-says/

https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2022/07/04/new-details-emerge-one-year-after-country-club-murders/?outputType=amp

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/killed-by-a-golf-ball-coroner-orders-fresh-investigation-into-death-of-jaden-goldfinch/QMXT4R6LDNFRDA6JUMKLYCKBNA/

https://www.hagginoaks.com/blog/10-most-haunted-golf-courses-in-north-america/

https://golfscape.com/blog/most-haunted-golf-courses-in-the-world/

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/jimmy-hoffa-buried-savannah-inn-and-country-club-georgia-golf-course-mob-true-crime/amp

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/pgachanmpionship2022-southern-hills-mob-hit-whitey-bulger-roger-wheeler/amp

In this episode of "Did I Tell You About My Albatross?", host Albi is joined by his co-host Panda and special guest John Ashton from "Those Weekend Golf Guys".

Albi/Brandon shares w

John shares his journey from being a successful radio personality to starting a golf-related podcast. The conversation focuses on the relatable and humorous moments in and around golf, making for an entertaining and enjoyable episode. Tune in to hear more about John's story and the unique approach to golf on this golf podcast for honest degenerates.

Albi and Panda slowly but surely worked in their favorite conundrums and asked for John's wisdom and take: "Can a human being swallow/eat a golf ball and live"  

John has grown his golf podcast into a syndicated weekly show that reached over 300,000 weekly listeners. 

[00:01:06] Fascinating golf-related podcast story. 
[00:03:31] The walk-off albatross story... again
[00:08:11] The broadcasting/media industry's changing landscape. 
[00:11:34] "Complete insanity ensues" (Mole Traps that kill)
[00:14:40] Funny animal stories
[00:17:44] Why are there not more...? 
[00:19:23] The power of positive thinking. 
[00:22:31] The odds on an Albatross. 
[00:26:19] Missed calls and holding penalties. 
[00:28:33] DITYAMA's favorite question: Can a human eat a golf ball? 
[00:32:28] One-arm bandit challenge 
[00:35:18] Taking off prosthetic leg to improve lie angle?
[00:38:31] Albi's Masters mishap. 
[00:41:21] Chris Paul, sports hero. 

As with every episode, Albi snuck in the special shout out to Scott Van Pelt #SVP and Chris Paul #CP3

Check out what John and Jeff are doing at Those Weekend Golf Guys:

• https://thoseweekendgolfguys.com/golf-guys-live-and-local/
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-weekend-golf-guys/

Creators & Guests

• Brandon Redding, "ALBI" - Host
• Laken Fischer "Panda" - Host
• Billy Heiser "Shepherd", "Koala", "Mayor" - Host
• John Ashton - Guest

We've got former Major League Baseball player, Tyson Ross, sharing some of his most memorable golfing faux pas this week. With a unique blend of honesty and witty humor, Tyson treats us to a glimpse of his life off the field, including an endearingly awkward incident with a promotional hat that left him in stitches.

But Tyson isn't just about the laughs. He shares his raw, unfiltered experiences from his esteemed baseball career, including his triumphant return to the Padres in 2018 after a series of debilitating injuries. Hear him reminisce about his first MLB debut, the pride of playing alongside hometown heroes in Oakland, and the electrifying moment his brother Joe clinched the World Series in 2019. Also, discover the secret treasure Tyson is 'safekeeping' at his place (hint: it's got a lot to do with Joe's big win).

Then we turn to the links.  Tyson shares his golfing adventures, revealing his struggles with the short game and the importance of having a wide arsenal of shots. He talks about the unexpected lessons he's learned from his golf escapades and how they apply to life in general. 

Also, get ready to be inspired as Tyson shares his vision for his charity golf tournament, aiming to help kids overcome financial barriers to playing sports, and the importance of paying it forward. This episode is a home run of exciting stories, laughter, and heartwarming insights with Tyson Ross.

Imagine you're a young athlete with a dream. You choose Penn State over Ohio State, influenced by a pivotal relationship with Joe Paterno. You're also drafted by the California Angels, but your heart is in football. 

That's exactly what happened to this week's guest, O.J. McDuffie, and we delve deep into the waters of his unique journey to the NFL. We'll also be chatting about his peculiar fear of fishing, his passion for golf, and his participation in charitable tournaments.

We aren't just about heartwarming stories and sports, though. We're also about making a difference. Tune in as we explore the admirable work of the Catch 81 Foundation, spearheaded by OJ McDuffie. We'll be discussing how this organization is making a real difference in the lives of kids, single-parent homes, and teen moms in South Florida. And remember, according to OJ, whatever happens, always give 110%!

Strap in, ladies and gentlemen, as we venture into the exhilarating world of baseball and golf with the legendary Jeff Montgomery. Steeped in the lore of Major League Baseball, Montgomery spills the beans on his illustrious career, challenges he faced, and his unique pitching style. From tales of his golfer mom that shaped his youth to his impressive record of 304 saves, this conversation is more than just a sports discussion - it's a journey through a life dedicated to the love of the game.

Our dialogue takes you through some of the most memorable moments of Montgomery's career. Remember his immaculate inning in 1990 or his breakout year in 1989? He recalls these and more, including his relationship with Dan Quisenberry and playing alongside giants of the game like George Brett and Bo Jackson. Get entrenched in the gripping narrative as we weave through the impact of the Royals' 1994 strike and how it impacted Montgomery's career. 

But it's not all baseball. We shift gears to talk about Montgomery's life beyond the diamond, specifically his golf game and his thrilling escapades at the Baseball World Series of Golf at Pebble Beach. We round off by chatting about his love for Kansas City, the city's signature barbecue, and his insights on the Royals' recent comebacks. Be prepared to be swept away in a whirlwind of stories, insights, and life lessons from one of the most respected players in baseball. This is your chance to peek into the life and phenomenal career of Jeff Montgomery!Support the show

This week Those Weekend Golf Guys are happy to feature 5 time PGA Tour winner and current Champion’s Tour member, Billy Mayfair. Billy has been a champion since very early in life having won many Junior Golf Tournaments, College and Professional Tournaments. Billy is the only person to beat Tiger Woods in a Playoff!. Billy is autistic. But he has only been diagnosed as autistic later in life. In retrospect, the autism diagnosis has taught him much about himself and helped him understand why he has acted the way he has throughout the years. In fact, Billy credits his autism to his success in golf. Listen to this week’s show as Billy Mayfair recounts his career highlights and how his autism figured to have effected it so positively. It’s an interesting, informative and entertaining hour of Golf Talk Radio once again with the second best golf show in the world, Those weekend Golf Guys.

Joe LaCava has spent decades caddying for PGA Tour greats like Fred Couples, Davis Love III, Justin Leonard, Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods. On the Thuzio Live & Unfiltered Podcast, LaCava spoke with Tiki Barber about his Hall of Fame career, how much credit caddies deserve, how he started caddying and much more. LaCava says Tiger Woods treats him like a teammate but LaCava doesn't like taking the credit for Tiger's success. He also shared the story of how he started working for Tiger and the way he views Tiger as "just a regular guy."