MUSINGS ON GOLF

Much like Scottie Scheffler once again displayed his dominance of the PGA TOUR on Sunday by winning the Tour Championship, Nathan Smith looks to add to the United States' control of the Walker Cup this weekend in Ireland. Hear from Scottie as to what fuels his inner drive and find out about Nathan, who is the American Captain for the second straight year and whose story is rather atypical from other top amateur golfers. It's time to tee it up, with Captain America, Nathan Smith, on "Musings on Golf."

How do we mere mortals properly judge those who have risen above us? Well, Mike Purkey (GOLF Magazine and Global Golf Post) has established himself as one of golf's most talented writers, so he has the credentials to compile such a list. The result is his terrific new book, "The Immortals of American Golf." Yes, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus and Bobby Jones are among the 18 selected, but join Mike to hear the stories of others who you might not have anticipated. One even transcends golf. Also, we talk Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark as the PGA Tour's Tour Championship gets underway at East Lake Club. Plus, we'll look at how the end of the PGA Tour will look very different starting in Golf.

As the great golf writer, George Peper, notes early on in his newest effort: "Bottom line: logos have become the most talked about—and least explored—element of modern golf. Thus, this book." And what a book it is. "The Best Logos in Golf" is a visual and cultural exploration of the logos that have shaped the game of golf. And it's written by a man who knows the game like few others, as he was editor-in-chief of GOLF Magazine for 25 years, the current editor of LINKS Magazine, and the sole author of 21 books, three of which have been New York Times bestsellers. Walk along with George as he explains the origins of the book, the criteria to make a great golf logo, and as he offers up compelling stories about some of the 100 logos that made the cut. It's a championship presentation, plus there's plenty about Scottie Scheffler, the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and an exciting U.S. Amateur at a club with its own classic logo. All now, on "Musings on Golf."

When your first interview at Golf Channel is with Arnold Palmer, you better be on your game. For Vince Cellini, it was yet another test that he passed in an award-winning career that has seen him cover 10 NFL Super Bowls, eight NBA Finals, and four MLB World Series. Versatility at the highest of sports announcing. That's what Vince has brought over more than 40 years of experience, and it continues to this day, as he hosts Golf Channel's PGA Tour Champions Learning Center. Step up to the tee, learn a few things to help your game, and enjoy a master storyteller in Vince Cellini. Right now, on "Musings on Golf."

She won 31 times on the LPGA Tour, including six major championships. She was the third woman to complete the LPGA career Grand Slam (nearly winning all four majors in the same year), she played on three U.S. Solheim Cup Teams and captained the U.S. Team in 2000. And this week, Pat Bradley tees it up for the fourth consecutive time in The Woodford Legends Invitational at The Woodford Club in Kentucky. Join Pat for a powerful, story-filled conversation filled with love of family -- her brother, Mark, is a PGA of America Professional, and her nephew is 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Keegan Bradley -- her passion for the game, and her decision to donate her awards to Mass Golf. What a champion at so many levels!

He is the only full-blooded American Indian to ever play on the PGA TOUR, and he won four times, all within a span of nine months. And while back injuries derailed the playing career of Notah Begay III, they hardly kept him from the much larger role he continues to play in the lives of so many young people on the golf course and far beyond. All of that wonderful labor of love has led Notah, who played with Tiger Woods at Stanford University, to earning the treasured Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company. Join Notah as we discuss the Award, his outstanding work at NBC Sports and Golf Channel, and what his Foundation continues to accomplish. Plus, we look at the amazing victory by Jackson Koivun on Sunday at the PGA TOUR'S 3M Open.

As we look back at Ryan Fox's victory at The Open here on "Musings on Golf," we encourage you to look ahead and purchase a terrific book, "Fairways and Greens: A Novel," by Rich Poggi. "Foxy" wasted no time in sealing his first major title, while the storylines abounded last week, with the drama produced by Bryson DeChambeau and the ensuing reaction from Rory McIlroy. Scottie Scheffler getting a free drop for a ball he never found! And so close again for Sam Burns and Cameron Young. And what about Doug Parker, who was once destined for PGA Tour stardom? Poggi nails it with the father-son dynamic Doug Parker's in this character-driven story of family, rediscovery, and second chances, all set against a game that has a way of revealing the truth about people when it matters most.

Many great baseball players have also found considerable success playing golf, but only Jim Kaat has a unique distinction in golf that goes far beyond anything that any other baseball player (or anyone) has ever accomplished. Jim's 283 career wins earned him election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and he spent 22 seasons calling games for the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins. So many great stories from the southpaw, plus you'll hear from Rory McIlroy, and about Tommy Fleetwood, Arnold Palmer, Walter Hagen, and my late podcast partner, Bob Bubka, as we get set for the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

It is the Major Championship for celebrity golfers, and NFL great Brian Urlacher is getting his game in shape for the American Century Championship this weekend at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Nevada. Join the University of New Mexico legend for a terrific talk about his playing days at Soldier Field, watching Caleb Williams lead the Bears now, and his expectations when NBC Sports, Peacock and NBCSN showcase the 90-player field that also includes Stephen Curry, Tony Romo, Charles Barkley, and Annika Sorenstam. Tighten up that chin strap for a ride with Brian Urlacher, on "Musings on Golf."

As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, with the biggest sporting event in the world on our shores right now, we are joined by Rick Horrow, "The Sports Professor." Rick, a Harvard Law School graduate. is a pioneer in the business of sports. With his fast-paced style, Rick talks about the massive dollars (and Euros) behind the PGA Tour, the four major golf championships and the Ryder Cup. He also goes deep on the NFL, and pays tribute to his Dad through a new collaboration with Jack Nicklaus. Buckle up to talk green, and get out some red, white and blue, with Rick Horrow on "Musings on Golf."

Talk about a tough crowd! They don't come too much harsher than the galleries that Wyndham Clark had to endure in winning his second U.S. Open, on Long Island. Yes, Clark made a terrible mistake at Oakmont last year, but he has owned up to it and he proved how resilient he is in holding off Scottie Scheffler and others at Shinnecock Hills. Join Mark as he takes you "inside the ropes" in reporting on his 35th U.S. Open. Plus, find out the details on the entirely new look for the PGA Tour starting in 2028.

John Bodenhamer, who was a member of BYU's first championship team in any sport, knows what it means to succeed at the highest levels of golf. Join John for this comprehensive preview of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, the only club to host our national championship in three different CENTURIES. You'll also hear from Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and defending champion J.J. Spaun as NBC Sports, USA Network and Peacock ready to bring you the U.S. Open!

Adam Schriber is one of Golf Digest's 50 Best Teachers in America, a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher, and a two-time Michigan PGA Section Teacher of the Year. For reigning U.S. Open Champion J.J. Spaun, Adam is more than his swing coach -- he is the one who instills belief and positive thoughts for J.J., and has been instrumental in J.J. climbing to #9 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Come along for an eventful road trip with Adam, who talks about his humble origins in playing the game, how he landed J.J. as a student, and what the pair is doing in advance of J.J.defending his title next week at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York.

Fred Funk was cut from his college golf team at the University of Maryland, yet ultimately returned to coach at that same school. He was an older rookie on the PGA Tour, and he went on to capture the Tour's marquee event as its oldest winner. Hardly long off the tee, he led the Tour in driving accuracy eight times en route to eight wins, two Presidents Cup appearances and a spot on the 2004 U.S. Ryder Cup Team. Enjoy this terrific interview with Fred, whose fighting spirit has made him one of golf's great stories. And the Tiger Woods tale is so awesome!

Yes, he won on the PGA Tour after an extraordinary career at BYU. He also was behind the mic for CBS Sports for nearly 30 years. Yet, his passion for impact-based teaching is what truly drives Bobby Clampett, the founder of Impact Zone Golf. Join Bobby as he talks about the profound influence that the book "The Golfing Machine" has had on his playing and teaching -- Bryson DeChambeau is also a disciple of the influential book -- and how Impact Zone Golf can better your game, whether in person or online. Plus, we talk about the PGA of America relieving Don Rea of his presidential duties, and why it's so hard to be a big fan of Wyndham Clark.

He has covered a quarter century worth of PGA Championships and more than 100 major golf championships in all. From serving our country to providing great perspectives about our game on Golf Channel, Rex Hoggard shares plenty of terrific stories as we recap the 108th PGA Championship. Plus, so much more. Join the Emmy Award winner for a wide ranging discussion that also includes LIV Golf, the PGA TOUR and who rounds out his dream foursome.

PGA of America Professional Sara Bush has had several roles in golf, but none is more important than her current responsibilities as the Director of Golf Relations at Folds of Honor. Join Sara as she offers personal remarks about Patriot Golf Days and Folds of Honor, then as she talks about how she and her team work diligently to secure significant funds through the game of golf to provide educational scholarships for the families of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Since 2007, that number of scholarships has reached an amazing 73,000 ... and counting. Enjoy the PGA Championship and take a few minutes to learn about this incredible organization and all they do to give back to those who have lost so much.

Rory McIlroy seeks his second straight major title of 2026 while Scottie Scheffler aims to raise the Wanamaker Trophy for the second consecutive year as the 108th PGA Championship tees off Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club outside of Philadelphia. And who better to talk about the challenges that stand before the strongest field in major championship golf than Jeff Kiddie, now in his 19th year as the PGA Head Professional at Aronimink. In addition to being a major part of the Aronimink family, Jeff has also been honored by his PGA of America family, having been named the 2023 PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Discover what makes Aronimink special, what holes stand out on the classic Donald Ross design, and what score Jeff thinks is needed to be crowned the new PGA Champion. All that, and a special tribute to the great amateur golfer, Jay Sigel, right now on "Musings on Golf."

Her 16 LPGA victories, including three major championships, earned Jan Stephenson induction to the World Golf Hall of Fame, Class of 2019. She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, for service to golf and to not-for-profit organizations. She was also awarded recognition by the Military Order of the Purple Heart in October for her service to combat wounded/disabled/blind veterans and first responders. Oh, and she once famously posed in a bathtub filled with golf balls while wearing not very much at all! What great stories from the one and only Jan Stephenson, right now on "Musings on Golf."

Bob Harig, senior golf writer for Sports Illustrated, delves deep into their records, rivalries, and the context of their illustrious careers to help you decide, in his fabulous new book, "Tiger v. Jack: Golf's Great Debate." Hear from Bob as he provides strong cases for both legendary figures, on the newest episode of "Musings on Golf." Plus, listen to Nelly Korda talk about her wire-to-wire victory at the LPGA's first major of the year, the Chevron Championship.