The Cart Barn Podcast

Two years ago, Stewart Cink was our very first guest. Now he's back to celebrate The Cart Barn's anniversary, talk grandkids, his six win season, and the phone notes that are running his golf game. Full description / show notes Two years ago, Stewart Cink sat down for the very first episode of The Cart Barn Podcast. Now he's back to help us celebrate our second birthday, and he brought a lot to talk about. The 2001 U.S. Open champion and six time winner on the PGA Tour Champions this season opens up about becoming a full time grandpa between tournaments, the actual notes app on his phone he's used since winning at Safeway in 2020 to track swing feels, ball position, and even Bible verses, and the detailed par 3 strategy he built with caddie Chris Jones to become one of the best on tour at the shortest holes. He also breaks down the two wayward tee shots that almost cost him win number 18, why hybrids replaced his long irons, and what it's really like sharing a fairway with Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, and Miguel Angel Jimenez. Plus, in our rapid fire round, Stewart names his favorite course to play for fun (a hidden Harry Colt gem in Chicago), his favorite golf course architects working today, and the golden age designer he thinks doesn't get enough credit. What's inside this episode: 0:00 Welcome back to our inaugural guest for the 2 year anniversary 1:02 Life since the Regions Tradition, and full time grandparenting on the road 5:38 Family update: his dad's recovery from a broken ankle 8:35 The notes app he's kept since his 2020 Safeway win, and why it works 14:18 Bible verses, caddie Chris Jones, and the par 3 system built to win stats 20:39 Ball position, alignment sticks, and fixing what you can't feel 24:19 The physics behind more distance: launch angle over spin 27:06 How he almost blew win number 18 on a 100 yard wide fairway 31:37 Marveling at Jimenez, Langer, and Couples still winning in their 60s 35:06 Why hybrids replaced his long irons 42:35 The rest of his 2026 schedule and why he skips certain events 50:25 Rapid fire: favorite course, favorite modern and golden age designers, and his go to Bible verse Subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode, and if you're enjoying The Cart Barn, leave us a rating and review, it helps more golf fans find the show.

On this week's episode of The Cart Barn, Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt are joined by returning guest Matt Terry, the new head men's golf coach at the University of North Alabama after nine seasons at Louisiana Tech. Terry, a Moulton, Alabama native who met his wife on the UNA campus, talks coming home to Florence, why he left Louisiana Tech to take over one of UNA's flagship athletic programs, and how the transfer portal and new nine man roster limits are reshaping college golf recruiting. He also breaks down his young roster of four freshmen and four sophomores, three of whom followed him from Louisiana Tech, and previews a fall schedule that opens in Myrtle Beach before stops in Chicago, Kentucky, and Tulsa.

On this week's episode of The Cart Barn, Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt are joined by Samford University senior and reigning Alabama Women's Amateur champion Gabi Nicastro, fresh off a semifinal run at the 2026 U.S. Women's Amateur. The Huntsville, Alabama native talks entering the national tournament as the 44th seed and ranked 380th in the world, beating four higher seeded golfers to reach the final four, and falling to top seeded Anna Iwanaga after playing in a field alongside nationally ranked names like Asterisk Talley and Scarlett Schremmer. Gabi also talks her path from softball to golf, working with swing coach Craig Bachand, her What's In The Bag rundown, and the school record 10 under 62 that gave her her first collegiate win at Samford.

UAB football head coach Alex Mortensen joins The Cart Barn for a 2026 season preview, recorded on the range at the Regions Tradition just days before college football kickoff. Mortensen, who spent nine seasons on Nick Saban's staff at Alabama, breaks down NIL, revenue sharing, the transfer portal, and how UAB football is closing the recruiting gap on American Conference contenders like Tulane, Memphis, and USF. Mortensen also tells the story of UAB taking the field against Tulsa 40 players short, and winning the program's first road game in three years. Alex Mortensen is the head football coach at UAB, hired in December 2025 after nine seasons on Nick Saban's Alabama staff. He is the son of the late ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

Jason Bohn is a two-time PGA Tour winner, University of Alabama golf alum, and now a PGA Tour Champions player competing this week at the 2026 Regions Tradition in Hoover, Alabama. On this episode of the Cart Barn Podcast, Bohn tells the story of the day Ernie Els, a four-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Famer, walked up to him on the practice green and asked him for putting tips. Bohn's response: "you're a Hall of Famer, bud, what are you asking me for?" That moment lines up with what Bohn says makes the PGA Tour Champions circuit different from the tour he grew up on: players are far more open with each other, trading tips and advice no matter whose resume is bigger. It's the same reason you can get Vijay Singh alone in a bunker for an hour and he'll tell you everything he knows. Bohn also talks about choosing Alabama golf over a hometown offer from Penn State, life in Atlanta playing with fellow PGA Tour pros Stewart Cink and Billy Andrade, Wednesday night Bible study with Cink and Zach Johnson, buying a house in Tuscaloosa his own kids aren't allowed to live in, Alabama's new golf facility, and where he lands on NIL money in college golf. Topics covered: The Ernie Els putting green story Choosing Alabama golf over Penn State for the weather His college teammates, including Dicky Pride Why PGA Tour Champions feels like a throwback to the 1950s and 60s barnstorming days What Vijay Singh will teach you if you get him in a bunker for an hour Life in Atlanta, playing with Stewart Cink and Billy Andrade Season tickets, a Tuscaloosa house just for him and his wife, and raising two future Alabama students The new Alabama golf facility Coach Sewell calls a "Lamborghini" NIL, college golf's facilities arms race, and why today's junior golfers are just better athletes Every golfer has a story worth preserving. Thanks for letting us help preserve yours.

Freddie Jacobson's path to professional golf wasn't typical. Growing up in Sweden, he played multiple sports before committing to golf. That journey eventually brought him to Wallace State Community College in Alabama, where he arrived speaking very little English but found an opportunity that helped launch a career spanning the European Tour, PGA TOUR, and now PGA TOUR Champions. Recorded on-site at the Regions Tradition , Freddie joins Chris Lemley and Gregg DeWalt to discuss: Why Sweden has produced so many world-class golfers The value of playing multiple sports as a junior Choosing golf over hockey Coming to Alabama without speaking English Life at Wallace State and college golf Building a career on the European Tour and PGA TOUR Competing today on PGA TOUR Champions Why preparation and patience matter at every level of the game Whether you're a competitive golfer, a fan of the game, or simply enjoy great stories, Freddie's journey proves that success often begins in the most unexpected places. Guest Learn more about Freddie Jacobson: Freddie Jacobson – PGA TOUR Champions Profile

This week, we're taking a short break from guest interviews to catch up on what's happening in golf and share one of the most memorable golf trips we've ever discussed on The Cart Barn Podcast. Gregg recently traveled to Nebraska, where he played everything from nationally ranked courses to hidden nine-hole gems. Along the way, he discovered something neither of us had ever seen before—a golf course with sand greens , including one unforgettable hole known simply as "The Bull Pen." We also discuss: Jackson Koivun's incredible start on the PGA TOUR The Alabama Open and Carter Goodwin's wire-to-wire victory Gregg's visit to the USGA Women's Amateur Media Day at The Honors Course Why Nebraska may be America's most underrated golf destination The unique traditions that still exist in small-town golf Alabama Golf News' new Oakmont caddie series featuring stories from golf's past Sometimes the best golf stories aren't about championships—they're about discovering something you've never seen before. Every golfer has a story worth preserving. Thanks for letting us help preserve yours. This week we're doing something a little different. Instead of sitting down with a guest, Chris and Gregg catch up on what's happening in the golf world and revisit Gregg's recent golf trip through Nebraska. The journey included nationally ranked golf courses, hidden nine-hole clubs, sand greens, and one unforgettable hole called The Bull Pen —a golf hole unlike anything either of us had ever experienced. Along the way we also discuss: • Jackson Koivun's rapid rise on the PGA TOUR • The Alabama Open recap • The USGA Women's Amateur at The Honors Course • Why Nebraska deserves a spot on every golf travel bucket list • The newest storytelling series on Alabama Golf News Whether you love discovering hidden golf destinations or simply enjoy great stories from the game, this episode is for you. Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday. Every golfer has a story worth preserving. Thanks for letting us help preserve yours. Chapter Markers 00:00 Cold Open – What Is This? (The Bull Pen) 00:28 Intro 02:05 Jackson Koivun's PGA TOUR Win 03:10 Alabama Open Recap 04:30 USGA Women's Amateur at The Honors Course 08:20 Nebraska Golf Adventure Begins 11:15 Sand Greens & The Bull Pen 21:30 Hidden Nine-Hole Golf Courses 29:45 Alabama Golf News' Oakmont Caddie Series 34:00 What's Next for The Cart Barn 36:30 Closing Thoughts Episode Keywords Golf Travel Nebraska Golf Sand Greens The Bull Pen The Honors Course USGA Women's Amateur Jackson Koivun Alabama Open Golf Stories Golf Podcast Golf History Hidden Golf Courses Golf Travel Destinations Small Town Golf The Cart Barn Podcast

What happens after you shock the golf world at 16? In this episode of The Cart Barn Podcast , Chris Lemley and Gregg DeWalt sit down with Anna Davis , the 2022 Augusta National Women's Amateur Champion, Curtis Cup champion, and Auburn University standout. Anna reflects on how her life changed after Augusta, representing Team USA, competing in one of college golf's toughest conferences, and preparing for the next chapter of her career. She also shares stories from Augusta National, Pine Valley, Bel-Air, Muirfield, and other legendary golf courses while offering an honest look at the pressure, growth, and joy that come with competing at the highest level of amateur golf. Whether you're a competitive golfer, an Auburn fan, or simply enjoy great golf stories, this conversation offers a rare look inside the journey of one of the game's rising stars. Anna Davis Augusta National Women's Amateur Curtis Cup Auburn Tigers Women's Golf College Golf LPGA Team USA Golf Golf Podcast Amateur Golf The Cart Barn Podcast

What does it really take to build a championship golf tournament? Tournament Director Wade Dockery of the Alabama–Northwest Florida PGA Section takes Chris Lemley and Gregg DeWalt behind the scenes of the Alabama Open, revealing what most golfers never get to see. From preparing the golf course and building the purse to attracting the region's top professionals and amateurs, Wade explains what it takes to stage one of the South's premier state championships. The conversation also explores the rich history of the Alabama Open, its partnership with the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, and the champions who have shaped its legacy, including Steve Lowery, Spike McRoy, Tom Lovelady, Wes Tuck, Todd Bailey, Lee Williams, Ian Steele, and many others. Whether you've competed in a State Open, dreamed of playing in one, or simply love championship golf, this episode offers a rare look inside what it takes to build a tournament worthy of its champions. Every golfer has a story worth preserving. Thanks for letting us help preserve yours.

Golf has always been about more than scorecards. It's about the people we meet, the courses that shape us, and the stories that stay with us for a lifetime. In this episode, Daryle Sager joins Chris Lemley and Gregg DeWalt to reflect on a different era of amateur golf. From Bonnie Crest Country Club and the legendary players who came through its fairways to the lifelong friendships formed through the game, James shares why these stories deserve to be remembered. The conversation also explores how amateur golf has changed, what has been gained, what may have been lost, and why preserving the history and character of the game still matters. If you enjoy golf history, unforgettable personalities, and conversations that go beyond the scorecard, this episode is for you. Every golfer has a story worth preserving. Thanks for letting us help preserve yours.

Winning the Alabama State Amateur doesn't happen by accident. Fresh off his victory at the Country Club of Birmingham, Ryley Heath joins The Cart Barn Podcast to discuss the journey that led to one of the biggest amateur titles in the state. But this conversation is about much more than one tournament. Ryley reflects on growing up at Burning Tree Country Club, learning the game alongside his sister Ginger, and the players and mentors who helped shape him into one of Alabama's top amateurs. He explains why difficult golf courses helped his game, how practicing every day at Silver Lakes transformed his short game and mental toughness, and why Jacksonville State became the perfect place for his development. The conversation also revisits the dramatic final round at the Country Club of Birmingham, including the birdie on the 72nd hole that secured the championship, what was going through his mind under pressure, and how that victory earned him a place in this year's U.S. Amateur Championship at Merion Golf Club. Whether you're a competitive golfer, a junior player chasing bigger goals, or simply someone who appreciates the process behind success, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to build a championship mindset. In this episode: Winning the Alabama State Amateur The pressure of the final hole Growing up at Burning Tree Country Club Why Silver Lakes made him a better golfer Jacksonville State's impact on his career Preparing for the U.S. Amateur at Merion The value of patience, resilience, and confidence What's next as he pursues professional golf Every golfer has a story worth preserving. Thanks for letting us help preserve yours.

Every golfer has a story they still remember. A shot from thirty years ago. A round with their father. A tournament that changed everything. A playing partner who later became someone they never expected. This week, Chris Lemley and Gregg DeWalt welcome Curt Thompson, creator of Dear Golf Journal, for a conversation about why golf memories stay with us long after the scorecard is forgotten. From Future Masters memories and lifelong friendships to rounds with family and the shots that still come to mind decades later, Curt shares why preserving these stories may be one of the most meaningful parts of the game. The conversation explores golf's unique ability to connect generations, create lasting relationships, and leave us with memories that become part of who we are. Topics include: • Why golfers remember shots from decades ago • The stories hidden behind our favorite rounds • Future Masters memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime • Playing Dothan Country Club forty years apart • Golf journaling and preserving family history • Paul Tesori and the relationships golf creates • Why golf remains a game we can enjoy for a lifetime Whether you're a competitive player, a weekend golfer, or someone who simply loves the game, this episode will likely remind you of a few stories of your own.

This week on The Cart Barn Podcast, Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt continue their coverage from the practice range at the Regions Tradition with two guests who Alabama sports and entertainment fans will immediately recognize. First, U.S. Senator and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville joins us to discuss golf in Washington, playing with fellow senators, the future of NIL and the transfer portal, his campaign for Governor of Alabama, and why golf remains one of the best ways to learn about people. Then, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks stops by to talk music, golf, Shoal Creek, John Daly's songwriting, Alice Cooper's influence on his golf game, and life on the road. Topics include: • Tommy Tuberville on NIL and college athletics • Golf in Washington, D.C. • Playing with President Trump and fellow senators • Running for Governor of Alabama • Taylor Hicks on American Idol • Shoal Creek and Alabama golf • John Daly's music career • Alice Cooper's golf influence • Bucket-list golf destinations • Behind-the-scenes at the Regions Tradition The Cart Barn Podcast explores the people, stories, history, and culture that make golf special, with a focus on Alabama and beyond.

For more than 77 years, the Future Masters has been one of the most respected junior golf tournaments in America. Long before they became PGA Tour stars, major champions, and household names, players such as Scottie Scheffler, Stewart Cink, Trevor Immelman, Hubert Green, Ben Curtis, Jerry Pate, Russell Henley, Bubba Watson and many others competed in Dothan, Alabama at the Future Masters. In this episode, Future Masters Tournament Coordinator Angelia Turner joins Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt to share the history behind the tournament, the stories that have shaped its legacy, and how a community-driven event became a destination for elite junior golfers from around the world. Topics include: • The origins of the Future Masters • Hubert Green's unforgettable Future Masters story • Trevor Immelman's letter predicting future success at Augusta National • Scottie Scheffler's early appearances in Dothan • Charlie Woods and the modern era of junior golf • The selection process for one of the country's most respected junior events • The impact the tournament continues to have on players, families, and the city of Dothan Whether you're a fan of golf history, junior golf, or Alabama golf, this episode offers a fascinating look at a tournament that continues to influence the future of the game.

Collin McCrary joins The Cart Barn Podcast to share the incredible story and legacy of Alabama golf legend Mac McClendon. From winning SEC titles at LSU and PGA Tour events to becoming one of the nation’s top financial advisors, Mac’s impact stretched far beyond golf. Collin shares personal stories involving Hubert Green, Shoal Creek, the Masters, and the scholarship foundation that has helped more than 200 Troy University students pursue their education. A powerful episode about golf, family, mentorship, and legacy.

Boo Weekley stops by The Cart Barn at the Regions Tradition for a laid-back conversation on the range. We talk with Boo about his early days around golf, memories of playing in North Alabama, his love for fishing and hunting, his current game, the Legacy Course at Greystone, and what makes life on the PGA TOUR Champions different from the regular tour. This one is short, funny, and exactly what you’d expect from Boo Weekley.

For this episode of The Cart Barn Podcast, we sat down with Regions Tradition Tournament Director Gene Hallman live from the range at Greystone Golf & Country Club during tournament week. Gene discusses the continued growth of Regions Tradition, how the event has evolved into one of the premier stops on the PGA Tour Champions schedule, and why Birmingham continues to support the event at such a high level. We also talk about: the changing demographics of golf fans attracting younger audiences to the event the atmosphere surrounding tournament week future plans for the fan experience why the Wednesday Pro-Am crowds rival weekend attendance at many Champions Tour events Special thanks to Gene for spending time with us during a busy tournament week. The Cart Barn Podcast is presented from the heart of Alabama golf culture — sharing stories, people, places, and conversations that make the game special. #RegionsTradition #PGATourChampions #GolfPodcast #AlabamaGolf #TheCartBarnPodcast

Stewart Cink joins The Cart Barn Podcast to discuss his recent success on PGA Tour Champions, the mindset changes that helped him start winning again, and how modern analytics and AI are shaping the way he practices and competes. Episode Description: Friend of the podcast Stewart Cink returns to The Cart Barn Podcast after an incredible stretch of golf that has already produced multiple wins on PGA Tour Champions. In this episode, Stewart sits down with J Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt at the Regions Tradition to discuss: Why he believes most golfers practice the wrong things The mindset shift that changed his performance How AI and analytics now influence his game Why “strengthening your strengths” matters The differences between PGA Tour and Champions Tour competition Preparing for the PGA Championship at Aronimink Playing alongside longtime friends like Zach Johnson and Ben Crane Balancing competition, family, travel, and life after 50 Stewart also shares insights into how elite players evaluate performance, how expectations can sabotage results, and why the Champions Tour is far more competitive than most fans realize. This is one of the most in-depth golf performance conversations we’ve had on the show. Recorded on-site at the Regions Tradition in Birmingham, Alabama. Stewart Cink, PGA Tour Champions, PGA Tour, golf podcast, golf analytics, golf mindset, golf instruction, Champions Tour, Regions Tradition, Alabama golf, J Chris Lemley, Gregg Dewalt, golf performance, golf practice, golf strategy, Zach Johnson, Ben Crane, professional golf, golf stories, Cart Barn Podcast

Wes Tuck joins the Cart Barn Podcast to tell the story of a life spent inside the game — from growing up around Alabama junior golf, winning the Future Masters, playing at Troy and Auburn, competing in the 1988 U.S. Amateur, chasing professional golf, and eventually finding a second career on the course maintenance side of the game. Wes Tuck has lived almost every version of a golf life. He grew up around the game in Alabama, learned under influential pros like Billy Eastep and Chris Rigdon, won the Future Masters, played college golf at Troy and Auburn, and made a strong run in the 1988 U.S. Amateur — including a match against defending champion Billy Mayfair. In this episode, Wes talks about junior golf before the modern travel-tour era, what he learned from great players, his years chasing professional golf, and how his career eventually shifted into golf course maintenance and turf management. It is a conversation about practice, perspective, parents, pressure, persistence, and why affordable public golf still matters.

Episode Summary Legendary college golf coach Mike Griffin shares stories from Troy and Auburn, including coaching elite players, building championship programs, and the lessons that shaped his career. Full Show Notes Coach Mike Griffin is one of the most respected names in college golf, with a career spanning decades at Troy and Auburn. In this episode, he shares the stories, decisions, and lessons that defined his journey—from small-town beginnings to building nationally competitive programs. We get into what it takes to develop players at the highest level, the evolution of college golf, and behind-the-scenes stories involving players like Jason Duffner and Paul Azinger. Coach Griffin also shares one of the most impactful moments of his career—winning a tournament but not being selected to advance—and how that experience shaped his philosophy as a coach. This is a conversation about leadership, development, and what it really takes to build champions. Chapters 00:00 Cold Open: “You weren’t supposed to win” 01:05 Introduction to Coach Mike Griffin 02:00 Early life and learning the game 07:30 College golf at Troy 12:45 The moment that shaped his coaching philosophy 17:00 From player to coach 21:00 Building a winning program at Troy 26:30 Recruiting and developing players 29:15 The Jason Duffner story 32:00 The Paul Azinger story 42:20 How college golf has changed 54:00 Auburn years and legacy Tags (Transistor) golf podcast, college golf, Auburn golf, Troy golf, Jason Duffner, Paul Azinger, golf coaching, sports leadership, golf stories, Cart Barn Podcast