In this episode of Next on the Tee, our resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri returns to share his take on this year’s U.S. Open and what it meant to see a guy he's favored all season, J.J. Spaun, take home the title. We also dive into some of the more controversial moments from the tournament, including Rory McIlroy’s tee marker incident and Wyndham Clark destroying a couple of lockers. Tom weighs in on how players and the media handle tense moments and opens up about the deep respect he has for his longtime mentor, John Kennedy.

Speaking of John, he joins me next and brings with him a legacy of excellence in golf instruction and service. A past PGA Professional of the Year, multi-time Bill Strausbaugh Award winner, Patriot Award recipient, and a proud member of the Met Section Hall of Fame, John reflects on his time at Westchester Country Club, where the Learning Center now bears his name. We talk about whether it’s more difficult being the host pro for a PGA Tour event or an LPGA or Senior Major, and his answer may surprise you. John also shares his insights on next year’s U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills and how the wind can drastically alter the challenge, as well as his early thoughts on the upcoming Ryder Cup, which will be hosted just down the road from him at Bethpage Black.

This Week on Next on the Tee

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by two incredible guests who bring unique perspectives from both the sports media and golf worlds.

First up is Justin LaBar, General Manager of TribLIVE’s High School Sports Network and longtime content creator for TribLIVE. Justin shares his journey from attending Point Park University in Pittsburgh to covering Super Bowl 43 in Tampa as a student journalist, and eventually transitioning straight into a full-time role at the Trib. He also reflects on the special Father’s Day he spent with his dad at this year’s U.S. Open. Beyond his media career, Justin is also a well-known pro wrestling analyst and weekend host on SiriusXM’s Busted Open radio show. He’s full of great stories and insights you won’t want to miss.

Then, I’m joined by 2-time PGA Tour winner and 4-time Hall of Fame inductee Richard Zokol. Richard makes his 8th appearance on the show, and this time we focus on the mental side of the game. He shares a preview of his upcoming book, Zokology: Winning With Your Mind, set to be released on Father’s Day 2026. Richard opens up about how to overcome self-imposed expectations and those placed on you, strategies for quieting mental noise, and how a Sony Walkman helped him win on Tour. We also look back at his memorable front-nine 30 during the final round of the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and why you should celebrate your own accomplishments.

Both conversations are insightful, inspiring, and filled with powerful takeaways. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

In Part 2 of Episode 27 I'm joined by 2011 U.S. Senior Open Champion Olin Browne and one of the all-time great golf course Photographers Evan Schiller.

Olin shares memories from playing in the US Open at Oakmont in 1994 and 2007, including battling brutal heat during a sweltering second-round tee time in ’94 and the honor of playing the same day as Arnold Palmer’s final U.S. Open round. We also talk about Oakmont’s legendary rough and greens, whether a 15-handicap could even break 150, and how it ranks among the toughest courses Olin has ever played.

Then I’m joined by world-renowned golf course photographer Evan Schiller, who reflects on his experience playing in the 1986 U.S. Open at Shinnecock. We dive into Evan’s recent and upcoming travels, including his return to Ireland to shoot Old Head, his thoughts on Andrew Green’s restoration work at East Lake, and why Pasatiempo might feature the best collection of par 3s anywhere. We wrap up with a deep dive into Reynolds Lake Oconee’s Creek Club, the incredible courses at The McLemore, and the designers who’ve left the biggest impression on him. From Tour-tested insight to breathtaking golf course imagery, it’s a conversation every golf fan will love.