Tales from the first tee

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Rich gets paired up with Preacher Parker for the second time in 30 days.  The first time he shoots a 62 in a one man scramble event to win his flight.  The second time he Ace’s a tough par three.

So how was your day

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A $1.76 billion compensation fund can sound like justice in one headline and like political payback in the next and that split is where we start. We talk through the emotional math behind “restitution,” why accountability feels necessary to some people, and why others see selectivity and retribution hiding inside the language. The same policy can read as repair or punishment depending on where you stand, and that uneasy gray area is the real story.

Then we change gears and head to a place that should be peaceful: a golf course. We unpa...

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Josh Salzman shares his journey as a fitness coach to golf champion Ernie Els and his philosophy of "super aging" that focuses on mindful nutrition, thought patterns, and exercise for optimal health at any age.

• Super aging starts at birth and depends on how you handle nutrition, thinking patterns, and physical activity
• 95% of fitness is in the mind and eating habits, while only 5% is physical exercise
• Josh helped rehabilitate Ernie Els after knee surgery, getting him back to competition in 3.5 months
• Working with celebrities requires knowing when to push and...

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A former Republican, Vietnam veteran, and longtime US diplomat joins us for a blunt look at what breaks first when a presidency runs on loyalty instead of limits. We talk about the “guardrails” that used to stop bad ideas in their tracks and what it means when those guardrails disappear: fewer people willing to say no, more governing by unilateral moves, and more public retaliation aimed at critics. Along the way, we challenge ourselves to listen outside our algorithm and ask what we might be missing.

We dig into immigration reform with...

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One bad swing can expose more than a flawed tempo. On a Shenandoah Valley morning at Heritage Oaks, I get paired with a young, highly informed golfer who starts out striping it, then unravels the moment the first mistake shows up. What follows is a front-row look at the mental game of golf: self-talk that turns toxic, blame that spreads from club to course to fate, and the exhausting chase to “fix it” mid-round instead of accepting what just happened.

As the round unfolds, I contrast two very different reactions to impe...

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Anger can feel like rocket fuel, but on a golf course it usually detonates your round. We start with the clearest proof: a Masters moment where emotion goes sideways right along with the tee shot. Then we bring it down to everyday golf, watching a calm, talented senior player slowly unravel after one mistake until he’s no longer playing golf, he’s arguing with it. That shift from process to prosecution is where scores blow up, routines vanish, and confidence gets replaced by noise.

From there, we zoom out to the...

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Back at the microphone after a three-month break, I return with fresh perspectives on golf, aging, and finding that elusive perfect swing. This episode begins with stories from my recent birthday weekend in Charlottesville, where a Three Dog Night concert became an unexpected meditation on aging and nostalgia. Sometimes, as I discovered watching once-vibrant performers now moving like "zombie dancers from Michael Jackson's thriller," certain memories are best left undisturbed.

Have you ever met that golfer who simply cannot stop talking about every shot they took? My "Too Much Detail" story...

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Your shoulder hurts, your social media feed is screaming, and the years keep moving. So what do you actually do if you want to feel stronger in your late 60s than you did in your early 60s, and still keep your head clear while the world argues in loops?

We sit down with Josh Salzmann, a lifelong friend and a strength coach who’s built his life around “super aging” and practical resilience. We start with regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy, and get into the details most p...

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A huge win should sound like a concert, so why does it feel like silence when a champion barely reacts? I start with a moment that stuck in my head: the stone-faced celebration after a major victory, and the uneasy feeling it creates for fans who want to share the release. We dig into emotional expression in sports, why we connect so hard to fist pumps and tears, and how the modern athlete may be choosing composure as a shield in an online world that loves to weaponize everything.

Then I...

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The quiet before a three-foot putt feels a lot like the hush before a quadruple jump—or the breath you take when a headline tries to hijack your day. We open on Jacob Bridgman’s breakthrough at Riviera and live inside that moment where hands go numb, galleries roar, and a life can tilt on a three-and-a-half-foot stroke. What does it take to close when the stakes stretch beyond money to legacy, invitations, and the long arc of a season? We unpack the mechanics of staying present in a sport that’s mostly waitin...

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What happens when a beloved pro-am trades its soul for a signature purse? We unpack Pebble Beach’s $20M pivot—fewer celebrity swings, more surgical golf—and the ripple effects on how fans connect with the sport. The charm of mis-hits and Bill Murray lore gives way to Sunday fireworks as Scotty Scheffler drops three eagles and Colin Morikawa turns a 20‑minute fairway wait into a stone-cold birdie to win. It’s elite theater, but at a cost: the human texture that once made Pebble feel like a shared secret.

From there we h...

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A teenager shoots 60 on the Nicklaus course and suddenly the game looks younger, faster, and braver. We open with Blades Brown’s breakout and the ripple effect of a prodigy who can go low under cameras and crowds, then zoom out to what early crowning means in a sport that remembers both fireworks and flameouts. It’s a celebration and a caution: talent draws a spotlight, and pressure keeps the bulb hot.

That theme of pressure runs straight into the psychology of mulligans. On the first tee, swagger meets physics, and some...

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A golf journey through St. Simons Island, Georgia showcases both travel recommendations and insights into match play dynamics against memorable characters. Thoughtful putting drills examine perception challenges and alignment solutions for better performance on the greens.

• St. Simons Island offers excellent biking, dining at Dorothy's, and nostalgic ice cream at Frosty's Griddle and Shakes 
• Capybaras in Argentina create unusual hazards despite being protected species
• Match play against Billy the Kid reveals the psychology of presses and how to make them fair
• Restomod (The Tin Man) maintains a four handicap...

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A few unfamiliar names, a 70-page indictment, and a flood of betting data set the stage for a candid look at how games get bent and why so many of us still want to believe the scoreboard tells the whole truth. I walk through the mechanics of a recent point-shaving scheme at mid-major and D2 programs, how sportsbooks and integrity services flagged coordinated prop bets, and why subpoenas, texts, and money trails make “nobody will know” a losing strategy. The result isn’t moral panic; it’s a sober case for uncertainty—and the reason...

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Ever left a party without goodbyes and felt oddly right about it? That’s our jump‑off point for a fast, funny, and candid ride from a midnight move out of Charleston to a new life in Harrisonburg—where a sore back, a pool streak, and a golf addiction spark a deeper look at how we chase joy and manage wear and tear. We talk about the quiet power of leaving at the right time, then get honest about aging, fitness, and the tradeoffs we make when passion runs hot.

From there...

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Finding your zone in golf requires mental clarity, physical precision, and an ability to get out of your own way when it matters most.

• What being in the zone feels like - the ball feels "like nothing" at impact
• Three Charleston National players share their unique mental strategies
• Wright Blanchard's comeback story - from hole-in-one to victory
• Brady Nash's technique of focusing on a single dimple on the ball
• Willie Charles' data-driven approach from analyzing 1,750 rounds
• Why "slumps" are a mental construct that players create for themselves

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Rich Easton dives into the controversial LIV Golf Tour, examining the hypocrisy in responses from the PGA Tour and certain players regarding the Saudi-backed competition. He explores the fundamental differences between tours, questioning why players can't compete across multiple platforms and suggesting how the PGA could innovate to retain talent rather than forcing ultimatums.

• The recurring segment "What Annoys Me This Week" focuses on hypocrites who don't recognize their contradictory behaviors
• The first LIV Golf event in London featured shotgun starts, team formats, and $25 million in prize money
• PGA Tour C...

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Tales from the First Tee returns with a heat-soaked episode full of Southern expressions, golf course characters, and the peculiar relationships we form with our equipment. Your host Rich Easton shares stories from the sweltering fairways of Charleston where even alligators have more sense than the golfers braving triple-digit temperatures.

• Team play at Charleston National where all players must contribute for success
• Mississippi native "Cloudy Graves" and his colorful Southern expressions for every situation
• Golf etiquette pet peeves including slow play and unwanted ball handling
• Chance encounter with actor/mu...

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Pressure doesn’t need a trophy to feel real. We start with Bethpage Black and the Ryder Cup’s unique voltage—captains orchestrating pairings, European chemistry in foursomes and four-ball, and a home crowd that couldn’t keep the line between passion and taunting. Golf asks for silence; fandom doesn’t always listen. You’ll hear how that tension plays out in shot routines, heart rates, and the razor-thin edge between competitive fire and corrosive noise.

From there, we head to a quiet nine that wasn’t. A new playing partner turns the roun...

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Dan Gaeta from Operation VetFit discusses PTSD in veterans and their revolutionary approach to preventing veteran suicide that has resulted in zero suicides among their members.

• Clinical definition of PTSD including exposure to traumatic events, intrusion symptoms, avoidance behaviors, and negative alterations in cognition
• The "masculine warrior paradigm" that creates challenges when veterans return to civilian life
• Success story of Thomas Burke who went from a suicide attempt to earning a Doctorate in Divinity from Yale
• Operation VetFit's approach includes exercise as a therapeutic modality, which is underutilized in menta...

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Harry Farthing, author of two novels Summit and Ghost Moths, shares his extraordinary life journey from motorcycle enthusiast to high-altitude mountaineer to writer. His experiences—from boarding school at age eight to climbing Mount Everest and riding motorcycles across continents—have shaped his descriptive storytelling style that brings readers into vivid worlds informed by his adventures.

• Sent to boarding school at age eight where he developed independence and discovered National Geographic magazines
• Father's Brough Superior motorcycle (same brand owned by Lawrence of Arabia) inspired his love for motorcycles
• First major adve...

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Journey into the mind of a passionate golfer as Rich Easton delivers an energetic analysis of the upcoming Ryder Cup showdown at Bethpage, New York. With razor-sharp insight, Rich breaks down Team USA's three critical advantages—the raucous New York crowd, Keegan Bradley's all-star coaching staff, and a roster brimming with talent. But don't mistake his patriotism for blind confidence; Rich's detailed assessment of Europe's formidable lineup reveals why this contest will likely come down to Sunday singles.

Beyond golf strategy, Rich explores the psychology behind "pick me" behavior—from elementary scho...

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Business golf differs significantly from recreational, competitive, country club, gamblers, and drinkers golf because it's entirely about relationship building rather than winning at any cost. Understanding this distinction can mean the difference between business success and failure.

• Business golf is about developing relationships, not winning trophies or small bets
• Recreational golf includes mulligans and improved lies while competitive golf focuses on lowest scores and winning
• Country club golf centers on facilities and surrounding yourself with like-minded people
• Understanding your customer's needs and your objectives should guide your business golf app...

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Tommy Fleetwood's long-awaited breakthrough at Eastlake marks a pivotal moment in golf's mental game saga. After years of Sunday heartbreaks, watching Tommy walk up the 18th with a three-shot lead felt like witnessing the final chapter in a redemption story we weren't sure would ever be written. The revamped FedEx Cup format—where all 30 finalists started on equal footing—delivered exactly the drama and competitive balance golf needed, transforming what Scottie Scheffler had dominated into an unexpected triumph for perseverance.

What separates professional golfers from amateurs isn't just technical skill but thei...

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Ever found yourself in a heated political argument with a friend or family member and wondered why you're fighting so passionately for politicians who don't even know you exist? In this thought-provoking episode of Tales from the First Tee, I explore this peculiar human tendency and question whether we've become a society that needs coaching just to make it through holiday dinners without conflict.

From the fairways of Charleston comes the hilarious true story of "Wi-Fi and Kris Kringle" – two polar opposite golfers united by their love of the game and sp...

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Have you ever made a decision so spectacularly self-sabotaging that you couldn't help but laugh at yourself afterward? That's exactly where we begin this journey—with my confession about renaming a successful golf podcast and promptly losing half my audience. Much like my previous marketing disaster involving overpriced plastic plates during the anti-plastic revolution, it's a perfect example of how ego drives our decisions, often to our detriment.

The golf course serves as the perfect laboratory for observing ego in action. From the player confidently announcing they'll ace a par-3 (before sc...

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CBS turned a weekend golf tournament into a living eulogy for commentator Ian Baker Finch while simultaneously covering Cameron Young's first PGA Tour victory, creating an awkward juxtaposition that diminished Young's accomplishment.

• IBF received an extended farewell after 19 years at CBS with constant tributes throughout the broadcast
• Cameron Young's victory and impressive golf was overshadowed by the IBF celebration
• Young's victory lacked the typical family celebration moment, with a noticeably uncomfortable post-win interview
• The recent firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erica McIntarfer demonstrates how messengers get punished...

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Rich Easton dives into the fascinating psychology behind Bubba Watson's dramatic collapse at the Travelers Championship, going from leading at 13-under par to a series of bogeys on the final five holes. Harris English eventually claimed victory after an epic eight-hole playoff against Kramer Hickok that finished just as darkness fell.

• The number 13 proves unlucky for Bubba Watson when his wheels "fall off" after holding the lead
• A confrontation at Patriots Point practice facility highlights the worst in golf etiquette when a man refuses to apologize for dangerous behavior
• Patrio...

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Josh and Rich dive into hilariously candid stories about Josh's experiences training Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Kate Winslet, revealing the human side of celebrities that fans rarely get to see.

• Training Angelina Jolie for Tomb Raider, transforming her from struggling with seven push-ups to doing 20 chin-ups in 12 weeks
• Angelina's revelation that "the best high she ever had was being fit" during her physical transformation
• The awkward wrestling sessions with Angelina and her stunt double Eunice Huthart
• Josh's embarrassing close encounter with Angelina's unexpected bodily function during training
• Ka...

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Rich Easton delves into the suspicious timing of Stephen Colbert's show cancellation alongside Paramount's merger announcement and how South Park creators get away with pointed criticism that others can't. We examine the media power dynamics at play when covering controversial figures and topics.

• The cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show suspiciously timed with Paramount's $8 billion merger announcement
• South Park's ability to criticize Trump-Epstein connections through satire while real commentators face consequences
• How mulligans on the first tee create a ripple effect of delays throughout the golf course
• The Air Guitar W...

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Rich walks Sullivan's Island beach, highlighting the community cleanup efforts and introducing two humorous stories that capture life's awkward yet memorable moments.

• The "Bison Jam" story follows a family vacation in Yellowstone where a 10-year-old boy innocently abbreviates "Bison Jam" to "BJ," creating an uncomfortable teaching moment
• A father struggles to explain adult terminology to his son, resulting in the child's hilariously innocent response: "Why would anybody want to do that? That's just gross!"
• The "Bombastic Buttocks Bee Sting" recounts a Tuesday night golf league where an errant drive hits a...

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Rich Easton explores why Scotty Scheffler's dominant performances leave him emotionless while other athletes' victories bring tears, questioning what truly creates emotional connections in sports.

• Scotty Scheffler matched Tiger Woods' timeline of 1,197 days between first and fourth major
• Professional golfers face constant pressure of "what's next" even immediately after victories
• The Coldplay concert kiss cam caught Astronomer CEO Andy Byrom with his HR manager in a compromising moment
• Social media amplifies private mistakes and modern technology makes privacy increasingly difficult 
• Billy Joel documentary reveals the personal stories behind his...

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Golf provides extraordinary moments of courage and unexpected triumph, as demonstrated in three exciting tournaments from this past weekend.

• Grace Kim's incredible "never give up" mindset led to an eagle-birdie-eagle finish to win her first major championship at the Amundi Evian event
• 25-year-old Chris Goderup surprises everyone by holding off Rory McIlroy to win the Scottish Open, securing spots in The Open and next year's Masters
• The American Century Golf Tournament showcases that even elite athletes find golf humbling when cameras are rolling
• Questions about bringing manufacturing jobs back to...

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We explore the fascinating and frustrating ways people just can't help being people, from politicians who succumb to corruption to everyday encounters with the oblivious and selfish.

• The word "people" sometimes functions as a complete sentence, perfectly encapsulating our reaction to selfish or oblivious behavior
• Politicians frequently demonstrate how access to power, influence, and money can lead to corrupt decision-making and criminal charges
• A golf outing with a drunk young player showcases frustrating disregard for etiquette, even when politely confronted
• Our digital photo habits reveal disconnection when we prioriti...

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Rich shares his disastrous attempt to land a job working the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, complete with a terrifying security guard encounter and a hilariously botched interview.

• Never been to the Masters despite applying for tickets through the lottery system for years
• Received legitimate email opportunity to work as merchandise staff during the tournament
• Nearly got shot trying to take a selfie at the Augusta National entrance
• Spilled hot sauce on white golf shirt before the interview
• Showed up underdressed while everyone else wore suits
• Failed the i...

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Golf betting isn't about the money—it's about winning, pride, and having someone else open their wallet at the clubhouse after your round. Rich Easton shares hilarious and memorable stories from his experiences with various betting games on the golf course.

• The Nassau bet provides multiple ways to "get off the schneid" with bets for front nine, back nine, and total match
• A group of skilled super seniors battle weekly, with one team finally breaking their losing streak
• A $2 Nassau bet nearly escalates to physical violence when a disputed ball lea...

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Rich Easton shares tales from his experiences as a Charleston golf course starter and longtime golfer, including unexpected encounters with wildlife and colorful characters. His storytelling weaves together the humor, social dynamics, and surprising coincidences that make golf about much more than just the game itself.

• Meeting Victor Hovland's Australian caddy Shay Knight practicing with a bubble level on the practice green
• A black crow stealing Rich's perfectly placed approach shot from the green
• The story of a woman whose wedding ring was stolen by a crow and found months...

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Beach writing inspires stories about life's quirky moments, from sandwich cravings to pretzel capers and cultural observations.

• Writing at Charleston's beaches with a packed lunch that inevitably speaks to me before lunchtime
• The peculiar phenomenon of everyone snacking at the beach, including wildlife
• Encountering a brazen grape thief at Walmart who offered to share her stolen goods
• The Great Pretzel Caper - witnessing a couple steal an abandoned Bavarian pretzel at a bar
• Smuckers acquiring Hostess and attempting to revive Twinkies despite their questionable taste
• Modelo dethroning B...

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Rich Easton dives into the Murdaugh murder trial, imagining what would happen if the defendant was cursed to tell the truth like in the Jim Carrey film "Liar Liar." With a blend of humor and commentary, Rich explores the fascinating and disturbing aspects of this high-profile case.

• Analyzing the 2023 Super Bowl – great game, good commercials, disappointing halftime show
• Reviewing Netflix's "Full Swing" docuseries, which offers an intimate look at PGA Tour players' lives and decisions
• Spotlighting Matt McClung, the G-League player with a 48.5-inch vertical leap who won the NBA Slam...

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Rich Easton tackles a growing problem in the golfing world: tee time no-shows and the selfishness that's emerged since the pandemic golf boom. He discusses this frustrating trend with his special guest, fitness trainer Josh Salzman, who shares fascinating stories about his experiences at Augusta with Ernie Els.

• Post-pandemic golf demand has created intense competition for tee times at most quality courses
• No-shows and last-minute cancellations block other golfers from playing and demonstrate selfishness
• Credit card holds for reservations could help discourage no-shows and last-minute cancellations
• Josh shares his Augu...