In Part 2 of Season 12, Episode 16, I’m joined once again by our great friend and 9-time winner across the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, Tom Purtzer. This time around, Tom and I dive into a thought-provoking conversation about the direction of the PGA Tour—whether their current moves are aimed at growing the game or favoring their top players, and if their actions are simply an overreaction to the competition posed by LIV Golf. We also look back at 1991, the best year of Tom’s career, which came 18 years after he turned pro. He shares fond memories of winning both the World Series of Golf and the Texas Open, the latter of which earned him a coveted seat next to Ben Hogan at the following year’s champions dinner. Tom’s insight, humility, and great storytelling always make for a fantastic listen, and I know you’re going to really enjoy hearing from one of the game’s true legends and gentlemen.

On this week’s episode, we kick things off with a visit from our good friend and Robert Morris University Men's Head Coach Steve Shingledecker. RMU is riding high on a wave of momentum, thanks to their men’s basketball team capturing the Horizon League Championship and making an impressive showing in the NCAA Tournament, where they pushed powerhouse Alabama to the limit in the first round. Steve shares what the energy has been like on campus during the team’s thrilling run, how that success is already paying dividends in the recruiting process, and how the evolving landscape of college athletics—including the transfer portal—is impacting mid-major programs like RMU. We dive into whether top talent from these schools is at risk of being poached annually by Power Five programs, turning everyone outside the SEC and Big Ten into a de facto minor league system.

Then, I’m joined by World Golf Hall of Famer David Graham. David had a stellar career both here in the U.S. and internationally after coming over from his native Australia. We reflect on his standout 1970 season, where he captured the Tasmania, Victorian, Thailand, and French Opens, and teamed up with Bruce Devlin to win the World Cup. We also revisit his major championship triumphs at the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open plus his home national championship at the Australian Open. David also offers his thoughts and memories about The Masters and what it was like to contend at The Open at St. Andrews. You won’t want to miss these incredible stories and insights from a true legend of the game.

In this special bonus episode of Next on the Tee, I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Russell Levenson. Russ recently retired after 32 years in ministry, most notably serving 17 years as Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston—the largest Anglican/Episcopal congregation in North America. He’s a renowned theologian, author, and speaker who also developed a deep friendship with President George H.W. and First Lady Barbara Bush.

Russ talks about his inspiring new book, “In God’s Grip: What Golf Can Teach Us About the Bible,” with a foreword by the legendary Jim Nantz. We dive into the powerful spiritual and life lessons drawn from golf and how the swing philosophies of Ben Hogan intertwine with Biblical wisdom. From focusing on fundamentals to letting go of perfection, Russ explores how the mindset that helped Hogan master the game can also guide our spiritual journeys.

We also reflect on his close relationship with the Bush family, what heaven meant to them, and how the second half of the book—The Downswing—challenges our assumptions about God as a harsh judge, encouraging instead a perspective of grace, abundance, and purpose.

Plus, we talk Augusta, Oakmont, and Jim Nantz’s unforgettable first Masters call in 1986.

This conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and a few good swings of perspective. Whether you’re seeking more meaning in your game or your life, this is one you won’t want to miss.