McConnell Golf presents ROAD TO AUGUSTA with Ward Clayton, Episode 9Host Ward Clayton visits Augusta during Masters week to explore why the city is known as the "Garden City" and how Augusta National's beauty traces back to its origins as a former nursery. Richmond County Extension Agent Campbell Vaughn explains the plants that define the Master's experience—especially the azaleas on No. 13, including common evergreen indica types and showy native deciduous varieties—while debunking the myth that blooms are preserved with ice and noting how different varieties stagger flowering. They also discuss Magnolia Lane's historic trees planted in the 1880s, the famed 150+ year-old live oak behind the clubhouse, and the course's dominant pines, including storm losses. The episode touches on Hurricane Helene's widespread damage and the difficulty of replicating Augusta's turf, and it includes local favorites for food, courses, and Masters traditions.00:00 Augusta In Bloom01:03 Meet Plant Expert CV02:58 Why Augusta Is Garden City04:00 Azaleas Masters Signature08:19 Azalea Myths And Timing10:58 Azalea Drink And Concessions12:31 Magnolia Lane Origins14:30 The Iconic Live Oak16:53 Pines Ike Tree And Replanting20:37 Hurricane Helene Aftermath22:50 Can Your Lawn Match Augusta24:19 Rapid Fire Favorites And Food31:27 Closing Reflections On BeautyWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

COURTVISION Episode 11: Ven-Allen Lubin on Transfers, NIL, Coaching Changes & the Unfiltered Reality of College HoopsThis episode features an end-of-season conversation with NC State's Ven-Allen Lubin, who reflects on a rollercoaster year (20–14, First Four loss) and his uncommon journey through four schools and four head coaches, none of whom are still in the same job. Lubin discusses the surprise of Will Wade's departure, locker-room morale during chaos, what makes a coach effective (genuine relationships and communication), and why he'd revisit Vanderbilt under Jerry Stackhouse, praising Stackhouse's honesty and player-first approach. Ven-Allen compares the athlete support and history at North Carolina with those at Vanderbilt and addresses NIL's growing influence. The episode also examines proposed transfer restrictions in Washington, argues that athletes deserve mobility as coaching situations change, and highlights Lubin's graduating on time despite major credit-transfer challenges. He shares plans for pro basketball, introduces his pet bird Mango, and picks former UNC teammate Eliot Cadeau & Michigan to win the NCAA Championship.00:00 Modern Game Reality01:53 Season Rollercoaster Recap03:23 Stats and Coach Exit Shock06:17 Four Schools Perspective08:14 What Makes Coaches Work09:25 Advice and Fifth Year Pick10:55 Stackhouse Coaching Case13:55 Vandy vs Carolina Support15:50 NIL Money vs Development18:47 Transfer Limits Debate24:24 Academics Transfer Gauntlet27:42 Meet Mango the Bird28:39 Next Steps Pro Dreams32:03 Final Four Picks and Friends33:58 Closing remarksWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

McCONNELL GOLF presents ROAD TO AUGUSTA:The Voices of the Masters: John Patrick & John BoyetteThis episode of McConnell Golf's ROAD TO AUGUSTA explores the restrained storytelling that defines Masters Week through conversations with longtime Augusta broadcaster John Patrick and Aiken Standard executive editor John Boyette. Patrick recounts his radio career path to Augusta, his first Masters in 1984, and how the tournament and town have transformed—from buying practice-round tickets at the gate to today's formal, corporate atmosphere—while sharing memories of the Quonset hut press center and rare clubhouse conversations with Jean Sara and Alistair Cooke. He also explains how he launched The Augusta Golf Show after being laid off and where to hear it. Boyette discusses his journalism roots, reporting on Augusta National construction via public records, changes like tunnels and new player facilities, his devotion to Jack Nicklaus, including a 1986 book and later a Gary Player book, and offers a perspective on Aiken's culture, golf scene, and Masters-week impact.00:00 Quiet Masters Storytelling01:21 Meet the Voice of Augusta, John Patrick02:38 Radio Roots to Augusta06:05 First Masters in 198407:35 ACC Hoops Detour09:00 Augusta Transforms Masters Week11:40 Then vs Now at the Gates13:51 Behind the Bamboo Changes15:22 Quonset Hut Memories18:07 40 Year Plaque and Parking Spot20:05 Clubhouse Chair Encounters21:53 Augusta Golf Show Origin Story27:28 McConnell Golf Sponsor Break28:56 Meet Aiken Standard Executive Editor, John Boyette31:25 Tracking Augusta National Permits33:39 New Player Hospitality Complex35:19 Tunnel Under Magnolia Lane36:14 Course Changes And Optics36:48 Eureka Earth Aerials39:51 Jack Nicklaus Origin Story43:09 Writing The 86 Masters Book45:53 Nicklaus Masters Prep Routine48:21 Billy Morris Putter Lore49:47 Gary Player Book Project51:54 Discovering Aiken, South Carolina56:25 Aiken Golf Club Heritage57:40 New Private Clubs Boom01:03:03 Biggest Masters Evolution01:06:04 Aiken Food And Masters Week01:07:53 Covering Routine And Grill Room01:10:22 First Timer Viewing Tips01:11:35 Final Masters Wrap UpWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState