Tales from the first tee

Send us Fan Mail 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 an...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 be...

Send us Fan Mail 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 w...

Send us Fan Mail 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 •...

Send us Fan Mail 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"...

Send us Fan Mail 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 wi...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 p...

Send us Fan Mail Rich Easton celebrates 100 episodes by turning the mic on the colorful characters he's been talking about for years, revealing the people behind the pseudonyms in a series of candid, often hilarious interviews. • Dr. Payne recounts getting a hole-in-one while wearing Costco tennis shoes because he'd forgotten his golf shoes • Billy the Kid explains how his experience in...

Send us Fan Mail Rich Easton returns to podcasting with reflections on why changes matter less than their effects on others, and how finding your happy place leads to fulfillment throughout life's transitions. His candid observations about social dynamics, competitive pressure, and personal boundaries offer wisdom that extends well beyond the golf course. • The 10-minute rule: limiting health...

Send us Fan Mail Former Ambassador John Gunderson shares his unique perspective on American foreign policy and the upcoming 2024 presidential election based on his service across eleven presidential administrations. Drawing from his experiences in Vietnam, as a federal air marshal, and as Ambassador to Ukraine, he offers a candid assessment of leadership, patriotism, and America's role in the...

Send us Fan Mail The arrest of Scottie Scheffler before the PGA Championship created a butterfly effect that may have handed Xander Schauffele his first major win. The podcast explores controversial headlines, status hierarchies, and social observations that highlight our interconnected world. • Scottie Scheffler's arrest outside Valhalla Golf Club results from a misunderstanding with law enf...

Send us Fan Mail We're back to our original name - Tales from the First Tee - and reflecting on what truly matters as we enter a new year, from holiday decorations to golf course ethics. • New Year's celebrations force us to compartmentalize our lives into 365-day periods and compare ourselves to others • Inflatable Christmas decorations look like "holiday carnage" when deflate...

Send us Fan Mail 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 sha...

Send us Fan Mail The unexpected merger between PGA, DP, and LIV Tours exposes the hypocrisy behind the golf world's civil war and raises questions about loyalty versus opportunity. We explore the shifting perceptions of age and how "old" is defined by perspective, while also diving into why wedges are the second most important clubs in your bag. • PGA Tour leadership created a divis...

Send us Fan Mail Rich Easton shares how learning to deal with discomfort can transform your life, illustrated through his unexpected journey into salsa dancing and observations about our cultural priorities. • Congressional hearings on UFOs and non-human beings are severely underreported compared to celebrity gossip • Modern social behavior includes disruptive trends like filming in movie theaters...

Send us Fan Mail Rich Easton explores volatile human behavior in recreational settings through stories of golf course meltdowns and dog park confrontations. He examines how quickly pleasant personalities can transform when faced with frustration, disappointment, or conflict in these seemingly benign environments. • Sports experts consistently fail at NCAA tournament predictions despite their suppo...

Send us Fan Mail 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 sho...

Send us Fan Mail Fitness expert Josh Salzman shares his unconventional but highly effective approach to health, healing, and performance through the lens of his philosophy-driven training method. We explore why most fitness approaches fail and how simple changes in thinking, eating patterns, and recovery can transform your physical wellbeing. • 95% of fitness is mental—how you think, how you eat,...

Send us Fan Mail Just Tales returns with personal golf stories, artful social commentary, and reflections on trust in our modern world. • Senior golfers at Charleston National forget they're playing with the same people after a mid-round bar visit • The CJ Cup tournament at exclusive Congaree Golf Club reveals pro golf culture and impressive play from Rory McIlroy • Entitled "prima donna...

Send us Fan Mail The increasing polarization of our world leads us to contemplate where truth can be found amid extreme perspectives, while exploring what makes sporting greats truly exceptional. • The evolution of "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) from a term of ridicule to one of admiration • Indonesia's controversial new laws criminalizing sex outside marriage and "blasphemy&quo...