S12, Ep45 Part 1: Golf Positive with Debbie O’Connell + Ryder Cup History & Stories with Hank Gola

On this episode of Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two outstanding guests who bring incredible insight from different corners of the golf world.

First, LPGA Class A Professional and Top 50 Instructor Debbie O’Connell returns to share her passion for helping players strengthen both their game and their mindset. Debbie is the founder of Golf Positive and the author of Golf Positive…Live Positive: Lessons in Golf and Life. She’s been recognized with multiple LPGA honors, including the inaugural Nancy Lopez Golf Achievement Award, and continues to inspire golfers everywhere through her teaching, writing, and her “Conquer Your Golf Mind” program. Debbie joins me to talk about her latest projects, the importance of mental preparation, and practical tips for getting your mind prepared to play your best, plus some stretches to get your body ready to play, and how to keep from embedding negative thoughts into your brain.

Then, I welcome award-winning journalist and author Hank Gola for his Next on the Tee debut. Over his career, Hank has covered golf, football, and soccer for the New York Post and the Daily News, earning multiple awards from the Golf Writers Association of America, as well as the prestigious Lincoln Werden Award for golf journalism. He’s also authored several acclaimed books, including Ryder Cup Rivals: The Fiercest Battles for Golf’s Holy Grail. Hank and I dive deep into Ryder Cup history starting in 1927, the money Walter Hagan brought into the game, the 1991 War By The Shore, and the incredible US comeback at The Country Club in 1999.

It’s a fantastic mix of instruction, inspiration, and history with two people whose impact on the game runs deep. Be sure to come back for Part 2 featuring my conversation with Comedian and the Host of the Reasonably Happy Podcast, Paul Ollinger.