S13, Ep 1 Part 1: Better Putting, Smarter Practice, and Where Golf Instruction Is Headed with Mike Miller & Tom Patri

Hi folks… and welcome in to this edition of Next on the Tee—where golf legends live and your game gets better. I thank you so much for pressing play.

This week, I’m excited to share four terrific guests who will give you plenty to think about—and plenty of great stories to smile about along the way.

We kick things off with Mike Miller, Head Golf Professional at Big Canoe in Jasper, Georgia. Mike is also the newly elected Vice President of the PGA of Georgia—and the former Mayor of Flowery Branch, home of Atlanta Falcons training camp. Mike shares several practical tips you can work on right now, even if you’re dealing with snow or freezing temps. He’s an outstanding putter—having finished Top 10 twice at the Georgia Putting Championship—and he offers simple, effective putting advice, plus one tip that makes so much sense you’ll wonder why we haven’t all been doing it already. Mike also talks about the challenges of being a mayor in the social-media era and the incredible setup they have at Big Canoe.

Following Mike, our Resident Director of Instruction Tom Patri joins me. TP is always on the cutting edge, and he’s fully embraced AI in his instruction. His AI Assistant Pro—“Tommy Jr.”—helps students stay accountable with drills, video follow-ups, and lesson summaries. While I share some concerns about how AI could impact PGA and LPGA instructors, Tom explains how he’s using it as a tool to enhance learning, not replace great teaching.

Come back for Part 2 of the episode when we’re joined by The Confidence Doctor himself, Dr. Bob Winters. Dr. Bob updates us on the continued success of his students and walks us through how to develop the right mindset, push through negativity, and keep getting to “yes” when doubts creep in.

We wrap things up with our good friend Mark Calcavecchia. Calc shares his thoughts on the possibility of the PGA Tour reducing the number of tournaments beginning in 2027, tells a wonderful story about sitting with Jack Wulcotte while old McGregor persimmon woods were being made, explains why you won’t catch him in an autonomous vehicle, and weighs in on Jack Nicklaus’ famous belief that winning a major could be easier than winning a regular Tour event.

It’s a fun, insightful, and story-filled episode from start to finish. Thanks again for pressing play—and for being part of this week’s show.