S13, Ep 15: Gary Player on Championship Mindset & Agustin Piza Talks Course Design, Playing Strategy Plus MacKenzie, Nicklaus, Fazio, & Player

On this episode of Next on the Tee, I’m joined by two incredible guests who bring both legendary perspective and modern innovation to the game. First up is my annual Masters week conversation with the great Gary Player. Mr. Player shares insights from his three Masters victories, how Mr. Palmer lost his focus and opened the door to Mr. Player's win in 1961, perhaps the greatest shot I've ever seen leading this win in '74, and how he nearly shot 27 on the back 9 in '78, leading to his 3rd Green Jacket. You'll also hear what it takes to develop a true championship mindset, how discipline, fitness, and preparation fueled his success and longevity in the game, and why his book Don't Choke should be required reading for every junior player. We finish talking about what today’s players can learn from the legends, and why growing the game and giving back remain so important to him. Then, I’m joined by world-renowned golf course designer Agustin Piza, who takes us inside the art and strategy of course design. Augie explains what separates a good course from a great one, how architecture influences shot-making and decision-making, and how modern design is evolving for today’s golfer. He also shares stories from his work around the world, with Nicklaus Construction, Tom Fazio, and Gary Player, plus his involvement in designing holes for TGL. You'll also hear how Alister MacKenzie redesigned bunkers for the British military to help disguise where their soldiers were set up during World War 1. Augie is a brilliant designer who thinks outside the box, has a fresh take, and an amazing artistic eye. His passion for design and the game shines throughout our conversation. You're really going to enjoy the segment. This episode is a perfect blend of legendary wisdom and forward-thinking innovation—one that will not only entertain you but might just change the way you see and play the game. #golf #golfpodcast #golfinstruction #golftips #golfstories #golflegends #garyplayer #masters #themasters #golfmindset #golftraining #golfcourse #golfcoursedesign #golfarchitecture #agustinpiza #jacknicklaus #tomfazio #tglgolf #pgatour #championshipgolf #golfstrategy #improveyourgolf #nextonthetee