Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori

Ann talks with Chris Karamitsos, Senior Managing Director and Partner at Leisure Investment Properties Group and a PGA golf professional, about the business of golf real estate. Chris shares the latest investment trends, what he and his company look for when buying and selling golf course properties, how his firm has expanded into the marina investment sector, in addition to his own journey in the golf business.

Ann visits with Paul Eales, DP World Tour winner, longtime Royal Birkdale member and member of The R&A’s Open Championship radio team, to recap the action at Royal Birkdale. They discuss Ryan Fox’s surprising victory, the Bryson DeChambeau controversy and the excitement surrounding hometown favorite Tommy Fleetwood.

In this edition of Sports Interview with Ann Liguori, Ann recaps the Open Championship and shares her opinions on the Bryson DeChambeau controversy. Ann is joined by Paul Eales, DP World Tour winner, Royal Birkdale member, and on The R&A Open Championship broadcast team, to discuss Ryan Fox’s breakthrough Open victory and his thoughts on Bryson DeChambeau, Tommy Fleetwood and Scottie Scheffler. Then, Chris Karamitsos of Leisure Investment Properties Group shares insights on the latest trends and opportunities in golf real estate investing.

Ann sits down with longtime Royal Birkdale member and Championship Committee member Chris Thompson, who provides an in-depth look at the extensive improvements and modernization of Royal Birkdale ahead of next week’s 156th Open Championship, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of golf’s most iconic venues.

Ann visits with Jason Birnbaum, longtime coach of Chris Gotterup, who has worked with Chris since his teenage years. They discuss Gotterup’s outstanding season, the keys to his development, how playing lacrosse as a youngster helped shape his success on the golf course, and his preparation for defending his title at the Genesis Scottish Open and competing in The Open Championship.

In this edition of Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori, Ann visits with Jason Birnbaum, longtime coach of Chris Gotterup, who has worked with Chris since his teenage years. They discuss Gotterup’s outstanding season, the keys to his development, how playing lacrosse as a youngster helped shape his success on the golf course, and his preparation for defending his title at the Genesis Scottish Open and competing in The Open Championship.Ann also sits down with longtime Royal Birkdale member and Championship Committee member Chris Thompson, who provides an in-depth look at the extensive improvements and modernization of Royal Birkdale ahead of next week’s 156th Open Championship, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of golf’s most iconic venues.

In this edition of Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori, Ann recaps a memorable U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, discusses the PGA Tour’s newly announced competitive model for 2028, and previews the Travelers Championship with Keith Stewart, PGA, and Founder of 'Read the Line.' Ann also visits with Kelley Brooke, LPGA Professional of the Year and Pres., Brooke Management Group, operating and managing Bethpage, Montauk Downs and Harbor Links, who defends the reputation of Long Island golf fans, in addition to talking about the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

On this edition of Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori, broadcasting from the 126th U.S. Open at historic Shinnecock Hills, Ann shares audio highlights from several of the championship contenders during their pre-tournament press conferences. Hear from Rory McIlroy, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, 2022 U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, and Brooks Koepka, who captured the title the last time the U.S. Open was played at Shinnecock in 2018. Ann also visits with Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Travelers, to preview the upcoming Travelers Championship and discuss why it continues to be one of the PGA Tour’s most player-friendly events. 

In this segment of 'Talking Golf with Ann Liguori,' Ann sits down with writer, director, filmmaker, and actor Ed Burns to discuss his latest independent film, Finnegan’s Foursome. Burns shares the inspiration behind writing and directing the movie, his passion for golf, and why he chose to film portions of the story at the breathtaking Carne Golf Links in Belmullet, Ireland. The conversation explores how golf serves as a metaphor for life and family, along with Burns’ love for Ireland and the themes of friendship, forgiveness, and second chances woven throughout the film.

In this edition of 'Talking Golf with Ann Liguori,' Ann recaps Nelly Korda’s thrilling victory at the U.S. Women’s Open, sits down with filmmaker and actor Ed Burns to discuss his new film Finnegan’s Foursome, and previews the Travelers Championship with Tournament Director Nathan Grube. 

In this Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori, Ann previews the 126th U.S. Open at historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club with former Head Professional Jack Druga who worked there from 2007-2022 including during the 2018 U.S. Open. Jack shares inside stories from that 2018 U.S. Open,  playing practice rounds with Tiger Woods, his thoughts on the controversial 2018 U.S. Open setup, the best places to watch the action, players to keep an eye on, and what it will take to win on one of golf’s toughest championship courses. 

In this Sports Innerview show, Ann takes an in-depth look at the 126th U.S. Open Championship as golf’s toughest test returns to historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island. Joining Ann is Jack Druga, Head Professional at Shinnecock from 2007-2022, and who was there for the 2018 U.S. Open.Jack shares memorable stories from his years at Shinnecock, including playing practice rounds with Tiger Woods, his firsthand perspective on the much-debated 2018 U.S. Open setup, and why the course continues to challenge the world’s best players. He also reveals the best spots for spectators to watch the action, discusses which players are best equipped to contend for the title, and predicts what the winning score might be.

In this segment, Ann visits with Nathan Grube, Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship, to discuss why the Travelers has become one of the most popular stops on the PGA Tour. Grube shares what makes the tournament special for players and fans alike, the strength of this year’s field, and the continued growth of the event as the PGA Tour’s final Signature Event of the season. They also discuss the challenge and opportunity of hosting the championship immediately following the U.S. Open, and why so many of the game’s biggest stars continue to make the trip to TPC River Highlands.

Broadcasting from the Aronimink Golf Club during PGA Championship week, Ann visits with PGA Professionals Chris Gabriele and Tyler Collet, who each qualified in dramatic fashion to earn spots in the Major Championship as members of the Corebridge Financial Team top 20 PGA Professionals. Both share what it takes to handle the nerves, pressure, and excitement on one of golf’s biggest stages. Plus, Jordan Spieth shares what completing the career Grand Slam would mean to him, and what shots matter most at Donald Ross-designed Aronimink. And Matt Fitzpatrick reflects on his sensational season.

Longtime Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee shares his candid opinions on loyalty versus greed in professional golf, whether some players who joined LIV were misguided by agents and advisors, why he never believed LIV’s current business model would succeed long term, his thoughts on Jon Rahm, Bryson Dechambeau, Phil Mickelson, why he thinks the current purse structure on the PGA Tour is not sustainable, and much more.

In this edition of Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori, Ann catches up with Grant Boone, play-by-play commentator for Golf Channel, to discuss Nelly Korda’s major victory at the Chevron Championship, her continued impact on the LPGA Tour, and what her success means for the growth and visibility of women’s golf.Ann also dives into the latest developments surrounding LIV Golf with Brandel Chamblee, analyst for Golf Channel. Chamblee shares his thoughts on LIV Golf’s future, possible pathways back for LIV players hoping to return to the PGA Tour, the current PGA Tour schedule and structure, and much more about the evolving landscape of professional golf.

Ann sits down with the uber-talented Conor McKeon of the Irish Independent who asks, "How can anyone fly at such altitude and so dangerously low to the ground in the same 20- minute stretch? Never a full moment."

In this post-Masters edition of Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori, Ann looks back on Rory McIlroy’s dramatic repeat win, shares soundbites from his post-Masters press conference, and sits down with the uber-talented Conor McKeon of the Irish Independent who asks, "How can anyone fly at such altitude and so dangerously low to the ground in the same 20- minute stretch? Never a full moment."Plus, a look at LIV Golf and the growing speculation around its long-term funding.

In this edition of Sports Innerview, Ann broadcasts from the media building at Augusta National Golf Club, sharing highlights from the Honorary Starters’ press conference, soundbites from players early in Masters week, and explores the top storylines heading into The Masters, along with the timeless beauty of Augusta National, with veteran golf writer, historian, and golf course architect Geoff Shackelford.

In this edition of Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori, Ann dives deep into Rory McIlroy with Alan Shipnuck, author of Rory, exploring the journey of one of golf’s most compelling and scrutinized superstars. From his prodigious rise as a teenage phenom in Northern Ireland to becoming a global icon and multiple major champion, McIlroy’s story is layered with brilliance, pressure, resilience, and reinvention. Ann and Shipnuck unpack how Rory’s upbringing, early expectations, and natural gifts shaped both his meteoric ascent and the challenges he has faced on and off the course.

In this edition of Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori, Ann takes a deep dive with PGA Tour Champions stars Stephen Ames and Steve Flesch on why they love competing on the 50-and-over circuit, the lessons they wish they had learned earlier in their careers, whether Tiger Woods will ever tee it up on the Champions Tour, and the key issues shaping the game today.

Ann sits down with 4-time PGA Tour and 4-time PGA Tour Champions winner Steve Flesch, who has also spent time in the broadcast booth analyzing the game, for an engaging and insightful conversation. Having competed on the PGA Tour Champions for nearly a decade, Flesch shares what he loves most about the “traveling circus” atmosphere, the camaraderie among players, and the unique perspective seasoned pros bring to the game.Drawing on both his playing experience and his work as a television analyst, he discusses how seeing the game from the booth has deepened his understanding of strategy, performance, and player tendencies. Flesch explains what Champions Tour players know about the game that younger PGA Tour players may not yet fully grasp, reveals what might surprise fans most about life on their Tour, and offers thoughtful insight on the possibility of Tiger Woods one day joining the Champions Tour, and much more.

Ann talks golf and music with Pat Monahan, frontman for the band, Train, the Grammy-winning band known for hits, Drops of Jupiter, Soul Sister, Meet Virginia, to name a few. As Train gets ready to embark on their 'Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in The Atmosphere Tour,' Monahan shares his many emotions and stories about the game, what he brings from music to golf, and how his music and the golf world often connect. 

Edward Doyle, Director of Golf at Druids Glen Golf Resort, shares insight into two standout luxury golf experiences in Southeast Ireland — the established parkland elegance of Druids Glen and the highly anticipated new links course at Curracloe Links. Doyle discusses what distinguishes the Neville Hotel Group’s approach to hospitality, from championship-level conditioning and refined accommodations to a service culture centered on creating memorable guest experiences. He also previews Curracloe Links, scheduled to open in spring 2027, detailing the vision for an authentic seaside links that complements Druids Glen’s renowned inland test. With its debut aligning with the momentum leading into the 2027 Ryder Cup, Curracloe is poised to add another compelling destination to Ireland’s evolving golf landscape while offering travelers the opportunity to experience two contrasting yet complementary styles of Irish golf within one luxury portfolio.

Ann visits with Fraser Thomson, Director of Golf at Adare Manor, to discuss preparations for the 2027 Ryder Cup and the growing excitement throughout Ireland as the country readies to host one of golf’s most celebrated events. Thomson shares insight into the meticulous planning behind staging the matches, the championship conditioning of the Tom Fazio–designed course, and what makes Adare Manor such a distinctive and memorable venue in Southwest Ireland.

Marie Collins of Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg discusses how the team at this spectacular coastal property is preparing to host the Irish Open in September. Collins outlines enhancements to the links layout designed to challenge the world’s best players while preserving the course’s natural character, and she describes how the Village of Doonbeg is embracing the opportunity — with local businesses, accommodations, and residents preparing to welcome an international audience for this highly anticipated championship.

Ann visits two of Southwest Ireland’s premier links courses while previewing two significant amateur championships on the global golf calendar. At the Arnold Palmer–designed Tralee Golf Links, Ann speaks with Director of Golf David Power about the beauty, challenge, and legacy of the course, along with Tralee’s role in hosting the 2026 Palmer Cup. Ann also turns her attention to historic Lahinch Golf Club, where she catches up with Brendan Keogh of SWING Golf to discuss the rich heritage of the Old Course and the excitement surrounding the 2026 Walker Cup, one of amateur golf’s most prestigious team competitions.

Ann visits two of Southwest Ireland’s premier links courses while previewing two significant amateur championships on the global golf calendar. At the Arnold Palmer–designed Tralee Golf Links, Ann speaks with Director of Golf David Power about the beauty, challenge, and legacy of the course, along with Tralee’s role in hosting the 2026 Palmer Cup. Ann also turns her attention to historic Lahinch Golf Club, where she catches up with Brendan Keogh of SWING Golf to discuss the rich heritage of the Old Course and the excitement surrounding the 2026 Walker Cup, one of amateur golf’s most prestigious team competitions.

Ireland’s golf landscape is buzzing with momentum — from the Palmer Cup and Walker Cup to the Irish Open and an exciting wave of course openings leading into the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor. In this edition of Sports Innerview, Ann visits with leading voices shaping Ireland’s vibrant golf scene, offering previews of upcoming championships, evolving destinations, and new experiences awaiting traveling golfers. Featured guests include Brendon Keogh of SWING Southwest Ireland Golf alongside David Power, Head PGA Professional at Tralee Golf Club; Nicky Conlan, Managing Partner of Brittas Bay; Fraser Thomson, Director of Golf at Adare Manor; Marie Collins of Trump International Ireland Doonbeg; and Edward Doyle, Director of Golf at Druids Glen and Curracloe Links. Together, they share insight into tournament excitement, course development, and why Ireland continues to captivate golfers seeking championship links, rich tradition, and unforgettable hospitality.

Ann talks with 9-time PGA Tour Champions winner Stephen Ames, about what he likes most about playing on the 'over 50' circuit, on his unusual geographical journey in golf, growing up on the island of Trinidad & Tobago, his opinions on Tiger playing on the PGA Tour Champions, about all the money on the PGA Tour, and much more. 

Ann visits with Nicky Conlan, Managing Director of Brittas Bay, who, with his father, acquired the renowned The European Club, originally owned and designed by Pat Ruddy and located about an hour south of Dublin. Conlan shares updates on the property’s transformation into Brittas Bay under the direction of golf architect Kyle Phillips. He discusses his family’s roots in golf, the vision for a pay-and-play destination, plans to honor Ruddy’s legacy while making the course enjoyable for golfers of all abilities, and future development that may include on-site cottages.

Aaron Stewart, Senior Vice President of Sports & Event Marketing for Hilton Grand Vacations and Executive Director of the HGV Tournament of Champions, taking place at Lake Nona Co Club, the week of Jan. 26, talks about the exclusive, limited field of the LPGA Tour’s season-opening event, the depth of talent on the LPGA, the unique celebrity field that distinguishes the tournament, and the impact of Hilton Grand Vacations aligning its brand with women’s sports. He also shares personal reflections on his late father, golf legend Payne Stewart, and the enduring life and leadership lessons he learned from his Dad.

Ann showcases the wide range of recreational experiences at the historic Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, highlighting golf, outdoor pursuits, and the resort’s classic elegance. She is joined by Kalen Whitney, Golf Superintendent, and Lloyd Van Horn, General Manager, who offer insight into the Resort's rich history and many guest experiences.The episode also features Ann sharing a memorable conversation with golf legend Bernhard Langer, reflecting on his career, longevity in the game, and perspective on championship golf.

Step inside one of the most exclusive golf events of the year as Ann Liguori teams up with U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh for a powerhouse evening at the Ambassador's Residence in Dublin. This episode brings you front-row access to golf icons Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley as they deliver bold insights on The Irish Open's rising global profile, Ryder Cup leadership, rivalry, and legacy, and why Ireland is the soul of world golf.The program features comments by Ambassador Ed Walsh; Ireland Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Patrick O'Donovan; excerpts from Ann's conversations with golf greats Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley; and comments from Max Hamilton, Exe. Commercial Director, DP World Tour; Fraser Thomson, Dir. of Golf, Adare Manor; and Fiona Togher, GM, Carne Golf Club.

Ann plays highlights from the historic 'Golfing Ties between the U.S. and Ireland' reception/panel that took place Nov. 20, 2025 at the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Ed Walsh's Residence in Dublin, Ireland. The program features comments by Ireland Minister of Sport, Media & Culture, Patrick O'Donovan; Ann's conversations with golf greats Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley; and segments from additional guests: Max Hamilton, DP World Tour; Fraser Thomson, Adare Manor; and Fiona Togher, GM, Carne Golf Club.

Bernhard Langer, the most successful player on the PGA Tour Champions with 47 victories and 12 Major titles, talks about the unique format of the Skechers World Champion's Cup, the key to his longevity and drive through the decades he's been playing, and the strong competition amongst his peers on the Champions Tour.

Ann talks with Michael Wolf, co-author, 'The Golf Courses of Seth Raynor,' as they discuss the genius of Seth Raynor, his extensive work in a relatively short period of time, Raynor template holes, his background working with Charles Blair MacDonald, and much more.

Ann talks with Michael Wolf, co-author, 'The Golf Courses of Seth Raynor,' as they discuss the genius of Seth Raynor, his extensive work in a relatively short period of time, Raynor template holes, his background working with Charles Blair MacDonald, and much more.

Ann visits with Kalen Whitney, Superintendent/Dir. of Golf, at Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, in Whitefield, New Hampshire, about the historic resort, the 9 hole course designed by Ralph Barton, who worked with renown golf course architect Seth Raynor, and the many sports activities available to families, year-round.

Ann interviews Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland, whom she sat down with on the Saturday afternoon of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. They discuss his team's trip to this Ryder Cup, what they learned for their preparations for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, in County Limerick, where the Minister is from, and much more. Ann replays her conversation with Bill Byrne of Aer Lingus on the impact of golf tourism on the Emerald Isle and air travel between the U.S. and Ireland. And Ann shares her guest appearance on BBC News while the exciting singles matches of the Ryder Cup were being played.

Ann interviews Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland, on the Saturday afternoon of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, as they discuss his team's trip to this Ryder Cup, his observations, and their preparations for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, in County Limerick, where the Minister is from.

Ann guests on Kelly Elbin's 'Musings on Golf' show as they recap the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and Europe's 15-13 win over the United States.

Ann broadcasts from the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and discusses top storylines of both the U.S. Team and the European Team with Greg Allen, Golf Correspondent, RTE Radio, Ireland. Ann talks about U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Keegan Bradley's success story with his college golf coach, Frank Darby. Frank was Coach of the St. Johns University golf team and recruited Keegan to play there. 

Ann previews the Ryder Cup, the home course advantage that Bethpage Black gives Ryder Cup USA; downplays what many are expecting to be a 'hostile' crowd in NY; the leadership qualities of both Captains; and Scottie Scheffler, world # 1 needing a strong Ryder Cup performance after going 0-2-2 at Marco Simone in 2023. 

Ann visits with Don Rea, President of the PGA of America, about the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, the PGA itself, and his own story about becoming a PGA member in his early thirties.

Ann talks with veteran sports writer Hank Gola, author of 'Ryder Cup Rivals: The Fiercest Battles for Golf's Holy Grail,' and Ann visits with Don Rea, President, PGA of America, on the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, the PGA itself, and Don's own story of becoming a PGA member in his early thirties. 

Ann talks about various 'Ryder Cups' with veteran sportswriter Hank Gola, author of 'Ryder Cup Rivals: the Fiercest Battles for Golf's Holy Grail.'

Ann talks with Bill Byrne, Sr. VP, Global Sales, Aer Lingus, about Ireland's growth in golf tourism, industry and culinary in the past 20 years and what Aer Lingus Airlines has to offer  to and from the U.S. to Ireland. Ann talks with Hank Gola, author of 'Ryder Cup Rivals, the Fierest Battle for Golf's Holy Grail,' as we reminesce about the various Ryder Cups we've covered. 

Ann talks with Steve Flink, Hall of Fame tennis journalist, about the 'Big Three' Rivalry in men's tennis, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, and the Chris Evert - Martina Navratilova on-court rivalry and off-court, long-time friendship.

Ann shares a conversation she had with sisters Phung, Amelie and Alexa, extraordinary teenagers from Forest Hills, N.Y., who excel on and off the golf course; and with Steve Flink, Hall of Fame tennis journalist, about the 'Big Three' Rivalry in men's tennis, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, and the Chris Evert - Martina Navratilova on-court rivalry and off-court, long-time friendship.