GOLF DON'T LIE

• Ep. 09 (GDL) Curt Rohe — Golf Tournament Setup, The Handicapping System, and Common Rule Mistakes

  Curt Rohe is the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association — the governing body for competitive golf in the St. Louis region. Jeff and Justin dive into how tournaments are set up, why handicaps matter more than golfers realize, the most misunderstood everyday rules, and the massive “Normandy Reimagined” project involving Jack Nicklaus that’s reshaping public golf access in St. Louis.In this episode of GOLF DON’T LIE™️, Jeff sits down with Curt Rohe, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association, for a behind-the-scenes look at competitive golf in the St. Louis region. Curt explains what actually goes into running tournament operations — marking courses, selecting hole locations, coordinating rules officials — and why certain rules still trip golfers up at every level.They also break down handicapping: why every golfer should have one, how nine-hole and partial-round posting works, and how the system measures improvement.A major highlight is the Normandy Reimagined project — a Jack Nicklaus–led renovation that will bring a top-tier public golf course, a youth caddie program, Evans Scholarship opportunities, and First Tee programming to North St. Louis County. Curt shares updates, stories from Jack’s visits, and why this project is about more than golf — it’s about revitalizing a community.In This Episode, We Discuss:What the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association does across the regionHow tournament setup works behind the scenesThe most misunderstood rules golfers constantly misapplyWhy a handicap matters (even for casual players)How nine-hole and partial-round posting actually worksThe vision behind the Normandy Reimagined projectJack Nicklaus’ direct involvement and on-site visitsHow the caddie program ties into the Evans Scholars pipelineCurt’s path from rural Missouri to leading golf administrationWhat 25 years of golf has taught him about humility and serviceGuest Bio — Curt RoheCurt Rohe is the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association, where he has overseen competitive golf, USGA qualifiers, course rating, and handicapping operations for more than two decades. Known for his elite tournament setup and rules knowledge, Curt also serves on the board of the Metropolitan Golf Foundation, which is leading the Normandy Reimagined project with Jack Nicklaus, First Tee, and the Western Golf Association.Links & ResourcesNormandy Reimagined: https://normandreimagined.comMetropolitan Amateur Golf Association: https://metga.org18STRONG: https://18strong.comFairway Fuel Mix (1st Phorm x 18STRONG): https://1stphorm.com/18strongInstagram:@golfdontlie@18strong@18strongjeff

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• Ep. 08 (GDL) Micah Candeletta-Burklin: Building Rana Golf & Growing the Game for Kids

  Rana Golf founder Micah Candeletta-Burklin joins us to talk junior golf bags, getting kids on the course, and building a family-first brand that helps parents share the game with their little ones.In this episode of Golf Don’t Lie, Jeff and JB sit down with Micah Candeletta-Burklin, co-founder of Rana Golf, a junior golf bag brand inspired by his own boys wanting “the same cool gear as dad.” Micah shares how a simple search for a quality kids bag turned into a startup, how he and his wife combined her design eye with his golf obsession, and why he thinks golf might be the ultimate life hack for family time.Micah also talks about growing up in Germany as a missionary kid, chasing soccer dreams through college, tearing his ACL three times, and eventually pouring that competitive fire into golf and entrepreneurship. From sourcing factories and battling tariffs to dealing with quality issues and finding community with other golf founders, this is a real-world look at building something from scratch—while still trying to be a present dad.In this episode, we cover:How Rana Golf started with Micah’s son simply wanting his own “real” golf bagWhy features like a stand and a single strap matter so much for 3–6-year-oldsDesigning bags that parents are proud of and kids are excited to carryThe balance of not forcing golf on your kids, but making it fun and invitingStories of his boys’ first “real” birdies, chip-ins, and snack-break golfMicah’s path from German youth soccer to college ball and finally to golfThe emotional side of starting a brand with limited capital and young kids at homeWhat golf has shown him about fear, overthinking, and trusting his swing (and himself)If you’re a golf-obsessed parent who wants to get your kids on the course without turning it into a grind, this one’s right in your wheelhouse.🔗 Links & Resources👉 Follow the Show & Crew:• @golfdontlie• @18strong• @18strongjeff🏌️‍♂️ Visit the Crew:• 18STRONG.com💪 Fuel Your Game:• 1stPhorm.com/18STRONG — Shop our go-to protein, hydration, and recovery gear. Every order supports the show and enters you in our monthly 1st Phorm + 18STRONG giveaway.

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• Ep. 07 (GDL) Lt. Col. Dan Rooney: Golf, Country, and the Cost of Freedom

  Lt. Col. Dan Rooney—fighter pilot, PGA pro, and founder of Folds of Honor—joins Jeff to talk golf church, bringing the national anthem to the PGA Tour, and how persistence, faith, and the game have shaped his mission to serve military and first responder families.Lt. Col. Dan Rooney is the founder of Folds of Honor, a fighter pilot, and a PGA professional who’s helped award more than $330 million in scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders.In this powerful conversation, Dan shares how golf became his “church,” what it means to serve through the game, and why faith, discipline, and purpose continue to guide his mission.In this episode:The story of American Dunes and how Jack Nicklaus helped create golf’s most patriotic course.How Folds of Honor Fridays brought the national anthem to the PGA Tour.Dan’s thoughts on loss, fatherhood, and staying resilient through purpose.Why “everything good” in his life ties back to the game of golf.Jeff’s crazy idea: walking 36 holes a day for 13 days to raise $100K for Folds of Honor.From fighter jets to fairways, Dan’s story is a reminder that golf isn’t just a game—it’s a mission.🎧 Learn more or become a Wingman: foldsofhonor.orgLinks & MentionsFolds of Honor: foldsofhonor.orgBecome a Wingman ($13/month): foldsofhonor.org/wingmanAmerican Dunes Golf Club: americandunesgolfclub.comThe Patriot Golf Club (OK): patriotgolfclub.comFolds of Honor Friday (PGA Tour initiative) – National anthem + red, white & blue on Fridays across PGA/Korn Ferry/ChampionsAnheuser-Busch / Budweiser x Folds partnership – 15+ years of support, Folds-branded cans and NFL activationsShow Partners1st Phorm — premium nutrition for golfers who play strong and live stronger.18STRONG — programs & community to help you Play More Golf. Live More Life.

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• Ep. 06 (GDL) Ozzie Smith: The "Wizard" on Freedom, Flow, and the Game Beyond Baseball

  Hall of Famer Ozzie “The Wizard” Smith joins Jeff to talk about discovering golf after baseball, what “freedom” and “flow” really mean, and how the lessons from a life in baseball still drive him on the course.Ozzie Smith is a Hall of Fame shortstop, St. Louis icon, and—since 1996—a full-blown golf nut. In this episode, Ozzie shares how he fell for the game after retirement, why his very first ceremonial tee shot at Whitey Herzog’s event went “right down the middle,” and what golf gives him that baseball no longer could: an honest challenge and a place to compete.We dig into the athlete-to-golfer crossover: rhythm, timing, and the true meaning of “release” for a baseball player learning to keep the ball in play (“aim it at the second baseman”). Ozzie explains why nothing replaces repetitions—“it’s not until you’ve hit three, four thousand balls that it starts to make sense”—and how playing “totally free” fueled both his defensive wizardry and his love of golf. He also talks creativity on double plays, learning to fall and move like an acrobat as a kid, and why improvisation kept him healthy for 19 seasons.Beyond the swing, Ozzie opens up about purpose and community. As president of Gateway PGA REACH, he’s helping kids and veterans access the game—and the business of golf—with a vision to build a nine-hole, multi-recreation facility in St. Louis. If you want a masterclass in staying competitive, staying humble, and keeping the joy, this one hits home.Links & Mentions:Ozzie’s charity & event info: ozzysmithgolf.comGateway PGA REACH: pgareachgateway.orgJeff & JB intro topics: 100-Hole Hike for Youth on Course, Jeff’s 36×13 Challenge for Folds of Honor, JB’s speed training with The Stack SystemShow Partners:1st Phorm — premium nutrition for golfers who play strong and live stronger.18STRONG.com — programs & community to help you Play More Golf. Live More Life.

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• Ep. 05 (GDL) Roger Null: The Godfather of Greenskeepers

  Roger Null is a revered golf course superintendent ("Greenskeeper" as Roger still likes to call it) and architect, recognized as a legend in the St. Louis area. With decades of experience, Roger shares invaluable insights into the intricacies of maintaining and designing golf courses, shedding light on the challenges faced by superintendents today. His deep understanding of both the agronomy and architectural aspects of the game provides a unique perspective that resonates with golf enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.During our conversation, we dive into Roger’s rich history in the golf world, exploring his journey from a small-town Iowa kid to becoming a respected figure in golf course management. We discuss the evolution of course design, the impact of technology on maintenance practices, and the importance of preserving the integrity of classic courses. Roger also reflects on the significance of passion and tenacity in his work, emphasizing that love for the game is at the heart of everything he does. Join us as we explore the stories and experiences that have shaped Roger's career in golf, from managing the greens to understanding the art of course architecture. Whether you’re a golfer, a budding superintendent, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of golf course management, this episode is packed with insights that will resonate with you.Takeaways: Roger Null shares his incredible journey from a young golfer to a revered golf course superintendent. He emphasizes the importance of passion and tenacity in the demanding world of golf maintenance. Through his experiences, Roger discusses the evolution of golf course architecture and agronomy over the decades. The conversation highlights the balance between maintaining traditional course features and meeting modern player demands. Roger reflects on the challenges faced in the transitional climate of St. Louis and how it affects turf management. He shares insights on the unique history of Palmetto Golf Club and its significance in the world of golf.

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