The Back of the Range

Former mini-tour pro Andrew Bailey’s unlikely path to becoming U.S. Mid-Amateur champion began on Cleveland’s municipal courses. In this episode, he shares why he left professional golf, how reinstatement as an amateur changed his game, and how a chance pairing with Cleveland State coach Steve Weir helped shape his journey. Bailey reflects on the grind of the SwingThought Tour, the joy and community he found in amateur golf, and the pressure of his U.S. Mid-Amateur run. He also discusses earning exemptions to the Masters and U.S. Open, the future of the mid-amateur, and what it means to approach competition as a student of golf history.

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Voice Work by Mitch Phillips

Wake Forest senior Macy Pate stops by The Back of the Range to share the story behind her team-voted exemption to compete at The Annika Driven by Gainbridge—and her upcoming LPGA debut. She reflects on growing up near Wake Forest, finding a family in the women’s golf program, and balancing elite competition with academics. Macy also discusses the mentors and teammates who shaped her and the legacy she hopes to leave at Wake Forest. A conversation about gratitude, ambition, and taking the next big step while staying true to what matters.

Macy Pate - Wake Forest Women's Golf

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Voice Work by Mitch Phillips

Johnnie Clark of the University of New Mexico is making a statement: he won his first three stroke-play events this fall, a rare feat in Division I golf. In this episode, he shares the journey behind his breakthrough, from discovering the game at six in Mesa, Arizona, to competing against future PGA Tour talent as a junior. Johnnie talks about emailing top college programs at 16, his experience at Oklahoma State, and why transferring to New Mexico helped him find a better fit. He also takes us on the road, reflecting on a team trip to Japan filled with Tokyo adventures plus a memorable Canadian tournament. Hear how he stays focused by ignoring leaderboards, trusting his game, and embracing the people around him—and what his rise could mean for a future in professional golf.

Johnnie Clark - University of New Mexico Men's Golf

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Voice Work by Mitch Phillips

Alabama assistant coach Forrest Schultz joins The Back of the Range to share his journey from Division II golf to the SEC. Hear how he builds competitive schedules, develops players, and creates a championship culture—plus what makes Alabama’s practices, team traditions, and approach to player development stand out.

Forrest Schultz - Alabama Men's Golf Assistant Coach

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Voice Work by Mitch Phillips

Mike Sposa’s U.S. Senior Amateur win is only part of the story. The real surprise is how a former pro who spent years grinding on tour found himself energized by amateur golf again, from the pressure of match play to the joy of competing without the weight of a paycheck. Ben and Mike unpack what changes—and what doesn’t—when a lifelong tournament golfer steps back into elite amateur competition. Mike shares what he’s learned about preparing faster, handling nerves differently, and using better self-talk under pressure. He also explains why the mental side matters more now than ever, and why the game can feel freer when it stops being a job.You’ll also hear about the whirlwind after Baltimore, when a championship celebration turned into a sprint to JFK and a next-morning arrival in Ireland for the Walker Cup at Lahinch. Mike revisits the 1991 Walker Cup, the star power of Phil Mickelson and David Duval, the wild atmosphere at Portmarnock, and what it means to be part of a Walker Cup society that lasts a lifetime.Ben and Mike also break down how junior golf has changed from both sides of the equation. Mike, now Senior Manager of Junior Development and Developmental Tours at Callaway, explains what he looks for in elite juniors, how technology like TrackMan and GC Quad is reshaping training, why speed has become nonnegotiable, and where today’s players still need more touch, creativity, and wind game. He also pulls back the curtain on what parents and players often misunderstand about equipment, brand relationships, and what companies actually look for beyond rankings and scorecards.Mike is the reigning U.S. Senior Amateur champion and a former PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour player who won in Boise in 1998. He now leads Callaway’s junior development efforts, working at the intersection of equipment, player growth, and elite amateur golf.

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Email us: ben@thebackoftherange.com

Website: www.thebackoftherange.com

Voice Work by Mitch Phillips