Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 510 - Inside the Ropes: 31 Years as a PGA Tour Rules Official with Joe Terry

What really happens when a PGA Tour rules official gets called in? In this episode of the Fore Golfers Network Podcast, we talk with longtime PGA Tour rules official Joe to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood roles in professional golf.

Joe shares how a simple rules misunderstanding after returning from Vietnam sparked a lifelong passion that turned into a 31-year career officiating at the highest level of the game. From his first major championship in the mid-1980s to Ryder Cup pressure cookers and iconic rulings involving legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros, Raymond Floyd, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods, Joe explains what it takes to apply the Rules of Golf fairly, calmly, and consistently—no matter who's holding the club.

This episode dives into how PGA Tour officials prepare for tournaments, why explaining options matters more than giving answers, and how officials navigate subjective rulings versus black-and-white rules. Joe also shares unforgettable anecdotes, including imaginary animal damage claims, color-blind penalty area confusion, and heated match-play confrontations where every word matters.

Bill and Joe also explore modern rules controversies, including pace of play enforcement, self-reporting ethics, reputation bias, and how today's players operate under intense scrutiny. From Patrick Reed debates to Rory McIlroy comparisons and Brian Davis' Masters integrity moment, the conversation highlights why transparency and caution define today's Tour professionals.

As Joe reflects on his upcoming retirement, this episode becomes both a masterclass in golf rules and a tribute to the officials who protect the game's integrity—often quietly, and always under pressure.

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 509 - The Future of the Rocket Classic with Mark Hollis

What does the future hold for Detroit's PGA Tour event—and why does it matter so much to Michigan golf fans?

In this episode of the Fore Golfers Network Podcast, host Bill Hobson sits down with Mark Hollis, Tournament Director of the Rocket Classic, to explore the past, present, and very uncertain future of the PGA Tour's lone stop in the state of Michigan.

Hollis pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to run a PGA Tour event, comparing the operation to "building a small city" from scratch each summer at Detroit Golf Club. With a newly renovated Donald Ross course, a brand-new late-July tournament date, and major upgrades to fan experience areas like Area 313, the Rocket Classic is positioning itself for a defining moment in 2026.

The conversation dives into corporate sponsorship realities, hospitality demand, and the delicate balance between revenue generation and preserving the walkability and energy that fans love. Hollis also addresses the broader PGA Tour landscape, including the impact of LIV Golf, signature events, escalating purse demands, and how those pressures trickle down to tournaments like Detroit's.

With the Rocket Classic contract expiring after 2026, Hollis explains what must fall into place for the event to continue—from PGA Tour alignment to sponsor ROI to community impact. He also shares optimism about player recruitment, the advantages of the new schedule window, and why Detroit remains a top-tier market capable of hosting elite golf.

If you care about the future of professional golf in Michigan, the Rocket Classic's place on the PGA Tour calendar, and how major sporting events shape cities, this is a must-listen conversation.

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 508 - Golf's 2026 Future: Golf's 2026 Future: Our Crystal Ball and Wish List

Before you close the books on 2025 and dive into the New Year, join Michigan Golf Live Host Bill Hobson for a peek into his crystal ball and personal wish list as we look ahead to the 2026 world of golf.

We start with the annual spectacle that is the PGA Merchandise Show — a place where "game-changing" innovations are unveiled every January. Which new tech will actually help golfers play better, and which will simply be shinier versions of what we already own? Hope springs eternal.

Attention then turns to the PGA Tour and the impact of its new Commissioner, especially as Michigan golf fans anxiously wait to see whether the Rocket Classic can secure a long-term future. After losing the Buick Open years ago, the stakes feel especially high. On the women's side, we applaud the LPGA for smart scheduling moves that give Michigan back-to-back weeks of elite tournament golf — a rare and welcome win for fans and players alike.

On a personal level, the conversation shifts toward smarter golf goals in 2026: better preparation, improved course management, and chasing birdies instead of simply avoiding disasters. We also explore the rise of electric push carts, the uncertain future of the Ally Challenge, and whether golf's post-pandemic boom can continue.

From AI-driven course maintenance and drone-delivered hot dogs to rising Topgolf prices and the growing influence of value-driven boutique brands, this episode blends insight, skepticism, and humor — all while asking the most important question of all: will this finally be the year a great round finishes the same way it starts?

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