On The Tee: The Best of 2026 & Bold Predictions for 2027
Gabe Neitzel and Stephen Watson wrap up the 2026 golf season with their picks for the year's best tournaments, most improved players, and PGA Tour MVPs. From Rory McIlroy's historic run at Augusta to Wyndham Clark's resurgence and Cameron Young's breakout season, the guys debate the biggest stories and performances of the year. They also look back at their favorite personal golf experiences, including the Wisconsin Cup, memorable courses, and the highs and lows of their own games. Plus, Gabe and Stephen share their offseason goals and what they hope to improve before hitting the links in 2027. Finally, they close out Season 6 of On The Tee with bold predictions for Bryson DeChambeau, LIV Golf, and Rory McIlroy's chances of winning The Open at St. Andrews.
14 Oct 2026
Jon Rahm Wants OUT of LIV Golf & Gabe DEMANDS Keegan Bradley Never Lead Team USA Again
On On The Tee, Gabe Neitzel and Stephen Watson dive into the latest developments surrounding LIV Golf's uncertain future and Jon Rahm's potential return to traditional professional golf. With LIV navigating bankruptcy proceedings and players exploring ways out of their contracts, Rahm's representatives have reportedly made it clear he wants out. The guys debate whether joining LIV cost Rahm valuable years of his prime, why the DP World Tour could become the landing spot for several former LIV stars and whether Rahm should have to earn his way back onto the PGA Tour through its new Challenger Series.
Then Gabe absolutely unloads on former Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley after a new account emerges alleging Bradley berated a PGA professional over a rules decision during Team USA's loss at Bethpage Black. Gabe argues Bradley's inability to control his emotions and accept responsibility for his team's failures should permanently disqualify him from another leadership role with Team USA. Stephen pushes back on the enormous pressure placed on Ryder Cup captains, but agrees Bradley's alleged behavior is indefensible. With Jim Furyk preparing for the 2027 Ryder Cup, the guys debate what American golf needs from its next generation of leadership.
The conversation takes a lighter turn when Gabe considers buying a remote-controlled electric push cart after dealing with lower-back discomfort while walking golf courses. Stephen wants absolutely nothing to do with the idea, insisting that someone capable of driving the ball 330 yards has no business letting a robot carry his clubs. Gabe argues it's about protecting his back and continuing to walk rather than ride, but Stephen makes his position clear: Gabe can buy one, just don't expect Stephen to be seen playing alongside him.
Plus, the guys look ahead to the next generation of PGA Tour stars, debating whether Michael Brennan, Jackson Koivun or Michael Thorbjornsen will collect the most victories in 2027. Stephen favors Koivun's complete game, while Gabe believes Brennan's driving ability and proven knack for closing tournaments give him the edge. They also celebrate former Marquette golfer Hunter Eichhorn earning his PGA Tour card through the Korn Ferry Tour, completing an impressive journey from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to professional golf's biggest stage.
6 Oct 2026
Team USA FINALLY Admits It Has a Ryder Cup Problem & Jim Furyk Has a Plan
On On The Tee, Gabe Neitzel and Stephen Watson are already looking ahead with the 2027 Ryder Cup officially one year away. After years of frustration with Team USA’s failures in team formats, Jim Furyk finally says what Gabe has been waiting to hear: the Americans have a preparation problem. Furyk promises changes, says he’ll ask more of this team than previous U.S. captains and plans to build pairings around what Adare Manor demands rather than simply letting players choose their buddies.
And the numbers explain the urgency. Team USA is just 8-26 in foursomes over the last four years of Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups, including 3-13 in the last two Ryder Cups. Gabe and Stephen explain why Furyk’s willingness to embrace analytics, course fit and year-long preparation could finally close the strategic gap with Europe. They also argue the captain needs enough authority to break up popular pairings when the numbers say they simply don’t work
The guys also hear from Steve Stricker, who reveals the rare Ryder Cup moment when Sergio Garcia actually got under his skin enough to produce some serious emotion. That sparks a conversation about golf etiquette, trash talk and Stephen’s own encounters with opponents dancing in his putting line and groups repeatedly hitting into him. Apparently, buried underneath the mild-mannered golf analyst is still a little Philly fire.
Plus, Rory McIlroy’s five rules for breaking 80 get put under the microscope: no bogeys with a wedge inside 100 yards, avoid the short side on par threes, play every par five in five shots or fewer, eliminate three-putts inside 40 feet and allow yourself only one hero shot per round. Gabe and Stephen identify the rules they struggle with most and the parts of their games headed for some serious winter maintenance.
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