Locally on the Links

Is LIV Golf Fizzling Out? + How to Play Downhill Lies Like a Pro with Mark Fry | Locally on the Links

Struggling with uneven lies on the course? In this episode of Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth sits down with Mark Fry, the Director of Golf at The Omni Homestead Resort, to break down the exact adjustments you need to make for tricky downhill and uphill mountain golf shots.  We also dive deep into a recap of Aaron Rai's incredible major victory at the PGA Championship at Aronimink, the evolving future of the PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf, and exciting summer events happening right here in Virginia. ⛳️ LEARN MORE ABOUT VHYGA: Support junior golf development and scholarships at https://vhyga.org TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction & Mountain Weather at The Homestead 1:12 - 2026 PGA Championship Recap: Aaron Rai’s Win & Aronimink Course Setup 3:45 - PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf: Will the Jumped Players Face Fines? 5:22 - The Historic Old Course vs. The Cascades Course 7:05 - Upcoming Events: Women’s Golf Day & The Generation Cup 8:40 - Golf Lesson: Pro Tips for Conquering Uneven & Downhill Lies 11:15 - Supporting the Virginia Highlands Youth Golf Academy (VHYGA)

PGA Championship 2026 Preview & Pro Tips with Marty Chandler | Locally on the Links

Marty Chandler of London Downs joins Rich Roth to preview the 2026 PGA Championship, discuss Cameron Young’s chances and share course management tips. About This Episode: In this episode of Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth sits down with Marty Chandler, Director of Golf at London Downs Golf Club, to dive deep into the heart of the 2026 golf season. We discuss the transition from frost to 80-degree fairway weather and what golfers can expect from the Bermuda grass greens this summer. Marty also gives his expert take on the 2026 PGA Championship, explaining how modern technology is changing course strategy and why Cameron Young is his top pick for the title. Key Topics Covered: * 2026 PGA Championship Preview: Why technology is making traditional course hazards obsolete. * Local Course Update: How London Downs is preparing for the summer tournament season. * The "Golf DNA" Strategy: Why your course management might be failing and how to play to your actual skill level. * Upcoming Demo Days: Get fitted for new gear from Titleist and Cleveland/Srixon this June. Timecodes: * 0:00 – Intro: Golf Season in Lynchburg * 2:15 – London Downs Course Conditions & Bermuda Grass * 5:30 – 2026 PGA Championship: Course Strategy vs. Technology * 9:45 – Expert Picks: Why Cameron Young is the One to Watch * 12:20 – Improving Your Game: The Importance of "Golf DNA" * 16:10 – Managing Bad Lies & Wedge Strategy * 19:45 – June Demo Days at London Downs #PGAChampionship2026 #GolfTips #GolfPodcast #CameronYoung #CourseManagement #GolfDNA #Titleist #Srixon #LynchburgVA #LynchburgGolf #LondonDowns #VirginiaGolf #LocallyOnTheLinks

Mastering Spring Golf: Chipping Secrets & Wintergreen Resort Updates with Geoff Redgrave | Locally on the Links

In this episode of Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth sits down with Geoff Redgrave, Director of Golf at Wintergreen Resort, to help you navigate the transition into the 2026 golf season. The unpredictable spring weather has left many courses with "tight lies" and dormant patches. Geoff shares professional-level "free tips" on how to handle these conditions, including a unique "putting motion" for chipping that prevents digging and sculling. We also dive into the current state of the PGA Tour, Rory McIlroy’s recent dominance, and why Matt Fitzpatrick’s putting is a "work of art" every amateur should study. Whether you’re looking for a discount on your next round at Stoney Creek or curious about the "bowling alley" fairways at Devil’s Knob, this episode is packed with value for every golfer. * 00:00 – Intro: Spring weather swings and turf impact. * 02:15 – How to play "punch shots" from emerging Bermuda and Zoysia grass. * 04:30 – The Chipping Secret: Using a putting motion with your wedges. * 07:45 – Choosing your "chipping friends": Club selection strategy. * 10:20 – Wintergreen Update: Devil’s Knob vs. Stoney Creek conditions. * 13:10 – Special Offer: The Stoney Creek 4-Pack (plus a bonus round!). * 15:45 – PGA Tour Talk: Rory McIlroy’s resurgence and the LIV Golf debate. * 18:20 – Why Matt Fitzpatrick is the best putting model for amateurs. Resources: * Book a Tee Time: Wintergreen Resort Official Site [https://www.wintergreenresort.com/] * Special Offer: Purchase the Stoney Creek 4-Pack (Buy 4, Get 1 Free through May 10th) #GolfTips #ShortGame #WintergreenResort #LocallyOnTheLinks #GolfInstruction #PGATour #RoryMcIlroy #GolfLife #VirginiaGolf #StoneyCreek

"Birdies… Where Are You": A Touching Tribute & The Future of Indoor Golf | Locally on the Links

Join Rich Roth on Locally on the Links as he sits down with Jason Brown, owner of Birdies… Where Are You, the premier indoor golf facility at Smith Mountain Lake. Jason shares the moving inspiration behind his facility’s name—a tribute to his late grandson, Colton Grey—and how it fuels his passion for teaching the game. In this episode, we dive into: * The Indoor Revolution: How GS Pro simulator technology is changing how we practice, offering 45-minute rounds and data-driven instruction. * Pro Instruction: Why "swinging harder" is a common mistake and how to use physics for a more leisurely, effective swing. * Masters Recap: Analysis of Rory McIlroy’s historic back-to-back win at Augusta and Scottie Scheffler's calm under pressure. * Local Access: Everything you need to know about the Westlake facility, from 24/7 member access to public hourly rentals. Visit Birdies… Where Are You: birdieswhereareyou.com | 804-398-9203 * 0:00 – Intro to Jason Brown & Birdies, Where Are You? * 1:45 – The Heartfelt Story: Colton Gray’s Legacy * 5:10 – Benefits of Indoor Simulators vs. Outdoor Play * 8:30 – Common Golf Mistakes: Swing Physics & Effort * 12:15 – Mastering GS Pro: Putting, Chipping & Lie Angles * 15:40 – Masters Recap: Rory McIlroy & Scotty Scheffler * 20:10 – Booking Info & Westlake Location #SmithMountainLake #SML #WestlakeVA #VirginiaGolf #LynchburgVA #RoanokeVA #GolfInstruction #IndoorGolf #GolfSimulators #GSPro #Masters2026 #RoryMcIlroy #BirdiesWhereAreYou #GolfTips #Podcast #LocallyOnTheLinks

Inside the Masters: Augusta Practice Rounds & Early Season Golf Tips | Locally on the Links

In this edition of Locally on the Links, host Rich Roth is joined by Marty Chandler, Director of Golf at London Downs Golf Course. Fresh off a trip to Augusta National, Marty shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at a Masters Monday practice round, from the 7:00 AM merch lines to the extreme slopes of Hole #5 that television cameras never quite capture. They also dive into the current state of golf in the Lynchburg area, including the "green up" of Bermuda fairways and upcoming demo days for Titleist and Callaway at London Downs. Whether you're curious about Tiger Woods' future or need a quick tip to fix your driver setup, this episode has you covered.