The Stories, Friendships & Traditions Behind Golf
Fairways & Friends Pawdscast shares authentic conversations from every corner of the golf world — preserving the stories, traditions, and relationships that make the game unforgettable.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
More Than Golf.
It’s Connection.
Fairways & Friends Podcast was created to celebrate the people, stories, and relationships that make golf unforgettable.
Hosted by PGA Master Professional Courtney Connell, the podcast explores the traditions, character, and moments that connect generations through the game. From players and teachers to caddies, architects, broadcasters, industry leaders, and lifelong golf lovers, each conversation offers a deeper look into the human side of golf.
Through authentic storytelling and meaningful conversations, Fairways & Friends aims to inspire, educate, entertain, and preserve the timeless spirit of the game — both on and off the course.
Whether you’re a competitive golfer, a weekend player, or simply someone who appreciates the camaraderie surrounding golf, Fairways & Friends brings together voices and experiences that remind us why the game means so much to so many.
Latest Episodes
Browse the latest episodes below and discover the stories, lessons, and life experiences of the people shaping the worlds of golf, sports, business, faith, and community.
Maulana Dotch, PGA | The Legacy of Mentorship
PGA Professional Maulana Dotch joins Courtney Connell to share her remarkable journey through golf, the mentors who opened doors along the way, and why she’s determined to create opportunities for the next generation.
Beau Welling | Golf Course Architect
Acclaimed golf course architect Beau Welling joins Courtney Connell to share his unconventional journey, the experiences that shaped his approach to design, and why golf’s greatest impact may be its ability to bring people together.
Jon Drago | The Man Behind the Nelson
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Tournament Director Jon Drago joins Courtney Connell to share the stories behind the tournament, Byron Nelson’s enduring legacy, life behind the scenes of the PGA TOUR and how golf can be a powerful vehicle for giving back.
Rich Lerner | The Stories Behind the Game
Award-winning Golf Channel broadcaster Rich Lerner joins Courtney Connell for a conversation about his broadcasting career, memorable moments in golf, storytelling, relationships, and the experiences that have shaped his life.
Randy Smith | A Lifetime of Lessons
Legendary golf instructor Randy Smith joins Courtney Connell for a conversation about coaching champions, servant leadership, mentorship, and the lessons learned from a lifetime in golf.
Tom Coyne | The Long Way Home
Award-winning author and The Golfer’s Journal Senior Editor Tom Coyne joins Courtney Connell for a conversation about storytelling, golf travel, friendship, and why the game’s greatest journeys often lead us home.
Damon Hack | Golf Channel’s Award-Winning Journalist
Award-winning Golf Channel host Damon Hack joins PGA Master Professional Courtney Connell for an engaging conversation about storytelling, journalism, major championships, and the relationships that make golf one of the world’s greatest games.
Mark Harrison Interview | Northern Texas PGA CEO & “The Bike Guy”
Courtney Connell sits down with Northern Texas PGA CEO Mark Harrison to discuss servant leadership, junior golf, community impact, and the remarkable journey behind the nickname “The Bike Guy!”
David Price Interview | PGA Hall of Famer & Golf Rules Official
Courtney Connell welcomes PGA Hall of Famer David Price for a conversation about The Masters, championship golf, servant leadership, mentorship, integrity, and the people who have shaped the game.
Lance Barrow Interview | CBS Sports Producer & Masters Broadcaster
Legendary CBS Sports producer Lance Barrow shares unforgettable stories from The Masters, Super Bowls, and a remarkable career in sports broadcasting.
Maulana Dotch, PGA | The Legacy of Mentorship
PGA Professional Maulana Dotch joins Courtney Connell to share her remarkable journey through golf, the mentors who opened doors along the way, and why she’s determined to create opportunities for the next generation.
Beau Welling | Golf Course Architect
Acclaimed golf course architect Beau Welling joins Courtney Connell to share his unconventional journey, the experiences that shaped his approach to design, and why golf’s greatest impact may be its ability to bring people together.
Jon Drago | The Man Behind the Nelson
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Tournament Director Jon Drago joins Courtney Connell to share the stories behind the tournament, Byron Nelson’s enduring legacy, life behind the scenes of the PGA TOUR and how golf can be a powerful vehicle for giving back.
Your HOSt
Meet Courtney Connell
From caddie to PGA Master Professional, Courtney Connell has spent a lifetime immersed in the game of golf — building relationships, mentoring players, and helping grow the game at every level.
For 17 years, Courtney served as PGA Head Golf Professional at Mira Vista Country Club, where he became known for his leadership, passion for the game, and commitment to creating meaningful golf experiences for members and guests alike.
A Past President of the Northern Texas PGA and former Board Member of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, Courtney has dedicated much of his career to serving the golf community through leadership, education, junior golf initiatives, charitable fundraising, and player development programs across Texas and beyond.
Through Fairways & Friends, Courtney brings together the stories, friendships, traditions, and personalities that make golf far more than just a game.
Outside of golf, Courtney enjoys spending time with his wife, seven children, and ten grandchildren.
PGA Master Professional, Life Member
Featured Guests
Representing Every Corner of the Golf Industry
Podcast Partners
Interested in partnering with Fairways & Friends Podcast?
We’d love to connect with brands and organizations that share a passion for golf, community, and storytelling.
Reach a Loyal Golf Audience
Align with Authentic Storytelling
Support the Game We All Love
Build Meaningful Connections
Never Miss an Episode
Join our community and never miss an episode.
Real stories. Real people. Real golf.
Beyond the conversations and stories, these organizations represent causes and communities that continue to shape the future of the game.
Giving Back Through Golf
The stories shared on Fairways & Friends are rooted in something bigger than the game itself — community, mentorship, resilience, and opportunity.
PAWDS
pronounced: /pawdz/
noun | West Texas slang
1. A trusted friend, partner, or companion.
2. One who shares the road, the round, the story, and the laugh.
3. A term of friendship born from the evolution of language, loyalty, and Texas spirit.
1. A trusted friend, partner, or companion.
2. One who shares the road, the round, the story, and the laugh.
3. A term of friendship born from the evolution of language, loyalty, and Texas spirit.
Used in a sentence:
“Pull up a chair, Pawds — we’re talking golf.”
