The Stories Behind the Game

Featuring Rich Lerner

EPISODE 008

Runtime: 1:11:14
Published: Monday, August 17, 2026
Topics: Golf • Broadcasting • Storytelling • Championships • Relationships • Career • Life Lessons

Golf Channel broadcaster and acclaimed storyteller Rich Lerner joins Courtney Connell on the Fairways & Friends Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about nearly three decades covering the game of golf, his unconventional path into broadcasting, and his new book, Aren’t You That Golf Guy? Doglegs and Detours from a Life in the Game.

Rich shares stories from a remarkable career that has given him a front-row seat to the Tiger Woods era, unforgettable moments with Arnold Palmer and many of golf’s greatest figures, and some of the sport’s most historic championships. He also reflects on finding his voice as a writer, the importance of humility and perseverance, and the lessons he has learned from a life spent telling golf’s stories.

Meet the Guest

Rich Lerner

Guest: Rich Lerner
Profession: Broadcaster & Journalist
Known For: Golf Channel broadcaster, championship coverage, long-form storytelling
Genres/Topics: Golf • Broadcasting • Journalism • Storytelling • Sports
Hometown: Allentown, Pennsylvania

Rich Lerner has spent more than three decades telling the stories of golf and the people who make the game special. As one of Golf Channel’s most recognizable voices, he has covered many of the sport’s biggest events and interviewed generations of its greatest players.

Known for bringing a storyteller’s perspective to sports broadcasting, Rich’s work often reaches beyond scores and statistics to explore the people, relationships, challenges, and experiences behind the game. His thoughtful approach has made him a respected voice among players, fellow broadcasters, and golf fans alike.

In this conversation with Courtney Connell, Rich looks back on his path into broadcasting, shares memorable experiences from his career, and reflects on what he has learned from decades spent listening to, and telling, the stories of others.

Follow Rich on Instagram, X or visit richlernergolf.com.