PGA Tour Winner Rocco Mediate with Insight on the Masters

Rocco Mediate joined the Cellini & Dimino show on 680 The Fan while practicing for the upcoming 2026 Senior PGA Championship at The Concession in Bradenton. The former PGA Tour winner and 2016 Senior PGA Champion discussed everything from his unique barefoot (or sandal-clad) practice sessions to the evolving game of golf.

Mediate explained that he has practiced barefoot or in sandals for most of his career to maintain balance and ground his feet, a technique taught in his earlier days before modern golf shoes emphasized speed. He reflected on his memorable 2001 Masters third round, where he fired a 66 — the low score of the day — highlighting how Augusta National rewards precision, especially when the course is firm and fast with no rain expected.

The conversation turned technical as Mediate broke down the challenges of firm Augusta greens, the need for precise iron shots and shaping (draw off the tee, fade into pins), and why experience on the property is so valuable. He compared the “diabolical” nature of U.S. Opens — with narrow fairways and punishing rough — to Augusta’s slope-and-green defense.

Mediate also weighed in on the distance debate, supporting a potential golf ball rollback while acknowledging it won’t fully solve the power issue. He noted that today’s longest hitters still dominate, but excessive distance creates problems for classic courses.

In a candid segment, Mediate opened up about his own past battle with alcohol used to manage chronic back pain. He shared how he quit cold turkey eight years ago, driven by his desire to be a better father, and expressed empathy for Tiger Woods’ ongoing pain management struggles, urging people to show compassion rather than judgment.

He praised Rory McIlroy’s potential to reach 10 majors now that the career Grand Slam pressure is gone and identified Scottie Scheffler as the current dominant force. Mediate humbly described himself as “a player, not a great player,” while acknowledging the rare greatness of legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and today’s stars.

The wide-ranging chat showcased Mediate’s storytelling, humor, and deep golf knowledge.

How many rounds? How many rounds do you have to play to start having that that knowledge of this golf course? Like five thousand or so. Give or take.

– Rocco Mediate