January 24, 2023 • 54 mins
She played on the LPGA for 25 seasons, becoming a household name to fans of women's golf. Coming from Sioux Falls, South Dakota to attend Texas Christian University, little did Kris Tschetter know what life had in store for her. As a Division 1 player, she searched the Fort Worth area for a regular practice facility, eventually joining Shady Oaks Golf Club. It was there that she was befriended by Shady Oaks most famous member and indeed one of the finest players to ever swing a golf club. Of course, that member was none other than the legendary Ben Hogan.
In this episode, we chat with Kris Tschetter about her career on the LPGA, including some of her favourite experiences and cherished memories. She takes us back to life in a camperized van, trekking across the United States, playing golf and listening to the radio. She then shares with us a little bit of her experiences on the practice range with Ben Hogan -- the player renowned for spending hours hitting golf balls, perfecting his swing (as much as one could). She tells us of the experience and of the time that he made a surprise visit to support her at the US Women's Open played at the Colonial.
After retiring from the LPGA, she became active in setting up a charity, and spending time with her family. She would eventually join the Legend's Tour and take some time to write a book about her personal experience with "Mr. Hogan". You won't want to miss this treat.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Douglas Maida (00:26):
Hello and good afternoon. Welcome to we're
bringing you guests from aroundthe world of golf.
My name is Douglas Maida, andit's my pleasure to be your host
In today's episode, we're goingto meet an incredibly delightful
(00:55):
on tour, she became a householdname to many that followed the
In addition to her playingcareer on the LPGA Kris
(01:15):
Her book was one of the verylast books written about the
She shares her stories andexperiences of being a member of
time on the range hitting golfballs and talking about life in
(01:37):
We are very excited to have KrisTschetter join us today to talk
before we get to our veryspecial guest, we need to stop
HONMA (01:52):
For players who don't want to sacrifice beauty Honma
handcrafted on the coast ofJapan. Beres Aizu evokes a sense
With Beres Aizu in your bag, youwill experience the pure
Douglas Maida (02:22):
Hi, we're back.
Thank you for staying with us.
welcome to the show.
Kris Tschetter (02:31):
It's great to be here. I feel very special being
Douglas Maida (02:35):
Well, we'd like to tell it as it is here.
now since you last competed andyou're now actually on the
(02:58):
Sports Hall of Fame. Why don'tyou tell us a little bit about
Kris Tschetter (03:02):
Well, I grew up in South Dakota and I loved
loved was I was able to do otherthings in the winter. i My
(03:25):
loved it. I did ballet in thewinter, and then golf in the
And it was just it was a greatway to grow up nowadays. It's
experience a lot of differentthings as much. So I really
Douglas Maida (03:52):
Where do you call home?
Kris Tschetter (03:54):
Sioux Falls.
Douglas Maida (03:55):
Okay. Is that anywhere near Mount Rushmore?
Kris Tschetter (03:59):
It's actually on the opposite side of the state.
up there was under 100,000.
Douglas Maida (04:11):
Okay, okay. It's one of the places that I've got
Kris Tschetter (04:18):
Yeah, it's beautiful. The western side of
love the plains don't get mewrong. I love being able to see
they're pretty nice to
Douglas Maida (04:40):
the plains. We used to have a bit of a running
fact that they could sit ontheir porch and watch their dog
Kris Tschetter (04:56):
It's a little flat on the eastern side of the
Douglas Maida (05:01):
Okay, enough of the bad stereotypes.
Kris, tell us a little bit aboutbeing inducted into the South
college and university, thatprobably was nowhere near on
Kris Tschetter (05:17):
But I it was actually a complete surprise to
I was I was actually reallysurprised, but I appreciated it.
Douglas Maida (05:38):
Was there a little bit of a ceremony and
Kris Tschetter (05:42):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (05:44):
Now who organizes that? Is that done at the state
Kris Tschetter (05:51):
It's done at the state level?
Douglas Maida (05:52):
Oh, okay.
Wonderful. Wonderful. Excellent.
Kris Tschetter (06:00):
Yeah, which I always look forward to getting
got 16 inches of snow in 24hours. So I got my full taste of
Douglas Maida (06:18):
And the full experience of winter.
Kris Tschetter (06:20):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (06:23):
Kris, looking back now it's been a few years
seem somewhat surreal?
Kris Tschetter (06:33):
I loved playing golf on tour. I actually played
tournaments on the LPGA in 2021.
Because I wanted to get readywith those young kids again, but
(06:59):
it was great it and I ended upthat tournament. So I felt like
it was it was worth it. But itThe last day that when I played
(07:25):
I played at Kingsmill, on thedrive on that hole. These people
had been out driving me by aboutAnd they're laughing at me and
kind of having fun with it. So
Douglas Maida (07:48):
Yeah, I guess you can say watching the tour over
the power game that's been inthe men's tour now for about a
Kris Tschetter (08:01):
Yeah, those those kids are GOOD, and they
Douglas Maida (08:06):
Yeah. How about you? How's your tee shots? Are
Kris Tschetter (08:14):
You know, no, not anywhere near and in the
trouble actually gripping theclub with my right hand anymore,
(08:34):
finger. So it's made it a littlemore difficult. You know what, I
can't play quite at the level Iwould like to. But other than
(08:57):
they're good now. So other thanthe hands, I feel pretty good.
Douglas Maida (09:02):
Wow. Was the hips kind of related to golf in a way
Kris Tschetter (09:09):
It was a little bit related to golf. I'm super
because I was so loose jointed,I was having a lot of movement
(09:31):
them replaced and now they feelgreat.
Douglas Maida (09:34):
Well, that's wonderful news.
Kris Tschetter (09:36):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (09:37):
When you play golf, do you still walk at all?
Kris Tschetter (09:40):
I do. I do. But I gotta tell you, I mean, I used
know, I'm gonna get someexercise walking the golf
everyone. I laughed at back inthe day. Well, it And you know,
(10:10):
you know, because my myligaments and my tendons don't
lot of my, my shoulders and myback and everything in place. So
(10:30):
getting a cart in golf is not anadvantage, I think is wrong, I
Douglas Maida (10:36):
Well, I bet especially as you're coming to
Kris Tschetter (10:40):
Yeah, on the last day, you know, four days in
were times where I played ontour, I played four or five
that. Now.
Douglas Maida (10:57):
Speaking of which, do you have any favorite
Kris Tschetter (11:02):
So many. I mean, like I said, I loved being
needed to get better because Iwanted to be out there. And I
(11:25):
to qualify and get my card. Myapp, my second attempt, and you
on tour, I think about thepeople that I met along the way,
(11:50):
tour that I still keep in touchwith. Families that I stayed
that I had stayed with like theson, I stayed with the son I
(12:15):
what I think about the most.
The one tournament really thatcomes to mind is the the first
a sweet memory for me because itwas part of a team, you know,
Douglas Maida (12:40):
Has it kind of surprised you that there ceased
Kris Tschetter (12:47):
Yes, because it was a great event. And everyone
really good crowd. So I keep I'mI'm hopeful that they'll bring
on both the PGA Tour and theLPGA tour that it's it's hard
Douglas Maida (13:14):
Yes, I did read somewhere, though, that the LPGA
again.
Kris Tschetter (13:26):
Yeah, I like it.
Now we just need to get the
Douglas Maida (13:35):
Yes, well, they're gonna do right. Yeah.
they're always talking abouthaving their friends or their
you know, see week in and weekout that are considered part of
Kris Tschetter (13:59):
Yeah, I mean, it's your neighborhood. Those
Douglas Maida (14:06):
So that's something that was quite common
Kris Tschetter (14:09):
Yeah, definitely. You know, you had
game. So I look back on that.
And though those were some ofbeat her and her wanting to beat
me just as much.
Douglas Maida (14:33):
Oh, that's a great way to keep it fun and
Kris Tschetter (14:36):
yeah.
Douglas Maida (14:38):
Did you have a favorite tournament? I mean, on
Kris Tschetter (14:45):
I really loved Toledo. But I loved it. I loved
with that family that just Ilooked forward to seeing them
Um, another tournament that Ithink about that really sticks
(15:09):
course. But again, I love thattournament because it was such a
a great golf course. I love thatgolf course it might be one of
Douglas Maida (15:27):
Oh, wow. Wow.
High praise indeed. Yeah. Toledo
Kris Tschetter (15:35):
It was, I don't think it was ever Kroger. It was
till the city of Toledo a lot ofdifferent businesses put money
Douglas Maida (15:54):
I see. I see.
Coming back to the Dinah Shorelooking back now at the history
of the Dinah Shore and what it'sfrom Mission Hills, and now
going to Houston with . . . your
Kris Tschetter (16:19):
No, I don't think it was because I think
really disappointed to move fromthat golf course. I'm sure
has some history that I hate tosee go.
Douglas Maida (16:40):
Would it be fair to saying that it was kind of
somewhere else.
Kris Tschetter (16:48):
Those two tournaments were -- I mean,
tournaments were sort of brothersister tournaments, you know,
finish first, second or third inthe tournament to get invited to
(17:19):
great memory that if she wasjust a neat, neat lady. so down
Douglas Maida (17:26):
Right. Yes. I remember seeing many a time her
hand.
Kris Tschetter (17:35):
Yeah, he loved her golf.
Douglas Maida (17:38):
Yeah. Yeah, it'll be interesting. This will be the
Kris Tschetter (17:45):
Well, they'll make some new traditions there,
Douglas Maida (17:47):
Yeah, yeah. Let me ask you about the LPGA.
that it is a far moreinternational flavor to the tour
Kris Tschetter (18:02):
Definitely. And, you know, I am appreciative that
a family and, and play asinternationally as they're
(18:29):
then if you wanted to play outof the country, you know, we
as a mother, I would have foundit really hard to have to go to
(18:52):
something on Twitter where theywere showing that -- Did you see
that they can drive to even,even there's a couple of
Douglas Maida (19:08):
Right. I think the only one that comes close is
the next event is in Portland.
And that's about I think is as
Kris Tschetter (19:21):
That's about it.
Yeah, it's crazy. That would bea little better now. I saw
players are a little better,
Douglas Maida (19:38):
I saw a tweet by Karen Stupples who mentioned
and drive to the events.
Kris Tschetter (19:47):
Yeah, I put something out. I like that
Douglas Maida (19:56):
was the Econoline setup so that you could have
Kris Tschetter (20:00):
Oh, yeah, it was it had everything I had all my
arrange the layout in my band.
Douglas Maida (20:15):
And this is in the days before such thing as
Kris Tschetter (20:19):
Yeah, exactly.
Had to listen to the radio.
Douglas Maida (20:24):
And hopefully you had a good station coming in.
Kris Tschetter (20:27):
Yeah. That was another thing there were
radio station, we'd find ourfavorite radio station in each
Douglas Maida (20:44):
If you were, say, Commissioner for a day, what are
get the idea.
Kris Tschetter (20:53):
Yeah, I you know, I mean, that's tough. I,
matter? No, it's It's not aneasy job. And I, I don't think
(21:25):
they're, they're doing prettywell.
Douglas Maida (21:27):
Okay, fair enough. Fair comment. We're
after golf. So we'll chat alittle bit about why you stopped
with you is about becoming anauthor. And then maybe a little
Kris Tschetter (21:54):
Okay.
Douglas Maida (21:55):
All right. So we're gonna take a little break
HONMA (21:59):
For players who don't want to sacrifice beauty Honma's
handcrafted on the coast ofJapan. Beres Aizu evokes a sense
(22:20):
With Beres Aizu in your bag, youwill experience the pure
Amy (Studio) (22:29):
Today's show is being recorded from our studio
us on the worldwide web at WWWdot world of golf.org. Or on our
(22:50):
proud to announce that we'retalking Golf has been recognized
downloading our show. With yoursupport. We have become a
special guest, Kris Tschetter.
Here is Douglas Maida.
Douglas Maida (23:14):
Oh, welcome back.
And thank you so much forplaying on the LPGA? What is it
about 15 years ago now? a little
Kris Tschetter (23:29):
2011 was my last was my 24th year on tour. And I
I accidentally got bit by ourcat. And I ended up with a bone
(23:53):
year, I was playing with adoctor. And he said to me, and I
for like three weeks. Andanyways, I was playing with this
goes, You could have lost yourhand. I went well, I'm glad I
(24:20):
in in 2019.
Douglas Maida (24:22):
Oh, wonderful.
Wonderful.
Kris Tschetter (24:24):
So I played I played one, two tournaments in
Douglas Maida (24:33):
Wow, wonderful.
Wonderful. So what ultimatelysaying, "You know what, it's
time" or?
Kris Tschetter (24:42):
Yeah, I mean, my kids were getting older. My
many tournaments so I wasn'treally having to miss
(25:04):
down and I just, I just wasn'tcompeting at the level that I
So, it just kind of got to thatplace where and my kids were
(25:26):
really thankful that I, I'mtelling you, I loved playing
you know, they gave me somethingto, you know, that I wanted to
(25:53):
in those events. You know, it'sjust a handful of events every
Douglas Maida (26:04):
So in the first few years after retirement, what
Kris Tschetter (26:08):
It was good. It was good. I was you know, doing
spending time doing that. Mykids were, you know, at the age
(26:31):
know, just, just kind of beingmom and being home and taking
Douglas Maida (26:37):
Did you -- if you were to say look back now at
Kris Tschetter (26:44):
I would have taken injuries like taking a
Douglas Maida (26:55):
And why is that?
Just because you felt like you
Kris Tschetter (26:57):
Yeah, I just think that I made injuries last
is difficult. And I keptthinking, oh, you know, I can
information I had. And lookingback, I just wish I would have
Douglas Maida (27:29):
Well, that makes sense.
Kris Tschetter (27:31):
Hindsight
Douglas Maida (27:33):
That's 20/20, isn't it?
Kris Tschetter (27:33):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (27:35):
Let me switch gears a little bit. Let's talk
is the part I'm fuzzy about. Wasit while you were attending TCU?
Kris Tschetter (27:54):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (27:55):
Okay. Why don't you tell us about that little
Kris Tschetter (28:05):
Really being in the right place at the right
that they shady oaks was sort ofdoing a membership push and they
(28:28):
The hard part was finding asponsor, you know, someone that
So anyways, we -- it's kind of afunny story. I was out hitting
TCU didn't have a practicefacility. And all of a sudden,
(28:56):
gun? And I'm like, No, I don'thave a gun. And she tells me
And so, you know, good SouthDakota girl, I go well here, get
probably wasn't the smartestthing. But, you know, got her to
(29:26):
just looked at me like what wereyou thinking, Kris? Like she
Dad that story.
And so when I told my dad thatstory, he's like, that's it.
that park anymore. So that'sthat was the tipping point that
(29:56):
to Mr. Hogan. If he wants totalk to you he will but you
every other man that walked byevery other member. And then I
just, I'm just going to bemyself. And so I, you know, I
(30:26):
hard I was working and how muchI loved the game. And he started
And, you know, I don't reallyremember exactly, but it got to
(30:47):
he was and I just wave at him,let him know I was there. And he
started getting his clubs on thecart and his shag bag, and he'd
come back. And, you know, thatwas just like what we did every
Douglas Maida (31:15):
I was gonna say, you know, anybody who knows
have loved to have done.
Kris Tschetter (31:26):
And most people would have been asking him
about golf? But I was askingquestions about my swing, my
(31:50):
him any, you know, I didn't wantI didn't care about his secret.
Douglas Maida (31:55):
Right.
Kris Tschetter (31:56):
You know, I didn't I didn't ask him. I, you
person. I really cared moreabout that, then then the
Douglas Maida (32:08):
Well, of course, I mean, that's, and so should
Kris Tschetter (32:11):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (32:12):
I just look back, you know, because it's so
Kris Tschetter (32:18):
And I hear stories now about how people
shot without saying something. Iwas constantly talking. And, you
think about that one? How'd thatlook? You know, what do you have
(32:47):
together. And it was banter, itwas back and forth. He had this
other.
There's a story in the bookwhere he -- I called him, I
(33:08):
tour, and I haven't played well.
And he's like, Well, what arelike, why you need to go out
there. And you need to do this,this is how we talk to each
other, right? And so we hang upCoca Cola at the bar. And and he
(33:32):
comes up and he goes, Did Ithe ordinary.
He goes, Well, Valerie didn'ttalk to me all week. And she
(33:55):
that I was mean to you. And shetried, she, she was trying to
crying in a corner or something.
And so I was like, no, no, it'scould you please? So I called
her and I was like Mrs. Hogan.
(34:23):
Well, I know that, you know, youknow how he can be but I was
Douglas Maida (34:31):
Well, perhaps that's the greatest compliment
the boys or
Kris Tschetter (34:39):
Yeah,
Douglas Maida (34:40):
you know, or one of the group.
Kris Tschetter (34:43):
There was another one where I said he
pressure. Without missing abeat, he's like, You give me
just be Like, Oh my god, they,you know, they just didn't know
Douglas Maida (35:10):
So you knew which table was his at Shady Oaks?
Kris Tschetter (35:12):
Oh, yeah, yeah, he had a table and a chair. And
because both those greens were,you know, like, right between
the thought that he might bewatching.
Douglas Maida (35:33):
What are your most memorable experience? In or
Kris Tschetter (35:41):
Well, gosh, I mean, we had a couple of dinners
his family, and, you know,having dinner, but I guess, when
(36:04):
to come out and watch me play?
And he'd say, Oh, of course, I'mAnd I, I knew that he would not
come out because he was justsomething from him. And so it
was really just banter. But, youthe US Open at Colonial. And so
(36:33):
you know, I would pick his brainback out to Shady Oaks and, you
know, he came out and watched mesecond or third from the last
(36:55):
group the last day. And again,started pushing because, you
know, nothing was happening andso I kind of shot myself out of
(37:18):
contention.
And I think after I made adouble bogey on maybe the 10th
him out of it, you know, like itwas hot. It was, you know, 95
(37:42):
and attention and, but he feltlike he needed to be out there
because I was having a roughday. He wanted to be there for
Douglas Maida (37:59):
Wow, wow. And Colonial to I mean, one of the
Kris Tschetter (38:04):
And, and then what was really funny, so I saw
Oh, my God, you know, and Iwent, and I gave him a hug,
(38:24):
kept his head down, would havekept walking, but not me. And he
hug and I walked to 17. And mydad was caddying for me and my
goes, That's Ben Hogan overthere. The guy's like, No, it's
(38:52):
wearing just like a, you know,like a suit/ coat hat. I don't
my dad goes. I'm telling you,that's Ben Hogan, the guy goes,
waited for me on 18th When Iwalked out of the scorer's tent,
(39:19):
pictures of it, which I'mthankful for. I've got a really
with him. So that was fun.
Then the caddy finally believedmy death but up until that
(39:46):
people that knew that you know,Mr. Hogan helped me with my golf
believe me. If I did, theylooked at me like I was lying,
(40:08):
was at the tournament, and youknow, it was like, the cat was
Douglas Maida (40:16):
Gee, at a US Open, you know, he's still I
Kris Tschetter (40:28):
It still bothered him (the fifth).
Douglas Maida (40:30):
I know, I read that I'm, I could see how it
would have to like, Well,
Kris Tschetter (40:39):
yeah, the medal looks exactly the same.
Douglas Maida (40:42):
You put in the time and effort you beat the
feel very surreal that you spenttime in knowing one of the
Kris Tschetter (41:00):
Yeah, it's crazy. I was so lucky. And he,
thankful that he let me see thatside of him that he didn't let
Douglas Maida (41:18):
Yeah. Yeah, let me touch on that for a bit.
least in his earlier part of hiscareer, you know, where he was
(41:39):
no, doesn't suffer fools gladlykind of thing. You know, and and
then you kind of got to see him-- the total opposite. What are
Kris Tschetter (41:56):
Well, I mean, I think that he was just very,
as his memory, became worse andworse, he became, you know, much
Douglas Maida (42:30):
Wow, wow, when you wrote the book, I'm trying
that a conscious decision onyour part? or just kinda like,
Kris Tschetter (42:46):
I never planned on writing a book, I somebody
people wanted me to write thebook, but I am not a writer. And
(43:12):
know, when something happensevery day, there's not a lot
what I did was I talked topeople that I knew at the time,
(43:35):
know, like, all these stories Ihad that I would tell to people,
So here's an example. There's astory in the book about where
you know, I'm bantering withthem. And Mr. Hogan's standing
(44:03):
on, and, and I put this story inthe book, it's one little
about how, you know, they wereplaying, and this is what
goes, I'm pretty sure that thatstory is about me. But that
(44:33):
would tell my dad stories are myroommate and we all you know,
And then I also found arecording of about a half an
(44:54):
just let the camera run when Mr.
Hogan came up. And there andrecording of funny things that
he said that I put in the book.
(45:17):
the book. They didn't allhappened like that one day, but
wish I would have written downmore because the book would have
Douglas Maida (45:40):
As we start to work towards the end of the
you about this part for hours.
Kris Tschetter (45:52):
As you could probably tell, I could talk
Douglas Maida (46:00):
Legends of the LPGA. It's a relatively new
Kris Tschetter (46:07):
Its been around, it's been around for about 20,
it a little bit more.
Douglas Maida (46:21):
I was gonna say in relative terms to the LPGA.
Kris Tschetter (46:24):
oh, yeah.
Douglas Maida (46:26):
But yes. Why don't you share a little bit
Kris Tschetter (46:35):
Well, it's, we're all thankful to have it
frustrating to play on theLegends Tour, because none of us
compete, like we're, you know,we should be at the top of our
(47:05):
nice to see everyone again. And,you know, it's it's definitely
sit back and relax and have fun.
And you know, just enjoy thetogether. So it's, it's great.
(47:25):
It's it. And I think people likeus, they still enjoy coming out
and watching us play.
Douglas Maida (47:41):
Are you practicing much? Or is it just
Kris Tschetter (47:45):
So in 20, in 2021, I was I was, you know, I
really, you know, wanted to playwell. And then this year, that
(48:11):
from golf. So I didn't practiceas much and my hands you know,
golf course, because I feel sortof torn. So you know, we'll see,
(48:36):
grind one more summer out of it.
Douglas Maida (48:39):
So it's been a few years since you played now
have you been up to? Youmentioned your children are
Kris Tschetter (48:54):
Yeah, I've got two there. The 19 -- Well, it's
old is not quite sure what shewants to do. So she's just
(49:17):
to figure it out, like likeeveryone else.
And then I opened "brainbalancing" office at the
type of brain balancing. It'scalled Ceraset. Anybody who
(49:49):
all over the country and I didit in 2019 to help my golf I was
I played in Toledo like a weekand a half after I did it. And I
(50:15):
five birdies in a week. And Imade five birdies in a row in an
would have had this 20 yearsago.
But anyways, this brainbalancing, I just love it. I
(50:43):
brain balancing isneurofeedback, which means
that we give you an opportunity,while we give your brain an
(51:06):
head, that we've applieddifferent musical tones to the
those tones as itself and yourbrain tries to rebalance and
(51:27):
I mean, when I did it in 2019 --A) it helped my golf game, but I
experienced in my life. I wastaking medicine to sleep. And
(51:54):
was life changing. And it can belife changing. For a lot of
people who have long COVID -- Imean, there's nothing out there
(52:18):
lives back. So it's I love it.
If you can't tell I love it. I
Douglas Maida (52:27):
Okay, and they can find that just by typing
Kris Tschetter (52:32):
Yep, yep, just cereset.com. And, you know,
golf on tour again. But this isa really close second, like I I
Douglas Maida (52:54):
Wow. Wonderful.
Wonderful. Well, Kris, we are atlike all of a sudden you look
back and say wow, that went byand, and
Kris Tschetter (53:15):
I and have enjoyed it.
Douglas Maida (53:17):
Aw, Thank you so much
Kris Tschetter (53:18):
Thank you for having me on.
Douglas Maida (53:19):
Our pleasure. Our pleasure. And hopefully we could
Kris Tschetter (53:23):
All right.
Douglas Maida (53:24):
Okay. All right, ladies and gentlemen, thank you
playing around or to do yourbest to keep that ball on the
Kris Tschetter (53:38):
Definitely.
Douglas Maida (53:40):
From all of us here at the world of golf, and
Amy (Studio) (53:48):
You have been listening to our podcast show.
January 18, 2023. If you havean idea for a future show,
subject line. This show is thecopyright of the World of Golf.
Hello and good afternoon. Welcome to we're
bringing you guests from aroundthe world of golf.
My name is Douglas Maida, andit's my pleasure to be your host
In today's episode, we're goingto meet an incredibly delightful
(00:55):
on tour, she became a householdname to many that followed the
In addition to her playingcareer on the LPGA Kris
(01:15):
Her book was one of the verylast books written about the
She shares her stories andexperiences of being a member of
time on the range hitting golfballs and talking about life in
(01:37):
We are very excited to have KrisTschetter join us today to talk
before we get to our veryspecial guest, we need to stop
HONMA (01:52):
For players who don't want to sacrifice beauty Honma
handcrafted on the coast ofJapan. Beres Aizu evokes a sense
With Beres Aizu in your bag, youwill experience the pure
Douglas Maida (02:22):
Hi, we're back.
Thank you for staying with us.
welcome to the show.
Kris Tschetter (02:31):
It's great to be here. I feel very special being
Douglas Maida (02:35):
Well, we'd like to tell it as it is here.
now since you last competed andyou're now actually on the
(02:58):
Sports Hall of Fame. Why don'tyou tell us a little bit about
Kris Tschetter (03:02):
Well, I grew up in South Dakota and I loved
loved was I was able to do otherthings in the winter. i My
(03:25):
loved it. I did ballet in thewinter, and then golf in the
And it was just it was a greatway to grow up nowadays. It's
experience a lot of differentthings as much. So I really
Douglas Maida (03:52):
Where do you call home?
Kris Tschetter (03:54):
Sioux Falls.
Douglas Maida (03:55):
Okay. Is that anywhere near Mount Rushmore?
Kris Tschetter (03:59):
It's actually on the opposite side of the state.
up there was under 100,000.
Douglas Maida (04:11):
Okay, okay. It's one of the places that I've got
Kris Tschetter (04:18):
Yeah, it's beautiful. The western side of
love the plains don't get mewrong. I love being able to see
they're pretty nice to
Douglas Maida (04:40):
the plains. We used to have a bit of a running
fact that they could sit ontheir porch and watch their dog
Kris Tschetter (04:56):
It's a little flat on the eastern side of the
Douglas Maida (05:01):
Okay, enough of the bad stereotypes.
Kris, tell us a little bit aboutbeing inducted into the South
college and university, thatprobably was nowhere near on
Kris Tschetter (05:17):
But I it was actually a complete surprise to
I was I was actually reallysurprised, but I appreciated it.
Douglas Maida (05:38):
Was there a little bit of a ceremony and
Kris Tschetter (05:42):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (05:44):
Now who organizes that? Is that done at the state
Kris Tschetter (05:51):
It's done at the state level?
Douglas Maida (05:52):
Oh, okay.
Wonderful. Wonderful. Excellent.
Kris Tschetter (06:00):
Yeah, which I always look forward to getting
got 16 inches of snow in 24hours. So I got my full taste of
Douglas Maida (06:18):
And the full experience of winter.
Kris Tschetter (06:20):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (06:23):
Kris, looking back now it's been a few years
seem somewhat surreal?
Kris Tschetter (06:33):
I loved playing golf on tour. I actually played
tournaments on the LPGA in 2021.
Because I wanted to get readywith those young kids again, but
(06:59):
it was great it and I ended upthat tournament. So I felt like
it was it was worth it. But itThe last day that when I played
(07:25):
I played at Kingsmill, on thedrive on that hole. These people
had been out driving me by aboutAnd they're laughing at me and
kind of having fun with it. So
Douglas Maida (07:48):
Yeah, I guess you can say watching the tour over
the power game that's been inthe men's tour now for about a
Kris Tschetter (08:01):
Yeah, those those kids are GOOD, and they
Douglas Maida (08:06):
Yeah. How about you? How's your tee shots? Are
Kris Tschetter (08:14):
You know, no, not anywhere near and in the
trouble actually gripping theclub with my right hand anymore,
(08:34):
finger. So it's made it a littlemore difficult. You know what, I
can't play quite at the level Iwould like to. But other than
(08:57):
they're good now. So other thanthe hands, I feel pretty good.
Douglas Maida (09:02):
Wow. Was the hips kind of related to golf in a way
Kris Tschetter (09:09):
It was a little bit related to golf. I'm super
because I was so loose jointed,I was having a lot of movement
(09:31):
them replaced and now they feelgreat.
Douglas Maida (09:34):
Well, that's wonderful news.
Kris Tschetter (09:36):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (09:37):
When you play golf, do you still walk at all?
Kris Tschetter (09:40):
I do. I do. But I gotta tell you, I mean, I used
know, I'm gonna get someexercise walking the golf
everyone. I laughed at back inthe day. Well, it And you know,
(10:10):
you know, because my myligaments and my tendons don't
lot of my, my shoulders and myback and everything in place. So
(10:30):
getting a cart in golf is not anadvantage, I think is wrong, I
Douglas Maida (10:36):
Well, I bet especially as you're coming to
Kris Tschetter (10:40):
Yeah, on the last day, you know, four days in
were times where I played ontour, I played four or five
that. Now.
Douglas Maida (10:57):
Speaking of which, do you have any favorite
Kris Tschetter (11:02):
So many. I mean, like I said, I loved being
needed to get better because Iwanted to be out there. And I
(11:25):
to qualify and get my card. Myapp, my second attempt, and you
on tour, I think about thepeople that I met along the way,
(11:50):
tour that I still keep in touchwith. Families that I stayed
that I had stayed with like theson, I stayed with the son I
(12:15):
what I think about the most.
The one tournament really thatcomes to mind is the the first
a sweet memory for me because itwas part of a team, you know,
Douglas Maida (12:40):
Has it kind of surprised you that there ceased
Kris Tschetter (12:47):
Yes, because it was a great event. And everyone
really good crowd. So I keep I'mI'm hopeful that they'll bring
on both the PGA Tour and theLPGA tour that it's it's hard
Douglas Maida (13:14):
Yes, I did read somewhere, though, that the LPGA
again.
Kris Tschetter (13:26):
Yeah, I like it.
Now we just need to get the
Douglas Maida (13:35):
Yes, well, they're gonna do right. Yeah.
they're always talking abouthaving their friends or their
you know, see week in and weekout that are considered part of
Kris Tschetter (13:59):
Yeah, I mean, it's your neighborhood. Those
Douglas Maida (14:06):
So that's something that was quite common
Kris Tschetter (14:09):
Yeah, definitely. You know, you had
game. So I look back on that.
And though those were some ofbeat her and her wanting to beat
me just as much.
Douglas Maida (14:33):
Oh, that's a great way to keep it fun and
Kris Tschetter (14:36):
yeah.
Douglas Maida (14:38):
Did you have a favorite tournament? I mean, on
Kris Tschetter (14:45):
I really loved Toledo. But I loved it. I loved
with that family that just Ilooked forward to seeing them
Um, another tournament that Ithink about that really sticks
(15:09):
course. But again, I love thattournament because it was such a
a great golf course. I love thatgolf course it might be one of
Douglas Maida (15:27):
Oh, wow. Wow.
High praise indeed. Yeah. Toledo
Kris Tschetter (15:35):
It was, I don't think it was ever Kroger. It was
till the city of Toledo a lot ofdifferent businesses put money
Douglas Maida (15:54):
I see. I see.
Coming back to the Dinah Shorelooking back now at the history
of the Dinah Shore and what it'sfrom Mission Hills, and now
going to Houston with . . . your
Kris Tschetter (16:19):
No, I don't think it was because I think
really disappointed to move fromthat golf course. I'm sure
has some history that I hate tosee go.
Douglas Maida (16:40):
Would it be fair to saying that it was kind of
somewhere else.
Kris Tschetter (16:48):
Those two tournaments were -- I mean,
tournaments were sort of brothersister tournaments, you know,
finish first, second or third inthe tournament to get invited to
(17:19):
great memory that if she wasjust a neat, neat lady. so down
Douglas Maida (17:26):
Right. Yes. I remember seeing many a time her
hand.
Kris Tschetter (17:35):
Yeah, he loved her golf.
Douglas Maida (17:38):
Yeah. Yeah, it'll be interesting. This will be the
Kris Tschetter (17:45):
Well, they'll make some new traditions there,
Douglas Maida (17:47):
Yeah, yeah. Let me ask you about the LPGA.
that it is a far moreinternational flavor to the tour
Kris Tschetter (18:02):
Definitely. And, you know, I am appreciative that
a family and, and play asinternationally as they're
(18:29):
then if you wanted to play outof the country, you know, we
as a mother, I would have foundit really hard to have to go to
(18:52):
something on Twitter where theywere showing that -- Did you see
that they can drive to even,even there's a couple of
Douglas Maida (19:08):
Right. I think the only one that comes close is
the next event is in Portland.
And that's about I think is as
Kris Tschetter (19:21):
That's about it.
Yeah, it's crazy. That would bea little better now. I saw
players are a little better,
Douglas Maida (19:38):
I saw a tweet by Karen Stupples who mentioned
and drive to the events.
Kris Tschetter (19:47):
Yeah, I put something out. I like that
Douglas Maida (19:56):
was the Econoline setup so that you could have
Kris Tschetter (20:00):
Oh, yeah, it was it had everything I had all my
arrange the layout in my band.
Douglas Maida (20:15):
And this is in the days before such thing as
Kris Tschetter (20:19):
Yeah, exactly.
Had to listen to the radio.
Douglas Maida (20:24):
And hopefully you had a good station coming in.
Kris Tschetter (20:27):
Yeah. That was another thing there were
radio station, we'd find ourfavorite radio station in each
Douglas Maida (20:44):
If you were, say, Commissioner for a day, what are
get the idea.
Kris Tschetter (20:53):
Yeah, I you know, I mean, that's tough. I,
matter? No, it's It's not aneasy job. And I, I don't think
(21:25):
they're, they're doing prettywell.
Douglas Maida (21:27):
Okay, fair enough. Fair comment. We're
after golf. So we'll chat alittle bit about why you stopped
with you is about becoming anauthor. And then maybe a little
Kris Tschetter (21:54):
Okay.
Douglas Maida (21:55):
All right. So we're gonna take a little break
HONMA (21:59):
For players who don't want to sacrifice beauty Honma's
handcrafted on the coast ofJapan. Beres Aizu evokes a sense
(22:20):
With Beres Aizu in your bag, youwill experience the pure
Amy (Studio) (22:29):
Today's show is being recorded from our studio
us on the worldwide web at WWWdot world of golf.org. Or on our
(22:50):
proud to announce that we'retalking Golf has been recognized
downloading our show. With yoursupport. We have become a
special guest, Kris Tschetter.
Here is Douglas Maida.
Douglas Maida (23:14):
Oh, welcome back.
And thank you so much forplaying on the LPGA? What is it
about 15 years ago now? a little
Kris Tschetter (23:29):
2011 was my last was my 24th year on tour. And I
I accidentally got bit by ourcat. And I ended up with a bone
(23:53):
year, I was playing with adoctor. And he said to me, and I
for like three weeks. Andanyways, I was playing with this
goes, You could have lost yourhand. I went well, I'm glad I
(24:20):
in in 2019.
Douglas Maida (24:22):
Oh, wonderful.
Wonderful.
Kris Tschetter (24:24):
So I played I played one, two tournaments in
Douglas Maida (24:33):
Wow, wonderful.
Wonderful. So what ultimatelysaying, "You know what, it's
time" or?
Kris Tschetter (24:42):
Yeah, I mean, my kids were getting older. My
many tournaments so I wasn'treally having to miss
(25:04):
down and I just, I just wasn'tcompeting at the level that I
So, it just kind of got to thatplace where and my kids were
(25:26):
really thankful that I, I'mtelling you, I loved playing
you know, they gave me somethingto, you know, that I wanted to
(25:53):
in those events. You know, it'sjust a handful of events every
Douglas Maida (26:04):
So in the first few years after retirement, what
Kris Tschetter (26:08):
It was good. It was good. I was you know, doing
spending time doing that. Mykids were, you know, at the age
(26:31):
know, just, just kind of beingmom and being home and taking
Douglas Maida (26:37):
Did you -- if you were to say look back now at
Kris Tschetter (26:44):
I would have taken injuries like taking a
Douglas Maida (26:55):
And why is that?
Just because you felt like you
Kris Tschetter (26:57):
Yeah, I just think that I made injuries last
is difficult. And I keptthinking, oh, you know, I can
information I had. And lookingback, I just wish I would have
Douglas Maida (27:29):
Well, that makes sense.
Kris Tschetter (27:31):
Hindsight
Douglas Maida (27:33):
That's 20/20, isn't it?
Kris Tschetter (27:33):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (27:35):
Let me switch gears a little bit. Let's talk
is the part I'm fuzzy about. Wasit while you were attending TCU?
Kris Tschetter (27:54):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (27:55):
Okay. Why don't you tell us about that little
Kris Tschetter (28:05):
Really being in the right place at the right
that they shady oaks was sort ofdoing a membership push and they
(28:28):
The hard part was finding asponsor, you know, someone that
So anyways, we -- it's kind of afunny story. I was out hitting
TCU didn't have a practicefacility. And all of a sudden,
(28:56):
gun? And I'm like, No, I don'thave a gun. And she tells me
And so, you know, good SouthDakota girl, I go well here, get
probably wasn't the smartestthing. But, you know, got her to
(29:26):
just looked at me like what wereyou thinking, Kris? Like she
Dad that story.
And so when I told my dad thatstory, he's like, that's it.
that park anymore. So that'sthat was the tipping point that
(29:56):
to Mr. Hogan. If he wants totalk to you he will but you
every other man that walked byevery other member. And then I
just, I'm just going to bemyself. And so I, you know, I
(30:26):
hard I was working and how muchI loved the game. And he started
And, you know, I don't reallyremember exactly, but it got to
(30:47):
he was and I just wave at him,let him know I was there. And he
started getting his clubs on thecart and his shag bag, and he'd
come back. And, you know, thatwas just like what we did every
Douglas Maida (31:15):
I was gonna say, you know, anybody who knows
have loved to have done.
Kris Tschetter (31:26):
And most people would have been asking him
about golf? But I was askingquestions about my swing, my
(31:50):
him any, you know, I didn't wantI didn't care about his secret.
Douglas Maida (31:55):
Right.
Kris Tschetter (31:56):
You know, I didn't I didn't ask him. I, you
person. I really cared moreabout that, then then the
Douglas Maida (32:08):
Well, of course, I mean, that's, and so should
Kris Tschetter (32:11):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (32:12):
I just look back, you know, because it's so
Kris Tschetter (32:18):
And I hear stories now about how people
shot without saying something. Iwas constantly talking. And, you
think about that one? How'd thatlook? You know, what do you have
(32:47):
together. And it was banter, itwas back and forth. He had this
other.
There's a story in the bookwhere he -- I called him, I
(33:08):
tour, and I haven't played well.
And he's like, Well, what arelike, why you need to go out
there. And you need to do this,this is how we talk to each
other, right? And so we hang upCoca Cola at the bar. And and he
(33:32):
comes up and he goes, Did Ithe ordinary.
He goes, Well, Valerie didn'ttalk to me all week. And she
(33:55):
that I was mean to you. And shetried, she, she was trying to
crying in a corner or something.
And so I was like, no, no, it'scould you please? So I called
her and I was like Mrs. Hogan.
(34:23):
Well, I know that, you know, youknow how he can be but I was
Douglas Maida (34:31):
Well, perhaps that's the greatest compliment
the boys or
Kris Tschetter (34:39):
Yeah,
Douglas Maida (34:40):
you know, or one of the group.
Kris Tschetter (34:43):
There was another one where I said he
pressure. Without missing abeat, he's like, You give me
just be Like, Oh my god, they,you know, they just didn't know
Douglas Maida (35:10):
So you knew which table was his at Shady Oaks?
Kris Tschetter (35:12):
Oh, yeah, yeah, he had a table and a chair. And
because both those greens were,you know, like, right between
the thought that he might bewatching.
Douglas Maida (35:33):
What are your most memorable experience? In or
Kris Tschetter (35:41):
Well, gosh, I mean, we had a couple of dinners
his family, and, you know,having dinner, but I guess, when
(36:04):
to come out and watch me play?
And he'd say, Oh, of course, I'mAnd I, I knew that he would not
come out because he was justsomething from him. And so it
was really just banter. But, youthe US Open at Colonial. And so
(36:33):
you know, I would pick his brainback out to Shady Oaks and, you
know, he came out and watched mesecond or third from the last
(36:55):
group the last day. And again,started pushing because, you
know, nothing was happening andso I kind of shot myself out of
(37:18):
contention.
And I think after I made adouble bogey on maybe the 10th
him out of it, you know, like itwas hot. It was, you know, 95
(37:42):
and attention and, but he feltlike he needed to be out there
because I was having a roughday. He wanted to be there for
Douglas Maida (37:59):
Wow, wow. And Colonial to I mean, one of the
Kris Tschetter (38:04):
And, and then what was really funny, so I saw
Oh, my God, you know, and Iwent, and I gave him a hug,
(38:24):
kept his head down, would havekept walking, but not me. And he
hug and I walked to 17. And mydad was caddying for me and my
goes, That's Ben Hogan overthere. The guy's like, No, it's
(38:52):
wearing just like a, you know,like a suit/ coat hat. I don't
my dad goes. I'm telling you,that's Ben Hogan, the guy goes,
waited for me on 18th When Iwalked out of the scorer's tent,
(39:19):
pictures of it, which I'mthankful for. I've got a really
with him. So that was fun.
Then the caddy finally believedmy death but up until that
(39:46):
people that knew that you know,Mr. Hogan helped me with my golf
believe me. If I did, theylooked at me like I was lying,
(40:08):
was at the tournament, and youknow, it was like, the cat was
Douglas Maida (40:16):
Gee, at a US Open, you know, he's still I
Kris Tschetter (40:28):
It still bothered him (the fifth).
Douglas Maida (40:30):
I know, I read that I'm, I could see how it
would have to like, Well,
Kris Tschetter (40:39):
yeah, the medal looks exactly the same.
Douglas Maida (40:42):
You put in the time and effort you beat the
feel very surreal that you spenttime in knowing one of the
Kris Tschetter (41:00):
Yeah, it's crazy. I was so lucky. And he,
thankful that he let me see thatside of him that he didn't let
Douglas Maida (41:18):
Yeah. Yeah, let me touch on that for a bit.
least in his earlier part of hiscareer, you know, where he was
(41:39):
no, doesn't suffer fools gladlykind of thing. You know, and and
then you kind of got to see him-- the total opposite. What are
Kris Tschetter (41:56):
Well, I mean, I think that he was just very,
as his memory, became worse andworse, he became, you know, much
Douglas Maida (42:30):
Wow, wow, when you wrote the book, I'm trying
that a conscious decision onyour part? or just kinda like,
Kris Tschetter (42:46):
I never planned on writing a book, I somebody
people wanted me to write thebook, but I am not a writer. And
(43:12):
know, when something happensevery day, there's not a lot
what I did was I talked topeople that I knew at the time,
(43:35):
know, like, all these stories Ihad that I would tell to people,
So here's an example. There's astory in the book about where
you know, I'm bantering withthem. And Mr. Hogan's standing
(44:03):
on, and, and I put this story inthe book, it's one little
about how, you know, they wereplaying, and this is what
goes, I'm pretty sure that thatstory is about me. But that
(44:33):
would tell my dad stories are myroommate and we all you know,
And then I also found arecording of about a half an
(44:54):
just let the camera run when Mr.
Hogan came up. And there andrecording of funny things that
he said that I put in the book.
(45:17):
the book. They didn't allhappened like that one day, but
wish I would have written downmore because the book would have
Douglas Maida (45:40):
As we start to work towards the end of the
you about this part for hours.
Kris Tschetter (45:52):
As you could probably tell, I could talk
Douglas Maida (46:00):
Legends of the LPGA. It's a relatively new
Kris Tschetter (46:07):
Its been around, it's been around for about 20,
it a little bit more.
Douglas Maida (46:21):
I was gonna say in relative terms to the LPGA.
Kris Tschetter (46:24):
oh, yeah.
Douglas Maida (46:26):
But yes. Why don't you share a little bit
Kris Tschetter (46:35):
Well, it's, we're all thankful to have it
frustrating to play on theLegends Tour, because none of us
compete, like we're, you know,we should be at the top of our
(47:05):
nice to see everyone again. And,you know, it's it's definitely
sit back and relax and have fun.
And you know, just enjoy thetogether. So it's, it's great.
(47:25):
It's it. And I think people likeus, they still enjoy coming out
and watching us play.
Douglas Maida (47:41):
Are you practicing much? Or is it just
Kris Tschetter (47:45):
So in 20, in 2021, I was I was, you know, I
really, you know, wanted to playwell. And then this year, that
(48:11):
from golf. So I didn't practiceas much and my hands you know,
golf course, because I feel sortof torn. So you know, we'll see,
(48:36):
grind one more summer out of it.
Douglas Maida (48:39):
So it's been a few years since you played now
have you been up to? Youmentioned your children are
Kris Tschetter (48:54):
Yeah, I've got two there. The 19 -- Well, it's
old is not quite sure what shewants to do. So she's just
(49:17):
to figure it out, like likeeveryone else.
And then I opened "brainbalancing" office at the
type of brain balancing. It'scalled Ceraset. Anybody who
(49:49):
all over the country and I didit in 2019 to help my golf I was
I played in Toledo like a weekand a half after I did it. And I
(50:15):
five birdies in a week. And Imade five birdies in a row in an
would have had this 20 yearsago.
But anyways, this brainbalancing, I just love it. I
(50:43):
brain balancing isneurofeedback, which means
that we give you an opportunity,while we give your brain an
(51:06):
head, that we've applieddifferent musical tones to the
those tones as itself and yourbrain tries to rebalance and
(51:27):
I mean, when I did it in 2019 --A) it helped my golf game, but I
experienced in my life. I wastaking medicine to sleep. And
(51:54):
was life changing. And it can belife changing. For a lot of
people who have long COVID -- Imean, there's nothing out there
(52:18):
lives back. So it's I love it.
If you can't tell I love it. I
Douglas Maida (52:27):
Okay, and they can find that just by typing
Kris Tschetter (52:32):
Yep, yep, just cereset.com. And, you know,
golf on tour again. But this isa really close second, like I I
Douglas Maida (52:54):
Wow. Wonderful.
Wonderful. Well, Kris, we are atlike all of a sudden you look
back and say wow, that went byand, and
Kris Tschetter (53:15):
I and have enjoyed it.
Douglas Maida (53:17):
Aw, Thank you so much
Kris Tschetter (53:18):
Thank you for having me on.
Douglas Maida (53:19):
Our pleasure. Our pleasure. And hopefully we could
Kris Tschetter (53:23):
All right.
Douglas Maida (53:24):
Okay. All right, ladies and gentlemen, thank you
playing around or to do yourbest to keep that ball on the
Kris Tschetter (53:38):
Definitely.
Douglas Maida (53:40):
From all of us here at the world of golf, and
Amy (Studio) (53:48):
You have been listening to our podcast show.
January 18, 2023. If you havean idea for a future show,
subject line. This show is thecopyright of the World of Golf.
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