Sports Innerview With Ann Liguori

Ann sits down with the uber-talented Conor McKeon of the Irish Independent who asks, "How can anyone fly at such altitude and so dangerously low to the ground in the same 20- minute stretch? Never a full moment."

In this post-Masters edition of Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori, Ann looks back on Rory McIlroy’s dramatic repeat win, shares soundbites from his post-Masters press conference, and sits down with the uber-talented Conor McKeon of the Irish Independent who asks, "How can anyone fly at such altitude and so dangerously low to the ground in the same 20- minute stretch? Never a full moment."Plus, a look at LIV Golf and the growing speculation around its long-term funding.

In this edition of Sports Innerview, Ann broadcasts from the media building at Augusta National Golf Club, sharing highlights from the Honorary Starters’ press conference, soundbites from players early in Masters week, and explores the top storylines heading into The Masters, along with the timeless beauty of Augusta National, with veteran golf writer, historian, and golf course architect Geoff Shackelford.

In this edition of Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori, Ann dives deep into Rory McIlroy with Alan Shipnuck, author of Rory, exploring the journey of one of golf’s most compelling and scrutinized superstars. From his prodigious rise as a teenage phenom in Northern Ireland to becoming a global icon and multiple major champion, McIlroy’s story is layered with brilliance, pressure, resilience, and reinvention. Ann and Shipnuck unpack how Rory’s upbringing, early expectations, and natural gifts shaped both his meteoric ascent and the challenges he has faced on and off the course.

In this edition of Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori, Ann takes a deep dive with PGA Tour Champions stars Stephen Ames and Steve Flesch on why they love competing on the 50-and-over circuit, the lessons they wish they had learned earlier in their careers, whether Tiger Woods will ever tee it up on the Champions Tour, and the key issues shaping the game today.

Ann sits down with 4-time PGA Tour and 4-time PGA Tour Champions winner Steve Flesch, who has also spent time in the broadcast booth analyzing the game, for an engaging and insightful conversation. Having competed on the PGA Tour Champions for nearly a decade, Flesch shares what he loves most about the “traveling circus” atmosphere, the camaraderie among players, and the unique perspective seasoned pros bring to the game.Drawing on both his playing experience and his work as a television analyst, he discusses how seeing the game from the booth has deepened his understanding of strategy, performance, and player tendencies. Flesch explains what Champions Tour players know about the game that younger PGA Tour players may not yet fully grasp, reveals what might surprise fans most about life on their Tour, and offers thoughtful insight on the possibility of Tiger Woods one day joining the Champions Tour, and much more.

Ann talks golf and music with Pat Monahan, frontman for the band, Train, the Grammy-winning band known for hits, Drops of Jupiter, Soul Sister, Meet Virginia, to name a few. As Train gets ready to embark on their 'Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in The Atmosphere Tour,' Monahan shares his many emotions and stories about the game, what he brings from music to golf, and how his music and the golf world often connect. 

Edward Doyle, Director of Golf at Druids Glen Golf Resort, shares insight into two standout luxury golf experiences in Southeast Ireland — the established parkland elegance of Druids Glen and the highly anticipated new links course at Curracloe Links. Doyle discusses what distinguishes the Neville Hotel Group’s approach to hospitality, from championship-level conditioning and refined accommodations to a service culture centered on creating memorable guest experiences. He also previews Curracloe Links, scheduled to open in spring 2027, detailing the vision for an authentic seaside links that complements Druids Glen’s renowned inland test. With its debut aligning with the momentum leading into the 2027 Ryder Cup, Curracloe is poised to add another compelling destination to Ireland’s evolving golf landscape while offering travelers the opportunity to experience two contrasting yet complementary styles of Irish golf within one luxury portfolio.

Ann visits with Fraser Thomson, Director of Golf at Adare Manor, to discuss preparations for the 2027 Ryder Cup and the growing excitement throughout Ireland as the country readies to host one of golf’s most celebrated events. Thomson shares insight into the meticulous planning behind staging the matches, the championship conditioning of the Tom Fazio–designed course, and what makes Adare Manor such a distinctive and memorable venue in Southwest Ireland.

Marie Collins of Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg discusses how the team at this spectacular coastal property is preparing to host the Irish Open in September. Collins outlines enhancements to the links layout designed to challenge the world’s best players while preserving the course’s natural character, and she describes how the Village of Doonbeg is embracing the opportunity — with local businesses, accommodations, and residents preparing to welcome an international audience for this highly anticipated championship.

Ann visits two of Southwest Ireland’s premier links courses while previewing two significant amateur championships on the global golf calendar. At the Arnold Palmer–designed Tralee Golf Links, Ann speaks with Director of Golf David Power about the beauty, challenge, and legacy of the course, along with Tralee’s role in hosting the 2026 Palmer Cup. Ann also turns her attention to historic Lahinch Golf Club, where she catches up with Brendan Keogh of SWING Golf to discuss the rich heritage of the Old Course and the excitement surrounding the 2026 Walker Cup, one of amateur golf’s most prestigious team competitions.

Ann visits two of Southwest Ireland’s premier links courses while previewing two significant amateur championships on the global golf calendar. At the Arnold Palmer–designed Tralee Golf Links, Ann speaks with Director of Golf David Power about the beauty, challenge, and legacy of the course, along with Tralee’s role in hosting the 2026 Palmer Cup. Ann also turns her attention to historic Lahinch Golf Club, where she catches up with Brendan Keogh of SWING Golf to discuss the rich heritage of the Old Course and the excitement surrounding the 2026 Walker Cup, one of amateur golf’s most prestigious team competitions.

Ireland’s golf landscape is buzzing with momentum — from the Palmer Cup and Walker Cup to the Irish Open and an exciting wave of course openings leading into the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor. In this edition of Sports Innerview, Ann visits with leading voices shaping Ireland’s vibrant golf scene, offering previews of upcoming championships, evolving destinations, and new experiences awaiting traveling golfers. Featured guests include Brendon Keogh of SWING Southwest Ireland Golf alongside David Power, Head PGA Professional at Tralee Golf Club; Nicky Conlan, Managing Partner of Brittas Bay; Fraser Thomson, Director of Golf at Adare Manor; Marie Collins of Trump International Ireland Doonbeg; and Edward Doyle, Director of Golf at Druids Glen and Curracloe Links. Together, they share insight into tournament excitement, course development, and why Ireland continues to captivate golfers seeking championship links, rich tradition, and unforgettable hospitality.

Ann talks with 9-time PGA Tour Champions winner Stephen Ames, about what he likes most about playing on the 'over 50' circuit, on his unusual geographical journey in golf, growing up on the island of Trinidad & Tobago, his opinions on Tiger playing on the PGA Tour Champions, about all the money on the PGA Tour, and much more. 

Ann visits with Nicky Conlan, Managing Director of Brittas Bay, who, with his father, acquired the renowned The European Club, originally owned and designed by Pat Ruddy and located about an hour south of Dublin. Conlan shares updates on the property’s transformation into Brittas Bay under the direction of golf architect Kyle Phillips. He discusses his family’s roots in golf, the vision for a pay-and-play destination, plans to honor Ruddy’s legacy while making the course enjoyable for golfers of all abilities, and future development that may include on-site cottages.

Aaron Stewart, Senior Vice President of Sports & Event Marketing for Hilton Grand Vacations and Executive Director of the HGV Tournament of Champions, taking place at Lake Nona Co Club, the week of Jan. 26, talks about the exclusive, limited field of the LPGA Tour’s season-opening event, the depth of talent on the LPGA, the unique celebrity field that distinguishes the tournament, and the impact of Hilton Grand Vacations aligning its brand with women’s sports. He also shares personal reflections on his late father, golf legend Payne Stewart, and the enduring life and leadership lessons he learned from his Dad.

Ann showcases the wide range of recreational experiences at the historic Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, highlighting golf, outdoor pursuits, and the resort’s classic elegance. She is joined by Kalen Whitney, Golf Superintendent, and Lloyd Van Horn, General Manager, who offer insight into the Resort's rich history and many guest experiences.The episode also features Ann sharing a memorable conversation with golf legend Bernhard Langer, reflecting on his career, longevity in the game, and perspective on championship golf.

Step inside one of the most exclusive golf events of the year as Ann Liguori teams up with U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh for a powerhouse evening at the Ambassador's Residence in Dublin. This episode brings you front-row access to golf icons Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley as they deliver bold insights on The Irish Open's rising global profile, Ryder Cup leadership, rivalry, and legacy, and why Ireland is the soul of world golf.The program features comments by Ambassador Ed Walsh; Ireland Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Patrick O'Donovan; excerpts from Ann's conversations with golf greats Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley; and comments from Max Hamilton, Exe. Commercial Director, DP World Tour; Fraser Thomson, Dir. of Golf, Adare Manor; and Fiona Togher, GM, Carne Golf Club.

Ann plays highlights from the historic 'Golfing Ties between the U.S. and Ireland' reception/panel that took place Nov. 20, 2025 at the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Ed Walsh's Residence in Dublin, Ireland. The program features comments by Ireland Minister of Sport, Media & Culture, Patrick O'Donovan; Ann's conversations with golf greats Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley; and segments from additional guests: Max Hamilton, DP World Tour; Fraser Thomson, Adare Manor; and Fiona Togher, GM, Carne Golf Club.

Bernhard Langer, the most successful player on the PGA Tour Champions with 47 victories and 12 Major titles, talks about the unique format of the Skechers World Champion's Cup, the key to his longevity and drive through the decades he's been playing, and the strong competition amongst his peers on the Champions Tour.