Winning the Alabama State Amateur doesn't happen by accident.

Fresh off his victory at the Country Club of Birmingham, Ryley Heath joins The Cart Barn Podcast to discuss the journey that led to one of the biggest amateur titles in the state. But this conversation is about much more than one tournament.

Ryley reflects on growing up at Burning Tree Country Club, learning the game alongside his sister Ginger, and the players and mentors who helped shape him into one of Alabama's top amateurs. He explains why difficult golf courses helped his game, how practicing every day at Silver Lakes transformed his short game and mental toughness, and why Jacksonville State became the perfect place for his development.

The conversation also revisits the dramatic final round at the Country Club of Birmingham, including the birdie on the 72nd hole that secured the championship, what was going through his mind under pressure, and how that victory earned him a place in this year's U.S. Amateur Championship at Merion Golf Club.

Whether you're a competitive golfer, a junior player chasing bigger goals, or simply someone who appreciates the process behind success, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to build a championship mindset.

In this episode:

• Winning the Alabama State Amateur
• The pressure of the final hole
• Growing up at Burning Tree Country Club
• Why Silver Lakes made him a better golfer
• Jacksonville State's impact on his career
• Preparing for the U.S. Amateur at Merion
• The value of patience, resilience, and confidence
• What's next as he pursues professional golf

Every golfer has a story worth preserving.

Thanks for letting us help preserve yours.

Every golfer has a story they still remember.

A shot from thirty years ago. A round with their father. A tournament that changed everything. A playing partner who later became someone they never expected.

This week, Chris Lemley and Gregg DeWalt welcome Curt Thompson, creator of Dear Golf Journal, for a conversation about why golf memories stay with us long after the scorecard is forgotten.

From Future Masters memories and lifelong friendships to rounds with family and the shots that still come to mind decades later, Curt shares why preserving these stories may be one of the most meaningful parts of the game.

The conversation explores golf's unique ability to connect generations, create lasting relationships, and leave us with memories that become part of who we are.

Topics include:

• Why golfers remember shots from decades ago
• The stories hidden behind our favorite rounds
• Future Masters memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime
• Playing Dothan Country Club forty years apart
• Golf journaling and preserving family history
• Paul Tesori and the relationships golf creates
• Why golf remains a game we can enjoy for a lifetime

Whether you're a competitive player, a weekend golfer, or someone who simply loves the game, this episode will likely remind you of a few stories of your own.

This week on The Cart Barn Podcast, Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt continue their coverage from the practice range at the Regions Tradition with two guests who Alabama sports and entertainment fans will immediately recognize.

First, U.S. Senator and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville joins us to discuss golf in Washington, playing with fellow senators, the future of NIL and the transfer portal, his campaign for Governor of Alabama, and why golf remains one of the best ways to learn about people.

Then, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks stops by to talk music, golf, Shoal Creek, John Daly's songwriting, Alice Cooper's influence on his golf game, and life on the road.

Topics include:

• Tommy Tuberville on NIL and college athletics
• Golf in Washington, D.C.
• Playing with President Trump and fellow senators
• Running for Governor of Alabama
• Taylor Hicks on American Idol
• Shoal Creek and Alabama golf
• John Daly's music career
• Alice Cooper's golf influence
• Bucket-list golf destinations
• Behind-the-scenes at the Regions Tradition

The Cart Barn Podcast explores the people, stories, history, and culture that make golf special, with a focus on Alabama and beyond.