Welcome back to another episode of Tales Of The Tour, where your hosts, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Kyle and Lesley Morris, share behind-the-scenes stories and laughter from their life on tour as a professional golfer and caddy.
In today’s episode, TOTT 02, join us as we dive into the oft-overlooked financial grind that underpins the glitz and glamor of the PGA Tour. Kyle begins with a fascinating tale when he met the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus and his own investor, Larry. Casting light on the necessity of financial backing in golf, Kyle recounts how he raised a formidable sum, well over six figures annually, giving us an insider's perspective on the business side of swinging clubs.
It’s a journey of uprooting and relocation as Kyle moves to Arizona, becoming a part of the TBC Scottsdale scene. From the pressure-cooker environment where high stakes matched the competitive spirit, emerge stories of Kyle's ascent, which saw him wheeling in winnings and garnering autograph requests — a clear sign that he has made it big.
But it’s not just about the glory. Kyle's son, Adler, gets embroiled in a gambling fiasco, reflecting the shadow of betting within the sport. As the Morris couple vivaciously unpacks their tour adventures, the talk steers to the omnipresence of financial strife. Kyle's experiences during the market crash, conducting fundraisers, and the strain it puts on players reveal the fiscal tightrope they walk daily.
As caddy and partner, Lesley's role can't be overstated. We revisit a defining moment when Kyle's missed an 8-foot putt, the difference between making the cup and facing the dire financial consequences of the miss. The couple shares the practical realities — cheaper lodgings, frugal meals, cabin stays in Gatlinburg — painting a picture far from the opulent tour lifestyle one might imagine.
The dedication is palpable as Lesley leaves behind a budding career in culinary studies to support Kyle's dream. Their story begins with a chuckle, narrating their journey from starry-eyed newlyweds to seasoned road warriors, living out of their car and cramming life and luggage into a space meant for travel, not living.
Their lifeline comes in the guise of Larry Zonka, a family friend whose connections, including an instrumental one with Jack Nicklaus, provide the couple a launchpad. Kyle’s critical meeting with Jack unearths wisdom that transcends golf advice, touching upon consistency, predictability, and the value of intuition.
We're then swept into an amusing detour as Kyle deals with an identity mix-up, earning the moniker "Clueless Kyle." Mistaken identity reaches a humorous peak when he’s confused with an NHL legend, spawning a litany of mistaken autograph requests and perplexing fan encounters.
Light-hearted recollections of social snafus ensue, including a memorable swim attempt that left more than aspirations soaked at Lake Norman.
As the episode winds down, the Morris couple wraps up with a heartening camaraderie and familiarity that only years of shared touring can bring. With anecdotes that ensure grins and the occasional guffaw, they thank their audience for joining in and encourage them to spread the word of Tales Of The Tour.
Awaiting listeners in the next episode is a tease about "Stock Shot Secrets," promising more insider knowledge and stories from the fairway. But before they sign off, the sounds of the lake offer one last tale: a canine clash leaving Kyle too sore for golf, a barbecue that ties CrossFit into their travelling lore, and the hilarious challenge of navigating tournament etiquette — specifically, the legal conundrum of shielding golf clubs from the rain with an umbrella.
00:00 Newlyweds move west, discuss fundraising, marriage story.
04:38 Planned to stay, but had no job.
08:17 Visit to Jack's house influences stock shot.
10:11 Focus and commit to your goals completely.
13:01 Negotiating bet terms in a golf game.
18:56 Marriage couple thrives together, not apart.
20:54 Golf memories on the 18th hole.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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Copyright 2025 Kyle Morris