Grow the Grind

UNC sensation David Ford joins Grow the Grind from Olympia Fields on the HEELS of the Illini Invitational. This can't miss episode highlights David's development as he continues to chase his PGA aspirations as one of worlds top AM's.

LIV GOLF is in Chicago! On the heels of the first ever professional golf tournament at Bolingbrook Golf Course, Legion XIII team member Caleb Surratt took some time to sit down with Grow the Grind and talk journey. Lucy Wiertel makes he solo host debut in the 28th installment of GTG! ENJOY

Grow the Grind is back! Luke Clanton gives us an inside look at his sensational PGA debut (season). Lucy Wiertel joins to host alongside Alli and Jason Wiertel in this "once in a while" episode that highlights Clanton's wild ride in the amateur & professional golf world.

(Season 3: Episode 1) No better way for Grow the Grind to kick off Season 3, than with one of the hottest coaches in the golf world right now. Jeff Smith joined hosts Jason & Alli Wiertel after a redeye flight from The Players, and his schedule is packed with Ryder Cups, college All-Americans, lessons online and at the range, all while traveling around the country to manage a gold standard coaching stable of stars. In between his time with some of the PGA tours top players, he carved out a window to record this episode at his home teaching spot, Spring Creek Ranch- in Memphis, Tennessee.

(Season 2 Finale: Episode 19) Grow the Grind's last installment of Season 2 was recored live from the Cognizant Founders Cup. Shirley Spork is 94-year old golf legend who can still stripe it. One of 2 living LPGA founders who is responsible for the LPGA tour as we know it today. Shirley is a Hall of Famer, winner of the first national collegiate championship that was held in 1947, twice voted LPGA National Teacher of the Year, an Ellen Griffin Rolex Award winner and the Commissioner's Award recipient in (2000). 1 of the 13 founders of the LPGA!

(Season 2: Episode 18) The Commissioner of the LPGA, Mollie Marcoux Samaan and the tours Chief Tournament Business Officer, Ricki Lasky sat down with Grow the Grind to talk about the Behind the Scenes Grind of the LPGA. What a different experience this episode is, as its certainly strays away from the usual GTG script. Mollie and Ricki are without question 2 of the most powerful leaders in the LPGA. Both ultra competitive with a strong team behind them working to push the tour to bigger and better each and every day. They are changing the playing field in professional sports and it's obvious to see that the LPGA will continue to improve. So let's get right to it, sit back and enjoy Episode 18 of Grow the Grind, The Behind the Scenes Grind with Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan and Ricki Lasky.

(Season 2: Episode 17) Grow the Grind scored big on this one... a 2-for-1 special on LPGA stars. With 38 cuts made, 4 top-10 finishes on tour, a winner on the Symetra Tour, graduate from the University of Virginia where she was a WGCA All-American and an All-ACC player…. Elizabeth Szokol. Alongside Elizabeth, one of her best friends on tour and in life, winner of the 2019 LPGA Volunteers of America Classic in her rookie season, and the runner up in the 2020 Ladies Scottish Open, a 3-time WGCA All-American at the University of Alabama, 2017 SEC Player of the year, winner of the WGCA Freshman of the Year, and a two-time Texas state golf individual champion… Cheyenne Knight. Its been a long minute since Alli & Jason Wiertel recorded this POD with Cheyenne and Elizabeth... but this episode is worth the wait!

(Season 2: Episode 16) LPGA Star Annie Park joins Grow the Grind, live from the Cognizant Founders Cup at Mountain Ridge Country Club. Annie is the winner of the 2018 ShopRite Classic, a 2019 Solheim Cup member for team USA, winner of the 2013 NCAA individual championship while playing for USC, a 3-time Symetra Tour winner, and perhaps the nicest player on tour since 2016! Alli and Jason Wiertel sat down a few months ago with Annie during the Founders Cup pro-am. Her smile, laugh, and character shine throughout this episode, just like they do for her each and every day. Annie is a true pro who reached the top of the game with grit, persistence, and hard work. She has a seasoned perspective on the journey to become great, but she has never sacrificed herself along the way. It was obvious throughout this POD who Annie is as a person. She is more than a golfer on her grind to win on the LPGA tour. She is a light and an example for anyone aspiring to make it in the game of golf and in life.

(Season 2:Episode 15) Live from the Cognizant Founders Cup with Jensen Castle a 2-time winner of the Carolina 4-ball Championship, US Open qualifier, University of Kentucky Golf superstar, Curtis Cup team member, runner up in the 2019 Girls Junior PGA Championship, a 2-time member of the WGCA All-American Scholar Team, and the winner of the 2021 US Women's Amateur! Everything Evens Out is the mantra and the mindset throughout this episode. Jensen's even-keel approach is as authentic as it appears, and she is without doubt the real deal. The one thing hosts Alli & Jason Wiertel have learned while meeting some of the best golfers in the world is that no one has the exact same perspective. Each player has their way, and it works for them. It's like a natural slow learn, something they acquire through ups and downs. For Jensen, her mindset separates her as a player, and you are going to love listening to her story!

(Season 2: Episode 14) Live from the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup in West Caldwell New Jersey! Grow the Grind sits down with the star of the Netflix documentary, The Short Game. Cali born and breed out of Riverside California, the junior golf elite and USC bound freshman Amari Avery. Who was the winner of the 2019 California Women's Amateur Championship, an ANWA participant, a US Women's Open participant, a semifinalist in the U.S Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship, a U.S Kids Golf World Champion, and an LPGA star in the making. Joining Amari is her proud and hard working caddie! The man behind the scenes who also goes by the name dad, Andre Avery. Andre has been guiding Amari to the level she competes at today, but not without adversity and struggle. Their journey is one of persistence and dedication to the grind, and it has propelled Amari to the top of the field.

(Season 2: Episode 13) Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls…. Turn the volume up and get ready for this one as Grow the Grind welcomes a 2-time winner on the LPGA Tour with 67 cuts made and over 10 top-10 finishes, a member of 2 Solheim Cup teams for the USA, a Curtis Cup team member, a 2-time First-Team All-American at Mississippi State University, and host Alli Wiertel's favorite player on tour…. Ally Ewing. The talk with Ally kicks off a new series of podcasts from Mountain Ridge Country Club just outside of New York City. The private club and its members, played host to the Cognizent Founders Cup and Grow the Grind was there to cover the action. This episode is the first in a series of 7 podcasts recorded at the big LPGA event! ENJOY

(Season 2: Episode 12) The dynamic pairing from the FINAL match of the 2021 North and South Women's Amateur. Fresh off the speeches and the Awards Ceremony that took place in front of The Duece, the restaurant that overlooks the 18th green on Pinehurst No. 2, and with Putterboy trophies in hand…. Furman ACE, current Dins #1, and runner-up of this years event Anna Morgan… and the champion, hailing from Duke University, a future LPGA star in the making, and ultimate grinder… Gina Kim. This talk is the last installment from the North and South and hosts Alli & Jason Wiertel were getting a little sad thinking about how fast that time went in Pinehurst. But after listening to Gina and Anna it is safe to say Grow the Grind couldn't have wrapped things up in the land of Fox Squirrels any better. Gina & Anna are uniquely inspiring, and in such different ways. It's almost mind numbing when you listen to how they grew their skill set to such an elite level of performance in such vastly contrasting ways. Guess you will have to listen and figure that puzzle out on your own. Enjoy!!!

(Season 2: Episode 11) The 1st Annual Grow the Grind Barefoot Scramble Champs sat down with hosts Alli & Jason Wiertel. Addie Baggarly and Siarra Stout LIVE and in front of the main scoreboard adjacent to the 18th green on Pinehurst No 2. This memorable talk is a must listen as The Champs talked winning on The Cradle, mental health, practice and preparation, learning from other athletes, and playing the game the way it was meant to be played. The background noise in this episode is fun! You can almost hear the marker writing on the scoreboard as the final numbers went up after day 2 of the North and South Am. The noise of a bucket dragging along the floor of the scoreboard was the sign of a new number being filled in on the leaderboard, just before an epic 12 way playoff for the final spots of matchplay. You will hear the golf carts start beeping in reverse and walkie talkies blaring about the big playoff showdown around the 45 min mark of this POD. As the resort buzz peaked prior to the madness on hole number 1, the fans lined up to walk the fairway with the players to see who would hang tough in hopes of winning the famous Putterboy trophy.

(Season 2: Episode 10) It's was a Hail State kind of day as Grow the Grind sat down with 2 top DAWGS! The Mississippi State Maroon pride shines throughout this incredible POD. As 2020 Academic All-American, US Open qualifier, and the stroke play Medalist at this years North and South Amateur... Abbey Daniel, and her Bulldog teammate... the winner of the Inaugural Sea Island Women's Amateur and a 2019 WGCA Academic All-American... Hannah Levi... sat down with hosts Alli and Jason Wiertel to talk Vision 54, battling injury to make big gains, practice round tips, Coach Ewing and the culture at Mississippi State, even a little hunting talk out of Hannah. Episode 10 of Season 2!!!!

(Season 2: Episode 9) It's a beautiful day in Pinehurst..... ALWAYS!......Grow the Grind sat down with Pinehurst tournament director Matt Nunez and Pinehurst lead instructor and former PGA Tour professional Kelly Mitchum during DAY 1 of the 2021 Women's North and South Amateur. Perched in the far corner of the range at famed Pinehurst No. 2 overlooking the 18th green, hosts Jason and Alli Wiertel talk course setup, burnout, Pinehurst history, and so much more. Take this one in and get back to Pinehurst as soon as humanly possible!

(Season 2: Episode 8) A long overdue release with a special guest and some undeniably solid content. Grow the Grind hosts Alli and Jason Wiertel sat down with Illinois golfer Meg Furtney to talk Carolina golf just before the US Kids Golf World Championships of 2021. Who better to share NC intel and the secretes to success at Pinehurst than this Duke senior and All-American human being? Green reading, chipping from tight lies, bermuda fairways and greens, and all the elements that make Pinehurst golf unique are on the table during this chat. It's a beautiful day in Pinehurst, and the perfect day to listen to Grow the Grind! ENJOY

(Season 2: Episode 7) Grow the Grind is live from the Arnold Palmer Cup… GO Horns GO!!! The Texas Longhorns Men's Assistant Coach, a 3-time All-American, the Assistant Coach of the US team at this years Arnold Palmer Cup, and the 2020 Jan Strickland Outstanding Assistant Coach of the year… A true Longhorn Legend, Coach Jean-Paul Hebert. Hosts Jason & Alli Wiertel were fortunate to sit down with coach before the US took on the International team at Rich Harvest Farms on day 1 of the event. His depth and background is beyond understanding. Born in Houston, Coach JP was influenced by his Ryder Cup Captain Father, Jay Hebert who was also the 1960 PGA Champion and his Uncle Lionel who was the 1957 PGA Champion. Coach worked for Golf Channel and CBS during live PGA events, and has helped develop Longhorn stars such as Doug Ghim, Pierceson Coody, Scottie Sheffler, and more. This was Grow the Grind's final episode from the Arnold Palmer Cup, hope you enjoyed the series.

(Season 2: Episode 6) Hosts Jason and Alli Wiertel took advantage of some rain to record Episode 6 of Grow the Grind, live from the Arnold Palmer Cup. The special guests are two standout college golf shining stars, who will not disappoint. An Arkansas Razorback, 2021 First team All-SEC selection, Curtis Cup selection, Augusta National Women's Amateur participant, 2-time WGCA All-American Scholar, and a Golfweek All-American…. The Pig Sooie Belle and one of the sweetest people you will ever have the pleasure to talk to, Brooke Matthews! Joining Brooke on this POD is Mr. Natty. A Pepperdine stud fresh off a 2021 NCAA team National Championship, who carries a 70.8 scoring average with 30 rounds below par in just 2 season with the Waves, an AJGA All-American, California Boys State Champion, a 2-time US AM participant, WCC Player of the Year, Golfweek All American, who's not short on confidence or lag in his swing, the one and only Dylan Menante.

(Season 2: Episode 5) Short but packed with gold! Hosts Alli and Jason Wiertel sat down with two incredible coaching talents at The Arnold Palmer Cup. Coach Diana Cantu (Tennessee Lady Vols Head Coach) and Coach Mikkel Bjerch-Andresen (Baylor University Assistant Coach) share insights on recruiting, coaching the International squad, and more. If given the chance to watch Coach Mikkel and Coach Cantu work the greens, talk strategy, or interact in any way with their International players you would clearly see that they are special people and premium coaches. They displayed big time positive energy that was absolutely infectious throughout the event and during their time on Grow the Grind. There is zero doubt that Coach Mikkel will be leading his own program in the not so distant future, and that the Tennessee women's golf program will be on the rise under their new hire starting right now!

(Season 2: Episode 3) A pair of big time All-Americans, and Arnold Palmer Cup partners sat down with hosts Alli and Jason Wiertel in Episode 4 of Grow the Grind. The Duke Hoosier and southpaw Erica Shepherd & The Gig 'Em Aggie who is pure Texan Sam Bennett were literally lights out guests! Sam and Erica sat down for a quick POD after an Arnold Palmer Cup match and during a rain delay. Recorded in a media room at Rich Harvest Farms just before team USA took down the International team in the Ryder Cup style event. Episode 4 of Grow the Grind was one to remember, and Grow the Grind can't wait to catch up with Sam and Erica in a tournament down the road!

(Season 2: Episode 3) Grow the Grind hosts Alli & Jason Wiertel had the opportunity to sit down with Wake Forest women's HC Kim Lewellen just before she led team USA to a victory over the International squad at last weeks 25th Arnold Palmer Cup. The 2020 Women's Golf Coaches Association National Coach of the year, former All American at the University of North Carolina, 2-time North Carolina state girls junior champion, 4-time ACC Coach of the Year, 2011 National Coach of the Year as selected by the LPGA, and 5 year LPGA Tour player is golf podcast junkies dream come true. ENJOY!

(Season 2: Episode 2) The junior golf scene across the US has never shined brighter. With potential stars grinding on ranges and practice areas in every nook and putting green across the landscape, the talent continues to explode everywhere & anywhere. Warren, Ohio is no exception! If you are looking for The Crown Jewel of Warren look no further than Avalon's own Gianna Clemente. 13 year old G, is a 3-time World Champion who is surging throughout the AJGA, JGS, WGAR, and USGA ranks. Grow the Grind hosts, Alli & Jason Wiertel, sat down and discussed Gia's golf journey, event scheduling, tournament pathways, grinding with a purpose, and so much more with her DaddyCaddyCoach Patrick Clemente. Episode 2 is undeniably an absolute GEM!

(Season 2: Episode 1) Grow the Grind is BACK!!! It has been quite a year since the final episode of Season 1, and your hosts Alli & Jason Wiertel couldn't be more thrilled to tee it up with 2 of the nation's top collegiate golfers. In their first 2 seasons with the Tigers, Ivy Shepherd and Jacob Bridgemen have quickly carved their legacy into the Clemson University golf record books. With the NCAA Championships on the horizon and in the midst of their spring season, Ivy and Jacob offer a real perspective on their growth from junior golf to the ACC main stage. The future couldn't be brighter for these Tigers, and with their work ethic, passion for the grind, and desire to reach the next level its clear to see that their success is earned...not given.

(Season 1: Episode 6) The class of Valparaiso, Indiana joined hosts Jason and Alli Wiertel to talk family golf, the USGA Junior AM, their short game practice focus, and what its like to be recruited by monster D1 golf programs at the ripe age of 13! John, Kennedy, Aiden Gutierrez (and of course mom Sara), truly are a TOP "TIER" family. Their patient approach and even keel demeanor is an example for juniors, coaches, and all families across the golf landscape. Hit play on this podcast, sit back on a drive or during a spring cleaning session, and enjoy the perspective of a unit that is doing it the right way.... for the right reasons!

(Season 1: Episode 5) Justin Wyeth joined hosts Alli & Jason Wiertel at legendary Rich Harvest Farms (Sugar Grove, IL) to discuss his approach to coaching at all levels, competition in both the junior and collegiate ranks, and his secret to balancing the many roles he has taken on in the game of golf. Justin is the Head Coach of both Mens & Women's golf at Aurora University, the US Kids Golf Chicago Tour Director, Assistant GM at Blackberry Oaks, and a junior golf coach at the Chad Johansen Golf Academy. He brings a refreshing and energetic perspective, and his tireless pursuit in the golf world has made him a unique ambassador of the game.

(Season 1: Episode 4) Just off the campus of the University of Notre Dame sits Warren Golf Course, the home of the men's and women's Fighting Irish golf squads.  The course hosted the 2019 USGA Senior Open, and its also boasts the Robert and Marilyn Rolfs Family All-Season Varsity Golf Facility, a $2.1 million 10,333-square foot facility. Grow the Grind hosts Alli & Jason Wiertel had the unique privilege to tour the venue while taking in some Irish golf history before a memorable chat with Notre Dame freshman sensation, Lauren Beaudreau. The Benet Academy (Lisle, IL) graduate was an absolute delight. Episode 4 of Grow the Grind details Lauren's historic junior golf career, recruiting process, college work load, and outlines her career path through AJGA to a D1 full ride. Lauren's mature perspective, tireless work ethic, and ability to detail her own swing and practice process makes this episode an educational resource for golfers around the world. 

(Season 1: Episode 3) South African born PGA professional Warren Schutte joined Jason & Alli Wiertel to share his astounding golf journey and expert perspective on Episode 3 of Grow the Grind. The former UNLV Running Rebel was an NCAA Individual National Champion, Masters participant (with Mr. Palmer), and currently runs the Warren Schutte Players Academy in Litchfield Park, Arizona.  Joining Warren throughout the hour long segment, is his golf prodigy daughter Abbey. The 15-year-old phenom has built an impressive junior golf resume over the past few years, and continues to pave her own way in the sport that has brought so much the Schutte Family over the decades. Warren & Abbey are absolutely sensational on any golf course, but they shine even brighter as people off of it. Their welcoming message of patience, work ethic, and enjoying the GRIND is a lesson for all to hear. 

(Season 1: Episode 2) Big time stuff here as the Grow the Grind Podcast goes LIVE from US Kids Golf Headquarters! Hosts Alli & Jason Wiertel touch base with John Kim, US Kids Senior Director of Marketing and Communication to discuss his perspective on successful player/parent caddie relationships and much more. John's career in the golf industry stretches over 25 years, he has spent time in the war room with Ryder Cup Captains, hosted and announced the US Kids Golf World Championship Parade of Nations, and is avid and successful amateur golfer. John offers a uniquely unbiased perspective on the junior golf landscape, and is an absolute wealth of knowledge. 

(Season 1: Episode 1) The inaugural Grow the Grind podcast was recorded under the bubble at Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, IL. 11 year old Junior golfer Reese Wallace and her Daddy Caddie Nick joined Alli & Jason Wiertel to discuss the ROAD TO AUGUSTA NATIONAL, Golf Channels upcoming featured spotlight segment, World Championship events, practice dedication, tournament travels, and so much more. 

(Season 1: Synopsis) Hello golf world!!! Here is a brief rundown of what to expect from the Grow the Grind Podcast.  11 year old junior golfer Alli Wiertel and her Daddy Caddie, Jason Wiertel discuss the grind that is golf with guests from around the junior and professional golf scene. Grow the Grind offers insight and perspective from golf parents, elite junior golfers, collegiate athletes, PGA professionals. LPGA stars, and golf nuts who continue to work at, love, and improve their game day in and day out without burning out. Uncover the process that creates the greatest junior and professional golfers in the world, and Grow the Grind.