Podcasts about golf industry

You've taken lessons, watched hours of YouTube, and invested in the latest launch monitor - so why is your handicap barely moving? The golf industry has convinced you that the answer is always MORE: more technology, more stats, more swing thoughts. But according to JR Charles and Aron Schüler of ParOne, more is actually the problem. In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, guest host Rich Katz uncovers how AVA Golf is flipping the script by turning your existing data (from Garmin, Arccos, and beyond) into a personalized prescription of video drills from Top 100 instructors. No more guesswork. No more generic fixes. Just a clear, sequential path to mastery. Tune in to discover why focusing on everything means fixing nothing, and how the right direction can finally unlock the golfer you know you can be. Key takeaways in this episode with JR and Aron that you will discover: The "Supply Constraint" in Golf Lessons: With 30,000 instructors serving 5 million golfers taking lessons (and a post-COVID boom), demand far exceeds supply. AVA Golf bridges this gap by scaling instructor-led advice via AI-driven video playlists, not replacing the pro, but making their expertise accessible 24/7. Your Game Becomes a Personalized Video Playlist: AVA Golf ingests data from your existing devices (like Arccos and Garmin launch monitors) and analyzes root causes. Instead of generic YouTube fixes, it serves a unique, sequential playlist of videos addressing your specific faults (e.g., fixing alignment vs. swing path for a slice). It Actually Works (Proof from the Engineer): Aron Schuler, the developer, is also the guinea pig. He dropped his handicap from a 28 to an 18 simply by using the platform he was building. This validates that removing the guesswork leads to tangible, measurable improvement. Three Quotable Moments from this episode: JR Charles on the problem with modern data: "I work in the golf industry and I work in game improvement. I don't know what half of these stats are. I have to Google them!" Aron Schuler on the mission of AVA Golf: "Most tools give you more data, but at AVA Golf, we're trying to give you direction. Ultimately, your game needs direction." JR Charles on focusing your practice: "Focus on the right things and not everything. If you focus on every single thing, you're just going to have a hodgepodge of a swing where you can barely hit the ball sometimes." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out the AVA Golf demo with JR on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Colin Weston hands the mic to guest host Rich Katz. 01:42 – Meet the Guests: Introducing JR Charles (CTO/CRO of ParOne) and Aron Schuler. 03:28 – The ParOne Thesis: Owning the video distribution path in golf (clients include LIV Golf & Golf.com). 05:40 – Why Aron Joined: From building "R10 Progress" to the vision of "Golf Intelligence." 07:49 – The Big Problem: Why more data leads to frustration, YouTube rabbit holes, and constrained PGA instruction supply. 09:57 – How AVA.Golf Works: Connecting your Arccos & Garmin accounts to get a personalized video playlist. 10:36 – The User Walkthrough: "Sign up, connect your providers, start receiving prescriptions." 11:29 – The Meaning of "AVA": Named after JR's niece (and the acronym: AI Video Advisor). 13:18 – Real Results: Aron's journey from a 28 to an 18 handicap using his own software. 14:23 – The Global Team: Engineers in Dallas, design in London, Top 100 instructors in Florida/Arizona. 15:38 – Case Studies: How ParOne helped LIV Golf with media distribution and Golf.com with scale. 18:44 – The Future of Golf: Why "playing golf" now means simulators, Topgolf, and the course. 23:17 – Making Golf Simple: Moving from "more data" to a "Purposeful, Intuitive, Practical (PIP)" system. 26:34 – Final Advice: Aron (Get Direction) & JR (Focus on the right things, not everything). 30:09 – Wrap Up: Colin Weston thanks Rich Katz and tells listeners how to join the ModGolf community.

What if the reason you aren't enjoying golf has nothing to do with your swing? The governing bodies tell us participation is up, yet nearly 4 million golfers quit annually in the U.S. alone, and half of all on-course players don't even call themselves "golfers" because they don't feel "good enough." In this powerful episode, host Colin Weston sits down with Kris Lynch - a former finance professional turned golf mindset coach - who argues that golf is broken by a performance-obsessed culture. If you have ever felt like a "hacker" who doesn't belong, Kris has a radical prescription: forget your handicap, join the "Happy Hackers," and discover why belonging is more powerful than performance. Key takeaways in this episode with Kris that you will discover: The "Fitting In" vs "Belonging" Trap Kris explains the difference between conforming to outdated golf etiquette (fitting in) and actually being accepted for your authentic self (belonging). You'll learn why most mental health initiatives for men fail and how golf can actually be the solution. The $150 Solution Kris highlights how a new wave of "proprietor-owned" clubs (like Parc Golf Club and Pottergate) are thriving by ditching committees, welcoming non-golfers for Sunday lunch, and offering low-cost memberships - proving that the future of golf is agility, not red tape. Why You Should Be a "Happy Hacker Discover the psychology behind reclaiming the insult "hacker." Kris details how his free WhatsApp community and mindset coaching helps golfers separate their self-worth from their scorecard, using the game as a tool for resilience rather than a report card. Three Quotable Moments from Kris: On the industry's blind spot: "Golf does not have a participation problem. It has an experience problem." On the pressure to perform: "Golf has defined success too narrowly. We are average, everyday golfers, and we need to be at peace with that. We need a philosophy of happiness first, handicap later." On the power of community over instruction: "Culture shapes experience more than instruction does. We lead with a technical-first mindset rather than a people-centric approach. Golf talks to itself, and we forget that not everyone speaks that language." Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: The big connector of golf 04:30 – Kris's origin story: From hacking in Scotland to burnout in London finance 09:00 – The "Aha" moment: Leaving corporate HR to launch Golf Yourself Healthy 12:30 – The Experience Problem: Why 4 million golfers quit every year 17:00 – Culture vs. Instruction: The "belonging" principle and Brene Brown's influence 24:00 – Success Stories: How nine-hole courses and inclusive short-game areas are saving the game 30:00 – What is a "Happy Hacker"? Building a community for average golfers 38:00 – Mental health in golf: Meeting men where they are (statistics on suicide prevention and connection) 44:00 – How to join the movement and connect with Kris

This week, Hal and Mark are joined by Golf Industry veteran Nick Raffaele. Nick shares stories from his time working with players through the Hogan Company, Callaway and more

He walked away from a $750,000 golf apparel order, cried on his living room floor, and told his wife their dream was dead. Then he built a $12 million business from scratch - without knowing how to brew a single beer. Geoff Tait has one of the wildest entrepreneurial stories in golf. He started a funky golf clothing brand before Travis Matthew, Puma and Nike caught on, landed a deal with Arnold Palmer himself, and drank Kettle One with The King and Jack Nicklaus on a balcony at Augusta. Then it all fell apart. Business partner battles. Lost control. Humiliation. But here's the twist: Geoff didn't go work for someone else. He went back to teaching as a marketing professor as he built the business plan for Triple Bogey Brewing Company. No brewing experience. No investors. Just a fun name and a relentless commitment to slow, organic growth. This is a conversation about the real cost of entrepreneurship, the loneliness and exhilaration of building something from nothing, and why "better hit another" isn't just a Triple Bogey Brewing slogan - it's a life philosophy. Key takeaways in this episode with Geoff that you will discover: Losing control of your company is a nightmare - but losing your values is worse Geoff learned the hard way that scaling too fast with the wrong partners can cost you everything. Now he grows organically, keeps full control, and says "the best investor is your customer." You don't need to be an expert. You need to surround yourself with the right people Geoff couldn't sew a button or brew a lager. But he knew how to spot talent, build trust, and let experts execute. His superpower isn't technical skill - it's knowing who to bring into the room. The golf industry rewards loyalty, not flash While big brands fight for shelf space, Geoff built Triple Bogey one golf course at a time - by showing up, delivering great customer service, and making a product people actually want to drink on a hot day. Slow, steady, and authentic won the race. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Geoff on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Three Memorable Quotes from Geoff: "I walked out of my office with a $750,000 JCPenney order on my desk that we didn't deliver. I went home and cried on the floor and had to tell my wife what happened." "If I'm going to do this, this time it's with slow growth. For the first eight years, I was putting my own money back in. I didn't want to take on partners. I wanted to keep this thing in my complete control." "It's a lonely world being an entrepreneur. There are sleepless nights where you're waking up trying to figure out how you're going to tackle the next step. But that's the fun of it. Even if you get pits in your stomach, you just gotta keep going."

What happens when a hospitality professional stumbles into golf and ends up leading the charge for the sport's evolution across an entire continent? In this episode, host Colin Weston sits down with his "golf friend," Renate Roeleveld, CEO of the Golf Course Association of Europe (GCAE). Renate brings an infectious energy and a unique perspective on how Europe is redefining golf - from battling climate change with robotic mowers to creating "Fabulous Fridays" to get more women on the course. Colin and Renate take a deep dive into the industry's hottest topics: moving beyond the traditional 18-hole mindset, using tech to solve labour shortages, and why listening is the most powerful tool for inclusion. If you've ever wondered how golf can survive and thrive by embracing change, this conversation is your playbook. Key takeaways in this episode with Renate that you will discover: The "Short Format" Revolution: Why golf courses need to stop defining golfers by 18 holes and start embracing par-3 courses and simulators to attract busy families and multi-sport athletes. Hospitality is the New Currency: Renate explains how her background in hotel management taught her that golf is a perishable "experience" business, and why women are naturally positioned to lead in this space. Data-Driven Sustainability: From robotic mowing to pesticide-free maintenance, European courses are being forced by regulation (and high energy prices) to innovate. Learn how greenskeepers are turning into data analysts to keep courses playable, sustainable and profitable. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Renate on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Three Memorable Quotes from Renate: On changing the game for women: "Women and men are equal, but we are not the same. When you realize the differences in how we experience golf, you can work your way around the small hurdles - and then it's actually quite easy." On the value of golf real estate: "As Jay of the NGCOA nicely put it: the dirt is worth more than the business. We have to do a better job showing what golf facilities offer to the community and the environment." On resilience: "There are highs and lows when running. If you just keep going, focusing on what you're doing and putting your best foot forward, you will make it to whatever finish line there is." Renate Roeleveld's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/renate-roeleveld Links & Resources Mentioned: The GCAE Golf Course Assocation of Europe on Instagram: @gcae_golf LinkedIn: Renate Roeleveld The Golf Course Association of Europe: https://www.gcae.eu/ The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast Episode Chapters: 00:00 – 05:00: Welcome & "Golf Orphans" – Renate's accidental start in the Netherlands 05:00 – 10:00: What is the GCAE? A look at Europe's diverse golf landscape (Nordics vs. South) 10:00 – 20:00: Inclusion in Action – The origin of "Fab Friday" and the Women's Golf Project 20:00 – 28:00: Career Paths & Hospitality – Why golf needs more women in leadership 28:00 – 35:00: Tech & Sustainability – The rise of robotic mowers, data-driven greenskeeping, and the "Nature Pyramid" 35:00 – 40:00: The Future of Formats – why short courses are winning and Renate's amazing New York Marathon story (running the last 10km on a broken leg!) 40:00 – End: Final advice on talking with communities, not about them Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.Special Guest: Renate Roeleveld - CEO of The Golf Course Association of Europe.

What happens when a lifelong hockey player with a degree in industrial design walks into a pizza parlor? You get one of the most innovative golf bags to ever sit on a power cart. In this episode, host Colin Weston sits down with Greg Collins, founder of GRIT Inc., whose entrepreneurial journey took him from designing running shoes at Cooper Canada to creating the revolutionary GRIT 2.0 Tower golf bag. Greg shares how a chance meeting at a Bolton Ontario pizza joint led to a 15-year hockey bag empire, how COVID-19 forced a pivot into golf, and why he believes the best designs come from looking outside your industry. If you're tired of your clubs twisting sideways on the cart by hole #2, this conversation is for you! Key takeaways in this episode with Greg that you will discover: Form flows from the power cart, not tradition Most golf bags are round because "that's how it's always been." Greg flipped the script by analyzing the rectangular box of a power cart, creating a square bag that doesn't rotate. Key takeaway: Sometimes the best innovation is simply solving the obvious problem everyone else ignores. Watering down your design is the enemy of innovation Greg spent 20 years as a freelance designer watching his concepts get diluted by sales teams. Starting GRIT allowed him to be "design-driven" rather than "sales-driven." Key takeaway: If you want to truly change a category, you need control over the creative process—even if it means manufacturing it yourself. Look sideways, not just forward The secret to the GRIT Tower bag isn't found in another golf catalog; it's found in hockey bags, military backpacks, camping gear, and automotive paint jobs (racing stripes!). Key takeaway: True differentiation happens when you steal (respectfully) from industries completely unrelated to your own. Three Quotable Moments from Greg: On the power of capital to fuel a startup: "What it did was it gave me capital to dream. If you give an entrepreneur working capital and support, it's amazing what he can do." The advantage of being a golf industry outsider: "Golf bags all look very similar. You look at them go, 'Oh my God, they're all the same.' We had an advantage over every other golf company because our hands weren't tied. We could be creative. We had nothing to lose." On trusting your own taste as a compass: "I think that if I like it and if it turns me on, other people are going to want to buy it. They're going to recognize the same feelings that I have. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but I'm just really excited about golf. The golf world is a new canvas for us and we want to really rock the golf course." and one from Colin's Architecture school professor regarding innovation and design inspiration... "The good ones borrow, but the great ones steal."

Have you ever bought a product online and have it break in a day? Our guest bought a rangefinder on Amazon only to have the eyepiece pop off on the first hole! That moment of frustration on a San Francisco golf course didn't just ruin a round for two friends - it sparked a movement. In this episode, host Colin Weston sits down with Drew Koehler, co-founder of Blue Tees Golf, to unpack how a group of young professionals with zero golf industry experience but a ton of business acumen decided to disrupt the golf tech space. From liquidating their bank accounts to buying a company just to get the perfect name, Drew shares the wild, unfiltered journey of building one of golf's coolest and fastest-growing brands. If you've ever dreamed of turning a side-hustle into a full-blown business, or just want to know what's next in golf tech, this is a masterclass you don't want to miss. Key takeaways in this episode with Drew that you will discover: Build Your Team Like a Stool, Not a Table Drew shares why the founding team at Blue Tees was intentionally diverse - sales, finance, industrial design, and marketing. He reveals why going into business with people who have the exact same skillset is a recipe for disaster and how complementary strengths are the true engine of growth. Design Matters from the Box to the Course Learn how Blue Tees borrowed a page from Apple's playbook to create a premium "unboxing" experience. Drew explains that the customer journey starts long before the product is turned on, and how tactile feedback, packaging, and high-quality materials are critical to building trust and brand loyalty. The Future is a Connected Ecosystem Drew lifts the curtain on the company's "Scout AI" and the new Rainmaker launch monitor. He explains how Blue Tees is moving beyond standalone gadgets to create a seamless, connected ecosystem where your launch monitor data automatically updates your rangefinder's club recommendations - keeping your phone in your bag and your focus on the game. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Drew on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Three Quotable Moments from Drew: On taking the leap: "I was like, 'This is ridiculous. You should go do this yourself. Put your money where your mouth is and actually stand behind the advice you're giving.' So that was my AHA moment. I loved my job. It was safe. But let's go take that leap of faith." On product design philosophy: "When you open up an Apple product before you even touch the phone, the box is the first thing you touch. Everything is already priming you to have an incredible experience. That design component was a pillar for us." On the origin of the name: "When we heard 'Blue Tees Golf,' it was a light bulb moment. We were like, 'Our brand and our products are going to give you the confidence to take that step back and go play from the blue tees.' It became our mantra." Drew Koehler's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/drew-koehler Links & Resources Mentioned: Blues Tees Golf Instagram: @levelwear LinkedIn: Drew Koehler Blue Tees Golf website: https://blueteesgolf.com/ The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to the show and The PGA Show converstation that led to this episode 01:30 - The Power of Invitation: Drew's First Golf Memory 04:25 - From Political Science to Gartner: A Non-Traditional Path 06:50 - The Origin Story: A Broken Rangefinder and a Frustrating Round 09:30 - The "Blissfully Ignorant" Idea: Assembling the Dream Team 12:10 - From Concept to Creation: The Battle for a Name (and buying the company) 14:15 - Liquidating Bank Accounts and The 3 Pillars of Blue Tees 16:15 - The Apple Influence: Obsessing Over the Customer Experience 20:30 - Brand Culture: The Travis Mathew & Southern California Vibe 25:30 - Defining Features: How They Decide What to Build (And What to Leave Out) 28:45 - The Player Plus GPS Speaker: Innovation Born from Selfishness 30:05 - Introducing the Rainmaker Launch Monitor: A Screen Changes Everything 33:55 - The Connected Ecosystem: How Hardware and Software Work Together 35:50 - Frictionless Experience: Keeping the Phone in the Bag 39:55 - The Next Frontier: Scout AI and Democratizing the Caddy Experience 43:15 - Closing thoughts and where to find the extended conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.Special Guest: Drew Koehler, Co-Founder / Chief Revenue Officer at Blue Tees Golf.

"We know who we are. We know who we're not. Rather than focusing on the athlete, as a sports apparel brand, we chose to celebrate all the people around them. It takes a village for anyone to succeed, whether you're a business, whether you're an athlete, whether you're a team. It takes everyone around you—the coaches, the parents, the trainers, the caddies. We need to credit all of those people. And that's the people we want to celebrate."... Hyman Ngo, Levelwear Co-Founder and SVP of Product/Marketing Welcome to Season 19 of The ModGolf Podcast! We are thrilled to kick off the new season with Hyman Ngo, Co-Founder and SVP of Product and Marketing at the premium athletic wear brand, Levelwear. In this episode, Hyman takes us on a fascinating journey that began not as a startup, but as an acquisition. He shares the story of how his family transitioned from being a contract manufacturer to building the branded powerhouse that now outfits 85 of the top 100 golf clubs in the U.S and Canada. We dive deep into Levelwear's unique brand ethos, exploring their powerful "Who's With You" manifesto and how it manifests in the real world through their innovative "Caddy Lounge" activation at PGA and LPGA events. Hyman also discusses the delicate balance of sustainability, the art of staying fresh in a crowded market, and how licensing deals with major leagues like the NHL and MLB help build brand legitimacy. Whether you're a golfer, an entrepreneur, or a fan of smart business strategy, this conversation is packed with insights on building a brand that lasts. Key Takeaways You Will Discover: The Power of Authentic Brand Building: Learn how Levelwear transitioned from a behind-the-scenes manufacturer to a coveted brand by focusing on relationships and leveraging early success in top-tier U.S. clubs (like Pebble Beach) to build credibility back home and beyond. Celebrating the "Who's With You": Discover the philosophy behind Levelwear's manifesto and how it led to the creation of the "Caddy Lounge." This marketing activation focuses on serving the unsung heroes of the game, proving that authentic engagement with a community can be more powerful than traditional consumer-facing advertising. Balancing Sustainability with Performance: Hyman shares the brand's commitment to "buy less, but buy better," discussing the challenges of creating durable, high-performance apparel using sustainable materials while navigating the inherent contradiction of a consumption-based business model. Three Quotable Moments from Hyman: On the mentality of golf: "It's one of those sports where it's not about how much you want it. The more you want it, the harder you try, the worse you seem to do. It's such a good metaphor in life." On the Levelwear brand ethos: "We're choosing to celebrate all the people around the athlete as it takes a village for anyone to succeed. And that's the people we want to celebrate." On their design philosophy: "The one thing about brands is you don't want to get stale. We let the designers have a bit of fun. We'll let them do some things that maybe you would never see a golf brand do. And that's part of our appeal." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Hyman on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Hyman Ngo's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/hyman-ngo Links & Resources Mentioned: Levelwear Instagram: @levelwear LinkedIn: Hyman Ngo Levelwear: www.levelwear.com The ModGolf Podcast: www.modgolf.com Episode Chapters: 00:00: Welcome to Season 19 and Introducing Hyman Ngo 01:09: The Icebreaker: Hyman's first golf experience and the "metaphor of life." 04:09: Colin's personal review of wearing Levelwear on the course. 05:29: From Manufacturer to Brand: The 2004 acquisition of Levelwear. 09:00: The Early Days: What the product line looked like 20 years ago and the initial struggle to grow. 12:58: Breaking into the U.S. Market: How Pebble Beach validated the brand for Canadian customers. 14:55: Standing Out in a Crowd: Levelwear's differentiators in a market with 400+ soft goods exhibitors. 22:31: The "Who's With You" Manifesto: The "why" behind the brand. 24:41: The Caddy Lounge: Honoring the unsung heroes of golf and building credibility from the ground up. 26:02: Sustainability Initiatives: Seaweed materials, durability, and the "buy less, buy better" philosophy. 35:04: The Power of Partnerships: How licensing with MLB, NHL, NBA, and the PGA Tour builds legitimacy. 36:05: Peeking Behind the Design Curtain: How the team finds inspiration in streetwear and action sports to stay fresh. 40:13: Where to find Levelwear & Final Thoughts. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! British Columbia Golf strives to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to increase participation in the sport with programs such as the Cloud Series. British Columbia Golf is the Provincial Sport Organization for golf as recognized by the Government of British Columbia and ViaSport. Golf Canada recognizes the association as the governing body within the province. British Columbia Golf provides programs benefitting golfers and the golf industry in the province. Check out their website https://britishcolumbiagolf.org/Special Guest: Hyman Ngo, Levelwear Co-Founder and SVP of Product/Marketing.

That's a wrap for Season 18 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 19, which launches in March 2026. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how innovation, inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf. If you didn't get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 18 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry's top influencers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Hopefully this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them! Our Season 18 guests were: Episode 1 David Buck CEO at Big Swing Kings In this high-energy season 18 premiere, host Colin Weston sits down with David Buck, the charismatic and hilarious founder of Big Swing Kings. David is on a mission to inject more joy and simplicity into the game of golf, moving away from over-complicated instruction and back to the fundamental truths of what makes a ball go straight. A former professional golfer who “won't see his name on any trophies,” David discovered his unique teaching style by accident when a video of him roasting (then instructing) a golfer's swing went viral. He breaks down why the quest for “consistency” is often misguided, why impact is the only position that truly matters, and how he's even learning to play left-handed to better understand the learning process for his students. Click to listen >> Combining Golf Entertainment and Education To Improve Your Golf Game Episode 2 Kelly Gold Founder of Teefox.golf "Wouldn't it be cool if you could send your user a notification saying, 'hey, a tee time just opened up at that course you play all the time'? That's what we have built." Kelly Gold, Founder at TeeFox.Golf joins us to share how they remove the frustrations around trying to book a tee time while solving the $12.3 billion problem plaguing golf courses. Click to listen >> Sniffing Out The Best Tee Times Episode 3 Todd Keirstead - Golf Entertainer and Skin Cancer Survivor "If I let the scars be a conversation piece, then hopefully they raise awareness and motivate people to take personal action". Todd Keirstead - Motivational Speaker | Skin Cancer Survivor | Celebrity Golf Entertainer | CEO & Founder of ParaGolf Canada joins us to share his personal journey with skin cancer and how the healing process shapes his world view. Click to listen >> Finding Purpose on The Practice Tee Episode 4 Tom Coyne - Best Selling Author and Founder of Coyne Golf "I don't think people want to read books about going out and doing safe, normal things. So this idea of doing unreasonable things led me into the way I approached Ireland. The crazy idea was, I'll play Ireland as one giant golf course and I'll do it all on foot." Tom Coyne, best selling author and founder of Coyne Golf joins us to share some compelling human interest stories, his quirky travelogue, and a deep exploration of obsession with golf as the backdrop. Click to listen >> A Course Called Coyne Episode 5 Matt Erley - CEO of Old Tom Capital Are you wondering where the real disruption in golf is happening beyond the headlines? Discover why "more people watch golf on YouTube than all linear television golf combined," and where the smartest money is betting on the game's future. Matt Erley, CEO of Old Tom Capital, explains the gaps they are filling and why he believes, "Golf is experiencing incredible growth and innovation and will continue to do so." Click to listen >> Fuelling Golf's Next Big Ideas Episode 6 Alex Prasad - CEO of V1 Sports "Golfers and instructors can tell you their pain points and aspirations, but what they can't tell you is the solution. It's not their job. That's ours." Alex Prasad, the CEO of V1 Sports shares the company journey from its origins in pioneering video analysis to its current position as an innovator leveraging AI and ground force sensors. Click to listen >> Creating a Unique Lesson Path For Every Golfer Episode 7 Jonathan Sessa - Founder of The Warrior Golf Academy What happens when you hit rock bottom and a higher power refuses to let you go? For US Army veteran Jonathan Sessa, the answer was found not in a hospital or a therapy session, but on a golf course. In this profound and powerful episode, host Colin Weston sits down with Jonathan to explore how he transformed his deepest despair into a mission of hope and healing for others through The Warrior Golf Academy. Click to listen >> How Golf is Healing Heroes Episode 8 Matt Fisher - Creator of The Mr. Short Game YouTube Channel YouTube golf content creator Matt Fisher and host Colin Weston dissect the record-breaking success of the Internet Invitational and its over 23 million views. He explains how its raw, personality-driven format is a blueprint for the future, offering a masterclass in what modern golf fans truly want from their entertainment. Click to listen >> How The Internet Invitational Sparked a Golf Media Revolution Episode 9 Chris Kallmeyer - CEO at Golf Genius Does your business struggle to balance culture with growth? Golf Genius CEO Chris Kallmeyer joins us to offer a masterclass in sustainable growth thats reveals how strategic business innovation, a fanatical focus on customer experience, and disciplined acquisitions fuelled their rise to a global powerhouse in the golf industry. Click to listen >> Scaling Success: How Golf Genius Grew Into a Global Powerhouse Episode 10 Devon Fox - Senior Director of Digital Programs with The PGA Tour What if the key to innovating the PGA Tour fan experience was someone who'd never picked up a club? Meet Devon Fox, the Tour's Senior Director of Digital Programs, who reveals how asking the "weird" questions led to breakthroughs like the Fan Council and the tech behind the stunning Apple Vision Pro app. Dive into a conversation that goes beyond golf to explore the future of sports engagement, technology strategy, and creating genuine inclusion from the inside out. Click to listen >> A Non-Golfer's Strategy For PGA Tour Digital Innovation Episode 11 Phillis Meti - World Long Drive Champion What does it truly mean to win at the highest level? For World #3 Long Drive competitor Phillis Meti, victory is measured not just by the bombs she hits past 380 yards, but by the pathways she builds for those who follow. In this powerful episode, we go beyond the grid to explore how a career forged in speed and competition has evolved into a mission of mentorship and legacy. Phillis shares her incredible journey from New Zealand to the world stage, revealing the mindset shifts for longevity, the entrepreneurial ventures that fuel her, and her heartfelt mission to "pull others up" by creating educational opportunities for the next generation of student-athletes. Discover the untold story of a champion who uses her platform to kick down doors so others can walk through. Listen for invaluable insights on golf performance, athletic mindset, sports business, and the profound impact of creating a legacy that lifts everyone higher. Click to listen >> Beyond The Grid: Creating Legacy Through Long Drive Episode 12 Amaya Athill - Founder of Golf Interupted / Regional Director with Golf Canada She was a rising lawyer until one pivotal golf event made her change everything. Amaya Athill of Golf Canada shares her incredible journey from the courtroom to the fairway, detailing the isolation she felt as a woman of colour on the course and her proven playbook to fix it. Learn the #1 secret to building trust with underrepresented communities, why access isn't just about tee times, and her top strategies for making golf more welcoming for women and kids. This conversation is a masterclass in inclusive growth for golf enthusiasts and industry leaders alike. Click to listen >> Leaving Law to Liberate The Links We want to thank Golf Genius Software for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited about our ModGolf Patreon that brings together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As a Patroen member you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin Special Guests: Alex Prasad - CEO at V1 Sports, Amaya Athill - Founder of Golf Interrupted / Regional Director with Golf Canada, Chris Kallmeyer, CEO at Golf Genius Software, Devon Fox - Senior Director of Digital Programs at the PGA Tour, Jonathan Sessa - Founder of The Warrior Golf Academy, Kelly Gold - Founder at TeeFox.Golf, Matt Erley - Managing Partner at Old Tom Capital, Matt Fisher, Creator of The Mr. Short Game YouTube channel, Phillis Meti: World Long Drive Champion, Entrepreneur, and Legacy Builder, Todd Keirstead - golf entertainer and skin cancer survivor, and Tom Coyne - best selling writer and Founder of Coyne Golf.

On this episode of Next on the Tee, two compelling guests join the show to share incredible golf stories, insights into the future of the game, and the technology shaping modern performance. Leading things off is golf industry veteran Rich Katz, a man who has spent more than three decades representing PGA Tour players and helping shape the business side of professional golf. Rich is the Founder of The Buffalo Agency, a division of Billy Casper Golf, and during our conversation he shares memorable stories about his close relationship with golf legend Billy Casper, along with insights from his decades inside the professional game. Rich also talks about the incredible surge in golf participation since the pandemic, exciting companies he encountered at the PGA Merchandise Show, and how AI and new technology are influencing golf instruction, golf equipment, and the future of the game. Then we turn to one of the rising talents in our game, Jenn Whaley, the Senior Product Manager of Golf Balls at Callaway Golf. Jenn gives us a fascinating inside look at the technology behind the new Callaway Chrome Tour golf ball, that's generating faster ball speeds, what cross-seam and in-seam means for aerodynamics, and how the team at the Ely Callaway Performance Center continues to push performance forward for players of all skill levels. Jenn also discusses the growing number of women entering the game, creative golf ball designs, and how equipment innovation can help golfers play better and enjoy the game more. Between Rich's decades of golf industry experience and golf stories from the PGA Tour, and Jenn's insights into golf technology, golf equipment, and modern performance design, this episode delivers an entertaining and informative look at the people and ideas shaping the future of golf. Tune in for another great conversation where golf legends live and your game gets better, filled with engaging golf stories, golf tips, golf instruction, insights, and perspectives from the people helping grow the game we all love. #GolfPodcast #NextOnTheTee #GolfLegends #GolfStories #GolfTips #GolfInstruction #PGATour #CallawayGolf #ChromeTour #GolfEquipment #GolfTechnology #GolfIndustry #WomenInGolf #GolfInnovation #GolfLife #GolfCommunity #PGA #GolfPerformance #PgaMerchandiseShow

Welcome to a bonus episode of The ModGolf Podcast, live from the floor of the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando! Host Colin Weston continues his "short and sharp" interviews, heading back to the Inventors Spotlight to find the most intriguing and impactful new startups in the game. This 10-minute power session features two very different but equally innovative companies. First, we explore a groundbreaking safety solution designed to address the rising threat of heat-related illnesses on the course. Then, we shift gears to discover a fun, new way to gamify at-home practice and bring the entertainment of the range to your own backyard. From life-saving technology to interactive gaming, discover how these entrepreneurs are shaping the future of the golf experience. Featured Innovators Conor Martins - Founder & CEO, Rapid Risk Reduction (R3) and HEATbox Gavin Cayenne - VP of Sales, Rapid Risk Reduction (R3) and HEATbox Brad Thompson - Founder & Creator, Black Hole Golf Key takeaways that you will discover: Golf Courses Need a Heat-Stroke Protocol, Not Just an AED. The team at Rapid Risk Reduction highlights a critical gap in course safety. Just as AEDs are standard for cardiac events, courses need accessible, idiot-proof tools for heat-related emergencies. The HEATbox's built-in video instruction ensures anyone, regardless of training, can step in and help during the critical minutes before medical help arrives. Practice Doesn't Have to Feel Like Practice. Brad from Black Hole Golf is tapping into the power of gamification to change golfer behavior. By combining physical, interactive targets with a digital app for scoring and leaderboards, he's created a product that makes skill-building fun, social, and accessible anywhere. It's a solution that solves the problem of mundane practice by turning the backyard into an entertainment venue. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Del, Chris and Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link or the image below as we extend our podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned. What You'll Discover in This Episode Chapter 1: [0:00] Welcome Back to ModGolf LIVE! Colin sets the scene from the PGA Show floor, introducing his mission to highlight early-stage growth companies from the Inventors Showcase. Chapter 2: [1:15] Introducing Rapid Risk Reduction & The HEATbox Conor Martins shares the origin story of his company, which started with an opioid reversal tool that saved over 500 lives, and explains why they pivoted to address the growing problem of heat strokes in golf. Chapter 3: [3:00] HEATbox Demo: The AED for Heat Strokes Gavin Cayenne, a former PGA professional, provides a hands-on demo of the HEATbox. He walks us through its three key components: the heat stress kit, the hydration pack, and the revolutionary video technology that guides any bystander through an emergency with bilingual instructions. Chapter 4: [6:00] Instilling Confidence in a Crisis The team discusses the importance of "bystander response" and how the HEATbox's video guidance gives users the confidence to act immediately, potentially saving lives on remote parts of the course where EMS is 15-20 minutes away. Chapter 5: [7:45] Black Hole Golf: Marrying Tradition with Entertainment Colin meets Brad Thompson, drawn in by the intriguing name "Black Hole Golf." Brad explains his mission to create a gamified practice experience for any open space, blending the feel of traditional golf with the entertainment value of Topgolf. Chapter 6: [8:45] The Black Hole Golf Demo Brad showcases his interactive system, featuring light-up, sound-making target discs that work with real golf balls from 10 to 200+ yards. He explains how the companion app tracks points, creates leaderboards, and allows you to challenge friends, making practice feel like a game, especially at night. Chapter 7: [9:45] Where to Find Them & The Journey Ahead Brad announces the beta launch for Black Hole Golf and invites listeners to sign up. Conor and Gavin provide their contact information and a special show deal for the HEATbox. Resources & Links Learn more about HEATbox & Rapid Risk Reduction (R3): Website: www.rthree.io Social Media: @RapidRiskReduction PGA Show Special: Get two free HEATboxes with the purchase of 15. Join the Black Hole Golf Beta: Website (for Beta sign-up): www.blackholegolf.com/PGA Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin

Host: Colin Weston Guests: Del Ratcliffe (President, CourseRev.ai), Matt Wade (VP of Product, PITCHcrm), Chris Hill (CTO, CourseRev.ai) Duration: 28 Minutes In this episode of ModGolf LIVE, recorded on the show floor at the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando, host Colin Weston sits down with the leadership team behind CourseRev.ai and PITCHcrm. This isn't just a conversation about technology; it's a deep dive into the real-world challenges of getting a tradition-rich industry to adopt modern solutions. Colin is joined by Del Ratcliffe (President of CourseRev.ai & COO of Pinnacle Golf Properties), Matt Wade (VP of Product, PITCHcrm), and Chris Hill (CTO, CourseRev.ai). Together, they discuss the "secret sauce" of their tech stack - from an AI voice concierge that answers the phone to a CRM that automates marketing - and how they balance cutting-edge AI with the human touch required to train course operators. Del, bringing his 30+ years of course ownership experience, shares why he's the "main guinea pig" for the products, how they handle the complexity of different golf course business models, and why getting a course to use the tech is harder than selling it. The team also teases the future of dynamic pricing using unstructured data and explains why AI isn't about replacing staff, but about freeing them up to create better face-to-face experiences. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Del, Chris and Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link or the image below as we extend our podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned. Key Topics & Discussion Points Live from the PGA Show: Colin introduces a "3x" interview with three guests representing two integrated companies. What is CourseRev AI? An AI-powered voice and chat concierge designed to handle tee time bookings, modifications, and general questions, taking the pressure off pro shop staff. The "Main Guinea Pig": How Del Ratcliffe's role as a multi-course operator (Pinnacle Golf Properties) allows the tech team to build solutions that solve real, painful problems. Introducing PITCHcrm: The "oldest product" in the family (since 2012) that automates email and SMS marketing based on customer reservation history, no-shows, and behavior. The Adoption Hurdle: Why selling the software is easy, but onboarding and training staff on how to use it is the real challenge in a non-early-adopter industry. Customization vs. Scaling: How the team handles the fact that no two golf courses are alike. Chris Hill explains how they now use natural language programming to quickly customize AI rules for specific course restrictions (e.g., "no seniors after 2 PM on Saturday"). Dynamic Pricing Deep Dive: The debate among owners about surge pricing, and how CourseRev.ai integrates instantly with tee sheets to reflect pricing changes. The Tease: Chris Hill hints at new dynamic pricing strategies that use unstructured data (like weather and demand factors) in ways humans never could. Serving Different Course Types: How the technology adapts to MCOs (Multi-Course Operators) with one clubhouse vs. multiple locations spread across states. The "Robocall" Fear: Addressing the misconception that AI phone answering is like the frustrating automated systems of 10 years ago. AI & Employment: The team confirms that AI isn't eliminating jobs; it's allowing staff to focus on high-value, face-to-face interactions in the pro shop. Measuring Success: Using AI to track KPIs, identify frequently asked questions, and help course operators improve their websites and customer service. Notable Quotes Del on the Industry: "We're still largely an industry of mom-and-pop operations out there. Change is not real easy for us to overcome, and it can be scary, too." Chris on Tech Debt: "With AI, we can actually implement that much easier rather than trying to build something really rigid and structured in code. We can just write that now in natural language." Matt on Staffing: "Everyone listening to this has probably been in a situation where you've been in the pro shop and the guy's on two phones. It's definitely not eliminating staff because then you can even get more face-to-face quality interactions." Colin on Entrepreneurship: "If you don't have challenges as a startup you need to challenge yourself more. Like me with snowboarding, if you're not falling down you're not going fast enough." Resources & Links Learn more about CourseRev.ai: https://www.courserev.ai Email CourseRev: hello@courserev.ai Learn more about PITCHcrm: https://www.pitchcrm.com Want to connect with Del? Check out his bio page to make that happen! >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/del-ratcliffe Timestamps [00:00] - Cold Open: Colin introduces the "3x" interview at the 2026 PGA Show [01:30] - Guest Introductions: Del Ratcliffe, Matt Wade, and Chris Hill [03:00] - What is CourseRev.ai? Solving the pro shop phone pressure with an AI concierge [04:45] - Del's Dual Role: The President of CourseRev.ai as the client (COO of Pinnacle Golf Properties) [07:15] - The Tech Stack Explained: How PITCHcrm integrates with CourseRev.ai for marketing automation [09:00] - The Education Gap: Why golf course owners are laggards in tech adoption and how to warm them up to AI [12:00] - Customer Success Story: *The journey from reluctance to evangelism *[15:30] - Balancing Customization & Scale: How the team handles the "mom-and-pop" nature of different courses using natural language AI [19:15] - The Human Element: Onboarding staff and using the "Notice Board" for real-time course conditions [21:45] - Dynamic Pricing: Agonizing over surge pricing and how AI uses unstructured data to predict demand [24:30] - One Size Doesn't Fit All: Differentiating tech needs for MCOs, daily fee, municipal, and private clubs [28:00] - Overcoming Misconceptions: Why this isn't the frustrating automated attendant of the past [30:00] - AI & Jobs: How automation creates more valuable face-to-face roles in the pro shop [31:15] - How to Connect: Finding CourseRev.ai and PITCHcrm online [32:00] - Wrap Up: Colin teases the "Innovators Spotlight" mini-segments coming up next Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin

In this bonus live recording from the bustling floor of the 2026 PGA Show, host Colin Weston sits down with Adam Kanouse, Co-CEO of Reach Golfers. Discover why Colin was instantly drawn to their demo at the NGCOA Conference and learn how Reach Golfers is fundamentally rethinking the golf cart GPS experience. Adam reveals why 65% of public courses are still without this technology, how his company avoids an "adversarial relationship" with golfers, and the dual-revenue model that makes premium tech affordable. Get the inside scoop on their stunning, golfer-first interface, their massive untapped market, and their ambitious data-driven vision for the future of course management and personalized marketing. Here are three key takeaways you will discover from this conversation with Adam Kanouse of Reach Golfers: 1. A Massive, Underserved Market Exists Right Now Contrary to common belief, GPS technology is not ubiquitous. Adam revealed that approximately 65% of public golf courses in the $45-$75 green fee range have no GPS system at all. This represents a significant greenfield opportunity for Reach Golfers, which is focused on bringing modern tech to courses that have never had it, rather than just battling competitors for their existing customers. 2. Philosophy First: It's About Enhancing the Golfer's Experience, Not Just Protecting the Cart While many in-cart systems began with a primary goal of fleet management and asset protection (which can create friction with golfers), Reach Golfers flips the model. Their “secret sauce” is a golfer-first philosophy—building a beautiful, interactive, and helpful experience that also solves operational problems. This creates a more positive relationship between the course and the player. 3. The Future is a Data Platform, Not Just a GPS Reach Golfers views its device as a “computer on a cart” with potential far beyond yardages. The next frontier is harnessing on-course behavioral data - like pace-of-play patterns, common traffic areas, and player tendencies - to help courses with dynamic pricing, targeted marketing (e.g., offering lessons to high-handicappers), agronomy decisions, and overall operational efficiency. They are building the foundation for a deeply integrated, data-driven golf experience. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Adam on The ModGolf YouTube channel live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and Adam extend their podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned. Key Quotes from Adam Kanouse On Philosophy: "What differentiates us is we're not trying to protect the golf cart. Our competition all started protecting the golf cart creating a bit of an adversarial relationship with the golfer. We don't think that's necessary." On the Market: "We called every golf course that was public in 42 of the 50 states this summer. 65% of courses in that $45 to $75 green fee range don't have anything. It's an open market." *On Product Design: *"We have a huge advantage. We can step in with modern technology, modern design and see what worked and what didn't and only work on the things that people really want and need." On the Future: "My co-CEO likes to say that this is not a GPS device. This is a computer on a cart. The future is being able to identify the person who's on the course and be able to market to them with things that they care about." Want to connect with Adam? Check out his bio page to make that happen! >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/adam-kanouse Key Topics & Timestamps [00:00 - 02:30] Introduction & First Impressions [02:30 - 06:00] What is Reach Golfers? The Core Differentiator [06:00 - 09:30] The Demo & Revenue Model [09:30 - 14:00] The Massive Untapped Market & Growth Strategy [14:00 - 18:00] Product Philosophy & The Data-Driven Future [18:00 - 20:30] 2026: The Growth Year [20:30 - 22:00] PGA Show Magic & How to Connect Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin

In this special live edition from The 2026 PGA Show in Orlando, host Colin Weston kicks off the show with an in-depth conversation with TJ Schier Jr., Founder & CEO of SmashSwing Immersive. They dive into the evolution of TJ's groundbreaking multiplayer simulator system, the power of customer feedback, strategic partnerships with iconic brands like Atari, and the vision to redefine the indoor golf entertainment experience. Recorded amid the energy of the world's largest golf trade show, this episode is packed with entrepreneurial insights, industry trends, and a glimpse into the future of social golf. Here are three key takeaways you will discover from this conversation with TJ Schier: 1. The Future of Indoor Golf is Multiplayer & Social The traditional "one player hits, everyone else watches" simulator model is being disrupted. SmashSwing's core innovation is simultaneous, side-by-side play for 2-24 people, transforming golf into a fast-paced, shared experience. This model reduces the intimidation for beginners, speeds up play, and creates a dynamic, energetic atmosphere more akin to a sports bar or entertainment venue than a solitary practice session. 2. True Innovation is Often a "Kit of Parts," Not a Single Invention A key entrepreneurial lesson from TJ's journey is that groundbreaking ideas don't always require inventing something entirely new. SmashSwing's success lies in its unique combination of proven technologies—auto-tee systems, large-format screens, multiplayer gaming software—and wrapping it in a layer of licensed entertainment IP (like Atari games). This strategy of synthesizing existing concepts from different industries (golf, arcades, cinema) to solve a new problem is a powerful blueprint for innovation. 3. Listen to the Market, But Filter with a Strong Vision While TJ actively sought feedback from hundreds of potential customers, he emphasizes the critical skill of filtering out distracting "noise." Early on, many suggested he expand into soccer, hockey, or movie theaters. By staying true to the focused vision of "revolutionizing indoor golf," he was able to refine a product that genuinely serves that market's needs. The lesson: customer input is invaluable for polishing your product, but a clear, unwavering core vision is essential to avoid chasing every opportunity and losing focus. Final Takeaway: The multiplayer format reduces intimidation for new golfers, as spectators watch the engaging screen action, not the player's swing mechanics. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with TJ on The ModGolf YouTube channel live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and TJ extend their podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned that will benefit all entrepreneurs. Prior to launching SmashSwing, TJ helped ignite the growth of BigShots Golf as part of ClubCorp/Invited to be the second largest player in the golf entertainment space. The brand grew from 1 to 7 units in 20 months with a mix of corporate owned, managed and franchised locations. Want to connect with TJ? Check out his bio page to make that happen! >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/tj-schier Episode Chapters 00:00 - 01:30 | Live from the PGA Show Hallway Host Colin Weston kicks off the show amid the bustling energy of the 2026 PGA Show, introducing the first guest, TJ Schier Jr. of SmashSwing. 01:30 - 04:15 | Introducing the Multiplayer Golf Experience TJ gives an overview of SmashSwing: a large-format, multiplayer simulator that allows 2-24 players to hit simultaneously, blending competitive entertainment games with traditional driving range functionality. 04:15 - 06:45 | The Build: From Prototype to Show-Stopping Booth TJ shares the rapid progress of the last eight months, a humorous story about a logistical mishap with lost keys, and the exhilarating moment attendees realized his booth was fundamentally different from other simulators. 06:45 - 09:00 | The Vision: Speed, Scrambles & Cinematic Screens A look at the upcoming roadmap, including features that will let foursomes play a virtual scramble in 30 minutes and the vision for massive indoor "cinematic" driving ranges. 09:00 - 12:00 | Games & Partnerships: From Atari to Future IP Discussion of the strategic licensing deal with Atari (Asteroids, Space Invaders) to attract a wider audience and the long-term goal of securing major entertainment IP (e.g., Star Wars) to bring new players to golf. 12:00 - 15:00 | Filtering Feedback & The Indoor Golf Alliance TJ explains the entrepreneurial challenge of listening to customer feedback while staying true to a focused vision for golf. He also introduces the Indoor Golf Alliance, a collective sharing best practices for operators. 15:00 - 18:30 | Defining the Customer: Country Clubs & Driving Ranges A revelation about the target market: country clubs are key early adopters, using the system for revenue-generating events. Other customers include public courses and venues building large-scale indoor ranges. 18:30 - 22:00 | Advice for Entrepreneurs: Pitch, Listen, & Combine TJ's key advice for founders: master the art of clearly explaining your difference, listen to customer problems before pitching solutions, and understand that innovation often comes from creatively combining existing ideas. 22:00 - 24:30 | Creating a "Blue Ocean" & Reducing Intimidation Colin frames SmashSwing as a Blue Ocean Strategy, creating a new market. TJ highlights how multiplayer play shifts spectator focus to the screen, making golf less intimidating for beginners. 24:30 - 26:00 | How to Connect & Closing Where to find SmashSwing at the PGA Show (Booth 1213) and how to connect online. Colin wraps up the conversation. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin Special Guest: TJ Schier - CEO/Founder at SmashSwing Immersive.

In this conversation, Chris Trottie (Trottie Golf) pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to walk away from corporate security, bet on yourself, and build a data-driven golf brand from scratch—all while being a present dad, husband, and serious player.  We dig into identity, pressure, energy management, and how to use data and equipment the right way to actually lower your scores instead of just chasing new gear. In this episode, you'll learn: How Chris reinvented himself from tour rep to global brand—and the identity he had to let go of. Why he spent five years quietly preparing his "rope bridge" before finally making the jump. How to use data to build unshakable confidence in your game and your business decisions. The overlooked power of time to think—and why surfing and golf became his "boardroom." How to set realistic expectations on the course using dispersion, not fantasy. Why your clubs should evolve as your handicap drops—and when to get re-fit. How to structure your days, guard your energy, and use "treats" and trips as ROI, not guilt. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Trottie Chris "Trottie" Trott is one of the most respected figures in the modern golf equipment world, known globally for his expertise in club fitting, product education, and tour-level equipment performance.  He spent more than 20 years with TaylorMade Golf, working directly with some of the best players on the planet as a Tour Representative and Senior Manager of Global Sports Marketing. During his tenure, he became a trusted resource for elite pros seeking precise fittings, equipment adjustments, and performance insights. After two decades inside one of the most influential brands in the game, Trottie transitioned into entrepreneurship, building Trottie Golf into a leading digital resource for golfers who want to understand their equipment on a deeper, data-driven level.  Through his YouTube channel—which now serves as his primary platform—he breaks down complex club concepts, showcases tour player insights, and educates everyday golfers on how to choose gear that actually improves performance. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: Betting on yourself doesn't have to be reckless—you can quietly build the bridge, gather data, and step when the risk becomes irresponsible not to take. Data is the antidote to doubt in both golf and business; when the numbers prove it works, you stop negotiating with your fear. If your equipment isn't evolving as your game improves, your clubs become a bottleneck, not a competitive advantage. Most golfers don't struggle with talent—they struggle with expectations that don't match their actual dispersion and ability. Time isn't your most valuable currency—high-quality energy is, and every late night, drink, or distraction taxes your upside. You can't go far alone; building a trusted team around your strengths multiplies your impact while you stay in your zone of genius. Strategic self-rewards—cars, trips, retreats, club memberships—aren't indulgences, they're symbols and fuel that keep you chasing the next level. Key Quotes: "I realized the only way I was going to unlock my full potential was to back myself—and at some point, not jumping became the bigger risk." "None of the businesses I'm involved in work without me; once I accepted that, every negotiation and decision became a lot clearer." "If your expectations are higher than what the data says you're capable of, you're signing up for constant disappointment and terrible decisions on the course." "I spent five years building a rope bridge into a concrete bridge—by the time I stepped on it, I'd have been an idiot not to go." "You can work three weeks insanely hard and not see a nickel, then have five quiet days and everything hits—that's the reality of betting on yourself." "If you want your name to mean something in this game, you have to risk more than the person who's happy staying on the paved road." "Most people dream of success; the few who actually get it are the ones who wake up, protect their energy, and work hard at it every single day." Time Stamps: 00:00: Reinventing Identity: The Journey to Self-Discovery 02:55: Navigating Financial Risks and Commitments 05:47: The Importance of Time and Reflection 08:32: Confidence Through Data: Building a Brand 11:43: Embracing Pressure: Lessons from the Golf Industry 14:25: Taking Risks: The Path Less Traveled 17:30: The Value of Self-Investment and Experiences 22:04: The Importance of Personal Connections in Golf 23:13: Maximizing Productivity Through Rest and Focus 26:09: The Role of Relationships in Personal Growth 27:48: Challenging Industry Norms 28:25: Structuring Your Day for Success 31:44: Key Questions for Effective Club Fitting 35:13: The Evolution of Golf Clubs with Skill Development 37:03: The Synergy Between Coaching and Fitting 38:19: Setting Realistic Expectations in Golf and Life

What does it take to leave a fast-track legal career to revolutionize golf? Meet Amaya Athill, Regional Director for Golf Canada, who pivoted from law to the links on a mission to make the game truly for everyone. From her childhood on the greens of Antigua to leading First Tee Ontario with Golf Canada, Amaya reveals her powerful strategies for building trust, breaking down barriers, and creating diverse, welcoming communities in golf. Discover how intentional invitation is reshaping the sport's future in this must-listen episode. Amaya shares her unique story of growing up with golf in Antigua, the stark contrast she felt returning to the game as a woman of colour in the UK, and the pivotal moment that led her to leave her law practice behind. We dive deep into her strategic approach to building trust and breaking down barriers in underrepresented communities, and vision for a more diverse and welcoming future for golf by embracing community, intentionality, and the transformative power of invitation. Episode Chapters: (00:00 - 01:28) Introduction and Welcome (01:29 - 03:15) Amaya's "Invitation to Golf" - Learning the game with her father in Antigua. (03:16 - 05:04: Early Exposure - Growing up in a diverse junior golf ecosystem. (05:05 - 10:55) The Career Pivot - From practicing law internationally to becoming a "pandemic golfer" and finding community. (10:56 - 14:23) The Turning Point - Hosting a "Getting Women Into Golf" event in London and landing a job at Golf Canada. (14:24 - 19:52) Inside First Tee Ontario - Mission, strategy, and the critical importance of building trust in communities. (19:53 - 23:25) Creating Pathways - Engaging families and the "next step" onto the golf course. (23:26 - 30:08) The Regional Director Role - Building relationships with golf facilities and navigating capacity challenges. (30:09 - 35:26) The Municipal Golf and Land Use Conversation - Opportunities for public access and partnership. (35:27 - 39:18) Innovative Access Points - The role of putting courses, short holes, and "Golf in Small Spaces." (39:19 - 42:10) The Indoor Golf Boom - Simulators as a key entry point for new golfers. (42:11 - 45:10) Amaya's Vision for Golf's Future - Hoping for greater diversity at all levels of the sport. (45:11 - 46:38) How to Connect and Outro Key takeaways in this episode with Amaya that you will discover: Trust is the Foundation: You cannot simply invite new groups into golf. You must first build authentic trust within their existing communities. Amaya emphasizes partnering with local schools and community centers to run initial programs, creating a bridge of familiarity before transitioning participants to a traditional golf course. Meet People Where They Are: Growth requires identifying and intentionally removing specific barriers—whether transportation, cost, equipment, or intimidation. Success comes from adapting the delivery (using plastic clubs indoors, providing busing) and finding facility partners whose values and capacity align with the mission. Access Comes in Many Forms: The future of growing the game isn't solely dependent on 18-hole tee sheets. Community putting greens, short courses, indoor simulators, and programs like First Tee create crucial, low-pressure entry points that can complement traditional golf and build a broader, more inclusive participant base. Three Compelling Quotes from Amaya: *On Finding Belonging: * "When I was in the UK, suddenly I was the only woman of colour that I would find on any golf course. It became a moment of fear, of isolation, of no longer feeling like this sport is mine or belongs to me." *On the Power of First Experiences: * "Seeing women that I wasn't seeing on the course, but that I needed to see on the course, holding a club for the first time. How hungry they were to know more, but had never had that invitation. That one event changed the course of my life." On the Secret to Welcoming New Golfers: "People might not remember what you say, but they'll remember how you made them feel. And I think that's the most important part of running programs." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Amaya on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Amaya Athill's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/amaya-athill Amaya Athill is a dynamic leader, advocate, and passionate force for change within the golf industry. As the Regional Director, Ontario for Golf Canada, she leverages a unique blend of professional rigour and heartfelt mission to break down barriers and make the sport more accessible and welcoming for all. Her journey is a compelling narrative of purposeful transformation: after building a successful international career as a civil litigation lawyer called to the bar in the UK and the Caribbean, Amaya made a decisive 180-degree pivot to follow her passion for golf and community. This shift was sparked by her own experience of feeling isolated as a woman of colour returning to the game in the UK, which ignited a drive to ensure others from underrepresented backgrounds could find belonging on the fairways. Beyond her programmatic work, Amaya is a sought-after voice on diversity, inclusion, and the future of golf. She is the founder of the digital community "Golf, Interrupted," which highlights diverse stories in the sport and is also the founder of Black Women Golfers (Canada). Links & Resources Mentioned: Amaya's Instagram: @golf_interrupted LinkedIn: Amaya Athill Golf Canada: www.golfcanada.ca First Tee Ontario: www.firstteeontario.ca The ModGolf Podcast: www.modgolf.com Listen and subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the extended video conversation on the ModGolf YouTube channel. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! When I mentioned Phillis' episode to the folks at British Columbia Golf they immediately wanted to support it, as one of their goals is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. They strive to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to increase participation in the sport with programs such as the Cloud Series. British Columbia Golf is the Provincial Sport Organization for golf as recognized by the Government of British Columbia and ViaSport. Golf Canada recognizes the association as the governing body within the province. British Columbia Golf provides programs benefitting golfers and the golf industry in the province. Check out their website https://britishcolumbiagolf.org/Special Guest: Amaya Athill - Founder of Golf Interrupted / Regional Director with Golf Canada.

What does it take to not only reach the pinnacle of a sport like World Long Drive but to sustain a nearly two-decade career at its peak? In this engaging episode we go far beyond the grid and the spectacle of 380-yard bombs to uncover the heart, wisdom, and entrepreneurial spirit of a true icon. Host Colin Weston sits down with the remarkable Phillis Meti - ranked #3 in the world and 5 time World Champ - to explore her incredible journey from picking up her father's shanked golf balls in New Zealand to becoming a global golf ambassador. Phillis opens up about the fierce mentality required to compete, the pivotal lessons learned from both victory and heartbreaking defeat, and her visionary mission to pave pathways for the next generation. This conversation is a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and giving back. Whether you're fascinated by the physics of speed, the business of golf, or stories of profound resilience, Phillis's insights will leave you inspired and ready to “kick the door down” for your own ambitions. Get ready for an episode packed with power, purpose, and unforgettable stories. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/cTlwO047.jpg Key takeaways in this episode with Phillis that you will discover: Longevity is Built on Wisdom and Adaptability: Success isn't just about raw speed. Phillis credits her sustained career to evolving from a "fearless" hitter into a savvier technical player, learning to adapt her ball flight to different grids, and prioritizing recovery and intelligent strength training. True Power Starts with Your Hands: A crucial technical insight for anyone wanting more speed: your hands hold the club, so their movement is paramount. Phillis emphasizes that generating speed is a sequencing chain, where proper hip movement ultimately serves to allow the hands to move faster through the hitting zone. Create Pathways So Others Can Follow: Phillis's vision extends far beyond competition. Inspired by her parents, she is actively working to build an indigenous school and recruitment pipeline to help student-athletes from New Zealand and Polynesia transition to U.S. colleges, ensuring they have the support to succeed. Her mission is to show what's possible and pull others up with her. Episode Chapters: (00:01 - 01:25) Introduction: Welcoming World Long Drive Phenom Phillis Meti (01:25 - 03:15) From Rugby to Golf: Phillis's First Swing and Family Influence (03:15 - 06:26) A Multi-Sport Childhood: The Circuitous Path to Long Drive (06:26 - 08:42) Anatomy of a Competition: How World Long Drive Works (08:42 - 13:45) The Speed Equation: Training, Technique, and Swinging 125 MPH (13:45 - 17:13) Wisdom Over Fear: The Evolution of a Champion's Mindset (17:13 - 19:25) The Key to Longevity: Spinal Hygiene and Injury Prevention (19:25 - 24:35) The 2025 Season Arc: Global Competition and New Formats (24:35 - 27:59) Inside the Bag: The Tech & Specs of a Long Drive Driver (27:59 - 31:14) The State of the Game: Community, Competition, and Commerce (31:14 - 38:31) Entrepreneurial Drive: Building a School and Creating Pathways Home (38:31 - 42:43) A Vision for the Future: Bringing Long Drive to the Masses & Closing Thoughts Quotable Moments from Phillis: On Perspective and Growth: "Winning my first championship in 2006 and coming second twice after, I completely lost focus. I got caught up in the hype. Between then and now, I am a better game player with a bit more wisdom. I play the game differently now." On Equipment and Control: "The one thing about the women is that we don't swing it fast enough to afford using lofts lower than a seven-degree head. I have one of the fastest club head speeds, but I use one of the highest lofts on the tour." On Legacy and Lifting Others: "When you're on your way up, always try to look back and pull others up with you. So if people want to keep going further than you, at least they have your shoulders to stand on. Why not be me to kick down that door? I've got a big foot!" Phillis Meti's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/phillis-meti Phillis Meti is a multi-time World Long Drive Champion, currently ranked #3 globally, whose career embodies power, resilience, and purpose. Hailing from New Zealand, her journey began at age seven, wielding a club to pick up her father's errant golf balls. A gifted multi-sport athlete, she excelled in netball and discus before a flyer for a local long drive qualifier at age 18 changed her trajectory. Demonstrating breathtaking natural power, she not only qualified but went on to win the World Long Drive Championship in her very first attempt in 2006. Nearly two decades later, Phillis remains a dominant force, combining 125 MPH clubhead speed with hard-earned wisdom to outthink and outlast the competition on grids across the globe. Colin and Phillis were part of Team AM Golf at The Vegas Baby ProAm Invitational in Las Vegas, where they shot lots of video including this YouTube Short as part of Colin's Positivity Project: https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/H4Xa8VDs.jpg (https://youtube.com/shorts/_WDI9IYTkCA?si=oIX7kGfvY8nbWuYu) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/lDkT7bRv.png (https://britishcolumbiagolf.org) When I mentioned Phillis' episode to the folks at British Columbia Golf they immediately wanted to support it, as one of their goals is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. They strive to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. As a provincial arm of Golf Canada, British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to improve partner relationships to increase participation in the sport. If you're looking to plan your next amazing golf trip, British Columbia Golf is the place to explore and book from the over 300 golf courses they support across our beautiful province. To learn about the impact they are making and to discover your next golf adventure, check out their website at www.britishcolumbiagolf.org (https://britishcolumbiagolf.org). Special Guest: Phillis Meti: World Long Drive Champion, Entrepreneur, and Legacy Builder.

What does a non-golfer who loves Radiohead and once worked in a nightclub bring to the PGA Tour? A fresh perspective that drives groundbreaking innovation. In this long-awaited conversation, host Colin Weston sits down with Devon Fox, the Senior Director of Digital Programs at the PGA Tour. After eight years of connecting on LinkedIn, they finally dive into Devon's unique journey from NASCAR and Nike to leading digital innovation in golf. Devon shares how her initial (and only) disastrous golf experience became a strategic advantage, allowing her to ask the questions no one else would. She pulls back the curtain on building the PGA Tour's first Fan Council, the decade-long process that led to the stunning Apple Vision Pro app, and how she intentionally "worked herself out of a job" to bake innovation into the Tour's DNA. Beyond technology, Devon opens up about the deeply personal motivation behind founding the PGA Tour's LGBTQ+ employee resource group, PRISM, and her advocacy for meaningful, policy-driven inclusion. This is a story about challenging tradition, the power of process, and building a future for golf that engages every fan. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/MxkicXvQ.jpg Key takeaways in this episode with Devon that you will discover: "Golf Ignorance" as an Innovation Superpower: Devon explains how not being a golfer allowed her to challenge sacred traditions and ask fundamental questions that insiders might overlook, leading to truly fresh thinking in digital fan engagement. Innovation is a Process, Not a Department: Learn how Devon moved the PGA Tour from having a small innovation team to baking innovative thinking into the product development process itself, ensuring it becomes a sustainable part of the culture. Inclusion Starts with Internal Policy, Not External Marketing: Devon shares her impactful, criteria-driven approach to LGBTQ+ advocacy to create PRISM within the PGA Tour workplace, focusing first on tangible employee benefits and education before any public-facing campaigns, creating lasting structural change. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - 02:10: Introduction and a Connection Eight Years in the Making 02:10 - 04:20: Devon's First (and Only) Golf Experience: A Hot, Hungry Disaster 04:20 - 07:20: The Strategic Advantage of Being a Non-Golfer & Asking "Weird" Questions 07:20 - 11:20: Building the Fan Council & Sourcing Ideas Directly from Fans 11:20 - 13:30: Learning from the NBA and the Two Rules of Sports Tech Innovation 13:30 - 16:30: Bridging Generations: Using New Tech to Showcase Golf History 16:30 - 19:15: The Innovation Process: From Design Thinking to Working Herself Out of a Job 19:15 - 23:35: Career Journey: From Soul-Sucking Banking to NASCAR and Global Retail at Nike 23:35 - 30:40: Advocacy in Action: Founding PRISM & Driving LGBTQ+ Inclusion from the Inside Out 30:40 - 33:00: The Size and Scope of the PGA Tour Organization 33:00 - 37:00: A Decade-Long Win: The Journey to the Apple Vision Pro App 37:00 - 38:15: Fostering a Culture of Ideas: The Annual Hackathon 38:15 - END: Closing & Teaser for the YouTube Candy Taste Test Quotable Moments from Devon: On bringing an outside perspective: "I really held on to this lack of golf experience and knowledge to give me permission to ask those weird questions that nobody else would ask. It really benefited me." On the purpose of technology: "You don't just do innovation and emerging technology for the sake of doing it. It has to have some value for the fan. You have to dig deep and find out what that is." On the long game of innovation: "One win I'm really proud of is the work that led up to the Apple Vision Pro app. It's this progression of 'let's see what we require to create it and let's go get after that, then build it in and operationalize that.'" Want to see Devon's reaction to tasting Thrills, a truly bizarre Canadian "soap-flavoured" gum from the 1970s while trying to carry on a conversation with Colin? Then check out our exclusive and fun bonus segment on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/cq61CGBB7no). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/cq61CGBB7no) or the image below to watch. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/ajXva8cb.jpg (https://youtu.be/cq61CGBB7no) Devon Fox's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/devon-fox Beyond technology, Devon is a passionate advocate for meaningful inclusion within the sports industry. Driven by a personal commitment to creating safer, more supportive workplaces, she founded and leads PRISM, the PGA Tour's LGBTQ+ employee resource group. Under her leadership, the group has driven substantive policy changes, including the expansion of benefits and resources, demonstrating her belief that true progress is built on internal structural change. Through her dual focus on operational excellence and human-centric culture, Devon Fox plays a pivotal role in shaping both the digital future and the inclusive ethos of the PGA Tour. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/TOGEFzLg.jpg (https://www.golfbusinesstechnologyconference.com/) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Special Guest: Devon Fox - Senior Director of Digital Programs at the PGA Tour.

What does it take to build a golf technology empire that not only survives but thrives through explosive growth, multiple acquisitions, and rapid industry change? In this power-packed episode, Colin Weston sits down with Chris Kallmeyer, the CEO of Golf Genius, for a masterclass in scaling a business while preserving its core soul. Four years after his first appearance, Chris returns to pull back the curtain on how Golf Genius grew from a tournament software leader into a comprehensive ecosystem serving every facet of the golf professional's world. We dive deep into the "glue" that holds it all together - a winning company culture - and explore the cutting-edge integrations of AI, the strategic expansion into sim golf, and the mission to create golfers for life. If you're in the golf industry, a business leader, or simply fascinated by how to build a beloved and enduring company, press play now. This conversation is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss. Listen to this full episode with Chris to discover: Culture is Your #1 Competitive Advantage: Discover why Golf Genius prioritizes cultural fit above all else, even in acquisitions, and how this focus has resulted in a world-class employee turnover rate of just 4%. Learn how a foundation of over 70 PGA professionals on staff creates an authentic, service-driven brand. Serving the PGA Professional is the North Star: Unpack the strategy of viewing the golf professional as the "center of the universe." See how this philosophy naturally led to a portfolio that solves pain points in tournament management, golf shop operations (Golf Shop), handicapping (via the USGA's GHIN system), and coaching (Operation 36 & CoachNow). The Practical & Profitable Application of AI: Move beyond the hype. Chris details exactly how Golf Genius is implementing AI in two key buckets: to boost internal productivity (in development, support, and marketing) and to build powerful, time-saving features for customers, like automated inventory processing and intelligent coaching tools. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/jL3Nhpua.jpg Episode Chapters: (00:04) Introduction: The Return of Chris Kallmeyer (02:18) The Foundation: Golf Genius as a Tournament Management Powerhouse (05:53) The Secret Sauce: Building and Maintaining Company Culture (08:21) Acquisition Strategy: Why Cultural Fit is Non-Negotiable (19:02) Defining the Brand: Vision, Values, and Serving the Pro (13:18) Inside the Ecosystem: Powering the USGA's Handicap System (16:36) Solving Pain Points: The Growth of Golf Shop (19:52) AI in Action: Making Golf Genius and Its Customers More Productiv (24:52) Growing the Game: The Coaching Portfolio (Operation 36 & CoachNow) (30:23) The Future is Hybrid: Expanding into Simulator & Indoor Golf (36:10) Global Growth: Key International Markets (39:53) Leadership Lessons: Strategic Bets and Saying "No" (41:51) How to Connect with Golf Genius Compelling Quotes from Chris On Culture & Growth: "We have a blended turnover with 300 people worldwide of something like 4% a year. That's world-class. It illustrates that we have a great culture that people enjoy working for. But beyond luck, we do take it very seriously and we work hard to maintain that culture, which gets harder and harder as you get bigger."* On Their Core Mission: "Our goal is to make the hard things easy while also making the easy things easy. We serve PGA professionals. They're the center of our universe. Whether they're running tournaments, managing golf shops, or coaching, we have products that help them do all those things, and we're here to serve them." On AI Strategy: "We look at AI in two primary buckets: How can we use AI to make ourselves more productive? And the second bucket is, how can we use AI to deliver AI-powered features that make our customers more productive or deliver capabilities that they don't already have." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Chris on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/C5KypU0-hKE). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/C5KypU0-hKE) or the image below to see visual insights and dive deeper with Chris. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/CFFfqOXl.jpg (https://youtu.be/C5KypU0-hKE) Chris Kallmeyer's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/chris-kallmeyer Chris Kallmeyer is the CEO of Golf Genius, a global leader in golf technology solutions that power the sport's ecosystem. With a career deeply rooted in both technology and a passion for the game, Chris has guided the company through a period of remarkable expansion, transforming it from a premier tournament management platform into a comprehensive suite of tools serving golf professionals at every level. Under his leadership, Golf Genius has successfully integrated ten strategic acquisitions—including Operation 36, CoachNow, and GolfShot—while maintaining an unwavering focus on a customer-centric culture and brand integrity. His philosophy centers on serving PGA professionals as the core of the business, a principle that has driven the development and success of products across tournament operations, golf shop management, handicapping, and player development. Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Today's golf professionals do way more than run tournaments - and so does Golf Genius. They help you manage tournaments, leagues, and outings, streamline pro shop operations, and elevate your coaching and player development. That's why over 10,000 clubs, courses, resorts, associations, and tours in more than 60 countries trust Golf Genius. Find out what Golf Genius can do for your facility at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) Special Guest: Chris Kallmeyer, CEO at Golf Genius Software.

Are there golfers on your Nice List who are deserving of some holiday cheer? Our host Colin Weston is here to help, as he provides golf gift picks to stuff your stockings and slide under your tree. But how many gift suggestions should we provide from our shortlist of deserving golf startups and companies that we have featured on The ModGolf Podcast? Well, since a traditional round of golf is 18 holes long let's go with that number! https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/A-EAGuZA.jpg Click on the images below to learn more about and/or purchase the products we cover on this bonus episode. Hole 1: GripCaddie - revolutionary golf grip cleaning tool --> https://gripcaddie.com/ https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/NUJ0gPMo.png (https://gripcaddie.com/) Hole 2: Grooveit - "The Wet Club Scrub Brush" --> https://grooveitbrush.ca/collections/shop-now https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/xAqBl7BG.jpg (https://grooveitbrush.ca/collections/shop-now) Hole 3: Method Golf Co. - Magnetic Golf Accessories --> https://methodgolfco.com/ https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/L2plAWJQ.png (https://methodgolfco.com/) Hole 4: The Tee Clip - Handcrafted tee holding accessory Use coupon code "MODGOLF" to save 20% off a single item --> https://theteeclip.com/ https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/qsGGBMKC.png (https://theteeclip.com/) Hole 5: The Links Diary - Golf storytelling that celebrates the soul of the game through words from the fairways of Scotland. A beautifully crafted magazine with new volumes released three times a year --> https://www.thelinksdiary.com/ https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/h4PUJ-2c.png (https://www.thelinksdiary.com/) Hole 6: Back 2 Basics Golf - Short Game Essentials Bundle Use coupon code "MODGOLF" to save 20% off a single item --> https://back2basics.golf https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/mfFZaufZ.png (https://back2basics.golf/products/b2b-bundle-copy-1) Hole 7: PureOne - PureGrip Training Club --> https://pureonegolfshop.com https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/hHGHQE71.png (https://pureonegolfshop.com/products/the-puregrip) Hole 8: Perfect Practice - indoor putting mats --> https://perfectpractice.com https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/cdA24JVn.png (https://perfectpractice.com/collections/putting-mats) Hole 9: Swingtweaks - Personalized golf swing analysis and feedback app --> https://app.swingtweaks.com https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/thkk15p1.png (https://app.swingtweaks.com/) Hole 10: V1 Sports - The V1 Golf App --> https://v1sports.com https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/ZNftrALL.png (https://v1sports.com/athletes/v1-golf-app/) Hole 11: ODIN Golf - Premium X1 Golf balls --> https://www.odin-golf.com/ https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/N4X10xST.png (https://www.odin-golf.com/collections/the-odin-balls) Hole 12: Dormie Workshop - Handcrafted leather headcovers --> https://www.dormieworkshop.ca/ https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/iAGWLOoM.png (https://www.dormieworkshop.ca/) Hole 13: Zero Friction - synthetic & cabretta leather high performance golf gloves --> https://zerofriction.com/ https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/aTZzNFIG.png (https://zerofriction.com/collections/golf-gloves) Hole 14: Garsen Golf - customized putter grips --> https://garsengolf.com/collections/shop https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/8Q0rhaLi.png (https://garsengolf.com/collections/shop) Hole 15: 36 A Day Golf Co. - ModGolf hats and hoodies --> https://36aday.com/products/modgolf-the-reegs https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/kZ2geHFE.png (https://36aday.com/products/modgolf-the-reegs) Hole 16: Feetures - high performance athletic socks --> https://feetures.com/ https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/rGwXVc7T.png (https://feetures.com/) Hole 17: Handsome Bogey - fun and fashionable men's golf polo shirts --> https://handsomebogey.com/ https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/BSW6RZSn.png (https://handsomebogey.com/) Hole 18: Levelwear - Men's and women's golf belts --> https://ca.levelwear.com/collections/mens-belts https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/egJ1djTw.png (https://ca.levelwear.com/collections/mens-belts)

Host Colin Weston sits down with YouTube golf pioneer Matt Fisher (Mr. Short Game) to dissect the cultural phenomenon of the Internet Invitational. They break down the 23-million-view event, exploring why its reality-TV format and creator-driven personalities are resonating with a new generation of fans. Matt shares his expert take on the "winners and losers," the cheating controversy, and why this model is a blueprint for the future of golf entertainment. Finally, they look ahead to the evolving golf media landscape, including TGL and Grass League, and discuss how authenticity is the ultimate key to success for aspiring creators. Listen to this full episode with Matt to discover: Personality is the New Premium: The massive success of the Internet Invitational proves that modern audiences crave authentic personality and entertainment as much as they value elite ball-striking. The unfiltered, reality-show format is a powerful new model for golf engagement. Strategic Content Separation is Key: To grow an audience effectively, separate your content by purpose. Matt is splitting his channel into three: one for instruction, one for on-course vlogs, and one for the Mr. Short Game Podcast, ensuring each audience finds exactly what they want. Multiple Revenue Streams Drive Sustainability: Relying solely on YouTube ad revenue is risky. A successful creator business is built on a mix of AdSense, strategic brand deals, and affiliate partnerships, all while prioritizing the audience's trust and interests above a quick payday. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/z2n4cvDp.jpg Episode Chapters: (00:00) Introduction: Welcoming back YouTube golf pioneer Matt Fisher aka: Mr. Short Game (02:30) The Internet Invitational Breakdown: The surprise success of the 23-million-view event (05:15) Strategy & Timing: Why the delayed release was a brilliant move (08:45) Audience & "Bro Culture": Did the event reach new fans or just its base? (12:30) Reality TV & Manufactured Drama: Analyzing the cheating scandal and villain arcs (16:00) Stock Up, Stock Down: The creators who won and lost in the public eye (20:15) The Casting Dilemma: Why some creators were chosen and others weren't (23:00) The Future of Golf Media: TGL, LIV, Grass League, and where the real opportunity lies (27:30) TGL vs. Influencer Golf: Why pros and creators thrive in different ecosystems (29:45) The Mr. Short Game Business Model: Revenue streams and building a sustainable content brand (32:15) Advice for Aspiring Creators: How to break into the YouTube golf space Compelling Quotes from Matt On the Internet Invitational's Appeal: "You have to know going in that this is a reality show and everything's on the table... It's on brand for Barstool. And Bob, especially Dave Portnoy, he is going to exploit every opportunity he has. And I don't blame him. He's creating a great entertaining show." On the Difference Between Pros and Creators: "You get Grant Horvat, you put him in the Masters, he's going to come in dead last. But you put him in a cart with Bryson DeChambeau, he's going to come in first in terms of views." On Authenticity for Creators: "The challenge is you see what's working and you just try to copy it as opposed to being authentic of who you are and create your own brand. You gotta film yourself and you gotta find who you are in front of that camera and be authentically you." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/H9KFIArzn0Y). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/H9KFIArzn0Y) or the image below to watch. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/W3KvK0Ao.jpg (https://youtu.be/H9KFIArzn0Y) Mr. Short Game's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/matt-fisher As a golf coach Matt has learned that not everybody can be Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus or Phil Mickelson. However, with some simple golf instruction and swing tips you can become a great player and shoot your lowest scores consistently. Matt's goal is to give you great videos that will help you understand the golf swing so you can improve in your chipping, putting, driving and have a powerful swing that will last forever. Will you make it to the PGA Tour? Who knows. But with the right attitude and instruction you can have more fun and play the game of golf at a very competitive level. Mr. Short Game is here to help grow the game of golf in a fun and creative way: https://www.youtube.com/@MrShortGame https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/RzYDk1gV.png (https://www.youtube.com/@MrShortGame) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Special Guest: Matt Fisher, Creator of The Mr. Short Game YouTube channel.

Warning: the topic of suicide is discussed during this episode of The ModGolf Podcast. This is more than a story about golf; it's a story about how a single moment, a single community, a single purpose can pull someone back from the brink and empower them to save others. Listen to this full episode with Jonathan to discover: The Therapeutic Power of a Single Shot: Jonathan explains how the intense, fleeting focus required to hit a golf ball can break the cycle of traumatic "thought traps" and provide a unique form of mental therapy. Building a "Technical School" for Golf & Life: Learn about Jonathan's vision to create a comprehensive pathway for veterans and first responders. Not just to play golf, but to build careers in the industry as players, caddies, clubhouse staff, and agronomy crews. From Isolation to Community: Hear how the Warrior Golf Academy is intentionally designed to combat the #1 killer—isolation—by creating a tight-knit, supportive community that replicates the camaraderie of military and first responder teams. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/h7dt0CoG.jpg Episode Chapters: (01:15) Introduction: The Transformative Power of Golf (01:54) Jonathan's Story Begins: A Descent into Darkness (07:24) The Turning Point: A Divine Intervention (10:23) The Road to Recovery: Costa Rica and a Return to Golf (13:50) The Birth of a Mission: Founding the Warrior Golf Academy (17:55) Discipline on the Course vs. the Battlefield (22:58) Filling the Gaps: A New Model for Veteran Support (27:05) Stories of Transformation: The Ripple Effect of Hope (31:45) Creating Community: Indoor Simulators and Local Events (34:05) The Ripple Effect on Families and Communities (37:12) The Future Vision: Scaling Hope and Building a "Golf Technical College" (41:39) A Message to Those Struggling: "You Are Not Alone" (43:22) How to Get Involved and Support the Mission Quotable Moments from Jonathan: On Purpose: "What people are looking for in this life is belonging and purpose. If you don't have those, then you don't have that will to want to live." On Golf as Therapy: "It's really just that extreme focus for the few seconds it takes to hit the golf ball and then you don't have to think about anything. It helps me get out of my own way." On His Mission: "My vision for Warrior Golf Academy is to reach at least one person and save their life. If I could do that, then everything I've done is worth it." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Jonathan on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/Rse3sTSr-18). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/Rse3sTSr-18) or the image below to watch. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/qZ4t9TVC.jpg (https://youtu.be/Rse3sTSr-18) Jonathan Sessa's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/jonathan-sessa Jonathan Sessa is a US Army veteran and the Founder & CEO of the Warrior Golf Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and rebuilding purpose for veterans and first responders. His journey is a profound testament to post-traumatic growth. After his military service, Jonathan faced a profound period of darkness, grappling with the physical pain of service-connected injuries, the grief of personal loss, and the isolation that led him to the brink of suicide. His path to healing began with a powerful personal intervention and a transformative period in Costa Rica, where he rediscovered golf not just as a game, but as a therapeutic tool for mental wellness and a catalyst for his new mission. Driven by his own experience, Jonathan founded the Warrior Golf Academy to create the supportive community he found lacking. His vision extends far beyond teaching the golf swing. He is building a comprehensive "technical school" for the golf industry, providing veterans and first responders with the skills and connections to build careers as players, caddies, club managers, and agronomy staff. By focusing on belonging, purpose, and tangible career pathways, Jonathan's work directly combats the isolation that leads to the tragic statistic of "22 a day." Today, Jonathan leads a growing movement from the Academy's home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is a certified PGA HOPE instructor and a passionate advocate for leveraging the game's unique disciplines—focus, patience, and incremental improvement—to rewire the mind and heal the spirit. His work ensures that those who have served their country have a welcoming community they can return to, proving that our deepest wounds can indeed become the source of our greatest purpose. Connect and Support the Mission You can learn more about Jonathan and the incredible work of the Warrior Golf Academy, including how to get involved, donate or access their resources at their website: https://warriorgolfacademy.com/ https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/YHhU7z-I.jpg (https://warriorgolfacademy.com/) If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We also encourage you to reach out to Heads Up Guys for mental health resources, tools and support. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/Ofm7iX5k.png (https://headsupguys.org/) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Special Guest: Jonathan Sessa - Founder of The Warrior Golf Academy.

In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast host Colin Weston sits down with Alex Prasad, the CEO of V1 Sports, a company that has been a cornerstone of golf technology for over three decades. Alex shares the journey of V1 Sports from its origins in pioneering video analysis to its current position as an innovator leveraging AI and ground force sensors. We dive deep into the pivotal "come-to-Jesus" moment that forced the company to re-evaluate its path, the cultural shift to a data-driven mindset, and how they are now using their new AI tool, "V1CTOR," to solve the biggest pain points for golf instructors - time and student engagement. This is a masterclass in business transformation, product-market fit, and building a platform that creates a true win-win-win for the company, the coach, and the golfer. During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways: Embrace the "Why" Behind the Data Learn how V1 Sports moved beyond assumptions by relentlessly asking "how do we know?" This shift to a data-validated culture gave them the courage to innovate confidently and build products based on proven user needs, not just gut feelings. Solve the Real Problem, Not the Stated One Discover how Alex and his team decoded the common complaint from pros that they "don't have enough time." They uncovered the deeper issue of seasonality and student re-engagement, leading to AI-driven solutions that automate relationship-building. Trust is Built by Providing Value First Hear how V1 Sports flipped the script on traditional coaching models. By using AI to facilitate a "Quick Fix"—a free, personalized piece of feedback—they create a gateway to trust between a golfer and a pro, proving value before a transaction ever occurs. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/2parL16M.jpg Episode Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:29) The Power of Invitation: Alex's First Golf Experience (04:02) The Origin Story of V1 Sports (06:55) The Innovator's Dilemma: The Inflection Point for V1 (12:18) The Hard Work of Product Validation: Talking to Customers (16:11) The V1 Product Suite and the Introduction of "V1CTOR" AI (22:14) Building Trust in a Digital World (27:40) The V1 Business Model: A Two-Sided, Curated Marketplace (31:51) The Hardware Game: Ground Pressure Sensors and the Unseeable Data (34:33) Expanding to Other Sports? The Power of Focus (38:44) The Entrepreneurial Marathon: Lessons from Endurance Sports (43:30) How to Connect with Alex Prasad and V1 Sports Book referenced during our converation: The Innovator's Dilemma (https://www.amazon.ca/Innovators-Dilemma-New-Foreword-Technologies/dp/1647826764/ref=asc_df_1647826764) by Clayton M. Christensen Quotable Moments from Alex: On Challenging Assumptions: "Intuition can tell you where to look, but the data is going to validate or invalidate that's the right place to press." On Understanding Customer Needs: "What you learn is, customers can tell you their pain points, they can tell you their aspirations, but what they can't tell you is the solution... It's not their job. That's ours." On the Core Philosophy of V1's AI companion, V1CTOR: "The best way to build trust between a random person on the internet and a golf instructor is to show some value first." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Alex on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/YBxBsVuRti8). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/TDyhOE2DEuo) or the image below. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/2DQnq5hM.jpg (https://youtu.be/TDyhOE2DEuo) Want to connect with Alex? Check out his bio page to make that happen! Alex Prasad's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/alex-prasad Visit the V1 Sports website (https://v1sports.com/) to learn more and to download the V1 Golf App in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/fC_NoWtr.png (https://v1sports.com/) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) Special Guest: Alex Prasad - CEO at V1 Sports.

"Golf has been experiencing incredible growth and innovation and will continue to do so. But behind every great idea is a spark of capital and there was a gap. Broader sports investors weren't really paying attention to the category, and we thought, 'Maybe there's a huge opportunity here.'" Matt Erley is the Managing Partner of Old Tom Capital, a pioneering investment fund specifically focused on early-stage golf and golf-adjacent companies. With a career spanning operational roles and angel investing, Matt co-founded the firm to address a critical gap in the market, providing strategic capital to the innovators shaping the future of the $100 billion golf industry. Named as an homage to the legendary innovator Old Tom Morris, the fund embodies a belief in golf's resilient growth and the transformative power of backing great founders in spaces like agronomy, golf software, emerging media, and the "golf light" experience economy. During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways: 1. The "Unfair Advantage" for Founders Discover how an investment from Old Tom Capital is more than just money; it's a strategic partnership designed to give your company a leg up on the competition. Matt Erley reveals that their goal is to provide portfolio companies with an "unfair competitive advantage" through their deep network and operational expertise. Unlike passive investors, Old Tom actively helps its companies by making key introductions, offering strategic guidance, and leveraging synergies across their entire portfolio. For any founder or aspiring entrepreneur, this insight into what a true value-add investor looks like is invaluable and reveals how the right capital partner can accelerate growth. 2. The "Golf Light" Revolution Learn about the massive, under-the-radar investment trend that is making golf more accessible and creating the next wave of golfers. Move beyond traditional 18-hole courses and Topgolf. Matt introduces the compelling narrative of "Golf Light"—the high-growth category encompassing driving ranges, par-3 courses, and short courses. He explains why this segment is perfectly positioned to capture the new, "golf-curious" audience looking for a faster, less expensive, and more social experience. His investment in Blue Jeans Golf exemplifies this thesis, highlighting a huge opportunity to "glow up" thousands of independent driving ranges across the country. 3. How to Actually Get Noticed by a Golf Investor Cut through the noise and learn the specific milestones and mindset you need to successfully secure funding for your golf venture. Matt pulls back the curtain on Old Tom's investment process, offering a clear roadmap for founders. He explains why they typically avoid very early-stage "ideas" and what they look for instead: tangible momentum, initial monetization, and a clear path to a $100M+ business. He also debunks common mistakes, like leading with an NDA, and emphasizes the importance of simply starting to build and validate your concept in the accessible golf ecosystem. This practical advice is a must-listen for anyone serious about building a golf business. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/ZGZdO-8f.jpg Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: The Capital Behind Golf's Innovation 02:18 - The Old Tom Capital Origin Story 04:08 - Building Conviction and the First Investment 07:50 - The Evolving Ecosystem of Golf Capital 10:26 - A Day in the Life: How Old Tom Vets Deals 13:15 - Advice for Founders: From NDA to Action 17:24 - Portfolio Deep Dive: Grass League & The Future of Golf Media 20:14 - Portfolio Deep Dive: Blue Jeans Golf & The "Golf Light" Revolution 28:23 - Creating Synergy: The LVMH (https://www.lvmh.com/en) of Golf? 31:29 - The Investor's Role: More Than Just a Cheque 36:39 - Navigating the AI Hype in Golf Innovation and Tech 41:03 - The Lightning Round: Tin Cup, Tech, and Dream Foursomes 45:08 - How to Connect with Matt and What Makes a Fundable Business Quotable Moments from Matt: On the unique opportunity in golf: "Golf has historically been a very sexy category to invest in, but it needs advocates internally who are showing outside investors that these are great places to invest because golf needs more capital. It's not going to just come from us. It needs to come from a lot of sources." On the philosophy behind their investments: "The moment we write a check, we like to think that we give that company an unfair competitive advantage because of who we are and what we put into it and the network that we've built." On the massive shift in how golf is consumed: "More people watch golf on YouTube than all linear television golf combined. And it's not cannibalizing the PGA Tour it's just being additive." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/YBxBsVuRti8). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/YBxBsVuRti8) or the image below. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/k_ZbIkwN.jpg (https://youtu.be/YBxBsVuRti8) Want to connect with Matt? Check out his bio page to make that happen! Matt Erley's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/matt-erley Are you an innovative founder struggling to find investors who truly understand the golf industry? Discover what it really takes to get funded in today's golf market as Matt shares how his firm provides an "unfair competitive advantage" and the one thing he tells every aspiring founder to do first. Visit the Old Tom Capital website (https://www.oldtomcapital.com/) to learn more and to connect. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/oz8BqVvC.png (https://www.oldtomcapital.com/) We want to thank Golf Genius Software for supporting The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) Special Guest: Matt Erley - Managing Partner at Old Tom Capital.

What does it take to walk 1,100 miles around the coast of Ireland, playing every links course along the way? In this inspiring conversation, bestselling author and golf adventurer Tom Coyne sits down with ModGolf Podcast host Colin Weston to share the incredible stories behind his epic journeys. During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways: The Power of an "Unreasonable" Goal: How committing to a seemingly crazy idea - like walking the entire coastline of Ireland to play its links golf courses - can lead to the most profound personal and professional journeys, revealing that the best stories lie just beyond the edge of conventional thinking. Golf is the Backdrop, Not the Whole Story: Why the most compelling narratives in golf aren't about the perfect shot, but about the people you meet, the unexpected hospitality you encounter, and the personal challenges you overcome both on and off the course. From Obsession to Entrepreneurship: How a passion for writing and golf can organically evolve into a successful business, turning hard-won knowledge and authentic experiences into a venture (Coyne Golf) that helps others create their own unforgettable adventures. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/9WM840o9.jpg Episode Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction: The One and Only Tom Coyne 00:01:04 - A Random Introduction to "A Course Called Ireland" 00:03:01 - Tom's First Golf Experience and Family Connection 00:06:14 - The Origins of an "Unreasonable" Idea 00:09:46 - Writing as a Job and Overcoming "Writer's Block" 00:13:30 - From Fiction to Nonfiction with "Paper Tiger" 00:17:04 - The Logistics of Walking Ireland 00:23:20 - The Infamous Keen Shoes Story 00:26:30 - The Magic of Ardglass and Irish Hospitality 00:33:00 - Golf as a Backdrop for Human Stories 00:34:47 - The Metaphor of Ireland as a Golf Course 00:36:19 - Cold Turkey: Not Playing Golf for a Year 00:38:23 - A New Quest in "A Course Called Scotland" 00:41:08 - The Difference Between Irish and Scottish Golf Trips 00:43:03 - The Importance of Vulnerability in Storytelling 00:45:12 - From Books to Business: The Birth of Coyne Golf 00:46:58 - Conclusion & Teaser for the YouTube Deep Dive Quotable Moments: "I don't think people generally want to read books about going out and doing very safe and normal things. So this idea of doing unreasonable things certainly led me into the way I approached Ireland. The idea was, I'll play Ireland as one giant golf course. Sometimes the next tee is going to be three days walk away and that's what I'm going to do. I'll do it all on foot." "For me, golf provides the trajectory for a story. But you don't know what the story is until you go out and find it. And it has nothing to do with where that five-iron went. What doesn't bore me are people and why we do the things we do. I've been lucky that golf has been a really good way to find a lot of that." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Tom Coyne on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/rB99npxkPn4). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/rB99npxkPn4) or the image below. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/wuWAEs-L.jpg (https://youtu.be/rB99npxkPn4) Want to connect with Tom? Check out his bio page to make that happen! Todd Keirstead's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/tom-coyne Featured Links & Resources: The Coyne Golf website: [https://www.coynegolf.com/] Follow Tom on Instagram: [@coynegolf] https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/vafuSZeI.png (https://www.coynegolf.com/) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) Special Guest: Tom Coyne - best selling writer and Founder of Coyne Golf.

"The C-word is one of the most scariest words in the English dictionary. My father died of cancer so when you hear that word, it punches you in the stomach. I ended up having nine facial reconstructive surgeries due to skin cancer on my nose. I had no idea what I was going to look like. So I had a conversation with my wife and I said, "I'm going to share my story. I'm going to go public with it to let people know what UV can do, but also it might help me out psychologically". And it was the best thing I did." Todd Keirstead's life in golf is a powerful narrative of transformation, resilience, and profound impact. His journey began with the gift of the game from his father, a bond forged on the fairways that led him to become an elite player. When injuries curtailed his competitive playing career, Todd channeled his expertise into teaching at the prestigious Jim McLean Academy, laying the foundation for his future. He soon discovered a rare talent for trick shots, blending his incredible hand-eye coordination with a natural comedic flair to build a globally recognized golf entertainment business. Voted Trick Shot Artist of the Year and featured on major media outlets, Todd has performed for thousands, using his unique skills to raise millions for charity and share the joy of golf in a truly unforgettable way. Beyond the spectacle, Todd's story took a deeply personal turn when his life outdoors led to a skin cancer diagnosis. With raw honesty and courage, he publicly shared his journey through nine facial reconstructive surgeries, transforming his personal challenge into a national platform for sun safety advocacy. As a brand ambassador for Melanoma Canada, he now dedicates himself to education, helping others avoid a similar fate and proving that vulnerability can be a source of immense strength and healing for both himself and others. This same empathy and drive to give back fuels his work as the founder of Paragolf Canada. Witnessing the power of adaptive golf to restore purpose and joy, Todd has become a leading force in making the game accessible to all. From wounded veterans to survivors of life-altering accidents, he provides the tools and inspiration for individuals to reclaim their connection to the game and the social bonds that make it so special. Todd Keirstead's journey is a testament to a life lived in service to others, proving that the true power of golf lies not in perfect shots, but in its unparalleled ability to heal, connect, and inspire. Featured Links & Resources: The Todd Keirstead Golf website: [https://toddkeirsteadgolf.com] Follow Todd on Instagram: [@toddkgolf] During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways: 1. The Power of Vulnerability Discover how Todd's decision to publicly share his harrowing journey through skin cancer and nine facial reconstructive surgeries became a source of personal healing and a powerful platform for advocacy, inspiring countless others to take their health seriously. 2. Beyond the Trick Shot Learn that world-class golf entertainment is more than just social media virality; it's a disciplined business built on live execution, audience connection, and the confidence to perform under pressure without a net. 3. Golf as a Tool for Healing See how the game of golf is being reimagined through adaptive techniques to restore purpose, community, and joy to wounded veterans and individuals with physical disabilities, proving the sport's profound impact extends far beyond the scorecard. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/tqFXH4ni.jpg Episode Chapters: (00:00:00) - Introduction A preview of an emotional and inspiring journey with golf entertainer, advocate, and entrepreneur Todd Keirstead. (00:01:49) - A Father's Gift Todd shares his first golf memories and the powerful bond with his father that introduced him to the game. (00:03:06) - From Player to Performer The transition from competitive golfer and Jim McLean instructor to a globally recognized trick shot artist and entertainer. (00:06:16) - The Business of Wonder The discipline behind the spectacle: building a viable entertainment business, crafting a live show, and the difference between social media virality and live execution. (00:08:09) - Signature Shots & Celebrity Encounters Todd reveals the trick shot that won him Trick Shot of the Year and how his unique performances have landed him on TMZ. (00:10:31) - The Diagnosis That Changed Everything The moment Todd heard the "C-word," his family's history with cancer, and the beginning of his fight against skin cancer. (00:13:58) - Going Public with the Pain Why Todd chose to share every step of his nine facial reconstruction surgeries online, turning a personal trial into a public mission. (00:16:20) - Becoming a Sun Safety Advocate Todd's work with Melanoma Canada and the three crucial lines of defense every golfer needs to know to protect themselves. (00:19:45) - Paragolf Canada: Golf for All The inspiring origin story of Paragolf Canada and how adaptive golf restores purpose and community to those with physical disabilities. (00:23:32) - Stories That Define a Mission Two powerful, heartwarming stories of how adaptive golf transformed the lives of a wounded veteran and a Humboldt Broncos survivor. (00:27:11) - The Thread That Binds It All Reflecting on a journey woven together with empathy, compassion, and the unifying power of the game of golf. (00:28:14) - Closing & Video Preview Where to find Todd online and an invitation to continue the conversation on the ModGolf YouTube channel. Quotable Moments: "The trick shots nowadays, they're going viral on social media, but what a lot of people don't know is the camera's rolling for about four hours to get that one lucky shot. And there's really only a handful of us in the world that can literally put on a live demonstration in front of hundreds of people and not miss. It's kind of cool to be in that select category. And it's fun to be able to not only entertain people, but execute and do something that you love with a golf club." "I'm using golf as an excuse to get out of the basement and have that social aspect of the game. And for some people that have recently acquired a stroke, golf might mean 30 yards and it might only mean hitting 10 shots in an 18-hole round, but they're sitting in the golf cart with three of their friends, having a drink, having laughs. And it's that social aspect that is pulling them out of the basement and giving them a purpose again. It's giving people back what they thought they've once lost." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Todd Keirstead on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/HGFO1R4pwMU). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/HGFO1R4pwMU) or the image below. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/7eHHLGlr.jpg (https://youtu.be/HGFO1R4pwMU) Want to connect with Todd? Check out his bio page to make that happen! Todd Keirstead's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/todd-keirstead If you have a skin blemish that you think might be cancerous, don't hesitate to have it looked at. Melanoma Canada (https://melanomacanada.ca) is a great resource and in the US visit The Skin Cancer Foundation (https://www.skincancer.org) for information and support. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/vYIv4l5n.jpg (https://melanomacanada.ca) We want to thank Golf Genius Software for supporting The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) Special Guest: Todd Keirstead - golf entertainer and skin cancer survivor.

In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Kelly Gold, the innovative founder behind TeeFox.golf. Kelly shares his journey from a solutions engineer in the tech world to tackling one of golf's most persistent frustrations: booking a great tee time. We dive into the $12.3 billion problem plaguing golf courses, the strategy behind building the largest tee time catalog in the US, and how a forced rebrand led to one of the most memorable names in golf tech. If you've ever spent an hour refreshing golf course websites or wondered how technology can make golf more accessible, this conversation is for you. Watch the Live Demo: Colin and Kelly jump over to the ModGolf YouTube channel right after this episode for a live demo of the TeeFox platform! See how it works and how you can book your next tee time at over 7,000 courses in the US. Watch the TeeFox.golf Demo on YouTube >> https://youtu.be/xpvjWa24zio During this episode you will discover these key takeaways: The $12.3 Billion Leak: Discover the shocking scale of revenue golf courses lose annually due to last-minute cancellations and no-shows, and how TeeFox is designed to recapture that value. Beyond the "Golf Now" Model: Learn why the traditional aggregator business model fails to include many top-tier courses and how TeeFox's different approach aims to create a truly comprehensive, golfer-first marketplace. The Power of a Pivot: Kelly's initial brand, TeeBox, faced a trademark challenge. Hear how this setback led to the creation of the clever and memorable TeeFox brand, proving that sometimes the biggest obstacles lead to the best opportunities. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/aCjge0uU.jpg Subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode with the innovators shaping the future of golf. Listen to the full episode on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | The ModGolf Website www.mod.golf Episode Chapters: 00:28 - Introducing Today's Guest: Kelly Gold of TeeFox.golf 00:57 - Kelly Gold Joins the Show from Denver, Colorado 01:15 - How a Meeting in Ireland Led to This Conversation 01:27 - The Icebreaker: Kelly's First Golf Experience and Who Got Him Hooked 03:30 - Decoding "Solutions Engineering" and Kelly's Tech Background 05:47 - The TeeFox Elevator Pitch: Building the Premier Tee Time Distributor 07:03 - TeeFox's Secret Sauce: Differentiating from GolfNow and Other Competitors 09:40 - Building a Two-Sided Marketplace that Benefits Golf Courses 12:11 - The Technology Culture Shock: Bringing Tech Innovation to the Golf Industry 15:28 - The Staggering Statistics of Tee Time Cancellations and No-Shows 17:22 - The TeeFox Revenue Model: Subscriptions, Fees, and Golfer Choice 19:45 - Scaling Nationally: The Goal of 8,000-9,000 Golf Courses 20:54 - The Story Behind the Rebrand: From TeeBox to the Memorable TeeFox 24:44 - The Worst Job Kelly Ever Had and What It Taught Him 27:56 - Building the Team: Leveraging a Network of Talented People 29:28 - The Aha Moment: From Side Hustle Prototype to Full-Time Venture 33:44 - Where to Find TeeFox.golf Online 34:11 - Closing Remarks and a Tease for the YouTube Demo Quotable Moment: "Wouldn't it be cool if you could send your user a notification saying, 'hey, a tee time just opened up at that course you play all the time'?... there are ways that we can get this data out into the industry to create better experiences for golfers." - Kelly on the vision for TeeFox as a data platform for the entire golf industry. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Kelly Gold on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/xpvjWa24zio). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/xpvjWa24zio) or the image below as Kelly walks Colin through a live TeeFox.Golf demo to effortlessly book a couple of tee times. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/3Du943Vi.jpg (https://youtu.be/xpvjWa24zio) Want to connect with Kelly? Check out his bio page to make that happen! Kelly Gold's bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/kelly-gold Do you find yourself frustrated by lack of available tee times in your area? If you are, then visit the TeeFox website (https://teefox.golf) or click on the image below to unlock access to tee times and to receive wait list cancellation alerts. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/ncnQbZrg.jpg (https://teefox.golf/) Follow TeeFox.Golf on social media: • Instagram: @teefoxdotgolf (https://www.instagram.com/teefoxdotgolf) • TikTok: @teefoxdotgolf (https://www.tiktok.com/@teefoxdotgolf) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that we launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! You will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) Special Guest: Kelly Gold - Founder at TeeFox.Golf.

In this high-energy season 18 premiere, host Colin Weston sits down with David Buck, the charismatic and hilarious founder of Big Swing Kings. David is on a mission to inject more joy and simplicity into the game of golf, moving away from over-complicated instruction and back to the fundamental truths of what makes a ball go straight. A former professional golfer who “won't see his name on any trophies,” David discovered his unique teaching style by accident when a video of him roasting (then instructing) a golfer's swing went viral. He breaks down why the quest for “consistency” is often misguided, why impact is the only position that truly matters, and how he's even learning to play left-handed to better understand the learning process for his students. Tune in for a conversation filled with laughs, practical wisdom, and a refreshingly simple approach to solving golf's most frustrating problems. Watch the video version with a special swing roast of host Colin Weston on: The ModGolf YouTube Channel (https://youtu.be/Z6w2i10yrQI) Featured Links & Resources: Big Swing Kings Website: [www.bigswingkings.com] Follow David on Instagram: [@bigswingkings] During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways: 1. Stop Chasing "Consistency" and Start Understanding Impact The golf world is obsessed with backswing positions, elbow angles, and perfect posture. David argues that this is backwards. The most important moment is the micro-second of impact. If you don't know what a good impact position looks and feels like, you can't possibly build a consistent swing around it. David's entire philosophy starts with mastering a one-foot back, one-foot through motion to ingrain this feeling before ever adding speed. 2. The Fastest Path to Improvement is Often the Simplest Golf is a simple game, but it is not an easy one. David advocates for stripping away complexity, both in swing thought and in equipment. He is a staunch advocate for single-length irons (from lob wedge to at least the 8-iron) because they remove variables like changing ball positions and spine angles, allowing you to focus purely on the strike. This simplicity creates inherent accuracy and makes the game easier to learn. 3. You Have to Choose Fun to Play Your Best Golf Frustration, anger, and the dreaded shanks can make golf feel like a chore. David's unique approach uses humor, light-hearted roasting, and camaraderie to break down the barriers of fear and frustration. By creating a community where it's okay to laugh at yourself, he helps golfers relax, which is the first step toward playing better and truly enjoying their time on the course. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/TZkSPd7r.jpg Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Season 18! 01:19 - Who is David Buck and What is Big Swing Kings? 02:16 - David's “Failed Pro” Background and Philosophy 04:21 - The Overwhelmed Golfer's Dilemma 04:38 - The Big Swing Kings Process: Start at Impact 06:31 - The Viral AHA Moment That Started It All 09:54 - The Story Behind the "Big Swing Kings" Name 11:30 - Is This Only for "Kings"? (Spoiler: No. Queens are welcome too!) 13:47 - The Upcoming Swing Roast of Host Colin Weston! 13:46 - Why David is Learning to Play Golf LEFT-HANDED 16:38 - The Case for Single-Length Irons 21:55 - How to Work with Big Swing Kings 25:31 - A Testimonial: Curing the Dreaded Shanks 33:14 - YouTube Golf, Tiny Clubs, and Storytelling 37:35 - Wrap-Up & How to Connect Quotable Moment: “The general consensus is fantastic. Same length eliminates complexities and it helps everybody. The fewer variables there are in my equipment, the easier it is for me to find straight.” - David Buck Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with David Buck on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/Z6w2i10yrQI). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/Z6w2i10yrQI) or the image below as Colin has his 16 handicap swing ROASTED by David before helping with some simple and straightforward improvement drills. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/vTSdp47F.jpg (https://youtu.be/Z6w2i10yrQI) Want to connect with David? Check out his bio page to make that happen! David Buck's bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/david-buck Care to have your swing roasted? (oops, we meant analyzed!) Then visit the Big Swing Kings website (https://bigswingkings.com/) or click on the image below to set something up with David. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/sD1vU73D.jpg (https://bigswingkings.com/) Follow Big Swing Kings on social media: • Instagram: @bigswingkings (https://www.instagram.com/bigswingkings) • TikTok: @bigswingkings (https://www.tiktok.com/@bigswingkings) We want to thank Golf Genius Software for supporting The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf)

That's a wrap for Season 17 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 18, which launches in September 2025. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how innovation, inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf. If you didn't get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 17 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry's top influencers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Hopefully this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them! https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/f1JmAuut.jpg Our Season 17 guests were: Episode 1 LIVE From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2 Hazel Thompson Founder and CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours This episode takes on a travel theme, as you will discover how to simplify the effort and complexity of transporting your clubs. And if you are considering a golf getaway with friends to Ireland, we have the person that can help make your dream trip a reality. We pick up where we left off at the end of last season where ModGolf was invited back to cover The 2025 PGA Show and host Colin Weston recorded four engaging conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up on Episode 1 is Hazel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours (https://excelgolftours.com/) who helped Colin plan his May 2025 Irish golf trip. ☘️ Jonathan Marsico CEO of Ship Sticks Our second conversation at The PGA Show Media Stage was with Jonathan Marsico, CEO of Ship Sticks. During Colin's conversation with Jonathan you will discover how to take the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs. You'll also learn how Jonathan and his co-founder went from an idea that addressed a personal pain point to a scaleable, profitable business. Click to listen >> Live From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2 (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/190-pga-show-2025-part-2) Episode 2 Jeff MacGregor - Founder of The Cart Locker Have you struggled to find balance when juggling the launch of a new business venture while keeping your existing job? On this episode you will discover and learn how Jeff MacGregor manages to maintain the position he loves as a Head Golf Pro while overseeing a startup that is quickly scaling up. Click to listen >> Turning a Side Hustle Into a Successful Business Venture (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/191-jeff-macgregor) Episode 3 Gina Louise Phillips - Actor, comedian, writer and golf personality "So I take an improv mindset. It's all about fun. It's all about what happens next." Gina Louise Phillips combines her comedic, writing and acting experiences to inject a fresh perspective into the golf industry. Join us as Gina shares how her journey on shows like The Last of Us with Pedro Pascal and co-hosting Score Golf TV has inspired her to write and develop a golf-themed sitcom called Squat Valley Golf about a dysfunctional family run public course on the brink of bankruptcy. Click to listen >> Applying an Improv Mindset to Golf (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/192-gina-louise-phillips) Episode 4 Agustín Pizá - Principal at Pizá Golf First appearing on The ModGolf Podcast back in November 2021, Agustín (Augie) Pizá rejoins us to pull back the curtain on his design inspiration and process as he walks us through six of the fun and challenging holes he and his Pizá Golf team created for TGL. Click to listen >> Revealing The Process and Inspiration Behind Designing TGL Golf Holes (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/193-augie-piza-tgl) Episode 5 Don Rea - PGA of America President "On the PGA Tour, they play for millions and at The PGA of America we get millions to play." PGA of America President and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club Don Rea joins host Colin Weston to share his 25 year journey advocating for the game and industry that he deeply loves. Click to listen >> It's The Banter Not The Birdies That Matter Most (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/194-don-rea-pga) Episode 6 Matt Williams - Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie "Life is short. I'm committed to spending it doing what I love." Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie joins us to share how you can make better on-course shot selection decisions that will result in less blowup holes and lower scores. Click to listen >> Increasing Your Odds For On-Course Swing Success (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/195-matt-williams-noonan) Episode 7 Pete Charleston - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix Never played the course you just booked a tee time on? No problem. You can preview each hole in immersive simulator-quality graphics before you play.” Pete Charleston - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix joins us again after his original appearance back in 2018 to bring us up to speed on their newest innovations that include 3D virtual reality hole flyovers. Click to listen >> Helping Golfers Play Smarter and Make Better Decisions (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/196-pete-charleston-golflogix) Episode 8 Graeme McCubbin and Kenny Pallas - Co-Founders of The Links Diary "We were bored with mainstream media and how they portray golf. We felt disenfranchised with that side of golf and thought, "Wouldn't it be cool if we did something different?" That is why we created The Links Diary." Host Colin Weston sits down with two of the four Links Diary Co-Founders Graeme McCubbin and Kenny Pallas for a chat to learn about the magazine they so passionately create. Click to listen >> Crafting Beautiful Stories From The Home of Golf (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/197-the-links-diary) Episode 9 Cory Powell - Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF "It's much bigger than myself. What really excites me and keeps me moving every single day is to do something that truly grows the game and has some legacy behind it." Co-Founder Cory Powell joins Host Colin Weston to share the entrepreneurial backstory leading up to the recent launch of Hubble.GOLF Click to listen >> Creating "The Expedia For Golf Tournament and Event Planning" (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/198-cory-powell-hubblegolf) Episode 10 TJ Schier Jr. - CO/Founder of SmashSwing Immersive "We look to attract and appeal to the "golf curious" with SmashSwing". Host Colin Weston speaks with TJ Schier Jr., the founder of SmashSwing Immersive. They discuss the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the golf industry, highlighting TJ's unique approach to creating an engaging indoor golf experience that anyone can play. Click to listen >> Transforming The Golf Entertainment Gaming Experience (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/199-tj-schier) Episode 11 Dr. Richard Berger and Teddy Koukoulis - Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery In this milestone episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston celebrates the 200th episode with two remarkable guests: Dr. Richard Berger, a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon, and his knee replacement patient Teddy Koukoulis, who is an avid golfer and PGA teaching pro. They discuss Dr. Berger's minimally evasive knee and hip replacement techniques that are transforming the outcomes and recovery process for golfers, high performance athletes and everyday people wanting to remove the burden of chronic pain and reclaim their quality of life. Click to listen >> "The Innovation Behind The Incision" Helping Golfers Reclaim The Game They Love (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/200-teddy-and-dr-berger) Episode 12 Paras and Bryan Gore - Co-Founders of Swing Sports and Golf She On this inspiring episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Paras and Bryan Gore, the visionary co-founders of Swing Sports and Golf She. Together, they discuss their journey in the golf industry, the challenges they faced, and their mission to elegantly empower women both on and off the golf course. Click to listen >> Elegantly Empowering Women Both On and Off The Golf Course (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/201-swingsports-golfshe) We want to thank Golf Genius Software for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) Special Guests: Agustín Pizá - Founder and Architect with Pizá Golf Design, Cory Powell, Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF, Don Rea - President, PGA of America and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Course, Dr. Richard Berger, Founder of Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery, Gina Louise Phillips - Host, Producer, Writer, Actor and Golf Personality, Graeme McCubbin - Creative & Photography with The Links Diary, Hazel Thompson - Founder & CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours, Jeff MacGregor - Founder of The Cart Locker, Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie, Paras Gore - Co-Founder of Swing Sports and Golf She, Pete Charleston - GolfLogix Co-Founder and President, TJ Schier - CEO/Founder at SmashSwing Immersive, and Teddy Koukoulis, elite level golfer and Dr. Berger knee replacement recipient.

"So as a woman, we have been identified as "the fairer sex". And to me, that's not something negative. Women are elegant. Women are beautiful. Women are strong. Women are capable. There are more women in the world than there are men. And so, we deserve something that speaks to that elegance, that speaks to that femininity, that speaks to that strength, that speaks to us being above and beyond."... Paras Gore, Co-Founder of Swing Sports and Golf She On this inspiring episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Paras and Bryan Gore, the visionary co-founders of Swing Sports and Golf She. Together, they discuss their journey in the golf industry, the challenges they faced, and their mission to empower women both on and off the golf course. During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways: The AHA Moment: Paras shares the pivotal experience at Golf Galaxy that ignited her passion for creating stylish and functional golf accessories for women. Innovative Products: Learn about the unique products offered by Golf She, including multifunctional head covers and stylish handbags that cater to the needs of female golfers. Community and Inclusion: The Gores discuss their vision for a more inclusive golf community and their plans to support underserved youth through a future foundation. Marketing Strategies: Discover how they are leveraging social media and user-generated content to spread awareness about their brand and products. Future Aspirations: Paras and Bryan share their goals for the future, including expanding their product line and fostering a supportive community for women in golf. Episode Highlights • Paras's journey from frustration to entrepreneurship • The value of elegance and functionality in golf accessories • Insights into the challenges of breaking into the golf industry • The couple's commitment to empowering women through their brand https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/igRrSavw.jpg Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Paras and Bryan Gore on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/ppSMTYAzytM). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/ppSMTYAzytM) or the image below as they extend their podcast conversation as Paras shows off some of her fashionable and functional accessory designs. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/_3Le2hgu.jpg (https://youtu.be/ppSMTYAzytM) Want to connect with Paras? Check out her bio page to make that happen! Paras Gore's bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/paras-gore Care to check out the luxury golf accessories Paras has designed for golf-loving ladies? Then visit the Swing Sports website (https://www.swngsports.com/) or click on the image below. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/H77UShn-.jpg (https://www.swngsports.com/) Follow Golf She / Swing Sports on social media: • Instagram: @swngsports (https://www.instagram.com/swngsports) • Facebook: Swing Sports (https://www.facebook.com/swngsports) • TikTok: @swngsports (https://www.tiktok.com/@swngsports) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf)

"Don't wait one minute. It is not worth giving up one minute of your quality life"... Teddy Koukoulis, avid elite level golfer and one of Dr. Richard Berger's knee replacement patients. Join us for this enlightening conversation that blends sports, science, and personal triumph, and discover how innovation in medicine is reshaping the future of golf! In this milestone episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston celebrates the 200th episode with two remarkable guests: Dr. Richard Berger, a pioneering orthopedic surgeon, and his knee replacement patient Teddy Koukoulis, who is an avid golfer and PGA Teaching Pro. They discuss Dr. Berger's innovative knee and hip replacement techniques that are transforming the outcomes and recovery process for golfers, high performance athletes and everyday people wanting to reclaim their quality of life. During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways: Revolutionary Recovery: Dr. Berger's minimally invasive knee replacement technique allows patients to recover faster and more completely than traditional methods. This innovation not only reduces pain and swelling but also enables golfers like Teddy to return to the game in record time—Teddy shot a two-over-par 74 just three weeks post-surgery! Empowerment Through Action: Both Dr. Berger and Teddy emphasize the importance of not waiting to address joint pain. Teddy's journey illustrates how taking proactive steps can lead to a significant improvement in quality of life, allowing individuals to engage in activities they love without the burden of chronic pain. Mental, Physical and Social Transformation: This episode highlights the profound impact of physical health on mental well-being. Teddy shares how overcoming his knee pain has not only improved his golf game but has also revitalized his overall lifestyle, enabling him to participate in activities he once thought were lost to him. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/H09fhOy0.jpg Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Teddy and Dr. Berger on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/N-l34doMpq0). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/N-l34doMpq0) or the image below as they extend their podcast conversation with commentary on Teddy's post-surgery golf swing video, along with more life-changing inspirational patient success stories from Dr. Berger. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/mbt40VIT.jpg (https://youtu.be/N-l34doMpq0) Want to connect with Teddy and/or Dr. Berger? Check out their bio pages to make that happen! Dr. Richard Berger's bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/dr-richard-berger Teddy Koukoulis' bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/teddy-koukoulis Dr. Richard Berger is a renowned orthopedic surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH in Chicago and is a pioneer of minimally invasive knee and hip replacement surgery. His groundbreaking approach preserves muscles, ligaments, and tendons, promoting quicker recovery and less post-surgical pain. Dr. Berger developed The BEST (Berger Elective Surgery and Telemedicine) Experience, a program designed to streamline the joint replacement process with virtual consultations, pre-surgery guidance, and a seamless recovery plan. Dr. Berger's approach, which minimizes trauma to soft tissue, tendons and ligaments, allows for a significantly faster recovery time. “Patients experience less pain, fewer complications, and are able to return to normal activities much sooner,” says Dr. Berger. Visit Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery (https://outpatienthipandknee.com) or click on the image below for more information on Dr. Berger's innovative techniques and to schedule an appointment. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/oskEbHU7.png (https://outpatienthipandknee.com) And don't forget to check out Teddy's inspiring golf swing video on our YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/N-l34doMpq0)! ---> https://youtu.be/N-l34doMpq0 Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Special Guests: Dr. Richard Berger, Founder of Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery and Teddy Koukoulis, elite level golfer and Dr. Berger knee replacement recipient.

Many professionals find themselves at a career crossroads, contemplating a career change or transition. Whether it's moving from a superintendent role to a sales/marketing position, or exploring opportunities beyond the golf course, these transitions can be both exciting and daunting. Eric Snelsire, a seasoned veteran of the golf industry, has experienced his fair share of career pivots. From his early days as an assistant superintendent at prestigious clubs like Oakmont Country Club, to becoming a superintendent at facilities like The Links at Lighthouse Sound, and eventually transitioning into sales and marketing roles, Eric has navigated the challenges and opportunities that come with changing paths. For those considering a career transition in the golf industry, Eric's story serves as a testament to the importance of self-reflection, skill development, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. By approaching these transitions with a positive mindset and a commitment to continuous learning, golf professionals can unlock new opportunities and find fulfillment in their evolving careers. Transitioning to Sales One of the primary challenges Eric faced during his transition was the perceived stigma associated with moving from the superintendent role to a sales position. "I would say that there's a little bit of an ego first for me having the background that I had of working at US Open Golf courses that there was almost a negative connotation of transitioning into sales like I had given up in my career, so to speak," he shared. This perception, unfortunately, is not uncommon in the industry, as some may view a move away from the golf course as a step back or a lack of dedication. However, Eric was quick to dispel this notion, emphasizing the valuable skills and experiences he gained as a superintendent that ultimately prepared him for success in his new role. Developing New Skills Another significant challenge Eric encountered was the need to develop new skill sets beyond agronomy. As a superintendent, the focus is often on maintaining the golf course to the highest standards, but as Eric noted, "Superintendents need to kind of take that leap of faith and say, I'm really a leader in this organization or club that I need to be at the table. And if you fear confrontation or those situations, just understand that there are going to be decisions made that are going to impact you that you're not going to have a say." This shift in mindset, from solely focusing on the golf course to becoming a strategic business partner, can be a difficult transition for some. However, Eric emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation, continuous education, and developing leadership skills to ensure a successful career transition. Despite the challenges, Eric's career journey also highlights the strengths and opportunities that can come with a career change. His diverse experience, from working at elite clubs to public facilities, has given him a unique perspective that he now leverages in his sales and marketing role. Soundbytes: “There's a place for everybody. If being at the elite clubs, like, early part of my career was something that you desire, you know, there's sacrifice to be made like that." (8:35-8:45) "Superintendents need to kind of take that leap of faith and say, I'm really a leader in this organization or club that I need to be at the table. And if you fear confrontation or those situations, just understand that there are going to be decisions made that are going to impact you that you're not going to have a say." (25:40) Quotes: "When your crew knows their work isn't just about maintaining grass, but about creating a memorable experience, that's when you see real pride and commitment." "It's not just about a well-groomed course; it's about understanding how every maintenance decision impacts the playability. If you want a course that meets the needs of every golfer, you have to plan every detail with that in mind." "Being part of our local GCSAA chapter isn't just networking; it's about sharing challenges and solutions with people who are in the same trenches. It's invaluable for growth and camaraderie." "Every course has its own challenges, but when you work your way up, you learn to adapt to different budgets, expectations, and standards. The fundamentals don't change; it's just a matter of raising the bar." "If you're starting out, focus on mastering the basics of agronomy, build your network, and remember that your reputation is everything in this industry."  

"Our goal is to put a golf club in someone's hands for the very first time so they have a fun, memorable experience." On this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston speaks with TJ Schier Jr., the founder of SmashSwing Immersive. They discuss the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the golf industry, highlighting TJ's unique approach to creating an engaging indoor golf experience. Join us for an insightful conversation with TJ Schier Jr. as he shares his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative vision behind SmashSwing Immersive. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable lessons on creativity, market understanding, and the power of community feedback. Key Takeaways you will discover on this episode are: Embracing Feedback for Innovation TJ emphasizes the importance of gathering feedback from potential users during the development phase. By inviting a diverse group of testers to experience SmashSwing, he was able to refine the product based on real user experiences rather than assumptions. This iterative process not only improved the technology but also expanded the target market. Targeting the Non-Golfer Market SmashSwing aims to attract the 99% of the population that doesn't typically engage with golf. By creating a fun, gamified environment that appeals to social and casual players, TJ is redefining the indoor golf experience. This strategy opens up new avenues for growth and accessibility in the sport. Building a Strong Brand Identity TJ discusses the significance of a well-crafted brand and first impressions. By investing in professional branding and creating a polished environment for SmashSwing, he ensures that potential customers see the value and quality of the experience. This focus on branding helps to instill confidence in both consumers and investors. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/rP2UrLYj.jpg Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with TJ on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/eobulbCnJd4) as he gives us a SmashSwing demo from their test facility in Dallas. Click on this link (https://youtu.be/eobulbCnJd4) or the image below as Colin and TJ extend their podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned that will benefit all entrepreneurs. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/d8TCTfhc.jpg (https://youtu.be/eobulbCnJd4) Prior to launching SmashSwing, TJ helped ignite the growth of BigShots Golf as part of ClubCorp/Invited to be the second largest player in the golf entertainment space. The brand grew from 1 to 7 units in 20 months with a mix of corporate owned, managed and franchised locations. Want to connect with TJ? Check out his bio page (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/tj-schier) to make that happen! https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/tj-schier To learn more about SmashSwing, check out their website at https://smashswingimmersive.com or click on the image below. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/3wXhMJq8.jpg (https://smashswingimmersive.com) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Special Guest: TJ Schier - CEO/Founder at SmashSwing Immersive.

Episode Overview In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston welcomes Cory Powell, co-founder and CEO of Hubble.GOLF. They discuss Cory's journey in golf, his entrepreneurial spirit, and the innovative platform Hubble.GOLF aims to create for golfers, their families and event organizers. Key Highlights Introduction to Hubble Golf Cory describes Hubble Golf as the "Expedia for golf events," aiming to be the largest searchable database for all things golf, including junior, amateur, and professional events. Cory's First Golf Experience Cory shares a heartfelt story about how his grandfather introduced him to golf at the age of eight, gifting him a set of junior clubs and taking him to a local driving range. The Entrepreneurial Journey From starting a pooper scooper service at eight years old to organizing tournaments and playing professionally, Cory's entrepreneurial spirit has been evident throughout his life. The AHA Moment for Hubble.GOLF Cory discusses the challenges he faced while trying to find golf events and how this led to the idea for Hubble.GOLF. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and co-founding with Kevin Lewis, who brought technical expertise to the project. Market Research and Customer Validation Cory explains how he gathered feedback from golfers and parents to validate the need for Hubble.GOLF, including surveys that indicated a willingness to pay for the service. Mentorship and Personal Growth The importance of mentorship is highlighted as Cory shares his relationship with Jim Casino, who has provided guidance and support throughout his entrepreneurial journey. Risk-Taking in Entrepreneurship Cory reflects on his approach to risk-taking, emphasizing the need for passion, perseverance, and the ability to pivot when necessary. Cory Powell's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community in the world of golf and entrepreneurship. Listen in to discover his vision for Hubble.GOLF and the future of golf events. "Hubble.GOLF is the Expedia of golf events. So everything from junior golf, youth, amateur college, professional, charity, networking, green grass, non-green grass, we will be the largest searchable event database for all things golf. And the idea stemmed from my background trying to find events and figure out a schedule and put together an itinerary and what's the budget around that itinerary and how do I share that itinerary with other people? And that's what we've created." https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/aLutd90o.jpg "On average a parent spends over four hours planning one individual event and a junior golfer participates anywhere between 12 and 18 events in a season. We save parents day's worth of time figuring out their child's season and ultimately save them money on their travel costs." "If you truly are passionate about what you do, you wake up every day invigorated and excited to get to work, to chase it, put in the work. It's not easy. You have to be disciplined. You have to be willing to do it. My grandpa always used to say, "you have to be willing to pay the price and do what others aren't willing to do." And that's long hours and hard work." Are you a watcher more than a listener who enjoys entrepreneurship stories? Then you can watch our video as Colin and Cory extend their podcast conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/acyCIb6ItGk) . Click on this link (https://youtu.be/acyCIb6ItGk) of the image below to watch. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/RBYGA_g5.jpg (https://youtu.be/acyCIb6ItGk) Cory Powell is an experienced entreprenuer who founded his first business at 8 years old hustling the neighbours with his "dog poop scoop service". This story is one of the highlights of our conversation! Want to connect with Cory? Check out his bio page (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/coy-powell) to make that happen! https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/cory-powell Download Hubble.GOLF for free at https://hubble.golf/home or click on the image below. ModGolf doesn't benefit from your participation. We just like what Cory and his team have created with Hubble.GOLF! https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/bVrZfSiU.jpg (https://hubble.golf/home) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) Special Guest: Cory Powell, Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF.

Host Colin Weston met Graeme McCubbin at The 2025 PGA Show in Orlando and their mutual love for design and visual storytelling immediately connected them. Graeme generously gave Colin a copy of The Links Diary, which led to an invitation to participate in The Stand on Solway, a three day Scottish golf experience with more than a dozen other links-loving people gathered to create memorable experiences and new friendships. While relaxing post-round at the manor house where everyone was staying, Colin sat down with two of the four Links Diary Co-Founders Kenny Pallas and Graeme for a chat to learn about the magazine's origin story. "The Links Diary started when the world shut down during COVID. We were bored with mainstream media and how they portray golf. All they do is sell you an advert on every single page for another golf product. We felt disenfranchised with that side of golf and thought, "Wouldn't it be cool if we did something different? Tell real stories, use beautiful imagery and when combined with a clean, modern design aesthetic compels you to feel something deeper. So when you read the magazine and see the imagery, you experience the quality and become part of The Links Diary journey."... Graeme McCubbin, Photographer and Creative Director with The Links Diary. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/roDP0Tj5.jpg Want to WIN a year's subscription to The Links Diary? Join our ModGolf Patreon Community as a paid member and you'll be entered along with all of our other exclusive ModGolf Giveaway Contests! >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. We created ModGolf on Patreon to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) "Being from Scotland, we knew we had an advantage because no one was telling that type of story from the home of golf. So we wanted to really lean into that and show people coming over here on vacation or a work trip, who are taking golf in while they're here. You can play these other amazing, iconic, lesser known courses that enrich your experience." Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then why not watch Colin's video shorts with The Links Diary crew during The Stand on Solway three day Scottish adventure on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/JFOFiy2EpuM?si=ZWagcAMHFznrQqvQ). Click on this link (https://youtu.be/JFOFiy2EpuM?si=ZWagcAMHFznrQqvQ) or the image below as Colin shares some quality time with The Links Diary lads. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/IG7on5IQ.jpg (https://youtu.be/JFOFiy2EpuM?si=ZWagcAMHFznrQqvQ) Want to connect with Graeme and Kenny? Check out their bio pages (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/graeme-mccubbin) to make that happen! https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/graeme-mccubbin https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/kenny-pallas Would you like to become a Links Diary membership subscriber? Check out their website at https://www.thelinksdiary.com/memberships or click on the image below. ModGolf doesn't financially benefit from your subsciption. We just love what Graeme, Kenny, Jamie and Stu create three times a year with The Links Diary. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/cLNygIrC.jpg (https://www.thelinksdiary.com/memberships) We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Special Guests: Graeme McCubbin - Creative & Photography with The Links Diary and Kenny Pallas - Brands & Editorial with The Links Diary.

"And who do we love? We love you, Colin. We love the 18 handicapper. That's amazing for us because if we get an 18 handicap, a newer youth playing, or we get a woman who is learning golf, their improvement rate is so dramatic. If we can make them more intelligent out there, if we give them a complete view of the course and they're standing on the tee box and they can see the elevation changes they can visualize their shots and we help them read their putts. That was a huge piece because most people don't know how to read greens." Pete Charleston - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix joins host Colin Weston tafter his original appearance back in 2018 to bring us up to speed on their newest innovations that include 3D virtual reality hole flyovers. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/mDf3ssz5.jpg "With GolfLogix our vision has always been about focusing on the masses. Do we love the really good scratch golfers in the plus? Of course, but there's just not many of them." "If you make better choices, maybe you don't get that double or triple bogey. Maybe you get a bogey, maybe you get a par. Maybe you birdie it. These are all things that are possible you know when you're using something that helps you become more intelligent about the game." Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then you can watch our video with Pete on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/9rwUkfOoCwM) as he walks us through a GolfLogix demo. Click on this link (https://youtu.be/9rwUkfOoCwM) or the image below as Colin and Pete extend their podcast conversation with video demos and success stories. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/97LEnLtH.jpg (https://youtu.be/9rwUkfOoCwM) Pete Charleston is an experienced entreprenuer with over a quarter century of golf startup reps under his belt. Want to connect with Pete? Check out his bio page (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/pete-charleston) to make that happen! https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/pete-charleston Download GolfLogix for free at https://www.golflogix.com/ or click on the image below. ModGolf doesn't benefit from your participation. We just like what Pete and his team have created with GolfLogix! https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/rhdZM5OC.jpg (https://www.golflogix.com/) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Special Guest: Pete Charleston - GolfLogix Co-Founder and President.

"We are the Ozempic for golf! I can shoot lower scores without changing my swing." Do you struggle to make better on-course shot selection decisions that will result in less blowup holes and lower scores? Then the Noonan Caddie app is for you! Noonan Caddie Co-Founder Matt Williams joins host Colin Weston to share his entrepreneurial insights as a multiple time founder in the golf entertainment and technology space. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/D00T-nh1.jpg Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then you can watch our video with Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/IlZ2O9KB9xY) as he walks us through a Noonan Caddie demo. Click on this link (https://youtu.be/IlZ2O9KB9xY) or the image below as Colin and Matt discuss positive tips and cautionary tales for new entrepreneurs embarking on their startup journey. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/nXAQxLjr.jpg (https://youtu.be/IlZ2O9KB9xY) "Life is short. I'm committed to spending it doing what I love." Matt Williams combines his passion for golf, technology, and entrepreneurship to build meaningful ventures that enhance the player and guest experience. Matt is the co-founder and President of Noonan Caddie - an innovative app that turns your phone into a digital caddie. Noonan unlocks the scoring potential already inside you by making smarter decisions rather than grinding on frustrating swing overhauls. Matt is an experienced entreprenuer and multiple time startup founder, including the creation of GolfTRK - Kansas City's premier member-focused indoor golf facility. https://www.golftrk.com/ Download Noonan Caddie at https://www.noonan.ai/ or click on the image below for your seven day free trial. ModGolf doesn't benefit from your participation. We just like what Matt and his team have created with Noonan Caddie! https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/58o8iO7r.jpg (https://www.noonan.ai/) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Special Guest: Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie.

"Whether it's to get better at golf as a game or improve as an executive or you're somebody who wants dedicate their life to the industry and send their kids to college, you've got to surround yourself with people that are better than you are and that certainly has happened for me. A high tide raises all ships and it's elevated my ability to be a good provider for my family, but also feel fulfilled in a life that's dedicated to golf because I just dig it." PGA of America President and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club Don Rea joins host Colin Weston to share his 25 year journey advocating for the game and industry that he deeply loves. "Some people say that they're professional golfers on The PGA Tour and we're golf professionals. There is no doubt the mission of the PGA of America is having 31,000 men and women out there every day trying to help people get it airborne. I believe we're the voice of the golfer in the game. There's 28.1 million out there playing. And who do they talk to? Well, they talk to our members. They talk to me. So we're their voice when it comes to any issues that might face golf. We're the first people they come to. We're the first responders of golf." https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/NwuzeR1D.jpg "The special thing about a college campus is that when you go there, there's a connection to that place. It always will be. And the alumni of that tell everybody why they should go to their college. We never had that. And that's what the new PGA of America headquarters is. It's not just a building. It's our home. There's two championship golf courses, a 10-hole lit golf course that's crazy busy every night, a two-acre putting green where little kids are running around in their bare feet with their big putters that are bigger than they are just putting around. For us, it's our why. There's a lot of relationships out there and ROIs of why you invest in something or partner with somebody. But for us, it's not about that. You need to know our why and why we exist. You can talk about a why, you can show it, you can see it, you can feel it and smell it. And that's what the home quarters of the PGA of America is." "That's where the 31,000 members ensure that we do everything we can to leverage the assets of the PGA of America to tell the story of the PGA professional so that we're serving them. And in the end that's our mission. Serve the member and grow the game. It's just that simple." https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/AIrm15Wa.jpg https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/Apjjd4xt.jpg PGA of America's New Headquarters Campus in Frisco Texas Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Special Guest: Don Rea - President, PGA of America and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Course.

When our host Colin Weston attended a TGL match (Tiger's Jupiter Links vs Rory's Boston Common) he quickly learned that several of the compelling holes played out on a 60' high simulator video screen and 360º rotating, undulating green are designed by previous guest Agustin Pizá, who is the creative force behind Pizá Golf Design. First appearing on The ModGolf Podcast back in November 2021, Augie rejoins us to pull back the curtain on his design inspiration as he walks us through six of the fun and challenging holes he and his Pizá Golf team created for TGL. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/EsxnmWH4.jpg Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then you can watch our video with Augie on The ModGolf YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/RUDZqWY3U9U) as he walks us through his inspiration and process on six TGL hole designs. Click on this link (https://youtu.be/RUDZqWY3U9U) or the image below as Colin and Augie discuss how their mutual backgrounds in architectural design influence their creativity in the golf space. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/2XsdxxE3.jpg (https://youtu.be/RUDZqWY3U9U) Here are images of all six holes that Augie shares with us for you to take in while listening to the podcast: The Plank Teams will need to walk “The Plank” as they navigate this uphill hole with tricky diagonal bunkering. For this short 380-yard par 4, it could be tempting for teams to go for the driver, but 3 pot bunkers narrow the landing area adding risk to the aggressive play. Agustín says: "For The Plank, we wanted to design something simple but also something that required you to think through your shots. To achieve this, we positioned the bunkers to create several dynamic diagonal lines across the hole." "When you stand on the tee box, that positioning gives you the sensation of, ‘Oh, it's full of bunkers, there's nowhere to land my ball!' But obviously that's not the case, you have several landing areas and platforms to access. The Plank is designed to be a drivable par-4, depending on the wind, but the strategy will change if it's a crosswind versus wind at the players' backs. If less than a driver is chosen off the tee, a well-placed tee shot still leaves a short approach and great chance at birdie." https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/zErM0GXO.png Pick Yer Plunder Set in Bounty Bay, this hole is the ultimate match play par 5. From the gold tee, players are faced with three options. The riskiest, and by far most rewarding choice, is going straight over the guardian bunker to a 27-yard-wide fairway, requiring a 300-yard carry. Choosing the right option, the fairway is just 37-yards-wide and requires a 285-yard carry. With a solid drive, players will be left with less than 250 yards remaining. The safest play is to the left, where the fairway is 70 yards wide. But the further left you miss it, the more blind and long your second shot will be. Agustín says: "A 590 yard par 5. The hole idea is you can take that middle section and you will be rewarded. You will only have a 200 yard shot to the GreenZone to get on in two. The alternative is to play the right arm or the left arm. You will have to play the second shot on a high cliff or a low cliff. This hole not only plays with your psyche on ways of playing it, but also where you land could create some blind shots and some other challenges that you probably were not expecting." https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/_r20cPOY.png On The Rocks This stunning downhill par 3 hangs off the edge of a cliff in the North Sea of Scotland. The green sits on a 41-yard-wide island that replicates the exact same-sized turntable in TGL's GreenZone at SoFi Center. Players will be tempted to be aggressive, most will likely have a short iron in hand, but any slight misjudgment and a team may quickly find themselves On The Rocks. Agustín says: "This is one of the last designs that we created, it's a par 3 that sits right on the cliffs. What we did very special here, is we took the GreenZone and just erased everything, all the surroundings, and kept the turntable. We have five distinct tee boxes. The first two tees are right in the center and they are somwhere between 100 yards and 130 yards. On the sides, the tee boxes spread out to ask for a fade or for a draw. If you go towards the furthest one out, it'll ask for a draw and it's 180 yards out." https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/Mtgou8fv.png Sidewinder A high trajectory right-to-left tee shot will reward teams with Position A on this reachable Par 5, while bunkers dot the approach to the green, which sits beyond a small ravine. While the design is similar to Serpent, the penalty areas have been minimized with the intention for Sidewinder to have a bit less bite. Agustín says: "You can take the conservative route on the right and if you hit over 290 to 310 yards you will get that speed slope onto position A. If you try to clear the left side and be more aggressive you will get rewarded even more. If you cannot get home in two then you will have to find a very good strategy to attack the GreenZone. You have to choose whether you want to lay your ball on the left or the right and that will be dictated by where the flag is played." https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/7drFnnF4.png The Spear A close relative of Temple, teams will face a simple risk vs. reward choice when teeing off on The Spear. The design places a pinch point right around the PGA TOUR average carry and gives players a choice to either hit a long and straight tee shot past the pinch point, or lay up short and play to the green in three. Teams that hit the ball short of the pinch will have plenty of room to lay up as they progress towards the green. Players that are able to execute the risky drive and land safely are then rewarded with a green light to go for the floating GreenZone in two. Agustín says: "The Spear is a full par 5. Architecture at the end is about playing with form and we started to create this hole by playing with triangles and we came up with The Spear. It pinches away on the fairway at approximately 300 yards, give or take. That's where it's going to make players think, with a crosswind likely a key factor in play, too. The strategy is right there in your face. It's a heroic hole. Do you want to lay up to guarantee a three shot hole or do you want to try to clear it and take that risk as it opens up in a very generous way? You'll have a very good chance of getting home in two if you clear the pinch successfully." https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/e7864_kR.png Temple is a hole design inspired by ancient civilizations and based on simplicity, the art form of two triangles facing each other to create a unique risk vs. reward with its hourglass shape. The choice off the tee is whether to carry the narrow intersection where the opposing triangles meet, or to lay up short and run the risk of a 240-yard or longer shot into the green. From the tee box, the fairway reaches its narrowest point at 285 yards before it widens again. The entire hole is surrounded by penalty areas and wind will be a factor within the virtual setting, complicating the decision for teams. Agustín says: "Temple is a par 4 playing over 500 yards that we found in the mountains of South America. This is a very special design because it plays with simplicity. With just two forms - two triangles pinched in the center - it can give us so much excitement and strategy, and we have placed the green in a position to reward the most aggressive shots off the tee." https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/OQzAsQ_5.png Want to connect with Augie? Visit his bio page (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/agustin-piza) for contact information. And visit The TGL website (https://tglgolf.com/holes) to learn more about all 29 holes designs that were available for the 2025 TGL season. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/YWS02n9A.png (https://tglgolf.com/holes) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com) Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you're a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com). Special Guest: Agustín Pizá - Founder and Architect with Pizá Golf Design.

Eric Cogorno was this week's guest on Success Profiles Radio. He is a golf teaching professional who transformed his business from doing lessons in-person and earning $80,000/year to building a $1.5 million/brand by teaching exclusively online. He started on YouTube by sharing what he learned by giving 20,000 in-person lessons to clients, and now has over 500,000 followers across all social media channels and millions of views worldwide. We discussed his strategies for building a large online brand, creating content consistently every week, the importance of modeling success, and how establishing goals and great habits changed his life and business. In addition, we talked about expanding from being a solopreneur to having a 13 member team and the exact order in which he hired them. Finally, we discussed overcoming fear and building the proper discipline needed to achieve everything you want. You can listen and subscribe at Success Profiles Radio Podcast - Apple Podcasts. You can also listen at Success Profiles Radio | Live Internet Talk Radio | Best Shows Podcasts

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we welcome Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), to dive into the pressing trends and challenges shaping the golf industry today. With over 28 years of experience in association management and a mission to champion golf course owners and operators, Jay shares his unique perspectives on workforce development, emerging trends, and the industry's advocacy efforts. Join us as we uncover strategies to navigate workforce challenges, explore revenue opportunities from alternative forms of play, and discuss the importance of advocacy in securing the future of golf. What You'll Learn in this Episode: Workforce Challenges and Opportunities: The golf industry must adapt to changing labor market dynamics by improving workplace culture and modernizing employment practices. Alternative/additive forms of play like simulators and night golf offer exciting revenue opportunities but come with operational challenges. Post-pandemic, sustained demand for golf has led to more aggressive pricing strategies and a shift toward "offense" in business planning. Despite positive performance metrics, advocacy remains critical to address legislative and regulatory challenges facing the industry. A coordinated, industry-wide effort on workforce development and recruitment, beyond individual associations' efforts is required to move the needle. Soundbites: "We have 15,000 small businesses around this country that are robust small businesses. They're in every community in America, and we get overlooked in some way." "We rested on the laurels of love of the game, and we're seeing, generationally now, two generations later, honestly, that the value system of people that want to work today is not the same as what it was 30, 40, 50 years ago." Quotes: "We've completely changed, the high demand has caused a complete mental shift towards what can I do with my business, and let me see what's possible with it instead of playing defense, we're on offense." "We have an entire television channel dedicated to our game. We have hundreds of millions, and if you look at the NGF research of how many people engage with the game in some way, as a fan, I might watch a clip of the Masters or Claygolf or I go to top, whatever." "If we want better people that are trained, better prepared people into the golf industry, we got to compete." "We get to have an enormous impact on an entire industry from one little office, and that's pretty special." "We're on offense. And four and a half years, almost five years into this now, we're still playing offense. And as business owners operators, holy cow, that is what you want to do." Resources Mentioned in the Episode: National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA): Website Connect with Jay Karen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaykaren/ 

In this special year-end episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom and his team take a moment to reflect on their growth, experiences, and the milestones they've reached throughout the year. Each team member shares insights into their personal and professional development, the evolution of their roles, and the lessons they've learned along the way.  Throughout the episode, Tyler and his team also discuss the importance of their work in recruitment, particularly within the competitive golf industry. The team reflects on the challenges and strategies involved in hiring top talent, emphasizing the importance of communication, open-mindedness, and adaptability throughout the recruitment process. They also stress the need for ongoing support and career development for candidates, recognizing that relationships go beyond just the hiring process. The team takes pride in their achievements this year, reflecting on the pride they take in helping clients build strong teams and the long-term relationships they've cultivated. As they look forward to the future, they express excitement for expanding their capabilities and continuing to create opportunities for growth within the industry. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Challenges and Strategies in Recruitment: The team discusses the competitive landscape of the golf industry and how they've adapted their approach to meet evolving needs in recruitment. The Importance of Teamwork and Communication: How building strong internal relationships and open communication channels contribute to success in recruitment. Open-Mindedness and Adaptability: The speakers highlight the need for flexibility and a willingness to consider diverse candidates, which has been key to their success this year. Ongoing Career Development: The team stresses the importance of continuous support and career development for candidates to ensure long-term success and satisfaction. Looking Forward: Reflections on the team's achievements and aspirations for expanding their impact in the industry. Recruitment Success Through Teamwork: Effective recruitment within the competitive golf industry relies heavily on strong teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability to meet both client and candidate needs. Quotes: "A parachute is better when it's open." "You're hiring a person, not a resume." "You can't be afraid to tell your story." “Not every effort yields immediate results, especially in recruiting. Adapting strategies and remaining persistent are crucial.”   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Tyler Bloom Consulting: www.tylerbloomconsulting.com

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme are back on a mid-December Smylie Show with a triple feature: the Tiger Woods vs Scottie Scheffler debate, an interview with the founder and CEO of Swag Golf, Nick Venson ... and, of course, more commentary on UNC's shock hiring of Bill Belichick as their next head football coach.We begin the show with Charlie sporting a Drake Maye jersey and firing off some Tar Heel homer takes, only to have his enthusiasm dampened by noted LSU Tiger Smylie. When the golf talk finally begins, it is Scottie Scheffler's ninth win of 2024 at the Hero World Challenge that revived some hot-take comparisons online to Tiger Woods' best seasons. In particular, SK and CH take a look at Tiger in 2000 and Vijay Singh in 2004 in comparison to Scottie in 2024.The second half of the show features Smylie's conversation with Nick Venson, the founder and CEO of Swag Golf. Nick charts his fascinating journey from a kid who collected Scotty Cameron putters, to producing a special line of headcovers for the USA Ryder Cup team, to now making his own Swag putters via an innovative process.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:53 - UNC Football04:17 - Bill Belichick Legacy09:25 - Greatest of All Time Debate15:36 - Comparing Scottie Scheffler's 2024 Season to Tiger's 2000 Season18:17 - Tiger Woods' Strong Handshake19:25 - Scottie vs. Tiger and Vijay: A Comparison22:30 - Scottie's 2024 vs. Palmer and Nicklaus25:10 - Why Tiger Woods Remains Relevant26:30 - Scottie and Vijay34:05 - Ranking Scottie's season41:45 - Interview with Nick Venson of Swag Golf44:30 - Nick's Entry into the Putter Business46:35 - Nick's Journey in Starting Swag Golf51:40 - Inspiration Behind Putter Designs55:10 - Engaging the Younger Generation57:30 - Strategy Behind Limited Releases1:00:26 - Swag Ryder Cup Captain's Gift1:03:59 - What's New from Swag Golf1:05:31 - When Did Swag Golf Achieve Success?1:08:19 - Nick's Insights1:10:00 - Wrapping Up

Send us a textIn Season 3, Episode 10, we welcome Grace Hurley, PGA, to the show! Grace is a PGA professional and currently the Vice President of Brand and National Sales at Catapult. A graduate of the University of Idaho's Professional Golf Management program, Grace played Division One golf before building an impressive career with the TPC Network and Titleist.Her journey took her to the prestigious Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, where she served as Director of Sports Retail for eight years and made history in 2023 as the youngest PGA professional to win the PGA National Merchandiser of the Year Resort Award. Grace is now also the North Florida PGA Chapter President.Throughout her career, Grace has mentored and empowered countless individuals, leaving a lasting impact on the golf industry. Tune in to hear her insights on leadership, branding, and navigating a successful career in golf!Be sure to connect and follow Grace Hurley on LinkedIn!ghurley@catapultgroup.agency@graciek10Contact Coach Mo@coachmogolfpro on Instagram & YouTubewww.coachmogolfpro.comcoachmogolfpro@gmail.comcoachmo@stjohnsgolf.comThe Golf Academy at St. Johns Located at St. Johns Golf & CC in St. Augustine/St. Johns, FL@thegolfacademy_st.johnswww.stjohnsgolf.comCLIPPD Discount Code: COACHMO10

Welcome to Season 11 of the Women of Golf Show! In the last episode of the season, Cindy and Ted welcome special guest Debbie Waitkus, Speaker/Author & Founder of Golf for Cause. Then later they reflect on Season 11, with the many guests and discussions. Here's more on this week's guest: Debbie founded her company in 2000 to empower businesswomen through golf, and her passion for the sport is evident in her work with the First Tee of Phoenix and Women in the Golf Industry. Debbie is most proud of her work with LPGA Co-Founder and World Golf Hall of Fame member Marilynn Smith, as confidante and Co-Tournament Director of her annual Pro-Am. The Pro-Am raises money for Marilynn's Scholarship Fund, which has awarded over $1,000,000 to young women to attend college. Debbie co-founded the Marilynn Smith & Founders' Legacy Foundation to forward the spirit and legacies of the trailblazing LPGA Founders and Pioneers. Tune in Tuesdays from 9:00 - 10:00 AM Eastern on various platforms, including iTunes, Stitcher, Tunein, Castbox, TalkStreamLive, and Spotify. Beginning January 31st, 2025 this podcast will no longer be available on this network. Visit https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-of-golf--6428971 to catch up on this and all previously aired episodes.

Many professionals find themselves at a career crossroads, contemplating a career change or transition. Whether it's moving from a superintendent role to a sales/marketing position, or exploring opportunities beyond the golf course, these transitions can be both exciting and daunting. Eric Snelsire, a seasoned veteran of the golf industry, has experienced his fair share of career pivots. From his early days as an assistant superintendent at prestigious clubs like Oakmont Country Club, to becoming a superintendent at facilities like The Links at Lighthouse Sound, and eventually transitioning into sales and marketing roles, Eric has navigated the challenges and opportunities that come with changing paths. For those considering a career transition in the golf industry, Eric's story serves as a testament to the importance of self-reflection, skill development, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. By approaching these transitions with a positive mindset and a commitment to continuous learning, golf professionals can unlock new opportunities and find fulfillment in their evolving careers. Transitioning to Sales One of the primary challenges Eric faced during his transition was the perceived stigma associated with moving from the superintendent role to a sales position. "I would say that there's a little bit of an ego first for me having the background that I had of working at US Open Golf courses that there was almost a negative connotation of transitioning into sales like I had given up in my career, so to speak," he shared. This perception, unfortunately, is not uncommon in the industry, as some may view a move away from the golf course as a step back or a lack of dedication. However, Eric was quick to dispel this notion, emphasizing the valuable skills and experiences he gained as a superintendent that ultimately prepared him for success in his new role. Developing New Skills Another significant challenge Eric encountered was the need to develop new skill sets beyond agronomy. As a superintendent, the focus is often on maintaining the golf course to the highest standards, but as Eric noted, "Superintendents need to kind of take that leap of faith and say, I'm really a leader in this organization or club that I need to be at the table. And if you fear confrontation or those situations, just understand that there are going to be decisions made that are going to impact you that you're not going to have a say." This shift in mindset, from solely focusing on the golf course to becoming a strategic business partner, can be a difficult transition for some. However, Eric emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation, continuous education, and developing leadership skills to ensure a successful career transition. Despite the challenges, Eric's career journey also highlights the strengths and opportunities that can come with a career change. His diverse experience, from working at elite clubs to public facilities, has given him a unique perspective that he now leverages in his sales and marketing role. Soundbytes: “There's a place for everybody. If being at the elite clubs, like, early part of my career was something that you desire, you know, there's sacrifice to be made like that." (8:35-8:45) "Superintendents need to kind of take that leap of faith and say, I'm really a leader in this organization or club that I need to be at the table. And if you fear confrontation or those situations, just understand that there are going to be decisions made that are going to impact you that you're not going to have a say." (25:40) Quotes: "When your crew knows their work isn't just about maintaining grass, but about creating a memorable experience, that's when you see real pride and commitment." "It's not just about a well-groomed course; it's about understanding how every maintenance decision impacts the playability. If you want a course that meets the needs of every golfer, you have to plan every detail with that in mind." "Being part of our local GCSAA chapter isn't just networking; it's about sharing challenges and solutions with people who are in the same trenches. It's invaluable for growth and camaraderie." "Every course has its own challenges, but when you work your way up, you learn to adapt to different budgets, expectations, and standards. The fundamentals don't change; it's just a matter of raising the bar." "If you're starting out, focus on mastering the basics of agronomy, build your network, and remember that your reputation is everything in this industry."  

In this episode of "The Colin and Samir Show," Good Good Golf members Garrett, Colin, and Max discuss starting Good Good, why golf is growing in popularity on YouTube and how they've built a successful apparel company. Start your store on Shopify today at http://shopify.com/colinandsamir

Welcome to "Mick Unplugged," where we dive deep into the realms of life, sports, and personal growth with some of the most intriguing minds out there. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Mac Barnhardt , who brings over 30 years of invaluable experience in the golf industry. Mac's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, learning from failures, and the importance of genuine communication in an increasingly disconnected world. In this enlightening conversation, Mac opens up about the highs and lows of his career, stressing the need for mental toughness, holistic balance, and the critical role of parental support in young athletes' lives. He emphasizes the value of authentic relationships and servant leadership, drawing wisdom from his own experiences with high-profile figures and mentors. Mac also shares his insights on the evolving landscape of golf, from the impact of technological advancements to the significance of brand management for modern golfers. We'll hear personal anecdotes, like those that highlight the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from amateur to professional golf, and the delicate balance of instruction versus over-coaching. Join us as we explore Mac Barnhardt 's philosophy on work, life, and the sport he loves, and gain insights that are as applicable off the course as they are on. This episode promises to be both motivational and thought-provoking, so sit back, relax, and enjoy "Mick Unplugged" with Mac Barnhardt .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a discussion of the weekend's key A-Tiers and Gannon Buhr's superb performance, Charlie Eisenhood and Josh Mansfield discuss the challenges facing the disc golf industry in a macro context of outdoor sports also feeling a pinch. Plus: market share data from Infinite Discs and what it could mean for the future.