The ModGolf Podcast

What happens when a lifelong golfer looks behind the bar at his club's 19th hole and realizes nothing there speaks to the community he loves?
For Chris Bishouty, that moment of noticing became the seed for Broken Tee Vodka - a premium corn vodka built not around celebrity endorsements or mass-market appeal, but around the camaraderie, storytelling and connection that define the game of golf. In this episode, host Colin Weston sits down with Chris to explore how a childhood spent watching his father putt into a coffee cup, an unconventional spirits education in 1970s Saudi Arabia, and a marketing career building consumer brands all converged into one authentic idea: a vodka that celebrates golf culture. From bottle-top ball markers designed to be collected to collaboration bottles with iconic courses like Panther National, Chris shares the bootstrapping playbook, the distribution strategy and the heartstring stories that keep him pushing forward.

3 Key Takeaways you'll discover:

1. Niche down before you scale up Rather than trying to take on the "600 pound gorilla, Kleenex of vodka" with a mass-market product, Chris built Broken Tee specifically for golfers which is a market with natural moats: brand loyalty, higher net worth, and a well-documented affinity for a post-round drink. Florida's 1,200+ courses and year-round play made it the perfect proof-of-concept market before expansion into states like North Carolina.

2. Direct-to-consumer relationships beat distributor middlemen. Shipping to 46 states and selling directly through https://brokenteevodka.com/ keeps the brand's story and one-to-one connection with golfers intact, which is something a traditional distributor model strips away. The 19th Hole Series of course collaboration bottles (like the Panther National edition) extends that relationship-building to clubs themselves.

3. Avoid expensive mistakes by leaning on those who've been there. Chris's advice for aspiring spirits entrepreneurs: "find people with experience who can tell you which pitfalls to sidestep". Mistakes are inevitable and at the same time are the best teachers but they're expensive, so every one you can avoid is capital saved for growth in the product and company.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Chris on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

https://youtu.be/NQZROCMD1vw

💬 **3 Inspiring Quotes from Chris Bishouty

"If you build something that you love, you never work a day in your life. That is how Broken Tee ended up becoming what it became . It was the solution to "how do I build the thing that I love so I don't feel like I'm working for the rest of my life."

"Golfers drink three times more than the average American. Golfers are generally higher net worth individuals, golfers are extremely brand loyal... We all spend a lot of time, money and effort on the hat, the clothes, the clubs, the bag. The idea behind Broken Tee was: we really should all be spending that time, money and care into what goes in our glass."

"We are a lifestyle brand that happens to sell vodka. Our whole thing is about bringing more awareness to the game, bringing people into the game, and really being a part of the fabric of the story of other people's lives and their lives in golf."

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the ModGolf Podcast / meet Chris Bishouty of Broken Tee Vodka
01:07 First golf memories: dad's living-room putting and the coffee-cup hole
04:29 The entrepreneur's "open building site" why vodka, why golf?
07:18 A unique spirits education: pot stills and moonshine in 1970s Saudi Arabia
09:27 Assembling the team: sourcing vs. building a distillery, and the value of mentors
14:28 Tasting notes and differentiators: corn-based, carbon-filtered, sustainable
17:41 Finding the market gap in a hyper-competitive spirits category
22:35 Distribution strategy: direct-to-consumer, Florida proof of concept, 46 states
26:44 The 19th Hole Series: collaboration bottles with iconic golf courses
28:53 The Cocktail Club: golf-themed signature drinks (and a YouTube mixology demo)
31:14 The ball marker story: keepsakes, limited editions and brand engagement
37:28 Naming and logo design: the subtle broken "T" and the negative-space second T
40:51 The three C's - connection, community, camaraderie - and stories that fuel the fire
45:36 How to find Broken Tee Vodka and get it into your club or home

We want to thank Big Swing Media for presenting this episode and supporting Season 20 of The ModGolf Podcast!
https://www.BigSwingMedia.news
Anyone can tell you what happened in golf. The Big Swing Golf Business Intelligence Brief tells you why it matters, and what’s coming next. Twice a week, Big Swing delivers original reporting and expert analysis of the money, trends, technology and personalities reshaping the game. It’s essential reading for anyone who works in, invests in or cares about the future of golf. ModGolf listeners receive a special first-year rate with code MODGOLF26. Visit https://www.BigSwingMedia.news to subscribe.

About The ModGolf Podcast: Host Colin Weston speaks with entrepreneurs, innovators, disruptors, and influencers shaping the future of the game and business of golf. Now in Season 20 with nearly 300 episodes produced since 2017.

Join the ModGolf Community

Subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen in.
Become a ModGolf Patron to help support golf entrepreneurship!
Join our ModGolf Patreon community at https://patreon.com/ModGolf for exclusive content and entry in our ModGolf Giveaway contests.

🔗 Connect with Chris and Broken Tee Vodka:

https://brokenteevodka.com/
https://brokenteevodka.com/

Special Guest: Chris Bishouty – Founder, Broken Tee Vodka.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

Who are the people quietly shaping the future of golf? The founders, creators, operators, and community builders whose names you don't see on the leaderboards, but whose impact is felt across the industry. In this bonus episode, Colin Weston sits down with David Hyland, co-founder of Business in Golf, to talk about The 100 List - a new, fully independent initiative designed to recognize and celebrate the inspiring individuals driving the game forward. If you believe that golf's future belongs to more than just the household names, this episode is your invitation to shine a light on someone who deserves it.
Oh by the way - you can nominate yourself!

Nominations are open until October 30, 2026

The Business in Golf 100 is now accepting nominations from across the global golf industry. You can nominate yourself, a colleague, a peer, a friend, or anyone you believe is doing great work to grow the game and inspire others.

The five criteria they'll be judging against will be impact, innovation, inspiration, contribution to the future of the industry, and then character and values.

➡️ Nominate at: https://businessingolf.com/the100list

It's free to nominate, open to anyone, anywhere in the world, and the final 100 is decided by a fully independent judging panel chaired by Martin Slumbers (former CEO of the R&A).

The 10 Categories Open for Nomination

• Founders & Entrepreneurs
• Executives & Business Leaders
• Operators & Course Management
• Investors & Deal Makers
• Innovators & Technology Leaders
• Designers & Creatives
• Brand Builders
• Creators
• Catalysts
• Rising Stars & Next-Generation Talent

Categories are guides, not quotas. If someone is making an impact, nominate them!

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with David on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

https://youtu.be/B3pMvj5NDZA

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

•

Golf's New Consumer Isn't Being Measured Properly – David argues the industry's reliance on "rounds played" misses the bigger picture. Many new golf consumers never play 18 holes—they play simulators, short-form courses, watch YouTube golf, and buy apparel. Understanding this new consumer is essential for long-term growth.

•

Outside Perspectives Are a Superpower, Not a Weakness – Neither David nor his co-founder Leanne came from the golf industry. Rather than being a credibility gap, their 20+ years of external commercial and innovation experience lets them ask different questions and bring a fresh lens to golf business news.

•

The 100 List Democratizes Recognition – Unlike traditional power lists that celebrate the usual suspects, The Business in Golf 100 is about contribution, not profile. It's open to anyone, at any level, anywhere in the world - and women are especially encouraged to nominate and be nominated.

Inspiring Quotes from David Hyland

"We apply our external macro experience to the news that's happening within the golf industry and bring a slightly different perspective to the story. We may ask slightly different questions than what questions would be asked within the golf industry."

"It's not about their position or their job title or the company that they work for. It's about the individual and the work that they're doing. It's the impact. It's not their profile, it's about their contribution."

"Golf is attracting people from outside the industry both at a professional level, but also from a playing level as well. Both need to work together to help the industry keep on growing. You need people to come in with outside perspectives and with outside opinions and questions."

"We're looking for founders, we're looking for innovators, creators, operators, executives, community leaders and brand builders, rising stars, people who are having a global or local impact. Anyone can nominate themselves a colleague, a peer, a friend, whoever that might be who they believe is making a difference and helping to inspire others to make a difference to the industry. I think what makes this different maybe from other award programs or recognition programs is this is about the people."

"It's not about who they work for or their job title, it's about the impact that they're having not their profile. So it doesn't matter if they're really well known or not known at all, it's about what they're doing that really matters. It's their contribution as opposed to their popularity."

➡️ Nominate at: https://businessingolf.com/the100list

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://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 https://www.golfgenius.com.

Episode Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to The ModGolf Podcast – Bonus Episode with David Hyland
01:22 - Meet David Hyland, Co-Founder of Business in Golf
02:08 - The Why: Filling a Gap in Golf Business Coverage
04:34 - The Ryder Cup Catalyst: Why the Industry Needed a New Voice
06:20 - Curating the Weekly Newsletter: Process, Perspective & the LIV/Rahm Story
09:34 - Outside the Industry: How Not Coming from Golf Became a Superpower
12:26 - Overhyped vs. Ready to Take Off: David's Take on Golf Business Trends
14:38 - YouTube Golf & the New Entry Point for Young Players
19:23 - Introducing The Business in Golf 100
22:20 - The Judging Panel: Martin Slumbers, Rick Shiels, Katrina Matthew & More
25:52 - Democratizing Recognition: Contribution Over Profile
28:32 - How to Nominate – Deadline October 30, 2026
30:23 - Encouraging Women to Nominate & Be Nominated
32:31 - Connect with Business in Golf & The 100 List
33:09 - Closing Thoughts & YouTube Bonus Conversation

Connect with David Hyland & Business in Golf

• Website: https://businessingolf.com/
• The 100 List Nominations: https://businessingolf.com/the100list
• Instagram: @businessingolf
• LinkedIn: Business in Golf
• Newsletter: Free weekly newsletter every Friday
• Founding Partner of The 100 List: RepSpark

Special Guest: David Hyland - Co-Founder, Business in Golf.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

What if the future of golf wasn't on a golf course at all?

In Michigan, golf courses close mid-November and don't reopen until the end ofMarch. That's over four months of bills with zero revenue - the brutal reality for every northern golf course operator. But instead of accepting this cycle, Kyle Holmes and his business partner Tim asked a different question: What if we could keep people playing, and paying, all winter long?

The answer became The Nest - an eight-bay indoor/outdoor golf facility that Kyle believes is the first of its kind in Michigan, possibly the entire country. What makes it unique? "Dual-mode" bays that let you hit down the range on TrackMan 4 technology with the garage door open in July, or into an impact screen in January without ever moving from your spot.

In this episode, Colin sits down with Kyle Holmes, General Manager and Managing Partner of Quail Ridge Golf Course in Ada, Michigan. Kyle shares his journey from employee to owner, the power of a complementary business partnership, and how he's betting big on the explosive growth of indoor golf - where more rounds were played than outdoors for the first time in 2025.

Whether you're a golf course operator looking for new revenue streams, an entrepreneur curious about turning a vision into reality, or simply someone who loves hearing about innovation in unexpected places, this episode will inspire you to think differently about what's possible.

3 Key Takeaways you'll discover:

1. The Dual-Mode Bay: A Genuine Industry Differentiator
Most facilities force you to choose: hit outdoors at a range OR play indoors on a simulator. The Nest eliminates that choice entirely. With garage doors that open to a 375-yard range on one side and impact screens for virtual play on the other, golfers never have to move bays to switch between experiences. Kyle explains how this seemingly simple design decision creates a completely unique customer experience that competitors will be challenged to replicate.

2. Segmenting Your Customer Base to Maximize Revenue
Kyle reveals his strategic approach to filling The Nest's eight bays by identifying distinct customer segments that don't compete for the same time slots - early morning "grinders" who want to dial in their swing before work, college and high school teams on weekend mornings, league play during weekday evenings, and groups of friends gathering around big games on Friday and Saturday nights. It's the same segmentation philosophy that has kept Quail Ridge's tee sheet full for almost three decades.

3. Building a Year-Round Business Without Cannibalizing Your Core Product
The Nest wasn't designed to replace the golf course - it was built to complement it. Kyle explains how indoor golf becomes an onboarding tool for beginners who feel intimidated by the traditional course experience, a winter training facility for serious players, and a community gathering space that keeps Quail Ridge top-of-mind even when the course is covered in snow.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Meghann on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

https://youtu.be/THsEcC4B8Fo

💬 3 Inspiring Quotes from Kyle Holmes

"I don't pretend to be the smartest person in the room at every moment because if we're talking about something that's not 'how do you make this business grow faster?' or 'how do you fix somebody's slice?' - there's somebody else in the room that has a better answer. And I love to hear from them."

"We want people to feel like they're home when they come to Quail Ridge because everybody loves to come home. You can have a great golf course and a bad experience, and you're going to remember the bad experience, not the great golf course."

"Once people cross that threshold - where they whiff three or four times, then make contact, then the ball's airborne, then it's going 75 yards - are they ever not going to play golf again? Absolutely! It's such an empowering moment."

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to ModGolf: Meet Kyle Holmes, the "boots on the ground" entrepreneur
01:35 Kyle's first golf experience: Grandfather, father, and a club in hand at age two
03:38 The history of Quail Ridge: Built and opened during the Tiger Boom in 1998
05:45 From employee to owner: The journey of acquiring Quail Ridge with business partner Tim
08:09 The power of complementary partnerships: Kyle's business brain meets Tim's 30 years of turf expertise
10:33 "I'm a lifelong learner": How Kyle asks questions instead of pretending to know everything
12:30 Introducing The Nest: Eight dual-mode indoor/outdoor simulator bays
13:36 What makes dual-mode bays different: No need to move between indoor and outdoor experiences
15:52 The problem: Michigan golf courses close for four months and the bills don't stop
17:30 From idea to reality: Clearing trees, running internet to the maintenance barn, and betting on indoor golf
19:20 The customer mix: Grinders, leagues, date nights, college teams, and NFL Sundays
22:52 Quail Ridge's business model: Public course with just 35-40 members and 45,000 rounds in 2025
26:13 Location advantage: 1.5 million people in Metro Grand Rapids with only four high-tier public courses
28:25 Marketing The Nest: Why "simulator golf" isn't enough and explaining dual-mode to the masses
30:02 The women's clinic phenomenon: Sell-outs in hours and the power of a judgment-free environment
34:32 Breaking down barriers: Pace of play, etiquette, and making golf less intimidating
37:14 The "welcome home" philosophy: Why experience matters as much as course conditions
37:58 Scaling the vision: Kyle's plans to acquire more courses and apply the formula
39:45 What's next: The design and construction journey of The Nest on The ModGolf YouTube channel

We want to thank Big Swing Media for presenting this episode and supporting Season 20 of The ModGolf Podcast!
https://www.BigSwingMedia.news
Anyone can tell you what happened in golf. The Big Swing Golf Business Intelligence Brief tells you why it matters, and what’s coming next. Twice a week, Big Swing delivers original reporting and expert analysis of the money, trends, technology and personalities reshaping the game. It’s essential reading for anyone who works in, invests in or cares about the future of golf. ModGolf listeners receive a special first-year rate with code MODGOLF26. Visit https://www.BigSwingMedia.news to subscribe.

About The ModGolf Podcast: Host Colin Weston speaks with entrepreneurs, innovators, disruptors, and influencers shaping the future of the game and business of golf. Now in Season 20 with nearly 300 episodes produced since 2017.

Join the ModGolf Community

Subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen in.
Become a ModGolf Patron to help support golf entrepreneurship!
Join our ModGolf Patreon community at https://patreon.com/ModGolf for exclusive content and entry in our ModGolf Giveaway contests.

🔗 Connect with Quail Ridge GC and The Nest:

https://quailridgegc.com/
Location: Ada, Michigan (12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids)
https://quailridgegc.com/

Special Guest: Kyle Holmes, GM & Managing Partner of Quail Ridge GC.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

"You get launched over a barrier and now you're running. Everybody's yelling and you just have to get there."

What happens when a psychology grad who grew up in tank tops and sundresses - and didn't own a single collared shirt - walks into a golf pro shop for the first time? She sees a disconnected, convoluted ecosystem and spends the next 19 years building the commerce layer that connects it all. In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Meghann Butcher, Founder & CEO of RepSpark, the B2B wholesale commerce platform powering golf and outdoor lifestyle brands. From ordering 50 custom-logoed polos across 10 colorways to predicting what's trending in the market before orders are even placed, Meghann shares how she turned a sales rep's pad-and-paper problem into the platform the PGA of America calls "the commerce layer of golf." Whether you're a brand founder, a green grass buyer, or just golf-curious, this conversation is a masterclass in grit, empathy, and building infrastructure that makes everyone's life easier.

3 Key Takeaways you'll discover:

1. Psychology is the ultimate entrepreneur's superpower
Meghann's BA in Psychology and Communications from Vanderbilt didn't lead her away from tech - it led her through it. From listening to customer pain points to building the right team, she credits her liberal arts background as the differentiator that helps her understand what people need, how they say it, and how to translate that into solutions. "I've actually used my psychology degree more than anything else."

2. Mass customization is the hardest problem in golf apparel - and RepSpark solved it
It's not an e-commerce site where you put your name on a water bottle. It's 50 polos, 10 colorways, club logos on the correct side, correct colors, correct sizes - or the whole order comes back unsellable. Meghann explains how RepSpark spent years mastering this nuanced complexity, making it easy for sales reps and buyers alike to get it right the first time.

3. The future of golf commerce is predictive, intelligent, and inclusive
With 9 million new golfers and brands like Lululemon and Fabletics entering the space, the game is expanding beyond traditional 18-hole courses. Meghann shares how AI is transforming RepSpark - from predictive ordering and order organization to auto-generated templates - and why the platform is leveling the playing field for up-and-coming brands to present a modern front as big as the enterprise players.

💬 3 Inspiring Quotes from Meghann Butcher

"You have to be really gritty. Nothing can get you down. Someone can say something and you just have to either have the self-confidence to say, 'I don't really care what that person said,' but also the humility to listen, to understand what they're saying, and take that to heart too."

"You get launched over a barrier and now you're running and everybody's yelling. You just have to get there and you have to tune it out. You have a path and you just have to keep going."
...on how running the bulls in Pamplona is like entrepreneurship and running a business

"Don't be afraid of risk. Do not be risk averse. That's not going to work. But having a background in psychology has helped me more than anything else."

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Meghann on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

https://youtu.be/8RquT5m5Gtc

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 20, Episode 4 + Thanking new sponsor Big Swing Media
01:27 Introducing Meghann Butcher, Founder & CEO of RepSpark
02:10 Meghann's first golf experience: dating her now-husband, no collared shirt, and Valentine's Day golf shoes
03:48 How women's golf apparel has evolved over 22 years
05:41 The fundamental problem RepSpark solves: a disconnected ecosystem
08:32 The two-sided marketplace explained
09:08 Starting in action sports: from WebRep to RepSpark
11:38 Mass customization: why getting logos right is incredibly complex
13:54 Three tiers: enterprise brands, up-and-comers, and microsites
16:10 The marketplace as a discovery engine (80% of AGM buyers find new brands on RepSpark)
18:29 "Not too small - but you need a wholesale strategy"
19:28 Success story: Johnny O's 744% B2B order growth
21:59 Backend data, ERP integration, and the three layers of business logic
25:03 Psychology degree as entrepreneurial superpower
27:46 PGA Show presence and strategic alignment with PGA of America
29:40 AI, predictive ordering, and the future of commerce
35:02 Hard goods, club configuration, and pickleball
36:15 Advice for fledgling entrepreneurs, especially women
37:05 The Pamplona bull run analogy for entrepreneurship
38:50 The origin of the name "RepSpark" (and "Rep Sparkle")
40:02 How to connect with RepSpark

We want to thank Big Swing Media for presenting this episode and supporting Season 20 of The ModGolf Podcast!
https://www.BigSwingMedia.news
Anyone can tell you what happened in golf. The Big Swing Golf Business Intelligence Brief tells you why it matters, and what’s coming next. Twice a week, Big Swing delivers original reporting and expert analysis of the money, trends, technology and personalities reshaping the game. It’s essential reading for anyone who works in, invests in or cares about the future of golf. ModGolf listeners receive a special first-year rate with code MODGOLF26. Visit https://www.BigSwingMedia.news to subscribe.

About The ModGolf Podcast: Host Colin Weston speaks with entrepreneurs, innovators, disruptors, and influencers shaping the future of the game and business of golf. Now in Season 20 with nearly 300 episodes produced since 2017.

Join the ModGolf Community

Subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen in.
Become a Patron!: Join our ModGolf Patreon community at https://patreon.com/ModGolf for exclusive content and entry in our ModGolf Giveaway contests.

**🔗 Connect with RepSpark:

https://repspark.com/ | Request a demo or contact the team today
https://repspark.com/

Special Guest: Meghann Butcher, Founder & CEO of RepSpark.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

What if everything we've been taught about how to teach golf is backwards? What if the reason millions of golfers struggle isn't their lack of talent, but the way the game has been explained to them? And what if one woman, who's been challenging golf's conventions for over four decades, has the answers that could transform your game and the entire industry?

In this compelling episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Kay McMahon, a true force of nature in the golf world. Kay is a member of the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame, an LPGA Elite Top 50 Best Teacher, a PGA member, the President of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI) , and the creator of the revolutionary Golf 8.5 teaching system.

From her humble beginnings putting on a homemade three-hole golf course built by her innovative father in their cul-de-sac (complete with a lemonade stand that taught her entrepreneurship at age five), to playing in three U.S. Opens and working alongside Arnold Palmer at Ironwood Country Club for a decade, Kay's journey is nothing short of remarkable.

But this conversation isn't just a trip down memory lane - it's a masterclass in challenging the status quo, building inclusive communities, and reimagining how we teach and experience the game of golf. Whether you're a frustrated golfer stuck at the same handicap for years, a golf industry professional, or someone who cares about making the sport more welcoming to everyone, this episode will leave you inspired and armed with actionable insights.

Three Key Takeaways you'll discover:

1. The Golf 8.5 System: Why "Simple" Beats "Complicated" Every Time
Discover why traditional golf instruction has been teaching the setup positions in the wrong order for decades, and how Kay's breakthrough system - built on cognitive learning principles and "chunking" - can help you retain 300% more of what you learn. You'll learn why there are only four things to do before the swing and four-and-a-half things during it, and how this approach can shave 15-25 seconds off every shot (that's a half-hour round!) while dramatically improving your consistency.

2. The Power of Connection: How WIGI is Amplifying Women's Voices in Golf
Learn how the Women in The Golf Industry organization, founded in 2001 by 11 pioneering women, has become a vital network for connecting resources, mentorship, and opportunities across all facets of the golf industry - from tour professionals and golf architects to media members and entrepreneurs. Kay shares how the organization embraces a two-way mentoring model where seasoned professionals and young newcomers learn from each other, and why having a unified voice matters in an industry where women represent only 5-10% of professionals.

3. Confronting Golf's Uncomfortable Truths: The Callaway/Good Good Controversy and Beyond
In the wake of the controversial Callaway and Good Good video that sparked industry-wide outcry, Kay offers her thoughtful perspective on the "unacceptable undercurrent culture" that still exists in golf. Rather than simply condemning, she advocates for recognizing these moments as opportunities to change the conversation, ask "what were they thinking?" and work toward building a more inclusive, respectful sport for everyone, while acknowledging the many men who are supportive allies in this effort.

💬 Inspiring Quotes from Kay McMahon

"I said, 'I'm really sorry that all the members keep talking to you and interrupting how you practice.' And he looked at me very closely in the eye and said, 'Just remember the reason that you and I are here is because there are fans.'"
— Kay sharing a life-changing lesson from Arnold Palmer about humility and gratitude

"We never get to where we are alone. I ended by saying, and guess what? I just spun The Game of Life again and I ended up on the Hall of Fame."
— Kay reflecting on her Hall of Fame speech, where she honored the many women who mentored and supported her journey

"Keep your head up because it's all in the attitude, and I promise your scores will come down."
— Kay's signature advice to golfers everywhere

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Kay on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

https://youtu.be/BpNnTpnOByg

Episode Chapters

00:14 Welcome to ModGolf: Host Colin Weston introduces Kay McMahon
01:16 Kay's First Golf Experience: How her father built a golf course in the cul-de-sac
04:30 An Overview of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI): Mission, history, and impact
09:00 International Reach and Mentorship: How WIGI connects women globally
12:45 The Callaway/Good Good Controversy: Kay's perspective on the industry's response
18:30 Partnerships That Matter: How WIGI collaborates with Women's Golf Day and other organizations
22:00 Becoming a PGA Professional: Kay's journey through nine qualifying schools and three U.S. Opens
25:44 Stories of Arnold Palmer: Lessons in humility, ethics, and treating people right
27:43 Influential Women in Kay's Life: Shirley Spork, Pat Lang, and the "Game of Life"
29:54 Making Golf More Inclusive: What clubs get wrong and how to fix it
32:30 The Golf 8.5 System Explained: Four setup positions, four-and-a-half swing thoughts
37:12 Closing Thoughts and Final Advice: "Keep your head up"

About Kay McMahon

Kay McMahon is a pioneering figure in the golf industry with a career spanning over four decades. She is:

• A member of the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame
• An LPGA Elite Top 50 Best Teacher
• A PGA member
• President of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI)
• Creator of the Golf 8.5 teaching system
• Founder of EduKaytion Golf (a clever play on her name and her passion for education)
• Former National President of the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals
• Played in 3 USGA Women’s Opens and competed in nine LPGA qualifying schools
• Worked alongside Arnold Palmer at Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, California for 10 years

Connect with Kay McMahon & WIGI

• Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI) : https://womeninthegolfindustry.com/
• Join WIGI: Look for the "Join" button on the website
• Junior Membership: Only $25/year for teenagers (and can be waived if needed)
• Contact Kay directly: president@womeninthegolfindustry.com or kay@edukaytiongolf.com
• EduKaytion Golf and Golf 8.5: https://www.edukaytiongolf.com/

We want to thank Big Swing Media for presenting this episode and supporting Season 20 of The ModGolf Podcast!
https://www.BigSwingMedia.news
Anyone can tell you what happened in golf. The Big Swing Golf Business Intelligence Brief tells you why it matters, and what’s coming next. Twice a week, Big Swing delivers original reporting and expert analysis of the money, trends, technology and personalities reshaping the game. It’s essential reading for anyone who works in, invests in or cares about the future of golf. ModGolf listeners receive a special first-year rate with code MODGOLF26. Visit https://www.BigSwingMedia.news to subscribe.

About The ModGolf Podcast: Host Colin Weston speaks with entrepreneurs, innovators, disruptors, and influencers shaping the future of the game and business of golf. Now in Season 20 with nearly 300 episodes produced since 2017.

Join the ModGolf Community

Subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen in.
Become a Patron!: Join our ModGolf Patreon community at https://patreon.com/ModGolf for exclusive content and entry in our ModGolf Giveaway contests.

Special Guest: Kay McMahon - President of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI) and creator of the Golf 8.5 teaching system.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

What happens when a barber from Florida - turned streetwear entrepreneur - turned content creator picks up a golf club for the first time in 20 years during a global pandemic? He builds one of the most dynamic creative agencies in golf. Osi Umunna, CEO and Founder of The Hole 9, joins host Colin Weston for a raw, unfiltered conversation about how he's bridging the lifestyle and cultural gap between golf brands and the audiences they've been missing for decades. From the Good Good controversy that's shaking the industry to LeBron James' game-changing entry into golf media to the black-owned brands quietly rewriting golf's cultural playbook, this episode delivers the kind of perspective that only comes from someone who's lived on both sides of the fence and decided to build a bridge instead.

Whether you're a brand executive wondering how to reach new audiences, a creator trying to find your lane, or just someone who's ever felt like golf "wasn't for you," this conversation will change how you see the game's future. Osi doesn't just talk about the new guard of golf, he's actively building it.

Key Takeaways you'll discover:

1. The future of golf belongs to those who build bridges, not walls.
Osi explains why brands that only speak to one audience will eventually stall, and how The Hole 9 helps companies scale by bringing in fresh perspectives, tastemakers, and cultural credibility that simply can't be manufactured in a boardroom.

2. The Good Good controversy is a teachable moment about the cost of missing voices.
Osi breaks down what went wrong, why Callaway shares responsibility, and how the fallout could have been avoided if more diverse perspectives had been in the room before the content went live. It's a cautionary tale every brand in the creator economy needs to hear.

3. Vulnerability is golf's secret weapon for inclusion.
From LeBron shanking shots on camera to Steph Curry's and Michael Jordan's legendary competitive fire, Osi explains why showing the struggle, not just the highlight reel is exactly what makes golf relatable and welcoming to newcomers.

💬 Inspiring Quotes from Osi Umunna

"Brands are now trying to scale and reach this new audience. And how do you reach it if you don't know the story?"

"For Black and brown individuals, it's like if you see it, you can be it. When you start building from the youth - they say the youth will save us - that's probably the biggest impact."

"If LeBron James can shank balls in front of the world, what's your problem? We all were there at one point. It's okay to show that side and the growth."

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Osi on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

[

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 20 & Introducing Presenting Partner Big Swing Media
02:02 Meet Osi Umunna: Fashion, Entertainment & The Hole 9 Origin Story
04:09 First Golf Experience: The Power of Invitation & "Catching the Bug"
05:49 From Barber Chair to Boardroom: Building Networks & Inner Desires
10:58 The COVID Golf Boom & The Birth of The Hole 9
11:55 The Good Good Controversy: Lessons on Perspectives & Brand Responsibility
16:40 LeBron James, Steph Curry & the NBA's Impact on Golf's Growth
18:26 Adrian Colbert & On The Links (OTL): Athletes Transitioning to Golf
20:36 The Vegas Baby Golf Pro Am and the AM Golf Partnership
22:58 Steph Curry, Michael Jordan & the Power of Elite Athletes in Golf
26:52 Black-Owned Golf Brands to Watch: Renegade Golf, Blackballed, Masterpiece & Eastside Golf
29:43 The Story Behind the Name: "The Hole 9"
32:37 What Excites Osi & What Still Needs Work in the Golf Industry
35:57 Where to Connect with Osi & The Hole 9

🔗 Resources & Links

Connect with Osi on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osi-umunna-139bb593/
Website: https://thehole9.com/

Brands & Creators Mentioned in This Episode

• Eastside Golf – Earl & Olajuwon, leading the way for Black-owned golf apparel
• Renegade Golf – Black-owned golf ball brand based in Atlanta
• Blackballed Golf – Atlanta-based clothing brand
• Masterpiece – New York-based golf lifestyle brand
• Golf Saved My Life – Atlanta brand with a powerful founder story
• Malbon Golf – Creating space for Black and brown golfers
• On The Links (OTL) – Adrian Colbert's platform for golf-loving pro athletes
• Vegas Baby Golf Pro Am – AM Golf's launch event, November 2024 * * * We want to thank Big Swing Media for presenting this episode and supporting Season 20 of The ModGolf Podcast! https://www.BigSwingMedia.news Anyone can tell you what happened in golf. The Big Swing Golf Business Intelligence Brief tells you why it matters, and what’s coming next. Twice a week, Big Swing delivers original reporting and expert analysis of the money, trends, technology and personalities reshaping the game. It’s essential reading for anyone who works in, invests in or cares about the future of golf. ModGolf listeners receive a special first-year rate with code MODGOLF26. Visit https://www.BigSwingMedia.news to subscribe. * * * About The ModGolf Podcast: Host Colin Weston speaks with entrepreneurs, innovators, disruptors, and influencers shaping the future of the game and business of golf. Now in Season 20 with nearly 300 episodes produced since 2017.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

What happens when modular construction expertise meets the booming golf entertainment market?
In this season premiere of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Matthew Towell (Founder/CEO) and Stephen Arnold (COO) of Cover The Tees to explore how they're transforming driving ranges across America into vibrant community entertainment hubs.

From Matthew's unlikely golf start of hitting his stepmother's 7-iron over a house as a kid, to building a company that's now completed 100 modular installations nationwide, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, overcoming adversity, and the power of creating shared experiences through golf. Whether you're a golf course operator, an entrepreneur, or simply love hearing how businesses scale, you'll want to hear this conversation.

Key Takeaways you'll discover:

1. Modular Construction = Speed, Scalability, and Season Extension
Cover The Tees' modular approach allows facilities to install covered bays in just 10-14 days, scale from 10 to 20+ bays as demand grows, and add enclosures, heaters, and wind protection to extend operations into winter months. One Chicago-area facility tracked 1.5 million balls in the first four months of the year before the snow melted and their busy season even began.

2. Driving Ranges Are Becoming Community Entertainment Hubs
The traditional "hit a bucket and leave" model is evolving. Cover The Tees clients are hosting line dancing, bands, trivia nights, and craft events, transforming ranges into year-round gathering spaces. Nicole Inkle's facility saw community engagement soar, while Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort quadrupled their revenue in year one.

3. Start Small, Prove Your ROI, Then Scale
Cover The Tees encourages operators to start with 10 bays and expand later. One customer hit their previous year's ball sales in just the first month after installation, immediately requesting their second wing. The modular design makes expansion seamless.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Matthew and Stephen on The ModGolf YouTube channel as we run through a live demo of Cover The Tee's "Bay Builder" tool. Click on this link or the image below to watch.
https://youtu.be/MLFB2rcvdJw

💬 Inspiring Quotes

"The money is great, but what you get to feel from it afterwards. It's really opening up this game for more people to get involved. Who would not have before."
— Matthew Towell, Founder/CEO

"I can't tell you why it works. I just know it does work. We built it. People showed up. We were able to take our revenues from $90,000 and do $300,000 in the first three months."
— Stephen Arnold, COO

"Watching the families come in with a grandmother in a wheelchair sitting in the bay with her family around her watching her grandkids hit balls. I was like, 'This is freaking cool, man. This is what I want to do forever.'"
— Matthew Towell, Founder/CEO

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Season 20 & Cover The Tees
02:13 Matt's first golf experience: stealing clubs, hitting over a house, and getting hooked
03:58 Stephen's introduction to golf: plastic clubs, grandpa, and the magic of a golf cart
05:12 The Cover The Tees origin story: Modular classrooms, rental businesses, and a wife's health scare
09:39 COVID, lost contracts, and the pivot to golf entertainment
11:24 The first prototype in Austin, Texas: finding early adopters
13:03 Stephen's journey: From skeptical client to COO at Cover The Tees
15:39 The Palmetto Dunes installation: 14 bays, built in 60 days, and how it 4x'd revenue
16:14 Market opportunity: 14,000+ golf courses in the U.S. and why this scales anywhere
17:53 The design process: Engineering packages, permits, and turnkey solutions
21:00 Building the dream team: Bringing in Top Tracer veterans and industry experts
23:52 The Bay Builder tool: Customization meets modular consistency
24:35 Extending seasons in northern climates: Enclosures, heaters, and garage doors
27:47 Flexibility in design: VIP bays, instruction spaces, and corporate events
29:25 Matt's race car driving background and the "apex" business strategy
32:29 Production and installation: A 10-14 day process that feels like assembling a Lego set
37:54 Success story: Nicole Inkle's hesitant start that turned into community transformation
41:10 How to get started with Cover The Tees (and their investment partnership program)
44:16 Closing thoughts: Building more than structures, building community

🔗 Resources & Links

Connect with Cover The Tees: Contact their team for a consultation
Website: https://coverthetees.com/
Watch the companion video: ModGolf YouTube Channel

About The ModGolf Podcast: Host Colin Weston speaks with entrepreneurs, innovators, disruptors, and influencers shaping the future of the game and business of golf. Now in Season 20 with nearly 300 episodes produced since 2017.

We want to thank Big Swing Media for presenting this episode and supporting Season 20 of The ModGolf Podcast!
https://www.BigSwingMedia.news
Anyone can tell you what happened in golf. The Big Swing Golf Business Intelligence Brief tells you why it matters, and what’s coming next. Twice a week, Big Swing delivers original reporting and expert analysis of the money, trends, technology and personalities reshaping the game. It’s essential reading for anyone who works in, invests in or cares about the future of golf. ModGolf listeners receive a special first-year rate with code MODGOLF26. Visit https://www.BigSwingMedia.news to subscribe.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

That's a wrap for Season 19 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 20, which launches mid September 2026. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how innovation, inclusion, technology, entertainment, sustainability, 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 19 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 I'd love to learn why you liked them!

Our Season 19 guests were:

Episode 1: Hyman Ngo, Co-Founder of Levelwear

What does it take to build a golf apparel brand carried by 85 of the top 100 clubs in both the US and Canada? Hyman Ngo, Co-Founder of Levelwear, joins The ModGolf Podcast to share his journey from contract manufacturer to industry leader, revealing the "Who's With You" manifesto, the brand's commitment to sustainable performance apparel, and how authentic relationships with caddies and golf pros drive long-term success in the competitive golf fashion space.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Team Over Everything - The Art of Building an Enduring Brand

Episode 2: Drew Koehler, Co-Founder of Blue Tees Golf

What happens when a broken Amazon rangefinder ruins your round and sparks a multi-million dollar business idea? Host Colin Weston sits down with Blue Tees Golf co-founder Drew Koehler to unpack the entrepreneurial journey behind one of golf’s fastest-growing tech brands. From liquidating bank accounts for bootstrap capital to launching the new Rainmaker launch monitor and Scout AI, this is a must-listen for golfers and entrepreneurs who want to know how to disrupt the golf industry with better design and smarter technology.
Click to listen 🎧 >> From Corporate Consultant to Golf Disruptor

Episode 3: Greg Collins, Founder of GRIT Inc.

He built a hockey bag empire from a handshake in a pizza parlour. Then COVID pushed the company to pivot into the world of golf. Greg Collins, founder and CEO of GRIT Inc. reveals how the 45-year industrial design veteran expanded from hockey into golf, turning fear into fuel and creating the revolutionary GRIT 2.0 Tower golf bag - a square, cart-stabilizing design that proves the best golf innovations come from off the fairway. If you're a golfer tired your golf bag twisting sideways in your cart, or an entrepreneur looking for startup resilience and product design inspiration, this is your must-listen episode!
Click to listen 🎧 >> From The Hockey Rink to The First Tee

Episode 4: Renate Roeleveld - CEO of The GCAE / Golf Course Association of Europe

She broke her leg running the NYC marathon and kept going - so resilience and tenacity are part of her DNA. Golf Course Association of Europe GCAE CEO Renate Roeleveld joins us to reveal how European golf facilities are embracing tech, hospitality, and "short format" play to solve inclusion and sustainability challenges to make the sport more welcoming for players and profitable for operators.
Click to listen 🎧 >> A European Playbook to Future-Proof Golf

Episode 5: Geoff Tait - Founder & President of Triple Bogey Brewing

He hung out with Arnold Palmer at Augusta, lost a multi-million dollar business, and then built a successful brewery from scratch - without knowing how to brew a single beer. In this raw conversation, Triple Bogey Brewing founder Geoff Tait shares the painful lessons from losing Quagmire Golf, why slow growth and customer loyalty beat venture capital, and how "better hit another" became a mantra for resilience. This episode is a must-hear for entrepreneurs, golf business fans, and anyone who loves craft beer on the first, ninth or 19th hole.
Click to listen 🎧 >> From Losing it All to Over $12 Million in Annual Sales

Episode 6: Kris Lynch - Golf Yourself Happy

Think you’re not "good enough" to be a golfer? Think again. In this powerful mindset shift, former finance exec turned coach Kris Lynch exposes why 4 million golfers quit annually and why a "happiness first, handicap later" approach is the cure. Tune in to discover golf mindset, mental health, beginner tips, and how to overcome golf anxiety and imposter syndrome to actually enjoy the experience of playing over focusing on the result.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Happiness First and Handicap Later

Episode 7: JR Charles & Aron Schüler - AVA Golf / ParOne

Are you feeling overwhelmed by launch monitor data and conflicting YouTube golf tips? You’re not alone. Guest host Rich Katz sits down with ParOne’s JR Charles and engineering director Aron Schüler to introduce AVA Golf - a new platform designed to replace guesswork with genuine golf intelligence. Discover how this "video-first" solution aggregates your Arccos and Garmin data to serve a personalized video playlist from Top 100 instructors, helping you fix the right thing at the right time.
Click to listen >> Cutting Through The Golf Data Noise

Episode 8: Don Donatello - PGA Tour caddie

So what really happens when the cameras stop rolling on the PGA Tour? Host Colin Weston meets up with 28-year caddie veteran Don "Double D" Donatello at the RBC Canadian Open to uncover the untold physical, financial, and emotional realities of life on the bag and how Levelwear's Caddie Lounge is finally giving loopers the space, resources and respect they deserve.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Creating The Caddie Lounge to Support PGA Tour Loopers

Episode 9: Rob Sunstrum - Founder of Smart Golf

Why would a laid-off logistics exec bet everything on building golf tournament software from scratch during a pandemic? In this live recording from Highland Golf Club, host Colin Weston sits down with Smart Golf founder Rob Sunstrum to explore how his innovative scoring platform is revolutionizing league management, re-engaging members, and driving F&B revenue for courses across North America. Discover how Smart Golf is turning weekly golf events into year-round communities, and how clubs are doubling participation by reclaiming ownership from outdated spreadsheets.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Elevating The Golf League Experience

Episode 10: Dr. Valerie De Maio & Dr. Chris Adamson Co-Founders of GolfDr

Ready to stop your body from sabotaging your golf game? In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with the mother/son co-founding duo behind GolfDr: emergency physician Dr. Valerie De Maio and golf physiotherapist Dr. Chris Adamson to reveal why personalized, golf-specific body work is the secret to not just improving your performance, but sustaining it well into your 70s, 80s, and beyond.

This conversation is a must-listen for golfers, fitness enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs alike, as they unpack the critical role of mobility in the golf swing, share the entrepreneurial journey from a mobile clinic to a scalable digital platform, and explore the massive opportunity in golf longevity and wellness. Tune in to discover how you can play longer, hurt less, and finally bridge the gap between what your mind knows and what your body can do.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Move Better & Hurt Less

Episode 11: Kevin Carpenter - US Managing Director at AM GOLF

Are you ready to discover how golf technology can actually deepen human connection rather than diminish it? Return guest Kevin Carpenter - aka The GratiDude and US Managing Director of AM GOLF - joins us for an inspiring conversation that bridges golf business strategy, personal transformation, and the future of tournament experiences. From reimagining event software as a community-building platform to Kevin's powerful journey of sobriety and gratitude, this episode delivers actionable insights for golf entrepreneurs, fitness-minded golfers, and anyone passionate about where the game is headed next.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Transforming Golf Experiences To Deepen Human Connection

Episode 12: Jimmy Roberts Co-Founder of Big Swing Media

For our Season 19 finale, legendary sports broadcaster and 16 time Emmy Award winner Jimmy Roberts delivers a masterclass in storytelling, journalism, and the business of golf. From his unforgettable first Masters experience alongside Byron Nelson to launching Big Swing Media, Jimmy reveals why curiosity trumps stats, how golf became America's most inclusive growth sport, and why 450 of 500 Fortune 500 CEOs are on the course. Whether you're a golf industry professional, aspiring broadcaster, or passionate fan, this episode delivers insider access you won't find anywhere else.
Click to listen 🎧 >> The Business of Great Golf Storytelling

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://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 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 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

https://patreon.com/Modgolf

Special Guests: Aron Schüler - Director of Engineering with ParOne Inc / AVA Golf, Drew Koehler, Co-Founder / Chief Revenue Officer at Blue Tees Golf, Geoff Tait – Founder & President, Triple Bogey Brewing Company, Greg Collins, Founder & CEO of GRIT Inc., Hyman Ngo, Levelwear Co-Founder and SVP of Product/Marketing, JR Charles - CEO at ParOne / AVA Golf, Kevin Carpenter, The GratiDude / US Managing Director for AM GOLF, Kris Lynch - Mindset Coach & Founder of Golf Yourself Happy, Renate Roeleveld - CEO of The Golf Course Association of Europe, and Rob Sunstrum - Founder & CEO at Smart Golf.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

Ever wonder what it's like to walk the hallowed grounds of Augusta National alongside legends like Byron Nelson? In our Season 19 finale, host Colin Weston sits down with the incomparable Jimmy Roberts - sports broadcasting icon, master storyteller, and co-founder of Big Swing Media - for a conversation that spans the evolution of golf media and the $250 billion annual business of golf. We To learn how a cold call to ABC's Wide World of Sports launched a four-decade broadcasting career that would lead to earning 16 Emmy Awards.

From his first nervous steps at the 1991 Masters to launching a premium media company dedicated to golf's business landscape, Jimmy shares the lessons learned from a career that's covered every major sporting event on the planet. Whether you're an aspiring broadcaster, a golf industry professional, or simply someone who loves a great story, this episode is your backstage pass to one of sport's most respected voices.

Three key takeaways that you'll discover:

✅ The Power of Curiosity Over Stats Jimmy reveals that his entire career was built not on memorizing statistics, but on genuine curiosity about people. His advice? "God gave us two ears and one mouth" so listen more because everyone has a story worth telling.

✅ Golf is a $250 Billion/year Global Ecosystem With more golf courses in America than McDonald's restaurants and 130 million "golf engaged" Americans, Jimmy explains why he and co-founder Fred Bucher launched Big Swing Media to cover the business side of the game that's been largely overlooked.

✅ Storytelling is About Making People Care From his days at ABC Sports learning from legendary producer Roone Arledge, Jimmy shares the foundational principle of great storytelling: educate your audience and give them a reason to connect emotionally with the subjects you cover.

Inspiring Quotes from Jimmy Roberts:

"Everybody's got a story. The heart of storytelling is to educate people and give them a reason to care. Give them a reason to identify, give them a reason to root."

"If there was such a thing as YouTube back then, I'd probably be either waiting tables or selling insurance right now because there'd be evidence of my incompetence. I was really fortunate to learn on the job and make a lot of mistakes in obscurity."

"We're not broadcasters, we're narrowcasters. We've identified our little lane where there's a lot of white space, and we're colouring in some of the lines."

Episode Chapters

00:00 - Introduction
Colin sets the stage for this special Season 19 finale conversation with broadcasting legend Jimmy Roberts.

01:01 - The Origin Story Jimmy shares his golf journey - from parents who introduced him to the game to maintaining a "comfortable somewhere in the 80s" handicap. He reveals the three things that make golf truly special: beautiful places, connection with people, and the joy of playing the game for a lifetime.

03:43 - The Breakthrough Moment
The remarkable story of how a cold call to ABC's Wide World of Sports at age 18 launched a legendary career. Jimmy recounts pestering legendary producer Ned Steckle and landing his first gig covering the 1976 NCAA lacrosse championship.

08:40 - Finding Golf
Why Jimmy strategically "planted a flag" in golf coverage at ESPN in the early 1990s - and how Tiger Woods' arrival proved to be the perfect timing that turbocharged Jimmy's storytelling career.

10:02 - First Masters Memories
Jimmy's unforgettable 1991 Masters experience: showing up overwhelmed, finding comfort with Dave Marr, and the surreal moment Byron Nelson pretended to know him. "There was no way he had any idea who I was, but that's more a story about who Dave Marr was."

12:49 - Playing Augusta National
Insider details on the Monday media lottery, playing the course, and what television doesn't capture - especially the dramatic elevation changes and the true challenge of those legendary greens.

16:05 - Augusta's Digital Innovation
How the Masters leads the industry by asking "how do we make this the best it can be?" rather than "how much does it cost?" Jimmy shares insights on working with Augusta's digital committee, chaired by Comcast's Brian Roberts.

16:42 - The Art of Storytelling
Jimmy's approach to journalism: be curious, ask more questions than you answer, and always remember that "everybody's got a story." He traces the lineage of "up close and personal" features to Roone Arledge's Olympic coverage.

19:28 - Big Swing Media Origins
The founding story of Jimmy's digital media company, sparked by the surprising fact that there are more golf courses in America than McDonald's restaurants - and a $250 billion annual global industry with virtually no dedicated media coverage.

21:51 - Celebrity Golf and Growth
Jimmy discusses guests like Steph Curry, Jack Nicklaus, and Delta CEO Ed Bastian. He shares insights on why celebrity events like the American Century Championship resonate. "They're like us. We all share this game."

29:03 - The Business of Golf
How Big Swing Media targets the "CEO hour" on Golf Channel, reaching the 450 of 500 Fortune 500 CEOs who play golf. The focus on leadership, culture, and the business side of the game.

34:15 - Diversity and the Future
The fastest-growing golf segments: young women and people of colour. Jimmy highlights stories like Five Iron Golf co-founder Nora Dunn and Stanford women's golf coach Anne Walker, whose program has won three of the last five national championships.

38:23 - Where to Find Jimmy
Big Swing Media's footprint: The Big Swing podcast on YouTube, the Golf Channel show (Tuesdays at 7 AM ET), and the Golf Business Intelligence Brief newsletter twice weekly.

🎧 Subscribe, Rate & Review:

If you enjoyed this deep dive, please consider following, rating, and reviewing The ModGolf Podcast on Apple Podcasts as it helps us reach new listeners and attract more incredible guests!

Join our Patreon community at http://www.patreon.com/modgolf for exclusive live shows, bonus content, and members-only giveaways.[ Click here](http://www.patreon.com/modgolf) to support The ModGolf Podcast. I would really appreciate it if you do!

Connect with Jimmy and Big Swing Media:

•

Big Swing Media News: https://bigswingmedia.news/

•

The Big Swing Podcast: Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms

•

On The Golf Channel: The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts airs Tuesdays at 7 AM ET

We want to thank Golf Genius Software for presenting this episode and 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://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 https://www.golfgenius.com.

Special Guest: Jimmy Roberts / 16-Time Emmy Award-Winning Broadcaster, Storyteller & Co-Founder of Big Swing Media.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

Have you ever stood over a three-foot putt, heart pounding, and wondered why that tiny target is exactly 4.25 inches wide?
It's a number every golfer knows but almost nobody questions. In this bonus episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston takes you on a fascinating journey through Scottish golf innovation, 67 years of golfing chaos, and a decision in 1891 that shaped the game forever. Discover how a random piece of drainpipe from a maintenance shed became golf's most enduring standard - and why, in an era of innovation and "fun-first" golf, that 135-year-old measurement might finally be facing its biggest challenge yet.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

The Drainpipe Origin Story - Meet Robert Gray, the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club employee who solved golf's "wild west" of inconsistent hole sizes by grabbing a piece of standard plumbing from a maintenance shed in 1824. The 4.25" diameter wasn't chosen for any strategic reason - it was literally whatever the local hardware store carried.

Why It Took 67 Years to Become Official - Despite Gray's brilliant invention, courses across Scotland continued doing their own thing for nearly seven decades. Learn why the R&A finally stepped in to standardize the game's most crucial piece of real estate - and why they simply shrugged and said "that'll do."

The Future of the Hole - From 15-inch "fun" holes and dual-flagstick courses to virtual simulators where cup size changes with a click, discover how the concept of "holing out" is evolving. Will the traditional 4.25" survive as golf pushes to be faster, more accessible, and more entertaining?

Episode Chapters

0:00 - 1:30 | INTRO The sound that defines golf and the question nobody asks
1:30 - 4:00 | THE MYSTERY OF THE STANDARD From chaotic Scottish links to Robert Gray's drainpipe solution
4:00 - 6:30 | THE R&A MAKES IT OFFICIAL Why 1891 changed everything and why precision matters
6:30 - 7:30 | DEFENDING THE STANDARD The sacred reverence for 4.25" and why change has been rejected
7:30 - 9:00 | THE FUTURE OF THE HOLE Innovation meets tradition: where the game is heading
9:00 - 10:07 | OUTRO Reflections on accidental standards

Links & Resources Mentioned

Robert Gray's original 1829 hole-cutter design

https://modgolf.fireside.fm/167-bucket-golf

Click the image above to listen to the Bucket Golf episode of The ModGolf Podcast

🎧 Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this deep dive, please consider following, rating, and reviewing The ModGolf Podcast on Apple Podcasts as it helps us reach new listeners and attract more incredible guests!

Connect with Colin @modgolfpodcast to DM him on Instagram

Join our Patreon community at http://www.patreon.com/modgolf for exclusive live shows, bonus content, and member-only giveaways.Click here to support The ModGolf Podcast.

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://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 https://www.golfgenius.com.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

What if the future of golf isn't just about better scoring or smoother tee sheets, but about creating deeper human connections that transform how we experience the game?

In this inspiring episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston reunites with one of his closest friends and most beloved guests, Kevin Carpenter - better known to the golf world as The GratiDude. Since his last appearance two years ago, Kevin has taken on an exciting new role as US Managing Director for AM Golf, a revolutionary all-in-one platform that's reimagining tournament management, community building, and the entire golf experience from registration to the 19th hole.

Kevin's journey is anything but ordinary. From personal transformation through gratitude and sobriety to fostering a tech revolution in golf, his story reminds us that the greatest innovations come from the heart. In this conversation, Kevin reveals how AM Golf is breaking down barriers, creating genuine community, and turning tournament software from a utility into a social experience.

If you care about the future of golf, technology that actually enhances human connection, or simply want to be inspired by someone who turned his life around through gratitude, this episode is for you.

Three Key Takeaways You'll Discover in This Episode

1. Technology Should Serve Connection, Not Replace It

AM GOLF isn't just another tournament software - it's a unified platform that combines scoring, communication, community building, and side game management in one intuitive app. By eliminating the need to toggle between multiple platforms, AM GOLF creates a seamless experience that allows players to connect before, during, and after events. The result? Deeper relationships, more engagement, and a golf experience that starts the moment you register.

2. Golf's Future is in the "Squishy" Stuff

While scoring and logistics are essential, Kevin argues that the real opportunity lies in enhancing the social and experiential aspects of golf. From pre-event smack talk in community feeds to post-round scorecard celebrations, AM GOLF is designed to capture and amplify the shared memories that make golf so special. The software even allows players to create private side games visible only to their group - turning every round into a customized experience.

3. Distribution Is Everything in Tech

Kevin's growth strategy for AM GOLF is refreshingly pragmatic. Rather than trying to win over every golf course operator at once, he's focusing on three channels: grassroots user adoption through events like the Vegas Baby Invitational, strategic B2B partnerships with golf cart manufacturers and POS companies, and pilot programs with course management groups. The goal? Get the software into people's hands, let them experience the value, and let word-of-mouth drive growth. "I'm not interested in being the best writing software writer," Kevin says. "I want to be the best selling software writer."

🎧 Subscribe & Review:

Did you enjoy this episode? Please follow, rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a with a friend who loves golf innovation stories.

Join our Patreon community at http://www.patreon.com/modgolf for exclusive live shows, bonus content, and member-only giveaways.[ Click here](http://www.patreon.com/modgolf) to support The ModGolf Podcast. Your generosity will help ensure that I'll be able to continue to share golf's best innovations stories.

💬 Inspiring Quotes from Kevin Carpenter

"Nobody except private equity gets into golf for the money. So what happens is you get to meet folks that have chosen passion first—chosen to pursue a career out of the heart versus the spreadsheet."

This encapsulates Kevin's entire philosophy. Golf is a relationships-first industry, and the people who thrive are those who lead with purpose rather than profit.

"I'd rather go to a big time point of sale company that has 500 or a thousand golf courses and offer the ability to roll our software in with theirs... But you really need the feedback and the voice of the industry in order to make educated decisions. Otherwise, you're just guessing."

A masterclass in humility and market intelligence. Kevin's approach of testing, listening, and iterating has been crucial to AM Golf's early success.

"Find your gift and give it away and walk away. What would the world look like if we all did that?"

Kevin's GratiDude philosophy in a nutshell. After transforming his own life through gratitude and sobriety, he made it his mission to share his tools and insights with others while asking for nothing in return.

📋 Episode Chapters

00:00 - Introduction & The Power of Podcast Friendships
01:31 - Kevin Returns: "I didn't screw up too badly last time did I?"
03:56 - AM GOLF Overview: One Platform to Rule Them All
07:28 - The Evolution of Tournament Software
09:34 - Lessons from the Vegas Baby Invitational
13:20 - The "VB Bulletin" & Reimagining Event Communication
17:17 - Post-Event Engagement & Scorecard Celebrations
18:28 - Letting "Inmates Run the Asylum": Side Games & Private Leaderboards
22:16 - The Three-Pronged Growth Strategy
28:45 - Market Analysis: Why There's Room for AM Golf
34:43 - Defining the Ideal User & Customer Persona
36:37 - Technological Laggards & The NGCOA Pilot Program
37:07 - The Simulator & Indoor Golf Opportunity
39:34 - How to Try AM Golf (No Paywall!)
40:33 - The 2.5-Hour AI Prompt That Found Kevin
41:42 - The GratiDude Story: Finding Superpowers Through Gratitude
48:26 - Where to Find Kevin & Closing Reflections

🌟 Guest Bio

Kevin Carpenter - aka The GratiDude - is the US Managing Director for AM GOLF, a next-generation golf management platform that integrates tournament software, community building, and player engagement into one seamless experience. With over two decades in the golf technology space, including stints at Parview and other industry leaders, Kevin brings a unique blend of technical expertise, relationship-driven leadership, and personal authenticity to his work.

Beyond his role at AM GOLF, Kevin is a passionate advocate for gratitude, mindfulness, and personal transformation. Through his GratiDude platform, he shares daily insights on sobriety, self-talk, and neuroplasticity - inspiring countless individuals to find their own superpowers.

Connect with Kevin

• Instagram: → @gratidude_abides
• LinkedIn: → Kevin Carpenter
• AM GOLF: → https://app.am.golf/ (Download the app - there's no paywall for 2026!)

🎧 Listen to More

Don't miss Kevin's first appearance on The ModGolf Podcast two years ago where he shared his incredible journey to sobriety and the birth of The GratiDude. → https://modgolf.fireside.fm/175-kevin-carpenter

The ModGolf Podcast is your regular dose of golf innovation. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

Special Guest: Kevin Carpenter, The GratiDude / US Managing Director for AM GOLF.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

Are you tired of feeling like your body is holding your golf game back? You know you could hit it further and score better - if only your hips, shoulders, and back would cooperate. The frustration of knowing what you should do with your swing, but your body just won't let you, is real.

Host Colin Weston sits down with the mother/son co-founding duo behind GolfDr: Dr. Valerie De Maio (a physician with over 20 years of emergency medicine experience) and Dr. Chris Adamson (a TPI-certified golf physiotherapist). Together, they reveal why personalized, golf-specific body work is the secret to not just improving your game, but sustaining it well into your 70s, 80s, and beyond. If you've ever been overwhelmed by the endless flood of golf fitness advice on social media or wondered why your body won't cooperate with your golf swing, this conversation is your roadmap to a more enjoyable, longer-lasting golf life.

What you'll discover:

✅ Why 40%+ of golfers experience pain that disrupts their game - and how to identify the key mobility limitations (hip internal rotation, shoulder external rotation, torso rotation, and neck rotation) that might be sabotaging your swing.

✅ The GolfDr approach to fitness and longevity, moving beyond one-size-fits-all workout plans to personalized exercise prescriptions that adapt to your body, your goals, and your life.

✅ How this mother-son team pivoted from a mobile clinic to a scalable digital platform - and why they believe golf is truly a "lifespan sport" that deserves lifespan-focused care.

• Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment as Dr. Valerie and Dr. Chris run through Colin's mobility assessment using GolfDr's MotionCore tool The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

https://youtu.be/AtHuBdd2lh8

Inspirational quotes from the episode:

"We want to give people the inspiration they need. A big part of that is showing them their data in fun ways with the dashboard and allowing them to see their progress." - Dr. Valerie De Maio

"Golf is rotational sport. But we do so much in our lives that are linear or very front to back, so we lose mobility in our ability to rotate." - Dr. Chris Adamson

"If we can help people move better and hurt less, they'll enjoy playing more and be able to stay out there longer." - Dr. Valerie De Maio

Episode Chapters

00:02 - Welcome to The ModGolf Podcast: meet the co-founders of GolfDr
03:40 - First golf experiences: from playing hooky to a shockingly fun triple bogey
07:38 - The origin story: how a pandemic pivot created GolfDr
11:45 - From mobile clinic to digital app: the evolution of GolfDr
12:48 - The GolfDr elevator pitch: where golf instruction meets physical rehabilitation
14:57 - The customer journey: what happens when you onboard with GolfDr
16:43 - The PERx: your personalized exercise prescription
18:36 - Global access and what's coming next (including AI-powered self-assessment)
19:58 - Partnerships and TPI certification
22:47 - Who's using GolfDr? Demographics, goals, and what men vs. women want from their golf fitness
27:45 - Ongoing care and technology: measuring progress, not just guessing
28:20 - Gamification and motivation: keeping golfers on track
30:23 - Mobility deep dive: the four key areas golfers need to work on
32:55 - The mobile clinic lesson: how a pivot led to a bigger vision
37:00 - How to connect with GolfDr and join the platform
39:05 - The longevity opportunity: why golf's lifespan makes it a business and lifestyle game-changer
42:49 - Closing thoughts: "Let's keep people golfing for as long as they can."

🎧 Subscribe & Review:

Did you enjoy this episode? Please follow, rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a with a friend who loves golf innovation stories.

Join our Patreon community at http://www.patreon.com/modgolf for exclusive live shows, bonus content, and member-only giveaways.[ Click here](http://www.patreon.com/modgolf) to support The ModGolf Podcast.

Connect with GolfDr:

• Website: https://golfdr.app/
• Download the GolfDr app on iOS and Android

About The ModGolf Podcast: The ModGolf Podcast speaks with entrepreneurs, innovators, disruptors, and influencers shaping the future of golf. Hosted by Colin Weston.

We want to thank Golf Genius Software for presenting this episode and 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://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 https://www.golfgenius.com.

Special Guests: Dr. Chris Adamson - Co-Founder of GolfDr and Dr. Valerie De Maio - Co-Founder of GolfDr.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

Picture this: You're an entrepreneur who just got laid off during COVID. Instead of finding another job, you take your logistics and sales background, pivot into golf tech, and go head-to-head with entrenched competitors who have deeper pockets and more market share. Why on earth would you do that? Because you found a pain point so painful that pros are practically begging you to build a solution.

In this live episode recorded at the historic Stanley Thompson-designed Highland Golf Club, Colin Weston sits down with Rob Sunstrum, the founder of Smart Golf – a tournament and league scoring platform that's quietly becoming the industry's best-kept secret. From their exclusive partnership with the NGCOA Canada to being a scoring partner with Golf Canada, Smart Golf is proving that a fresh approach to technology can turn a men's league from 50 players to over 350.

If you're a golfer tired of spreadsheet-powered leagues or a course operator looking to reclaim league ownership and drive F&B revenue, this episode is for you!

Three Key Takeaways From Rob You'll Discover in This Episode

•

The Power of Reclaiming Ownership – Most golf clubs let members run their own leagues, losing control over messaging, branding, and revenue opportunities. Smart Golf helps clubs take back ownership, driving participation and giving them the tools to integrate F&B specials and sponsorship packages seamlessly. As Rob explains, a league night can double a club's midweek revenue if managed correctly.

•

Simplicity Trumps Features – Rob's logistics background taught him that onboarding matters as much as functionality. Smart Golf's lean learning curve and short instructional videos mean even the least tech-savvy members – yes, even those "Luddites" – can post scores with ease. Their approach? Tell players what they're about to do, let them do it, and then tell them what they just did.

•

The Canadian Built Advantage – With 350 clubs on board (75 in the U.S.) and exclusive partnerships with NGCOA Canada and Golf Canada, Smart Golf's integration with Golf Canada's handicap system is seamless. Scores post with a single click. Add in automatic email recaps, player stats, and profile pictures, and you have a product that's sticky enough to keep members coming back every single week.

Three Inspiring Quotes from Rob Sunstrum

"My entrepreneurial journey started right at the start of COVID... Rather than thinking about looking for another opportunity in the same role that I was running in, I realized that I had a nugget of a solid idea."

"You're definitely not going to have it right on the first 50 tries. But by the 51st try, you're going to have a large group of people thinking, 'Boy, you've thought of everything.'"

"We think that our program is the best in the marketplace. But not only that – our price point is lower."

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out the Smart Golf demo with Rob on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.
https://youtu.be/8oTz69LmT7E

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro: The Road to Highland – Colin sets the scene for this live recording at the historic Stanley Thompson-designed Highland Golf Club, and why Smart Golf is the future of tournament scoring.
01:58 – Icebreaker: Rob's First Golf Experience – The competitive origin story that set Rob on his path, from a junior camp victory to founding a scoring platform.
03:31 – The COVID Pivot: From Logistics to Golf Tech – Rob reveals how he got laid off from DHL and turned a "nugget of an idea" into a product that pros were begging for.
07:02 – Building the MVP: Why 50 Tries Matter – The lean startup approach Rob used, from designing the minimum viable product to iterating based on real pro feedback. Scar tissue and all.
08:55 – Leagues & Ownership: The Highland Model – How Highland's men's league grew to over 350 players, why the pro shop runs it, and how F&B specials turn Wednesday into the club's busiest day.
14:35 – The Player Journey: Email Formula & Stats – Rob breaks down the "tell them what they're about to do, let them do it, then tell them what they did" formula, plus how player stats and profile pictures build community.
17:36 – From Deuce Pots to Proximities – How Smart Golf's flighted games, skins, and deuce pots evolved from pro demands, and why saying "yes" to finicky requests has become a core competency.
21:04 – Growth & Partnerships – The exclusive NGCOA Canada partnership, the Golf Canada scoring integration, and why 75 clubs south of the border are already on board.
27:42 – Simulator Expansion – How Smart Golf is testing new features with simulator facilities in the off-season – and why 90 simulators now run their leagues on the platform.
30:00 – Business Model: Annual Subscription – Rob explains why a single annual subscription (cheaper than competitors) with no paywalls or limits is the winning formula, and why they avoid ads to keep the user experience pristine.
35:21 – How to Connect – Visit https://smartgolfsoftware.com/ or email Rob directly at rob@smartgolfsoftware.com.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Smart Golf Website: https://smartgolfsoftware.com/
• NGCOA Canada: https://ngcoa.ca/
• Golf Canada: https://golfcanada.ca/
• The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast

🎧 Subscribe & Review:

Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with a golf course operator or league captain who needs to retire their spreadsheet for good.

Join our Patreon community at http://www.patreon.com/modgolf for exclusive live shows, bonus content, and member-only giveaways.[ Click here](http://www.patreon.com/modgolf) to support The ModGolf Podcast.

Special thanks to Highland Golf Club for hosting this live recording, and to Rob Sunstrum for an honest, inspiring conversation about building a better way to play competitive golf.

We want to thank our partner NGCOA Canada for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!
https://www.ngcoa.ca/

The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA Canada) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the business of golf in Canada. Representing more than 1,500 member facilities nationwide, NGCOA Canada provides advocacy, education, marketing, operational resources to help golf course owners and operators succeed, as well as philanthropic support. You can learn more and connect at https://www.ngcoa.ca/

Special Guest: Rob Sunstrum - Founder & CEO at Smart Golf.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

Do you ever wonder what the caddies get up to when the cameras stop rolling and the PGA Tour players head to the clubhouse?

In this live episode from the RBC Canadian Open, host Colin Weston steps inside the Caddie Lounge (powered by [Levelwear](http://www.levelwear.com)) to uncover the gritty reality of life on the bag with 28-year tour veteran Don “Double D” Donatello.

From carrying 42-pound golf bags up the equivalent of 60 flights of stairs a round to a dramatic "I quit" moment on the 4th hole, Don shares the wild, unfiltered stories of 650+ tournaments and why this lounge is a game-changer for professional caddies.

Key takeaways in this episode with Don that you will discover:
The Harsh Math of Caddie Economics:
Don breaks down the financial gamble of being a looper - the low base salary, paying your own travel expenses, and how missing the cut means earning $0 for a week’s work.

The Physical Toll of Looping:
It’s not just walking. Don reveals the insane fitness stats: 18,000+ steps and 30-60 flights of stairs per day, all while balancing a 42-pound bag on uneven terrain.

How the Caddie Lounge Was Born:
Learn how a simple conversation over a Levelwear hat turned into a tour-wide movement, giving caddies their own space with massage therapists, video games, and the dignity they’ve deserved for years.

The Caddie Lounge at The RBC Canadian Open is Levelwear's way of supporting their "Who's With You?" campaign to provide PGA Tour caddies with a space to unwind, rejuvenate and hang out with their fellow loopers. The Caddie Lounge is now at over 10 PGA Tour stops annually.

Three Inspiring Quotes from Don Donatello
On the old days vs. now:
"28 years ago, I only got paid $400 a week. You drove in a car and slept three to a room. One guy would sleep on the floor and you had to stand outside in the rain. Now, thanks to Levelwear, we feel like we’re being treated like the players."

On the secret to a long career:
"Certainty out here is very important as a caddie. A lot of mistakes these PGA Tour players make aren’t because they not good - it’s because they’re uncertain. Knowing when to speak and when not to is a very fragile thing."

On saving Webb Simpson’s career:
"He had four holes to play to keep his card. I changed his read on two putts. He made both. He shot 63 to keep his card. He said, 'Those were some of the greatest reads ever!'"

Episode Chapters
00:00 – Live from the RBC Canadian Open: Welcome to the Caddie Lounge
01:15 – Meet Don “Double D” Donatello: 28 years, 31 bags, 650+ events
02:30 – The Birth of the Caddie Lounge (and the “Who’s With You” campaign)
05:20 – Then vs. Now: **Sleeping on floors to massage tables
**07:05 – The brutal physical stats: 42lbs, 18k steps, and 60 flights of stairs
09:15 – Don’s origin story: From best player at the club to caddie
10:20 – The economics of looping: Base salary, expenses, and betting on your player
13:05 – Don's Proudest moment: The Webb Simpson story (changing reads to save a card)
15:05 – The “I Quit” story: Walking off the course mid-round
18:05 – How new caddies get jobs (agents, veterans, and the Korn Ferry grind)
21:05 – Inside the prep work: How Don and Tom Hoge tackle a new course
24:35 – The therapist role: Knowing when to talk and when to shut up
26:12 – Wrapping up and wishing Don luck at The RBC Canadian Open

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://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 https://www.golfgenius.com.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

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.
https://youtu.be/vqdQqhWTlmM

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.

🔗 Resources and Links:

JR's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/jr-charles
Aron's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/aron-schuler
Rich Katz's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/rich-katz
The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast
Join their sneak peak waitlist on the AVA Golf website: https://avagolf.com/

https://avagolf.com/

🎧 Subscribe and please give us a review on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-modgolf-podcast/id1230363725

Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... plus 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://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://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 https://www.golfgenius.com.

Special Guests: Aron Schüler - Director of Engineering with ParOne Inc / AVA Golf and JR Charles - CEO at ParOne / AVA Golf.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

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."

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Kris on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.
https://youtu.be/4wHL2CO2S3w

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

🔗 Resources and Links:

Kris' bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/kris-lynch
GYT Instagram: @golfyourselfhappy
LinkedIn: Kris Lynch
The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast
The Golf Yourself Happy website: https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/
and GYH YouTube channel:
--> https://www.youtube.com/@golfyourselfhappy

🎧 Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with a golfer who needs to add more happiness to their game.

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://patreon.com/Modgolf

We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!
https://britishcolumbiagolf.org

When I mentioned Kris' 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.
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, backgrounds and abilities, while continually working to increase participation in the sport with programs such as their 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 that I'm proud to call home. Check out their website https://britishcolumbiagolf.org/

Special Guest: Kris Lynch - Mindset Coach & Founder of Golf Yourself Happy.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

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.
https://youtu.be/H6yAVmrhBe0

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."

🔗 Links & Resources
Triple Bogey Brewing Company: http://www.triplebogey.com
Geoff Tait's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/geoff-tait

LinkedIn: Geoff Tait
The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast

Episode Chapters:
00:00: Welcome to The ModGolf Podcast
01:00: The Icebreaker: Geoff's first golf memory at age six
03:15: From bag drop to Australia to cruise ships (and Venezuela)
05:30: The birth of Quagmire Golf: funky clothes before anyone else
07:15: The random IMG phone call that led to Arnold Palmer
09:00: Redesigning Arnie's clothing line (and the Augusta invitation)
11:10: How things fell apart: business partners, lost control, and a $750k order
13:15: Crying on the floor: the lowest moment
14:45: Teaching college and secretly building Triple Bogey's business plan
16:40: Launching a brewery with zero brewing experience
18:20: Why "Triple Bogey" (and why you can't call a beer "Birdie")
20:00: Minimum viable product: one lager, sunny days, sessionable
22:30: The non-alcoholic pivot (and a secret water launch)
24:00: Colin's 99-year-old dad converts from his beer to Triple Bogey
25:15: Transfusions and how grape changed everything
28:30: Navigating provincial liquor boards (and why BC is finally opening up)
30:45: Selling direct to 600 golf courses (no brewpub, no sandwiches)
32:40: Lessons from Quagmire Golf: slow growth, no partners, stay in control
35:30: "The best investor is your customer"
37:45: The loneliness of entrepreneurship (and why it's worth it)
39:00: Where to find Triple Bogey (including a first step into the US)
41:30: Meet us on The ModGolf YouTube channel: more Arnie stories await

🍻 One Last Thing from Geoff
"When you buy a Triple Bogey you're supporting my family - my kids Sawyer and Fiona, my wife Megan, and all our employees. We're not a faceless corporate brand. Drop me a line. I'm better on email than the phone. But call if you need a friend."

Subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast so you never miss a story of resilience, reinvention, and the future of golf.

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://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://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 https://www.golfgenius.com.

Special Guest: Geoff Tait – Founder & President, Triple Bogey Brewing Company.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result... and I have been INSANE with my driver for four decades." 😵

Can a 50 cent tea towel finally correct my driver swing path?

If you struggle with powerless effort instead of effortless power, or if you’re tired of blocking slices and snap hooks off the tee, this episode of The Rebuild is your turning point. Host Colin Weston reunites with PGA Teaching Pro Quinn Vilneff to tackle the "bane of his existence"—the driver.

Watch as Quinn diagnoses Colin's 7-degree left club path and introduces a surprising (and cheap) training aid: a simple towel. In this 20-minute masterclass, you’ll learn why traditional swing thoughts fail with the longest club in your bag and how to finally build a driver swing that neutralizes your path and increases ball speed.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then why not watch this episode on The ModGolf YouTube channel!
---> https://youtu.be/a3OfR1WI2b8 or click on the image to add some video to the sounds and words.

https://youtu.be/a3OfR1WI2b8

Episode Chapters
00:00 - The Insanity of Driver Struggles
02:35 - Colin’s "Before" Swing Data (7° Left Path)
05:40 - Why The Driver Hates Your Body Mechanics
08:45 - The 50¢ Towel Drill (Best Training Aid Ever)
11:00 - Step 1: Missing The Towel (Changing The Path)
12:15 - Why The Ball Goes Right (And Why That’s Good)
14:00 - Step 2: Closing The Clubface For Power
16:45 - The 3 Pillars of The Rebuild (Recap)
17:30 - How To Train Indoors & Work With Quinn Online

What You’ll Learn in This Golf Lesson:
The Towel Drill: How a 20-cent towel is more effective than a $200 training aid to force your club path from negative (left) to neutral or inside-out.
Step-by-Step Reprogramming: Why you must start swinging slowly without a ball to eliminate the "left path" habit, and how to add speed after the movement pattern is fixed.
The Two-Piece Puzzle: Why fixing your path (step 1) will initially send the ball right, and how to later layer in clubface control to turn those blocks into powerful, low-spin draws.

👇 LET US KNOW...
What is your biggest frustration with the driver? Are you stuck in the "powerless effort" trap? Drop us a comment - Colin is reading them!

🔔 SUBSCRIBE to ModGolf for the "After" video in 12 weeks. The longer it takes, the longer it lasts.
👉 https://modgolf.fireside.fm/subscribe

RELATED VIDEOS & RESOURCES
👉 Book a virtual or in-person lesson with Quinn Vilneff at https://universitygolf.com/quinn-vilneff/
or on Instagram @vangolfpro

👉 Watch The Rebuild - Part 1: Are You Ready for a Golf Transformation That Actually LASTS?
--> https://youtu.be/Vtxcxs_If4I

👉 Watch The Rebuild - Part 2: Are You Ready To Fix Your Short Game By Understanding Spin Loft?
--> https://youtu.be/9yuk1xCW-t0

👉 Watch The Rebuild - Part 3: Is Your Swing Sequence Correct?
--> https://youtu.be/YKW9Nqjhw24

👉 Check out Gowanus Golf Club in Vancouver, the members-based indoor facility featuring TrackMan.
--> https://ggcvirtualgolf.ca/

👉 Cameron Barkley - Vancouver Golf Performance
--> https://www.vancouvergolfperformance.com/

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://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 https://www.golfgenius.com.

Special Guest: Quinn Vilneff - Class A PGA of Canada Teaching Professional..

Support The ModGolf Podcast

What happens when a hospitality professional stumbles into golf and ends up leading the charge for the sport’s evolution across an entire continent? Host Colin Weston sits down with his "new golf friend" Renate Roeleveld, CEO of the Golf Course Association of Europe (GCAE) to soak up her infectious energy and 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.
https://youtu.be/2jtvuDMxZ9Y

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

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://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 https://www.golfgenius.com.

Special Guest: Renate Roeleveld - CEO of The Golf Course Association of Europe.

Support The ModGolf Podcast

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.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out the GRIT Tower 2.0 golf bag demo with Greg when Colin visits their headquarters on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.
https://youtu.be/kuH9_TfL1NM

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."

📖 Episode Chapters
00:00 – Welcome intro / Colin and Greg's Serendipitous Meeting at the PGA Show
02:00 – Growing up in Toronto: street hockey, transistor radios, and Greg's artist parents
04:30 – OCAD, Industrial Design and the First GRIT hockey Bag design
07:20 – Why Greg left freelancing to start GRIT Inc.
09:45 – The Inflection Point: a pizza parlour in Bolton and inventor Aldo Buccione
13:20 – The Hockey Bag that put bread on the table (and funded the golf dream)
15:00 – COVID Pivot: how a young designer led GRIT into golf
18:00 – The 1.0 Disaster: a lost buyer, two full unsold containers and sucking it up
20:40 – Designing the GRIT 2.0: Square Bags, Racing Stripes, and Automotive Influence
23:10 – EXCLUSIVE TEASE: The upcoming GRIT Carry Bag (The "3.0"?)
28:00 – Materials, magnets, and a future ModGolf collaboration?
31:55 – Where to buy: Gritinc.net and global expansion

🔗 Resources and Links:

Greg's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/greg-collins
GRIT Instagram: @gritinc
LinkedIn: Greg Collins
The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast
The GRIT website: http://www.gritinc.net
Watch the Demo: Check out our video demo with Greg’s daughter Madeline at the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando
--> https://youtube.com/shorts/wxg7hUMMi4s
Buy in the US: Available at PGA Superstore
--> https://www.pgatoursuperstore.com/golf-tower-cart-bag-2.0/2000000056321.html

🎧 Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with a golfer who hates their bag twisting on a cart.

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://patreon.com/Modgolf

We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!
https://britishcolumbiagolf.org

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: Greg Collins, Founder & CEO of GRIT Inc..

Support The ModGolf Podcast