The ModGolf Podcast

"When you take those trend lines of the supply side of the American golf industry, it would not be surprising if 75 years from now we have 10,000 golf courses not 15,000, and we have 5,000 golf cafes like there are in South Korea. So if the future we will have a very different mix of supply of golf experiences in America."... Jay Karen, CEO at The NGCOA Host Colin Weston speaks with return guest and friend of the show Jay Karen, CEO at The National Golf Course Owners Association to hear his take on how golf courses will navigate the upcoming decades as climate change, technology, entertainment and sustainable practices present new opportunities and challenges for the golf industry. To watch our extended conversation, go to our ModGolf YouTube video with Jay at: https://youtu.be/INfpvwSLq8U "It's in the DNA of the citizenry to keep those city golf courses as green spaces and not convert them to urban development. There's a protectionism towards not developing our existing city golf courses to keep them intact. For as many people who say we should shut these down, there are stronger voices that say "no, we should keep them open and here's why it because they are good for our communities". Jay has been the CEO at The NGCOA National Golf Course Owners Association since 2015. Click on this link or the image below to learn more. "I would call it The American Dream Story where a family had a golf course for 50 years and they sold it to developer for 10 times more than it's worth as an operating golf course. But the problem is from a supply and demand standpoint is those courses are closing down. So where is the affordable public golf going to be? Municipal golf courses are positioned perfectly to continue to be the place where everybody can play golf because they're near urban population centers". If you would like to connect with Jay, visit his bio page for contact information. To learn more about the 2025 Golf Business Conference January 20-22 located at The PGA Show in Orlando, click on the image below. We want to thank our partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the driving range experience by offering the most engaging gameplay and precise ball-tracking on the market. From private clubs and standalone commercial ranges, to multi-storey “Big Box” entertainment venues and limited-flight ‘compact’ ranges, Inrange® creates unparalleled experiences for every type of player - and unleashes your business’ growth potential. They are also the only software in the world offering a bay vs bay link up feature - allowing large groups to play against one another in teams across the entire venue. To learn more check out www.inrangegolf.com. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... plus you can WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin We want to thank our friends at Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.Special Guest: Jay Karen - CEO, The National Golf Course Owners Association.

"Some of my members say, "Oh, I didn't start playing until after my career was over" and that's in their 50s or 60s. That makes it very hard to learn the game. So every little kid plays soccer, plays t-ball. Golf has to also be in that mainstream just to get the young ones in there as soon as possible. Doing what we can within our clubs, no matter their level skill or age to get them comfortable. Meaning we cover every skill, from different tee boxes, playing different games." Host Colin Weston speaks with guest Lehua Wise to learn about her golf journey from top Hawaiian junior player, DI athlete, mini tour player to the Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Golf Club. Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” or “life,” and gai, meaning “benefit” or “worth.” When combined, these terms mean that which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose. Lehua has found her Ikigai. Have you found yours yet? Check this book to learn more. Lehua is the Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Private Club & Community on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Click on this link or the image below to learn more. "Getting to know our membership on a deeper level where you have to know what do they want to do. Do they want more silly things, do they want more big things? Getting them to come out to the golf course. That's the biggest part of it. You can go and create these things, but if they don't come then it's not going to be worth it." If you would like to connect with Lehua, visit her bio page for contact information. We want to thank our partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the driving range experience by offering the most engaging gameplay and precise ball-tracking on the market. From private clubs and standalone commercial ranges, to multi-storey “Big Box” entertainment venues and limited-flight ‘compact’ ranges, Inrange® creates unparalleled experiences for every type of player - and unleashes your business’ growth potential. They are also the only software in the world offering a bay vs bay link up feature - allowing large groups to play against one another in teams across the entire venue. To learn more check out www.inrangegolf.com. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... plus you can WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin We want to thank our friends at Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.Special Guest: Lehua Wise - Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Private Club and Residential Community.

What will a typical golf course look like in 2050? Will 7,200 yard long layouts with deep green fairways and rough be a thing of the past due to water shortages and heat waves? Will golf properties be "off the grid" energy self sufficient by incorporating on-site renewable energy sources such solar power to achieve their sustainability goals? To open Season 16, host Colin Weston and guest Petra Himmel explore the spectrum of sustainability issues surrounding the golf industry, from plastic use in golf balls to the environmental and social benefits of urban golf courses. "You really have to believe in the future otherwise you could give up at once. We currently have all these erosion, flood, wildfires and heat wave stories that are impacting golf clubs. Climate change doesn't really care if we care or not. It's just there. We just have one chance to get it right, so we either react in time or we will struggle. There are so many experts predicting that you either start preparing for it or you just don't have a chance to survive economically as a golf club. If you are in the wrong region or if you aren't prepared, then you will not make it. The good thing is that we have possibilities and solutions."... Petra Himmel, journalist and creator of www.GolfSustainable.com Petra created GolfSustainable.com in 2020 as a response to the trends and practices she witnessed as a journalist covering professional golf for over two decades. Click on this link or the image below to learn more. If you would like to connect with Petra, visit her bio page for contact information. We want to thank our partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the driving range experience by offering the most engaging gameplay and precise ball-tracking on the market. From private clubs and standalone commercial ranges, to multi-storey “Big Box” entertainment venues and limited-flight ‘compact’ ranges, Inrange® creates unparalleled experiences for every type of player - and unleashes your business’ growth potential. They are also the only software in the world offering a bay vs bay link up feature - allowing large groups to play against one another in teams across the entire venue. To learn more check out www.inrangegolf.com. After their engaging conversation on this podcast episode, Petra and Colin jumped over to The ModGolf YouTube channel to discuss her takeaways from the first sustainability conference of England Golf titled "The Sustainable Future of Golf". Click on the image below to watch. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... plus you can 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 Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.Special Guest: Petra Himmel, journalist and creator of www.GolfSustainable.com.

That's a wrap for Season 15 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 16, which launches in mid September 2024. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf. We want to thank Golf Genius Software for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 15 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry's top influencers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Hopefully this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them! Our Season 15 guests were: Episode 1 David Hinkle and Rio Valeriano - T36 Golf Co-Founders "We’re flipping the script on traditional golf and redefining the sport for a new generation of golfers" T36 Golf Co-Founders David Hinkle and Rio Valeriano join host Colin Weston to share how their "Double Loop" design delivers a full 18-hole game experience with a smaller environmental footprint and shorter playtime. Click to listen >> CREATING A NEW TYPE OF GOLF Episode 2 Tyler Simmons - CEO and Founder of BucketGolf "Seeing my roommate throw his clothes into his pop-up laundry hamper, I realized that I should instead make retractable pop-up buckets which cut our product cost almost in half." Tyler Simmons - CEO and Founder of BucketGolf shares how they have created a portable, fun golf game that anyone can enjoy almost anywhere. Click to listen >> TURNING A HOMEMADE GOLF GAME INTO A GLOBAL BUSINESS VENTURE Episode 3 Nick Darby - UK non-profit Get Golfing "It was such a shame seeing all these beautiful golf courses going downhill. So our job is to save as many courses as we can to keep golf flourishing." - Nick Darby with UK non-profit Get Golfing shares how they are on a mission to revolutionize the golfing experience. Click to listen >> A NON-PROFIT ON A MISSION TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE GOLFING EXPERIENCE Episode 4 Jared Solomon - CEO of Five Iron Golf "It doesn't matter that we made a million dollar mistake, let's keep moving forward and learn as we go". Jared Solomon - CEO of Five Iron Golf joins host Colin Weston to share how four co-founders built a successful indoor golf entertainment business starting from the back room of a Manhattan men's clothing store. Click to listen >> LEARN BY DOING AND JUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD Episode 5 Carolin Pinegger - "The Golf Pitch Challenge" "I felt like I was treading water and not because I wasn't working hard enough. I was doing my very best and wasn't getting where I wanted to be. I needed to pivot and change!" Golf entrepreneur and Ex-Pro Golfer Carolin Pinegger shares her personal story and latest collaborative venture: The "Shark Tank for Golf Innovators" called The Golf Pitch Challenge. Click to listen >> EMBRACE CHANGE TO FUEL ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS Episode 6 Ann Liguori - Author of "Life On The Green" To celebrate her recent book "Life on the green - lessons and wisdom from legends in golf" host Colin Weston creates a game show called "Who Said That??" to test Ann's ability to recall quotes from the dozen stories told. We hope you like this fun and inspiring episode as much as we enjoyed making it! Click to listen >> TAKING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL APPROACH TO BUILD A CAREER IN SPORT JOURNALISM Episode 7 Igor Vainshtein - Founder GolfTrak.app Entrepreneur Igor Vainshtein joins us to share his incredible journey that started when his parents immigrated to Australia from the former USSR with $200 and no English skills whatsoever. We discuss the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and Igor's passion to constantly innovate and create products that customers want. Click to listen >> EMBRACING LESSONS: WISDOM GAINED FROM FAILURE Episode 8 A BRIEF HISTORY OF SYNTHETIC TURF Known initially by names such as AstroTurf, ModSod and Artificial Turf, we explore the origins of synthetic sport surfacing with a focus on applications in the golf industry. Host Colin Weston speaks with subject matter experts Bob Johnston (Principal, JSA Sport Architecture) and Jeffery McDaniel (Synthetic Turf International) to uncover the history and explore t

"In my mind, you don't design golf clubs, you design clubs for hitting a particular shot"... Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Woods and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology We are joined by golf industry icon and entrepreneurial legend Barney Adams, who shares the trials, tribulations and successes he has encountered over his career that spans more than five decades. This episodes provides you with lessons learned, key takeaways and nuggets of wisdom from one of golf's most successful entrepreneurs. Enjoy! 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 recently launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! By joining you will get access to exclusive live weekly 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 "I had made the decision: "I'm all in!" We inherited desks with the company purchase and we owned this metal building in a field. So I grabbed a desk, opened the lower left-hand drawer and it was full of paper. The top page was a Demand Notice and it turned out that the employees had not paid any bills and had squandered all the income. Not only did I not have the money I thought I had to get started, I was six figures in the hole at 5:30 in the morning. That was my opening day. And I tell people that story because if you're not a nut case, passionate, over the top, you've got no chance. Then I thought "okay, how do we get a handle on this?" I'm going to write a letter to the people I owe money to tell them what happened and that I'm going to pay them but just not now. That was the first week of starting my own business." ... Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology A Bit About Barney Barney started Adams Golf in 1988. He specialized in custom fitted golf clubs. The company rapidly expanded after the explosive success of the Tight Lies Fairway Woods. Adams Golf was selected as Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Barney also received the Ernie Sabayrac Award for lifetime contribution to the golf industry by the PGA of America. Barney served as Chairman of the Board of Adams Golf until June 2012 when Taylor Made purchased the company. He an avid golfer and fisherman and active with two charities, The Ryan Foundation and Folds of Honor. Adams book, The WOW Factor, is an insiders look at the golf industry and offers business advice to entrepreneurs. Barney has always had the unique ability to see what is missing in golf equipment. He started Breakthrough Golf Technology after seeing that no significant innovation has been made putter shafts for decades. You can also find out more about Barney on his bio page. Want to learn about Breakthrough Golf Technology and their innovative shaft designs? Have a look at the BGT website for more. We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! British Columbia Golf's main goal is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. They strive to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. As a provincial arm of Golf Canada, British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to improve partner relationships to increase participation in the sport. If you're looking to plan your next amazing golf trip, British Columbia Golf is the place to explore and book from the over 300 golf courses they support across our beautiful province. To learn about the impact they are making and to discover your next golf adventure, check out their website at www.britishcolumbiagolf.org.Special Guest: Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology.

"I have been involved with a lot of products over my life but this product is like no other. A year ago I didn't even know what an adaptive golf cart was. We have learned so much. We meet our prospects on the driving range where we adjust the seats, hook up the strapping and get them in and buckled in. They lift themselves up, grab a 7-iron and take a swing. When they connect they make eye contact with their friends and a smile comes on their face and they say "This is going to change my life!" I always get goosebumps and tears in my eyes. This is a blessing and we're just so thankful that we get to participate in it." ... Jeff Nicholson, Chief Marketing Officer with VertaCat We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. VertaCat - The all-terrain mobility rider that elevates you into a standing position. Developed by a paraplegic athlete, VertaCat™ is loaded with state-of-the-art performance and safety features that you won’t find anywhere else. Max Togisala's 2023 USGA Open Victory Join us in congratulating Max Togisala on his victory in the Seated Impairment category at the 2023 USGA Adaptive Open. Max's achievement is truly inspirational and we are thrilled to celebrate this moment with you. You can also find out more about Jeff on his bio page. Want to learn about VertaCat, see some inspiring testimonials and even book a demo? Have a look at the VertaCat website for more. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin Special Guest: Jeffrey Nicholson - Chief Marketing Officer with VertaCat.

"Happiness isn't a circumstance of events and it's not a destination. Happiness is the journey and gratitude is something you can consciously choose all the time"... Kevin Carpenter, The GratiDude joins host Colin Weston for a masterclass on how to embrace a "give first" mindset to amplify your sense of purpose. We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. Kevin has founded Grateful For Golf (G4G) Inc. which provides recreation, mentorship, education and vocational training opportunities for at-risk youth. G4G educates young people about the recreational, career and personal development opportunities available through both the golf industry and the various modes of participating in the physical game of golf. G4G takes a startup approach with no added infrastructure or middle management. Kevin has also created The GIFT Program... Gratitude, Intention and First Things (two things you're going to do befor the end of the day). Click on this link or the image below to learn more. You can connect with Kevin, Grateful 4 Golf and The Quiet Caddy program on his bio page. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... plus you can WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin Special Guest: Kevin Carpenter, Coach, Teacher and The GratiDude / Grateful 4 Golf.

"The average North American male golfer, over 80% - four out of five of them - gamble when they play regularly. So when we look at a virtual format like simulator golf, one of the big elements that creates stickiness is golf is community. And a lot of that community is based upon the idea of I can compete against you even though we have different skill"... Tim Briand, Foresight Sports We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. "There's far more commercial opportunity for a business that's able to optimize in the entertainment and in the gamification channel than if you're just focused on instruction and club fitting. In the gamification world while the exact precision of spin axis and spin magnitude might not be important to a 25 handicap because they don't understand it. What they do understand is if I'm in a simulator playing against my friends and this system is not capable of giving me an authentic outcome, I might not want to use that system to compete. Would you gamble on a broken slot machine? Probably not. Especially if you're doing big stakes contests like a million dollar closest to the flag contest in a simulator." We enjoyed our conversation with Tim so much that we decided to jump over to The ModGolf YouTube channel to learn more about the Foresight Sports culture of innovation and the diverse line of products that they offer. Click on this link or the image below to watch. You can learn more about Tim and Foresight Sports on his bio page. Episode Chapters 02:15: We open the show with Tim giving us an overview of the history of Foresight Sports Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin Special Guest: Tim Briand - Director Of Business Development at Foresight Sports.

Over the past seven years I have interviewed almost 200 golf industry innovators to bring you stories around the future of the game. But on this episode we're going to try something different. As an entrepreneur myself, I'm always pushing to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. I enjoy documentary-style podcasts and have been looking to create one, but couldn't decide on what story to tell. I recently realized that the story was right under my nose - or more accurately, right under my feet. While in Sarasota Florida I was invited to PopStroke, which is a fun and challenging 36 hole mini golf entertainment experience. I was impressed by the quality of the synthetic greens, fringe and rough and it got me thinking about the origins of artificial turf. I wanted to learn the why, when and how synthetic turf came to be, along with the evolution of the materials and fabrication techniques over the past six decades. So who invented this product and why? Artificial sports turf was first brought to fame when used in the Astrodome in 1966, a newly-built stadium in Houston Texas. AstroTurf – a short-pile synthetic turf – was installed because they were struggling to maintain their natural grass field due to a lack of sunlight. For most of the 1965 major league baseball season, the Astros played on green-painted dirt and dead grass and were desperate for an alternative. The stadium owners and engineers needed a solution quickly, so they decided to try out a grass substitute made of artificial fibers called ChemGrass. The product was first used at Moses Brown School in Rhode Island in 1964 and became popular quickly. Today, the brand is known as AstroTurf and is manufactured in over 60 countries around the world. But AstroTurf is only part of the story. Since I am no expert in the world of synthetic turf, I reached out to a couple of people who are to fill in the missing pieces to this puzzle. I asked Jeffrey McDaniel - Global Director of Business Development at Synthetic Turf International and architect Bob Johnston, who specializes in designing high performance sport surfacing to help us understand the origins and future of synthetic turf. Have a look at the Synthetic Turf International website and you can also learn more about Bob Johnston and Jeffrey McDaniel on their bio pages. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.Special Guests: Bob Johnston, Principal at JSA Sport Architecture Inc. and Jeffrey McDaniel - Global Director of Business Development at Synthetic Turf International.

"It was a simulator venue that had six bays with lessons and it was going out of business. In the building I worked in there was a space for lease on the ground level. We ended up buying the business and moved it there for five years. An Indoor Golf Centre with 10 bays, an indoor bunker, massive putting green, a bar and a cafe. It did okay but the rent we were paying was huge so in the end we have to get out of there." "Shortly after that I had an idea to pivot. 24-hour gyms were really booming in Australia at the time. Why don't we have a 24-hour golf simulator place where you can go and practice anytime? We built two bays and it did well. Then I opened a second venue and that one nosedived and just blew up. I closed it down, lost a lot of money with the four simulators that I had there. I put them on Facebook Marketplace and they sold in a week. I'm like "hmm, this is interesting." So I bought five more simulators to sell. Why am I busting my chops with these venues when I can just bring them in, sell them, make my money and never hear from the customer again? It was great. I pivoted the business. Ended up closing down my second venue and just went completely e-commerce." ... Igor Vainshtein We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. "At the time it is horrendous. It feels horrible to lose a ton of money. I lost my money, I lost my parents money, which I borrowed from them and they had to bail me out again. It was embarrassing and as you are going through that pain, it's very difficult to see how you will come out of it. But if you're a true entrepreneur, perseverance and grit, you may not know how you're going to get there. But you've got to believe that you will get there. That's part of the job as an entrepreneur to find the "how". But if you don't believe that you'll get the you will never get there." You can also learn more about Igor and connect on his bio page. And download the GolfTrak App for free at the Apple App Store for iPhone. https://golftrak.app "I had extremely disastrous blow ups in my career. Moments where I thought there's no way I'm coming back from this. But if I look back now, I wouldn't change a thing because all those little "sliding doors moments" is why I'm here today. And I didn't go through the pain, maybe I wouldn't be able to appreciate the things and I would take things for granted and I wouldn't have the fun and the joy that I get out of life these days. For anyone who's experiencing that who's in that pain right now, I would say "You just don't know". There's a phrase "that it's gonna be alright in the end and if it's not alright, it's not the end." Episode Chapters 02:40: How and when Igor took her first golf swing and who introduced him to the game 04:40: The story of Igor's family immigrating from the USSR to Melbourne Austrailia 06:20: Igor's early days as an entrepreneur and the experiences that have shaped his approach to life 08:15: Igor's return to golf and the creation of his 24-7 Golf venture 15:00: How a phone call with GOLFTEC CEO Joe Assel over the brand name grew over time into a flourishing collaborative partnership 18:00: The virtue of failure and how to learn from the experience and move on 22:00: We learn about the GolfTrak App, a "golf simulator in your pocket" 25:10: The camera technology and frame rate required to accurately track ball flight data 30:00: The business model behind GolfTrak App and the customer segment they appeal to 33:20: The GolfTrak App customer acquisition strategy 38:35: Igor shares his experience at the Golf Pitch Challenge and Mastermind Event in Orlando 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 m

"It was tough. For every advertising sponsor that I brought in, I had a million rejections. I just persevered and ended up interviewing everybody from Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron to Wilt Chamberlain. The journey has been incredible, but I learned on the fly in a lot of ways." Ann Liguori is a leader and trailblazer in sports broadcasting as President of Ann Liguori Productions, Inc., award-winning sport’s talk show host, public speaker, broadcaster, journalist, author and producer. Ann's latest book is Life on the Green: Lessons and Wisdom from Legends of Golf where 12 legendary players in golf share life lessons they learned from the game. Life on the Green is available on Amazon. We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! When I mentioned Ann's episode to the folks at British Columbia Golf they immediately wanted to support it, as one of their goals is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. They strive to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. As a provincial arm of Golf Canada, British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to improve partner relationships to increase participation in the sport. If you're looking to plan your next amazing golf trip, British Columbia Golf is the place to explore and book from the over 300 golf courses they support across our beautiful province. To learn about the impact they are making and to discover your next golf adventure, check out their website at www.britishcolumbiagolf.org. "Sports Innerview was the cable show that I did for 17 years, which I was able to syndicate on all these sports cable networks around the country and that's this show that I went out and sold. MSG Network said "Ann we love your work. We hear you on FAN. We see your byline. We can give you a time slot every week on WFAN, but we can't pay you." So I went knocking down doors on Madison Avenue trying to get meetings with advertising executives and they looked at me like I had three heads. Like "Wait you're a woman and you want to host a sports show?"... Ann Liguori, President of Ann Liguori Productions, Inc. You can also learn more about Ann on her bio page. Life on the Green is available for purchase on Amazon. Life on the Green: Lessons and Wisdom from Legends of Golf 12 legendary players in golf share life lessons they learned from the game. Interviewed by award-winning sports journalist and broadcaster Ann Liguori, a select list of champions including Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player, Jan Stephenson, Tom Watson, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Nancy Lopez, and more, talk about their personal journeys and wisdom they gleaned from their time playing the game of golf. Life on the Green appeals to all, going in-depth with exclusive content for die-hard fans while providing amusing anecdotes and inspirational content for everyone, humanizing and helping us understand a little bit more about each star and their success story. Each person’s story highlights a different, central theme, allowing readers to have key takeaways and a clearer understanding of how the subject became so successful, and in turn, be inspired to utilize those life lessons towards their own lives and legacy. Encompassing universal themes like patience, goal setting, staying positive, pursuing one's passions, treating people right, never giving up, practicing humility, and more, Life on the Green inspires, entertains and enriches in equal measure. Episode Chapters 03:20: Ann shares when she was first introduced to golf and who invited her. We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. 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 c

Calling all golf entrepreneurs! Do you have a golf venture our product that you need help getting to the next level? Even if you're at the idea stage, our guest Carolin Pinegger is looking for you to join them for the next Golf Pitch Challenge and Mastermind event October 7-9 2024 in Miami Florida. On this fast-paced, engaging episode we learn about Carolin's not-so-straight-line in golf and business to arrive at the place she is along her entrepreneurial journey. "I wanted to pivot, to change and people that are too planned will have a hard time succeeding because you have to fail fast and you have fail forward and you have to pivot and you have to change and sometimes you even have to change before we really see the reason why you have to change. I felt like I was treading water and it most certainly wasn't because I was working hard enough. I was doing my very best and I wasn't getting where I wanted to be. And then I said "I need a change!" ... Carolin Pinegger We want to welcome our new Episode Presenting Partner Synthetic Turf International! Synthetic Turf International - also known as STI - is the industry’s premier producer and supplier of high-quality, natural-looking grass products for residential and commercial applications, both indoors and out. I have collaborated on projects and ventures with STI for over 10 years through my Sport Entertainment company, so I have seen first hand how innovative, passionate, and creative they are. If you are considering an artificial landscaped grass lawn, a putting green, golf tee lines and hitting mats, a synthetic sports field, playground turf or a dog park, then I highly recommend STI for your next project. And all of STI's grass products are crafted completely in-house and proudly made in America. To learn more about the endless synthetic turf application and installation possibilities that Synthetic Turf International has to offer, contact them at synthetic-turf.com. "My dad was a serial offender in entrepreneurship. He has the right amount of crazy in him. Every entrepreneur needs that. To be misunderstood much more than anybody else who isn't an entrepreneur can tolerate. That's something that a lot of entrepreneurs need to hear. If you want to make it big, if you want to be an entrepreneur, you have to be ready to be criticized. You have to be ready to be misunderstood much much more than the general public because they don't want to put themselves in that situation. That's why they will never be entrepreneurs. It's just not up their alley and that is fine. There are different requirements for entrepreneurs than for somebody who isn't." You can also learn more about Carolin and connect on her bio page. The Golf Pitch Challenge & Mastermind Event Do you have a new golf product or service venture that you want to take to the next level, even if it's only at the idea phase? If you do, we encourage you to apply for and attend the next Golf Pitch Challenge October 7-9 2024 in Miami Florida. Register now at https://golfpitchchallenge.com or email Carolin at [email protected] At The 2024 PGA Show host Colin Weston recorded six conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up was Carolin Pinegger, CEO at David Leadbetter Enterprises. Carolin discusses the Golf Pitch Challenge that took place at the show, where six golf startups pitched to a panel of judges that included David Leadbetter and Shark Tank's Kevin Harrington. The winning venture was The Grip Caddie https://gripcaddie.com who won $10,000 in consulting and partnership services. We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. 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

"We made a million-dollar mistake on the build-out. We thought plumbing could work one way. It couldn't. It's tough for a company that was started with the money that we had at the time, but you make those mistakes and move on, learn from it and don't dwell on it." Jared's Five Iron Golf story begins in early 2015 with Mike Doyle teaching simulator lessons in the back of a men’s clothing store in midtown Manhattan. As the demand for Mike’s lessons grew throughout 2015 and 2016, Mike and student Jared started dreaming about an indoor facility where Mike could teach more lessons and golfers could work to improve their games — all while flipping standard golf culture on its head and appealing to everyone. We want to welcome our new Episode Presenting Partner Synthetic Turf International! Synthetic Turf International - also known as STI - is the industry’s premier producer and supplier of high-quality, natural-looking grass products for residential and commercial applications, both indoors and out. I have collaborated on projects and ventures with STI for over 10 years through my Sport Entertainment company, so I have seen first hand how innovative, passionate, and creative they are. Speaking of Synthetic Turf International clients, Five Iron Golf has installed their turf products in the majority of their venues. If you are considering an artificial landscaped grass lawn, a putting green, golf tee lines and hitting mats, a synthetic sports field, playground turf or a dog park, then I highly recommend STI for your next project. And all of STI's grass products are crafted completely in-house and proudly made in America. To learn more about the endless synthetic turf application and installation possibilities that Synthetic Turf International has to offer, contact them at synthetic-turf.com. "At our Las Vegas location we originally had a putting green in the center. We realized that nobody wanted a putting green. And so we put in shuffleboard. Nobody wanted shuffleboard and we put in the high top tables where people could just drink and were like, "Okay, this is what people want". And I like to believe that I've cultivated the spirit with the other Founders that it doesn't matter what happened, let's move forward. We're literally inventing a concept over here. The best thing that we can do is test and fail, test and fail and move forward and take everything that we've learned and hopefully use those for the franchises and our own future corporate stores and do the best that we can." Episode Chapters 03:20: How and when Jared was introduced to golf 04:40: The Five Iron Golf origin story. Spoiler: it involves hitting balls in the back of a Manhattan men's clothing store! 07:15: Jared explains how he and the three other co-founders mustered up the courage to launch Five Iron Golf 10:10: The story behind the first Five Iron Golf location opening in mid-town Manhattan 12:50: How Five Iron creates experiences for both the casual and passionate golfer without alienating either one of the groups 16:15: "We want our Five Iron locations to look like modern art museums". Jared discusses their design guidelines and how grafitti art became the focal point for their brand vision 19:10: How Five Iron finds and hires artists to collaborate at each of their venue around the US 20:45: Selection of the Five Iron Golf name and logo design 23:40: How Five Iron scaled from one location to 25 and counting 26:50: Jared's thoughts on starting a company and when to bring in outside investment 28:10: Franchising vs the owership model for venue locations 29:30: Mistakes made along the way and what the leadership team has learned from them 32:50: The power of partnerships and collaborating with golf brands and influencers 34:10: What the future has in store for Five Iron Golf You can also learn more about Jared on his bio page. Want to learn more about Five Iron Golf, find out if there's a location near you and to book a fun experience for you and your friends? Have a look at the Five Iron Golf website or email Jared Solomon at [email protected] With Mike and Jared clueless as to how to actually execute their grand idea, the final two co-founders, summer camp friends Nora Dunnan and Katherine Solomon (also Jared’s wife) entered the scene. With Nora operating the ship and Katherine navigating through some early legal storms, Five Iron Golf was launched and open for business in mid-2017. Five Iron has quickly re-shaped Manhattan's golf culture, growing from Mike’s original lesson crew to a re-imagined, high-tech, inclusive urban golf experience for golfers and non-golfers alike. Five Iron is for everyone. For the serious golfer, Five Iron hosts ten Full Swing simulators, a Trackman lesson studio, four teaching professionals, lessons, club storage, showers, practice time, leagues, 100% top-of-the line clubs to use (complimentary), and in-house cl

It's funny how random, accidental conversations morph into something special. While returning from The 2024 PGA Show Demo Day in Orlardo on a shuttle bus, host Colin Weston sat beside someone and asked how his day went. That young man was Nick Darby, who was attending on behalf of Get Golfing which is a UK non-profit that acquires and revitalizes distressed golf properties. After an engaging bus ride conversation, Colin asked Nick if he would tell the Get Golfing story on The ModGolf Podcast. Fast forward and here we are. We hope you like this inspiring episode as much as we enjoyed making it. "Here in the UK we have this issue which I don't see too much globally, where lots of our golf courses are either financially suffering while the land value is increasing. So many golf courses are being bought up, slabbed over with cement and housing estates are being built on them. We are on a mission to change this trend." "So on the charity side of it, we reinvest and try to acquire golf courses that are going under and put money back into them, back into the communities and really get that golf course to prosper." Big thanks to Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. "We took over these seven golf courses and we just looked at ourselves and said "Can we actually do this?" We thought "If we don't do this, these golf courses are going to be given to somebody else not necessarily to grow the game of golf." Then we just put our hearts and souls into it." "It sounds like it's an impossible task because we've only ever operated one golf course to then knowing that we had another golf course that was 300 miles away. It was exhilarating. It was fantastic to go into these golf clubs and say to the staff "You've still got a job, come and work for us. It's going to be fantastic." And then also tell the members of the golf club. "Hey, you're not going anywhere. You're going to stay right here. Your golf course is going to stay open". And that feeling is just incredible and that's why we do what we do. It's because golf is just so important and we owe so much to the game of golf and this is how we give it back".... Nick Darby / Get Golfing Episode Chapters 03:40: Nick provides an overview of what Get Golfing does and why they do it 05:15: How and when Nick was introduced to golf and who invited him 06:25: The story of the "AHA Moment" and launch of Get Golfing 08:20: How Get Golfing Founder Edward Richardson acquired Redlibbets Golf Club in Kent England 10:15: How during the pandemic Get Golfing went from operating one golf course to seven 13:10: Using Redlibbets GC and the non-profit test case that led to tripling the club membership 30:50: The Festival of Golf... August 2024... 3 day Ladies European Tour Access Series event... includes Night Golf, a Golf Sixes event 32:00: Hosting the first global Ladies Disabled Golf Tournament 39:40: Nick discusses the future of Get Golfing, that includes partnering with innovative technology companies like our show sponsor Golf Genius Software! FREE membership for ALL junior golfers...2,500 and counting! You can also learn more about Nick on his bio page. On this episode Nick shared that their August 2024 "Festival of Golf" weeklong activation will feature a Golf Sixes event. One second ever ModGolf Podcast episode back in 2017 was with then DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley, who talked about their first Golf Sixes event. Click on the image below to listen to this engaging episode. Want to learn more about the impactful non-profit work Get Golfing takes on, perhaps book a tee time or just hang out at one of their welcoming clubhouses? Have a look at the Go Golfing website or email Nick Darby at [email protected] 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.

At the annual PGA Show late January in Orlando I always make a point of taking the 30 minute bus shuttle out to Demo Day to kick the tires of the golf industry's latest equipment at the 360º range facility. The product that really caught my attention had nothing to do with hitting balls across the 400 yard diameter driving range. Off to the side was a compact setup that exuded a fun vibe where people were hitting oversized plastic whiffle balls with an oversized plastic club.... at buckets with flags in them. This was my introduction to BucketGolf. After playing a quick round I struck up a conversation with Founder and CEO Tyler Simmons to learn about how BucketGolf came to be. Tyler's entrepreneurial journey aligns nicely with the stories we showcase on The ModGolf Podcast, so I had no choice but to invite him to share it with all of us. "I figured out after looking at my roommate throw his clothes into his pop-up laundry hamper that I should just make pop-up buckets which solved a ton of issues for us. The game became cheaper because the box is much smaller and it cut the price in half. Two years in is when the snowball started rolling down the hill. Once I figured out the social media side, marketing strategy and of how to get the game out there, it all clicked at the same time."... BucketGolf CEO and Founder Tyler Simmons I discovered BucketGolf and Tyler at the 2024 PGA Show Demo Day, where we created a couple of videos for our ModGolf Instragram. Click on the image to watch and give it a 'Like' and follow us while you're there! We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. You can also learn more about Tyler on his bio page and purchase your own BucketGolf set from their website. "The hardest part in the beginning was how long it took me to learn how things work. We really didn't see any success for the first two years. I was trying as hard as I could and put everything I had into BucketGolf outside of my regular day job. The biggest insight for me was learning that shipping is very expensive. You need your box to be small. The light bulb moment that took us from "not doing too much in sales for the first couple years to starting to go upward" was the buckets used to be a soft flexible plastic and the box they shipped in was too big."... Tyler Simmons Episode Chapters [03:10] How and when Tyler was introduced to golf and who invited him [04:20] The "AHA moment" that led to the creation of BucketGolf [06:50] What it's like to play BucketGolf and set up a course [09:55] Tyler shares stories of the most amazing BucketGolf shots he has seen [10:50] We learn about the BucketGolf ball and clubs [12:45] How BucketGolf opens the game up to people who have never played before [13:40] The story behind coming up with the brand name "BucketGolf" [14:40] How "BucketGolf Glow" allows people to play at night [16:30] Tyler discusses why they decided to attend The PGA Show and value it provided [18:50] BucketGolf's B2B marketing strategy to sell to businesses, schools and organizations [20:20] Tyler's background and experience before launchnig BucketGolf (hint: he had a lot to learn!) [21:10] Steps and sequencing Tyler took to design and manufacture the orginal BucketGolf product [23:00] The design pivot Tyler took that changed the pricing and sales volume for BucketGolf [25:50] The BucketGolf manufacturing process [29:00] The Power of Partnerships to accelerate BucketGolf's growth [31:00] BucketGolf tournaments, events and social media content creation [32:40] The best user-created BucketGolf courses that Tyler has seen 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 ensu

David Hinkle and Rio Valeriano with T36 Golf are flipping the script on traditional golf and redefining the sport for a new generation of golfers. Their revolutionary "Double Loop" design lets you experience a full 18-hole game with a smaller environmental footprint and shorter playtime. T36 Golf's unique "Double Loop" layout at Baytown Texas amplifies the player experience while reducing time of play by an hour and the land required to around half of that of a traditional 18 hole course. "I decided to go down to Key Largo and took my significant other Dina. We walked into this place called The Raw Bar and we sit at the only two seats available next to another couple and we order a drink called a "Dinarita". It's a margarita with a good tequila, splash of Chambord, no salt. So they say "Those sound great! Get us two of those." That struck up a conversation with this gentleman that was involved in golf. Three weeks later, I called him and said "I've got this course, 118 acres. I know we can't do an 18-hole golf course. What can we do?" He said "Actually you can build an 18-hole golf course on that acreage. Let me introduce you to somebody". That led us to a golf course architect which was that "AHA Moment" that ultimately evolved into T36 Golf."... Co-Founder Rio Valeriano We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. Episode Chapters [03:00] How and when Rio and David were introduced to golf [08:00] How David and Rio met each other and the "AHA Moment" that started T36 Golf [11:30] Rio shares the "Dinarita" cocktail story at a Key Largo bar that led to meeting the right person at the right time [15:00] How and why they decided to build the first T36 Golf course in Baytown Texas [21:10] The "Double Loop" course layout explained [26:00] course design considerations to ensure the playing experience is fast, safe and fun [28:00] David talks about their target demographics and how they take a Blue Ocean Strategy approach to their business model [34:20] Their branding exercise and how they landed on the name "T36 Golf" [37:30] The importance of supporting youth golf at T36 Golf and Troon [39:30] How they have created a community gathering place for the people of Baytown [42:00] amplifying the customer experience through the restaurant, menu and lounge design [44:30] future expansion plans for the T36 Golf brand You can also learn more about Rio and David on thier bio pages. Want to check out T36 Baytown (located 30 minutes east of Houston Texas) and perhaps book a tee time? Have a look at their website to learn more. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin Special Guests: David Hinkle - Co-Founder and Principal at T36 Golf and Rio Valeriano - Co-Founder and Principal at T36 Golf.

At The 2024 PGA Show host Colin Weston recorded six conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. Fouth up is Geremy Davis, Host, Creator and CEO of The Golf & Gospel YouTube Channel. Geremy is a former NFL player who along with music producer Torrence Wade, competes against various guests in 9 holes in hopes to win the match and also have conversations about music, sports and most importantly for him: The Gospel. Check out Geremy's "Golf & Gospel" YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Gday85 Fifth up is Eddie Fadel, President of apparel brand Ashworth Golf who shares how they reimagined their apparel brand that is "Unapologetically Golf". Revered by passionate players since 1987, Ashworth is the original, authentic golf apparel brand - designed by golfers for golfers. Click on the image below to watch Colin's conversations with Geremy Davis, Eddie Fadel, Brett Jaffee and David Rider on The ModGolf Youtube Channel! Last up are entrepreneurs David Rider and previous guest Brett Jaffee, Co-Founders of Caddy Time. Caddy Time is the "Uber For Caddies" that benefits golfers who play, the caddies who elevate the experience and the courses they are on. Brett and David give us an update on the growth of the business and their expansion into international markets overseas. Visit www.caddytime.com to learn more. We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. Episode Chapters [01:06] Geremy Davis, Host, Creator and CEO of The Golf & Gospel YouTube Channel [12:09] Eddie Fadel, President of Ashworth Golf [22:00] David Rider and Brett Jaffee, Co-Founders of Caddy Time You can also learn more about Eddie Fadel on his bio page and ModGolf YouTube video. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin Special Guests: Brett Jaffee - Co-Founder of Caddy Time, David Rider - Co-Founder / Chief Strategist at Caddy Time, Eddie Fadel - President of Ashworth Golf, and Geremy Davis - Host, Creator and CEO of The Golf & Gospel YouTube Channel.

At The 2024 PGA Show host Colin Weston recorded six conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up is Carolin Pinegger, CEO at David Leadbetter Enterprises. Carolin discusses the Golf Pitch Challenge that took place at the show, where six golf startups pitched to a panel of judges that included David Leadbetter and Shark Tank's Kevin Harrington. The winning venture was The Grip Caddie https://gripcaddie.com who won $10,000 in consulting and partnership services. Do you have a new golf product or service venture that you want to take to the next level, even if it's only at the idea phase? If you do, we encourage you to apply for the next Golf Pitch Challenge. Register at https://golfpitchchallenge.com Second up is Jason Deese, Founder of Flash Weather AI. Jason shares the origin story of Flash Weather AI and the entrepreneurial hustle he exerted to unlock a customer market in the golf industry with partners Golf Genius Software. Flash Weather AI delivers patented predictive lightning forecasting and notifications up to 99.6% accuracy. Now golf course owners, operators and tournament officials will know when and where lightning will occur within the hour. You can learn more at https://flashweather.ai Click on the image below to watch Colin's conversations with Carolin Pinegger, Jason Deese and Thinh Tran on The ModGolf Youtube Channel! Third up is entrepreneur Thinh Tran, Co-Creator of GimmePro and Founder of Transrover. GimmePro is the world's first ball picker that conveniently fits in your golf bag. Visit https://gimmepro.golf to learn more. Episode Chapters [01:48] Carolin Pinegger, CEO of David Leadbetter Enterprises and The Golf Pitch Challenge [14:45] Jason Deese, Founder of FLASH Weather AI [24:55] Thinh Tran, Co-Creator of GimmePro and Founder of Transrover You can also learn more about Carolin on her bio page. We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin Special Guests: Carolin Pinegger - CEO of David Leadbetter Entrerprises / The Golf Pitch Challenge / Online Golf Coach, Jason Deese - Founder of FLASH Weather AI, and Thinh Tran - Co-Creator of GimmePro and Founder of Transrover.

That's a wrap for Season 14 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 15, which launches in February 2024. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf. We want to thank our partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the driving range experience by offering the most engaging gameplay and precise ball-tracking on the market. From private clubs and standalone commercial ranges, to multi-storey “Big Box” entertainment venues and limited-flight ‘compact’ ranges, Inrange® creates unparalleled experiences for every type of player - and unleashes your business’ growth potential. They are also the only software in the world offering a bay vs bay link up feature - allowing large groups to play against one another in teams across the entire venue. To learn more check out www.inrangegolf.com. Thanks also to our friends at Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 14 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry's top influencers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Hopefully this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them! Our Season 14 guests were: Episode 1 Preston Phillips - Venture Partner with Cerro Capital and WhiteRock "In the case of new sports that are coming of age, I enjoy being in the middle of it and really understand how we can connect the dots through our support of sport technology ventures. I love feeling closer to these sports, either by participating in them or just tagging along for the fan ride." Preston Phillips, Venture Partner with Cerro Capital and WhiteRock joins us to share his quest to leverage technology that enhances the fan and player experience. Click to listen >> THE QUEST TO AMPLIFY FAN ENGAGEMENT Episode 2 Paul McEldon - CEO at ClubFace-Golf and ClubFace-Book "What dawned on me was that if this whole golf community of diverse yet like-minded people could come in a place that was safe and relevant, would there be space for them?" So that's when we created the first version of ClubFace-Golf. Paul McEldon - CEO ClubFace-Book joins host Colin Weston to share how his team has created the "Facebook for golfers". Click to listen >> CREATING AN ENGAGING SPACE FOR LIKE-MINDED GOLFERS Episode 3 Claude Brousseau - Director of Player Development at The Wailea Golf Academy "I grew up in a small little town, 500 people in the middle of nowhere. What matters the most is not where you start, it's where you go and how much you enjoy the process of realizing wow, life is good." Claude Brousseau, Director of Player Development at The Wailea Golf Academy joins host Colin Weston for an inspirational 40 minutes of conversation. Click to listen >> YOU ARE THE CEO OF YOUR LIFE Episode 4 Isaiah Mwesige - CEO of The AFRIYEA Golf Academy in Uganda "There are few young people who are playing the game, however The AFRIYEA Golf Academy has been able to change the status quo and create a difference. We believe in taking the game to where people are rather than bringing people to where golf is." Isaiah Mwesige joins us to share the growth of golf in Uganda. Click to listen >> THE RISE OF GOLF IN UGANDA Episode 5 Kevin Corn - PGA Teaching Pro / Creator of The Kids Golf Program at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital in St. Louis "All the children at Ranken Jordan are medically complex. We have kids in hospital beds and wheelchairs and walkers. They are on ventilators, they've got feeding tubes and regardless of what they're facing they hit golf balls. It's a very powerful afternoon and no better way to spend a day than helping them get better through golf." PGA Teaching Pro Kevin Corn joins us to share the impactful program he spearheads at The Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital in St. Louis. Click to listen >> THE HEALING POWER OF GOLF FOR KIDS Episode 6 Danielle Tucker - Creator and Host of The Golf Club Radio Show Danielle Tucker was a golf podcaster before podcasting was even a thing. For over a quarter century every Satu

"Bob Parsons had a real passion for challenging the status quo. We talked about how product was currently being designed, manufactured, distributed and marketed and believed that by doing things differently, we could figure out how to create a place in the market." Mike Nicolette - who at that time worked for me at Ping - met Bob Parsons by chance playing nine holes of golf on a Friday afternoon. They had a good time and traded numbers afterwards and Bob would then call Mike all the time asking questions about golf equipment. Fast forward two years later, Bob had divested from GoDaddy and had an idea that he wanted to do something to change the golf industry. Mike tried to talk Bob out of it because at that time in 2013 the golf industry had been flat and down for more than a decade. Bob told him to think about it and then Mike started to discuss the venture with me. At first I wasn't interested as Ping had been very good to me and I believed that I would retire there. We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. PXG is active on Instagram where you can see their staff pros, clubs, equipment and apparel in action. Click on the image below to watch Colin's unboxing of PXG irons and hybrid that arrived after his club fitting experience on The ModGolf Youtube Channel! We'll be posting the full PXG fitting experience video at Haus of Golf in Vancouver very soon. "I decided to go talk with Bob and after leaving that meeting I knew what I was going to do. It felt that if I said no that I would regret it for the rest of my life. It would be so hard to move on knowing that I passed up on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was a huge decision and a lot of people thought that I was crazy to leave Ping but I felt that I had to give it a go." Episode Chapters [01:50] Brad's first golf experience and who introduced him to the game [03:00] How Brad's education as a Mechanical Engineer led him to a career in golf club design [05:00] The creation of PXG and how Bob Parsons incentivized both Mike Nicolette and Brad to leave Ping to join his quest to make the world's best golf clubs. [09:30] The culture Bob created around PXG by giving Brad and Mike an open budget and schedule to design and create great golf clubs. [14:00] Brad discusses their iterative design process, rapid prototyping and mistakes made that lead to material and design breakthroughs. [16:30] Colin and Brad take a deep dive into material elasticity and how that informs club impact, energy transfer and forgiveness. [20:40] The different club lines that span the spectrum of 14 handicappers like Colin to PXG staff pros like Christina Kim (who was our guest on the previous episode!) [24:00] We learn how Bob Parsons' experience as a rifleman in the Marine Corps has influence the club numbering at PXG. [26:00] The culture at PXG that combines passion, fun and the entrepreneurial spirit. [28:00] PXG's core philosophy and vision as they expand their product lines. [30:30] The future for PXG and where they look to be in 10 years time as they expand their distrubution centers and fitting partners. [33:00] Some of the PXG designs that didn't work out and what they learned from them. You can also learn more about Brad on his bio page. Want to check out the PXG clubs and fitting experience we talked about in this podcast episode? Have a look at their website to learn more. 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 up

"Everybody has trauma, so being able to work through that has been huge for my golf game. Funnily enough I need to remember that I'm a person before I'm a golfer. I actually experienced this with my boyfriend Andrew where I felt the roots of my trauma being ripped from my toenails and being released and set free. I became okay with saying "this is what I went through, this is a life that I've lead". There's no judgment. There's no anger. No bitterness. This is something that has happened that I needed to confront and move through" We want to thank our partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the driving range experience by offering the most engaging gameplay and precise ball-tracking on the market. From private clubs and standalone commercial ranges, to multi-storey “Big Box” entertainment venues and limited-flight ‘compact’ ranges, Inrange® creates unparalleled experiences for every type of player - and unleashes your business’ growth potential. They are also the only software in the world offering a bay vs bay link up feature - allowing large groups to play against one another in teams across the entire venue. To learn more check out www.inrangegolf.com. We also 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? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. Christina is active on Instagram where you can follow her life experiences both on and off the course. Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Christina on our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters [02:20] Christina's first ever golf experience as a kid and how she developed a passion for the game [04:40] The influence Christina's dad had on her development as a young golfer [09:50] Why Christina decided to turn pro at the age of 17 [12:00] Stories from Christina's first year as a pro in 2002 [15:30] How Colin met Christina at the 2023 CPKC Canadian Womens Open [17:30] Christina's ability to cope with mental health issues to give her strength to face the day [21:00] We share experiences of loss, grief and trauma that stem from unchecked mental health issues and how we both have been able to find meaning, joy and purpose in our lives [24:00] A conversation around removing the stigma around mental health issues by helping others and allowing others to help us [29:00] Christina's relationship with LPGA Medical Director Dr. Bruce Thomas, who she credits with "saving my life three times" [36:00] "I am responsible for creating my own joy" [39:30] Defining Christina's purpose and what is next for her in the years to follow after The LPGA Tour "Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one"... Bruce Lee Do you or someone you know struggle with anxiety, depression and/or thoughts of self-harm? Please do not feel like you or a loved one must suffer in silence as we are all connected. In the US and Canada you can speak with someone who deeply cares at the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org You can also learn more about Christina on her bio page. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin Special Guest: Christina Kim - LPGA Tour Pro.

On Jan. 29, 2019 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open’s Dream Day on the famous 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, Amy Bockerstette, who has Down syndrome, demonstrated to the golfing world what a determined athlete with self-confidence and a positive attitude can achieve. While playing with PGA Tour players Gary Woodland and Matt Kuchar during the Tuesday practice round, Amy hit the par 3 tee shot 117 yards into a greenside bunker, splashed her sand shot to within 8 feet of the pin, and made her par putt in front of a roaring crowd. The I GOT THIS Foundation was born out of this moment, which was captured on video and has since gone viral, receiving more than 54 million views on social media platforms. Golf is a sport where everyone plays the same game on the same field. Their vision is that people with intellectual disabilities become included in those games. We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! When I mentioned Amy's episode to the folks at British Columbia Golf they immediately wanted to support it, as one of their goals is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. They strive to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. As a provincial arm of Golf Canada, British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to improve partner relationships to increase participation in the sport. If you're looking to plan your next amazing golf trip, British Columbia Golf is the place to explore and book from the over 300 golf courses they support across our beautiful province. To learn about the impact they are making and to discover your next golf adventure, check out their website at www.britishcolumbiagolf.org. And thank you 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? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. "I am strong, I am confident and I am proud to be happy. I am powerful and love my Power Pose!".... another Amy quote Amy's dream foursome... Nick Jonas, Grant Gustin (The Flash) and Zac Efron (and PGA Tour pro and friend Gary Woodland) Amy is active on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Amy and Joe Bockerstette on our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters [02:40] Amy's introduction to golf, how old she was and who helped make it happen [04:40] How The I GOT THIS Foundation was born from Amy's experience at The 2019 Phoenix WM Open [08:00] Joe shares what happened after Amy made her amazing par at The Phoenix Open [09:25] Amy and Joe talk about the friendship that blossomed with PGA Tour player Gary Woodland [12:25] The decision to start and the effort needed to build The I GOT THIS Foundation [15:35] Amy's superpowers and her speaking engagements in support of neurodiverse people [18:15] Amy's "Superpower club", her favourite shot type and the most memorable shots she has hit [20:40] Who's in Amy's "Dream Foursome" SPOILER Nick Jonas is one of them! [22:00] Future goals and aspirations for Amy and The I GOT THIS Foundation [25:50] How society has changed it's perception regarding what people like Amy can accomplish [26:50] "Amy's Village" and the community surrounding her with support and encouragement I GOT THIS Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, has a mission to promote golf instruction and playing opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. By providing golf instruction, playing opportunities, and organized events, they strive to teach people with neurodivergent abilities to play golf, paving the way for them to compete in leagues with typical peers, join high school teams, and enjoy the many social benefits of golf. To learn more about Amy and The I GOT THIS Foundation, check out their website. You can also connect with Amy on her bio page. 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 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, a

"I got sick for a few years and I was getting tired of being in bed thinking about what I wanted to do. So I sent out a focus group study to golfers that had been on a list of mine from my previous business and it was a survey asking them multiple questions about what their pain points were in the golf industry. What I heard was the frustration around not knowing what club to buy, feeling like every club was marketed as better. Marketing had started to become more important than performance. The balance was out of whack. And in a moment it matched with my moral compass. My grandmother taught disabled children her whole life. I was around these kids and I didn't like seeing them being taken advantage of just like I felt golfers are being taken advantage of. I looked at my wife when I was still in bed and I said, "I'm going to start the Consumer Reports of golf" and she instantly said, "yes you are!". So I got my ass right out of bed and got to work." We want to thank our partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the driving range experience by offering the most engaging gameplay and precise ball-tracking on the market. From private clubs and standalone commercial ranges, to multi-storey “Big Box” entertainment venues and limited-flight ‘compact’ ranges, Inrange® creates unparalleled experiences for every type of player - and unleashes your business’ growth potential. They are also the only software in the world offering a bay vs bay link up feature - allowing large groups to play against one another in teams across the entire venue. To learn more check out www.inrangegolf.com. We also want to thank Golf Genius Software for supporting The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. "The Golf Digest Hot List was the bible to tell golfers what to buy as a print publication at the time and they had staked claim to that. But they had yet to lay claim to the digital world, so like the wild west I wanted to put down my flag down before they did. I wanted to build trust with the most hardcore golfers out there, create a place where they could come and trust anything and everything that we put out there. Something that was honest and had integrity behind it rather than run by the manufacturers. I thought it would be 3-5 years before the manufacuturers got on board with it. I knew it would be a bit of a rub but man, was I ever wrong." "The manufacturers not only didn't like MyGolfSpy, but they hated everything that we stood for. They tried to sue us and use any angle they could to shut us up. Manufacturers keep a lot of the small media companies quiet because of one simple thing: the small media companies and blogs didn't have a legal team but we did. I had a group behind me that knew what I was after and stood up for me as a legal team. None of these manufacturers didn't have a leg to stand on with any of these potential law suits and they knew it, and they wanted to threaten us to keep us quiet. But as soon as we fired back - and our biggest weapon was "if you want to sue us, great. But we're going to make it public and every letter you send us we be public record". To this day MyGolfSpy has never been sued and we have never taken an article down." "The golf consumer saw that someone who was fighting for them, which is exactly why MyGolfSpy became successful. We put the consumer first and the companies last. I don't care about the corporations, I care about the golfer and how they spend their hard-earned money. I don't want golfers spending more if it does not help them improve compared to what they already own. This is a philosophy that companies are not accustomed to because it has been engrained in us that we need the newest club that comes out." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Adam on our Youtube Channel! "When I first created MyGolfSpy my vision was to make the cream of the crop rise to the top and have all the junk go away. In order to do that there were small companies like Sub70, Vice and EvenRoll who now have bigger names partly because we leveled the playing field and we gave them a place to be heard about. Golf Digest isn't writing about these small companies because they are not getting paid to do so. We said "here's what we're willing to do. If a product performs in the top X percent of our testing and we believe that that product or service is a standout we will then spotlight them to help amplify the messaging to keep these brands who deserve it on th

"I joined the business over 16 years ago, but even before that my father would talk about potential clients saying "Well, I don't know if I want miniature golf at my Family Entertainment Facility because it's kind of going out of style". But miniature golf is one of those activities and attractions that will never go out of style."... Scott Lundmark, President of Adventure Golf & Sports Miniature Golf Fun Facts... There are 4,383 Miniature golf courses in the United States as of September 2023. The earliest documented mention of a miniature golf course is in the June 8, 1912 edition of The Illustrated London News, referring to a minigolf course called The Golfstacle. Even earlier, William Senhouse Clarke patented the 'Golfstacle' box kit in 1907. The first miniature golf course in Canada was at the Maples Inn in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. The "Mapes" was constructed as a summer home in the 1890s but was renovated into a club in 1902, opened to the public in 1914, and had a miniature golf course in 1930. The popular nightspot burned in 1985. Parkside's Whispering Pines Miniature Golf is the oldest miniature golf course in the United States. This historic gem has been entertaining visitors since its opening in 1930. 51 countries have National Minigolf Association governing bodies which are part of The World Minigolf Sport Federation. ______________________________________________ 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 "Our business in booming right now. In fact it has grown consistently over the years and with the addition of Putt Shack, PopStroke and The Puttery, combined with the explosion of craft breweries there has been a flood of money pouring in the marketplace for miniature golf. Part of the reason is because it's attractive to all ages from six year old children all the way to great-grandparents." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Scott on our Youtube Channel! "From a business perspective, miniature golf has high player throughput, little maintenence and low operating costs which are factors that help fuel its growth. And it's even popular for the cool, hip date night people out there!" Episode Chapters [02:40] Scott shares his first golf experience at 11 years old at their family run "Arne's Funland Little Duffers Miniature Golf" course. [05:00] The origin of the family miniature golf business which all started with Scott's dad Arne Lundmark, known as "The GodFather of Mini Golf". [07:00] Making the entrepreneurial decision around 1980 to sell their adventure park and focus on designing and building mini putt courses. [14:00] AGS miniature golf products and their new innovations such as "Mini Links" portable golf holes. [17:00] Who the AGS customers are and how they have expanded and diversified their client base to include cruise ships and rooftop, rollout and pop-up activations. [22:15] Future trends and predictions on where the miniature golf industry, products and experiences are heading. [24:45] New tech-enabled growth segments for mini-golf that have been fueled by the emergence of Topgolf, Popstroke and Putt Shack. [25:35] AGS and Scott's commitment to eco-friendly, carbon reduced, sustainable products as their new Modular Advantage system. [28:20] How AGS markets their products and approach to customer aquisition and retention. [30:50] Colin askes about the most ambitious projects the AGS has designed and delivered. [36:10] We learn the most exotic location that AGS has built a miniature golf course. To learn more about Scott and Adventure Golf & Sports, check out their website. You can also connect with Scott on his bio page. ______________________________________________ We want to thank our partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the

"One of my philosophies is to give as much away for free as I possibly can on the front end. The more you give away for free, the more you're going to get on the back end as far as currency and customer loyalty." - Gary Guerrero Jr., Founder and CEO of Lag Shot Golf and Scratch Golf Academy 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 "When we teach our coaches to go out and do marketing or increase their sales, I remind them that most business people hold back their best stuff. Their belief is "This is a closely guarded secret and you gotta pay me this if you want it." Now, that's one approach but I say, "hey, here's that secret man. I got more where that comes from." You're like "Wow, this guy's amazing" and then here, here's another secret. Here's another secret and another secret. What happens is I'm building trust and an indebtedness from you to me. "Man, that Gary is so good, he's always helping me out. I just want to do something for him." Now, when I say, "hey, do you want to buy my thing?" customers say "yes, yes I do! I want to give you money because you've been helping me so much." And then the next thing I offer they go, "yeah, I want that too!" I don't need to hold back. I see people hold back too much. You need to give all you can up front and put your best foot forward." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Gary on our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters [03:05] Gary's first golf experience and the person who introduced him to the game [06:15] We learn how one of his products - Lag Shot Golf - has cut Gary's handicap from 9 to a 5 [07:45] Gary shares his entrepreneneurial backstory that starts with his first business at six years old [14:20] With encouragement from his dying father, Gary launched GGG Marketing in 2010 [17:15] Switching his GGG business model from website design, SEO and marketing to coaching, Gary landed his first sport client with a tennis coach creating online training videos [19:20] After meeting PGA instructor Adam Bazalgette, Gary switched his business model to solely focus on the golf industry [20:55] How Gary's first golf venture "Golf Fanatics" set the foundation for the two successful businesses he currently runs [22:45] We learn about the "Customer Value Ladder" that Gary applies to both Scratch Golf Academy and Lag Shot Golf [28:00] Gary's "Give First" mindset and building community on Instagram with @golfentrepreneur [35:25] The creation of execution of Scratch Golf Academy in 2015 and Lag Shot Golf in 2020 [40:10] Rapid prototyping and the product design process that led the commerialization of Lag Shot Golf "I saw the gap in the market for a hittable swing trainer, and that was why we created Lag Shot Golf". To learn more about Gary and Lag Shot Golf, check out their website. You can also connect with Gary on his bio page. ______________________________________________ We want to thank our partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the driving range experience by offering the most engaging gameplay and precise ball-tracking on the market. From private clubs and standalone commercial ranges, to multi-storey “Big Box” entertainment venues and limited-flight ‘compact’ ranges, Inrange® creates unparalleled experiences for every type of player - and unleashes your business’ growth potential. They are also the only software in the world offering a bay vs bay link up feature - allowing large groups to play against one another in teams across the entire venue. To learn more check out www.inrangegolf.com. ______________________________________________ We also want to thank Golf Genius Software for supporting The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Golf Genius powers tournam

"I'm not sure that I discovered it, but I let out the part of me that loves to communicate with people. The part of me that likes to talk and learn about people, places and things, what they do and incorporate some of the wisdom they have that I may not have even thought of." 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 "That's the beauty of people coming together and in radio it is minds working with minds. There's no physical interaction. There's no "I see you, you see me!" And there's triggers, things that happen that are Kismet. "Oh wow, you did that?", or "I never thought about that. That's very interesting!" Isn't that the beauty of the whole game?" Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Danielle on our Youtube Channel! "You never know what you're going to come across on a golf course with people. You find out things about yourself through the game of golf like "God, give yourself a break!" Episode Chapters [02:30] We open the show with Danielle providing an overview of The Golf Club Radio Show [04:50] Danielle shares her first ever golf experience and who introduced her to the game [09:45] We learn how Danielle ended up in Hawaii by way of New York and London [13:00] The early years of Danielle's journalism career in TV and radio that led to the opportunity to host a golf-themed show [16:00] How the Golf Club Radio Show came into existence and the people that helped make it happen [20:00] We learn about what motivates Danielle to energetically continue creating her weekly show after 25 years [21:30] Colin and Danielle share stories about having fun and not taking golf so seriously when things aren't going well [25:00] The disparity in prize money between The PGA and LPGA Tours are what they can learn from professional tennis [26:10] Danielle talks about the challenges and the opportunities of being a women in the golf media living in Hawaii [31:20] We talk about the power of surrounding yourself with positive people, which leads to a conversation about previous guest Claude Brousseau [33:00] Danielle shares her perspective on how recovery from the devastating fire in Lahaina on Maui is impacting daily life, tourism and golf To learn more about Danielle and listen to The Golf Club Radio Show, check out their website. You can also connect with Danielle on her bio page. ______________________________________________ We want to thank our new partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the driving range experience by offering the most engaging gameplay and precise ball-tracking on the market. From private clubs and standalone commercial ranges, to multi-storey “Big Box” entertainment venues and limited-flight ‘compact’ ranges, Inrange® creates unparalleled experiences for every type of player - and unleashes your business’ growth potential. They are also the only software in the world offering a bay vs bay link up feature - allowing large groups to play against one another in teams across the entire venue. To learn more check out www.inrangegolf.com. ______________________________________________ We also want to thank Golf Genius Software for supporting The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.Special Guest: Danielle Tucker - Owner, Host and Producer of The Golf Club Radio Show.

"It's my favourite day of the week. Every Wednesday afternoon I go to the hospital and spend two hours, however long the kids want to hit golf balls and teach the kids of all abilities how they can play, how they can hit golf balls, regardless of their medical condition. All the children at Ranken Jordan are medically complex. So we'll have kids coming in that are in hospital beds and wheelchairs and walkers. They are on ventilators, they've got feeding tubes, a little bit of everything and regardless of what they're facing they hit golf balls."...Kevin Corn - PGA Head Golf Professional and Pediatric Hospital Golf Program Creator 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 "You'll see them literally laying down in bed on their sides swinging. We've had the kids with severe burns to hands and arms and all over the body that don't have fingers. They still swing on their own holding the golf club. It's a very, very powerful afternoon and no better way to spend a day off than in there with the kids hitting golf balls and teaching them and helping them get better through golf." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Kevin on our Youtube Channel! "Care Beyond The Bedside is the healthcare model at Ranken Jordan. They want kids out of bed. About 80% of the time that the kids are awake are spent outside their rooms. So they're out playing video games, golf, basketball, out on the rock climbing wall, out on the field or doing their therapy. That's where the Care Beyond The Bedside comes in. When you watch it in action it is absolutely incredible. Miracles are happening there daily. To see that every time I go in there and to be a small part of it is mind-blowing." Episode Chapters [01:45] Kevin shares how he was introduced to golf by his dad at the age of five and his path to becoming a PGA Teaching Professional. [03:30] We get an overview of the golf program Kevin has put in place at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital and why Wednesday is his favourite day of the week. [05:00] The origin story behid the program's creation and where Kevin drew inspiration from. [09:00] Kevin shares stories of how the golf program has positively impacted the lives of the kids and their families. [14:10] We hear some heartfelt stories from the parent's perspective of how Kevin's work has helped change lives and provided hope. [16:00] Ranken Jordan's "Care Beyond The Bedside" model that keeps kids active, engaged and out of their rooms. [18:00] How the Ranken Jordan golf program could and should be implemented at the 300+ Pediatric Hospitals across the US and Canada. [20:00] How Kevin spends a typical Wednesday with the kids at "Ranken Jordan National GC". [24:10] We explore what the future holds for Kevin and the golf program at Ranken Jordan. "I put out a simple ask on social media and the next thing you know is when I need $1,000 to buy something I receive $4,000. Everybody is only too happy to help where they can. There also are small groups that donate the proceeds from their events to our golf program at Ranken Jordan. It's amazing how powerful this game can be and the amount of good it can do for people in so many different ways that we never thought of. But now that we see that golf in a pediatric hospital is a really good idea it opens up our eyes to many other opportunities." To learn more about the impact Kevin is making at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, check out his weekly blog posts. You can also connect with Kevin on his bio page. ______________________________________________ Big thanks to Golf Genius Software for supporting The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! 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 wh

"I was trying to use my real life experience and what I went through when I was younger. I used some strategies of being in the same position as all those kids who come from families who do not have access into the game of golf. I did some research and discovered that there was a need for a golf academy to create a pathway for these kids to learn and play the game."... Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of The AFRIYEA Golf Academy 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 "If we are to make a difference in our communities in Uganda we need to build something that is going to create opportunities for anyone to take up golf. No matter the background or gender of these individuals, everyone must be in position to have a chance because golf is still a game that is dominated by older men." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Isaiah on our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters [02:50] Isaiah shares when he was first introduced to golf and the person who invited him. [04:50] How Isaiah transitioned from caddying to playing at the Toro Club in western Uganda. [06:00] The "AHA moment" that led to the creation of The AFRIYEA Golf Academy. [08:20] The current state of golf in Uganda and how Isaiah is working to change it. [10:50] Early days of The AFRIYEA Golf Academy and how they attracted kids to join the program. [14:20] Growth of The AFRIYEA Golf Academy since launching in 2020. [16:45] Fundraising, partnerships, donations and equipment needs to make the academy sustainable. [18:40] How The AFRIYEA Golf Academy is scaling across Uganda and into other African countries. [20:10] Outreach programs, demonstrations and clinics that introduce golf to rural communities. [22:15] The future for Ugandan golf: more courses, elite level players and career opportunites. [23:40] Success stories from The AFRIYEA Golf Academy. [25:15] Isaiah's thoughts and hopes for the future of Ugandan golf in 5/10/20 years time. To learn more about the impact Isaiah has made positively impacting the lives of Ungandan kids, check out the AFRIYEA Golf Academy website. You can also connect with Isaiah on his bio page. "I was trying to use my real life experience, what I went personally through. I used some strategies to see if I was in the same position as all those kids from families who can't have access into the game of golf. I discovered there was a need to create a golf academy, create a pathway for these kids to play the game of golf. So if we are to make a difference in our community in Uganda, we need something that is going to create opportunity for everyone to play the game of golf. No matter their background, no matter the gender of these individuals everyone must be in position to have an opportunity. However, with creating the AFRIYEA Golf Academy we have been able to change the status quo and make a difference. It's now not only just bringing the people on the golf course, but for us we believe we can be in position to take the game where people are instead of bringing people where golf is." ______________________________________________ We want to thank our new partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the driving range experience by offering the most engaging gameplay and precise ball-tracking on the market. From private clubs and standalone commercial ranges, to multi-storey “Big Box” entertainment venues and limited-flight ‘compact’ ranges, Inrange® creates unparalleled experiences for every type of player - and unleashes your business’ growth potential. They are also the only software in the world offering a bay vs bay link up feature - allowing large groups to play against one another in teams across the entire venue. To learn more check out www.inrangegolf.com. ______________________________________________ We also want to thank Golf Genius Software for supporting The

"I live by investing 86,400 seconds per day to obtain the highest ROI possible on fulfillment and mindfulness. My purpose in this life is to make a difference in other people's lives". Claude Brousseau, PGA Master Professional and Director of Player Development at The Wailea Golf Academy joins host Colin Weston for an inspirational 40 minutes of conversation. Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin "I can accomplish goals by avoiding negative thoughts. When things are not going well in golf or life, take the time to look at yourself in the mirror and say okay, you are the CEO of your life. You need to assume those responsibilities with the decision, and there is a price to be outside of your comfort zone, but that's where you realize your potential." "I was able to go to the Dunhill tournaments and walk on both St. Andrews and Carnoustie the same day. So you can see why I'm so grateful and full of appreciation." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Claude on our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters [02:30] Claude shares his first golf experience and the person who invited him to put a club in his hands. [04:30] Claude discusses his days growing up in a small rural town in Quebec Canada and "First Life" as an ICU nurse in Florida. [06:40] Claude's golf mini tour experience in Florida and how that lead to his teaching career. [09:45] How Claude ended up in Maui and the supportive people who helped shape his approach to teaching. [14:30] The lessons learned and experience acquired as a nurse that Claude applies to teaching his diverse group of students. [16:50] Claude to elaborates on his approach to spending the 86,400 seconds that each day gifts us. [19:30] We learn about a "Day in The Life" of Claude Brousseau. [27:00] Claude talks about the influence that mentors such as business tycoon Anthony von Mandl have on his outlook on life. [30:00] "Learn to listen, as opportunity sometimes knocks very softly"... Jackson Brown [22:15] Claude's teaching philosophy and approach to golf learning, training and improvement. [36:30] We learn what a personal teaching experience with Claude would look like. To learn more about the impact Claude has made in 25+ years of teaching, check out the "Claude 4 Best Golf website. You can also connect with Claude on his bio page. ______________________________________________ We want to thank our sponsor partner Golf Genius Software for helping support The ModGolf Podcast Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. ______________________________________________ If you love golf, we have exclusive deals on golf gear and services that we use and support! We launched The ModGolf Pro Shop to offer you - our ModGolfers - 10-20% OFF exclusive discounts using promo code MODGOLF. We have curated a diverse selection of awesome brands like KINONA, deWiz Golf, ODIN Golf, Back2Basics Golf, Deuce and Project72Golf to help you play better and look great while doing it. CLICK TO SHOP AND SAVE.

Paul McEldon is the CEO of Clubface-golf.com which is a social network just about golf, for golf and only golf. "I turned up at the golf club and I spoke to the general manager Steve and I said "how do I connect with other golfers in the golf club to arrange a game?" And his answer was perfect - perfectly bad but perfectly good. He said "Paul, take yourself in the car park. When you see somebody putting their bag in the car, don't speak to them because they finished. When you see them taking it out, go and have a word with them and ask if you can join them." I thought, "Wow, okay we're paying 3,000 pounds a year to be a member of a golf club. There has to be a better way for this to happen."... Paul McEldon 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 So I sat down with Steve and said to him, "how do you communicate with your members of the golf club" and he said "we send out weekly newsletters, we've got the notice boards everywhere, I walk through the bar two or three times". I replied "that's all communicating AT". The question I asked was "how do you communicate WITH?" And as soon as I said, "how do you function with social media?" you could see his eyes glaze over. What dawned on me was that if the whole golf community of diverse yet like-minded people, could come to a place that was safe and relevant, would there be space for them? So that's when we created the first version of ClubFace-Golf. Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Paul on our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters [03:00] Paul and Colin open the show talking about when they met up in person for the first time in London two weeks before recording the episode. [04:10] Paul shares his first golf experience, which curiously involves a dog. [06:10] Paul provides us with his professional background and experience that led up to the start of his entrepreneurial journey and the launch of ClubFace-Golf. [08:40] Paul describes what ClubFace-Golf is, the value it creates for the users and why he is so passionate about this venture. [13:30] Paul talks about the value of aligning yourself with investors and partners that embrace the vision of what you are creating. [18:20] Paul shares the ClubFace-Golf growth and monetization strategy. [20:20] Colin asks Paul how ClubFace-Golf strikes the balance between moderating the conversations and posts while not influencing the narative of the content. [21:20] We learn about the size of the ClubFace-Golf community and the global breakdown on where users are. [23:30] Paul shares the plan to scale the business model with the launch of ClubFace-Cricket, ClubFace-Football, ClubFace-Gyms and others. [27:50] We hear about the importance of ensuring that ClubFace-Golf is a safe space with zero tolerance for abuse, bullying or derogatory behaviour. To learn more about the impact Paul makes to support the golf-loving community, check out the ClubFace-Golf website. You can also connect with Paul on his bio page. ______________________________________________ We want to thank Golf Genius Software for helping support The ModGolf Podcast! Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com. ______________________________________________ If you love golf, we have exclusive deals on golf gear and services that we use and support! We launched The ModGolf Pro Shop to offer you - our ModGolfers - 10-20% OFF exclusive discounts using promo code MODGOLF. We have curated a diverse selection of awesome brands like KINONA, deWiz Golf, ODIN Golf, Back2Basics Golf, Deuce and Project72Golf to help you play better and look great w

Colin met Preston Phillips on a HYPE Sports Innovation "Ask Me Anything" webinar and was so impressed with his genuine desire to help entrepreneurs and their companies that we had to invite him on the show to share his experiences with you. "Through an investment bank that we created, we had the opportunity to work with some different leagues that helped them grow in various ways. I think it's great what cricket has been able to do to progress the sport and position the product to reach a larger, more diverse fan base. I would argue the same with rugby and how they changed their game over the course of the last 10-12 years with Rugby Sevens and brought it to The States. And we're seeing this in a number of other sports as well and golf is now learning from 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 "It goes back to the technology piece of what's happening next to elevate sport experience, creating the space for us to work with bite-size data to build, measure, analyse and decide what to lean into next. We can see things up close and really understand who the athletes are - get under the helmet, if you will. From a content creation side and ultimately where the media dollars are moving, AI, augmented reality and web3 allow for all these future opportunities to present themselves. Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Preston on our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters [03:00] Preston shares his connection to playing golf and who introduced him to the game. Spoiler alert - his handicap is waaaay lower than Colin's. 😂 [04:40] Preston gives us an overview of what he does in the sport technology and fan experience space with WhiteRock and Cerro Capital. [08:30] Colin asks Preston to share his thoughts on the LIV Golf / PGA Tour / PIF merger and what opportunities are there to enhance the fan experience. [13:00] Preston and Colin discuss the value of team golf events, using the success of both cricket and rugby as validators of where pro golf should expand into. [14:50] Preston tells us about a couple of ventures in the sport space that Cerro Capital has invested in, including Religion of Sports. [18:30] Preston shares his thoughts on the future of "location-based sports", such at Rory and Tiger's TGL golf league created by TMRW Sports and The PGA Tour. [20:40] Colin asks Preston how he believes golf can innovate more and which sports can golf learn from. [27:00] We talk about the acsending value of women's sport leagues and franchises, along with the women-led companies that Preston supports. [30:00] Preston and Colin talk about the popularity of mixed pro sport events with women and men competing together and the opportunity for pro golf to do more of it. [31:30] We finish up asking Preston about where he seeing sport experience heading in 10-15 years time. To learn more about the impact Preston makes to support Sport Tech startups, check out the Cerro Capital website. You can also connect with Preston on his bio page. ______________________________________________ After testing the deWiz biofeedback swing analysis product we were so impressed with the results that we invited them to offer you an exclusive 10% OFF your purchase using promo code MODGOLF! CLICK TO SAVE on deWiz to see (and feel) lasting results in your swing tempo, length and path improvement. Special Guest: Preston Phillips - Entrepreneur/Investor/Advisor with Whiterock and Cerro Capital.

That's a wrap for Season 13 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 14, which launches early July 2023. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape 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 If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 13 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry's top influencers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Hopefully this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them! Our Season 13 guests were: Episode 1 John Simpson - Founder and Chairman - On Course Foundation "Being disabled myself, I chatted with a few of the injured veterans and told them what had happened to me. I saw some of them looking back at me and I realized that golf was something they could do. That's when I thought, "if we could start a charity which teaches golf on a long-term basis with the idea of then getting them some form of employment within the golf and related industries, that if we could do that, that would be quite something". And that's where it all started." We open Season 13 with an inspirational conversation with John Simpson, Founder of On Course Foundation. Click to listen >> MAKING A DIFFERENCE: SUPPORTING THE RECOVERY OF INJURED VETERANS THROUGH GOLF Episode 2 Kat Ramirez - Founder of Golfing Buddy "Golf is a great game to get to know people. That's why we go on the golf course with new people and spend four hours with them. It's because golfers really want to have a good time, instead of feeling like they're not good enough. So Golfing Buddy was created to empower people to find other people just like them to go play golf with."... Kat Ramirez, Founder of Golfing Buddy joins us to share how to successfully self-fund a startup as a side hustle. Click to listen >> CONNECTING GOLFERS WITH LIKEMINDED PLAYING PARTNERS Episode 3 Bob Winskowicz - Founder of SQAIRZ Working for Arnold Palmer and having "The King" in your mentorship corner is one of many positive experiences that Bob Winskowicz - Founder of SQAIRZ - has as part of his secret sauce. Host Colin Weston learns about the influences that helped shape Bob's world view to become the entrepreneur and business leader that he is today. Click to listen >> DO A COMMON THING IN AN UNCOMMON WAY Episode 4 Nick Conrad - Founder of Twilight Golf Association "I thought it wasn't crazy that you could pull together lots of strangers and create a golf league out of it. If I could allow those people that regularly fill out the tee sheet to create organized games, that really would resonate." Twilight Golf Association Founder Nick Conrad joins us to share how partnering with a technology company has turbocharged his startup. Click to listen >> SCALING A GOLF STARTUP WITH PARTNERSHIPS Episode 5 Lesley and Clare McMahon - Breaking the "grass ceiling" in the golf industry Colin was invited to attend The NGCOA Canada Conference in Vancouver, where he sat down with the mother/daughter duo of Lesley and Clare McMahon to learn about the world of owning and operating a golf course. Lesley also shares her experience as the first female president of The National Golf Course Owner's Association Canada and Clare talks about the challenges and opportunities for women in the golf industry. Click to listen >> BREAKING THE GRASS CEILING - A MOTHER/DAUGHTER DUO WHO ARE CHANGING THE GOLF LEADERSHIP LANDSCAPE Episode 6 Ryan Engle - Founder of GOLF+ "My first virtual reality putt was 20-footer uphill with a left-to-right break. I hit it and put it 6 inches p

Colin met Steve Madden at The 2023 PGA Show in Orlando and after hearing his entrepreneurial story over a couple of pints of Guinness we had to invite him on the show to share his experiences with you. "Five years ago my ex-girlfriend's dad invited me for a round, so I played an 18 hole round at Mountainside golf course. The next day I went and played the par 3 course there which had the massive holes and I became addicted to golf that weekend. When I got back to Calgary, I played three or four rounds next week and then I joined a golf course for the remainder of the season. Once new golfers feel that awesome shot or they hit that really close approach, smash that driver or make a long putt, that addiction really hits you. I made a decision a few years ago that I wanted to create a lifestyle, or a job where I could golf and do my own thing tech-wise. I've had two apps now that revolve around golf and Swingtweaks is the second one."... Steve Madden, Co-Founder of Swingtweaks ______________________________________________ After testing the deWiz biofeedback swing analysis product we were so impressed with the results that we invited them to offer you an exclusive 10% OFF your purchase using promo code MODGOLF! CLICK TO SAVE on deWiz to see (and feel) lasting results in your swing tempo, length and path improvement. ______________________________________________ Episode Chapters [03:00] Steve opens the show by sharing his level of play after picking up golf only a couple of years ago. Spoiler alert - his handicap is waaaay lower than Colin's. 😂 [04:20] Steve tells us how a rugby-playing lad from Ireland ended up becoming a tech entrepreneur in Calgary Canada by way of Vietnam. [05:20] Colin asks Steve to share his first golf experience five years ago and who invited him to try the game. [06:50] Steve gives us the "Elevator Pitch" for his latest golf venture Swingtweaks. [09:10] Steve talks about the rise in popularity of golf lesson and training technology ventures such as Sportsbox.ai [10:05] We learn the back story and AHA moment of Swingtweaks [12:45] Steve shares business model, user experience, value proposition and customer profiles for Swingtweaks. [16:40] Colin asks Steve to share how they came up with the name Swingtweaks and the concept of users purchasing "Tweaks". [18:45] Steve talks about how Swingtweaks generates revenue and how they developed the pricing model cost per "Tweak". [22:00] Colin asks about the Swingtweaks strategy to acquire new users, retain/engage existing ones and how they incentivize PGA teaching pros to join the platform. [27:00] Steve shares some stories from satisfied users and the most unexpected places around the world that golfers are using Swingtweaks. [28:30] We learn about the future plans for Swingtweaks and which markets, countries and languages they look to expand into next. [30:50] Steve shares some positive user experiences and how they are building community on Instagram and Reddit. [33:00] Steve offers you - our ModGolfers - 20% OFF your first Swingtweak using promo code MODGOLF.* *(FYI we don't receive a commision if you buy one! 😎) Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Steve on our Youtube Channel! To learn more and get 20% OFF your first Swingtweak using promo code MODGOLF, check out the Swingtweaks website. You can also connect with Steve on his bio page. ______________________________________________ Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin Special Guest: Steve Madden - Co-Founder of Swingtweaks.

Colin met Brian Esposito on a HYPE Sports Innovation "Ask Me Anything" webinar and was so impressed with his genuine desire to help entrepreneurs and their companies that we had to invite him on the show to share his experiences with you. "I have a simple rule with what I build. When they're my companies it's my ass on the line, so it's my rules. But when they are other people's companies like the great startups that I get to work with its their vision, their passion. I'm there to support them and be a turnkey resource for whatever needs to be done, a utility player. I know what they need because I needed it for most of my career and I didn't have it. So it's very rewarding for me now to take all of my learning experiences and help guide these companies to success and be a complete soundboard and resource for them and keep it fun for 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 ______________________________________________ "I need to make sure that tech founders don't dilute themselves out of their own company. I tell them to get off this BS "raise money/run out of money/raise money/run out of money" hamster wheel because they can't be half pregnant. You're either out there, raising money or you're running your business. You can't do both at the same time. So I've been through hell and back, I made every mistake you can think of and I'm honoured and excited to share those experiences with the great companies that they get to work with." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Brian on our Youtube Channel! Brian shared a couple of companies and products that Esposito Intellectual Enterprises invests in and advises on, including Virtual Stax. Virtual Stax allows fans to participate in the athlete's journey with blockchain verified digital trading cards. To learn more, check out the Virtual Stax website. You can also connect with Brian on his bio page, along with checking out the Esposito Intellectual Enterprises website. Episode Chapters [02:30] Brian opens the show by sharing his connectivity to golf and his first golf experience. [04:20] Brian tells what he and his team have built with Esposito Intellectual Enterprises and what motivates him to help founders create sustainable businesses. [08:30] Colin asks Brian to share his insights regarding the future of web3, blockchain, NFTs and cryptocurrency, using the company Devour (a web3 food ordering and delivery marketplace) as a case study. [11:45] We learn about Brian's investment in Virtual Stax, where people can buy virtual playing card assets of athletes that are already famous or are just getting their careers off the ground. [17:30] Brian describes how professional sport leagues and team are focusing on increasing fan engagement in a web3 environment, the learning curve they face and what is needed for them to succeed. [20:45] Brian talks about his investment in Metasport Arena, where you create, trade, collect and play in the first sports and entertainment virtual world as part of a community competing to build the best city. [27:00] Brian shares how he believes The PGA Tour, LIV Golf, The LPGA and golf entertainment venues can tap into the potential of web3 to engage both existing and new fans. [30:30] Colin presses Brian to share his thoughts on LIV Golf - what they are doing right, what they got wrong and what they need to do to create a sustainable business. [34:30] Brian describes how LIV - as a startup - has the ability to be nimble and quick in the creation of digital assets as compared to a "legacy company" like The PGA Tour.Special Guest: Brian Esposito - Founder and CEO, Esposito Intellectual Enterprises.

"UnMarketing is my attempt to reduce hypocritical marketing, because I saw twenty years ago that people were interuptively marketing in a way they hated to be marketed to. I realized there had to be better ways than this "push and prey" mentality and instead choose a "pull and stay" mindset to authentically build community so that when people need your product or service they will unconditionally choose you." Scott Stratten is the Creator of UnMarketing. He is one of the leading speakers/authors in the world when it comes to helping audiences embrace the age of disruption and look at business differently using the pillars of integrity, authenticity and community. ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Scott on our Youtube Channel! 🥊 COMPETE or ☮️ COEXIST. What should LIV Golf and The PGA Tour do? Scott and host Colin Weston dig into the bitter rivalry between The PGA Tour and LIV Golf and explore the messaging behind their actions one year into the emergence of the upstart tour. "So what is a stereotype in business and how can we be the opposite of it? Is it snooty? Is it privileged? Is it elitist? These are all the things have been said about golf. Is it white? Is it male? We either look at it and can deny this stuff or we can say, "okay so how do we break through that?" We look at who we are hiring and say, "how do we make the experience different?" You're not going to change the course for the most part. I'm not talking about changing how high or low you mow the grass or the pin position on the greens. I'm talking about the human experience and human-centric design. When you come to my golf course, when you walk into my Pro Shop, when you walk into the club and grab a bite on the turn, we're going to be so fricking happy to see you. We're going to be so into you for choosing our course over the nineteen thousand four hundred twenty five other ones, you're never going to look at another course again." You can also connect with Scott on his bio page, along with checking out the UnMarketing website. How do you create a marketing buzz that authentically represents your brand? Scott accomplished this 15 years ago when he shared his break up with long time relationship partner... The Toronto Maple Leafs. Check out Scott's fun, self-deprecating and poignant >> YouTube video. Special Guest: Scott Stratten - The Creator of UnMarketing.

"We are very clear and incredibly focused. We're not playing around because this is not a little thing. This is big in our minds and we are giving everything we have because we believe in and know that these young people, they deserve to see this industry in a way that we have not."... Jewel Love, Board Member and Advisor for Society 61 and The Society 61 Foundation ______________________________________________ Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin ______________________________________________ "We know the golf industry has to be updated, the culture of it. When saying they want to diversify, then that means that you're willing to make changes that you not ever thought of making. You're willing to think differently and open up your mind in different ways. We tend to be pretty straight at it and transparent. We're here to say this is about the next generation of Legends. We made a commitment to be in the game in that way. Not half in it, but all the way in it." About Society 61... Through the year 1960, a clause in the Pro Golfers Association (PGA) guidelines - Article III Section I - stated only Caucasian males 18 and older were eligible to receive their tour card. There were amazing men and women golfers from all cultures whose talents went unrecognized nationally until 1961, when African American golfer Charlie Sifford broke that color barrier by receiving his PGA card and opened the door for golfers of all ethnicities to officially compete on the tour. THEIR MISSION Society 61 is a clothing brand for golfers designed to honor the pioneers from the past who paved the way for the culturally diverse sport that golf is today. Society 61 was cultivated not only from a love of golf but also a love for our culture. Our company was named in homage to that barrier breaking year, 1961, and we launched our business in 2021 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of that historic moment. We combine traditional style with the modern look and feel of today's best sports materials and fabrics. We look forward to being your go-to clothier for everything golf and more. I want more women out doing business on the golf course. I was in sales and calling on all these large organizations to find that there were hardly any female CEOs. I thought, "what can we do to continue to lift up women towards leadership through golf?" Because I think the world would be a better place, but my natural tendency is towards fun. So my goal: why don't we try and do this and accomplish this mission but have some fun while we're at it. You can also connect with Jewel on her bio page, along with checking out the Society 61 website. Special Guest: Jewel Love - Board Member and Advisor with Society 61 and The Society 61 Foundation.

"Perfection is the opposite of GO!"... Jillian Johnson - #LEGS Ladies Executive Golf Society My first job in Jacksonville was caddying at Sawgrass and woman I met at the club said, "I really want to learn how to golf". But you're not going to go out on your own and practice putting. You wouldn't go out on a range if you have no idea what you're doing and no clubs. So figured I might as well start something for all levels. Whether you are a Collegiate golfer or someone who has never touched a club before, the vision was to create an experience where women could really experience the magic that happens on the golf course in a female friendly way. ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Jillian on our Youtube Channel! "If you want something bad enough, you can make it happen" "How do I want to be remembered? As the insurance lady or for doing something cool and different that makes a positive impact in women's lives?" "I want more women out doing business on the golf course. I was in sales and calling on all these large organizations to find that there were hardly any female CEOs. I thought, "what can we do to continue to lift up women towards leadership through golf?" Because I think the world would be a better place, but my natural tendency is towards fun. So my goal: why don't we try and do this and accomplish this mission but have some fun while we're at it." You can also connect with Jillian on her bio page, along with checking out the #LEGS website. Episode Chapters [04:00] Jillian provides us with an overview of #LEGS Ladies Executive Golf Society. [06:20] Jillian shares the "AHA moment" that led to the creation of #LEGS. [07:30] We learn about the people that encouraged Jillian to take the entrepreneurial leap. [10:00] "It all started with a flyer and a sticker!" We hear about the first #LEGS pilot event in South Florida that helped inform the business model. [12:50] "Perfection is the opposite of GO." Jillian shares how she applied The Lean Startup approach to #LEGS. [15:30] Jillian talks about getting over the fear of failure and embracing a mindset of growth and curiousity as an entrepreneur. [17:00] "So what do women really want from golf?" We learn where Jillian drew inspiration from to create the #LEGS experience. [21:40] Colin asks Jillian how #LEGS attracts and onboards non-golfing women like his wife. [28:40] Jillian discusses the #LEGS growth plan for creating chapters in every state of the US. [31:30] Jillian shares some inspiring #LEGS member success stories. [34:00] Colin asks how women listening can learn about starting a #LEGS chapter in their community. [36:10] Jillian talks about the future for #LEGS and the launch of thier upcoming "Swinging To Success" series. [38:30] Jillian explains the benefits #LEGS offers for golf courses, women golfers and sponsor partners.Special Guest: Jillian Johnson - Founder of #LEGS - The Ladies Executive Golf Society ⛳️.

Wow, what a week in Orlando at The PGA Show! Colin met up with old friends, met plenty of new ones and found some time to squeeze in a couple of ModGolf Podcast recording sessions. It was great to see the golf industry back in full force! 💥⛳️💥 What do you do when you get stood up for a live podcast recording session? Rather than pack up and move on, Colin walked out on the exhibitor floor that resulted in an accidental collision with previous show guest Lydia Davies. This encounter led to a spontaneous, fun conversation about how Lydia's startup Teemates has expanded into Teamates and the rise of pickleball. They also talked about entrepreneurship and the innovation ecosystem/sport tech scene in Houston Texas, along with what they saw as the most interesting products/companies from the over 800 exhibitors at The PGA Show. But that's not all! Billy Brown - previous guest and Founder of The Golf Sanctuary - suddenly drops by to talk some nonsense with Lydia and Colin. ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ Find out more about Billy Brown and The Golf Sanctuary by listening to his full ModGolf Podcast episode. Want to learn more about Lydia and Teamates? You can also connect through her bio page, along with watching our previous conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel. We had a full four days at The PGA Show attending Demo Day on the Tuesday, followed by three days at The Orange County Convention Center. Tons of golf industry conversations, relevations, inspirations and validations is what The PGA Show is all about! Special Guests: Billy Brown - Founder and CEO The Golf Sanctuary LLC. 2x Amazon Best Selling Author, Real Estate Investor, and Entrepreneur and Lydia Davies - Founder of The Osprey Collective and TeeMates Golf.

Ryan Engle's love for golf started at age 11 after watching the movie Happy Gilmore. Fast forward almost two decades later finds Ryan combining his love for computer science, writing code and golf to become the Founder and CEO of GOLF+, who are leaders in VR golf with a mission to grow the game by making it more accessible. "My first virtual reality putt was 20-footer uphill with a left-to-right break. I hit it and put it 6 inches past the hole, burning the edge on the left. I thought, "Wow that felt exactly like hitting a putt." After that magical moment I said to the team "okay you know what, we're going to pivot 100% into VR." ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ "I spent a lot of time building out this putting physics model that felt very accurate. I ended up having a 3D model of hole seven at Pebble Beach, so I took Tiger's four putts from the US Open, set them up so the flag and his starting point were in the same spots. This made you think, "I'm going to stand in the shoes of Tiger and hit his putts!" I took the handheld controller that weighs a couple of ounces and I found a bike clamp and I clamped it to my putter. I'm holding my putter in virtual reality and when I move it I see the virtual putter moving exactly the same way." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Ryan on our Youtube Channel! "The Oculus Quest VR headset was a gamechanger as it was a standalone product that didn't need to be connected to a computer". To learn more, check out GOLF+ for the Meta Quest. https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2412327085529357/ You can also connect with Ryan on his bio page, along with checking out the GOLF+ VR website. Episode Chapters [02:40] Ryan shares his first golf experience and the movie that made his fall in love with the game. [06:20] Ryan talks about the WORST job he ever had and what he positively learned from it. [09:00] Ryan tells us how he got into the golf business and his first golf startup venture. [15:00] Ryan and Colin discuss the challenges that entrepreneurship presents, and the difficult decisions one has to make when deciding whether to continue grinding on what you are creating or to pivot and build something else. [17:45] Ryan describes the Oculus Quest headset that redefined the virtual reality landscape and how it is a gamechanger for GOLF+. [23:00] Colin and Ryan talk about the importance of timing when launching a product, along with the other factors that make for a successful startup venture. [25:30] Ryan shares the power of partnerships and how they added value to their collaboration with Topgolf. [31:00] Colin puts on his investor hat to ask Ryan about the GOLF+ revenue model and who their users are. [35:40] Ryan talks about the size of the VR gaming market, the projected future growth and the demographics of their users. [39:00] Ryan shares how GOLF+ incorporates various player modes so that the experience applies to both beginner and accomplished golfers.Special Guest: Ryan Engle, Founder and CEO of GOLF+.

"When I was offered the position as the NGCOA Canada President I took it because they believed I was the right person for the job and I just happen to be female."... Lesley McMahon - General Manager, Balmoral Golf Course "I want to see golf as a safer place for women where they truly feel that they are equals in this industry and it's not just a man's game anymore." Clare McMahon - MBA Grad and Golf Teaching Professional ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ "I have always preached that we are in the entertainment business and golf just happens to be the plate we serve it up on. That's it. If you don't have that joyful feeling with your staff and make it fun, then they're not going to then ooze fun to your customers. If things go sideways, we know what we're going to do. But the rest of time, let's have some fun, sell some beer, play some golf and bring joy into people. With COVID, golf was a respite for people. We got people back into the game that had left and new golfers in. We're in such a good position right now that the sky's the limit and we need to really start capitalizing on that." Episode Chapters [02:20] Lesley opens by describing Balmoral Golf Course in Red Deer Alberta, which her farming family has owned since her grandfather built and opened it in 1963. [04:30] Clare talks about growing up in a “golf family” and her early days as a junior competitive player. [06:40] Lesley discusses the number of women in golf industry leadership positions and the work that needs to be done to make it more equitable. [08:30] Clare describes the unfortunately negative experience she had to endure at the golf course she worked at after graduating from college. [11:55] Lesley shares the positive outcomes from The NGCOA Canada conference and the conversations around customer and staff engagement. [16:10] Clare tells us about her next steps as a golf teaching professional and the positive changes the club she works at has made to improve the culture and work environment. [21:10] Lesley talks about her path to becoming the first female president of NGCOA Canada and the value of organization provides for course owners. [29:40] Lesley shares the golf startups venture she is developing that helps improve the experience for women golfers and industry workers. [33:20] Colin talks about company culture and the Simon Senek video shown at the conference that demonstrates the impact of poor leadership on staff members. [35:45] Lesley talks about how they create a positive, inclusive culture and work environment at Balmoral Golf Course to improve staff engagement. [28:32] Nick shares how and why Twilight Golf Association became part of Golf Genius Software and the value of this partnership. [39:45] Both Clare and Lesley share their future vision of where the golf industry needs to evolve in order to be more inclusive and equitable. You can also connect with Lesley and Clare on their bio pages, along with checking out the Balmoral Golf Course website. Special Guests: Clare McMahon - MBA graduate and Golf Teaching Professional and Lesley McMahon - Past President at NGCOA Canada / GM at Balmoral Golf Course.

"I quickly realized that golf is a great equalizer sport where people with different ages and skill levels can all coexist on the course at the same time. No matter if you're a really skilled player or a new beginner, everyone's always working on something and has that common thread of constant improvement."... Twilight Golf Association Founder Nick Conrad ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ "I thought it wasn't crazy that you could pull together lots of strangers and create a league out of it. That it didn't have to always be based on gender or senior groups or for players of a certain skill level, which is how fragmented most leagues are. That it really can work just like public golf. If could you allow those people that regularly fill out the tee sheet to create organized games, that really would resonate. At the most fundamental level Twilight Golf is taking the folks who normally want to play during their available hours and trying to structure it where there can be a reason to keep them coming back." Episode Chapters [02:16] Nick shares how he was introduced to the game and describes his first golf experience. [06:48] Colin asks Nick "what was the WORST job you ever had and what positives did you take away from it?" [09:50] Nick' gives us the "elevator pitch" for Twilight Golf Association of what they do and why they do it. [15:00] Nick shares the origin story of Twilight Golf Association and the "AHA moment" that led to creating their first pilot program. [20:50] We learn how Nick got buy-in from golf courses to partner with Twilight Golf and the value proposition he offered them. [23:48] Nick tells us about their pricing model and the befenits Twilight Golf members receive by being part of their community. [28:32] Nick shares how and why Twilight Golf Association became part of Golf Genius Software and the value of this partnership. Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Nick on our Youtube Channel! [ You can also connect with Nick on his bio page, along with checking out the Twilight Golf Association website. Special Guest: Nick Conrad - Founder and General Manager of Twilight Golf Association.

"When Ely Callaway created the Big Bertha and Karsten Solheim created the Ping irons, they went to work on a driver and an iron that had perimeter weighting. And when they got done, the club looked the way it did because that's the way perimeter weighting looked. It wasn't the other way around. They didn't worry about the fact that this Big Bertha was an oversized metal wood that looked like a snow shovel with no hosel and then the iron looked like something that an alien designed. They had something that was radically different, but they could back it up with performance and they didn't worry about the looks. The looks was secondary to performance. Match it up with a quote from Booker T Washington, which is to "Do a common thing in an uncommon way". So when you mix those two things together and that's where SQAIRZ came from." - Bob Winskowicz, Founder of SQAIRZ ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ "A gentlemen I once worked for called me up and said "Bob I want you to work with me in the golf industry". He invited me to attend The PGA Show in 1995 and once I walked in it was like entering golf heaven. I was overwhelmed. I left there and said to him " I don't care what you pay me - I'm in! I want to work for you!". From that day on I never looked back." Episode Chapters [02:18] Bob shares being introduced to the game and his first golf experience. [04:50] Colin asks Bob "what was the WORST job you ever had and what positives did you take away from it?" [06:35] Bob's early professional work expience in the consumer goods sector and how that set the stage for a career shift into the golf industry. [10:40] Bob tells the story of joining The Arnold Palmer Golf Company and the impact that "The King" had on his entrepreneurial endeavours. [15:30] We learn about how outside influences like the creation of the Callaway Big Bertha driver shaped Bob's design philosophy for SQAIRZ. [21:30] Bob tells us the exciting news about the next sport outside of golf that SQAIRZ is entering the high-performance shoe market. [30:30] Bob shares his approach to empowering his team to embrace a culture of continuous learning, experimentation and innovation. Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Bob on our Youtube Channel! "I have the privledge of being around Arnold Palmer and one time I presented a new set of irons we were ready to launch and The King said to me "what is in it for the consumer?" I stumbled because I focused on the look of the clubs. We lost sight of how they benefited the golfer. So once I launched a shoe company I always asked the question "What's in it for the consumer?" You can also connect with Bob on his bio page, along with checking out the SQAIRZ website. Special Guest: Bob Winskowicz - Founder of SQAIRZ.

"They did not make me feel like I was part of our foursome. I felt like the outsider who wasn't good enough. It's bad enough that women already feel like they're not worthy in the golf world. If you have one bad experience, you're never gonna go back. You're not." - Kat Ramirez, Founder of Golfing Buddy ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ "Why would you allow yourself to be compromised or up against something like that? Golf is a great game to get to know people. That's why people go on the golf course and get to know other people and spend four hours with that person. It's because they want to get to know them and really have a good time, not to be feeling like you're not good enough. So Golfing Buddy was created to empower people to find other people just like them to go play golf with." Golfing Buddy was created for a couple of reasons: • to help Women, Minorities, Veterans and Juniors play more golf without feeling intimidated at the course by being uncomfortably paired with people they don’t want to play with. • to help people like Kat's boyfriend find other golfers to play golf with so they can play more golf with fun, likeminded people. • to help golf facilities get more people paired up to play at their course with the type of people they want to play with. Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Kat on our Youtube Channel! "It was a summer weekend in Midwest Milwaukee and fabulous outside, but I had to get a project done I couldn't get out and play. My boyfriend wanted to get out and play so badly. He called all of his buddies but no one could get out to join him for a round. He was pouting and moping around the house and I felt really bad for him so I said, "hey wouldn’t it be awesome if we had an app or website where you could find a golfing buddy?" And BING BING BING Golfing Buddy was born!" You can also connect with Kat on her bio page, along with checking out the Golfing Buddy website. Special Guest: Kat Ramirez, Founder of Golfing Buddy.

"I was golfing and one of the chaps I was playing with asked me if I'd come and speak to some of his people. He worked at Headley Court which is the British Military Rehabilitation Center. This was in 2009, at the height of what was going on in Afghanistan. When I went in there and saw how many young people - some with horrendous injuries - I just thought "I'm in a great position working in the game and can help in some way". - John Simpson, Founder - On Course Foundation The On Course Foundation supports the recovery of wounded, injured and sick Service Personnel and veterans through golf. The Foundation's mission is to build confidence and self-belief in their members through golf skills and employment events, and set them on the path to meaningful full-time employment opportunities in the golf industry. ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ "Being disabled myself, I had a chat with a few of the injured veterans there and described what had happened to me. I saw some of them looking back at me and I realized that golf was something they could do. And that's when I thought, "if we could start a charity which teaches golf on a long-term basis, with the idea of then getting them in some form of employment within the golf and related industries, that if we could do that, that would be quite something". And that's where it all started." At the 18 minute mark John shares two inspirational stories of how On Course Foundation has positively impacted the lives of injured servicepeople. ‘’It initially gave me confidence that I can achieve again, taught me a new skill and has given me the drive and motivation back that I had lost following my illness. It has given me competition back that I thrive for and also a continual aim. I feel comfortable around OCF members and the worries of disfigurement and scarring disappear along with any apprehension of being judged by others." Kate Surman - On Course Foundation beneficiary "The most important thing is when a woman or man looks you in the eye and says 'The On Course Foundation saved me", it's very powerful stuff". Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with John on our Youtube Channel! "And this is what On Course Foundation is all about. We give them the joy of playing golf and all that goes with it, but then to work in the industry and rediscover a sense of purpose and to show your family that you can meaningfully contribute by providing a salary, that's how these heroes reintegrate back into society." At the 22 minute mark John tells us about The Simpson Cup, their flagship event where the competitors involved in the are all beneficiaries of On Course Foundation UK and their sister Foundation in the USA. It is an annual tournament and fundraiser between teams of 13 injured Service personnel and veterans from the UK and their American counterparts. The Ryder Cup style tournament showcases the unique position of golf as one of the few sports where players of all skills and abilities can play together on a level playing field, because of the official golf handicap system. You can also connect with John on his bio page, along with checking out the On Course Foundation US or On Course Foundation UK websites. Special Guest: John Simpson - Founder of On Course Foundation.

That's a wrap for Season 12 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 13, which launches early December 2022. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape 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 ______________________________________________ If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 12 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. Hopefullly this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them! Our Season 12 guests were: Episode 1 Jordan Lunetta - Co-Founder of ODIN Golf "We have big ambitions to take ODIN to golfers across the globe. We have a vision of building a platform for the everyday golfer." Jordan Lunetta, Co-Founder of ODIN Golf opens Season 12 to share how they are creating a golf-loving tribe by living their company tagline: "Go Balls Out. Always!" Click to listen >> BUILDING AN ENGAGING PLATFORM FOR THE EVERYDAY GOLFER Episode 2 Donnie Dotson - Founder and CEO at Carry Golf Investments "These potential investors didn't know the players 48 hours earlier and were high fiving them saying "we'll be following along and cheering for you guys!" My goal now is to be able to bottle up that experience and scale it, so we can help a lot more golfers but also bring a lot more fans closer to the game." Donnie Dotson joins us to share how he's applying tech startup lessons learned to elite athletes. Click to listen >> APPLYING A TECH INVESTOR MINDSET TO SUPPORT "EARLY STAGE" GOLF ATHLETES Episode 3 Cooper Sherwin - Co-Founder and Head of Community at LinksDAO "We knew right off the bat that we wanted to bring value to NFT holders, not where it was lottery based where maybe five folks would get a trip to The Masters. We wanted to make sure that we had benefits across the board in an equitable way. Cooper Sherwin shares how LinksDAO uses web3 and the value of NFTs to reimagine the golf club membership experience. Click to listen >> HARNESSING WEB3 TO REIMAGINE THE MODERN GOLF CLUB EXPERIENCE Episode 4 Matt Reagan - Founder and CEO at Operation 36 Golf Co-Founder "We created this cool environment to test group programming with kids and try to figure out what works to make it fun, but also make sure they are getting better and turning into golfers." Matt Reagan shares how they looked at youth sports like martial arts to create a multi-levelled teaching program that is both effective and fun. Click to listen >> BUILDING A SCALABLE BUSINESS THAT INTRODUCES 1,000,000 NEW GOLFERS TO THE GAME Episode 5 Jess McAlister - Co-Founder of Digital Golf Collective "With where technology and society is going, it's an adapt or die situation as we are currently seeing in the golf industry today. As severe crazy golf fans and experts in our professional space, we felt we can positively disrupt while loving and respecting the industry and sport we love so much." - Jess McAlister joins us to share how they passionately created the golf influencer space. Click to listen >> BUILDING A WOMEN-LED COMPANY THAT POSITIVELY DISRUPTS THE GOLF INDUSTRY Episode 6 Ty DeLavallade - Founder and President of Deuce "I realized that when building a company, you're really building a tribe. Creating a support group of people around you who are proud to wear the hat because it's cool brand. They wear it because of the quality and how it makes them feel. Whatever their motivation, I'm okay with that." Ty DeLavalla

"If we go back in history, systemically with PGA of America's "Caucasian Only Clause" that was in effect till 1960, which was not that long ago. So if you look at that, you really didn't see that many black, brown, Hispanic people in the game. Fast forward to me growing up, people still didn't have that representation. I'm a big believer in "If you can see it, you can be it" right. If I can see somebody that looks like me, if I have that representation that I can get into this sport, or I can see a career in it." - Laura Diaz, Sr. Director of Community & Inclusion With The LPGA ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ "I've always thought of golf as a game of invitation, because when I hear stories of whether it's women, or colleagues who've taken up the game it's always like, "oh, my husband plays. So, I eventually played". Or my dad played, which is my case and we played golf. I asked my mom a couple years ago. "Why don't you play golf"? And she said, because nobody ever invited me. To me that was heartbreaking because my mom was an athlete, but she let golf be something that my dad and my brother and I did separately." "I have become a lot more self-aware about being that person that invites others because we do get clicky. You have your foursome that you play with on the weekends. You like it because you all play fast, you know everybody's game. Which is great. I love that about golf. But if we can be more self-aware and intentional about inviting someone that doesn't look like you or inviting someone that you might think, "Hey this person might not want to go". This person might be looking for an invitation. The invite part I think is important." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Laura and Greta on our Youtube Channel! You can also connect with Laura on her bio page, along with checking out the LPGA Foundation website. ______________________________________________ Attention all you fabulous women golfers - we are partnering with our good friends at KINONA Sport to offer 20% OFF your purchase using promo code MODGOLF! CLICK TO SAVE on tops, shorts, pants, skirts, dresses, skorts, jackets, vests and accessories! Special Guest: Laura Diaz, Sr. Director of Community & Inclusion at The LPGA.

"Caddies are wonderful for golf and yet only available one percent or less of the time. To the everyday golfer like myself, caddies were never offered to me. No matter what your reason for playing golf, a caddy enhances it." - Caddy Time Co-Founder Brett Jaffee ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ "Sometimes golfers need a competitive caddy, but also there are huge benefits to enhance the experience for senior's play, junior play, woman's play and beginner golfers. Caddies are a terrific bridge to the golf facility." "Talking to golfers, course operators and caddies led us to create an instrument where people could connect with the golf-savvy community. Professional and recreational golfers would be able to add a caddy to any golf outing that they chose and that's where Caddy Time came from. Where Caddy Time adds value is as an on-demand caddy platform that delivers the highest quality caddy to whatever that golfer needs." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Brett on our Youtube Channel! You can also connect with Brett on his bio page, along with checking out the Caddy Time website. Special Guest: Brett Jaffee - Co-Founder of Caddy Time.

"I can only do so much and I am happy to let in anyone who can help us and who knows their area of expertise better than me. There's no ego motivation here. We just want to help golfers get better, grow the company and reach out to more golfers. We have the love of the game and that's our driving force. I think that's a strength that we have, the strength to know what we don't know and not have the vanity of trying to show something else." - deWiz Co-Founder Markus Westerberg ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ "I started that round with an incredible start and have learned through experience not to then play conservatively in order to protect a good score. Hitting "pause" and trying to get off the golf course by making pars is the wrong mindset. If you do that you are sure to make bogeys so I knew I had to push myself. So I kept pushing and pushing into that "Zone of Discomfort", didn't bail on myself throughout the round and gave myself a chance to shoot 59 with a putt on 18. I'm really proud of that round as it was a magically exhilarating experience." Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Markus on our Youtube Channel! "We launched about a year ago and today and we are now 14 employees in the company. I'm not saying that we built deWiz all by ourselves. We are team players. I know some things and I don't know a lot of other things". I know golf and I've learned a lot about tech. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology, which ties in very good to deWiz." You can also connect with Markus on his bio page, along with checking out the deWiz website. "Golf is an individual sport but no single tour golfer is out there alone. There is a family behind them, friends, a manager and multiple coaches that make up the team. So to suceed, you have to be able to handle your team regarding the physical, mental, financial and logistical challenges that arise. Golf is a brutal game and it's a game about managing mistakes. Looking at a professional golf career, you have more failures than successes and that gives you a thick skin that builds up your resilience. Golf gives you a North Star to define what success means to you and to appreciate the journey. You have to truly love the game, whether it's the game of entrepreneurship or the game of golf. And when you do that, I believe you will end up in good places."Special Guest: Markus Westerberg, Co-Founder of deWiz.

"At that point in my life I was working on the trading floor for many years with BMO and had been introduced to artificial intelligence in the financial realm. Not in sports but AI nonetheless. The two came together and I said "wait a second, I wonder if there's a product here? I wonder if we can bring together AI and this passion for golf? That would be a dream come true if I could start a golf related business!". That's where the seed of the idea came. There has been a lot of work and learning since then, but that was the AHA moment for Xonic Golf." - Eileen Jurczak, Founder and CEO of Xonic 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 ______________________________________________ Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Eileen on our Youtube Channel! "A lot of people don't know this about the scock exchange trading floor. While it's in a large financial institution, it's a very entrepreneurial atmosphere with dozens of small businesses being run by a handful of people. We're responsible for wearing multiple hats in each of these businesses to market it, to grow it, to manage the finances. You're doing everything and you're working hard! The idea of "Hey, we want your ideas, bring them to the table" fosters that innovative entrepreneurial mindset. I'm using all the skills and experience that I've built up my entire life and career. It's incredible." You can also connect with Eileen on her bio page, along with checking out the Xonic Golf website. ______________________________________________ Eileen is passionate about giving back to the community and has founded and built a successful not-for-profit company that addresses the need for youth financial services education. Established in 2015, the Bay Street Deconstructed workshops have now reached over 10,000 Grade 10 students across Canada, with a priority of reaching students with diverse cultural backgrounds in less affluent areas, helping all students to be better prepared for their futures. Special Guest: Eileen Jurczak - Founder and CEO of Xonic Golf.

"When demand is greater than supply, there is a business opportunity. I found one in The Golf Sanctuary". "So the idea has been floating around my head for six or seven years. What got me with the simulators when I played Hilton Head or one of those courses it's like, "oh this is cool". But what they did was they threw me into this imaginary world. I went, "oh my God, you've got to be kidding me. We're playing like Machu Picchu, and all sorts of crazy stuff is happening". That I got my juices flowing because I don't know how to hit this shot over a dragon. I've never practiced that shot! We're on top of a thousand foot cliff, never done that before but now I'm interested. I bet other people like this." - Billy Brown, Founder and CEO of The Golf Sanctuary in Nashville Tennessee ______________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________ "November of 2019, I was in a pain med coma from a shoulder surgery wiping drool off my face from the codeine and thought... Golf Sanctuary. If I could go marry real estate and golf, how cool would that be?" "People that play golf, they don't have time anymore because it takes too damn long. What if I could use the enhanced simulator experience in a business? How do I execute this, how do you monetize it?" Click on the image below to check out our extended conversation with Billy on our Youtube Channel! You can also connect with Billy on his bio page, along with checking out the Golf Sanctuary website. ______________________________________________ On this episode Billy references two books that have influenced and helped shape his entrepreneurial "Give First" mindset: "The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg and John David Mann, and "Failing Forward" by John C. Maxwell. Special Guest: Billy Brown - Founder and CEO The Golf Sanctuary LLC. 2x Amazon Best Selling Author, Real Estate Investor, and Entrepreneur.