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