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    <title>The ModGolf Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours”</title>
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    <description>The ModGolf Podcast talks with golf's top influencers, entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors about their vision and ventures that are re-imagining, transforming and growing both the game and $100 billion/year industry.
The ModGolf Podcast has been ranked #4 on 20245s most comprehensive list of "Top 25 Golf Podcasts" (https://blog.feedspot.com/golf_podcasts/), based on our quality and consistency of posts, industry expert reviews and social media influence/popularity. Please subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast to help us grow and move up the rankings in 2026!
&lt;/b&gt;
We'd love to hear from you! Have any ideas or guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Contact Colin directly here (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/contact) or on Instagram @modgolfpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/modgolfpodcast/) to start the conversation.
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    <itunes:subtitle>Host Colin Weston explores the future of golf through conversations with the visionaries and influencers that are shaking up the sport.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>The ModGolf Podcast</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>The ModGolf Podcast talks with golf's top influencers, entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors about their vision and ventures that are re-imagining, transforming and growing both the game and $100 billion/year industry.
The ModGolf Podcast has been ranked #4 on 20245s most comprehensive list of "Top 25 Golf Podcasts" (https://blog.feedspot.com/golf_podcasts/), based on our quality and consistency of posts, industry expert reviews and social media influence/popularity. Please subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast to help us grow and move up the rankings in 2026!
&lt;/b&gt;
We'd love to hear from you! Have any ideas or guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Contact Colin directly here (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/contact) or on Instagram @modgolfpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/modgolfpodcast/) to start the conversation.
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  <title>Season 17 Wrap-up / Season 18 Preview</title>
  <link>https://modgolf.fireside.fm/season-17-review-season-18-preview</link>
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  <pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:45:00 -0700</pubDate>
  <author>The ModGolf Podcast</author>
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  <itunes:subtitle>If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 17 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry's top influencers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Hopefully this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below. Enjoy!</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>24:58</itunes:duration>
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  <description>That's a wrap for Season 17 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 18, which launches in September 2025. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how innovation, inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf.
If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 17 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry's top influencers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Hopefully this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them!
https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/f1JmAuut.jpg
Our Season 17 guests were:
Episode 1
LIVE From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2
Hazel Thompson Founder and CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours
This episode takes on a travel theme, as you will discover how to simplify the effort and complexity of transporting your clubs. And if you are considering a golf getaway with friends to Ireland, we have the person that can help make your dream trip a reality. We pick up where we left off at the end of last season where ModGolf was invited back to cover The 2025 PGA Show and host Colin Weston recorded four engaging conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up on Episode 1 is Hazel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours (https://excelgolftours.com/) who helped Colin plan his May 2025 Irish golf trip. ☘️ 
Jonathan Marsico CEO of Ship Sticks
Our second conversation at The PGA Show Media Stage was with Jonathan Marsico, CEO of Ship Sticks. During Colin's conversation with Jonathan you will discover how to take the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs. You'll also learn how Jonathan and his co-founder went from an idea that addressed a personal pain point to a scaleable, profitable business.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; Live From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2 (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/190-pga-show-2025-part-2)
Episode 2
Jeff MacGregor - Founder of The Cart Locker
Have you struggled to find balance when juggling the launch of a new business venture while keeping your existing job? On this episode you will discover and learn how Jeff MacGregor manages to maintain the position he loves as a Head Golf Pro while overseeing a startup that is quickly scaling up.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; Turning a Side Hustle Into a Successful Business Venture (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/191-jeff-macgregor)
Episode 3
Gina Louise Phillips - Actor, comedian, writer and golf personality
"So I take an improv mindset. It's all about fun. It's all about what happens next." Gina Louise Phillips combines her comedic, writing and acting experiences to inject a fresh perspective into the golf industry. Join us as Gina shares how her journey on shows like The Last of Us with Pedro Pascal and co-hosting Score Golf TV has inspired her to write and develop a golf-themed sitcom called Squat Valley Golf about a dysfunctional family run public course on the brink of bankruptcy.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; Applying an Improv Mindset to Golf (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/192-gina-louise-phillips)
Episode 4
Agustín Pizá - Principal at Pizá Golf
First appearing on The ModGolf Podcast back in November 2021, Agustín (Augie) Pizá rejoins us to pull back the curtain on his design inspiration and process as he walks us through six of the fun and challenging holes he and his Pizá Golf team created for TGL.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; Revealing The Process and Inspiration Behind Designing TGL Golf Holes (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/193-augie-piza-tgl)
Episode 5
Don Rea - PGA of America President
"On the PGA Tour, they play for millions and at The PGA of America we get millions to play." PGA of America President and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club Don Rea joins host Colin Weston to share his 25 year journey advocating for the game and industry that he deeply loves.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; It's The Banter Not The Birdies That Matter Most (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/194-don-rea-pga)
Episode 6
Matt Williams - Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie
"Life is short. I’m committed to spending it doing what I love." Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie joins us to share how you can make better on-course shot selection decisions that will result in less blowup holes and lower scores.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; Increasing Your Odds For On-Course Swing Success (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/195-matt-williams-noonan)
Episode 7
Pete Charleston - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix
Never played the course you just booked a tee time on? No problem. You can preview each hole in immersive simulator-quality graphics before you play.” Pete Charleston - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix joins us again after his original appearance back in 2018 to bring us up to speed on their newest innovations that include 3D virtual reality hole flyovers.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; Helping Golfers Play Smarter and Make Better Decisions (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/196-pete-charleston-golflogix)
Episode 8
Graeme McCubbin and Kenny Pallas - Co-Founders of The Links Diary
"We were bored with mainstream media and how they portray golf. We felt disenfranchised with that side of golf and thought, "Wouldn't it be cool if we did something different?" That is why we created The Links Diary." Host Colin Weston sits down with two of the four Links Diary Co-Founders Graeme McCubbin and Kenny Pallas for a chat to learn about the magazine they so passionately create.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; Crafting Beautiful Stories From The Home of Golf (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/197-the-links-diary)
Episode 9
Cory Powell - Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF
"It's much bigger than myself. What really excites me and keeps me moving every single day is to do something that truly grows the game and has some legacy behind it." Co-Founder Cory Powell joins Host Colin Weston to share the entrepreneurial backstory leading up to the recent launch of Hubble.GOLF
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; Creating "The Expedia For Golf Tournament and Event Planning" (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/198-cory-powell-hubblegolf)
Episode 10
TJ Schier Jr. - CO/Founder of SmashSwing Immersive
"We look to attract and appeal to the "golf curious" with SmashSwing". Host Colin Weston speaks with TJ Schier Jr., the founder of SmashSwing Immersive. They discuss the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the golf industry, highlighting TJ's unique approach to creating an engaging indoor golf experience that anyone can play.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; Transforming The Golf Entertainment Gaming Experience (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/199-tj-schier)
Episode 11
Dr. Richard Berger and Teddy Koukoulis - Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery
In this milestone episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston celebrates the 200th episode with two remarkable guests: Dr. Richard Berger, a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon, and his knee replacement patient Teddy Koukoulis, who is an avid golfer and PGA teaching pro. They discuss Dr. Berger's minimally evasive knee and hip replacement techniques that are transforming the outcomes and recovery process for golfers, high performance athletes and everyday people wanting to remove the burden of chronic pain and reclaim their quality of life.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; "The Innovation Behind The Incision" Helping Golfers Reclaim The Game They Love (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/200-teddy-and-dr-berger)
Episode 12
Paras and Bryan Gore - Co-Founders of Swing Sports and Golf She
On this inspiring episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Paras and Bryan Gore, the visionary co-founders of Swing Sports and Golf She. Together, they discuss their journey in the golf industry, the challenges they faced, and their mission to elegantly empower women both on and off the golf course.
Click to listen &amp;gt;&amp;gt; Elegantly Empowering Women Both On and Off The Golf Course (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/201-swingsports-golfshe)
We want to thank Golf Genius Software for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!
Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience?
https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com)
Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com).
Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear!
As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building.
I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests.
I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf.
Click to join &amp;gt;&amp;gt; https://patreon.com/Modgolf
I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin
https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) Special Guests: Agustín Pizá - Founder and Architect with Pizá Golf Design, Cory Powell, Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF, Don Rea - President, PGA of America and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Course, Dr. Richard Berger, Founder of Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery, Gina Louise Phillips - Host, Producer, Writer, Actor and Golf Personality, Graeme McCubbin - Creative &amp;amp; Photography with The Links Diary, Hazel Thompson - Founder &amp;amp; CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours, Jeff MacGregor - Founder of The Cart Locker, Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie, Paras Gore - Co-Founder of Swing Sports and Golf She, Pete Charleston - GolfLogix Co-Founder and President, TJ Schier - CEO/Founder at SmashSwing Immersive, and Teddy Koukoulis, elite level golfer and Dr. Berger knee replacement recipient.
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>modgolf podcast, PGA Show, Golf Genius, golf industry, golf business, modgolf, ModGolfPodcast, entrepreneurship, Innovation, golf sustainability, women in golf, Hazel Thompson, Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours, Jonathan Marsico, ShipSticks, Jeff MacGregor, The Cart Locker, Gina Louise Phillips, Agustin Piza, Piza Golf, golf course design, TGL, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Don Rea, PGA of America, Matt Williams, Noonan Caddie, Pete Charleston, GolfLogix, The Links Diary, golf magazine, Cory Powell, Hubble.golf, TJ Schier, SmashSwing, Dr Richard Berger, Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery, Paras Gore, Swing Sports, Golf She</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>That&#39;s a wrap for Season 17 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 18, which launches in September 2025. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how innovation, inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf.</p>

<hr>

<p>If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 17 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry&#39;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!<br>
<img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/f1JmAuut.jpg" alt=""></p>

<p><strong>Our Season 17 guests were:</strong></p>

<p>Episode 1<br>
<strong>LIVE From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2</strong><br>
<strong>Hazel Thompson</strong> Founder and CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours<br>
This episode takes on a travel theme, as you will discover how to simplify the effort and complexity of transporting your clubs. And if you are considering a golf getaway with friends to Ireland, we have the person that can help make your dream trip a reality. We pick up where we left off at the end of last season where ModGolf was invited back to cover The 2025 PGA Show and host Colin Weston recorded four engaging conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up on Episode 1 is Hazel Thompson, Founder and CEO of <strong><a href="https://excelgolftours.com/" rel="nofollow">Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours</a></strong> who helped Colin plan his May 2025 Irish golf trip. ☘️ </p>

<p><strong>Jonathan Marsico</strong> CEO of Ship Sticks<br>
Our second conversation at The PGA Show Media Stage was with Jonathan Marsico, CEO of Ship Sticks. During Colin&#39;s conversation with Jonathan you will discover how to take the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs. You&#39;ll also learn how Jonathan and his co-founder went from an idea that addressed a personal pain point to a scaleable, profitable business.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/190-pga-show-2025-part-2" rel="nofollow">Live From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 2<br>
<strong>Jeff MacGregor</strong> - Founder of The Cart Locker<br>
Have you struggled to find balance when juggling the launch of a new business venture while keeping your existing job? On this episode you will discover and learn how Jeff MacGregor manages to maintain the position he loves as a Head Golf Pro while overseeing a startup that is quickly scaling up.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/191-jeff-macgregor" rel="nofollow">Turning a Side Hustle Into a Successful Business Venture</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 3<br>
<strong>Gina Louise Phillips</strong> - Actor, comedian, writer and golf personality<br>
&quot;So I take an improv mindset. It&#39;s all about fun. It&#39;s all about what happens next.&quot; Gina Louise Phillips combines her comedic, writing and acting experiences to inject a fresh perspective into the golf industry. Join us as Gina shares how her journey on shows like The Last of Us with Pedro Pascal and co-hosting Score Golf TV has inspired her to write and develop a golf-themed sitcom called Squat Valley Golf about a dysfunctional family run public course on the brink of bankruptcy.<br>
<strong>Click to listen</strong> &gt;&gt; <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/192-gina-louise-phillips" rel="nofollow">Applying an Improv Mindset to Golf</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 4<br>
<strong>Agustín Pizá</strong> - Principal at Pizá Golf<br>
First appearing on The ModGolf Podcast back in November 2021, Agustín (Augie) Pizá rejoins us to pull back the curtain on his design inspiration and process as he walks us through six of the fun and challenging holes he and his Pizá Golf team created for TGL.<br>
<strong>Click to listen</strong> &gt;&gt; <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/193-augie-piza-tgl" rel="nofollow">Revealing The Process and Inspiration Behind Designing TGL Golf Holes</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 5<br>
<strong>Don Rea</strong> - PGA of America President<br>
&quot;On the PGA Tour, they play for millions and at The PGA of America we get millions to play.&quot; PGA of America President and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club Don Rea joins host Colin Weston to share his 25 year journey advocating for the game and industry that he deeply loves.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/194-don-rea-pga" rel="nofollow">It&#39;s The Banter Not The Birdies That Matter Most</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 6<br>
<strong>Matt Williams</strong> - Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie<br>
&quot;Life is short. I’m committed to spending it doing what I love.&quot; Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie joins us to share how you can make better on-course shot selection decisions that will result in less blowup holes and lower scores.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/195-matt-williams-noonan" rel="nofollow">Increasing Your Odds For On-Course Swing Success</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 7<br>
<strong>Pete Charleston</strong> - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix<br>
Never played the course you just booked a tee time on? No problem. You can preview each hole in immersive simulator-quality graphics before you play.” Pete Charleston - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix joins us again after his original appearance back in 2018 to bring us up to speed on their newest innovations that include 3D virtual reality hole flyovers.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/196-pete-charleston-golflogix" rel="nofollow">Helping Golfers Play Smarter and Make Better Decisions</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 8<br>
<strong>Graeme McCubbin and Kenny Pallas</strong> - Co-Founders of The Links Diary<br>
&quot;We were bored with mainstream media and how they portray golf. We felt disenfranchised with that side of golf and thought, &quot;Wouldn&#39;t it be cool if we did something different?&quot; That is why we created The Links Diary.&quot; Host Colin Weston sits down with two of the four Links Diary Co-Founders Graeme McCubbin and Kenny Pallas for a chat to learn about the magazine they so passionately create.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/197-the-links-diary" rel="nofollow">Crafting Beautiful Stories From The Home of Golf</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 9<br>
<strong>Cory Powell</strong> - Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF<br>
&quot;It&#39;s much bigger than myself. What really excites me and keeps me moving every single day is to do something that truly grows the game and has some legacy behind it.&quot; Co-Founder Cory Powell joins Host Colin Weston to share the entrepreneurial backstory leading up to the recent launch of Hubble.GOLF<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/198-cory-powell-hubblegolf" rel="nofollow">Creating &quot;The Expedia For Golf Tournament and Event Planning&quot;</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 10<br>
<strong>TJ Schier Jr.</strong> - CO/Founder of SmashSwing Immersive<br>
&quot;We look to attract and appeal to the &quot;golf curious&quot; with SmashSwing&quot;. Host Colin Weston speaks with TJ Schier Jr., the founder of SmashSwing Immersive. They discuss the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the golf industry, highlighting TJ&#39;s unique approach to creating an engaging indoor golf experience that anyone can play.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/199-tj-schier" rel="nofollow">Transforming The Golf Entertainment Gaming Experience</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 11<br>
<strong>Dr. Richard Berger and Teddy Koukoulis</strong> - Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery<br>
In this milestone episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston celebrates the 200th episode with two remarkable guests: Dr. Richard Berger, a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon, and his knee replacement patient Teddy Koukoulis, who is an avid golfer and PGA teaching pro. They discuss Dr. Berger&#39;s minimally evasive knee and hip replacement techniques that are transforming the outcomes and recovery process for golfers, high performance athletes and everyday people wanting to remove the burden of chronic pain and reclaim their quality of life.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/200-teddy-and-dr-berger" rel="nofollow">&quot;The Innovation Behind The Incision&quot; Helping Golfers Reclaim The Game They Love</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 12<br>
<strong>Paras and Bryan Gore</strong> - Co-Founders of Swing Sports and Golf She<br>
On this inspiring episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Paras and Bryan Gore, the visionary co-founders of Swing Sports and Golf She. Together, they discuss their journey in the golf industry, the challenges they faced, and their mission to elegantly empower women both on and off the golf course.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/201-swingsports-golfshe" rel="nofollow">Elegantly Empowering Women Both On and Off The Golf Course</a></strong></p>

<hr>

<p>We want to thank <strong>Golf Genius Software</strong> for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!<br>
Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience?<br>
<a href="https://www.golfgenius.com" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg" alt=""></a><br>
<strong>Golf Genius</strong> 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 <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com" rel="nofollow">golfgenius.com</a>.</p>

<hr>

<p><strong>Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear!</strong></p>

<p>As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I&#39;ve been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building.</p>

<p>I&#39;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.</p>

<p>I&#39;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.</p>

<p>Click to join &gt;&gt; <a href="https://patreon.com/Modgolf" rel="nofollow">https://patreon.com/Modgolf</a></p>

<p>I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin</p>

<p><a href="https://patreon.com/Modgolf" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg" alt=""></a></p><p>Special Guests: Agustín Pizá - Founder and Architect with Pizá Golf Design, Cory Powell, Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF, Don Rea - President, PGA of America and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Course, Dr. Richard Berger, Founder of Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery, Gina Louise Phillips - Host, Producer, Writer, Actor and Golf Personality, Graeme McCubbin - Creative &amp; Photography with The Links Diary, Hazel Thompson - Founder &amp; CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours, Jeff MacGregor - Founder of The Cart Locker, Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie, Paras Gore - Co-Founder of Swing Sports and Golf She, Pete Charleston - GolfLogix Co-Founder and President, TJ Schier - CEO/Founder at SmashSwing Immersive, and Teddy Koukoulis, elite level golfer and Dr. Berger knee replacement recipient.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>That&#39;s a wrap for Season 17 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 18, which launches in September 2025. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how innovation, inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf.</p>

<hr>

<p>If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 17 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry&#39;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!<br>
<img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/f1JmAuut.jpg" alt=""></p>

<p><strong>Our Season 17 guests were:</strong></p>

<p>Episode 1<br>
<strong>LIVE From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2</strong><br>
<strong>Hazel Thompson</strong> Founder and CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours<br>
This episode takes on a travel theme, as you will discover how to simplify the effort and complexity of transporting your clubs. And if you are considering a golf getaway with friends to Ireland, we have the person that can help make your dream trip a reality. We pick up where we left off at the end of last season where ModGolf was invited back to cover The 2025 PGA Show and host Colin Weston recorded four engaging conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up on Episode 1 is Hazel Thompson, Founder and CEO of <strong><a href="https://excelgolftours.com/" rel="nofollow">Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours</a></strong> who helped Colin plan his May 2025 Irish golf trip. ☘️ </p>

<p><strong>Jonathan Marsico</strong> CEO of Ship Sticks<br>
Our second conversation at The PGA Show Media Stage was with Jonathan Marsico, CEO of Ship Sticks. During Colin&#39;s conversation with Jonathan you will discover how to take the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs. You&#39;ll also learn how Jonathan and his co-founder went from an idea that addressed a personal pain point to a scaleable, profitable business.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/190-pga-show-2025-part-2" rel="nofollow">Live From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 2<br>
<strong>Jeff MacGregor</strong> - Founder of The Cart Locker<br>
Have you struggled to find balance when juggling the launch of a new business venture while keeping your existing job? On this episode you will discover and learn how Jeff MacGregor manages to maintain the position he loves as a Head Golf Pro while overseeing a startup that is quickly scaling up.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/191-jeff-macgregor" rel="nofollow">Turning a Side Hustle Into a Successful Business Venture</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 3<br>
<strong>Gina Louise Phillips</strong> - Actor, comedian, writer and golf personality<br>
&quot;So I take an improv mindset. It&#39;s all about fun. It&#39;s all about what happens next.&quot; Gina Louise Phillips combines her comedic, writing and acting experiences to inject a fresh perspective into the golf industry. Join us as Gina shares how her journey on shows like The Last of Us with Pedro Pascal and co-hosting Score Golf TV has inspired her to write and develop a golf-themed sitcom called Squat Valley Golf about a dysfunctional family run public course on the brink of bankruptcy.<br>
<strong>Click to listen</strong> &gt;&gt; <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/192-gina-louise-phillips" rel="nofollow">Applying an Improv Mindset to Golf</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 4<br>
<strong>Agustín Pizá</strong> - Principal at Pizá Golf<br>
First appearing on The ModGolf Podcast back in November 2021, Agustín (Augie) Pizá rejoins us to pull back the curtain on his design inspiration and process as he walks us through six of the fun and challenging holes he and his Pizá Golf team created for TGL.<br>
<strong>Click to listen</strong> &gt;&gt; <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/193-augie-piza-tgl" rel="nofollow">Revealing The Process and Inspiration Behind Designing TGL Golf Holes</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 5<br>
<strong>Don Rea</strong> - PGA of America President<br>
&quot;On the PGA Tour, they play for millions and at The PGA of America we get millions to play.&quot; PGA of America President and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club Don Rea joins host Colin Weston to share his 25 year journey advocating for the game and industry that he deeply loves.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/194-don-rea-pga" rel="nofollow">It&#39;s The Banter Not The Birdies That Matter Most</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 6<br>
<strong>Matt Williams</strong> - Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie<br>
&quot;Life is short. I’m committed to spending it doing what I love.&quot; Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie joins us to share how you can make better on-course shot selection decisions that will result in less blowup holes and lower scores.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/195-matt-williams-noonan" rel="nofollow">Increasing Your Odds For On-Course Swing Success</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 7<br>
<strong>Pete Charleston</strong> - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix<br>
Never played the course you just booked a tee time on? No problem. You can preview each hole in immersive simulator-quality graphics before you play.” Pete Charleston - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix joins us again after his original appearance back in 2018 to bring us up to speed on their newest innovations that include 3D virtual reality hole flyovers.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/196-pete-charleston-golflogix" rel="nofollow">Helping Golfers Play Smarter and Make Better Decisions</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 8<br>
<strong>Graeme McCubbin and Kenny Pallas</strong> - Co-Founders of The Links Diary<br>
&quot;We were bored with mainstream media and how they portray golf. We felt disenfranchised with that side of golf and thought, &quot;Wouldn&#39;t it be cool if we did something different?&quot; That is why we created The Links Diary.&quot; Host Colin Weston sits down with two of the four Links Diary Co-Founders Graeme McCubbin and Kenny Pallas for a chat to learn about the magazine they so passionately create.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/197-the-links-diary" rel="nofollow">Crafting Beautiful Stories From The Home of Golf</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 9<br>
<strong>Cory Powell</strong> - Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF<br>
&quot;It&#39;s much bigger than myself. What really excites me and keeps me moving every single day is to do something that truly grows the game and has some legacy behind it.&quot; Co-Founder Cory Powell joins Host Colin Weston to share the entrepreneurial backstory leading up to the recent launch of Hubble.GOLF<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/198-cory-powell-hubblegolf" rel="nofollow">Creating &quot;The Expedia For Golf Tournament and Event Planning&quot;</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 10<br>
<strong>TJ Schier Jr.</strong> - CO/Founder of SmashSwing Immersive<br>
&quot;We look to attract and appeal to the &quot;golf curious&quot; with SmashSwing&quot;. Host Colin Weston speaks with TJ Schier Jr., the founder of SmashSwing Immersive. They discuss the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the golf industry, highlighting TJ&#39;s unique approach to creating an engaging indoor golf experience that anyone can play.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/199-tj-schier" rel="nofollow">Transforming The Golf Entertainment Gaming Experience</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 11<br>
<strong>Dr. Richard Berger and Teddy Koukoulis</strong> - Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery<br>
In this milestone episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston celebrates the 200th episode with two remarkable guests: Dr. Richard Berger, a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon, and his knee replacement patient Teddy Koukoulis, who is an avid golfer and PGA teaching pro. They discuss Dr. Berger&#39;s minimally evasive knee and hip replacement techniques that are transforming the outcomes and recovery process for golfers, high performance athletes and everyday people wanting to remove the burden of chronic pain and reclaim their quality of life.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/200-teddy-and-dr-berger" rel="nofollow">&quot;The Innovation Behind The Incision&quot; Helping Golfers Reclaim The Game They Love</a></strong></p>

<p>Episode 12<br>
<strong>Paras and Bryan Gore</strong> - Co-Founders of Swing Sports and Golf She<br>
On this inspiring episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Paras and Bryan Gore, the visionary co-founders of Swing Sports and Golf She. Together, they discuss their journey in the golf industry, the challenges they faced, and their mission to elegantly empower women both on and off the golf course.<br>
<strong>Click to listen &gt;&gt;</strong> <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/201-swingsports-golfshe" rel="nofollow">Elegantly Empowering Women Both On and Off The Golf Course</a></strong></p>

<hr>

<p>We want to thank <strong>Golf Genius Software</strong> for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!<br>
Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience?<br>
<a href="https://www.golfgenius.com" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg" alt=""></a><br>
<strong>Golf Genius</strong> 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 <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com" rel="nofollow">golfgenius.com</a>.</p>

<hr>

<p><strong>Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear!</strong></p>

<p>As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I&#39;ve been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building.</p>

<p>I&#39;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.</p>

<p>I&#39;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.</p>

<p>Click to join &gt;&gt; <a href="https://patreon.com/Modgolf" rel="nofollow">https://patreon.com/Modgolf</a></p>

<p>I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin</p>

<p><a href="https://patreon.com/Modgolf" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg" alt=""></a></p><p>Special Guests: Agustín Pizá - Founder and Architect with Pizá Golf Design, Cory Powell, Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF, Don Rea - President, PGA of America and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Course, Dr. Richard Berger, Founder of Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery, Gina Louise Phillips - Host, Producer, Writer, Actor and Golf Personality, Graeme McCubbin - Creative &amp; Photography with The Links Diary, Hazel Thompson - Founder &amp; CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours, Jeff MacGregor - Founder of The Cart Locker, Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie, Paras Gore - Co-Founder of Swing Sports and Golf She, Pete Charleston - GolfLogix Co-Founder and President, TJ Schier - CEO/Founder at SmashSwing Immersive, and Teddy Koukoulis, elite level golfer and Dr. Berger knee replacement recipient.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Live From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2</title>
  <link>https://modgolf.fireside.fm/190-pga-show-2025-part-2</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">f62d8f8e-5c7e-418a-98a7-2200f7595734</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:15:00 -0800</pubDate>
  <author>The ModGolf Podcast</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/f62d8f8e-5c7e-418a-98a7-2200f7595734.mp3" length="37698980" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:season>17</itunes:season>
  <itunes:author>The ModGolf Podcast</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Welcome to Season 17 of The ModGolf Podcast! Host Colin Weston attended The 2025 PGA Show, where he broadcasted live from the Media Stage. Here are the final two engaging conversations he had with a diverse group of entrepreneurs while in Orlando. First up is Hazel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours who helps Colin plan his upcoming Irish golf trip. Next Colin is joined by Jonathan Marsico, CEO of Ship Sticks who shares the company's engaging origin story. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>39:47</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/episodes/f/f62d8f8e-5c7e-418a-98a7-2200f7595734/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Welcome to Season 17 of The ModGolf Podcast! This episode takes on a travel theme, as you will discover how to simplify the effort and complexity of transporting your clubs. And if you are considering a golf getaway with friends to Ireland, we have the person that can help make your dream trip a reality. We pick up where we left off at the end of last season where ModGolf was invited back to cover The 2025 PGA Show and host Colin Weston recorded four engaging conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up on Episode 01 is Hazel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours (https://excelgolftours.com/) who helps Colin plan his upcoming Irish golf trip. ☘️ 
https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/6TI9bmqC.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf)
"Certainly AI is disrupting travel. Where it's a simple travel experience AI can do it, but considering the travel times from each course and hotel, the human tour operator understands the local nuances of the courses and the local culture and directly interact with the locals. It's taking it to an elevated level if you're wanting unparalleled, unrestricted and unforgettable and most of all fun is our ethos. So AI cannot replicate this and it's amazing because I use AI to help put together the beautiful colour pictures for the itinerary. So there's that place, but the actual experience of understanding what you want to do when you're there and putting all of that together. AI can't do that."
... Hazel Thompson, Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours
Are you looking to experience the best that Ireland has to offer, both on and off the golf course? Then I encourage you to contact Hazel to help plan your perfect Irish excursion... *https://excelgolftours.com *
https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/2inx7Rgn.jpg (https://excelgolftours.com/)
You can also learn more about Hazel and Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours on her ModGolf bio page (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/hazel-thompson).
Click on the image below to watch Colin's conversation with Hazel Thompson on The ModGolf Youtube Channel (https://youtu.be/pozncBaHI9U)!
https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/1XlnX_YP.jpg (https://youtu.be/pozncBaHI9U)
Taking the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs
Our second conversation at The PGA Show Media Stage was with Jonathan Marsico, CEO of Ship Sticks.
During our conversation with Jonathan you will discover how to take the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs. You'll also learn how Jonathan and his co-founder went from an idea that addressed a personal pain point to a scaleable, profitable business.
"So what we've done and still do today with Ship Sticks is centered around the customer experience and journey perspective. Everything the customer touches is what our business is about. Yes, we're powered by these great global logistics companies, but we provide a high end personal touch. We know as golfers, when you're going to golf resorts, when you're going to country clubs, when travelling to play golf, that's what the experience we want to get ourselves and our customers are getting it at these golf facilities. We want to be a great extension and a great partner of that experience for the travelling golfer, who work with our team at Ship Sticks."
Click on the image below to watch Colin's conversation with Jonathan Marsico on The ModGolf Youtube Channel (https://youtu.be/1FH3ChCoVis)!
https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/a5wudgdm.jpg (https://youtu.be/1FH3ChCoVis) 
We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! 
Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience?
https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg (https://www.golfgenius.com)
Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com (https://www.golfgenius.com).
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 &amp;gt;&amp;gt; https://patreon.com/Modgolf 
I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin
https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) Special Guest: Hazel Thompson - Founder &amp;amp; CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours.
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>modgolf podcast, golf innovation, PGA Show, Golf Genius, Hazel Thompson, Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours, Ship Sticks, Jonathan Marsico, golf travel, golf Ireland, golf in Ireland, Irish golf trip, shipping golf clubs, golf entrepreneur, golf industry, golf business, modgolf, ModGolfPodcast, entrepreneurship, Innovation, women in golf </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Season 17 of The ModGolf Podcast! This episode takes on a travel theme, as you will discover how to simplify the effort and complexity of transporting your clubs. And if you are considering a golf getaway with friends to Ireland, we have the person that can help make your dream trip a reality. We pick up where we left off at the end of last season where ModGolf was invited back to cover The 2025 PGA Show and host Colin Weston recorded four engaging conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up on Episode 01 is Hazel Thompson, Founder and CEO of <strong><a href="https://excelgolftours.com/" rel="nofollow">Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours</a></strong> who helps Colin plan his upcoming Irish golf trip. ☘️ </p>

<p><a href="https://patreon.com/Modgolf" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/6TI9bmqC.jpg" alt=""></a></p>

<p>&quot;Certainly AI is disrupting travel. Where it&#39;s a simple travel experience AI can do it, but considering the travel times from each course and hotel, the human tour operator understands the local nuances of the courses and the local culture and directly interact with the locals. It&#39;s taking it to an elevated level if you&#39;re wanting unparalleled, unrestricted and unforgettable and most of all fun is our ethos. So AI cannot replicate this and it&#39;s amazing because I use AI to help put together the beautiful colour pictures for the itinerary. So there&#39;s that place, but the actual experience of understanding what you want to do when you&#39;re there and putting all of that together. AI can&#39;t do that.&quot;<br>
... Hazel Thompson, Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours</p>

<p>Are you looking to experience the best that Ireland has to offer, both on and off the golf course? Then I encourage you to contact Hazel to help plan your perfect Irish excursion... *<em><a href="https://excelgolftours.com" rel="nofollow">https://excelgolftours.com</a> *</em><br>
<a href="https://excelgolftours.com/" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/2inx7Rgn.jpg" alt=""></a></p>

<p>You can also learn more about Hazel and Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours on her ModGolf <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/hazel-thompson" rel="nofollow">bio page</a></strong>.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the image below to watch Colin&#39;s conversation with Hazel Thompson on The ModGolf <a href="https://youtu.be/pozncBaHI9U" rel="nofollow">Youtube Channel</a>!</strong><br>
<a href="https://youtu.be/pozncBaHI9U" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/1XlnX_YP.jpg" alt=""></a></p>

<p><strong>Taking the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs</strong><br>
Our second conversation at The PGA Show Media Stage was with Jonathan Marsico, CEO of Ship Sticks.</p>

<p>During our conversation with Jonathan you will discover how to take the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs. You&#39;ll also learn how Jonathan and his co-founder went from an idea that addressed a personal pain point to a scaleable, profitable business.</p>

<p>&quot;So what we&#39;ve done and still do today with Ship Sticks is centered around the customer experience and journey perspective. Everything the customer touches is what our business is about. Yes, we&#39;re powered by these great global logistics companies, but we provide a high end personal touch. We know as golfers, when you&#39;re going to golf resorts, when you&#39;re going to country clubs, when travelling to play golf, that&#39;s what the experience we want to get ourselves and our customers are getting it at these golf facilities. We want to be a great extension and a great partner of that experience for the travelling golfer, who work with our team at Ship Sticks.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the image below to watch Colin&#39;s conversation with Jonathan Marsico on The ModGolf <a href="https://youtu.be/1FH3ChCoVis" rel="nofollow">Youtube Channel</a>!</strong><br>
<a href="https://youtu.be/1FH3ChCoVis" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/a5wudgdm.jpg" alt=""></a> </p>

<hr>

<p>We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner <strong>Golf Genius Software</strong> who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! <br>
Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience?<br>
<a href="https://www.golfgenius.com" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg" alt=""></a><br>
<strong>Golf Genius</strong> 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 <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com" rel="nofollow">golfgenius.com</a>.</p>

<hr>

<p><strong>Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear!</strong></p>

<p>As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I&#39;ve been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building.</p>

<p>I&#39;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.</p>

<p>I&#39;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.</p>

<p>Click to join &gt;&gt; <a href="https://patreon.com/Modgolf" rel="nofollow">https://patreon.com/Modgolf</a> </p>

<p>I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin</p>

<p><a href="https://patreon.com/Modgolf" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg" alt=""></a></p><p>Special Guest: Hazel Thompson - Founder &amp; CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours.</p>]]>
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  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Season 17 of The ModGolf Podcast! This episode takes on a travel theme, as you will discover how to simplify the effort and complexity of transporting your clubs. And if you are considering a golf getaway with friends to Ireland, we have the person that can help make your dream trip a reality. We pick up where we left off at the end of last season where ModGolf was invited back to cover The 2025 PGA Show and host Colin Weston recorded four engaging conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up on Episode 01 is Hazel Thompson, Founder and CEO of <strong><a href="https://excelgolftours.com/" rel="nofollow">Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours</a></strong> who helps Colin plan his upcoming Irish golf trip. ☘️ </p>

<p><a href="https://patreon.com/Modgolf" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/6TI9bmqC.jpg" alt=""></a></p>

<p>&quot;Certainly AI is disrupting travel. Where it&#39;s a simple travel experience AI can do it, but considering the travel times from each course and hotel, the human tour operator understands the local nuances of the courses and the local culture and directly interact with the locals. It&#39;s taking it to an elevated level if you&#39;re wanting unparalleled, unrestricted and unforgettable and most of all fun is our ethos. So AI cannot replicate this and it&#39;s amazing because I use AI to help put together the beautiful colour pictures for the itinerary. So there&#39;s that place, but the actual experience of understanding what you want to do when you&#39;re there and putting all of that together. AI can&#39;t do that.&quot;<br>
... Hazel Thompson, Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours</p>

<p>Are you looking to experience the best that Ireland has to offer, both on and off the golf course? Then I encourage you to contact Hazel to help plan your perfect Irish excursion... *<em><a href="https://excelgolftours.com" rel="nofollow">https://excelgolftours.com</a> *</em><br>
<a href="https://excelgolftours.com/" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/2inx7Rgn.jpg" alt=""></a></p>

<p>You can also learn more about Hazel and Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours on her ModGolf <strong><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/hazel-thompson" rel="nofollow">bio page</a></strong>.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the image below to watch Colin&#39;s conversation with Hazel Thompson on The ModGolf <a href="https://youtu.be/pozncBaHI9U" rel="nofollow">Youtube Channel</a>!</strong><br>
<a href="https://youtu.be/pozncBaHI9U" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/1XlnX_YP.jpg" alt=""></a></p>

<p><strong>Taking the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs</strong><br>
Our second conversation at The PGA Show Media Stage was with Jonathan Marsico, CEO of Ship Sticks.</p>

<p>During our conversation with Jonathan you will discover how to take the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs. You&#39;ll also learn how Jonathan and his co-founder went from an idea that addressed a personal pain point to a scaleable, profitable business.</p>

<p>&quot;So what we&#39;ve done and still do today with Ship Sticks is centered around the customer experience and journey perspective. Everything the customer touches is what our business is about. Yes, we&#39;re powered by these great global logistics companies, but we provide a high end personal touch. We know as golfers, when you&#39;re going to golf resorts, when you&#39;re going to country clubs, when travelling to play golf, that&#39;s what the experience we want to get ourselves and our customers are getting it at these golf facilities. We want to be a great extension and a great partner of that experience for the travelling golfer, who work with our team at Ship Sticks.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the image below to watch Colin&#39;s conversation with Jonathan Marsico on The ModGolf <a href="https://youtu.be/1FH3ChCoVis" rel="nofollow">Youtube Channel</a>!</strong><br>
<a href="https://youtu.be/1FH3ChCoVis" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/a5wudgdm.jpg" alt=""></a> </p>

<hr>

<p>We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner <strong>Golf Genius Software</strong> who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! <br>
Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience?<br>
<a href="https://www.golfgenius.com" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/K9NPjjAv.jpg" alt=""></a><br>
<strong>Golf Genius</strong> 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 <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com" rel="nofollow">golfgenius.com</a>.</p>

<hr>

<p><strong>Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear!</strong></p>

<p>As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I&#39;ve been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building.</p>

<p>I&#39;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.</p>

<p>I&#39;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.</p>

<p>Click to join &gt;&gt; <a href="https://patreon.com/Modgolf" rel="nofollow">https://patreon.com/Modgolf</a> </p>

<p>I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin</p>

<p><a href="https://patreon.com/Modgolf" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg" alt=""></a></p><p>Special Guest: Hazel Thompson - Founder &amp; CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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