The ModGolf Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Fan Experience”

Beyond The Grid: Creating Legacy Through Long Drive - Phillis Meti, World Long Drive Champion

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:45:00 -0800

What does it take to not only reach the pinnacle of a sport like World Long Drive but to sustain a nearly two-decade career at its peak? In this engaging episode we go far beyond the grid and the spectacle of 380-yard bombs to uncover the heart, wisdom, and entrepreneurial spirit of a true icon. Host Colin Weston sits down with the remarkable Phillis Meti - ranked #3 in the world and 5 time World Champ - to explore her incredible journey from picking up her father’s shanked golf balls in New Zealand to becoming a global golf ambassador.

Phillis opens up about the fierce mentality required to compete, the pivotal lessons learned from both victory and heartbreaking defeat, and her visionary mission to pave pathways for the next generation. This conversation is a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and giving back. Whether you're fascinated by the physics of speed, the business of golf, or stories of profound resilience, Phillis’s insights will leave you inspired and ready to “kick the door down” for your own ambitions. Get ready for an episode packed with power, purpose, and unforgettable stories.

Key takeaways in this episode with Phillis that you will discover:
Longevity is Built on Wisdom and Adaptability:
Success isn't just about raw speed. Phillis credits her sustained career to evolving from a "fearless" hitter into a savvier technical player, learning to adapt her ball flight to different grids, and prioritizing recovery and intelligent strength training.

True Power Starts with Your Hands:
A crucial technical insight for anyone wanting more speed: your hands hold the club, so their movement is paramount. Phillis emphasizes that generating speed is a sequencing chain, where proper hip movement ultimately serves to allow the hands to move faster through the hitting zone.

Create Pathways So Others Can Follow:
Phillis’s vision extends far beyond competition. Inspired by her parents, she is actively working to build an indigenous school and recruitment pipeline to help student-athletes from New Zealand and Polynesia transition to U.S. colleges, ensuring they have the support to succeed. Her mission is to show what’s possible and pull others up with her.

Episode Chapters:
(00:01 - 01:25) Introduction: Welcoming World Long Drive Phenom Phillis Meti
(01:25 - 03:15) From Rugby to Golf: Phillis’s First Swing and Family Influence
(03:15 - 06:26) A Multi-Sport Childhood: The Circuitous Path to Long Drive
(06:26 - 08:42) Anatomy of a Competition: How World Long Drive Works
(08:42 - 13:45) The Speed Equation: Training, Technique, and Swinging 125 MPH
(13:45 - 17:13) Wisdom Over Fear: The Evolution of a Champion's Mindset
(17:13 - 19:25) The Key to Longevity: Spinal Hygiene and Injury Prevention
(19:25 - 24:35) The 2025 Season Arc: Global Competition and New Formats
(24:35 - 27:59) Inside the Bag: The Tech & Specs of a Long Drive Driver
(27:59 - 31:14) The State of the Game: Community, Competition, and Commerce
(31:14 - 38:31) Entrepreneurial Drive: Building a School and Creating Pathways Home
(38:31 - 42:43) A Vision for the Future: Bringing Long Drive to the Masses & Closing Thoughts

Quotable Moments from Phillis:

On Perspective and Growth:
"Winning my first championship in 2006 and coming second twice after, I completely lost focus. I got caught up in the hype. Between then and now, I am a better game player with a bit more wisdom. I play the game differently now."

On Equipment and Control:
"The one thing about the women is that we don't swing it fast enough to afford using lofts lower than a seven-degree head. I have one of the fastest club head speeds, but I use one of the highest lofts on the tour."

On Legacy and Lifting Others:
"When you're on your way up, always try to look back and pull others up with you. So if people want to keep going further than you, at least they have your shoulders to stand on. Why not be me to kick down that door? I've got a big foot!"

Phillis Meti's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/phillis-meti
Phillis Meti is a multi-time World Long Drive Champion, currently ranked #3 globally, whose career embodies power, resilience, and purpose. Hailing from New Zealand, her journey began at age seven, wielding a club to pick up her father’s errant golf balls. A gifted multi-sport athlete, she excelled in netball and discus before a flyer for a local long drive qualifier at age 18 changed her trajectory. Demonstrating breathtaking natural power, she not only qualified but went on to win the World Long Drive Championship in her very first attempt in 2006. Nearly two decades later, Phillis remains a dominant force, combining 125 MPH clubhead speed with hard-earned wisdom to outthink and outlast the competition on grids across the globe.

Colin and Phillis were part of Team AM Golf at The Vegas Baby ProAm Invitational in Las Vegas, where they shot lots of video including this YouTube Short as part of Colin's Positivity Project:

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As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building.

I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests.

I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf.

Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf

I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin

We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!

When I mentioned Phillis' episode to the folks at British Columbia Golf they immediately wanted to support it, as one of their goals is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. They strive to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to increase participation in the sport with programs such as the Cloud Series.

British Columbia Golf is the Provincial Sport Organization for golf as recognized by the Government of British Columbia and ViaSport. Golf Canada recognizes the association as the governing body within the province. British Columbia Golf provides programs benefitting golfers and the golf industry in the province. Check out their website https://britishcolumbiagolf.org/

Special Guest: Phillis Meti: World Long Drive Champion, Entrepreneur, and Legacy Builder.

A Non-Golfer's Strategy for PGA Tour Digital Innovation - with guest Devon Fox

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:45:00 -0800

What does a non-golfer who loves Radiohead and once worked in a nightclub bring to the PGA Tour? A fresh perspective that drives groundbreaking innovation. In this long-awaited conversation, host Colin Weston sits down with Devon Fox, the Senior Director of Digital Programs at the PGA Tour. After eight years of connecting on LinkedIn, they finally dive into Devon’s unique journey from NASCAR and Nike to leading digital innovation in golf.

Devon shares how her initial (and only) disastrous golf experience became a strategic advantage, allowing her to ask the questions no one else would. She pulls back the curtain on building the PGA Tour's first Fan Council, the decade-long process that led to the stunning Apple Vision Pro app, and how she intentionally "worked herself out of a job" to bake innovation into the Tour's DNA.

Beyond technology, Devon opens up about the deeply personal motivation behind founding the PGA Tour's LGBTQ+ employee resource group, PRISM, and her advocacy for meaningful, policy-driven inclusion. This is a story about challenging tradition, the power of process, and building a future for golf that engages every fan.

Key takeaways in this episode with Devon that you will discover:

"Golf Ignorance" as an Innovation Superpower:
Devon explains how not being a golfer allowed her to challenge sacred traditions and ask fundamental questions that insiders might overlook, leading to truly fresh thinking in digital fan engagement.

Innovation is a Process, Not a Department:
Learn how Devon moved the PGA Tour from having a small innovation team to baking innovative thinking into the product development process itself, ensuring it becomes a sustainable part of the culture.

Inclusion Starts with Internal Policy, Not External Marketing:
Devon shares her impactful, criteria-driven approach to LGBTQ+ advocacy to create PRISM within the PGA Tour workplace, focusing first on tangible employee benefits and education before any public-facing campaigns, creating lasting structural change.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 - 02:10: Introduction and a Connection Eight Years in the Making
02:10 - 04:20: Devon's First (and Only) Golf Experience: A Hot, Hungry Disaster
04:20 - 07:20: The Strategic Advantage of Being a Non-Golfer & Asking "Weird" Questions
07:20 - 11:20: Building the Fan Council & Sourcing Ideas Directly from Fans
11:20 - 13:30: Learning from the NBA and the Two Rules of Sports Tech Innovation
13:30 - 16:30: Bridging Generations: Using New Tech to Showcase Golf History
16:30 - 19:15: The Innovation Process: From Design Thinking to Working Herself Out of a Job
19:15 - 23:35: Career Journey: From Soul-Sucking Banking to NASCAR and Global Retail at Nike
23:35 - 30:40: Advocacy in Action: Founding PRISM & Driving LGBTQ+ Inclusion from the Inside Out
30:40 - 33:00: The Size and Scope of the PGA Tour Organization
33:00 - 37:00: A Decade-Long Win: The Journey to the Apple Vision Pro App
37:00 - 38:15: Fostering a Culture of Ideas: The Annual Hackathon
38:15 - END: Closing & Teaser for the YouTube Candy Taste Test

Quotable Moments from Devon:

On bringing an outside perspective:
"I really held on to this lack of golf experience and knowledge to give me permission to ask those weird questions that nobody else would ask. It really benefited me."

On the purpose of technology:
"You don't just do innovation and emerging technology for the sake of doing it. It has to have some value for the fan. You have to dig deep and find out what that is."

On the long game of innovation:
"One win I'm really proud of is the work that led up to the Apple Vision Pro app. It's this progression of 'let's see what we require to create it and let's go get after that, then build it in and operationalize that.'"

Want to see Devon's reaction to tasting Thrills, a truly bizarre Canadian "soap-flavoured" gum from the 1970s while trying to carry on a conversation with Colin? Then check out our exclusive and fun bonus segment on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

Devon Fox's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/devon-fox
Beyond technology, Devon is a passionate advocate for meaningful inclusion within the sports industry. Driven by a personal commitment to creating safer, more supportive workplaces, she founded and leads PRISM, the PGA Tour’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group. Under her leadership, the group has driven substantive policy changes, including the expansion of benefits and resources, demonstrating her belief that true progress is built on internal structural change. Through her dual focus on operational excellence and human-centric culture, Devon Fox plays a pivotal role in shaping both the digital future and the inclusive ethos of the PGA Tour.

Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear!

Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf

I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin

We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019!
Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience?

Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.

Special Guest: Devon Fox - Senior Director of Digital Programs at the PGA Tour.

Creating an Engaging Space For Like-minded Golfers - Paul McEldon, CEO at ClubFace-Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 09:45:00 -0700

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!

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.
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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.

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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.

Special Guest: Paul McEldon, CEO at ClubFace-Golf.

The Quest to Amplify Fan Engagement - Preston Phillips, Sport & Entertainment Entrepreneur, Investor & Advisor

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:00:00 -0700

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!

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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.

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Special Guest: Preston Phillips - Entrepreneur/Investor/Advisor with Whiterock and Cerro Capital.