The ModGolf Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Golf Technology”

Live from The PGA Show 2026: Beyond Golf Cart GPS and The Data-Driven Golf Revolution / Adam Kanouse with Reach Golfers

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:15:00 -0800

In this bonus live recording from the bustling floor of the 2026 PGA Show, host Colin Weston sits down with Adam Kanouse, Co-CEO of Reach Golfers. Discover why Colin was instantly drawn to their demo at the NGCOA Conference and learn how Reach Golfers is fundamentally rethinking the golf cart GPS experience. Adam reveals why 65% of public courses are still without this technology, how his company avoids an "adversarial relationship" with golfers, and the dual-revenue model that makes premium tech affordable. Get the inside scoop on their stunning, golfer-first interface, their massive untapped market, and their ambitious data-driven vision for the future of course management and personalized marketing.

Here are three key takeaways you will discover from this conversation with Adam Kanouse of Reach Golfers:
1. A Massive, Underserved Market Exists Right Now
Contrary to common belief, GPS technology is not ubiquitous. Adam revealed that approximately 65% of public golf courses in the $45-$75 green fee range have no GPS system at all. This represents a significant greenfield opportunity for Reach Golfers, which is focused on bringing modern tech to courses that have never had it, rather than just battling competitors for their existing customers.

2. Philosophy First: It’s About Enhancing the Golfer’s Experience, Not Just Protecting the Cart
While many in-cart systems began with a primary goal of fleet management and asset protection (which can create friction with golfers), Reach Golfers flips the model. Their “secret sauce” is a golfer-first philosophy—building a beautiful, interactive, and helpful experience that also solves operational problems. This creates a more positive relationship between the course and the player.

3. The Future is a Data Platform, Not Just a GPS
Reach Golfers views its device as a “computer on a cart” with potential far beyond yardages. The next frontier is harnessing on-course behavioral data - like pace-of-play patterns, common traffic areas, and player tendencies - to help courses with dynamic pricing, targeted marketing (e.g., offering lessons to high-handicappers), agronomy decisions, and overall operational efficiency. They are building the foundation for a deeply integrated, data-driven golf experience.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Adam on The ModGolf YouTube channel live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and Adam extend their podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned.

Key Quotes from Adam Kanouse
On Philosophy: "What differentiates us is we're not trying to protect the golf cart. Our competition all started protecting the golf cart creating a bit of an adversarial relationship with the golfer. We don't think that's necessary."

On the Market: "We called every golf course that was public in 42 of the 50 states this summer. 65% of courses in that $45 to $75 green fee range don't have anything. It's an open market."

*On Product Design: *"We have a huge advantage. We can step in with modern technology, modern design and see what worked and what didn't and only work on the things that people really want and need."

On the Future: "My co-CEO likes to say that this is not a GPS device. This is a computer on a cart. The future is being able to identify the person who's on the course and be able to market to them with things that they care about."

Want to connect with Adam? Check out his bio page to make that happen! >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/adam-kanouse

Key Topics & Timestamps
[00:00 - 02:30] Introduction & First Impressions
[02:30 - 06:00] What is Reach Golfers? The Core Differentiator
[06:00 - 09:30] The Demo & Revenue Model
[09:30 - 14:00] The Massive Untapped Market & Growth Strategy
[14:00 - 18:00] Product Philosophy & The Data-Driven Future
[18:00 - 20:30] 2026: The Growth Year
[20:30 - 22:00] PGA Show Magic & How to Connect

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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.

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

Live from the PGA Show 2026: SmashSwing’s Multiplayer Golf Revolution with TJ Schier Jr.

The ModGolf Podcast — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:45:00 -0800

In this special live edition from The 2026 PGA Show in Orlando, host Colin Weston kicks off the show with an in-depth conversation with TJ Schier Jr., Founder & CEO of SmashSwing Immersive. They dive into the evolution of TJ's groundbreaking multiplayer simulator system, the power of customer feedback, strategic partnerships with iconic brands like Atari, and the vision to redefine the indoor golf entertainment experience. Recorded amid the energy of the world's largest golf trade show, this episode is packed with entrepreneurial insights, industry trends, and a glimpse into the future of social golf.

Here are three key takeaways you will discover from this conversation with TJ Schier:
1. The Future of Indoor Golf is Multiplayer & Social
The traditional "one player hits, everyone else watches" simulator model is being disrupted. SmashSwing’s core innovation is simultaneous, side-by-side play for 2-24 people, transforming golf into a fast-paced, shared experience. This model reduces the intimidation for beginners, speeds up play, and creates a dynamic, energetic atmosphere more akin to a sports bar or entertainment venue than a solitary practice session.

2. True Innovation is Often a "Kit of Parts," Not a Single Invention
A key entrepreneurial lesson from TJ's journey is that groundbreaking ideas don't always require inventing something entirely new. SmashSwing’s success lies in its unique combination of proven technologies—auto-tee systems, large-format screens, multiplayer gaming software—and wrapping it in a layer of licensed entertainment IP (like Atari games). This strategy of synthesizing existing concepts from different industries (golf, arcades, cinema) to solve a new problem is a powerful blueprint for innovation.

3. Listen to the Market, But Filter with a Strong Vision
While TJ actively sought feedback from hundreds of potential customers, he emphasizes the critical skill of filtering out distracting "noise." Early on, many suggested he expand into soccer, hockey, or movie theaters. By staying true to the focused vision of "revolutionizing indoor golf," he was able to refine a product that genuinely serves that market's needs. The lesson: customer input is invaluable for polishing your product, but a clear, unwavering core vision is essential to avoid chasing every opportunity and losing focus.

Final Takeaway: The multiplayer format reduces intimidation for new golfers, as spectators watch the engaging screen action, not the player's swing mechanics.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with TJ on The ModGolf YouTube channel live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and TJ extend their podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned that will benefit all entrepreneurs.

Prior to launching SmashSwing, TJ helped ignite the growth of BigShots Golf as part of ClubCorp/Invited to be the second largest player in the golf entertainment space. The brand grew from 1 to 7 units in 20 months with a mix of corporate owned, managed and franchised locations.

Want to connect with TJ? Check out his bio page to make that happen! >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/tj-schier

Episode Chapters
00:00 - 01:30 | Live from the PGA Show Hallway
Host Colin Weston kicks off the show amid the bustling energy of the 2026 PGA Show, introducing the first guest, TJ Schier Jr. of SmashSwing.

01:30 - 04:15 | Introducing the Multiplayer Golf Experience
TJ gives an overview of SmashSwing: a large-format, multiplayer simulator that allows 2-24 players to hit simultaneously, blending competitive entertainment games with traditional driving range functionality.

04:15 - 06:45 | The Build: From Prototype to Show-Stopping Booth
TJ shares the rapid progress of the last eight months, a humorous story about a logistical mishap with lost keys, and the exhilarating moment attendees realized his booth was fundamentally different from other simulators.

06:45 - 09:00 | The Vision: Speed, Scrambles & Cinematic Screens
A look at the upcoming roadmap, including features that will let foursomes play a virtual scramble in 30 minutes and the vision for massive indoor "cinematic" driving ranges.

09:00 - 12:00 | Games & Partnerships: From Atari to Future IP
Discussion of the strategic licensing deal with Atari (Asteroids, Space Invaders) to attract a wider audience and the long-term goal of securing major entertainment IP (e.g., Star Wars) to bring new players to golf.

12:00 - 15:00 | Filtering Feedback & The Indoor Golf Alliance
TJ explains the entrepreneurial challenge of listening to customer feedback while staying true to a focused vision for golf. He also introduces the Indoor Golf Alliance, a collective sharing best practices for operators.

15:00 - 18:30 | Defining the Customer: Country Clubs & Driving Ranges
A revelation about the target market: country clubs are key early adopters, using the system for revenue-generating events. Other customers include public courses and venues building large-scale indoor ranges.

18:30 - 22:00 | Advice for Entrepreneurs: Pitch, Listen, & Combine
TJ's key advice for founders: master the art of clearly explaining your difference, listen to customer problems before pitching solutions, and understand that innovation often comes from creatively combining existing ideas.

22:00 - 24:30 | Creating a "Blue Ocean" & Reducing Intimidation
Colin frames SmashSwing as a Blue Ocean Strategy, creating a new market. TJ highlights how multiplayer play shifts spectator focus to the screen, making golf less intimidating for beginners.

24:30 - 26:00 | How to Connect & Closing
Where to find SmashSwing at the PGA Show (Booth 1213) and how to connect online. Colin wraps up the conversation.

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

Special Guest: TJ Schier - CEO/Founder at SmashSwing Immersive.

Making Golf More Resilient, Sustainable and Future Proof - Petra Himmel, GolfSustainable.com

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 06:45:00 -0700

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!

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.

The Journey From Pro Athlete To Sport Tech Entrepreneur - Jeehae Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Sportsbox.ai

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0700

"Along the way there have been a lot of ups and downs. Being a professional athlete is not easy and especially in an individual sport like golf where you are forced to be entrepreneurial. You have to pay for all of your travel, your caddies, all the expenses and try to earn a living net positive at the end of the year."

Click on the image below to check out our extended conversation with Jeehae on our Youtube Channel!

Want to give Sportsbox.ai a try? Check it out on their website. Contact them for an invite to download the app (iOS only for now, Android version coming soon). An account is accessible if you receive an invite from them or one of their coaches.

You can learn more about Jeehae on her bio page.

Show Notes and Jeehae Quotes
"But in the end I decided hey, I had this great experience on The LPGA and LET Tours, made some great friends out there, but don't think this is where I want to end up. I decided to take what I learned and apply it to a business venture."

"I'm the kind of person who for better or worse doesn't think too hard about whether it's all going to be a perfect outcome. I just trust myself enough to say I'll dive in and if it works great, if it doesn't, it'll still be a great experience and I'll figure it out. Hopefully, it set me up for success in what I'm doing now."

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

Special Guest: Jeehae Lee - Co-Founder and CEO at Sportsbox.ai.

How Artificial Intelligence Makes Golf Improvement Accessible For Everyone - Broderick Higby, Creator of Golf AI

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 21:30:00 -0800

"There are so many people in golf in San Diego and everyone is out here trying to grow the game. We're all working together in golf to make others able to see what the game is really about, how much fun it is and how much you grow as a person. Talking about the golf feedback loop, imagine what you think the shot is going to do, take it then see where it actually went and then reflect on why it went that way. This applies to life and I think if people were to adopt golf as a widespread sport and continue to grow it, it would be better for humanity."

We sit down with Golf AI Creator Broderick Higby to learn how Artificial Intelligence is making golf improvement and swing analysis accessible for everyone.

Click on the image below to check out our extended conversation with Broderick on our Youtube Channel!

To learn more about Golf AI and to download the Golf AI app on your iPhone (Android version coming soon!), visit their website at https://www.golfaiapp.com

To learn more about Broderick check out his bio page and LinkedIn profile.

Are you a golf course owner or operator struggling with the complexities of running tournaments? Do you want to spend less more running them while increasing revenue and profit margins? Check out our friends at Golf Genius to learn how they can help make the magic happen. >> https://www.golfgenius.com/

Special Guest: Broderick Higby - Creator of Golf AI.

How Big Data, Machine Learning and AI Innovates Golf Game Improvement - Sal Syed / Arccos Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:45:00 -0800

The pioneer of Connected Golf, Sal Syed is the CEO and Co-Founder of Arccos - the leading provider of big data, advanced analytics and machine learning insights for the global golf industry.

First launched in late 2014, their patented, GPS-based, hardware and software system has automatically recorded more than 60 million shots taken by golfers playing on courses worldwide.

By seamlessly analyzing each shot in real time, Arccos provides powerful, data-driven insights that help golfers of all skill levels measurably improve their performance by going beyond guesswork.

To learn more, check out our "Arccos Golf demo at The 2018 PGA Show" on The ModGolf Podcast YouTube channel.

Arccos Golf Booth at The 2018 PGA Show

Named after the inverse cosine function – an element of advanced mathematics that is featured in the Arccos algorithm – their business and system have repeatedly been honored by leading media and business organizations.

In this episode host Colin Weston speaks with Sal about his entrepreneurial journey, the creation of Arccos Golf and the passionate culture he has created that inspires their entire team to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset that constantly strives to innovate, experiment with and iterate their game improvement experience.

While Sal was earning his MBA at the Yale University School of Management, he met co-founder Clinton Grusd, who worked to develop the foundation of the business and product concepts, plans and strategies that are used by Arccos.

They realized that golf was lacking a high-performing, comprehensive tool to track and analyze a golfer’s game and improve decision-making on the course. They set out build a solution to crack this pain point that has changed the way we think about and play golf.

To learn more about Arccos Golf, go to their website https://www.arccosgolf.com/ and social media feeds:

The Arccos Golf blog
Twitter: @ArccosGolf
Facebook: @arccosgolf
Youtube: Arccos Golf: Connect to Your Game

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

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.

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

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

Special Guest: Sal Syed: Co-Founder and CEO, Arccos Golf.

Building An Entrepreneurial Culture of Constant Innovation And Improvement - Joe Assell / GOLFTEC

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 05:00:00 -0800

Joe Assell is the CEO and Co-Founder of GOLFTEC, the world leader in golf instruction with over 200 locations across the United States, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

In this episode host Colin Weston speaks with Joe about his entrepreneurial journey, the creation of GOLFTEC and the passionate culture he has created that inspires their entire team to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset that constantly strives to innovate and improve their student experience.

Colin also travels to the Vancouver GOLFTEC location for a much-needed lesson with Head Teaching Pro Norman Baufeld. Afterwards he speaks with Norman to get his thoughts on innovative culture that defines GOLFTEC's success.

Founded by Assell and Mike Clinton in 1995, GOLFTEC has given over 7 million private lessons. Assell serves on the Finance Committee for Colorado PGA Section and has won Teacher of The Year. In 2008, he was named Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

To learn more about GOLFTEC and Joe Assell, go to their website https://www.golftec.com/about-golftec and social media feeds:

The GOLFTEC Scramble blog: "Cup of Joe" video series
Twitter: @GOLFTEC
Facebook: @GOLFTEC
Vimeo: Joe Assell, PGA - Turning Passion into Profession (July 16, 2017)
YouTube: Cup of Joe: GolfTEC opens 200th Improvement Center

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

Special Guests: Joe Assell - Co-Founder and CEO, GOLFTEC and Norman Baufeld - Head Teaching Professional at GOLFTEC Vancouver.

Creating Positive Social Impact By Empowering Women And Girls Through Golf - Clemmie Perry / Women of Color Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 12:15:00 -0800

Clemmie Perry started playing golf in 2013 and is turning her passion into a national movement to make a difference in the lives of women & girls through the sport of golf. In 2014, she started Women of Color Golf (WOCG), and Girls On the Green Tee (GOTG-T), which are programs designed to increase and facilitate minority participation in the sport of golf for women and girls. In four short years, they have introduced over 350 minority women & girls to the basic fundamentals of golf in the Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida Bay area & Washington, D.C.

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The mission of these programs is to encourage and promote individuals to learn the benefits of golf, provide organized golf clinics, participate in recreational golf activities, fitness workshops and mentoring opportunities.

The mentoring program, Girls on the Green Tee (GOTG-T), is designed for girls ages 10 -17, answering the ever present need for strong, accomplished, and resilient female role-models. WOCG & GOTG -T seeks to create a spark of interest and inspiration in the game of golf. This inspiration is then turned into action by connecting the women and girls to our golf community through golf instruction, activities and events.

The Women of Color Golf (WOCG) and Girls on the Green Tee (GOTG-T) programs have grown into a national recognized, community-based program, with recent recognition by former President Barack Obama, as a U.S. White House Champion of Change for After School Extra Curricula Enrichment for Marginalized Girls.

WOCG has been featured in Forbes, Ebony, Black Enterprise, Golf for Her, Professional Golf Association (PGA) magazine, the African American Golfer’s Digest and several local Tampa Bay TV and radio broadcasts.

To learn more about Women Of Color Golf, go to their website http://womenofcolorgolf.org/ and social media feeds:

Twitter: @Womenofcolorglf
Facebook: @womenofcolorgolf
Instagram: womenofcolorgolf
YouTube: Making a Difference: Women of Color Golf

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

Special Guest: Clemmie Perry - Founder & Director, Women of Color Golf & Girls On the Green Tee.

Harnessing The Power of Technology To Help Grow Golf - 020: Eddy Lui / 18Birdies

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 11:15:00 -0800

Since their concept launch at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show, 18Birdies has emerged as the dominant golf mobile app with over 750,000 users and growing. With their clear mission to "Inspire golfers of all generations to enhance their game, share their experiences with friends, and increase their enjoyment of golf", 18Birdies has successfully aligned the game with the lifestyle habits of a younger audience.

Sharing the belief that technology can make a huge difference in elevating the game of golf, 18Birdies creates more ways to conveniently enjoy golf by looking to enhance and improve the entire golfing experience. Eddy realized "technology could make golf more accessible, engaging, social and fun, so when you bring all these elements together you can reshape how the game is played, perceived and experienced. To fundamentally change golf you need connectivity and integration for everything and everyone on the same platform in order for the magic to happen".

There are golf apps out there that focus on one aspect of the game, but Eddy realized that to truly succeed, a mobile golf app needed to "close the circle by connecting everyone in the golf industry". 18Birdies set out to create the big, ambitious vision with a platform that delivers everything that golf can possibly do.

To learn more about 18Birdies, visit their website and download their free app for either iOS or Android.

Twitter: @18BirdiesApp
Facebook: @18birdies
Instagram: 18birdiesapp

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

In this episode you'll learn:

• Eddy’s “AHA” moment and the inspiration for creating 18Birdies.
• The golf problem 18Birdies looked to solve by harnessing the power of technology to create fun, social and globally connected experiences.
• How customer feedback revealed the popularity of realtime gaming and betting during your golf round as the key to driving growth.
• The importance of building a powerful brand that reflects your purpose and culture.
• Identifying what value 18Birdies can bring to each user and partner, then stringing them all together.
• Creating the one portal that manages everything a user does across their golf life.
• “Every hole is a new game” - Eddy describes how Game Bets and Targets work.
• The gamification of 18Birdies through Dream Games and Golf Bucks.
• Launching the concept of 18Birdies at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show.
• The power of partnership like they have with NextGenGolf to propel themselves forward.
• The 18Birdies team and the entrepreneurial culture that passionately inspires them to build best golf experiences possible.
• Supporting their remote, high-performance corporate teams based in Oakland and Shanghai
• Next steps - the future of 18Birdies in 2018 and beyond.

Special Guest: Eddy Lui - Founder and CEO, 18Birdies.

Grow The Game By Taking It A Little Less Seriously - Shane Bacon / FOX Sports

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 01:00:00 -0700

Shane offers a broad base of knowledge and understanding of golf, having been involved with the game in a variety of capacities. In 2006, he spent the summer working as a caddie at the historic St. Andrews links course in Scotland and also later caddied in tournament events for LPGA tour professionals Irene Cho and the late Erica Blasberg. A low-single-digit handicap player, he also competed on the mini-tour circuit for a short time between 2007 and 2008.

Shane also hosts his weekly podcast "The Clubhouse With Shane Bacon". We highly recommend giving it a listen (after you've binge-listened to every single ModGolf Podcast episode, of course).

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

Bacon began his coverage of the sport as a writer for the AOL FanHouse website in 2008. He held that position until 2010 when he began contributing to the Yahoo Sports Devil Ball Golf blog and later accepted a full-time writing position for the CBS’ Eye on Golf blog in 2011. In 2012, he assumed editor duties for the Yahoo Devil Ball site, penning columns, conducting interviews with tour professionals, covering tournament action and producing video content, while also planning the blog’s editorial calendar and overall content strategy. In 2014, he made his first foray into television, joining DirecTV’s upstart “Back9Network,” a golf and lifestyle cable channel, as an on-air personality. During his time with Back9, he co-hosted the show, “The Turn” from the channel’s Connecticut studios.

An experienced digital scribe and former mini-tour competitor, Shane Bacon is now a golf reporter for FOX Sports. In his dynamic role, Bacon serves as an on-course contributor during the network’s digital presentations of all eight USGA Championships, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, and U.S. Senior Open, in addition to producing columns and videos throughout the year for FOXSports.com.

On this episode Shane and Colin talk about:
• Shane's early days as a sports blogger and his first time is front of the camera at Back9 Network.
• his 'big break' opportunity to join the FOX Sports Golf team.
• why Shane had to "had to readjust my thinking about golf" when considering the future of the game.
• European Tour CEO Keith Pelley's Golf Sixes, match play and team events.
• how other sports love the underdog but golf fans do not.
• what young people think about Tiger Woods.
• the innovative culture at FOX Sports that gives their golf staff the creative freedom to experiment.
• that people need to remind themselves golf is an escape and we play to get away from everyday life.
• Shane's desire to publish a golf game pamphlet (Shane’s Games perhaps?) as a fun, social alternative to 18 hole stroke play.

Special Guest: Shane Bacon - FOX Sports Golf Reporter.

Creating A Frictionless Experience That Connects Golfers To Tournaments - Eric Crawford / GolfTourney.com

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 14:00:00 -0700

In 2008, Eric Crawford had an "AHA" moment. He and his three brothers would regularly play in golf events around Iowa. They would play mostly four person best shots and stroke play tournaments. In order to find these golf events they would have to sift through a stack of papers. Back then golf courses would type up a bulletin that includes the events for that year and they would send those bulletins out to all of the golf courses in the area.

Eric told his brothers, “There has to be a website for this!” so he went home and checked. There were various websites that had a few golf events listed, with the biggest one having only 300 events on it! This gap in the marketplace and opportunity to connect eager golfers with unfilled tournament and charity events led to the creation of GolfTournery.com. After an exhaustive three year study and product development, GolfTourney.com found that there are an average of 8 golf tournaments per golf course per season, revealing that there are over 200,000 golf tournaments in the United States each year!

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

GolfTourney.com is dedicated to helping golfers find golf tournaments, by creating the seamless integration of the classic game of golf with their user-friendly technology platform. With GolfTourney.com any player, beginner to life long diehard, high handicap or low, can search and find local amateur golf tournaments in their area, state or country. GolfTourney.com is establishing itself as the brand golfers think of when seeking golf tournaments, finding tournament playing partners, course information and connecting with their golf community. GolfTourney.com is currently expanding their service offering by creating a "Vendor Marketplace", where they match event coordinators with golf courses looking to host tournaments.

So what is GolfTourmey.com? Here's their explainer video.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PHiG_PlIdY

You can download GolfTourney.com and create a free account to your smart phone and mobile device for either iOS or Android. For your desktop browser, go to www.golftourney.com

Connect with GolfTourney.com on social media....
Twitter: https://twitter.com/findtournaments
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GolfTourney/

Special Guest: Eric Crawford - Founder & CEO, GolfTourney.com.

Building the Technology Engine That Powers Immersive Golf Entertainment Experiences - Dave Shultz / NextLinks

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 01:00:00 -0700

Dave Shultz, founder and visionary of NextLinks, left his 20-year corporate career with General Electric to pursue a new more purposeful life journey. States Dave: "We are going to bring golf to life in ways for all to enjoy it on their own terms...in a social, beautiful, unintimidating, and interactive way."

An accomplished product development engineer and global operations leader, Dave changed his trajectory with a sudden awareness that he had the hunger and capability to create a new global economy from his idea.

A.G.E (Alternative Golf Experiences) are setting a new standard for how people will engage with golf. These solutions will socialize the golf experience in ways previously not considered, breaking down traditional barriers to entry.

Technology will play a significant role in the success of new and innovative golf endeavors, and NextLinks (www.nextlinks.com) was formed to develop software and hardware solutions required to deliver success, both indoors and outdoors.

This YouTube video is a good place to learn more about NextLinks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYVqLw8BdL4

On this episode Dave and Colin talk about:
• finding "Product Market Fit" by listening to your customers to reveal where you can add real value.
• "Pivoting" your business offering as you travel along your startup journey. Dave made the difficult but informed decision regarding which products to build and which ones to abandon, as he discusses the shift from building the entire entertainment experience with REALiTEE http://realiteegolf.com/ to focusing on the technology platform with NextLinks.
• Finding an idea that's so core to you that gives you that sense of purpose. They talk about Simon Sinek's famous TED Talk "Start With Why" and how is has influenced them both professionally and personally. If you haven't seen this YouTube video, we highly recommend it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA
• Dave refers to how the book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill has shaped his approach to business. Here's a link to a PDF version of the book: https://archive.org/details/ThinkAndGrowRichPDF
• The concepts of "Lean Startup Methodologies" and creating a "Minimum Viable Product" or MVP are discussed as they apply to NextLinks as a way to build better products and services. To learn more, check out https://leanstartup.co/

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

Special Guest: Dave Shultz - Founder & CEO of NextLinks / REALiTEE Golf.