Listen to this full episode with Matt to discover:
Personality is the New Premium:
The massive success of the Internet Invitational proves that modern audiences crave authentic personality and entertainment as much as they value elite ball-striking. The unfiltered, reality-show format is a powerful new model for golf engagement.

Strategic Content Separation is Key:
To grow an audience effectively, separate your content by purpose. Matt is splitting his channel into three: one for instruction, one for on-course vlogs, and one for the Mr. Short Game Podcast, ensuring each audience finds exactly what they want.

Multiple Revenue Streams Drive Sustainability:
Relying solely on YouTube ad revenue is risky. A successful creator business is built on a mix of AdSense, strategic brand deals, and affiliate partnerships, all while prioritizing the audience's trust and interests above a quick payday.

Episode Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction: Welcoming back YouTube golf pioneer Matt Fisher aka: Mr. Short Game
(02:30) The Internet Invitational Breakdown: The surprise success of the 23-million-view event
(05:15) Strategy & Timing: Why the delayed release was a brilliant move
(08:45) Audience & "Bro Culture": Did the event reach new fans or just its base?
(12:30) Reality TV & Manufactured Drama: Analyzing the cheating scandal and villain arcs
(16:00) Stock Up, Stock Down: The creators who won and lost in the public eye
(20:15) The Casting Dilemma: Why some creators were chosen and others weren't
(23:00) The Future of Golf Media: TGL, LIV, Grass League, and where the real opportunity lies
(27:30) TGL vs. Influencer Golf: Why pros and creators thrive in different ecosystems
(29:45) The Mr. Short Game Business Model: Revenue streams and building a sustainable content brand
(32:15) Advice for Aspiring Creators: How to break into the YouTube golf space

Compelling Quotes from Matt
On the Internet Invitational's Appeal:
"You have to know going in that this is a reality show and everything's on the table... It's on brand for Barstool. And Bob, especially Dave Portnoy, he is going to exploit every opportunity he has. And I don't blame him. He's creating a great entertaining show."

On the Difference Between Pros and Creators:
"You get Grant Horvat, you put him in the Masters, he's going to come in dead last. But you put him in a cart with Bryson DeChambeau, he's going to come in first in terms of views."

On Authenticity for Creators:
"The challenge is you see what's working and you just try to copy it as opposed to being authentic of who you are and create your own brand. You gotta film yourself and you gotta find who you are in front of that camera and be authentically you."

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

Mr. Short Game's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/matt-fisher
As a golf coach Matt has learned that not everybody can be Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus or Phil Mickelson. However, with some simple golf instruction and swing tips you can become a great player and shoot your lowest scores consistently. Matt's goal is to give you great videos that will help you understand the golf swing so you can improve in your chipping, putting, driving and have a powerful swing that will last forever. Will you make it to the PGA Tour? Who knows. But with the right attitude and instruction you can have more fun and play the game of golf at a very competitive level.

Mr. Short Game is here to help grow the game of golf in a fun and creative way: https://www.youtube.com/@MrShortGame

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

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

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

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

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

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

We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019!

Today's golf professionals do way more than run tournaments - and so does Golf Genius. They help you manage tournaments, leagues, and outings, streamline pro shop operations, and elevate your coaching and player development. That's why over 10,000 clubs, courses, resorts, associations, and tours in more than 60 countries trust Golf Genius. Find out what Golf Genius can do for your facility at golfgenius.com.

Special Guest: Matt Fisher, Creator of The Mr. Short Game YouTube channel.

Matt Erley is the Managing Partner of Old Tom Capital, a pioneering investment fund specifically focused on early-stage golf and golf-adjacent companies. With a career spanning operational roles and angel investing, Matt co-founded the firm to address a critical gap in the market, providing strategic capital to the innovators shaping the future of the $100 billion golf industry. Named as an homage to the legendary innovator Old Tom Morris, the fund embodies a belief in golf's resilient growth and the transformative power of backing great founders in spaces like agronomy, golf software, emerging media, and the "golf light" experience economy.

During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways:
1. The "Unfair Advantage" for Founders
Discover how an investment from Old Tom Capital is more than just money; it's a strategic partnership designed to give your company a leg up on the competition.

Matt Erley reveals that their goal is to provide portfolio companies with an "unfair competitive advantage" through their deep network and operational expertise. Unlike passive investors, Old Tom actively helps its companies by making key introductions, offering strategic guidance, and leveraging synergies across their entire portfolio. For any founder or aspiring entrepreneur, this insight into what a true value-add investor looks like is invaluable and reveals how the right capital partner can accelerate growth.

2. The "Golf Light" Revolution
Learn about the massive, under-the-radar investment trend that is making golf more accessible and creating the next wave of golfers.

Move beyond traditional 18-hole courses and Topgolf. Matt introduces the compelling narrative of "Golf Light"—the high-growth category encompassing driving ranges, par-3 courses, and short courses. He explains why this segment is perfectly positioned to capture the new, "golf-curious" audience looking for a faster, less expensive, and more social experience. His investment in Blue Jeans Golf exemplifies this thesis, highlighting a huge opportunity to "glow up" thousands of independent driving ranges across the country.

3. How to Actually Get Noticed by a Golf Investor
Cut through the noise and learn the specific milestones and mindset you need to successfully secure funding for your golf venture.

Matt pulls back the curtain on Old Tom's investment process, offering a clear roadmap for founders. He explains why they typically avoid very early-stage "ideas" and what they look for instead: tangible momentum, initial monetization, and a clear path to a $100M+ business. He also debunks common mistakes, like leading with an NDA, and emphasizes the importance of simply starting to build and validate your concept in the accessible golf ecosystem. This practical advice is a must-listen for anyone serious about building a golf business.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: The Capital Behind Golf's Innovation
02:18 - The Old Tom Capital Origin Story
04:08 - Building Conviction and the First Investment
07:50 - The Evolving Ecosystem of Golf Capital
10:26 - A Day in the Life: How Old Tom Vets Deals
13:15 - Advice for Founders: From NDA to Action
17:24 - Portfolio Deep Dive: Grass League & The Future of Golf Media
20:14 - Portfolio Deep Dive: Blue Jeans Golf & The "Golf Light" Revolution
28:23 - Creating Synergy: The LVMH of Golf?
31:29 - The Investor's Role: More Than Just a Cheque
36:39 - Navigating the AI Hype in Golf Innovation and Tech
41:03 - The Lightning Round: Tin Cup, Tech, and Dream Foursomes
45:08 - How to Connect with Matt and What Makes a Fundable Business

Quotable Moments from Matt:
On the unique opportunity in golf:
"Golf has historically been a very sexy category to invest in, but it needs advocates internally who are showing outside investors that these are great places to invest because golf needs more capital. It's not going to just come from us. It needs to come from a lot of sources."

On the philosophy behind their investments:
"The moment we write a check, we like to think that we give that company an unfair competitive advantage because of who we are and what we put into it and the network that we've built."

On the massive shift in how golf is consumed:
"More people watch golf on YouTube than all linear television golf combined. And it's not cannibalizing the PGA Tour it's just being additive."

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below.

Want to connect with Matt? Check out his bio page to make that happen!
Matt Erley's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/matt-erley

Are you an innovative founder struggling to find investors who truly understand the golf industry? Discover what it really takes to get funded in today's golf market as Matt shares how his firm provides an "unfair competitive advantage" and the one thing he tells every aspiring founder to do first. Visit the Old Tom Capital website to learn more and to connect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Guest: Matt Erley - Managing Partner at Old Tom Capital.