If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 19 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 I'd love to learn why you liked them!

Our Season 19 guests were:

Episode 1: Hyman Ngo, Co-Founder of Levelwear

What does it take to build a golf apparel brand carried by 85 of the top 100 clubs in both the US and Canada? Hyman Ngo, Co-Founder of Levelwear, joins The ModGolf Podcast to share his journey from contract manufacturer to industry leader, revealing the "Who's With You" manifesto, the brand's commitment to sustainable performance apparel, and how authentic relationships with caddies and golf pros drive long-term success in the competitive golf fashion space.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Team Over Everything - The Art of Building an Enduring Brand

Episode 2: Drew Koehler, Co-Founder of Blue Tees Golf

What happens when a broken Amazon rangefinder ruins your round and sparks a multi-million dollar business idea? Host Colin Weston sits down with Blue Tees Golf co-founder Drew Koehler to unpack the entrepreneurial journey behind one of golf’s fastest-growing tech brands. From liquidating bank accounts for bootstrap capital to launching the new Rainmaker launch monitor and Scout AI, this is a must-listen for golfers and entrepreneurs who want to know how to disrupt the golf industry with better design and smarter technology.
Click to listen 🎧 >> From Corporate Consultant to Golf Disruptor

Episode 3: Greg Collins, Founder of GRIT Inc.

He built a hockey bag empire from a handshake in a pizza parlour. Then COVID pushed the company to pivot into the world of golf. Greg Collins, founder and CEO of GRIT Inc. reveals how the 45-year industrial design veteran expanded from hockey into golf, turning fear into fuel and creating the revolutionary GRIT 2.0 Tower golf bag - a square, cart-stabilizing design that proves the best golf innovations come from off the fairway. If you're a golfer tired your golf bag twisting sideways in your cart, or an entrepreneur looking for startup resilience and product design inspiration, this is your must-listen episode!
Click to listen 🎧 >> From The Hockey Rink to The First Tee

Episode 4: Renate Roeleveld - CEO of The GCAE / Golf Course Association of Europe

She broke her leg running the NYC marathon and kept going - so resilience and tenacity are part of her DNA. Golf Course Association of Europe GCAE CEO Renate Roeleveld joins us to reveal how European golf facilities are embracing tech, hospitality, and "short format" play to solve inclusion and sustainability challenges to make the sport more welcoming for players and profitable for operators.
Click to listen 🎧 >> A European Playbook to Future-Proof Golf

Episode 5: Geoff Tait - Founder & President of Triple Bogey Brewing

He hung out with Arnold Palmer at Augusta, lost a multi-million dollar business, and then built a successful brewery from scratch - without knowing how to brew a single beer. In this raw conversation, Triple Bogey Brewing founder Geoff Tait shares the painful lessons from losing Quagmire Golf, why slow growth and customer loyalty beat venture capital, and how "better hit another" became a mantra for resilience. This episode is a must-hear for entrepreneurs, golf business fans, and anyone who loves craft beer on the first, ninth or 19th hole.
Click to listen 🎧 >> From Losing it All to Over $12 Million in Annual Sales

Episode 6: Kris Lynch - Golf Yourself Happy

Think you’re not "good enough" to be a golfer? Think again. In this powerful mindset shift, former finance exec turned coach Kris Lynch exposes why 4 million golfers quit annually and why a "happiness first, handicap later" approach is the cure. Tune in to discover golf mindset, mental health, beginner tips, and how to overcome golf anxiety and imposter syndrome to actually enjoy the experience of playing over focusing on the result.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Happiness First and Handicap Later

Episode 7: JR Charles & Aron Schüler - AVA Golf / ParOne

Are you feeling overwhelmed by launch monitor data and conflicting YouTube golf tips? You’re not alone. Guest host Rich Katz sits down with ParOne’s JR Charles and engineering director Aron Schüler to introduce AVA Golf - a new platform designed to replace guesswork with genuine golf intelligence. Discover how this "video-first" solution aggregates your Arccos and Garmin data to serve a personalized video playlist from Top 100 instructors, helping you fix the right thing at the right time.
Click to listen >> Cutting Through The Golf Data Noise

Episode 8: Don Donatello - PGA Tour caddie

So what really happens when the cameras stop rolling on the PGA Tour? Host Colin Weston meets up with 28-year caddie veteran Don "Double D" Donatello at the RBC Canadian Open to uncover the untold physical, financial, and emotional realities of life on the bag and how Levelwear's Caddie Lounge is finally giving loopers the space, resources and respect they deserve.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Creating The Caddie Lounge to Support PGA Tour Loopers

Episode 9: Rob Sunstrum - Founder of Smart Golf

Why would a laid-off logistics exec bet everything on building golf tournament software from scratch during a pandemic? In this live recording from Highland Golf Club, host Colin Weston sits down with Smart Golf founder Rob Sunstrum to explore how his innovative scoring platform is revolutionizing league management, re-engaging members, and driving F&B revenue for courses across North America. Discover how Smart Golf is turning weekly golf events into year-round communities, and how clubs are doubling participation by reclaiming ownership from outdated spreadsheets.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Elevating The Golf League Experience

Episode 10: Dr. Valerie De Maio & Dr. Chris Adamson Co-Founders of GolfDr

Ready to stop your body from sabotaging your golf game? In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with the mother/son co-founding duo behind GolfDr: emergency physician Dr. Valerie De Maio and golf physiotherapist Dr. Chris Adamson to reveal why personalized, golf-specific body work is the secret to not just improving your performance, but sustaining it well into your 70s, 80s, and beyond.

This conversation is a must-listen for golfers, fitness enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs alike, as they unpack the critical role of mobility in the golf swing, share the entrepreneurial journey from a mobile clinic to a scalable digital platform, and explore the massive opportunity in golf longevity and wellness. Tune in to discover how you can play longer, hurt less, and finally bridge the gap between what your mind knows and what your body can do.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Move Better & Hurt Less

Episode 11: Kevin Carpenter - US Managing Director at AM GOLF

Are you ready to discover how golf technology can actually deepen human connection rather than diminish it? Return guest Kevin Carpenter - aka The GratiDude and US Managing Director of AM GOLF - joins us for an inspiring conversation that bridges golf business strategy, personal transformation, and the future of tournament experiences. From reimagining event software as a community-building platform to Kevin's powerful journey of sobriety and gratitude, this episode delivers actionable insights for golf entrepreneurs, fitness-minded golfers, and anyone passionate about where the game is headed next.
Click to listen 🎧 >> Transforming Golf Experiences To Deepen Human Connection

Episode 12: Jimmy Roberts Co-Founder of Big Swing Media

For our Season 19 finale, legendary sports broadcaster and 16 time Emmy Award winner Jimmy Roberts delivers a masterclass in storytelling, journalism, and the business of golf. From his unforgettable first Masters experience alongside Byron Nelson to launching Big Swing Media, Jimmy reveals why curiosity trumps stats, how golf became America's most inclusive growth sport, and why 450 of 500 Fortune 500 CEOs are on the course. Whether you're a golf industry professional, aspiring broadcaster, or passionate fan, this episode delivers insider access you won't find anywhere else.
Click to listen 🎧 >> The Business of Great Golf Storytelling

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?

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 about our ModGolf Patreon that brings together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As a Patroen member 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 Guests: Aron Schüler - Director of Engineering with ParOne Inc / AVA Golf, Drew Koehler, Co-Founder / Chief Revenue Officer at Blue Tees Golf, Geoff Tait – Founder & President, Triple Bogey Brewing Company, Greg Collins, Founder & CEO of GRIT Inc., Hyman Ngo, Levelwear Co-Founder and SVP of Product/Marketing, JR Charles - CEO at ParOne / AVA Golf, Kevin Carpenter, The GratiDude / US Managing Director for AM GOLF, Kris Lynch - Mindset Coach & Founder of Golf Yourself Happy, Renate Roeleveld - CEO of The Golf Course Association of Europe, and Rob Sunstrum - Founder & CEO at Smart Golf.

In this inspiring episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston reunites with one of his closest friends and most beloved guests, Kevin Carpenter - better known to the golf world as The GratiDude. Since his last appearance two years ago, Kevin has taken on an exciting new role as US Managing Director for AM Golf, a revolutionary all-in-one platform that's reimagining tournament management, community building, and the entire golf experience from registration to the 19th hole.

Kevin's journey is anything but ordinary. From personal transformation through gratitude and sobriety to fostering a tech revolution in golf, his story reminds us that the greatest innovations come from the heart. In this conversation, Kevin reveals how AM Golf is breaking down barriers, creating genuine community, and turning tournament software from a utility into a social experience.

If you care about the future of golf, technology that actually enhances human connection, or simply want to be inspired by someone who turned his life around through gratitude, this episode is for you.

Three Key Takeaways You'll Discover in This Episode

1. Technology Should Serve Connection, Not Replace It

AM GOLF isn't just another tournament software - it's a unified platform that combines scoring, communication, community building, and side game management in one intuitive app. By eliminating the need to toggle between multiple platforms, AM GOLF creates a seamless experience that allows players to connect before, during, and after events. The result? Deeper relationships, more engagement, and a golf experience that starts the moment you register.

2. Golf's Future is in the "Squishy" Stuff

While scoring and logistics are essential, Kevin argues that the real opportunity lies in enhancing the social and experiential aspects of golf. From pre-event smack talk in community feeds to post-round scorecard celebrations, AM GOLF is designed to capture and amplify the shared memories that make golf so special. The software even allows players to create private side games visible only to their group - turning every round into a customized experience.

3. Distribution Is Everything in Tech

Kevin's growth strategy for AM GOLF is refreshingly pragmatic. Rather than trying to win over every golf course operator at once, he's focusing on three channels: grassroots user adoption through events like the Vegas Baby Invitational, strategic B2B partnerships with golf cart manufacturers and POS companies, and pilot programs with course management groups. The goal? Get the software into people's hands, let them experience the value, and let word-of-mouth drive growth. "I'm not interested in being the best writing software writer," Kevin says. "I want to be the best selling software writer."

🎧 Subscribe & Review:

Did you enjoy this episode? Please follow, rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a with a friend who loves golf innovation stories.

Join our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/modgolf for exclusive live shows, bonus content, and member-only giveaways.[ Click here](www.patreon.com/modgolf) to support The ModGolf Podcast. Your generosity will help ensure that I'll be able to continue to share golf's best innovations stories.

💬 Inspiring Quotes from Kevin Carpenter

"Nobody except private equity gets into golf for the money. So what happens is you get to meet folks that have chosen passion first—chosen to pursue a career out of the heart versus the spreadsheet."

This encapsulates Kevin's entire philosophy. Golf is a relationships-first industry, and the people who thrive are those who lead with purpose rather than profit.

"I'd rather go to a big time point of sale company that has 500 or a thousand golf courses and offer the ability to roll our software in with theirs... But you really need the feedback and the voice of the industry in order to make educated decisions. Otherwise, you're just guessing."

A masterclass in humility and market intelligence. Kevin's approach of testing, listening, and iterating has been crucial to AM Golf's early success.

"Find your gift and give it away and walk away. What would the world look like if we all did that?"

Kevin's GratiDude philosophy in a nutshell. After transforming his own life through gratitude and sobriety, he made it his mission to share his tools and insights with others while asking for nothing in return.

📋 Episode Chapters

00:00 - Introduction & The Power of Podcast Friendships
01:31 - Kevin Returns: "I didn't screw up too badly last time did I?"
03:56 - AM GOLF Overview: One Platform to Rule Them All
07:28 - The Evolution of Tournament Software
09:34 - Lessons from the Vegas Baby Invitational
13:20 - The "VB Bulletin" & Reimagining Event Communication
17:17 - Post-Event Engagement & Scorecard Celebrations
18:28 - Letting "Inmates Run the Asylum": Side Games & Private Leaderboards
22:16 - The Three-Pronged Growth Strategy
28:45 - Market Analysis: Why There's Room for AM Golf
34:43 - Defining the Ideal User & Customer Persona
36:37 - Technological Laggards & The NGCOA Pilot Program
37:07 - The Simulator & Indoor Golf Opportunity
39:34 - How to Try AM Golf (No Paywall!)
40:33 - The 2.5-Hour AI Prompt That Found Kevin
41:42 - The GratiDude Story: Finding Superpowers Through Gratitude
48:26 - Where to Find Kevin & Closing Reflections

🌟 Guest Bio

Kevin Carpenter - aka The GratiDude - is the US Managing Director for AM GOLF, a next-generation golf management platform that integrates tournament software, community building, and player engagement into one seamless experience. With over two decades in the golf technology space, including stints at Parview and other industry leaders, Kevin brings a unique blend of technical expertise, relationship-driven leadership, and personal authenticity to his work.

Beyond his role at AM GOLF, Kevin is a passionate advocate for gratitude, mindfulness, and personal transformation. Through his GratiDude platform, he shares daily insights on sobriety, self-talk, and neuroplasticity - inspiring countless individuals to find their own superpowers.

📲 Connect with Kevin

• Instagram: → @gratidude_abides
• LinkedIn: → Kevin Carpenter
• AM GOLF: → app.am.golf (Download the app - there's no paywall for 2026!)

🎧 Listen to More

Don't miss Kevin's first appearance on The ModGolf Podcast two years ago where he shared his incredible journey to sobriety and the birth of The GratiDude. → https://modgolf.fireside.fm/175-kevin-carpenter

The ModGolf Podcast is your regular dose of golf innovation. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

Special Guest: Kevin Carpenter, The GratiDude / US Managing Director for AM GOLF.

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.

Kevin has founded Grateful For Golf (G4G) Inc. which provides recreation, mentorship, education and vocational training opportunities for at-risk youth. G4G educates young people about the recreational, career and personal development opportunities available through both the golf industry and the various modes of participating in the physical game of golf. G4G takes a startup approach with no added infrastructure or middle management.

Kevin has also created The GIFT Program... Gratitude, Intention and First Things (two things you're going to do befor the end of the day). Click on this link or the image below to learn more.

You can connect with Kevin, Grateful 4 Golf and The Quiet Caddy program on his bio page.

Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... plus you can 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: Kevin Carpenter, The GratiDude / US Managing Director for AM GOLF.