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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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.