app01 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 03:54:15 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) The ModGolf Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Neighborhood National” https://modgolf.fireside.fm/tags/neighborhood%20national Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:15:00 -0700 The ModGolf Podcast talks with golf's top influencers, entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors about their vision and ventures that are re-imagining, transforming and growing both the game and $100 billion/year industry. The ModGolf Podcast has been ranked #4 on 2025 most comprehensive list of Top 25 Golf Podcasts, based on our quality and consistency of posts, industry expert reviews and social media influence/popularity. Please subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast to help us grow and move up the rankings in 2026! We'd love to hear from you! Have any ideas or guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Contact Colin directly here or on Instagram @modgolfpodcast to start the conversation. en-us episodic Host Colin Weston explores the future of golf through conversations with the visionaries and influencers that are shaking up the sport. The ModGolf Podcast The ModGolf Podcast talks with golf's top influencers, entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors about their vision and ventures that are re-imagining, transforming and growing both the game and $100 billion/year industry. The ModGolf Podcast has been ranked #4 on 2025 most comprehensive list of Top 25 Golf Podcasts, based on our quality and consistency of posts, industry expert reviews and social media influence/popularity. Please subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast to help us grow and move up the rankings in 2026! We'd love to hear from you! Have any ideas or guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Contact Colin directly here or on Instagram @modgolfpodcast to start the conversation. no golf, golf podcast, ModGolf, ModGolf Podcast, sport tech, golf improvement, golf equipment, sport business, golf innovation, golf entertainment, YouTube golf, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship, golf influencers, women in golf, diversity and inclusion The ModGolf Podcast colin@modgolfpodcast.com The 4 1/4" Question: Why is a Golf Hole That Size? https://modgolf.fireside.fm/the-4-1-4-question a73688e5-0c0a-45eb-b955-38d532646884 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:15:00 -0700 The ModGolf Podcast bonus The ModGolf Podcast What if the most sacred standard in golf - the size of the hole - wasn't the result of careful design, but instead was formed by a found object in a Scottish golf maintenance shed? In this bonus episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston uncovers the accidental 1824 origin story behind golf's most overlooked rule, explores why the R&A and USGA have fiercely defended it for over 135 years, and examines how today's golf business innovators are challenging tradition with bigger cups, simulator golf, and "fun-first" formats that could reshape the game's future. 10:08 no <p><strong>Have you ever stood over a three-foot putt, heart pounding, and wondered why that tiny target is exactly 4.25 inches wide?</strong><br> It's a number every golfer knows but almost nobody questions. In this bonus episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston takes you on a fascinating journey through Scottish golf innovation, 67 years of golfing chaos, and a decision in 1891 that shaped the game forever. Discover how a random piece of drainpipe from a maintenance shed became golf's most enduring standard - and why, in an era of innovation and "fun-first" golf, that 135-year-old measurement might finally be facing its biggest challenge yet.</p> <hr> <h3>What You'll Discover in This Episode</h3> <p><strong>The Drainpipe Origin Story</strong> - Meet Robert Gray, the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club employee who solved golf's "wild west" of inconsistent hole sizes by grabbing a piece of standard plumbing from a maintenance shed in 1824. The 4.25" diameter wasn't chosen for any strategic reason - it was literally whatever the local hardware store carried.</p> <p><strong>Why It Took 67 Years to Become Official</strong> - Despite Gray's brilliant invention, courses across Scotland continued doing their own thing for nearly seven decades. Learn why the R&amp;A finally stepped in to standardize the game's most crucial piece of real estate - and why they simply shrugged and said "that'll do."</p> <p><strong>The Future of the Hole</strong> - From 15-inch "fun" holes and dual-flagstick courses to virtual simulators where cup size changes with a click, discover how the concept of "holing out" is evolving. Will the traditional 4.25" survive as golf pushes to be faster, more accessible, and more entertaining?</p> <hr> <h3>Episode Chapters</h3> <p><strong>0:00 - 1:30 | INTRO</strong> The sound that defines golf and the question nobody asks<br> <strong>1:30 - 4:00 | THE MYSTERY OF THE STANDARD</strong> From chaotic Scottish links to Robert Gray's drainpipe solution<br> <strong>4:00 - 6:30 | THE R&amp;A MAKES IT OFFICIAL</strong> Why 1891 changed everything and why precision matters<br> <strong>6:30 - 7:30 | DEFENDING THE STANDARD</strong> The sacred reverence for 4.25" and why change has been rejected<br> <strong>7:30 - 9:00 | THE FUTURE OF THE HOLE</strong> Innovation meets tradition: where the game is heading<br> <strong>9:00 - 10:07 | OUTRO</strong> Reflections on accidental standards</p> <hr> <h3>Links &amp; Resources Mentioned</h3> <p><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/Y_ikD1OY.jpeg" alt=""></p> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <p><strong>Robert Gray's original 1829 hole-cutter design</strong></p> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> <p><a href="https://modgolf.fireside.fm/167-bucket-golf" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/QV5dd0qd.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <blockquote> <p><strong>Click the image above to listen to the Bucket Golf episode of The ModGolf Podcast</strong> </p> </blockquote> <hr> <h3><strong>🎧 Subscribe &amp; Review:</strong></h3> <p><em>If you enjoyed this deep dive, please consider following, rating, and reviewing <strong>The ModGolf Podcast on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-modgolf-podcast/id1230363725" rel="nofollow noopener">Apple Podcasts</a></strong> as it helps us reach new listeners and attract more incredible guests!</em></p> <p>Connect with Colin @modgolfpodcast to DM him on Instagram</p> <p>Join our Patreon community at <strong><a href="http://www.patreon.com/modgolf" rel="nofollow noopener">www.patreon.com/modgolf</a></strong> for exclusive live shows, bonus content, and member-only giveaways.<strong><a href="https://patreon.com/modgolf" rel="nofollow noopener">Click here</a></strong> to support The ModGolf Podcast. </p> modgolf podcast, golf history, golf facts, golf hole size, inrange, Trackman, Neighborhood National, golf simulator, virtual golf, launch monitor, golf entertainment, golf entrepreneur, golf industry, golf business, modgolf, entrepreneurship Have you ever stood over a three-foot putt, heart pounding, and wondered why that tiny target is exactly 4.25 inches wide?
It's a number every golfer knows but almost nobody questions. In this bonus episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston takes you on a fascinating journey through Scottish golf innovation, 67 years of golfing chaos, and a decision in 1891 that shaped the game forever. Discover how a random piece of drainpipe from a maintenance shed became golf's most enduring standard - and why, in an era of innovation and "fun-first" golf, that 135-year-old measurement might finally be facing its biggest challenge yet.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

The Drainpipe Origin Story - Meet Robert Gray, the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club employee who solved golf's "wild west" of inconsistent hole sizes by grabbing a piece of standard plumbing from a maintenance shed in 1824. The 4.25" diameter wasn't chosen for any strategic reason - it was literally whatever the local hardware store carried.

Why It Took 67 Years to Become Official - Despite Gray's brilliant invention, courses across Scotland continued doing their own thing for nearly seven decades. Learn why the R&A finally stepped in to standardize the game's most crucial piece of real estate - and why they simply shrugged and said "that'll do."

The Future of the Hole - From 15-inch "fun" holes and dual-flagstick courses to virtual simulators where cup size changes with a click, discover how the concept of "holing out" is evolving. Will the traditional 4.25" survive as golf pushes to be faster, more accessible, and more entertaining?

Episode Chapters

0:00 - 1:30 | INTRO The sound that defines golf and the question nobody asks
1:30 - 4:00 | THE MYSTERY OF THE STANDARD From chaotic Scottish links to Robert Gray's drainpipe solution
4:00 - 6:30 | THE R&A MAKES IT OFFICIAL Why 1891 changed everything and why precision matters
6:30 - 7:30 | DEFENDING THE STANDARD The sacred reverence for 4.25" and why change has been rejected
7:30 - 9:00 | THE FUTURE OF THE HOLE Innovation meets tradition: where the game is heading
9:00 - 10:07 | OUTRO Reflections on accidental standards

Links & Resources Mentioned

Robert Gray's original 1829 hole-cutter design

Click the image above to listen to the Bucket Golf episode of The ModGolf Podcast

🎧 Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this deep dive, please consider following, rating, and reviewing The ModGolf Podcast on Apple Podcasts as it helps us reach new listeners and attract more incredible guests!

Connect with Colin @modgolfpodcast to DM him on Instagram

Join our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/modgolf for exclusive live shows, bonus content, and member-only giveaways.Click here to support The ModGolf Podcast.

]]> Have you ever stood over a three-foot putt, heart pounding, and wondered why that tiny target is exactly 4.25 inches wide?
It's a number every golfer knows but almost nobody questions. In this bonus episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston takes you on a fascinating journey through Scottish golf innovation, 67 years of golfing chaos, and a decision in 1891 that shaped the game forever. Discover how a random piece of drainpipe from a maintenance shed became golf's most enduring standard - and why, in an era of innovation and "fun-first" golf, that 135-year-old measurement might finally be facing its biggest challenge yet.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

The Drainpipe Origin Story - Meet Robert Gray, the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club employee who solved golf's "wild west" of inconsistent hole sizes by grabbing a piece of standard plumbing from a maintenance shed in 1824. The 4.25" diameter wasn't chosen for any strategic reason - it was literally whatever the local hardware store carried.

Why It Took 67 Years to Become Official - Despite Gray's brilliant invention, courses across Scotland continued doing their own thing for nearly seven decades. Learn why the R&A finally stepped in to standardize the game's most crucial piece of real estate - and why they simply shrugged and said "that'll do."

The Future of the Hole - From 15-inch "fun" holes and dual-flagstick courses to virtual simulators where cup size changes with a click, discover how the concept of "holing out" is evolving. Will the traditional 4.25" survive as golf pushes to be faster, more accessible, and more entertaining?

Episode Chapters

0:00 - 1:30 | INTRO The sound that defines golf and the question nobody asks
1:30 - 4:00 | THE MYSTERY OF THE STANDARD From chaotic Scottish links to Robert Gray's drainpipe solution
4:00 - 6:30 | THE R&A MAKES IT OFFICIAL Why 1891 changed everything and why precision matters
6:30 - 7:30 | DEFENDING THE STANDARD The sacred reverence for 4.25" and why change has been rejected
7:30 - 9:00 | THE FUTURE OF THE HOLE Innovation meets tradition: where the game is heading
9:00 - 10:07 | OUTRO Reflections on accidental standards

Links & Resources Mentioned

Robert Gray's original 1829 hole-cutter design

Click the image above to listen to the Bucket Golf episode of The ModGolf Podcast

🎧 Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this deep dive, please consider following, rating, and reviewing The ModGolf Podcast on Apple Podcasts as it helps us reach new listeners and attract more incredible guests!

Connect with Colin @modgolfpodcast to DM him on Instagram

Join our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/modgolf for exclusive live shows, bonus content, and member-only giveaways.Click here to support The ModGolf Podcast.

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