The ModGolf Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Sport Tech”

Finding Purpose on The Practice Tee - Todd Keirstead, golf entertainer and skin cancer survivor

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0700

"The C-word is one of the most scariest words in the English dictionary. My father died of cancer so when you hear that word, it punches you in the stomach. I ended up having nine facial reconstructive surgeries due to skin cancer on my nose. I had no idea what I was going to look like. So I had a conversation with my wife and I said, "I'm going to share my story. I'm going to go public with it to let people know what UV can do, but also it might help me out psychologically". And it was the best thing I did."

Todd Keirstead's life in golf is a powerful narrative of transformation, resilience, and profound impact. His journey began with the gift of the game from his father, a bond forged on the fairways that led him to become an elite player. When injuries curtailed his competitive playing career, Todd channeled his expertise into teaching at the prestigious Jim McLean Academy, laying the foundation for his future. He soon discovered a rare talent for trick shots, blending his incredible hand-eye coordination with a natural comedic flair to build a globally recognized golf entertainment business. Voted Trick Shot Artist of the Year and featured on major media outlets, Todd has performed for thousands, using his unique skills to raise millions for charity and share the joy of golf in a truly unforgettable way.

Beyond the spectacle, Todd's story took a deeply personal turn when his life outdoors led to a skin cancer diagnosis. With raw honesty and courage, he publicly shared his journey through nine facial reconstructive surgeries, transforming his personal challenge into a national platform for sun safety advocacy. As a brand ambassador for Melanoma Canada, he now dedicates himself to education, helping others avoid a similar fate and proving that vulnerability can be a source of immense strength and healing for both himself and others.

This same empathy and drive to give back fuels his work as the founder of Paragolf Canada. Witnessing the power of adaptive golf to restore purpose and joy, Todd has become a leading force in making the game accessible to all. From wounded veterans to survivors of life-altering accidents, he provides the tools and inspiration for individuals to reclaim their connection to the game and the social bonds that make it so special. Todd Keirstead’s journey is a testament to a life lived in service to others, proving that the true power of golf lies not in perfect shots, but in its unparalleled ability to heal, connect, and inspire.

Featured Links & Resources:
The Todd Keirstead Golf website: [https://toddkeirsteadgolf.com]
Follow Todd on Instagram: [@toddkgolf]

During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways:
1. The Power of Vulnerability
Discover how Todd's decision to publicly share his harrowing journey through skin cancer and nine facial reconstructive surgeries became a source of personal healing and a powerful platform for advocacy, inspiring countless others to take their health seriously.

2. Beyond the Trick Shot
Learn that world-class golf entertainment is more than just social media virality; it's a disciplined business built on live execution, audience connection, and the confidence to perform under pressure without a net.

3. Golf as a Tool for Healing
See how the game of golf is being reimagined through adaptive techniques to restore purpose, community, and joy to wounded veterans and individuals with physical disabilities, proving the sport's profound impact extends far beyond the scorecard.

Episode Chapters:
(00:00:00) - Introduction
A preview of an emotional and inspiring journey with golf entertainer, advocate, and entrepreneur Todd Keirstead.
(00:01:49) - A Father's Gift
Todd shares his first golf memories and the powerful bond with his father that introduced him to the game.
(00:03:06) - From Player to Performer
The transition from competitive golfer and Jim McLean instructor to a globally recognized trick shot artist and entertainer.
(00:06:16) - The Business of Wonder
The discipline behind the spectacle: building a viable entertainment business, crafting a live show, and the difference between social media virality and live execution.
(00:08:09) - Signature Shots & Celebrity Encounters
Todd reveals the trick shot that won him Trick Shot of the Year and how his unique performances have landed him on TMZ.
(00:10:31) - The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
The moment Todd heard the "C-word," his family's history with cancer, and the beginning of his fight against skin cancer.
(00:13:58) - Going Public with the Pain
Why Todd chose to share every step of his nine facial reconstruction surgeries online, turning a personal trial into a public mission.
(00:16:20) - Becoming a Sun Safety Advocate
Todd's work with Melanoma Canada and the three crucial lines of defense every golfer needs to know to protect themselves.
(00:19:45) - Paragolf Canada: Golf for All
The inspiring origin story of Paragolf Canada and how adaptive golf restores purpose and community to those with physical disabilities.
(00:23:32) - Stories That Define a Mission
Two powerful, heartwarming stories of how adaptive golf transformed the lives of a wounded veteran and a Humboldt Broncos survivor.
(00:27:11) - The Thread That Binds It All
Reflecting on a journey woven together with empathy, compassion, and the unifying power of the game of golf.
(00:28:14) - Closing & Video Preview
Where to find Todd online and an invitation to continue the conversation on the ModGolf YouTube channel.

Quotable Moments:
"The trick shots nowadays, they're going viral on social media, but what a lot of people don't know is the camera's rolling for about four hours to get that one lucky shot. And there's really only a handful of us in the world that can literally put on a live demonstration in front of hundreds of people and not miss. It's kind of cool to be in that select category. And it's fun to be able to not only entertain people, but execute and do something that you love with a golf club."

"I'm using golf as an excuse to get out of the basement and have that social aspect of the game. And for some people that have recently acquired a stroke, golf might mean 30 yards and it might only mean hitting 10 shots in an 18-hole round, but they're sitting in the golf cart with three of their friends, having a drink, having laughs. And it's that social aspect that is pulling them out of the basement and giving them a purpose again. It's giving people back what they thought they've once lost."

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

Want to connect with Todd? Check out his bio page to make that happen!
Todd Keirstead's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/todd-keirstead

If you have a skin blemish that you think might be cancerous, don't hesitate to have it looked at. Melanoma Canada is a great resource and in the US visit The Skin Cancer Foundation for information and support.

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: Todd Keirstead - golf entertainer and skin cancer survivor.

Sniffing Out the Best Tee Times with Kelly Gold, Founder of TeeFox.golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Kelly Gold, the innovative founder behind TeeFox.golf. Kelly shares his journey from a solutions engineer in the tech world to tackling one of golf's most persistent frustrations: booking a great tee time. We dive into the $12.3 billion problem plaguing golf courses, the strategy behind building the largest tee time catalog in the US, and how a forced rebrand led to one of the most memorable names in golf tech.

If you've ever spent an hour refreshing golf course websites or wondered how technology can make golf more accessible, this conversation is for you.

Watch the Live Demo:
Colin and Kelly jump over to the ModGolf YouTube channel right after this episode for a live demo of the TeeFox platform! See how it works and how you can book your next tee time at over 7,000 courses in the US.
Watch the TeeFox.golf Demo on YouTube >> https://youtu.be/xpvjWa24zio

During this episode you will discover these key takeaways:
The $12.3 Billion Leak:
Hear the shocking scale of revenue golf courses lose annually due to last-minute cancellations and no-shows, and how TeeFox is designed to recapture that value.

Beyond the "Golf Now" Model:
Learn why the traditional aggregator business model fails to include many top-tier courses and how TeeFox's different approach aims to create a truly comprehensive, golfer-first marketplace.

The Power of a Pivot:
Kelly's initial brand, TeeBox, faced a trademark challenge. Hear how this setback led to the creation of the clever and memorable TeeFox brand, proving that sometimes the biggest obstacles lead to the best opportunities.

Subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode with the innovators shaping the future of golf. Listen to the full episode on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | The ModGolf Website www.mod.golf

Episode Chapters:
00:28 - Introducing Today's Guest: Kelly Gold of TeeFox.golf
00:57 - Kelly Gold Joins the Show from Denver, Colorado
01:15 - How a Meeting in Ireland Led to This Conversation
01:27 - The Icebreaker: Kelly's First Golf Experience and Who Got Him Hooked
03:30 - Decoding "Solutions Engineering" and Kelly's Tech Background
05:47 - The TeeFox Elevator Pitch: Building the Premier Tee Time Distributor
07:03 - TeeFox's Secret Sauce: Differentiating from GolfNow and Other Competitors
09:40 - Building a Two-Sided Marketplace that Benefits Golf Courses
12:11 - The Technology Culture Shock: Bringing Tech Innovation to the Golf Industry
15:28 - The Staggering Statistics of Tee Time Cancellations and No-Shows
17:22 - The TeeFox Revenue Model: Subscriptions, Fees, and Golfer Choice
19:45 - Scaling Nationally: The Goal of 8,000-9,000 Golf Courses
20:54 - The Story Behind the Rebrand: From TeeBox to the Memorable TeeFox
24:44 - The Worst Job Kelly Ever Had and What It Taught Him
27:56 - Building the Team: Leveraging a Network of Talented People
29:28 - The Aha Moment: From Side Hustle Prototype to Full-Time Venture
33:44 - Where to Find TeeFox.golf Online
34:11 - Closing Remarks and a Tease for the YouTube Demo

Quotable Moment:
"Wouldn't it be cool if you could send your user a notification saying, 'hey, a tee time just opened up at that course you play all the time'?... there are ways that we can get this data out into the industry to create better experiences for golfers." - Kelly on the vision for TeeFox as a data platform for the entire golf industry.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Kelly Gold on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below as Kelly walks Colin through a live TeeFox.Golf demo to effortlessly book a couple of tee times.

Want to connect with Kelly? Check out his bio page to make that happen!
Kelly Gold's bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/kelly-gold

Do you find yourself frustrated by lack of available tee times in your area? If you are, then visit the TeeFox website or click on the image below to unlock access to tee times and to receive wait list cancellation alerts.

Follow TeeFox.Golf on social media:
• Instagram: @teefoxdotgolf
• TikTok: @teefoxdotgolf

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

I'm excited to announce that we launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! 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.

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

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

Special Guest: Kelly Gold - Founder at TeeFox.Golf.

Combining Entertainment and Education to Improve Your Golf Game - David Buck, CEO at Big Swing Kings

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:15:00 -0700

In this high-energy season 18 premiere, host Colin Weston sits down with David Buck, the charismatic and hilarious founder of Big Swing Kings. David is on a mission to inject more joy and simplicity into the game of golf, moving away from over-complicated instruction and back to the fundamental truths of what makes a ball go straight.

A former professional golfer who “won’t see his name on any trophies,” David discovered his unique teaching style by accident when a video of him roasting (then instructing) a golfer’s swing went viral. He breaks down why the quest for “consistency” is often misguided, why impact is the only position that truly matters, and how he’s even learning to play left-handed to better understand the learning process for his students.

Tune in for a conversation filled with laughs, practical wisdom, and a refreshingly simple approach to solving golf’s most frustrating problems.

Watch the video version with a special swing roast of host Colin Weston on: The ModGolf YouTube Channel

Featured Links & Resources:
Big Swing Kings Website: [www.bigswingkings.com]
Follow David on Instagram: [@bigswingkings]

During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways:
1. Stop Chasing "Consistency" and Start Understanding Impact
The golf world is obsessed with backswing positions, elbow angles, and perfect posture. David argues that this is backwards. The most important moment is the micro-second of impact. If you don’t know what a good impact position looks and feels like, you can’t possibly build a consistent swing around it. David’s entire philosophy starts with mastering a one-foot back, one-foot through motion to ingrain this feeling before ever adding speed.

2. The Fastest Path to Improvement is Often the Simplest
Golf is a simple game, but it is not an easy one. David advocates for stripping away complexity, both in swing thought and in equipment. He is a staunch advocate for single-length irons (from lob wedge to at least the 8-iron) because they remove variables like changing ball positions and spine angles, allowing you to focus purely on the strike. This simplicity creates inherent accuracy and makes the game easier to learn.

3. You Have to Choose Fun to Play Your Best Golf
Frustration, anger, and the dreaded shanks can make golf feel like a chore. David’s unique approach uses humor, light-hearted roasting, and camaraderie to break down the barriers of fear and frustration. By creating a community where it’s okay to laugh at yourself, he helps golfers relax, which is the first step toward playing better and truly enjoying their time on the course.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome to Season 18!
01:19 - Who is David Buck and What is Big Swing Kings?
02:16 - David’s “Failed Pro” Background and Philosophy
04:21 - The Overwhelmed Golfer’s Dilemma
04:38 - The Big Swing Kings Process: Start at Impact
06:31 - The Viral AHA Moment That Started It All
09:54 - The Story Behind the "Big Swing Kings" Name
11:30 - Is This Only for "Kings"? (Spoiler: No. Queens are welcome too!)
13:47 - The Upcoming Swing Roast of Host Colin Weston!
13:46 - Why David is Learning to Play Golf LEFT-HANDED
16:38 - The Case for Single-Length Irons
21:55 - How to Work with Big Swing Kings
25:31 - A Testimonial: Curing the Dreaded Shanks
33:14 - YouTube Golf, Tiny Clubs, and Storytelling
37:35 - Wrap-Up & How to Connect

Quotable Moment:
“The general consensus is fantastic. Same length eliminates complexities and it helps everybody. The fewer variables there are in my equipment, the easier it is for me to find straight.” - David Buck

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with David Buck on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below as Colin has his 16 handicap swing ROASTED by David before helping with some simple and straightforward improvement drills.

Want to connect with David? Check out his bio page to make that happen!
David Buck's bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/david-buck

Care to have your swing roasted? (oops, we meant analyzed!) Then visit the Big Swing Kings website or click on the image below to set something up with David.

Follow Big Swing Kings on social media:
• Instagram: @bigswingkings
• TikTok: @bigswingkings

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

Elegantly Empowering Women Both On and Off The Golf Course - Paras and Bryan Gore, Co-Founders of Golf She and Swing Sports

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0700

"So as a woman, we have been identified as "the fairer sex". And to me, that's not something negative. Women are elegant. Women are beautiful. Women are strong. Women are capable. There are more women in the world than there are men. And so, we deserve something that speaks to that elegance, that speaks to that femininity, that speaks to that strength, that speaks to us being above and beyond."... Paras Gore, Co-Founder of Swing Sports and Golf She

On this inspiring episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Paras and Bryan Gore, the visionary co-founders of Swing Sports and Golf She. Together, they discuss their journey in the golf industry, the challenges they faced, and their mission to empower women both on and off the golf course.

During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways:
The AHA Moment:
Paras shares the pivotal experience at Golf Galaxy that ignited her passion for creating stylish and functional golf accessories for women.

Innovative Products:
Learn about the unique products offered by Golf She, including multifunctional head covers and stylish handbags that cater to the needs of female golfers.

Community and Inclusion:
The Gores discuss their vision for a more inclusive golf community and their plans to support underserved youth through a future foundation.

Marketing Strategies:
Discover how they are leveraging social media and user-generated content to spread awareness about their brand and products.
Future Aspirations: Paras and Bryan share their goals for the future, including expanding their product line and fostering a supportive community for women in golf.

Episode Highlights
• Paras's journey from frustration to entrepreneurship
• The value of elegance and functionality in golf accessories
• Insights into the challenges of breaking into the golf industry
• The couple's commitment to empowering women through their brand

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Paras and Bryan Gore on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below as they extend their podcast conversation as Paras shows off some of her fashionable and functional accessory designs.

Want to connect with Paras? Check out her bio page to make that happen!
Paras Gore's bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/paras-gore

Care to check out the luxury golf accessories Paras has designed for golf-loving ladies? Then visit the Swing Sports website or click on the image below.

Follow Golf She / Swing Sports on social media:
• Instagram: @swngsports
• Facebook: Swing Sports
• TikTok: @swngsports

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: Paras Gore - Co-Founder of Swing Sports and Golf She.

"The Innovation Behind The Incision" - Helping Golfers Reclaim The Game They Love

The ModGolf Podcast — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 20:45:00 -0700

"Don't wait one minute. It is not worth giving up one minute of your quality life"... Teddy Koukoulis, avid elite level golfer and one of Dr. Richard Berger's knee replacement patients. Join us for this enlightening conversation that blends sports, science, and personal triumph, and discover how innovation in medicine is reshaping the future of golf!

In this milestone episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston celebrates the 200th episode with two remarkable guests: Dr. Richard Berger, a pioneering orthopedic surgeon, and his knee replacement patient Teddy Koukoulis, who is an avid golfer and PGA Teaching Pro. They discuss Dr. Berger's innovative knee and hip replacement techniques that are transforming the outcomes and recovery process for golfers, high performance athletes and everyday people wanting to reclaim their quality of life.

During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways:
Revolutionary Recovery: Dr. Berger's minimally invasive knee replacement technique allows patients to recover faster and more completely than traditional methods. This innovation not only reduces pain and swelling but also enables golfers like Teddy to return to the game in record time—Teddy shot a two-over-par 74 just three weeks post-surgery!
Empowerment Through Action: Both Dr. Berger and Teddy emphasize the importance of not waiting to address joint pain. Teddy's journey illustrates how taking proactive steps can lead to a significant improvement in quality of life, allowing individuals to engage in activities they love without the burden of chronic pain.
Mental, Physical and Social Transformation: This episode highlights the profound impact of physical health on mental well-being. Teddy shares how overcoming his knee pain has not only improved his golf game but has also revitalized his overall lifestyle, enabling him to participate in activities he once thought were lost to him.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Teddy and Dr. Berger on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below as they extend their podcast conversation with commentary on Teddy's post-surgery golf swing video, along with more life-changing inspirational patient success stories from Dr. Berger.

Want to connect with Teddy and/or Dr. Berger? Check out their bio pages to make that happen!
Dr. Richard Berger's bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/dr-richard-berger
Teddy Koukoulis' bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/teddy-koukoulis

Dr. Richard Berger is a renowned orthopedic surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH in Chicago and is a pioneer of minimally invasive knee and hip replacement surgery. His groundbreaking approach preserves muscles, ligaments, and tendons, promoting quicker recovery and less post-surgical pain.

Dr. Berger developed The BEST (Berger Elective Surgery and Telemedicine) Experience, a program designed to streamline the joint replacement process with virtual consultations, pre-surgery guidance, and a seamless recovery plan. Dr. Berger’s approach, which minimizes trauma to soft tissue, tendons and ligaments, allows for a significantly faster recovery time. “Patients experience less pain, fewer complications, and are able to return to normal activities much sooner,” says Dr. Berger.

Visit Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery or click on the image below for more information on Dr. Berger's innovative techniques and to schedule an appointment.

And don't forget to check out Teddy's inspiring golf swing video on our YouTube channel!
---> https://youtu.be/N-l34doMpq0

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

We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner 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.

Special Guests: Dr. Richard Berger, Founder of Outpatient Hip and Knee Surgery and Teddy Koukoulis, elite level golfer and Dr. Berger knee replacement recipient.

Transforming The Golf Entertainment Gaming Experience - TJ Schier, CEO/Founder at SmashSwing Immersive

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 12:15:00 -0700

"Our goal is to put a golf club in someone's hands for the very first time so they have a fun, memorable experience."

On this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston speaks with TJ Schier Jr., the founder of SmashSwing Immersive. They discuss the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the golf industry, highlighting TJ's unique approach to creating an engaging indoor golf experience.

Join us for an insightful conversation with TJ Schier Jr. as he shares his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative vision behind SmashSwing Immersive. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable lessons on creativity, market understanding, and the power of community feedback.

Key Takeaways you will discover on this episode are:

Embracing Feedback for Innovation
TJ emphasizes the importance of gathering feedback from potential users during the development phase. By inviting a diverse group of testers to experience SmashSwing, he was able to refine the product based on real user experiences rather than assumptions. This iterative process not only improved the technology but also expanded the target market.

Targeting the Non-Golfer Market
SmashSwing aims to attract the 99% of the population that doesn't typically engage with golf. By creating a fun, gamified environment that appeals to social and casual players, TJ is redefining the indoor golf experience. This strategy opens up new avenues for growth and accessibility in the sport.

Building a Strong Brand Identity
TJ discusses the significance of a well-crafted brand and first impressions. By investing in professional branding and creating a polished environment for SmashSwing, he ensures that potential customers see the value and quality of the experience. This focus on branding helps to instill confidence in both consumers and investors.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with TJ on The ModGolf YouTube channel as he gives us a SmashSwing demo from their test facility in Dallas. 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

To learn more about SmashSwing, check out their website at https://smashswingimmersive.com or click on the image below.

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

I'm excited to announce 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.

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.

Creating "The Expedia For Golf Tournament and Event Planning" - Cory Powell, Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:30:00 -0700

Episode Overview
In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston welcomes Cory Powell, co-founder and CEO of Hubble.GOLF. They discuss Cory's journey in golf, his entrepreneurial spirit, and the innovative platform Hubble.GOLF aims to create for golfers, their families and event organizers.

Key Highlights
Introduction to Hubble Golf
Cory describes Hubble Golf as the "Expedia for golf events," aiming to be the largest searchable database for all things golf, including junior, amateur, and professional events.
Cory's First Golf Experience
Cory shares a heartfelt story about how his grandfather introduced him to golf at the age of eight, gifting him a set of junior clubs and taking him to a local driving range.
The Entrepreneurial Journey
From starting a pooper scooper service at eight years old to organizing tournaments and playing professionally, Cory's entrepreneurial spirit has been evident throughout his life.
The AHA Moment for Hubble.GOLF
Cory discusses the challenges he faced while trying to find golf events and how this led to the idea for Hubble.GOLF. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and co-founding with Kevin Lewis, who brought technical expertise to the project.
Market Research and Customer Validation
Cory explains how he gathered feedback from golfers and parents to validate the need for Hubble.GOLF, including surveys that indicated a willingness to pay for the service.
Mentorship and Personal Growth
The importance of mentorship is highlighted as Cory shares his relationship with Jim Casino, who has provided guidance and support throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
Risk-Taking in Entrepreneurship
Cory reflects on his approach to risk-taking, emphasizing the need for passion, perseverance, and the ability to pivot when necessary.

Cory Powell's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community in the world of golf and entrepreneurship. Listen in to discover his vision for Hubble.GOLF and the future of golf events.

"Hubble.GOLF is the Expedia of golf events. So everything from junior golf, youth, amateur college, professional, charity, networking, green grass, non-green grass, we will be the largest searchable event database for all things golf. And the idea stemmed from my background trying to find events and figure out a schedule and put together an itinerary and what's the budget around that itinerary and how do I share that itinerary with other people? And that's what we've created."

"On average a parent spends over four hours planning one individual event and a junior golfer participates anywhere between 12 and 18 events in a season. We save parents day's worth of time figuring out their child's season and ultimately save them money on their travel costs."

"If you truly are passionate about what you do, you wake up every day invigorated and excited to get to work, to chase it, put in the work. It's not easy. You have to be disciplined. You have to be willing to do it. My grandpa always used to say, "you have to be willing to pay the price and do what others aren't willing to do." And that's long hours and hard work."

Are you a watcher more than a listener who enjoys entrepreneurship stories? Then you can watch our video as Colin and Cory extend their podcast conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel . Click on this link of the image below to watch.

Cory Powell is an experienced entreprenuer who founded his first business at 8 years old hustling the neighbours with his "dog poop scoop service". This story is one of the highlights of our conversation! Want to connect with Cory? Check out his bio page to make that happen!

https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/cory-powell

Download Hubble.GOLF for free at https://hubble.golf/home or click on the image below. ModGolf doesn't benefit from your participation. We just like what Cory and his team have created with Hubble.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: Cory Powell, Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF.

Helping Golfers Play Smarter and Make Better Decisions - Pete Charleston, President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0700

"And who do we love? We love you, Colin. We love the 18 handicapper. That's amazing for us because if we get an 18 handicap, a newer youth playing, or we get a woman who is learning golf, their improvement rate is so dramatic. If we can make them more intelligent out there, if we give them a complete view of the course and they're standing on the tee box and they can see the elevation changes they can visualize their shots and we help them read their putts. That was a huge piece because most people don't know how to read greens."

Pete Charleston - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix joins host Colin Weston tafter his original appearance back in 2018 to bring us up to speed on their newest innovations that include 3D virtual reality hole flyovers.

"With GolfLogix our vision has always been about focusing on the masses. Do we love the really good scratch golfers in the plus? Of course, but there's just not many of them."

"If you make better choices, maybe you don't get that double or triple bogey. Maybe you get a bogey, maybe you get a par. Maybe you birdie it. These are all things that are possible you know when you're using something that helps you become more intelligent about the game."

Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then you can watch our video with Pete on The ModGolf YouTube channel as he walks us through a GolfLogix demo. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and Pete extend their podcast conversation with video demos and success stories.

Pete Charleston is an experienced entreprenuer with over a quarter century of golf startup reps under his belt. Want to connect with Pete? Check out his bio page to make that happen!

https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/pete-charleston

Download GolfLogix for free at https://www.golflogix.com/ or click on the image below. ModGolf doesn't benefit from your participation. We just like what Pete and his team have created with GolfLogix!

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: Pete Charleston - GolfLogix Co-Founder and President.

Increasing Your Odds For On-Course Swing Success - Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie

The ModGolf Podcast — Mon, 26 May 2025 05:15:00 -0700

"We are the Ozempic for golf! I can shoot lower scores without changing my swing."

Do you struggle to make better on-course shot selection decisions that will result in less blowup holes and lower scores? Then the Noonan Caddie app is for you!

Noonan Caddie Co-Founder Matt Williams joins host Colin Weston to share his entrepreneurial insights as a multiple time founder in the golf entertainment and technology space.

Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then you can watch our video with Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel as he walks us through a Noonan Caddie demo. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and Matt discuss positive tips and cautionary tales for new entrepreneurs embarking on their startup journey.

"Life is short. I’m committed to spending it doing what I love."

Matt Williams combines his passion for golf, technology, and entrepreneurship to build meaningful ventures that enhance the player and guest experience.

Matt is the co-founder and President of Noonan Caddie - an innovative app that turns your phone into a digital caddie. Noonan unlocks the scoring potential already inside you by making smarter decisions rather than grinding on frustrating swing overhauls.

Matt is an experienced entreprenuer and multiple time startup founder, including the creation of GolfTRK - Kansas City’s premier member-focused indoor golf facility. https://www.golftrk.com/

Download Noonan Caddie at https://www.noonan.ai/ or click on the image below for your seven day free trial. ModGolf doesn't benefit from your participation. We just like what Matt and his team have created with Noonan Caddie!

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: Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie.

It's The Banter Not The Birdies That Matters Most - Don Rea, President of The PGA of America

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 02 May 2025 08:30:00 -0700

"Whether it's to get better at golf as a game or improve as an executive or you're somebody who wants dedicate their life to the industry and send their kids to college, you've got to surround yourself with people that are better than you are and that certainly has happened for me. A high tide raises all ships and it's elevated my ability to be a good provider for my family, but also feel fulfilled in a life that's dedicated to golf because I just dig it."

PGA of America President and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club Don Rea joins host Colin Weston to share his 25 year journey advocating for the game and industry that he deeply loves.

"Some people say that they're professional golfers on The PGA Tour and we're golf professionals. There is no doubt the mission of the PGA of America is having 31,000 men and women out there every day trying to help people get it airborne. I believe we're the voice of the golfer in the game. There's 28.1 million out there playing. And who do they talk to? Well, they talk to our members. They talk to me. So we're their voice when it comes to any issues that might face golf. We're the first people they come to. We're the first responders of golf."

"The special thing about a college campus is that when you go there, there's a connection to that place. It always will be. And the alumni of that tell everybody why they should go to their college. We never had that. And that's what the new PGA of America headquarters is. It's not just a building. It's our home. There's two championship golf courses, a 10-hole lit golf course that's crazy busy every night, a two-acre putting green where little kids are running around in their bare feet with their big putters that are bigger than they are just putting around. For us, it's our why. There's a lot of relationships out there and ROIs of why you invest in something or partner with somebody. But for us, it's not about that. You need to know our why and why we exist. You can talk about a why, you can show it, you can see it, you can feel it and smell it. And that's what the home quarters of the PGA of America is."

"That's where the 31,000 members ensure that we do everything we can to leverage the assets of the PGA of America to tell the story of the PGA professional so that we're serving them. And in the end that's our mission. Serve the member and grow the game. It's just that simple."

PGA of America's New Headquarters Campus in Frisco Texas

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: Don Rea - President, PGA of America and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Course.

Turning a Side Hustle Into a Successful Business Venture - Jeff MacGregor, Founder of The Cart Locker

The ModGolf Podcast — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Host Colin Weston met Jeff MacGregor at the 2023 PGA Show where he was launching The Cart Locker - a motorized cart storage solution for any facility that wants to enhance their operations while adding a new revenue source. Fast forward two years and we finally managed to align with Jeff's hectic schedule (he is also the Head Pro at The Glendale Golf & Country Club in Edmonton Alberta Canada!) to share his startup journey on The ModGolf Podcast.

Here are three key takeaways you will discover from Colin's engaging conversation with Jeff:

1. How Design Thinking Fuels Innovation in Golf: Jeff's journey with The Cart Locker highlights the importance of identifying and solving pain points within the golf industry. His innovative approach to creating a locker system for motorized carts not only addresses a logistical issue at his club but also opens up new revenue streams for golf courses. This emphasizes how innovation can lead to significant improvements in the golfing experience.

2. The Value in Building Relationships Jeff's success is rooted in the relationships he has cultivated over his years in the golf industry. His ability to leverage these connections has been crucial in gaining trust and support from other golf professionals and clubs. This serves as a reminder that networking and building strong relationships can be invaluable for entrepreneurs looking to launch new products or services.

3. Embracing Sustainable Business Practices: The Cart Locker's design and manufacturing process reflect a commitment to quality and sustainability. Jeff's decision to produce the lockers locally rather than overseas demonstrates a focus on durability and brand integrity. This takeaway encourages listeners to consider the long-term implications of their business decisions and the importance of maintaining high standards in product development.

These insights not only provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the evolving landscape of the golf industry.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, you can watch our video with Jeff on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and Jeff discuss the keys to launching a startup venture.

Want to connect with Jeff? Visit his bio page for contact information. And visit The Cart Locker website to learn more about their motorized cart storage solution for private golf clubs.

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: Jeff MacGregor - Founder of The Cart Locker.

The Journey of Dormie Workshop: Telling Unique Golf Stories Through Custom Leather Cover Designs

The ModGolf Podcast — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 15:15:00 -0800

Here are three key takeaways you will discover from Colin's conversation with Todd:

1. The Journey of Dormie Workshop: Todd Bishop shared the inspiring backstory of Dormie Workshop, which began as a passion project between him and his brother Jeff. Their journey from ski and surf bums to successful entrepreneurs highlights the importance of community, creativity, and perseverance. They started by creating unique golf ball markers and eventually transitioned to crafting high-quality leather golf head covers, driven by a desire to offer something better than what was available in the market.

2. Customization and Innovation: A significant aspect of Dormie Workshop's success lies in their commitment to customization and innovative design. Todd discussed how they leverage technology, such as laser etching, to create personalized products that resonate with customers. Their ability to combine different materials and techniques has allowed them to stand out in a crowded market, catering to both individual golfers and professional athletes.

3. Future Expansion and Collaborations: Looking ahead, Dormie Workshop is expanding its operations, including a new facility in Los Angeles to tap into the larger U.S. market. Todd emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaborations, such as their work with the clothing brand Extracurricular, to enhance their offerings and reach. The upcoming PGA Show will serve as a platform for them to unveil new deals and showcase their innovative products, further solidifying their position in the golf industry.

These insights not only reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of Dormie Workshop but also highlight the evolving landscape of the golf industry, where creativity and customer engagement play crucial roles.

BONUS: we'll be running another #modgolfgiveaway contest as we're giving TWO of our lucky Patreon members a custom ModGolf leather driver headcover designed by Dormie Workshop! Sign up to our ModGolf Patreon community as a monthly member and you'll be entered for a chance to win some awesome golf gear... and a unique ModGolf headcover!
Join us at - www.patreon.com/ModGolf

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, you can watch our video with Todd on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to see some of Dormie Workshop's unique cover creations.

Want to connect with Todd? Visit his bio page for contact information. Would you like a custom designed leather headcover that tells your story? Go to the Dormie Workshop website to fill out their intake form. You can also find all of their cover collections to elevate your golf experience.

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

Masters Memories and Your Canadian Golf Course Bucket List - Adam Scully, Host and Producer of Golf Talk Canada

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 20:15:00 -0800

In this episode of ModGolf Live, host Colin Weston interviews Adam Scully, host and producer of Golf Talk Canada on TSN. Adam shares his journey in golf broadcasting, starting as an intern at TSN in 2011 and evolving into his current role. He discusses the show's growth from a regional radio program to a national multimedia platform covering professional golf, Canadian players, equipment reviews, and travel features. Adam details his first Masters experience in 2023, describing the unique atmosphere and course characteristics at Augusta National. The conversation also covers Canadian golf courses, with Adam highlighting top public venues around Toronto. The show concludes with discussion of Golf Talk Canada's future plans for 2025, including more on-course content and YouTube presence.

Chapters
02:05 Introduction and Show Background
Colin Weston introduces Adam Scully as the host and producer of Golf Talk Canada on TSN. The show covers PGA Tour events and broadcasts on both television and podcast formats.

08:41 Adam Scully's Career Journey
Adam details his progression from TSN intern in 2011 to his current role, including his transition to hosting during COVID-19. He describes how the show evolved from a 30-minute recap show to multiple hours of weekly content.

14:03 Masters Tournament Experience
Adam shares his first Masters experience in 2023, describing the unique aspects of Augusta National, including the strict no-phone policy and the distinctive white sand bunkers. He details the Monday practice round experience and the media lottery system.

27:08 Canadian Golf Course Recommendations for your next amazing golf trip
Adam highlights top public golf courses in the Toronto area, including Eagles Nest, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, Cobble Beach Resort, and Black Bear Ridge, providing detailed descriptions of each venue's unique characteristics. Colin also offers up his top golf course picks on the Canadian west coast to consider for your next golf vacation, ranging from world class courses around Vancouver, Whister, The Okanagan and Vancouver Island. You can check out Golf Talk Canada's list of "Top 50 Canadian Golf courses HERE.

33:17 Future Plans and Industry Trends
Adam discusses Golf Talk Canada's plans for 2025, including more on-course content and YouTube presence. He mentions the anticipated PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger and predicts a strong year for Rory McIlroy.

Action Items
31:38 Adam and team to continue coverage of the anticipated PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger developments
34:16 Adam plans to expand Golf Talk Canada's content with more on-course matches and YouTube presence in 2025
41:48 Colin Weston proposes future golf rounds with Adam either in Toronto or Vancouver

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, you can watch our video version on The ModGolf YouTube channel for our weekly ModGolf LIVE Show. Click on this link or the image below to watch our video.

If you would like to connect with Adam, visit his bio page for contact information. To learn more about Golf Talk Canada click on the image below to visit their website.

We want to thank our friends at Golf Genius Software for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!

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... 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

How AI is Transforming The Golf Industry - Clive Mayhew, Founder of Golf.ai

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:45:00 -0800

From our insightful conversation with Clive Mayhew on the ModGolf Podcast, here are three key takeaways you will discover by listening to this episode:

1: AI's Transformative Role in Golf Clive emphasizes how AI is set to revolutionize various aspects of the golf industry, from enhancing customer service at golf courses to providing personalized recommendations for equipment and improving the overall player experience. The integration of AI can streamline operations, making it easier for golfers to book tee times, access course information, and receive real-time advice while playing.

2: The Evolution of Golf.ai The journey of Golf.ai showcases how innovation can stem from unexpected places. Clive shares how the initial success of a metaverse project led to the creation of Golf.ai, which focuses on providing accurate golf rule information and engaging users through AI-driven interactions. This adaptability highlights the importance of listening to user feedback and evolving based on their needs.

3: Future Opportunities and Partnerships Clive discusses the potential for Golf.ai to partner with existing golf tech companies and integrate their datasets, creating a comprehensive AI solution for the industry. This collaborative approach not only enhances the capabilities of Golf.ai but also provides significant value to golf course operators and equipment manufacturers, paving the way for a more interconnected and efficient golf ecosystem.

You will gain a deeper understanding of how AI is poised to shape the future of golf, the innovative spirit behind Golf.ai, and the collaborative opportunities that lie ahead in the industry.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, we encourage you to watch our extended conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel as Clive and Colin kick the tires of Golf.ai with a live demo. How AI is Transforming The $100 Billion/year Golf Industry Click on this link or the image below to watch our video.

If you would like to connect with Clive, visit his bio page for contact information. To learn more about Golf.ai click on the image below to visit their website to choose a partner and ask them a golf question!

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

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... 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

Special Guest: Clive Mayhew - Golf.ai Founder and Principal Investor.

The Bridge Between Sport and Fashion - Scott Davis, CEO of J.LINDEBERG North America

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:45:00 -0800

Okay, I'll admit it. I've been a huge J.LINDEBERG fan for over 20 years, so when I had the opportunity to connect with CEO Scott Davis I immediately asked him to share the company story on The ModGolf Podcast. Although we recorded as audio podcast, I couldn't help but wear my favourite JL biker jacket that is still in my outwear rotation. I hope you enjoy this fun episode with Scott as much as I love wearing that jacket!

Here are three key inspirational and informative takeaways that you will discover from the episode of The ModGolf Podcast featuring Scott Davis, CEO of J.LINDEBERG North America:

1 Embracing Innovation and Disruption: Scott emphasizes the importance of innovation in the apparel industry, particularly in golf fashion. He discusses how J.Lindeberg aims to disrupt the market by focusing on sophisticated designs that blend style with functionality. This commitment to innovation is not just about aesthetics; it involves using advanced materials and techniques, such as the self-cooling fabric derived from volcanic ash, to enhance performance on the golf course. This approach encourages you to think creatively and embrace change in your own endeavors.

2 Sustainability as a Core Value: The conversation highlights J.Lindeberg's commitment to sustainability, particularly through the use of recycled materials and natural fibers. Scott acknowledges the challenges in the textile industry regarding sustainability but emphasizes the brand's dedication to making incremental improvements. This focus on eco-friendly practices serves as a reminder for listeners about the importance of sustainability in their own businesses and the impact of consumer choices on the environment.

3 The Power of Community and Feedback: Scott shares how he actively seeks feedback from his family and friends, particularly his children, to understand the preferences of younger consumers. This practice of engaging with the community and valuing diverse perspectives is crucial for any brand's success. It encourages you to foster open communication and collaboration within your teams and networks, ensuring that they remain relevant and responsive to customer needs.

These takeaways not only provide insights into the fashion and golf industries but also inspire you to apply these principles in your own professional journey.

If you would like to connect with Scott, visit his bio page for contact information. To learn more about J.LINDEBERG click on the image below to visit their website.

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

Special Guest: Scott Davis, CEO of J.LINDEBERG North America.

The Power of a Growth Mindset - Joe Assell, Co-Founder/CEO at GOLFTEC

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0800

From the episode of The ModGolf Podcast featuring Joe Assell, CEO of GOLFTEC, here are three key takeaways that you will discover:

1 Embracing a Growth Mindset: Joe emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset within GOLFTEC's culture, which has been crucial for their innovation and expansion over the past 30 years. This mindset not only drives the company to continuously improve its offerings but also fosters inclusivity, allowing them to reach a broader audience in the golf community.

2 Evolution of Golf Technology: The podcast delves into the fascinating history and evolution of golf technology, highlighting how GOLFTEC has adapted and integrated new advancements. Joe discusses the transition from traditional methods to modern, data-driven approaches, including the use of their proprietary OptiMotion technology, which measures thousands of data points in a golfer's swing.

3 Future Trends in Golf: Joe shares insights on the future of golf technology, including the increasing role of mobile applications and remote coaching. He discusses the upcoming launch of GOLFTEC Anywhere, which aims to provide golf lessons and coaching through smartphones, making the game more accessible and engaging for players everywhere.

These takeaways reflect the dynamic nature of the golf industry and GOLFTEC's commitment to enhancing the golfing experience through innovation and community engagement.

If you enjoyed our podcast with Joe, we encourage you to watch our extended conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel as Joe offers up insightful lessons for innovators looking to navigate the complex and sometimes overwhelming entrepreneurial world. Click on this link or the image below to watch our video FIVE KEY THINGS EVERY ENTREPRENEUR MUST KNOW.

If you would like to connect with Joe, visit his bio page for contact information. To learn more about GOLFTEC and SkyTrak click on the image below to visit their websites.

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.

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

Special Guest: Joe Assell - Co-Founder and CEO, GOLFTEC.

Embracing Innovation While Honouring Tradition - Hoyt McGarity, President at 8AM Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:15:00 -0800

Are you an innovator who is struggling to a move your venture forward? I get it. I've been there. In this episode you will discover three key entrepreneurial takeaways from guest Hoyt McGarity to help you find clarity and inspiration:

1. Embracing Innovation While Honoring Tradition: Hoyt emphasizes the importance of balancing the rich traditions of golf with innovative practices that can help the sport grow. 8AM Golf aims to support and celebrate golfers through a collection of brands that provide tools and experiences designed to enhance enjoyment on the course. This approach reflects a commitment to making golf more accessible and fun for everyone.

2. The Power of Community and Mentorship: Hoyt shares his personal journey in golf, highlighting the significant influence of mentors like his grandfather and Rick Hartman, who guided him through his early career. This underscores the value of community and mentorship in fostering talent and passion within the sport, which is essential for the next generation of golfers.

3. Strategic Growth Through Synergy: The conversation reveals 8AM Golf's strategic approach to acquisitions and partnerships (like they have with Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods), focusing on brands that complement their existing portfolio. Hoyt discusses the importance of aligning new ventures with their core values and ensuring they enhance the overall experience for golfers. This strategy not only strengthens their brand but also creates a cohesive ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders involved in the golf industry.

These takeaways reflect Hoyt's entrepreneurial journey and business leadership insights, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the entrepreneurial world, particularly in the golf industry. Hoyt's episide showcases the dynamic nature of the golf industry and the innovative strategies being employed to ensure its growth and sustainability.

If you enjoyed our conversation with Hoyt, we encourage you to watch our extended conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel as Hoyt offers up insightful lessons for innovators looking to navigate the complex and sometimes overwhelming entrepreneurial world. Click on this link or the image below to watch our video FIVE KEY THINGS EVERY ENTREPRENEUR MUST KNOW.

If you would like to connect with Hoyt, visit his bio page for contact information. To learn more about 8AM Golf and the companies they own click on the image below to visit their website.

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

Special Guest: Hoyt McGarity - President at 8AM Golf.

The Power of Passion and Purpose - Tim Markison, Founder and CEO at Athalonz

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:45:00 -0800

Here are three key takeaways from Tim Markison's episode on The ModGolf Podcast that will benefit you:

1. Embracing Challenges and Learning from Failure: Tim emphasizes the importance of facing obstacles head-on in entrepreneurship. He shares that his journey with Athalonz has been filled with challenges, particularly in transitioning from a business-to-business model to a direct-to-consumer approach. He learned that understanding the market and effectively communicating with consumers is crucial for success. This experience highlights the necessity of resilience and adaptability in the entrepreneurial landscape.

2. The Power of Passion and Purpose: Tim's story illustrates how personal experiences can fuel entrepreneurial endeavors. His background, including overcoming childhood trauma and his daughter's health challenges, inspired him to create Athalonz and engage in philanthropy. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and ensure that their ideas align with a meaningful purpose, as this can sustain motivation through the inevitable ups and downs of business.

3. The Importance of Intellectual Property: As a patent attorney, Tim underscores the significance of protecting innovations through patents. He advises entrepreneurs to file for patents early, especially before publicly disclosing their ideas, to safeguard their intellectual property. This proactive approach not only protects their inventions but also adds value to their business, making it more attractive to investors and partners.

These takeaways reflect Tim's journey and insights, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the entrepreneurial world, particularly in the sport and athletic product industries.

In 2021 Tim completed a 40 day Cycle to End Abuse from San Diego to Jacksonville Florida across the US to raise awareness about child sexual abuse. Click on this link or the image below to learn more. Every cent donated to the Cycle to End Abuse goes to a professionally vetted, non-profit organization dedicated to ending child abuse and/or aiding victims.

If you would like to connect with Tim, visit his bio page for contact information. To learn more about Athalonz click on the image below to visit their website and receive $30 USD off a pair of Mana Mangrove Pro shoes using Promo Code MODGOLF30. I don't get any commision, it's just our way of saying "Thanks for being a fan of The ModGolf Podcast!"

Sadly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in North America have been sexually abused as children and those statistics have not changed in 30 years. If you are a man suffering in silence and don't know where to turn to for confidential help, I encourage you to visit Heads Up Guys the world's leading Men's Mental Health resourse.

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

Special Guest: Tim Markison - Founder/CEO of Athalonz.

Fun is The Leading Message - Jay Karen, CEO at The NGCOA

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0700

"When you take those trend lines of the supply side of the American golf industry, it would not be surprising if 75 years from now we have 10,000 golf courses not 15,000, and we have 5,000 golf cafes like there are in South Korea. So if the future we will have a very different mix of supply of golf experiences in America."... Jay Karen, CEO at The NGCOA

Host Colin Weston speaks with return guest and friend of the show Jay Karen, CEO at The National Golf Course Owners Association to hear his take on how golf courses will navigate the upcoming decades as climate change, technology, entertainment and sustainable practices present new opportunities and challenges for the golf industry.

To watch our extended conversation, go to our ModGolf YouTube video with Jay at: https://youtu.be/INfpvwSLq8U

"It's in the DNA of the citizenry to keep those city golf courses as green spaces and not convert them to urban development. There's a protectionism towards not developing our existing city golf courses to keep them intact. For as many people who say we should shut these down, there are stronger voices that say "no, we should keep them open and here's why it because they are good for our communities".

Jay has been the CEO at The NGCOA National Golf Course Owners Association since 2015. Click on this link or the image below to learn more.

"I would call it The American Dream Story where a family had a golf course for 50 years and they sold it to developer for 10 times more than it's worth as an operating golf course. But the problem is from a supply and demand standpoint is those courses are closing down. So where is the affordable public golf going to be? Municipal golf courses are positioned perfectly to continue to be the place where everybody can play golf because they're near urban population centers".

If you would like to connect with Jay, visit his bio page for contact information. To learn more about the 2025 Golf Business Conference January 20-22 located at The PGA Show in Orlando, click on the image below.

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

Special Guest: Jay Karen - CEO, The National Golf Course Owners Association.

Finding Her Ikigai Through Golf - Lehua Wise, Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Golf Club

The ModGolf Podcast — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0700

"Some of my members say, "Oh, I didn't start playing until after my career was over" and that's in their 50s or 60s. That makes it very hard to learn the game. So every little kid plays soccer, plays t-ball. Golf has to also be in that mainstream just to get the young ones in there as soon as possible. Doing what we can within our clubs, no matter their level skill or age to get them comfortable. Meaning we cover every skill, from different tee boxes, playing different games."

Host Colin Weston speaks with guest Lehua Wise to learn about her golf journey from top Hawaiian junior player, DI athlete, mini tour player to the Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Golf Club.

Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” or “life,” and gai, meaning “benefit” or “worth.” When combined, these terms mean that which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose. Lehua has found her Ikigai. Have you found yours yet? Check this book to learn more.

Lehua is the Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Private Club & Community on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Click on this link or the image below to learn more.

"Getting to know our membership on a deeper level where you have to know what do they want to do. Do they want more silly things, do they want more big things? Getting them to come out to the golf course. That's the biggest part of it. You can go and create these things, but if they don't come then it's not going to be worth it."

If you would like to connect with Lehua, visit her bio page for contact information.

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

Special Guest: Lehua Wise - Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Private Club and Residential Community.

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.

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.

SEASON 15 WRAP-UP / SEASON 16 PREVIEW

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:15:00 -0700

That's a wrap for Season 15 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 16, which launches in mid September 2024. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf.

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.

If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 15 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 why you liked them!

Our Season 15 guests were:

Episode 1
David Hinkle and Rio Valeriano - T36 Golf Co-Founders
"We’re flipping the script on traditional golf and redefining the sport for a new generation of golfers" T36 Golf Co-Founders David Hinkle and Rio Valeriano join host Colin Weston to share how their "Double Loop" design delivers a full 18-hole game experience with a smaller environmental footprint and shorter playtime.
Click to listen >> CREATING A NEW TYPE OF GOLF

Episode 2
Tyler Simmons - CEO and Founder of BucketGolf
"Seeing my roommate throw his clothes into his pop-up laundry hamper, I realized that I should instead make retractable pop-up buckets which cut our product cost almost in half." Tyler Simmons - CEO and Founder of BucketGolf shares how they have created a portable, fun golf game that anyone can enjoy almost anywhere.
Click to listen >> TURNING A HOMEMADE GOLF GAME INTO A GLOBAL BUSINESS VENTURE

Episode 3
Nick Darby - UK non-profit Get Golfing
"It was such a shame seeing all these beautiful golf courses going downhill. So our job is to save as many courses as we can to keep golf flourishing." - Nick Darby with UK non-profit Get Golfing shares how they are on a mission to revolutionize the golfing experience.
Click to listen >> A NON-PROFIT ON A MISSION TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE GOLFING EXPERIENCE

Episode 4
Jared Solomon - CEO of Five Iron Golf
"It doesn't matter that we made a million dollar mistake, let's keep moving forward and learn as we go". Jared Solomon - CEO of Five Iron Golf joins host Colin Weston to share how four co-founders built a successful indoor golf entertainment business starting from the back room of a Manhattan men's clothing store.
Click to listen >> LEARN BY DOING AND JUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD

Episode 5
Carolin Pinegger - "The Golf Pitch Challenge"
"I felt like I was treading water and not because I wasn't working hard enough. I was doing my very best and wasn't getting where I wanted to be. I needed to pivot and change!" Golf entrepreneur and Ex-Pro Golfer Carolin Pinegger shares her personal story and latest collaborative venture: The "Shark Tank for Golf Innovators" called The Golf Pitch Challenge.
Click to listen >> EMBRACE CHANGE TO FUEL ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS

Episode 6
Ann Liguori - Author of "Life On The Green"
To celebrate her recent book "Life on the green - lessons and wisdom from legends in golf" host Colin Weston creates a game show called "Who Said That??" to test Ann's ability to recall quotes from the dozen stories told. We hope you like this fun and inspiring episode as much as we enjoyed making it!
Click to listen >> TAKING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL APPROACH TO BUILD A CAREER IN SPORT JOURNALISM

Episode 7
Igor Vainshtein - Founder GolfTrak.app
Entrepreneur Igor Vainshtein joins us to share his incredible journey that started when his parents immigrated to Australia from the former USSR with $200 and no English skills whatsoever. We discuss the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and Igor's passion to constantly innovate and create products that customers want.
Click to listen >> EMBRACING LESSONS: WISDOM GAINED FROM FAILURE

Episode 8
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SYNTHETIC TURF
Known initially by names such as AstroTurf, ModSod and Artificial Turf, we explore the origins of synthetic sport surfacing with a focus on applications in the golf industry. Host Colin Weston speaks with subject matter experts Bob Johnston (Principal, JSA Sport Architecture) and Jeffery McDaniel (Synthetic Turf International) to uncover the history and explore the future of this multi-billion dollar industry.
Click to listen >> A BRIEF HISTORY OF SYNTHETIC TURF

Episode 9
Tim Briand - Foresight Sports
So how do golf launch monitors work and what is the technology behind them? Tim Briand with Foresight Sports joins host Colin Weston for an engaging and in-depth conversation about the massive growth in the launch monitor sector for both the professional player on the range and the recreational player having fun in a golf simulator.
Click to listen >> TECH-DRIVEN PRODUCTS THAT BOTH TRAIN AND ENTERTAIN

Episode 10
Kevin Carpenter - The GratiDude / Grateful 4 Golf
"I am perfectly content helping one person at a time, as every ripple makes a wave". Kevin Carpenter, aka The GratiDude joins us to share the impactful work he takes on through his Grateful 4 Golf non-profit program and his discovery of "The superpower of meditation".
Click to listen >> SHARING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Episode 11
Jeff Nicholson - VertaCat Mobility Riders
Stand tall, roam free, and “Stand and play the VertaCat way”. Jeff Nicholson joins host Colin Weston to share how their 70 year old manufacturing company saw an opportunity to give back to the sport they love by creating the VertaCat all-terrain mobility rider for paraplegic athletes.
Click to listen >> "THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE MY LIFE!"

Episode 12
Barney Adams - Adams Golf Founder / CEO of Breakthrough Golf Technology
We are joined by golf industry icon and entrepreneurial legend Barney Adams, who shares the trials, tribulations and successes he has encountered over his career that spans more than five decades. This episode provides you with lessons learned, key takeaways and nuggets of wisdom from one of golf's most successful entrepreneurs.
Click to listen >> IF YOU DON'T LOVE IT DON'T DO IT

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: Ann Liguori - award-winning sport’s talk show host, Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology, Bob Johnston, Principal at JSA Sport Architecture Inc., Carolin Pinegger - CEO of David Leadbetter Entrerprises / The Golf Pitch Challenge / Online Golf Coach, David Hinkle - Co-Founder and Principal at T36 Golf, Igor Vainshtein - Founder of GolfTrak.app, Jared Solomon, CEO and Co-Founder of Five Iron Golf, Jeffrey McDaniel - Global Director of Business Development at Synthetic Turf International, Jeffrey Nicholson - Chief Marketing Officer with VertaCat, Kevin Carpenter, Coach, Teacher and The GratiDude / Grateful 4 Golf, Nick Darby - Golf Retail Sales Manager at Get Golfing, Rio Valeriano - Co-Founder and Principal at T36 Golf, Tim Briand - Director Of Business Development at Foresight Sports, and Tyler Simmons - CEO and Founder of BucketGolf.

If You Don't Love It Don't Do It - Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0700

"In my mind, you don't design golf clubs, you design clubs for hitting a particular shot"... Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Woods and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology

We are joined by golf industry icon and entrepreneurial legend Barney Adams, who shares the trials, tribulations and successes he has encountered over his career that spans more than five decades. This episodes provides you with lessons learned, key takeaways and nuggets of wisdom from one of golf's most successful entrepreneurs. Enjoy!

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

"I had made the decision: "I'm all in!" We inherited desks with the company purchase and we owned this metal building in a field. So I grabbed a desk, opened the lower left-hand drawer and it was full of paper. The top page was a Demand Notice and it turned out that the employees had not paid any bills and had squandered all the income. Not only did I not have the money I thought I had to get started, I was six figures in the hole at 5:30 in the morning. That was my opening day.

And I tell people that story because if you're not a nut case, passionate, over the top, you've got no chance. Then I thought "okay, how do we get a handle on this?" I'm going to write a letter to the people I owe money to tell them what happened and that I'm going to pay them but just not now. That was the first week of starting my own business." ... Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology

A Bit About Barney
Barney started Adams Golf in 1988. He specialized in custom fitted golf clubs. The company rapidly expanded after the explosive success of the Tight Lies Fairway Woods. Adams Golf was selected as Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Barney also received the Ernie Sabayrac Award for lifetime contribution to the golf industry by the PGA of America. Barney served as Chairman of the Board of Adams Golf until June 2012 when Taylor Made purchased the company.

He an avid golfer and fisherman and active with two charities, The Ryan Foundation and Folds of Honor. Adams book, The WOW Factor, is an insiders look at the golf industry and offers business advice to entrepreneurs.

Barney has always had the unique ability to see what is missing in golf equipment. He started Breakthrough Golf Technology after seeing that no significant innovation has been made putter shafts for decades.

You can also find out more about Barney on his bio page.

Want to learn about Breakthrough Golf Technology and their innovative shaft designs? Have a look at the BGT website for more.

We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!

British Columbia Golf's main goal 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. As a provincial arm of Golf Canada, British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to improve partner relationships to increase participation in the sport.

If you're looking to plan your next amazing golf trip, British Columbia Golf is the place to explore and book from the over 300 golf courses they support across our beautiful province. To learn about the impact they are making and to discover your next golf adventure, check out their website at www.britishcolumbiagolf.org.

Special Guest: Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology.

"This Is Going To Change My Life!" - Jeff Nicholson with VertaCat Mobility Riders

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 14:30:00 -0700

"I have been involved with a lot of products over my life but this product is like no other. A year ago I didn't even know what an adaptive golf cart was. We have learned so much. We meet our prospects on the driving range where we adjust the seats, hook up the strapping and get them in and buckled in. They lift themselves up, grab a 7-iron and take a swing. When they connect they make eye contact with their friends and a smile comes on their face and they say "This is going to change my life!" I always get goosebumps and tears in my eyes. This is a blessing and we're just so thankful that we get to participate in it." ... Jeff Nicholson, Chief Marketing Officer with VertaCat

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.

VertaCat - The all-terrain mobility rider that elevates you into a standing position. Developed by a paraplegic athlete, VertaCat™ is loaded with state-of-the-art performance and safety features that you won’t find anywhere else.

Max Togisala's 2023 USGA Open Victory
Join us in congratulating Max Togisala on his victory in the Seated Impairment category at the 2023 USGA Adaptive Open. Max's achievement is truly inspirational and we are thrilled to celebrate this moment with you.

You can also find out more about Jeff on his bio page.

Want to learn about VertaCat, see some inspiring testimonials and even book a demo? Have a look at the VertaCat website for more.

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: Jeffrey Nicholson - Chief Marketing Officer with VertaCat.

Sharing an Attitude of Gratitude - Kevin Carpenter, The GratiDude / Grateful 4 Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0700

"Happiness isn't a circumstance of events and it's not a destination. Happiness is the journey and gratitude is something you can consciously choose all the time"... Kevin Carpenter, The GratiDude joins host Colin Weston for a masterclass on how to embrace a "give first" mindset to amplify your sense of purpose.

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!

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

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

Special Guest: Kevin Carpenter, Coach, Teacher and The GratiDude / Grateful 4 Golf.

Tech-Driven Products That Both Train and Entertain - Tim Briand, Foresight Sports

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 02:15:00 -0700

"The average North American male golfer, over 80% - four out of five of them - gamble when they play regularly. So when we look at a virtual format like simulator golf, one of the big elements that creates stickiness is golf is community. And a lot of that community is based upon the idea of I can compete against you even though we have different skill"... Tim Briand, Foresight Sports

"There's far more commercial opportunity for a business that's able to optimize in the entertainment and in the gamification channel than if you're just focused on instruction and club fitting. In the gamification world while the exact precision of spin axis and spin magnitude might not be important to a 25 handicap because they don't understand it. What they do understand is if I'm in a simulator playing against my friends and this system is not capable of giving me an authentic outcome, I might not want to use that system to compete. Would you gamble on a broken slot machine? Probably not. Especially if you're doing big stakes contests like a million dollar closest to the flag contest in a simulator."

We enjoyed our conversation with Tim so much that we decided to jump over to The ModGolf YouTube channel to learn more about the Foresight Sports culture of innovation and the diverse line of products that they offer. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

You can learn more about Tim and Foresight Sports on his bio page.

Episode Chapters
02:15: We open the show with Tim giving us an overview of the history of Foresight Sports

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: Tim Briand - Director Of Business Development at Foresight Sports.

A Brief History of Synthetic Turf

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:30:00 -0700

Over the past seven years I have interviewed almost 200 golf industry innovators to bring you stories around the future of the game. But on this episode we're going to try something different. As an entrepreneur myself, I'm always pushing to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. I enjoy documentary-style podcasts and have been looking to create one, but couldn't decide on what story to tell. I recently realized that the story was right under my nose - or more accurately, right under my feet.

While in Sarasota Florida I was invited to PopStroke, which is a fun and challenging 36 hole mini golf entertainment experience. I was impressed by the quality of the synthetic greens, fringe and rough and it got me thinking about the origins of artificial turf. I wanted to learn the why, when and how synthetic turf came to be, along with the evolution of the materials and fabrication techniques over the past six decades.

So who invented this product and why? Artificial sports turf was first brought to fame when used in the Astrodome in 1966, a newly-built stadium in Houston Texas. AstroTurf – a short-pile synthetic turf – was installed because they were struggling to maintain their natural grass field due to a lack of sunlight. For most of the 1965 major league baseball season, the Astros played on green-painted dirt and dead grass and were desperate for an alternative.

The stadium owners and engineers needed a solution quickly, so they decided to try out a grass substitute made of artificial fibers called ChemGrass. The product was first used at Moses Brown School in Rhode Island in 1964 and became popular quickly. Today, the brand is known as AstroTurf and is manufactured in over 60 countries around the world.

But AstroTurf is only part of the story. Since I am no expert in the world of synthetic turf, I reached out to a couple of people who are to fill in the missing pieces to this puzzle. I asked Jeffrey McDaniel - Global Director of Business Development at Synthetic Turf International and architect Bob Johnston, who specializes in designing high performance sport surfacing to help us understand the origins and future of synthetic turf.

Have a look at the Synthetic Turf International website and you can also learn more about Bob Johnston and Jeffrey McDaniel on their bio pages.

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: Bob Johnston, Principal at JSA Sport Architecture Inc. and Jeffrey McDaniel - Global Director of Business Development at Synthetic Turf International.

Embracing Lessons: Wisdom Gained from Failure - Igor Vainshtein, Founder of GolfTrak.app

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:30:00 -0700

"It was a simulator venue that had six bays with lessons and it was going out of business. In the building I worked in there was a space for lease on the ground level. We ended up buying the business and moved it there for five years. An Indoor Golf Centre with 10 bays, an indoor bunker, massive putting green, a bar and a cafe. It did okay but the rent we were paying was huge so in the end we have to get out of there."

"Shortly after that I had an idea to pivot. 24-hour gyms were really booming in Australia at the time. Why don't we have a 24-hour golf simulator place where you can go and practice anytime? We built two bays and it did well. Then I opened a second venue and that one nosedived and just blew up. I closed it down, lost a lot of money with the four simulators that I had there. I put them on Facebook Marketplace and they sold in a week. I'm like "hmm, this is interesting." So I bought five more simulators to sell. Why am I busting my chops with these venues when I can just bring them in, sell them, make my money and never hear from the customer again? It was great. I pivoted the business. Ended up closing down my second venue and just went completely e-commerce." ... Igor Vainshtein

"At the time it is horrendous. It feels horrible to lose a ton of money. I lost my money, I lost my parents money, which I borrowed from them and they had to bail me out again. It was embarrassing and as you are going through that pain, it's very difficult to see how you will come out of it. But if you're a true entrepreneur, perseverance and grit, you may not know how you're going to get there. But you've got to believe that you will get there. That's part of the job as an entrepreneur to find the "how". But if you don't believe that you'll get the you will never get there."

You can also learn more about Igor and connect on his bio page. And download the GolfTrak App for free at the Apple App Store for iPhone. https://golftrak.app

"I had extremely disastrous blow ups in my career. Moments where I thought there's no way I'm coming back from this. But if I look back now, I wouldn't change a thing because all those little "sliding doors moments" is why I'm here today. And I didn't go through the pain, maybe I wouldn't be able to appreciate the things and I would take things for granted and I wouldn't have the fun and the joy that I get out of life these days. For anyone who's experiencing that who's in that pain right now, I would say "You just don't know". There's a phrase "that it's gonna be alright in the end and if it's not alright, it's not the end."

Episode Chapters
02:40: How and when Igor took her first golf swing and who introduced him to the game
04:40: The story of Igor's family immigrating from the USSR to Melbourne Austrailia
06:20: Igor's early days as an entrepreneur and the experiences that have shaped his approach to life
08:15: Igor's return to golf and the creation of his 24-7 Golf venture
15:00: How a phone call with GOLFTEC CEO Joe Assel over the brand name grew over time into a flourishing collaborative partnership
18:00: The virtue of failure and how to learn from the experience and move on
22:00: We learn about the GolfTrak App, a "golf simulator in your pocket"
25:10: The camera technology and frame rate required to accurately track ball flight data
30:00: The business model behind GolfTrak App and the customer segment they appeal to
33:20: The GolfTrak App customer acquisition strategy
38:35: Igor shares his experience at the Golf Pitch Challenge and Mastermind Event in Orlando

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: Igor Vainshtein - Founder of GolfTrak.app.

Embrace Change To Fuel Entrepreneurial Success - Carolin Pinegger, The Golf Pitch Challenge

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 08 May 2024 06:30:00 -0700

Calling all golf entrepreneurs! Do you have a golf venture our product that you need help getting to the next level? Even if you're at the idea stage, our guest Carolin Pinegger is looking for you to join them for the next Golf Pitch Challenge and Mastermind event October 7-9 2024 in Miami Florida.

On this fast-paced, engaging episode we learn about Carolin's not-so-straight-line in golf and business to arrive at the place she is along her entrepreneurial journey.

"I wanted to pivot, to change and people that are too planned will have a hard time succeeding because you have to fail fast and you have fail forward and you have to pivot and you have to change and sometimes you even have to change before we really see the reason why you have to change. I felt like I was treading water and it most certainly wasn't because I was working hard enough. I was doing my very best and I wasn't getting where I wanted to be. And then I said "I need a change!" ... Carolin Pinegger

We want to welcome our new Episode Presenting Partner Synthetic Turf International!

Synthetic Turf International - also known as STI - is the industry’s premier producer and supplier of high-quality, natural-looking grass products for residential and commercial applications, both indoors and out.

I have collaborated on projects and ventures with STI for over 10 years through my Sport Entertainment company, so I have seen first hand how innovative, passionate, and creative they are.

If you are considering an artificial landscaped grass lawn, a putting green, golf tee lines and hitting mats, a synthetic sports field, playground turf or a dog park, then I highly recommend STI for your next project. And all of STI's grass products are crafted completely in-house and proudly made in America.

To learn more about the endless synthetic turf application and installation possibilities that Synthetic Turf International has to offer, contact them at synthetic-turf.com.

"My dad was a serial offender in entrepreneurship. He has the right amount of crazy in him. Every entrepreneur needs that. To be misunderstood much more than anybody else who isn't an entrepreneur can tolerate. That's something that a lot of entrepreneurs need to hear. If you want to make it big, if you want to be an entrepreneur, you have to be ready to be criticized. You have to be ready to be misunderstood much much more than the general public because they don't want to put themselves in that situation. That's why they will never be entrepreneurs. It's just not up their alley and that is fine. There are different requirements for entrepreneurs than for somebody who isn't."

You can also learn more about Carolin and connect on her bio page.

The Golf Pitch Challenge & Mastermind Event
Do you have a new golf product or service venture that you want to take to the next level, even if it's only at the idea phase? If you do, we encourage you to apply for and attend the next Golf Pitch Challenge October 7-9 2024 in Miami Florida. Register now at https://golfpitchchallenge.com or email Carolin at c.pinegger90@gmail.com

At The 2024 PGA Show host Colin Weston recorded six conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up was Carolin Pinegger, CEO at David Leadbetter Enterprises.

Carolin discusses the Golf Pitch Challenge that took place at the show, where six golf startups pitched to a panel of judges that included David Leadbetter and Shark Tank's Kevin Harrington.

The winning venture was The Grip Caddie https://gripcaddie.com who won $10,000 in consulting and partnership services.

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: Carolin Pinegger - CEO of David Leadbetter Entrerprises / The Golf Pitch Challenge / Online Golf Coach.

Learn By Doing And Just Keep Moving Forward - Jared Solomon, CEO and Co-Founder of Five Iron Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0700

"We made a million-dollar mistake on the build-out. We thought plumbing could work one way. It couldn't. It's tough for a company that was started with the money that we had at the time, but you make those mistakes and move on, learn from it and don't dwell on it."

Jared's Five Iron Golf story begins in early 2015 with Mike Doyle teaching simulator lessons in the back of a men’s clothing store in midtown Manhattan. As the demand for Mike’s lessons grew throughout 2015 and 2016, Mike and student Jared started dreaming about an indoor facility where Mike could teach more lessons and golfers could work to improve their games — all while flipping standard golf culture on its head and appealing to everyone.

We want to welcome our new Episode Presenting Partner Synthetic Turf International!

I have collaborated on projects and ventures with STI for over 10 years through my Sport Entertainment company, so I have seen first hand how innovative, passionate, and creative they are.

Speaking of Synthetic Turf International clients, Five Iron Golf has installed their turf products in the majority of their venues.

To learn more about the endless synthetic turf application and installation possibilities that Synthetic Turf International has to offer, contact them at synthetic-turf.com.

"At our Las Vegas location we originally had a putting green in the center. We realized that nobody wanted a putting green. And so we put in shuffleboard. Nobody wanted shuffleboard and we put in the high top tables where people could just drink and were like, "Okay, this is what people want". And I like to believe that I've cultivated the spirit with the other Founders that it doesn't matter what happened, let's move forward. We're literally inventing a concept over here. The best thing that we can do is test and fail, test and fail and move forward and take everything that we've learned and hopefully use those for the franchises and our own future corporate stores and do the best that we can."

Episode Chapters
03:20: How and when Jared was introduced to golf
04:40: The Five Iron Golf origin story. Spoiler: it involves hitting balls in the back of a Manhattan men's clothing store!
07:15: Jared explains how he and the three other co-founders mustered up the courage to launch Five Iron Golf
10:10: The story behind the first Five Iron Golf location opening in mid-town Manhattan
12:50: How Five Iron creates experiences for both the casual and passionate golfer without alienating either one of the groups
16:15: "We want our Five Iron locations to look like modern art museums". Jared discusses their design guidelines and how grafitti art became the focal point for their brand vision
19:10: How Five Iron finds and hires artists to collaborate at each of their venue around the US
20:45: Selection of the Five Iron Golf name and logo design
23:40: How Five Iron scaled from one location to 25 and counting
26:50: Jared's thoughts on starting a company and when to bring in outside investment
28:10: Franchising vs the owership model for venue locations
29:30: Mistakes made along the way and what the leadership team has learned from them
32:50: The power of partnerships and collaborating with golf brands and influencers
34:10: What the future has in store for Five Iron Golf

You can also learn more about Jared on his bio page.

Want to learn more about Five Iron Golf, find out if there's a location near you and to book a fun experience for you and your friends? Have a look at the Five Iron Golf website or email Jared Solomon at jared@fiveirongolf.com

With Mike and Jared clueless as to how to actually execute their grand idea, the final two co-founders, summer camp friends Nora Dunnan and Katherine Solomon (also Jared’s wife) entered the scene. With Nora operating the ship and Katherine navigating through some early legal storms, Five Iron Golf was launched and open for business in mid-2017.

Five Iron has quickly re-shaped Manhattan's golf culture, growing from Mike’s original lesson crew to a re-imagined, high-tech, inclusive urban golf experience for golfers and non-golfers alike. Five Iron is for everyone.

For the serious golfer, Five Iron hosts ten Full Swing simulators, a Trackman lesson studio, four teaching professionals, lessons, club storage, showers, practice time, leagues, 100% top-of-the line clubs to use (complimentary), and in-house club fitting specialists Club Champion.

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: Jared Solomon, CEO and Co-Founder of Five Iron Golf.

A Non-Profit On a Mission To Revolutionize The Golfing Experience - Nick Darby with Get Golfing

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 22:30:00 -0700

It's funny how random, accidental conversations morph into something special. While returning from The 2024 PGA Show Demo Day in Orlardo on a shuttle bus, host Colin Weston sat beside someone and asked how his day went. That young man was Nick Darby, who was attending on behalf of Get Golfing which is a UK non-profit that acquires and revitalizes distressed golf properties. After an engaging bus ride conversation, Colin asked Nick if he would tell the Get Golfing story on The ModGolf Podcast. Fast forward and here we are. We hope you like this inspiring episode as much as we enjoyed making it.

"Here in the UK we have this issue which I don't see too much globally, where lots of our golf courses are either financially suffering while the land value is increasing. So many golf courses are being bought up, slabbed over with cement and housing estates are being built on them. We are on a mission to change this trend."

"So on the charity side of it, we reinvest and try to acquire golf courses that are going under and put money back into them, back into the communities and really get that golf course to prosper."

Big thanks to 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.

"We took over these seven golf courses and we just looked at ourselves and said "Can we actually do this?" We thought "If we don't do this, these golf courses are going to be given to somebody else not necessarily to grow the game of golf." Then we just put our hearts and souls into it."

"It sounds like it's an impossible task because we've only ever operated one golf course to then knowing that we had another golf course that was 300 miles away. It was exhilarating. It was fantastic to go into these golf clubs and say to the staff "You've still got a job, come and work for us. It's going to be fantastic." And then also tell the members of the golf club. "Hey, you're not going anywhere. You're going to stay right here. Your golf course is going to stay open". And that feeling is just incredible and that's why we do what we do. It's because golf is just so important and we owe so much to the game of golf and this is how we give it back".... Nick Darby / Get Golfing

Episode Chapters
03:40: Nick provides an overview of what Get Golfing does and why they do it
05:15: How and when Nick was introduced to golf and who invited him
06:25: The story of the "AHA Moment" and launch of Get Golfing
08:20: How Get Golfing Founder Edward Richardson acquired Redlibbets Golf Club in Kent England
10:15: How during the pandemic Get Golfing went from operating one golf course to seven
13:10: Using Redlibbets GC and the non-profit test case that led to tripling the club membership
30:50: The Festival of Golf... August 2024... 3 day Ladies European Tour Access Series event... includes Night Golf, a Golf Sixes event
32:00: Hosting the first global Ladies Disabled Golf Tournament
39:40: Nick discusses the future of Get Golfing, that includes partnering with innovative technology companies like our show sponsor Golf Genius Software!

FREE membership for ALL junior golfers...2,500 and counting!

You can also learn more about Nick on his bio page.

On this episode Nick shared that their August 2024 "Festival of Golf" weeklong activation will feature a Golf Sixes event. One second ever ModGolf Podcast episode back in 2017 was with then DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley, who talked about their first Golf Sixes event. Click on the image below to listen to this engaging episode.

Want to learn more about the impactful non-profit work Get Golfing takes on, perhaps book a tee time or just hang out at one of their welcoming clubhouses? Have a look at the Go Golfing website or email Nick Darby at nick@getgolfing.org

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: Nick Darby - Golf Retail Sales Manager at Get Golfing.

Turning a Homemade Golf Game Into a Global Business Venture - Tyler Simmons, Founder of BucketGolf

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0700

At the annual PGA Show late January in Orlando I always make a point of taking the 30 minute bus shuttle out to Demo Day to kick the tires of the golf industry's latest equipment at the 360º range facility. The product that really caught my attention had nothing to do with hitting balls across the 400 yard diameter driving range. Off to the side was a compact setup that exuded a fun vibe where people were hitting oversized plastic whiffle balls with an oversized plastic club.... at buckets with flags in them.

This was my introduction to BucketGolf. After playing a quick round I struck up a conversation with Founder and CEO Tyler Simmons to learn about how BucketGolf came to be. Tyler's entrepreneurial journey aligns nicely with the stories we showcase on The ModGolf Podcast, so I had no choice but to invite him to share it with all of us.

"I figured out after looking at my roommate throw his clothes into his pop-up laundry hamper that I should just make pop-up buckets which solved a ton of issues for us. The game became cheaper because the box is much smaller and it cut the price in half. Two years in is when the snowball started rolling down the hill. Once I figured out the social media side, marketing strategy and of how to get the game out there, it all clicked at the same time."... BucketGolf CEO and Founder Tyler Simmons

I discovered BucketGolf and Tyler at the 2024 PGA Show Demo Day, where we created a couple of videos for our ModGolf Instragram. Click on the image to watch and give it a 'Like' and follow us while you're there!

You can also learn more about Tyler on his bio page and purchase your own BucketGolf set from their website.

"The hardest part in the beginning was how long it took me to learn how things work. We really didn't see any success for the first two years. I was trying as hard as I could and put everything I had into BucketGolf outside of my regular day job. The biggest insight for me was learning that shipping is very expensive. You need your box to be small. The light bulb moment that took us from "not doing too much in sales for the first couple years to starting to go upward" was the buckets used to be a soft flexible plastic and the box they shipped in was too big."... Tyler Simmons

Episode Chapters
[03:10] How and when Tyler was introduced to golf and who invited him
[04:20] The "AHA moment" that led to the creation of BucketGolf
[06:50] What it's like to play BucketGolf and set up a course
[09:55] Tyler shares stories of the most amazing BucketGolf shots he has seen
[10:50] We learn about the BucketGolf ball and clubs
[12:45] How BucketGolf opens the game up to people who have never played before
[13:40] The story behind coming up with the brand name "BucketGolf"
[14:40] How "BucketGolf Glow" allows people to play at night
[16:30] Tyler discusses why they decided to attend The PGA Show and value it provided
[18:50] BucketGolf's B2B marketing strategy to sell to businesses, schools and organizations
[20:20] Tyler's background and experience before launchnig BucketGolf (hint: he had a lot to learn!)
[21:10] Steps and sequencing Tyler took to design and manufacture the orginal BucketGolf product
[23:00] The design pivot Tyler took that changed the pricing and sales volume for BucketGolf
[25:50] The BucketGolf manufacturing process
[29:00] The Power of Partnerships to accelerate BucketGolf's growth
[31:00] BucketGolf tournaments, events and social media content creation
[32:40] The best user-created BucketGolf courses that Tyler has seen

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: Tyler Simmons - CEO and Founder of BucketGolf.

Creating a New Type of Golf - David Hinkle and Rio Valeriano with T36 Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0700

David Hinkle and Rio Valeriano with T36 Golf are flipping the script on traditional golf and redefining the sport for a new generation of golfers. Their revolutionary "Double Loop" design lets you experience a full 18-hole game with a smaller environmental footprint and shorter playtime.

T36 Golf's unique "Double Loop" layout at Baytown Texas amplifies the player experience while reducing time of play by an hour and the land required to around half of that of a traditional 18 hole course.

"I decided to go down to Key Largo and took my significant other Dina. We walked into this place called The Raw Bar and we sit at the only two seats available next to another couple and we order a drink called a "Dinarita". It's a margarita with a good tequila, splash of Chambord, no salt. So they say "Those sound great! Get us two of those." That struck up a conversation with this gentleman that was involved in golf. Three weeks later, I called him and said "I've got this course, 118 acres. I know we can't do an 18-hole golf course. What can we do?" He said "Actually you can build an 18-hole golf course on that acreage. Let me introduce you to somebody". That led us to a golf course architect which was that "AHA Moment" that ultimately evolved into T36 Golf."... Co-Founder Rio Valeriano

Episode Chapters
[03:00] How and when Rio and David were introduced to golf
[08:00] How David and Rio met each other and the "AHA Moment" that started T36 Golf
[11:30] Rio shares the "Dinarita" cocktail story at a Key Largo bar that led to meeting the right person at the right time
[15:00] How and why they decided to build the first T36 Golf course in Baytown Texas
[21:10] The "Double Loop" course layout explained
[26:00] course design considerations to ensure the playing experience is fast, safe and fun
[28:00] David talks about their target demographics and how they take a Blue Ocean Strategy approach to their business model
[34:20] Their branding exercise and how they landed on the name "T36 Golf"
[37:30] The importance of supporting youth golf at T36 Golf and Troon
[39:30] How they have created a community gathering place for the people of Baytown
[42:00] amplifying the customer experience through the restaurant, menu and lounge design
[44:30] future expansion plans for the T36 Golf brand

You can also learn more about Rio and David on thier bio pages.

Want to check out T36 Baytown (located 30 minutes east of Houston Texas) and perhaps book a tee time? Have a look at their website to learn more.

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: David Hinkle - Co-Founder and Principal at T36 Golf and Rio Valeriano - Co-Founder and Principal at T36 Golf.

SEASON 14 WRAP-UP / SEASON 15 PREVIEW

The ModGolf Podcast — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 21:30:00 -0800

That's a wrap for Season 14 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 15, which launches in February 2024. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf.

Thanks also to our friends at 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.

If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 14 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 why you liked them!

Our Season 14 guests were:

Episode 1
Preston Phillips - Venture Partner with Cerro Capital and WhiteRock
"In the case of new sports that are coming of age, I enjoy being in the middle of it and really understand how we can connect the dots through our support of sport technology ventures. I love feeling closer to these sports, either by participating in them or just tagging along for the fan ride." Preston Phillips, Venture Partner with Cerro Capital and WhiteRock joins us to share his quest to leverage technology that enhances the fan and player experience.
Click to listen >> THE QUEST TO AMPLIFY FAN ENGAGEMENT

Episode 2
Paul McEldon - CEO at ClubFace-Golf and ClubFace-Book
"What dawned on me was that if this whole golf community of diverse yet like-minded people could come in a place that was safe and relevant, would there be space for them?" So that's when we created the first version of ClubFace-Golf. Paul McEldon - CEO ClubFace-Book joins host Colin Weston to share how his team has created the "Facebook for golfers".
Click to listen >> CREATING AN ENGAGING SPACE FOR LIKE-MINDED GOLFERS

Episode 3
Claude Brousseau - Director of Player Development at The Wailea Golf Academy
"I grew up in a small little town, 500 people in the middle of nowhere. What matters the most is not where you start, it's where you go and how much you enjoy the process of realizing wow, life is good." Claude Brousseau, Director of Player Development at The Wailea Golf Academy joins host Colin Weston for an inspirational 40 minutes of conversation.
Click to listen >> YOU ARE THE CEO OF YOUR LIFE

Episode 4
Isaiah Mwesige - CEO of The AFRIYEA Golf Academy in Uganda
"There are few young people who are playing the game, however The AFRIYEA Golf Academy has been able to change the status quo and create a difference. We believe in taking the game to where people are rather than bringing people to where golf is." Isaiah Mwesige joins us to share the growth of golf in Uganda.
Click to listen >> THE RISE OF GOLF IN UGANDA

Episode 5
Kevin Corn - PGA Teaching Pro / Creator of The Kids Golf Program at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital in St. Louis
"All the children at Ranken Jordan are medically complex. We have kids in hospital beds and wheelchairs and walkers. They are on ventilators, they've got feeding tubes and regardless of what they're facing they hit golf balls. It's a very powerful afternoon and no better way to spend a day than helping them get better through golf."
PGA Teaching Pro Kevin Corn joins us to share the impactful program he spearheads at The Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital in St. Louis.
Click to listen >> THE HEALING POWER OF GOLF FOR KIDS

Episode 6
Danielle Tucker - Creator and Host of The Golf Club Radio Show
Danielle Tucker was a golf podcaster before podcasting was even a thing. For over a quarter century every Saturday from her studio in Honolulu, Danielle's radio show has showcased golf industry innovators in her island back yard and from around the world. Host Colin Weston speaks with one of the golf media's original storytellers who is still going strong.
Click to listen >> CELEBRATING OVER 25 YEARS IN GOLF RADIO

Episode 7
Gary Guerrero Jr. - Founder of Lag Shot Golf and Scratch Golf Academy
Gary Guerrero Jr. has built several successful golf businesses on the foundation of his marketing acumen. His simple and effective formula? Put all your energy into a product until it scales beyond your imagination. Then leverage those learnings and that audience to create the next venture. Host Colin Weston sits down with the Founder of Lag Shot Golf and Scratch Golf Academy to learn about his personal journey and "Give First" entrepreneurial mindset.
Click to listen >> EMBRACING A "GIVE FIRST" MINDSET TO SUCCESSFULLY START AND SCALE BUSINESS VENTURES

Episode 8
Scott Lundmark - President of Adventure Golf & Sports
Whether you call it Miniature Golf, Minigolf, Putt-Putt or Crazy Golf, chances are you've played at least once in your life. Scott Lundmark, President of Adventure Golf & Sports joins us to share stories from their company's 30+ year history of designing, building and operating fun putting courses that are enjoyed by millions of people.
Click to listen >> "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PUTT!"

Episode 9
Adam Beach - Founder of MyGolfSpy
"The golf consumer saw that someone was fighting for them, which is exactly why MyGolfSpy became successful. We put the consumer first and the companies last. I don't care about the corporations, I care about the golfer and how they spend their hard-earned money. MyGolfSpy Founder Adam Beach joins us to share his motivation for creating "The World's Most Extensive Golf Equipment Reviews".
Click to listen >> BOLDLY CREATING "THE CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THE GOLF INDUSTRY"

Episode 10
Amy Bockerstette - Down syndrome golfer advocate and ambassador for I GOT THIS Foundation
"I have Down syndrome and I am rocking my extra chromosome!" - Amy Bockerstette and her dad Joe join host Colin Weston for a heartfelt, fun and inspirational conversation about how golf has positively impacted their family and the community they have helped create.
Click to listen >> WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?

Episode 11
Christina Kim - PGA Tour Pro
On the LPGA Tour Christina Kim is known for her bubbly, fun, positive personality. After more than a decade of professional golf that veneer cracked, leaving Christina exhausted, empty and depressed. On this compelling episode Christina and host Colin Weston share stories of trauma, rejuvenation and a newfound joy for both life and golf.
Click to listen >> WORKING THROUGH TRAUMA TO EMERGE MORE RESILIENT, GRATEFUL AND HAPPY

Episode 12
Brad Schweigert - Chief Product Officer at PXG Parsons Xtreme Golf
"I met with Bob Parsons and immediately knew what I was going to do. I would regret saying no, knowing that I passed up on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was a huge decision and lots of people thought that I was crazy to leave Ping but I felt that I had to give it a go." - Brad Schweigert, Chief Product Officer at PXG joins Colin for a masterclass in product innovation and entrepreneurship.
Click to listen >> APPLYING A TECH STARTUP MINDSET TO INNOVATE GOLF CLUB DESIGN

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: Adam Beach - Owner and Founder of MyGolfSpy, Amy Bockerstette, I GOT THIS Foundation Ambassador and Down syndrome Golfer Advocate, Brad Schweigert - Chief Product Officer at PXG Parsons Xtreme Golf, Christina Kim - LPGA Tour Pro, Claude Brousseau, Director of Player Development at The Wailea Golf Academy, Danielle Tucker - Owner, Host and Producer of The Golf Club Radio Show, Gary Guerrero Jr., Founder and CEO of Lag Shot Golf and Scratch Golf Academy, Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of AFRIYEA Golf Academy, Kevin Corn - PGA Head Golf Professional and Pediatric Hospital Golf Program Creator, Paul McEldon, CEO at ClubFace-Golf, Preston Phillips - Entrepreneur/Investor/Advisor with Whiterock and Cerro Capital, and Scott Lundmark, President of Adventure Golf & Sports.

The Quest to Amplify Fan Engagement - Preston Phillips, Sport & Entertainment Entrepreneur, Investor & Advisor

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:00:00 -0700

Colin met Preston Phillips on a HYPE Sports Innovation "Ask Me Anything" webinar and was so impressed with his genuine desire to help entrepreneurs and their companies that we had to invite him on the show to share his experiences with you.

"Through an investment bank that we created, we had the opportunity to work with some different leagues that helped them grow in various ways. I think it's great what cricket has been able to do to progress the sport and position the product to reach a larger, more diverse fan base. I would argue the same with rugby and how they changed their game over the course of the last 10-12 years with Rugby Sevens and brought it to The States. And we're seeing this in a number of other sports as well and golf is now learning from them."

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

"It goes back to the technology piece of what's happening next to elevate sport experience, creating the space for us to work with bite-size data to build, measure, analyse and decide what to lean into next. We can see things up close and really understand who the athletes are - get under the helmet, if you will. From a content creation side and ultimately where the media dollars are moving, AI, augmented reality and web3 allow for all these future opportunities to present themselves.

Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Preston on our Youtube Channel!

Episode Chapters
[03:00] Preston shares his connection to playing golf and who introduced him to the game. Spoiler alert - his handicap is waaaay lower than Colin's. 😂
[04:40] Preston gives us an overview of what he does in the sport technology and fan experience space with WhiteRock and Cerro Capital.
[08:30] Colin asks Preston to share his thoughts on the LIV Golf / PGA Tour / PIF merger and what opportunities are there to enhance the fan experience.
[13:00] Preston and Colin discuss the value of team golf events, using the success of both cricket and rugby as validators of where pro golf should expand into.
[14:50] Preston tells us about a couple of ventures in the sport space that Cerro Capital has invested in, including Religion of Sports.
[18:30] Preston shares his thoughts on the future of "location-based sports", such at Rory and Tiger's TGL golf league created by TMRW Sports and The PGA Tour.
[20:40] Colin asks Preston how he believes golf can innovate more and which sports can golf learn from.
[27:00] We talk about the acsending value of women's sport leagues and franchises, along with the women-led companies that Preston supports.
[30:00] Preston and Colin talk about the popularity of mixed pro sport events with women and men competing together and the opportunity for pro golf to do more of it.
[31:30] We finish up asking Preston about where he seeing sport experience heading in 10-15 years time.

To learn more about the impact Preston makes to support Sport Tech startups, check out the Cerro Capital website.

You can also connect with Preston on his bio page.

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After testing the deWiz biofeedback swing analysis product we were so impressed with the results that we invited them to offer you an exclusive 10% OFF your purchase using promo code MODGOLF! CLICK TO SAVE on deWiz to see (and feel) lasting results in your swing tempo, length and path improvement.

Special Guest: Preston Phillips - Entrepreneur/Investor/Advisor with Whiterock and Cerro Capital.

SEASON 13 WRAP-UP / SEASON 14 PREVIEW

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 16 May 2023 23:15:00 -0700

That's a wrap for Season 13 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 14, which launches early July 2023. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of 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

If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 13 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 why you liked them!

Our Season 13 guests were:

Episode 1
John Simpson - Founder and Chairman - On Course Foundation
"Being disabled myself, I chatted with a few of the injured veterans and told them what had happened to me. I saw some of them looking back at me and I realized that golf was something they could do. That's when I thought, "if we could start a charity which teaches golf on a long-term basis with the idea of then getting them some form of employment within the golf and related industries, that if we could do that, that would be quite something". And that's where it all started." We open Season 13 with an inspirational conversation with John Simpson, Founder of On Course Foundation.
Click to listen >> MAKING A DIFFERENCE: SUPPORTING THE RECOVERY OF INJURED VETERANS THROUGH GOLF

Episode 2
Kat Ramirez - Founder of Golfing Buddy
"Golf is a great game to get to know people. That's why we go on the golf course with new people and spend four hours with them. It's because golfers really want to have a good time, instead of feeling like they're not good enough. So Golfing Buddy was created to empower people to find other people just like them to go play golf with."... Kat Ramirez, Founder of Golfing Buddy joins us to share how to successfully self-fund a startup as a side hustle.
Click to listen >> CONNECTING GOLFERS WITH LIKEMINDED PLAYING PARTNERS

Episode 3
Bob Winskowicz - Founder of SQAIRZ
Working for Arnold Palmer and having "The King" in your mentorship corner is one of many positive experiences that Bob Winskowicz - Founder of SQAIRZ - has as part of his secret sauce. Host Colin Weston learns about the influences that helped shape Bob's world view to become the entrepreneur and business leader that he is today.
Click to listen >> DO A COMMON THING IN AN UNCOMMON WAY

Episode 4
Nick Conrad - Founder of Twilight Golf Association
"I thought it wasn't crazy that you could pull together lots of strangers and create a golf league out of it. If I could allow those people that regularly fill out the tee sheet to create organized games, that really would resonate." Twilight Golf Association Founder Nick Conrad joins us to share how partnering with a technology company has turbocharged his startup.
Click to listen >> SCALING A GOLF STARTUP WITH PARTNERSHIPS

Episode 5
Lesley and Clare McMahon - Breaking the "grass ceiling" in the golf industry
Colin was invited to attend The NGCOA Canada Conference in Vancouver, where he sat down with the mother/daughter duo of Lesley and Clare McMahon to learn about the world of owning and operating a golf course. Lesley also shares her experience as the first female president of The National Golf Course Owner's Association Canada and Clare talks about the challenges and opportunities for women in the golf industry.
Click to listen >> BREAKING THE GRASS CEILING - A MOTHER/DAUGHTER DUO WHO ARE CHANGING THE GOLF LEADERSHIP LANDSCAPE

Episode 6
Ryan Engle - Founder of GOLF+
"My first virtual reality putt was 20-footer uphill with a left-to-right break. I hit it and put it 6 inches past the hole, burning the edge on the left. I thought, "Wow that felt exactly like hitting a putt." After that magical moment I said to the team "okay you know what, we're going to pivot 100% into VR." Ryan Engle, Founder and CEO of GOLF+ joins us to share how his love for writing code and playing golf led to the creation of the golf industry's leading VR gaming platform.
Click to listen >> PERSEVERANCE, PIVOTING AND THE ABILITY TO CONTINUOUSLY ADAPT

Episode 7
LIVE from the 2023 PGA Show with former guests Lydia Davies and Billy Brown
Colin returns to The PGA Show in Orlando and was ready to record a podcast but his guest no-showed! Not to worry, as Colin spots previous show guest Lydia Davies walking by and asks her to join him for a spontaneous chat about what's cool at the show. Minutes later another previous guest jumps in to take this fun-filled conversation to the next level.
Click to listen >> LIVE FROM THE 2023 PGA SHOW!

Episode 8
Jillian Foss - Founder of #LEGS
I thought, "what can we do to continue to lift up women towards leadership through golf?" because I believe the world would be a better place. So I set out to accomplish this mission and have some fun while we're at it. LEGS Ladies Executive Golf Society Founder Jillian Foss joins us to share how she combines her passion with a sense of purpose.
Click to listen >> NO RISK = NO FUN

Episode 9
Jewel Love - Society 61
"We know the golf industry has to be updated, the culture of it. To diversify that means you're willing to make changes that you never thought of making, to think differently and open up your mind in new ways." Jewel Love, Board Member and Advisor for Society 61 and The Society 61 Foundation joins us to share how their apparel brand acts as the platform to support young elite African American golfers.
Click to listen >> BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO CREATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF GOLF LEGENDS

Episode 10
Scott Stratten - Founder of UnMarketing
After experiencing Scott Stratten's inspirational keynote talk at the NGCOA Canada conference in Vancouver, host Colin Weston sits down with the creator of UnMarketing to learn how the golf industry can flourish by embracing the virtues of authenticity, integrity and community.
Click to listen >> YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK FOR YOU

Episode 11
Brian Esposito - Founder/CEO of Esposito Intellectual Enterprises
"I've been through hell and back, made every mistake you can think of and I'm honoured to share those experiences with the great companies that we get to work with." Brian Esposito, Founder/CEO of Esposito Intellectual Enterprises shares how he helps web3 sport and entertainment tech companies thrive and succeed.
Click to listen >> TIME IS OUR MOST PRECIOUS COMMODITY

Episode 12
Steve Madden - Co-Founder of Swingtweaks
"After playing for the first time five years ago, I grinded away at the range over 60 times that winter in stall 107 just hitting balls till my hands bled. I was addicted. I made a decision a few years ago that I wanted to create a lifestyle, or a job where I could golf and do my own thing tech-wise." Swingtweaks Co-Founder Steve Madden joins us to share entrepreneurial lessons learned in the golf industry.
Click to listen >> FIND CLARITY THROUGH ACTION
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We want to thank our sponsor partner Golf Genius Software for helping support The ModGolf Podcast

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 Guests: Billy Brown - Founder and CEO The Golf Sanctuary LLC. 2x Amazon Best Selling Author, Real Estate Investor, and Entrepreneur, Bob Winskowicz - Founder of SQAIRZ, Brian Esposito - Founder and CEO, Esposito Intellectual Enterprises, Clare McMahon - MBA graduate and Golf Teaching Professional, Jewel Love - Board Member and Advisor with Society 61 and The Society 61 Foundation, Jillian Johnson - Founder of #LEGS - The Ladies Executive Golf Society ⛳️, John Simpson - Founder of On Course Foundation, Kat Ramirez, Founder of Golfing Buddy, Lesley McMahon - Past President at NGCOA Canada / GM at Balmoral Golf Course, Lydia Davies - Founder of The Osprey Collective and TeeMates Golf, Nick Conrad - Founder and General Manager of Twilight Golf Association, Ryan Engle, Founder and CEO of GOLF+, and Scott Stratten - The Creator of UnMarketing.

Find Clarity Through Action - Steve Madden, Co-Founder of Swingtweaks

The ModGolf Podcast — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:15:00 -0700

Colin met Steve Madden at The 2023 PGA Show in Orlando and after hearing his entrepreneurial story over a couple of pints of Guinness we had to invite him on the show to share his experiences with you.

"Five years ago my ex-girlfriend's dad invited me for a round, so I played an 18 hole round at Mountainside golf course. The next day I went and played the par 3 course there which had the massive holes and I became addicted to golf that weekend. When I got back to Calgary, I played three or four rounds next week and then I joined a golf course for the remainder of the season. Once new golfers feel that awesome shot or they hit that really close approach, smash that driver or make a long putt, that addiction really hits you. I made a decision a few years ago that I wanted to create a lifestyle, or a job where I could golf and do my own thing tech-wise. I've had two apps now that revolve around golf and Swingtweaks is the second one."... Steve Madden, Co-Founder of Swingtweaks

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Episode Chapters
[03:00] Steve opens the show by sharing his level of play after picking up golf only a couple of years ago. Spoiler alert - his handicap is waaaay lower than Colin's. 😂
[04:20] Steve tells us how a rugby-playing lad from Ireland ended up becoming a tech entrepreneur in Calgary Canada by way of Vietnam.
[05:20] Colin asks Steve to share his first golf experience five years ago and who invited him to try the game.
[06:50] Steve gives us the "Elevator Pitch" for his latest golf venture Swingtweaks.
[09:10] Steve talks about the rise in popularity of golf lesson and training technology ventures such as Sportsbox.ai
[10:05] We learn the back story and AHA moment of Swingtweaks
[12:45] Steve shares business model, user experience, value proposition and customer profiles for Swingtweaks.
[16:40] Colin asks Steve to share how they came up with the name Swingtweaks and the concept of users purchasing "Tweaks".
[18:45] Steve talks about how Swingtweaks generates revenue and how they developed the pricing model cost per "Tweak".
[22:00] Colin asks about the Swingtweaks strategy to acquire new users, retain/engage existing ones and how they incentivize PGA teaching pros to join the platform.
[27:00] Steve shares some stories from satisfied users and the most unexpected places around the world that golfers are using Swingtweaks.
[28:30] We learn about the future plans for Swingtweaks and which markets, countries and languages they look to expand into next.
[30:50] Steve shares some positive user experiences and how they are building community on Instagram and Reddit.
[33:00] Steve offers you - our ModGolfers - 20% OFF your first Swingtweak using promo code MODGOLF.*
*(FYI we don't receive a commision if you buy one! 😎)

Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Steve on our Youtube Channel!

To learn more and get 20% OFF your first Swingtweak using promo code MODGOLF, check out the Swingtweaks website.

You can also connect with Steve on his bio page.

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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: Steve Madden - Co-Founder of Swingtweaks.

Do a Common Thing In an Uncommon Way - Bob Winskowicz, Founder of SQAIRZ

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:30:00 -0800

"When Ely Callaway created the Big Bertha and Karsten Solheim created the Ping irons, they went to work on a driver and an iron that had perimeter weighting. And when they got done, the club looked the way it did because that's the way perimeter weighting looked. It wasn't the other way around. They didn't worry about the fact that this Big Bertha was an oversized metal wood that looked like a snow shovel with no hosel and then the iron looked like something that an alien designed. They had something that was radically different, but they could back it up with performance and they didn't worry about the looks. The looks was secondary to performance. Match it up with a quote from Booker T Washington, which is to "Do a common thing in an uncommon way". So when you mix those two things together and that's where SQAIRZ came from." - Bob Winskowicz, Founder of SQAIRZ
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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

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"A gentlemen I once worked for called me up and said "Bob I want you to work with me in the golf industry". He invited me to attend The PGA Show in 1995 and once I walked in it was like entering golf heaven. I was overwhelmed. I left there and said to him " I don't care what you pay me - I'm in! I want to work for you!". From that day on I never looked back."

Episode Chapters
[02:18] Bob shares being introduced to the game and his first golf experience.
[04:50] Colin asks Bob "what was the WORST job you ever had and what positives did you take away from it?"
[06:35] Bob's early professional work expience in the consumer goods sector and how that set the stage for a career shift into the golf industry.
[10:40] Bob tells the story of joining The Arnold Palmer Golf Company and the impact that "The King" had on his entrepreneurial endeavours.
[15:30] We learn about how outside influences like the creation of the Callaway Big Bertha driver shaped Bob's design philosophy for SQAIRZ.
[21:30] Bob tells us the exciting news about the next sport outside of golf that SQAIRZ is entering the high-performance shoe market.
[30:30] Bob shares his approach to empowering his team to embrace a culture of continuous learning, experimentation and innovation.

Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Bob on our Youtube Channel!

"I have the privledge of being around Arnold Palmer and one time I presented a new set of irons we were ready to launch and The King said to me "what is in it for the consumer?" I stumbled because I focused on the look of the clubs. We lost sight of how they benefited the golfer. So once I launched a shoe company I always asked the question "What's in it for the consumer?"

You can also connect with Bob on his bio page, along with checking out the SQAIRZ website.

Special Guest: Bob Winskowicz - Founder of SQAIRZ.

Combining His Love of Golf and Entrepreneurship - Markus Westerberg, Co-Founder of deWiz

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 10:30:00 -0700

"I can only do so much and I am happy to let in anyone who can help us and who knows their area of expertise better than me. There's no ego motivation here. We just want to help golfers get better, grow the company and reach out to more golfers. We have the love of the game and that's our driving force. I think that's a strength that we have, the strength to know what we don't know and not have the vanity of trying to show something else." - deWiz Co-Founder Markus Westerberg
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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

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"I started that round with an incredible start and have learned through experience not to then play conservatively in order to protect a good score. Hitting "pause" and trying to get off the golf course by making pars is the wrong mindset. If you do that you are sure to make bogeys so I knew I had to push myself. So I kept pushing and pushing into that "Zone of Discomfort", didn't bail on myself throughout the round and gave myself a chance to shoot 59 with a putt on 18. I'm really proud of that round as it was a magically exhilarating experience."

Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Markus on our Youtube Channel!

"We launched about a year ago and today and we are now 14 employees in the company. I'm not saying that we built deWiz all by ourselves. We are team players. I know some things and I don't know a lot of other things". I know golf and I've learned a lot about tech. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology, which ties in very good to deWiz."

You can also connect with Markus on his bio page, along with checking out the deWiz website.

"Golf is an individual sport but no single tour golfer is out there alone. There is a family behind them, friends, a manager and multiple coaches that make up the team. So to suceed, you have to be able to handle your team regarding the physical, mental, financial and logistical challenges that arise. Golf is a brutal game and it's a game about managing mistakes. Looking at a professional golf career, you have more failures than successes and that gives you a thick skin that builds up your resilience. Golf gives you a North Star to define what success means to you and to appreciate the journey. You have to truly love the game, whether it's the game of entrepreneurship or the game of golf. And when you do that, I believe you will end up in good places."

Special Guest: Markus Westerberg, Co-Founder of deWiz.

Entrepreneurial Lessons Learned on The Trading Floor - Eileen Jurczak, Founder and CEO of Xonic Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 11:30:00 -0700

"At that point in my life I was working on the trading floor for many years with BMO and had been introduced to artificial intelligence in the financial realm. Not in sports but AI nonetheless. The two came together and I said "wait a second, I wonder if there's a product here? I wonder if we can bring together AI and this passion for golf? That would be a dream come true if I could start a golf related business!". That's where the seed of the idea came. There has been a lot of work and learning since then, but that was the AHA moment for Xonic Golf." - Eileen Jurczak, Founder and CEO of Xonic Golf
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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

______________________________________________

Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Eileen on our Youtube Channel!

"A lot of people don't know this about the scock exchange trading floor. While it's in a large financial institution, it's a very entrepreneurial atmosphere with dozens of small businesses being run by a handful of people. We're responsible for wearing multiple hats in each of these businesses to market it, to grow it, to manage the finances. You're doing everything and you're working hard! The idea of "Hey, we want your ideas, bring them to the table" fosters that innovative entrepreneurial mindset. I'm using all the skills and experience that I've built up my entire life and career. It's incredible."

You can also connect with Eileen on her bio page, along with checking out the Xonic Golf website.

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Eileen is passionate about giving back to the community and has founded and built a successful not-for-profit company that addresses the need for youth financial services education. Established in 2015, the Bay Street Deconstructed workshops have now reached over 10,000 Grade 10 students across Canada, with a priority of reaching students with diverse cultural backgrounds in less affluent areas, helping all students to be better prepared for their futures.

Special Guest: Eileen Jurczak - Founder and CEO of Xonic Golf.

Turning a $3 weekly golf buddy bet into a scaleable business venture - Tom Naramore, CEO at D3Golf.com

The ModGolf Podcast — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0700

"There is a standard side game that many people play called the Nassau bet. There's a wager on the front nine, a separate wager on the back nine and then you add them both together in match play and whoever wins the most holes wins the overall. So it's three separate bets. Craig and I used to play a dollar-dollar-dollar game. That's what we would call it on the first hole. He'd walk up, look at me and say "dollar-dollar-dollar?" and I'd respond "Absolutely!"
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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

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"I had software clients out golfing at the same time that (my now Co-Founder) Craig had financial clients out and we serendipitously wound up at the same restaurant. He saw me, walked up and said, "hey, we should have been able to play our dollar-dollar-dollar game on two different courses" and I snap answered him and said, "Man, I can build that, that's a mobile app. No problem!" ...Tom Naramore, CEO at D3Golf.com

"I met a gentleman by the name of Peter Meng and he spent half an hour showing me his tech. Afterwards all I said to him was, "What do you think about a virtual wallet in a mobile app, two guys playing golf either on the same or different courses? They play, the app does all the math and then the app sends the money to the winner." And that's all I said to him. 24 hours later he called me back. He wrote a business plan, a technical road map for me, a basic marketing plan and voila, the company was started."

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

Want to learn more about Tom and D3Golf? Visit their website to see how D3Golf has created the mobile app for monetary side games on your local golf course or remotely with players around the country.

You can learn more about and connect with Tom on his bio page.

We want to thank our sponsor partner Golf Genius Software for helping support The ModGolf Podcast

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: Tom Naramore - CEO at D3Golf.com.

How The Metaverse and NFTs Will Amplify Golf Fan Engagement - Guillermo Heredia, Managing Director at HYPE Sports Innovation

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0800

The Metaverse. NFTs. Blockchain. Cryptocurrency. Web 3.0
You have probably heard some or all of these terms over the past couple of years and may scratch your head in bewilderment as one of your friends tries to explain them to you. After listening to this episode you will be enlightened by the insights from our guest Guillermo Heredia, who is the Global Brands, Metaverse & Blockchain Managing Director at HYPE Sports Innovation.

"The Metaverse. It's not like different Metaverses, it is one Metaverse like there is one internet and then you have different platforms. The Australian Open replicated the grounds in Decentraland and you could see and enter the Rod Laver Arena and see all the sponsors. You could go to the shop, you had some gamification around but they were not the only ones. The NFL did it for the Super Bowl and they created an area in Roblox wherre they had a store. They again have ramification, you could see all the brands and the clubs that are in the NFL. So it is a new way for fans to interact with the brands and with the sport properties. So you have endless opportunities."

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

Want to learn more about Guillermo and HYPE Sports Innovation? Visit their website to see how HYPE has become the Global Sports Tech Arena with over 100 top sports brands, clubs, and federations as partners.

One example of golf entering the Metaverse is GOLF+, where you can play an immersive round of 18 holes, putting competitions or experience TopGolf in a virtual reality environment. Click on the image below to learn more about GOLF+.

Web 3.0 represents the next iteration or phase of the evolution of the web/Internet and potentially could be as disruptive and represent as big a paradigm shift as Web 2.0. Web 3.0 is built upon the core concepts of decentralization, openness, and greater user utility.

You can learn more about and connect with Guillermo on his bio page.

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: Guillermo Heredia, Managing Director Global Brands, Metaverse & Blockchain at HYPE Sports Innovation.

Creating The "LinkedIn for Golfers" - Lydia Davies, Founder and CEO of TeeMates

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 21:15:00 -0800

"I get ideas in my head all the time for different things I could create. My husband traveled a lot and is a social butterfly, always playing golf with random people. So he kept sending me pictures of himself on the golf course and I was like, "why are you playing alone?" I thought this was so sad because he loves talking with and hanging out with people."

"So I told him "Wouldn't it be cool if while you were in Mexico City you could go on an app and it would show you all the other guys in your area that are available to play golf. Then you could click on them and invite them to come and play with you. You'd meet all these awesome new people and have this great experience. He thought it was a good idea so I put my head down and started doing all the framework for it, researching how to make it. And once I start something, I am going to see it through to the end, no matter what!"

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

Want to learn more about Lydia and TeeMates Golf? Visit their website to see how TeeMates allows you to connect with people who share the same passion for golf.

You can learn more about Lydia on her bio page.

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: Lydia Davies - Founder of The Osprey Collective and TeeMates Golf.

The 2022 Golf App Review Episode - with Jeremy "The App Man" Callahan

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 16:00:00 -0800

Looking to improve your swing without taking a lesson? Want to track your on-course shot-by-shot performance? How can Virtual Reality and The Metaverse enhance your golf experience? Jeremy "The App Man" Callahan joins us to provide his insights and top picks in three different golf app categories.

Jeremy breaks down his Best Golf Aps picks into three categories:
• Teaching / Game Improvement
• On-Course Shot Tracking
• Virtual and Augmented Reality / The Metaverse

Click on the image below to check out our extended conversation with The App Man on our Youtube Channel!

Want to learn more about Jeremy and Golf BPM? Visit their website to learn how picking the genre of music you practice to finds the beat and time that best suits your personal swing goals.

You can learn more about Jeremy on his bio page.

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: Jeremy Callahan - a.k.a. The App Man.

How A Human-Centered Design Approach Leads To Innovative Golf Products - Scott Moore / Garmin International

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 09:30:00 -0800

"If you don’t have a “Why Garmin?” then why are we even proposing to make this? So when I go to pitch any product idea, for say the next generation golf watch, I can’t just state “let's make this just because we’re Garmin and we have a lot of success with the last one”. I have to propose some benefit for the customer which is why they will be compelled to buy this. Our host Colin Weston sits down with Golf Product Manager Scott Moore to learn how Garmin approaches their design process through rapid prototyping, user experience feedback and a passionate desire to continually innovate.

"Why will the customer go from the previous version or a competitor’s product to this one? That mentality that we have of always trying to add benefit to our products and not just churn out a bunch of similar products and put lipstick on it and say it’s good now, we are looking to add value every time we create a new product. It’s not just something our leadership says, at every level we always ask that question “Why Garmin?”.

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

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: Scott Moore - Product Manager at Garmin International.

Powering PGA Tour Fan Engagement To Expand Tournament Viewership - Reid Fowler / DraftKings PGA Analyst

The ModGolf Podcast — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:30:00 -0800

What can golf learn from other pro sport leagues when it comes to how content is consumed, fan engagement is amplified, and collective experiences are heightened? Host Colin Weston speaks with DraftKings PGA Fantasy Sports & Betting Analyst Reid Fowler as he shares how they create fun, memorable experiences for every demographic of sports fan.

Want to see what all the fuss is about with the DraftKings One Million Dollar Masters Contest? Or like me, you want to dip your toe in the sports betting pool and place $20 on a six player Masters "team"? Then check out the DraftKings website or mobile app to put some skin in the game and have some fun!

DraftKings’ has launched the first ever multi-sport $100K free-to-play pool combining The Masters and NFL Sunday. Also, in a study of over 1,000 fans of both football and golf, DraftKings found 77% are interested in engaging with multisport gaming.

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

Our Top 3 Reid Fowler Quotes From This Episode

Number 3
“How do you capture pro golf coverage without spending a ton of money on infrastructure and technology? The logistics of how you film golf at a PGA tournament, you’re talking about acres and acres of land. It’s just not feasible. How do you increase engagement on a Thursday and Friday at a golf tournament? Well there has to be a push on how golf is being consumed. When I was at Sawgrass for The PLAYERS Championship, they were pushing the technology so that you could see every single shot from every player, whether it be live or you click on the player to see that shot. Now at The Masters, they’re introducing an app so you can choose your favourite golfers and follow them and see every shot. That is going to increase viewership and the ability to engage. When looking to monetize golf tournament viewing, there are a lot of opportunities with this. That is where golf needs to progress. While the tournament is being played, how do get golf on TV and digital platforms sooner rather than later."

Number 2
"When you're watching sports - and maybe it’s just bragging rights with your buddies - but when you have a stake in the game it makes it way more engaging and entertaining. DraftKings has created a platform to amplify the fan engagement around the PGA Tour, especially during those early rounds of a tournament."

Number 1
"Golf is the closest to NFL football when you talk about how fans interaction with fantasy games. The cadence on how someone builds a fantasy football lineup is so similar to golf because it is week-to-week. I saw this correlation and said this is something we should really focus on because engagement heavily increased in the 18 to 35 year old demographic, especially on the Thursday and Friday of a PGA event when viewership is historically the lowest over the four days of a tournament."

At the end of this episode I ask Reid about DraftKings' role as an ethical corporate citizen regarding gambling addiction. I was pleased to hear that DraftKings takes this seriously and continues to expand their education and support for people struggling with with a gambling problem. While the vast majority of people enjoy gambling without falling into addiction, the prevalence rate for persons who veer into pathological gambling and potential life-ruining consequences is about 2.2 percent in the U.S., per 2014 findings by the National Council on Problem Gambling.

With an expansion of legal sports wagering in the U.S., a new cohort of citizens, however small, will get introduced to sports betting and struggle to find the line between entertainment and addiction. If you or someone you love struggle with their relationship with gambling, please reach out to Gamblers Anonymous

Special Guest: Reid Fowler - DraftKings PGA Fantasy Sports & Betting Analyst.

Building Educational And Entertaining Content For Passionate Consumers - Malcolm Scovil, Imagine Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0700

“The biggest mistake I’ve made in my entrepreneurial endeavours is to have a product idea and just run at it as opposed to starting with a curiosity approach and asking open-ended questions. It also helps from a marketing standpoint. You start to write down the things that people are saying and it helps you when you’re putting together the story so that you're speaking in the voice of the customer rather than the one that’s in your head.”

Host Colin Weston sits down with Imagine Golf Founder Malcolm Scovil as he shares how embracing patience, curiosity and tenacity have helped guide him along his entrepreneurial journey. Malcolm is the Founder of TLDR which stands for “Too Long - Didn’t Read”. TLDR's first product Imagine Golf reflects this “Give it to me quick, give it to me clear” content delivery philosophy.

Imagine Golf is currently on Apple iOS but will be available on Android soon. You can follow Imagine Golf on Instagram at @imaginegolfers

Check out our extended conversation with Malcolm on our Youtube Channel!

Quotable Nuggets of Entrepreneurial Wisdom From Malcolm...

"The vision behind TLDR is to build entertaining, educational content that we deliver through mobile apps around passionate pockets of consumers. One of our first products is Imagine Golf, which is focused on “snackable audio content for golfers of all skill levels” to help golfers improve their performance and enjoy the game more."

“Im always tinkering with small products and testing things out with friends. I think there’s a natural tinkerer in us folks who are entrepreneurial. Once of the things in my endeavours I found is getting close to the student or the customer is what helps quiet that voice of doubt or insecurity in the entrepreneurial mind."

"With Imagine Golf we really spent a lot of time before we had any product talking to golfers and asking them questions - not about a product that we are thinking about building but why do you play golf, what got you into golf, what are some of your highlights in your career for amateurs. What are you working on in your golf game? Where are you trying to go in you game? What are some of the ways that you think might accelerate you in getting there? So it’s really applying a curious mindset to the product development process, which leads to all types of unexpected discoveries through the nuggets of insight that you uncover.”

“Once you have a direction the real focus is on building a quality-first product. I think the only way to do that is with simplicity. Something I’ve been guilty of in the past is trying to do too much too early in an entrepreneurial venture. With my latest venture and all my future projects, it’s how do you cut through in a very noisy, cluttered market with a consumer experience that really resonates and adds value to people’s lives. Almost always simpler is better, that focus on simplicity and what adds value.”

“I think why most companies fail is either there’s not a customer or they haven’t been able to find that customer. To big things to in the early days of a startup are can you make something people want and the other part is can you get in front of folks, can you find ways for them to discover it? This is as important as building something people want.”

“For successful new products and companies like Sarah Blakely with Spanx who had a very clear proposition for the consumer by scratching the itch of a personal pain point to create something that wasn’t on the market.”

Reid Hoffman: “if you’re not embarrassed by your first product you shipped it too late.” It takes a lot of bravery to put something out there.

“The best advice I got was to get just one customer, get one person to pay you then the next one and the next one. What it forces you to do is create something of value. That first person you ask to pay ten dollars for your product and they say no, then you need to ask why, what’s missing right now? This combination of our intuition and the data gathered both qualitative and quantitative, those are a couple of ingredients for success."

“Customers are your best partners. Folks that are using and paying for your product are the best source of ideas and ways to grow. Without question, we get the best ideas for new content or courses we should create from the current member of the Imagine Golf community and we are very grateful for that”.

"Being an entrepreneur is tough and it creates a lot of doubt. Although it can be lonely it can also be very rewarding and fulfilling."

“As in business, the biggest barrier to athletic success is our mental game. It’s what separates the Tiger Woods, the Michael Jordans, the Oprah Winfreys and the Elon Musks of the world from the rest of us.

“I recommend that new entrepreneurs do not try to reinvent the wheel or start building something from scratch. Instead create something in your own unique way, find inspiration in something that already exists and do it differently and better.”

Special Guest: Malcolm Scovil - Founder, TLDR and Imagine Golf.

Season 7 Wrap-up / Season 8 Preview

The ModGolf Podcast — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 22:00:00 -0700

That's a wrap for Season 7 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our passionate team of content creators are current working on your next twelve episodes for Season 8, which launches early September 2020. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how technology, entertainment experiences, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf.

If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our ten Season 7 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. Hopefullly this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below.

We're proud to have Golf Genius Software as one of our show sponsor partners and look forward to telling you more about the elegant solutions they create to simplify running golf tournaments. Go to https://www.golfgenius.com/ to learn more!

Our Season 7 guests were:

Episode 1
John Kawaja - President, Honma Golf NA
Entrepreneurial Lessons Learned In The Golf Industry

Episode 2
Shella Sylla - Founder/CEO, SisterGolf
Empowering Women Through Golf

Episode 3
Matt Considine - Founder/CEO at NewClub Golf
Creating a Scalable Business Model Inspired by Traditional Golf Societies

Episode 4
Thinh Tran - Founder/CEO at Transrover
Embracing Resilience, Curiosity and Joy to Fuel The Entrepreneurial Journey

Episode 5
Shayain Gustavsp - LPGA Coach / SJG International
Teaching Golf To Welcome, Elevate and Empower Diverse Communities

Episode 6
Nick Bednar - VP of Operations, Billy Casper Golf
Creating a Launch Point to Grow Golf Participation

Episode 7
Amir Raveh - Founder and President, HYPE Sports Innovation
Building Global Sport Startup Accelerators That Help Innovate Golf

Episode 8
Peter Johnson - CEO and Co-Founder, Phat Scooters
Delivering Great Products That Customers Love

Episode 9
Ian Peterson - CEO ad Founder, Dialed In Golf Solutions
Creating Memorable Golf Experiences For Everyone

Episode 10
Sal Syed - CEO and Co-Founder, Arccos Golf
Combining Big Data and Elegant Design to Create Memorable Golf Moments

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: Amir Raveh - Founder and President, HYPE Sports Innovation, Ian Peterson - Founder & CEO of Dialed in Golf Solutions, John Kawaja - President of Honma Golf NA, Matt Considine - Founder & CEO at NewClub Golf, Nick Bednar - VP of Operations at Billy Casper Golf, Peter Johnson - Co-Founder & CEO of Phat Scooters, Sal Syed: Co-Founder and CEO, Arccos Golf, Shayain Gustavsp - Entrepreneur / LPGA Certified Coach, Shella Sylla - Founder/CEO of SisterGolf, and Thinh Tran - Co-Creator of GimmePro and Founder of Transrover.

Creating Memorable Golf Experiences For Everyone - Ian Peterson, Dialed In Golf Solutions

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 22 May 2020 10:30:00 -0700

"We eventually learned how to simplify our product and experience offering while providing even a higher level of service and customer value." Ian Peterson - Founder and CEO of Dialed In Golf Solutions joins us to share his thoughts on innovating the golf industry.

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Special Guest: Ian Peterson - Founder & CEO of Dialed in Golf Solutions.

Delivering Great Products That Customers Love - Peter Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of Phat Scooters (079)

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 12 May 2020 14:00:00 -0700

On this episode our host Colin Weston chats with Peter Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of Phat Scooters who shares insights, stories and business philosophy that has guided him along his entrepreneurial journey.

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After college, Peter helped grow the family custom cabinetry business before transitioning into a hybrid world of tech, construction, sustainable product solutions and engineering. All of these experiences led up the founding of Phat Scooters in 2017.

To learn more about Phat Scooters, check out their website and this YouTube explainer video.

Special Guest: Peter Johnson - Co-Founder & CEO of Phat Scooters.

Building Global Sports Accelerators That Help Innovate Golf Amir Raveh, Founder and President of HYPE Sports Innovation

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 09:30:00 -0700

"I’ve been very fortunate at this point in my life to put together my two passions - one is sports and the other one is innovation." On this episode our host Colin Weston sits down with Amir Raveh, Founder and President of HYPE Sports Innovation who shares his thoughts on innovating the golf industry through the Global Sports Accelerator they have built.

"The sports world is going through a massive disruption in terms of innovation. There are dedicated accelerators for many sports but I don’t see one yet in golf. We have the platform with hundreds of startups that would be very happy to change that."

Amir suggests that golf should embrace technology innovations and trends in eSports, blockchain, fan engagement, artificial intelligence, Virtual/Augmented Reality and gamified experiences in order to connect with a younger, more diverse audience.

HYPE has created the first Global Virtual Accelerator with over 350 startups already registered. Do you have a technology-led sport/golf innovation product or service that is past the early prototype stage and has the potential to scale? Then we encourage you to apply to participate in the HYPE Global Virtual Accelerator!

Special Guest: Amir Raveh - Founder and President, HYPE Sports Innovation.

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.

Inclusive Team Experiences That Connect Young Adult Golfers - Kris Hart / Nextgengolf

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 08:15:00 -0700

Live Life. Play Golf. This is the philosophy Nextgengolf passionately applies to their mandate to grow golf in the 18 to 39 year old US market sector.

Nextgengolf originated as a Boston-based affordable golf membership program for recreational college students called CollegeGolfPass, which helped make golf more affordable for college students. The company expanded nationwide after merging with The National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA) in 2013. In the first year of the merger, the company started 100+ new club golf programs and supported over 10,000 student golfers.

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

Over the next two years college golfers kept coming to them saying “thanks for all the help in college”, but kept asking “what do I do now?” after graduating. CollegeGolfPass and NCCGA rebranded as Nextgengolf in January 2014, knowing they could help graduating college golfers. As a result, in 2014 they developed the Nextgengolf City Tour which provides team-based golfing opportunities for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s near major cities.

Between the NCCGA and City Tour, Nextgengolf is the leading entity for golfers in their 20’s and 30’s in the US. At the core of their organization they run great golf tournaments and are in the golf experience business. Beyond running great events, they work hard to provide meaningful content and information to young adults and the golf industry at large. Nextgengolf does not focus on the best golfers, rather they support “the rest” and care about the future sustainability of golf.

This YouTube video explains what Nextgengolf does and why they do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB-tC6B3hBE

In this episode we discuss how in six years Nextgengolf has created a solution that responds to the pain points facing young golfers and their desire to get involved in an engaging, inclusive, team-based golf tournament format. Topics include:

• The history behind and the inspiration that motivated Kris Hart to create Nextgengolf.
• The National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA), an event platform to grow and support the college student golf community.

• The creation of CityTour, summer golf tournament team events for 20-39 year olds. https://nextgengolf.org/city-tour/

• The power of strategic partnerships the help move your startup forward. Nextgengolf national partner Srixon http://www.srixon.com/ and Cleveland Golf http://www.clevelandgolf.com/ along with supporting partners 18 Birdies https://18birdies.com/ Oxford https://www.oxford.co/ and Golf Channel http://www.golfchannel.com/ help provide the resources and promotional reach to grow their audience.

• Kris' desire to give back to the game he loves by taking personal responsibility to help grow golf. Kris co-chairs the Millennial Task Force for the golf industry, along with speaking engagements at the PGA Merchandise Show each January and providing thought leadership through the Nextgengolf blog. http://blog.nextgengolf.org/

• Nextgengolf's mandate to create the future of golf by innovating to align with contemporary lifestyles while respecting the proud traditions of the game.

Golf Digest wrote a very informative article on the NCCGA called "The laid-back, but competitive world of college club golf". http://www.golfdigest.com/story/the-laidback-but-competitive-world-of-college-club-golf

You can find out more about Nextgengolf and be part of the conversation on social media. Twitter https://twitter.com/nextgolfer Instagram @nextgengolfclub and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nextgengolfclub/

Special Guest: Kris Hart - Co-Founder & CEO, Nextgengolf.