The ModGolf Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “The Pga Show”

Applying an Improv Mindset to Golf - Gina Louise Phillips, Host, Producer, Writer, Actor and Golf Personality

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:15:00 -0700

"So I take an improv mindset. It's all about fun. It's all about what happens next." Gina Louise Phillips combines her comedic, writing and acting experiences to inject a fresh perspective into the golf industry. Join us as Gina shares how her journey on shows like The Last of Us with Pedro Pascal and co-hosting Score Golf TV has inspired her to write and develop the first golf-themed sitcom.

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

1. The Power of Community in Golf: Gina emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment for women in golf. She shares her experiences and insights on how showing up and being visible can inspire others to join the game. By breaking down barriers and highlighting programs that cater to women, she encourages listeners to embrace golf as an accessible and enjoyable sport.

2. Improv and Golf: Embracing the Unexpected: Gina draws parallels between her background in improv and her approach to golf. She discusses how the principles of improv - such as being present, accepting mistakes, and adapting to the moment - can enhance the golfing experience. This mindset allows her to enjoy the game without the pressure of perfection, making it more about the fun and camaraderie than the score.

3. The Journey of Self-Discovery: Throughout the conversation, Gina reflects on her journey in the golf industry, from feeling like an outsider to embracing her unique perspective as a woman in a male-dominated space. She encourages listeners to focus on their strengths and to create opportunities for themselves, rather than waiting for others to validate their worth. This message resonates with anyone looking to carve their own path in any field.
These takeaways not only highlight Gina's passion for golf but also inspire listeners to approach the game - and life - differently. It's all about connection, growth, and enjoying the journey!

These insights not only provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, actors and writers 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 Gina on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and Gina discuss the keys to making golf more inviting and welcoming for everyone.

Want to connect with Gina and hear more about "Squat Valley Golf", the sitcom she is currently writing? Visit her bio page for contact information. And visit Gina's IMDB page to learn more about the shows and movies she has appeared in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We want to thank our 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 Guest: Gina Louise Phillips - Host, Producer, Writer, Actor and Golf Personality.

Building Community, Confidence and Connections - Courtney Campbell, Founder of Birdies Babes Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 22:30:00 -0800

Here are three key inspirational and informative takeaways that you will discover from the episode of The ModGolf Podcast featuring Courtney Campbell, Founder of Birdies Babes Golf:

1 Empowering Women Through Community: Courtney emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and fun environment for women in golf. Birdies Babes Golf fosters a community where women can learn, socialize, and enjoy the game together, breaking down barriers and encouraging newcomers to participate without fear of judgment.

2 Create Innovative Programming and Events: This podcast highlights Courtney's creative approach to engaging women in golf, such as themed social nights and networking events. These gatherings not only provide a platform for learning the game but also facilitate connections among participants, leading to lasting friendships and a sense of belonging within the golfing community - all while having a fun time together.

3 The Power of Invitation: Courtney discusses how personal invitations play a crucial role in bringing new players into the sport. By encouraging existing members to invite their friends, Birdies Babes Golf has successfully expanded its reach, demonstrating that a welcoming atmosphere and shared experiences can significantly enhance women's participation in golf.

In 2019 Courtney launched Birdies Babes Golf (originally named Birdies Babes Beats) at an indoor golf entertainment venue in Vancouver as a way to give women a fun and relaxed introduction to the game she loves. Five years later, Birdies Babes Golf stages themed events all over greater Vancouver, especially at her 9 hole home course Gleneagles in West Vancouver.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, we encourage you to watch our extended conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel as Courtney offers up insightful takeaways and nuggets of wisdom with 5 KEY TIPS TO HELP WOMEN GET INTO GOLF Click on this link or the image below to watch our video.

If you would like to connect with Courtney, visit her bio page for contact information. To learn more about Birdies Babes Golf click on the image below to visit their website.

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: Courtney Campbell, Founder of Birdies Babes Golf.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Taking an Entrepreneurial Approach to Build a Career in Sport Journalism - Ann Liguori, Author of "Life On The Green"

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 24 May 2024 18:45:00 -0700

"It was tough. For every advertising sponsor that I brought in, I had a million rejections. I just persevered and ended up interviewing everybody from Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron to Wilt Chamberlain. The journey has been incredible, but I learned on the fly in a lot of ways."

Ann Liguori is a leader and trailblazer in sports broadcasting as President of Ann Liguori Productions, Inc., award-winning sport’s talk show host, public speaker, broadcaster, journalist, author and producer. Ann's latest book is Life on the Green: Lessons and Wisdom from Legends of Golf where 12 legendary players in golf share life lessons they learned from the game. Life on the Green is available on Amazon.

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

When I mentioned Ann's episode to the folks at British Columbia Golf they immediately wanted to support it, as one of their goals is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. They strive to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. 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.

"Sports Innerview was the cable show that I did for 17 years, which I was able to syndicate on all these sports cable networks around the country and that's this show that I went out and sold. MSG Network said "Ann we love your work. We hear you on FAN. We see your byline. We can give you a time slot every week on WFAN, but we can't pay you." So I went knocking down doors on Madison Avenue trying to get meetings with advertising executives and they looked at me like I had three heads. Like "Wait you're a woman and you want to host a sports show?"... Ann Liguori, President of Ann Liguori Productions, Inc.

You can also learn more about Ann on her bio page. Life on the Green is available for purchase on Amazon.

Life on the Green: Lessons and Wisdom from Legends of Golf
12 legendary players in golf share life lessons they learned from the game.

Interviewed by award-winning sports journalist and broadcaster Ann Liguori, a select list of champions including Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player, Jan Stephenson, Tom Watson, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Nancy Lopez, and more, talk about their personal journeys and wisdom they gleaned from their time playing the game of golf.

Life on the Green appeals to all, going in-depth with exclusive content for die-hard fans while providing amusing anecdotes and inspirational content for everyone, humanizing and helping us understand a little bit more about each star and their success story.

Each person’s story highlights a different, central theme, allowing readers to have key takeaways and a clearer understanding of how the subject became so successful, and in turn, be inspired to utilize those life lessons towards their own lives and legacy. Encompassing universal themes like patience, goal setting, staying positive, pursuing one's passions, treating people right, never giving up, practicing humility, and more, Life on the Green inspires, entertains and enriches in equal measure.

Episode Chapters
03:20: Ann shares when she was first introduced to golf and who invited her.

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: Ann Liguori - award-winning sport’s talk show host.

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!

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.

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.

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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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.

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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.

Breaking Down Barriers To Create The Next Generation of Golf Legends - Jewel Love / Society 61

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 08:45:00 -0800

"We are very clear and incredibly focused. We're not playing around because this is not a little thing. This is big in our minds and we are giving everything we have because we believe in and know that these young people, they deserve to see this industry in a way that we have not."... Jewel Love, Board Member and Advisor for Society 61 and The Society 61 Foundation

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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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"We know the golf industry has to be updated, the culture of it. When saying they want to diversify, then that means that you're willing to make changes that you not ever thought of making. You're willing to think differently and open up your mind in different ways. We tend to be pretty straight at it and transparent. We're here to say this is about the next generation of Legends. We made a commitment to be in the game in that way. Not half in it, but all the way in it."

About Society 61...
Through the year 1960, a clause in the Pro Golfers Association (PGA) guidelines - Article III Section I - stated only Caucasian males 18 and older were eligible to receive their tour card. There were amazing men and women golfers from all cultures whose talents went unrecognized nationally until 1961, when African American golfer Charlie Sifford broke that color barrier by receiving his PGA card and opened the door for golfers of all ethnicities to officially compete on the tour.

THEIR MISSION
Society 61 is a clothing brand for golfers designed to honor the pioneers from the past who paved the way for the culturally diverse sport that golf is today. Society 61 was cultivated not only from a love of golf but also a love for our culture. Our company was named in homage to that barrier breaking year, 1961, and we launched our business in 2021 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of that historic moment. We combine traditional style with the modern look and feel of today's best sports materials and fabrics. We look forward to being your go-to clothier for everything golf and more.

I want more women out doing business on the golf course. I was in sales and calling on all these large organizations to find that there were hardly any female CEOs. I thought, "what can we do to continue to lift up women towards leadership through golf?" Because I think the world would be a better place, but my natural tendency is towards fun. So my goal: why don't we try and do this and accomplish this mission but have some fun while we're at it.

You can also connect with Jewel on her bio page, along with checking out the Society 61 website.

Special Guest: Jewel Love - Board Member and Advisor with Society 61 and The Society 61 Foundation.

NO RISK = NO FUN - Jillian Johnson, Founder of #LEGS, The Ladies Executive Golf Society

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 08:30:00 -0800

"Perfection is the opposite of GO!"... Jillian Johnson - #LEGS Ladies Executive Golf Society

My first job in Jacksonville was caddying at Sawgrass and woman I met at the club said, "I really want to learn how to golf". But you're not going to go out on your own and practice putting. You wouldn't go out on a range if you have no idea what you're doing and no clubs. So figured I might as well start something for all levels. Whether you are a Collegiate golfer or someone who has never touched a club before, the vision was to create an experience where women could really experience the magic that happens on the golf course in a female friendly way.
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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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Click on the image below to watch our extended conversation with Jillian on our Youtube Channel!

"If you want something bad enough, you can make it happen"

"How do I want to be remembered? As the insurance lady or for doing something cool and different that makes a positive impact in women's lives?"

"I want more women out doing business on the golf course. I was in sales and calling on all these large organizations to find that there were hardly any female CEOs. I thought, "what can we do to continue to lift up women towards leadership through golf?" Because I think the world would be a better place, but my natural tendency is towards fun. So my goal: why don't we try and do this and accomplish this mission but have some fun while we're at it."

You can also connect with Jillian on her bio page, along with checking out the #LEGS website.

Episode Chapters
[04:00] Jillian provides us with an overview of #LEGS Ladies Executive Golf Society.
[06:20] Jillian shares the "AHA moment" that led to the creation of #LEGS.
[07:30] We learn about the people that encouraged Jillian to take the entrepreneurial leap.
[10:00] "It all started with a flyer and a sticker!" We hear about the first #LEGS pilot event in South Florida that helped inform the business model.
[12:50] "Perfection is the opposite of GO." Jillian shares how she applied The Lean Startup approach to #LEGS.
[15:30] Jillian talks about getting over the fear of failure and embracing a mindset of growth and curiousity as an entrepreneur.
[17:00] "So what do women really want from golf?" We learn where Jillian drew inspiration from to create the #LEGS experience.
[21:40] Colin asks Jillian how #LEGS attracts and onboards non-golfing women like his wife.
[28:40] Jillian discusses the #LEGS growth plan for creating chapters in every state of the US.
[31:30] Jillian shares some inspiring #LEGS member success stories.
[34:00] Colin asks how women listening can learn about starting a #LEGS chapter in their community.
[36:10] Jillian talks about the future for #LEGS and the launch of thier upcoming "Swinging To Success" series.
[38:30] Jillian explains the benefits #LEGS offers for golf courses, women golfers and sponsor partners.

Special Guest: Jillian Johnson - Founder of #LEGS - The Ladies Executive Golf Society ⛳️.

Perseverance, Pivoting and The Ability to Continuously Adapt - Ryan Engle, Founder and CEO of GOLF+

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:15:00 -0800

Ryan Engle's love for golf started at age 11 after watching the movie Happy Gilmore. Fast forward almost two decades later finds Ryan combining his love for computer science, writing code and golf to become the Founder and CEO of GOLF+, who are leaders in VR golf with a mission to grow the game by making it more accessible.

"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."

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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 spent a lot of time building out this putting physics model that felt very accurate. I ended up having a 3D model of hole seven at Pebble Beach, so I took Tiger's four putts from the US Open, set them up so the flag and his starting point were in the same spots. This made you think, "I'm going to stand in the shoes of Tiger and hit his putts!" I took the handheld controller that weighs a couple of ounces and I found a bike clamp and I clamped it to my putter. I'm holding my putter in virtual reality and when I move it I see the virtual putter moving exactly the same way."

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

"The Oculus Quest VR headset was a gamechanger as it was a standalone product that didn't need to be connected to a computer".

To learn more, check out GOLF+ for the Meta Quest. https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2412327085529357/

You can also connect with Ryan on his bio page, along with checking out the GOLF+ VR website.

Episode Chapters
[02:40] Ryan shares his first golf experience and the movie that made his fall in love with the game.
[06:20] Ryan talks about the WORST job he ever had and what he positively learned from it.
[09:00] Ryan tells us how he got into the golf business and his first golf startup venture.
[15:00] Ryan and Colin discuss the challenges that entrepreneurship presents, and the difficult decisions one has to make when deciding whether to continue grinding on what you are creating or to pivot and build something else.
[17:45] Ryan describes the Oculus Quest headset that redefined the virtual reality landscape and how it is a gamechanger for GOLF+.
[23:00] Colin and Ryan talk about the importance of timing when launching a product, along with the other factors that make for a successful startup venture.
[25:30] Ryan shares the power of partnerships and how they added value to their collaboration with Topgolf.
[31:00] Colin puts on his investor hat to ask Ryan about the GOLF+ revenue model and who their users are.
[35:40] Ryan talks about the size of the VR gaming market, the projected future growth and the demographics of their users.
[39:00] Ryan shares how GOLF+ incorporates various player modes so that the experience applies to both beginner and accomplished golfers.

Special Guest: Ryan Engle, Founder and CEO of GOLF+.

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.

SEASON 12 WRAP-UP / SEASON 13 PREVIEW

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 12:15:00 -0700

That's a wrap for Season 12 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 13, which launches early December 2022. 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.
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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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If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 12 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. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them!

Our Season 12 guests were:

Episode 1
Jordan Lunetta - Co-Founder of ODIN Golf
"We have big ambitions to take ODIN to golfers across the globe. We have a vision of building a platform for the everyday golfer." Jordan Lunetta, Co-Founder of ODIN Golf opens Season 12 to share how they are creating a golf-loving tribe by living their company tagline: "Go Balls Out. Always!"
Click to listen >> BUILDING AN ENGAGING PLATFORM FOR THE EVERYDAY GOLFER

Episode 2
Donnie Dotson - Founder and CEO at Carry Golf Investments
"These potential investors didn't know the players 48 hours earlier and were high fiving them saying "we'll be following along and cheering for you guys!" My goal now is to be able to bottle up that experience and scale it, so we can help a lot more golfers but also bring a lot more fans closer to the game." Donnie Dotson joins us to share how he's applying tech startup lessons learned to elite athletes.
Click to listen >> APPLYING A TECH INVESTOR MINDSET TO SUPPORT "EARLY STAGE" GOLF ATHLETES

Episode 3
Cooper Sherwin - Co-Founder and Head of Community at LinksDAO
"We knew right off the bat that we wanted to bring value to NFT holders, not where it was lottery based where maybe five folks would get a trip to The Masters. We wanted to make sure that we had benefits across the board in an equitable way. Cooper Sherwin shares how LinksDAO uses web3 and the value of NFTs to reimagine the golf club membership experience.
Click to listen >> HARNESSING WEB3 TO REIMAGINE THE MODERN GOLF CLUB EXPERIENCE

Episode 4
Matt Reagan - Founder and CEO at Operation 36 Golf Co-Founder
"We created this cool environment to test group programming with kids and try to figure out what works to make it fun, but also make sure they are getting better and turning into golfers." Matt Reagan shares how they looked at youth sports like martial arts to create a multi-levelled teaching program that is both effective and fun.
Click to listen >> BUILDING A SCALABLE BUSINESS THAT INTRODUCES 1,000,000 NEW GOLFERS TO THE GAME

Episode 5
Jess McAlister - Co-Founder of Digital Golf Collective
"With where technology and society is going, it's an adapt or die situation as we are currently seeing in the golf industry today. As severe crazy golf fans and experts in our professional space, we felt we can positively disrupt while loving and respecting the industry and sport we love so much." - Jess McAlister joins us to share how they passionately created the golf influencer space.
Click to listen >> BUILDING A WOMEN-LED COMPANY THAT POSITIVELY DISRUPTS THE GOLF INDUSTRY

Episode 6
Ty DeLavallade - Founder and President of Deuce
"I realized that when building a company, you're really building a tribe. Creating a support group of people around you who are proud to wear the hat because it's cool brand. They wear it because of the quality and how it makes them feel. Whatever their motivation, I'm okay with that." Ty DeLavallade joins us to share the wins and the setbacks that define his entrepreneurial journey.
Click to listen >> RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE NEW CURRENCY

Episode 7
Nick Longley - Co-Founder of Inrange Golf
"Once we understood that our business is helping other businesses succeed, things really took off" - Nick Longley joins us to share their design process that led to creating engaging digital games to heighten the traditional driving range experience for both customers and owners.
Click to listen >> USING CUSTOMER FEEDBACK TO DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL VALUE

Episode 8
Billy Brown - Founder and CEO of The Golf Sanctuary
"November of 2019, I was in a pain med coma from a shoulder surgery wiping drool off my face from the codeine and thought... Golf Sanctuary. If I could go marry real estate and golf, how cool would that be?" Billy Brown joins us to share how he harnessed the Law of Supply and Demand to create a members-only off-course experience that appeals to his love for food, drinks and golf.
Click to listen >> REDEFINING THE GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Episode 9
Eileen Jurczak - Founder and CEO of Xonic Golf
"All of my personal and professional experiences in finance, engineering and golf have come together. It's quite fantastic that they culminate into what I'm doing in the Sport Tech startup space today." Eileen Jurczak joins us to share what she learned about entrepreneurship on the stock exchange trading floor and so much more on this episode of The ModGolf Podcast.
Click to listen >> ENTREPRENEURIAL LESSONS LEARNED ON THE TRADING FLOOR

Episode 10
Markus Westerberg - Co-Founder of deWiz
"Golf provides 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." Markus Westerberg joins host Colin Weston to share the value of doing uncomfortable things, the power in collaborating with curious, positive people and so much more on this engaging episode of The ModGolf Podcast.
Click to listen >> COMBINING HIS LOVE OF GOLF AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Episode 11
Brett Jaffee - Caddy Time Co-Founder
"Sometimes golfers need a competitive caddy, but also for senior play, junior play, woman's play. Caddies are a terrific bridge to the golf facility." Brett Jaffee joins us to share how a lifetime in entrepreneurship led to the successful creation of their startup.
Click to listen >> BUILDING A BRIDGE THAT CONNECTS GOLFERS, CADDIES AND CLUBS

Episode 12
Laura Diaz - The LPGA's Sr. Director of Community & Inclusion (with guest host Dr. Greta Anderson)
"If you can see it, you can be it". If I can see somebody that looks like me, if there is that representation then I know I can get into this sport, or I can see a career in it." Our guest host Dr. Greta Anderson sits down with Laura Diaz who shares insights gathered starting from her first swing growing up in Puerto Rico.
Click to listen >> HOW A SIMPLE INVITATION BECOMES A POWERFUL WAY TO GROW GOLF

Special Guests: Billy Brown - Founder and CEO The Golf Sanctuary LLC. 2x Amazon Best Selling Author, Real Estate Investor, and Entrepreneur, Brett Jaffee - Co-Founder of Caddy Time, Cooper Sherwin - Co-Founder and Head of Community at LinksDAO, Donnie Dotson - Founder and CEO of Carry Golf Investments, Eileen Jurczak - Founder and CEO of Xonic Golf, Guillermo Heredia, Managing Director Global Brands, Metaverse & Blockchain at HYPE Sports Innovation, Jess McAlister - Founder of Digital Golf Collective, Jordan Lunetta - Co-Founder of ODIN Golf, Laura Diaz, Sr. Director of Community & Inclusion at The LPGA, Markus Westerberg, Co-Founder of deWiz, Matt Reagan, Co-Founder at Operation 36 Golf, Nick Longley - Co-Founder at Inrange® Golf, and Ty DeLavallade - Founder and President of Deuce.

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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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.

Relationships Are The New Currency - Ty DeLavallade - Founder and President of Deuce

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -0700

"I challenged myself and said, "I may not have all the financial capital to do it, but I have teeth to cut in the steak and I have the resources and access to the golf industry because I've been in golf for twelve years now". I can figure something out." - Ty DeLavallade - Founder and President of Deuce
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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 did some research to find out what other black-owned businesses are there out there. To be fair, I didn't find any. I decided that night was I going to call it Deuce and did not know what the logo was going to look like, but I wanted to somehow leave a legacy for my son. I've called him Deuce since he was three. It's a cool name. What I realized was that when you're building a company, you're really building a tribe. You're really building a support group around you of people who are proud to wear the hat because it's cool brand. They wear it because of the quality. Whatever it is, I'm okay with that."

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

You can also connect with Ty on his bio page, along with checking out The Deuce Am Tour (which I hope to be at mid-September for the LA stop!) and Deuce Cares https://deuceamtour.com/deuce-cares/

Special Guest: Ty DeLavallade - Founder and President of Deuce.

Sponsored By:

Zencastr: Connect your business to a new audience with Zencastr’s Podcast Marketplace!

Building a Scalable Business That Introduces 1,000,000 New Golfers to The Game - Matt Reagan, Co-Founder at Operation 36 Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0700

Getting good at golf is hard. Figuring out how to make it fun and engaging for kids is even harder. As Matt Reagan and his Operation 36 Co-Founder Ryan Dailey looked to solve this problem over 12 years ago, they saw how other sports - especially martial arts like Taekwondo and Karate - would progress through levels of mastery by testing students once they had acquired the necessary skills. The result was creating a 10 Division, variable distance gameplay format where students need to shoot 36 over nine holes in order to graduate up to the next level. Listen in as Matt shares the startup journey of Operation 36 Golf.
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"We got three kids to sign up and join the program and that was how the concept started. And then we'd say "oh crap, what do we do with them every week? How do we show they're improving, what do we teach? How should we be testing them and show parents they're getting better? How do we make it fun every step of the way?"

"The first five years of our existence we worked on building the program and trying to figure that out. We'd sit down before class, plan for an hour and a half and then kids would show up. We'd run it and say "well that sucked, let's try it again!" and then we would experiment with different ideas. So we had this pretty cool environment where we were just testing group programming with kids and trying to figure out what works to make it fun, but also make sure they are getting better and turning into golfers. And then showing parents, who are the ones signing the kids up for the program, that this is working."

Want to learn more about Matt and Operation 36 Golf? Visit their website to learn how they are creating effective developmental programs and technology to introduce and guide anyone in playing the game of golf.

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

You can also connect with Matt on his bio page.

Operation 36 takes the traditional model and flips it on its head. All new players begin on the course. Instead of starting at the tee box, they play from 25 yards away from the hole. Once the player shoots par (36) from 25 yards, they back up to 50 yards, and so on, until they are shooting even par (36) from the full tee box. It’s timely, it’s fun, and it provides step by step improvement.

Special Guest: Matt Reagan, Co-Founder at Operation 36 Golf.

Harnessing web3 To Reimagine The Modern Golf Club Experience - Cooper Sherwin, Co-Founder and Head of Community at LinksDAO

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:45:00 -0700

"Being an NFT member of this community automatically and from the beginning has brought value, even before we acquire the golf course, That's our North Star. We're still heading there. But the team is working really hard to continue forging these partnerships because everyone we talked to in the golf world is really excited about what we're doing".... Cooper Sherwin, Co-Founder and Head of Community at LinksDAO
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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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"It's been really positive the responses we've gotten. Folks who are excited about new technology, about new approaches to the game and about building the sport of golf have been very receptive to what we're creating."

So what does the DAO is LinksDAO mean? It stands for a "Decentralized Autonomous Organization" and Cooper nicely explains it around the 10 minute mark of this episode.

Want to learn more about Cooper and LinksDAO? Visit their website to see how LinksDAO is engaging a global community of thousands of golf enthusiasts to create the modern golf and leisure club.

You can learn more about and connect with Cooper on his bio page. Cooper just attended the 2022 NFT NYC conference, which you can check out at https://www.nft.nyc

Special Guest: Cooper Sherwin - Co-Founder and Head of Community at LinksDAO.

Sponsored By:

Zencastr: Connect your business to a new audience with Zencastr’s Podcast Marketplace!

Applying a Tech Investor Mindset to Support "Early Stage" Golf Athletes - Donnie Dotson, Founder and CEO of Carry

The ModGolf Podcast — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:15:00 -0700

"I was thrilled and inspired to see that we had people going from almost complete strangers to forming meaningful bonds over golf. And my goal is to be able to somehow bottle up that experience and scale it, so we can help a lot more golfers but also bring a lot more fans closer to the game."
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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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"We played The Cradle and Number Two at Pinehurst, we played, followed by a wonderful dinner in Donald Ross' backyard for the Monday night closing event. There was a moment where two of our players who are on the Korn Ferry Tour had to leave as dinner was wrapping up because they had an early flight to their next event. Potential investors were standing up, clapping, a bit of a standing ovation, high fives and saying "hey, we're rooting for you guys, we're cheering you on, will be following along!" They didn't know who these players were other than by name 48 hours earlier and that was cool to see.

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

Want to learn more about Donnie and Carry Golf Investments? Visit their website to see how Carry Golf Investments is taking a tech startup venture capitalist approach to funding and supporting elite athletes.

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

Special Guest: Donnie Dotson - Founder and CEO of Carry Golf Investments.

Building an Engaging Platform For The Everyday Golfer - Jordan Lunetta, Co-Founder of ODIN Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 17 May 2022 16:45:00 -0700

"We're on the course one day and we're not having a great round. We're donating to the lake and the forest. We look at each other and say, "Why aren't we losing our own golf balls? Why are we losing golf balls of brands that are old?" They're stuffy and they don't speak to us as digital natives. We are the next generation of golfers who are the rebel rousers in a good way, who are consuming things in much different ways. And given the four of us built and scaled tech companies we said "before we do anything, what are our ambitions?" And we have big ambitions to take ODIN to golfers across the globe. We have a vision of building a platform for the everyday golfer."
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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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"Why are we using expensive gear from old, stuffy brands that don’t really speak to us? So what the old stuffy incumbent brands are doing for the PGA Tour, we're doing for everyone else. That's our sweet spot in the market, which is really exciting." Jordan shares how they apply a tech startup approach to disrupt the traditional golf product space, are early adopters experimenting with NFTs and much more.

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

Want to learn more about Jordan and ODIN Golf? Visit their website to see how ODIN is putting their fun, irreverent spin on golf balls, apparel and community building experiences. You can also learn more about the ODIN Founding Membership NFTs at https://futureofgolf.co.

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

Special Guest: Jordan Lunetta - Co-Founder of ODIN Golf.

SEASON 11 WRAP-UP / SEASON 12 PREVIEW

The ModGolf Podcast — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 13:30:00 -0700

That's a wrap for Season 11 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 12, which launches early June 2022. 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.
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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

______________________________________________

If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 11 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. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them!

Our Season 11 guests were:

Episode 1
Deborah Smith - Prosthetics Entrepreneur and Adaptive Athlete (with guest host Dr. Greta Anderson)
Click to listen >> EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH ADAPTIVE GOLF

Episode 2
Chris Kallmayer - Co-CEO at Golf Genius Software
Click to listen >> FOSTER INNOVATION AND GROWTH BY LISTENING TO CUSTOMER NEEDS

Episode 3
Jeremy Callahan - aka "The App Man", Co-Founder and CTO at Golf BPM
Click to listen >> THE 2022 GOLF APP REVIEW EPISODE

Episode 4
Lydia Davies - Founder and CEO at TeeMates Golf
Click to listen >> CREATING THE "LINKEDIN FOR GOLFERS"

Episode 5
Mark Mattingly - EVP at Landscapes Golf Management
Click to listen >> WHAT YOU WANT SITS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF HARD

Episode 6
Charlie Klaus (SPARK Golf) and Patrick Farris (EUFOREIA Golf)
Click to listen >> CONVERSATIONS FROM THE 2022 PGA SHOW

Episode 7
Jim Beatty - Executive Director, African American Golfer's Digest
Click to listen >> TAKING A POSITION TO HELP CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE

Episode 8
Guillermo Heredia - Managing Director with HYPE Sports Innovation
Click to listen >> HOW THE METAVERSE AND NFTS WILL AMPLIFY GOLF FAN ENGAGEMENT

Episode 9
Alyson Ramsey Johnson - CEO at Gilly Group and Co-Founder at White Tee Partners
Click to listen >> CREATING PHENOMENAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES THROUGH GOLF

Episode 10
Jim Plumb - Co-Founder and FORE! SIXTY
Click to listen >> BUILDING COMMUNITY AS A "SENIOR-PRENEUR"

Episode 11
Tom Naramore - CEO at D3Golf.com
Click to listen >> TURNING A $3 WEEKLY GOLF BUDDY BET INTO A SCALEABLE BUSINESS VENTURE

Episode 12
Steve Tooshkenig - Golf Teaching Professional and Inspirational Indigenous Speaker
Click to listen >> CREATING A SUSTAINABLE GOLF FUTURE THROUGH THE "SEVENTH GENERATION PRINCIPLE"

Special Guests: Alyson Ramsey Johnson - CEO at Gilly Group, Co-Founder of White Tee Partners, Charlie Klaus - Co- Founder and CEO at Spark Golf, Chris Kallmeyer, CEO at Golf Genius Software, Deborah Smith - Adaptive Athlete and Prosthetic Resources Consultant, Guillermo Heredia, Managing Director Global Brands, Metaverse & Blockchain at HYPE Sports Innovation, Jeremy Callahan - a.k.a. The App Man, Jim Beatty, Executive Editor with African American Golfer’s Digest, Jim Plumb, Co-Founder of FORE! SIXTY, Lydia Davies - Founder of The Osprey Collective and TeeMates Golf, Mark Mattingly - Executive Vice President at Landscapes Golf Management, Patrick Farris - Euforeia Golf Co. Founder / CEO, Steve Tooshkenig, CPGA Golf Professional and Inspirational Indigenous Speaker, and Tom Naramore - CEO at D3Golf.com.

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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"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.

Building Community as a "Senior-preneur" - Jim Plumb, Co-Founder of FORE! SIXTY

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 21:15:00 -0700

"We were going to call the company FORE! FIFTY, but we did a lot of surveys and 50 year olds still think they're 20, but 60 year olds are realistic. That's why we want to cater to that crowd of 60 and over."... Jim Plumb, Co-Founder of FORE! SIXTY

FORE! SIXTY is a unique online community dedicated to enhancing the game for golfers sixty and over with age-relevant information, videos and a wide selection of curated value offerings on golf equipment, natural, anti-inflammatory pain relief and Sun Smart UPF50 sun protection apparel.

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

Want to learn more about Jim and FORE! SIXTY? Visit their website to see how they are creating an engaging community for senior golfers.

"We've all failed at times and built up businesses. We understand the economics behind it so we're not afraid to go after new products, investigate new areas. I love the entrepreneurial world and am looking at other things that I want to do beyond this business. You never know what's going to come up next, but you always got to keep your doors open and keep looking for that good opportunity."

You can learn more about and connect with Jim 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: Jim Plumb, Co-Founder of FORE! SIXTY.

Sponsored By:

Zencastr: Click on the discount link for 30% off a Zencastr Professional account using the promo code THEMODGOLFPOD. Promo Code: THEMODGOLFPOD

Creating Phenomenal Customer Experiences Through Golf - Alyson Ramsey Johnson, CEO at Gilly Group and Co-Founder at White Tee Partners

The ModGolf Podcast — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 18:00:00 -0700

"I always knew I wanted to be a boss. I didn't know of what but I had that calling to want to help brands and businesses, create these phenomenal experiences for their customers through golf, whether that was sponsorship activation, hospitality or promoting their brands. So I knew I needed to get more of a differentiator for myself in the golf industry, especially as a woman."

"I knew I had the itch to do it. I just needed to get more experience under my belt. So when I launched Gilly Group I took all my favorite experiences, I left behind HR Communications, the ice cream socials, the investor relations and never looked back. Honestly it's really been my greatest joy to do this because I love working in golf. I love the people that I know and it's just a lot of fun to bring that to the end consumer."

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 check out our extended conversation with Alyson on our Youtube Channel!

We're excited to announce that our very own podcasting platform, Zencastr has become a new sponsor of the show! Click on the discount link for 30% off a Zencastr Professional account using the promo code THEMODGOLFPOD.

Zencastr is an all-in-one podcast production suite that gives you studio quality audio and video without needing all the technical know-how. It records each guest locally, then uploads the crystal clear audio and video right into the suite so you have high-quality raw materials to work with.
Zencastr: It’s time to share your story!

Want to learn more about Alyson and Gilly Group? Visit their website to see how Alyson and her team deliver marketing strategy, business development, sports marketing and sponsorship activation solutions for their golf industry clients.

On the podcast Alyson discussed the value of finding a likeminded partner with a complimentry skill set when starting a new business venture. She co-founded White Tee Partners with good friend LeslieAnne Wade, where they deliver awareness and exposure to products, brands, leagues, and talent within the golf space using rich storytelling and engaging content while utilizing their extensive network within the golf industry.

Click on the image below to learn more about White Tee Partners.

You can learn more about and connect with Alyson on her bio page.

Special Guest: Alyson Ramsey Johnson - CEO at Gilly Group, Co-Founder of White Tee Partners.

Sponsored By:

Zencastr: Click on the discount link for 30% off a Zencastr Professional account using the promo code THEMODGOLFPOD. Promo Code: THEMODGOLFPOD

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.

Taking a Position To Help Create Positive Change - Jim Beatty, Executive Editor with African American Golfer’s Digest

The ModGolf Podcast — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 20:30:00 -0800

At The 2022 PGA Show in Orlando I had the opportunity to reconnect with Jim Beatty at The Diversity and Inclusion Forum, which he was co-hosting. Jim Beatty wears several hats, including Executive Editor for the African American Golfer’s Digest (www.africanamericangolfersdigest.com), President of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures (www.jimbeattygolfventures.com) and Chair of The We Are Golf, Recreational Play Subcommittee, Diversity Task Force (www.wearegolf.org).

"I'm fueled by the fact that so many people came before me like Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder, Althea Gibson, Teddy Rhodes, Renée Powell. What they had to endure makes what I'm doing just not that hard. It's time consuming true, but I have to take the next steps and recognize the great people. People that came before me - both black and white - that stood up, took a position, maintained it and created change."

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

Jim is also the founder and organizer of the African American Golf EXPO and Forum. This is a multi-day event held to promote the business and economic opportunities for African Americans in the $84 Billion Golf Industry.

To learn more about and to register for the 2nd annual EXPO August 27-31 2022 in Charlotte NC, visit their website.

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

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

Special Guest: Jim Beatty, Executive Editor with African American Golfer’s Digest.

Conversations From The 2022 PGA Show - Charlie Klaus (Spark Golf) and Patrick Farris (Euforeia Golf)

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 17:30:00 -0800

It's been two long years since I last attended The PGA Show in Orlando and although I was apprehensive about getting on a plane from Vancouver with the Omicron variant still swirling around us, I'm glad I made the decision to go. After hundreds of Zoom video calls over the past 24 months has pushed me to the point of burnout, reconnecting with old golf industry friends and meeting some new ones face to face was exactly the medicine my spirit needed.

While I was there I was granted access to The PGA Golf Shows Media Center to record a pair of podcast conversations with Euforeia Golf Co. Founder Patrick Farris and Spark Golf CEO Charlie Klaus. Rather than release these as separate episodes, I decided to give you two engaging conversations for the price of one!

Want to read about the recap of my eight days in Orlando and takeaways from golf's biggest industry event?
Then check out my blog post!

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

Spark Golf is a network of 9-hole, social golf leagues organized to be casual and fun. They make it easy for co-ed players of all skill levels to play golf. They’re showing the world that life is better with golf, and golf is better when it lightens up. Their mission is to invite everyone, regardless of skill, to play a more social and relaxed version of golf in their local communities. And believe in growing golf where many before have failed. First played in 2018, they've built the Spark app which automates all league operations including: registration, payment, handicaps, live scoring, player-to-player messaging and more. In 2022 more than 1,000 courses will host Spark Golf across North America. Find a league and play Spark Golf at a course near you!

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

Euforeia was formed as a paradise for freethinkers, outsiders, and good-time subscribers. This convergence of minds created a culture rooted in self-expression, adventure, and the endless journey that is golf. It is this culture and passion that is the soul of who we are, fueling the ingenuity and creativity that goes into every detail of what we make. Their mission is to usher in a new era of golf by obliterating boundaries in order to pave a way for youth culture to rise and expand the game.

To learn more about Euforeia Golf, visit their website to see how a brand based in action sports that was created for the underground golfers of the world aims to grow the game from the outside.

Special Guests: Charlie Klaus - Co- Founder and CEO at Spark Golf and Patrick Farris - Euforeia Golf Co. Founder / CEO.