If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 18 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry's top influencers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Hopefully this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them!

Our Season 18 guests were:

Episode 1
David Buck CEO at Big Swing Kings
In this high-energy season 18 premiere, host Colin Weston sits down with David Buck, the charismatic and hilarious founder of Big Swing Kings. David is on a mission to inject more joy and simplicity into the game of golf, moving away from over-complicated instruction and back to the fundamental truths of what makes a ball go straight.

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

Episode 2
Kelly Gold Founder of Teefox.golf
"Wouldn't it be cool if you could send your user a notification saying, 'hey, a tee time just opened up at that course you play all the time'? That's what we have built." Kelly Gold, Founder at TeeFox.Golf joins us to share how they remove the frustrations around trying to book a tee time while solving the $12.3 billion problem plaguing golf courses.
Click to listen >> Sniffing Out The Best Tee Times

Episode 3
Todd Keirstead - Golf Entertainer and Skin Cancer Survivor
"If I let the scars be a conversation piece, then hopefully they raise awareness and motivate people to take personal action". Todd Keirstead - Motivational Speaker | Skin Cancer Survivor | Celebrity Golf Entertainer | CEO & Founder of ParaGolf Canada joins us to share his personal journey with skin cancer and how the healing process shapes his world view.
Click to listen >> Finding Purpose on The Practice Tee

Episode 4
Tom Coyne - Best Selling Author and Founder of Coyne Golf
"I don't think people want to read books about going out and doing safe, normal things. So this idea of doing unreasonable things led me into the way I approached Ireland. The crazy idea was, I'll play Ireland as one giant golf course and I'll do it all on foot." Tom Coyne, best selling author and founder of Coyne Golf joins us to share some compelling human interest stories, his quirky travelogue, and a deep exploration of obsession with golf as the backdrop.
Click to listen >> A Course Called Coyne

Episode 5
Matt Erley - CEO of Old Tom Capital
Are you wondering where the real disruption in golf is happening beyond the headlines? Discover why "more people watch golf on YouTube than all linear television golf combined," and where the smartest money is betting on the game's future. Matt Erley, CEO of Old Tom Capital, explains the gaps they are filling and why he believes, "Golf is experiencing incredible growth and innovation and will continue to do so."
Click to listen >> Fuelling Golf's Next Big Ideas

Episode 6
Alex Prasad - CEO of V1 Sports
"Golfers and instructors can tell you their pain points and aspirations, but what they can't tell you is the solution. It's not their job. That's ours." Alex Prasad, the CEO of V1 Sports shares the company journey from its origins in pioneering video analysis to its current position as an innovator leveraging AI and ground force sensors.
Click to listen >> Creating a Unique Lesson Path For Every Golfer

Episode 7
Jonathan Sessa - Founder of The Warrior Golf Academy
What happens when you hit rock bottom and a higher power refuses to let you go? For US Army veteran Jonathan Sessa, the answer was found not in a hospital or a therapy session, but on a golf course. In this profound and powerful episode, host Colin Weston sits down with Jonathan to explore how he transformed his deepest despair into a mission of hope and healing for others through The Warrior Golf Academy.
Click to listen >> How Golf is Healing Heroes

Episode 8
Matt Fisher - Creator of The Mr. Short Game YouTube Channel
YouTube golf content creator Matt Fisher and host Colin Weston dissect the record-breaking success of the Internet Invitational and its over 23 million views. He explains how its raw, personality-driven format is a blueprint for the future, offering a masterclass in what modern golf fans truly want from their entertainment.
Click to listen >> How The Internet Invitational Sparked a Golf Media Revolution

Episode 9
Chris Kallmeyer - CEO at Golf Genius
Does your business struggle to balance culture with growth? Golf Genius CEO Chris Kallmeyer joins us to offer a masterclass in sustainable growth thats reveals how strategic business innovation, a fanatical focus on customer experience, and disciplined acquisitions fuelled their rise to a global powerhouse in the golf industry.
Click to listen >> Scaling Success: How Golf Genius Grew Into a Global Powerhouse

Episode 10
Devon Fox - Senior Director of Digital Programs with The PGA Tour
What if the key to innovating the PGA Tour fan experience was someone who'd never picked up a club? Meet Devon Fox, the Tour's Senior Director of Digital Programs, who reveals how asking the "weird" questions led to breakthroughs like the Fan Council and the tech behind the stunning Apple Vision Pro app. Dive into a conversation that goes beyond golf to explore the future of sports engagement, technology strategy, and creating genuine inclusion from the inside out.
Click to listen >> A Non-Golfer's Strategy For PGA Tour Digital Innovation

Episode 11
Phillis Meti - World Long Drive Champion
What does it truly mean to win at the highest level? For World #3 Long Drive competitor Phillis Meti, victory is measured not just by the bombs she hits past 380 yards, but by the pathways she builds for those who follow. In this powerful episode, we go beyond the grid to explore how a career forged in speed and competition has evolved into a mission of mentorship and legacy. Phillis shares her incredible journey from New Zealand to the world stage, revealing the mindset shifts for longevity, the entrepreneurial ventures that fuel her, and her heartfelt mission to "pull others up" by creating educational opportunities for the next generation of student-athletes.

Discover the untold story of a champion who uses her platform to kick down doors so others can walk through. Listen for invaluable insights on golf performance, athletic mindset, sports business, and the profound impact of creating a legacy that lifts everyone higher.
Click to listen >> Beyond The Grid: Creating Legacy Through Long Drive

Episode 12
Amaya Athill - Founder of Golf Interupted / Regional Director with Golf Canada
She was a rising lawyer until one pivotal golf event made her change everything. Amaya Athill of Golf Canada shares her incredible journey from the courtroom to the fairway, detailing the isolation she felt as a woman of colour on the course and her proven playbook to fix it. Learn the #1 secret to building trust with underrepresented communities, why access isn't just about tee times, and her top strategies for making golf more welcoming for women and kids. This conversation is a masterclass in inclusive growth for golf enthusiasts and industry leaders alike.
Click to listen >> Leaving Law to Liberate The Links

We want to thank Golf Genius Software for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!
Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience?

Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Guests: Alex Prasad - CEO at V1 Sports, Amaya Athill - Founder of Golf Interrupted / Regional Director with Golf Canada, Chris Kallmeyer, CEO at Golf Genius Software, Devon Fox - Senior Director of Digital Programs at the PGA Tour, Jonathan Sessa - Founder of The Warrior Golf Academy, Kelly Gold - Founder at TeeFox.Golf, Matt Erley - Managing Partner at Old Tom Capital, Matt Fisher, Creator of The Mr. Short Game YouTube channel, Phillis Meti: World Long Drive Champion, Entrepreneur, and Legacy Builder, Todd Keirstead - golf entertainer and skin cancer survivor, and Tom Coyne - best selling writer and Founder of Coyne Golf.

Phillis opens up about the fierce mentality required to compete, the pivotal lessons learned from both victory and heartbreaking defeat, and her visionary mission to pave pathways for the next generation. This conversation is a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and giving back. Whether you're fascinated by the physics of speed, the business of golf, or stories of profound resilience, Phillis’s insights will leave you inspired and ready to “kick the door down” for your own ambitions. Get ready for an episode packed with power, purpose, and unforgettable stories.

Key takeaways in this episode with Phillis that you will discover:
Longevity is Built on Wisdom and Adaptability:
Success isn't just about raw speed. Phillis credits her sustained career to evolving from a "fearless" hitter into a savvier technical player, learning to adapt her ball flight to different grids, and prioritizing recovery and intelligent strength training.

True Power Starts with Your Hands:
A crucial technical insight for anyone wanting more speed: your hands hold the club, so their movement is paramount. Phillis emphasizes that generating speed is a sequencing chain, where proper hip movement ultimately serves to allow the hands to move faster through the hitting zone.

Create Pathways So Others Can Follow:
Phillis’s vision extends far beyond competition. Inspired by her parents, she is actively working to build an indigenous school and recruitment pipeline to help student-athletes from New Zealand and Polynesia transition to U.S. colleges, ensuring they have the support to succeed. Her mission is to show what’s possible and pull others up with her.

Episode Chapters:
(00:01 - 01:25) Introduction: Welcoming World Long Drive Phenom Phillis Meti
(01:25 - 03:15) From Rugby to Golf: Phillis’s First Swing and Family Influence
(03:15 - 06:26) A Multi-Sport Childhood: The Circuitous Path to Long Drive
(06:26 - 08:42) Anatomy of a Competition: How World Long Drive Works
(08:42 - 13:45) The Speed Equation: Training, Technique, and Swinging 125 MPH
(13:45 - 17:13) Wisdom Over Fear: The Evolution of a Champion's Mindset
(17:13 - 19:25) The Key to Longevity: Spinal Hygiene and Injury Prevention
(19:25 - 24:35) The 2025 Season Arc: Global Competition and New Formats
(24:35 - 27:59) Inside the Bag: The Tech & Specs of a Long Drive Driver
(27:59 - 31:14) The State of the Game: Community, Competition, and Commerce
(31:14 - 38:31) Entrepreneurial Drive: Building a School and Creating Pathways Home
(38:31 - 42:43) A Vision for the Future: Bringing Long Drive to the Masses & Closing Thoughts

Quotable Moments from Phillis:

On Perspective and Growth:
"Winning my first championship in 2006 and coming second twice after, I completely lost focus. I got caught up in the hype. Between then and now, I am a better game player with a bit more wisdom. I play the game differently now."

On Equipment and Control:
"The one thing about the women is that we don't swing it fast enough to afford using lofts lower than a seven-degree head. I have one of the fastest club head speeds, but I use one of the highest lofts on the tour."

On Legacy and Lifting Others:
"When you're on your way up, always try to look back and pull others up with you. So if people want to keep going further than you, at least they have your shoulders to stand on. Why not be me to kick down that door? I've got a big foot!"

Phillis Meti's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/phillis-meti
Phillis Meti is a multi-time World Long Drive Champion, currently ranked #3 globally, whose career embodies power, resilience, and purpose. Hailing from New Zealand, her journey began at age seven, wielding a club to pick up her father’s errant golf balls. A gifted multi-sport athlete, she excelled in netball and discus before a flyer for a local long drive qualifier at age 18 changed her trajectory. Demonstrating breathtaking natural power, she not only qualified but went on to win the World Long Drive Championship in her very first attempt in 2006. Nearly two decades later, Phillis remains a dominant force, combining 125 MPH clubhead speed with hard-earned wisdom to outthink and outlast the competition on grids across the globe.

Colin and Phillis were part of Team AM Golf at The Vegas Baby ProAm Invitational in Las Vegas, where they shot lots of video including this YouTube Short as part of Colin's Positivity Project:

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 British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!

When I mentioned Phillis' episode to the folks at British Columbia Golf they immediately wanted to support it, as one of their goals is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. They strive to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to increase participation in the sport with programs such as the Cloud Series.

British Columbia Golf is the Provincial Sport Organization for golf as recognized by the Government of British Columbia and ViaSport. Golf Canada recognizes the association as the governing body within the province. British Columbia Golf provides programs benefitting golfers and the golf industry in the province. Check out their website https://britishcolumbiagolf.org/

Special Guest: Phillis Meti: World Long Drive Champion, Entrepreneur, and Legacy Builder.

This YouTube video gives you a feel for the Volvik World Long Drive Championship experience:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukVfM8XaLMo

Additional Links to WLD and our episode guests:

World Long Drive http://www.worldlongdrive.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorldLongDrive @WorldLongDrive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldLongDrive/
Instagram: @worldlongdrive

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 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.

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

HISTORY OF THE WORLD LONG DRIVE
The World Long Drive Championships, known under its corporate sponsored title as the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship, is an annual world championship in long drive golf driving, hosted since 1975. The Long Drivers of America (LDA) took the reins in 1995 and RE/MAX became the title sponsor the same year; it evolved out of the original National Long Drive Championship, ran by Golf Digest. It used to be contested at a specially made complex in Mesquite, Nevada which is 60 yards wide and 450 yards long. It requires a three-step qualifying process and step one generally requires a drive of over 330 yards.

The finalists of the competition can often hit the ball over 400 yards, over 100 yards longer than the average professional PGA golfer, although many of the drives are in the 360-400 yard range and some have won previous competitions with drives within this range and even less in earlier years of the competition. The most prolific winner is the Canadian Jason Zuback, who has won it five times, including 4 in a row from 1996 to 1999.

In 2017, Swede Sandra Carlborg won her record fifth World Long Drive title, defeating Heather Manfredda with a 320-yard drive at Winstar World Casino & Resort in Oklahoma. In 2013, the event was held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the first time.

Special Guests: Andrea Starkey - VP, Strategic Programming Partnerships at Golf Channel, Dean Jarvis - ParaLong Drive Cup Founder, Jeff Crittenden - 2017 World Long Drive Masters Champion, Jon Claffey - Vice President of Marketing for Tour Edge Golf, Justin James: 2017 World Long Drive Champion - Men's Open Division, Lisa Vlooswyk - Canadian Women's Long Drive Champion, Maurice Allen - World Long Drive Tour Pro Athlete, Michelle Sheptak - World Long Drive Tour Professional, and Sandra Carlborg - 5 Time Women's World Long Drive Champion.