The ModGolf Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Youtube Golf”

How The Internet Invitational Sparked a Golf Media Revolution - with Matt Fisher, creator of The Mr. Short Game YouTube Channel

The ModGolf Podcast — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0800

Host Colin Weston sits down with YouTube golf pioneer Matt Fisher (Mr. Short Game) to dissect the cultural phenomenon of the Internet Invitational. They break down the 23-million-view event, exploring why its reality-TV format and creator-driven personalities are resonating with a new generation of fans. Matt shares his expert take on the "winners and losers," the cheating controversy, and why this model is a blueprint for the future of golf entertainment. Finally, they look ahead to the evolving golf media landscape, including TGL and Grass League, and discuss how authenticity is the ultimate key to success for aspiring creators.

Listen to this full episode with Matt to discover:
Personality is the New Premium:
The massive success of the Internet Invitational proves that modern audiences crave authentic personality and entertainment as much as they value elite ball-striking. The unfiltered, reality-show format is a powerful new model for golf engagement.

Strategic Content Separation is Key:
To grow an audience effectively, separate your content by purpose. Matt is splitting his channel into three: one for instruction, one for on-course vlogs, and one for the Mr. Short Game Podcast, ensuring each audience finds exactly what they want.

Multiple Revenue Streams Drive Sustainability:
Relying solely on YouTube ad revenue is risky. A successful creator business is built on a mix of AdSense, strategic brand deals, and affiliate partnerships, all while prioritizing the audience's trust and interests above a quick payday.

Episode Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction: Welcoming back YouTube golf pioneer Matt Fisher aka: Mr. Short Game
(02:30) The Internet Invitational Breakdown: The surprise success of the 23-million-view event
(05:15) Strategy & Timing: Why the delayed release was a brilliant move
(08:45) Audience & "Bro Culture": Did the event reach new fans or just its base?
(12:30) Reality TV & Manufactured Drama: Analyzing the cheating scandal and villain arcs
(16:00) Stock Up, Stock Down: The creators who won and lost in the public eye
(20:15) The Casting Dilemma: Why some creators were chosen and others weren't
(23:00) The Future of Golf Media: TGL, LIV, Grass League, and where the real opportunity lies
(27:30) TGL vs. Influencer Golf: Why pros and creators thrive in different ecosystems
(29:45) The Mr. Short Game Business Model: Revenue streams and building a sustainable content brand
(32:15) Advice for Aspiring Creators: How to break into the YouTube golf space

Compelling Quotes from Matt
On the Internet Invitational's Appeal:
"You have to know going in that this is a reality show and everything's on the table... It's on brand for Barstool. And Bob, especially Dave Portnoy, he is going to exploit every opportunity he has. And I don't blame him. He's creating a great entertaining show."

On the Difference Between Pros and Creators:
"You get Grant Horvat, you put him in the Masters, he's going to come in dead last. But you put him in a cart with Bryson DeChambeau, he's going to come in first in terms of views."

On Authenticity for Creators:
"The challenge is you see what's working and you just try to copy it as opposed to being authentic of who you are and create your own brand. You gotta film yourself and you gotta find who you are in front of that camera and be authentically you."

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

Mr. Short Game's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/matt-fisher
As a golf coach Matt has learned that not everybody can be Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus or Phil Mickelson. However, with some simple golf instruction and swing tips you can become a great player and shoot your lowest scores consistently. Matt's goal is to give you great videos that will help you understand the golf swing so you can improve in your chipping, putting, driving and have a powerful swing that will last forever. Will you make it to the PGA Tour? Who knows. But with the right attitude and instruction you can have more fun and play the game of golf at a very competitive level.

Mr. Short Game is here to help grow the game of golf in a fun and creative way: https://www.youtube.com/@MrShortGame

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 Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019!

Today's golf professionals do way more than run tournaments - and so does Golf Genius. They help you manage tournaments, leagues, and outings, streamline pro shop operations, and elevate your coaching and player development. That's why over 10,000 clubs, courses, resorts, associations, and tours in more than 60 countries trust Golf Genius. Find out what Golf Genius can do for your facility at golfgenius.com.

Special Guest: Matt Fisher, Creator of The Mr. Short Game YouTube channel.

Fuelling Golf's Next Big Ideas - Matt Erley, Managing Partner at Old Tom Capital

The ModGolf Podcast — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0700

"Golf has been experiencing incredible growth and innovation and will continue to do so. But behind every great idea is a spark of capital and there was a gap. Broader sports investors weren't really paying attention to the category, and we thought, 'Maybe there's a huge opportunity here.'"

Matt Erley is the Managing Partner of Old Tom Capital, a pioneering investment fund specifically focused on early-stage golf and golf-adjacent companies. With a career spanning operational roles and angel investing, Matt co-founded the firm to address a critical gap in the market, providing strategic capital to the innovators shaping the future of the $100 billion golf industry. Named as an homage to the legendary innovator Old Tom Morris, the fund embodies a belief in golf's resilient growth and the transformative power of backing great founders in spaces like agronomy, golf software, emerging media, and the "golf light" experience economy.

During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways:
1. The "Unfair Advantage" for Founders
Discover how an investment from Old Tom Capital is more than just money; it's a strategic partnership designed to give your company a leg up on the competition.

Matt Erley reveals that their goal is to provide portfolio companies with an "unfair competitive advantage" through their deep network and operational expertise. Unlike passive investors, Old Tom actively helps its companies by making key introductions, offering strategic guidance, and leveraging synergies across their entire portfolio. For any founder or aspiring entrepreneur, this insight into what a true value-add investor looks like is invaluable and reveals how the right capital partner can accelerate growth.

2. The "Golf Light" Revolution
Learn about the massive, under-the-radar investment trend that is making golf more accessible and creating the next wave of golfers.

Move beyond traditional 18-hole courses and Topgolf. Matt introduces the compelling narrative of "Golf Light"—the high-growth category encompassing driving ranges, par-3 courses, and short courses. He explains why this segment is perfectly positioned to capture the new, "golf-curious" audience looking for a faster, less expensive, and more social experience. His investment in Blue Jeans Golf exemplifies this thesis, highlighting a huge opportunity to "glow up" thousands of independent driving ranges across the country.

3. How to Actually Get Noticed by a Golf Investor
Cut through the noise and learn the specific milestones and mindset you need to successfully secure funding for your golf venture.

Matt pulls back the curtain on Old Tom's investment process, offering a clear roadmap for founders. He explains why they typically avoid very early-stage "ideas" and what they look for instead: tangible momentum, initial monetization, and a clear path to a $100M+ business. He also debunks common mistakes, like leading with an NDA, and emphasizes the importance of simply starting to build and validate your concept in the accessible golf ecosystem. This practical advice is a must-listen for anyone serious about building a golf business.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: The Capital Behind Golf's Innovation
02:18 - The Old Tom Capital Origin Story
04:08 - Building Conviction and the First Investment
07:50 - The Evolving Ecosystem of Golf Capital
10:26 - A Day in the Life: How Old Tom Vets Deals
13:15 - Advice for Founders: From NDA to Action
17:24 - Portfolio Deep Dive: Grass League & The Future of Golf Media
20:14 - Portfolio Deep Dive: Blue Jeans Golf & The "Golf Light" Revolution
28:23 - Creating Synergy: The LVMH of Golf?
31:29 - The Investor's Role: More Than Just a Cheque
36:39 - Navigating the AI Hype in Golf Innovation and Tech
41:03 - The Lightning Round: Tin Cup, Tech, and Dream Foursomes
45:08 - How to Connect with Matt and What Makes a Fundable Business

Quotable Moments from Matt:
On the unique opportunity in golf:
"Golf has historically been a very sexy category to invest in, but it needs advocates internally who are showing outside investors that these are great places to invest because golf needs more capital. It's not going to just come from us. It needs to come from a lot of sources."

On the philosophy behind their investments:
"The moment we write a check, we like to think that we give that company an unfair competitive advantage because of who we are and what we put into it and the network that we've built."

On the massive shift in how golf is consumed:
"More people watch golf on YouTube than all linear television golf combined. And it's not cannibalizing the PGA Tour it's just being additive."

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

Want to connect with Matt? Check out his bio page to make that happen!
Matt Erley's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/matt-erley

Are you an innovative founder struggling to find investors who truly understand the golf industry? Discover what it really takes to get funded in today's golf market as Matt shares how his firm provides an "unfair competitive advantage" and the one thing he tells every aspiring founder to do first. Visit the Old Tom Capital website to learn more and to connect.

We want to thank Golf Genius Software for supporting The ModGolf Podcast since 2019!
Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience?

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

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

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

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

Special Guest: Matt Erley - Managing Partner at Old Tom Capital.

A Course Called Coyne - Tom Coyne, best selling author and founder of Coyne Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:30:00 -0700

What does it take to walk 1,100 miles around the coast of Ireland, playing every links course along the way? In this inspiring conversation, bestselling author and golf adventurer Tom Coyne sits down with ModGolf Podcast host Colin Weston to share the incredible stories behind his epic journeys.

During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways:
The Power of an "Unreasonable" Goal:
How committing to a seemingly crazy idea - like walking the entire coastline of Ireland to play its links golf courses - can lead to the most profound personal and professional journeys, revealing that the best stories lie just beyond the edge of conventional thinking.

Golf is the Backdrop, Not the Whole Story:
Why the most compelling narratives in golf aren't about the perfect shot, but about the people you meet, the unexpected hospitality you encounter, and the personal challenges you overcome both on and off the course.

From Obsession to Entrepreneurship:
How a passion for writing and golf can organically evolve into a successful business, turning hard-won knowledge and authentic experiences into a venture (Coyne Golf) that helps others create their own unforgettable adventures.

Episode Chapters
00:00:00 - Introduction: The One and Only Tom Coyne
00:01:04 - A Random Introduction to "A Course Called Ireland"
00:03:01 - Tom's First Golf Experience and Family Connection
00:06:14 - The Origins of an "Unreasonable" Idea
00:09:46 - Writing as a Job and Overcoming "Writer's Block"
00:13:30 - From Fiction to Nonfiction with "Paper Tiger"
00:17:04 - The Logistics of Walking Ireland
00:23:20 - The Infamous Keen Shoes Story
00:26:30 - The Magic of Ardglass and Irish Hospitality
00:33:00 - Golf as a Backdrop for Human Stories
00:34:47 - The Metaphor of Ireland as a Golf Course
00:36:19 - Cold Turkey: Not Playing Golf for a Year
00:38:23 - A New Quest in "A Course Called Scotland"
00:41:08 - The Difference Between Irish and Scottish Golf Trips
00:43:03 - The Importance of Vulnerability in Storytelling
00:45:12 - From Books to Business: The Birth of Coyne Golf
00:46:58 - Conclusion & Teaser for the YouTube Deep Dive

Quotable Moments:
"I don't think people generally want to read books about going out and doing very safe and normal things. So this idea of doing unreasonable things certainly led me into the way I approached Ireland. The idea was, I'll play Ireland as one giant golf course. Sometimes the next tee is going to be three days walk away and that's what I'm going to do. I'll do it all on foot."

"For me, golf provides the trajectory for a story. But you don't know what the story is until you go out and find it. And it has nothing to do with where that five-iron went. What doesn't bore me are people and why we do the things we do. I've been lucky that golf has been a really good way to find a lot of that."

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

Want to connect with Tom? Check out his bio page to make that happen!
Tom Coyne's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/tom-coyne

Featured Links & Resources:
The Coyne Golf website: [https://www.coynegolf.com/]
Follow Tom on Instagram: [@coynegolf]

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: Tom Coyne - best selling writer and Founder of Coyne Golf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: Todd Keirstead - golf entertainer and skin cancer survivor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revealing The Process and Inspiration Behind Designing TGL Golf Holes - with Agustín Pizá / Pizá Golf

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 06:30:00 -0700

When our host Colin Weston attended a TGL match (Tiger's Jupiter Links vs Rory's Boston Common) he quickly learned that several of the compelling holes played out on a 60' high simulator video screen and 360º rotating, undulating green are designed by previous guest Agustin Pizá, who is the creative force behind Pizá Golf Design.

First appearing on The ModGolf Podcast back in November 2021, Augie rejoins us to pull back the curtain on his design inspiration as he walks us through six of the fun and challenging holes he and his Pizá Golf team created for TGL.

Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then you can watch our video with Augie on The ModGolf YouTube channel as he walks us through his inspiration and process on six TGL hole designs. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and Augie discuss how their mutual backgrounds in architectural design influence their creativity in the golf space.

Here are images of all six holes that Augie shares with us for you to take in while listening to the podcast:

The Plank Teams will need to walk “The Plank” as they navigate this uphill hole with tricky diagonal bunkering. For this short 380-yard par 4, it could be tempting for teams to go for the driver, but 3 pot bunkers narrow the landing area adding risk to the aggressive play.

Agustín says: "For The Plank, we wanted to design something simple but also something that required you to think through your shots. To achieve this, we positioned the bunkers to create several dynamic diagonal lines across the hole."

"When you stand on the tee box, that positioning gives you the sensation of, ‘Oh, it’s full of bunkers, there’s nowhere to land my ball!’ But obviously that’s not the case, you have several landing areas and platforms to access. The Plank is designed to be a drivable par-4, depending on the wind, but the strategy will change if it’s a crosswind versus wind at the players’ backs. If less than a driver is chosen off the tee, a well-placed tee shot still leaves a short approach and great chance at birdie."

Pick Yer Plunder Set in Bounty Bay, this hole is the ultimate match play par 5. From the gold tee, players are faced with three options. The riskiest, and by far most rewarding choice, is going straight over the guardian bunker to a 27-yard-wide fairway, requiring a 300-yard carry.

Choosing the right option, the fairway is just 37-yards-wide and requires a 285-yard carry. With a solid drive, players will be left with less than 250 yards remaining. The safest play is to the left, where the fairway is 70 yards wide. But the further left you miss it, the more blind and long your second shot will be.

Agustín says: "A 590 yard par 5. The hole idea is you can take that middle section and you will be rewarded. You will only have a 200 yard shot to the GreenZone to get on in two. The alternative is to play the right arm or the left arm. You will have to play the second shot on a high cliff or a low cliff. This hole not only plays with your psyche on ways of playing it, but also where you land could create some blind shots and some other challenges that you probably were not expecting."

On The Rocks This stunning downhill par 3 hangs off the edge of a cliff in the North Sea of Scotland. The green sits on a 41-yard-wide island that replicates the exact same-sized turntable in TGL's GreenZone at SoFi Center. Players will be tempted to be aggressive, most will likely have a short iron in hand, but any slight misjudgment and a team may quickly find themselves On The Rocks.

Agustín says: "This is one of the last designs that we created, it's a par 3 that sits right on the cliffs. What we did very special here, is we took the GreenZone and just erased everything, all the surroundings, and kept the turntable. We have five distinct tee boxes. The first two tees are right in the center and they are somwhere between 100 yards and 130 yards. On the sides, the tee boxes spread out to ask for a fade or for a draw. If you go towards the furthest one out, it'll ask for a draw and it's 180 yards out."

Sidewinder A high trajectory right-to-left tee shot will reward teams with Position A on this reachable Par 5, while bunkers dot the approach to the green, which sits beyond a small ravine. While the design is similar to Serpent, the penalty areas have been minimized with the intention for Sidewinder to have a bit less bite.

Agustín says: "You can take the conservative route on the right and if you hit over 290 to 310 yards you will get that speed slope onto position A. If you try to clear the left side and be more aggressive you will get rewarded even more. If you cannot get home in two then you will have to find a very good strategy to attack the GreenZone. You have to choose whether you want to lay your ball on the left or the right and that will be dictated by where the flag is played."

The Spear A close relative of Temple, teams will face a simple risk vs. reward choice when teeing off on The Spear. The design places a pinch point right around the PGA TOUR average carry and gives players a choice to either hit a long and straight tee shot past the pinch point, or lay up short and play to the green in three.

Teams that hit the ball short of the pinch will have plenty of room to lay up as they progress towards the green. Players that are able to execute the risky drive and land safely are then rewarded with a green light to go for the floating GreenZone in two.

Agustín says: "The Spear is a full par 5. Architecture at the end is about playing with form and we started to create this hole by playing with triangles and we came up with The Spear. It pinches away on the fairway at approximately 300 yards, give or take. That's where it's going to make players think, with a crosswind likely a key factor in play, too. The strategy is right there in your face. It's a heroic hole. Do you want to lay up to guarantee a three shot hole or do you want to try to clear it and take that risk as it opens up in a very generous way? You'll have a very good chance of getting home in two if you clear the pinch successfully."

Temple is a hole design inspired by ancient civilizations and based on simplicity, the art form of two triangles facing each other to create a unique risk vs. reward with its hourglass shape. The choice off the tee is whether to carry the narrow intersection where the opposing triangles meet, or to lay up short and run the risk of a 240-yard or longer shot into the green. From the tee box, the fairway reaches its narrowest point at 285 yards before it widens again. The entire hole is surrounded by penalty areas and wind will be a factor within the virtual setting, complicating the decision for teams.

Agustín says: "Temple is a par 4 playing over 500 yards that we found in the mountains of South America. This is a very special design because it plays with simplicity. With just two forms - two triangles pinched in the center - it can give us so much excitement and strategy, and we have placed the green in a position to reward the most aggressive shots off the tee."

Want to connect with Augie? Visit his bio page for contact information. And visit The TGL website to learn more about all 29 holes designs that were available for the 2025 TGL season.

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

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

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

We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019!
Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience?

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

Special Guest: Agustín Pizá - Founder and Architect with Pizá Golf Design.

Embracing A “Give First” Attitude To Build A Successful Business - Matt Fisher, The Mr. Short Game YouTube channel

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0700

"There was a point where I had to turn down freelance jobs. My last job was with Disney where I was making YouTube videos and that's when I realized this is what I need to be doing when I'm not working. About a year and a half later I'm at a point where I was thinking I need to let the other work go so I can this can grow. That was really tough because financially we were scraping by. Finally my YouTube channel was right on the cusp and I told my wife Jenny "here's the numbers showing where it's gone the last couple of months. If I let go of all my freelance work this could really take off". So that was a scary point but I had to go for it."

Golf YouTuber Matt Fisher, creator of Mr. Short Game

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

Looking to improve your game around the green? Check out Matt's Mr. Short Game YouTube channel to experience his unfiltered energy and helpful tips.

You can learn more about Matt 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

Show Notes and Matt Quotes
"My approach to video creation has three components: I want to give something for free, whether it be a tip or a drill. I want it to be entertaining because I hate to be bored. Lastly I want people to connect and get to know me so we can build a community together."

"I'm not not going to mention somebody just because they don't pay me. I'll showcase good people and products all the time. Something I've learned along the way is just be giving first. Do expect or try to get stuff because the right things will come along. The universe has a way of giving back if you're a giving person. But if you're greedy or stingy, forget it. Nothing good is going to happen"

"I had to do stuff at my house and put a big net in my backyard. I just did what I had to do, which is the entrepreneurial mindset. I had no money and had sold all my camera equipment and was shooting videos on my iPhone. I'm in my yard, it's LA in the valley, 100 degrees outside and my phone is overheating so much that I had to put it in the freezer every 20 minutes, come back and finish the shot. That's how I started so I know what it takes to grind it out. Believe me, I want to be best golf YouTuber out there but I'm not going to build it at all costs. That's not part of the equation. What is part of the equation is how many friends and positive community can we build along the way."

Special Guest: Matt Fisher, Creator of The Mr. Short Game YouTube channel.

Harnessing A Love For Golf To Fuel Their Entrepreneurial Hustle - Is and Kat Shee / Shee Golfs

The ModGolf Podcast — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0700

“When you’re in it every single day you don’t lift your head up to see the progress that you’ve made. That’s something that we're trying to do more, try to step away from it to acknowledge that “actually we’ve created something pretty cool from the ground up starting from nothing”. And the most exciting thing is this is only the beginning.” On this fun and fast-paced episode, Colin sits down with Is and Kat Shee - aka The Shee Sisters - to talk about the creation of their Shee Golfs YouTube channel, building sock and apparel brands from scratch and the connection between entrepreneurship, golf, yoga and friendship.

Isabelle (Is) Shee is the girl next door known for her unique fashion and mission to spread positivity through the game of golf.
Isabelle showcases her love for travel, luxury brands and premium golf courses to her millennial audience.

“I think something that every entrepreneur can relate to is there’s always more to do. It never ends as it’s a constant cycle where we are always working. It’s the only profession where you go into the shower and think about how to improve something. Your business is the first thing you think about when you wake up and the last thing before you go to sleep."... Is Shee

Check out our extended conversation with Kat and Is on our Youtube Channel!

Since launching her sock brand, IS, she has increased brand loyalty with an added mission- to reduce her carbon footprint while maximizing performance. She's taken two recycled materials (plastic & coffee) and made them into the most premium sock ever made. Use the Promo Code MODGOLF15 for 15% off your purchase of comfy, fashionable, environmentally friendly men's and women's Is Golf socks!

Together they created the popular Shee Golfs YouTube channel, where they provide helpful golf tips and create fun, engaging content with their female golf friends.

Special Guest: Is Shee - Golf Entrepreneur and YouTube/Instagram Influencer.