Dan Van Horn shares how one cut-down 8-iron and a mission to help families spend more time together launched a 28-year journey building US Kids Golf. We talk engineering mindset, the realities of inventory and cash flow, the importance of making work fun, and how that vision grew into a global tournament series, owning a golf course in Pinehurst, and a 2026 Georgia Golf Hall of Fame induction.

Thomas McHardy, VP of Team Marketing and Business Operations at TGL, talks about the different strategies TGL teams have used to establish an identity, acquire fans, and build franchises from scratch. He shares lessons learned from his time working on global expansion at the NFL, and the common trait he sees among successful Sports franchise owners. 

Jon explains how data, technology, and AI are reshaping how sports are created, broadcast, and experienced - from immersive formats like TGL to personalized fan journeys. He emphasizes bold innovation, aligned partnerships, and rapid experimentation and shares a practical perspective on where sports tech is headed and how organizations can stay ahead. Jon is a Principal at CapTech where he leads the Sports and Media practice. Please subscribe if you enjoy and send to your friends! 

AJGA Chief Business Officer Jason Etzen describes how the AJGA has focused on long-tenured leadership, stable governance, and commitment to a clear mission. Only one‑third of revenue comes from it’s 10K+ member families and the remainder from sponsors and donations. AJGA has distributed close to $10M in grants. Etzen emphasizes the AJGA’s commitment to championship‑level tournaments, high player standards, and data‑driven recruiting tools that support both golfers and college coaches.

In the first edition of Quick 9—a shorter, more focused version of the Course Record Show—I sit down with Kris Hart, who run innovation at the PGA of America.

Kris talks EP Golf Ventures, the organization’s dedicated innovation fund, and how they evaluate opportunities at the intersection of golf, technology, and business. The conversation explores the challenge of separating passion projects from scalable investments, betting on people vs products, and how the PGA’s 30K+ members, Frisco campus, and Championships serve as a powerful real-world testing and feedback network. 

Please like, subscribe, and pass along to a friend if you dig our conversation. 

In this episode we connect with Jamie Ledford, President of Golf Pride.  We discuss the golf grip industry, how the product is positioned for golfers, supply chain issues and Jamie's unique career trajectory.  You'll likely think differently about your golf grip after hearing Jamie speak.  Enjoy, tell a friend and subscribe for future content!

In this episode we talk to Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA).  Jay represents the supply side of the golf industry, helping owners and operators collaborate on joint issues that are relevant to the business.  We discuss tee times, the complex governance in golf, congressional hearings and even daylight savings time.  Enjoy!

Michael Jolly is Director of Tour Operations for Cleveland/Srixon Golf.  In our conversation, we cover a lot of what goes on behind the scenes at every TOUR stop, how OEMs spot players to contract as ambassadors and the role that professional golf plays in reaching the general golfing public.  Enjoy!

Matt Welter is CEO of Dormy House (www.dormydevelopment.com), a real estate development company focused on destination golf.  Matt's story as a caddie and relationship with Mike Keiser (owner of Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley and Cabot Cape Breton) led to him solving an underappreciated problem in the golf industry.  Matt shares his vision, founding story and how he sees the housing shortage problem for golf resorts.  Enjoy!

In this episode, Chad Mumm joins Roberto for an in-depth conversation.  Chad shares some behind the curtains views of Full Swing (where he is the Executive Producer), the development of his company Pro Shop and how he sees the opportunity for golf entertainment for the years ahead.

Full Swing season 3 drops on Netflix on February 25, 2025.

Golf business stories from 2024, plus some inside the ropes talk. We talk TOUR, LIV, DP World (3:30), big job openings across golf (5:40), Scottie/Xander/Rory (11:00), Nelly/Hovland/Ludvig/Clanton (17:00), Creator/Influencers/SimGolf Market (23:30), and finally...Castro gets back inside the ropes! (31:00). 

Thanks to Holderness & Bourne for the support! 

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