The Hill Unscripted

The Hill Unscripted
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Golf
  • Updated Bimonthly

Welcome to The Hill Unscripted — the official podcast of Maple Hill Golf, where no topic in the golf world is off-limits. Hosted by Maple Hill Golf owner Bob Kitchen, this unfiltered series sets the record straight on everything you need to know as a valued customer and passionate golfer. From deep dives into industry trends to behind-the-scenes stories from the shop, Bob brings you honest insights and expert takes you won’t hear anywhere else. Along the way, you'll hear from a lineup of special guests — including employees, family members, golf insiders, and more — offering their unique pers

  1. 3d ago

    Inside Bridgestone Golf: Engineering, Tour Secrets & The RX Revolution

    Welcome to Season 2, Episode 13 of The Hill Unscripted! 🎙️ Join Bob Kitchen from Maple Hill Golf as he sits down with Adam Rehberg, Senior Marketing Manager at Bridgestone Golf, for an in-depth conversation about the golf ball industry, product development, and the story behind Bridgestone's game-changing RX series. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ Adam's unique journey from civil engineering student to assistant golf pro to 15 years at Bridgestone ✅ How Bridgestone's massive rubber and polymer expertise gives them an edge in golf ball technology ✅ The 24-36 month golf ball development process from prototype to launch ✅ The creation of the RX and RXS golf balls for golfers with under 105 mph swing speeds ✅ Behind-the-scenes collaboration with tour players like Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau, and Fred Couples ✅ Why being a small, tight-knit team at Bridgestone is actually an advantage Whether you're a golf equipment nerd, a Bridgestone player, or just curious about what goes into making the perfect golf ball, this episode delivers real insights from someone who lives and breathes golf ball development every day. Guest: Adam Rehberg - Senior Marketing Manager, Bridgestone Golf - 15 years with Bridgestone - Former R&D engineer - Former assistant golf professional - Engineering background from Florida State University About The Hill Unscripted: Every two weeks, Bob Kitchen brings you real talk from inside the golf world—insights, stories, and conversations that matter to you as a golfer and valued part of the Maple Hill family.

  2. Jun 19

    Father's Day Special: Life Lessons, Golf, and Growing Up Kitchen

    Season 2, Episode 12 – In this special Father's Day episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with his oldest son, James Kitchen, for an honest conversation about golf, family, growing up in the golf business, and preparing for the next chapter of life. James recently graduated from Byron Center High School and will be heading to Michigan State University this fall to study engineering. Together, Bob and James reflect on favorite golf memories, life lessons learned through the family business, college plans, and what it was like growing up as the son of one of Maple Hill Golf's owners. Topics include: ⛳ Growing up at Maple Hill Golf ⛳ Favorite father-son golf memories ⛳ Golf courses in Michigan and California ⛳ Lessons learned from working in the family business ⛳ The reality of being the owner's son ⛳ Michigan State University and engineering plans ⛳ Junior golf, golf equipment, and favorite clubs ⛳ Whatnot live auctions and the future of Maple Hill ⛳ Family traditions and Father's Day reflections It's a fun, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversation between a father and son as one chapter closes and another begins. New episodes of The Hill Unscripted drop every other week. Subscribe, like, and share to support the show and the Maple Hill Golf family.

  3. Jun 11

    The Formula That Built One of America's Best Junior Golf Programs

    Season 2, Episode 11 – In this special episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with his father, Rich Kitchen—known to thousands simply as “The Pro.” With 51 years of experience at Maple Hill Golf and back-to-back NGCOA Player Development Awards, Rich shares the philosophy that has helped introduce thousands of children and adults to the game. Topics include: - How Maple Hill's junior golf programs work - Why kids learn differently than adults - The secret to making golf fun instead of frustrating - Pee-Wee, Junior Development, and Academy programs explained - The famous "Bucket A Day" program that gives juniors free range balls all year - Why Rich filled in every bunker when Maple Hill opened - Adult beginner clinics and common mistakes new golfers make - Why golf can be enjoyed at any age - The lessons Rich has learned after more than five decades teaching the game Whether you're a parent looking to get your child started, an adult thinking about learning golf, or simply love hearing stories from one of the most respected golf professionals in the country, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and timeless golf wisdom. New episodes of The Hill Unscripted every other week.

  4. May 23

    The Golf Industry Makes NO Sense Right Now

    Season 2, Episode 10 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen breaks down everything happening in the golf world right now—from LIV Golf drama and mini driver hype to zero torque putters, golf ball fitting, and the future of equipment. BK gives his honest take on: - Aaron Rai’s surprising PGA Championship win - Why mini drivers are exploding in popularity - The confusing future of LIV Golf - Whether zero torque putters are already fading - Why most golfers play the wrong golf ball - New Revelation Zero Torque putters from Maple Hill - Upcoming Cobra, Callaway, Mizuno & Wilson fitting events Bob also shares personal stories about his son graduating, pickleball league disasters, and the growth of Maple Hill’s live selling shows on Whatnot and eBay Live. If you love golf equipment, golf business talk, and honest opinions about where the game is headed, this episode is for you. New episodes every other week from Maple Hill Golf.

  5. May 8

    Meet the Mother Behind Maple Hill Golf

    Season 2, Episode 9 – In this special Mother’s Day episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with his mother, Nancy Kitchen, for a heartfelt conversation about family, golf, memories, and the journey behind Maple Hill Golf. Nancy shares stories about raising Bob and Andy, how the family business started, their favorite golf memories together, and what it’s been like watching the next generation take over the company. The episode also dives into: - Nancy’s current golf bag setup - Her 6 hole-in-ones 😳 - The best golfer in the Kitchen family - Family traditions and Belgian heritage - The evolution of Maple Hill Golf - Lessons about kindness, faith, and family This is one of the most personal episodes yet, and a special tribute to moms everywhere. Happy Mother’s Day from Maple Hill Golf.

  6. Apr 24

    The Golf Industry Is Lying to You… (My Honest Rant)

    Season 2, Episode 8 – In this solo episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen (BK) goes OFF on the golf industry. With over 30 years in golf retail, BK breaks down the biggest myths, bad advice, and marketing lies that are costing golfers money—and hurting their game. From zero torque putters to overpriced shafts, golf ball selection, and club fitting… this is the honest truth most companies won’t tell you. Topics covered: - Why golf is already hard—and you're making it harder - The truth about zero torque putters (and why they won’t fix your putting) - Why expensive shafts don’t change your swing - The biggest mistake golfers make when choosing a golf ball - When club fitting matters… and when it doesn’t - Why you should ignore what the pros play - The problem with “your buddy the expert” - How marketing is misleading golfers today If you want to save money, lower your scores, and stop falling for hype—this episode is for you. New episodes drop every other week from Maple Hill Golf.

  7. Apr 17

    The Masters Experience You Don’t See on TV

    Season 2, Episode 7 – Bob Kitchen is joined by his brother Andy Kitchen and Maple Hill GM Steve Strock to break down their unforgettable trips to the Masters at Augusta National—just as Rory McIlroy made history. From exclusive access at Berckmans Place to walking the course on Championship Sunday, they share what it’s really like inside Augusta—from the insane green speeds and elevation changes to the no-phone policy, merch experience, and surprisingly cheap food. They also cover: - What TV doesn’t show about Augusta National - The hardest holes and craziest greens - Insider tips if you ever go to the Masters - Rory’s historic win and tournament takeaways - The wild tech behind the merch shop If you’ve ever dreamed of going to the Masters, this is the closest you’ll get without a badge.

  8. Mar 27

    Wilson’s Comeback? The Truth About Performance, Price & Playing What Actually Works

    Season 2, Episode 6 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with Harry Nodwell, Wilson Golf’s Global Product Line Manager, for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at one of golf’s most overlooked — and fastest rising — brands. From his journey at MyGolfSpy testing millions of golf balls to now leading global product development for Wilson, Harry breaks down what really matters in golf equipment — and why more golfers are starting to rethink what’s in their bag. This episode dives into: - Why Wilson is targeting serious ball strikers and competitive golfers - The new Staff Model XB irons — built to look like blades but perform like game improvement - The Dynapower Forge and the rise of the “player’s performance” category - Wilson’s most forgiving driver ever — the Max Plus - Why graphite iron shafts might be the next big shift in golf - The truth about brand bias — and why most golfers never try better options - How unbiased testing (like MyGolfSpy) is reshaping equipment decisions Bob and Harry also get into fitting philosophy, common mistakes golfers make (including shaft and lie angle misconceptions), and why performance should always beat ego when choosing equipment. Plus, insights on Wilson’s award-winning wedges and putters, what’s coming next in 2027, and why this legacy brand might be quietly building something big.

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About

Welcome to The Hill Unscripted — the official podcast of Maple Hill Golf, where no topic in the golf world is off-limits. Hosted by Maple Hill Golf owner Bob Kitchen, this unfiltered series sets the record straight on everything you need to know as a valued customer and passionate golfer. From deep dives into industry trends to behind-the-scenes stories from the shop, Bob brings you honest insights and expert takes you won’t hear anywhere else. Along the way, you'll hear from a lineup of special guests — including employees, family members, golf insiders, and more — offering their unique pers

Information

  • Creator
    The Hill Unscripted
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Hill Unscripted
  • Show Website
    The Hill Unscripted