The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts

Big Swing Media
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Golf
  • Updated Biweekly

The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts: Conversations with People Making News in the Business of Golf. Sixteen-time Emmy Award Winner and sports broadcasting legend, Jimmy Roberts, invites you to intimate, one-on-one conversations with some the most significant, A-list executives, entertainers and athletes shaping the future of the golf business — as well as unprecedented, unparalleled access and insights around the trends, deals and investments that define the sport. Check out new episodes every other Wednesday. The show will move to weekly in January 2026. Follow The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to join our community at bigswingmedia.news for news and updates.

  1. 5d ago

    Where Golf’s Smart Money Is Going Next

    Golf’s estimated economic impact reaches roughly a quarter-trillion dollars—but where is the smart money going next? Matt Erley, co-founder of Old Tom Capital, joins Jimmy Roberts to explain why investors increasingly see golf as one of the most resilient growth categories in sports and recreation. He reveals which parts of the industry have his attention, from shorter “golf light” experiences and public-access facilities to travel, hospitality, agronomy technology and the rapidly changing private-club business. Matt also explores how golf can serve the next generation of players without abandoning its traditional roots—and why the industry’s biggest constraints may create its most compelling investment opportunities. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why more investment capital is moving into golf How par-3 courses, driving ranges and short-form experiences could fuel the next decade of growth Why $250,000 initiation fees and scarce tee times are changing golf travel The technology helping courses reduce water use and operating costs How equipment companies could turn the golf-ball rollback into an opportunity Plus, country music star Jake Owen shares the leap of faith that changed his life, and Jimmy makes the case for the New York metropolitan area as the greatest golf destination in the world. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  2. Aug 4

    John Smoltz on Building a NEW Pro Golf Tour

    John Smoltz thought the idea was great—but that it would never work. Now, the Baseball Hall of Famer is helping build THE PRO, an invitation-only professional golf tour created exclusively for former athletes. With approximately 80 players, a $500,000 purse at every tournament and stars from across baseball, football, basketball, hockey and beyond, Smoltz is turning the competitive void athletes experience after retirement into an ambitious new golf business. Smoltz joins Jimmy Roberts to explain the work behind launching the tour, from making nearly 1,000 phone calls and securing investment to recruiting players, building a media strategy and working toward profitability. He also shares unforgettable golf stories involving Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Annika Sorenstam—and reveals why he once turned down millions and an offer involving Pine Valley to remain with Bobby Cox and the Atlanta Braves. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why Smoltz believed THE PRO was a great idea that might never work The economics behind a $500,000 purse at every tournament How the tour recreates competition and community for retired athletes Smoltz’s plans to recruit names like Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and Michael Phelps Legendary rounds with Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Annika Sorenstam The leadership lessons Smoltz learned from Bobby Cox Plus, Powering the Women’s Game, presented by Chevron, examines Versant’s $530 million acquisition of Full Swing and what it could mean for the launch of the new Women’s Team Golf League. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  3. Jul 28

    How Delta Became a Power Player at the Masters and PGA TOUR

    Why is one of the world’s largest airlines making such a significant investment in golf? Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian joins Jimmy Roberts to explain why the company’s relationships with the Masters, the PGA TOUR and some of the game’s biggest players are about much more than television exposure. For Bastian, golf sits at the intersection of relationships, travel and the growing experience economy—and gives Delta an opportunity to position its brand alongside some of the most respected institutions in sports. Bastian also shares the strategy behind Delta’s transformation from bankruptcy to an industry leader, the people-first decision that helped the airline navigate COVID and why he personally invested in the new McLaren Golf venture alongside names including Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Michelle Wie West. What you'll hear in this episode: Why Delta views golf as a strategic brand investment The value—and challenge—of measuring sponsorship ROI How Delta dramatically expands service into Augusta during Masters week The surprising role Delta played in Tony Finau’s journey to professional golf Why Bastian invested his own money in McLaren Golf How Delta’s people-first culture shaped its biggest business decisions Plus, Grant Hill shares the early goal that helped shape his basketball career, and Jimmy reflects on the lasting influence of Caddyshack nearly five decades after its release. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  4. Jul 21

    Steph Curry Is Building His Next Chapter in Golf

    Steph Curry is already planning his next chapter—and golf is becoming a central part of the legacy he wants to build beyond basketball. In this special episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Curry shares how a childhood passion for golf evolved into a much larger mission. Through Underrated Golf, he is investing millions annually to remove the financial and structural barriers that can leave talented young golfers behind. Curry also discusses his new partnership with Li-Ning, his ambition to build Curry Brand into a lasting global business, and why golf will be its “true north star” moving forward. Then, American Century Investments’ Jonathan Thomas reveals how a struggling celebrity tournament became one of golf’s most valuable sponsorship platforms—and why the company now directs nearly all of its discretionary marketing budget toward the American Century Championship. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why Steph Curry began planning his post-basketball future at age 30How Underrated Golf invests $4–6 million annually in young golfersCurry’s plan to build a legacy brand with golf at its centerWhy American Century bet up to 90% of its discretionary marketing budget on one golf eventHow celebrity, live sports and golf transformed the American Century Championship 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  5. Jul 14

    The Training Method Behind Scottie Scheffler's Breakthrough

    The biggest threat to your golf game may not be your swing. It may be what your body is doing during the rest of the day. In this YouTube-exclusive episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with Dr. Jeremy James, founder of GolfForever, to discuss back pain, mobility, aging, injury prevention, and the physical limitations that quietly cost golfers distance, consistency, and pain-free rounds. James explains why sitting may be one of the most damaging habits in modern life, how prolonged inactivity weakens the muscles that support the back, and why the golf swing can become particularly stressful when the body is not properly prepared. Drawing on his experience operating a chronic-pain clinic in Aspen, James shares how he began developing a more accessible system that combined education, movement assessments, personalized exercise programming, and golf-specific training. That work eventually became GolfForever. The conversation also covers: Why so many golfers experience back painHow sitting affects the spine, glutes, and overall mobilityWhy improving the body can also improve the golf swingHow GolfForever personalizes training for each userThe role Scottie Scheffler played in the company’s growthHow the product helped Scheffler address knee painWhy golfers often begin losing distance and stamina after 30The difference between training for pain relief and athletic performanceHow Jeremy grew the company from a back-pain platform into a national golf brandHis perspective on exercise, nutrition, fasting, and longevityWhy golfers do not have to accept physical decline as they age This is a practical conversation about playing longer, moving better, reducing pain, and keeping your body capable of supporting the golf game you want. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts is produced by Big Swing Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  6. Jul 7

    How Stanford Built a Women’s Golf Powerhouse

    Stanford women’s golf has become one of the most dominant programs in college golf — but Anne Walker’s approach goes far beyond swing mechanics. In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with Stanford women’s golf head coach Anne Walker to talk about leadership, player development, recruiting, practice, NIL, college athletics, and the culture behind one of the sport’s most successful programs.  Walker explains why she doesn’t see herself simply as a head coach, but as a “performance optimizer” — someone who helps elite players improve every part of their performance pie chart, from golf and academics to family dynamics, confidence, leadership, and life off the course.  She also shares how Stanford builds intentional practices, why every player needs a custom approach, what separates great players from great fits, and how she teaches student-athletes to think of themselves as the CEOs of their own careers. Plus, Walker discusses the influence of Condoleezza Rice on the program, the growing challenge of managing amateur golf schedules, the impact of NIL, and why she believes the future of college sports is still bright.  In this episode: How Anne Walker built Stanford into a women’s golf powerhouseWhy she calls herself a “performance optimizer”The custom approach behind Stanford’s player developmentWhy elite golfers need small tweaks, not rebuildsWhat Stanford looks for in recruitsWhy loving golf and competition matters so muchHow Stanford designs intentional, competitive practicesThe six-foot / twelve-foot putting drill used to recreate pressureCondoleezza Rice’s role as a mentor and influence around the programHow NIL has changed college golfWhy amateur schedules are becoming harder to manageWhat college sports can learn from startupsThis is a conversation about coaching, leadership, culture, competition, and what it takes to develop elite golfers in the modern college game. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts is produced by Big Swing Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  7. Jun 30

    Tiger Woods’ Former Agent Finally Tells the Story

    Before Tiger Woods became a global business empire, Hughes Norton was helping build the foundation. In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with Hughes Norton — the legendary former IMG agent who represented Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Curtis Strange, and other major figures in golf during one of the most transformative eras in the sport’s history. Norton takes Jimmy inside the early days of golf’s commercial boom, when players were taking $500 outing fees and the PGA Tour was still a “mom and pop” operation. From there, he helped usher in a new era of athlete marketing, sponsorships, appearance fees, global endorsements, and massive brand deals. The conversation also goes deep on Tiger Woods’ arrival as a professional, including the behind-the-scenes story of Tiger’s first major Nike deal, the role of Earl Woods, the intense pressure around Tiger’s time, and the stunning phone call that ended Norton’s relationship with Tiger for good. Hughes also reflects on Greg Norman, LIV Golf, Mark McCormack, Arnold Palmer, the changing role of agents, the rise of player entourages, NIL, the new PGA Tour schedule, and how golf became a billion-dollar business. In this episode: How Hughes Norton got started at IMG under Mark McCormack What the PGA Tour looked like before golf became big business The early endorsement economy around players like Curtis Strange Negotiating Tiger Woods’ first mega-deals The Nike deal and Phil Knight controversy What Tiger Woods was really like behind the scenes The phone call that ended Norton’s relationship with Tiger Greg Norman’s role in LIV Golf Why LIV struggled to gain traction Arnold Palmer’s role in stopping an earlier breakaway tour How agents, money, NIL, and sponsorships changed golf forever What the PGA Tour’s new schedule could mean for players and sponsors This is a conversation about Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, LIV Golf, IMG, Nike, and the business machine that transformed professional golf from a niche tour into a global sports economy. If you care about the business of golf, the rise of Tiger Woods, the history of IMG, or how money changed the professional game, this episode is worth your full attention. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts is produced by Big Swing Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  8. Jun 23

    Golf’s Money Problem Is Finally Out in the Open

    Golf is booming — but the business behind the game has never been more complicated. In this special live episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, recorded ahead of the U.S. Open, Jimmy sits down for two separate conversations with two of the most influential voices in golf, media, and business: Mark Lazarus and Jimmy Dunne. Lazarus, CEO of Versant and one of the key figures behind Golf Channel, breaks down why golf has become such a valuable business across media, technology, tee times, streaming, content, and fan engagement. From Golf Channel to GolfNow, GolfPass, college golf, the LPGA, USGA relationships, and the future of sports rights, Lazarus explains why golf is no longer just a television product — it’s an entire business ecosystem. Then Jimmy sits down with Jimmy Dunne, the Wall Street dealmaker, president of Seminole Golf Club, former PGA Tour Policy Board member, and one of the central figures in the PGA Tour/LIV Golf framework agreement. Dunne speaks candidly about LIV, the future of the PGA Tour, private investment, the role of money in golf, and why he believes the game’s biggest strength remains its ability to build relationships. In this episode: Why Golf Channel sees itself as the “network of record” for golf How GolfNow became a major piece of the golf business Why live sports rights are putting pressure on every league What the NFL’s next media deal could mean for golf Why LIV became a “giant distraction” How money changed the conversation around professional golf What Jimmy Dunne learned from negotiating the PGA Tour/LIV framework agreement Why access, affordability, and star power may determine golf’s next chapter How the U.S. Open, media, private investment, and the PGA Tour all intersect This is a conversation about more than one tournament. It’s about the future of golf — who controls it, who pays for it, who profits from it, and how the game continues to grow without losing what made people fall in love with it in the first place. If you care about golf, media, sports business, LIV, the PGA Tour, or where the game goes next, this is a conversation worth your full attention. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts is produced by Big Swing Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts: Conversations with People Making News in the Business of Golf. Sixteen-time Emmy Award Winner and sports broadcasting legend, Jimmy Roberts, invites you to intimate, one-on-one conversations with some the most significant, A-list executives, entertainers and athletes shaping the future of the golf business — as well as unprecedented, unparalleled access and insights around the trends, deals and investments that define the sport. Check out new episodes every other Wednesday. The show will move to weekly in January 2026. Follow The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to join our community at bigswingmedia.news for news and updates.

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