The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts

Big Swing Media
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  • 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. 6D AGO

    No Laying Up Didn’t Play by Golf Media Rules — And It Worked

    Golf media has changed, and few outlets have reshaped it more than No Laying Up. In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Chris Solomon, co-founder of No Laying Up, to unpack how a podcast among friends grew into one of the most influential independent voices in golf. Soly walks through the early days of building NLU, the decision to stay independent, and the risks that came with rejecting traditional media paths. He explains how authenticity, trust with the audience, and long-term thinking helped No Laying Up expand into travel, film, live events, and direct-to-consumer business — all without sacrificing its voice. The conversation covers: How No Laying Up built credibility outside traditional golf media The business model behind modern creator-led brands Why independence matters more than scale The tension between access, sponsorship, and editorial honesty What the future looks like for golf media and storytelling This episode is a candid look at what it really takes to build a media company in today’s golf ecosystem — and why playing the long game still wins. 🔔 Subscribe for New Episodes Every Wednesday Morning ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Live on Golf Channel Every Tuesday Morning at 7am & 9am #NoLayingUp #ChrisSolomon #GolfMedia #GolfBusiness #CreatorEconomy #IndependentMedia #SportsMedia #BusinessOfGolf #TheBigSwing #JimmyRoberts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    47 min

  2. FEB 4

    The Business Behind Golf’s Wildest Tournament | Jim Fish on the WM Open

    The WM Phoenix Open isn’t just a golf tournament — it’s one of the most unique live sporting events in the world. In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with Jim Fish, President & CEO of WM, to unpack how the WM Phoenix Open became the “greatest show on grass” — drawing nearly 700,000 fans and redefining what golf can look like when entertainment, sustainability, and community collide. Fish explains the inflection points that transformed the event, from Tiger Woods’ iconic hole-in-one on the 16th hole to WM’s decision to turn the tournament into the largest zero-waste sporting event in the world. He breaks down why Hole 16 feels more like a gladiator arena than a golf hole, how younger fans are reshaping expectations around the sport, and why creating a clear identity matters more than tradition in today’s golf landscape. Beyond the tournament, Fish opens up about his leadership philosophy, shaped by a near-death illness early in his career, ride-alongs with frontline workers, and a belief that culture is built by listening in the field — not just making decisions in the boardroom. This episode also includes Powering the Women’s Game, presented by Chevron, spotlighting the continued growth and innovation in women’s golf, including the announcement of a women’s TGL initiative backed by high-profile investors and LPGA stars. Plus, in Making Better Decisions, presented by Aon, Fish reflects on the pivotal choices that have shaped his leadership approach and guided WM’s long-term strategy. This is a wide-ranging conversation about sports business, fan experience, sustainability, leadership, and the future of golf — and why the Waste Management Open has become a model other events are trying to understand, not replicate. 🔔 Subscribe for New Episodes Every Wednesday Morning ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Live on Golf Channel Every Tuesday Morning at 7am & 9am #JimFish #WasteManagementOpen #BusinessOfGolf #TheBigSwing #JimmyRoberts #SportsBusiness #GolfIndustry #SustainabilityInSports See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    47 min

  3. JAN 28

    Live from the PGA Show | Inside Golf’s Biggest Brands with 8AM Golf & TaylorMade

    The PGA Show is where the global golf industry comes together — and The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts is on the floor in Orlando to find out where the game is headed next. In this special on-location episode, Jimmy Roberts and co-host Mollie Cahillane take viewers inside golf’s biggest trade show, often called the “Davos of Golf,” featuring conversations with two of the most influential executives in the sport. Jimmy sits down with Hoyt McGarity, President & CEO of 8AM Golf, to discuss investing across every corner of the golf ecosystem — from equipment and media to hospitality, entertainment, and experiential concepts like par-three golf, travel, and private clubs. Later, Jimmy is joined by David Abeles, President & CEO of TaylorMade, for a wide-ranging conversation on innovation, pricing, storytelling, performance technology, and what it takes to lead one of golf’s most iconic brands in a hyper-competitive global market. Along the way, Jimmy and Mollie explore the PGA Show floor — highlighting emerging products, new technology, creators, startups, and the ideas shaping golf’s future — while capturing the energy, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit that define the modern game. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how golf really works — the people, the decisions, and the risks that move the industry forward. 🔔 Follow for New Episodes Every Wednesday Morning ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Live on Golf Channel Every Tuesday Morning at 7am & 9am See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    36 min

  4. JAN 21

    From Golf Nerd to $200M Exit | Sam Hahn and the Unlikely Rise of L.A.B. Golf

    If you think fairy tales in golf only happen inside the ropes — think again. This week on The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with Sam Hahn, Founder of L.A.B. Golf, for one of the most unconventional business stories the game has ever seen. What started as a strange, “ugly” putter with a cult following turned into one of the fastest-growing equipment companies in golf — exploding from roughly $1M to $60M in annual sales in just four years, before being sold at a massive valuation. Sam walks through the moments that nearly broke the company, the tour break that almost ended it, and why not relying on PGA Tour validation became the key to survival. Along the way, Sam breaks down: How a musician and bar owner became a golf equipment disruptor Why L.A.B. Golf rejected traditional marketing and tour contracts The risks of scaling too fast — and the break that saved the company What it’s like letting go of a brand you built from nothing Why belief, obsession, and community mattered more than capital Plus, we debut Powering the Women’s Game presented by Chevron, a new biweekly segment highlighting the growth, history, and future of women’s golf — beginning at the LPGA’s 75th anniversary and examining why the women’s game is poised for its biggest era yet. If you care about entrepreneurship, innovation, golf business, or building something the hard way — this episode is required listening. 🔔 Subscribe for New Episodes Every Wednesday Morning ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Live on Golf Channel Every Tuesday Morning at 7am & 9am #SamHahn #LABGolf #GolfBusiness #GolfInnovation #FounderStory #GolfPutter #TheBigSwing #JimmyRoberts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    48 min

  5. JAN 14

    Greg Norman Breaks His Silence | LIV Golf, Legacy, and What Comes Next

    Sixteen-time major contender. 331 weeks as World No. 1. Global businessman. Lightning rod. Jimmy Roberts sits down with Greg Norman for one of the most candid conversations of his career — covering golf, power, private equity, and the decisions that reshaped the sport. Norman opens up about his time leading LIV Golf, the criticism he faced, and why he still believes the disruption was necessary. He explains how player free agency, team ownership, and private investment changed the business of golf — and why those forces aren’t going away. Beyond LIV, Norman dives into his global business empire, from course design and apparel to real estate, wine, and tourism development. He shares lessons learned from mentors like Paul Fireman, the biggest business mistake he ever made, and how golf has become a catalyst for economic growth around the world — from Australia to Southeast Asia. This is not a soundbite interview. It’s a wide-ranging look at legacy, leadership, risk, and what the future of golf — and sport — may actually look like. 🔔 Subscribe for New Episodes Every Wednesday Morning ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Live on Golf Channel Every Tuesday Morning at 7am & 9am #GregNorman #LIVGolf #BusinessOfGolf #TheBigSwing #JimmyRoberts #GolfIndustry #SportsBusiness See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    46 min

  6. JAN 7

    The Big Swing 2025 Recap: The Conversations Shaping Golf’s Future

    Over the past few months, The Big Swing has sat down with some of the most influential voices shaping the business of golf — from CEOs and founders to creators redefining how the game is consumed. In this special 2025 recap episode, Jimmy Roberts is joined by sports journalist and friend of the show Mollie Cahillane to look back at the most impactful conversations, ideas, and themes from recent episodes of The Big Swing. Together, they break down what these conversations reveal about where golf is headed — and what matters most right now across media, retail, leadership, and culture. This episode revisits insights from recent guests including: Executives rethinking long-term growth over short-term pressure Retail leaders navigating brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and brand loyalty Creators building massive audiences outside traditional golf media Brands winning through customer experience, culture, and authenticity It’s a curated look at the ideas, decisions, and inflection points that defined the business of golf in 2025 so far — and a roadmap for what’s coming next. Subscribe for new episodes Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify #TheBigSwing #GolfBusiness #GolfIndustry #JimmyRoberts #2025Recap See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    43 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    Peter Millar's Scott Mahoney on Building Golf's Most Trusted Lifestyle Brand

    "How does a $4M sweater-focused business become a modern lifestyle powerhouse with a “customer-first” reputation across golf, office, and everyday life? In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with Scott Mahoney, CEO of Peter Millar, to unpack the real story behind one of the most influential brands in golf apparel — and why “looking like a Peter Millar person” might be the ultimate compliment. Scott shares the unconventional path that brought him from industrial gas sales to the apparel world, the lessons he learned at Ralph Lauren, and the moment he saw a hole in the market: premium, tasteful product that could take you from the course to the office to the weekend — without losing authenticity. They get into: The origin of the name “Peter Millar” (and why it’s a great brand name) Turning a sweater brand into a true lifestyle company (shoes, swim, performance, and beyond) Why COVID was a major inflection point — and how Peter Millar became the new “work uniform” The company’s obsession with service (including the legendary “one shirt” story) Culture as a competitive advantage — from a “start with yes” mindset to sending flowers when teams travel overseas Why Peter Millar leaned into stores (and how they think about omni-channel growth) The small details that build loyalty (yes, including the mint in the box) The new NFL licensing launch — and why it’s a long-term growth engine Scott’s “Big Swing Moment” — leaving a great job to bet on a brand, with support from the people closest to him Smart, funny, and packed with real lessons on brand building, retail strategy, and customer experience — this one’s a masterclass for anyone who cares about where golf (and golf style) is headed. 🎧 Subscribe for new episodes 📺 Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify #PeterMillar #ScottMahoney #TheBigSwing #GolfBusiness #JimmyRoberts" See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Dick's Sporting Goods Exec Chairman Ed Stack: A Masterclass in Sports Business + Top Golf Gift Ideas

    What do golf gift ideas, holiday shopping trends, and a $14 billion sporting goods empire have in common? This episode. Jimmy Roberts opens with sports business journalist Mollie Cahillane, breaking down the best golf gifts of the season — from wearable tech and simulators to custom balls and bucket-list travel experiences. Then the show shifts to a rare, in-depth conversation with Ed Stack, the longtime CEO and now Executive Chairman of Dick’s Sporting Goods — a company he grew from two stores in Binghamton to more than 800 locations and $14B+ in annual sales. Stack pulls back the curtain on: • Why he told his senior team “we’re breaking up with Wall Street” and stopped chasing quarterly expectations • Nearly losing the company — twice — and the lessons that shaped its turnaround • How Dick’s became the largest golf retailer in America • The battles with manufacturers and the PGA of America when they first entered the golf equipment business • Why golfers shop differently today — and how fittings transformed retail • Concerns about rising equipment costs and the ball rollback debate • The growth of women’s and youth golf • Why culture, customer focus, and “never falling in love with yourself” still guide the company today • His emotional connection to the Dick’s PGA TOUR Champions event in his hometown • The massive Foot Locker acquisition and what’s next for the business It’s a masterclass in leadership, reinvention, and the evolution of sports retail — with some of the most honest, self-aware reflections you’ll hear from a Fortune 500 leader. 🎧 Subscribe for new episodes 📺 Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify #EdStack #DicksSportingGoods #TheBigSwing #GolfBusiness #JimmyRoberts #SportsBusiness See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    54 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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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