The ModGolf Podcast

The ModGolf Podcast
  • 4.2 (14)
  • Golf
  • Updated Semimonthly

The ModGolf Podcast talks with golf's top influencers, entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors about their vision and ventures that are re-imagining, transforming and growing both the game and $100 billion/year industry. The ModGolf Podcast has been ranked #4 on 20245s most comprehensive list of "Top 25 Golf Podcasts" (https://blog.feedspot.com/golf_podcasts/), based on our quality and consistency of posts, industry expert reviews and social media influence/popularity. Please subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast to help us grow and move up the rankings in 2026! We'd love to hear from you! Have any ideas or guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Contact Colin directly here (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/contact) or on Instagram @modgolfpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/modgolfpodcast/) to start the conversation.

  1. Inside the Caddie Lounge with 28-Year PGA Tour Veteran Don “Double D” Donatello

    1d ago

    Inside the Caddie Lounge with 28-Year PGA Tour Veteran Don “Double D” Donatello

    Do you ever wonder what the caddies get up to when the cameras stop rolling and the PGA Tour players head to the clubhouse? In this live episode from the RBC Canadian Open, host Colin Weston steps inside the Caddie Lounge (powered by [Levelwear](www.levelwear.com)) to uncover the gritty reality of life on the bag with 28-year tour veteran Don “Double D” Donatello. From carrying 42-pound golf bags up the equivalent of 60 flights of stairs a round to a dramatic "I quit" moment on the 4th hole, Don shares the wild, unfiltered stories of 650+ tournaments and why this lounge is a game-changer for professional caddies. Key takeaways in this episode with Don that you will discover: The Harsh Math of Caddie Economics: Don breaks down the financial gamble of being a looper - the low base salary, paying your own travel expenses, and how missing the cut means earning $0 for a week’s work. The Physical Toll of Looping: It’s not just walking. Don reveals the insane fitness stats: 18,000+ steps and 30-60 flights of stairs per day, all while balancing a 42-pound bag on uneven terrain. How the Caddie Lounge Was Born: Learn how a simple conversation over a Levelwear hat turned into a tour-wide movement, giving caddies their own space with massage therapists, video games, and the dignity they’ve deserved for years. The Caddie Lounge at The RBC Canadian Open is Levelwear's way of supporting their "Who's With You?" campaign to provide PGA Tour caddies with a space to unwind, rejuvenate and hang out with their fellow loopers. The Caddie Lounge is now at over 10 PGA Tour stops annually. Three Inspiring Quotes from Don Donatello On the old days vs. now: "28 years ago, I only got paid $400 a week. You drove in a car and slept three to a room. One guy would sleep on the floor and you had to stand outside in the rain. Now, thanks to Levelwear, we feel like we’re being treated like the players." On the secret to a long career: "Certainty out here is very important as a caddie. A lot of mistakes these PGA Tour players make aren’t because they not good - it’s because they’re uncertain. Knowing when to speak and when not to is a very fragile thing." On saving Webb Simpson’s career: "He had four holes to play to keep his card. I changed his read on two putts. He made both. He shot 63 to keep his card. He said, 'Those were some of the greatest reads ever!'" Episode Chapters 00:00 – Live from the RBC Canadian Open: Welcome to the Caddie Lounge 01:15 – Meet Don “Double D” Donatello: 28 years, 31 bags, 650+ events 02:30 – The Birth of the Caddie Lounge (and the “Who’s With You” campaign) 05:20 – Then vs. Now: **Sleeping on floors to massage tables **07:05 – The brutal physical stats: 42lbs, 18k steps, and 60 flights of stairs 09:15 – Don’s origin story: From best player at the club to caddie 10:20 – The economics of looping: Base salary, expenses, and betting on your player 13:05 – Don's Proudest moment: The Webb Simpson story (changing reads to save a card) 15:05 – The “I Quit” story: Walking off the course mid-round 18:05 – How new caddies get jobs (agents, veterans, and the Korn Ferry grind) 21:05 – Inside the prep work: How Don and Tom Hoge tackle a new course 24:35 – The therapist role: Knowing when to talk and when to shut up 26:12 – Wrapping up and wishing Don luck at The RBC Canadian Open

    22 min
  2. Cutting Through the Golf Data Noise – Personalized Golf Improvement with AVA Golf

    May 28

    Cutting Through the Golf Data Noise – Personalized Golf Improvement with AVA Golf

    You’ve taken lessons, watched hours of YouTube, and invested in the latest launch monitor - so why is your handicap barely moving? The golf industry has convinced you that the answer is always MORE: more technology, more stats, more swing thoughts. But according to JR Charles and Aron Schüler of ParOne, more is actually the problem. In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, guest host Rich Katz uncovers how AVA Golf is flipping the script by turning your existing data (from Garmin, Arccos, and beyond) into a personalized prescription of video drills from Top 100 instructors. No more guesswork. No more generic fixes. Just a clear, sequential path to mastery. Tune in to discover why focusing on everything means fixing nothing, and how the right direction can finally unlock the golfer you know you can be. Key takeaways in this episode with JR and Aron that you will discover: The "Supply Constraint" in Golf Lessons: With 30,000 instructors serving 5 million golfers taking lessons (and a post-COVID boom), demand far exceeds supply. AVA Golf bridges this gap by scaling instructor-led advice via AI-driven video playlists, not replacing the pro, but making their expertise accessible 24/7. Your Game Becomes a Personalized Video Playlist: AVA Golf ingests data from your existing devices (like Arccos and Garmin launch monitors) and analyzes root causes. Instead of generic YouTube fixes, it serves a unique, sequential playlist of videos addressing your specific faults (e.g., fixing alignment vs. swing path for a slice). It Actually Works (Proof from the Engineer): Aron Schuler, the developer, is also the guinea pig. He dropped his handicap from a 28 to an 18 simply by using the platform he was building. This validates that removing the guesswork leads to tangible, measurable improvement. Three Quotable Moments from this episode: JR Charles on the problem with modern data: "I work in the golf industry and I work in game improvement. I don't know what half of these stats are. I have to Google them!" Aron Schuler on the mission of AVA Golf: "Most tools give you more data, but at AVA Golf, we're trying to give you direction. Ultimately, your game needs direction." JR Charles on focusing your practice: "Focus on the right things and not everything. If you focus on every single thing, you're just going to have a hodgepodge of a swing where you can barely hit the ball sometimes." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out the AVA Golf demo with JR on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Colin Weston hands the mic to guest host Rich Katz. 01:42 – Meet the Guests: Introducing JR Charles (CTO/CRO of ParOne) and Aron Schuler. 03:28 – The ParOne Thesis: Owning the video distribution path in golf (clients include LIV Golf & Golf.com). 05:40 – Why Aron Joined: From building "R10 Progress" to the vision of "Golf Intelligence." 07:49 – The Big Problem: Why more data leads to frustration, YouTube rabbit holes, and constrained PGA instruction supply. 09:57 – How AVA.Golf Works: Connecting your Arccos & Garmin accounts to get a personalized video playlist. 10:36 – The User Walkthrough: "Sign up, connect your providers, start receiving prescriptions." 11:29 – The Meaning of "AVA": Named after JR’s niece (and the acronym: AI Video Advisor). 13:18 – Real Results: Aron’s journey from a 28 to an 18 handicap using his own software. 14:23 – The Global Team: Engineers in Dallas, design in London, Top 100 instructors in Florida/Arizona. 15:38 – Case Studies: How ParOne helped LIV Golf with media distribution and Golf.com with scale. 18:44 – The Future of Golf: Why "playing golf" now means simulators, Topgolf, and the course. 23:17 – Making Golf Simple: Moving from "more data" to a "Purposeful, Intuitive, Practical (PIP)" system. 26:34 – Final Advice: Aron (Get Direction) & JR (Focus on the right things, not everything). 30:09 – Wrap Up: Colin Weston thanks Rich Katz and tells listeners how to join the ModGolf community. 🔗 Resources and Links: JR's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/jr-charles Aron's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/aron-schuler Rich Katz's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/rich-katz The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast Join their sneak peak waitlist on the AVA Golf website: https://avagolf.com/ 🎧 Subscribe and please give us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-modgolf-podcast/id1230363725 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! 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 Guests: Aron Schüler - Director of Engineering with ParOne Inc / AVA Golf and JR Charles - CEO at ParOne / AVA Golf.

    30 min
  3. Happiness First and Handicap Later - Kris Lynch, Founder of Golf Yourself Happy

    May 20

    Happiness First and Handicap Later - Kris Lynch, Founder of Golf Yourself Happy

    What if the reason you aren't enjoying golf has nothing to do with your swing? The governing bodies tell us participation is up, yet nearly 4 million golfers quit annually in the U.S. alone, and half of all on-course players don't even call themselves "golfers" because they don't feel "good enough." In this powerful episode, host Colin Weston sits down with Kris Lynch - a former finance professional turned golf mindset coach - who argues that golf is broken by a performance-obsessed culture. If you have ever felt like a "hacker" who doesn't belong, Kris has a radical prescription: forget your handicap, join the "Happy Hackers," and discover why belonging is more powerful than performance. Key takeaways in this episode with Kris that you will discover: The "Fitting In" vs "Belonging" Trap Kris explains the difference between conforming to outdated golf etiquette (fitting in) and actually being accepted for your authentic self (belonging). You’ll learn why most mental health initiatives for men fail and how golf can actually be the solution. The $150 Solution Kris highlights how a new wave of "proprietor-owned" clubs (like Parc Golf Club and Pottergate) are thriving by ditching committees, welcoming non-golfers for Sunday lunch, and offering low-cost memberships - proving that the future of golf is agility, not red tape. Why You Should Be a "Happy Hacker Discover the psychology behind reclaiming the insult "hacker." Kris details how his free WhatsApp community and mindset coaching helps golfers separate their self-worth from their scorecard, using the game as a tool for resilience rather than a report card. Three Quotable Moments from Kris: On the industry’s blind spot: "Golf does not have a participation problem. It has an experience problem." On the pressure to perform: "Golf has defined success too narrowly. We are average, everyday golfers, and we need to be at peace with that. We need a philosophy of happiness first, handicap later." On the power of community over instruction: "Culture shapes experience more than instruction does. We lead with a technical-first mindset rather than a people-centric approach. Golf talks to itself, and we forget that not everyone speaks that language." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Kris on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: The big connector of golf 04:30 – Kris’s origin story: From hacking in Scotland to burnout in London finance 09:00 – The "Aha" moment: Leaving corporate HR to launch Golf Yourself Healthy 12:30 – The Experience Problem: Why 4 million golfers quit every year 17:00 – Culture vs. Instruction: The "belonging" principle and Brene Brown’s influence 24:00 – Success Stories: How nine-hole courses and inclusive short-game areas are saving the game 30:00 – What is a "Happy Hacker"? Building a community for average golfers 38:00 – Mental health in golf: Meeting men where they are (statistics on suicide prevention and connection) 44:00 – How to join the movement and connect with Kris 🔗 Resources and Links: Kris' bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/kris-lynch GYT Instagram: @golfyourselfhappy LinkedIn: Kris Lynch The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast The Golf Yourself Happy website: https://www.golfyourselfhappy.com/ and GYH YouTube channel: --> https://www.youtube.com/@golfyourselfhappy 🎧 Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with a golfer who needs to add more happiness to their game. 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 our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! When I mentioned Kris' episode to the folks at British Columbia Golf they immediately wanted to support it, as one of their goals is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. British Columbia Golf strives to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, while continually working to increase participation in the sport with programs such as their Cloud Series. British Columbia Golf is the Provincial Sport Organization for golf as recognized by the Government of British Columbia and ViaSport. Golf Canada recognizes the association as the governing body within the province. British Columbia Golf provides programs benefitting golfers and the golf industry in the province that I'm proud to call home. Check out their website https://britishcolumbiagolf.org/ Special Guest: Kris Lynch - Mindset Coach & Founder of Golf Yourself Happy.

    43 min
  4. From Losing it All to Over $12 Million in Annual Sales - Geoff Tait, Founder of Triple Bogey Brewing

    May 1

    From Losing it All to Over $12 Million in Annual Sales - Geoff Tait, Founder of Triple Bogey Brewing

    He walked away from a $750,000 golf apparel order, cried on his living room floor, and told his wife their dream was dead. Then he built a $12 million business from scratch - without knowing how to brew a single beer. Geoff Tait has one of the wildest entrepreneurial stories in golf. He started a funky golf clothing brand before Travis Matthew, Puma and Nike caught on, landed a deal with Arnold Palmer himself, and drank Kettle One with The King and Jack Nicklaus on a balcony at Augusta. Then it all fell apart. Business partner battles. Lost control. Humiliation. But here's the twist: Geoff didn't go work for someone else. He went back to teaching as a marketing professor as he built the business plan for Triple Bogey Brewing Company. No brewing experience. No investors. Just a fun name and a relentless commitment to slow, organic growth. This is a conversation about the real cost of entrepreneurship, the loneliness and exhilaration of building something from nothing, and why "better hit another" isn't just a Triple Bogey Brewing slogan - it's a life philosophy. Key takeaways in this episode with Geoff that you will discover: Losing control of your company is a nightmare - but losing your values is worse Geoff learned the hard way that scaling too fast with the wrong partners can cost you everything. Now he grows organically, keeps full control, and says "the best investor is your customer." You don't need to be an expert. You need to surround yourself with the right people Geoff couldn't sew a button or brew a lager. But he knew how to spot talent, build trust, and let experts execute. His superpower isn't technical skill - it's knowing who to bring into the room. The golf industry rewards loyalty, not flash While big brands fight for shelf space, Geoff built Triple Bogey one golf course at a time - by showing up, delivering great customer service, and making a product people actually want to drink on a hot day. Slow, steady, and authentic won the race. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Geoff on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Three Memorable Quotes from Geoff: "I walked out of my office with a $750,000 JCPenney order on my desk that we didn't deliver. I went home and cried on the floor and had to tell my wife what happened." "If I'm going to do this, this time it's with slow growth. For the first eight years, I was putting my own money back in. I didn't want to take on partners. I wanted to keep this thing in my complete control." "It's a lonely world being an entrepreneur. There are sleepless nights where you're waking up trying to figure out how you're going to tackle the next step. But that's the fun of it. Even if you get pits in your stomach, you just gotta keep going." 🔗 Links & Resources Triple Bogey Brewing Company: www.triplebogey.com Geoff Tait's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/geoff-tait LinkedIn: Geoff Tait The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast Episode Chapters: 00:00: Welcome to The ModGolf Podcast 01:00: The Icebreaker: Geoff's first golf memory at age six 03:15: From bag drop to Australia to cruise ships (and Venezuela) 05:30: The birth of Quagmire Golf: funky clothes before anyone else 07:15: The random IMG phone call that led to Arnold Palmer 09:00: Redesigning Arnie's clothing line (and the Augusta invitation) 11:10: How things fell apart: business partners, lost control, and a $750k order 13:15: Crying on the floor: the lowest moment 14:45: Teaching college and secretly building Triple Bogey's business plan 16:40: Launching a brewery with zero brewing experience 18:20: Why "Triple Bogey" (and why you can't call a beer "Birdie") 20:00: Minimum viable product: one lager, sunny days, sessionable 22:30: The non-alcoholic pivot (and a secret water launch) 24:00: Colin's 99-year-old dad converts from his beer to Triple Bogey 25:15: Transfusions and how grape changed everything 28:30: Navigating provincial liquor boards (and why BC is finally opening up) 30:45: Selling direct to 600 golf courses (no brewpub, no sandwiches) 32:40: Lessons from Quagmire Golf: slow growth, no partners, stay in control 35:30: "The best investor is your customer" 37:45: The loneliness of entrepreneurship (and why it's worth it) 39:00: Where to find Triple Bogey (including a first step into the US) 41:30: Meet us on The ModGolf YouTube channel: more Arnie stories await 🍻 One Last Thing from Geoff "When you buy a Triple Bogey you're supporting my family - my kids Sawyer and Fiona, my wife Megan, and all our employees. We're not a faceless corporate brand. Drop me a line. I'm better on email than the phone. But call if you need a friend." Subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast so you never miss a story of resilience, reinvention, and the future of golf. 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! 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: Geoff Tait – Founder & President, Triple Bogey Brewing Company.

    35 min
  5. The Rebuild - Part 4: Can a 50¢ Towel Finally Correct My Driver Swing Path?

    Apr 26 ·  Bonus

    The Rebuild - Part 4: Can a 50¢ Towel Finally Correct My Driver Swing Path?

    "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result... and I have been INSANE with my driver for four decades." 😵 Can a 50 cent tea towel finally correct my driver swing path? If you struggle with powerless effort instead of effortless power, or if you’re tired of blocking slices and snap hooks off the tee, this episode of The Rebuild is your turning point. Host Colin Weston reunites with PGA Teaching Pro Quinn Vilneff to tackle the "bane of his existence"—the driver. Watch as Quinn diagnoses Colin's 7-degree left club path and introduces a surprising (and cheap) training aid: a simple towel. In this 20-minute masterclass, you’ll learn why traditional swing thoughts fail with the longest club in your bag and how to finally build a driver swing that neutralizes your path and increases ball speed. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then why not watch this episode on The ModGolf YouTube channel! ---> https://youtu.be/a3OfR1WI2b8 or click on the image to add some video to the sounds and words. Episode Chapters 00:00 - The Insanity of Driver Struggles 02:35 - Colin’s "Before" Swing Data (7° Left Path) 05:40 - Why The Driver Hates Your Body Mechanics 08:45 - The 50¢ Towel Drill (Best Training Aid Ever) 11:00 - Step 1: Missing The Towel (Changing The Path) 12:15 - Why The Ball Goes Right (And Why That’s Good) 14:00 - Step 2: Closing The Clubface For Power 16:45 - The 3 Pillars of The Rebuild (Recap) 17:30 - How To Train Indoors & Work With Quinn Online What You’ll Learn in This Golf Lesson: The Towel Drill: How a 20-cent towel is more effective than a $200 training aid to force your club path from negative (left) to neutral or inside-out. Step-by-Step Reprogramming: Why you must start swinging slowly without a ball to eliminate the "left path" habit, and how to add speed after the movement pattern is fixed. The Two-Piece Puzzle: Why fixing your path (step 1) will initially send the ball right, and how to later layer in clubface control to turn those blocks into powerful, low-spin draws. 👇 LET US KNOW... What is your biggest frustration with the driver? Are you stuck in the "powerless effort" trap? Drop us a comment - Colin is reading them! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to ModGolf for the "After" video in 12 weeks. The longer it takes, the longer it lasts. 👉 https://modgolf.fireside.fm/subscribe RELATED VIDEOS & RESOURCES 👉 Book a virtual or in-person lesson with Quinn Vilneff at https://universitygolf.com/quinn-vilneff/ or on Instagram @vangolfpro 👉 Watch The Rebuild - Part 1: Are You Ready for a Golf Transformation That Actually LASTS? --> https://youtu.be/Vtxcxs_If4I 👉 Watch The Rebuild - Part 2: Are You Ready To Fix Your Short Game By Understanding Spin Loft? --> https://youtu.be/9yuk1xCW-t0 👉 Watch The Rebuild - Part 3: Is Your Swing Sequence Correct? --> https://youtu.be/YKW9Nqjhw24 👉 Check out Gowanus Golf Club in Vancouver, the members-based indoor facility featuring TrackMan. --> https://ggcvirtualgolf.ca/ 👉 Cameron Barkley - Vancouver Golf Performance --> https://www.vancouvergolfperformance.com/ Special Guest: Quinn Vilneff - Class A PGA of Canada Teaching Professional..

    19 min
  6. A European Playbook to Future-Proof Golf - Renate Roeleveld, CEO of The Golf Course Association of Europe

    Apr 18

    A European Playbook to Future-Proof Golf - Renate Roeleveld, CEO of The Golf Course Association of Europe

    What happens when a hospitality professional stumbles into golf and ends up leading the charge for the sport’s evolution across an entire continent? Host Colin Weston sits down with his "new golf friend" Renate Roeleveld, CEO of the Golf Course Association of Europe (GCAE) to soak up her infectious energy and unique perspective on how Europe is redefining golf - from battling climate change with robotic mowers to creating "Fabulous Fridays" to get more women on the course. Colin and Renate take a deep dive into the industry’s hottest topics: moving beyond the traditional 18-hole mindset, using tech to solve labour shortages, and why listening is the most powerful tool for inclusion. If you’ve ever wondered how golf can survive and thrive by embracing change, this conversation is your playbook. Key takeaways in this episode with Renate that you will discover: The "Short Format" Revolution: Why golf courses need to stop defining golfers by 18 holes and start embracing par-3 courses and simulators to attract busy families and multi-sport athletes. Hospitality is the New Currency: Renate explains how her background in hotel management taught her that golf is a perishable "experience" business, and why women are naturally positioned to lead in this space. Data-Driven Sustainability: From robotic mowing to pesticide-free maintenance, European courses are being forced by regulation (and high energy prices) to innovate. Learn how greenskeepers are turning into data analysts to keep courses playable, sustainable and profitable. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Renate on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Three Memorable Quotes from Renate: On changing the game for women: "Women and men are equal, but we are not the same. When you realize the differences in how we experience golf, you can work your way around the small hurdles - and then it’s actually quite easy." On the value of golf real estate: "As Jay of the NGCOA nicely put it: the dirt is worth more than the business. We have to do a better job showing what golf facilities offer to the community and the environment." On resilience: "There are highs and lows when running. If you just keep going, focusing on what you’re doing and putting your best foot forward, you will make it to whatever finish line there is." Renate Roeleveld's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/renate-roeleveld Links & Resources Mentioned: The GCAE Golf Course Assocation of Europe on Instagram: @gcae_golf LinkedIn: Renate Roeleveld The Golf Course Association of Europe: https://www.gcae.eu/ The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast Episode Chapters: 00:00 – 05:00: Welcome & "Golf Orphans" – Renate’s accidental start in the Netherlands 05:00 – 10:00: What is the GCAE? A look at Europe’s diverse golf landscape (Nordics vs. South) 10:00 – 20:00: Inclusion in Action – The origin of "Fab Friday" and the Women’s Golf Project 20:00 – 28:00: Career Paths & Hospitality – Why golf needs more women in leadership 28:00 – 35:00: Tech & Sustainability – The rise of robotic mowers, data-driven greenskeeping, and the "Nature Pyramid" 35:00 – 40:00: The Future of Formats – why short courses are winning and Renate’s amazing New York Marathon story (running the last 10km on a broken leg!) 40:00 – End: Final advice on talking with communities, not about them 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! 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: Renate Roeleveld - CEO of The Golf Course Association of Europe.

    41 min
  7. From The Hockey Rink to The First Tee - Greg Collins, Founder & CEO of GRIT Inc.

    Apr 7

    From The Hockey Rink to The First Tee - Greg Collins, Founder & CEO of GRIT Inc.

    What happens when a lifelong hockey player with a degree in industrial design walks into a pizza parlor? You get one of the most innovative golf bags to ever sit on a power cart. In this episode, host Colin Weston sits down with Greg Collins, founder of GRIT Inc., whose entrepreneurial journey took him from designing running shoes at Cooper Canada to creating the revolutionary GRIT 2.0 Tower golf bag. Greg shares how a chance meeting at a Bolton Ontario pizza joint led to a 15-year hockey bag empire, how COVID-19 forced a pivot into golf, and why he believes the best designs come from looking outside your industry. If you’re tired of your clubs twisting sideways on the cart by hole #2, this conversation is for you! Key takeaways in this episode with Greg that you will discover: Form flows from the power cart, not tradition Most golf bags are round because "that's how it's always been." Greg flipped the script by analyzing the rectangular box of a power cart, creating a square bag that doesn't rotate. Key takeaway: Sometimes the best innovation is simply solving the obvious problem everyone else ignores. Watering down your design is the enemy of innovation Greg spent 20 years as a freelance designer watching his concepts get diluted by sales teams. Starting GRIT allowed him to be "design-driven" rather than "sales-driven." Key takeaway: If you want to truly change a category, you need control over the creative process—even if it means manufacturing it yourself. Look sideways, not just forward The secret to the GRIT Tower bag isn't found in another golf catalog; it's found in hockey bags, military backpacks, camping gear, and automotive paint jobs (racing stripes!). Key takeaway: True differentiation happens when you steal (respectfully) from industries completely unrelated to your own. Three Quotable Moments from Greg: On the power of capital to fuel a startup: "What it did was it gave me capital to dream. If you give an entrepreneur working capital and support, it's amazing what he can do." The advantage of being a golf industry outsider: "Golf bags all look very similar. You look at them go, 'Oh my God, they're all the same.' We had an advantage over every other golf company because our hands weren't tied. We could be creative. We had nothing to lose." On trusting your own taste as a compass: "I think that if I like it and if it turns me on, other people are going to want to buy it. They're going to recognize the same feelings that I have. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but I'm just really excited about golf. The golf world is a new canvas for us and we want to really rock the golf course." and one from Colin's Architecture school professor regarding innovation and design inspiration... "The good ones borrow, but the great ones steal." 📖 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome intro / Colin and Greg's Serendipitous Meeting at the PGA Show 02:00 – Growing up in Toronto: street hockey, transistor radios, and Greg's artist parents 04:30 – OCAD, Industrial Design and the First GRIT hockey Bag design 07:20 – Why Greg left freelancing to start GRIT Inc. 09:45 – The Inflection Point: a pizza parlour in Bolton and inventor Aldo Buccione 13:20 – The Hockey Bag that put bread on the table (and funded the golf dream) 15:00 – COVID Pivot: how a young designer led GRIT into golf 18:00 – The 1.0 Disaster: a lost buyer, two full unsold containers and sucking it up 20:40 – Designing the GRIT 2.0: Square Bags, Racing Stripes, and Automotive Influence 23:10 – EXCLUSIVE TEASE: The upcoming GRIT Carry Bag (The "3.0"?) 28:00 – Materials, magnets, and a future ModGolf collaboration? 31:55 – Where to buy: Gritinc.net and global expansion 🔗 Resources and Links: Greg's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/greg-collins GRIT Instagram: @gritinc LinkedIn: Greg Collins The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast The GRIT website: www.gritinc.net Watch the Demo: Check out our video demo with Greg’s daughter Madeline at the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando --> https://youtube.com/shorts/wxg7hUMMi4s Buy in the US: Available at PGA Superstore --> https://www.pgatoursuperstore.com/golf-tower-cart-bag-2.0/2000000056321.html 🎧 Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with a golfer who hates their bag twisting on a cart. 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 our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! British Columbia Golf strives to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to increase participation in the sport with programs such as the Cloud Series. British Columbia Golf is the Provincial Sport Organization for golf as recognized by the Government of British Columbia and ViaSport. Golf Canada recognizes the association as the governing body within the province. British Columbia Golf provides programs benefitting golfers and the golf industry in the province. Check out their website https://britishcolumbiagolf.org/ Special Guest: Greg Collins, Founder & CEO of GRIT Inc..

    27 min
  8. From Corporate Consultant to Golf Tech Disruptor - Drew Koehler, Co-Founder at Blue Tees Golf

    Mar 28

    From Corporate Consultant to Golf Tech Disruptor - Drew Koehler, Co-Founder at Blue Tees Golf

    Have you ever bought a product online and have it break in a day? Our guest bought a rangefinder on Amazon only to have the eyepiece pop off on the first hole! That moment of frustration on a San Francisco golf course didn’t just ruin a round for two friends - it sparked a movement. In this episode, host Colin Weston sits down with Drew Koehler, co-founder of Blue Tees Golf, to unpack how a group of young professionals with zero golf industry experience but a ton of business acumen decided to disrupt the golf tech space. From liquidating their bank accounts to buying a company just to get the perfect name, Drew shares the wild, unfiltered journey of building one of golf’s coolest and fastest-growing brands. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a side-hustle into a full-blown business, or just want to know what’s next in golf tech, this is a masterclass you don’t want to miss. Key takeaways in this episode with Drew that you will discover: Build Your Team Like a Stool, Not a Table Drew shares why the founding team at Blue Tees was intentionally diverse - sales, finance, industrial design, and marketing. He reveals why going into business with people who have the exact same skillset is a recipe for disaster and how complementary strengths are the true engine of growth. Design Matters from the Box to the Course Learn how Blue Tees borrowed a page from Apple’s playbook to create a premium "unboxing" experience. Drew explains that the customer journey starts long before the product is turned on, and how tactile feedback, packaging, and high-quality materials are critical to building trust and brand loyalty. The Future is a Connected Ecosystem Drew lifts the curtain on the company’s "Scout AI" and the new Rainmaker launch monitor. He explains how Blue Tees is moving beyond standalone gadgets to create a seamless, connected ecosystem where your launch monitor data automatically updates your rangefinder’s club recommendations - keeping your phone in your bag and your focus on the game. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Drew on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Three Quotable Moments from Drew: On taking the leap: "I was like, 'This is ridiculous. You should go do this yourself. Put your money where your mouth is and actually stand behind the advice you're giving.' So that was my AHA moment. I loved my job. It was safe. But let's go take that leap of faith." On product design philosophy: "When you open up an Apple product before you even touch the phone, the box is the first thing you touch. Everything is already priming you to have an incredible experience. That design component was a pillar for us." On the origin of the name: "When we heard 'Blue Tees Golf,' it was a light bulb moment. We were like, 'Our brand and our products are going to give you the confidence to take that step back and go play from the blue tees.' It became our mantra." Drew Koehler's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/drew-koehler Links & Resources Mentioned: Blues Tees Golf Instagram: @levelwear LinkedIn: Drew Koehler Blue Tees Golf website: https://blueteesgolf.com/ The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to the show and The PGA Show converstation that led to this episode 01:30 - The Power of Invitation: Drew’s First Golf Memory 04:25 - From Political Science to Gartner: A Non-Traditional Path 06:50 - The Origin Story: A Broken Rangefinder and a Frustrating Round 09:30 - The "Blissfully Ignorant" Idea: Assembling the Dream Team 12:10 - From Concept to Creation: The Battle for a Name (and buying the company) 14:15 - Liquidating Bank Accounts and The 3 Pillars of Blue Tees 16:15 - The Apple Influence: Obsessing Over the Customer Experience 20:30 - Brand Culture: The Travis Mathew & Southern California Vibe 25:30 - Defining Features: How They Decide What to Build (And What to Leave Out) 28:45 - The Player Plus GPS Speaker: Innovation Born from Selfishness 30:05 - Introducing the Rainmaker Launch Monitor: A Screen Changes Everything 33:55 - The Connected Ecosystem: How Hardware and Software Work Together 35:50 - Frictionless Experience: Keeping the Phone in the Bag 39:55 - The Next Frontier: Scout AI and Democratizing the Caddy Experience 43:15 - Closing thoughts and where to find the extended conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel 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! 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: Drew Koehler, Co-Founder / Chief Revenue Officer at Blue Tees Golf.

    38 min
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About

The ModGolf Podcast talks with golf's top influencers, entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors about their vision and ventures that are re-imagining, transforming and growing both the game and $100 billion/year industry. The ModGolf Podcast has been ranked #4 on 20245s most comprehensive list of "Top 25 Golf Podcasts" (https://blog.feedspot.com/golf_podcasts/), based on our quality and consistency of posts, industry expert reviews and social media influence/popularity. Please subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast to help us grow and move up the rankings in 2026! We'd love to hear from you! Have any ideas or guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Contact Colin directly here (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/contact) or on Instagram @modgolfpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/modgolfpodcast/) to start the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    The ModGolf Podcast
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    251
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ModSport Media
  • Show Website
    The ModGolf Podcast

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