Tech Caddie

Mike Hendrix
  • 5.0 (13)
  • 科技
  • 两周一更

In these podcasts, we host in-depth conversations with leading golf course technologists and operators, providing our listeners with direct access to the voices and minds shaping the golf management software industry. These discussions delve into a range of pertinent topics, from emerging technological trends to practical challenges faced in daily operations. This interactive format allows us to explore the nuances of the golf course technology landscape, offering our audience a richer, more engaging way to stay informed and inspired. By bringing these experts together, our podcast serves as a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas, sharing success stories, and discussing strategies to navigate the evolving world of golf course technology.

  1. GolfNow founder talks about selling his business and building again

    8月4日

    GolfNow founder talks about selling his business and building again

    Welcome to the Tech Caddie podcast, hosted by Mike Hendrix of smbGOLF. In this episode, we're honored to have Brett Darrow, the esteemed co-founder and CEO of Sagacity Golf, and founder of GolfNow (originally Cypress Golf). Brett rarely does interviews, making this a unique opportunity to delve into his entrepreneurial journey.Brett takes us back to the late 90s, sharing the origins of his first venture, Greens.com, a groundbreaking browser-based tee sheet application. He recounts the challenges of the dot-com bust and how those lessons led to the creation of Cypress Golf Solutions in 2001, which eventually became the ubiquitous GolfNow. He discusses the early days of building a golf course email marketing tool, the evolution to 'Golf 910' and 'Golf 602,' and the innovative licensing model that rapidly scaled GolfNow across 40 markets.He provides an exclusive, behind-the-scenes account of GolfNow's acquisition by Comcast/Golf Channel in 2008, including the surprising 24-hour ultimatum and the strategic motivations behind Golf Channel's diversification. Brett candidly shares his perspective on GolfNow's post-acquisition evolution, particularly regarding the shift in trade inventory display and customer data sharing – decisions that significantly altered GolfNow's industry perception.After his tenure, Brett re-entered the golf tech space with Quick 18, a direct-to-consumer mobile booking tool designed to empower golf courses with robust direct booking and dynamic pricing capabilities. He details the impact of GolfNow's aggressive acquisition strategy, including the purchase of Fore! Reservations, which prompted Quick 18 to develop its own tee sheet.The conversation then pivots to Sagacity Golf, the culmination of Brett's vision, bringing together the expertise of Mike Loustalot (Orca) and Andy Seitz. Sagacity leverages historical data and advanced algorithms for unparalleled yield and revenue management, optimizing pricing for golf course operators. Brett introduces Daily Deals (or Smart Deals), an intelligent platform within Sagacity that uses real-time booking data to offer promotions only when truly needed, avoiding unnecessary discounts.Finally, Brett unveils Yards, Sagacity's innovative engagement platform designed to foster daily interaction between golfers and their local courses. He explains how Yards incentivizes daily app usage through 'claiming Yards' and gamified features like 'Spin the Wheel,' allowing courses to offer redemptions for various amenities. Mike Hendrix highlights the Ohio Golf Course Owners Association's pioneering partnership with Yards, underscoring the platform's potential as a free, expansive marketplace for golf courses. The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the role of AI in golf technology and the continued focus on empowering golf course owners.

    1 小时
  2. Hearing the golfer - Real Time Feedback with Mike Terrell

    7月1日

    Hearing the golfer - Real Time Feedback with Mike Terrell

    In this conversation, Mike Hendrix and Mike Terrell discuss the innovative platform Real-Time Feedback, designed to enhance customer experience in the golf industry. They explore the importance of real-time communication between golfers and course management, the role of technology in improving operations, and the future of customer engagement in golf. The discussion emphasizes the need for golf courses to adopt a hospitality mindset and leverage technology to create a better experience for golfers.

    45 分钟
  3. Help Chat GPT Recommend Your Golf Course - Zack Enriquez, Par 6 Media

    6月15日

    Help Chat GPT Recommend Your Golf Course - Zack Enriquez, Par 6 Media

    Want ChatGPT (and Google) to recommend your golf course? Start here. In this episode of the Tech Caddie podcast, Mike Hendrix of smbGOLF sits down with Zack Enriquez, Social Media Manager at Par 6 Media, to break down how golf courses can optimize their online presence to stand out in the age of AI. Zack shares specific, actionable tactics to improve your Google Business Profile, website, and digital listings—so your golf course shows up in tools like ChatGPT, Google's Spotlight, and Gemini. From underrated course discovery to why your photos might be holding you back, this is a must-watch episode for operators who want to get found, clicked, and booked in 2025. Topics Covered: How ChatGPT and Gemini find and recommend golf courses Why reviews, metadata, and alt text matter more than ever Google Business Profile optimization best practices The role of blog content, local listings, and natural FAQs Why great imagery can beat great copy How AI is changing search—and what golf operators can do today 🔗 Learn more about Par 6 Media: https://www.par6media.com 📥 Connect with Zack Enriquez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackenriquez 📊 smbGOLF’s tools for Ohio operators: https://ohiogolfcourseowners.com Subscribe to the channel for more expert interviews, data-driven strategy, and technology insights for golf course operators.

    46 分钟
  4. Head of Lightspeed Golf, Fraser Marriott

    6月15日

    Head of Lightspeed Golf, Fraser Marriott

    In this episode, Mike sits down with Fraser Marriott, Head of Golf at Lightspeed Commerce, for a rare in-depth conversation about Lightspeed Golf’s growth, strategy, and vision. Fraser shares how a startup mindset still drives their team, why customer support is central to their success, and what’s coming next on their roadmap—including their Reserve with Google integration and plans to support both public and private clubs. Whether you're a golf course operator exploring new solutions or a tech founder aiming to better serve the golf industry, Tech Caddie delivers insight, strategy, and honest conversations you won’t find anywhere else. Subscribe to stay ahead of the curve. More about Tech Caddie Podcast: Hosted by Mike Hendrix of smbGOLF, Tech Caddie is the go-to podcast for golf course operators, tech builders, and industry leaders shaping the future of golf. We spotlight the people and platforms driving innovation behind the scenes—those improving tee sheets, point-of-sale systems, member management, marketing tools, and more.

    46 分钟
  5. Digital Waivers, Golf Cart Liability, and the Future of Risk Management with James Cronk

    4月9日

    Digital Waivers, Golf Cart Liability, and the Future of Risk Management with James Cronk

    In this episode of the Tech Caddie podcast, Mike Hendrix is joined by golf industry veteran James Cronk—consultant, speaker, and co-founder of Golf Industry Guru. Together, they dive deep into one of the most overlooked areas of golf operations: e-waivers and risk management. James shares his decades of experience as a club manager, general manager, and consultant, and how his latest ventures—including Golf Industry Guru, The Toolbox safety platform, and eGolf Waiver—are helping golf courses protect themselves against liability, better manage cart damage, and modernize outdated processes. The conversation covers: Why digital cart waivers are becoming essential for golf courses Real stories of expensive lawsuits and damage claims How technology like eGolf Waiver integrates with systems like Lightspeed Golf The psychology behind waivers and how signing impacts golfer behavior The rising cost of insurance in the golf industry—and how you can lower it The possibility of offering cart insurance directly to golfers How Australia is leading the way in golf safety tech James also shares his thoughts on restaurant technology entering golf, staff training as a form of risk management, and his speaking engagements around the world. If you're a golf course operator, this episode is a must-listen—and could save you thousands.

    50 分钟
  6. From GolfNow Executive to GolfNow Client - Paul Sampliner Tells All

    3月8日

    From GolfNow Executive to GolfNow Client - Paul Sampliner Tells All

    In this episode of Tech Caddie, Mike Hendrix sits down with Paul Sampliner, a former PGA professional and GolfNow executive who has returned home to Ohio to help revitalize Highland Park Golf Course. Paul shares his journey through the evolution of golf technology, from the early days of online tee time booking to the growing influence of platforms like Google. Together, Mike and Paul examine the challenges golf courses face in adapting to new technologies, the impact of GolfNow’s barter model, and the importance of analyzing vendor agreements to ensure the best fit for a facility’s needs. They also discuss the role of youth engagement in golf and how Highland Park’s foundation is working to sustain public golf for the next generation. This episode offers valuable insights for operators looking to optimize their technology strategy and rethink their approach to tee time management.

    52 分钟
  7. Talkin Google Tee Times with Kathleen and Adam on the Tech Caddie podcast

    2月14日

    Talkin Google Tee Times with Kathleen and Adam on the Tech Caddie podcast

    In this episode of the Tech Caddie podcast, Mike Hendrix speaks with Kathleen Oshima and Adam Jaffe from Google about the innovative Google Reserve feature for booking tee times. They discuss their backgrounds, the origin of Google's interest in golf, and the goals behind enhancing the tee time booking experience. The conversation delves into the importance of user experience, the dynamics of partnerships in the golf industry, and the potential impact of AI on future developments. They also address the significance of claiming Google Business Profiles for golf courses and the implications of booking integrations on local search results. Background articles https://www.golfcoursetechnologyreviews.org/blog/googles-book-online-button-uninvited-access-to-golf-course-tee-times https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mrmhendrix_latest-version-of-the-google-reserve-tee-activity-7292549118889967617--t6F?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAEH6agBMLUTmmOBVc4FWDGXvnj5LtOXbdw https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jonathanwride_tenfore-golf-launches-google-integration-activity-7244670257729052672-9zku?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAEH6agBMLUTmmOBVc4FWDGXvnj5LtOXbdw https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mrmhendrix_google-and-golfnow-an-update-you-may-have-activity-7237896839134375936-6Fc0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAEH6agBMLUTmmOBVc4FWDGXvnj5LtOXbdw Takeaways Google Reserve aims to simplify the tee time booking process for users. Fewer clicks in the booking process lead to higher completion rates. Partnerships are crucial for expanding Google Reserve's reach in the golf industry. User engagement with business profiles can impact search rankings. AI will play a significant role in enhancing the booking experience. Claiming a Google Business Profile is essential for golf courses. The integration of tee time slots directly into Google profiles improves user satisfaction. Feedback from the golf community is vital for ongoing improvements. The booking button should lead directly to scheduling pages to reduce friction. Understanding user needs is key to developing effective booking solutions.

    53 分钟
  8. Jake Gordon brings the Noteefy Revenue Engine to Golf Courses

    2月4日

    Jake Gordon brings the Noteefy Revenue Engine to Golf Courses

    In this episode of the Tech Caddie podcast, Mike Hendrix interviews Jake Gordon, co-founder and CEO of Noteefy, a company focused on demand technology for golf courses. They discuss the challenges faced by golf operators, particularly the issue of no-shows and cancellations, which lead to significant revenue loss. Jake explains how Noteefy aims to address these issues through technology and policy enforcement, enhancing the golfer experience while helping operators maximize their revenue. The conversation also touches on compliance standards, the impact of wildfires on golf courses, and Jake's journey in the startup world. Noteefy will host a webinar with  Ross Liggett, founder of Metolius. Scott Wellman, from Landscapes Management and David Lorenz, the chief research officer of the NGF about Golf's Billion Dollar Problem.

    56 分钟
查看全部 36 集

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关于

In these podcasts, we host in-depth conversations with leading golf course technologists and operators, providing our listeners with direct access to the voices and minds shaping the golf management software industry. These discussions delve into a range of pertinent topics, from emerging technological trends to practical challenges faced in daily operations. This interactive format allows us to explore the nuances of the golf course technology landscape, offering our audience a richer, more engaging way to stay informed and inspired. By bringing these experts together, our podcast serves as a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas, sharing success stories, and discussing strategies to navigate the evolving world of golf course technology.

信息

  • 创作者
    Mike Hendrix
  • 活跃年份
    2024年 - 2025年
  • 单集
    36
  • 节目网站
    Tech Caddie

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