Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 509 - The Future of the Rocket Classic with Mark Hollis

What does the future hold for Detroit's PGA Tour event—and why does it matter so much to Michigan golf fans?

In this episode of the Fore Golfers Network Podcast, host Bill Hobson sits down with Mark Hollis, Tournament Director of the Rocket Classic, to explore the past, present, and very uncertain future of the PGA Tour's lone stop in the state of Michigan.

Hollis pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to run a PGA Tour event, comparing the operation to "building a small city" from scratch each summer at Detroit Golf Club. With a newly renovated Donald Ross course, a brand-new late-July tournament date, and major upgrades to fan experience areas like Area 313, the Rocket Classic is positioning itself for a defining moment in 2026.

The conversation dives into corporate sponsorship realities, hospitality demand, and the delicate balance between revenue generation and preserving the walkability and energy that fans love. Hollis also addresses the broader PGA Tour landscape, including the impact of LIV Golf, signature events, escalating purse demands, and how those pressures trickle down to tournaments like Detroit's.

With the Rocket Classic contract expiring after 2026, Hollis explains what must fall into place for the event to continue—from PGA Tour alignment to sponsor ROI to community impact. He also shares optimism about player recruitment, the advantages of the new schedule window, and why Detroit remains a top-tier market capable of hosting elite golf.

If you care about the future of professional golf in Michigan, the Rocket Classic's place on the PGA Tour calendar, and how major sporting events shape cities, this is a must-listen conversation.

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 508 - Golf's 2026 Future: Golf's 2026 Future: Our Crystal Ball and Wish List

Before you close the books on 2025 and dive into the New Year, join Michigan Golf Live Host Bill Hobson for a peek into his crystal ball and personal wish list as we look ahead to the 2026 world of golf.

We start with the annual spectacle that is the PGA Merchandise Show — a place where "game-changing" innovations are unveiled every January. Which new tech will actually help golfers play better, and which will simply be shinier versions of what we already own? Hope springs eternal.

Attention then turns to the PGA Tour and the impact of its new Commissioner, especially as Michigan golf fans anxiously wait to see whether the Rocket Classic can secure a long-term future. After losing the Buick Open years ago, the stakes feel especially high. On the women's side, we applaud the LPGA for smart scheduling moves that give Michigan back-to-back weeks of elite tournament golf — a rare and welcome win for fans and players alike.

On a personal level, the conversation shifts toward smarter golf goals in 2026: better preparation, improved course management, and chasing birdies instead of simply avoiding disasters. We also explore the rise of electric push carts, the uncertain future of the Ally Challenge, and whether golf's post-pandemic boom can continue.

From AI-driven course maintenance and drone-delivered hot dogs to rising Topgolf prices and the growing influence of value-driven boutique brands, this episode blends insight, skepticism, and humor — all while asking the most important question of all: will this finally be the year a great round finishes the same way it starts?

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 507 - Sub70 Golf's Rise: Custom Clubs, DTC Innovation & What Golfers Really Need

Sub70 Golf has become one of the most talked-about direct-to-consumer brands in the golf equipment space—and this episode of Fore Golfers Network breaks down exactly why.

In this conversation with Host Bill Hobson, Sub70 Golf CEO Jason Hiland shares key insights behind the founding and growth of Sub70 Golf, which launched in 2015 after the successful sale of Diamond Tour Golf. Built on experience, not guesswork, Sub70 entered the market with a clear focus on custom-built golf clubs, authentic branding, and elite-level customer service, all produced in Sycamore, Illinois.

Key highlights from the episode include:

• Why the direct-to-consumer model works in golf when customization and trust are prioritized

• How Sub70 uses expert interpretation of club specs, not just raw data, to fit golfers properly

• The difference between what tour professionals demand (trajectory control and a consistent "window") versus what amateur golfers actually need (playability and confidence)

• How Sub70 initially gained traction through irons and wedges—and why the driver category is now rapidly growing

• The role of social media, customer feedback, and industry awards in building credibility without traditional OEM marketing

• How Sub70 has evolved its product lines, branding, and service model since launch

The discussion also looks ahead, with plans for future collaboration focused on testing, education, and transparent evaluation of Sub70 equipment—bridging the gap between technical performance and real-world playability.

This episode is a must-listen for golfers interested in custom club fitting, equipment innovation, and understanding how modern golf brands are built outside the traditional OEM system.

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