Welcome back to another enthralling episode of the Pull Hook Golf podcast, where golf meets unfiltered conversation and insightful commentary. Join us as we dive into the lush greens and fairways of the latest golf happenings with the charismatic Buttsy and the knowledgeable Matt Cook steering the discussion.

This episode takes a swing at the biggest event in LIV Golf's history—the Adelaide tournament—capturing its vibrant atmosphere and the milestones it sets for the brand. The dialogue then progresses to cover the Zurich Classic, discussing the unique dynamics of team golf and its impact on players like Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard. Moreover, the show delves into the controversial The Q Myrtle Beach Qualifier, questioning its selection process and production quality. Finally, our hosts swing into engaging predictions for the upcoming CJ Cup and LIV Golf Singapore, with Buttsy placing his confidence in the 4Aces and Cook gravitating towards his newfound appreciation for Torque GC.

Key Takeaways:

• LIV Golf's Adelaide event drew a staggering 90,000 fans, showcasing the sport's growing popularity and the potential for regional support of team golf.

• Discussions around the Zurich Classic highlight how team events foster camaraderie and a break from traditional individual play, yet also question its current format.

• The Q Myrtle Beach Qualifier is criticized for its production and participant selection, sparking debate on opportunities for emerging golfers.

• Anticipation for THE CJ CUP centers around whether the defending champion, Jason Day, can repeat his previous year's success.

• Projections for LIV Golf Singapore shine a spotlight on past winners like Taylor Gooch and speculate on the outcome of team performances.

In this episode of the Pull Hook Golf podcast, host Matt Cook delves into the dynamic intersection of golf and entrepreneurship with guest Matt Erley of Old Tom Venture Club. As we dive into the world of venture capital within the golf industry, listeners are privy to groundbreaking insights on what it takes to invest in the sport's future.

Matt Erley shares his journey from building startups like Drizzly and Havenly to channeling his investment acumen into Old Tom Ventures. He discusses how traditional golf is blending with new market segments, and the significance of supporting ventures that are innovative yet resonate with the core values of golf. Matt emphasizes looking beyond golf-themed concepts to substantive businesses capable of flourishing within the golf ecosystem, all the while sustaining a broader market appeal.

Key Takeaways:

• Preeminent aspect for investment is identifying compelling founders who can demonstrate grit and adaptability.

• It's crucial for startups to have not just a great idea, but a calculated growth model showing momentum before seeking investment.

• Founders should develop businesses with a sound structure and sizable market instead of relying solely on their passion for golf.

• Old Tom Venture Club invests in diverse golf-related ventures, from tech startups like Drivebox and Fair Game to innovative products like Putter, and even extends to niche areas like Sweden's Cove Spirits.

• Future of golf is represented by a fusion of traditional, simulator-based, and digital experiences that expand the sport's reach and inclusivity.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's about survival, right? Like, when you're an entrepreneur, your spirit animal is a cockroach because it's the last to die."

• "Focus on building a good business that just happens to be in the golf space, not building a golf business."

• "Golf is going to be whatever somebody wants golf to be for them, and it's going to be a much less confined or defined sport."

• "Don't qualify your opportunities with your group of friends... Go talk to people who don't even like golf."

Resources:

• Old Tom Venture Club: Old Tom VC - Website for syndicate investments and inquiries for interested accredited investors or golf startups.

• Listener Rewards: Go to Swannies.co and use promo code PullHookGolf25 at checkout for 25% off your entire order.

About the Guest(s): Matt Erley is an entrepreneur and investor with a significant background in company building and startups. As an early team member at Drizly, he played a crucial role in scaling the alcohol delivery business. He also contributed to the development of Havenly, an online interior design service, and has been involved in other startups. Most recently, Matt Erley is known for his venture into the golf industry as the co-founder of Old Tom Venture Club, a strategic investment group entirely focused on golf innovation and entrepreneurship. His passion for golf and expertise in venture capital makes him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of golf ventures.

For an inside look at the transformative wave of golf entrepreneurship and strategic investment, listen to the full episode, where Matt Erley shares deeper insights and the comprehensive outlook on golf's growth trajectory. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Pull Hook Golf podcast.

In this episode of the Pull Hook Golf podcast recorded at Club Twirl Golf Lounge in Phoenix AZ, hosts Matt Cook and The Buttsy recap the Masters tournament, discussing Scottie Scheffler's dominance and his potential as a rising superstar in the golf world. They also touch on the performances of other players like Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood, and Collin Morikawa. The hosts analyze Xander Schauffele's struggles on Sundays and the surprising performances of Nikolai Højgaard and Cam Davis. They preview the upcoming RBC Heritage tournament. Plus, there's a special LIV Golf Master Recap for all of your favorite LIV players.

If you would like to donate to the V Foundation for Cancer Research under Matt's name for the golf tournament, here's the link: https://donorbox.org/rtl-cup-golf-mattcook

Listeners also get 25% off their entire order at Swannies.co when they use promo code PullHookGolf25 at checkout.