Episodios

  • Welcome to The ModGolf Podcast!

    Welcome to The ModGolf Podcast!
    Apr 26 2017
    The ModGolf Podcast talks with golf's top influencers, entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors about their vision and solutions to re-imagine, transform and grow the game. Host Colin Weston explores the future of golf through conversations with the visionaries and influencers that are shaking up the sport. Thanks for joining us and please subscribe to our newsletter (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/subscribe) for your chance to win golf products we love in our latest #ModGolfGiveaway contest! 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 recently launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! By joining you will get access to exclusive live weekly 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 https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) We'd love to hear from you! Have any ideas or guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Email me at colin@modgolfpodcast.com to start the conversation. Want to listen to our most downloaded episode? That would be our conversation with Blue Ocean Strategy co-author Professor Renée Mauborgne! Click to listen in (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/062-renee-mauborgne). CREATING NEW GOLF MARKETS THAT MAKE THE COMPETITION IRRELEVANT - RENÉE MAUBORGNE / BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/062-renee-mauborgne) https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/X7wcIstN.jpg (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/062-renee-mauborgne) Special Guests: Jared Solomon, CEO and Co-Founder of Five Iron Golf and Renée Mauborgne - Co-author of Blue Ocean Strategy and Blue Ocean Shift.
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    4 m
  • The Rebuild - Part 3: Is Your Swing Sequence Correct?

    The Rebuild - Part 3: Is Your Swing Sequence Correct?
    Mar 5 2026

    Is your golf swing stuck in the past? In Part 3 of "The Rebuild," I’m back in the bay with Quinn Vilneff, Class A PGA of Canada Professional at Gowanus Golf Club in Vancouver. We’ve fixed the chipping issues, so now it’s time to tackle the full swing. The one that’s been holding me back for years.

    If you struggle with pulls, wipey fades, or feel like you just can’t compress the ball, this lesson is for you. Quinn breaks down why my 61-year-old baseball background is fighting my golf swing and gives me three simple, actionable feels to finally get my sequencing right.

    We go deep on Smash Factor, Center of Mass, ground reaction forces, and the "kinematic sequence," but Quinn makes it simple. The result? I gained 15+ yards with my 7-iron almost instantly just by moving my body differently.

    Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then why not watch this episode on The ModGolf YouTube channel!
    ---> https://youtu.be/YKW9Nqjhw24 or click on the image to add some video to the sounds and words.

    Episode Chapters
    0:00 - Intro: From Short Game to Full Swing
    1:30 - Smash Factor 101: What Rory's Driver Controversy Teaches Us
    4:45 - The BIG Diagnosis: ** Where is My Pelvis at Impact?
    **8:15 -     The "Dipping" Problem & Trail Leg Extension
    10:00 - The Mountain Analogy: Why Your Old Swing Never Dies
    13:30 - Golf Swing Sequencing Explained (Hands → Arms → Shoulders → Hips)
    16:45 - The "Bump" Drill: Getting Left Sooner
    20:30 - Ground Reaction Forces: Using the Ground Like a Pro
    24:15 - Creating Space: Why Your Hips Are Blocking Your Swing
    28:00 - ** The "Third Grade Bump" Live Drill
    **31:00 - Exaggeration is Key:     Rehearsing vs. Swinging
    35:00 - 7-Iron Results: The Launch Monitor Doesn't Lie (+15 Yards!)
    39:00 - Preseason Drill: The Yoga Ball Move (Indoor Training)
    41:00 - Part 4 Preview: The Driver (The Club I Dread)

    What You’ll Learn in This Golf Lesson:
    • The real reason you flip or scoop at impact (and how to fix it with your body, not your hands).
    • The simple "Trail Leg Extension" feel that stops you from dipping down.
    • How getting your center of mass in front of the ball changes your club path instantly.
    • The one indoor winter drill to improve your swing sequence without hitting balls.
    • Why golf fitness (with Cameron Barkley) and golf instruction must work together for all golfers, but especially for older ones like me.

    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

    👉 Check out Gowanus Golf Club in Vancouver, the 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..
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    41 m
  • The Rebuild - Part 2: Are You Ready To Fix Your Short Game By Understanding Spin Loft?

    The Rebuild - Part 2: Are You Ready To Fix Your Short Game By Understanding Spin Loft?
    Feb 26 2026
    Do you chunk a chip then blade it over the green on the next shot? 😫😫😫 If you’re a struggling golfer tired of wasting strokes around the green, this video is your ultimate wake-up call. In Part 2 of "The Rebuild" series, ModGolf host Colin Weston (a 16-handicap on a mission) gears up for the first of three in-depth instruction sessions with Quinn Vilneff, a Class A PGA of Canada Teaching Professional. In this 36-minute masterclass, we completely overhaul Colin’s short game technique. Quinn reveals why most amateurs struggle with consistency, how your driving faults might be ruining your chipping, and the simple "Dollarama towel drill" that instantly fixes fat and thin contact. Whether you're looking for golf lessons, golf tips for beginners, or advanced golf game improvement strategies to lower your scores and have more fun, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can take straight to the course (or your indoor simulator like Colin did using Trackman at Gowanus Golf Club in Vancovuer!). Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then why not watch this episode on The ModGolf YouTube channel! ---> https://youtu.be/9yuk1xCW-t0 or click on the image to add some video to the sounds and words. Episode Chapters 0:00 - Intro: Colin introduces "The Rebuild" Part 2 and the mission to go from a 16.4 to a 12 handicap in 2026. 1:30 - Meet Quinn Vilneff: From caddying on the PGA Tour to coaching in Vancouver. Learn how his high-performance background shapes his teaching. 4:25 - The Perfect Warm-Up: Quinn shares the "10-Yard Progression Drill" to avoid injury and build feel before you even think about touching your driver. 8:20 - Why Short Game Saves Scores: The difference between a good round and a great round? Disaster avoidance around the greens. 11:45 - Colin’s Stroke Savers Data: Analyzing the stats: Why Colin putts like a 4-handicap but chips like a 20-handicap. 14:40 - The "S" Word & The Revelation: Why Colin is hitting chips off the toe (and occasionally the hosel), and how his driver swing is ruining his short game. 19:00 - The Towel Drill: The simple, low-cost training aid that fixes an "inside-out" chip swing instantly. 23:15 - Understanding Bounce & Spin Loft: Quinn explains the physics of using your wedge's bounce to get consistent contact even in wet Vancouver conditions. 26:30 - Flipping the Script: Learning to get "steep and left" for short shots vs. "shallow and right" for the driver. 32:00 - Instant Improvement: Colin sees the data change on TrackMan - path fixed, center contact achieved! 34:00 - What’s Next: A preview of The Rebuild Part 3 (Irons) and Part 4 (Driver). What You’ll Learn in This Golf Lesson: Proper Warmup Techniques: How to prepare your body without reinforcing bad habits. Chipping Fundamentals: Why you need to use the bounce of the wedge, especially on tight lies or wet turf. Path Correction: How to fix a shallow, inside chip shot that leads to inconsistency. Game Improvement Strategy: The mindset shift from trying to hit perfect shots to simply avoiding disastrous ones. TrackMan Data: Understanding Club Path, Spin Loft, and why Carry Distance matters more than Total Distance. RELATED VIDEOS & RESOURCES 👉 Book a virtual or in-person lesson with Quinn Vilneff through his Instagram @vangolfpro https://www.instagram.com/vangolfpro/ 👉 Watch The Rebuild - Part 1: Are You Ready for a Golf Transformation That Actually LASTS? --> https://youtu.be/Vtxcxs_If4I 👉 Check out Gowanus Golf Club in Vancouver, the indoor facility featuring TrackMan. --> https://ggcvirtualgolf.ca/ 👉 Learn more about Arccos Golf sensors to track your own strokes gained data like Colin does. --> https://ca.arccosgolf.com/ 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 Special Guest: Quinn Vilneff - Class A PGA of Canada Teaching Professional..
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    37 m
  • Live from The PGA Show 2026: Startups From The Inventors Spotlight

    Live from The PGA Show 2026: Startups From The Inventors Spotlight
    Feb 19 2026
    Welcome to a bonus episode of The ModGolf Podcast, live from the floor of the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando! Host Colin Weston continues his "short and sharp" interviews, heading back to the Inventors Spotlight to find the most intriguing and impactful new startups in the game. This 10-minute power session features two very different but equally innovative companies. First, we explore a groundbreaking safety solution designed to address the rising threat of heat-related illnesses on the course. Then, we shift gears to discover a fun, new way to gamify at-home practice and bring the entertainment of the range to your own backyard. From life-saving technology to interactive gaming, discover how these entrepreneurs are shaping the future of the golf experience. Featured Innovators Conor Martins - Founder & CEO, Rapid Risk Reduction (R3) and HEATbox Gavin Cayenne - VP of Sales, Rapid Risk Reduction (R3) and HEATbox Brad Thompson - Founder & Creator, Black Hole Golf Key takeaways that you will discover: Golf Courses Need a Heat-Stroke Protocol, Not Just an AED. The team at Rapid Risk Reduction highlights a critical gap in course safety. Just as AEDs are standard for cardiac events, courses need accessible, idiot-proof tools for heat-related emergencies. The HEATbox's built-in video instruction ensures anyone, regardless of training, can step in and help during the critical minutes before medical help arrives. Practice Doesn't Have to Feel Like Practice. Brad from Black Hole Golf is tapping into the power of gamification to change golfer behavior. By combining physical, interactive targets with a digital app for scoring and leaderboards, he’s created a product that makes skill-building fun, social, and accessible anywhere. It’s a solution that solves the problem of mundane practice by turning the backyard into an entertainment venue. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Del, Chris and Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link or the image below as we extend our podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned. What You'll Discover in This Episode Chapter 1: [0:00] Welcome Back to ModGolf LIVE! Colin sets the scene from the PGA Show floor, introducing his mission to highlight early-stage growth companies from the Inventors Showcase. Chapter 2: [1:15] Introducing Rapid Risk Reduction & The HEATbox Conor Martins shares the origin story of his company, which started with an opioid reversal tool that saved over 500 lives, and explains why they pivoted to address the growing problem of heat strokes in golf. Chapter 3: [3:00] HEATbox Demo: The AED for Heat Strokes Gavin Cayenne, a former PGA professional, provides a hands-on demo of the HEATbox. He walks us through its three key components: the heat stress kit, the hydration pack, and the revolutionary video technology that guides any bystander through an emergency with bilingual instructions. Chapter 4: [6:00] Instilling Confidence in a Crisis The team discusses the importance of "bystander response" and how the HEATbox’s video guidance gives users the confidence to act immediately, potentially saving lives on remote parts of the course where EMS is 15-20 minutes away. Chapter 5: [7:45] Black Hole Golf: Marrying Tradition with Entertainment Colin meets Brad Thompson, drawn in by the intriguing name "Black Hole Golf." Brad explains his mission to create a gamified practice experience for any open space, blending the feel of traditional golf with the entertainment value of Topgolf. Chapter 6: [8:45] The Black Hole Golf Demo Brad showcases his interactive system, featuring light-up, sound-making target discs that work with real golf balls from 10 to 200+ yards. He explains how the companion app tracks points, creates leaderboards, and allows you to challenge friends, making practice feel like a game, especially at night. Chapter 7: [9:45] Where to Find Them & The Journey Ahead Brad announces the beta launch for Black Hole Golf and invites listeners to sign up. Conor and Gavin provide their contact information and a special show deal for the HEATbox. Resources & Links Learn more about HEATbox & Rapid Risk Reduction (R3): Website: www.rthree.io Social Media: @RapidRiskReduction PGA Show Special: Get two free HEATboxes with the purchase of 15. Join the Black Hole Golf Beta: Website (for Beta sign-up): www.blackholegolf.com/PGA 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 ...
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    10 m
  • Live from The PGA Show 2026: Inside Golf's AI Revolution with CourseRev.ai & PITCHcrm

    Live from The PGA Show 2026: Inside Golf's AI Revolution with CourseRev.ai & PITCHcrm
    Feb 15 2026
    Host: Colin Weston Guests: Del Ratcliffe (President, CourseRev.ai), Matt Wade (VP of Product, PITCHcrm), Chris Hill (CTO, CourseRev.ai) Duration: 28 Minutes In this episode of ModGolf LIVE, recorded on the show floor at the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando, host Colin Weston sits down with the leadership team behind CourseRev.ai and PITCHcrm. This isn't just a conversation about technology; it's a deep dive into the real-world challenges of getting a tradition-rich industry to adopt modern solutions. Colin is joined by Del Ratcliffe (President of CourseRev.ai & COO of Pinnacle Golf Properties), Matt Wade (VP of Product, PITCHcrm), and Chris Hill (CTO, CourseRev.ai). Together, they discuss the "secret sauce" of their tech stack - from an AI voice concierge that answers the phone to a CRM that automates marketing - and how they balance cutting-edge AI with the human touch required to train course operators. Del, bringing his 30+ years of course ownership experience, shares why he’s the "main guinea pig" for the products, how they handle the complexity of different golf course business models, and why getting a course to use the tech is harder than selling it. The team also teases the future of dynamic pricing using unstructured data and explains why AI isn't about replacing staff, but about freeing them up to create better face-to-face experiences. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Del, Chris and Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link or the image below as we extend our podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned. Key Topics & Discussion Points Live from the PGA Show: Colin introduces a "3x" interview with three guests representing two integrated companies. What is CourseRev AI? An AI-powered voice and chat concierge designed to handle tee time bookings, modifications, and general questions, taking the pressure off pro shop staff. The "Main Guinea Pig": How Del Ratcliffe’s role as a multi-course operator (Pinnacle Golf Properties) allows the tech team to build solutions that solve real, painful problems. Introducing PITCHcrm: The "oldest product" in the family (since 2012) that automates email and SMS marketing based on customer reservation history, no-shows, and behavior. The Adoption Hurdle: Why selling the software is easy, but onboarding and training staff on how to use it is the real challenge in a non-early-adopter industry. Customization vs. Scaling: How the team handles the fact that no two golf courses are alike. Chris Hill explains how they now use natural language programming to quickly customize AI rules for specific course restrictions (e.g., "no seniors after 2 PM on Saturday"). Dynamic Pricing Deep Dive: The debate among owners about surge pricing, and how CourseRev.ai integrates instantly with tee sheets to reflect pricing changes. The Tease: Chris Hill hints at new dynamic pricing strategies that use unstructured data (like weather and demand factors) in ways humans never could. Serving Different Course Types: How the technology adapts to MCOs (Multi-Course Operators) with one clubhouse vs. multiple locations spread across states. The "Robocall" Fear: Addressing the misconception that AI phone answering is like the frustrating automated systems of 10 years ago. AI & Employment: The team confirms that AI isn't eliminating jobs; it’s allowing staff to focus on high-value, face-to-face interactions in the pro shop. Measuring Success: Using AI to track KPIs, identify frequently asked questions, and help course operators improve their websites and customer service. Notable Quotes Del on the Industry: "We're still largely an industry of mom-and-pop operations out there. Change is not real easy for us to overcome, and it can be scary, too." Chris on Tech Debt: "With AI, we can actually implement that much easier rather than trying to build something really rigid and structured in code. We can just write that now in natural language." Matt on Staffing: "Everyone listening to this has probably been in a situation where you've been in the pro shop and the guy's on two phones. It's definitely not eliminating staff because then you can even get more face-to-face quality interactions." Colin on Entrepreneurship: "If you don't have challenges as a startup you need to challenge yourself more. Like me with snowboarding, if you're not falling down you're not going fast enough." Resources & Links Learn more about CourseRev.ai: https://www.courserev.ai Email CourseRev: hello@courserev.ai Learn more about PITCHcrm: https://www.pitchcrm.com Want to connect with Del? Check out his bio page to make that happen! >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/del-ratcliffe Timestamps [00:00] - Cold Open: Colin introduces the "3x" interview at the 2026 PGA Show [01:30] - Guest Introductions: Del Ratcliffe, Matt Wade, and Chris Hill [03:00] - What is CourseRev.ai? Solving the pro shop phone pressure with an AI concierge [04:45]...
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    28 m
  • Live from The PGA Show 2026: Beyond Golf Cart GPS and The Data-Driven Golf Revolution / Adam Kanouse with Reach Golfers

    Live from The PGA Show 2026: Beyond Golf Cart GPS and The Data-Driven Golf Revolution / Adam Kanouse with Reach Golfers
    Feb 5 2026
    In this bonus live recording from the bustling floor of the 2026 PGA Show, host Colin Weston sits down with Adam Kanouse, Co-CEO of Reach Golfers. Discover why Colin was instantly drawn to their demo at the NGCOA Conference and learn how Reach Golfers is fundamentally rethinking the golf cart GPS experience. Adam reveals why 65% of public courses are still without this technology, how his company avoids an "adversarial relationship" with golfers, and the dual-revenue model that makes premium tech affordable. Get the inside scoop on their stunning, golfer-first interface, their massive untapped market, and their ambitious data-driven vision for the future of course management and personalized marketing. Here are three key takeaways you will discover from this conversation with Adam Kanouse of Reach Golfers: 1. A Massive, Underserved Market Exists Right Now Contrary to common belief, GPS technology is not ubiquitous. Adam revealed that approximately 65% of public golf courses in the $45-$75 green fee range have no GPS system at all. This represents a significant greenfield opportunity for Reach Golfers, which is focused on bringing modern tech to courses that have never had it, rather than just battling competitors for their existing customers. 2. Philosophy First: It’s About Enhancing the Golfer’s Experience, Not Just Protecting the Cart While many in-cart systems began with a primary goal of fleet management and asset protection (which can create friction with golfers), Reach Golfers flips the model. Their “secret sauce” is a golfer-first philosophy—building a beautiful, interactive, and helpful experience that also solves operational problems. This creates a more positive relationship between the course and the player. 3. The Future is a Data Platform, Not Just a GPS Reach Golfers views its device as a “computer on a cart” with potential far beyond yardages. The next frontier is harnessing on-course behavioral data - like pace-of-play patterns, common traffic areas, and player tendencies - to help courses with dynamic pricing, targeted marketing (e.g., offering lessons to high-handicappers), agronomy decisions, and overall operational efficiency. They are building the foundation for a deeply integrated, data-driven golf experience. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Adam on The ModGolf YouTube channel live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and Adam extend their podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned. Key Quotes from Adam Kanouse On Philosophy: "What differentiates us is we're not trying to protect the golf cart. Our competition all started protecting the golf cart creating a bit of an adversarial relationship with the golfer. We don't think that's necessary." On the Market: "We called every golf course that was public in 42 of the 50 states this summer. 65% of courses in that $45 to $75 green fee range don't have anything. It's an open market." *On Product Design: *"We have a huge advantage. We can step in with modern technology, modern design and see what worked and what didn't and only work on the things that people really want and need." On the Future: "My co-CEO likes to say that this is not a GPS device. This is a computer on a cart. The future is being able to identify the person who's on the course and be able to market to them with things that they care about." Want to connect with Adam? Check out his bio page to make that happen! >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/adam-kanouse Key Topics & Timestamps [00:00 - 02:30] Introduction & First Impressions [02:30 - 06:00] What is Reach Golfers? The Core Differentiator [06:00 - 09:30] The Demo & Revenue Model [09:30 - 14:00] The Massive Untapped Market & Growth Strategy [14:00 - 18:00] Product Philosophy & The Data-Driven Future [18:00 - 20:30] 2026: The Growth Year [20:30 - 22:00] PGA Show Magic & How to Connect 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!... ...
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    22 m
  • Live from the PGA Show 2026: SmashSwing’s Multiplayer Golf Revolution with TJ Schier Jr.

    Live from the PGA Show 2026: SmashSwing’s Multiplayer Golf Revolution with TJ Schier Jr.
    Feb 2 2026
    In this special live edition from The 2026 PGA Show in Orlando, host Colin Weston kicks off the show with an in-depth conversation with TJ Schier Jr., Founder & CEO of SmashSwing Immersive. They dive into the evolution of TJ's groundbreaking multiplayer simulator system, the power of customer feedback, strategic partnerships with iconic brands like Atari, and the vision to redefine the indoor golf entertainment experience. Recorded amid the energy of the world's largest golf trade show, this episode is packed with entrepreneurial insights, industry trends, and a glimpse into the future of social golf. Here are three key takeaways you will discover from this conversation with TJ Schier: 1. The Future of Indoor Golf is Multiplayer & Social The traditional "one player hits, everyone else watches" simulator model is being disrupted. SmashSwing’s core innovation is simultaneous, side-by-side play for 2-24 people, transforming golf into a fast-paced, shared experience. This model reduces the intimidation for beginners, speeds up play, and creates a dynamic, energetic atmosphere more akin to a sports bar or entertainment venue than a solitary practice session. 2. True Innovation is Often a "Kit of Parts," Not a Single Invention A key entrepreneurial lesson from TJ's journey is that groundbreaking ideas don't always require inventing something entirely new. SmashSwing’s success lies in its unique combination of proven technologies—auto-tee systems, large-format screens, multiplayer gaming software—and wrapping it in a layer of licensed entertainment IP (like Atari games). This strategy of synthesizing existing concepts from different industries (golf, arcades, cinema) to solve a new problem is a powerful blueprint for innovation. 3. Listen to the Market, But Filter with a Strong Vision While TJ actively sought feedback from hundreds of potential customers, he emphasizes the critical skill of filtering out distracting "noise." Early on, many suggested he expand into soccer, hockey, or movie theaters. By staying true to the focused vision of "revolutionizing indoor golf," he was able to refine a product that genuinely serves that market's needs. The lesson: customer input is invaluable for polishing your product, but a clear, unwavering core vision is essential to avoid chasing every opportunity and losing focus. Final Takeaway: The multiplayer format reduces intimidation for new golfers, as spectators watch the engaging screen action, not the player's swing mechanics. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with TJ on The ModGolf YouTube channel live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link or the image below as Colin and TJ extend their podcast conversation with key takeaways and lessons learned that will benefit all entrepreneurs. Prior to launching SmashSwing, TJ helped ignite the growth of BigShots Golf as part of ClubCorp/Invited to be the second largest player in the golf entertainment space. The brand grew from 1 to 7 units in 20 months with a mix of corporate owned, managed and franchised locations. Want to connect with TJ? Check out his bio page to make that happen! >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/tj-schier Episode Chapters 00:00 - 01:30 | Live from the PGA Show Hallway Host Colin Weston kicks off the show amid the bustling energy of the 2026 PGA Show, introducing the first guest, TJ Schier Jr. of SmashSwing. 01:30 - 04:15 | Introducing the Multiplayer Golf Experience TJ gives an overview of SmashSwing: a large-format, multiplayer simulator that allows 2-24 players to hit simultaneously, blending competitive entertainment games with traditional driving range functionality. 04:15 - 06:45 | The Build: From Prototype to Show-Stopping Booth TJ shares the rapid progress of the last eight months, a humorous story about a logistical mishap with lost keys, and the exhilarating moment attendees realized his booth was fundamentally different from other simulators. 06:45 - 09:00 | The Vision: Speed, Scrambles & Cinematic Screens A look at the upcoming roadmap, including features that will let foursomes play a virtual scramble in 30 minutes and the vision for massive indoor "cinematic" driving ranges. 09:00 - 12:00 | Games & Partnerships: From Atari to Future IP Discussion of the strategic licensing deal with Atari (Asteroids, Space Invaders) to attract a wider audience and the long-term goal of securing major entertainment IP (e.g., Star Wars) to bring new players to golf. 12:00 - 15:00 | Filtering Feedback & The Indoor Golf Alliance TJ explains the entrepreneurial challenge of listening to customer feedback while staying true to a focused vision for golf. He also introduces the Indoor Golf Alliance, a collective sharing best practices for operators. 15:00 - 18:30 | Defining the Customer: Country Clubs & Driving Ranges A revelation about the target market: country clubs are key early adopters, using the system for revenue-generating events. Other customers include public...
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    27 m
  • Leaving Law to Liberate the Links - Amaya Athill, Founder of Golf Interrupted / Regional Director with Golf Canada

    Leaving Law to Liberate the Links - Amaya Athill, Founder of Golf Interrupted / Regional Director with Golf Canada
    Jan 20 2026
    What does it take to leave a fast-track legal career to revolutionize golf? Meet Amaya Athill, Regional Director for Golf Canada, who pivoted from law to the links on a mission to make the game truly for everyone. From her childhood on the greens of Antigua to leading First Tee Ontario with Golf Canada, Amaya reveals her powerful strategies for building trust, breaking down barriers, and creating diverse, welcoming communities in golf. Discover how intentional invitation is reshaping the sport’s future in this must-listen episode. Amaya shares her unique story of growing up with golf in Antigua, the stark contrast she felt returning to the game as a woman of colour in the UK, and the pivotal moment that led her to leave her law practice behind. We dive deep into her strategic approach to building trust and breaking down barriers in underrepresented communities, and vision for a more diverse and welcoming future for golf by embracing community, intentionality, and the transformative power of invitation. Episode Chapters: (00:00 - 01:28) Introduction and Welcome (01:29 - 03:15) Amaya's "Invitation to Golf" - Learning the game with her father in Antigua. (03:16 - 05:04: Early Exposure - Growing up in a diverse junior golf ecosystem. (05:05 - 10:55) The Career Pivot - From practicing law internationally to becoming a "pandemic golfer" and finding community. (10:56 - 14:23) The Turning Point - Hosting a "Getting Women Into Golf" event in London and landing a job at Golf Canada. (14:24 - 19:52) Inside First Tee Ontario - Mission, strategy, and the critical importance of building trust in communities. (19:53 - 23:25) Creating Pathways - Engaging families and the "next step" onto the golf course. (23:26 - 30:08) The Regional Director Role - Building relationships with golf facilities and navigating capacity challenges. (30:09 - 35:26) The Municipal Golf and Land Use Conversation - Opportunities for public access and partnership. (35:27 - 39:18) Innovative Access Points - The role of putting courses, short holes, and "Golf in Small Spaces." (39:19 - 42:10) The Indoor Golf Boom - Simulators as a key entry point for new golfers. (42:11 - 45:10) Amaya's Vision for Golf's Future - Hoping for greater diversity at all levels of the sport. (45:11 - 46:38) How to Connect and Outro Key takeaways in this episode with Amaya that you will discover: Trust is the Foundation: You cannot simply invite new groups into golf. You must first build authentic trust within their existing communities. Amaya emphasizes partnering with local schools and community centers to run initial programs, creating a bridge of familiarity before transitioning participants to a traditional golf course. Meet People Where They Are: Growth requires identifying and intentionally removing specific barriers—whether transportation, cost, equipment, or intimidation. Success comes from adapting the delivery (using plastic clubs indoors, providing busing) and finding facility partners whose values and capacity align with the mission. Access Comes in Many Forms: The future of growing the game isn't solely dependent on 18-hole tee sheets. Community putting greens, short courses, indoor simulators, and programs like First Tee create crucial, low-pressure entry points that can complement traditional golf and build a broader, more inclusive participant base. Three Compelling Quotes from Amaya: *On Finding Belonging: * "When I was in the UK, suddenly I was the only woman of colour that I would find on any golf course. It became a moment of fear, of isolation, of no longer feeling like this sport is mine or belongs to me." *On the Power of First Experiences: * "Seeing women that I wasn't seeing on the course, but that I needed to see on the course, holding a club for the first time. How hungry they were to know more, but had never had that invitation. That one event changed the course of my life." On the Secret to Welcoming New Golfers: "People might not remember what you say, but they'll remember how you made them feel. And I think that's the most important part of running programs." Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Amaya on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Amaya Athill's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/amaya-athill Amaya Athill is a dynamic leader, advocate, and passionate force for change within the golf industry. As the Regional Director, Ontario for Golf Canada, she leverages a unique blend of professional rigour and heartfelt mission to break down barriers and make the sport more accessible and welcoming for all. Her journey is a compelling narrative of purposeful transformation: after building a successful international career as a civil litigation lawyer called to the bar in the UK and the Caribbean, Amaya made a decisive 180-degree pivot to follow her passion for golf and community. This shift was sparked by her own experience of ...
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