Ever 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 [https://youtu.be/egypq02F-0U]. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/egypq02F-0U] 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

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

"We know who we are. We know who we're not. Rather than focusing on the athlete, as a sports apparel brand, we chose to celebrate all the people around them. It takes a village for anyone to succeed, whether you're a business, whether you're an athlete, whether you're a team. It takes everyone around you—the coaches, the parents, the trainers, the caddies. We need to credit all of those people. And that's the people we want to celebrate."... Hyman Ngo, Levelwear Co-Founder and SVP of Product/Marketing

Welcome to Season 19 of The ModGolf Podcast! We are thrilled to kick off the new season with Hyman Ngo, Co-Founder and SVP of Product and Marketing at the premium athletic wear brand, Levelwear.

In this episode, Hyman takes us on a fascinating journey that began not as a startup, but as an acquisition. He shares the story of how his family transitioned from being a contract manufacturer to building the branded powerhouse that now outfits 85 of the top 100 golf clubs in the U.S amd Canada.

We dive deep into Levelwear's unique brand ethos, exploring their powerful "Who's With You" manifesto and how it manifests in the real world through their innovative "Caddy Lounge" activation at PGA and LPGA events. Hyman also discusses the delicate balance of sustainability, the art of staying fresh in a crowded market, and how licensing deals with major leagues like the NHL and MLB help build brand legitimacy. Whether you're a golfer, an entrepreneur, or a fan of smart business strategy, this conversation is packed with insights on building a brand that lasts.

Key Takeaways You Will Discover:
The Power of Authentic Brand Building: Learn how Levelwear transitioned from a behind-the-scenes manufacturer to a coveted brand by focusing on relationships and leveraging early success in top-tier U.S. clubs (like Pebble Beach) to build credibility back home and beyond.

Celebrating the "Who's With You": Discover the philosophy behind Levelwear’s manifesto and how it led to the creation of the "Caddy Lounge." This marketing activation focuses on serving the unsung heroes of the game, proving that authentic engagement with a community can be more powerful than traditional consumer-facing advertising.

Balancing Sustainability with Performance: Hyman shares the brand's commitment to "buy less, but buy better," discussing the challenges of creating durable, high-performance apparel using sustainable materials while navigating the inherent contradiction of a consumption-based business model.

Three Quotable Moments from Hyman:

On the mentality of golf: "It's one of those sports where it's not about how much you want it. The more you want it, the harder you try, the worse you seem to do. It's such a good metaphor in life."
On the Levelwear brand ethos: "We're choosing to celebrate all the people around the athlete as it takes a village for anyone to succeed. And that's the people we want to celebrate."
On their design philosophy: "The one thing about brands is you don't want to get stale. We let the designers have a bit of fun. We'll let them do some things that maybe you would never see a golf brand do. And that's part of our appeal."

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Hyman on The ModGolf YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/TORmXgRXAqs]. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/TORmXgRXAqs] or the im

Team Over Everything: The Art of Building an Enduring Brand - Hyman Ngo, Levelwear Co-Founder and SVP of Product/Marketing

That's a wrap for Season 18 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 19, which launches in March 2026. We heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how innovation, inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf.

If you didn’t get the chance to listen to all of our twelve Season 18 episodes, this bonus show gives you a recap of the great conversations I had with some of the golf industry's top influencers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Hopefully this will inspire you to listen to a couple of the episodes listed below. Let us know which ones you enjoyed the most and why you liked them!


Our Season 18 guests were:

Episode 1
David Buck CEO at Big Swing Kings
In this high-energy season 18 premiere, host Colin Weston sits down with David Buck, the charismatic and hilarious founder of Big Swing Kings. David is on a mission to inject more joy and simplicity into the game of golf, moving away from over-complicated instruction and back to the fundamental truths of what makes a ball go straight.

A former professional golfer who “won’t see his name on any trophies,” David discovered his unique teaching style by accident when a video of him roasting (then instructing) a golfer’s swing went viral. He breaks down why the quest for “consistency” is often misguided, why impact is the only position that truly matters, and how he’s even learning to play left-handed to better understand the learning process for his students.
Click to listen >> Combining Golf Entertainment and Education To Improve Your Golf Game [https://modgolf.fireside.fm/202-david-buck]

Episode 2
Kelly Gold Founder of Teefox.golf
"Wouldn't it be cool if you could send your user a notification saying, 'hey, a tee time just opened up at that course you play all the time'? That's what we have built." Kelly Gold, Founder at TeeFox.Golf joins us to share how they remove the frustrations around trying to book a tee time while solving the $12.3 billion problem plaguing golf courses.
Click to listen >> Sniffing Out The Best Tee Times [https://modgolf.fireside.fm/203-kelly-gold]

Episode 3
Todd Keirstead - Golf Entertainer and Skin Cancer Survivor
"If I let the scars be a conversation piece, then hopefully they raise awareness and motivate people to take personal action". Todd Keirstead - Motivational Speaker | Skin Cancer Survivor | Celebrity Golf Entertainer | CEO & Founder of ParaGolf Canada joins us to share his personal journey with skin cancer and how the healing process shapes his world view.
Click to listen >> Finding Purpose on The Practice Tee [https://modgolf.fireside.fm/204-todd-keirstead]

Episode 4
Tom Coyne - Best Selling Author and Founder of Coyne Golf
"I don't think people want to read books about going out and doing safe, normal things. So this idea of doing unreasonable things led me into the way I approached Ireland. The crazy idea was, I'll play Ireland as one giant golf course and I'll do it all on foot." Tom Coyne, best selling author and founder of Coyne Golf joins us to share some compelling human interest stories, his quirky travelogue, and a deep exploration of obsession with golf as the backdrop.
Click to listen >>

Season 18 Wrap-up / Season 19 Preview

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
-->

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

Do you chunk a chip on a hole 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

The Rebuild - Part 2: Are You Ready To Fix Your Short Game By Understanding Spin Loft?

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 [https://youtu.be/VDNTYrK_L1A] live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/VDNTYrK_L1A] 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 import

Live from The PGA Show 2026: Startups From The Inventors Spotlight

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 [https://youtu.be/otV6-1ERgpg] live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/otV6-1ERgpg] 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

Live from The PGA Show 2026:  Inside Golf's AI Revolution with CourseRev.ai & PITCHcrm

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 [https://youtu.be/7yrbGd4xYyA] live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/7yrbGd4xYyA] 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: &qu

Live from The PGA Show 2026:  Beyond Golf Cart GPS and The Data-Driven Golf Revolution / Adam Kanouse with Reach Golfers

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 [https://youtu.be/eobulbCnJd4] live from The 2026 PGA Show. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/eobulbCnJd4] 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 [https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/tj-schier] to make that happen! >>

Live from the PGA Show 2026: SmashSwing’s Multiplayer Golf Revolution with TJ Schier Jr.

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 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 for anyone passionate about grow the game, women in golf, and inclusive golf.

In this inspiring 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. This is a powerful conversation about 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: * &quo

Leaving Law to Liberate the Links - Amaya Athill, Founder of Golf Interrupted / Regional Director with Golf Canada

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. The ModGolf Podcast has been ranked #4 on 2021's 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
2022! We are proud to have Golf Genius Software (https://www.golfgenius.com/)
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generous support, we wouldn't be able to bring you these engaging golf
innovation stories. Sponsor Partners
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guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Contact Colin directly here
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Host Colin Weston explores the future of golf through conversations with the entrepreneurs, innovators and influencers who are shaking up the sport.

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