That's a wrap for Season 17 of The ModGolf Podcast! Our team is currently working on your next twelve episodes for Season 18, which launches in September 2025. 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 17 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 17 guests were:

Episode 1
LIVE From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2
Hazel Thompson Founder and CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours
This episode takes on a travel theme, as you will discover how to simplify the effort and complexity of transporting your clubs. And if you are considering a golf getaway with friends to Ireland, we have the person that can help make your dream trip a reality. We pick up where we left off at the end of last season where ModGolf was invited back to cover The 2025 PGA Show and host Colin Weston recorded four engaging conversations with golf industry innovators on the Show Floor Media Stage. First up on Episode 1 is Hazel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Excelerator Luxury Golf Tours [https://excelgolftours.com/] who helped Colin plan his May 2025 Irish golf trip. ☘️

Jonathan Marsico CEO of Ship Sticks
Our second conversation at The PGA Show Media Stage was with Jonathan Marsico, CEO of Ship Sticks. During Colin's conversation with Jonathan you will discover how to take the hassle, complexity and effort out of travelling with your golf clubs. You'll also learn how Jonathan and his co-founder went from an idea that addressed a personal pain point to a scaleable, profitable business.
Click to listen >> Live From The 2025 PGA Show Media Stage! - Part 2 [https://modgolf.fireside.fm/190-pga-show-2025-part-2]

Episode 2
Jeff MacGregor - Founder of The Cart Locker
Have you struggled to find balance when juggling the launch of a new business venture while keeping your existing job? On this episode you will discover and learn how Jeff MacGregor manages to maintain the position he loves as a Head Golf Pro while overseeing a startup that is quickly scaling up.
Click to listen >> Turning a Side Hustle Into a Successful Business Venture [https://modgolf.fireside.fm/191-jeff-macgregor]

Episode 3
Gina Louise Phillips - Actor, comedian, writer and golf personality
"So I take an improv mindset. It's all about fun. It's all about what happens next." Gina Louise Phillips combines her comedic, writing and acting experiences to inject a fresh perspective into the golf industry. Join us as Gina shares how her journey on shows like The Last of Us with Pedro Pascal and co-hosting Score Golf TV has inspired her to write and develop a golf-themed sitcom called Squat Valley Golf about a dysfunctional family run public course on the brink of bankruptcy.
Click to listen >> Applying an Improv Mindset to Golf [https://modgolf.fireside.fm/192-gina-louise-phillips]

Episode 4
Agustín Pizá - Principal at Pizá Golf
First appear

Season 17 Wrap-up / Season 18 Preview

"So as a woman, we have been identified as "the fairer sex". And to me, that's not something negative. Women are elegant. Women are beautiful. Women are strong. Women are capable. There are more women in the world than there are men. And so, we deserve something that speaks to that elegance, that speaks to that femininity, that speaks to that strength, that speaks to us being above and beyond."... Paras Gore, Co-Founder of Swing Sports and Golf She

On this inspiring episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Paras and Bryan Gore, the visionary co-founders of Swing Sports and Golf She. Together, they discuss their journey in the golf industry, the challenges they faced, and their mission to empower women both on and off the golf course.

During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways:
The AHA Moment:
Paras shares the pivotal experience at Golf Galaxy that ignited her passion for creating stylish and functional golf accessories for women.

Innovative Products:
Learn about the unique products offered by Golf She, including multifunctional head covers and stylish handbags that cater to the needs of female golfers.

Community and Inclusion:
The Gores discuss their vision for a more inclusive golf community and their plans to support underserved youth through a future foundation.

Marketing Strategies:
Discover how they are leveraging social media and user-generated content to spread awareness about their brand and products.
Future Aspirations: Paras and Bryan share their goals for the future, including expanding their product line and fostering a supportive community for women in golf.

Episode Highlights
• Paras's journey from frustration to entrepreneurship
• The value of elegance and functionality in golf accessories
• Insights into the challenges of breaking into the golf industry
• The couple's commitment to empowering women through their brand

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Paras and Bryan Gore on The ModGolf YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/ppSMTYAzytM]. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/ppSMTYAzytM] or the image below as they extend their podcast conversation as Paras shows off some of her fashionable and functional accessory designs.


Want to connect with Paras? Check out her bio page to make that happen!
Paras Gore's bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/paras-gore

Care to check out the luxury golf accessories Paras has designed for golf-loving ladies? Then visit the Swing Sports website [https://www.swngsports.com/] or click on the image below.


Follow Golf She / Swing Sports on social media:
• Instagram: @swngsports [https://www.instagram.com/swngsports]
• Facebook: Swing Sports [https://www.facebook.com/swngsports]
• TikTok: @swngsports [https://www.tiktok.com/@swngsports]

Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive an

Elegantly Empowering Women Both On and Off The Golf Course - Paras and Bryan Gore, Co-Founders of Golf She and Swing Sports

"Don't wait one minute. It is not worth giving up one minute of your quality life"... Teddy Koukoulis, avid elite level golfer and one of Dr. Richard Berger's knee replacement patients. Join us for this enlightening conversation that blends sports, science, and personal triumph, and discover how innovation in medicine is reshaping the future of golf!

In this milestone episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston celebrates the 200th episode with two remarkable guests: Dr. Richard Berger, a pioneering orthopedic surgeon, and his knee replacement patient Teddy Koukoulis, who is an avid golfer and PGA Teaching Pro. They discuss Dr. Berger's innovative knee and hip replacement techniques that are transforming the outcomes and recovery process for golfers, high performance athletes and everyday people wanting to reclaim their quality of life.

During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways:
Revolutionary Recovery: Dr. Berger's minimally invasive knee replacement technique allows patients to recover faster and more completely than traditional methods. This innovation not only reduces pain and swelling but also enables golfers like Teddy to return to the game in record time—Teddy shot a two-over-par 74 just three weeks post-surgery!
Empowerment Through Action: Both Dr. Berger and Teddy emphasize the importance of not waiting to address joint pain. Teddy's journey illustrates how taking proactive steps can lead to a significant improvement in quality of life, allowing individuals to engage in activities they love without the burden of chronic pain.
Mental, Physical and Social Transformation: This episode highlights the profound impact of physical health on mental well-being. Teddy shares how overcoming his knee pain has not only improved his golf game but has also revitalized his overall lifestyle, enabling him to participate in activities he once thought were lost to him.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Teddy and Dr. Berger on The ModGolf YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/eobulbCnJd4]. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/eobulbCnJd4] or the image below as they extend their podcast conversation with commentary on Teddy's post-surgery golf swing video, along with more life-changing inspirational patient success stories from Dr. Berger.


Want to connect with Teddy and/or Dr. Berger? Check out their bio pages to make that happen!
Dr. Richard Berger's bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/dr-richard-berger
Teddy Koukoulis' bio >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/teddy-koukoulis

Visit outpatienthipandknee.com [http://outpatienthipandknee.com] or click on the image below for more information on Dr. Berger's innovative techniques and to schedule an appointment.


And don't forget to check out Teddy's inspiring golf swing video on our YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/eobulbCnJd4]!

"The Innovation Behind The Incision" - Helping Golfers Reclaim The Game They Love

"Our goal is to put a golf club in someone's hands for the very first time so they have a fun, memorable experience."

On this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston speaks with TJ Schier Jr., the founder of SmashSwing Immersive. They discuss the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the golf industry, highlighting TJ's unique approach to creating an engaging indoor golf experience.

Join us for an insightful conversation with TJ Schier Jr. as he shares his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative vision behind SmashSwing Immersive. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable lessons on creativity, market understanding, and the power of community feedback.

Key Takeaways you will discover on this episode are:

Embracing Feedback for Innovation
TJ emphasizes the importance of gathering feedback from potential users during the development phase. By inviting a diverse group of testers to experience SmashSwing, he was able to refine the product based on real user experiences rather than assumptions. This iterative process not only improved the technology but also expanded the target market.

Targeting the Non-Golfer Market
SmashSwing aims to attract the 99% of the population that doesn't typically engage with golf. By creating a fun, gamified environment that appeals to social and casual players, TJ is redefining the indoor golf experience. This strategy opens up new avenues for growth and accessibility in the sport.

Building a Strong Brand Identity
TJ discusses the significance of a well-crafted brand and first impressions. By investing in professional branding and creating a polished environment for SmashSwing, he ensures that potential customers see the value and quality of the experience. This focus on branding helps to instill confidence in both consumers and investors.

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with TJ on The ModGolf YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/eobulbCnJd4] as he gives us a SmashSwing demo from their test facility in Dallas. 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!

https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/tj-schier

To learn more about SmashSwing, check out their website at https://smashswingimmersive.com or click on the image below.


Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf g

Transforming The Golf Entertainment Gaming Experience - TJ Schier, CEO/Founder at SmashSwing Immersive

Episode Overview
In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston welcomes Cory Powell, co-founder and CEO of Hubble.GOLF. They discuss Cory's journey in golf, his entrepreneurial spirit, and the innovative platform Hubble.GOLF aims to create for golfers, their families and event organizers.

Key Highlights
Introduction to Hubble Golf
Cory describes Hubble Golf as the "Expedia for golf events," aiming to be the largest searchable database for all things golf, including junior, amateur, and professional events.
Cory's First Golf Experience
Cory shares a heartfelt story about how his grandfather introduced him to golf at the age of eight, gifting him a set of junior clubs and taking him to a local driving range.
The Entrepreneurial Journey
From starting a pooper scooper service at eight years old to organizing tournaments and playing professionally, Cory's entrepreneurial spirit has been evident throughout his life.
The AHA Moment for Hubble.GOLF
Cory discusses the challenges he faced while trying to find golf events and how this led to the idea for Hubble.GOLF. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and co-founding with Kevin Lewis, who brought technical expertise to the project.
Market Research and Customer Validation
Cory explains how he gathered feedback from golfers and parents to validate the need for Hubble.GOLF, including surveys that indicated a willingness to pay for the service.
Mentorship and Personal Growth
The importance of mentorship is highlighted as Cory shares his relationship with Jim Casino, who has provided guidance and support throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
Risk-Taking in Entrepreneurship
Cory reflects on his approach to risk-taking, emphasizing the need for passion, perseverance, and the ability to pivot when necessary.

Cory Powell's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community in the world of golf and entrepreneurship. Listen in to discover his vision for Hubble.GOLF and the future of golf events.

"Hubble.GOLF is the Expedia of golf events. So everything from junior golf, youth, amateur college, professional, charity, networking, green grass, non-green grass, we will be the largest searchable event database for all things golf. And the idea stemmed from my background trying to find events and figure out a schedule and put together an itinerary and what's the budget around that itinerary and how do I share that itinerary with other people? And that's what we've created."

"On average a parent spends over four hours planning one individual event and a junior golfer participates anywhere between 12 and 18 events in a season. We save parents day's worth of time figuring out their child's season and ultimately save them money on their travel costs."

"If you truly are passionate about what you do, you wake up every day invigorated and excited to get to work, to chase it, put in the work. It's not easy. You have to be disciplined. You have to be willing to do it. My grandpa always used to say, "you have to be willing to pay the price and do what others aren't willing to do." And that's long hours and hard work."

Are you a watcher more than a listener who enjoys entrepreneurship stories? Then you can watch our video as Colin and Cory extend their podcast conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/acyCIb6ItGk] . Click on this link [https://youtu.be/acyCIb6ItGk]</

Creating "The Expedia For Golf Tournament and Event Planning" - Cory Powell, Co-Founder of Hubble.GOLF

Host Colin Weston met Graeme McCubbin at The 2025 PGA Show in Orlando and their mutual love for design and visual storytelling immediately connected them. Graeme generously gave Colin a copy of The Links Diary, which led to an invitation to participate in The Stand on Solway, a three day Scottish golf experience with more than a dozen other links-loving people gathered to create memorable experiences and new friendships. While relaxing post-round at the manor house where everyone was staying, Colin sat down with two of the four Links Diary Co-Founders Kenny Pallas and Graeme for a chat to learn about the magazine's origin story.

"The Links Diary started when the world shut down during COVID. We were bored with mainstream media and how they portray golf. All they do is sell you an advert on every single page for another golf product. We felt disenfranchised with that side of golf and thought, "Wouldn't it be cool if we did something different? Tell real stories, use beautiful imagery and when combined with a clean, modern design aesthetic compels you to feel something deeper. So when you read the magazine and see the imagery, you experience the quality and become part of The Links Diary journey."... Graeme McCubbin, Photographer and Creative Director with The Links Diary.

Want to WIN a year's subscription to The Links Diary? Join our ModGolf Patreon Community as a paid member and you'll be entered along with all of our other exclusive ModGolf Giveaway Contests! >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf

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.

We created ModGolf on Patreon 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. 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



"Being from Scotland, we knew we had an advantage because no one was telling that type of story from the home of golf. So we wanted to really lean into that and show people coming over here on vacation or a work trip, who are taking golf in while they're here. You can play these other amazing, iconic, lesser known courses that enrich your experience."

Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then why not watch Colin's video shorts with The Links Diary crew during The Stand on Solway three day Scottish adventure on The ModGolf YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/JFOFiy2EpuM?si=ZWagcAMHFznrQqvQ]. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/JFOFiy2EpuM?si=ZWagcAMHFznrQqvQ] or the image below as Colin shares some quality time with The Links Diary lads.

Crafting Beautiful Stories From The Home of Golf - Graeme McCubbin and Kenny Pallas with The Links Diary

"And who do we love? We love you, Colin. We love the 18 handicapper. That's amazing for us because if we get an 18 handicap, a newer youth playing, or we get a woman who is learning golf, their improvement rate is so dramatic. If we can make them more intelligent out there, if we give them a complete view of the course and they're standing on the tee box and they can see the elevation changes they can visualize their shots and we help them read their putts. That was a huge piece because most people don't know how to read greens."

Pete Charleston - President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix joins host Colin Weston tafter his original appearance back in 2018 to bring us up to speed on their newest innovations that include 3D virtual reality hole flyovers.

"With GolfLogix our vision has always been about focusing on the masses. Do we love the really good scratch golfers in the plus? Of course, but there's just not many of them."

"If you make better choices, maybe you don't get that double or triple bogey. Maybe you get a bogey, maybe you get a par. Maybe you birdie it. These are all things that are possible you know when you're using something that helps you become more intelligent about the game."

Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then you can watch our video with Pete on The ModGolf YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/9rwUkfOoCwM] as he walks us through a GolfLogix demo. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/9rwUkfOoCwM] or the image below as Colin and Pete extend their podcast conversation with video demos and success stories.


Pete Charleston is an experienced entreprenuer with over a quarter century of golf startup reps under his belt. Want to connect with Pete? Check out his bio page [https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/pete-charleston] to make that happen!

https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/pete-charleston

Download GolfLogix for free at https://www.golflogix.com/ or click on the image below. ModGolf doesn't benefit from your participation. We just like what Pete and his team have created with GolfLogix!


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 celeb

Helping Golfers Play Smarter and Make Better Decisions - Pete Charleston, President and Co-Founder of GolfLogix

"We are the Ozempic for golf! I can shoot lower scores without changing my swing."

Do you struggle to make better on-course shot selection decisions that will result in less blowup holes and lower scores? Then the Noonan Caddie app is for you!

Noonan Caddie Co-Founder Matt Williams joins host Colin Weston to share his entrepreneurial insights as a multiple time founder in the golf entertainment and technology space.

Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then you can watch our video with Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/IlZ2O9KB9xY] as he walks us through a Noonan Caddie demo. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/IlZ2O9KB9xY] or the image below as Colin and Matt discuss positive tips and cautionary tales for new entrepreneurs embarking on their startup journey.


"Life is short. I’m committed to spending it doing what I love."

Matt Williams combines his passion for golf, technology, and entrepreneurship to build meaningful ventures that enhance the player and guest experience.

Matt is the co-founder and President of Noonan Caddie - an innovative app that turns your phone into a Digital Caddie. Noonan unlocks the scoring potential already inside you bu making smarter decisions rather than frustrating swing overhauls.

Matt is an experienced entreprenuer and multiple time startup founder, including the creation of GolfTRK - Kansas City’s premier member-focused indoor golf facility. https://www.golftrk.com/

Download Noonan Caddie at https://www.noonan.ai/ or click on the image below for your seven day free trial. ModGolf doesn't benefit from your participation. We just like what Matt and his team have created with Noonan Caddie!


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



We want to thank our Episode Presenting Partner Golf Genius Software who have suppor

Increasing Your Odds For On-Course Swing Success - Matt Williams, Co-Founder of Noonan Caddie

"Whether it's to get better at golf as a game or improve as an executive or you're somebody who wants dedicate their life to the industry and send their kids to college, you've got to surround yourself with people that are better than you are and that certainly has happened for me. A high tide raises all ships and it's elevated my ability to be a good provider for my family, but also feel fulfilled in a life that's dedicated to golf because I just dig it."

PGA of America President and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club Don Rea joins host Colin Weston to share his 25 year journey advocating for the game and industry that he deeply loves.

"Some people say that they're professional golfers on The PGA Tour and we're golf professionals. There is no doubt the mission of the PGA of America is having 31,000 men and women out there every day trying to help people get it airborne. I believe we're the voice of the golfer in the game. There's 28.1 million out there playing. And who do they talk to? Well, they talk to our members. They talk to me. So we're their voice when it comes to any issues that might face golf. We're the first people they come to. We're the first responders of golf."

"The special thing about a college campus is that when you go there, there's a connection to that place. It always will be. And the alumni of that tell everybody why they should go to their college. We never had that. And that's what the new PGA of America headquarters is. It's not just a building. It's our home. There's two championship golf courses, a 10-hole lit golf course that's crazy busy every night, a two-acre putting green where little kids are running around in their bare feet with their big putters that are bigger than they are just putting around. For us, it's our why. There's a lot of relationships out there and ROIs of why you invest in something or partner with somebody. But for us, it's not about that. You need to know our why and why we exist. You can talk about a why, you can show it, you can see it, you can feel it and smell it. And that's what the home quarters of the PGA of America is."

"That's where the 31,000 members ensure that we do everything we can to leverage the assets of the PGA of America to tell the story of the PGA professional so that we're serving them. And in the end that's our mission. Serve the member and grow the game. It's just that simple."



PGA of America's New Headquarters Campus in Frisco Texas

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

It's The Banter Not The Birdies That Matters Most - Don Rea, President of The PGA of America

When our host Colin Weston attended a TGL match (Tiger's Jupiter Links vs Rory's Boston Common) he quickly learned that several of the compelling holes played out on a 60' high simulator video screen and 360º rotating, undulating green where designed by previous guest Agustin Pizá, who is the creative force behind Pizá Golf Design.

First appearing on The ModGolf Podcast back in November 2021, Augie rejoins us to pull back the curtain on his design inspiration as he walks us through six of the fun and challenging holes he and his Pizá Golf team created for TGL.

Are you a watcher more than a listener? Then you can watch our video with Augie on The ModGolf YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/RUDZqWY3U9U] as he walks us through his inspiration and process on six TGL hole designs. Click on this link [https://youtu.be/RUDZqWY3U9U] or the image below as Colin and Augie discuss how their mutual backgrounds in architectural design influence their creativity in the golf space.


Here are images of all six holes that Augie shares with us for you to take in while listening to the podcast:

The Plank Teams will need to walk “The Plank” as they navigate this uphill hole with tricky diagonal bunkering. For this short 380-yard par 4, it could be tempting for teams to go for the driver, but 3 pot bunkers narrow the landing area adding risk to the aggressive play.

Agustín says: "For The Plank, we wanted to design something simple but also something that required you to think through your shots. To achieve this, we positioned the bunkers to create several dynamic diagonal lines across the hole."

"When you stand on the tee box, that positioning gives you the sensation of, ‘Oh, it’s full of bunkers, there’s nowhere to land my ball!’ But obviously that’s not the case, you have several landing areas and platforms to access. The Plank is designed to be a drivable par-4, depending on the wind, but the strategy will change if it’s a crosswind versus wind at the players’ backs. If less than a driver is chosen off the tee, a well-placed tee shot still leaves a short approach and great chance at birdie."


Pick Yer Plunder Set in Bounty Bay, this hole is the ultimate match play par 5. From the gold tee, players are faced with three options. The riskiest, and by far most rewarding choice, is going straight over the guardian bunker to a 27-yard-wide fairway, requiring a 300-yard carry.

Choosing the right option, the fairway is just 37-yards-wide and requires a 285-yard carry. With a solid drive, players will be left with less than 250 yards remaining. The safest play is to the left, where the fairway is 70 yards wide. But the further left you miss it, the more blind and long your second shot will be.

Agustín says: "A 590 yard par 5. The hole idea is you can take that middle section and you will be rewarded. You will only have a 200 yard shot to the GreenZone to get on in two. The alternative is to play the right arm or the left arm. You will have to play the second shot on a high cliff or a low cliff. This hole not only plays with your psyche on ways of playing it, but also where you land could create some blind shots and some other challenges that you probably were not expecting."


Revealing The Process and Inspiration Behind Designing TGL Golf Holes - with Agustín Pizá / Pizá Golf

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/)
British Columbia Golf (http://britishcolumbiagolf.org/) and GOLFTEC
(https://www.golftec.com/) as ModGolf Podcast Sponsor Partners! Without their
generous support, we wouldn't be able to bring you these engaging golf
innovation stories. Sponsor Partners
https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/TjraMqlT.jpg
(http://britishcolumbiagolf.org/) We'd love to hear from you! Have any ideas or
guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Contact Colin directly here
(https://modgolf.fireside.fm/contact) or on Twitter @ModGolfPodcast
(https://twitter.com/ModGolfPodcast) to start the conversation.

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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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