DRIVERS: Inside the Golf Industry
DRIVERS is a Podcast covering all facets of the Golf Industry. Hosted by Sports and Leisure Research Group Founder and President, Jon Last, each episode will include a mix of insights driven commentary on issues impacting the golf business; the latest research and most importantly, candid conversation with a compelling mix of industry leaders and others behind the scenes.
Episodes
27 episodes
Keeping it Green: The GCSAA’s Rhett Evans Reaches New Heights
Perspectives on the evolving role of golf course superintendents from their association's Chief Executive Officer:When the Golf Course Superintendents’ Association CEO summitted Mt. Everest last year, it was just the latest mountain that...
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16:34
GolfTec Celebrates 30 Years and 20 Million Golf Lessons
Sports and Leisure Research Group's Jon Last speaks with GolfTec Founder and CEO Joe Assell about how the company has scaled to over 250 locations and how technological innovation continues to set the pace as the leading provider of golf instru...
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17:27
A Unique Case Study in Golf Destination Marketing
Sports and Leisure Research Group's Jon Last and David Klein are joined by Golf Prince Edward Island CEO, Sam MacPhail to unpack the challenges and triumphs of marketing this unique golf destination.
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17:35
The Year Ahead in the Golf Business
Hosts Jon Last and David Klein from Sports and Leisure Research Group dive deeply into vital signs from recent golf industry studies and gaze into the crystal ball for what lies ahead in 2025.
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18:06
Golf Facility Branding Becomes a Critical Success Factor
Sports & Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein sit down with branding expert Derek Sussner to unpack how and why golf facility branding is at the heart of golf’s increased resonance with a broader audience.
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17:03
Perspectives from the New PGA of America President
Upon his inauguration as the PGA of America’s 44th President, Augusta Ranch owner Don Rea joins Jon Last and David Klein to share his his personal and professional journey, as well as his vision for the game of golf and the largest...
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17:48
John Bryan’s Commitment to Youth and Player Development
U.S. Kids’ John Bryan has led PGA sections and helped to foster player development for decades. He joins Sports & Leisure Research Group’s John Last and David Klein to reflect on making a difference through golf and where the game nee...
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21:06
Reflections from the Top of Golf’s Largest Facility Management Company
Sports and Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein sit down for a broad discussion with Troon CEO Tim Schantz about golf’s current trajectory, how we got to this place and imperatives for staying there.
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16:52
An Industry Legend Looks Forward
Founder and former CEO of Adams Golf, Barney Adams has helped transform the golf industry. He joins Sports & Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein for his current perspective on golf equipment and participation, and he doe...
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17:03
SQUAIRZ CEO Bob Winskowicz Takes on the Golf Footwear Category
Sports and Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein delve into the fascinating emergence of upstart SQUAIRZ Golf Shoes with CEO Bob Winskowicz, who saw room for innovation and evolution in the space.
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15:18
Golf’s Renaissance Woman
Sports & Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein are joined by Cathy Harbin for a fascinating and introspective look at why the game has recently enjoyed historic transformation and what it will take to keep the momentum going.
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17:29
Callaway Continues to Push the Boundaries of Equipment Marketing
Callaway Golf’s Jason Finley joins Jon Last and David Klein to discuss the evolution and future of golf ball and golf equipment marketing.
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19:08
Golf’s New Take on the Customer Service Imperative
James Cronk of Golf Industry Guru joins Sports & Leisure Research Group's Jon Last and David Klein for a lively look at golf facility staff development and retention in the midst of the post COVID participation surge.
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12:21
56 PGA Shows and Counting with Jim Vincent, Sr.
Legendary golf executive Jim Vincent reflects on a lifetime in the industry.
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14:10
Unlocking the Keys to Sustain the Golf Participation Surge with Del Rattcliffe
Pinnacle Golf Properties’ Del Ratcliffe joins Sports & Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein to reflect on a long and successful career in golf facility management and how the business is evolving to meet broader definitions of ...
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16:35
An App Cracks the Code on Optimizing Tee Time Availability
Noteefy founder Jake Gordon joins Jon Last and David Klein of Sports & Leisure Research Group to share a classic success story of how technological innovation has brought together golfer access needs and tee sheet optimization.
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14:36
Setting the Pace: Golf Facility Management Technology Goes Beyond Pace of Play Optimization
Sports & Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein are joined by Tagmarshal’s Bodo Sieber in a broad exploration of how the company's latest technology seeks to enhance golf facility revenue within a crowded market.
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13:53
A candid conversation with Toptracer’s Alex Goodman
Sports & Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein are joined by Toptracer Executive Alex Goodman for a deep dive into smart range technology and how it is at the forefront of driving on course revenue enhancement.
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18:12
A New Era for the PGA of America
PGA of America Chief People Officer Sandy Cross joins Sports & Leisure Research Group's Jon Last and David Klein for a wide ranging discussion that reflects on where the organization has come from and where it is heading from its new home i...
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17:54
Adaptive Golf: Welcoming Golfers with Disabilities
Jon Last and David Klein are joined by National Alliance for Accessible Golf Executive Director Dave Barton to learn more about how the industry’s focus on inclusivity is supporting golfers with disabilities.
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11:53
How “Culture” is at the Heart of Today’s Golf Facility Evolution
Larry Hirsh has been analyzing golf facilities for over 35 years. He joins DRIVER$ for an insightful discussion about how cultural transformation in society has and can continue to be a key impetus in optimizing golf facility valuations.
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13:04
A Current Perspective on Golf Course Design and Renovation Challenges
A fascinating career in golf course design has brought Brit Stenson to the leadership role for the ASGCA. Brit reflects on his career and today's key issues in golf course design to keep the game moving forward while honoring its past.
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15:46
An Inside Look at the USGA’s Equipment Standards Department
Sports & Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein welcome the USGA’s Steve Quintavalla for a candid discussion on the breadth of golf equipment testing, product approval and analysis.
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11:11
