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
33 episodes
“Shark Tank” for the Golf Industry
PGA of America Senior Director of Growth and Ventures Kris Hart joins Sports & Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein for a candid conversation about innovation in the golf industry and how the PGA of America strategically identi...
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19:44
How Technology Is Transforming Golf Course Ownership and Operations
Saddleback Golf Club owner Whitey O'Malley joins Sports and Leisure Research Group President Jon Last for a wide-ranging discussion about how golf facilities are leveraging technology to create operational efficiencies while maintaining excepti...
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24:00
Restoring a Classic Golf Resort to Greatness
For 50 years, Casa de Campo has always been an innovative resort that continues to break new ground in the Caribbean. Legendary Golf Operations Director Gilles Gagnon and CMO Jason Kycek unpack the impetus behind the property's reinvention and ...
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24:00
Did AI Choose that Nasty Pin Position?
Jon Schultz and his company, EZ-Locator, are making it easier for golf course superintendents to automate hole location selection to help preserve the health of the greens and enhance the player experience. He joins Sports and Leisure Res...
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21:04
Connecting the Dots for Golf Facility Management Software
Lightspeed's Fraser Marriott discusses his company's facility management software and outlines the benefits to member experiences based on their recent strategic partnership with Whoosh.
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17:09
Delivering the Experience: How Golf Facility Owners are Evolving in a Time of Rapid Industry Change
As golf's customer base expands and transforms with the rapid diffusion of new technology, golf facility owners need to stay a step ahead and see through the hype to deliver for the game's stakeholders. Few have a better handle on this reality ...
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22:29
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