Behind the Golf Brand Podcast with Paul Liberatore-logo

Behind the Golf Brand Podcast with Paul Liberatore

Sports & Recreation Podcasts

It’s like playing a round of golf with some of the most interesting innovators, entrepreneurs, and listening to the stories behind their success. Hi, I’m Paul Liberatore, and I love talking to entrepreneurs and the stories behind their band. I find it intriguing when people are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and success. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to some of the biggest names and brands in the game of golf. So come join me on my quest to find the stories Behind the Golf Brand.

Location:

United States

Description:

It’s like playing a round of golf with some of the most interesting innovators, entrepreneurs, and listening to the stories behind their success. Hi, I’m Paul Liberatore, and I love talking to entrepreneurs and the stories behind their band. I find it intriguing when people are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and success. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to some of the biggest names and brands in the game of golf. So come join me on my quest to find the stories Behind the Golf Brand.

Language:

English


Episodes

#123 Behind the Golf Brand - College Golf Experience

3/13/2024
In this week's episode, I interview my good friend Joshua Jacobs, the Founder and CEO of College Golf Experience. Joshua played collegiate golf and club tennis at Emory University and founded TGA Premier Junior Golf in 2003. In 2007, TGA franchised its junior golf concept and was the first junior golf program to add STEM components. In 2010, Joshua was named by Golf Magazine and Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 40 most influential people in golf under 40, and he created the TGA Sports Foundation dedicated to developing youth of all backgrounds through athletics. In 2012, he orchestrated a National Partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and franchised TGA’s second concept, tennis. In 2013, he was recognized as one of golf’s “Innovators” by Golf Inc. Joshua has served on the World Golf Foundation Advisory Board, USTA’s National School Committee, the PGA’s Golf 2.0’s National Building Blocks Committee, TGA Sports Foundation’s Board of Directors, the Southern California PGA’s Foundation Advisory Committee and the Southern California PGA’s Growth of the Game Committee. He is currently a consultant and a catalyst behind the PGA of America’s Family Cup initiative. Support the show

Duration:00:48:39

#121 - Golf Digest’s Best Young Teacher: Jake Thurm

1/22/2024
Jake Thurm has been named one of the “Best Young Teachers in America” by Golf Digest for three consecutive years. His students will tell you why. Jake’s instruction offers a unique combination of physical and mental guidance, customized for each student and informed by technology and analytics. He never gives the same lesson twice. A fundamental tenet of Jake’s instruction is that no two players swing precisely alike. Because of this, he works to understand the unique biomechanics of each student. Data allows him to assess and not guess. Then, he tailors his teaching to help his students discover their most natural and effective swing. The Chicago native draws on his deep knowledge of the game as a former all-conference golfer and protégé of legendary instructor Dr. Jim Suttie, as well as from his background in clinical psychology. The result is an innovative mind-body approach that has earned accolades from PGA Tour winners, including Kevin Streelman, James Hahn, Dudley Hart, and Chip Beck. Jake has worked at over 100 PGA Tour events, including all four major championships, and appears on the Golf Channel as an expert commentator. Jake is highly regarded in Chicagoland golf circles as Midwest Director for the USA Junior National Golf Team and Nike Junior Golf Camp Director at Fresh Meadow Golf Club in Hillside. He also operates golf schools at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont and is on the Master Staff at Club Champion in Willowbrook. Whether working with PGA pros or promising young players, Jake identifies a common trait in all his students. “They are serious players passionate about improving their game,” he says. “When that’s the case, I’m equally passionate about helping them. And I know I can.” Support the show

Duration:01:18:59

#120 - Performance Golf: Brixton Albert (Founder & CEO)

12/18/2023
In this week's episode, I interview my good friend Brixton Albert, the Founder and CEO of Performance Golf. Performance Golf is the leading online golf instruction company that provides golfers of all levels with the tools and resources they need to take their game to the next level. They aim to help 1 million amateur golfers play the best golf of their lives and enjoy every minute. Their library of video training courses features instruction from some of the world’s most prestigious golf instructors and tour pros, including Sir Nick Faldo, Hank Haney, Nick Bradley, Martin Chuck, and David Leadbetter. They also offer a variety of tailored resources to help golfers improve their game, including revolutionary physical products and an exclusive VIP coaching program featuring world-renowned pros. Their founder, Brixton Albert, is a passionate leader committed to helping golfers improve their game. As a scratch golfer, he understands the challenges that golfers face when trying to get better and firmly believes that the best way to learn golf is from the best of the best. Under his leadership, Performance Golf has grown into one of the world's leading online golf instruction companies by consistently providing access to the highest quality instruction and resources available to experienced and novice golfers alike. Support the show

Duration:00:34:05

#119 - Proud 90: Rick Versace Jr. (Founder)

12/15/2023
In this week's episode, I interview my good friend Rick Versace Jr., the founder of Proud 90. Proud 90 is just a group of guys that love hitting the links. Breaking 90 is considered a win for the day when they go out. Their approach to golf is similar to our approach to life - always have a good time, and don’t take things too seriously. It’s not just about hitting the lowest score out there. It’s about letting off steam after a hard week at work. It’s about kicking back and having a few beers with your buds while playing a game we love. It’s about getting out there and having a great time on the course, regardless of whether we're shooting in the 80’s or the 100’s. At some point, it occurred to them that there was no golf brand for the average weekend hacker just looking to have fun — so they decided it was their duty to create one. And just like that, Proud 90 was born. They think their fierce, bold designs and comfortable, lightweight fabrics reflect how they choose to play the game — sometimes unconventional, but never too seriously. Don’t get them wrong! They are constantly working to improve their game, just as we're always working to enhance their brand. That being said, they know they will never be on the PGA Tour, but that hasn't stopped them from going for it on every shot and having a hell of a good time doing it. Support the show

Duration:00:45:05

#118 - Indoor Golf Shop: Rene Delgado (CEO)

12/4/2023
In this week's episode, I interviewed my good friend Rene Delgado, the Founder and CEO of Indoor Golf Shop Like you, the Indoor Golf Shop loves golf, it’s a wonderful game that can bring us together for good times and fierce competition. Like you, the team at the Indoor Golf Shop has played golf for most of our lives – it’s timeless and has given us many great memories shared with friends and family. In 2017, they saw an opportunity to offer golf simulator packages and indoor golf solutions to golfers. It started with their purchase of a golf simulator, and they soon realized there must be a better way than the frustration they experienced during that process. The Indoor Golf Shop was born, and they made the commitment back then that still stands today – their business will be defined by providing extraordinary customer service and offering exceptional products of the highest quality. Today, their team strives to deliver on that promise every day. Within their 50,000 square foot corporate headquarters located in Celina, Texas, just north of Dallas, is our sales office, manufacturing facility, shipping and receiving department, and warehouse. This online store is only part of a diverse business that also includes custom home golf simulator design and installation, commercial golf simulator services, and contract manufacturing for leading golf technology brands. They are fortunate to partner with many inspiring companies and mission-driven individuals and know that their success results from these important collaborations. Because of their incredible partners, talented team, and amazing customers, they earned the No. 400 on the annual Inc. 5000 List, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Support the show

Duration:00:51:52

#117 - Field Day Sporting Co.: Patrick Keegan (Founder)

11/27/2023
In this week's episode, I interviewed my good friend Patrick Keegan, the Founder of Field Day Sporting Co. Field Day, which was created to positively impact the community and share what they can with the people around them. All of their products are crafted with great attention to detail, taking inspiration from sporting greats, American icons, and apparel they've broken into and lived with for years. In 2024 they will be exhibiting at the PGA Show in January, and available for wholesale for golf retailers. Support the show

Duration:01:12:44

#122 Behind the Golf Brand Podcast - Creator Wizard

11/4/2023
Justin Moore is a Sponsorship Coach & the founder of Creator Wizard, a school & community that teaches you how to find & negotiate your dream brand deals so that you stop leaving thousands on the table. Along with his wife April, he has been a full-time creator for over 7 years and has personally made over $3M working with brands. He has also run an influencer marketing agency for over 5 years that has helped other creators earn an additional $2M. Justin brings a very unique perspective because not only has he been a creator in the trenches doing sponsorships for years but by running an agency, he has insider knowledge of how big brands choose which influencers to partner with and why they pass on others. Justin's mission is to enable creators big and small to land 1 million paid brand partnerships by 2032. Support the show

Duration:00:57:44

#116 - Matt Fryer: (YouTuber)

11/3/2023
In this week's episode I interview my good friend and fellow YouTuber Matt Fryer who shares his story of how he went from 0 - 215,000 subscribers, and over 32 million views in just a few short years. Matt has been involved in golf for over 20 years, and he has seen all aspects of the market, from playing professionally for 4 years to running a professional shop at a leading resort in the north of England. His passion has always been the game of golf, how it has been played, and how to improve it. With the guidance of his father, Adrian Fryer, a Fellow Member of the P.G.A., Matt has now embarked on the same route, hoping to become a great coach and further his already vast knowledge of the game and help golfers of all levels play to their full potential. With an easygoing yet informative and driven approach to coaching, Matt is quickly establishing himself as a coach anyone would enjoy improving with. Support the show

Duration:01:11:40

#115 - GolfZon Simulators: Jimmy McDonald (Director of Sales)

11/3/2023
In this weeks episode I interview my good friend Jimmy McDonald, Director of Sales for GolfZon. GolfZon is the #1 golf simulator company in the world, with locations in some 63 countries, with over 12,300 commercial sites. Just in 2022 alone, over 87 million rounds of golf were played on their simulators. And what is really cool is that Golfzon also hosts two professional virtual golf tournaments each year (GTOUR and WGTOUR) with a total prize purse of more than $3.5 million. With the GolfZon 2 Vision, the most realistic golf simulator in the world, and there new Wave, GolfZon is poised to take over the U.S. Market. Support the show

Duration:01:09:24

#114 - Golf Digest’s Best Young Teacher: Taylor Crosby

11/2/2023
In this week's episode I interview my good friend Taylor Crosby, one of Golf Digests “Best Young Teacher’s in America” list. This honor is only given to the select few golf instructors under age 40 who are making the biggest impact on the industry—and in more ways than ever, with the growth of digital and social media.” Crosby played collegiate golf for both the University of Georgia and North Carolina State University. While at Georgia, the Athens, Ga., native played alongside current PGA Tour standouts Kevin Kisner, Chris Kirk, and Brendon Todd. After graduating from N.C. State, he played on mini-tours, served as a head golf professional, and caddied on the Korn Ferry Tour. Support the show

Duration:01:12:18

#113 - Clinch Golf Gloves: Matt Mahoney (Co-Founder)

10/27/2023
Clinch is founded by two Oregon golfers, Matt Mahoney and Jason Desoldato, under the belief that there are better materials from which to make a golf glove. Jason worked for Nike and Burton and had extensive experience with innovative fabrics that help athletes overcome their challenges. Thus, Clinch was born. Clinch focuses on modern performance gloves designed to perform in rain or hot/humid weather. The Pacific Northwest is their home and proving ground - offering a diverse test from seaside mist to high desert heat. If it works there, it works anywhere. Their mission is to bring golfers an innovative product that performs in all conditions. Whether you’re grinding it out on tour or shooting to break 100, they have built this glove for you! Support the show

Duration:00:47:19

#112 - Seamus Golf: Akbar Chisti (Founder)

10/23/2023
In this week episode I interview my good Akbar Chisti the CEO and co-founder of Seamus Golf. Akbar started Seamus Golf out of his garage with his wife Megan Chisti in 2011. Since the beginning, every product they make is meant to tell its own story. Whether it’s the U.S. Open, The Masters, or a number of custom projects they have pursued for some of the most influential and inspirational people, their company stands to partner with their golfers and give them a way to represent and connect with others. They are proud and grateful to their Makers and Administrative staff who work tirelessly together to overcome the challenges of small business in the modern era. They are grateful to their partners, customers, and vendors who have combined together to embrace and permit them to become the most sought-after accessory maker in golf. Support the show

Duration:01:02:32

#111 - Legendary Golf Coach: Jim McLean

10/16/2023
In this week episode I interview my good friend legendary golf instructor Jim McLean, who is one of the most prolific golf instructors of the last 30 years. He is known for coining the phrase “X-Factor”, observing that the greater the differential between the hips and shoulders at the top of the swing, the more power the golfer can create. He pioneered the use of video for golf instruction and was one of the first adopters of radar technology used in swing analysis tools like TrackMan. He is also authored and sold over 15 different books and videos, and taught some of the greatest golfers of our generation. Including, Sergio Garcia, Curtis Strange, Gary Player, Bernard Langer, Al Geiberger, US Open champions Liselotte Neumann, Jane Geddes, Lauri Merten, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite, Webb Simpson, and Hal Sutton to just name a few. Actually, its over 100 PGA tour players but who is counting. Jim McLean is CEO of the Jim McLean Golf School, which operates from eight locations. Support the show

Duration:00:53:40

#110 - Super Stroke: Ian Zubkoff (Executive Vice President)

10/5/2023
In this week episode I interview my good friend, Ian Zubkoff, the Executive Vice President of Super Stroke to discuss the amazing growth of this iconic golf brand. Not too long ago, all golfers basically used the same grips. SuperStroke was created to change that. In 2009, they launched a radically different line of putter grips. They knew they would help golfers shoot lower scores. What they didn’t know was how quickly they would change the game. To date, SuperStroke grips have been used to earn more than $500 million in major championships and PGA Tour events. They’ve also helped amateurs around the world shoot career-low rounds and earn important bragging rights over friends and family. As scientific as golf has become, it will always be a game that blends art and science. And that’s just as true when it comes to golf grips. From driver to putter, we all golf our own unique way. Our bodies are different. Our swings are different. We all need different things to play our best. At SuperStroke, it’s their mission to help golfers make every swing and every stroke the best it can possibly be. Support the show

Duration:00:43:04

#109 - Uneekor: Greg Sabella (Vice President of Marketing)

9/11/2023
In this week episode I interview my good friend, Greg Sabella, the Vice President of Sales, and formerly a Director of Marketing for Callaway golf, to discuss everything Uneekor. It is widely regarded that Uneekor makes some of the best golf simulators in the golf industry. Now with its release of the new Eye Mini, Uneekor first ever portable launch monitor, they coming after the biggest names in the launch monitor space. What began with one engineer trying to efficiently elevate his skills, turned into a truly powerful, disruptive force that changed the golf simulator industry forever. Support the show

Duration:00:56:21

#108 - Five Iron Golf: Jared Solomon (Co-Founder and CEO)

8/25/2023
Jared Solomon and his partners started with a vision, to make golf for everyone by delivering a dynamic, entertaining, and inclusive way to experience golf. Five Iron has quickly re-shaped urban golf culture by putting a modern spin on an old classic. They began their story in 2017 from humble beginnings with one location on Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District, the origin of our name (created by taking the “Five” from Fifth Avenue and the “Iron” from the Flatiron District.) Fast forward to the present day, Five Iron Golf has expanded nationwide across ten major U.S. cities and over 20 locations and counting, with international franchise locations in Singapore and India. Helping the masses to get their swing on, the 5i way is about access to play, practice, and party, inclusivity to bring out the golfer in everyone, and unforgettable experiences. For the serious golfer, Five Iron hosts high-tech Trackman simulators, access to teaching professionals, practice time, leagues, club storage, showers, top-of-the-line clubs free to use during your booking, and in-house club fitting services. For the less-than-serious golfer (and let’s be honest, most of the severe golfers too), Five Iron offers flexible event spaces, a full-service bar, locally-crafted food menus, table games like ping pong and shuffleboard, and widescreen TVs perfect for watching your favorite game. Support the show

Duration:00:45:45

#107 - SkyTrak: Seth Frack (VP of Development) & Jordan Vlogger (Community Manager)

8/12/2023
Hey Guys, in this week's episode I interview my good friends Seth Frack (VP of Development) & Jordan Vlogger (Community Manager) at SkyTrak. Nowhas long been the leader in at-home golf, and its next evolution is a leap forward. The new SkyTrak+ brings major advancements in its core technology by adding a dual doppler radar system and proprietary machine learning software - to offer unmatched accuracy in its class. The radar addition brings club data to the forefront of the experience - giving SkyTrak users a vital data point for game improvement. More big innovation comes in the new and improved SkyTrak Shot Optimizer and Shot Score functionality. You can now measure yourself against optimal shots and golfers of all skill levels pulled from our database of millions of golf shots. With over 70,000+ members, access to over 100,000 golf courses (including Pebble Beach Golf Links, Bandon Dunes, Torrey Pines and many more), and the best gameplay simulation software in the industry, the SkyTrak+ will instantly transport you to courses all around the world that you can play with your friends from the comfort of your home, and my biggest question to them how did they keep this secret for so long. Support the show

Duration:00:41:58

#106 - Rapsodo: Justin Bryant

8/4/2023
In this week's episode Paul interviews his good friend Justin Bryant from Rapsodo to discuss the launch of the new Rapsodo MLM2PRO Launch Monitor and Simulator. Rapsodo is a sports analytics company that empowers athletes and coaches to analyze and improve their game, with affordable, portable, easy-to-use, data-driven sports technologies. In 2010, their founder and Chief Executive Officer Batuhan Okur registered Rapsodo Pte. Ltd. in Singapore. Their journey began with the development of the first affordable personal golf launch monitor, distributed in the USA under SkyTrak. Since then we have continued to transform into a leading sports data and technology company with the vision to help athletes reach their full potential. Their data-driven, performance measurement tools empower athletes to achieve their best regardless of what skill level they are at. Support the show

Duration:00:45:54

#105 - Two Guys with Balls: Lashan Wanigatunga (CEO)

7/21/2023
In this week's episode Paul interviews Lashan Wanigatunga the CEO of Two Guys with Balls. Pretty much the best name for a company. Based in Wisconsin, Lashan created Two Guys With Balls out of his passion for golf, and he lost a lot of golf balls. He believes that everybody should be able to enjoy this great game without having to worry about the $4 you just shanked into the woods. He knew there had to be a better way! A better way that was easier than endless practice sessions of trying to perfect that golf swing. Yes, practice so you hit that fairway every time, but that won’t happen overnight (or ever for some of us). A better way, that doesn’t include fishing for lost balls in the woods (leave that to us). Support the show

Duration:00:48:01

#104 - Remec Carlson "The CEO of Golf" (YouTuber)

7/13/2023
In this week's episode Paul interviews YouTube, TikTok , and Instagram star Remec Carlson, aka the CEO of Golf. With collaborations with some of the biggest brands and influencers in golf Remec has been crushing video content his unique style in teaching and having on fun when on the course. Remec went to IMG Academy & studied under David Leadbetter in his junior career. Then went on to play college golf at Florida Gulf Coast University. Playing junior, collegiate, and professional golf he has received 1000+ lessons from the best instructors across the world. From David Leadbetter to Butch Harmon. Support the show

Duration:01:00:31