Episodes
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There's something about the Oregon coast that seems to inspire hand crafted golf accessories. The area also produces wonderful people who love the game. People just like Akbar Chisti.
Among the many brands that call the region home, Chisti's company, Seamus Golf, continues to stand out. Their tartan headcovers and forged ball markers are easily recognizable on courses across the country. The Seamus success story is rooted in the history of golf in Oregon as well as the state's recent ascension to the forefront of the American golfing conscience. It's no coincidence that as Bandon Dunes resort has grown in popularity so has Seamus Golf. Its a story that founder Akbar Chisti is proud to tell.
Chisti joins me on this episode of Mid-Am Crisis to discuss how Seamus Golf has flourished in an era that gave rise to the internet golfer. We talked about how social media tools like Instagram and Twitter have helped fuel a new generation of golf enthusiasts who love products and brands like his. Chisti shares some stories about golf's history in Oregon, how Bandon Dunes helped inspire his company, and why so many golf accessory brands are flourishing in the Portland area.
I've known Chisti for a few years and this conversation confirmed all the reasons why I enjoy talking golf with him. While I've yet to make my golfing pilgrimage to the Oregon coast, his passionate descriptions on the area and its courses make me want to leave today. For now, I'll just have to keep using my Seamus gear and pretending I'm at Bandon Dunes. Maybe we will change that soon.
To learn more about Seamus Golf and their beautiful products please visit https://www.seamusgolf.com/
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can order my new book, Swing, Walk, Repeat at https://www.back9press.com/swing-walk-repeat
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at www.midamcrisis.com
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Spencer Hadelman has made a name for himself marketing some of golf’s most desirable destinations. His company, Advantage Marketing, has helped the likes of Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, and other bucket list locations attract travelers from around the globe. Hadelman’s love for golf and creative sales strategies doesn’t end there. Last year he founded an upstart direct to consumer golf product brand called Talon Golf that’s making it easier than ever for players to find great gloves and other gear at low prices.
In this episode of Mid-Am Crisis, Hadelman joins me to talk golf marketing, product development, and why he thinks the current golf boom may stick around longer than most might think. We also dove into what it has been like for him to build a successful marketing company and how the game has led him to some incredible friendships with professional athletes and other well known personas who love the game.
For more information on Advantage Marketing and their work in the golf industry please visit https://www.advantagemrkt.com/
To check out the great golf products Spencer is developing go to https://talongolfco.com/
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can pre-order my new book, Swing, Walk, Repeat at https://www.back9press.com/swing-walk-repeat
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at www.midamcrisis.com
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
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Rob Collins fires me up. His brand of golf course architecture is a bold, thrilling, and stimulating from start to finish. I could use the same adjectives to describe my conversations with him over the years I've known him. Much like in his golf designs, Collins does not hold back. I consider myself fortunate to know him and to have listened to him talk about his passion for building golf courses on numerous occasions. I am thrilled to finally record one of those here on Mid-Am Crisis.
Collins is best known for his breakout work at Sweetens Cove Golf Club and the incredible story of how that nine hole course in rural Tennessee has captivated the golfing world. However, he is much more than just a one-hit wonder. Collins and his partner Tad King have entered into what seems like a new phase of their design career - one which the phone won't stop ringing. In the last two years they've brought their talents to new course designs in New York, Memphis, West Texas, and Nebraska. Collins tells me there is much more still to come.
During our discussion, Collins shares with me the details of his latest projects and why he believes their firm is among the best in the world at golf design today. His confidence in his work shines through in this conversation and it makes me want to hop in a car or on a plane and go chase down each hole of his I've yet to see. Based on early reviews from his newest courses that trip would be a worthwhile investment of my time.
I'm thrilled to have Rob Collins on the show this week and am excited to share our discussion on golf design. He's one of golf's good guys and I believe that over time he will become one of the most heralded designers of this era. If you ever meet him or play his courses you'll certainly see why.
You can follow Rob's work on Twitter and Instagram at @kingcollinsgolf
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can pre-order my new book, Swing, Walk, Repeat at https://www.back9press.com/swing-walk-repeat
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at www.midamcrisis.com
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
There have been a lot of upstart golf businesses that have launched during the game's most recent boom. One of the most fascinating ventures is a new publishing company called Back Nine Press. Based out of Chicago, the company is on a mission to publish books about golf that they believe the game deserves. According to founder Jim Sitar, Back Nine Press is seeking to publish great stories that define golf today, personal reflections on the meaning of the game, and compelling writing about the people who are forging the future of golf.
Back Nine Press hit the ground running this Summer with the launch of their first book, The Secret Home of Golf - the official history of Sweetens Cove Golf Club by author Jim Hartsell. Their follow up effort is none other than my new book Swing, Walk, Repeat! This week on Mid-Am Crisis, Back Nine Press founder Jim Sitar joins me on the show to discuss his new publishing company, what the business has been like so far, and of course the process of publishing my new book which is now available for pre-order.
Getting to know Jim Sitar has been a great pleasure and I've loved every minute of working with him on my new book. Swing, Walk, Repeat is a collection of over 230 love letters to golf that I wrote during the height of the COVID19 pandemic in 2020. In many ways these mini-essays are like my golf manifesto. I'm thrilled to have the work complete and to share it with the world soon. Having the chance to reflect on that journey with Jim Sitar on the show was a lot of fun too.
You can follow Back Nine Press on Instagram and Twitter at @backninepress
You can pre-order my new book, Swing, Walk, Repeat at https://www.back9press.com/swing-walk-repeat
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at www.midamcrisis.com
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
The one aspect of Zac Blair's personality that has always stood out most to me is his ambition. He wants to be one of the best golfers in the world but he also is on a mission to create memorable golf experiences for those who share his love for the game. I first witnessed those traits while attending Blair's annual event, The Ringer, at Sweetens Cove Golf Club in 2018. Over the course of three days, I saw firsthand the drive that powers Blair as a PGA Tour player and entrepreneur. It was palpable and impressive.
Blair declared then that he was on a journey to create a unique golf club in his home state of Utah - The Buck Club. While he continues to sell fun golf themed merchandise under The Buck Club brand, those plans are currently on hold. However, a new vision for a modern golf club is now being built by Blair and other founders outside of Aiken, South Carolina. That club is being called The Tree Farm.
Blair joins me on Mid-Am Crisis to discuss the state of the Tree Farm project. We also talked about his pending return to the tour after a year long medical leave for shoulder surgery.
During our discussion, Blair shared his excitement to have construction under way at The Tree Farm, what it's like working with Tom Doak on the routing, and how the club's design will help drive its golf culture. He touched on his creative process for The Buck Club merchandise, why he loves golden age architecture, and much more.
I'm thrilled that Blair and his partners are now under construction at The Tree Farm and hope to get up that way soon and see the work myself. When the project is complete it will undoubtedly be a testament to Blair's love for the game and of course that ambition I first saw some years ago. Most people wouldn't be able to pull it all off but Blair won't be deterred. What a great thing to root for.
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at www.midamcrisis.com
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Jim Hartsell loves golf. It's why he writes about the game and the moving places he's played it. An architect by trade, Hartsell has spent a great deal of his life chasing golf experiences that stir the soul. Much of his writing has been inspired by two decades worth of travel to Scotland. Hartsell has become an authority on the less heralded yet delightfully thrilling courses that give many small Scottish towns their identity. It's because of his understanding of those destinations that he developed such an appreciation for a nine hole golf course in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
Sweetens Cove Golf Club has taken on a mythical stature in American golf. Known as "the little course that could" its story is one the symbolizes the very best aspects of the American dream. When Hartsell first discovered the course, very few people knew anything about it. It reminded him of the places he had discovered in Scotland.
Since then, Sweetens Cove has seen great success and become the darling of golf writers across America. However, it is Hartsell who has been quietly chronicling the unique history of the course and now that story is the basis for his first book. In "The Secret Home of Golf", Hartsell has created the official history of Sweetens Cove complete with first hand accounts of how the course came to be.
Sweetens Cove holds a special place in the hearts of many golfers including myself. It was there that I became inspired to start writing about golf and I've met many incredible people while playing the course. Including one morning when I met Hartsell in the parking lot before the first Ringer event hosted by Zac Blair. We've both come a long way since that fateful morning and I'm so happy to see his book come out to rave reviews.
Hartsell joins me for a discussion about "The Secret Home of Golf" and how the book came to be. He also recounted his recent month long trip to Scotland and all the places that he's now eager to write about. We explored some of our theories about the game as well and I was reminded again just why Hartsell is one of the best voices in golf today.
"The Secret Home of Golf" is available for purchase by Back Nine Press at https://www.back9press.com/
Also, be sure to follow Jim Hartsell on Twitter at @JimHHartsell so you don't miss his next adventure.
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at www.midamcrisis.com
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Steve Melnyk was one of the voices of golf television during my childhood. I can remember hearing his calls for ABC Sports during the years my uncle was on tour and our whole family tuned in to every broadcast. That same voice was also present for a number of iconic calls at the Masters during Melnyk's long run with CBS. He called the Larry Mize chip in in 1987 as well as two of Nick Faldo's playoff wins in Amen Corner among endless other memorable swings there.
While many remember Melnyk from his broadcast days, it was his stunning amateur career that truly kickstarted his life in golf. Melnyk is on a short list of golfers who have won both the U.S. Amateur and British Amateur championships. Capturing those titles at the venerable courses at Oakmont and Carnoustie makes that feat even more impressive. With the U.S. Amateur returning to Oakmont this week, I thought it would be a good time to give Melnyk a ring and have a chat.
I have come to know Melnyk through his son Dalton who like his dad, is a fantastic golfer and great person. Dalton and I were hoping to be at Oakmont this week as I had caddied for him in his attempt to qualify of the U.S. Amateur. He came close, but instead of a trip to the Amateur he just got my bad jokes for two days. It was a great experience and I'm glad it glad it led to this conversation with his dad.
In my discussion with Steve Melnyk we touched on his win in 1969 at Oakmont, other highlights from his amateur career, and of course the many years he was behind the microphone for CBS and ABC. We also dove into his days playing at the University of Florida, his friendship with Steve Spurrier, and what Melnyks golf life is like today. I think you'll enjoy listening and I'm hopeful to have Melnyk back on the show for more someday.
If you get the itch to hear some of Melnyk's great calls from golf, go check out the Master's Youtube channel. You won't regret it!
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at www.midamcrisis.com
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Sean Martin is one of the best golf writers in the business. I'm proud to call him a friend. As the Senior Editor for PGATOUR.com he was given the chance to travel to Tokyo for the pandemic affected Olympics. He's there to cover the Men's medal tournament at Kasumigaseki Country Club outside of Tokyo and was kind enough to join me for a chat about those festivities. We talked shortly after he wrapped up his second round coverage of the Men's event.
In our discussion, "Smartin", as he is affectionately known throughout the golf Twitter world, shares his insights from the ground in Tokyo and paints the picture of how things are going at the Olympic golf tournament. We talked about his travel experience, what Tokyo is like during the games, and of course we dove into a whole slew of his best takes on the golf being played there.
With his Olympic coverage appearance on the show, Smartin becomes the first ever repeat guest on Mid-Am Crisis. A rare and high honor for even a golf writer of his distinction.
Be sure to follow Sean Martin on Twitter at @PGATOURSmartin to get the latest on the event and to catch his coverage of the medal race.
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at https://midamcrisis.substack.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Lee Wybranski's artwork has become synonymous with golf's major championships. That's because he has devised a way to capture the spirit of golf's most unique championship courses no matter where those events are being played. Based on his paintings, his vivid event posters are always a hot item in the merchandise tent. As each new major nears, there is an eager anticipation amongst golf fans to see what Wybranski will share next.
Beyond working with golf's biggest events, Wybranski also is an artist and designer for hire to many of the best golf clubs and courses in America. With a range of clients that include elite private clubs, stunning resort courses, and yes even municipal facilities, Wybranski has brought new life to numerous brands across the golf world.
Wybranksi produces his art from his studio and home in Flagstaff, Arizona, but his golfing roots trace back to his home town of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Considering the many classic courses there, that golf crazed city that still inspires him today. During our conversation, Wybranksi paints a picture of how he developed his career as a golf artist and what his creative process is like today. He connects the dots from his upbringing in Philly to how we brings the spirit of a golf course alive with his paintbrush. I can't over emphasize how much I enjoyed hearing how his widely recognized artworks come to be.
In our discussion, Wybranski and I talked about the current state of the game of golf, how the rise of course architecture enthusiasts has helped his business, and what the current golf boom may yield for those working in the game over the coming years. We had a wonderful chat that touched on many aspects of our shared love for the game. As a fan of his, it's one thing to have his art hanging on my wall, but getting to know the artist himself is a gratifying experience. Like most golf fans, I'll be excited to see what scenes Lee Wybranski paints next.
To learn more about Lee Wybranksi and his work(be sure to check out his online store) please visit https://www.leewybranski.com/
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at https://midamcrisis.substack.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Ben Curtis is widely regarded as one of the biggest underdog major winners in golf history. His victory at the 2003 Open Championship at Royal St George's was one of the most improbable golf feats of that era. On his way to claiming the Claret Jug, Curtis outlasted names like Thomas Bjorn, Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III and Nick Faldo. Not bad for the 396th ranked player in the world at the time. The fact that Curtis had never played links golf before that week makes that achievement even more startling.
In winning the Open, Curtis joined Francis Ouimet as the only players to win a major in their first attempt. While many golf fans remember the difficulty of the course and stumbles made from others at the top of the leaderboard, Curtis' win was also an incredibly impressive performance. His final round 69 included six birdies and was one of the best scores recorded that day. He finished the tournament as the only player under par and was hailed as Cinderella story by media outlets around the world.
Despite not being a household name, Curtis' win at the Open did lead to a lucrative playing career. He went on to record four victories on the PGA Tour and was part of the winning U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2008. He continued to compete on the tour until 2017 when he retired from competitive golf. Today, he is focused on his golf academy that serves elite junior players and spending time with his family.
Curtis joins me on Mid-Am Crisis for an depth discussion about his most famous win. He recalls what it was like to hoist the Claret Jug, the tense moments of that final round, and how the win propelled his golf career. He also shares how he's now putting his love for golf to work in different ways.
Although he won't be playing at the Open's return to Royal St George's this week, Curtis will certainly be watching from home. While he may not be walking those fabled links in person, it's hard to imagine he doesn't return there in his memories each day. I certainly enjoyed revisiting them with him on the show and I think you will too.
To learn more about the Ben Curtis Golf Academy please visit https://bencurtisgolfacademy.com/
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at https://midamcrisis.substack.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
In the early days of golf podcasting, Ru Macdonald was one of the first hosts to take a deep dive into the courses of Scotland. His show, The Scottish Golf Podcast became an important outlet for those like me who were looking to learn more about the many lesser known golf options in the game's native land. The stories he shared in those show helped to spark a whole new wave of appreciation for Scotland's hidden gem links courses. Today, Macdonald is using those same storytelling skills to help the European Tour develop widely viewed content for their social media channels.
I've been a big fan of Macdonald's work for years and his podcast is one of the main reasons for my Scottish golf obsession. Although I still haven't had a chance to hop over the pond for a visit yet, I like to stay in touch with him for when I eventually pull that trigger. Macdonald and I got the chance to catch up for a lengthy chat as he was taking a break from a long day of work at the 2021 Scottish Open. Chatting from his hotel room in the COVID19 protocol bubble, Macdonald and I discussed the current state of golf in Scotland, how the travel industry there is poised for a big comeback in 2022, and of course what his world is like right now helping create viral content for the European tour.
It was great to speak with Macdonald during the middle of one of the tour's biggest events. I'll be watching the Scottish Open closely and keeping an eye out for the content he's creating around the event. I'm sure it will only worsen my desire to travel to Scotland and see their links first hand.
If you haven't listened to the Scottish Golf Podcast before, be sure to go and subscribe as Macdonald is still producing great episodes there. Also, be sure to follow him on twitter at @RuMacdonald .
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at https://midamcrisis.substack.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC
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Golf journalism is an increasingly small field. It's rare these days to find someone who wanted to choose that as a career path from an early age. That's one of the reasons Zephyr Melton stands out as one of the game's bright young reporters. When he attended the University of Texas, he did so with a goal to become a golf journalist and after graduating he was able to successfully carve that path. Today, Melton is on the reporting staff at Golf.com and has become an important voice on that team.
Covering the LPGA tour, instruction, and some of the other professional tours, Melton is refining his craft one deadline at a time. Recently, he was on the ground reporting for Golf.com at both the U.S. Women's Open at Olympic Club and the KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club. His dispatches, both in articles and in tweets, included some of the best insights from those major championships. In doing so, Melton is showing his chops in an arena that is ripe for new voices.
I've enjoyed reading Zephyr Melton's stories for the past couple years and it was great to catch up with him to talk about chasing his dream as a golf writer. During our discussion we spent some time talking about his path from UT to Golf.com, the state of the LPGA tour, and what's it's like trying to play golf as a resident in New York City. It was great to hear his perspective on those topics and more. I'm hopeful he will remember this chat when as he continues to climb up the masthead at Golf.com. I've got a feeling his bylines will only become more and more common in the future.
Be sure to catch all of Zephyr's work and insights on the game by following him on Twitter at @zephyrmelton
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at https://midamcrisis.substack.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Adam Heieck is leading one of golf's most impactful organizations. He is the CEO of Youth On Course, a program aimed at creating pathways to golf access for children across the United States. The organization is transforming the landscape of golf by subsidizing golf rounds for junior players all across America. Based in Northern California, where the movement began, Heieck and his team have grown Youth On Course to impressive levels since its founding in 2006. Today, over 1,400 golf courses participate in the program which has now expanded to over 100,000 members. With numbers like that, Youth On Course is undoubtedly moving the needle.
Thanks to the subsidy provided by Youth On Course, the cost for a member to play at any participating golf course in only $5. Those subsidies come from a large scale fundraising operation that Heieck and his team oversee. Youth On Course has corporate partners and other means for raising dollars to support their work, but a large amount of their funding comes from the grassroots level. Golfers across America raise money for Youth On Course through day long golf marathons and other inventive means. With so many advocates for the program spread across the country, the number of participants continues to climb.
The accessible rate is not just a win for the junior players either. It has sparked impressive financial results for participating courses too. As Heieck points out in our conversation, getting the kids to the course usually means mom and dad aren't far behind. Youth On Course has created an ecosystem where the child playing golf at an affordable rate is only a small part of the larger impact. Whole families are getting involved with golf that otherwise may not have been able to or know how to. As the number of participants continues to explode during golf's post-COVID boom, Heieck and his team are looking at the future and making big plans. In our discussion, we touched on the Youth On Course origin story, what makes the model work so well, and how providing access to young golfers is one of the keys to making golf a more diverse and attractive game. We also dove into Heieck's background and touched on what drives him to do this important work in the game he loves. He isn't slowing down. With new initiatives like caddie programs and a growing scholarship fund, Heieck and the Youth On Course team are poised to see their impacts widen across the spectrum of American golf.
I greatly enjoyed chatting with Heieck and hope to connect with him next time I visit Northern California. Fingers crossed that will be soon. In the meantime, he's given me an arsenal of reasons to help bring Youth On Course to my own community. I'm hopeful that my hometown will join the ranks of this fast growing movement that is bringing so many new faces to golf.
To learn more about Youth On Course, please visit their website at https://youthoncourse.org/
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
You can also subscribe to my newsletter at https://midamcrisis.substack.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
If I owned a golf resort Tom Pashley would be exactly the sort of person I'd want running it. Unfortunately for my ownership aspirations Pashley seems quite happy with his current gig. As the President of Pinehurst Resort since 2014, he has spearheaded one of the most successful reimaginations of a golf property the world has ever seen. With tremendous momentum from the back-to-back men's and women's U.S. Opens in 2014, Pinehurst could have rested comfortably on their laurels. Instead, Pashley hit the ground running. In his seven years on the job he has overseen a dramatic transformation of the Pinehurst experience that includes the creation of The Cradle short course, the Gil Hanse renovation of Pinehurst No. 4, the renovation of Pinehurst No. 3, the construction of Pinehurst Brewing Company, renovated lodging options, and even refreshed branding based on the resort's rich history. All of which has resulted in a new golden age for the resort.
Pashley spent 19 years at Pinehurst before ascending to the role of President and he wears his love for the place on his sleeve. He's also a humble and easily approachable person. If you see him walking around the grounds at Pinehurst you'd think he was just another immensely satisfied customer. Although, his smile makes you think he knows something you don't. What that might be is that the big ideas and grand plans aren't over yet. Not even close. In 2020, Pinehurst announced that the resort would not only become an anchor site for the U.S. Open, but also the second home of the USGA. That partnership has triggered a whole new wave of possibilities including plans for a new hotel overlooking the Cradle and potentially a 10th course for the resort.
I have only known Pashley for a few months, but after having dinner with him this Spring and then seeing him again on a Summer buddies trip, he's almost got me talked into moving to Pinehurst myself. Pashley has been quite generous with his time with me to date and it was a real treat to have him on the podcast as well. In our discussion we touched on all the resort's recent success, how COVID19 impacted the area, and what the U.S. Open coming to town every five years will mean for Pinehurst's future. We also dove into my recent trips and why the resort is seeing unprecedented levels of guests in 2021. If you have never been to Pinehurst, I'm confident this conversation will make you want to go and book your trip immediately. After a few trips in the past couple years, I can proudly say there are few places I love more than there. Thanks to Tom Pashley that love will only continue to grow.
If you want to learn more about Pinehurst Resort and how to book your next trip there, please visit https://www.pinehurst.com/
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Mark Stewart once had a crazy idea to build a golf course on his family's old sand pit. Turns out it was a pretty good idea. Tobacco Road Golf Club has been wowing guests for over 20 years now and Stewart is still at the helm of the operation. When the project began in 1998, he took a chance on an up and coming golf architect named Mike Strantz. There was no way to know how impactful that decision would become. Today, Mike Strantz courses have a cult following and Tobacco Road is widely considered his masterpiece. Stewart has always liked taking risks and he's still at working to make his dream course an even better place for people to have an unforgettable golf experience.
Stewart and I first met a few years ago when I was doing some reporting for the Golfer's Journal on how Tobacco Road came to be. We've stayed in touch since the story came out and have become good friends. He keeps a close eye on trends in the golf industry and we often talk about how things are going at his course and here at my home track in Tallahassee. Now, as the COVID19 golf boom reaches the one year mark, I wanted to catch up with Stewart to see how things were going and what he is doing at Tobacco Road to seize on these generational golf business opportunities.
During our discussion, we talked about the impacts to golf travel, the surge in new players, and what strategies the Tobacco Road team has pursued to capture new business. We also dove into some of Stewart's memories from the early days and working with Mike Strantz. I'm always impressed with how much he emphasizes the preservation of Strantz's work there and we spoke on that as well. There is also a fun segment where we dive into Stewart's favorite movie franchise - The Fast and the Furious. You will get a kick out of that.
It's always a treat to talk to Mark Stewart and this episode was a blast to record. I'm headed up to Tobacco Road again soon and look forward to seeing that great place again with a new batch of friends. If you haven't been yet...I highly recommend you go.
To learn more about Tobacco Road Golf Club, Mike Strantz, and all the great ways to experience the course please visit https://tobaccoroadgolf.com/
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
It’s a challenge to condense the career of Davis Love III into a few short lines. The World Golf Hall of Fame member has been a force in the game for over thirty years. As an accident player in the 90’s he was a staple on major championship leaderboards. He won the 1997 PGA Championship in fairytale fashion and added two Players Championship titles to go with it. His 21 total wins on the PGA Tour puts him in rare company especially with his latest coming at age 51. Love is a two time Ryder Cup captain and currently serves as the US President’s Cup captain for the 2022 matches slated for his home state of North Carolina. His career in golf has been incredibly impressive and even with all of those resume highlights, he’s not done yet.
Today, much of Love's time is spent working on his golf design business. Alongside his brother Mark, Love has built a design company that is founded on the principles of golf's golden age. Pulling inspiration from the likes of Seth Raynor, C.B. McDonald, Donald Ross, and Allister MacKenzie, Love Golf Design has a long list of projects to their credit and no two courses seem to be alike. In today's competitive golf architecture market, Love Golf Design is garnering lots of attention for their thought provoking renovation work. Their latest effort in Richmond, Virginia is a renovation and reimagination of the municipally owned Belmont Golf Course. Love joins me on Mid-Am Crisis to discuss that effort and much more.
During our discussion, Love and I dive into Phil Mickelson's recent win at the PGA Championship, his thoughts on the 2021 Ryder Cup matches(he's currently an assistant Captain for the team), and took a deep dive into his design career and the newly debuted Belmont Golf Course. We also took a detour into one of his great passions - cooking BBQ.
Love was kind to give me quite a bit of time for our discussion and it was a real treat to talk some golf with him. His insights into Phil winning over 50, the U.S. chances at Whistling Straights, and what his favorite BBQ stops around the south are were all fun to hear. I particularly enjoyed his perspective on golf design and why projects like Belmont are likely to become par for the course in the future as there are less opportunities to build new courses. I'm excited to share this interview and thanks to the good folks at Belmont for helping make it happen.
About the Belmont Golf Course project...
Belmont was originally designed by A. W. Tillinghast and hosted the 1949 PGA Championship which was won by Sam Snead. In the decades to come the course fell on hard times and conditions suffered. Some land was lost to infrastructure projects and the character of some holes changed forever. Faced with many challenges, the local government came close to shuttering the course before deciding to partner with the region's First Tee program and Love Golf Design to give the property new life. Thanks to those efforts, Belmont now has a fully restored collection of 12 Tillinghast holes, a sprawling practice facility, large putting course and even a six hole short course inspired by the best works of Tillinghast. The course re-opened in May 2021 and positive reviews are already flowing in.
To learn more about Belmont Golf Course and the vision for it's future, please visit https://www.playbelmontrva.org/
To learn more about Love Golf Design be sure to check out https://davislovegolfdesign.com/
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
if you enjoy listening to the show, please do leave a review and subscribe -
Michael Murphy's book, Golf in the Kingdom, has sold over 1 million copies and has been translated into 19 languages. It's one of the highest selling golf book of all time. His story about a chance encounter with a mystic golf professional in Scotland also changed my life.
I make no secret of my spiritual pursuits in golf and much of that has been inspired by the Golf in the Kingdom. Much like the book's protagonist, I too was once a hot headed player obsessed with low scores the status that comes with them. After reading Murphy's book, something changed in me. I began to seek out unique experiences in the game and worried less about perfecting it. The result was a true awaking.
Today, I feel as though my soul is tethered to golf and each time I walk a fairway at sundown I can hear the many memorable lines from Golf in the Kingdom running through my head. Through Murphy's most acclaimed work, I found peace with my place in the game. Those revelations opened the door for me to start traveling and writing and talking with people on this very podcast. Now, that journey has come full circle as I've been fortunate to connect with Murphy and have one of the most special conversations of my life with him.
In this episode of Mid-Am Crisis, I had an extensive conversation with Michael Murphy about what he's learned about life and golf in his 90 years. We talked about the impact Golf in the Kingdom has had for golfers like me around the globe and what he hopes the book's lasting legacy will be. During our discussion, Murphy shared many of his theories on why golf creates moments of mysticism and other occult phenomenon. I shared with him a story of my own flirtations with the unexplained while playing golf on the Kiawah Island Ocean Course and dove into some theories I've developed about the game. For someone who has long admired his writings, having the chance to talk with Michael Murphy was one of the highlights of my golfing life.
I'm proud to share our full conversation and can't wait to hear how other Golf in the Kingdom fans enjoy hearing it. I hope to hear more from Murphy in the future and our discussion makes me eager to read his writings once again. Each read inspires something new in my love for golf.
Golf in the Kingdom is available anywhere books are sold. Be warned though, it may lead to abnormal golfing behavior.
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf - the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Tom Coyne doesn't need much of an introduction. If you are a golf reader, his name will be familiar. Coyne is the author of a handful of moving golf books including a couple New York Times Bestsellers. His golf tales include popular titles such as A Gentleman's Game, Paper Tiger, A Course Called Ireland, A Course Called Scotland, and his latest effort, A Course Called America. In those books, Coyne takes readers along with him on a series of ambitious adventures. All of which begin with a looming question and become a journey of personal discovery. In these beautifully told tales, Coyne takes readers right along with him on cross country adventures that provide a backdrop for stories about the people and places that make golf a game worth playing.
In addition to his books, Coyne has found a number of other impressive outlets to tell golf stories through. In recent years he has made a home at The Golfer's Journal where he has authored numerous essays and articles about his experiences in the game. Recently, he has been named Senior Editor for the publication. Coyne has also spent time in front of the camera hosting a variety of shows included a digital series called The Links Life that chronicles his worldly travels. All of which is impressive for a married father of two girls who teaches full time at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia.
I've known Tom Coyne for a few years now and have thoroughly enjoyed his company on and off the golf course. He's been a great guide on my own golf writing career journey and was even kind enough to write the forward for my first book, The Nine Virtues of Golf. I'm excited to dive into his latest book and with his new role at The Golfer's Journal I'm looking forward to have him edit some of my work.
Coyne joins me on Mid-Am Crisis to talk about A Course Called America, his plans to promote the book this Summer, and what his new role with The Golfer's Journal means for his career. We talked about life and golf of course and as always his sense of humor and enjoyable disposition made for a great conversation. I'm hopeful our travels will lead us to playing together again soon and perhaps he even will give me a good grade on my next submission to The Golfer's Journal.
For more information on Tom Coyne's writings and how to bring him to your club for a book signing, please visit https://www.tomcoyne.com/
Be sure to follow Tom Coyne on twitter at @CoyneWriter
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf - the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Abby Liebenthal's passion for golf has opened a lot of interesting doors in her career. She’s worked with some of the leading organizations and brands in the golf industry including the AJGA, Tiger Woods Foundation, Titleist, Imperial Hats, and now the USGA. Her background in marketing and communications has helped her become a leading voice for how to engage golf fans with major brands. With the USGA, Liebenthal works to create memorable experiences and unique engagements for fans at the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Opens. Her career in golf has also led to a highly impactful side venture called Fore the Ladies that's changing how many women enjoy the game.
Fore the Ladies is a non profit the Liebenthal founded with the purpose of creating fun and engaging experiences for women who want to both learn the game of golf and connect with others who love the game. What began as a single clinic has now grown into a movement with nationwide reach. Only a few years into the venture, Liebenthal has built a substantial golf community through Fore the Ladies and all signs point to continued growth. She has clinic and other gatherings scheduled across the country this year the women she has helped bring together are even taking matters into their own hands in their respective cities. As much as we all hate to use the phrase "grow the game", Liebenthal's Fore the Ladies initiative is doing just that.
During our discussion we dove into her career and talked about how golf brands are connecting with fans better than ever today. We also spent considerable time chatting about why she founded Fore the Ladies and where she hopes to take the organization in the future. Liebenthal is exactly the sort of person that golf needs more of and I'm delighted we got the chance to speak. One of these days we will surely tee it up somewhere and I hope to see a Fore the Ladies event in person soon. I've got a feeling that with her leadership and bold ideas the movement will only keep growing.
To learn more about Fore the Ladies and the great work happening there please visit https://foretheladies.net/
Also, be sure to follow Abby on Twitter at @AbbyLiebs
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf – the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
Mid-Am Crisis is a production of Revell Media, LLC -
Brendan Porath is one of my favorite voices in golf. He's a witty writer with lots to say about the events that unfold in professional golf. He has also found ways to extend those talents into success in television and podcasting. Porath has blazed an interesting content trail in a career that has seen him contributing to a number of reputable outlets. At the time of our recording he had just started a new role with Golf Digest as an editor there. I'm excited to see what he produces there.
Many golf fans know Porath best for is his co-hosting duties on the popular podcast The Shotgun Start. Alongside Andy Johnson, he delivers laughs, nicknames, and serious golf takes on the show which drops every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Shotgun Start has built a strong community of listeners who have embraced the banter between the co-hosts and helped turn it into a shared language online. Now a few years into that production journey, Porath and Johnson continue to raise expectations for how new age golf media can deliver compelling content.
Like many guests on this show, Porath and I have connected on Twitter and it was great to have an extensive conversation with him here. During our discussion we talked about his career journey, the success of The Shotgun Start, the state of the professional game, and why we both love squeezing in a late evening round of golf. There were quite a few good golf media takes as well.
Porath has carved a great place for himself in golf's media landscape and I'm confident he will continue to be one of the voices who shapes its ongoing evolution. It was great to catch up with him and I'm looking forward to when we can enjoy some golf together sometime soon. Until then, I'll keep laughing to he and Andy and enjoying his lovely words on golf.
Be sure to follow Brendan Porath on Twitter at @BrendanPorath and subscribe to The Shotgun Start podcast.
Thanks as always for listening to Mid-Am Crisis. The show is brought to you by my friends at Imagine Golf - the #1 app for the mental game. Download Imagine Golf today and start your journey to an improved way of thinking on and off the course. https://www.imaginegolf.com/
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JayRevell and find more or my work at https://jayrevell.com/
If you enjoy the show, I would love for you to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Cheers,
-J
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