Course Record Show

Toptracer built the technology that lets viewers follow golf shots on TV. Now, the company is bringing that tech to driving ranges around the world. Scott Blevins talks about Toptracer’s product evolution, where Topgolf fits in, what’s next for range tech, his unique career path, and how he thinks about partnerships across golf.

Beau Welling joins CRS to talk about whether the current golf course renovation boom is warranted or driven by FOMO,  and how land planning fits into his design business. He also discusses designing the green and virtual holes for TGL, what golf can learn from curling, and gives updates on major projects at Kiawah and Lake Oconee.

Jeehae Lee returns to The Course Record Show five years after her first appearance to talk about the evolution of SportsBox AI, how the entrepreneurial journey compares to playing pro golf, and the company’s recent acquisition by Bryson DeChambeau’s investment fund.

Roberto recaps the week, previews Sunday, and talks data & tech impact at Aronimink. 

Roberto talks Day 1 at Aronimink, then dives into the connectivity required to power the PGA Championship. Kevin Lawson explains how T-Mobile’s 5G network supports broadcast, operations, ticketing, point of sale, IoT devices, and more across a temporary venue and how that same approach could extend well beyond sports.

Roberto shares notes from the course and what to watch for as the PGA Championship gets started, then talks with Kaitlyn Nelson about what the data is revealing from the early-week fan experience. Kaitlyn explains the tech stack, how the team connected various data sets, and the value that creates for the PGA of America, fans, sponsors, vendors, and more. Plus, predictions.

Quick observations from a day 1 at Aronimink, followed by a conversation with Ryan Decker from CapTech on how he’s working with the PGA to use live data and AI to “produce” the fan experience. Personalized itineraries, IoT cameras, and instant alerting are helping manage crowds, concessions, safety, and operations across the entire event. 

We kick off PGA Championship week with Rob Smith of the PGA of America. Rob shares how PGAA is upgrading the fan experience by using data to improve operations, better serve fans at home and on-site, and create new revenue opportunities across one of golf’s biggest championships. Look for more episodes this week from Aronimink. 

Kyle Porter is the founder of Normal Sport - an old school media company for golf's new era. We talk about why he regularly updates his readers on how his business is doing, why he started Normal Sport, how things take time to become what they are, and why stories and meaningful outcomes are so impactful. Links Referenced in Our Conversation: Latest Update on Normal Sport Biz: https://www.normalsp...

Jared Henzlik has seen every corner of the golf merchandise world. Started as a PGA Professional, worked at Ralph Lauren in the heyday, before going to the cathedral of golf merch: The Masters. After that Jared leaned into the Ops side of the business at a pair of fast growing brands before landing in the Ozarks where he leads retail for Big Cedar Lodge. Big Cedar is owned by Johnny Morris, of Bas...

David Southworth has been developing luxury golf communities since the early 90’s when he and Paul Fireman started with a property in Cape Cod. Their motto through booms and busts: “Do What Makes Sense” Since then David has built communities in Puerto Rico, Arizona, Scotland, Bahamas and more - with a focus on two things: Creating an experience that excites people and motivates them to invest in a...

Dan Van Horn shares how one cut-down 8-iron and a mission to help families spend more time together launched a 28-year journey building US Kids Golf. We talk engineering mindset, the realities of inventory and cash flow, the importance of making work fun, and how that vision grew into a global tournament series, owning a golf course in Pinehurst, and a 2026 Georgia Golf Hall of Fame induction.

Thomas McHardy, VP of Team Marketing and Business Operations at TGL, talks about the different strategies TGL teams have used to establish an identity, acquire fans, and build franchises from scratch. He shares lessons learned from his time working on global expansion at the NFL, and the common trait he sees among successful Sports franchise owners. 

Jon explains how data, technology, and AI are reshaping how sports are created, broadcast, and experienced - from immersive formats like TGL to personalized fan journeys. He emphasizes bold innovation, aligned partnerships, and rapid experimentation and shares a practical perspective on where sports tech is headed and how organizations can stay ahead. Jon is a Principal at CapTech where he leads t...

AJGA Chief Business Officer Jason Etzen describes how the AJGA has focused on long-tenured leadership, stable governance, and commitment to a clear mission. Only one‑third of revenue comes from it’s 10K+ member families and the remainder from sponsors and donations. AJGA has distributed close to $10M in grants. Etzen emphasizes the AJGA’s commitment to championship‑level tournaments, high player s...

In the first edition of Quick 9 —a shorter, more focused version of the Course Record Show—I sit down with Kris Hart, who run innovation at the PGA of America. Kris talks EP Golf Ventures , the organization’s dedicated innovation fund, and how they evaluate opportunities at the intersection of golf, technology, and business. The conversation explores the challenge of separating passion projects fr...

In this episode we connect with Jamie Ledford, President of Golf Pride.  We discuss the golf grip industry, how the product is positioned for golfers, supply chain issues and Jamie's unique career trajectory.  You'll likely think differently about your golf grip after hearing Jamie speak.  Enjoy, tell a friend and subscribe for future content!

In this episode we talk to Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA).  Jay represents the supply side of the golf industry, helping owners and operators collaborate on joint issues that are relevant to the business.  We discuss tee times, the complex governance in golf, congressional hearings and even daylight savings time.  Enjoy!

Michael Jolly is Director of Tour Operations for Cleveland/Srixon Golf.  In our conversation, we cover a lot of what goes on behind the scenes at every TOUR stop, how OEMs spot players to contract as ambassadors and the role that professional golf plays in reaching the general golfing public.  Enjoy!

Matt Welter is CEO of Dormy House (www.dormydevelopment.com), a real estate development company focused on destination golf.  Matt's story as a caddie and relationship with Mike Keiser (owner of Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley and Cabot Cape Breton) led to him solving an underappreciated problem in the golf industry.  Matt shares his vision, founding story and how he sees the housing shortage problem fo...

In this episode, Chad Mumm joins Roberto for an in-depth conversation.  Chad shares some behind the curtains views of Full Swing (where he is the Executive Producer), the development of his company Pro Shop and how he sees the opportunity for golf entertainment for the years ahead. Full Swing season 3 drops on Netflix on February 25, 2025.

Golf business stories from 2024, plus some inside the ropes talk. We talk TOUR, LIV, DP World (3:30), big job openings across golf (5:40), Scottie/Xander/Rory (11:00), Nelly/Hovland/Ludvig/Clanton (17:00), Creator/Influencers/SimGolf Market (23:30), and finally...Castro gets back inside the ropes! (31:00).  Thanks to Holderness & Bourne for the support!  Subscribe if you enjoy!

Roberto speaks to Joe Assell, Founder and CEO of Golftec.  Joe shares his journey from PGA Professional to Founder, the expansion of Golftec, how digital plays a role in the company's future plans and more.  Enjoy!

In this episode, Roberto and Dan break down the highlights from the past season in golf and share some of the developments they're looking to keep an eye on over the offseason.

In this episode, we cover the renovation at East Lake Golf Club and the implications for the TOUR Championship.  Chad Parker (GM and President, East Lake Golf Club) and Alex Urban (Executive Director, TOUR Championship) give us their views on how the renovation impacts the club operations, what to look out for when watching the TOUR Championship and what clubs should think about when undergoing su...