DRIVERS: Inside the Golf Industry

Monday's announcement of Noteefy's acquisition of Metolius is more than a combination of two of the more innovative golf facility operations tech providers, it's a bringing together of two forward thinking organizations that have captured the attention of many of the industry's leading facility operators.  In this special edition of Driver$, Sports and Leisure Research Group Pr...

Sports and Leisure Research Group President Jon Last is joined by ClubGrub Founder, Spencer Potter for a look at how technology is literally meeting golfers "where they are" with a tech enabled F&B delivery solution that is helping golf courses increase profitability while improving customer service.

Amos Stephens and Vicky Urbina bring great passion and thoughtful operational strategies to their golf facility in Wasilla, Alaska. They join Sports and Leisure Research Group's Jon Last and David Klein for a candid and eye-opening look at what it takes to deliver a premium golf experience in our 49th state.

Kyle Kalick has had a unique vantage point to discover what golfers want and need across varied experiences, including as a professional caddie at Kiawah Island's Ocean Course.  His start-up, Caddie Comfort has developed technically functional, premium soft goods at a fair price.  Sports & Leisure Research Group's Jon Last and David Klein sit down with the burgeoning entrepreneur for...

Hosts Jon Last and David Klein from Sports and Leisure Research Group dive deeply into the latest vital signs from new golf industry research that unpacks what lies ahead in 2026 and the underlying trends and attitudes behind them.

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 identifies those ideas that can become “diamonds in the rough.”

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 exceptional customer service.

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 major transformation with Sports & Leisure Research Group's Jon Last and David Klein.  It's a unique and inspiring look at golf resort ma...

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 Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein for a candid and insightful look at how he has channeled his passion for golf and an engineering background into an innova...

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. 

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 than NGCOA CEO Jay Karen, who joins Jon and David for an engaging and thoughtful discussion on where things may be headed and its implications for...

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 he has conquered, in a storied career at the top of one of the game’s most important administrative bodies.

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 instruction and largest employer of PGA Teaching professionals looks to the future upon its 30 year anniversary.

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.

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.

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.

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 working association of sports professionals. 

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 needs to go.

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.

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 doesn’t hold back.

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.

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.

Callaway Golf’s Jason Finley joins Jon Last and David Klein to discuss the evolution and future of golf ball and golf equipment marketing.

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. 

Legendary golf executive Jim Vincent reflects on a lifetime in the industry.