The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf

On this very special episode I speak with Dr. Joseph Parent, author of the best selling book Zen Golf. Dr. Joe has been a PGA tour instructor for the last 35 years has changed the way golf is taught through Buddhist philosophies and meditation. Dr. Joe, who holds his Ph.D. in psychology, has helped PGA and LPGA pros like Vijay Singh and Christy Kerr become the number one ranked golfers in the world.

In this episode, we spoke with the founder of the RGV Tour, Patrick Koenig. On January 31, 2018, Patrick set out in his appropriately named “recreational golf vehicle” to play as much golf as humanly possible in every U.S. state and raise money for the First Tee in greater Seattle. Listen in on our conversation and see why Patrick’s refreshing take on golf makes him one of our favorite people in the game.

In this episode of the Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, we spoke with Maxwell Evans, PGA teaching professional at SmartGolf & Fitness in Chicago. Max represents the next wave of instructors who utilize tools like Trackman, fitness regimens, and the Internet to help golfers of all skill levels improve their game. But Max is one of the best instructors you’ll meet --- for his great attitude toward his role, his deep knowledge of the swing and the game, and most of all, his focus on keeping golf fun and enjoyable for everyone.

In this episode, our guest is Mike Harmon, PGA professional, and the director of golf at Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, South Carolina. When we asked Mike to highlight some of his golf accomplishments throughout his career, we didn’t expect the list to take up two full pages. I hope you enjoy our conversation to learn how Mike upholds some of golf’s oldest traditions while also thinking forward to how we can make the game of golf more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

In this episode we’re speaking with Carrie Williams, the executive director of the Illinois section for the PGA of America. As the largest sports organization in the world, the PGA of America runs some of the largest PGA events you’ve already heard of -- the PGA and Senior PGA Championship, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and, of course, the Ryder Cup. Carrie has a deep connection to the game of golf, ever since she showed up at a junior golf clinic in her teenage years and went on to work at her local municipal course. Now, she leads the Illinois section as Executive director after being in the business for nearly 20 years.

When traveling to Ireland to play the oldest and most well-known golf clubs in the world, one might stand out: Royal County Down. I've played it twice before, but this time was unique and special because I had the honor of having Mr. Kevin Dorrian on the bag for 36 holes. Take a listen to Kevin’s story and the majestic beauty of golf in Ireland.

Our first guest on the NewClub podcast is Don Pieper, PGA, the general manager and director of golf at the Merit Club in Libertyville, Illinois. Hear about how Don got into the golf business, why he’s referred to as “The Don,” and what it was like officiating a match between Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

Some analysts say the golf business is dwindling. Others contest that after years of decline, the industry has stabilized and is now positioned for a resurgence. Regardless of what the stats show, the golf industry will always need creative and innovative leaders to keep golf interesting and enjoyable for all of us. Leaders like Steve Skinner, CEO of KemperSports, who joins us on today’s episode.