Behind the Golf Brand Podcast with Paul Liberatore

Send us a text Whoosh is a modern, cloud-based software platform designed to revolutionize operations and activity management for private clubs, golf courses, and entertainment venues. Launched in 2022, Whoosh addresses the long-standing challenges faced by the industry, which has traditionally relied on outdated, on-premise systems that are cumbersome and inefficient. By offering a tablet-centric, intuitive interface, Whoosh untethers staff from fixed workstations, enabling them to engage directly with members and guests across the property. The platform streamlines workflows by automating and simplifying core business functions such as tee time booking, lesson scheduling, payment processing, and member communication. Its robust analytics tools provide insights into guest behavior and spending patterns, empowering clubs to optimize operations and enhance hospitality. Whoosh’s enriched member rosters equip staff with detailed information, helping create personalized experiences that make every guest feel valued. Whoosh’s rapid adoption is fueled by its focus on solving real operational pain points, such as reducing revenue loss and saving significant staff time-often over 20 hours per week. The company has achieved strong traction, boasting high customer retention and expanding into public courses and “eatertainment” venues through strategic partnerships, including with Square for seamless payment integration. Led by founders with deep expertise in both golf and technology, Whoosh continues to innovate, aiming to set new standards for digital transformation in the leisure and recreation industry. Its vision is to deliver best-in-class, integrated solutions that modernize club operations, improve communication, and elevate both staff efficiency and member satisfaction. Support the show

Send us a text Pins & Aces is a dynamic and innovative golf accessories and apparel brand founded in 2017 by Nicklaus Mertz and Jonathan Major. The company emerged from a shared passion for golf and a desire to revolutionize the game with stylish, functional, and high-quality products. Headquartered in Arvada, Colorado, Pins & Aces has grown rapidly from a small online venture into an international brand known for its bold designs and unique approach to golf gear. The company initially gained traction by addressing a gap in the market for creative and durable driver headcovers. Their early designs featured state flags and patriotic themes, which resonated with golfers seeking personalized accessories. Since then, Pins & Aces has expanded its offerings to include colorful polo shirts, pullovers, gloves, towels, golf bags, and quirky items like beer sleeves and magnetic speakers. Their products emphasize self-expression on the course while maintaining top-tier craftsmanship and functionality. Pins & Aces thrives on innovation, regularly launching limited-edition collaborations with popular franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants and South Park. In 2024, they acquired Edel Golf, a renowned custom-fitting golf club company, further diversifying their portfolio to include premium equipment alongside accessories. The brand’s direct-to-consumer model has been pivotal to its success, with 80% of sales occurring online. However, Pins & Aces also boasts wholesale accounts with major retailers like Golf Galaxy and PGA Tour Superstore. As their popularity grows internationally, particularly in Japan and South Korea, Pins & Aces continues to redefine golf culture for a younger, more diverse audience. People mentioned Support the show

Send us a text Sqairz Golf Shoes, founded in 2019 by Bob Winskowicz, are a groundbreaking innovation in golf footwear designed to enhance performance through balance, stability, and swing speed. The idea for Sqairz originated on a New England driving range, where Winskowicz noticed improved stability while wearing square-toed dress shoes. This realization led to years of research into biomechanics, ground force reaction, and foot movement, culminating in the creation of Sqairz golf shoes. The defining feature of Sqairz shoes is their patented square toe design, which provides golfers with more room for their toes to sit naturally and improves balance by increasing ground contact area. This wider base under the ball of the foot enhances stability during swings, optimizing energy transfer and boosting accuracy and distance. Independent tests have shown that wearing Sqairz shoes can increase swing speed by up to 2.9 mph, translating into additional yardage. Sqairz shoes prioritize comfort, performance, and style. They feature waterproof materials for durability, breathable designs for comfort, and innovative "Sta-Put" laces that remain tied throughout a round of golf. Endorsed by PGA Tour legends like Sir Nick Faldo and John Daly, Sqairz has gained credibility as a performance-driven brand. The company is expanding its technology into other sports while maintaining its commitment to revolutionizing golf footwear with science-backed innovation. Support the show

Send us a text MNML Golf, founded in 2020 by Sam Goulden, emerged as a revolutionary brand in the golf industry with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and minimalism. The company’s mission is to create high-quality, functional golf products while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Goulden, a former college golfer and golf instructor with over 20 years of experience, conceptualized MNML Golf after being inspired by a sticker in an Indonesian bathroom. This moment sparked the idea for a modern golf bag brand that would blend utility and simplicity with cutting-edge technology. MNML Golf bags are known for their lightweight design, durable construction using recycled materials, and eco-friendly features. For instance, the MR1 model incorporates recycled ripstop fabric made from 40 plastic bottles and includes innovative elements such as magnetic closures, solar-powered phone chargers, Bluetooth speakers, and thermal-lined cooler pockets. These features cater to the needs of modern golfers while reducing environmental impact. The bags are designed to be minimalist yet functional, offering a sleek aesthetic and practical storage solutions. The company also emphasizes sustainability through initiatives like its trade-it-forward program. Customers can trade in old golf bags for discounts on MNML products, which are then refurbished and donated to underserved junior golfers. MNML Golf has already contributed hundreds of bags to youth programs. Operating from its headquarters in Redondo Beach, California, MNML Golf fosters community engagement through open spaces where customers can interact with staff. With a commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, MNML Golf represents a forward-thinking approach in the sporting goods industry. Support the show

Send us a text ECCO Golf Shoes are a product of ECCO, a Danish footwear company founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy. Known for its innovative approach to shoemaking, ECCO emphasizes full control over the production process, from leather tanning to shoe manufacturing, ensuring high standards of quality, comfort, and durability. This vertically integrated model allows ECCO to produce premium footwear that is sold in over 100 countries worldwide. The brand's journey into golf began in 1996 when Toosbuy and his son-in-law, inspired by their new interest in the sport, decided to create golf shoes that prioritized comfort and performance. Early collaborations with professional golfers like Thomas Bjørn helped establish ECCO Golf as a credible name in the sport. The company gained global recognition in 2010 when Fred Couples wore ECCO’s spikeless Golf Street shoes at The Masters, sparking a revolution in golf footwear. This event popularized hybrid golf shoes, which combine street-style aesthetics with on-course functionality. ECCO Golf is renowned for its technological innovations. Its signature Hydromax-treated leather ensures water resistance and durability, while FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology creates lightweight, flexible soles. The introduction of BIOM® technology further enhanced natural movement and comfort by mimicking the foot's anatomical shape. These advancements have made ECCO Golf Shoes a favorite among professionals and amateurs alike. Today, ECCO Golf continues to innovate with designs that blend functionality and style. Its commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship solidifies its position as a leader in the global golf shoe market. Support the show

Send us a text Live Forever Golf (LFG) is a golf lifestyle apparel brand founded in 2020 by four friends—Scott Toole, Matt Every, Scott Riley, and Lewis Price—in northeast Florida. The brand originated from a viral moment during the 2019 AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament when PGA Tour golfer Matt Every dramatically threw his wedge after a frustrating shot. This moment inspired the creation of LFG’s iconic logo, a silhouette of the club toss, symbolizing the raw emotions and passion inherent in golf. The company was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when the founders used the global pause to channel their creative energy into building a disruptive brand. Their mission was to design apparel that resonates with golfers while challenging traditional norms of golf fashion. The name "Live Forever Golf" was inspired by Matt Every’s tattoo, which references the Oasis song "Live Forever," reflecting the brand’s ethos of passion and timelessness. LFG embraces a relaxed, countercultural approach to golf apparel, offering stylish yet functional clothing for both on and off the course. Their product line includes hoodies, sun shirts, shorts, hats, and performance gear designed with comfort and versatility in mind. Operating predominantly online, LFG has rapidly grown its customer base while maintaining authenticity and customer-centric values. With plans to expand into pro shops and PGA Tour events, Live Forever Golf continues to redefine modern golf fashion while staying true to its roots in camaraderie and creativity. Support the show

Send us a text Floyd Arnold founded Full Swing Golf in 1986, and it's now grown into the biggest U.S. producer of multi-sport simulators, changing the way people play indoor golf with its cutting-edge tech. The company, now called Full Swing Simulators, runs its operations from Carlsbad, California, and leads the industry in sports technology innovation. Full Swing's tech has come a long way, moving from dual-tracking to tri-tracking, giving players the most realistic ball flight simulation you can get. You can play on the world's most famous courses and try out more than 30 different sports. They've combined high-speed cameras with infrared light technology to show exactly how you're hitting the ball and give you instant feedback. Some of golf's biggest names use Full Swing simulators, including Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, and Jason Day. They've also landed some impressive partnerships - they're now the Official Licensed Simulator of the PGA TOUR and work with TGL, a new high-tech golf league. Whether you're looking for home entertainment, a place to practice, or fun activities for the whole family, Full Swing has got you covered. Their simulators let you play on more than 84 championship courses and try out 13+ different sports. Bruin Capital saw Full Swing's potential and bought a controlling stake in 2021, hoping to turn it into something like Peloton but for golf. This move has helped Full Swing grow even stronger and explore new ways to innovate. Full Swing keeps pushing what's possible with golf simulation tech, changing how people practice and play golf no matter the weather or where they are. They've earned their reputation in golf tech by constantly innovating and partnering with top sports organizations and pro athletes. Support the show

Send us a text MGI Golf is the premier global authority in electric golf caddies, integrating cutting-edge technology with ergonomic design. Since its inception in 1993, the Australian owned and operated company has a formidable reputation built on experience, innovation, and quality of design. MGI Golf revolutionized the electric caddy industry through patented Gyroscope Straight Tracker technology, automatic downhill speed control, and durable lithium-ion batteries. MGI Golf successfully expanded into the North American market, beginning with the U.S. in 2018 and followed by Canada in 2023, and was named America’s No. 1 electric caddy by independent research. Support the show

Send us a text Swag Golf is a dynamic company that has been transforming the golf industry since its inception in 2018. Founded by Nick Venson, along with three friends, in Northbrook, Illinois, the company initially focused on creating unique putters and headcovers. Their bold approach to golf accessories quickly gained attention, leading to rapid growth and expansion into various product lines. Swag Golf's success can be attributed to its innovative designs, combining high-quality craftsmanship with limited-edition releases that resonate with a passionate community of golf enthusiasts. The company's headcovers, in particular, have become highly sought after, often selling out quickly due to their creative and pop culture-inspired themes. Beyond headcovers, Swag Golf is renowned for its precision-milled putters, which have been used by professionals on the PGA, Korn Ferry, and LPGA tours. Notably, Anna Nordqvist won the Women's British Open using a Swag putter, further solidifying the brand's reputation. Swag Golf has also ventured into licensing partnerships with major brands like MLB, WWE, and the NFL, expanding its reach beyond golf. This strategic approach has allowed the company to tap into collector psychology, leveraging limited-edition drops to drive sales and create a buzz around its products. With a strong online presence and strategic marketing, Swag Golf has managed to maintain its unique identity while challenging traditional golf industry norms. The company's growth is evident in its expansion from a small team to over 150 employees nationwide, with plans for a new headquarters. Swag Golf continues to innovate, offering golfers a fresh perspective on the game through its expressive and functional products. Support the show

Send us a text Fiori Golf is a modern sportswear brand that combines Italian heritage with the laid-back energy of Southern California's surf culture. Founded by Anthony Wagner, the brand aims to redefine golf style by offering timeless, quality garments that inspire golfers to express their personal style both on and off the course. The name "Fiori" translates to "flowers" in Italian, symbolizing growth and the idea of individuals blossoming through their passion for golf. Established in 2021, Fiori Golf targets a younger generation of golfers by blending creativity and style into its designs. The brand offers a wide range of clothing for both men and women, focusing on comfort and versatility. Their apparel is designed to be worn not just on the golf course but also in everyday life, making golf fashion more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Fiori Golf's mission is to grow the game of golf by showcasing its fun and stylish side. The brand emphasizes simplicity and professionalism in its designs, ensuring that its clothing is both fashionable and functional. By keeping up with trends and seasonal styles, Fiori Golf aims to attract new generations to the sport while maintaining a unique and laid-back aesthetic that reflects the California coastline's vibrant colors and earthy tones. Overall, Fiori Golf is changing the perception of golf attire by making it more stylish, comfortable, and inclusive for all who enjoy the game. Support the show

Send us a text Bob Parsons pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood to founding billion-dollar companies like GoDaddy and PXG. With refreshing candor, he reveals how writing his book fulfilled two missions: documenting his unique path for future generations and honoring the persistent requests from his Vietnam War brothers who remain close decades later. The conversation delivers priceless insights into Parsons' entrepreneurial mindset. "I always did stuff I loved," he explains, sharing his philosophy that passion unlocks opportunities money-chasers never see: "When you love something, it tells you all its secrets." This approach led him to walk away from a $50,000 bonus in 1985 (an enormous sum at the time) to launch his software company—a leap that netted him $250,000 that same year. Parsons' acquisition of Scottsdale National Golf Club showcases his ingenious problem-solving. When developers tried enforcing unwanted contractual memberships, he created "nighttime memberships" that could only be used an hour after sunset and had to end an hour before sunset—rendering them effectively worthless and solving his problem brilliantly. This story, like many others shared, demonstrates how Parsons consistently finds creative solutions where others see only obstacles. Perhaps most compelling is Parsons' remarkable ability to avoid worry—a trait he credits partially to his Vietnam experience. Unlike his anxiety-prone brother who "worried about everything," Parsons learned early to focus energy on solutions rather than fear. This mental discipline, alongside the profound sense of belonging he first experienced in the Marine Corps, formed the foundation of his success across multiple industries. Subscribe to hear more conversations with golf's most fascinating innovators and entrepreneurs who are reshaping the game we love. Your next round will be better for it! Support the show

Send us a text Hally Leadbetter is a multifaceted figure in the golf industry, known for her innovative approach to content creation and her passion for both golf and entertainment. Born in Orlando, Florida, she is the daughter of renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter. Hally's golf career flourished as she earned a scholarship to the University of Arkansas, where she began her collegiate golf journey. She later transferred to Rollins College, where she played a pivotal role in her team's victory at the 2016 NCAA Division II Championship. During her time at Rollins, she also developed her skills in media by working at the college radio station. After college, Hally transitioned into a career in media, starting as a social media coordinator at Golf Digest. She later worked with the PGA TOUR as a digital producer and host. Her ability to merge golf with humor and creativity has made her a standout in the industry. Hally has also co-founded Better Content Co., a production company focused on using comedy to help brands stand out on social media. Support the show

Send us a text The Byrd Golf Belt blends style and utility in a way that's changing how golfers think about their accessories. You can grab the regular model fo about $49 or the braided version for $59, turning what's usually just a basic belt into a handy golf tool. What makes this belt special? It's got clever built-in holders for all your golfing must-haves: tees, a divot tool, your golf glove, and a ball marker. You'll keep your pockets free while having everything you need right at your fingertips during your round. If you're looking for more than just belts, The Byrd's got you covered with gloves, divot tools (they call them "Clyps"), and various bundles. Between fast shipping, quality materials, and features that actually make your golf game better, The Byrd Golf Belt's proving to be a solid choice for golfers who want both practicality and style on the course. Support the show

Send us a text PUTTR is an AI-powered putting mat that's changing how we practice golf and making it more fun. While putting makes up 42% of your golf shots, most people find practice boring and lonely - that's exactly where PUTTR comes in, turning your practice into a game and connecting you with players worldwide. This mat's loaded with features to make practice better. You'll find 27 different tee spots from 3 to 11 feet, so you can switch up your routine. The AI technology tracks your performance and gives you real-time feedback and stats to help improve your game. What makes PUTTR really special is its games and challenges. It's got over 20 different ways to play, including fun modes like "On Fire," "The Lab," and "Beer Pong." You can practice on your own, challenge your friends, or compete with others online. Whether you're just playing for fun or taking your golf seriously, PUTTR works as both a training tool and gaming system. It's super easy to move and store - just roll up the ball return, power cord, and carpet into a compact box. PGA pros and teaching experts love how PUTTR adds real pressure and competition to practice. It's perfect for young golfers too, making it ideal for coaches and a fun way for kids to get into the game. Bottom line? PUTTR's making putting practice more fun, easier, and more effective - it'll probably change how you think about practicing your putting game. Support the show

In this week's episode I interview my good friend Jake Gordon, the Co-Founder & CEO of Noteefy, the fast-growing technology company helping golf operators fill tee time cancelations more easily. Noteefy (pronounced ‘notify’) has the first automated tee time assistant / waitlist for golfers and golf courses to improve the golfer booking experience, while accelerating course revenue and efficiency. The Noteefy booking assistant (technology is patent pending) enables golfers to input their personalized playing preferences, then get a real time notification when their desired tee time comes available. The golfer then books on the existing POS tee sheet as they normally would and the course keeps 100% of the revenue. Golfers never need to call again, and operators fill every desired tee time. Support the Show.

Nick Bradley’s journey to success began with a bang in 1994, when at 23 years old, he became the youngest director at the world renowned David Leadbetter Academy. His swift ascent through the academy’s ranks earned him a position as one of Leadbetter’s most trusted instructors, guiding golfers of diverse ages, handicaps, and swing patterns. Taking a bold leap in 2005, Bradley crossed the Atlantic from his native England to the United States, where he would ultimately establish himself as one of the most renowned and respected instructors on a global scale. His illustrious client list reads like a who’s who of golfing legends, including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, and Phil Mickelson. With a coaching resume boasting over 400 professional golfers, such as Justin Rose, Sir Nick Faldo, Captain Paul McGinley, and Seamus Power, Bradley is celebrated for transforming Rose’s career, propelling him from a modest ranking of 125 in the world to an impressive 5th. Beyond the fairways, Nick Bradley boasts an impressive track record as a two-time best-selling author, serving as a global authority on golf education for esteemed organizations like the Golf Union of Ireland, the PGA of Great Britain, The English Golf Union, and the Russian Golf Federation. Not limiting his expertise to professionals, Bradley extends his instruction to golfers of all levels and ages, driven by an ardent passion for helping people improve their game. Always willing to share his wealth of knowledge and experience, he stands as an approachable mentor for all who seek his guidance. A true trailblazer in the realm of golf instruction, Nick Bradley’s innovative methods have nurtured some of the finest golfers in the world. His legacy as a pioneering figure in the field is securely etched, with his techniques set to inspire golfers of all levels for many generations. Support the Show.

Chris Voshall, Mizuno product engineer and marketing manager Support the Show.

In this week's episode, I interview my good friend Brian Mogg, the coaching legend who coached YE Yang to victory against Tiger Woods in the 2009 PGA Championship, and one of Golf Digest’s top 100 for ten years in a row. Brian has taught an incredible 50,000+ lessons, and the results speak for themselves. His students have won ninety tour events. He was named one of Golf Digest’s Top 100 Teachers in America. He’s made Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers list for the past seventeen years. But one of his greatest achievements was helping Bart Bryant go from $200 thousand in earnings to $14 million in his later years. What’s so unique about Brian’s coaching style is that he has over two decades of inside-the-ropes professional experience, and he still competes at the highest level from time to time, giving him an invaluable 360-degree perspective. His Distance Quadrant has changed the way older golfers dial in their swings and gain distance with age. Support the Show.

In this episode, Paul talks with his good friend Clay Hood, the CEO and co-founder of Precision Pro Golf where they discuss how the company was formed, the difficulties of being a business owner, and all the cool new tech they have come out with within the past few years. Support the Show.

In this week's episode, I interview my good friend Eric Cogorno, renowned golf instructor with over 20,000 lessons under his belt and online instructor to over 200,000 players. With over 100k followers on Instagram and almost 300k on YouTube, Eric is the go-to source for golf instruction. His YouTube videos alone have amassed almost 75 million views. Eric has been featured in Forbes, and pioneered the behind-the-reverse Slice Sequence, the Closed Coil System, Lethal Lag, and many more training programs. Eric Cogorno’s dad inspired him to become a golfer when he was twelve. He always saw his father go out with his friends for a few rounds on the weekends, and, as most boys do, he wanted to be just like him. So, his dad bought him a junior set of clubs, and he got to work. By the age of eighteen, Eric was attending college at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and working at a local golf course. As fate would have it, one of the professional instructors came in one day and told him how he’d just made $50 from teaching a golf lesson. It wasn’t long after that that Eric decided he wanted to become a professional golf coach himself. Naturally, Eric began his coaching career at the Bethlehem Golf Club, eventually working his way up to assistant pro. In 2017, he started his very own online training sessions called Eric Cogorno Golf, where he uploads helpful how-to videos for golfers looking to fix their swings and fine-tune their mechanics. In the meantime, Eric has kept the pedal to the metal, pioneering game-changing online training programs like the Support the Show.