LOVE + GOLF: Recent Episodes
Michael
Golf is more than a game or weekend hobby, it’s an activity that helps us form relationships with others and (above all) ourselves. It is a medium to living the good life - a sport that instills solid values and morals... as the legendary Bobby Jones once said “Golf is the closest game to the game we call life.” It's my pleasure to welcome you to the love and golf podcast, a collection of stories told by those who love the game and our unique relationship with it. Here tales will be told of how we found golf, or it found us, and the profound impact this passionate affair has had on our lives and in turn the world.
Robert Brunner co-founded Devereux, a premiere lifestyle apparel brand for golfers everywhere. Devereux first launched in 2013 to bring a fresh take on what was the stale world of golf… and over the years has evolved, significantly.
I remember first encountering Robert’s creations at the 2017 PGA Show, I noticed a hat that read G*LF… and another famous quote printed on the back of shirts that you may have seen… PLAY MORE * COMPLAIN LESS...
From Devereux’s iconic and fun characters to their brand collaborations with international names like Michelob Ultra, it’s hard not to see Robert’s influence on the game of golf.
In this episode, I’m excited to dive into his story, what it was like starting Deveruex, and advice he has for other entrepreneurs in the golf space…
Ube aka @UbeWolf is one if the most authentic, genuine, and talented content creators I’ve ever met and had the pleasure of working with. His eye and creativity for cinematography, photography, and storytelling is incredible.
If you’ve been in/around the golf industry for the past few years, it’s NO SURPRISE the industry has seen an influx of content creators and influencers…. NOW, I have no problem with this, ZERO… the attention it puts on the game and thus introducing golf to new audiences is terrific…. BUT, and here’s my but… I do have a small issue with those who are inauthentic and don’t appreciate the game and its magic… They’re simply using golf and it’s popularity for “CLICKS”.
UBE IS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF THIS… He’s worked with some of the biggest names in golf, like Malbon, Wilson Golf, LA Golf, and Students Golf, and he’s inside the ropes at prestigious golf tournaments making content.
He and I met last year (online), but the second I saw his work, I knew he was going places and I’m just glad to be along for the ride. In this episode, I’m excited to share his love affair with golf, where he sees the future of content marketing and his origin story! I hope this inspires you as much as it did me.
In this episode, we learn about how @jakehuttgolf transitioned from hockey to golf, started his unique PGA teaching practice, and how golf was the ultimate cheat code that helped him launch his latest business.
Jake is the FIRST teaching professional to come on LOVE+GOLF, but he's not your ordinary PGA Pro... He will help you “SUCK LESS” (his words) via his unique method of lulling you into a better swing with his fun lyrics and voice.
@jakehuttgolf's communication style and vibrant personality truly simplify the swing and its complicated mechanics. He also does it in a way that’s fun and digestible. On top of producing rare and highly entertaining pieces of social content, Jake is also an entrepreneur - Co-Founder of Drive Box, a mobile golf simulator.
This episode covers a lot of ground, we hope you enjoy it.
Jacques Slade (AKA @kustoo) has built a LARGE following online. He’s one of, if not the GO-TO reviewer of sneakers. His resume would read musician, composer, producer, YouTuber, and most recently GOLFER!
Before Jacques became one of the most influential people in the sneaker world, he was grinding, doing whatever he had to, to follow his passions while making a living.
His story of how he went from being fired from his job to attaining over 1 Million Subscribers is remarkable. He is living proof that every breakdown can cause a breakthrough! Couple that with his love for golf and how it’s helped him in his life, this chat made for one heck of an episode!! are in for one heck of an episode.
Landon is my "oldest" friend, he and I grew up playing AYSO Soccer, Baseball, and (yes) even golf together. Landon started his career (like many of us) jumping into the corporate working world right out of college... From running marketing campaigns for AEG to financial planning and someone who invests in rare metals and coins, Landon has dabbled in an array of business verticals before spawning his "alter ego" AKA the golf fiend: PAROUTMAN.
Prior to the pandemic, Landon loved golf. This love had him pick up a camera to capture the beauty of the sport and the people who played it. Over the years, his skill began to sharpen like a finely tuned prison shank (joking)... but seriously, what started out as a hobby gave way to client work from some of the biggest names in golf and some athletes who call golf a "job"!!!
There's a lot to learn from Landon's story and journey, we hope you enjoy the episode.
Alex Melillo is a golf fanatic, someone who literally eats, breathes, and lives the game! He not only loves it but he also truly appreciates it and all its magic and gifts.
Professionally, Alex has quite an impressive resume, investing, founding, and being an active executive in companies like TOKR, Platform International, Chido, and a brand you may have heard of MALBON GOLF.
Alex and I met at the PGA TOUR SHOW in 2019 and immediately hit it off... This was months before MULLIE launched but he quickly supported the idea and offered to help in any way he could. Alex’s generosity and kindness are a true testament to his upbringing and the values and morals his family and likely golf instilled.
I'm excited for Alex to share some entrepreneurial advice, fun stories of the early days at MALBON, and the success of his latest venture, CHIDO!
The world of golf is expanding (what seems like) EVERY second… New apparel lines, lifestyle companies, and brands from other industries tapping into golf’s popularity…
With all this growth, so too comes an influx of athletes, content creators, and influencers. Now, I’m all about growing the game and spreading its love (DUH) but it does IRK me a little when I see new internet creators fake the funk and claim to be golfers when they have no idea what they’re doing…
My next guest is the EXACT opposite of that! Sabrina has been golfing since she was a kid, LONG BEFORE the golf boom took place…. Playing high school golf to then earning a spot on the Barry University golf team…
Sabrina is a SELF-PROCLAIMED dramatic golfer… Her passion and love for the sport have propelled her to be one of the dominant YouTube golfers on the internet.
This woman not only has game, she has fire, passion, and a zest for life!!
Social media is how we get our news, keep up with trends, stay in touch with friends, and become HEAVILY influenced by strangers and oftentimes convinced into trying and or buying something new...
My next guest is an expert in this world. Sean (@golfballed) has not only grown one of the largest golf accounts to date, but he’s also the co-founder of one of the most dominant agencies in the sport that connects brands to content creators, @digitalgolfcollective!
Sean’s love for golf had him start the social account @golfballed without any inclination it would turn into a business… As a few years go by, seeing the power of that account, he had the foresight to start an agency, Digital Golf Collective, that represents other influential accounts and connect them to brands that could use the exposure!
Sean is a savvy businessman, sharp-minded creator, but above all an amazing human! I couldn’t be more excited to have Sean on and dive into his love story with golf and the magic that his relationship with it created.
Chris’s love for sneakers and golf has given way to a movement, brand, and company. There's NO question (or debate) about how rapidly golf has grown over the last few years. This expansion has spawned a number of new businesses, creators, and brands… But where did this growth come from? Well, there are a variety of factors but one of them is certainly the influence of pop/sneaker culture…
My next guest, and his business, is the epitome of golf-sneaker culture. Chris Whitehead is inspiring and cultivating the golf world one sneaker at a time. His page and business (@TeeUpKicksWithChris) encourage diversity and community in the game via an affinity for sneakers.
I’m excited to have Chris on to share his love story with golf.
My next guest is Alec Lorenzo, Co-founder of Pinned Golf. Pinned launched in 2018 and over the last five years, Pinned Golf has transformed from a little side hustle into a full-time passion with hundreds of thousands of happy customers. This is Alec's story of how he solved a problem and turned it into a successful business. We hope you enjoy it.
We all know, the famous saying “A Jack of All trades is a master of none…” Well, if you listen to the full version, it actually goes: "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
My next guest is someone who inspires me on a daily basis. Trevor is the Founder & CEO of DAYCLUB, one of the fastest-growing female-focused golf lifestyle brands on the market. She is a remarkably talented woman. She has had success in a variety of different industries ranging from real estate to music/entertainment. Her brilliant entrepreneurial mind has helped her succeed as a general contractor, being the GC of multiple multi-million dollar development properties… AND… her ambitious personality coupled with her love for music landed her in the recording studio with Brad Paisley, being a vocalist on one of his albums!
Fast forward a bit, like many of us, Trevor fell in love with OUR muse formerly known as Golf. While injecting herself into the community she noticed a void in the industry. That’s when her entrepreneurial mind and spirit kicked into hyperdrive. This is her story and the brilliant creations have come from her affair with the game. We hope you enjoy.
Life throws "curve balls" at us (pun intended) from time to time, it's how we handle those "pitches" that make up our life's story. My next guest was a first-round draft pick of the MLB Pittsburgh Pirates and when things didn't go as planned, Bobby Bradley was forced to build a different life and embark on a new career path.
Bobby (AKA @Long.Drivers) leaned on his love for golf and that affair spawned multiple businesses and business opportunities. He has 15 (yes, 15) World Long Drive World Championship appearances, and has helped fundraise at over 1,100 corporate, celebrity, and charity golf events - raising millions of dollars for charity.
Most recently, he has leveraged his passion and love for golf to fuel several ventures within the golf industry - Winning Ticket, Golf Cloud, and Royalty Sports. Bobby's path to success and story of resilience is fascinating, we hope you enjoy it.
You may look at Casandra Meyer (aka @cassmarie_b) and see lucrative sponsorship deals, a jet-setting golfer attending all the premiere events, and a flourishing golf career ranging FROM long drive competitions to PXG brand activations and think to yourself… DAMN, this girl has it made…
Your right! She does have it made… But let me tell you, DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER. This woman has worked her @$$ off, overcoming breakdowns and obstacles at every turn. Cassandra or @cassmarrie_b as you may know her, is THE PRIME example of hustle, patience, and persistence. She truly has leaned into her breakdowns which has helped her breakthrough. I’m inspired by her and her story… and we're excited to share this all with you…
Sam Horsfield is a phenomenal golfer, like REALLY F*CKING GOOD! Before he was recruited to play on LIV, his golfing days started at the ripe age of 5! He possessed a natural talent for the sport, beating Ian Poulter over nine holes at the age of 14, leaving his older compatriot calling him “the best young player I’ve played with.”
Sam was a standout player at the University of Florida, where he won multiple college events. He turned pro in 2017 and quickly established himself as one of the sport’s rising stars. Sam's golf accomplishments include 3 European Tour wins, a Palmer Cup victory, and multiple Major appearances. Recently, he joined LIV playing with Majesticks GC alongside Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, and Ian Poulter.
What's more impressive than Sam's golf game is his personality and kind nature. Sam and I got to play 9-holes together and his love story with golf was one I had to share! We hope you enjoy it.
This episode has entrepreneurial teachings, key business insights, and some laughs! Andrew Marler, former D1 golfer and current 0 index, would likely tell you he doesn’t “LOVE LOVE” the game like many of us… BUT… he certainly respects it and wants to spread golf’s magic. Before Andrew teamed up with his business partners (AKA WIFE & BROTHER) to build their multi-million dollar company, Robin Golf, he went to go work for a small tech start-up called Facebook (yeah, that one). Andrew cut his teeth learning sales and business within that corporate giant… he was able to establish skills and an understanding of how to reach consumers that would help him with his current venture.
In 2018 Andrew, Ali, and Peter, saw a HUGE void in the golf market. Fast forward 4 years later, the three of them co-founded ROBIN GOLF, one of the fastest-growing businesses that help make golf more inclusive for new golfers!
You (likely) know Alissa AKA @newladygolfer from social media. She is a popular golf media personality and tv/event host. What you probably didn't know is that just a few years ago she was a collegiate soccer player that has NO interest in playing golf…
Alissa has quite the success story - how a former high school teacher makes a bold move across the country, has no idea what she’s doing (her words), picks up a golf club, and now works in golf media…
That’s the funny thing about golf and our relationship with it (like any relationship), showing up and committing spawns a lot of magic… We likely can't see the magic, learning lessons, and fortune that lies ahead, so, it makes it hard to make initiate a “blind leap of faith”.
Alissa is a total badass and respected figure in the golf community. It was fun sharing her inspirational story and hope you're able to take some positive takeaways from our conversation. We hope you enjoy it.
Channing's rise to success isn't what you'd think... his humble beginnings working golf retail and how he started his own business are (for lack of a better word) inspirational. There's A LOT we can ALL take away from his story and how the recipe of "be a good human + stay passionately patient + keep grinding = SUCCESS"!!
CB is one of the most well-known photographers who shoot exclusives for some of the most well-known courses around the world - including Pebble Beach Golf Links. When you look at his portfolio you may think he's got it made! Well, you're not wrong but HOW he earned this life isn't for the faint of heart. Channing not only put in the work but he also took a lot of risk and was incredibly patient. This was not an overnight success.
This was a deep dive into his path, some "woo WOO" spiritual vision boarding, and the entrepreneurial grind. We hope you enjoy it.
Ryan Rottman has made a career in Hollywood, from acting and producing to investing in start-ups with his peers. Recently, Ryan teamed up with a close friend, Aaron Rodgers, to start & launch OSDB (A.K.A. IMDB for athletes)! How does this relate to golf? WELL, these two business partners met (you guessed it) on the course. If it wasn't for golf this venture may never have been... Ryan's love for golf started long before playing with QB12 or even moving to Los Angeles! Ryan grew up (like a lot of us) playing with his family, spending quality time with his dad back in his home state of Texas. In this episode we dive into his love story and how it helped him not only become a successful Hollywood professional but also help launch his new business, OSDB. We hope you enjoy it.
Travis Miller (AKA @parkinglotpro) is the creator & mastermind behind @PGAMEMES, as well as a Digital Marketing & Social Media Specialist who’s leveraged his talents to not only grow his own business but also the golf industry!
When we think of building a business we all have romantic ideas of what it could become… the colossal impact we could have and the behemoth it could grow into... When Travis Miller started PGA Memes, he had no idea if a golf meme page would grow into the media company it is today… Travis is a GREAT example that there’s magic in starting… to just begin somewhere and grow organically. To follow your passion but also not quit your day job…
What first started as memes have now EVOLVED into a globally known golf media brand with several operations. Our host (@michaelzerah) sat down with Travis to dive into what golf means to him and how he gives back to the community...
If you want to build a brand and/or business, you NEED a strong social media presence. Social media is the 21st Century business card! I was able to sit down with one of the most talented & creative minds in the social media space, Sam Stamey, who is the SMM for Wilson Golf. In this episode, Sam shares some insights, tips, and tricks on how you can help your own social accounts, no matter how big or small you may be...
If you look at Wilson Golf's online social presence you can (without a doubt) see the transformation their brand has taken, from how they showcase their new innovative products using reels to adopting a new/younger platform like TikTok. Surely, there are other team members that help with strategy & direction, but thanks to Sam's talents and vision, Wilson Golf's social media presence is a force, helping resurrect the public image of a legacy golf brand. I appreciate Sam taking the time out of his busy calendar to share with us.
Scotty Tolley holds numerous titles: Manager to Jack Nicklaus, Father of three, Husband, Philanthropist, Journalist, Advisor, and many more... BUT the title he wears most proudly is "GOOD HUMAN." I had the pleasure of meeting Scott 6 years ago (on the golf course) and over the course of 4-hours of getting to know him, I was amazed not only by the stories and life he has lived but also by the size of his heart and extreme kindness a man of his stature has! We remain friends to this day and I was excited to have him on to share some (not all) of his love story with golf, what the game means to him and his family, and how he gives back to the community. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording!
P.S. I saved this episode for Masters Week as Scott and I both share a deep connection to the Masters in many ways. This is a small token of my appreciation for this man and all he has done for me and my life. Thank you, Scott.
Tony sits down with our host, Michael, to discuss his latest entrepreneurial pursuit Radry, and how his love of golf helped him overcome a very challenging obstacle in his life. Tony is a creative genius and branding expert. He has been a part of multiple successful merch companies. From his time as Creative Director at Random Golf Club to Co-Founding Routine, his artistic renderings have blessed garments all across the globe. We hope you enjoy this dive into his story, what golf means to Tony, and how it's fueled his passion for life, love, and family.
Ryan Rustand (A.K.A. Coach) has one of the most remarkable "success stories"! For those on the outside looking in, you may see someone who has it all together, making content, art, trick shots, and more... ABSOLUTELY THRIVING. You're not wrong, but what you don't see is the struggle, the breakdowns, and the path he took to get here. We sat down, dove in (deep), and appreciate Ryan sharing his authentic story with us. There's so much in here, I hope you enjoy it!
Sonny and I met YEARS ago, having fun, and making memes, all during a difficult time over the pandemic. We used golf humor to alleviate stressful times. Sonny shares how he turned his love for golf mixed with his humorous personality into a thriving brand and business. He (like a lot of us) loves the game and used familiarity + passion to fuel a creative business pursuit. I hope you enjoy it!
How a brotherly bond and a creative spirit spawned one of the coolest golf brands to date! Sugarloaf Social Club Co-Founder, Ian Gilley, shares his story of how he combined his love for the game with his unique artistic abilities to create something special. This is a longer chat, but there were a lot of great learning lessons and fun in this discussion. Hope you enjoy it!
Finding love for Golf "The Muse" is easy... but like most romantic relationships (at least the ones I've had) the passion and lust can fade! In this conversation, Tyler shares how this happened to him and what he did to renew the flame with Golf... CUE THE HALF-SET!!!! Hope you enjoy this conversation.
In this episode, we dive into how Javier started his "side-hustle" SuperSwings, all while managing his architectural career. Javier is a great example of how we can start "that" business/idea/project at night and/or on weekends... that's there's SO MUCH magic in just starting something and sticking with it. Spoiler alert, SuperSwings is now a thriving business with some new and exciting developments taking shape!
Cole fell in love with golf at a young age. His love affair with the game took him on a radical journey, from playing competitively to starting his own golf brand. In this conversation, we dive into his relationship with the sport, the interesting people that have mentored him, and the vision he has for his own company - Metalwood Studio.