Most couples gravitate toward golf as a solo escape—Nick and Rachel Demps reveal how playing together transformed their relationship and created a movement. Discover how they turned a casual hobby into a platform inspiring couples worldwide to prioritize quality time, faith, and fun on the fairways.

In this episode, you'll learn how Nick’s journey from golf skeptic to couple’s golf ambassador started with a sneaker-lover’s curiosity fueled by a childhood dream. The Demps share how their shared passion has deepened their bond after 16 years of marriage, proving golf can be both a joyful and relationship-strengthening activity.

We break down the core principles behind Sticks and Halos Golf—a brand built on fun and faith—and how it’s inspiring couples to communicate, connect, and enjoy endless on-course adventures. Nick explains why starting small—beginning with putting and casual outings—creates a foundation for lifelong golf together. Kristy and Ed explore the importance of coaching, patience, and embracing the inevitable hilarious moments that make golf uniquely rewarding.

You’ll discover practical tips for couples just starting out: how to introduce golf without pressure, why coaching should always be mutual (but not for each other), and the secret to turning your golf outings into quality relationship time. Plus, insights into common challenges—like handling adversity and managing expectations—are coupled with stories of hole-in-ones, caddies, and trips abroad that reveal golf’s power to bring families and friends closer across generations and cultures.

Now’s your moment to redefine your relationship with golf—not as an escape, but as an experience that strengthens love, trust, and shared adventures. Perfect for couples new to golf or those looking to rekindle the joy of playing together, this episode is your ultimate game-changer. Hit play and see how you can transform your next round into a lasting memory.

Nick & Rachel can be found @stixandhalosgolf

In this engaging episode of the Drive & Grind Podcast, hosts Ed and Kristy sit down with Nick and Valerie Lapp, the vibrant couple behind the popular golf-themed social media presence, ForePlaySwingers. The episode explores the unique journey of Nick and Valerie, who met through a serendipitous Instagram message that led to a first date filled with sushi and conspiracy theories. Their story unfolds with humor and warmth as they recount how golf became a central part of their relationship, starting with a playful date at Topgolf. Despite Valerie's initial hesitation towards the sport, she quickly embraced it, turning golf into a shared passion that strengthened their bond.

The conversation delves into the therapeutic nature of golf for Nick, a military veteran, who finds solace and connection on the course. The couple shares candid insights into their dynamic, highlighting the importance of maintaining fun and lightheartedness in both their relationship and their golfing adventures. They discuss the challenges and joys of golfing together, from competitive moments to supportive teamwork, and how these experiences have enriched their partnership.

Nick and Valerie also touch on their creative endeavors, discussing their content creation journey and future plans to expand their golf adventures and collaborations. Their story is a testament to the power of shared interests in building a strong, loving relationship, and offers inspiration to couples looking to blend their passions with their personal lives.

Listeners are treated to a delightful mix of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and the infectious enthusiasm that Nick and Valerie bring to both their relationship and their love for golf. This episode is a celebration of love, friendship, and the joy of finding a partner who is also your best friend on and off the green.

Nick and Valerie can be found @foreplayswingers

In this engaging episode, El Jefe and Kristy take listeners on a journey through their golfing adventures, sharing personal stories and aspirations for the upcoming year. As they prepare for a VGA tournament in Myrtle Beach, they delve into their goals for improving their game, emphasizing the importance of having fun and tackling the mental challenges that come with golf.

El Jefe and Kristy reflect on their past experiences, recounting memorable moments on the course and the lessons they've learned along the way. They highlight the significance of setting goals, whether it's improving their short game, lowering their handicap, or simply enjoying the game more.

Throughout the conversation, the duo emphasizes the mental aspect of golf, sharing insights on how to maintain focus and resilience during challenging rounds. They discuss the importance of staying positive and not letting setbacks affect their enjoyment of the game. Kristy shares a humorous anecdote about a time when she declared, "I'm not having fun anymore," and how it impacted their round, reminding listeners to keep the fun in the game.

The episode also features exciting sponsorships from O2 Creations and Ballmarkers.com, offering listeners exclusive discounts on unique golf-themed gear and personalized accessories. El Jefe and Kristy discuss the value of having quality equipment and how it can enhance the golfing experience. They encourage listeners to check out these brands for their next golf outing.

As they look ahead to the VGA tournament, El Jefe and Kristy express their excitement about connecting with fellow veterans and participating in a national event. They share their strategies for preparing for the tournament, including focusing on their short game and staying mentally sharp. The conversation is filled with camaraderie and mutual support, showcasing the strong partnership they share both on and off the course.

In addition to their golfing goals, El Jefe and Kristy touch on the broader benefits of golf, such as the opportunity to explore new locations and enjoy the great outdoors. They discuss their plans to play in different states and the joy of discovering new courses with stunning backdrops. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of having a supportive partner, both in golf and in life, and how it can make the journey more enjoyable.

Join El Jefe and Kristy for this fun and insightful episode as they swing into 2026 with enthusiasm and determination. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or new to the game, there's something for everyone in this episode. Don't miss out on the exclusive offers from O2 Creations and Ballmarkers.com, and be sure to tune in for more golfing adventures and tips in future episodes.

@o2creationsllc

Ballmarkers.com - offer code EDKRISTY

Join us on this inspiring episode of Drive and Grind as we sit down with Hannah Bowen, a trailblazing PGA Advanced Professional golfer from Wales. Known for her passionate advocacy for inclusivity in golf, Hannah opens up about her unique journey from a young enthusiast joining every club she could find, to becoming a pivotal figure in making golf accessible to everyone. She shares her insights on overcoming socioeconomic and cultural barriers, and her dedication to working with junior golfers, women, and adaptive athletes. Hannah also discusses her unexpected foray into pageantry and how it complements her mission in sports. Listen in as we explore her heartfelt stories of how golf has transformed lives, her vision for the future of the sport, and her commitment to fostering a community where everyone can enjoy the game. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or new to the sport, Hannah's story is sure to inspire and motivate.

Hannah can be found on social media @hannahgolf96

Our sponsors:

- O2 Creations can be found @o2creationsllc

- Ballmarkers.com - offer code EDKRISTY = 10% off!

In this compelling episode of The Drive and Grind Podcast, El Jefe welcomes Ranson Evans, an Air Force veteran whose passion for golf has transformed his life and the lives of fellow veterans. Ranson shares his remarkable journey from military service to becoming a dedicated golfer, highlighting how the sport has become a therapeutic outlet and a source of community through his initiative, Boots to Birdies.

Listeners will be captivated by Ranson's story of discovering golf through PGA Hope, a program that offers veterans the chance to learn from PGA professionals. This introduction to golf not only provided Ranson with a new skill but also a new lease on life, helping him navigate the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. The episode delves into his creation of the Valor League, an indoor golf league designed to bring veterans together, fostering camaraderie and support through the shared love of the game.

Ranson's journey is not just about personal growth but also about giving back. Through Boots to Birdies, he has created a platform for veterans to connect, compete, and find solace on the golf course. The episode explores the impact of the Veterans Golf Association, offering competitive opportunities and a sense of belonging to those who have served.

As Ranson discusses his aspirations to lower his handicap, he also opens up about the importance of balancing his passion for golf with family life. With a newborn on the way, Ranson shares his hopes of introducing his child to the sport, envisioning golf as a bonding activity that can strengthen family ties.

Throughout the episode, El Jefe and Ranson engage in a heartfelt conversation about the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a passion later in life. They discuss the mental and physical benefits of golf, the joy of playing with a spouse, and the lessons learned from the game. Ranson's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the transformative nature of sports.

Whether you're a seasoned golfer or new to the game, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear how Ranson's dedication to golf has not only improved his own life but also created a ripple effect, positively impacting the veteran community. It's a story of resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of those who serve.

Ranson can be found cross-platform @boots2birdies

In this episode of Drive and Grind Golf, we welcome Hannah, a passionate fifth year golfer from the United Kingdom. They discuss her journey into golf, the challenges she faced as a beginner, and how she has evolved as a player. The conversation touches on the importance of community, the nerves of playing competitively, memorable rounds, and the social aspects of golf. They also explore the differences between playing in various environments, including simulators, and conclude with advice for new golfers.

🌟 Dive into the world of golf with Hannah from @hannahs_golf!

For those looking to enhance their golfing experience, check out our sponsors Ballmarkers.com - offer code EDKRISTY10 and O2 Creations LLC, where you can find unique golfing accessories and custom gear.

In this episode of Drive & Grind, we sit down with Bret Johnson — professional tattoo artist for the past decade+ and creator of @golfhateslefties — for a wide-ranging conversation about golf, creativity, and the mindset that connects people to the game across cultures. Bret shares how returning to golf helped him lose nearly 40 pounds, reclaim his health, and rediscover competition later in life. What began as frustration over left-handed golfers being overlooked by the industry turned into a viral page, a growing brand, and a community built around individuality in the game.

A central theme of this episode is flow state — that rare mental zone where focus sharpens, distractions fade, and performance feels effortless. Bret explains how tattooing and golf demand the same level of concentration, whether he’s hours into a tattoo session or standing over a crucial shot. We also talk about how easily that flow can be broken, and how learning to reset is a skill that matters both on the course and in life.

We also explore the global side of golf — how the game is played, experienced, and respected in different countries and cultures. From simulator golf in Scandinavia to international golf communities formed through social media, we talk about linking up with people around the world to see how golf transcends borders while still reflecting local culture.

- Other topics include: Why golf “hates lefties” and how that sparked a movement

- Tattooing and golf as parallel pursuits of mastery

Flow state, focus, and mental resets after blow-up holes

- Golf as therapy, competition, and lifestyle in mid-life

- Traveling, connecting, and experiencing golf in other cultures

This episode is about more than golf swings or scorecards. It’s about focus, humility, creativity, and the shared language of a game that’s played — and loved — all over the world.

🎙 Follow Bret: @golfhateslefties

⛳️ Drive & Grind — chasing improvement, not perfection.

#golf #lefties #veteran #podcast #golflife

Join Jason and Ed as they reconnect in a heartfelt conversation, marking their de facto 20-year reunion since serving together in Afghanistan in 2005. Jason, a larger-than-life champion powerlifter and strength competitor, shares his journey from military service to becoming a fitness icon. Together, they reminisce about their shared past, explore the discipline and camaraderie found in the gym, and discuss the therapeutic power of lifting. This episode delves into the surprising similarities between powerlifting, golf, and their time in war, highlighting the enduring friendship and transformative power of fitness.

Jason can be found @thicccnificent16

Goliath Strength can be found @myo_goliath

Spartan Strength System can be found @spartan.systems