The Tin Cup Club joins the show to discuss this week's PGA Championship, the venue, and show much more!

Former PGA Tour player Hunter Mahan was critical of this week's PGA Championship venue. The 42-year-old acknowledged the course was in great shape but added that he feels it’s missing something.

“I guess I would say Quail Hollow is like a Kardashian,” Mahan said. “It’s very modern, beautiful and well-kept. But it lacks a soul or character.”

Agree or disagree?

The PGA Championship is one of golf’s storied majors, rich with tradition and evolution that mirrors the growth of professional golf itself. Here’s a deep dive into its history:

Origins and Early Years

The PGA Championship was inaugurated in 1916 by the PGA of America with the goal of unifying and advancing professional golf. Initially conceived as a tournament for club professionals, its first edition was held at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. The early days of the PGA Championship were marked by a competitive spirit among local professionals, setting the stage for the tournament’s future prominence. This event signaled a move toward greater organization and recognition for professional golfers who had long been overshadowed by the more established amateur events.

The Match Play Era

For the first five decades of its existence, the PGA Championship was contested using a match play format. This head-to-head style of competition not only underscored the one-on-one skills of the competitors but also introduced dramatic duel scenarios that captivated audiences. During this period, legendary golfers like Walter Hagen and Sam Snead emerged and made their marks on the tournament. Their repeated successes helped to build the championship’s reputation and contributed to its growing prestige within the golf community.

Transition to Stroke Play

A pivotal change occurred in 1958 when the tournament switched from match play to stroke play. This shift was more than just a change in format; it was a strategic move to align the PGA Championship with evolving broadcast requirements and the increasing appetite for a more straightforward format. Stroke play provided a clearer measure of consistency over the entire tournament and brought the championship closer in line with the other major tournaments. The new format allowed for larger fields and emphasized the importance of every shot taken over the course of four days, thereby enhancing its appeal to both players and spectators.

Evolution and Notable Champions

As the tournament evolved, so too did its roster of champions. The PGA Championship has been won by some of the most iconic names in golf history. The dominance of early champions like Walter Hagen paved the way for future legends. Later, as the event expanded in scope and recognized worldwide, champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, and more recently Tiger Woods have added chapters to its rich legacy. Each era of winners has contributed to the narrative of endurance, skill, and strategic excellence.

Modern Era and Significance

Over the decades, the PGA Championship has transitioned from a regional contest for club professionals into one of the four major championships in golf. Its rotation among premier golf courses across the United States—and occasionally abroad—has showcased the diversity and beauty of golf course architecture. The modern PGA Championship is celebrated not only for its competitive rigor but also for its role as a bellwether for the sport. The tournament's scheduling, the infusion of modern sponsorships, and extensive media coverage have all played a role in making it an integral part of the global golf calendar.

The boys from the Tin Cup Club stop by the show to talk about their 2025 trip, thoughts on the McLemore Resort, and how it was to do a buddy's trip on Masters Weekend.

According to the National Golf Foundation, over 12 million U.S. adults embarked on golf trips last year, marking a 20% increase over the historical average and expected to grow. This surge reflects a growing desire for experiential travel, with golf. The Buffalo Groupe reported 44% of their survey plans to increase golf travel spending in 2025. The growth is driven by the increasing popularity of golf as a leisure activity and the development of golf tourism infrastructure worldwide.

Key Insights:

• Market Size & Growth: The global golf tourism market was valued at approximately $25.34 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2025 to 2030.
• Popular Destinations: Countries like Scotland, the United States, Spain, and Thailand are renowned for their prestigious golf courses and scenic landscapes.
• Economic Impact: In the U.S., golf tourism is a $6 billion industry, with $4 billion coming from international visitors.
• Trends & Innovations: The industry is seeing a rise in experiential travel, luxury golf resorts, and eco-friendly practices to attract environmentally conscious travelers.
• Government Support: Many governments are investing in golf tourism to boost local economies. For instance, Canada allocated $4.4 million to promote professional golf tournaments.

Golf tourism is expected to expand significantly, driven by increasing interest in outdoor sports, government funding, and the growing number of young golfers.

This is truly a story of Making Cents of It All. Dennis Balonze joins the show to share his story of how he parlayed his career as a barber into a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio over three states.

He and his team currently manage a portfolio of profitable multi-family and
commercial properties. They are always looking to broaden the portfolio, which would include the continuing acquisition and management of multi-family units and commercial buildings, with regional expansion throughout the southern United States.

Dennis also utilizes his talents area barber in putting together a very unique, interesting YouTube show, BarberUpp. It's a great watch and it only lasts...as long as a haircut! Check it out.

Mike Padron joins Jesse to talk about the impact that Direct to Consumer (DTC) Golf Companies are having on the consumer when it comes to choices they have and how they purchase golf equipment in today's world.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) golf brands and major golf brands differ primarily in their business models and pricing strategies.

Major Golf Brands These are well-established companies like Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, and Ping. They have a strong presence in retail stores, sponsor professional golfers, and invest heavily in research and development. Their products are widely available in golf shops and online, but they often come with higher price tags due to marketing, distribution, and retail markups.

Direct-to-Consumer Golf Brands DTC brands like Takomo, Sub70, and others sell their products directly to customers, primarily through online platforms. By eliminating middlemen, they can offer high-quality equipment at lower prices. Many DTC brands focus on customization, allowing golfers to tailor clubs to their specific needs. They also tend to have strong customer service and online engagement.

Key Differences

Pricing: DTC brands often provide more affordable options by cutting out retail markups.

Customization: Many DTC brands offer personalized fittings and club designs.

Availability: Major brands are found in retail stores, while DTC brands primarily sell online.

Marketing: Major brands invest heavily in sponsorships and advertising, while DTC brands rely on word-of-mouth and digital marketing.

The boys from the Tin Cup Club join the show to talk about The Masters and preview this years' championship. Jesse Stakes, Wes Altice, and Mike Padron talk about their favorite all-time memories of the tournament, what makes it so special, and who they think has the best chance of winning the 2025 edition. Oh yea - and maybe the food at the tournament gets mentioned once or twice!

The Masters Tournament generates significant revenue, though it operates differently from other major golf events. In 2022, the tournament brought in approximately $142 million, with revenue sources including:

• Merchandise Sales: Around $69 million, driven by exclusive Masters-branded apparel and accessories.
• Badges (Tickets): Approximately $39 million, with highly sought-after passes priced well below market demand.
• International TV Rights: About $25 million, as Augusta National controls its broadcast agreements.
• Concessions: Roughly $8 million, with famously low-priced food and beverages.

So - if you are a golf fan, your professional at anything BUT golf, and your excited about this week's event - this episode is for you!

First let me say that this is just dipping a toe into a $1.31 BILLION market! Yes! I am talk about golf balls. Not golf...just golf balls. Mike Padron from the Tin Cup Club joins the show to talk about how consumers make choices when it comes to what balls to purchase and play as well as what factors can and should go into that decision.

Market Size and Growth

• The global golf ball market was valued at approximately $1.31 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.4% from 2023 to 2030.
• Factors like the promotion of golf tourism, construction of new golf courses, and rising disposable incomes are key drivers of this growth.

Revenue Streams

• Professional Tournaments: Events like the PGA Tour and U.S. Open generate significant demand for high-performance golf balls, accounting for a large share of industry revenue.
• Recreational Golf: The growing popularity of golf as a leisure activity contributes to consistent sales, especially among amateur players.

Key Trends

• Technological Advancements: Innovations like multi-layered golf balls and seamless cover technology enhance performance, driving consumer interest.
• Sustainability: There is a rising demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable golf balls, aligning with global sustainability goals.
• E-commerce Growth: Online sales channels are expanding, making golf balls more accessible to a broader audience.

Challenges

• High Initial Costs: The cost of golf equipment, including balls, can deter new players, particularly in developed markets.
• Declining Interest Among Youth: In some regions, younger generations show less interest in golf, impacting long-term market growth.

The industry is poised for steady expansion, supported by innovation and increasing global participation.

Golf ball fitting, from a financial perspective, is an investment that can yield significant returns for both golfers and manufacturers. Here's how it plays out:

For Golfers:

1. Performance Optimization: Proper fitting ensures golfers use balls tailored to their swing and playing style, improving accuracy and distance. This can reduce the need for trial-and-error purchases, saving money in the long run.
2. Cost Efficiency: While fitting services may have an upfront cost, they help golfers avoid spending on unsuitable balls, ultimately lowering overall expenses.

For Manufacturers:

1. Revenue Growth: Offering fitting services can attract more customers, increasing sales of premium golf balls.
2. Brand Loyalty: Personalized fitting experiences foster customer loyalty, encouraging repeat purchases.
3. Market Differentiation: Companies that provide fitting services, like Bridgestone and PING, stand out in a competitive market, enhancing their reputation and profitabilit

This is definitely an episode that defines the Professional At Anything BUT Golf category!

Elizabeth Breza is a healthcare professional specializing as an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner in Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to being in the civilian healthcare industry, she served our country proudly for many years.

Liz doesn't just play for recreation, she also enjoys competing. As a Veteran of our Armed Forces, she competes as part of the Veteran's Golf Association. It's a great for our Veteran's to compete and followship with their peers. If you are a veteran that is listening and would like to compete, we will make sure you have contact information by clicking right here!

Enjoy the conversation!

The Tin Cup Club joins the show to talk everything Players Championship.

The Players Championship, held annually at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, has a significant economic impact on the region.

The event attracts thousands of attendees, including players, officials, and fans, which boosts local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. Additionally, the tournament's charitable contributions and elevated prize purses further enhance its fiscal footprint.

However, we're not here to just talk about the economic impact of The Players. We're sharing memories, giving our thought on if it has reached "the 5th Major" status, and even what our personal favorite food trucks are on the grounds.

The Players isn't just about how many balls get hit into the water on 17 - enjoy!