Driven Golf Podcast

In this episode, Jim sits down with U.S. National Development Program Head Coach Chris Zambri to discuss how the USGA is building a national system to develop America’s next wave of world-class golfers. Zambri shares his journey from USC and Pepperdine to leading the program, why the U.S. needed a true national development model, and how it’s inspired by Sweden’s holistic approach to building complete athletes—mentally, physically, and technically.

They dive into how the program identifies top talent, fills key gaps in junior development like course management and performance analytics, and prepares players for elite competition. Zambri also breaks down the boys team’s groundbreaking appearance at the Sahalee NCAA event, where high schoolers competed against powerhouse college programs—gaining invaluable experience under professional-level conditions.

The US National Development Program also has a Grant Program helping deserving families offset the financial burden of pursuing elite junior golf. The application for the 2026 grants is Friday October 31st. For more information, see https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/usndp-home-page/grant-information.html

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ for 20% off StrackaLine yardage books or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag for a free custom headcover.

@flagbaggolf | flagbaggolfco.com
strackaline.com

Join the Driven Golf Podcast Group on Facebook and subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel. Visit DRVN.Golf for more content.

Hosts: Jim Colton (@drivengolfanalytics) & Andrew Lewis (@andrewlewisgolf)

@usndp⁠)
Producer: Joseph Kay (@joseph_kay)

In this episode, Andrew chats with "The G.O.A.T." of amateur golf, Stewart Hagestad on his incredible journey in the game as career amateur -- 16 U.S. Amateur appearance, 3 Mid-Am titles, 5 U.S. Opens, 3 Masters appearances and, this weekend, his 5th Walker Cup appearance. Stew openly shares how his competitive drive and love of the process are the fuel for his ongoing success.

In Angle of Attack, Andrew & Jim start a new series on "50/50 Balls", those key areas in the game that can go either way and can often times dictate the difference between a good round and a poor one. In this first segment, Andrew discusses strategies for improving make rates on 8-foot putts.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order.

⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠

Resources:

Join the ⁠⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠⁠ on Facebook for more discussions. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠. And please check out the all-new ⁠DRVN.Golf⁠ website for all of our content.

Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ for more content.

Host: Jim Colton (⁠@drivengolfanalytics⁠) & Andrew Lewis (⁠@andrewlewisgolf⁠)

Producer: Joseph Kay (⁠@joseph_kay⁠)

In this episode, Jim, Andrew and Joseph discuss the two big Amateur events coming up -- the U.S. Junior which started this week at Trinity Forest and the U.S. Amateur set for the Olympic Club in August. Joseph provides a caddie's perspective on what to expect on these two championship courses. And Andrew & Jim get into a discussion around the gamesmanship that is unique to the match play format.

After the intro/AoA segment, Jim interviews Cliff McKinney, the founder of Old Charlie Golf Club, a new destination golf club planned near the emerald coast of Florida. Cliff and Old Charlie are turning the traditional country club model on its head with unique pricing and structure that is sure to make compelling golf more accessible to a wider range of golfers.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order.

⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠

Resources:

Join the ⁠⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠⁠ on Facebook for more discussions. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠. And please check out the all-new ⁠DRVN.Golf⁠ website for all of our content.

Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ for more content.

Guest: Cliff McKinney, Old Charlie Golf Club (⁠@oldcharliegc)

Old Charlie Golf Club: https://www.oldcharliegolfclub.com/

Host: Jim Colton (⁠@drivengolfanalytics⁠) & Andrew Lewis (⁠@andrewlewisgolf⁠)

Producer: Joseph Kay (⁠@joseph_kay⁠)

In this episode, Jim sits down with Mac Thayer, founder of Junior Golf Scoreboard, to trace the 25-year journey from a dial-up, closet startup to the gold standard for junior golf data and rankings. They explore how Mack’s experience as a golf parent and a nascent internet entrepreneur sparked a vision to centralize every multi-day junior golf tournament in one online database.

JIm and Mac dive deep into JGS’s rankings systems, some of the key methodology choices including the course-condition adjustment. Mac also provides insights in how to interpret a player's rankings and practical advice for parents, based on his ongoing dialogue with college coaches.

In Angle of Attack, Andrew & Jim finish up their three-part series on Process vs. Outcome, this time focused on the healthy communication between parent, player and instructor.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order.

⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠

Resources:

Join the ⁠⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠⁠ on Facebook for more discussions. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠. And please check out the all-new ⁠DRVN.Golf⁠ website for all of our content.

Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ for more content.

Guest: Mac Thayer (⁠@juniorgolfscoreboard⁠)

Junior Golf Scoreboard: ⁠https://www.juniorgolfscoreboard.com

Host: Jim Colton (⁠@drivengolfanalytics⁠) & Andrew Lewis (⁠@andrewlewisgolf⁠)

Producer: Joseph Kay (⁠@joseph_kay⁠)

Music: "Come at the King" by DG Beat Labs (⁠@dgbeatlab⁠)

Jim and Joseph sit down with Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine for a deep dive into the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship at Omni La Costa and a way-too-early look at the top contenders for the 2025–26 college season. Jim and Brentley reflect on their time in San Diego, praising La Costa’s potential as a permanent championship venue and drawing parallels to Omaha in college baseball.

The second half of the episode previews teams most likely to return to match play next season. Brentley and Jim spotlight anticipated roster additions and subtractions at Oklahoma State, Texas, Virginia, Auburn, and Ole Miss, among others.

The interiew wraps with a Walker Cup roster re-draft, where Brentley, Jim, and Joseph revisit their November picks and make adjustments based on recent performances and pro departures. Players like Preston Stout, Brian Lee, Miles Russell, and Josiah Gilbert emerge as names to watch this summer as the U.S. squad takes shape.

In the Opening Tee Shot, Joseph & Jim discuss Charlie Woods's recent win in an AJGA Invitational and Jim shares such big news for the future of DRVN.Golf. In Angle of Attack with Andrew Lewis, Andrew & Jim discuss the difference between process and outcome goals and the role of each in golf development.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order.

⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠

Resources:

Join the ⁠⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠⁠ on Facebook for more discussions. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠. And please check out the all-new ⁠DRVN.Golf⁠ website for all of our content.

Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ for more content.

Guest: Brentley Romine (⁠@brentleyGC⁠on Twitter)

Host: Jim Colton (⁠@drivengolfanalytics⁠) & Andrew Lewis (⁠@andrewlewisgolf⁠)

Producer: Joseph Kay (⁠@joseph_kay⁠)

Music: "The Road to La Costa" by DG Beat Labs (⁠@dgbeatlab⁠)

Jim sits down with PGA Tour professional Hayden Springer to discuss his journey through professional golf and the profound impact of his daughter Sage's life on him, his family and others familiar with her life's story. The conversation explores Hayden’s development from junior golf in Texas to competing on the PGA Tour and the personal resilience that has shaped his career.

Hayden reflects on the lessons learned between his first and second years on tour, including the importance of experience, course management, and short game mastery. He shares stories from his standout moments, including shooting a rare 59 at TPC Deere Run and a recent strong finish at Torrey Pines, and the role that confidence and process have played in his progression.

The heart of the episode centers around Sage Springer, Hayden and his wife Emma’s daughter born with Trisomy 18. Despite devastating medical predictions, Sage lived for over three years, inspiring countless people with her joy and strength. Hayden opens up about the life lessons, deepened faith, and strengthened family bonds that Sage brought into their lives.

The Springers’ journey also led them to create the Extra To Love Foundation, which supports families navigating Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13 diagnoses. Hayden shares how Sage’s spirit continues to drive his purpose on and off the course.

In Angle of Attack with Andrew Lewis, Andrew & Jim discuss the importance of staying rooted to a "home base", as demonstrated by recent successes from Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order.

⁠@flagbaggolf⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠

Resources:

Join the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook for more discussions. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel: ⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠. And please check out the all-new DRVN.Golf website for all of our content.

Check out ⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠ for more content.

Guest: Hayden Springer (@haydenspringer14; @extratolove)

Host: Jim Colton (@drivengolfanalytics) & Andrew Lewis (@andrewlewisgolf)

Producer: Joseph Kay (@joseph_kay)

Music: "Extra to Love (Sage's Song)" by DG Beat Labs (@dgbeatlab)

This episode is a compilation of all the Angle of Attack segments from DGP Episodes 33 to 41. Golf coach Andrew Lewis and Jim discuss a wide-range of topics around junior and amateur golf development.

0:08:07 - Impact of Roster Changes

0:23:02 - Andrew Lewis, Coach of the Year Reflection

0:37:16 - Juniors Going Pro

0:49:16 - Handling Crummy Winter Conditions

1:02:27 - Wholesale Swing Changes

1:15:39 - Earning AJGA Stars

1:30:24 - Too Many Tournaments?

1:44:31 - Playing High School Golf

1:57:39 - Rookie Mistakes

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books.

@flagbaggolf on Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Mention 'Driven Golf' to receive a free custom headcover with any order of a golf bag.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://strackaline.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Enter code 'DRIVEN' to receive 20% off your StrackaLine Yardage Books & Greens Guides.

Subscribe to the Andrew Lewis Golf YouTube channel for more content:⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@alewisgolf

Resources:

Andrew Lewis Golf:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@andrewlewisgolf⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠@drivengolfanalytics⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram;⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@golfdriven⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter

Host: Jim Colton (⁠⁠⁠⁠@jcolton31⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Producer: Joseph Kay (⁠⁠⁠⁠@joseph_kay⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Music: "Hungry & Humble" by (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dgbeatlab)

Angle of Attack Standalone Podcast:

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

In this episode, Jim Colton continues his conversation with Vanderbilt Men’s Golf Head Coach Scott Limbaugh in part two of their in-depth interview. They discuss the unique journeys of Vanderbilt captains Gordon Sargent and Jackson Van Paris, highlighting how their contrasting paths through college golf have shaped them as leaders. Coach Limbaugh reflects on the importance of perseverance, trust, and maintaining a growth mindset in both sports and life.

Coach Limbaugh also shares insights into the development of key players like Wells Williams and John Broderick, explaining how they have risen from supporting roles to pivotal contributors through hard work and consistency. The episode touches on the program’s approach to balancing team culture with individual growth, emphasizing the value of humility and continual improvement.

The conversation shifts to recent Vanderbilt graduates making their mark in professional golf, including Cole Sherwood, Matthew Riedel, and William Moll. Coach Limbaugh shares the behind-the-scenes stories of their journeys, including Riedel’s dramatic finish at Q-School to secure his PGA Tour card, and reflects on the pride he feels watching his former players succeed.

In Angle of Attack, Andrew & Jim talk about leveling up, and the pitfalls that can occur at all levels of the amateur and professional game when golfers first enter a new level of competition. Andrew has some great practical suggestions for combating these potential pitfalls.

Check out producer Joseph Kay's broadcast debut in Fried Egg Golf's latest "Digging Into Design", caddying alongside Jim "Bones" Mackay. https://youtu.be/NN8oBXSAHnY?si=7j6bWYglRZDaY-Ga

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order.

⁠@flagbaggolf⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠

Resources:

Join the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook for more discussions.

Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel: ⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠.

Check out ⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠ for more content.

DRVN.Golf: "WAGR Files: The WAGR Unicorn"

Guest: Coach Scott Limbaugh (@vandymgolf)

Hosts: Jim Colton & Andrew Lewis

Producer: Joseph Kay (@joseph_kay)

Music: “Boom Force Anthem” by DG Beat Labs (⁠@dgbeatlab⁠).

In this episode, Jim sits down with Vanderbilt Men’s Golf Head Coach Scott Limbaugh for an in-depth discussion on his journey into coaching, his competitive mindset, and the 'soul' he's helped bring to Vanderbilt. Part one of this two-part episode explores Limbaugh’s roots in Childersburg, Alabama, his early playing days, and how he transitioned into coaching.

Coach Limbaugh shares his experience as an assistant coach at Alabama, where he played a key role in recruiting Justin Thomas. He dives into the mentality and work ethic that set Thomas apart, as well as the recruiting philosophies that helped shape Alabama’s national title teams.

The episode also covers Limbaugh’s pursuit of the Vanderbilt head coaching job and how he helped transform the Commodores into an SEC powerhouse. He explains the importance of culture, accountability, and competitiveness in building a sustainable winning program.

In Angle of Attack with Andrew Lewis, Jim and Andrew discuss the pros and cons of high-school golf. They discuss both how an elite player can benefit from high-school golf and also the reasons why a golfer might want to avoid high-school golf altogether.

At the end of the episode, stick around for a creative look into the life and career of 12-time PGA Tour winner Calvin Peete, with a 5-song hip-hop musical from DGBeatlab.

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order.

⁠@flagbaggolf⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠

Resources:

Join the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook for more discussions.

Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel: ⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠.

Check out ⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠ for more content.

DRVN.Golf: "WAGR Files: The WAGR Unicorn"

Guest: Coach Scott Limbaugh (@vandymgolf)

Host: Jim Colton

Producer: Joseph Kay (@joseph_kay)

Music: “Xerox: The Calvin Peete Story” by DG Beat Labs (⁠@dgbeatlab⁠). YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/b8PmQUDPmek?si=LKjN0fzRgiwhlJwU

Andrew sits down with Coach John Fields, the hall-of-fame head coach of the University of Texas Men's Golf team. With 38 years of coaching experience, Fields has developed a reputation for producing PGA Tour talent, including Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler. In this episode, he shares his journey through playing professionally, transitioning to coaching, and building one of the most successful programs in college golf.

Coach Fields breaks down the importance of mental toughness, learning to win at every level, and making the right decisions to reach the PGA Tour. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Texas’ NCAA Championship runs in 2012 and 2022.

In Angle of Attack, Andrew and Jim discuss how many tournaments might be too many for junior golfers, including what to look for and knowing when to pivot.

In the Opening Tee Shot, Jim and Joseph discuss Drop Score, the new fantasy game for college golf on DRVN.Golf. Check it out here: https://www.drvn.golf/drop-score

The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order.

⁠@flagbaggolf⁠ on Instagram

FlagBag Golf: ⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠

StrackaLine: ⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠

Resources:

Join the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook for more discussions. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel: ⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠.

Check out ⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠ for more content.

DRVN.Golf: "WAGR Files: The WAGR Unicorn"

Guest: Coach John Fields (⁠@texasmgolf)

Host: Andrew Lewis (⁠@andrewlewisgolf)

Producer: Joseph Kay (@joseph_kay)

Music: "Horns Up" by DG Beat Labs (⁠@dgbeatlab⁠)