DRIVERS: Inside the Golf Industry

Sports and Leisure Research Group's Jon Last and David Klein welcome Golf Course architect Forrest Richardson to unpack some of the more compelling findings from Richardson's new book "The Sustainable Sport", which debunks many of the popular misperceptions surrounding golf and shines new light on how the game is making a positive impact economically, socially and environmentally.

Monday's announcement of Noteefy's acquisition of Metolius is more than a combination of two of the more innovative golf facility operations tech providers, it's a bringing together of two forward thinking organizations that have captured the attention of many of the industry's leading facility operators.  In this special edition of Driver$, Sports and Leisure Research Group President Jon Last welcomes Jake Gordon and Ross Liggett, who share the vision of the combined organization and how their unique use and fusion of data will help facilities to optimize revenue and gain a better understanding of their operations.

Sports and Leisure Research Group President Jon Last is joined by ClubGrub Founder, Spencer Potter for a look at how technology is literally meeting golfers "where they are" with a tech enabled F&B delivery solution that is helping golf courses increase profitability while improving customer service.

Amos Stephens and Vicky Urbina bring great passion and thoughtful operational strategies to their golf facility in Wasilla, Alaska. They join Sports and Leisure Research Group's Jon Last and David Klein for a candid and eye-opening look at what it takes to deliver a premium golf experience in our 49th state.

Kyle Kalick has had a unique vantage point to discover what golfers want and need across varied experiences, including as a professional caddie at Kiawah Island's Ocean Course.  His start-up, Caddie Comfort has developed technically functional, premium soft goods at a fair price.  Sports & Leisure Research Group's Jon Last and David Klein sit down with the burgeoning entrepreneur for a first person look at the challenges and vision behind a nascent start-up that seeks to differentiate itself.

Hosts Jon Last and David Klein from Sports and Leisure Research Group dive deeply into the latest vital signs from new golf industry research that unpacks what lies ahead in 2026 and the underlying trends and attitudes behind them.

PGA of America Senior Director of Growth and Ventures Kris Hart joins Sports & Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein for a candid conversation about innovation in the golf industry and how the PGA of America strategically identifies those ideas that can become “diamonds in the rough.”

Saddleback Golf Club owner Whitey O'Malley joins Sports and Leisure Research Group President Jon Last for a wide-ranging discussion about how golf facilities are leveraging technology to create operational efficiencies while maintaining exceptional customer service.

For 50 years, Casa de Campo has always been an innovative resort that continues to break new ground in the Caribbean. Legendary Golf Operations Director Gilles Gagnon and CMO Jason Kycek unpack the impetus behind the property's reinvention and major transformation with Sports & Leisure Research Group's Jon Last and David Klein.  It's a unique and inspiring look at golf resort master planning and marketing strategy. 

Jon Schultz and his company, EZ-Locator, are making it easier for golf course superintendents to automate hole location selection to help preserve the health of the greens and enhance the player experience.  He joins Sports and Leisure Research Group’s Jon Last and David Klein for a candid and insightful look at how he has channeled his passion for golf and an engineering background into an innovative set of tech solutions that determine pin position at many of the country’s best courses.