Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 470 - Caddie Tales & Life Lessons: Behind the Bag at Whistling Straits with Mark Milatz

In this powerful and insightful episode, host Bill Hobson sits down with Mark Milatz, author of Caddie Tales and host of the podcast by the same name. Together, they take you inside the ropes at Whistling Straits, sharing untold stories from the caddie’s perspective — from sore feet and stolen shoes to the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with high-strung golfers.

Mark opens up about the physical demands of caddie life, the importance of investing in quality gear like Hoka shoes, and the potential recovery benefits of ice baths. He and Bill also explore the mental side of golf, highlighting how the game reflects deeper truths about a person’s character, expectations, and attitude toward life.

They tackle tough topics, including inappropriate behavior toward female staff, and the challenges of managing pace of play while dealing with strong personalities on the course. Mark’s journey is as inspiring as it is raw — a former pastor who battled addiction and found redemption through golf, storytelling, and authentic human connection.

Caddie Tales isn’t just about golf — it’s about growth, respect, recovery, and relationships. Whether you're a player, a fan, or someone curious about the lessons behind the game, this episode offers wisdom, humor, and heart.

🎧 Tune in as Bill and Mark remind us why the next shot — in golf and in life — is always the most important one.

Important Links:

Buy Caddie Tales

Beverage Cart Girls Speak Out (podcast)

#CaddieTales #WhistlingStraits #GolfLife #GolfPodcast #GolfStories #MentalGame #CaddieChronicles #AddictionRecovery #LifeLessons #GolfWisdom

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 469 - Dean Snell on Snell Golf, Tariffs & Tour-Tested Performance.

We sit down with Dean Snell, Founder and CEO of Snell Golf - the Official Ball of MGL - to dive deep into the world of golf ball innovation, pricing strategy, and manufacturing challenges in today’s global trade climate.

Dean brings decades of experience from the golf ball industry and shares his unique insights on how Snell Golf delivers premium-quality balls without the premium price tag. From bypassing expensive TV ads to skipping pro endorsement deals, Snell Golf focuses on what matters most: performance and value for everyday golfers.

We discuss the impact of global tariffs, the recent closure of a major manufacturing facility, and how Dean and his team are navigating supply chain hurdles to maintain quality and inventory through Q2 2023. Dean also explains how golfers should choose balls based on their 7-iron distance—not just swing speed—and how Snell’s Tour Test Pack is helping players find their perfect fit.

Dean and Bill also talk pricing, with the MTB Prime 4.0 and MTB Prime X 3.0 offering performance rivaling tour-level balls, all while saving you money. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a weekend warrior, you’ll walk away with new knowledge to help elevate your game.

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 468 - Golf Etiquette Tips for New Golfers with Mr. Golf Etiquette

Bill Hobson sits down with Jim Corbett, widely known as Mr. Golf Etiquette, to dive deep into the essential etiquette every golfer—especially new ones—needs to know. With decades of experience as a caddy and a lifelong passion for the game, Jim shares his personal journey and why golf etiquette is more than just tradition—it's about respect, pace, and preserving the enjoyment of the game for everyone.

From the practice green to the clubhouse, this conversation emphasizes how small choices—like respecting music volume or minimizing practice swings—can significantly enhance the golf experience for others. They also touch on one of the biggest complaints in golf today: pace of play. Jim offers simple, practical tips for speeding up your round without compromising your game, like limiting time spent looking for lost balls and being intentional with your shots.

You'll even hear a few hilarious and heartfelt stories, including hole-in-one tales and reflections on the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Golfers."

Mr. Golf Etiquette Website

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 467 - Inside Golf TV Production: Brandt Packer on The Masters & The Future of Sports Broadcasting

We're joined by Brandt Packer, former Golf Channel Producer and part of the "LetsHang.live" team. 

Dive into Masters Week 2025 with Brandt Packer, a former Golf Channel and CBS Sports executive producer, as he unveils an exciting new way to experience the first major of the season. In this exclusive interview, Brandt shares insights from his storied career producing televised golf and introduces "Let's Hang Live," a free, interactive second-screen platform transforming how fans engage with the Masters.   With over 80% of sports viewers using a secondary device, this innovative concept—featuring legends like Nick Faldo, Jim Nantz, and Freddie Couples—lets you ask questions, get real-time analysis, and even receive swing tips from a six-time major champion.    Brandt takes us behind the scenes of golf broadcasting, from the unique challenges of Augusta National’s strict traditions to the creative strategies shaping modern coverage. Learn how this second-screen experience, launching Sunday at 8 PM post-Masters (pending no playoff), offers a clubhouse vibe with unfiltered insights—think Manningcast meets golf.   Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this is your chance to connect with the game like never before.    Plus, hear Brandt’s personal Masters memories, from walking the grounds with his late father, legendary broadcaster Billy Packer, to spotting Phil Mickelson as a lefty prodigy. Curious about the future of golf broadcasts or the best seat at Augusta? This conversation has it all. 

 

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 466 - Scotland, Sportswashing And The Love of Golf - Joel Beall

In this in-depth interview, host Bill Hobson talks with author Joel Beall about his groundbreaking new book, Playing Dirty: Rediscovering Golf's Soul in Scotland in an Age of Sportswashing and Civil War. Beall takes us inside the battle for the soul of golf as the PGA Tour and LIV Golf wage war over the future of the sport, with billions of dollars, reputations, and the game’s traditions at stake.

Beall’s journey leads him to Scotland, golf’s birthplace, where he examines whether the sport’s original values still hold strong amid the chaos of modern professional golf. He explores the impact of sportswashing—where powerful financial forces, including Saudi-backed LIV Golf, are reshaping the game—and questions whether the PGA Tour is truly the defender of golf’s legacy or just another self-serving entity.

This eye-opening discussion uncovers the greed, politics, and shifting allegiances defining golf’s civil war. Beall provides a candid look at what’s happening behind the scenes, the consequences for players and fans, and whether golf can ever return to its roots.

Whether you're a die-hard golf fan or just fascinated by the intersection of sports, money, and power, this interview is a must-watch!

🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive sports interviews & analysis! 👍 Like & Share to spread awareness of this ongoing golf war! 📖CLICK HERE TO GET THE BOOK

#Golf #JoelBeall #PlayingDirty #LIVGolf #PGATour #GolfCivilWar #Sportswashing #GolfHistory #ScotlandGolf #GolfIntegrity

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 465 - The Legendary ELY CALLAWAY with son Nicholas Callaway

On this special edition of the podcast, we introduce a posthumous memoir by Ely Callaway (1919–2001), one of the 20th century’s most influential business figures, who launched his third career at age 63, invented the iconic Big Bertha driver, transformed the game of golf, and built a multi-billion dollar enterprise.

Our special guests are Ely's son, Nicholas Callaway and former Callaway rep Brian Minbiole.

GET THE BOOK: https://amzn.to/3WTnmKX

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 464 - Fixing The Pace of Play Problem - It CAN Be Done!

The #1 headache for golfers and course operators is pace of play. There are turtles everywhere in golf and it drives everyone crazy. Can the problem be solved?

We're visiting with Bodo Siebler, the CEO of Tagmarshal, the leading pace of play data analyst experts, to dig into the issue and explore solutions. They've done the field work with hundreds of courses around the world. 

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 463 - The Story of SHIPSTICKS Plus a $500 Giveaway!

We're talking with the CEO of ShipSticks, Jonathan Marsico to learn about the history and growth this unique service and we're giving you a chance to WIN a $500 ShipSticks Gift Card!

All you have to to do enter is:

• Listen to the podcast and when you hear the contest moment, make note of the special contest phrase
• Email that exact phrase to: [email protected] BEFORE the deadline at 10pm on Feb 27th
• Follow Michigan Golf Live and ShipSticks on Instagram. You must follow both accounts to be eligible for the contest
• We'll draw the winner's name on Feb 28th and share it on our social accounts.

Good luck!

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 462 - Tackling Golf's Hot Button Issues - with Tom Gillis and Tony Paul

The distance debate rages on, along with the LIV Golf ratings disaster, divided Tours, and many more hot button issues facing golf. We're gathering for a mid-winter debate with retired PGA Tour Champions player Tom Gillis and Detroit News Sportswriter, Tony Paul to discuss and fix all of golf's challenges.

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 461 - Dr. Bob Rotella - The Keys To Unlocking Your BEST Golf

What an honor to sit down for a 1-on-1 conversation with the legendary Dr. Bob Rotella, the leading sports psychologist in the nation and top of the heap when it comes to the mental side of golf.

No one has impacted more golfers with his gift of communicating complex concepts in a logical, understandable way - and being able to bring that teaching to the masses, whether great golfers or those seeking improvement on a small scale.

Enjoy this rare opportunity to hear and learn from a living legend!

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