"Golf has been experiencing incredible growth and innovation and will continue to do so. But behind every great idea is a spark of capital and there was a gap. Broader sports investors weren't really paying attention to the category, and we thought, 'Maybe there's a huge opportunity here.'"

Matt Erley is the Managing Partner of Old Tom Capital, a pioneering investment fund specifically focused on early-stage golf and golf-adjacent companies. With a career spanning operational roles and angel investing, Matt co-founded the firm to address a critical gap in the market, providing strategic capital to the innovators shaping the future of the $100 billion golf industry. Named as an homage to the legendary innovator Old Tom Morris, the fund embodies a belief in golf's resilient growth and the transformative power of backing great founders in spaces like agronomy, golf software, emerging media, and the "golf light" experience economy.

During this episode you will discover these inspiring takeaways:

Matt Erley reveals that their goal is to provide portfolio companies with an "unfair competitive advantage" through their deep network and operational expertise. Unlike passive investors, Old Tom actively helps its companies by making key introductions, offering strategic guidance, and leveraging synergies across their entire portfolio. For any founder or aspiring entrepreneur, this insight into what a true value-add investor looks like is invaluable and reveals how the right capital partner can accelerate growth.

2. The "Golf Light" Revolution

Move beyond traditional 18-hole courses and Topgolf. Matt introduces the compelling narrative of "Golf Light"—the high-growth category encompassing driving ranges, par-3 courses, and short courses. He explains why this segment is perfectly positioned to capture the new, "golf-curious" audience looking for a faster, less expensive, and more social experience. His investment in Blue Jeans Golf exemplifies this thesis, highlighting a huge opportunity to "glow up" thousands of independent driving ranges across the country.

3. How to Actually Get Noticed by a Golf Investor

Matt pulls back the curtain on Old Tom's investment process, offering a clear roadmap for founders. He explains why they typically avoid very early-stage "ideas" and what they look for instead: tangible momentum, initial monetization, and a clear path to a $100M+ business. He also debunks common mistakes, like leading with an NDA, and emphasizes the importance of simply starting to build and validate your concept in the accessible golf ecosystem. This practical advice is a must-listen for anyone serious about building a golf business.

Episode Chapters:

Quotable Moments from Matt:

On the philosophy behind their investments:

On the massive shift in how golf is consumed:

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then enjoy our video with Matt on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below.

Want to connect with Matt? Check out his bio page to make that happen!

Are you an innovative founder struggling to find investors who truly understand the golf industry? Discover what it really takes to get funded in today's golf market as Matt shares how his firm provides an "unfair competitive advantage" and the one thing he tells every aspiring founder to do first. Visit the Old Tom Capital website to learn more and to connect.

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I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin

Special Guest: Matt Erley - Managing Partner at Old Tom Capital.