Golf Yeah

Evan Schiller

Evan Schiller Photography

If there is such a thing as an “accidental career,” or a career path that’s discovered, rather than initially pursued…then that may describe the story you’re about to hear from Evan Schiller – who over the last twenty years has established himself as one of the premier golf course photographers in the world.

Evan started out with a love for the game of golf, and during the first part of his career, as a PGA Golf Professional, he gained a first-hand understanding of every aspect of the game…as a club professional and in tournament play. And during that period, he discovered two things that shaped the future direction of his life. First, Evan discovered that he possessed an artist’s eye for nature’s beauty…and more specifically, he saw the beauty of  the golf courses he was playing on. Secondly, Evan discovered that he could make a living by capturing with a camera the beauty that he witnessed. So with no formal training, a simple Minolta camera, and a whole lot of courage, Evan followed his passion to begin what has become a highly successful business and rewarding career.

Shooting from the ground, lifts, helicopters, and now drones, Evan brings a fresh perspective to each project he undertakes. He thoughtfully scouts out each golf course he photographs with the goal of capturing its unique features and nuances under optimal lighting conditions possible, which can mean being in the right spot at the right time, waiting for the sun to rise, or the sun to set…and hoping that something unexpected won’t spoil the shot.

Evan has photographed hundreds of championship courses in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and Japan. He has captured and left his own distinctive mark on some of the most recognized tracks around the world including Pebble Beach Golf Links, Augusta National Golf Club, Medinah Country Club, The Old Course at St. Andrews, Royal County Down and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

Evan’s work is published in numerous national and international magazines, books and calendars, including The Masters Journal, The US Open Magazine, The Ryder Cup Journal, LINKS Magazine, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Golf Course Architecture. Evan’s photography is exclusively featured in his two highly acclaimed books, Golf Courses of Hawaii and Golf’s Unfolding Drama. In addition, Evan continues to publish his own award-winning Golfshots calendar.

Show Highlights: 

Notable Quotes: 

On his career change from PGA Professional: “I got a lot of criticism, but I chose to do it because I really liked it. I thought, “What’s the worst thing that can happen? If it doesn’t work out, I can do something else.” You can always find a way.”

On his source of personal  inspiration: “I love what I do. I don’t feel the need to get motivated. Every photo shoot that I go on is an adventure and I can’t wait to get there. My only motivation is that I love doing what I do, and it’s fun for me.”

On what he would do in his next life: “If I came back and had to do something different in my life, I would probably go to Africa and be a wildlife photographer, and do some conservation work to help preserve the environment.”

On his involvement with the Extraordinary Golf program: “It’s made a huge difference because it’s about more than just golf. It’s about self discovery. When people come to the Extraordinary Golf School they learn a lot about themselves, and what can make a difference in their lives, beyond golf.”

On the transition from film to digital photography: “Giving up Fuji Velvia film was like giving up sugar. It was so sweet. The color saturation was amazing, and it was the film of choice for landscape photographers. Shooting with digital never will look like that. I still have some of that film in the freezer.”

On promoting his own business: “I always think about a funny thing my friend says, which is, “I may not be much, but I’m all that I think about. But I’m tired of talking about myself…so what do you think about me?”

Resources: 

Evan Schiller’s Website: www.golfshots.com

Extraordinary Golf Website: www.extraordinarygolf.com

“The Practice of Practicing” video with Fred Shoemaker, Founder of Extraordinary Golf: https://youtu.be/-9vjNqlYKIs

Evan’s Favorite Landscape Photographer Christopher Burkett: www.christopherburkett.com

One of Evan’s Favorite Books on Careers:

John Kaczkowski

President & Chief Executive Officer

The Western Golf Association may not be well known to the average golfer – particularly if you live on the East or West Coast – but it’s one of the oldest and most respected organizations in the game of golf. The Western Golf Association was founded in 1899 by a small number of Chicago-area golf clubs, to promote the sport. As an aside — for golf snobs on the East Coast — The Chicago Golf Club is the oldest 18-hole course in the United States.  Shinnecock Hills was established a year earlier, in 1892; but Shinnecock was only 12 hole course until 1894.

The WGA now has more than 400 member clubs across the nation, and is a sponsor of a number of amateur and PGA Tour events; notably the BMW Championship. But the crown jewel of the Western Golf Association – and one of the reasons why it is so highly regarded – is the Evans Scholars Foundation, which since 1930 has provided full 4-year college scholarships to nearly 11,000 deserving caddies, totaling more than $385 million in scholarship costs. The Evans Scholars Foundation currently has 985 — and soon to be 1,000 – students enrolled in 19 major universities across the United States.

These facts just scratch the surface of the great work this organization has done and continues to do for the game of golf, and for society in general. Golf Yeah is honored to feature Mr. John Kaczkowski, who joined WGA /ESF in 1998 and has served as its President and CEO for the past 11 years. John talks about his career path in golf, gives us a better understanding of his organization, and provides some guidance for people who might be seeking a similar career.

I had not met or spoken with John in advance of this interview, but sometimes you can gain insights into who a person is, not by what’s on a resume, but rather by how they behave in casual, unrehearsed situations.  If you dig deeply enough on the internet, you’ll find a YouTube video with John featured as the victim of the “Ice Bucket Challenge” that was such a viral fundraising sensation for ALS about 5 years ago. During that period, we all witnessed dozens of ice-pouring videos. But here’s what struck me about John’s ice bucket experience:  Most people about to be dunked either wore bathing suits, or shorts and a tee shirt. But John took his dunking in a jacket and tie; looking like he had just stepped out of a board meeting. Most people were dunked with a small bucket, containing mostly ice, which resulted in minimal soaking. But John’s dunking involved what looks like a 30 gallon garbage can that took 2 people to lift, and that delivered a bona fide soaking. What that said to me, especially involving a guy with the title of President and CEO, is that John is “all in”…who does nothing half-way…who’s got to be a great sport, and someone who’s fun to work with.

John’s interview with Golf Yeah supports that theory.

Show Highlights:  

Notable Quotes:   

On changing careers:  “I was naive enough to think that I could pursue a career that I loved and had a lot of interest in.”  

On his 20-year career at WGA: “I came to the WGA thinking that I would probably only be here for a couple of years.”   

On why it’s called Western Golf Association: “When it was founded in 1899, Chicago WAS the West. The world stopped here.”

On golf industry awareness: “When I hear that the Evans Scholars Foundation is the “greatest untold story in golf” it drives me crazy, because it’s a great story that needs to be told.”

On attracting youth to caddying: “It’s an issue in this day and age, to get kids who want to work hard and show up every day to caddy. It’s a challenge that a lot of businesses have.”

On Evans Scholars’ on-campus communal living:  “Evans Scholars develop bonds with each other that last a lifetime. The communal living aspect of our program is the glue that binds them together. It’s a key to their success.”

Resources:  

WGA / ESF Website: https://bit.ly/2SneglI

Evans Scholarship Application: https://bit.ly/2coPyBj

Chick Evans, World Golf Hall of Fame Amateur: http://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/chick-evans/

Dr. William A. Meyer

C. Reed Funk Distinguished Professor of Grass Genetics

The average golfer gives plenty of thought to the type of clubs he carries and the balls he uses, and pays very little attention to the surface that golf is played on…which is a significant factor in a golfer’s overall enjoyment of the game.  Well-maintained tee-boxes, lush fairways, and greens that are consistent and run true certainly require an investment of time and money. But what makes great golf courses possible is the many decades of turfgrass-related science and experimentation that have been the life-long passion of individuals like Professor William A. Meyer, who is our honored guest on the Golf Yeah podcast.

It’s safe to say that few people in the world know more about turfgrass than Professor Meyer. The “short version” of his C.V. is 6-pages long, and here are a few highlights: He holds three degrees from the University of Illinois, including a B.S. in Horticulture-Turf; and a masters degree and a doctorate in plant pathology. Over the course of his long career, he has headed up research for two commercial turf seed companies; been president of his own turfgrass breeding company; taught at the graduate level in the Department of Crop Science at Oregon State University…and currently serves as the C. Reed Funk Distinguished Professor of Grass Genetics at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he is also the Director of the Turfgrass Breeding Project at the Center for Turfgrass Science.

Professor Meyer belongs to just about every turfgrass-related professional organization on the face of the earth, ranging from the American Society of Agronomy to the International Seed Federation…and he is the recipient of scores of industry awards and recognitions…including life time membership in the Turfgrass Breeder’s Association.

Dr. Meyer’s life-long mission has been to develop improved turf and forage grasses that have improved performance; greater seed production capacity; higher resistance to disease and insects; and increased tolerance to heat and drought. And he’s traveled all over the world – from Spain and Sweden to Inner Mongolia – in search of ancient breeds of grass that can help achieve those goals.

Our mission over the next 30 to 40 minutes is to gain some insight into the turfgrass world, to see what’s going on at Rutgers Golf Turf Grass Management School…and along the way, to see if we can learn a few things about grass that might improve our appreciation of the golf courses we play on as well as our performance from tee to green.

Show Highlights:  

Notable Quotes:   

On the size of the turfgrass market:   “The grass industry is probably a 4-5 billion-dollar business.”  

On his grass hunting expeditions : “We can’t bring the vegetated roots of foreign grasses directly into America because of laws.”   

On golf course maintenance: “Putting greens are mowed closer and closer to make them fast, which makes it much hard to keep those greens alive.”

On the job of a golf course superintendent: “They have to know how to manage people, including their crew; know how to manage water resources; and how to use pesticides very judiciously.”

On what motivates him: “You can develop the greatest grasses in the world, but what you’ll be most proud of is the students you develop.”  

On his long scientific career: “A lot of my job is science, but some of it is art, and that’s why I love being a plant breeder.”  

On Rutgers graduates: “Many people in our program land jobs with big-time baseball organizations.”

On his own lawn at home: “We don’t have the perfect lawn, but we do a number of things to make it attractive, like seeding every Fall to repair damaged areas.”  

Resources:  

Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School: http://golfturf.rutgers.edu/

National Golf Course Superintendent’s Association:  https://www.gcsaa.org/

Turfgrass Breeders Association: https://turfgrassbreedersassociation.com/

Gianna Rojas

Adaptive Golf Advocate

Born without fingers on her left hand, Gianna Rojas is known world-wide as the “One-Handed Lady Golfer,” and she has dedicated much of her recent life to bringing attention to golfing success stories that involve people with physical, cognitive, sensory, health and age-related challenges. Gianna is recognized as one of the leading and most influential voices in a growing movement that’s called “Adaptive Golf,” which is working to promote accessibility to the game of golf for everyone.

Gianna was recently named by the LPGA as one of the top 22 Women “Disruptors” in the golf industry. And you might think that she has a body double…because Gianna is everywhere…including the Golf Channel, local and national news, and as guest speaker at a broad range of industry and corporate events, including the PGA Merchandise Show and the Abilities Expo. Gianna is an active member of organizations too numerous to mention, where she collaborates and sits on several committees.

Gianna Rojas with the legendary “Golf Fanatic” David Finn

In addition to all of her advocacy work, Giana is a bona fide golfer. She walks the talk as an Adaptive Athlete. For example, she is a member of the US Disabled Golf Team and is a two-time division winner in the Adaptive and Para Long Drive competition.

We have a very selfish reason for featuring Gianna as a guest on Golf Yeah. This is a podcast for people who aspire to build a business or career related to their love for the game golf. Gianna certainly has achieved that goal through her Adaptive Golfers organization. But what’s even more valuable than her success story, which you’ll hear, is Gianna discussion of what it takes to overcome the obstacles in your head and in your heart that keep you from reaching your full potential.

Regardless of whether your life goals involve a golf career, or simply being a happier person, you’ll find Gianna’s spirit and determination to be contagious.

Show Highlights:  

Notable Quotes:   

On the definition of herself, and how she wants to be known: “I am differently abled, not “dis”abled. I am not defined by my lack of limb deficiency. I am a whole person, a whole-hearted person…and that is what I present to the world.”

On using a prosthetic device to swing the golf club:   “For me to add something to my hand is the same as you losing something from your hand.”  

On incenting people to try golf:   “If we find something people like to do, then they’ll find a reason to move”  

On her outlook on life:   “We were not put here to be isolated and depressed.”  

On golf course adoption of design changes to accommodate adaptive golfers: “We are still in the awareness-building phase. There is still not wide approval or acceptance. But there are a few courses, and we expect it to grow as we see more related initiatives from respected organization like the USGA.”

On self motivation:   “If you focus on “How can I?” then you’ve already decided that you will. Then you just have to figure out the how.”  

Resources:  

Adaptivegolfers.org  

YouTube: One-Handed Lady Golfer videos  

USGA Announces New Global Ranking For Golfers With Disabilities To Launch In 2019

National Alliance of Accessible Golf

Gianna’s Schedule at the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show:

Eric Cogorno

Online Golf Instructor

Eric Cogorno is a student of his craft, which is the highest compliment that can be paid to someone, regardless of their profession. In Eric’s case, his profession happens to be golf instruction…and over the past 12 years as a golf pro, after giving more than 20,000 in-person lessons; after reading every golf book and viewing every golf video available; and after watching scores of other golf instructors give lessons…Eric is still working to find better ways to teach people at all skill levels to improve their game.

One of the ways that Eric has been working to improve golf instruction is through online video. And over the past two years, Eric and his business partner Mary Lengle have created an archive of more than 250 instructional videos (which they continue to produce on a daily basis), and they’ve attracted more than 32,000 subscribers to their YouTube channel. Here’s an even more impressive metric: 7 months ago Eric created a YouTube video on the “The Only Two Drills You Need for the Perfect Takeaway.” As of today, that single video has had more than 430,000 views.

In all honesty, when Mary approached me about featuring Eric on Golf Yeah, I wasn’t really that enthusiastic. My initial reaction was: here’s one of a hundred other guys making golf instruction videos. But with Mary’s encouragement, I dug a little deeper, and quickly realized that there’s a great story here.

Maybe it’s the way that Eric explains swing mechanics. Maybe it’s his natural on-camera presence. Or maybe it’s because he’s straight with people about what’s necessary for them to succeed.  Either way, I think there’s something special going on here, and I’ll let you decide for yourself by listening to Eric on this podcast.

Show Highlights:

Notable Quotes:

On why he initially chose his career: “I’d like to say that I started because of my love for the game, but in truth, I started teaching because of the money I could get from giving lessons.”

On his first attempts to create online videos: “I spent around $1,000 on a camera and microphone. It took me about a half hour just to figure out how to turn the camera on, let alone record a video. I tried for about 2 weeks to make a video, then I just gave up.”

On the best-known golf instructors: “Are they considered great because of the famous players they teach, or did they make those players great? It’s like the relationship between Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan.”

On his quest to understand the golf swing: “Many of the golf pros I watched did not have answers to the questions I was seeking…so I had to find out those answers for myself.”

On his decision to focus on online instruction: “I was teaching 50 to 60 in-person lessons a week, at the course for 10 hours, 7 days a week. I couldn’t continue at that pace. I needed to find a way to scale the business.”

On the importance of personal development: “The process of making Eric better has transformed all of the areas of my life in every way I could hope for. If you focus on making YOU better, all the other stuff happens by itself.”

Resources:

Golf Yeah Website

Cogorno Golf Website

Cogorno YouTube Channel

Instagram: ericcogorno

Recent Forbes Magazine Article on Eric: “YouTube Instructor Raises His Game by Raising Yours

Eric’s favorite golf instruction book: “Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book: Lessons And Teachings From A Lifetime In Golf”

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Books by authors who have shaped Eric’s perspective on life:

“My Philosophy for Successful Living,” by Jim Rohn

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“Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny,” by Tony Robbins

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John Wood

Veteran PGA Tour Caddie

John Wood has what many golf enthusiasts consider to be a dream job. As a professional caddie on the PGA Tour for the past 23 years, John Wood has carried for Hunter Mahan, Kevin Sutherland and Mark Calcavecchia. He is now in his 4th year on the bag for Matt Kuchar. In addition to scores of regular tour events and major tournaments behind the ropes, John has been part of 7 Ryder Cup teams, 6 Presidents Cup teams and the 2016 Olympics.

It’s safe to say that few people know more about the game, the players, the personalities, the courses, and what I takes to win on the Tour. John is recognized as one of the most respected and knowledgeable caddies on the PGA Tour. He’s going to share his story of how he got started, what life is really like for him as a caddie, as well as some guidance for people who aspire to follow a similar career path.

John is somewhat of a Renaissance Man. He reads a lot, and in fact, once managed a Towers book store in Sacramento before he became a caddie. He also enjoys the outdoors and camping. But his real passion is music, and in fact, he recently wrote, produced and published his first album of original songs, which is entitled “Record66,” and available on Soundcloud. And he talks about all of that.

Show Highlights:

Notable Quotes:

On his longevity as a Tour caddie: “It was something I thought I would try for a year or two and then get back to the real world. I had no idea it would turn into a career.”

On what it takes to make a great caddie: “A Tour caddie needs to have the answers to at least 5 questions that may never get asked by his player.”

On life of the PGA Tour: “If you have a good player who treats you well, there is really nothing to complain about.”

On his songwriting technique: “I start by writing the lyrics before I write the music, which is unlike the way most people do it.”

On becoming a Tour caddie today: “Be prepared to pay some dues. It’s much more difficult today. Most players bring out their own caddies these days.”

On working with Matt Kuchar: “He’s kind of like Fred Couples back in the day, because he’s so relaxed and easy to get along with.”

On managing a player in high pressure situations: “The waits on the tees and walks between shots can be more important than the actual shots, because you need to relax your player, and keep his mind off of golf.”

Resources:

Golf Yeah Website

John Wood’s Original Music on Soundcloud: Record66

Tribute to David Finn, the “Golf Fanatic,” with music and video by John Wood: The Ballad of The Golf Fanatic to the Bones

John Wood’s Twitter: @johnwould

Tom Coyne

Author and University Professor

Tom Coyne is a highly regarded author of four golf-related books. His most recent book, “A Course Called Scotland” was published this past summer. It chronicles his 2015 odyssey where Tom played 110 courses in Scotland over 57 days. This was a sequel to his 2009 book entitled “A Course Called Ireland,” that covers his 16 weeks playing nearly 60 courses.

Both of these books provide great insights into links courses in Ireland and Scotland. But Tom Coyne is NOT a travel writer. He is a world-class Irish story teller…without the blarney. He’s an extremely talented writer and his books are a joy to read.

I think you’ll enjoy my conversation with Tom, even if you haven’t read any of his books yet. But if you’re a serious golfer, you need to put him on your reading list. And I’ve made it really easy for you, by including Amazon links to Tom’s “Ireland” and “Scotland” books at the bottom of these show notes. You can start with his latest book on Scotland, or start at the beginning with his first book called “A Gentleman’s Game,” that he wrote as a grad student, and was made into a movie.

So…If you’re interested in the craft of writing, and are thinking about a career that involves writing about golf – or writing about any topic – then this podcast is well worth your time. In addition to being a published author, Tom’s a professor at St. John’s University in Philadelphia…where he’s taught writing for 15 years.

Show Highlights:

Notable Quotes:

On getting published: “It’s a strange and wonderful thing when something you write goes off into the world and takes on a life of its own.”

On success at a very early stage in his writing career: “I probably didn’t appreciate it back then as much as I appreciate it now.”

On his book causing gentrification of Askernish on the island of South Uist: “Given all the flights and ferries to get there, and with only 100 beds on the island, I don’t see Askernish ever getting there.”

On becoming a great writer: “The only way you can begin to find your voice as a writer is to be writing all the time.”

On the quality golf books: “Of all the sports, golf has the best cannon of literature.”

On his next book: “Can’t talk much about that project yet. I know the story. There will be travel. There will be fun.  And there will be golf.”

On his swing thought: “When I remember to have one…it’s “target” and “tempo.”

Resources:

Golf Yeah Website

Tom Coyne’s Twitter: @coynewriter

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Brian Thorne

President, Veritas Productions

Brian Thorne is a man who wears many different hats. He’s been a freelance camera operator for the Golf Channel for the past 8 years. He also does freelance production for ESPN and NFL Films. We will hear from someone who has filmed 10 Super Bowls, 2 World Series, The Olympics in Rio; and for golf, 7 Masters, 8 PGA Tournaments, 8 US Opens, and many more! 

Brian teaches at the graduate level at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. He runs his own company called Veritas Productions, which is a full-service video production company. And in his spare time, he does things like coach his son’s football team, and win Emmy Awards.

Listen in and discover Brian’s passion and insights on what it takes to break into the video production side of professional sports broadcasting. 

 Show Highlights: 

Notable Quotes: 

On finding his career: “I realized I was creative, I just needed a tool. I didn’t have natural talent.” 

On filming at sporting events: “I have been run into, but never hurt.” 

On teaching: “You get really fired up when you see your students on TV at a major sporting event.” 

On the future of his business: “There are a lot of people talking about sports, and that’s what’s great.” 

 Resources: 

Veritas Productions Website

Photo Out-takes (Including Kelly Tilghman embrace)

Peter Cowan

Head PGA Golf Professional

Peter Cowan, a native of Dublin, Ireland, started out in the hospitality business…working for 6 years as a head chef at respected restaurants in Dublin and New York City. But he eventually gave up a promising culinary career to follow his passion for the game of golf, which he had played since he was old enough to carry a bag.

Peter paid his dues as an assistant pro at classic clubs, including Brooklawn (Est. 1895) and The Creek (Est. 1925). For the past 21 years, he has served as head golf professional at North Fork, one of America’s oldest and most prestigious clubs.

In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve known Peter for 30 years; since the day he nearly set my house on fire in Connecticut. He’s my first guest on Golf Yeah, not only because he exemplifies someone whose passion for golf drove him to change careers, but also because he’s fun to talk to…as you will see.

Show Highlights:

Notable Quotes:

On learning to play the game:   “I grew up playing golf in Ireland, since I was 5 or 6 years old.”

On why he loves the game:   “I love the overall understanding of the game of golf; not just playing the game.”

On building your career:   “To get a shot at a position as a golf pro, you have to work at differentiating yourself from other people.“

On hitting the ball:   “Before you swing a golf club, your posture has to be correct.”

Resources:

Golf Yeah Interview Out-takes

Peter Cowan Website