What does the future of golf look like, and who’s making it happen? 

In this episode, Jon Podany, Chief Commercial Officer of the USGA, joins Dave to explore the bold investments and innovations reshaping the sport. You’ll hear how they’ve built a pipeline of young talent with the U.S. National Development Program, AND how they’ve transformed the fan experience. 

The USGA is elevating women's golf through landmark prize purses and broadcast deals, creating global momentum with the Adaptive Open, and driving engagement with off-course formats like TGL.

Together, these initiatives reflect the USGA’s broader mission: not just to host championships, but to build an inclusive, tech-forward ecosystem where the game thrives for the next generation of players, fans, and communities.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why the USGA’s new National Development Program could become golf’s version of AAU basketball
• How adaptive golf is setting the stage to become a Paralympic sport
• The role technology plays in expanding golf’s reach, from real-time fan apps to gamification on the course
• How the USGA doubled the U.S. Women’s Open purse and landed a historic NBC primetime slot
• What Jon thinks about TGL, off-course golf, and the sports media shakeup affecting leagues everywhere

Resources and Links:

Connect with Jon Podany on LinkedIn and learn more about USGA on their website.

Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.

Next League is partnering with Sports Business Journal for the Rising Woman of the Year Award. Nominations are now open! Learn more here.