The BGC Podcast

We sat down with Tom Layman — sportswriter, videographer, and author of the golf fiction novel Level Par — for one of our most honest conversations yet. We dig into the book's central character Jake Steadman, a former prodigy standing over the most important shot of his life, and what it really means to find redemption through the game. Tom also shares what he's learned about the mental side of golf, why fiction might be the best way to tell the truest stories, and what keeps him coming back to the course.

Brian VanDongen is the creator of From the Drop Zone, a golf newsletter built on real opinions and a genuine love for the game. In this episode, Brian tells the story of why he started it, what keeps him writing, and shares his honest takes on where golf stands today. Casual, candid, and zero filler.

We took the conversation off the mic and onto the simulator.In this bonus episode with DJ Senatore of Badlands, we break down some of the best golf shoe brands on the market right now — the ones you know and the ones you should know — and settle it the only way that makes sense. On the course. Sort of.A more relaxed hang with real talk about golf footwear, style, and what DJ actually recommends when guys walk into Badlands not knowing where to start.🎧 Catch the full episode on the channel if you haven't already.🔔 Subscribe for more BGC content every week.

Not every golf shop is created equal.In this episode of the Bridgewater Golf Collective, we sit down with DJ Senatore, owner of Badlands — a golf retail store built around carrying the best, most hard-to-find apparel brands in the game. DJ breaks down how he curates his inventory, why he bets on brands that most shops won't carry, and what he sees happening at the intersection of golf culture and fashion.This is a conversation about taste, business, and what it means to build something for golfers who actually care about how they play and how they look.🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every week.🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss one.

If your back hurts after every round and nothing you've tried seems to fix it for good — this episode is for you.We sat down with Dr. Ash Billimoria of Strive2Move to talk about why golfers specifically struggle to get out of the back pain cycle, and why most treatments only mask the problem instead of solving it. The golf swing is one of the most demanding rotational movements the body makes — and when the hips, glutes, and spine aren't working together, your back pays the price.In this episode:Why golfers are so prone to chronic back painThe root causes most treatments completely missHow your swing compensations are making things worseWhat a real, long-term fix looks like for active golfersHow to protect your back and actually play more golf🎙️ Guest: Dr. Ashdin Billimoria | Strive2Move | Martinsville, NJ🌐 strive2move.comSubscribe for more conversations on golf performance, health, and the game we love.

Diamo Streaser didn't take the easy road to become a PGA Head Professional. In this episode, we sit down at one of New Jersey's most underrated private clubs to hear the real story behind the grind.What does it actually take to become a PGA Head Professional? In this episode of the Bridgewater Golf Collective podcast, we sit down with Diamo Streaser — Head Pro at Watchung Valley Golf Club in Watchung, NJ — to talk about his journey through the game, the grind of PGA certification, and what life really looks like running one of New Jersey's most exciting private clubs.Watchung Valley is a Seth Raynor-designed gem that's been turning heads after a full course restoration — and Diamo is the man behind the operation. We get into how he got here, what the day-to-day life of a head pro actually looks like, and why this club is one of the most underrated in the entire Metro area.If you love golf culture, the business of the game, and real stories from inside the ropes — this one's for you.🎙 Follow Bridgewater Golf Collective:Instagram: @bridgewatergolfcollective

🎙️ New Podcast Episode: Orson Rosas ⛳️

In this episode, we sit down with Orson Rosas, the man who accomplished something truly wild: playing every public golf course in New Jersey.

What started in 2015 as a personal challenge turned into a seven-year journey that wrapped up in 2022—hundreds of rounds, countless miles, and a deep dive into the true landscape of NJ public golf.

We talk about:

• Why he started the journey

• How he stayed committed for 7 years

• What he learned about golf, the state, and himself along the way

• The hidden gems, the surprises, and the reality of playing all of them

This one is about obsession, curiosity, and loving the game enough to see it all.

🎧 Episode is live now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
If you love golf—and especially NJ golf—you don’t want to miss this one.

In this episode, we sit down at Plainfield Country Club with Jason Bataille and Ryan Hager to explore the unique relationship between an elite competitive golfer and his coach/instructor. We dive into how trust is built over years of work, how honest feedback shapes performance, and why great golf at the highest amateur level is never a solo effort.Jason and Ryan share stories from golf trips, tournament preparation, practice sessions, and the moments—both good and difficult—that define a successful player-coach partnership. From technical adjustments to mindset, competition pressure, and long-term development, this conversation offers an inside look at what it really takes to perform at a high level.This episode is about more than swings and scores—it’s about accountability, mentorship, and why elite golf is a team sport.

In this episode of the BGC Podcast, we sit down with Mike Puorro, creator and host of The Drop Podcast, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a golf media brand from the ground up.Mike shares how The Drop started—what pushed him to press record for the first time, the doubts and fears he faced early on, and the lessons he learned by staying consistent when growth wasn’t guaranteed. We talk about some of his most meaningful guests, the conversations that shaped the direction of the show, and how storytelling has become the foundation of his approach to golf media.We also dive into where The Drop is headed next, how his vision has evolved, and why community, authenticity, and long-form conversations still matter in a fast-paced digital world.If you’re building something of your own—whether it’s a podcast, a brand, or a creative outlet—this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and real insight from someone who’s in the middle of the journey.

In this episode, we head to Golf Cave to play 9 holes and sit down with Chris Derogatis, Assistant Golf Professional at NJ National, to talk about his journey in the game and what it really takes to build a career in golf.Chris didn’t grow up playing the game at a young age. He picked up golf at 14 and quickly fell in love with the process — learning, practicing, competing, and committing to improvement. We talk about his early years, the challenges of starting later than most, and how that experience shaped his perspective as a player and coach today.During the round, we cover:• How Chris got started in golf• The path to becoming an Assistant Pro at NJ National• Lessons learned from competition and coaching• What people don’t see behind the scenes of the golf profession• Why patience, consistency, and fundamentals matter at every levelThis conversation goes beyond swing tips. It’s about the work, the mindset, and the long-term commitment required to stay in the game — whether you’re chasing scratch, a professional career, or simply trying to get better.Watch the full episode, and if you enjoy conversations about golf, careers, and the stories behind the game, make sure to subscribe for future episodes.