The Golfing CEO

If you thought Derek was the delusional one (in a good way, of course), just wait until you meet today’s guest, Nik Neal. A certified physical therapist and founder and CEO of the golf fitness platform, Golf Strong Hit Bombs, Nik is a “late bloomer” in golf, so to speak, who has fallen in and out of love with the game multiple times over the past three decades. 

But he may be saving his best for last.  With big ambitions and a growing brand, Nik has his sights set on golf’s ultimate prize – a ticket to Augusta National to compete in the Masters. Yes, as a player.

• For more information about Nik, GSHB, and The Road to Augusta: If you’re interested in learning more about Nik’s golf fitness platform and/or checking-out how he chronicles his journey to Augusta, visit his website at https://golfstronghitbombs.com/ or subscribe to his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@GolfStrongHitBombsOfficial
  
  
• Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.

• Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

At just 25 years old, Rachel Heck has accomplished more in golf than most players do in a lifetime. A three-time NCAA champion and WGCA All-American, she became Nike Golf’s first-ever NIL athlete while at Stanford. And then, after completing one of the most decorated collegiate careers in the history of women’s golf, she made an equally remarkable decision… not to turn pro at all.

Today, Rachel continues to compete as an amateur while building a professional career and serving as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Join Derek and Rachel for a conversation about golf, ambition, identity, and having the confidence to define success on your own terms… Plus how a little childhood bribery involving ice cream helped start it all.

• Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.

• Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

Another chance encounter on a golf course leads Derek to today’s guest, Ryan Gano, founder and CEO of All Access Golf Travel and Events. Ryan’s company is one of the largest and most successful licensed golf travel operators in the world, making for a fun and spirited discussion between two huge golf nerds. Learn why the CEO of a golf travel company has only been playing the game for 12 years, why the best golf experiences across Great Britain and Ireland aren’t always where you might think, and why Oakmont will kick your butt yet somehow still leave you smiling walking off the 18th green.

• Want more information about All Access? If you’re interested in learning more about how All Access can help you with your next international golf trip, visit the company’s website at https://www.allaccessgte.com/.
• Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.
• Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

What happens when two childhood friends sit down to talk about growing up together, where their careers have taken them, what they’ve learned about leadership, and the game they’ve loved along the way? 

Tune in this week to find out, as Derek is joined by long-time friend and current LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler. Hear about the unique way that Derek and Craig met as teenagers, how Craig is reshaping the LPGA around a bold vision for growth, and why his mom’s minivan had over 150,000 miles on it before he even left for college. 

Part leadership conversation, part trip down memory lane… and a whole lot of golf. 

• Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.
• Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

In the triad of the USGA’s biggest events every year, the Mid-Amateur is, in theory, the “easiest” to qualify for, thanks to its age restriction of 25 or older. But not so fast. Even mid-amateurs can play some damn good golf. 

Join Derek and his dad, Joe, as they recap Derek’s final qualifier of the summer, both before and after the round from the car, as well as on-course audio captured during some of the key moments. It was an action-packed day that neither of them will soon forget.

• Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.
• Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

When American Junior Golf Association Executive Director Stephen Hamblin stepped into the role 42 years ago, the AJGA had a broken-down van, a dozen annual events, five full-time employees, and an operating budget of just $200,000. Today, the AJGA has grown by 10x to 100x in nearly every measurable category… and all under Hamblin’s leadership. Join Derek and Stephen for a fun and memorable conversation about the past, present, and future of junior golf, and discover why the junior golf movement was well underway before Tiger Woods’ iconic 1997 victory at The Masters.

• Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.

• Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

Episode 7 of The Golfing CEO finds Derek on the precipice of one of the biggest achievements in any amateur golfer’s season, maybe even over an entire amateur career in golf… qualifying for the United States Amateur Championship. Join Derek and his caddie, Ray Day, as they recap the action from Dallas National Golf Club, where Derek is only 18 holes away from Merion Golf Club, and everything that comes with playing in America’s oldest organized golf tournament.

• Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.

• Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

Episode 6 of The Golfing CEO features one of our most recognizable guests yet: acclaimed writer, director, producer, and actor Ed Burns, whose latest independent film, Finnegan's Foursome, brings the game of golf to the big screen. Join Derek and Ed as they discuss the inspiration behind the film, Ed's life and career on and off the course, and why golf has a way of bringing together family, friendships, and unforgettable stories. 

• Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.
• Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

Episode 5 of The Golfing CEO turns the microphone on Derek's own competitive golf journey. Joined once again by his instructor, Cory Scoggin, Derek relives the highs, lows, and biggest moments from the first stage of qualifying for the U.S. Amateur. Together, they break down Derek's annual spring and summer tournament season as he pursues one of golf's toughest tests. 

• Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.
• Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

Episode 4 of The Golfing CEO features Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association and one of the golf industry's leading advocates and thought leaders. Join Derek and Jay as they discuss the golf industry's annual trip to Capitol Hill for National Golf Day, the business realities facing public and private golf courses, and why participation, innovation, and new audiences are giving plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future of the game. 

• Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.

• Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.