The Hill Unscripted

Season 2, Episode 7 – Bob Kitchen is joined by his brother Andy Kitchen and Maple Hill GM Steve Strock to break down their unforgettable trips to the Masters at Augusta National—just as Rory McIlroy made history.

From exclusive access at Berckmans Place to walking the course on Championship Sunday, they share what it’s really like inside Augusta—from the insane green speeds and elevation changes to the no-phone policy, merch experience, and surprisingly cheap food.

They also cover:

- What TV doesn’t show about Augusta National

- The hardest holes and craziest greens

- Insider tips if you ever go to the Masters

- Rory’s historic win and tournament takeaways

- The wild tech behind the merch shop

If you’ve ever dreamed of going to the Masters, this is the closest you’ll get without a badge.

Season 2, Episode 6 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with Harry Nodwell, Wilson Golf’s Global Product Line Manager, for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at one of golf’s most overlooked — and fastest rising — brands.

From his journey at MyGolfSpy testing millions of golf balls to now leading global product development for Wilson, Harry breaks down what really matters in golf equipment — and why more golfers are starting to rethink what’s in their bag.

This episode dives into:

- Why Wilson is targeting serious ball strikers and competitive golfers

- The new Staff Model XB irons — built to look like blades but perform like game improvement

- The Dynapower Forge and the rise of the “player’s performance” category

- Wilson’s most forgiving driver ever — the Max Plus

- Why graphite iron shafts might be the next big shift in golf

- The truth about brand bias — and why most golfers never try better options

- How unbiased testing (like MyGolfSpy) is reshaping equipment decisions

Bob and Harry also get into fitting philosophy, common mistakes golfers make (including shaft and lie angle misconceptions), and why performance should always beat ego when choosing equipment.

Plus, insights on Wilson’s award-winning wedges and putters, what’s coming next in 2027, and why this legacy brand might be quietly building something big.

Season 2, Episode 5 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with Tim Heffelfinger, Mizuno Golf sales rep, to break down what truly separates Mizuno from the rest of the golf industry.

From replacing a 30+ year legend to covering one of the largest territories in the Midwest, Tim shares his journey into the Mizuno brand — and why it’s gaining serious momentum as a complete golf company, not just an iron brand.

But the real story?

How Mizuno builds their clubs.

Bob dives deep into Mizuno’s legendary grain flow forging process, where craftsmen spend 20–25 years mastering metalwork before ever touching a golf club. It’s a level of discipline and quality control that few — if any — companies can match.

The episode also covers:

- The new JPX ONE driver line and its unique nano alloy technology

- Why Mizuno is finally competing in drivers, woods, and full bag setups

- The breakout MX Speed Metal irons at a price point golfers didn’t expect

- The evolution of the Mizuno Pro M13 & M15 irons

- Why Mizuno’s shaft optimizer might be the best fitting tool in golf

- How tour player feedback directly shapes Mizuno design

- The rise of Mizuno wedges and putters — and why they’re gaining traction fast

Bob and Tim also talk about the state of the golf industry, the future of equipment innovation, and why proper fitting matters more than ever.

If you’ve ever heard “Nothing feels like Mizuno,” this episode explains exactly why — and why more golfers are starting to pay attention.

Season 2, Episode 4 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen welcomes Sam Bettinardi, President of Bettinardi Golf, for a deep dive into one of golf’s most respected family-run brands, and where it’s headed next.

Following last season’s conversation with founder Bob Bettinardi, this episode shifts to the next generation. Sam shares how he went from growing up around the shop to leading a company that has expanded from 15 employees to 95, now operating in 45 countries with over 100,000 square feet of space.

The conversation covers:

- The rise of the Antidote Zero Torque putter, now Bettinardi’s top-selling line

- What makes their zero torque design different from competitors

- How tour players like Matt Kuchar, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Fred Couples influence product design

- Why Sam spends an hour every morning inspecting quality himself

- The real reason putter fitting matters more than most golfers realize

- The story behind the Queen Bee line and its global impact

- Bettinardi’s expansion into wedges, irons, and AI-driven innovation

Sam also shares personal stories — including winning the Butler National Club Championship four times — and explains why even he chooses performance over preference when it comes to what’s in the bag.

From craftsmanship to culture, from tour feedback to global expansion, this episode pulls back the curtain on how Bettinardi plans to become not just a premium putter company, but a household name in golf.

Season 2, Episode 3 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with longtime family friend and Callaway sales rep Mike Dykema for a conversation that blends cutting-edge golf technology with a 50-year relationship built on trust, loyalty, and love for the game.

Bob and Mike reflect on the deep history between the Kitchen and Dykema families, dating back to their fathers’ legendary careers in golf equipment. From Power Built to Adams Golf to Callaway, the partnership has spanned decades — and now continues with the next generation.

The conversation then shifts to what’s next in golf equipment.

Mike breaks down Callaway’s brand-new Quantum line, featuring revolutionary Tri-force face technology — the first three-piece titanium driver face designed to stretch 14% more and respond 17% faster for increased ball speed and forgiveness. With five driver models and a full iron lineup built for every skill level, Quantum aims to fit everyone from beginners to Tour pros.

Bob shares his personal testing experience in California, where the Triple Diamond Max helped him hit 26 of 28 fairways after months away from competitive golf.

They also discuss:

- Callaway’s $12 million Ai investment and how it’s reshaping club design

- The future of golf fitting and a new technology launching soon

- Why service separates Callaway from competitors

- The importance of long-term business relationships in golf

- Upcoming Maple Hill fitting events and how to get dialed in

This episode is equal parts innovation, loyalty, and inside-the-industry perspective — a must-listen for golfers who care about where the game is heading.

Season 2, Episode 2 – The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with Maple Hill Golf’s head fitter and longtime friend, William “Dub” Ogden, for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation covering golf gear, industry drama, and life behind the scenes at one of the busiest fitting centers in the Midwest.

Dub shares how he went from selling doors and windows to leading Maple Hill’s fitting department, how being a three-sport athlete (and the last guy to beat UFC’s Tony Ferguson in high school wrestling) shaped his approach to coaching, and why finding the right club for the right player matters more than chasing high-end “unicorn” upgrades.

This episode dives into:

- The future (or downfall) of LIV Golf

- First thoughts on 2026 gear – Callaway Quantum, Cobra Optum, Mizuno’s new driver tech

- Why Evnroll putters might be golf’s best-kept secret

- Honest takes on low-spin driver myths, chippers, and 60-degree wedges

- Upcoming Maple Hill events, live auctions, Midwest golf shows, and more

You’ll also hear stories of hole-in-one drama, golf cart injuries, Dub’s dream foursome (Tiger, Daly, and Payne Stewart), and a behind-the-scenes look at Maple Hill’s evolving gear strategy going into 2026 and beyond.

Season 2, Episode 1 – The Hill Unscripted returns for Season 2 with a heavy hitter: Guerin Rife, the legendary designer behind Rife Putters and Evenroll Golf.

In this in-depth conversation with Bob Kitchen, Guerin walks through his journey from metal shop entrepreneur to industry innovator — revealing how he changed the putting game forever through groove technology, Sweet Face, and the iconic Two Bar Putter that took the Champions Tour by storm.

You’ll hear stories and insights on:

• The origins of Sweet Face 2.0 and why it's helping golfers hit putts faster, softer, and straighter

• Why even Tour pros miss the sweet spot — and how Guerin's grooves solve for it

• The rise, sale, and rebirth of his brand through Evenroll Golf

• Competing with the biggest names in golf while still building over 100 Tour wins worldwide

• The evolution of zero torque design, hosel-free construction, and what’s coming next

Plus:

• Why Guerinn’s favorite putter ever is still the Two Bar

• How the Swedish Bikini Team inspired a hilarious dream foursome moment

• His favorite U.S. course (spoiler: it’s not Pebble)

• What amateurs misunderstand most about MOI, sweet spots, and forgiveness

Whether you’re a gear junkie, a student of putting mechanics, or just love hearing from true inventors who shape the game — this episode kicks off Season 2 with engineering precision and storytelling style.

Episode 17 – In this special episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen sits down with one of the most respected names in golf — Bob Bettinardi, founder of Bettinardi Golf — for a wide-ranging and personal conversation that covers everything from CNC precision to celebrity putters, major wins, and the future of the flatstick.

Bettinardi opens up about:

- How he went from engineer to golf industry disruptor, pioneering the one-piece milled putter

- His early days working with Scotty Cameron, including building the putter Bernhard Langer used to win the 1993 Masters

- The moment he went all-in and launched Bettinardi Golf in 1999

The two Bobs also talk about:

- Tour success stories with Jesper Parnevik, Jim Furyk, and Vijay Singh

- The rise of Bettinardi’s son Sam, who now runs day-to-day operations

- How The Hive, Queen Bee, and Antidote lines became icons

- Why Bettinardi believes zero torque tech is here to stay, and what’s coming next

- Making custom putters for Mark Wahlberg, DJ Khaled, and Michael Jordan

- A hilarious story involving Butler National, no menu, and a surprise Thanksgiving dinner in July

You’ll also hear his thoughts on:

- Golf innovation vs tradition

- Building a golf brand that lasts

- Why Cypress Point edges out Pebble Beach (barely)

- Playing with President Trump and Gary Player (and getting nervously roasted on the tee)

This episode is a must-listen for any golf fan, gear nerd, or entrepreneur — filled with history, humor, and a rare look behind the scenes at one of the game’s most beloved brands.

Episode 16 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen delivers a packed session of golf business insights, product tips, and holiday shopping help — just in time for Thanksgiving.

Bob kicks things off with a sincere apology about a brand mention in a previous episode, reinforcing his commitment to keeping the podcast honest, informative, and professional.

Then it's onto big stories in the golf world:

- Callaway sells Top Golf at a $1.5B loss – What it says about the business of golf entertainment

- Good Good finally adds female golfers – And why it matters

- FootJoy’s evolution – From old-school to agile brand, and how they’re staying competitive

Bob also answers listener questions about:

- Teeing up on par threes – Should you? (Yes!)

- Offset in golf clubs – What it is and why most golfers need it

He then shares his Holiday Golf Gift Guide, with personal recommendations at all price points — including gear from TaylorMade, Cobra, Bridgestone, Puma, Pins & Aces, and more. Expect honest takes on what’s worth the money, what’s moving fast, and which brands Maple Hill has gone deep on (think: 40,000+ shoes, 2,000 iron sets, and hundreds of bags).

Finally, Bob runs through Maple Hill’s Black Friday promotions, including:

- Bonus gift cards with every gift card purchase

- Simulator passes, fitting discounts, and exclusive extras

- Prepaid indoor golf packages for winter play

Plus, a sneak peek at next episode’s special guest — Bob Bettinardi of Bettinardi Golf — and a quick Thanksgiving sign-off.

0:00 Podcast Introduction and Apology

1:43 Callaway Golf Sells Top Golf

5:45 Good Good Adds Female Golfers

7:57 Meeting with FootJoy Executives

9:40 Should You Tee Up on Par Threes?

11:32 Upcoming Bob Bettinardi Interview

15:31 Holiday Gift Guide

19:12 Why Do Golf Manufacturers Make So Much Offset?

24:12 Maple Hill Black Friday Deals

29:28 Thanksgiving Sign-Off

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Episode 15 - Internet Golf Booms, LIV Changes, and The Truth About Trade-Ins

In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen breaks down some of the biggest shifts in the golf world — from viral tournaments to how retailers handle your trade-ins.

Bob starts with the incredible success of the Internet Invitational, which has pulled in 5.1 million viewers, surpassing PGA Tour ratings. He shares his own vision for a new kind of event — one where players buy into the purse themselves for a winner-take-all format that brings real excitement back to golf.

Then, Bob dives into the latest LIV Golf changes, explaining why the move from 54 to 72 holes might be more about money than golf — and how YouTube creators are changing the way fans watch and interact with the game.

He also gives an inside look at how golf trade-ins really work, revealing the “smoke and mirrors” behind inflated trade-in offers and explaining how Maple Hill focuses on true value and transparency for golfers.

Plus, Bob covers:

• Proper yardage gapping between clubs and how to fix distance overlaps

• The truth about golf balls in cold weather (hint: your swing matters more than the temperature)

• How to handle the reality of aging in golf and still love the game

• Upcoming Maple Hill promotions, including free TrackMan fittings, holiday gift card bonuses, and the annual Turkey Tee Off Open on Black Friday

If you want straight talk about golf — the gear, the game, and the business — this episode delivers it all.

0:00 Introduction to The Hill Unscripted Podcast

0:28 The Internet Invitational and Golf Tournament Innovation

5:57 LIV Golf's Evolution and YouTube's Impact

9:13 How Trade-Ins Work in Golf Retail

15:01 Yardage Gapping and Club Selection

22:51 Golf Ball Selection and Temperature Effects

24:42 Mailbag Question About Aging and Golf

29:50 Maple Hill Promotions and Events

36:58 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

🎯 Shop THE HILL Official Merch

Rep the brand and support the movement with official gear!

🛒 Grab yours now: https://bit.ly/46UAoOh

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/maplehillgolf/

https://www.instagram.com/maplehillgolf/

https://www.tiktok.com/@maplehillgolf.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1PySMzGMnuiZbXVjWMlmA

Website: https://maplehillgolf.com/