The Spin Podcast

In this episode of The Spin Podcast, we’re joined by Pete Lockett, a PGA Member and coach to Canadian Olympian Alena Sharp. Pete takes us through his unique journey from becoming a professional coach to guiding an elite athlete on one of the biggest stages in sports. As he discusses the preparation and strategies leading up to the Women’s Olympic Golf Competition in Paris, Pete provides a fascinating look at the dynamics of coaching at the highest level.

Beyond the Olympics, Pete reflects on the importance of being a PGA Member, and the value of mentorship in the coaching community. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or interested in the world of high-performance coaching, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to succeed at the top.

Image credit: Dave Holland

In this episode of The Spin Podcast, we speak with Brijinder Singh, President of the Indian Golf Union [IGU], direct from Paris about his experiences at the 2024 Olympic Games, and the broader role of the IGU and National Golf Academy of India [NGAI] in shaping the future of the sport in India.

Brijinder shares his reflections on the men’s and women’s Olympic golf competitions, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of Indian athletes on this prestigious global stage.

Beyond the Olympics, Brijinder discusses the IGU’s collaboration with the CPG and the ambitious goals set for the development of golf in India. From enhancing grassroots participation to ensuring top-quality coaching, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the future of Indian golf and its growing influence on the international scene.

Since 2013, Kevin Kirk has been recognised as a “Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher” and is currently the Director of Golf Instruction at The Woodlands Country Club, coaching LPGA and Ladies European Tour players such as Patrick Reed, Lexi Thompson, Jhonattan Vegas, Mark Hubbard and Maria Verchenova. CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, caught up with Kevin at the 2022 Players Championships held at TPC Sawgrass, USA, to discuss all areas of high performance in golf, leadership and life in general, his 'moneyball' approach, and his role with the upcoming High Performance Trip that will head to Trump Doral, Miami, in March 2023.

Find out more about the CPG High Performance Trip in Miami, USA, taking place in March 2023 here: https://cp.golf/3760S2j.

CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, is joined by two leading figures in Canadian Golf in Kevin Thistle (Chief Executive, PGA of Canada) and Laurence Applebaum (Chief Executive, Golf Canada) to discuss current state of affairs for the sport in North America and Canada.

Championing collaboration between PGA and Federation, First Tee, the RBC PGA Scramble and making the game more accessible and enjoyable for all are just a number of key and important topics debated throughout this bumper 50+ minute podcast episode.

Visit the PGA of Canada: https://www.pgaofcanada.com

Visit Golf Canada: https://www.golfcanada.ca

PGA of Germany Professional, Stefan Quirmbach, has played a central role within the PGA of Germany as President for over 20 years. Through his leadership and contributions during this time, the organisation has developed its business significantly to ensure its PGA Members receive the highest possible standards of education and support services, whilst also enabling the organisation to further its role as a leading and influential voice for German golf.

As his tenure draws to a close, Stefan joins CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, in this podcast episode to share with you what he considers some of the most significant contributions he has made to the PGA of Germany and to the wider professional game in the country, as well as provide valuable insights into what the future holds for the organisation and German golf.

To celebrate the full launch of European Doubles Golf, CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, is joined by world golf hall of famer and 18-time major champion, Jack Nicklaus, to discuss Doubles Golf.

As co-founder of Doubles Golf, the innovative new 9-hole format has taken the U.S. by storm, providing golfers of all ages and abilities with a fun, shortened format that removes pressure and creates opportunity for all to experience golf regularly.

Find out more about Doubles Golf at cpg.golf.

This special edition of The CPG Podcast takes a deep dive in to the roles, experiences and work of PGA Professionals that are involved across all aspects of Olympic Golf, hearing from PGA Members that are working as team managers and coaches across both the Women’s and Men’s events out in Tokyo, and in one special case we’ll also be hearing from a PGA Member that has already taken home some silverware.

Joining the show are PGA of Germany Member, Men’s Olympic Coach, German national team Mem’s Coach, and CPG 2020 John Jacobs Award for Teaching & Coaching Winner, Ulrich Eckhardt; PGA of Germany Member, Team Germany Olympic Coach and Board Member of the German Golf Association, Marcus Nuemann; PGA of Finland Member and coach to Sami Valimakki, Timo Karvinen; PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Member and coach to Adrian Meronk, Matt Tipper; the CPG’s very own David Kearney from Team Ireland, also a PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Member and CPG 2018 5 Star Professional Award Winner; and PGA of Slovakia Member and Silver Medallist in the Men’s event, Rory Sabbatini.

The episode covers topics from both the women’s and men’s events, such as the Olympic experience both as players and as coaches, the impact of the Olympics in various countries, the roles of the coaches and managers in particular, the amazing Kasumigaseki Country Club, player preparations for Olympic success, as well as taking a look back at the Men’s event that has just culminated and ahead to women’s event as well.

PGA of America CEO, Seth Waugh, joins CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, in this special Spin-Off episode of The Spin Podcast to share his vision for the “greatest game on Earth”

During the episode, Seth elaborates on some of his most successful industry collaborations, he highlights the need to align priorities and activities in order to fit with modern generations and trends, and he discusses some of the greatest assets in golf including The Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in September 2021 and the USPGA Championship.

In this Golf Business Insights episode of The Spin Podcast, host Tom Bentley is joined by Executive Director - Digital & Membership for the CPG, Aston Ward, to talk top-line digital innovation and implementation in sport, using Aston's current and ongoing experiences in doing so for the CPG.  

From SME's through to blue-chip organisations, this episode will provide you and your business with a good contextual grasp of digital innovation and strategy in practice, and allow each business to be more aware of the challenges and opportunities that it brings.

In this Development Digest episode of The Spin podcast, host Tom Bentley is joined by PGA of Latvia Professional, Anna Svanka, and PGA Professional at Metropolitan Golf Club, Phoebe Torrance.

The episode focuses on shining a light on the work women are involved with in golf and to provide further exposure about the opportunities and challenges facing the industry in becoming a more inclusive sport for women.