Chicago Golf Report
Sports
About
The Chicago Golf Report Podcast brings the best of golf in Chicago to you featuring exclusive interviews with some of top newsmakers in the Chicagoland golf community.
Episodes
- How Twilight Golf Is Changing the Way Recreational Golfers Play the Game
In our latest Chicago Golf Report Podcast, Nick Conrad shares how Twilight Golf has built a national league model that now manages more than 250,000 rounds annually — all focused on recreational players . The concept is simple, but powerfu…
- The Elevation of Golf Performance: Inside Mike Mandakas’ Return to Olympia Fields
In a rapidly evolving golf landscape, few stories better capture the intersection of tradition and innovation than the return of Mike Mandakas to Olympia Fields Country Club . Now serving as Director of Instruction, Mandakas is not simply…
- The Future of Golf Operations: Inside Landscapes Golf Management with Mark Mattingly
The golf industry is evolving faster than at any point in the past 30 years—and much of that transformation is happening behind the scenes. In this episode of the Chicago Golf Report Podcast, we sit down with Mark Mattingly, Executive Vice…
- The Evolution and Modernization of Chicago Golf: A Conversation with Matt McIntee of Troon
In this episode of the Chicago Golf Report Podcast, we talk with Matt McIntee, a longtime golf industry leader whose career spans the Crown family’s golf portfolio, Green Golf Partners, and now Troon , the largest golf management company i…
- The Philosophy and Practice of Golf Course Architecture: A Conversation with Greg Martin
What makes a golf course truly great? Is it length, difficulty, dramatic visuals, or something more subtle that reveals itself only after repeated rounds? In this episode of the Chicago Golf Report Podcast, we talk with golf course archite…
- Megalodome Golf – The World’s First Full-Scale Indoor Golf Course?
In this episode of Chicago Golf Report, we talk with Bertrand Quentin, one the founders of Megalodome Golf , to discuss one of the most ambitious golf projects ever proposed — the world’s first full-scale indoor golf course . After seven y…
- The Chicago Indoor Golf Boom: Lessons from The Haven in Palos Heights
In this episode of the Chicago Golf Report Podcast, we meet Don Borschel, founder of The Haven Indoor Golf in Palos Heights, Illinois, to break down what it really takes to build and operate a successful standalone indoor golf simulator bu…
- How Whoosh Is Reinventing Club & Golf Operations
In this episode, we sit down with Colin Read, founder of Whoosh , to explore how modern technology is transforming private clubs, public golf courses, and the fast-growing indoor golf simulator market. Colin shares how outdated, friction-h…
- Roger Steele and the TGL
Chicago’s unofficial golf ambassador Roger Steele joins the Chicago Golf Report Podcast to break down where golf is headed and why TGL could change the way fans experience the game. Roger shares what it’s like serving as the in-arena…
- Alex Bennett of the PGA Tour Performance Center
In this episode of the Chicago Golf Report Podcast, we sit down with Alex Bennett — Director of Athletic Performance at the PGA Tour Performance Center — for a deep dive into the intersection of fitness, athleticism, and elite golf perform…
- Jim Schiavo of Topgolf Naperville
In this all-new Chicago Golf Report Podcast episode, we go behind the scenes with Jim Schiavo, the dynamic General Manager of Topgolf Naperville—one of Chicagoland’s most popular year-round golf and entertainment destinations. With more th…
- Dan Dinelli of North Shore Country Club
In this episode of the Chicago Golf Report Podcast , we dive deep into the mind and methods of Dan Dinelli, the legendary superintendent of North Shore Country Club . With over four decades at one of Chicago’s premier golf facilities, Dine…
- Steve Ciancio and Josh Lesnick of Magellan Jets
Our guests this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast are Steve Ciancio and Josh Lesnick of Magellan Jets , a Boston-based private aviation company that provides on-demand charter, jet card ownership, and fractional ownership services…
- Joe Pilcavage of Blue Tees Golf
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Joe Pilcavage, the Vice President of Marketing at Blue Tees Golf , a company that designs and sells premium golf technology and accessories directly to consumers at affordable pr…
- John Moran – “The Prairie Raynor” and Chicago Golf Club’s Historic Transformation
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is author and Chicago Golf Club historian John Moran. “The Prairie Raynor” by John Moran and Rand Jerris has been selected as the recipient of the USGA’s Herbert Warren Wind Award ,…
- Sam Goulden – CEO, MNML Golf
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Sam Goulden, the CEO of MNML Golf . Founded in 2020, MNML Golf is dedicated to creating the highest-quality, functional products for golfers while maintaining a strong commi…
- Jonathan Marsico – Co-Founder, Ship Sticks
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Jonathan Marsico, the Co-Founder of Ship Sticks , a premier golf club shipping provider. Since 2011, they’ve helped golfers ship their gear over 277 million miles – forming partn…
- Jake Gordon – How Noteefy Fills Every Tee Time
? Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Jake Gordon, the Co-Founder & CEO of Noteefy – the #1 demand automation platform for golf courses & resorts. Noteefy helps tens of thousands of golfers play more easily, and ov…
- Jake Thurm – The Future of Golf Instruction
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is golf instructor Jake Thurm. With over 20 years of experience teaching golfers at all levels, Jake is at the forefront of fundamental instruction, technology and psychology in gol…
- Nick Venson of Swag Golf
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is the founder and CEO of Northbrook-based Swag Golf , Nick Venson. A 25-year veteran of the golf and collector industry, Nick founded the company in 2018, with a focus on creating…
- Tim Nagle of Five Iron Golf
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Tim Nagle, who is the West Regional Operations Manager for Five Iron Golf. With four Chicagoland locations, Five Iron Golf hosts best-in-class simulators, Trackman lesson studios…
- Paola Meinzer of Latina Executive Golf Organization
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Paola Meinzer of the Latina Executive Golf Organization (LEX Golf). The organization encourages participation of Latinas in golf activities to change the “status quo” by providin…
- Golf Event Planning with Logan Foote from GolfStatus
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Logan Foote from GolfStatus, a leading event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. Golf Status allows you to accept registrations, sell sponsorships,…
- John Tovar – ServiceMaster Swing for Service Golf Tournament to Raise Funds for Veterans
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is ServiceMaster Restore’s President John Tovar. Last year, ServiceMaster Restore launched the We Serve: Veterans program in partnership with the nonprofit Hire Heroes USA . The pro…
- Golf Fundraising with Kevin Feldman of Catholic Charities
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is the Director of Development for Catholic Charities Diocese of Gary, Kevin Feldman. With an extensive career in fundraising and marketing for nonprofits, Kevin has spent his caree…
- Mike Tait of SMT Events
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is the founder of SMT Events , Mike Tait. Whether golfers are shooting at thousands of dollars of cash, playing blackjack on the tee or firing his trademark Golf Cannon, Mike Tait h…
- Rich Katz of Katz Strategy
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is golf industry veteran Rich Katz of Katz Strategy, a golf business and marketing advisory firm. Rich worked with Billy Casper Golf (now Indigo Golf Partners ) and founded Buffalo…
- Jim Ireland of Boxto Golf
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is golf industry veteran Jim Ireland from Boxto Golf . In this interview we discuss: What it’s like to grow up as a second generation family member to work in the golf industry Less…
- Mike Foy from Mike’s Golf Center
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is the Mike Foy, owner of Mike’s Golf Center in St. Charles, Illinois. In this interview we discuss: Why he created Mike’s Golf Center to become a “country club without all the craz…
- Suzy Whaley of Golf Nation
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is the President of Golf Nation , Suzy Whaley. Recognized as a “Top 50 Teacher in America” and the first female President of the PGA of America, Suzy Whaley is a former LPGA Tour pl…
- Greg Sabella of Uneekor, Inc.
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is golf industry veteran Greg Sabella, who is the Vice President of Marketing for golf simulator company Uneekor . In this interview we discuss: Greg extensive career in the golf in…
- Steve Kashul from The Golf Scene
Our guest this episode of The Chicago Golf Report podcast is the host of The Golf Scene , Steve Kashul. In this podcast episode, Steve shares notes from his 30+ year, Emmy Award-winning career in broadcasting, including: From Sports Fan to…
- Todd Quitno from Quitno Golf Designs, Inc.
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is golf course architect Todd Quitno from Quitno Golf Designs, Inc. . In this podcast episode, Todd shares his journey in the industry, from his early days playing golf in his homet…
- Lisa O’Hurley from LOHLA SPORT
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is the founder and CEO of LOHLA SPORT , Lisa O’Hurley. In this conversation with Lisa, we talk about: How Lisa was born into the golf business What she learned as a golfer from Bill…
- Steve Olken from Harris Golf Cars
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is media veteran and fleet sales manager at Harris Golf Cars , Steve Olken. You can learn more about Harris Golf Cars and watch Steve on The Cart Path – Driven by Harris Golf Cars .…
- Jeff Wood from The Indoor Golf Shop
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Jeff Wood, Vice President of Marketing at The Indoor Golf Shop , which is a leading provider of golf simulators, launch monitors, golf mats, nets, putting greens, simulator proje…
- Jim Fannin – The World’s #1 Coach of Champions
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Jim Fannin , a renowned peak performance coach and mental game expert who has spent over five decades helping athletes, executives, and individuals reach their full potential. Kn…
- Preetesh Patel from Golf On Any Tee
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Preetesh Patel from Golf On Any Tee , a golf membership program that offers members free tee times at affiliated golf courses. Golf On Any Tee courses include Ravisloe Country Cl…
- Nick Larkin from The Shack Indoor Golf Club
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Nick Larkin from The Shack Indoor Golf Club in Glenview. Designed for year-round, all-weather, day-or-night golf play and sports action, The Shack Indoor Golf Club is the North S…
- Markus Westerberg from deWiz Golf
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Markus Westerberg from deWiz Golf , a wearable swing analyzer that provides comprehensive swing analysis, real-time audio coaching, and deWiz’s patented biofeedback. Top Tour pro…
- Chris Charnas from Links Capital Advisors
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Chris Charnas from Links Capital Advisors, a golf course brokerage firm specializing in golf courses, golf resorts, land sites, and cell towers across the United States. Chris fo…
- Lea Jesse from First Tee – Greater Chicago
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Lea Jesse, Chief Executive Officer of First Tee – Greater Chicago. The organization uses the game of golf to help kids build the strength of character that empowers them through…
- John Iacono from Zero Friction Golf
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is John Iacono, Founder and President of Zero Friction Golf . Based in Oakbrook Terrace, Zero Friction offers performance driven golf products including golf tees, golf balls, grips…
- Mason Jones from TruGolf
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Mason Jones, Vice President of Marketing at TruGolf. Whether you are looking to train, play, or compete online, TruGolf makes it possible to experience virtual golf with the most…
- Ben Hutchison from Mistwood Golf Club
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Ben Hutchison, Media Marketing Manager at Mistwood Golf Club . Ben is the driving force behind the popular online video and audio content created by Mistwood, including Bens in t…
- Steve Skinner from KemperSports
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Steve Skinner, the Chief Executive Officer of KemperSports. With a dozen facilities in the Chicagoland area, KemperSports’ team is made up of more than 6,000 staffers across 26 s…
- Mistah Short Hitter – Kirk Blakney
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Kirk Blakney, General Manager and Proshop Owner at Woodruff Golf Course . Kirk is also the man behind the popular Mistah Short Hitter YouTube channel , where he provides in-depth…
- Eat, Drink and Be Murray with Chef Andy Murray
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Chef Andy Murray, author of the book Eat, Drink and Be Murray: A Feast of Family Fun and Favorites . The book is filled with personal recipes, anecdotes, pictures, and features a…
- Rick Edwards of Fairways Indoor Golf Center
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Rick Edwards, owner of Fairways Indoor Golf Center. Rick is a passionate golf fan who has enjoyed a successful 20+ year career in marketing and design. Fairways Indoor Golf Cente…
- Master Club Fitter Carmen Corvino from True Spec Golf
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is master club fitter and golf equipment specialist at True Spec Golf , Carmen Corvino. True Spec Golf has two Chicagoland locations in Highland Park and Geneva and 30+ locations wo…