Behind the Golf Brand Podcast with Paul Liberatore

• #138 - Full Swing: Evan El-Saden

  Send us a textFloyd Arnold founded Full Swing Golf in 1986, and it's now grown into the biggest U.S. producer of multi-sport simulators, changing the way people play indoor golf with its cutting-edge tech. The company, now called Full Swing Simulators, runs its operations from Carlsbad, California, and leads the industry in sports technology innovation.Full Swing's tech has come a long way, moving from dual-tracking to tri-tracking, giving players the most realistic ball flight simulation you can get. You can play on the world's most famous courses and try out more than 30 different sports. They've combined high-speed cameras with infrared light technology to show exactly how you're hitting the ball and give you instant feedback.Some of golf's biggest names use Full Swing simulators, including Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, and Jason Day. They've also landed some impressive partnerships - they're now the Official Licensed Simulator of the PGA TOUR and work with TGL, a new high-tech golf league.Whether you're looking for home entertainment, a place to practice, or fun activities for the whole family, Full Swing has got you covered. Their simulators let you play on more than 84 championship courses and try out 13+ different sports.Bruin Capital saw Full Swing's potential and bought a controlling stake in 2021, hoping to turn it into something like Peloton but for golf. This move has helped Full Swing grow even stronger and explore new ways to innovate.Full Swing keeps pushing what's possible with golf simulation tech, changing how people practice and play golf no matter the weather or where they are. They've earned their reputation in golf tech by constantly innovating and partnering with top sports organizations and pro athletes.Support the show

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• #137 - MGI Golf: Miranda Turner (CEO)

  Send us a textMGI Golf is the premier global authority in electric golf caddies, integrating cutting-edge technology with ergonomic design. Since its inception in 1993, the Australian owned and operated company has a formidable reputation built on experience, innovation, and quality of design. MGI Golf revolutionized the electric caddy industry through patented Gyroscope Straight Tracker technology, automatic downhill speed control, and durable lithium-ion batteries. MGI Golf successfully expanded into the North American market, beginning with the U.S. in 2018 and followed by Canada in 2023, and was named America’s No. 1 electric caddy by independent research.Support the show

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• #136 - Swag Golf: Nick Venson

  Send us a textSwag Golf is a dynamic company that has been transforming the golf industry since its inception in 2018. Founded by Nick Venson, along with three friends, in Northbrook, Illinois, the company initially focused on creating unique putters and headcovers. Their bold approach to golf accessories quickly gained attention, leading to rapid growth and expansion into various product lines.Swag Golf's success can be attributed to its innovative designs, combining high-quality craftsmanship with limited-edition releases that resonate with a passionate community of golf enthusiasts. The company's headcovers, in particular, have become highly sought after, often selling out quickly due to their creative and pop culture-inspired themes.Beyond headcovers, Swag Golf is renowned for its precision-milled putters, which have been used by professionals on the PGA, Korn Ferry, and LPGA tours. Notably, Anna Nordqvist won the Women's British Open using a Swag putter, further solidifying the brand's reputation.Swag Golf has also ventured into licensing partnerships with major brands like MLB, WWE, and the NFL, expanding its reach beyond golf. This strategic approach has allowed the company to tap into collector psychology, leveraging limited-edition drops to drive sales and create a buzz around its products.With a strong online presence and strategic marketing, Swag Golf has managed to maintain its unique identity while challenging traditional golf industry norms. The company's growth is evident in its expansion from a small team to over 150 employees nationwide, with plans for a new headquarters. Swag Golf continues to innovate, offering golfers a fresh perspective on the game through its expressive and functional products.Support the show

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• #135 - Fiori Golf: Anthony Wagner

  Send us a textFiori Golf is a modern sportswear brand that combines Italian heritage with the laid-back energy of Southern California's surf culture. Founded by Anthony Wagner, the brand aims to redefine golf style by offering timeless, quality garments that inspire golfers to express their personal style both on and off the course. The name "Fiori" translates to "flowers" in Italian, symbolizing growth and the idea of individuals blossoming through their passion for golf.Established in 2021, Fiori Golf targets a younger generation of golfers by blending creativity and style into its designs. The brand offers a wide range of clothing for both men and women, focusing on comfort and versatility. Their apparel is designed to be worn not just on the golf course but also in everyday life, making golf fashion more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.Fiori Golf's mission is to grow the game of golf by showcasing its fun and stylish side. The brand emphasizes simplicity and professionalism in its designs, ensuring that its clothing is both fashionable and functional. By keeping up with trends and seasonal styles, Fiori Golf aims to attract new generations to the sport while maintaining a unique and laid-back aesthetic that reflects the California coastline's vibrant colors and earthy tones. Overall, Fiori Golf is changing the perception of golf attire by making it more stylish, comfortable, and inclusive for all who enjoy the game.Support the show

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• #134 - PXG: Bob Parsons (PXG Founder & CEO)

  Send us a textBob Parsons pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood to founding billion-dollar companies like GoDaddy and PXG. With refreshing candor, he reveals how writing his book fulfilled two missions: documenting his unique path for future generations and honoring the persistent requests from his Vietnam War brothers who remain close decades later.The conversation delivers priceless insights into Parsons' entrepreneurial mindset. "I always did stuff I loved," he explains, sharing his philosophy that passion unlocks opportunities money-chasers never see: "When you love something, it tells you all its secrets." This approach led him to walk away from a $50,000 bonus in 1985 (an enormous sum at the time) to launch his software company—a leap that netted him $250,000 that same year.Parsons' acquisition of Scottsdale National Golf Club showcases his ingenious problem-solving. When developers tried enforcing unwanted contractual memberships, he created "nighttime memberships" that could only be used an hour after sunset and had to end an hour before sunset—rendering them effectively worthless and solving his problem brilliantly. This story, like many others shared, demonstrates how Parsons consistently finds creative solutions where others see only obstacles.Perhaps most compelling is Parsons' remarkable ability to avoid worry—a trait he credits partially to his Vietnam experience. Unlike his anxiety-prone brother who "worried about everything," Parsons learned early to focus energy on solutions rather than fear. This mental discipline, alongside the profound sense of belonging he first experienced in the Marine Corps, formed the foundation of his success across multiple industries.Subscribe to hear more conversations with golf's most fascinating innovators and entrepreneurs who are reshaping the game we love. Your next round will be better for it!Support the show

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