Worldwide Golf Shops Insider Podcast

• Episode #423: Inside LAB Golf with CEO Sam Hahn

  Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast – Episode #423 On episode #423 of the Worldwide Golf Insider podcast, host Tom Brassell sits down with LAB Golf CEO Sam Hahn for a conversation that blends childhood memories, creative detours, breakthrough technology, and big-time wins on the PGA Tour. If you’ve ever wondered how someone goes from a life in music to leading one of the most talked-about putter companies in golf, this episode is for you. Falling in Love with the Game Sam’s golf story starts the way many of ours do: on the course with his dad. He talks about those early days as a kid, learning the game one swing (and one chunked shot) at a time. It wasn’t about perfection back then—it was about time together, the feel of a well-struck shot, and the simple magic of walking down a fairway with someone you love. Those formative rounds planted a seed. Even though Sam wouldn’t stay with the game continuously, golf was always there in the background—waiting. Walking Away… and Then Coming Back Like a lot of golfers, Sam eventually drifted away from the game. Life pulled him in other directions, and golf took a back seat. He set the clubs aside, focusing instead on another passion: music. For a while, that became his world—creativity, performance, and the grind that comes with trying to make it in a competitive industry. But golf has a funny way of pulling people back. Sam shares how, after years away, he found himself returning to the game with a fresh perspective. No longer just a casual pastime, golf became an obsession again—this time, with a twist. He wasn’t just interested in playing better. He wanted to understand why certain things worked… especially on the greens. That curiosity became the foundation for what would eventually become LAB Golf. From Music to Making Putters: A Creative Pivot Most people see music and golf as worlds apart. Sam doesn’t. In the podcast, he explains how his background in music actually helped shape his path in golf: Music taught him about feel and rhythm—two things that matter immensely in putting. Performing and creating taught him to experiment, to break out of conventional lanes. The constant pursuit of “better” in music mirrored the endless chase for improvement in golf. That same creative mindset led Sam to start asking questions most golfers never do: Why do so many of us struggle with putting, even when our strokes look pretty good? Why does the putter face seem to fight us—opening and closing when we don’t want it to? Those questions would eventually lead to LAB Golf—and to a completely different way of thinking about putter design. What Is Lie Angle Balance? At the heart of LAB Golf is a simple but powerful idea: lie angle balance. Sam breaks it down this way on the show: Most putters want to twist during the stroke. That twist comes from torque—the club’s natural tendency to open or close the face as you move it. Your hands and wrists are constantly having to fight that twist, even if you don’t feel it. That’s one major reason putting can feel so inconsistent. LAB Golf putters are designed to be lie angle balanced, which means: When you swing the putter, the face doesn’t want to rotate open or closed. The putter is balanced around the exact lie angle it’s built to be played at. Instead of you having to manipulate the face, the putter wants to stay square to your target line. The idea is to let golfers free up their stroke—remove excess hand action, reduce compensation, and make it easier to start the ball on line, over and over again. Sam also talks about the engineering that goes into this: Carefully distributed weights Unique head shapes Custom fitting to get the right lie angle for your stroke The result is a putter that doesn’t just feel different—it behaves differently. LAB Golf on the PGA Tour: Proof at the Highest Level Of course,

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• Exploring the US Am Tour: Regional Tournament Director Mike Charrie – Episode #422

  In the world of amateur golf, few organizations capture the spirit of competition and community quite like the US Am Tour. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Mike Charrie, the regional tournament director for the US Am Tour, about what makes this tour a standout platform for golfers across the country. Our discussion covered everything from the tour's structure and inclusivity to the excitement of tournament days and future plans. Here's a breakdown of our insightful conversation. What is the US Am Tour? Mike kicked things off by explaining the essence of the US Am Tour. It's designed as the leading amateur golf circuit in the United States, catering to players of varying abilities who crave structured, professional-level competition. Events are held nationwide, allowing golfers to challenge themselves, network with peers, and immerse in a supportive yet competitive atmosphere. Unique Features and Inclusivity One of the tour's hallmarks, as Mike highlighted, is its flighting system based on handicaps. This ensures fair play for everyone, from low-handicap pros-in-the-making to higher-handicap enthusiasts. The events mirror professional tours in organization, featuring premium courses, strict rule enforcement, and pathways to regional and national championships. This setup not only levels the playing field but also builds excitement for those aiming higher. A Day in the Life of a Tournament Mike painted a vivid picture of a typical event day: arrival and check-in at a partnered high-quality course, followed by warm-ups and social mingling. A pre-round rules session sets the tone, leading into staggered tee times for focused play. The day culminates in an awards ceremony celebrating flight winners, blending intensity with enjoyment. Who Can Join and How to Get Involved Accessibility is key, according to Mike. The tour is open to all ages and skill levels with a valid handicap. Aspiring members can sign up via the US Am Tour website, select events from a broad schedule spanning multiple states, and start competing. Membership unlocks participation in tournaments and eligibility for the season-long Order of Merit points race. Incentives and the Order of Merit The Order of Merit system tracks performance across events, rewarding consistent play with points that can lead to national championship qualification. Mike emphasized that while prizes and trophies are great, the true value lies in personal growth, community bonds, and access to elite courses. The Event Vibe: Competition Meets Camaraderie Mike described the atmosphere as a perfect blend—serious competition on the course paired with off-green encouragement and storytelling. It's an inclusive space where newcomers and veterans alike form lasting connections. Personal Rewards and Future Outlook For Mike, the highlight is witnessing players' breakthroughs, from personal bests to championship qualifications. Looking ahead, the tour plans to expand its schedule, forge new course partnerships, and integrate tech like live scoring to enhance experiences. Final Encouragement Mike's parting advice? Dive in if you're passionate about golf. The US Am Tour offers unparalleled opportunities to compete, connect, and elevate your game. This interview underscores why the US Am Tour continues to thrive as a beacon for amateur golfers. For more details or to join, head to the US Am Tour website. Thanks to Mike Charrie for his time and enthusiasm!

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• PGA Tour Champions Veteran Boo Weekley – Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast Episode #421

  In this lively conversation on the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast with host Tom Brassell, PGA Tour Champions player and Ryder Cup veteran Boo Weekley shares insights from his storied career, his love for classic golf courses, and his partnership with Bridgestone Golf. Recorded during Ryder Cup Week 2025, Weekley’s infectious enthusiasm and down-to-earth charm shone through as he reflected on his journey from “weekend warrior” to professional golfer. A Ryder Cup Veteran’s Perspective Weekley, a member of the 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team at Valhalla, offered a glimpse into the intensity of the event. As a qualifier for the team under captain Paul Azinger, he was part of the innovative “pod system” that grouped players like Weekley, JB Holmes, Jim Furyk, and Kenny Perry into what was affectionately dubbed the “Redneck Pod.” This strategy helped foster camaraderie, and Weekley went an impressive 2-0-1 in his matches, including a memorable singles performance where he shot a scorching 29 on the front nine. One of the standout moments from that Ryder Cup was Weekley’s iconic “Happy Gilmore” driver ride off the first tee during singles play. Inspired by a lighthearted conversation with security officers watching the movie, Weekley decided to channel Adam Sandler’s character, much to the delight of the crowd. “I forgot all about it until I was taking my practice swings,” he recalled. “Then it hit me like a jolt of lightning, and I just went for it.” Weekley also touched on the challenge of winning a Ryder Cup on foreign soil, noting the tight-knit nature of the European team. “They’re like family over there,” he said, contrasting their unity with the more individualistic approach of American players. The pressure is only amplified in today’s era of social media, where “anybody with a keyboard can come at you,” making mental resilience more critical than ever. Classic Courses and Boo’s Game Weekley’s three PGA Tour victories came at iconic venues like Harbour Town Golf Links and Colonial, courses he described as “old school” with tight, tree-lined fairways that suit his game. “They’re like hallways,” he said, comparing them to the Tanglewood course in Milton, Florida, where he honed his skills growing up. These layouts reward precision over raw distance, aligning perfectly with Weekley’s classic swing and strategic approach. Now competing on the PGA Tour Champions at age 52, Weekley is finding his stride again. After a five-year hiatus from competitive golf, he admitted to facing a “mental breakdown” in rebuilding his game. “It’s about getting confidence back and believing in what I’m doing,” he said. His recent success, including a current 33rd-place standing in the Charles Schwab Cup with two events and the playoffs remaining, reflects this resurgence. Bridgestone Golf: A Perfect Fit Weekley’s partnership with Bridgestone Golf has been a cornerstone of his comeback. His history with the brand dates back to his amateur days playing Precept balls (a Bridgestone product) and Jumbo Ozaki irons. After struggling to find a ball that suited his game upon returning to competition, Weekley reconnected with Bridgestone through his agent and coach. “They got every ball combo set up perfect for me,” he said, praising the brand’s range of options for different swing speeds and playing styles. Weekley currently plays Bridgestone’s 220 blades (pitching wedge to 6-iron) and 221 CBs (4- and 5-iron), which offer a touch more forgiveness to help him launch the ball higher. He emphasized the importance of proper ball fitting, echoing advice from legends like Fred Couples and Lee Trevino. “Everybody getting into the game needs to try Bridgestone balls,” he urged, highlighting their performance from tee to green. Boo Weekley 2.0 At 52, Weekley is in the best shape of his later career, having shed weight and adjusted to the demands of the PGA Tour Champions, where Pro-Ams are a significant part of the schedule.

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• Hybrid clubs with Ping VP John K Solheim, Part 2

  This is the conclusion of an insiteful conversation with John K. Solheim, Vice President of Engineering for Ping. Host Fred Greene and Kenny Nicholson, Technical Specialist for Edwin Watts Golf represent the consumer in this conversation

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• PGA Tour Veteran Keith Mitchell of Mizuno Golf – Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast Episode #420

  In this episode of the Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast, host Tom Brassell sat down with PGA Tour veteran and 2019 Honda Classic winner Keith Mitchell, courtesy of Mizuno Golf. A proud University of Georgia alum, Mitchell shared stories from his golfing journey, his breakthrough on the PGA Tour, and his deep connection with Mizuno Golf. Early Days in Golf Mitchell’s love for golf began at a young age in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where his father’s membership at a local club introduced him to the game. Alongside his preschool friend Charlie, Mitchell spent carefree days on the range, hitting balls and playing in the sand. By third grade, he was competing in tournaments, setting the stage for a lifelong passion. The Georgia Bulldog Legacy Mitchell’s path to the University of Georgia was influenced by local golfing role models like Michael Morrison, Adam Mitchell, and Harris English, all of whom attended Georgia. The university’s competitive environment, where players had to qualify for every tournament, mirrored the grind of the PGA Tour. Mitchell credits this tough, self-reliant culture for producing so many successful tour players, including himself, Kevin Kisner, and others from the Georgia “stable of dogs.” An Unconventional Road to the PGA Tour Unlike many peers, Mitchell’s journey to the PGA Tour was far from straightforward. After a modest college career, he missed the cut at Q School and headed to Latin America for the PGA Tour Latinoamérica, playing in countries like Uruguay, Colombia, and Honduras. The diverse conditions—different grasses, climates, and limited facilities—taught him to adapt and focus on shooting low scores. This resilience paid off as he earned his Korn Ferry Tour card and eventually secured a PGA Tour spot in 2017. The 2019 Honda Classic Victory Mitchell’s defining moment came at the 2019 Honda Classic, where he clinched his first PGA Tour win. Tied with Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler on the final hole, a reachable par 5, Mitchell’s drive landed in a bunker, forcing a lay-up. Undeterred, he hit a precise wedge shot and sank a 15-foot putt to seal the victory under tough, windy conditions—a testament to his grit and skill. The “Cashmere Keith” Nickname Mitchell’s stylish reputation earned him the nickname “Cashmere Keith,” coined by Colt Knost’s former caddie and popularized by broadcaster Jim Nantz. While Mitchell humorously notes that nicknames often stem from less-than-flattering origins, he embraces the moniker as a nod to his sharp on-course style. Partnership with Mizuno Golf A long-time Mizuno player, Mitchell’s relationship with the brand began after another manufacturer stopped producing golf equipment. He switched to Mizuno irons, drawn to their craftsmanship and unique copper underlay. Over years of collaboration, Mitchell has worked closely with Mizuno to fine-tune his equipment, from custom-grind MP-221 irons to wedges with adjusted weighting and symmetrical designs. His current bag includes the ST-Z driver, which he praises for its personalized performance. Mitchell emphasized the importance of custom fitting, advising golfers to ensure they’re hitting the ball well before getting fitted to avoid compensating for a flawed swing. Advice for Golfers Mitchell’s key takeaway for golfers is the value of proper club fitting. He shared how his own five-year process with Mizuno resulted in equipment perfectly tailored to his game. For amateurs, he recommends getting fitted when striking the ball consistently to ensure the club, not the swing, is optimized for performance. Final Thoughts Mitchell expressed gratitude for the opportunities golf and Mizuno have provided, describing himself as an “equipment junkie” who loves perfecting his gear. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep connection to the game. As he continues his eighth season on the PGA Tour, fans can look forward to seeing more from “Cashmere Keith.”

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