Fore Golfers Network Podcast

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 516 - The LIV GOLF BOMBSHELL with Ryan French of Monday Q Info The future of LIV Golf may be hanging in the balance—and this conversation pulls back the curtain on why. In this episode of Fore Golfers Network, Bill Hobson welcomes Ryan French, founder of Monday Q Info, for a revealing discussion on the reporting that has shaken the golf world. Drawing from multiple sources and extensive behind-the-scenes conversations, Ryan explains why he believes LIV Golf, as we currently know it, may not survive without major structural change. At the center of the discussion is a growing concern over funding. With signs pointing toward the Public Investment Fund (PIF) pulling back from continued financial support, questions are emerging about sustainability, leadership decisions, and long-term viability. The conversation explores how massive losses, shifting priorities, and patience wearing thin could force a dramatic reset for the league. Bill and Ryan als

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 515 - The Truth About Golf Ball Fitting with Dean Snell from Snell Golf. Most golfers are choosing the wrong golf ball—and it's costing them strokes. In this converaation, we break down the new Snell PR3 and PR4 golf balls and explain why the way you've been choosing your ball might be completely backwards. Here's the truth: you should NOT be picking your golf ball based on your driver. Instead, the real differences in performance show up from 150 yards and in—where scoring actually happens. That's exactly what Dean Snell (the mind behind some of the biggest golf ball innovations in the game) explains in this conversation. Listen, learn, and then give Snell Golf balls a try! ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions        

This is the biggest announcement in the history of Michigan Golf Live! Join Bill Hobson for our first ever "The Future of Michigan Golf Live TV - State of the Show Address" to learn the full story about the demise of FanDuel Sports and where to find MGL TV where you live - for free on a channel you already get. No subscriptions. No streaming. Totally free on a network affiliate in your market! Find your MGL TV station: https://mgltv.com/stations/ CLICK HERE to see the full address on the MGL YouTube Channel

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 513 - Our Incredible MASTERS MOMENT - 10 Years Later The date was April 7, 2016. Two very kind and generous men made it possible for my son and I to experience something no other father and son on planet have experienced at Augusta National Golf Club. This is the story of our incredible day, the men who made it happen, and the memories we will hold forever. Thank you, Mr Schlaff. Thank you, Jon Bloom. Thank you, Lord for the blessings of moments that we will hold onto forever.   ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions    

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 512 - A Masters Preview Unlike Any Other We're connecting with Brian Taylor from Real Golf Radio as he embarks on the show's annual trip to Augusta National. Brian helps us assess the field's top contenders, shares his favorite viewing vantage points around ANGC, and we spend a few minutes lamenting the recent developments in the life of Tiger Woods. More info on Real Golf Radio Enter the Michigan Golf Live Masters Fantasy League Contest ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions      

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 511 - Alan Shipnuck Talks All Things RORY Special guest Alan Shipnuck discusses his latest book, "Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf's Most Human Superstar," which explores the career of Rory McIlroy. The book delves into McIlroy's rise to fame, his struggles, and his recent Masters victory. Alan explained the challenges of writing the biography without McIlroy's direct cooperation and discussed McIlroy's evolving approach to media and sponsorship. You'll hear all about McIlroy's involvement in TGL and his decision to reject the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. The conversation covered various aspects of McIlroy's career, including his relationship with Tiger Woods, his performance at the Ryder Cup, and his emotional Masters win that reinforced the universal appeal of McIlroy's victory. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK! ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 510 - Inside the Ropes: 31 Years as a PGA Tour Rules Official with Joe Terry What really happens when a PGA Tour rules official gets called in? In this episode of the Fore Golfers Network Podcast, we talk with longtime PGA Tour rules official Joe to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood roles in professional golf. Joe shares how a simple rules misunderstanding after returning from Vietnam sparked a lifelong passion that turned into a 31-year career officiating at the highest level of the game. From his first major championship in the mid-1980s to Ryder Cup pressure cookers and iconic rulings involving legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros, Raymond Floyd, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods, Joe explains what it takes to apply the Rules of Golf fairly, calmly, and consistently—no matter who's holding the club. This episode dives into how PGA Tour officials prepare for tournaments, why explaining options matters mor

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 509 - The Future of the Rocket Classic with Mark Hollis What does the future hold for Detroit's PGA Tour event—and why does it matter so much to Michigan golf fans? In this episode of the Fore Golfers Network Podcast, host Bill Hobson sits down with Mark Hollis, Tournament Director of the Rocket Classic, to explore the past, present, and very uncertain future of the PGA Tour's lone stop in the state of Michigan. Hollis pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to run a PGA Tour event, comparing the operation to "building a small city" from scratch each summer at Detroit Golf Club. With a newly renovated Donald Ross course, a brand-new late-July tournament date, and major upgrades to fan experience areas like Area 313, the Rocket Classic is positioning itself for a defining moment in 2026. The conversation dives into corporate sponsorship realities, hospitality demand, and the delicate balance between revenue generation and preserving the wa

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 508 - Golf's 2026 Future: Golf's 2026 Future: Our Crystal Ball and Wish List Before you close the books on 2025 and dive into the New Year, join Michigan Golf Live Host Bill Hobson for a peek into his crystal ball and personal wish list as we look ahead to the 2026 world of golf. We start with the annual spectacle that is the PGA Merchandise Show — a place where "game-changing" innovations are unveiled every January. Which new tech will actually help golfers play better, and which will simply be shinier versions of what we already own? Hope springs eternal. Attention then turns to the PGA Tour and the impact of its new Commissioner, especially as Michigan golf fans anxiously wait to see whether the Rocket Classic can secure a long-term future. After losing the Buick Open years ago, the stakes feel especially high. On the women's side, we applaud the LPGA for smart scheduling moves that give Michigan back-to-back weeks of elite tournament golf —

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 507 - Sub70 Golf's Rise: Custom Clubs, DTC Innovation & What Golfers Really Need Sub70 Golf has become one of the most talked-about direct-to-consumer brands in the golf equipment space—and this episode of Fore Golfers Network breaks down exactly why. In this conversation with Host Bill Hobson, Sub70 Golf CEO Jason Hiland shares key insights behind the founding and growth of Sub70 Golf, which launched in 2015 after the successful sale of Diamond Tour Golf. Built on experience, not guesswork, Sub70 entered the market with a clear focus on custom-built golf clubs, authentic branding, and elite-level customer service, all produced in Sycamore, Illinois. Key highlights from the episode include: Why the direct-to-consumer model works in golf when customization and trust are prioritized How Sub70 uses expert interpretation of club specs, not just raw data, to fit golfers properly The difference between what tour professionals demand (trajec

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 506 - Harbor Town Reborn: Davis Love III & The Lowcountry Legends of Hilton Head In the finale to our fall special travel-series, host Bill Hobson takes listeners inside one of the most celebrated destinations in American golf — Hilton Head Island — for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the grand reopening of the iconic Harbor Town Golf Links. Recently restored under the leadership of World Golf Hall of Famer Davis Love III, Harbor Town is more than a PGA TOUR stop; it is a masterpiece of Pete Dye's architectural brilliance, revered by players and fans for over five decades. In this episode, Bill sits down one-on-one with Davis Love III to unpack the philosophy behind the restoration — not a redesign, not a modernization, but a careful, reverent restoration of Pete Dye's original intent.  From there, the episode expands into the broader magic of Hilton Head and the Lowcountry. Bill talks with Sea Pines Resort leaders, architectural ex

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 505 - Golf in Mesquite - Featuring Wolf Creek, Conastoga, and Eureka Join Michigan Golf Live TV host Bill Hobson on a spectacular golf road trip to Mesquite, Nevada—one of America's most underrated destination golf regions. Just an hour north of Las Vegas, Mesquite delivers a rare combination of beauty, challenge, and exceptional value that keeps golfers returning from around the world. In this special feature, Bill takes you inside three pillars of the Mesquite golf experience: Conestoga Golf Club, Wolf Creek Golf Club, and the Eureka Resort & Casino. Each stop showcases a different dimension of what makes Mesquite a bucket-list trip for golfers of all skill levels. We begin at Conestoga, a course celebrated for its Old West character, dramatic rock formations, amphitheater-style homesites, and an exceptionally thoughtful course design. Gary Banks crafted a routing that blends the landscape, community, and golf experience seamlessly—provid

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 504 - Lee Abbamonte's Wild Global Golf Adventures In this unforgettable episode of the Fore Golfers Network Podcast, host Bill Hobson welcomes Lee Abbamonte — a true global citizen, travel icon, and golf adventurer. Known as the youngest American to visit every country in the world, Lee's journey from Wall Street executive to world-traveling storyteller is nothing short of remarkable. Lee's story begins with a simple study abroad trip to London, which sparked an insatiable curiosity for the world beyond the trading floor. What started as a personal challenge — visiting 100 countries before turning 30 — soon transformed into a mission to see every nation on Earth. By the age of 32, he had done just that, earning a place in travel history. But Lee's adventures didn't stop there. Along the way, he discovered a new passion: golf. Whether teeing it up on lush fairways in Puerto Rico or makeshift greens in remote corners of the globe, Lee's golf jour

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 503 - Road Tripping to Saint George: Sand Hollow, Coral Canyon & The Ledges in Greater Zion Welcome to the fourth installment of our Fall Travel Series on the Fore Golfers Network Podcast — where we hit the road, explore extraordinary landscapes, and discover exceptional golf destinations. This episode takes us to southern Utah's stunning golf and adventure destination: the Greater Zion area. Nestled amid red-rock cliffs, expansive desert vistas and dramatic canyons, the region serves up a unique blend of natural beauty and world-class golf. We profile three standout courses: Sand Hollow Resort (Hurricane / St. George), Coral Canyon Golf Course (Washington County), and The Ledges Golf Club (St. George). Each offers its own flavor of terrain, design and adventure. At Sand Hollow, you'll experience bold desert architecture, signature elevation changes and ultra-dramatic scenery that perfectly capture the golf travel dream.  Coral Canyon sits

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 502 - Mackinac Island's Hidden Gems: Wawashkamo Golf Club and  The Inn at Stonecliffe Our Travel Series continues with a special journey to a truly magical place - Mackinac Island, MI. This special destination features a pair of most unique destinations where history runs very deep through the fabric and guest experiences.  Join us for a tee time on the 2nd oldest continuously operating golf club in Michigan - Wawashkamo Golf Club and then stay a couple nights with us at the spectacular Inn At Stonecliffe. KEY LINKS: Wawashkamo Golf Club Inn at Stonecliffe Voice of Mackinac Island Podcast Series WATCH THE VIDEO FEATURE ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions        

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 501 - 2025 Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony This episode is a change of pace from our normal focus as we bring you inside the 2025 Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held on the campus of Ferris State University, home of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame.   One of the largest crowds in several years gathered to celebrate Loretta Larkin, Michael Harris, John Lindert, and the late Dr. Roger Ostrander. Join Michigan Golf Live Host Bill Hobson as he interviews each of the honorees and shares his own passion and thoughts for how special this game is and the blessings golf continues to provide.   ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions      

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 500 - Big Cedar Lodge and Exploring Branson - An Amazing Road Trip. For the 500th episode of the podcast we made a VERY special road trip to the Missouri Ozarks and set up shop for a week in Branson to explore not only the wonders of Big Cedar Lodge and its new Cliffhangers marvel, but also to experience more of what the region has to offer. In short, Branson is wonderful, amazing, patriotic, family-friendly, faith-focused, and one of the best golf trip destinations in America. You'll hear from the lead team at Big Cedar Lodge, meet Kyler at Thousand Hills, meet the Explore Branson team leader, and even hear the heart of my shuttle driver Joe who loves the area so much he launched VIP Tours of Branson to handle all the driving for your group when you come visit. Enjoy this second installment in our special Travel Series! KEY LINKS: Explore Branson Big Cedar Golf Thousand Hills Golf Resort VIP Tours of Branson ---------------- Subscribe to the

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 499 - Black Desert Resort - Golf Paradise In Utah This is the first installment of a new fall travel series where we showcase a fantastic selection of awesome golf destinations around the nation. We begin near Saint George, Utah at Black Desert Resort. Nestled among red rock cliffs, black lava fields, and expansive desert horizons, Black Desert Resort is a fresh icon in luxury, golf, wellness, and adventure. The resort spans roughly 600 acres and blends high-end hospitality with rugged natural beauty. Its signature feature is a Tom Weiskopf–designed 19-hole championship golf course (with a bonus “19th hole”) carved through lava rock terrain and framed by vermilion cliffs—his final architectural masterpiece. This awesome course was the final design of Weiskopf's career and the resort has already drawn national attention, hosting both PGA TOUR and LPGA events, marking the return of a professional tour to Utah after more than six decades. ⛳ The Go

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 498 - Yip Strickler Is On The Case We're diving into the origin story and mission of Yip Strickler, golf's "handicap detective" as he wrestles with investigations on multiple fronts. You'll hear us discuss: Golf Cheating Confrontations Golf Cheating: Motivations and Prevalence Golf Performance Investigation Challenges Unveiling Suspicious Golf Scores Golf Season and Community Values ...and much more as we get to know Yip and learn of his passion for integrity in the game. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions    

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 497 - The Story of Hanna Golf with Jared Doerfler We're talking with a most intersting and inspiring guest: Jared Doerfler, founder of Hanna Golf and creator of the widely followed Perfect Putt Newsletter. Jared’s journey into the golf industry is anything but traditional. What began as a passion project while finishing his MBA—writing about golf trends, equipment, and business—has grown into the Perfect Putt Newsletter, with over 11,000 dedicated subscribers.  But Jared’s entrepreneurial path didn’t stop at newsletters. Inspired by his own putting struggles, he sketched out his vision for a better putter. Working with his brother-in-law on CAD designs and collaborating with friends to machine prototypes, he transformed that sketch into reality. The result: custom-engineered Hanna Golf putters, designed with unique features like a forward center of gravity, wide/deep milling for responsive feel, and high MOI for unmatched forgiveness. Today, Ha