Tom Brassell Sits Down with PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague



The Worldwide Golf Insider podcast is back with another insightful conversation for golfers of all levels. In Episode #424, Worldwide Golf’s Tom Brassell welcomes Derek Sprague, the CEO of The PGA of America, for an in-depth discussion on leadership, growth, and the future of the game.







A Journey That Began in 1993



Derek shares his personal journey with The PGA of America, which began back in 1993. What started as a passion for the game evolved into a lifelong career dedicated to serving PGA Professionals and growing golf nationwide. Derek reflects on the experiences, mentors, and moments that shaped his path, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead one of the most influential organizations in golf.







Supporting PGA Professionals at Every Level



A major focus of the conversation centers on what The PGA of America does for its members. Derek explains how the organization supports PGA Professionals through education, career development, and resources that help them succeed both on and off the golf course. From continuing education programs to community engagement initiatives, the PGA’s mission is rooted in empowering professionals to positively impact the game.







Growing the Game Through Junior Golf



Derek also highlights the PGA’s commitment to junior golf, emphasizing programs designed to introduce young players to the game in a fun, accessible, and inclusive way. These initiatives not only help build skills but also instill core values like sportsmanship, respect, and perseverance—ensuring the future of golf remains strong for generations to come.







Advice for Aspiring PGA Members



For those considering a career in golf, Derek offers practical and inspiring advice on becoming a PGA Member. He discusses the importance of passion, patience, and dedication, while encouraging aspiring professionals to take advantage of education pathways and mentorship opportunities available through The PGA of America.







Listen Now



This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in golf leadership, professional development, or the future of the game. Be sure to check out Worldwide Golf Insider Podcast Episode #424 to hear the full conversation between Tom Brassell and Derek Sprague.



And don’t forget—check us out in-store at a Worldwide Golf retail location near you or online at www.worldwidegolf.com for the latest gear, expert fitting, and everything you need to play your best golf.

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:

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!

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,

Welcome to Golf Better @ Edwin Watts Golf. Our goal is to help you golf better with the right gear. Our promise is not sell you anything, but to educate you on how to make better decisions when purchasing new equipment.

This is part 2 of the round table discussion on putters, putter technology and putting. Host Fred Greene and Kenny Nicholson, Technical Specialist for Edwin Watts Golf represent the consumer in this conversation.

This is part 1 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 John K is the son of John A. Solheim, Chairman & CEO of Ping Golf, and grandson of the founder, Karsten Solheim.

Welcome to Golf Better @ Edwin Watts Golf. Our goal is to help you golf better with the right gear. Our promise is not sell you anything, but to educate you on how to make better decisions when purchasing new equipment.

Episode #15 of Golf Better @ Edwin Watts Golf podcast is features "Ask Kenny" with Kenny Nicholson, technical specialist at Edwin Watts Golf, providing in-depth answers to questions. If you've had questions like this too, then listen in to find answers.

Rounding up the best golf equipment of 2007, episode #11 of Golf Better@Edwin Watts Golf is a fast-paced conference call with Fred, Kenny Nicholson, and store managers Matt Matthews from the Houston Galleria and Eric Mumford reporting from Nashville. Topics cover the hottest selling clubs, drivers, hybrids, and putters. Plus, their predictions on what to look for in 2008.

Let's talk about the intricacies and nuances of what a golf ball does and how it can work best for you. The conclusion of our conversation between Product Marketing Director for Nike Golf Balls Mark Alan, Kenny Nicholson of Edwin Watts Golf and host Fred Greene covers details on what to shop for when looking for a ball to fit your skill level.

Carl Thornton, Product Developer and Support Manager for SkyCaddie joins us to discuss the advantages that satellite technology has brought to lowering golf scores and making golf more fun. The SkyCaddie handheld GPS units provide lots of critical information on the course to help determing club selection and increase confidence with each golf shot. The conversation is with Kenny Nicholson, Technical Specialist of Edwin Watts Golf and host, Fred Greene.

Shaft flex, GPS technology, and the practice it takes to improve the length ball flight are all questions Kenny Nicholson of Edwin Watts Golf answers on episode #20 of Golf Better @ Edwin Watts Golf. Thanks to all of you who listen to the podcast, and exercise the interactivity of this cutting-edge communication by submitting questions.

Kenny Nicholson of Edwin Watts Golf is back center stage for another edition of Ask Kenny, on episode #19 of Golf Better @ Edwin Watts Golf. Thanks to you, the Golf Better @ Edwin Watts Golf podcast is one of the most More...popular golf podcasts — and the fact that questions come from around the world only stands as a monument. Thank you very much for listening.

In March, 2007, Sports Illustrated revealed the identity of one of the unsung heroes of Tiger Woods' victory in the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by 15 shots. Rock Ishii, Director of Product Development for Nike Golf Balls convinced Tiger to go with his design. Rock speaks in depth about golf ball design, care, and maintenance on this episode of Golf Better @ Edwin Watts Golf.

Join us for a full half hour of questions submitted by Golf Better listeners from around the world.

Selecting the right type of irons can be confusing, with different styles for different kinds of players and enough variations in the materials to drive anyone a little crazy. Dan Stone, Vice President in charge of Research and Development for Titleist, joins Kenny Nicholson of Edwin Watts Golf and Fred to discuss Titleist's new line of irons and ease the sometimes arduous task of selecting clubs on episode #18 of Golf Better @ Edwin Watts Golf.

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 John K is the son of John A. Solheim, Chairman & CEO of Ping Golf, and grandson of the founder, Karsten Solheim.

Golf shafts may be the most misunderstood element of the club. How do you know which is the best flex for you, or what length? The best way to find answers is by being fitted before your next purchase, but if you'd like to understand what the pro is talking about then you need to listen to this show. Our guest is Robb Schikner, Director of Engineering Design and Technical Sales for UST. He fields questions submitted by listeners and discusses the technology and nuances of shaft technology with Kenny Nicholson, Technical Specialist of Edwin Watts Golf and host, Fred Greene.

Part 2 of our 2007 round-up is an in-depth look at the state of the game on episode #12 of Golf Better @ Edwin Watts Golf. Kerry Kabase, Vice President of Purchasing for Edwin Watts Golf, joins Kenny and Fred to debate club selection, fitting, and share their predictions for the big stories of 2008.