On this episode I talk with LPGA Legend and should be World Golf Hall of Famer Jane Blalock, one of the most influential marketers in the game’s history Rich Katz, and PGA Professional and long-time Woods family friend Joe Grohman.
Jane and I discuss the upcoming Senior US Women’s Open for which she helped lobby the USGA. We talk about the possibility of the LPGA Legends Tour adding more majors including a Masters Tournament and a mixed team event with the Champions Tour players. They do have a women’s team event set for later this year in Lexington, Kentucky. I also get Jane’s thoughts on whether the PIF will turn their attention to the LPGA if their partnership with the PGA Tour goes through.
Rich Katz is the Founder of Billy Casper Golf and a long-time marketing expert, player representative, and industry consultant. Rich talks about his relationship with Billy Casper and the man Billy was. We also hear about the work he’s doing now with Golf Nation, some of the innovative products that deserved more attention but failed, and the new On Core golf ball that could revolutionize the golf ball market.
Joe Grohman is back to set the record straight on Earl Woods and what Joe witnessed as Tiger grew from a junior champion to a 2 time US Amateur Champion. Joe was the Pro at the Navy Golf Club at Seal Beach in Long Beach, California where Earl was a member. Joe saw Tiger developing his game as a young player. We hear about the father Earl was and what Tiger was like as a teenager.