S E47: The USGA’s Plan to Protect Golf’s Future

S E47: The USGA’s Plan to Protect Golf’s Future

Author: Big Swing Media September 16, 2026 Duration: 48:40
USGA CEO Mike Whan joins Jimmy Roberts for a wide-ranging conversation about the decisions that could shape golf for generations.Whan explains why the continued increase in distance at the elite level has become one of the game’s biggest long-term challenges—and why the answer could involve changes to the golf ball, driver standards or different equipment rules for professional and recreational golfers. He also discusses the USGA’s evolving conversations with the PGA TOUR, the possibility of changes before 2030 and why protecting historic golf courses requires the industry to think decades ahead.The conversation also explores the rapid growth of the U.S. National Development Program, the USGA’s $50 million commitment to junior golf, the growing importance of water conservation and what women’s golf still needs to produce its breakthrough moment in America.What you'll hear in this episode:• Why golf’s continued increase in distance could threaten its most historic courses• Whether professionals and recreational golfers should play by different equipment rules• How the USGA is building a national development pipeline for young American golfers• Why water and land use could become major challenges for the golf industry• What women’s golf needs to create its own Caitlin Clark-style breakthrough in AmericaThe episode also features Powering the Women’s Game, presented by Chevron, and Peyton Manning sharing the handwritten letter that became his Big Swing moment.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by sixteen-time Emmy winner and broadcasting legend Jimmy Roberts, The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts goes far beyond the fairway. This isn't just another sports interview series; it's a deep exploration of the powerful forces and fascinating personalities driving the modern golf industry. Each episode features an intimate, one-on-one conversation with the executives, celebrities, and elite athletes who are actively shaping the game's future, from groundbreaking deals and major investments to the cultural trends redefining the sport. You'll hear candid stories and gain unparalleled access to the boardrooms and backstories behind the headlines. Presented by Big Swing Media, this podcast delivers a unique blend of sports, business, and insider perspective, offering listeners a sophisticated look at where the game is headed next. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that reveal the strategy and passion fueling golf's biggest swings, both on and off the course.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 46

The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts
Podcast Episodes
S E37: How Stanford Built a Women’s Golf Powerhouse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:58
Stanford women’s golf has become one of the most dominant programs in college golf — but Anne Walker’s approach goes far beyond swing mechanics.In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with St…
S E36: Tiger Woods’ Former Agent Finally Tells the Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:46
Before Tiger Woods became a global business empire, Hughes Norton was helping build the foundation.In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with Hughes Norton — the legendary former IMG agent…
S E35: Golf’s Money Problem Is Finally Out in the Open [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:44
Golf is booming — but the business behind the game has never been more complicated.In this special live episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, recorded ahead of the U.S. Open, Jimmy sits down for two separate conve…
S E34: McLaren's Bold Bet on Golf with Hoyt McGarity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:49
Why would one of the most iconic brands in motorsports decide to enter one of the most competitive industries in sports?In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Hoyt McGarity, President of 8AM Golf…
S E33: Arthur Blank Bet on Himself... and Won [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:42
How do you go from getting fired to building one of the most successful companies in American history?In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Arthur Blank, the billionaire entrepreneur, philanthrop…
S E30: Paige Spiranac on Fame, Hate & Building a Golf Empire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:19
Paige Spiranac became one of the most influential people in golf — but not without controversy, criticism, and constant public scrutiny.In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Paige Spiranac for a…
S E29: How AI is Changing Golf Forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:17
AI is changing golf faster than almost anyone realizes.In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with members of the Big Swing Media team to break down the biggest trends shaping the future of the game —…
S E28: Jack Nicklaus Walked Away From Millions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
Jack Nicklaus turned down millions, and he’s completely at peace with it.In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with golf legend Jack Nicklaus to explore the business side of one of the greatest career…