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 E26: The LPGA Has a Massive Opportunity... But Can They Pull It Off? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:52
The LPGA is having a moment — but can it turn momentum into something lasting?At the Chevron Championship, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Craig Kessler to discuss one of the most pivotal moments in the history of women’s g…
S E24: How DraftKings Turned an Idea Into BILLIONS | Jason Robins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins joins Jimmy Roberts to break down the business of sports betting, fantasy sports, and the future of golf wagering. From startup beginnings to a multi-billion dollar company, this is a deep div…
S E23: The Masters Stories & Secrets | Jimmy Roberts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:39
Jimmy Roberts shares his experiences covering The Masters, one of the most iconic events in golf, in a rare sit-down interview with Executive Producer Adrienne Gallagher. From unforgettable moments at Augusta National to…
S E22: GOLFZON Is QUIETLY Taking Over Golf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
GOLFZON is one of the largest indoor golf companies in the world, powering thousands of simulator locations and reshaping how people play the game. CEO of GOLFZON America, Sean Pyun, joins Jimmy Roberts to explain how go…
S E21: Why YouTube Golf Is BEATING Traditional Golf | Grant Horvat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:08
Grant Horvat has built one of the most-watched brands in golf without ever playing a PGA Tour event, and the numbers behind his growth are changing how the entire sport thinks about media, sponsorship, and what fans actu…
S E18: "I Was Ready to Lose It All." | Tisha Alyn Gets REAL [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:30
Tisha Alyn didn’t reach the heights she once dreamed of as a touring professional golfer.Instead, she built something entirely different.In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Tisha shares how she pivoted f…