Dan Webster Golf: Welcome back to the pod. are now at episode six and it is a very special episode this because we're hitting another first for the show. Performance Golf now has its very first guest. We've got Russie Thomas. Hello. How are you doing big fella? right. Good lad. Thank you very much for coming on the show. Just to give you a little bit of context here, me and Russie go back a long, long way. His first

In-Person: Welcome back to the pod. We are now at episode six, and it is a very special episode, Pierce, because we're hitting another first for the show. Performance Golf now has its very first guest. We've got Russie Thomas. Hello. How are you doing, big fella? Right? Really good, yeah. Thank you very much for coming on the show. Just to give you a little bit of context here, me and Russie go back a long, long way. his first

Dan Webster Golf: sort of junior golf days. was the assistant pro at St. Anne's Old Links back in 1992. Russie's gonna have been 15 years old then as a junior member. And we've been best mates ever since. Russie was my... You were my best man. Yeah. I

In-Person: So junior golf days, I was the assistant pro at St. Ann's Old Links back in 1992. Russie's gonna have been fifteen years old then's junior member. Yep. And we've been best mates ever since Russie was my You were my best map. Yeah I didn't you weren't my best. Sorry about that. Yeah. That was that was a good result to

Dan Webster Golf: didn't... weren't my best... Sorry about that. Yeah. That was a good result.

In-Person: me. I think you didn't really want to do it really, did you? You let Richie do it. You would have been, but I think I remember you saying that's not for me this gig. Exactly. Because I was your best man. Anyway, back to the show. So we've now had unbelievably over a thousand streams of this pod, and I'm still learning. Brilliant. You know, and and not wanting to put any pressure on you, big fella, but you know, everyone's excited about

Dan Webster Golf: I think you didn't really want to do it, really, did you? You let Richie do it. You would have been, but I think I remember you saying, that's not for me this gig, whereas I was your best man. Anyway, back to the show. So we've now had unbelievably over a thousand streams of this pod, and I'm still learning, you know, and not wanting to put any pressure on you, big fella, but you know, everyone's excited about you coming on the show. So. I'm just glad that you've not worked out how to use video when you've got too much.

In-Person: You coming on the show. I'm just glad that you've not worked out how to use video when you've got two microphones.

Dan Webster Golf: Yeah, I don't know. I'm still learning. Anyone out there that's got any podcast advice? Rick Shields, I think you know what you're doing. So if someone's shown you this and you fancy giving me a few pointers, please do Guy. You can do that as well. We go back a long way. Anyway, back to the show. So before I get to a bit more about you,

In-Person: Yeah, I don't know. I'm still anyone out there that's got any podcast advice, Rick Shields, I think you know what you're doing. So if you someone show you this and you fancy give me a few pointers, please do guide, you can do that as well. We go back a long way. Anyway, back to the show. So before before I get to a bit more about you. Rusty, I'll run the junior section at Green Drive. Okay, got a good few juniors there. Junior comp at the weekend.

Dan Webster Golf: Rusty, I'll run the junior section at Green Drive. Okay. Got a good few juniors there. Junior comp at the weekend. score of net 57 57 wasn't it and then 258 now my my lad would have had to shoot you know he's a five now so he would have had to shoot probably yeah eight under growth to

In-Person: Score of net 57. 57, wouldn't it? And then 258. It's disappointing to finish third with a 58, isn't it? My lad would have had to shoot, you know, he's off five now, so he would had to shoot probably, yeah, 800 grubs. To go net 13 under. so if he'd have shot two under his life, he wouldn't have won.

Dan Webster Golf: go net 13 under so if he'd have shot 200 you know round of his life he wouldn't have won

In-Person: Crazy scores, that isn't it? At twelve, you already can't win net competitions. That's that's tough that. But yeah, so junior golf, we've got a lot I've got a lot of involvement in junior golf on the far coast. Look after the junior section at them, Green Drive. But but let's go back.

Dan Webster Golf: Crazy scores that, isn't it? At 12, you already can't win that competition. Yeah, I know, I know. But yeah, so junior golf, I've got a lot of involvement in junior golf on the Faro Coast. Look after the junior section at Limp Green Drive. But let's go back 30 odd years to the involvement, the junior section I had at St Ansel Links, which you were part of. So when we met you along with Richie, Ali Taylor, a few others.

In-Person: 30 odd years to the involvement, the junior section I had at St. Anzol Links, which you were part of. So when we met, you along with Richie, Ali Taylor, a few others. We had some great times. I was three years older than you, so I was 18 years old, you're 15. I'm now 53, and you're just 50, yeah. Just 50. Doesn't like the fact that I'm saying you're in your 50s. It's technically true, but yeah. So so back then.

Dan Webster Golf: We had some great times. was three years older than you. I was 18 years old, you were 15. I'm now 53 and you're just turned 50. Doesn't like the fact that I'm saying you're in your 50s. Yeah. So, so back then some great times, your junior memories, tell me a little bit about, you, you your thoughts about your junior golf back then? guess it probably forms...

In-Person: Some great times. Your junior memories. Tell me a little bit about can you you know your thoughts about your junior golf back then? guess it probably forms who I am, having spent so much time as a teenager at the club. I think I joined when I was maybe ten or eleven.

Dan Webster Golf: I was a teenager at the club. think I joined when I was maybe ten or

In-Person: I think my dad used to take me to the pitching putt in St. Anne's and then from there you go to Gwilly's bargain barrel at the old links and get your first club and I think I bought all

Dan Webster Golf: pitching put in St. Am's and then from there you go to Gwily's Bargain Barrel at the Old Links and get your first club and I I bought them all one by one to make it you've made up half a set of odds and sods and then nobody played golf in my family. Gwily was great from the very beginning at helping us join the Old Links as a junior because we didn't know anyone that was a member there or anyone to nominate. So did you have any, were you school friends? Did you join the golf club as part of the school group or?

In-Person: one by one to mi till you've made up half a set of odds and sods and then nobody played golf in my family. Inkwill was great from the very beginning at at helping us join the O Lynx as a junior 'cause we had no one that didn't know anyone that was a member there or anyone to nominate us or or anything. Did you have any that were you school friends? Were you did you join the golf club as part of the school group? No, just sort of on my own. Got got playing with my dad on the pitch and put and then he's like right, the next step is you he took me to the club that was a mile down the road and said how does

Dan Webster Golf: I got to play with my dad on the picture board and he's like right the next step is he took me to the club that was a mile down the road and said I was

In-Person: How does this work? Of which I am eternally grateful, and have tried to do that with sport with with my kids sort of 30 years on, whether it's hockey, netball, football, whatever, that those same principles of of sort of getting you involved. And then having spent most of my summer holidays will have been dropped off at eight in the morning, couple of quid for a chip butty and

Dan Webster Golf: this way, which I am eternally grateful and I've tried to do that with sport with my kids sort of 30 years old whether it's hockey, netball, football, whatever, those same principles of sort of getting involved and then having spent most of my summer holidays will have been dropped off at 8 in the morning, a couple of quid for a chip butty and...

In-Person: picked up when it's getting dark, and you were there for most of that time, I guess.

Dan Webster Golf: picked up when it's getting dark and you were there for the last five You mentioned Gwily, Gwilym Hardeman, my predecessor, the long standing head pro at St Anzora Links, I was his assistant. There's a good few of us that worked under him. We'll talk a bit about that another time. But Gwilym took you under his wing, I believe. Like you said, he helped you build your first sector, didn't he?

In-Person: long-standing head pro centerlings. I was his assistant. There's a good few of us who worked under him. We'll talk a bit about that another time. But Gwill took you under his wing, I believe. you said, he helped you build your first sector, didn't he? go

Dan Webster Golf: going as a right-handed golfer. There's a bit of a story about this and I'm pleased to correct me if I'm wrong,

In-Person: in as a right-handed golf player? There's a bit of a story about this and I'm please correct me if I'm wrong, I am very, very left-handed in life, writing

Dan Webster Golf: Yeah.

In-Person: darts, bowling a cricket ball, sort of I am left-handed, but again

Dan Webster Golf: I am left handed, but again...

In-Person: no one in my family play golf and you just get going, you play golf right-handed, almost like it's hockey and there's no choice. So I got going, got got playing and wasn't the greatest. I struggled the first couple of years I

Dan Webster Golf: no choice. So got going, got playing and wasn't the greatest struggle for the first couple of years.

In-Person: paid. and then I was just messing about with a left-handed club in the pro shop and Gwill just happened to be stood perfectly opposite and was like, Hold on, everything's all in the right places there, sort of take this up, get out there, son, and hit and hit that. So yeah, he he swapped me around after a couple of years of struggling. And I do end up telling this story to anyone that I play with for the first time, because I still put right-handed because I didn't need to change. And like, how have you ended up playing right left-handed and putting right-handed? And

Dan Webster Golf: Yeah, yeah, yeah. So yeah, Gwyl still comes up with story in my golf on a regular basis. And he, when you started playing left-handed, handicap wise, did you get, how good did you get? Single figures? that then, sort of 28. I think the lowest I got down to was seven, yeah. Seven, and

In-Person: So yeah, Gwill still comes up as a story in in my golf on a regular basis. And he and he when you started playing left handed, handicap wise, did you get how good did you get? You I think I probably started back then sort of twenty eight, I think the lowest I got down to was seven, yeah. Seven and and

Dan Webster Golf: doing that, regular golf all through the summer holidays, like you said, you would be there with your eight o'clock in the morning, chip butty, putting comps. I remember us having 72-old putting comps, majors on the putting green.

In-Person: Doing that playing regular golf all through summer holidays, like you said, you'd be there with your eight o'clock in the morning, chip butty, putting comps. I remember us having seventy-two old putting comps challenges on the Chipping green green,

Dan Webster Golf: Chipping nearest the pins and going out and doing seven iron challenges. Can you remember doing all that? Yeah, and look at me now.

In-Person: chipping nearest the pins and going out and doing seven-iron challenges. Can you remember doing all that? and you all turned pro. And look at me

Dan Webster Golf: Junior Golf has given you quite a lot, right? And I'm

In-Person: Junior Golf has given you quite a lot. massively. And I

Dan Webster Golf: one thing I'm really working on with the juniors that I spend time with is life skills for forming things

In-Person: juniors that I spend time with is is life skills, form forming things things that in the future they'll stand them in good stead. For example, playing a golf tournament with a few elderly people, having a drink with them afterwards, shaking hands, taking your cap off when you've played etiquette and manners and discipline is a huge part of my

Dan Webster Golf: things that in the future they'll stand them in good stead. For example, playing a golf tournament with a few elderly people, having a drink with them afterwards, shaking hands, taking your cap off when you've played. Etiquette and manners and discipline is a huge part of my message to junior golfers. You got that back in the day from Gwyl, from members of the golf club.

In-Person: message to junior golfers. You got that back in the day from Gwill, from members of the Yeah, then once you're in, you're in, aren't you? And you're in that environment of just the you probably don't realise it at the time, but just a responsibility of marking your own score. It's the only sport where y you declare your own score and you're responsible for it. So that the everything around the game is it forms your character and it really is sort know

Dan Webster Golf: time just a responsibility of marking your own score it's the only sport where you declare your own score and you're responsible for it so that everything around the game it forms your character and it really is sort of know golf is life. yeah you say that quite a bit I believe Michelle have you heard that yeah golf is light but I think it reflects back a lot of your good things and your bad things.

In-Person: Golf is life, I guess, is it golf is you say is a reflection of life, yeah. Shall we golf is life, but I think it reflects back a lot of your your good things and your bad things. That I do like the the side of the honesty thing, and and really where young golfers learn that they've had a six on the whole, they they write down six, they don't write down four. Yeah. Because nobody wins if that's the case. And

Dan Webster Golf: I do like the side of the honesty thing and really where young golfers learn that they've had a six on the hole, they write down six, they don't write down four because nobody wins if that's the case. is

In-Person: is

Dan Webster Golf: Going back to Guilly.

In-Person: Going back to Gwilly. So in a pro shop, you'd come in, you've had your chips upstairs, you come in the afternoon, and Butler or myself would You're gonna have a can Panda Pop, Big Fella. yeah, they do they're branded the branded drinks fridge, yeah. Do remember the Panda Pop challenge? You had to drink a can of it without

Dan Webster Golf: So in the pro shop, you'd come in, you've had your chips upstairs, you'd come in the afternoon Butler or myself would say you're gonna have a can of Panda Pop, big fella. Yeah, the green cola. Can you remember the Panda Pop challenge? You had to drink a can of it without burping. Did you ever have a go?

In-Person: I probably will have, yeah, in

Dan Webster Golf: You did, you did. Yeah, and Gwily's sort of mentality with all of you and he was really, really keen to help you. There's a handful, I would say about eight of you regulars playing a lot

In-Person: those days, yeah. yeah, and and Gwilly's sort of mentality with all of you and he was really, really keen to to help you. There's a handful, I would say about eight of you, regulars, yeah, and a lot.

Dan Webster Golf: that most have gone off and had a career in golf. Well, loosely, you have had a bit of a career in golf. Your current career, we're changing direction and we're both changing direction.

In-Person: That most have gone off and had a career in golf. All except me, I think. Well, actually, usually you have had a bit of a career. A little bit. Your your current career, we've got with we're changing direction. Yeah. And we're both changing direction. Tell me a bit about your start off in golf was working with well, you got helping hand from a golfer to get involved with Reebok. Well, so what I guess helping Will probably was what I would say was my first proper job. Whether it you know days like the Ashton.

Dan Webster Golf: Tell me a bit about your start off in golf was working with, or you got help in hand from a golfer to get involved with Reebok. I guess helping Will probably was what I would say was my first proper job. Days like the Ashton that

In-Person: You were talking about in the last episode, you'd be just giving cards out, helping with you know, selling water or helping on the tea or whatever, and and and that sort of stuff, which was which was good, good grounding in in retail. most of my

Dan Webster Golf: you were talking about, you'd be just giving cards out, helping with selling water or helping on the tea or whatever and that sort of stuff, which was good. Good grounding in retail. Most of my...

In-Person: grown-up career since uni has been in football, but that started from a placement at university with Reebok, which came about through one of the members, Paul McNally, who was running Greg Norman golf at the time. So

Dan Webster Golf: grown up career since uni has been in football. Well, that started from a placement at university with Reebok, which came about through one of the members, Paul McNally, was running Greg Norman's golf at the time. So

In-Person: Put a word in for me. I ended up in the football sports marketing team, which was amazing. And I've I've worked in football for the 25 years since. But there's another thing to be thankful to golf and the old links for. And then latterly,

Dan Webster Golf: forwarding for me, I ended up in the football sports marketing team, which was amazing. And I've worked in football for the 25 years since. But there's another thing to be thankful to golf and the old links for. And then latterly.

In-Person: spent 17 years with Puma and and again mainly in football, but towards the end was more involved in the wider performance business. So running training, which was high rocks for for Puma, and a little bit of a little bit of time in the last year or so.

Dan Webster Golf: 17 years with Puma and again mainly in football but towards the end was more involved in the wider performance business so running, training which was high rocks for Puma and a little bit of time in the last year or so with the Cobra brand on golf so it was nice to go full circle and actually do some work in golf but not a huge amount. Yeah, what would you say, with little time you spent with Cobra Puma, what do you think of the current state of the golf industry? I think it's...

In-Person: with the Cobra brand on golf. So yeah, it was nice to go full circle and actually do some work in golf but but not a huge amount. Yeah, what would you say little time you spent with Cobra Boomer, what do you think of the current state of the golf industry? I think it's It's t

Dan Webster Golf: It's a tough sell. I think some of the brands I'm sure Taylor makes one of them that just been announced going back to two years. To your cycle. To keep saying that the next one is so much better than the last one and you need to spend 500 quid on it. He's tough for everybody. And you can see, guess COVID was probably very kind to the golf industry. Yeah. Yeah. that probably re-engaged me a bit from having been a corporate golfer that was playing.

In-Person: it's a tough sell. And I think some of the brands, I'm sure Taylor Maids, one of them, that have just announced going back to two year cycles on product to keep saying that the next one is so much better than the last one and you need to spend 500 quid on it is tough for everybody. And you can see, I guess COVID was probably very kind to the golf industry. It was the first sport back suddenly people and and that probably re-engaged me a bit from having been a corporate golfer that was playing once or twice a year to to get him back into it.

Dan Webster Golf: once or twice a year to get back into it.

In-Person: and and lots of friends who'd either never played or really left it alone were suddenly wanting wanting to go to a game at a municipal and the they're buying a package set or whatever. And and then you're expected to maintain those numbers then when you you can or can't, can you? Because the sort of rare

Dan Webster Golf: And lots of friends who had never played or really left it alone. Suddenly wanting to play a game at a municipal and they're buying a package set or whatever. And then you're expected to maintain those numbers then when you can and can't, you? Because they're sort of... Rare golfers playing once

In-Person: golfers playing once

Dan Webster Golf: a month. They're not buying new kit. no, no. numbers are not there to be chased. The brands have gone and bought the stock to go do the numbers again. the business mix isn't there. And then that's catching itself up five or six years on. And then you clear an old stock with new stock. And that's not just golf, it? is football shoes. It's tough. But it probably is exasperated in golf because the drivers, 500 quid, and they had an amazing time.

In-Person: A month they're not buying new kit all the time. So those numbers are not there to be chased. You the the brands have gone and bought the stock to go and do the numbers again, and the the business mix isn't isn't there. And and then that's catching itself up five or six years on, and then you're clearing old stock, there's new stock. And that's not just golf, is it? That could be football shirts. It's it yeah, it could it it's it it's tough and and it but it probably is exasperated in golf because a driver's five hundred quid and it had an amazing time coming

Dan Webster Golf: coming out of

In-Person: out of COVID sort of four or five years ago and it it's it's tough. Well there's a I mean I would say there's a big factor as well. You play to quite a good standard. if this year's driver comes out at five hundred fifty quid, is it

Dan Webster Golf: COVID sort of four or five years ago, it's tough. Well, I mean, I would say there's a big factor as well. You play to quite a good standard. If this year's driver comes out at 550 quid, is it a lot better than last year's or the two years old? And there's loads of videos out now. There's loads of access to information through social media where people are doing tests.

In-Person: A lot better than last year's or the two years old. And there's loads of videos out now, there's loads of access to information through social media where people are doing tests with a four-year-old driver or a ten-year-old driver. And the the stats, the numbers aren't much different. So I'm fitting and we were at the driving range today, and I'm fitting in that studio next to us. And the golf will come in with his tailor-made Sim2 driver.

Dan Webster Golf: with a four year old driver or a 10 year old driver. And the stats, the numbers aren't much different. So I'm fitting and we were at the driving range today and I'm fitting in that studio next to us. And the Golf will come in with his tailor-made SIM2 driver, 10 degrees stiff and he lit it and like, great numbers, good launch numbers, good spin numbers. I'm gonna find it quite hard

In-Person: 10 degree stiff and you lick it. I'm like great numbers, good launch numbers, good spin numbers. I'm gonna find it quite hard.

Dan Webster Golf: to find a club that's gonna beat that.

In-Person: To find a club that's going to beat that and honestly say to you, this is worth spending £500. Yeah. Now bear in mind if he's using the wrong shaft, wrong head, wrong spin, yeah, straight away there's a change to be made. But for a lot of golfers, last year or two-year-old equipment is absolutely fine. And I think that's where Taylor Maid might be making that change and going to two-year cycles because people don't need to change every every year. Well, but there'll be people who do. So

Dan Webster Golf: and honestly say to you this is worth spending £500 on. Now bear in mind if he's using the wrong shaft, wrong head, wrong spin, yeah straight away there's a change to be made but for a lot of golfers last year or two year old equipment is absolutely fine and I think that's where TaylorMade might be making that change and going to two year cycles because people don't need to change every year.

In-Person: I have no doubt that you've got an iPhone 17

Dan Webster Golf: 17.

In-Person: there and we'll have your iPhone 18 on. pre-order and I've got my iPhone 11 that still does the things that you do. Of course you have. Well I did have a 30 before that. So it was the longest time I've had an iPhone for. Maybe I'm grabbing up, I don't know. I doubt it. Big Fella's always been my my voice of reason, part of our relationship and and we're going to come on to Performance Golf, my new project, and the reason this podcast is even around

Dan Webster Golf: I have got the 17, yeah, but I did have the 13 before this. So it was the longest time I've had an iPhone for. Maybe I'm growing up, I don't know. Thanks. Bigfell has always been my voice of reason, part of our relationship. And we're going to come on to Performance Golf, my new project, and the reason this podcast is even around. And I did...

In-Person: And I I did, I you were one of the first to hear about what I was up to. And one of the reasons I was telling you was for someone to push back and go, no, mate, you're another one of your fads, another another crazy idea. Your reaction was very different to what I expected. We sat, I think we sat in Apex, yeah. Yeah, I think.

Dan Webster Golf: You were one of first to hear about what I was up to. And one of reasons I was telling you was for someone to push back and go, no, mate, you're another one of your fads, another crazy idea. Your reaction was very different to what I expected. We sat, I think we sat in Apex having a coffee and you came, you said a few things that was like, my word, the big fella, the guy that generally gives me.

In-Person: And you came you said a few things that was like, my god, the big fella, the the the guy that generally gives me good solid advice and I can trust him a lion has actually said, Yeah, I think that's gonna work, which really has helped me push forward with project. What what's your thoughts about what we're up to? Have you you know I can give you some updates, but as far as setting up an indoor golf performance facility in Lytham, Lytham is a traditional and historic golf town. Golf is played outdoors, golf is a firebound.

Dan Webster Golf: good solid advice and I can trust if Elan has actually said, I think that's gonna work, which really has helped me push forward with the project. What's your thoughts about what we're up to? I can give you some updates, but as far as setting up an indoor golf performance facility in Lidl, Lidl is a traditional and historic golf town. Golf is played outdoors. Golf is a five hour

In-Person: Around in a gentleman's sport. What's your view about me taking it

Dan Webster Golf: round and a gentleman's sport. What's your view about me taking it? indoors and making it a little bit more accessible. I guess while saying I spent a lot of time playing golf as a kid, played an awful lot of cricket as well. And what you've described as the five hour gentleman's sport is a test match isn't it? Yeah. And that'll still go on at Lord's but for the last 20 years T20 cricket is has slowly caught and overtaken in popularity a

In-Person: indoors and making it a little bit more accessible? I guess while saying I spent a lot of time playing golf as a kid, played an awful lot of cricket as well. And what you've described as the five-hour gentleman's sport is a test match, isn't it? Yeah. And that'll still go on at Lord's, but for the last 20 years, T20 cricket is has slowly caught and overtaken in popularity. A a test match, I guess, especially as you go with a younger generation. So my age at above would rather sit for five days and potentially

Dan Webster Golf: test match I guess. Especially as you go with a younger generation. So my age of above would rather sit for five days and essentially watch a game that doesn't reach a conclusion, that the youngsters are not prepared to do that in this on-demand society that they've grown up in. You look at football, viewing figures for 19-minute matches on what they were.

In-Person: watch a game that doesn't reach a conclusion. That the youngsters are not prepared to do that in this on-demand society that they've grown up in. If you look at football viewing figures for 90-minute matches aren't what they were, match of the days maybe coming to an end because who wants to wait till 10 o'clock to see the goals? You can see them at 10 past five on your.

Dan Webster Golf: match of the days, maybe coming to an end because he wants to wait till 10 o'clock to see the goals. On your

In-Person: On your phone on YouTube, you can get the three minutes that you want. If you want the deep dive, the analysis is there, and there's there's more data if you want it, but most people want to consume it fast. And it it's tough to be able to give out that five hours. You know, I probably left golf alone

Dan Webster Golf: phone, on YouTube, can get the three minutes that you want. If you want the deep dive, the analysis is there and there's more data if you want it. But most people want to consume it fast. And it's tough to be able to give out that five hours. You know, I probably left golf alone.

In-Person: virtually completely for 20 years at the start of my career because I was busy at work and then a young family with three kids where you're away all week, and it's tough to say.

Dan Webster Golf: virtually completely for 20 years at the start of my career because I was busy working then a young family with three kids where you're away all week and it's tough to say I'm going to golf in the morning. I'll probably be all day. All day, I could go to an indoor facility for an hour.

In-Person: I'm going to I'm going to golf in the morning and I'll I'll probably be gone all day. But I could I could go to an indoor facility for an hour, hit a few balls, have a bit of fun, stay connected to the game. You can still you can see more data than you ever could in terms of, you know, real technical stuff. If that's what you want to do, you can have some fun with it as well. I'm sure there's there's games and all the stuff that there is there is on track, man. So but it

Dan Webster Golf: Yeah, a few balls off a bit. Fun. Stay connected to the game. can still, you can see more data than you ever could in terms of, you know, real technical stuff. That's what you want to do and have some fun with it as well. sure there's games and all the stuff that there is, there is on track. So comparing

In-Person: You know, in comparing it to cricket where there's twenty overs, fifty overs, test matches, that's where golf needs to get to. I guess that's the the TGL concept, isn't it? I think they're in the news today going for s an another significant round of funding to to grow that. They're

Dan Webster Golf: it to cricket where there's 20 overs, 50 overs test matches, that's where golf needs to get to. guess that's the, the TGL concept. Yeah. Yeah. In the news today, going for another significant round of funding to grow that. rather than I think.

In-Person: adding I think women's element to the men's that's a couple of c couple of years in and that's the same concept, isn't it? You can watch an entire golf tournament in inverted commas in one evening.

Dan Webster Golf: women's elements and the men's that's a couple of years in and that's the same concept, isn't it? You can watch an entire golf tournament in inverted commas in one evening.

In-Person: And and it's in a stadium, so there's that there's that experience in person as well. So it it feels like with the nature of society and everything's gotta be quick, that to be able to play golf for an hour has got to be a good thing and socially. We we've seen a big change. You mentioned it before regarding the the Covid and what it did to golf

Dan Webster Golf: And it's in a stadium, so there's that experience in person as well. So it feels like the nature of society and everything's got to be quick to be able to play golf for an hour. It's got to be a good thing and socially. We've seen a big change. You mentioned it before regarding COVID and what it did to golf.

In-Person: and and it did launch golf in another new light and it brought a

Dan Webster Golf: and it did launch golf in another new light and it brought a lot of people into the game that wouldn't have thought of playing. There's a lot of youngsters playing the game and we made some changes here at the driving range. We added top tracer and we went from 300,000 balls a year to now over 3 million balls a year hit and I would say

In-Person: people into the game that wouldn't have thought of playing. There's a lot of youngsters playing the game. And we made some changes here at the driving range. We added top tracer and and we we went from three hundred thousand balls a year to now over three million balls a year hit. And I would say

Dan Webster Golf: 80 or 90 percent of the golfers that are here certainly are weakened.

In-Person: 80 or 90 percent of the golfers that are here, certainly our weekend, are not generally the traditional golfers. They actually come into the shop and ask for a lane, first of all, and then give them a bowling ball. Yeah, we a bowling ball, and then they'll come back in and go, Do you have any club? You know, so we rent the clubs and they'll go and smash the balls and they whack a ball and they

Dan Webster Golf: are not generally the traditional golfers. They actually come into the shop and ask for a lane, first of all, and then, well, yeah, we got a and then they'll come back in and go, do you have any clubs? So we rent them clubs. And they'll go and smash the balls and they whack a ball and they literally whack and look at the screen. And they're here for...

In-Person: But that that would have been looked down on, I think, even five years ago, definitely ten years ago. It's like not proper golf, and they're not proper golfers. Yeah, yeah. To just come and have a not to be able a proper golfer could come here tonight and have a good time and bring three mates who could have a laugh on on top tracer and a aim at some flags and tech has changed again. Tack has made it faster.

Dan Webster Golf: Even five years ago, definitely. Pre-COVID, yeah. It's more accepted, isn't it? Just come and have a knock to be able. proper golfer could come here tonight and have a good time and bring three mates who can have a laugh. Yeah. On top tracer and pay them some flags. Tech has changed again. Tech has made it faster.

In-Person: instant graphication world we're in that fast flight world it's made it

Dan Webster Golf: In the instant gratification world we're in, that fast swipe world, it's made it...

In-Person: enjoyable for those that normally might not think it is. It's added data for the for the techies, the people that really want to know their ball speeds, spin rates, launch angles.

Dan Webster Golf: enjoyable for those that normally might not think it is. It's added data for the techies, the people that really want to know their ball speed, spin rates, launch angles. But it's also in my feeling, it's brought in a gamification, is that even a right word? The FIFA, I shouldn't mention the PlayStation world, but the PlayStation world.

In-Person: But it's also in my feeling, it's it's brought in a gamification, if that's is that yeah the right word? The thief we shouldn't mention the PlayStation world, but the PlayStation world, the kids that are spending a bit of time online gaming, which you know, we have two young boys and they've done that through the winter, that's what they'll spend a bit of time doing. They're getting that same

Dan Webster Golf: the kids that are spending a bit of time online gaming, which, you know, we have two young boys and they've done that through the winter. That's what they'll spend a bit of time doing. They're getting that same hit. I'd like to more to a track-mode golf experience. Yeah, yeah, of course. Yeah, It's overwhelming. Yeah. And time consuming as well. One thing we did actually have, Harry has a, we have a VR headset and

In-Person: hit. But they relate more to a trap man golf experience than they will going on a golf course, which is overwhelming and expensive and difficult to find. Yeah. One thing we did actually have, Harry has a we have a VR headset and this this really sort of stuck to me. Have you seen the VR I think it's play golf now and there's there's a software now where you put a VR headset on. And you can play golf in the virtual world, in that virtual space, meta first.

Dan Webster Golf: This really sort of stuck to me. Have you seen the VR? I think it's golf now and there's a software now where you put a VR headset on and you can play golf in the virtual world, in that virtual space, meta-verse. And Harry was in this room, which is at the Drimer Range, playing a game of golf. I think he was playing a course in America with a pal who was in Preston in his living room. So the pair of them.

In-Person: was in this room which is at the dry range playing a game of golf. I think he was playing a course in America with a pal who was in Preston in his living room. So the pair of them were playing golf in the metaverse. And that's coming. That's actually the investment in that, the software in that. I know of a golf coach who gives lessons to American clients through his VR Headside Meta. And that's through Skillist and the software that's out there.

Dan Webster Golf: We're playing golf in the metaverse and that's coming, that's happening. The investment in that, the software in that. I know of a golf coach who gives lessons to American clients through his VR headset, his meta. And that's through Skillist and the software that's out there.

In-Person: You know, so yeah, with the golf space is changing. Tech is here, it's around for a while. I think they've said that potentially the next ten years fifty percent of golf will be played indoors. So one of the main reasons we're

Dan Webster Golf: So yeah, with the golf space is changing, tech is here, it's around for a while. I think they've said that potentially the next 10 years, 50 of golf will be played indoor. So one of the main reasons we're...

In-Person: we're trying to move with the times and change the the business direction is to cater for the demand of what other constraints that we have, time, travel, financial.

Dan Webster Golf: we're trying to move with the times and change the business direction is to cater for the demand of, or the constraints that we have, time, travel, financial. Being a member of golf clubs is not cheap by the way now, is it? That seems to have increased quite considerably. On that note, we are launching, you might have seen it,

In-Person: Being a member of Golf Club's not cheap by the way now, is it? That seems to have increased quite considerably. On that note, we are launching, you might have seen it.

Dan Webster Golf: a little plug here, a founder membership program for Performance Golf. We've already had, we've only got 50 spaces for the founder membership.

In-Person: Unplug here founder membership program for performance golf. We've already had we've only got fifty spaces for the founder membership, already had 13 sales on that. Brilliant. About 40-50 inquiries. Bear in mind, right now we've got a unit and decorating it. I've got paint all over me. We've been so is that your your social post from was it yesterday or today? There was some sort of platform in there of yeah. That's just for me to reach the milk at the fridge there. But no, yeah, so we're decorating it. We are still awaiting this.

Dan Webster Golf: already had 13 sales on that. About 40 or 50 inquiries. Bearing in mind, right now we've got a unit, I'm decorating it, I've got paint all over me, we've been painting it. little platform, yeah, that's just for me to reach the milk out the fridge that. no, yeah, so we're decorating it, we are still awaiting decision

In-Person: probably our council on planning but we start to get the groundwork done we're preparing everything in the background brilliant

Dan Webster Golf: from the board of council and planning, but we're starting to get the ground works done. We're preparing everything in the background. hoping still to open sometime before the new year. But again, we're not sure. We'll see what happens on that front. But to build up a bit of

In-Person: hoping still to open sometime before the new year but again we're not sure we'll see what happens on that front but to build up a bit of

Dan Webster Golf: momentum and some interest, the social, this podcast, again, thank you to those of you who take the time to be with us and still listening. But this has helped spread the word and people are sharing it. I'm getting, I've actually had a shout out. lad has messaged me last night saying, Dan, don't suppose you could give us a shout on the part. I'm like, yeah, no problem. This is Blake Rata. He's a member at Fleetwood Golf Club.

In-Person: momentum and some interest. The social this podcast again thank you to those of you take the time to be with us and still listening but this has helped spread the word and people are sharing it. I'm getting I've actually had a shout out a lad has messaged me last night saying Dan don't suppose you could give us a shout on the pod I'm like yeah no problem this is Blake Rater he's a member at Fleetwood Golf Club he is a cracking young golfer plays against Harry in quite a few matches and he's about six he's a 13 year old about

Dan Webster Golf: He is a cracking young golfer, plays against Harry in quite a few matches and he's about six, he's a 13 year old, about

In-Person: six foot tall it's it miles

Dan Webster Golf: six foot tall, let's say miles. And yeah, so there you go, Blake, bit of a shout out for you.

In-Person: And yeah, so there you go, Blake, a bit of shout-out for you.

Dan Webster Golf: Back to you as a golfer, big fella, right? So you've talked to us a little bit about where golf's got you and what golf's done for you, but now you've had that flip, you're playing golf again. Handicap

In-Person: Back to you as a golfer, big golf. So you've talked to us a little bit about where golf's got you and what golf's done for you, but you now you've had that blip, you're playing golf again. Handicapped now ten point two. Ten point two. That's pretty good. And this has come down in the last year or two, I guess, from the mid teens, or is that right? I think

Dan Webster Golf: now? 10. 10.2, that's pretty good. And this has come down in the last year or two, I guess, from my teens, was that right?

In-Person: I joined Fairaven four years ago. I think I put three scores in

Dan Webster Golf: schools in

In-Person: to get a handicap that were in the mid nineties and got a handicap of eight point eight. So I was quite stressed with the new handicap system as to how that was possible. Yeah. Best potential. And then you play.

Dan Webster Golf: Yeah. It works out on your best potential round. You're not supposed

In-Person: You play a few years and then work your way up to something that you can play to play to. But then you play and you you play twenty rounds and your best eight give you a handicap and now your your showing of ten is a is an aspirational handicap. It's what you can play to probably one every six or seven times.

Dan Webster Golf: Yeah. two. Yeah. But then you play and you play 20 rounds and your best eight give you a handicap. And now your showing of 10 is an aspirational handicap. It's what you can play to probably one every six or seven times.

In-Person: Right. You're not supposed to play for the day. and it's there I think there to protect golfers coming in and having crazy scores, certainly in in amateur golf.

Dan Webster Golf: you're not supposed to play to every day. it's there, I think they have to protect golfers coming in and having crazy scores, certainly in amateur golf. But you're playing regularly. You're playing with some pals once a week, twice a week. Yeah, make the most of it. When you get a real job, you might have to probably play once a week.

In-Person: But you you're playing regularly. Yes. You're playing with some pals once a week, twice a week. Probably at the moment, three times a week with my parallel pivot. It made most real job. You might have to probably play once a week.

Dan Webster Golf: a refound love of the game. I can see that when you talk about it. You've just been on the, you get involved with the Club of Entry, been on the Captain's Trip.

In-Person: a refound love of the game. We I can see that when you talk about it. You've just been on the if you get involved with the club, actually, been on the captain's trick.

Dan Webster Golf: Yeah, just this weekend. Yeah, how was that? yeah, it was amazing. Yeah, brilliant. How many went? Good crowd? 72, yeah, really, really good. 72 on the Captain's Trip. That is fantastic. Captain is this year. Chris Hibbert. yeah, good lad, Chris. Yeah. I guess give a shout out to Mark Duncock, because he must have done a huge amount of work.

In-Person: Yeah, just this weekend at Slaley Hall. Yeah, it was amazing. Yeah, brilliant, brilliant weekend. Seventy-two, yeah, really, really good. Yeah. Yeah, it was brilliant. Fantastic captains this year. Chris Hibbert. yeah, good luck, Chris. And I guess give a shout out to Mark Dunkalf, because he must have done a huge amount of work for it to have all gone smoothly. Well done, Mark. Round of pause. Good effort. Yeah, and there's the manager of golf club does do a lot and and takes on a lot that people don't see.

Dan Webster Golf: Well done Mark, round of applause. Good effort. Yeah, and the manager of a golf club does do a lot and takes on a lot that people don't see. Well, we're going to bring this episode to a close now. If anyone's still listening, really do appreciate you for that. So thank you again for being with us.

In-Person: Well, we're gonna bring this episode to a close now. If anyone's still listening, we do appreciate you for that. So thank you again for being with us.

Dan Webster Golf: Please give us a few shouts, send us some messages, comment.

In-Person: Please give us a few shouts. Send us some messages. Comment

Dan Webster Golf: on the socials, follow the pod. If you've got any questions you want to ask, send in. Like I mentioned earlier, we've had a few people asking for shout outs, which is brilliant. If there's something that you'd like us to discuss, I would love to have Russie back on the show a few times and really give me someone to chat to, because it's pretty hard doing this on your own. Looking at yourself on the screen and talking has been difficult. But also, we're going to share a few

In-Person: on the socials. Follow the pod. If you've got any questions you want to ask, send in. Like I mentioned earlier, with very few people asking for shout-outs, which is brilliant. If there's something that you like us to discuss, I would love to have Rossi back on the show a few times and really give me someone to chat to, because it's pretty hard doing this on the way. Looking at yourself on the screen and talking has been difficult. But also, we're going to share a few. different things that we've been up to during during each week

Dan Webster Golf: different things that we've been up to during each week.

In-Person: and also again the progress that I'm making down at the indoor facility. Slow going at the minute there but every day there's another change in place.

Dan Webster Golf: and also again, the progress that I'm making down at the indoor facility. Slow going at the minute there, but every day there's another change in place. We're also going to invite other guests on, guests that are going to help you with your golf big fellow. Also share insights into the game.

In-Person: We're also going to invite other guests on. Guests that are going to help you with your golf big fellow. Perfect. Yeah. also share insights into the game and whether it be nutrition, psychological, or just you know.

Dan Webster Golf: and whether it be nutrition, psychological, or just, you know,

In-Person: bit of thought about the course management and the and and playing golf and having a bit of fun as well. So yeah, lots lots to look forward to. We're gonna wrap it up there. Thank you again for coming on the show. Thank you for giving me your time this evening and it's been a pleasure. Cheers, really enjoyed it. It was good fun. Thank you. Golf is right.

Dan Webster Golf: bit of thought about the course management and playing golf and having a bit of fun as well. So yeah, lots to look forward to. We're going to wrap it up there. Thank you again for coming on the show. Thank you for giving me your time this evening. And it's been a pleasure. is life.