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The ModGolf PodcastHost Colin Weston explores the future of golf through conversations with the visionaries and influencers that are shaking up the sport. Author: The ModGolf Podcast
The ModGolf Podcast talks with golf's top influencers, entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors about their vision and ventures that are re-imagining, transforming and growing both the game and 100 billion/year industry. The ModGolf Podcast has been ranked #4 on 2024's most comprehensive list of "Top 25 Golf Podcasts" (https://blog.feedspot.com/golf_podcasts/), based on our quality and consistency of posts, industry expert reviews and social media influence/popularity. Please subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast to help us grow and move up the rankings in 2025! We'd love to hear from you! Have any ideas or guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Contact Colin directly here (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/contact) or on Instagram @modgolfpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/modgolfpodcast/) to start the conversation. Language: en-us Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Golf, Sports Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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From Corporate Consultant to Golf Tech Disruptor - Drew Koehler, Co-Founder at Blue Tees Golf
Saturday, 28 March, 2026
Ever bought a rangefinder on Amazon only to have the eyepiece pop off on the first hole? That moment of frustration on a San Francisco golf course didn’t just ruin a round for two friends—it sparked a movement. In this episode, host Colin Weston sits down with Drew Koehler, co-founder of Blue Tees Golf, to unpack how a group of young professionals with zero golf industry experience but a ton of business acumen decided to disrupt the golf tech space. From liquidating their bank accounts to buying a company just to get the perfect name, Drew shares the wild, unfiltered journey of building one of golf’s coolest and fastest-growing brands. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a side-hustle into a full-blown business, or just want to know what’s next in golf tech, this is a masterclass you don’t want to miss. Key takeaways in this episode with Drew that you will discover: Build Your Team Like a Stool, Not a Table Drew shares why the founding team at Blue Tees was intentionally diverse - sales, finance, industrial design, and marketing. He reveals why going into business with people who have the exact same skillset is a recipe for disaster and how complementary strengths are the true engine of growth. Design Matters from the Box to the Course Learn how Blue Tees borrowed a page from Apple’s playbook to create a premium "unboxing" experience. Drew explains that the customer journey starts long before the product is turned on, and how tactile feedback, packaging, and high-quality materials are critical to building trust and brand loyalty. The Future is a Connected Ecosystem Drew lifts the curtain on the company’s "Scout AI" and the new Rainmaker launch monitor. He explains how Blue Tees is moving beyond standalone gadgets to create a seamless, connected ecosystem where your launch monitor data automatically updates your rangefinder’s club recommendations - keeping your phone in your bag and your focus on the game. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Drew on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Three Quotable Moments from Drew: On taking the leap: "I was like, 'This is ridiculous. You should go do this yourself. Put your money where your mouth is and actually stand behind the advice you're giving.' So that was my AHA moment. I loved my job. It was safe. But let's go take that leap of faith." On product design philosophy: "When you open up an Apple product before you even touch the phone, the box is the first thing you touch. Everything is already priming you to have an incredible experience. That design component was a pillar for us." On the origin of the name: "When we heard 'Blue Tees Golf,' it was a light bulb moment. We were like, 'Our brand and our products are going to give you the confidence to take that step back and go play from the blue tees.' It became our mantra." Drew Koehler's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/drew-koehler Links & Resources Mentioned: Blues Tees Golf Instagram: @levelwear LinkedIn: Drew Koehler Blue Tees Golf website: https://blueteesgolf.com/ The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to the show and The PGA Show converstation that led to this episode 01:30 - The Power of Invitation: Drew’s First Golf Memory 04:25 - From Political Science to Gartner: A Non-Traditional Path 06:50 - The Origin Story: A Broken Rangefinder and a Frustrating Round 09:30 - The "Blissfully Ignorant" Idea: Assembling the Dream Team 12:10 - From Concept to Creation: The Battle for a Name (and buying the company) 14:15 - Liquidating Bank Accounts and The 3 Pillars of Blue Tees 16:15 - The Apple Influence: Obsessing Over the Customer Experience 20:30 - Brand Culture: The Travis Mathew & Southern California Vibe 25:30 - Defining Features: How They Decide What to Build (And What to Leave Out) 28:45 - The Player Plus GPS Speaker: Innovation Born from Selfishness 30:05 - Introducing the Rainmaker Launch Monitor: A Screen Changes Everything 33:55 - The Connected Ecosystem: How Hardware and Software Work Together 35:50 - Frictionless Experience: Keeping the Phone in the Bag 39:55 - The Next Frontier: Scout AI and Democratizing the Caddy Experience 43:15 - Closing thoughts and where to find the extended conversation on The ModGolf YouTube channel Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.Special Guest: Drew Koehler, Co-Founder / Chief Revenue Officer at Blue Tees Golf.
