Fore Golfers Network (FGN) is a weekly golf podcast celebrating the best game on earth. The FGN Podcast features exclusive interviews with golf's top personalities, equipment innovators, and the unique people who make the game so addictive.
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 469 - Dean Snell on Snell Golf, Tariffs & Tour-Tested Performance. We sit down with Dean Snell, Founder and CEO of Snell Golf - the Official Ball of MGL - to dive deep into the world of golf ball innovation, pricing strategy, and manufacturing challenges in today’s global trade climate. Dean brings decades of experience from the golf ball industry and shares his unique insights on how Snell Golf delivers premium-quality balls without the premium price tag. From bypassing expensive TV ads to skipping pro endorsement deals, Snell Golf focuses on what matters most: performance and value for everyday golfers. We discuss the impact of global tariffs, the recent closure of a major manufacturing facility, and how Dean and his team are navigating supply chain hurdles to maintain quality and inventory through Q2 2023. Dean also explains how golfers should choose balls based on their 7-iron distance—not just swing speed—and how Snell’s Tour Test Pack is helping players find their perfect fit. Dean and Bill also talk pricing, with the MTB Prime 4.0 and MTB Prime X 3.0 offering performance rivaling tour-level balls, all while saving you money. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a weekend warrior, you’ll walk away with new knowledge to help elevate your game. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
4/21/25 • 27:37
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 468 - Golf Etiquette Tips for New Golfers with Mr. Golf Etiquette Bill Hobson sits down with Jim Corbett, widely known as Mr. Golf Etiquette, to dive deep into the essential etiquette every golfer—especially new ones—needs to know. With decades of experience as a caddy and a lifelong passion for the game, Jim shares his personal journey and why golf etiquette is more than just tradition—it's about respect, pace, and preserving the enjoyment of the game for everyone. From the practice green to the clubhouse, this conversation emphasizes how small choices—like respecting music volume or minimizing practice swings—can significantly enhance the golf experience for others. They also touch on one of the biggest complaints in golf today: pace of play. Jim offers simple, practical tips for speeding up your round without compromising your game, like limiting time spent looking for lost balls and being intentional with your shots. You'll even hear a few hilarious and heartfelt stories, including hole-in-one tales and reflections on the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Golfers." Mr. Golf Etiquette Website ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
4/15/25 • 29:28
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 467 - Inside Golf TV Production: Brandt Packer on The Masters & The Future of Sports Broadcasting We're joined by Brandt Packer, former Golf Channel Producer and part of the "LetsHang.live" team. Dive into Masters Week 2025 with Brandt Packer, a former Golf Channel and CBS Sports executive producer, as he unveils an exciting new way to experience the first major of the season. In this exclusive interview, Brandt shares insights from his storied career producing televised golf and introduces "Let's Hang Live," a free, interactive second-screen platform transforming how fans engage with the Masters. With over 80% of sports viewers using a secondary device, this innovative concept—featuring legends like Nick Faldo, Jim Nantz, and Freddie Couples—lets you ask questions, get real-time analysis, and even receive swing tips from a six-time major champion. Brandt takes us behind the scenes of golf broadcasting, from the unique challenges of Augusta National’s strict traditions to the creative strategies shaping modern coverage. Learn how this second-screen experience, launching Sunday at 8 PM post-Masters (pending no playoff), offers a clubhouse vibe with unfiltered insights—think Manningcast meets golf. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this is your chance to connect with the game like never before. Plus, hear Brandt’s personal Masters memories, from walking the grounds with his late father, legendary broadcaster Billy Packer, to spotting Phil Mickelson as a lefty prodigy. Curious about the future of golf broadcasts or the best seat at Augusta? This conversation has it all.
4/5/25 • 52:02
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 466 - Scotland, Sportswashing And The Love of Golf - Joel Beall In this in-depth interview, host Bill Hobson talks with author Joel Beall about his groundbreaking new book, Playing Dirty: Rediscovering Golf's Soul in Scotland in an Age of Sportswashing and Civil War. Beall takes us inside the battle for the soul of golf as the PGA Tour and LIV Golf wage war over the future of the sport, with billions of dollars, reputations, and the game’s traditions at stake. Beall’s journey leads him to Scotland, golf’s birthplace, where he examines whether the sport’s original values still hold strong amid the chaos of modern professional golf. He explores the impact of sportswashing—where powerful financial forces, including Saudi-backed LIV Golf, are reshaping the game—and questions whether the PGA Tour is truly the defender of golf’s legacy or just another self-serving entity. This eye-opening discussion uncovers the greed, politics, and shifting allegiances defining golf’s civil war. Beall provides a candid look at what’s happening behind the scenes, the consequences for players and fans, and whether golf can ever return to its roots. Whether you're a die-hard golf fan or just fascinated by the intersection of sports, money, and power, this interview is a must-watch! 🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive sports interviews & analysis! 👍 Like & Share to spread awareness of this ongoing golf war! 📖CLICK HERE TO GET THE BOOK #Golf #JoelBeall #PlayingDirty #LIVGolf #PGATour #GolfCivilWar #Sportswashing #GolfHistory #ScotlandGolf #GolfIntegrity
3/26/25 • 42:26
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 465 - The Legendary ELY CALLAWAY with son Nicholas Callaway On this special edition of the podcast, we introduce a posthumous memoir by Ely Callaway (1919–2001), one of the 20th century’s most influential business figures, who launched his third career at age 63, invented the iconic Big Bertha driver, transformed the game of golf, and built a multi-billion dollar enterprise. Our special guests are Ely's son, Nicholas Callaway and former Callaway rep Brian Minbiole. GET THE BOOK: https://amzn.to/3WTnmKX ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
3/10/25 • 44:27
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 464 - Fixing The Pace of Play Problem - It CAN Be Done! The #1 headache for golfers and course operators is pace of play. There are turtles everywhere in golf and it drives everyone crazy. Can the problem be solved? We're visiting with Bodo Siebler, the CEO of Tagmarshal, the leading pace of play data analyst experts, to dig into the issue and explore solutions. They've done the field work with hundreds of courses around the world. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
2/27/25 • 43:17
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 463 - The Story of SHIPSTICKS Plus a $500 Giveaway! We're talking with the CEO of ShipSticks, Jonathan Marsico to learn about the history and growth this unique service and we're giving you a chance to WIN a $500 ShipSticks Gift Card! All you have to to do enter is: Listen to the podcast and when you hear the contest moment, make note of the special contest phrase Email that exact phrase to: contest@michigangolflive.com BEFORE the deadline at 10pm on Feb 27th Follow Michigan Golf Live and ShipSticks on Instagram. You must follow both accounts to be eligible for the contest We'll draw the winner's name on Feb 28th and share it on our social accounts. Good luck! ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
2/21/25 • 28:26
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 462 - Tackling Golf's Hot Button Issues - with Tom Gillis and Tony Paul The distance debate rages on, along with the LIV Golf ratings disaster, divided Tours, and many more hot button issues facing golf. We're gathering for a mid-winter debate with retired PGA Tour Champions player Tom Gillis and Detroit News Sportswriter, Tony Paul to discuss and fix all of golf's challenges. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
2/11/25 • 48:42
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 461 - Dr. Bob Rotella - The Keys To Unlocking Your BEST Golf What an honor to sit down for a 1-on-1 conversation with the legendary Dr. Bob Rotella, the leading sports psychologist in the nation and top of the heap when it comes to the mental side of golf. No one has impacted more golfers with his gift of communicating complex concepts in a logical, understandable way - and being able to bring that teaching to the masses, whether great golfers or those seeking improvement on a small scale. Enjoy this rare opportunity to hear and learn from a living legend! ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
1/25/25 • 41:07
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 460 - 5 Clubs & The Story of Gary Williams' Golf channel Return We launch season 7 of the FGN Podcast with a powerful, true, inspiring story. When Golf Channel announced a new live morning show in the form of "5 Clubs with Gary Williams," it marked a true full circle moment for the popular golf host. Join us as we learn more about the show and Gary's inspiring journey of recovery and career resurgence. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
1/3/25 • 29:16
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 459 - 2024: THE YEAR OF SCHEFFLER & CONFUSION w/ Arron Oberholser We're joined by Golf Channel's Arron Oberholser to look back at a wild 2024 season on the PGA Tour, starting with the dominant year for Scottie Scheffler and whether it's blasphemy to compare it to one of Tiger's great years. We also discuss the contrasting personalities and golfing styles of Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler, the current state of the PGA Tour, the issue of player salaries, and the overvaluation of product delivery in professional sports. We wrap it up with a look at the changing landscape of sports consumption, particularly golf, and the potential of players like Bryson DeChambeau to bridge the gap between professional golf and the general public. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
12/10/24 • 52:50
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 458 - 25 Years of Michigan Golf Live - A Look Back As we near the end of 2024, we also near the end of the 25th season of our flagship program, Michigan Golf Live. In this extended edition of the pod, we're looking back at the key moments, people, and blessings of a quarter century of life in covering the game. Thank YOU for being part of the journey and be sure to listen all the way to the end for a special surprise! ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
12/2/24 • 141:34
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 457 - Beverage Cart Operator Horror Stories - UPDATE This is a follow up to our August 2023 investigative report focusing on the stunningly bad (often illegal) behavior of golfers, directed toward female beverage cart operators at public facilities. The stories you are about to hear are real. The beverage cart operator names have been changed to protect their anonymity. Fellas, change is needed. You can do better. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
11/19/24 • 95:01
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 456 - The PGA Tour's Dream Killing Plans w/ Ryan from Monday Q Info There are a LOT of changes coming to the policies, rules, and qualifying opportunities for the PGA Tour and the shrinkage of spots for Monday Qualifiers is extremely troubling. We're joined by Ryan French from Monday Q Info to examine the Tour's dream killing plans, new pace of play rules, and the frustration with established players for closing the door behind them. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
11/4/24 • 42:00
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 455 - Cheating In Golf Scrambles - Our Follow Up Report Our initial conversation, posted in early Sept, generated 73k+ views and hundreds of comments from golfers across the nation who are livid at the amount of cheating taking place in golf scrambles. In this special report conversation, we bring YOUR comments to the conversation and explore potential solutions, including live scoring, using streaming cameras, and a blind draw to select the winning team. We also discuss the motivations behind cheating, the visibility of cheating due to social media, and the need for peer pressure to encourage fair play. Our special guest once again is Sean Fairholm from My Golf Spy. --- SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL FOR MORE GREAT GOLF CONTENT LISTEN TO THE FORE GOLFERS NETWORK PODCAST EVERY WEEK ACROSS ALL PODCAST PLATFORMS!
10/3/24 • 30:00
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 454 - The Launch of GNN TV And What It Means For You We're joined by Golf News Net Founder Ryan Ballengee to break the news about the launch of "GNN TV" a 24-hour FAST channel dedicated to all things golf! GNN TV represents the evolution of broadcasting and the growth of platforms like podcasts and YouTube. The channel, which is ad-supported and free, aims to provide a unique golf-focused experience to viewers - including our program, Michigan Golf Live TV, being part of the lineup. We dive into the evolution of the concept and where YOU can find GNN TV this fall, so get ready for a very fun, free, new streaming channel dedicated to everything golf! ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
9/23/24 • 24:41
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 453 - Is There A Future For Top Golf? Following up on a viral post (nearly 2 million views and near as many insults) talking about the perilous times for Top Golf, Bill Hobson is following up on the recent news that Callaway is looking to move Top Golf off its books - and stop the cash flow bleeding. Joined by Ryan Ballengee from Golf News Net, we look at the problems and potential solutions for Top Golf. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
9/6/24 • 36:29
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 452 - Has Cheating Ruined The Golf Scramble Forever? We're joined by Sean Fairholm, Senior Editor at My Golf Spy, for a conversation about the rampant cheating taking place at golf scrambles across the nation. Is it bad enough to ruin the experience to the point that the scramble is in danger of disappearing? Is there a remedy that can preserve the fun format (and vital fundraising component)? ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
9/2/24 • 32:01
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 451 - Tom Gillis Talks Retirement, The Journey, and Gratitude Tom Gillis announced the end of his competitive golf career at the Ally Challenge at Warwick Hills last weekend, 31 years after his first appearance at the Buick Open in 1993. Bill Hobson and Tom reminisce about his long career, his final round, and this new chapter in his life. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
8/28/24 • 31:39
This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio August 17th edition featuring Traverse City Tourism - a celebration of golf, life, food, and fun in one of America's most popular vacation destinations. ---------------- MGL 24/7 Listener Hotline - (989) 272-2383 - we want to hear from you! Subscribe to the MGL/FGN Podcast Watch our videos on YouTube
8/17/24 • 82:04
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 449 - High Pointe Golf Club - The Inside Story of Doak's Passion Project On this edition of the podcast, we take you inside the gates of the much-discussed High Pointe Golf Club near Traverse City. This Tom Doak passion project and High Pointe Golf Club is the rebirth of legendary golf architect Tom Doak’s first design as a private national golf club in the Summer paradise of Northern Michigan. While we take our inspiration from some of golf's greatest clubs, we have a simple goal - High Pointe will be the high point of golf. Guests include Creative Director Trey Wren and Owner Rod Trump. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
8/16/24 • 32:19
This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio Aug 10th edition featuring Wild Bluff Golf Course in Brimley, part of the Bay Mills community and one of the state's bes golf experiences. Listen in for your chance to win FREE GOLF to this special place north of the Mackinac Bridge! ---------------- MGL 24/7 Listener Hotline - (989) 272-2383 - we want to hear from you! Subscribe to the MGL/FGN Podcast Watch our videos on YouTube
8/10/24 • 82:08
This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio August 3rd edition featuring Brighton-Howell Golf, Life & Fun Join Host Bill Hobson on exploration of the Brighton-Howell region and the tremendous golf, activities, food and fun the area has to offer...PLUS you'll have a chance to win your choice of shoes from Footjoy, so listen closesly for details. ---------------- MGL 24/7 Listener Hotline - (989) 272-2383 - we want to hear from you! Subscribe to the MGL/FGN Podcast Watch our videos on YouTube
8/3/24 • 82:19
This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio July 27th edition featuring Michigan's ONLY PGA Tour Superstore! We're broadcasting from the Grand Opening celebration of the 42,000 square foot slice of golf heaven known as the PGA Tour Superstore. You'll hear the story of the new Michigan presence, plans for expansion, and meet many of the key team members who are now immersed in the community to serve golfers of all skills levels, ages, and passion. ---------------- MGL 24/7 Listener Hotline - (989) 272-2383 - we want to hear from you! Subscribe to the MGL/FGN Podcast Watch our videos on YouTube
7/27/24 • 83:06
This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio July 20th edition featuring Shanty Creek Resort. We're exploring all facets of golf and fun at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, MI - home of The Legend, Cedar River, Hawk's Eye, and 90 holes of golf. You'll also have a chance to win FREE GOLF so listen closely for entry details! ---------------- MGL 24/7 Listener Hotline - (989) 272-2383 - we want to hear from you! Subscribe to the MGL/FGN Podcast Watch our videos on YouTube
7/20/24 • 82:07
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 444 - All Your Simulator Questions Answered For everyone who has been dreaming of your own golf simulator, we're running through a list of the biggest questions you're likely wrestling with. Everything from basic costs, to levels of customization, launch monitors, screens, etc. We're joined by Justin Carlson from The Indoor Golf Shop the industry leader in all things golf sim. NOTE: Indoor Golf Shop is extending a SPECIAL OFFER for a limited time. Use PROMO CODE: MGL5OFF and save 5% on all SIG branded purchases. Have more sim questions? Be sure to WATCH the "making of" video, telling the story of the MGL Sim Studio and reach out to us with your comments and questions! ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
7/17/24 • 30:54
This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio July 13 edition featuring Timber Trace GC: An Awesome Renewal Story LIsten in as we celebrate the restoration of Timber Trace GC and give you a chance to win free golf to this special place located in Pinckney, near Ann Arbor and Brighton! ---------------- MGL 24/7 Listener Hotline - (989) 272-2383 - we want to hear from you! Subscribe to the MGL/FGN Podcast Watch our videos on YouTube
7/13/24 • 83:52
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 442 - USGA Adaptive Open - A Pair of Powerful Stories One of the most inspirational golf tournaments in the nation took place in early July when the USGA held the US Adaptive Open in Kansas. Among the field of competitors was Jimmy Moceri and Kelsy Koch, both from Michigan. Today, we are honored to share their stories of life's challenges and the thrill of being able to compete for a national title. Please listen in and share the link with others you know could use some inspiration! ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
7/11/24 • 37:18
This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio July 6th edition featuring Grayling, MI - an exploration of golf, life, food and fun in this wonderful northern Michigan golf and vacation destination. You'll hear from 16 different guests in this fast-moving series of conversations, all of them inviting you to spend some time in Grayling! ---------------- MGL 24/7 Listener Hotline - (989) 272-2383 - we want to hear from you! Subscribe to the MGL/FGN Podcast Watch our videos on YouTube
7/6/24 • 83:13
Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 440 - When The Sirens Sounded In Grayling Michigan This special edition of the podcast was inspired by the tragic day in April 2013 when the Grayling (Michigan) High School Golf team was en route to a match in Traverse City...but never made it to the tournament. The story that unfolded in the aftermath of a tragic day continues to be told in this close knit northern Michigan community. It's a story of mourning, inspiration, community, generosity, and healing. Prepare to be inspired, touched, and deeply moved as we tell the story of the day the Sirens Sounded in Grayling. ---------------- Subscribe to the FGN Podcast Watch FGN videos on YouTube Check out our other sports pod: Church Pew Sports TEXT or CALL (989) 272-2383 to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and questions
7/3/24 • 57:47
