The Hill Unscripted

1d ago

Episode 17 – In this special episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen sits down with one of the most respected names in golf — Bob Bettinardi, founder of Bettinardi Golf — for a wide-ranging and personal conversation that covers everything from CNC precision to celebrity putters, major wins, and the future of the flatstick. Bettinardi opens up about: - How he went from engineer to golf industry disruptor, pioneering the one-piece milled putter - His early days working with Scotty Cameron, including building the putter Bernhard Langer used to win the 1993 Masters - The moment he went all-in and launched Bettinardi Golf in 1999 The two Bobs also talk about: - Tour success stories with Jesper Parnevik, Jim Furyk, and Vijay Singh - The rise of Bettinardi’s son Sam, who now runs day-to-day operations - How The Hive, Queen Bee, and Antidote lines became icons - Why Bettinardi believes zero torque tech is here to stay, and what’s coming next - Making custom putters for Mark Wahlberg, DJ Khaled, and Michael Jordan - A hilarious story involving Butler National, no menu, and a surprise Thanksgiving dinner in July You’ll also hear his thoughts on: - Golf innovation vs tradition - Building a golf brand that lasts - Why Cypress Point edges out Pebble Beach (barely) - Playing with President Trump and Gary Player (and getting nervously roasted on the tee) This episode is a must-listen for any golf fan, gear nerd, or entrepreneur — filled with history, humor, and a rare look behind the scenes at one of the game’s most beloved brands.

Nov 22

Episode 16 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen delivers a packed session of golf business insights, product tips, and holiday shopping help — just in time for Thanksgiving. Bob kicks things off with a sincere apology about a brand mention in a previous episode, reinforcing his commitment to keeping the podcast honest, informative, and professional. Then it's onto big stories in the golf world: - Callaway sells Top Golf at a $1.5B loss – What it says about the business of golf entertainment - Good Good finally adds female golfers – And why it matters - FootJoy’s evolution – From old-school to agile brand, and how they’re staying competitive Bob also answers listener questions about: - Teeing up on par threes – Should you? (Yes!) - Offset in golf clubs – What it is and why most golfers need it He then shares his Holiday Golf Gift Guide, with personal recommendations at all price points — including gear from TaylorMade, Cobra, Bridgestone, Puma, Pins & Aces, and more. Expect honest takes on what’s worth the money, what’s moving fast, and which brands Maple Hill has gone deep on (think: 40,000+ shoes, 2,000 iron sets, and hundreds of bags). Finally, Bob runs through Maple Hill’s Black Friday promotions, including: - Bonus gift cards with every gift card purchase - Simulator passes, fitting discounts, and exclusive extras - Prepaid indoor golf packages for winter play Plus, a sneak peek at next episode’s special guest — Bob Bettinardi of Bettinardi Golf — and a quick Thanksgiving sign-off. 0:00 Podcast Introduction and Apology 1:43 Callaway Golf Sells Top Golf 5:45 Good Good Adds Female Golfers 7:57 Meeting with FootJoy Executives 9:40 Should You Tee Up on Par Threes? 11:32 Upcoming Bob Bettinardi Interview 15:31 Holiday Gift Guide 19:12 Why Do Golf Manufacturers Make So Much Offset? 24:12 Maple Hill Black Friday Deals 29:28 Thanksgiving Sign-Off 🎯 Shop THE HILL Official Merch Rep the brand and support the movement with official gear! 🛒 Grab yours now: https://bit.ly/46UAoOh Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/maplehillgolf/ https://www.instagram.com/maplehillgolf/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maplehillgolf.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1PySMzGMnuiZbXVjWMlmA Website: https://maplehillgolf.com/

Nov 7

Episode 15 - Internet Golf Booms, LIV Changes, and The Truth About Trade-Ins In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen breaks down some of the biggest shifts in the golf world — from viral tournaments to how retailers handle your trade-ins. Bob starts with the incredible success of the Internet Invitational, which has pulled in 5.1 million viewers, surpassing PGA Tour ratings. He shares his own vision for a new kind of event — one where players buy into the purse themselves for a winner-take-all format that brings real excitement back to golf. Then, Bob dives into the latest LIV Golf changes, explaining why the move from 54 to 72 holes might be more about money than golf — and how YouTube creators are changing the way fans watch and interact with the game. He also gives an inside look at how golf trade-ins really work, revealing the “smoke and mirrors” behind inflated trade-in offers and explaining how Maple Hill focuses on true value and transparency for golfers. Plus, Bob covers: Proper yardage gapping between clubs and how to fix distance overlaps The truth about golf balls in cold weather (hint: your swing matters more than the temperature) How to handle the reality of aging in golf and still love the game Upcoming Maple Hill promotions, including free TrackMan fittings, holiday gift card bonuses, and the annual Turkey Tee Off Open on Black Friday If you want straight talk about golf — the gear, the game, and the business — this episode delivers it all. 0:00 Introduction to The Hill Unscripted Podcast 0:28 The Internet Invitational and Golf Tournament Innovation 5:57 LIV Golf's Evolution and YouTube's Impact 9:13 How Trade-Ins Work in Golf Retail 15:01 Yardage Gapping and Club Selection 22:51 Golf Ball Selection and Temperature Effects 24:42 Mailbag Question About Aging and Golf 29:50 Maple Hill Promotions and Events 36:58 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement 🎯 Shop THE HILL Official Merch Rep the brand and support the movement with official gear! 🛒 Grab yours now: https://bit.ly/46UAoOh Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/maplehillgolf/ https://www.instagram.com/maplehillgolf/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maplehillgolf.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1PySMzGMnuiZbXVjWMlmA Website: https://maplehillgolf.com/

Oct 24

Episode 14 - In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen sits down with two of Michigan’s top golf instructors — Terry Ernst and Jeff Caminiti — for a deep, insightful conversation about what it really takes to improve your game, enjoy the process, and stay passionate about golf at every level. Terry and Jeff bring decades of teaching experience, from running junior academies to earning recognition among Golf Digest’s best instructors in the state. They discuss: How technology like TrackMan has revolutionized teaching and club fitting Why individualized instruction is more effective than cookie-cutter lesson plans The mental side of golf, and how managing expectations can change your game The rise of women’s and junior golf post-COVID How to make the game more accessible, enjoyable, and confidence-building — especially for beginners Plus, Bob and the crew get real about: Why expensive equipment doesn’t replace purposeful practice How to deal with nerves, frustration, and pressure on the course Tips for golfers of all levels to play better and have more fun Whether you’re a beginner, weekend warrior, or just a fan of the game, this episode is filled with perspective, experience, and practical advice from two pros who love helping people get better. 🛍️ Maple Hill Promos Mentioned: FREE TrackMan fittings through November 27 (get 100% back as a gift card) Tour Edge Driver Challenge – November 7, 3–7 PM (FREE fitting + FREE Tour Edge Hat) Guest Contact Info: Terry Ernst - TerryE@maplehillgolf.com Jeff Caminiti - jcaminitipga@gmail.com / https://www.instagram.com/jeff.caminitigolf/ Caminiti Golf Academy - https://caminitigolf.com/ 0:00 Introduction and Bob's Golf Story 2:53 Introducing Terry Ernst and His Background 7:49 Introducing Jeff Caminiti and His Journey 10:35 Evolution of Golf Technology and Fitting 12:25 Jeff's Current Teaching Facility and Recognitions 16:05 Approach to Golf Lessons and Student Goals ‎ 19:16 Growth of Women's Golf 22:53 Teaching Approach and Communication 33:18 Making Golf Accessible and Enjoyable 40:23 Mental Toughness in Golf 46:01 Amazon Basics Golf Ball and Mailbag Question 55:36 Conclusion and Maple Hill Promotions 🎯 Shop THE HILL Official Merch Rep the brand and support the movement with official gear! 🛒 Grab yours now: https://bit.ly/46UAoOh Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/maplehillgolf/ https://www.instagram.com/maplehillgolf/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maplehillgolf.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1PySMzGMnuiZbXVjWMlmA Website: https://maplehillgolf.com/

Oct 10

Episode 13 - The Hill Unscripted , Bob Kitchen takes listeners inside his unforgettable trip to the Ryder Cup at Bethpage — one of golf’s most electric venues. He breaks down the impressive five-course layout, the massive merchandise tent, the fan experience, and his thoughts on Team Europe’s victory and the U.S. team’s continued struggles with pairings. Bob shares behind-the-scenes observations about the crowd energy, standout players like Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau , and even weighs in on captain Keegan Bradley’s fiery leadership. Then it’s time for “20 Questions with BK,” where Bob answers fan-submitted questions about: Golf gear, favorite clubs, and equipment advice Handicap honesty and “vanity golfers” His dream foursome (with a touching family twist) Favorite courses in Michigan and beyond The biggest golf meltdown of his career (and how he recovered) Why expensive clubs don’t always equal better golf The episode wraps with Maple Hill Golf updates , including: The Halloween Parent-Child Scramble on October 29 – candy, gift cards, and fun for all ages Pre-launch TrackMan Fittings through November 27 – get 100% of your fitting fee back as a Maple Hill gift card Whether you’re a gear junkie, Ryder Cup fan, or just love great golf stories, this episode of The Hill Unscripted is packed with insight, laughs, and plenty of BK honesty.

Sep 26

Episode 12 - The Hill Unscripted , host Bob Kitchen sits down with his father, Rich Kitchen , for a candid, wide-ranging chat about the game, the business, and the people who play it. The episode opens with Bob previewing his upcoming trip to the Ryder Cup , before diving into a thoughtful conversation with Rich about the current health of golf . Rich argues the sport is stronger than ever thanks to the post-COVID boom, but also warns about challenges like rising prices, shrinking course availability, and limited tee times . Together, Bob and Rich tackle topics including: Simplifying golf’s rules – why bunker penalties and stroke-and-distance don’t work for average players Course accessibility – the importance of properly placed tees for women, juniors, and seniors to keep the game fun Dominant players in history – and why Tiger Woods still stands alone as the most dominant golfer ever Club fitting realities – Rich’s recent fitting session, learning when it’s time to switch from a 3-wood to a 5-wood Golf ball quality – Bob’s defective Maxfli find and why sticking with major brands matters Club pricing myths – what really drives up costs, and why expensive clubs won’t magically fix your swing The episode closes with reminders about Maple Hill’s Fall Tent Sale (September 12–30, with a special tent event September 25–27) and the always-popular Big Hole Four Person Scramble on October 12. If you care about where golf is headed, what’s working and what needs to change, and how to make smarter equipment decisions, this conversation between father and son is one you won’t want to miss.

Sep 12

Episode 11 - The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen blends golf inspiration with industry insight and honest gear talk — all from the heart of Maple Hill Golf. Bob kicks off by celebrating Rory McIlroy’s win at the Irish Open and previewing the upcoming Ryder Cup, which he’s personally attending. He shares why the Ryder Cup is his favorite event in golf and reflects on what makes it so special — passion, patriotism, and no paychecks. Then, the episode takes a meaningful turn as Bob discusses the power of personal golf milestones, like a 21-year-old golfer texting her grandpa about her first par. From breaking 100 to avoiding double bogeys, Bob reminds us that golf is personal — and every goal counts. You’ll also hear Bob’s no-nonsense take on: - Rising equipment prices and tariffs — how they really work, who they affect, and why brand price hikes might not be as simple as they seem - Carbon vs. titanium driver faces — pros, cons, and how swing speed impacts performance and durability - Shaft picks for big hitters — including advice for players with 130+ mph swing speeds on choosing the right flex and weight setup Finally, Bob highlights what’s happening this fall at Maple Hill, including: - The Fall Tent Sale running from September 12–30, with blowout pricing and special deals Sept. 25–27 - The Big Hole Four Person Scramble on October 12, featuring 8-inch cups, box lunches, prizes, and gift cards — all for just $100 per player Whether you’re chasing your next milestone or looking for honest insight on the gear market, Episode 11 delivers it all with passion, perspective, and a little Maple Hill magic. 🎯 Shop THE HILL Official Merch Rep the brand and support the movement with official gear! 🛒 Grab yours now: https://bit.ly/46UAoOh Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/maplehillgolf/ https://www.instagram.com/maplehillgolf/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maplehillgolf.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1PySMzGMnuiZbXVjWMlmA Website: https://maplehillgolf.com/

Aug 29

Episode 10 — In this episode of The Hill Unscripted , host Bob Kitchen welcomes his brother and fellow Maple Hill Golf co-owner Andy Kitchen for a fast-paced, insightful, and entertaining conversation about all things golf — from Tour drama to underrated gear, business ownership, and more. The brothers kick things off by celebrating Tommy Fleetwood’s first PGA Tour win , a $10 million victory at the Tour Championship, and reflect on the emotional payoff of sticking with the grind. Andy shares his firsthand experience at a LIV Golf event in Michigan , offering an inside look at what sets LIV apart — from music on the course and shotgun starts to fan-friendly activities and a younger, more casual crowd. They also get into: Overrated vs. underrated golf gear – Why rangefinders might be unnecessary for the average golfer, and why 8-irons, 9-irons, and pitching wedges deserve more love Golf rules they’d change – Including relief from divots in fairways and softening the stroke-and-distance penalty for out-of-bounds shots Memorable rounds they’ve played together at courses like Streamsong, American Dunes, and Baltusrol The ups and downs of running a business as brothers , and how their different personalities complement each other in leading Maple Hill Golf Plus, Bob answers a customer mailbag question about cracked drivers and shares budget-friendly driver recommendations , including options from Wilson, PowerBilt, Cobra, and more. The episode wraps with current Maple Hill promotions, including: Customer Appreciation Sale (through September 2nd) Fitting Promo with freebies (through August 31st) A preview of the biggest fall deals rolling out from September through November If you love golf, family-run business stories, and a little gear talk with heart and humor — this episode hits all the fairways. 🎯 Shop THE HILL Official Merch Rep the brand and support the movement with official gear! 🛒 Grab yours now: https://bit.ly/46UAoOh Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/maplehillgolf/ https://www.instagram.com/maplehillgolf/ https://www.tiktok.com/@maplehillgolf.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1PySMzGMnuiZbXVjWMlmA Website: https://maplehillgolf.com/