About this episode
Season 1 / Episode 8 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen, co-owner of Maple Hill Golf, welcomes longtime head fitter Richard Phillips for an in-depth conversation about golf gear, fitting, and the business of the game. Bob and Richard kick things off by recapping the surprising finish at the Scottish Open , where Chris Gotterup beat Rory McIlroy, reinforcing Bob’s favorite theme: golf is hard . Then the discussion shifts to putter fittings , including a fun story about Bob’s 74-year-old mother Nancy’s fitting session using the Quintic Ball Roll system . Richard explains how tendencies, misses, and even putter acoustics play a huge role in choosing the right flat stick. The pair dive into brand perception in golf equipment , highlighting how top-quality products from brands like Cobra and Wilson are often overlooked simply due to consumer bias. They also discuss why feel and sound can make or break a player’s confidence with new clubs. Next up, Bob and Richard explore golf shaft technology and fitting best practices — including how flex, weight, and length affect performance, why online “miracle shaft” claims should be met with skepticism, and why maintaining a fresh swing is key before getting fitted. They also answer a listener question about mini drivers , explaining how these “three woods on steroids” can offer more forgiveness and consistent contact for many golfers compared to today’s longer drivers. Finally, Bob announces the 17th Annual POPS Charity Golf Event , honoring his grandfather and raising funds for Alzheimer’s research. The four-person scramble tees off on Thursday, August 21st , with prizes, contests, and giveaways for a great cause. Whether you’re curious about improving your gear, understanding brand myths, or supporting a meaningful charity event, this episode has it all.