Bad Actors in the Golf Industry: Who’s Really Looking Out for the Game?

Bad Actors in the Golf Industry: Who’s Really Looking Out for the Game?

There is no doubt we are seeing long-awaited change in the golf industry. I call it Golf 2.0—a new era of investment, innovation, and expansion. As a @PGA Member since 1999 and someone who has spent the past 10 years in business development, I welcome progress. However, with this evolution comes a rise in "bad actors"—individuals and companies that prioritize personal gain over the integrity of the game.

I’m not na?ve—dishonesty and fraud exist in every industry. So why would golf be immune? Fortunately, most of these bad actors are not PGA Professionals. In my experience, the overwhelming majority of PGA Members I’ve met operate with honesty and integrity. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t address the problem head-on.

The Grifters & Scammers of Golf

I’ve seen countless examples of so-called “successful” individuals in golf who are nothing more than opportunists. Here’s just one story:

A couple of years ago, I attended a conference held by one of the leading golf industry associations. One of the key presenters was giving a session on “Maximizing Profits in Your Golf Shop.” (Not really on that topic, but lets go with it for the sake of confidentiality) Industry professionals know the high cost of these conferences. Association members and attendees should trust that the presenter was an industry expert with real, hands-on experience.

Come to find out, this individual had never sold a single product in a golf shop. Not only did they lack expertise in the topic, but they had never even worked in the golf industry. After some research, I learned this person was simply a golf enthusiast who convinced a well-funded company to buy their way in—securing sponsorships and positioning themselves as an "expert" virtually overnight.

Later I had the opportunity to collaborate with this individual, and I quickly noticed that their lack of knowledge in the @golf industry was appalling—so much so that I called it out. Their understanding of golf operations was surface-level at best, yet they were being presented as a trusted authority.

Some might say, “Good for him—hustling his way in.” Or, “Fake it till you make it.”

My issue with that is that people were trusting that individual to make extremely important financial decisions. When I was about 8 my father told me, “You want to get good at golf? Hit balls until your hands bleed.” Expertise isn’t bought—it’s earned.

Golf’s Growth: Opportunity or Exploitation?

The influx of capital into golf is, in many ways, a positive. The industry is attracting smart people from tech, finance, engineering, and beyond. But with rapid expansion comes opportunists looking to exploit the game for quick profits rather than long-term sustainability.

As someone who has dedicated my career to golf, I can’t help but resent some of these outsiders. Hard work, experience, and commitment should matter. The PGA is made up of roughly 30,000 industry experts who have earned their badge—professionals who have pledged to uphold honesty, integrity, and the future of the game.

But here’s the problem: We are not the ones in control.

Taking Back Ownership of Golf

I want to take a moment to give credit where it’s due. During my time working for a golf car manufacturer, I saw firsthand how much these companies value PGA Professionals. In fact, I’ve noticed more PGA Professionals working in sales and corporate roles within the golf car industry than in any other sector of the golf business. It’s a testament to the expertise and leadership that PGA Members bring beyond just the course.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a PGA Professional say:

“I work for an absentee owner who has no idea how to run a golf course. This place could be a gold mine.”

And they’re right. That’s why I am working to empower and educate PGA Members to purchase and operate golf courses themselves. We, the PGA Professionals, are the true stewards of golf—not hedge funds, not outsiders looking for a quick flip.

A Call to Action

If you’re a PGA Member or industry professional who wants to be a part of protecting the integrity of the golf industry, let’s talk. I’m here to collaborate, share knowledge, and help those who have dedicated their careers to golf. Lets take back ownership of the game.

?? If I can help in any way, reach out anytime.

@PGA @golf @golfindustry