Episode Details

Who are the people quietly shaping the future of golf? The founders, creators, operators, and community builders whose names you don't see on the leaderboards, but whose impact is felt across the industry. In this bonus episode, Colin Weston sits down with David Hyland, co-founder of Business in Golf, to talk about The 100 List - a new, fully independent initiative designed to recognize and celebrate the inspiring individuals driving the game forward. If you've ever believed that golf's future belongs to more than just the household names, this episode is your invitation to shine a light on someone who deserves it.
Oh by the way - you can nominate yourself!

Nominations are open until October 30, 2026

The Business in Golf 100 is now accepting nominations from across the global golf industry. You can nominate yourself, a colleague, a peer, a friend, or anyone you believe is doing great work to grow the game and inspire others.

The five criteria they'll be judging against will be impact, innovation, inspiration, contribution to the future of the industry, and then character and values.

➡️ Nominate at: businessingolf.com/the100list

It's free to nominate, open to anyone, anywhere in the world, and the final 100 is decided by a fully independent judging panel chaired by Martin Slumbers (former CEO of the R&A).

The 10 Categories Open for Nomination

1. Founders & Entrepreneurs
2. Executives & Business Leaders
3. Operators & Course Management
4. Investors & Deal Makers
5. Innovators & Technology Leaders
6. Designers & Creatives
7. Brand Builders
8. Creators
9. Catalysts
10. Rising Stars & Next-Generation Talent

Categories are guides, not quotas. If someone is making an impact, nominate them!

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Golf's New Consumer Isn't Being Measured Properly – David argues the industry's reliance on "rounds played" misses the bigger picture. Many new golf consumers never play 18 holes—they play simulators, short-form courses, watch YouTube golf, and buy apparel. Understanding this new consumer is essential for long-term growth.

2. Outside Perspectives Are a Superpower, Not a Weakness – Neither David nor his co-founder Leanne came from the golf industry. Rather than being a credibility gap, their 20+ years of external commercial and innovation experience lets them ask different questions and bring a fresh lens to golf business news.

3. The 100 List Democratizes Recognition – Unlike traditional power lists that celebrate the usual suspects, The Business in Golf 100 is about contribution, not profile. It's open to anyone, at any level, anywhere in the world - and women are especially encouraged to nominate and be nominated.

Inspiring Quotes from David Hyland

"We apply our external macro experience to the news that's happening within the golf industry and bring a slightly different perspective to the story. We may ask slightly different questions than what questions would be asked within the golf industry."

"It's not about their position or their job title or the company that they work for. It's about the individual and the work that they're doing. It's the impact. It's not their profile, it's about their contribution."

"Golf is attracting peopl