Could you build a golf brand capable of challenging some of the biggest names in the industry? ⛳

That's exactly what Adam and Sam, the founders of Valley Golf Co., set out to do.

In this episode of the LA Golf Channel Podcast, I'm joined by the two friends behind one of the exciting emerging names in UK golf equipment and fashion.

What started as frustration with the lack of personality and colour in traditional golf bags has grown into a premium golf brand with big ambitions.

But building a golf business isn't as simple as designing a bag and putting it on sale.

We get behind the scenes of their journey, from developing their first golf bag over nine months to navigating manufacturing problems, choosing suppliers, rejecting products that don't meet their standards and building a business alongside their existing commitments.

And there's plenty to get excited about for the future, including new golf bag designs, bold colourways, women's golf equipment and their ambitious plans for the next 12 months.

In this episode, we discuss:

⛳ Why Valley Golf was created and the gap they spotted in the market

🔥 Taking on established premium golf bag brands

💰 The financial risks, product mistakes and realities of starting a golf business

🎨 Why their boldest colour choice became their biggest seller

👀 What's coming next for Valley Golf, including new bags and apparel

📈 How they've exceeded their initial sales expectations

🎥 The challenge of becoming the face of your own brand

🤝 Why building a golf community matters just as much as selling products

Whether you're passionate about golf equipment, love discovering new golf brands or have ever dreamed of launching your own business, this is a conversation full of valuable lessons, ambition and a few good laughs along the way.

A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

🎒 VALLEY GOLF CO.

Premium golf bags, headcovers and apparel designed to bring something different to the game.

Explore the collection: https://valleygolf.co.uk/

Use code LAGC15 for 15% off at checkout.

🏌️ SKRATCHR – FIND YOUR GOLF TRIBE

Looking for more people to play golf with? Skratchr helps golfers connect, discover local golf communities and find opportunities to get out on the course.

Join me and the LA Golf Channel Tribe.

Download and discover Skratchr: https://www.skratchr.com/

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @lagolf.channel

From chasing scratch golf to meeting the people changing the game, we're bringing you along for every step.

If you enjoy the conversation, please like, subscribe and let us know in the comments:

Would you take the risk of starting your own golf brand?

#GolfPodcast #ValleyGolf #GolfBusiness #GolfEquipment #GolfBags #GolfFashion #GolfEntrepreneur #LAGolfChannel

Are you wasting thousands of pounds on the WRONG golf clubs? And is the golf handicap system actually fair?

In this episode of the LA Golf Channel Podcast, I'm joined by Dave Acko, aka LA Club Fitter, a specialist golf club fitter at Scottsdale Golf, for an eye-opening conversation about the golf equipment industry, custom club fitting, expensive golf shafts and the secrets behind improving your golf game.

If you've ever wondered whether custom-fitted golf clubs actually make a difference, whether expensive golf shafts are worth the money, or why your new driver isn't performing as expected, this episode is for you.

Dave takes us behind the scenes of professional golf club fitting, revealing how different shafts, clubheads, swing weights and fitting techniques can completely transform the way you strike a golf ball.

We get into some seriously interesting conversations about TaylorMade, Titleist, PING, Fujikura Ventus, Autoflex and the truth behind golf equipment marketing.

But it's not all about equipment!

We also dive into one of the most controversial subjects in amateur golf: the World Handicap System (WHS).

Is it too easy to manipulate your handicap? Are better golfers being punished? And should the best golfer actually win a competition?

It's a proper golf conversation filled with technical knowledge, laughs, controversial opinions and plenty of things that might change the way you think about golf.

⛳ IN THIS EPISODE:

✅ Why your expensive golf clubs might be holding you back

✅ What separates a good club fitter from a bad one

✅ The truth about expensive golf shafts

✅ Why the most expensive equipment isn't necessarily the best

✅ TaylorMade Qi10 vs Qi35 driver differences

✅ Fujikura Ventus, Autoflex and shaft performance explained

✅ How golf equipment can change your swing

✅ Why professional golfers have their equipment custom-fitted

✅ The biggest mistakes amateur golfers make when buying golf clubs

✅ Why wedge fitting matters more than you might think

✅ How Scottsdale Golf approaches custom golf club fitting

✅ Is the World Handicap System broken?

✅ The problem with handicap manipulation and amateur golf competitions

✅ Dave's journey from competitive cricket to professional club fitting

🎙️ ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dave Acko, known online as LA Club Fitter, is a passionate golf club fitter working at Scottsdale Golf.

With a background in competitive cricket and a deep understanding of golf equipment performance, Dave brings a refreshing perspective to the world of golf club fitting.

His approach focuses on educating golfers, understanding individual swing characteristics and finding equipment that genuinely improves performance.

🏌️ SCOTTSDALE GOLF FITTING OFFER

Dave has kindly shared an exclusive fitting offer for LA Golf Channel listeners.

🎟️ Use code LA50 for 50% off fitting fees.

Offer discussed in the episode as valid until 1 December 2026. Please confirm availability and eligibility with Scottsdale Golf before booking.

Visit: https://www.scottsdalegolf.co.uk/

🤝 OUR PARTNERS

🎒 Valley Golf

Looking for premium golf bags, clothing and accessories?

Visit https://valleygolf.co.uk/

Use code LAGC15 for 15% off.

⛳ Scratchr

Golf is better together!

Find golfers to play with, discover discounted rounds and become part of the LA Golf Channel community.

Search for Scratchr on the App Store or Google Play.

📲 FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

LA Golf Channel

Instagram: @lagolf.channel

TikTok: @lagolf.channel

YouTube: @lagolf.channel

Follow Dave: @leclubfitter

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you think custom golf club fitting is worth the money?

Have you ever paid more for a golf club only to discover something cheaper performs better?

Is the World Handicap System fair, or does it need changing?

Drop your thoughts in the YouTube comments. I'd genuinely love to hear your experiences!

Subscribe to the LA Golf Channel Podcast for honest conversations about golf, equipment, golf improvement, amateur competitions and the people who make this game special.

What happens when you WIN two golf competitions in three days… and suddenly get reported?

This week on the LA Golf Channel Podcast, I sit down with Blackerz Golf for a brilliantly open conversation about the highs, lows and unexpected reality of becoming a golf content creator.

Blackerz reveals how an incredible run of form saw him win two National Club Golfer competitions in just three days - only to receive a phone call telling him his handicap was being reviewed before it was slashed by FIVE shots overnight. Then came the messages: “bandit”, accusations and criticism from other golfers.But that's only part of this one.

We get into the world of UK golf creators, competing alongside professional golfers at Blitz Golf, the pressure of hitting shots in front of crowds, creator golf days, brand partnerships, golf equipment, online criticism and what it's really like trying to build something on social media.

We also discuss the controversy surrounding the UK Creator Cup, the positives and negatives of putting yourself online, and why sometimes the hardest part of becoming a creator is simply having the confidence to press POST.

Blackerz also shares why he started filming golf in the first place - playing alone, hiding his tripod and worrying about what old school friends would think - before content opened doors to courses, events, brands and friendships he never expected.

And finally… should traditional golf dress codes start disappearing? 👀⛳

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Winning two NCG golf competitions in three days• Being reported after winning

• Having his golf handicap cut by five shots

• Being called a “bandit” online• Playing alongside professionals at Blitz Golf

• The UK golf creator scene• Creator Cup controversy

• Dealing with hate and criticism on social media

• Golf brand deals and staying authentic

• Takomo irons, LAB Golf and what's in the bag

• Starting golf content from nothing

• Why you should just press POST

• Whether golf dress codes need to changeIf you're interested in golf content creation, golf handicaps, amateur golf, UK golf YouTube, golf influencers, creator golf events or growing a golf social media channel, there's plenty in this one.

Follow @lagolf.channel for more golf podcasts, creator stories, course content and the journey through this crazy game.And remember…

now go hit some golf balls. ⛳

A huge thank you to our guest today and be sure to check him out on instagram @blackerz_golf

Be sure to checkout Valleygolf.co.uk and use code LAGC15 for 15% off

And if you are looking for people to play your golf with download the Skracthr app on Apple and Android and start building your tribe.

Official Hole In One | How This Golf Startup Went From Zero to 80 Courses in Under a Year | EP. 28

Lee sits down with Ander Brindle and Andy Brooks — the duo behind Official Hole In One — one of the fastest-growing companies in UK golf right now. In just ten months, they've gone from a cold car park idea to over 80 contracted golf courses, a viral moment seen by 1.4 billion people, and Sarah Sturk as their ambassador.

They talk about how Ander came up with the concept after a charity day, why Andy said yes when he'd turned down every other idea, how a 7-year-old named Freddie Kellow accidentally made them global news, and the four business pillars keeping it all together — including one borrowed straight from Gymshark's head office wall.

Plus: dream Blitz Golf four-balls, the Masters ticket mix-up that nearly broke Andy, and why golf clubs need to be thinking completely differently about revenue.

Topics covered:

• What Official Hole In One actually is and how it works
• Growing from 0 to 80+ courses in less than a year
• The viral story of 7-year-old Freddie Kellow's hole in one (seen by 1.4 billion people)
• How they built their business using Gymshark's "don't be a dickhead" rule
• Their plans to stream hole footage into clubhouses
• Why golf clubs are under huge financial pressure — and how this helps
• Dream four-balls, Blitz Golf, and Tom Holland at the BMW Pro-Am

Mentioned: Official Hole In One | Blitz Golf | Sarah Sturk | Valley Golf (code LAGC15 for 15% off at valleygolf.co.uk) | Formby Hall | Gymshark

Subscribe for weekly golf content from the LA Golf Channel Podcast — available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Could three-hour tournaments change the future of golf? Blitz Golf founder Simon Zybek joins The LA Golf Channel Podcast to discuss US expansion plans, a bigger UK series and his vision for a 2028 World Final.

Following Blitz Golf’s first England series, Simon shares how this short-format golf experience is bringing together professional golfers, celebrities, creators and fans and why he believes it’s ready for a bigger global stage.

We get into:
• Plans for four US events in 2027 and six events in the UK.
• Why Liverpool and a second London event are joining the UK plans.
• A collaboration that Simon says reached 2 million views in just 40 hours.
• Why celebrities and influencers are asking to play.
• Broadcast discussions and the ambition to bring Blitz Golf to live TV.
• Where Blitz fits alongside traditional tours and LIV Golf.
• The 2028 vision: events across Australia, the UK and America leading to a World Final.

Fast golf, close-up crowds and a result in three hours - could this be the format that brings a whole new audience into the game?

Would you go to a Blitz Golf event? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe to The LA Golf Channel for more golf interviews, stories and conversations.

A Huge thank you to Valley Golf for supporting the podcast - Make sure to check out valleygolf.co.uk and use CODE: LAGC15 for 15% off

Is YouTube golf taking over and could traditional golf struggle to keep up?

Lee and Coops debate whether Grant Horvat, the Bryan Bros and Peter Finch represent the future of golf entertainment, from big-money competitions to personalities fans actually connect with.

On this episode of Complaining with Coops, the Lee Anthony Golf Channel podcast, we also go head-to-head on Rory McIlroy vs Scottie Scheffler: who wins when both play their best, and do major championships matter more than consistency?

Plus: a controversial Stableford format that could shake up handicap golf, Lee’s collapse from two under par to a quadruple bogey, driver yips, match play arguments and our take on the Good Good controversy.

Expect strong opinions, questionable golf and plenty of taking the mick.

Who are you backing: Rory or Scottie? And would you try a competition where players reaching 40 Stableford points are separated by their gross scores?

Follow the podcast for more golf debates, amateur golf struggles and banter with Lee and Coops.

And a massive thank you to our Podcast Sponsor Valley Golf, Check out valleygolf.co.uk and use code LAGC15 for 15% off

What does it really take to start a golf podcast and keep going when the guests cancel, the numbers fluctuate and giving up feels easier?

In Episode 26 of the LA Golf Channel Podcast, Lee sits down with Dave from the Birdie Golf Club Podcast for an honest, funny and thoughtful conversation about golf, podcasting and the resilience required to build something meaningful.

Dave shares how his podcast evolved from two friends talking golf over a glass of whisky into more than 90 episodes featuring professional golfers, leading coaches and major golf brands. He opens up about the influence of his late father, balancing podcasting with work and family life, learning from failed projects and why creators should focus on meaningful conversations rather than obsessing over analytics.

They also discuss the Ryder Cup atmosphere, why LIV Golf struggled to recreate its magic, the global potential of the DP World Tour, Joe Dean’s remarkable British Masters victory and how Dave secured a future interview with Justin Rose.

Plus, Dave unveils The Better Project, his upcoming series featuring insights from golf experts and finishes with one of the most unusual golf theories ever heard on the podcast: do golfers with weaker chins have a natural advantage?

If you enjoy golf podcasts, behind-the-scenes creator stories, honest conversations and unconventional golf opinions, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to the LA Golf Channel for more conversations with golfers, creators, coaches and personalities from across the game.

This episode is powered by VALLEY Golf. Visit valleygolf.co.uk and use code LAGC15 for 15% off.

What does it really take to create social media content that connects and why should creators stop obsessing over the algorithm?

In Episode 25 of the LAGC Podcast, Lee sits down with Zak Hassan, co-founder of Fortis, to explore the surprising similarities between improving at golf and succeeding as a content creator.

Zak shares practical advice on overcoming overthinking, finding original content ideas and using trial and error to grow an audience. He also reveals how Fortis built its reputation for fast, same-day content across golf days, motorsport, corporate events and social media management.

They discuss building trust with clients, creating content people actually want to watch, managing a growing creative team and why your best ideas can come from television, football or completely unexpected places, not just your own industry.

Plus, Zak explains why there’s no such thing as a “quick round of golf” and asks the question every non-golfer wants answered: why does everyone lose their minds during the Ryder Cup?

Follow Fortis on Instagram: @wearefortis

Sponsored by Valley Golf. Save 15% at valleygolf.co.uk using code LAGC15

Topics include: social media strategy, content creation, Instagram growth, creative business, same-day content, golf content, personal branding and the Ryder Cup.