The Golfing CEO

The 2026 tournament season is winding down, with only a few opportunities left for Derek to make progress towards winning his bet with Carson. Luckily, one of those opportunities is just 45 minutes away and has become a staple on Derek’s tournament schedule… the local qualifier for the PGA TOUR’s annual World Wide Technology Championship. Almost exactly a year ago, Derek’s “cousin-in-law”, Mike Kelly, caddied for him en-route to a not-so-great score of 82. This year, Derek is bringing in the best possible looper he knows… his actual cousin, and lifelong best friend, Brian Neault. Today’s episode features the most on-course audio we’ve ever captured, as Derek and Brian attempt to advance through pre-qualifying and get one step closer to competing in a PGA TOUR event in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

If you thought Derek was the delusional one (in a good way, of course), just wait until you meet today’s guest, Nik Neal. A certified physical therapist and founder and CEO of the golf fitness platform, Golf Strong Hit Bombs, Nik is a “late bloomer” in golf, so to speak, who has fallen in and out of love with the game multiple times over the past three decades. But he may be saving his best for last.  With big ambitions and a growing brand, Nik has his sights set on golf’s ultimate prize – a ticket to Augusta National to compete in the Masters. Yes, as a player.For more information about Nik, GSHB, and The Road to Augusta: If you’re interested in learning more about Nik’s golf fitness platform and/or checking-out how he chronicles his journey to Augusta, visit his website at https://golfstronghitbombs.com/ or subscribe to his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@GolfStrongHitBombsOfficialEnjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

At just 25 years old, Rachel Heck has accomplished more in golf than most players do in a lifetime. A three-time NCAA champion and WGCA All-American, she became Nike Golf’s first-ever NIL athlete while at Stanford. And then, after completing one of the most decorated collegiate careers in the history of women’s golf, she made an equally remarkable decision… not to turn pro at all.Today, Rachel continues to compete as an amateur while building a professional career and serving as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Join Derek and Rachel for a conversation about golf, ambition, identity, and having the confidence to define success on your own terms… Plus how a little childhood bribery involving ice cream helped start it all.Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

Another chance encounter on a golf course leads Derek to today’s guest, Ryan Gano, founder and CEO of All Access Golf Travel and Events. Ryan’s company is one of the largest and most successful licensed golf travel operators in the world, making for a fun and spirited discussion between two huge golf nerds. Learn why the CEO of a golf travel company has only been playing the game for 12 years, why the best golf experiences across Great Britain and Ireland aren’t always where you might think, and why Oakmont will kick your butt yet somehow still leave you smiling walking off the 18th green.Want more information about All Access? If you’re interested in learning more about how All Access can help you with your next international golf trip, visit the company’s website at https://www.allaccessgte.com/.Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.

What happens when two childhood friends sit down to talk about growing up together, where their careers have taken them, what they’ve learned about leadership, and the game they’ve loved along the way? Tune in this week to find out, as Derek is joined by long-time friend and current LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler. Hear about the unique way that Derek and Craig met as teenagers, how Craig is reshaping the LPGA around a bold vision for growth, and why his mom’s minivan had over 150,000 miles on it before he even left for college. Part leadership conversation, part trip down memory lane… and a whole lot of golf. Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if you’re feeling generous. For more episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and updates, visit TheGolfingCEO.com.Like what you heard? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. More episodes are on the way. In the meantime, explore past conversations and share with anyone who believes that chasing greatness might just require a healthy dose of delusion.