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PODCAST

The Hill Unscripted

The Hill Unscripted

Welcome to The Hill Unscripted — the official podcast of Maple Hill Golf, where no topic in the golf world is off-limits. Hosted by Maple Hill Golf owner Bob Kitchen, this unfiltered series sets the record straight on everything you need to know as a valued customer and passionate golfer. From deep dives into industry trends to behind-the-scenes stories from the shop, Bob brings you honest insights and expert takes you won’t hear anywhere else. Along the way, you"ll hear from a lineup of special

sports golf

All Episodes

00:54:25

Scotland Golf Trip: Visas, Birthdays & Runaway Carts

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/10/02

Bob Kitchen hosts a special reunion episode of The Hill Unscripted with his three good friends — Tim Dunkel, Rod Koning, and Todd Plummer — to relive the bucket-list golf trip they took to Scotland for Todd's 60th birthday. From the idea born at a local tavern after Todd sold his company, to six straight days of golf on Scotland's storied links, this episode is packed with laughs, history, and heart.In this episode:How a 60th birthday "idea thrown out at a bar" became a real Scotland trip, with Rod

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00:51:01

Scotland Golf Trip Guide: Courses, Packing Tips,...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/09/18

Season 2, Episode 16 – Join Bob Kitchen, owner of Maple Hill Golf, as he sits down with Doug Imrie from Scratch Golf Tours to relive an unforgettable Scotland golf adventure. From the world-famous links of St. Andrews, Kingsbarns, Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane, and Dunbar — to the incredible Scottish people, the food, the caddies, and the stories — this episode covers it all.Doug shares how Scratch Golf Tours started, their philosophy of fully customized golf trips, and why 30–40% of their

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00:24:29

Grace, Forgiveness, and Context: Bob Kitchen's Take...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/09/02

Season 2, Episode 15 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen, one of the owners of Maple Hill Golf, shares his honest, from-the-heart perspective on the Good Good and Callaway Golf controversy — the ad that shook the golf world in August 2026.Bob isn't here to condone violence of any kind. But he is here to ask a bigger question: does one mistake — one poorly landed movie parody — get to define an entire company forever? Drawing on personal stories, faith, and 47 years of life

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00:34:54

92% of Golfers Use the WRONG Golf Ball

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/08/14

Season 2, Episode 14 – Welcome back to The Hill Unscripted — the official podcast of Maple Hill Golf! Every two weeks, host Bob Kitchen brings you real talk from inside the golf world. In Episode 14, Bob sits down with his brother Andy Kitchen to talk golf trips, equipment myths, the golf ball debate, mini drivers, and so much more — completely unscripted.This episode is packed with hot takes, brotherly banter, and insider knowledge from decades in the golf retail business. From debating who's

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01:03:13

Inside Bridgestone Golf: Engineering, Tour Secrets &...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/07/27

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 13 of The Hill Unscripted! 🎙️Join Bob Kitchen from Maple Hill Golf as he sits down with Adam Rehberg, Senior Marketing Manager at Bridgestone Golf, for an in-depth conversation about the golf ball industry, product development, and the story behind Bridgestone's game-changing RX series.In this episode, you'll discover:✅ Adam's unique journey from civil engineering student to assistant golf pro to 15 years at Bridgestone✅ How Bridgestone's massive rubber and polymer

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00:44:45

Father's Day Special: Life Lessons, Golf, and Growing...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/06/19

Season 2, Episode 12 – In this special Father's Day episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with his oldest son, James Kitchen, for an honest conversation about golf, family, growing up in the golf business, and preparing for the next chapter of life.James recently graduated from Byron Center High School and will be heading to Michigan State University this fall to study engineering. Together, Bob and James reflect on favorite golf memories, life lessons learned through the family

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00:38:32

The Formula That Built One of America's Best Junior...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/06/11

Season 2, Episode 11 – In this special episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with his father, Rich Kitchen—known to thousands simply as “The Pro.”With 51 years of experience at Maple Hill Golf and back-to-back NGCOA Player Development Awards, Rich shares the philosophy that has helped introduce thousands of children and adults to the game.Topics include:- How Maple Hill's junior golf programs work- Why kids learn differently than adults- The secret to making golf fun instead of

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00:30:26

The Golf Industry Makes NO Sense Right Now

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/05/23

Season 2, Episode 10 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen breaks down everything happening in the golf world right now—from LIV Golf drama and mini driver hype to zero torque putters, golf ball fitting, and the future of equipment.BK gives his honest take on:- Aaron Rai’s surprising PGA Championship win- Why mini drivers are exploding in popularity- The confusing future of LIV Golf- Whether zero torque putters are already fading- Why most golfers play the wrong golf ball- New

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00:24:29

Meet the Mother Behind Maple Hill Golf

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/05/08

Season 2, Episode 9 – In this special Mother’s Day episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with his mother, Nancy Kitchen, for a heartfelt conversation about family, golf, memories, and the journey behind Maple Hill Golf.Nancy shares stories about raising Bob and Andy, how the family business started, their favorite golf memories together, and what it’s been like watching the next generation take over the company.The episode also dives into:- Nancy’s current golf bag setup- Her 6

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00:43:41

The Golf Industry Is Lying to You… (My Honest Rant)

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/04/24

Season 2, Episode 8 – In this solo episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen (BK) goes OFF on the golf industry.With over 30 years in golf retail, BK breaks down the biggest myths, bad advice, and marketing lies that are costing golfers money—and hurting their game.From zero torque putters to overpriced shafts, golf ball selection, and club fitting… this is the honest truth most companies won’t tell you.Topics covered:- Why golf is already hard—and you're making it harder- The truth about zero

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00:47:34

The Masters Experience You Don’t See on TV

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/04/17

Season 2, Episode 7 – Bob Kitchen is joined by his brother Andy Kitchen and Maple Hill GM Steve Strock to break down their unforgettable trips to the Masters at Augusta National—just as Rory McIlroy made history.From exclusive access at Berckmans Place to walking the course on Championship Sunday, they share what it’s really like inside Augusta—from the insane green speeds and elevation changes to the no-phone policy, merch experience, and surprisingly cheap food.They also cover:- What TV doesn’t

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00:56:23

Wilson’s Comeback? The Truth About Performance, Price...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/03/27

Season 2, Episode 5 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with Harry Nodwell, Wilson Golf’s Global Product Line Manager, for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at one of golf’s most overlooked — and fastest rising — brands.From his journey at MyGolfSpy testing millions of golf balls to now leading global product development for Wilson, Harry breaks down what really matters in golf equipment — and why more golfers are starting to rethink what’s in their bag.This episode dives

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00:45:40

Why Mizuno Is Built Different: Forging, Feel & the...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/03/20

Season 2, Episode 5 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with Tim Heffelfinger, Mizuno Golf sales rep, to break down what truly separates Mizuno from the rest of the golf industry.From replacing a 30+ year legend to covering one of the largest territories in the Midwest, Tim shares his journey into the Mizuno brand — and why it’s gaining serious momentum as a complete golf company, not just an iron brand.But the real story?How Mizuno builds their clubs.Bob dives deep into

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00:56:56

Zero Torque, Global Growth & the Future of Bettinardi

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/02/27

Season 2, Episode 4 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen welcomes Sam Bettinardi, President of Bettinardi Golf, for a deep dive into one of golf’s most respected family-run brands, and where it’s headed next.Following last season’s conversation with founder Bob Bettinardi, this episode shifts to the next generation. Sam shares how he went from growing up around the shop to leading a company that has expanded from 15 employees to 95, now operating in 45 countries with over 100,000

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00:45:26

Quantum Leap: Callaway’s Bold New Tech & a 50-Year...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/02/13

Season 2, Episode 3 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with longtime family friend and Callaway sales rep Mike Dykema for a conversation that blends cutting-edge golf technology with a 50-year relationship built on trust, loyalty, and love for the game.Bob and Mike reflect on the deep history between the Kitchen and Dykema families, dating back to their fathers’ legendary careers in golf equipment. From Power Built to Adams Golf to Callaway, the partnership has spanned

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00:43:06

Inside the Fitting Room: Dub Ogden on LIV, New Gear &...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/01/23

Season 2, Episode 2 – The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen sits down with Maple Hill Golf’s head fitter and longtime friend, William “Dub” Ogden, for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation covering golf gear, industry drama, and life behind the scenes at one of the busiest fitting centers in the Midwest.Dub shares how he went from selling doors and windows to leading Maple Hill’s fitting department, how being a three-sport athlete (and the last guy to beat UFC’s Tony Ferguson in high school wrestling)

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01:01:05

The Mind Behind the Roll: Guerin Rife on Innovation,...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2026/01/13

Season 2, Episode 1 – The Hill Unscripted returns for Season 2 with a heavy hitter: Guerin Rife, the legendary designer behind Rife Putters and Evenroll Golf.In this in-depth conversation with Bob Kitchen, Guerin walks through his journey from metal shop entrepreneur to industry innovator — revealing how he changed the putting game forever through groove technology, Sweet Face, and the iconic Two Bar Putter that took the Champions Tour by storm.You’ll hear stories and insights on:The origins of

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01:03:16

Inside Bettinardi Golf: Innovation, Legends, and One...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2025/12/19

Episode 17 – In this special episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen sits down with one of the most respected names in golf — Bob Bettinardi, founder of Bettinardi Golf — for a wide-ranging and personal conversation that covers everything from CNC precision to celebrity putters, major wins, and the future of the flatstick.Bettinardi opens up about:- How he went from engineer to golf industry disruptor, pioneering the one-piece milled putter- His early days working with Scotty Cameron,

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00:31:30

Callaway’s $1.5B Loss, Par 3 Strategy & Your Holiday...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2025/11/22

Episode 16 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen delivers a packed session of golf business insights, product tips, and holiday shopping help — just in time for Thanksgiving.Bob kicks things off with a sincere apology about a brand mention in a previous episode, reinforcing his commitment to keeping the podcast honest, informative, and professional.Then it's onto big stories in the golf world:- Callaway sells Top Golf at a $1.5B loss – What it says about the business of golf

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00:38:31

Internet Golf Booms, LIV Changes, and The Truth About...

The Hill Unscripted ·

2025/11/07

Episode 15 - Internet Golf Booms, LIV Changes, and The Truth About Trade-InsIn this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen breaks down some of the biggest shifts in the golf world — from viral tournaments to how retailers handle your trade-ins.Bob starts with the incredible success of the Internet Invitational, which has pulled in 5.1 million viewers, surpassing PGA Tour ratings. He shares his own vision for a new kind of event — one where players buy into the purse themselves for a

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