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The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts · August 11 · 47 min

S E42: Where Golf’s Smart Money Is Going Next

Golf’s estimated economic impact reaches roughly a quarter-trillion dollars—but where is the smart money going next? Matt Erley, co-founder of Old Tom Capital, joins Jimmy Roberts to explain why investors increasingly see golf as one of the most resilient growth categories in sports and recreation. He reveals which parts of the industry have his attention, from shorter “golf light” experiences and public-access facilities to travel, hospitality, agronomy technology and the rapidly changing private-club business. Matt also explores how golf can serve the next generation of players without abandoning its traditional roots—and why the industry’s biggest constraints may create its most compelling investment opportunities. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why more investment capital is moving into golf How par-3 courses, driving ranges and short-form experiences could fuel the next decade of growth Why $250,000 initiation fees and scarce tee times are changing golf travel The technology helping courses reduce water use and operating costs How equipment companies could turn the golf-ball rollback into an opportunity Plus, country music star Jake Owen shares the leap of faith that changed his life, and Jimmy makes the case for the New York metropolitan area as the greatest golf destination in the world. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

0:00-47:49

transcript

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show notes

Golf’s estimated economic impact reaches roughly a quarter-trillion dollars—but where is the smart money going next?


Matt Erley, co-founder of Old Tom Capital, joins Jimmy Roberts to explain why investors increasingly see golf as one of the most resilient growth categories in sports and recreation. He reveals which parts of the industry have his attention, from shorter “golf light” experiences and public-access facilities to travel, hospitality, agronomy technology and the rapidly changing private-club business.


Matt also explores how golf can serve the next generation of players without abandoning its traditional roots—and why the industry’s biggest constraints may create its most compelling investment opportunities.


What you’ll hear in this episode:

Why more investment capital is moving into golf

How par-3 courses, driving ranges and short-form experiences could fuel the next decade of growth

Why $250,000 initiation fees and scarce tee times are changing golf travel

The technology helping courses reduce water use and operating costs

How equipment companies could turn the golf-ball rollback into an opportunity


Plus, country music star Jake Owen shares the leap of faith that changed his life, and Jimmy makes the case for the New York metropolitan area as the greatest golf destination in the world.


🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday

▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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