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 square feet of space.

The conversation covers:

- The rise of the Antidote Zero Torque putter, now Bettinardi’s top-selling line

- What makes their zero torque design different from competitors

- How tour players like Matt Kuchar, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Fred Couples influence product design

- Why Sam spends an hour every morning inspecting quality himself

- The real reason putter fitting matters more than most golfers realize

- The story behind the Queen Bee line and its global impact

- Bettinardi’s expansion into wedges, irons, and AI-driven innovation

Sam also shares personal stories — including winning the Butler National Club Championship four times — and explains why even he chooses performance over preference when it comes to what’s in the bag.

From craftsmanship to culture, from tour feedback to global expansion, this episode pulls back the curtain on how Bettinardi plans to become not just a premium putter company, but a household name in golf.

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 decades — and now continues with the next generation.

The conversation then shifts to what’s next in golf equipment.

Mike breaks down Callaway’s brand-new Quantum line, featuring revolutionary Tri-force face technology — the first three-piece titanium driver face designed to stretch 14% more and respond 17% faster for increased ball speed and forgiveness. With five driver models and a full iron lineup built for every skill level, Quantum aims to fit everyone from beginners to Tour pros.

Bob shares his personal testing experience in California, where the Triple Diamond Max helped him hit 26 of 28 fairways after months away from competitive golf.

They also discuss:

- Callaway’s $12 million Ai investment and how it’s reshaping club design

- The future of golf fitting and a new technology launching soon

- Why service separates Callaway from competitors

- The importance of long-term business relationships in golf

- Upcoming Maple Hill fitting events and how to get dialed in

This episode is equal parts innovation, loyalty, and inside-the-industry perspective — a must-listen for golfers who care about where the game is heading.

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) shaped his approach to coaching, and why finding the right club for the right player matters more than chasing high-end “unicorn” upgrades.

This episode dives into:

- The future (or downfall) of LIV Golf

- First thoughts on 2026 gear – Callaway Quantum, Cobra Optum, Mizuno’s new driver tech

- Why Evnroll putters might be golf’s best-kept secret

- Honest takes on low-spin driver myths, chippers, and 60-degree wedges

- Upcoming Maple Hill events, live auctions, Midwest golf shows, and more

You’ll also hear stories of hole-in-one drama, golf cart injuries, Dub’s dream foursome (Tiger, Daly, and Payne Stewart), and a behind-the-scenes look at Maple Hill’s evolving gear strategy going into 2026 and beyond.