What if the future of golf isn't just about better scoring or smoother tee sheets, but about creating deeper human connections that transform how we experience the game?
In this inspiring episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston reunites with one of his closest friends and most beloved guests, Kevin Carpenter - better known to the golf world as 'The GratiDude'. Since his last appearance two years ago, Kevin has taken on an exciting new role as U.S. Managing Director for AM Golf, a revolutionary all-in-one platform that's re-imagining tournament management, community building, and the entire golf experience from registration to the 19th hole.
Kevin's journey is anything but ordinary. From personal transformation through gratitude and sobriety to fostering a tech revolution in golf, his story reminds us that the greatest innovations come from the heart. In this conversation, Kevin reveals how AM Golf is breaking down barriers, creating genuine community, and turning tournament software from a utility into a social experience.
If you care about the future of golf, technology that actually enhances human connection, or simply want to be inspired by someone who turned his life around through gratitude, this episode is for you.
Three Key Takeaways You'll Discover in This Episode:
1. Technology Should Serve Connection, Not Replace It
AM GOLF isn't just another tournament software - it's a unified platform that combines scoring, communication, community building, and side game management in one intuitive app.
2. Golf's Future is in the "Squishy" Stuff
While scoring and logistics are essential, Kevin argues that the real opportunity lies in enhancing the social and experiential aspects of golf.
3. Distribution Is Everything in Tech
Kevin's growth strategy for AM GOLF is refreshingly pragmatic. Rather than trying to win over every golf course operator at once, he's focusing on three channels: grassroots user adoption through events like the Vegas Baby Invitational, strategic B2B partnerships with golf cart manufacturers and POS companies, and pilot programs with course management groups.
Click HERE or on the image below to listen to this podcast.
"Nobody except private equity gets into golf for the money. So what happens is you get to meet folks that have chosen passion first—chosen to pursue a career out of the heart versus the spreadsheet."
- Kevin Carpenter, U.S. Managing Director for AM Golf
This encapsulates Kevin's entire philosophy. Golf is a relationships-first industry, and the people who thrive are those who lead with purpose rather than profit.