The Hill Unscripted is the official podcast of Maple Hill Golf, hosted by owner Bob Kitchen. It offers an unfiltered look at the golf world, with no topic off-limits. Episodes cover industry trends, behind-the-scenes stories from the shop, and honest insights for customers and passionate golfers. Guests include employees, family members, golf insiders, and others who share their perspectives.
Episodes
How First Tee Changes Kids' Lives Through Golf
Season 2, Episode 18 - Bob Kitchen sits down with Tyler Smies, CEO of The First Tee of West Michigan, for a conversation that goes far beyond golf.In this episode:Tyler shares how First Tee uses the game to build character in more than 2,600 kids a year across West Michigan — with over half receiving free programming — and the pathways that turn kids into coaches, caddies, and college scholars. He
Scotland Golf Trip: Visas, Birthdays & Runaway Carts
Season 2, Episode 17 - 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 packe
Scotland Golf Trip Guide: Courses, Packing Tips, Caddies & More
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 Sc
Grace, Forgiveness, and Context: Bob Kitchen's Take on the Good Good & Callaway Controversy
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 — ge
92% of Golfers Use the WRONG Golf Ball
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, bro
Inside Bridgestone Golf: Engineering, Tour Secrets & The RX Revolution
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 stud
Father's Day Special: Life Lessons, Golf, and Growing Up Kitchen
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.
The Formula That Built One of America's Best Junior Golf Programs
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 junio
The Golf Industry Makes NO Sense Right Now
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 Gol
Meet the Mother Behind Maple Hill Golf
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 ge
The Golf Industry Is Lying to You… (My Honest Rant)
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
The Masters Experience You Don’t See on TV
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
Wilson’s Comeback? The Truth About Performance, Price & Playing What Actually Works
Season 2, Episode 6 – 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
Why Mizuno Is Built Different: Forging, Feel & the Truth About Quality
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 go
Zero Torque, Global Growth & the Future of Bettinardi
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
Quantum Leap: Callaway’s Bold New Tech & a 50-Year Golf Friendship
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’ legend
Inside the Fitting Room: Dub Ogden on LIV, New Gear & Golf Truths
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,
The Mind Behind the Roll: Guerin Rife on Innovation, Impact & the Future of Putting
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
Inside Bettinardi Golf: Innovation, Legends, and One Hell of a Turkey Dinner
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 indus
Callaway’s $1.5B Loss, Par 3 Strategy & Your Holiday Golf Gift Guide
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 i
Internet Golf Booms, LIV Changes, and The Truth About Trade-Ins
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 hi
Teaching the Game: Inside the Minds of Michigan’s Top Golf Instructors
Episode 14 - In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen sits down with two of Michigan’s top golf instructors — Terry Ernst and Jeff Caminiti — for a deep, insightful conversation about what it really takes to improve your game, enjoy the process, and stay passionate about golf at every level.Terry and Jeff bring decades of teaching experience, from running junior academies to earnin
Ryder Cup Recap, Golf’s Best Stories & 20 Questions with BK
Episode 13 - The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen takes listeners inside his unforgettable trip to the Ryder Cup at Bethpage — one of golf’s most electric venues. He breaks down the impressive five-course layout, the massive merchandise tent, the fan experience, and his thoughts on Team Europe’s victory and the U.S. team’s continued struggles with pairings.Bob shares behind-the-scenes observations abo
Fixing Golf Rules and Busting Gear Myths
Episode 12 - The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen sits down with his father, Rich Kitchen, for a candid, wide-ranging chat about the game, the business, and the people who play it.The episode opens with Bob previewing his upcoming trip to the Ryder Cup, before diving into a thoughtful conversation with Rich about the current health of golf. Rich argues the sport is stronger than ever thanks to th
Golf Goals, Rising Prices & the Real Talk on Driver Faces
Episode 11 - The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen blends golf inspiration with industry insight and honest gear talk — all from the heart of Maple Hill Golf.Bob kicks off by celebrating Rory McIlroy’s win at the Irish Open and previewing the upcoming Ryder Cup, which he’s personally attending. He shares why the Ryder Cup is his favorite event in golf and reflects on what makes it so special — pas
Fleetwood’s Breakthrough, LIV vs PGA, & Running a Family Business
Episode 10 — In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen welcomes his brother and fellow Maple Hill Golf co-owner Andy Kitchen for a fast-paced, insightful, and entertaining conversation about all things golf — from Tour drama to underrated gear, business ownership, and more.The brothers kick things off by celebrating Tommy Fleetwood’s first PGA Tour win, a $10 million victory at the
Big Bets, Bulk Buys, and Building a Golf Legacy
Episode 9 – In this special episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen is joined by his father and Maple Hill Golf co-founder Rich Kitchen for a trip down memory lane — and a deep dive into the smart risks and bold purchases that helped shape the Maple Hill legacy.Rich shares the backstories behind some of the company’s most legendary buys, including:40,000 Wilson clubs they turned into matc
Putter Fittings, Brand Myths, Mini Drivers, and POPS Charity Event
Season 1 / Episode 8 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen, co-owner of Maple Hill Golf, welcomes longtime head fitter Richard Phillips for an in-depth conversation about golf gear, fitting, and the business of the game.Bob and Richard kick things off by recapping the surprising finish at the Scottish Open, where Chris Gotterup beat Rory McIlroy, reinforcing Bob’s favorite theme: g
Golf Gear Gimmicks, John Deere Drama & Pace of Play Real Talk
Season 1 / Episode 7 – On this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen tees up another wide-ranging, no-nonsense look into the world of golf — both on and off the course.Bob kicks things off with a recap of the thrilling finish at the John Deere Classic, spotlighting the battle between Grillo, Chapman, and Lipsky that had fans on the edge of their seats.From there, Bob tackles a big question:
Drivers, Deals & Doing It Right: Inside the Maple Hill Golf Philosophy
Season 1 / Episode 6 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen, owner of Maple Hill Golf, unpacks a powerful mix of golf gear insights and business philosophy that define what makes Maple Hill a standout in the industry.Bob starts with a look at low spin drivers, clearing up the common misconception that less spin is always better. With insights from top players like Scottie Scheffler,
J.J. Spaun’s Grit & The Truth About Expensive Clubs
Season 1 / Episode 5 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen recaps a powerful moment from the U.S. Open — the inspiring story of J.J. Spaun, who bounced back from a rough front nine (a 40!) to battle his way through the field with a refuse-to-lose mindset and claim his first major win. Bob highlights Spaun’s perseverance and what it teaches us about mental toughness in golf — and li
Zero Torque Putters, Loft Myths & Father’s Day Deals
Season 1 / Episode 4 – Zero Torque Putters, Loft Myths & Father’s Day DealsIn this episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen welcomes Jesse Post, Maple Hill Golf’s Lead Club Fitter in the Launch Kitchen, for an in-depth look at what’s trending in golf gear and what you need to know.They start by breaking down zero torque putters — who they’re made for, why so many golfers are curious ab
PGA Championship Fallout & Mud Ball Madness
Season 1 / Episode 3 – Championship Fallout, Mud Ball Madness & The Truth About Counterfeit ClubsIn this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen recaps all the buzz coming out of last week’s 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow — including his take on the field, course setup, and how Scottie Scheffler’s dominance is cementing him as the man to beat in major championship golf.Bob also brea
Naming The Podcast & Shaping The Story
Season 1 / Episode 2 – Naming The Podcast & Shaping The StoryIn this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen dives into the submissions for the podcast’s name — from the funny to the fantastic — and reflects on the creative (and sometimes hilarious) suggestions that came in from customers, employees, and friends of Maple Hill Golf.But it’s more than just a naming recap. Bob also shares the
Meet Bob Kitchen
Season1 / Episode 1 – Meet Bob Kitchen: 30+ Years in Golf and What’s Coming on The Hill UnscriptedIn the very first episode of The Hill Unscripted, host and Maple Hill Golf owner Bob Kitchen steps up to the mic to kick things off with a personal introduction. With over three decades in the golf business, Bob shares his journey from growing up around the family business to becoming one of the most
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