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 also tells the incredible story of a student who went from losing his father at 13 to becoming a D1 golf coach.Plus: Why Maple Hill's donations matter (including 160 pairs of golf shoes), how the Golf Marathon record of 370 holes in one day came to be, and how YOU can get involved.🔗 GET INVOLVEDWebsite: firstteewestmichigan.orgContact Tyler: [email protected] equipment: drop off at the First Tee offices in Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, or MuskegonVolunteer: 2 hours, once a week — no golf expertise needed🎙️ NEW EPISODES every other week. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

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 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 orchestrating the itinerary and Doug of Scratch Golf Tours making it all happenTim's airport nightmare: missing UK entry paperwork, a 3–5 day wait, a $2,800 one-way flight considered, and the ETA form that saved the dayThe Kingsbarns distillery tour, rooms overlooking the Road Hole at the Old Course Hotel, and dinner views over the North SeaThe courses: Jubilee, Kingsbarns, Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane, and Dunbar — plus where each ranked at week's endMuirfield's pageantry: the original 13 Rules of Golf, "member for a day," and $17 drinksGullane's secret hilltop clubhouse — scotch, cigars, and cards, reserved for members over 80 with 30+ years of membershipTodd's 82 at Gullane, a 3-wood rocket, and the eagle putt with a club bought that morningTim's runaway electric cart at Dunbar — possibly the hardest anyone laughed all tripWhy the guys say: whatever it takes, get to ScotlandIf you're dreaming of a Scotland golf trip (or planning one), this is your insider guide wrapped in a great story. Subscribe on Spotify or YouTube, give us a like and a follow, and drop your dream Scotland course in the comments.

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 clients keep coming back. Bob breaks down every detail of the trip: where they stayed (Old Course Hotel & Archerfield), the courses they played, the weather, what to pack (and what NOT to pack), tipping culture differences, and the legendary Dunvegan pub where Steph Curry once visited.Plus, Doug announces an exclusive opportunity to play Royal County Down — the #1 ranked course in the world — and a special offer: every group that books through Scratch Golf Tours receives a $100 Maple Hill voucher per person!If you've ever dreamed of golfing in Scotland, this is your roadmap. 🏌️‍♂️⛳🔔 New episodes of The Hill Unscripted drop every other week — subscribe so you never miss one!Connect with Scratch Golf Tours:Website & contact info:https://www.scratchgolftours.com/[email protected] video on their website:https://www.scratchgolftours.com/what-to-pack🎟️ Special Offer:Play the Home of Golf - Scotland, Ireland & England AwaitMaple Hill Golf has partnered with Scratch Golf Tours to help you experience the best golf that Scotland, Ireland, and England have to offer. From windswept Scottish links to Ireland's dramatic coastlines and England's historic clubs, Scratch Golf Tours builds custom golf trips to the courses every golfer dreams of playing. We handle the tee times, lodging, and logistics so you can focus on your game.Limited tee times are also available at Royal County Down in Newcastle, Northern Ireland - the No. 1 ranked golf course in the world. Availability is extremely limited, so reach out early if it's on your list.Plus: A $100 Maple Hill Golf Gift CardBook any golf trip through Scratch Golf Tours by December 31. 2026 and each golfer will receive a $100 Maple Hill Golf Gift Card once the trip deposit has been received.Wherever your next golf adventure takes you across Scotland, Ireland, or England, book with Scratch Golf Tours and get rewarded by Maple Hill Golf.

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 experience, Bob makes the case for grace, forgiveness, and looking at the whole picture instead of just one rotten slice of the pie.This episode covers the full timeline of what happened, the fallout with retailers and partners, the apologies that followed, and why Bob believes we as a country need to take a collective breath.⚠️ Note from Bob: This podcast needs to be listened to in its entirety. Any part of it taken out of context could sound really, really bad — and that's not what this is about. Listen to the whole thing before reacting.💬 Join the ConversationNot everyone is going to agree with Bob on this one — and he knows it. If you have something to say (positive or negative), he'd genuinely love to hear from you. Email us with "Attention: Bob Kitchen" and he'll be happy to chat about grace, forgiveness, or anything else on your mind.🎧 Never Miss an EpisodeNew episodes of The Hill Unscripted drop every other week — real talk from inside the golf world, straight from the team at Maple Hill Golf. Subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts, and hit the bell so you don't miss what's next.❤️ Bob's Closing Message"Be nice to one another, whether they deserve it or not. Just be kind. Everyone's going through something."

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 the better golfer growing up, to revealing the one golf rule they'd scrap immediately, this conversation is a must-listen for any golfer who wants to actually understand their equipment.In this episode:🏌️ Andy's golf trip recap — A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort (Sundance, Torch & Charlevoix CC)🤔 What people get WRONG about golf balls (92% of you shouldn't be playing a tour ball!)⛳ The club most likely wrong for you in your bag right now🚗 Bad golf cart drivers — Andy's surprising pet peeve📏 Mini drivers: legit club or gimmick?🤯 The dumbest thing the Kitchen brothers did growing up (lawn chairs over the garage!)🎤 Walk-up songs, dream foursomes, and a lightning round you don't want to missNew episodes drop every other week. Subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts!🔔 Don't forget: After this episode, stick around for "What's in the Bag" with Andy Kitchen!

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 expertise gives them an edge in golf ball technology✅ The 24-36 month golf ball development process from prototype to launch✅ The creation of the RX and RXS golf balls for golfers with under 105 mph swing speeds✅ Behind-the-scenes collaboration with tour players like Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau, and Fred Couples✅ Why being a small, tight-knit team at Bridgestone is actually an advantageWhether you're a golf equipment nerd, a Bridgestone player, or just curious about what goes into making the perfect golf ball, this episode delivers real insights from someone who lives and breathes golf ball development every day.Guest:Adam Rehberg - Senior Marketing Manager, Bridgestone Golf- 15 years with Bridgestone- Former R&D engineer- Former assistant golf professional- Engineering background from Florida State UniversityAbout The Hill Unscripted:Every two weeks, Bob Kitchen brings you real talk from inside the golf world—insights, stories, and conversations that matter to you as a golfer and valued part of the Maple Hill family.

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 business, college plans, and what it was like growing up as the son of one of Maple Hill Golf's owners.Topics include:⛳ Growing up at Maple Hill Golf⛳ Favorite father-son golf memories⛳ Golf courses in Michigan and California⛳ Lessons learned from working in the family business⛳ The reality of being the owner's son⛳ Michigan State University and engineering plans⛳ Junior golf, golf equipment, and favorite clubs⛳ Whatnot live auctions and the future of Maple Hill⛳ Family traditions and Father's Day reflectionsIt's a fun, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversation between a father and son as one chapter closes and another begins.New episodes of The Hill Unscripted drop every other week.Subscribe, like, and share to support the show and the Maple Hill Golf family.

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 frustrating- Pee-Wee, Junior Development, and Academy programs explained- The famous "Bucket A Day" program that gives juniors free range balls all year- Why Rich filled in every bunker when Maple Hill opened- Adult beginner clinics and common mistakes new golfers make- Why golf can be enjoyed at any age- The lessons Rich has learned after more than five decades teaching the gameWhether you're a parent looking to get your child started, an adult thinking about learning golf, or simply love hearing stories from one of the most respected golf professionals in the country, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and timeless golf wisdom.New episodes of The Hill Unscripted every other week.

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 Revelation Zero Torque putters from Maple Hill- Upcoming Cobra, Callaway, Mizuno & Wilson fitting eventsBob also shares personal stories about his son graduating, pickleball league disasters, and the growth of Maple Hill’s live selling shows on Whatnot and eBay Live.If you love golf equipment, golf business talk, and honest opinions about where the game is headed, this episode is for you.New episodes every other week from 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 generation take over the company.The episode also dives into:- Nancy’s current golf bag setup- Her 6 hole-in-ones 😳- The best golfer in the Kitchen family- Family traditions and Belgian heritage- The evolution of Maple Hill Golf- Lessons about kindness, faith, and familyThis is one of the most personal episodes yet, and a special tribute to moms everywhere.Happy Mother’s Day from Maple Hill Golf.