The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts

S E30: Paige Spiranac on Fame, Hate & Building a Golf Empire

Paige Spiranac became one of the most influential people in golf — but not without controversy, criticism, and constant public scrutiny. In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Paige Spiranac for a candid conversation about social media, anxiety, branding, fame, and the business of building one of golf’s most recognizable personal brands. What started as a single viral moment turned into a media empire — but behind the millions of followers and online attention is a much more complicated story. Paige opens up about: The overnight moment that changed her life The backlash and criticism she faced early in her career Why she “stopped trying to please everyone” Social anxiety, therapy, and life online How influencer marketing actually works Building a business around community and trust Monetizing content, sponsorships, and media partnerships Why authenticity matters in the creator economy The future of golf media and creator-driven content The conversation also explores the evolution of modern golf culture — from traditional media to creator-driven platforms — and why Paige Spiranac may be one of the most important figures in growing the game today. Whether you know Paige from golf, social media, or internet culture, this episode reveals a side of her story most people have never heard before. 🔔 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 [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

S E29: How AI is Changing Golf Forever

AI is changing golf faster than almost anyone realizes. In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with members of the Big Swing Media team to break down the biggest trends shaping the future of the game — from artificial intelligence and rising participation to Tiger Woods, creator golf, and the booming business of golf media. Joining Jimmy are Michael LoRé in Studio 1B and Mollie Cahillane live from the Golf Business Technology Conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where industry leaders are exploring how technology is reshaping golf around the world. This conversation dives into: * How AI is already changing golf operations and instruction * Why golf participation is reaching record highs * The explosion of creator golf, simulators, and off-course experiences * The growing role of women and younger players in the game * Why Tiger Woods remains golf’s most powerful brand * The business implications of rising costs across the sport * What new leadership across golf organizations could mean for the future The episode also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of The Big Swing: Inside the New Golf Economy, Big Swing Media’s new newsletter covering the companies, capital, and power players shaping modern golf. Golf is no longer just a sport — it’s a media business, entertainment platform, technology sector, and cultural force all at once. And according to the numbers, it’s bigger than ever. 🔔 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 [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

S E28: Jack Nicklaus Walked Away From Millions

Jack Nicklaus turned down millions, and he’s completely at peace with it. In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with golf legend Jack Nicklaus to explore the business side of one of the greatest careers in sports history. From early deals with IMG to turning down opportunities with companies like Wendy’s and NFL ownership stakes, Nicklaus opens up about the decisions that shaped his life off the course, and why money was never the driving force. This is a rare look at the mindset behind the “Golden Bear” — not just as a golfer, but as a businessman navigating risk, legacy, and long-term impact. In this episode, we cover: * The business philosophy that guided Jack Nicklaus’ career * Why he “always tried to give the other guy a better deal” * The deals he turned down — including major ownership opportunities * Lessons from building Muirfield Village and his global golf business * The importance of owning your name, image, and likeness * Why legacy mattered more than maximizing profit * The biggest mistakes — and why he doesn’t regret them From $5,000 endorsement deals to building a global golf empire, this conversation spans over 60 years of business, leadership, and decision-making at the highest level. This is more than a golf interview, it’s a masterclass in how one of the greatest athletes of all time thought about money, opportunity, and what really matters. If you care about golf, business, or the mindset behind long-term success, this is a conversation worth your full attention. 🔔 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 [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

S E26: The LPGA Has a Massive Opportunity... But Can They Pull It Off?

The LPGA is having a moment — but can it turn momentum into something lasting? At the Chevron Championship, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Craig Kessler to discuss one of the most pivotal moments in the history of women’s golf. With rising viewership, increased investment, and growing global attention on women’s sports, the LPGA finds itself at a crossroads — and a massive opportunity. Kessler, in his first full season as commissioner, lays out a bold vision for the future: building stars, growing fan engagement, improving the product, and capitalizing on what he calls a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” From lessons learned from the WNBA to the realities of running a global tour with limited resources, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to grow a modern sports league. In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, we cover: * Why the LPGA believes “now is the time to strike” * How storytelling and star power can transform the league * What the LPGA is learning from the WNBA’s growth * The biggest challenges facing the LPGA today * The role of media, sponsorship, and global partnerships * How players are buying in like never before * What success looks like for the LPGA over the next 5 years This episode also goes inside the business of women’s sports at large — from investment trends to audience growth — and why this moment feels different than anything that’s come before. If you care about golf, sports business, or the future of women’s sports, this is a conversation worth your full attention. 🔔 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 [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

S E25: Thomas Friedman on Saudi Arabia, LIV and the $2 Billion Gamble about to fall apart

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Friedman joins Jimmy Roberts on The Big Swing to break down the business, politics, and global strategy behind LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and the future of the game. From Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to the economics of sports investment, this conversation goes far beyond headlines — diving into why LIV Golf may have been a flawed business model from the very beginning, and what its potential collapse means for players, fans, and the entire golf industry. With billions invested and no clear path forward, is LIV Golf sustainable? Or was it always destined to fail? In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, we cover: * Why LIV Golf “never made sense” as an investment * The real strategy behind Saudi Arabia’s sports expansion * How the PGA Tour was forced to respond to disruption * Whether LIV Golf can survive without continued funding * What happens to players, sponsors, and the global golf ecosystem next * Why “nobody wins” from the current state of professional golf LIV Golf has already changed the landscape of professional golf — from player movement and prize money to media rights and global investment. But if LIV disappears… what’s left behind? This episode explores the ripple effects across the PGA Tour, the global golf economy, and the future of sports investment and media. If you care about golf, sports business, or where the industry is headed next — this is a conversation worth your full attention. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts is produced by Big Swing Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].