Season 2, Episode 1 – The Hill Unscripted returns for Season 2 with a heavy hitter: Garen Rife, the legendary designer behind Rife Putters and Evenroll Golf.

In this in-depth conversation with Bob Kitchen, Garen 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 Bar Putter that took the Champions Tour by storm.

You’ll hear stories and insights on:

• The origins of Sweet Face 2.0 and why it's helping golfers hit putts faster, softer, and straighter

• Why even Tour pros miss the sweet spot — and how Garen's grooves solve for it

• The rise, sale, and rebirth of his brand through Evenroll Golf

• Competing with the biggest names in golf while still building over 100 Tour wins worldwide

• The evolution of zero torque design, hosel-free construction, and what’s coming next

Plus:

• Why Garen’s favorite putter ever is still the Two Bar

• How the Swedish Bikini Team inspired a hilarious dream foursome moment

• His favorite U.S. course (spoiler: it’s not Pebble)

• What amateurs misunderstand most about MOI, sweet spots, and forgiveness

Whether you’re a gear junkie, a student of putting mechanics, or just love hearing from true inventors who shape the game — this episode kicks off Season 2 with engineering precision and storytelling style.

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 industry disruptor, pioneering the one-piece milled putter

- His early days working with Scotty Cameron, including building the putter Bernhard Langer used to win the 1993 Masters

- The moment he went all-in and launched Bettinardi Golf in 1999

The two Bobs also talk about:

- Tour success stories with Jesper Parnevik, Jim Furyk, and Vijay Singh

- The rise of Bettinardi’s son Sam, who now runs day-to-day operations

- How The Hive, Queen Bee, and Antidote lines became icons

- Why Bettinardi believes zero torque tech is here to stay, and what’s coming next

- Making custom putters for Mark Wahlberg, DJ Khaled, and Michael Jordan

- A hilarious story involving Butler National, no menu, and a surprise Thanksgiving dinner in July

You’ll also hear his thoughts on:

- Golf innovation vs tradition

- Building a golf brand that lasts

- Why Cypress Point edges out Pebble Beach (barely)

- Playing with President Trump and Gary Player (and getting nervously roasted on the tee)

This episode is a must-listen for any golf fan, gear nerd, or entrepreneur — filled with history, humor, and a rare look behind the scenes at one of the game’s most beloved brands.

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 in the golf world:

- Callaway sells Top Golf at a $1.5B loss – What it says about the business of golf entertainment

- Good Good finally adds female golfers – And why it matters

- FootJoy’s evolution – From old-school to agile brand, and how they’re staying competitive

Bob also answers listener questions about:

- Teeing up on par threes – Should you? (Yes!)

- Offset in golf clubs – What it is and why most golfers need it

He then shares his Holiday Golf Gift Guide, with personal recommendations at all price points — including gear from TaylorMade, Cobra, Bridgestone, Puma, Pins & Aces, and more. Expect honest takes on what’s worth the money, what’s moving fast, and which brands Maple Hill has gone deep on (think: 40,000+ shoes, 2,000 iron sets, and hundreds of bags).

Finally, Bob runs through Maple Hill’s Black Friday promotions, including:

- Bonus gift cards with every gift card purchase

- Simulator passes, fitting discounts, and exclusive extras

- Prepaid indoor golf packages for winter play

Plus, a sneak peek at next episode’s special guest — Bob Bettinardi of Bettinardi Golf — and a quick Thanksgiving sign-off.

0:00 Podcast Introduction and Apology

1:43 Callaway Golf Sells Top Golf

5:45 Good Good Adds Female Golfers

7:57 Meeting with FootJoy Executives

9:40 Should You Tee Up on Par Threes?

11:32 Upcoming Bob Bettinardi Interview

15:31 Holiday Gift Guide

19:12 Why Do Golf Manufacturers Make So Much Offset?

24:12 Maple Hill Black Friday Deals

29:28 Thanksgiving Sign-Off

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