The Golfing CEO
The Golfing CEO Dreams, Drive, and a Dose of Delusion What happens when elite ambition meets the pursuit of the perfect swing? The Golfing CEO is a podcast about the relentless, often irrational drive required to lead in business—and golf. Hosted by Strivr CEO and U.S. Open hopeful Derek Belch, each episode features conversations with world-class leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs who share a love for the game and a mindset built around bold goals, personal growth, and embracing the grind. From Fortune 500 boardrooms to fairways, guests open up about: The lessons golf has taught them about leadership The setbacks that nearly broke them—and the shots that brought them back What it takes to dream big, stay driven, and push past delusion Whether you’re building a business, chasing a personal milestone, or just love a good underdog story, The Golfing CEO offers a refreshing, unfiltered look at the mentality behind greatness—on and off the course. Follow our journey and never miss an episode—wherever you get your podcasts.
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The Golfing CEO
Dreams, Drive, and a Dose of Delusion
What happens when elite ambition meets the pursuit of the perfect swing?
The Golfing CEO is a podcast about the relentless, often irrational drive required to lead in business—and golf. Hosted by Strivr CEO and U.S. Open hopeful Derek Belch, each episode features conversations with world-class leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs who share a love for the game and a mindset built around bold goals, personal growth, and embracing the grind.
From Fortune 500 boardrooms to fairways, guests open up about:
The lessons golf has taught them about leadership
The setbacks that nearly broke them—and the shots that brought them back
What it takes to dream big, stay driven, and push past delusion
Whether you’re building a business, chasing a personal milestone, or just love a good underdog story, The Golfing CEO offers a refreshing, unfiltered look at the mentality behind greatness—on and off the course.
Follow our journey and never miss an episode—wherever you get your podcasts.
Recent Episodes
11
Sept. 23, 2026
S2E11: All Access…To the Best Golf in the World (feat. Ryan Gano)
Another chance encounter on a golf course leads Derek to today’s guest, Ryan Gano, founder and CEO of All Access Golf Travel and Events. Ryan’s company is one of the largest and most successful licensed golf travel operators in the world, making for a fun and spirited discussion between two huge golf nerds. Learn why the CEO of a golf travel company has only been playing the game for 12 years, why the best golf experiences across Great Britain and Ireland aren’t always where you might think, and
10
Sept. 9, 2026
S2E10: Childhood Friends, Grown-Up Goals (feat. Craig Kessler)
What happens when two childhood friends sit down to talk about growing up together, where their careers have taken them, what they’ve learned about leadership, and the game they’ve loved along the way? Tune in this week to find out, as Derek is joined by long-time friend and current LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler. Hear about the unique way that Derek and Craig met as teenagers, how Craig is reshaping the LPGA around a bold vision for growth, and why his mom’s minivan had over 150,000 miles on
9
Aug. 26, 2026
S2EP9: Qualifying – Part 3 – The Mid-Am (feat. Dad)
In the triad of the USGA’s biggest events every year, the Mid-Amateur is, in theory, the “easiest” to qualify for, thanks to its age restriction of 25 or older. But not so fast. Even mid-amateurs can play some damn good golf. Join Derek and his dad, Joe, as they recap Derek’s final qualifier of the summer, both before and after the round from the car, as well as on-course audio captured during some of the key moments. It was an action-packed day that neither of them will soon forget. Enjoying
8
Aug. 12, 2026
S2E8: From a Broken Down Van to the Gold Standard of Junior Golf (feat. Stephen Hamblin)
When American Junior Golf Association Executive Director Stephen Hamblin stepped into the role 42 years ago, the AJGA had a broken-down van, a dozen annual events, five full-time employees, and an operating budget of just $200,000. Today, the AJGA has grown by 10x to 100x in nearly every measurable category… and all under Hamblin’s leadership. Join Derek and Stephen for a fun and memorable conversation about the past, present, and future of junior golf, and discover why the junior golf movement
7
July 29, 2026
S2E7: Qualifying – Part 2 – “US Am” Here We Come? (feat. Ray Day)
Episode 7 of The Golfing CEO finds Derek on the precipice of one of the biggest achievements in any amateur golfer’s season, maybe even over an entire amateur career in golf… qualifying for the United States Amateur Championship. Join Derek and his caddie, Ray Day, as they recap the action from Dallas National Golf Club, where Derek is only 18 holes away from Merion Golf Club, and everything that comes with playing in America’s oldest organized golf tournament. Enjoying the show? Be sure to fol
6
July 15, 2026
S2E6: Golf On and Off the Big Screen (feat. Ed Burns)
Episode 6 of The Golfing CEO features one of our most recognizable guests yet: acclaimed writer, director, producer, and actor Ed Burns, whose latest independent film, Finnegan's Foursome, brings the game of golf to the big screen. Join Derek and Ed as they discuss the inspiration behind the film, Ed's life and career on and off the course, and why golf has a way of bringing together family, friendships, and unforgettable stories. Enjoying the show? Be sure to follow and leave us a review if yo