F
rom the course to the shop, PGA of America Golf Professionals are always looking for new perspectives or ideas that can improve their businesses and their lives. That search for innovative content includes books, podcasts, YouTube videos and a number of other avenues where experts share their thoughts.
PGA Magazine asked a number of PGA of America Professionals and golf industry experts what books and podcasts they’ve enjoyed, and why they’d recommend them to their peers.
by Brad Stulberg
If you’ve spent much time on social media, you’ve undoubtedly come across “life hacks” for shortcutting toward mastery of a subject. This book is a step in the opposite direction: How to pursue excellence through focus, challenge and consistency. The approach suggested by the author combines the latest research with a common sense approach to improvement, which is information you can use to further yourself and your career, or to help your staff or students make progress toward their goals – or both.
with Ryan Hawk
PGA of America Golf Professionals pride themselves on curiosity and lifelong learning, and this weekly podcast follows the same path. The host interviews business leaders, researchers, athletes and subject experts about their educational journeys and the advice they would give others about acquiring knowledge and putting it to use. Recent guests have included Angie Hicks, the co-founder of Angie’s List, and David Adelman, co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers.
by Phil Barden
If you’re heading to the PGA Show this month, no doubt you’re trying to get a handle on what golfers want to buy this year. This book could be valuable research, as it sets out to help retailers understand the whys behind the buys. The author’s “jobs to be done” approach is based on neuroscience studies and field research, showing how science and marketing can come together to explain how consumers decide what to purchase, as well as how to put that knowledge to use.
by Ben Horowitz
Creating a culture in your business is key for business – as the saying goes, if you don’t create one, the market will do it for you. This book is geared toward using historical lessons and studies of some of today’s strongest businesses to show how leadership and culture can help you establish a culture for your facility or your own brand. The author provides questions businesspeople can ask themselves to make sure they are creating a sustainable culture that meshes with what you believe and how you conduct yourself.