Advertise on podcast: Course Café

I caught up with Stephen Malbon at a moment when the brand was moving fast but one decision stood out above the rest. Malbon signing Fred Couples. Not a new shiny name. Not a trend play. A legend whose presence reshapes the conversation without raising his voice. In this episode, Stephen walks me through how the relationship actually started. We talk about why Fred was hesitant at first, how Malbon’s deeper product catalog changed that, and what it means to welcome one of golf’s most effortless icons into a brand often labeled as disruptive or polarizing.

On today’s episode, we step inside the Sugarloaf Social Club with Ian Gilley, the creative engine behind one of golf’s most beloved brands. We explore how Sugarloaf draws inspiration from old Getty photos, '90s silhouettes, vintage major merchandise, and quirky eBay finds to create a modern aesthetic that feels familiar yet new.Ian breaks down the hunt for archival references, the mad-science process of turning nostalgia into a functional product, and how Sugarloaf balances vintage energy with performance fabrics that actually work on the course today. If you’re into golf style, brand building, or anything that blends old-school references with modern taste, welcome to the club.

In this episode, Raymond sat down with Tony Knapton from Radry, an artist, designer, and creative whose work lives somewhere between golf, pop culture, and nostalgia. They talk about how his Midwestern roots and background in graphic design shaped the brand, the balance between art and entrepreneurship, and why the ‘90s continue to inspire a new generation of golfers and creators. Tony opens up about the story behind White Dot Market, the evolution of Radry, and how he’s finding new ways to reimagine pop culture moments through the lens of golf.

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Engle, founder of Nation Golf, a brand rooted in tradition, authenticity, and the kind of style that never goes out of fashion. We talk about the Nation Desert Classic, the annual gathering in Indian Wells that started it all, and how the spirit of Ryan’s grandfather’s scrambles in the 1970s became the blueprint for Nation’s identity today. From surfboard shaping in Dana Point to crafting period-correct polos in California, Ryan shares how Nation Golf became a living time capsule

In this episode of Course Café, we sit down with Cáje Moye, Senior Creative Director for apparel and accessories at Sun Day Red, the brand redefining what premium golf apparel looks and feels like. Cáje takes us inside the design process, Tiger’s direct influence on product development, and what it’s really like building one of the most fascinating brands in golf over the last two years. From early samples to the rebirth of Tiger’s 1992 polo, we unpack how Sun Day Red balances nostalgia, innovation, and performance at the highest level.

This week on Course Café, Raymond sits down with Mike Belgue, Brand Director at Reigning Champ, to talk about what makes a brand truly timeless. From the foundation of quality and craftsmanship to the evolution of visual identity and storytelling, Mike shares how Reigning Champ continues to move through sport with purpose, balancing restraint, refinement, and quiet confidence.

This week on Course Café, Raymond sits down with Roger Steele, creator, father, and one of the most influential voices shaping modern golf culture. They discuss balancing fatherhood with a life deeply rooted in the game, exploring how Roger manages to stay grounded amid the chaos, and his evolving vision with Lululemon Golf. The conversation digs into what it means to build something sustainable in this new era of golf, not just for brands, but for people, purpose, and legacy.

In this mini episode, Raymond catches up with Andrew Haynes, VP and Executive Creative Director at Fairgame. The two dive into the creative side of golf — from design philosophies and brand storytelling to what makes certain brands feel so enjoyable and authentic. Andrew also shares what Fairgame has been working on lately, offering a glimpse into how they’re shaping the culture and community around the modern game.

In this episode, Raymond sat down with Robert Brunner, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Devereux, to talk about how the brand has grown up and found its voice. From the early “Proper” days chasing wholesale buyers, to a COVID reset that pushed them into direct-to-consumer, Robert shares the highs, lows, and lessons that shaped Devereux into the vibrant, community-driven brand it is today. We get into design pivots, collaborations, storytelling, and the balance of building a business while raising a family. A candid look at what it really takes to build something that lasts.

Tisha Alyn has lived both sides of the grind, chasing golf scores on tour and chasing views online. In this episode, we talk about the pressure of living online, the wins and heartbreak of starting a brand, and why authenticity still beats the algorithm. Tisha opens up about color, design, and the creative process behind her collections, but also the human side of it all: the late nights, the doubts, the surprises, and the moments that made it all worth it.It’s golf, fashion, media, and entrepreneurship all rolled into one conversation — and it’s very much Tisha’s lane.

Raymond sits down with Matt Kang — a former pro hockey player turned “creative athlete” — to talk about his journey from chasing golf dreams around the world to shaping the culture of the game through style, community, and collaboration. From life inside the ropes to building Sniper Gang meetups and curating projects that sell out instantly, Matt shares how depth matters more than reach, why authenticity always wins, and what it means to create the kind of moments and products that move golf forward.

What does it really take to build a golf shoe that performs under pressure, and why do so few get it right? In this episode, we go one-on-one with Mike Forsey, Co-Founder and President of Payntr Golf, whose 30-year journey in footwear includes work with Nike, patents on industry-defining technologies, and a relentless belief that golf shoes are equipment, not accessories.Mike shares the personal highs and lows of building Payntr from the ground up, the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, and the inside story behind their latest release—the 87 SC, built in partnership with Jason Day. This isn’t just a conversation about design. It’s about sacrifice, obsession, and the belief that every detail matters.

What happens when you buy a legendary golf brand... but all you get is the name? In this episode, I sit down with Matt Lemman of Jones Sports Co. to talk about the quiet grind of rebuilding a legacy—one bag, one story, and one relationship at a time. We get into everything from the early days reverse-engineering vintage designs to building trust with a new generation of golfers.Matt shares what it was like growing a brand during golf’s cultural shift, the impact of Portland’s creative scene, and how staying family-owned has helped Jones stay grounded—even as the brand expands globally. We also dig into the Jones Vintage Shop, their approach to product storytelling, and what’s next for a brand that’s part heritage, part forward-thinking. Whether you’re into golf, design, or just love a good comeback story—this one’s for you.

In this episode, Raymond sits down with Chris Knott—Chief Merchandising Officer at johnnie-O and founder of Peter Millar—for an honest, in-depth conversation on what it really takes to build lasting brands in menswear. From folding shirts at 14 in a small North Carolina retail shop to leading some of the most recognizable names in American fashion, Chris shares what he’s learned about understanding customers, designing with purpose, and staying adaptable in a fast-changing market. They dive into the growth of johnnie-O, the importance of fit and fabric, the influence of global trends, and how heritage can be reimagined for today’s consumer. This one is full of gems—for creatives, builders, and anyone trying to figure out what lasting value looks like in a saturated world.

In this episode of Course Café, Raymond sits down with Neil Tan, founder of Public Drip—a brand built for the everyday athlete and rooted in the rhythm of New York City. They dive into how Public Drip came to life during the pandemic, the emotional weight behind thoughtful design, and why Neil’s latest Spring/Summer collection is his strongest yet. From the grind of sampling to the philosophy behind the Anywhere pleated pant, this conversation unpacks what it means to build for community, stay present in the process, and design clothing that’s meant to last—not just in closets, but in culture.