⛳️ Billion-Dollar Misfires. Rookie Wins. Oakmont Chaos.

August 28, 2005 — A 15-year-old Michelle Wie beats 3 major champions in one round at the Wendy’s Championship, finishing T23.

Topgolf Callaway is down ~60% in market value since their flashy merger.

The leading golf equipment company bet big with the social-first, tech-driven range experience.

So what went wrong?

1) Same-venue sales slump
Topgolf saw same-location revenue drop 8% in 2024. They’re leaning heavily on opening new venues to keep the top line growing—a capital-intensive play.

2) Apparel and gear decline
The Active Lifestyle segment (TravisMathew, Jack Wolfskin, Ogio, etc.) generated over $1 billion in sales, but that’s down 8% year-over-year. Apparel dropped 5%, gear/accessories fell 12% and profits slid 30%.

3) Equipment holds firm—yet competitive
Callaway’s equipment business posted $1 billion in club sales—a flat performance—while its golf ball division hit $321 million, marking a record-high 20.6% market share. Titleist (Acushnet) surged ahead, with $721 million in club sales (+10%) and $786 million in ball sales (+4%).

But here’s the truth:
Callaway isn’t out—they’re refocusing.

They’ve announced plans to spin off Topgolf and already sold Jack Wolfskin and WGT gaming. Their Q1 2025 results beat expectations topping forecasts. Equipment sales were resilient at $444 million, with a 24% operating income jump. Topgolf itself posted a $12 million operating loss, with same-venue sales down 7%.

The real risk?
Thinking entertainment and golf gear are the same business.

Topgolf delivered entertainment, not engagement.

This merger serves as a stark reminder:
Bold diversification can backfire if it dilutes focus.

Callaway’s takeaway? Stick to what they do best, swing-shaping equipment and precision.

Will the spin-off restore investor faith? Time and earnings will tell.

Watching the best in the world can be inspiring — and occasionally demoralising. It’s easy to forget: even the pros are human.

If you’ve been beating yourself up over a missed fairway or a failed up-and-down, it’s time for a reality check. Here’s how the world’s best performed in 2024 and why you might be holding yourself to impossible standards:

These are the top players on the planet — armed with custom gear, data teams, physios and swing coaches. 1 in 3 greens are missed on average and make less than 4 birdies per round.

So if you’re holding yourself to Tour-level standards, reset your expectations. Golf's hard — even for the guys on TV.

West Sussex Golf Club stands out as one of England's finest heathland courses, combining strategic golf with stunning natural surroundings. Located near Pulborough on a sandy outcrop, this distinguished club has earned recognition among the world's premier golf destinations.

Founded in 1930 by Commander G.W. Hillyard, the course was designed by Links and Courses, with Sir Guy Campbell, Major C.K. Hutchison, and Colonel S.V. Hotchkin leading the project. Their collaborative effort produced what many consider "one of the most sound sets of eighteen that has ever been assembled”.

The course philosophy prioritises intelligent play over raw power. Bunkers are positioned along optimal playing lines, rewarding calculated risks with better approaches to the greens. This creates an engaging strategic challenge that requires thoughtful course management rather than simple distance.

West Sussex features an unusual layout that sets it apart from conventional designs. The course includes just one par-five and packs three par-threes into four consecutive holes on the front nine. The sixth hole exemplifies this creative approach – originally planned as a short par-four, it was redesigned as a demanding par-three with a pond guarding the green and the entire water area marked out-of-bounds.

The heathland environment provides both beauty and challenge. Oak, birch, and pine trees frame the holes while native heather adds strategic complexity. Firm, fast conditions and rolling terrain ensure varied playing experiences throughout the seasons.

Modern amenities complement the traditional design. West Sussex offers comprehensive practice facilities including a driving range, putting green, and short game area with bunkers – features uncommon among courses of this era. This commitment to quality extends throughout the club's operations.

Golf course experts consistently praise West Sussex, describing it as "one of our favourite inland courses.” The course demonstrates that exceptional golf doesn't require extreme length but rather thoughtful design that works harmoniously with natural terrain.

For golfers seeking an authentic heathland experience, West Sussex Golf Club delivers strategic interest, natural beauty, and professional hospitality. It represents the best of traditional golf course architecture while meeting contemporary expectations for service and facilities.

By Drew Hinesley, B9B Resident Caddie

What makes Oakmont hard?

Simple answer: everything.

But let’s go deeper — through the eyes of a caddie walking it in major week.

It starts with reputation. Players haven’t faced a U.S. Open here in nine years. The last U.S. Amateur? Four. Everyone remembers it was brutal then — and somehow, it’s been tweaked to be tougher.

You arrive on site, step onto the first or 10th tee… and the intimidation is instant. You can see nearly the entire course from one spot. There’s nowhere to hide. No trees. Just wind whipping across the open layout, baking the greens and growing thick, dark rough that grabs and twists any club that dares enter.

Find the fairway? Great. Now plot your way to segmented greens baked hard as ceramic. Overshoot by a yard and you're in a brutal bunker or ankle-deep rough. Even if you hit the green, you’re not safe — proximity is everything. You’d rather miss short-side than face an 80-foot double-breaker.

The greens are set to run north of 14 on the Stimpmeter — which, fun fact, was invented after Oakmont hosted a U.S. Open in the 1930s. That should tell you everything. Uphill putts are a luxury, but chasing them means courting danger.

But the real silent killers? The dry ditches — not talked about nearly enough. They’re tucked into fairways like traps. The first is left of 2, the last hugs the 18th. A pitch-out gone wrong, a bad bounce, or just adrenaline? Suddenly you’re staring down a guaranteed big number. Miss once, and players might try to play out. Miss again, and the only option is to admit defeat and take an unplayable.

Overlay all that with major pressure, life-changing money and the weight of history? That’s when tempers fray. Caddies tread lightly. One wrong read — or one too many “calm downs” — could light the fuse.

On Sunday, there’ll be two winners.
Oakmont.
And the poor soul who survives it.

Because no one beats Oakmont.
They just endure it.

We recently sat down with rising star Mimi Rhodes—whose journey is one of resilience, humility and mindset mastery that every aspiring golfer (or high performer) can learn from.

In her rookie season on tour, Rhodes has already etched her name on three trophies—an achievement that speaks not just to her talent, but to her temperament. From missed cuts to back-to-back victories, her story is a blueprint for navigating the highs and lows of elite performance.

1. Reset Quickly, Then Go All In

After missing a cut in Australia, Mimi didn’t spiral. Instead, she made a tiny swing adjustment with her coach and let go of expectations. “I honestly thought: I’ve got nothing to lose. Let’s go all in.” One week later? Winner’s circle.

📈 Lesson for professionals: When a pitch fails or a quarter under delivers, reset fast. Minor tweaks can yield major results — if you're mentally freed from fear.

2. Pressure Is a Privilege

On 17 at the Joburg Open, with a win hanging in the balance, Mimi visualised and executed a pressure chip to save her lead. “I’ve practiced my weaknesses so I can trust them under pressure.”

📈 Lesson: When the stakes are high — the pitch, the client, the boardroom — lean into the reps you've done. Preparation is confidence under fire.

3. Don’t Rush the Win

“I used to want to win so badly that I’d push too hard,” she admits. Today, she’s learned to stay present, even when leading. “When you stop forcing the outcome, the results come.”

📈 Lesson: Chase process over prize. The most poised professionals know how to perform in the moment, not just for the moment.

4. Document Your Journey

Mimi writes things down — good rounds, bad ones, what she felt under stress. It’s her way of learning from every phase and returning to proven mindsets when pressure mounts.

📈 Lesson: Reflection fuels resilience. If you’re not documenting your highs, lows, and learnings, you’re leaving growth on the table.

5. Breathe Like It’s Part of the Job

Before key shots, Mimi slows everything down with one technique: Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 5, exhale for 5. It’s a simple yet powerful routine she uses to reset, refocus, and reclaim control of the moment.

📈 Lesson: Breath is your built-in performance enhancer. Before a negotiation, keynote, or big ask — use it like Mimi does. It’s your fastest shortcut back to clarity.

6. Play to Win, Not Just to Survive

At LPGA Q School, Mimi was told to “just shoot one-under and make the cut.” She ignored that advice. “I played to win—and that shift in mindset made the difference.”

📈 Lesson: Stop playing it safe. Whether you’re applying for a role, pitching for funding, or stepping into a new market—play to lead, not just to survive.

Whether you’re chasing wins in golf or quarterly goals in business, Mimi’s approach reminds us: consistency beats chaos, mindset beats talent, and support beats solitude.

So next time you’re standing over a high-pressure moment — think like Mimi, breathe in for 5, hold for 5, out for 5… and swing with intention.

Listen to Mimi on the Ladies European Tour’s podcast

Refurbished golf balls — often sold as “reloads” — might seem like a smart way to save money. After all, who wouldn’t want a dozen Pro V1s at half the price? But here’s the truth: they’re not the same ball and the difference shows.

Why the drop-off?

The refurbishment process often involves repainting scuffed or damaged balls — sometimes even mixing brands beneath false logos. The result is a ball that may look clean but is heavier, firmer, and aerodynamically compromised. Compression fades with age and surface integrity is crucial for performance — especially off the tee.

If you’re looking to save, there are better options. Consider mint-grade used balls from LostGolfBalls.com or brands like Vice or Snell that offer quality without breaking the bank.

The bottom line? If you care about your game, avoid refurbished balls. They’re not just cheaper — they’re fundamentally different.

For more on this, watch here!

By Miles Taylor, PGA Professional at Liphook Golf Club

One of the keys to hitting solid iron shots is making ball-first contact, then striking the turf. This clean strike compresses the ball on the sweet spot—but as anyone who’s chunked or thinned a shot knows, it’s easier said than done.

Here’s how to fix fat and thin shots with one simple drill:

✅ How to set it up:

🏌️ Why it works:

🛠️ Tips for better results:

Oakmont Country Club returns for its record 10th U.S. Open, widely regarded as one of the toughest tests in golf. Expect fast greens, deep bunkers, and narrow fairways demanding absolute precision.

📆 Date: June 12–15, 2025
📍 Location: Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA
⛳ Par / Yardage: Par 70 / 7,372 yards
🏆 Defending Champion: Bryson DeChambeau
💰 Prize Pot 2024: US $21.5 million
💸 Winner’s Share: US $4.3 million

📈 Notable Hole Highlights

📺 Thursday Feature Groups Schedule:

🕛 12:18 PM – Ludvig Åberg, Adam Scott, Hideki Matsuyama
🕛 12:29 PM – Xander Schauffele, Jose Luis Ballester, Bryson DeChambeau
🕛 12:40 PM – Matt Fitzpatrick, Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland (1)
🕛 12:40 PM – Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy (10)

🎯 Winning Odds (via Bet365):

📖 Read: “Links From The Road” - a captivating collection of short stories and stunning golf photography from 100+ courses across the U.S., offering a rare, soul-stirring glimpse into the game’s most scenic and storied landscapes.

🎥 Watch: Highlights From Round Four of RBC Canadian - watch Ryan Fox storm through the final round to capture his third PGA Tour win.

🎧 Listen: “Women’s US Open Recap” - Listen to Drew Hinesley, our Resident Caddie, sit down with Jeff Brighton to uncover what it’s really like guiding Maja Stark to a U.S Women’s Open victory.

📊 Trending Stat: Research from CIO Magazine revealed that 71% of professionals said golf helped establish a partnership, 24% closed a deal on the course and 16% credited a promotion to time spent playing golf.

🏆 1 Referral → Unlock Back Nine Brief’s Corporate Golf Guide
🏆 5 Referrals → Prize draw to win our Partner’s merchandise
🏆 10 Referrals → Invite-only Back Nine Brief event

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