Rick Poling, CCM, CCE, The Lighthouse Hospitality Group | Episode No. 503
The Wednesday Match Play Podcast powered by Heritage Creations USA
Release Date: 04/08/2026
The Wednesday Match Play Podcast powered by Heritage Creations USA
GolfbyKids is a youth golf initiative founded by Robert Brown to make golf more accessible and affordable for children. It focuses on dedicated youth golf facilities and frequent competitions that help young players develop skills through regular play. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast, powered by Heritage Creations USA, Robert shares the journey behind GolfbyKids, from his early days playing tennis to the inspiration that led him to create a program dedicated to making golf more accessible for young people. He discusses where the idea came from, the mission of GolfbyKids,...
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Delarman is a technology services company focused on helping businesses improve operations through managed IT solutions, consulting, and technology support. With more than 30 years of experience, the company serves as a full-service technology partner specializing in computer and technology services for the golf and hospitality industries. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast, powered by Heritage Creations USA, Safa shares an overview of Delarman, the story behind a painting hanging behind him, his team, growth plans, and the company’s partnership with The Golden State Chapter...
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GPS Business Insider is a digital business news publication focused exclusively on the Greater Palm Springs and Coachella Valley region. It covers local business, economic development, commercial real estate, tourism, government, nonprofits, healthcare, and public policy. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast powered by Heritage Creations USA, Bob reflects on his time in the Coachella Valley, discusses his work with golf legend Billy Casper, and explains how the idea for GPS Business Insider came to life. He shares why he chose to focus on the Greater Palm Springs area, where his...
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Saddleback Golf Club is a public 18-hole golf course located in Firestone, Colorado, about 30 miles north of Denver. It's known for being an affordable, player-friendly course with a fun personality and a relaxed atmosphere. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast powered by Heritage Creations USA, Whitey introduces us to Saddleback Golf Club and shares what makes this unique facility stand out. He discusses the club's use of autonomous mowers, robotic range ball pickers, and his connection to the NGCOA. We also dive into the club's feature in Golf Digest, water conservation...
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East Sands Golf Co. is a boutique golf travel company that specializes in custom golf trips, hosted group experiences, and golf tourism, with a particular focus on Scotland, Ireland, and other world-class golf destinations. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast powered by Heritage Creations USA, Haley and Nick share their connection to Colby Johansson, explain the story behind their company's name, and provide an overview of how they create custom golf travel experiences. They discuss just how personalized their trips can be, highlight some of the world's most popular golf...
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Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort is a private, gated island resort located on Fripp Island, a barrier island off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina, about halfway between Charleston and Savannah. It is known for its relaxed Lowcountry atmosphere, pristine beaches, championship golf, and abundant wildlife. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast powered by Heritage Creations USA, John shares his journey to Fripp Island, previews the summer season, and highlights the many amenities available to members and guests. He discusses the island's 3.5 miles of beach access, explains...
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Proágo Branding Dept. is a Southern California-based brand infrastructure studio that helps organizations build and maintain a consistent brand across every customer touchpoint through strategy, standards, environmental branding, and ongoing brand management. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast powered by Heritage Creations USA, Carlos provides an overview of Proágo, explains how the company got started, and shares the services it offers. He discusses the process of designing a club calendar, standing out in a competitive marketplace, and the role that fonts and color...
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Heritage Creations USA specializes in custom awards, trophies, plaques, recognition pieces, tee gifts, and branded merchandise, primarily serving golf courses, country clubs, tournaments, and pro shops. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast, brought to you by Eden Mill St Andrews, Andy talks about navigating natural disasters, his time at Heritage, and his connection with the PGA of America. We explore their target customer, the importance of customization, and how clubs can create exceptional clubhouse experiences. Andy also shares insights on large touchscreen technology, the...
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Play Golf Calgary is a golf management and booking platform that operates several public golf courses in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It allows golfers to book tee times across multiple courses from one website or app. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast, brought to you by Eden Mill St Andrews, Slade shares his journey to Play Golf Calgary, the lessons he learned from golf professionals like Ken Frame and Steve Moe, and an overview of the PGM program. He also discusses balancing operations across multiple facilities and provides a detailed look at Play Golf Calgary and...
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The National Golf Course Owners Association is a trade association founded in 1976 that represents golf course owners, operators, and industry professionals across the United States. Its mission is to support successful and sustainable golf operations through advocacy, education, networking, and business resources. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast, brought to you by Eden Mill St Andrews, Jay reflects on his time with the NGCOA, earning his Certified Association Executive designation, and the many initiatives shaping the future of the golf industry. He dives into the Golf...
info_outlineThe Lighthouse Hospitality Group is a consulting and coaching firm that helps hospitality and private club leaders improve team performance, strengthen culture, and deliver exceptional guest and member experiences through leadership development and strategic guidance.
On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast, brought to you by Eden Mill St Andrews, Rick details his journey to where he is today, along with an overview of The Lighthouse Hospitality Group and the services they offer. He shared insights on opportunities for mid-level managers, walked through his approach to 10-year life planning and goal achievement, and reflected on his path to earning both the CCM and CCE designations. We also explored the Private Club Flight Plan and took a deep dive into "unreasonable hospitality," including the impactful work Will Guidara is doing. This was a thought provoking conversation and an honor having Rick on the show. Let's tee off.