Episode 161: 30 Years of Flagstick "Looking Back"

About this episode

In this episode, Scott interviews Jeff about the history and evolution of Flagstick as it approaches its 30th anniversary.

As Flagstick approaches its official 30th Anniversary this May, we look back to where it all began—30 years ago at the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo, when Jeff first revealed plans for a regional golf publication that didn’t yet exist. In this special episode, Scott interviews Jeff about the leap from working in media to launching his own magazine, the risks of exhibiting without a product, and why Flagstick chose a regional focus that would eventually make it one of Canada’s longest-standing golf media companies. Jeff reflects on the early challenges of print publishing, learning new skills out of necessity, building relationships across the region, and navigating the shift from seasonal print to digital media. On the Back Nine, the conversation explores Flagstick’s expansion into tournaments, partnerships with PGA of Ottawa, Ottawa Valley Golf Association, and Golf Ontario, and its evolution into digital publishing, consulting, photography, newsletters, and podcasting. From surviving the pandemic to earning industry recognition and Hall of Fame honours, this episode reflects on how golf—and Flagstick—have changed from 1996 to 2026, and why the passion for the game remains as strong…

People in this episode

Host: Scott

Guest: Jeff

Topics covered

• Flagstick history
• golf media
• print to digital transition
• regional focus
• industry recognition
• tournament partnerships

Keywords

• Flagstick
• golf publication
• media transition
• Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo
• digital publishing
• tournaments
• PGA partnerships
• industry recognition

Sponsors

GolfPEI, Metcalfe Golf, Falcon Ridge Golf Club

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Flagstick, PGA of Ottawa, Ottawa Valley Golf Association, Golf Ontario

Books & works: Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos

More episodes of Flagstick Podcast

• Episode 174: Flagstick Academy Returns, RBC Canadian Open Week · June 11, 2026 · 1h 9m
• Episode 173: Ghost Courses, U.S. Women’s Open, and a Noodle to the Noodle · June 4, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Episode 172: 2027 Flagstick Golf Magazine Back In Print, LPGA Returns To National Capital & Endless Summer Interview · May 29, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Episode 171: Flagstick Open / PGA Championship & The Magazine Re-Launch · May 22, 2026 · 1h 4m
• Episode 170: Golf Course Etiquette - Where Did It Go? · May 7, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Episode 169: Opening & Closing Golf Holes - Their Impact · April 29, 2026 · 1h 12m