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The Hill Unscripted

The Hill Unscripted

By: The Hill Unscripted
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Welcome to The Hill Unscripted — the official podcast of Maple Hill Golf, where no topic in the golf world is off-limits. Hosted by Maple Hill Golf owner Bob Kitchen, this unfiltered series sets the record straight on everything you need to know as a valued customer and passionate golfer. From deep dives into industry trends to behind-the-scenes stories from the shop, Bob brings you honest insights and expert takes you won’t hear anywhere else. Along the way, you'll hear from a lineup of special guests — including employees, family members, golf insiders, and more — offering their unique persThe Hill Unscripted Golf
Episodes
  • Fleetwood’s Breakthrough, LIV vs PGA, & Running a Family Business
    Aug 29 2025

    Episode 10 — In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen welcomes his brother and fellow Maple Hill Golf co-owner Andy Kitchen for a fast-paced, insightful, and entertaining conversation about all things golf — from Tour drama to underrated gear, business ownership, and more.

    The brothers kick things off by celebrating Tommy Fleetwood’s first PGA Tour win, a $10 million victory at the Tour Championship, and reflect on the emotional payoff of sticking with the grind.

    Andy shares his firsthand experience at a LIV Golf event in Michigan, offering an inside look at what sets LIV apart — from music on the course and shotgun starts to fan-friendly activities and a younger, more casual crowd.

    They also get into:

    • Overrated vs. underrated golf gear – Why rangefinders might be unnecessary for the average golfer, and why 8-irons, 9-irons, and pitching wedges deserve more love

    • Golf rules they’d change – Including relief from divots in fairways and softening the stroke-and-distance penalty for out-of-bounds shots

    • Memorable rounds they’ve played together at courses like Streamsong, American Dunes, and Baltusrol

    • The ups and downs of running a business as brothers, and how their different personalities complement each other in leading Maple Hill Golf

    Plus, Bob answers a customer mailbag question about cracked drivers and shares budget-friendly driver recommendations, including options from Wilson, PowerBilt, Cobra, and more.

    The episode wraps with current Maple Hill promotions, including:

    • Customer Appreciation Sale (through September 2nd)

    • Fitting Promo with freebies (through August 31st)

    • A preview of the biggest fall deals rolling out from September through November

    If you love golf, family-run business stories, and a little gear talk with heart and humor — this episode hits all the fairways.

    Want matching thumbnail title ideas too? Happy to send over a few bold ones!


    🎯 Shop THE HILL Official Merch

    Rep the brand and support the movement with official gear!

    🛒 Grab yours now: https://bit.ly/46UAoOh


    Follow us:

    https://www.facebook.com/maplehillgolf/

    https://www.instagram.com/maplehillgolf/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@maplehillgolf.com

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1PySMzGMnuiZbXVjWMlmA

    Website: https://maplehillgolf.com/

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    31 mins
  • Big Bets, Bulk Buys, and Building a Golf Legacy
    Aug 15 2025

    Episode 9 – In this special episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen is joined by his father and Maple Hill Golf co-founder Rich Kitchen for a trip down memory lane — and a deep dive into the smart risks and bold purchases that helped shape the Maple Hill legacy.

    Rich shares the backstories behind some of the company’s most legendary buys, including:

    • 40,000 Wilson clubs they turned into matched sets that funded green redesigns

    • $1.3 million in Odyssey putters stacked outside and sold with major success

    • 10,000 Tiger Woods headcovers (aka “Frank”) bought for just $1 apiece

    • Killer Bees drivers, Pure Spin wedges, blemished Foot Joy shoes, and more

    From golf shows to bulk golf balls and surprise deals, the Kitchens explain how taking smart chances, understanding value, and delivering deals built customer trust — and long-term success.

    Bob also answers a listener mailbag question about why many golfers are ditching 3 woods for 5 woods. He explains how launch angles, swing speeds, and versatility make the 5 wood a better fit for a growing number of players.

    The episode wraps with Maple Hill updates, including:

    • Ladies Week Sale running through August 21st with discounts on gear and apparel

    • The 17th Annual Pops Invitational fundraiser for Alzheimer’s, happening August 21st and 23rd, honoring Rich’s father and Maple Hill’s roots

    This episode is packed with stories, insights, and history from a family business that continues to shape the game — one great deal at a time.


    🎯 Shop THE HILL Official Merch
    Rep the brand and support the movement with official gear!🛒 Grab yours now: https://bit.ly/46UAoOh


    Follow us:

    https://www.facebook.com/maplehillgolf/

    https://www.instagram.com/maplehillgolf/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@maplehillgolf.com

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1PySMzGMnuiZbXVjWMlmA

    Website: https://maplehillgolf.com/

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Putter Fittings, Brand Myths, Mini Drivers, and POPS Charity Event
    Aug 1 2025

    Season 1 / Episode 8 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen, co-owner of Maple Hill Golf, welcomes longtime head fitter Richard Phillips for an in-depth conversation about golf gear, fitting, and the business of the game.

    Bob and Richard kick things off by recapping the surprising finish at the Scottish Open, where Chris Gotterup beat Rory McIlroy, reinforcing Bob’s favorite theme: golf is hard.

    Then the discussion shifts to putter fittings, including a fun story about Bob’s 74-year-old mother Nancy’s fitting session using the Quintic Ball Roll system. Richard explains how tendencies, misses, and even putter acoustics play a huge role in choosing the right flat stick.

    The pair dive into brand perception in golf equipment, highlighting how top-quality products from brands like Cobra and Wilson are often overlooked simply due to consumer bias. They also discuss why feel and sound can make or break a player’s confidence with new clubs.

    Next up, Bob and Richard explore golf shaft technology and fitting best practices — including how flex, weight, and length affect performance, why online “miracle shaft” claims should be met with skepticism, and why maintaining a fresh swing is key before getting fitted.

    They also answer a listener question about mini drivers, explaining how these “three woods on steroids” can offer more forgiveness and consistent contact for many golfers compared to today’s longer drivers.

    Finally, Bob announces the 17th Annual POPS Charity Golf Event, honoring his grandfather and raising funds for Alzheimer’s research. The four-person scramble tees off on Thursday, August 21st, with prizes, contests, and giveaways for a great cause.

    Whether you’re curious about improving your gear, understanding brand myths, or supporting a meaningful charity event, this episode has it all.

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    26 mins
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