In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success: An AGM Podcast, Justine Cook welcomes Debbie Shatzer, Territory and Strategic Sales Manager with Mint Green, the U.S. distributor of Nike Golf. With nearly 35 years of AGM involvement and 28 years as Merchandise Manager at Hallbrook Country Club, Debbie shares insights from both sides of the golf retail industry. She discusses the importance of buyer-vendor relationships, how to make the most of buying meetings, evolving retail trends, and strategies for building successful partnerships between retailers and brands.

In this episode, Kevin Liddle, Head of Retail at St Andrews Links, shares insights into leading retail at one of golf’s most iconic destinations. He discusses serving a global customer base, balancing tradition with innovation, and creating a retail experience through storytelling and exclusive merchandise. Kevin also explores sustainability, team training, exceptional customer service, and the importance of blending merchandising with hospitality.

In this conversation, we welcome Christa Abbott, AGM South Central Regional Director and Merchandise Manager at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond, Oklahoma. Christa shares her journey from shop attendant to leading a multi-faceted retail operation, along with insights on evolving member expectations, balancing creativity with operations, and building meaningful industry relationships. She also reflects on the value of the AGM community and offers encouragement for those looking to get more involved.

Join us as we welcome Alecia Lane, Director of Retail at Quail West Golf & Country Club and AGM Secretary/Treasurer, for a conversation about creating exceptional member experiences through innovation, relationships, and retail. Alecia shares how Quail West stays ahead of trends, curates products that extend beyond golf, and uses creative events and merchandising to keep members engaged. She also previews her Relationship Building seminar for AGM’s Certified Retail Manager (CRM) program and discusses the importance of meaningful connections in retail success.

Steve Risler, Senior Manager of Golf Retail at Whistling Straits and the 2026 AGM Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category recipient, shares how a “prestige-first” philosophy shapes one of golf’s premier destination retail experiences. From curated assortments and limited-edition products to strong vendor partnerships and memorable guest experiences, Steve offers insight into balancing exclusivity, profitability, and the demands of high-volume resort retail.

Hear from Katie Wiedmar, National Sales Manager for Green Grass Sales at johnnie-O and 2023 PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category. Katie shares lessons from her time at Winged Foot Golf Club and her transition to the vendor side, discussing customer-focused merchandising, event preparation, strong brand partnerships, and current apparel trends.

Tracy Moffatt, owner of K&K Consulting and a two-time AGM Educator of the Year, shares insights from her decades-long career in golf retail. She discusses the importance of education, retail math, merchandising strategies, and professional development, while offering practical advice for today’s golf retail professionals.

Jared Henzlik, PGA, Director of Retail at Big Cedar Lodge and the 2026 PGA of America Resort Merchandiser of the Year, shares insights on building strong vendor relationships, evaluating new brands, leading retail operations, and creating productive partnerships. He also offers advice for professionals looking to grow their careers in golf retail.

Justine Cook talks with Jennifer Roddy, AGM Vice President and Merchandise Manager at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa. Jennifer reflects on her 30-year career in golf retail, sharing insights on industry changes, the value of involvement, and opportunities for today’s merchandisers and retail leaders.

Hear from AGM founding members Jackie Jacquemoud and Brett Moore Graham as they reflect on launching the Association of Golf Merchandisers more than 35 years ago. They share the vision behind the AGM, memories from its early days, how the industry has evolved, and the legacy they hope today’s merchandisers will carry forward.

Join us for a live episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, recorded at the AGM Northeast Regional Event at Baltusrol Golf Club. Justine Cook talks with Susan Shade of Tharanco Lifestyles and Jake Lecky of Hudson Sutler about evolving golf consumer trends, successful vendor-retailer partnerships, and what’s driving sales in today’s golf shops. Gain practical insights to help strengthen vendor relationships and plan for a successful season ahead.

Ryan Austad, President and CEO of Austad’s Golf, shares how growing up in the family business shaped his approach to customer experience and merchandising, what he learned during his years as a management consultant, and how he balances honoring Austad’s legacy with keeping stores fresh and relevant for today’s golfers. We also explore his strategies for building strong team culture, connecting with customers in off-course retail, and thinking with a long-term, generation-to-generation perspective.

Aimee Ganote, Director of Retail at Capital City Club in Atlanta, GA, shares how her people-first mindset and passion for relationships have defined her golf retail career. She shares her shift from sales to merchandising, the impact of strong partnerships, and her leadership in Capital City Club’s Brookhaven renovation, along with the value of collaboration through Atlanta’s ABC Buying Club.

Jodi Gascoigne, a South Florida retail leader whose two-decade career spans premier clubs, shares her journey, the mentors and lessons that shaped her, and the innovative ways she’s leveraging technology—like Golf Genius Golf Shop—and creative member engagement to elevate the retail experience. From Instagram Live “QVC-style” product showcases to planning a brand-new Golf Shop at The Country Club at Mirasol, Jodi offers actionable insights on leadership, collaboration, and energizing your team.

Taylor Ramiz, Golf Shop Manager at Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle, New Jersey, shares her journey from membership to leading a successful pro-owned retail operation, and how her MBA shaped her approach to strategy and storytelling. She highlights her Osprey Club program, visual merchandising and social media approach, and key lessons in leading a thriving shop.

Join us as we welcome Devon Thew, Director of Retail for Kiawah Island Club, who shares how she’s helped shape Kiawah’s multi-location retail program into a dynamic and connected member experience. From mentoring rising merchandisers to launching new retail ventures across golf, fitness, and lifestyle categories, Devon’s story is a testament to adaptability, innovation, and the power of mentorship in retail leadership.

Join us as Ed Winiecki, PGA, Assistant Executive Director of the Southern California PGA Section, shares insights from his distinguished career in golf leadership. A Certified PGA Professional and 14-time award winner, Ed reflects on empowering teams, fostering creativity, and leading with curiosity, collaboration, and mentorship across the golf operation.

In this episode, 2026 AGM Merchandiser of the Year Kathryn Alter (Arrowood GC) shares how she elevates public-course retail through creative promotions, strong leadership, and a seamless “Make a Day of It” guest experience.

Bonnie Hamilton of Washington Golf & CC shares how creativity, collaboration, and a “Be Better Today” mindset shape a standout private-club retail experience.

Ann Cantrell (FIT, Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store) shares how storytelling, trend insight, and “third space” thinking can transform golf retail into a more engaging, community-driven experience.

Michelle Kempe (Escalante Golf) shares her PGA Show buying playbook—how to plan ahead, prioritize vendors and trends, and turn Orlando insights into retail success.

Justine Cook previews the 2026 AGM Retail Conference—sharing what to expect, how to plan your day, and how to make the most of this inspiring Orlando experience.

Benji Boyter (Pinehurst Resort) shares how brand standards, logo strategy, and team development keep a multi-shop retail operation aligned and thriving.

Grace Hurley, PGA Professional and Vice President of Brands and National Events at Catapult, reflects on her career journey from award-winning retail leadership at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club to her current role shaping brand partnerships and national events. She shares her strategies for team development, insights on evolving industry trends, and advice for young professionals aspiring to lead with purpose in golf retail and beyond.

With experience on both the shop floor and the brand side, Andrew Blatnik offers a rare, well-rounded view of golf retail. Now National Sales Manager – Golf at Imperial, he reflects on his path from PGA Assistant Golf Professional to Director of Retail Operations at Oak Hill Country Club. Andrew shares career advice for merchandisers, insights into the changing vendor–club relationship, and a look at how brand leaders are preparing for the future of golf retail.

Victoria Matthews, Director of Retail at St. Andrews Country Club, explains how a service-first mindset and strong staff development fueled double-digit growth. She shares practical strategies for elevating team performance and delivering an exceptional member shopping experience.

Get inspired with Kelly Simon Anderson of Baltusrol Golf Club, a two-time AGM “Best of the Best” winner. She shares her career path, creative merchandising style, and insight into her custom décor brand, Signs by Simon—plus festive tips for turning the shop into a holiday wonderland.

Ben Lorenzen, CCM, Creative Director at Champions Run in Omaha and closing keynote speaker for the 2025 AGM Retail Conference. Known for his imaginative approach to private club marketing and member engagement, Ben shares how creative thinking and cross-department collaboration have transformed the member experience at Champions Run. 

Justine talks with Heather Hadley, Senior Buyer at Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop. A Certified Retail Manager and AGM member, Heather shares how trends, data, and customer insight drive her standout retail approach—with tips on curation, vendor partnerships, and trade show strategy.