golf SMARTER Tony Manzoni & My Dad Grew Up Playing Golf Together and Started Callaway! featuring Gene Parente
Jun 10, 2025
55:08
GS#1003 Summary: Our guest this week is Gene Parente, inventor of the "Iron Byron" golf-ball hitting robot and contributor to Golf Digest. But that's not where our story begins! Gene shares his deep personal connection to the golf industry, particularly through the legacy of Tony Manzoni. The conversation explores Gene's father's journey in golf, the rise of Callaway Golf, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drove both Gene's father and Tony to create innovative golf products. We discuss the changing landscape of golf companies, the influence of celebrity culture on the sport, and the craftsmanship behind golf clubs, particularly putters. Gene reflects on growing up in a unique environment where golf and celebrity intersected, providing a fascinating glimpse into the history and evolution of the golf industry. He also shares insights into the development of golf robotics and the importance of biomechanics in improving performance. Gene emphasizes the transformative role of launch monitors in understanding swing mechanics and enhancing player performance. He reflects on his personal journey in the golf industry, the impact of his father's legacy, and the importance of effective communication in teaching golf.
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This episode is brought to you by PXG. Schedule your fitting today and for a limited time you could save up to 20% on your ENTIRE order! Head over to PXG.com/smarter. Restrictions apply, see site for details.
This episode is sponsored by Indeed. Please visit indeed.com/GOLFSMARTER and get a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT. Terms and conditions apply.
This episode is sponsored by HIMS. Start your free online visit today HIMS.com/golfsmarter and received personalized ED treatment options.
This episode is also sponsored by SelectQuote. Make sure you get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, at selectquote.com/golfsmarter today and get started.
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Visit tourstriker.com/TSGA and use the code GOLFSMARTER to get your first month of the Tour Striker GolfAcademy Online free, plus instant access to two bonus courses—'The Recipe for Better Golf' and 'Bombs: How to Consistently Smash the Driver”: a $194 value for free.
This episode is brought to you by PXG. Schedule your fitting today and for a limited time you could save up to 20% on your ENTIRE order! Head over to PXG.com/smarter. Restrictions apply, see site for details.
This episode is sponsored by Indeed. Please visit indeed.com/GOLFSMARTER and get a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT. Terms and conditions apply.
This episode is sponsored by HIMS. Start your free online visit today HIMS.com/golfsmarter and received personalized ED treatment options.
This episode is also sponsored by SelectQuote. Make sure you get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, at selectquote.com/golfsmarter today and get started.