Season 1 / Episode 5 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen recaps a powerful moment from the U.S. Open — the inspiring story of J.J. Spaun, who bounced back from a rough front nine (a 40!) to battle his way through the field with a refuse-to-lose mindset and claim his first major win. Bob highlights Spaun’s perseverance and what it teaches us about mental toughness in golf — and life.

Next, Bob dives into the PGA Tour’s manipulation of par, and why the way scorecards are framed can impact fan perception, player narratives, and how we define greatness.

You’ll also hear about Bob’s recent round with Sam Bettinardi of Bettinardi Golf, played just outside the legendary Butler National in Chicago — a behind-the-scenes look at two gear guys swapping stories and shots.

Finally, Bob takes on a hot-button topic: Do more expensive clubs actually make you better? He unpacks the myth pushed by some club fitting competitors and shares what really matters when it comes to performance, value, and finding the right clubs for your game.

From major championship mindset to gear talk that matters, this episode is full of sharp insights and straight talk from someone who’s been in the game for over 30 years.

Season 1 / Episode 4 – Zero Torque Putters, Loft Myths & Father’s Day Deals

In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen welcomes Jesse Post, Maple Hill Golf’s Lead Club Fitter in the Launch Kitchen, for an in-depth look at what’s trending in golf gear and what you need to know.

They start by breaking down zero torque putters — who they’re made for, why so many golfers are curious about them, and whether they really make a difference on the green.

Next, Jesse and Bob tackle the topic of club lofts: how loft affects your yardage gapping, why specs matter, and how some manufacturers tweak the numbers to sell more clubs.

To wrap it up, Bob is joined by Andy Kitchen to share all the exciting deals Maple Hill has rolled out for their Father’s Day Sale. From huge discounts on the latest drivers to special bundles and must-see clearance finds, they’ve got everything you need to celebrate Dad — or just treat yourself.

If you’re passionate about golf and want the inside scoop on gear, performance, and savings, this is the episode for you.

Season 1 / Episode 3 – Championship Fallout, Mud Ball Madness & The Truth About Counterfeit Clubs

In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen recaps all the buzz coming out of last week’s 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow — including his take on the field, course setup, and how Scottie Scheffler’s dominance is cementing him as the man to beat in major championship golf.

Bob also breaks down the heated “Mud Ball” controversy that had players and fans fired up all weekend. From questions about lift, clean, and place to growing frustration with the USGA and PGA, Bob shares his perspective on where the governing bodies go from here and what changes might be on the horizon.

Finally, the episode shifts gears with an important heads-up for golfers everywhere: counterfeit clubs are still out there — online and even in local shops. Bob shares tips on how to spot fake gear, what red flags to look for, and how to make sure you’re getting the real deal.

If you love major golf, gear talk, and no-BS insights from someone who’s been in the industry for over 30 years, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Season 1 / Episode 2 – Naming The Podcast & Shaping The Story

In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen dives into the submissions for the podcast’s name — from the funny to the fantastic — and reflects on the creative (and sometimes hilarious) suggestions that came in from customers, employees, and friends of Maple Hill Golf.

But it’s more than just a naming recap. Bob also shares the vision for the future of the podcast, including the types of stories, guests, and topics you can expect in upcoming episodes. Whether it’s deep dives into the golf industry, personal stories from inside Maple Hill, or unfiltered takes on what really matters to golfers — this episode lays out the roadmap for where The Hill Unscripted is headed.

If you're curious about how the show got its name and what’s in store, this one’s for you.

Season1 / Episode 1 – Meet Bob Kitchen: 30+ Years in Golf and What’s Coming on The Hill Unscripted

In the very first episode of The Hill Unscripted, host and Maple Hill Golf owner Bob Kitchen steps up to the mic to kick things off with a personal introduction. With over three decades in the golf business, Bob shares his journey from growing up around the family business to becoming one of the most respected names in the golf retail world.

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Maple Hill Golf has grown over the years, the lessons learned along the way, and why now was the right time to launch this podcast. Bob also outlines what listeners can expect in future episodes — from honest takes on the state of the golf industry to guest appearances by employees, family, and industry pros.

Whether you’re a longtime Maple Hill customer or just discovering us, this episode sets the tone for what’s to come. No fluff, no filters — just straight talk from the Hill.