The Hill Unscripted

Episode 11 - The Hill Unscripted, host Bob Kitchen blends golf inspiration with industry insight and honest gear talk — all from the heart of Maple Hill Golf.

Bob kicks off by celebrating Rory McIlroy’s win at the Irish Open and previewing the upcoming Ryder Cup, which he’s personally attending. He shares why the Ryder Cup is his favorite event in golf and reflects on what makes it so special — passion, patriotism, and no paychecks.

Then, the episode takes a meaningful turn as Bob discusses the power of personal golf mil...

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...

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 ap...

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...

Season 1 / Episode 7 – On this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen tees up another wide-ranging, no-nonsense look into the world of golf — both on and off the course.

Bob kicks things off with a recap of the thrilling finish at the John Deere Classic, spotlighting the battle between Grillo, Chapman, and Lipsky that had fans on the edge of their seats.

From there, Bob tackles a big question: How many club options do golfers really need? Spoiler alert — not as many as the brands might want you to think. Bob cuts through the clutter, explaining how mo...

Season 1 / Episode 6 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen, owner of Maple Hill Golf, unpacks a powerful mix of golf gear insights and business philosophy that define what makes Maple Hill a standout in the industry.

Bob starts with a look at low spin drivers, clearing up the common misconception that less spin is always better. With insights from top players like Scottie Scheffler, Bob explains how optimal spin — typically between 2,200–3,400 RPM — is key to maximizing distance and control.

Next, he breaks down the rise of the mini driver — a new sweet spot between tr...

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 gre...

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 aff...

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 h...

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, pe...

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 lesson...