25 - Mason Carmel on Resilience, Vision, and Creating the Elite Invitational

In this episode of the Driven Golf Podcast, Jim interviews Mason Carmel, the tournament director of the Elite Invitational Junior Golf Tournament. Carmel shares the journey of creating one of the most prestigious junior golf events in the U.S., from its humble beginnings to becoming a top-ranked tournament attracting elite junior golfers worldwide. Listeners will hear how Carmel’s lifelong connection to golf, deeply influenced by his father, shaped his career and eventually led him to found the Elite Invitational during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mason also shares unique stories, including his memorable “Bottomless Bogey” incident, where his determination to retrieve a golf ball from an alligator-infested creek became a legendary moment. His insights into the challenges of running a world-class tournament, the importance of creating opportunities for young players, and the role of character in selecting participants highlight his dedication to junior golf. In Angle of Attack with Andrew Lewis (@andrewlewisgolf), Andrew & Jim answer listener-submitted questions on communicating with college coaches and what is "typical" for junior golf development from ages 12 to 16. The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. Use code ‘DRIVEN’ to receive 20% off your StrackaLine yardage book order or mention ‘Driven Golf’ when ordering a FlagBag golf bag to receive a free custom headcover with your order of one of their golf bags. ⁠⁠@flagbaggolf⁠⁠ on Instagram FlagBag Golf: ⁠⁠https://flagbaggolfco.com/⁠⁠ StrackaLine: ⁠⁠https://www.strackaline.com⁠⁠ Resources: Engage with hosts and followers on the ⁠Driven Golf Podcast Group⁠ on Facebook. Subscribe to the Driven Golf Analytics YouTube channel for more content: ⁠⁠Driven Golf Analytics YouTube Channel⁠⁠. Check out ⁠⁠Andrew Lewis's YouTube channel⁠⁠ and subscribe! DRVN.Golf Blog Post: "WAGR Files: Junior Golf in Jordan" Guest: Mason Carmel (⁠@theeliteinvitational) Host: Jim Colton (⁠@drivengolfanalytics) Producer: Joseph Kay (@joseph_kay) Music by: DG Beat Labs (⁠@dgbeatlab⁠)