5 - Brian Hilko on The Golf Factory & the Rise of Simulator Golf

Brian Hilko is a PGA professional and owner of The Golf Factory, a new indoor golf facility outside of Chicago. Brian takes us through his life in the game, from his work with junior golfers to most recently becoming a small business owner.  Brian also provides some great insights for anybody looking to invest in a launch monitor or build out a simulator space in your home. In Angle of Attack w/ Andrew Lewis (1:08:25), Andrew & I talk about the offseason development plans and setting your junior golfer up for success in 2024 and beyond.  And Peter Flory is back to help me discuss a Big Idea (1:25:45) for using Artificial Intelligence to develop golf courses. The Driven Golf Podcast is brought to you by FlagBag Golf Company and StrackaLine yardage books. @flagbaggolf on Instagram https://flagbaggolfco.com/ Mention 'Driven Golf' to receive a free custom headcover with any order of a golf bag. https://strackaline.com/ Enter code 'DRIVEN' to receive 20% off your StrackaLine Yardage Books & Greens Guides. Engage with hosts and followers on the the Driven Golf Podcast Group on Facebook. Resources: The Golf Factory: https://www.golffactory.golf/ @golf_factory_chicago on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/golf_factory_chicago/) Andrew Lewis Golf: @andrewlewisgolf on Instagram @drivengolfanalytics on Instagram; @golfdriven on Twitter Host: Jim Colton (@jcolton31) Producer: Joseph Kay (@joseph_kay) Show Notes: 01:30 Interview with Brian Hilko 05:48 Brian's Golf Journey and Obsession 07:35 Brian's Professional Golf Career 09:21 Brian's Love for Golf Architecture 12:21 Exploring Hidden Golf Gems 25:07 Brian's Experience with Junior Golfers 31:24 Transition from Professional Golf to Business 32:37 The Birth of the Golf Factory 36:04 Creating a Unique Indoor Golf Experience 49:00 The Role of TrackMan IO in Golf Factory 01:02:37 Advice for Building Your Own Golf Space 01:07:51 Introducing a New Sponsor: Straka Line Yardage Books 01:08:23 The Angle of Attack with Andrew Lewis: Off-Season Planning 01:25:47 The Big Idea: Artificial Intelligence in Golf Course Design