Off the Deck – Details, episodes & analysis

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Welcome to the FIRST episode of Off the Deck! In today’s show, Josh Decker sits down with longtime friend and former PGA & LPGA Tour caddie Will Davidson for an inside look at life “inside the ropes.” 

Will shares stories from his whirlwind trip to Medinah for a charity event, near-albatross heroics, and some candid reflections on his 11-year career caddying for pros like Smylie Kaufman and HaoTong Li. 

From wild travel tales—he’s logged miles in 43 countries—to laugh-out-loud caddie blunders (including a classic rangefinder fail) and the pressures of helping pros handle nerves on golf’s biggest stages, Will offers a fascinating, honest perspective. 

Plus, we hear about his latest venture, Birdie Brands, and why his all-natural bug spray has become a tour favorite. 

Stick around for plenty of laughs, invaluable golf wisdom, and of course the age-old debate: do you really like hitting it off the deck?

Check out Birdie Brands - https://birdiebrands.co/birdie-brands

Friends of Off the Deck

• TRUE Linkswear - Save 15% with promo code "OfftheDeck"

Interested in sponsoring Off the Deck? Email info@bestball.com.

Off the Deck is a member of the BestBall podcast family.

In this episode of Off the Deck, Josh sits down with Brian Parks, VP of Engineering at L.A.B. Golf, to take listeners behind the scenes of one of golf’s most innovative companies. Brian shares the excitement around L.A.B. Golf’s latest release—the heel shafted putter—and unpacks the creative and technical challenges that come with revolutionizing the world of putting. From prototype development cycles and balancing physics to stories about working directly with Adam Scott and even Charlie Woods reaching out for a putter, you’ll get an insider’s look at how top-tier gear gets designed and adopted by the pros.

Brian opens up about L.A.B. Golf’s rapid growth, what it’s like for the team to see their putters win PGA Tour events, and how their technology is changing the way amateurs and pros approach the greens. Plus, he gives a fascinating glimpse into the company’s Eugene-based headquarters—formerly a fitness club and pool, now transformed into a cutting-edge R&D and fitting facility. If you’ve ever wondered how a golf company tackles design challenges, grows its team, handles surging demand, and maintains its soul after a big acquisition, this episode is for you. Grab your L.A.B. putter (or order one!) and enjoy this tech-driven, story-rich round on Off the Deck.

Friends of Off the Deck

• TRUE Linkswear - Save 15% with promo code "OfftheDeck"

Interested in sponsoring Off the Deck? Email info@bestball.com.

Off the Deck is a member of the BestBall podcast family.

Welcome back to Off the Deck! In this episode, Josh Decker sits down with the ever-traveling Ryan Hardenbrook for a conversation that’s as much about cigars and connection as it is about golf. 

Ryan shares the story of how a chance conversation with a pastor first introduced him to the game of golf—and cigars. From his early days playing in Nevada to his golf adventures in Asia, Ryan reflects on how golf uncovers the true character of its players and why cigars and golf often go hand-in-hand. Together, Josh and Ryan explore the intersection of golf, community, ritual, and business—from the story behind SLAB Cigars to what makes experiences at iconic courses like Sweetens Cove so memorable.

You’ll hear about memorable matches, hilarious close calls (bug spray that wasn't bug spray), and the characters who make the game—and life—so interesting. This episode is a heartfelt, laughter-filled journey into the worlds and friendships forged both on and off the green.

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Off the Deck is a member of the BestBall podcast family.

On this episode of Off the Deck, Josh sits down with Heidi Kraft, a Louisville native whose journey spans from growing up in her family’s golf shop to competing in college golf and now shaping her community through First Tee Louisville. Heidi shares insights on balancing life as a youth golf mentor, fitness studio owner, and active golfer. The conversation covers her love for the game, lessons learned on and off the course, the impact of youth programs, and her role at the unforgettable 2024 PGA Championship. Tune in for candid stories about golf, community, and chasing new challenges.

Friends of Off the Deck

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Interested in sponsoring Off the Deck? Email info@bestball.com.

Off the Deck is a member of the BestBall podcast family.

Welcome back to Off the Deck, where the game is just the beginning! In this episode, Josh is joined by friends Kyle and AJ for an unforgettable roundtable of recent golf adventures. This isn’t just another dive into golf’s impact on life—this is a rowdy retelling of epic trips, unexpected travel detours, casino stops, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Listen in as the guys recount their journeys across some truly memorable courses, from the sprawling views and “arena” energy of Landmand to the pristine newness of Lost Rail in Omaha, the fun and playability of Pinehurst No. 10, and the rollercoaster challenge of Tot Hill Farm during a Sweetens Cove roadshow. There are stories of travel mishaps, Ryder Cup-style matches, finding the best chicken tenders at Longhorn Steakhouse, and even squeezing four grown men into a Marriott trailer cabin for an unforgettable night.

Whether it’s the unbeatable vibes on the course, overcoming wild weather, or the search for the perfect golf bag souvenir, this episode is packed with camaraderie, competition, and candid memories. So grab your rangefinder and get ready for an episode full of inside jokes, clutch shots, and that unique magic that only happens when “the boys” hit the road for golf.

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• TRUE Linkswear - Save 15% with promo code "OfftheDeck"

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Off the Deck is a member of the BestBall podcast family.

In this episode of Off the Deck, Josh sits down with Ethan Winchester, Johnny O apparel rep and golf industry insider. Ethan shares his journey from growing up immersed in golf—thanks to his father’s influence—to building a career in golf apparel sales across the Southeast. The conversation uncovers the realities of life on the road, the behind-the-scenes work that goes into outfitting pro shops, and how COVID changed the industry. Ethan also highlights the importance of relationships in the country club world and shares great stories from his travels, offering listeners a unique glimpse into golf’s soft goods scene.

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Off the Deck is a member of the BestBall podcast family.

In this episode of Off the Deck, Josh sits down with Austin Peckham—entrepreneur, filmmaker, photographer, and former aspiring country musician—for a deep dive into his unconventional career journey. Austin reflects on his nomadic childhood, initial dreams of working in dietetics, and how a fateful move to Nashville ignited his path behind the camera. From shooting chart-topping music videos to building a unique creative niche in the golf industry, Austin shares the lessons learned, the power of community, and why he feels most at home blending storytelling with a lifelong love of golf.

Friends of Off the Deck

• TRUE Linkswear - Save 15% with promo code "OfftheDeck"

Interested in sponsoring Off the Deck? Email info@bestball.com.

Off the Deck is a member of the BestBall podcast family.

In this episode of Off the Deck, Josh welcomes Garrett Powell—golf professional, instructor, and former Bachelorette contestant. Garrett shares his inspiring journey to fatherhood, his unconventional start in golf, and the life lessons he’s learned from both the country club and teaching worlds. The conversation explores his personal and professional transformation, candid stories from his time on reality TV, and practical advice for golfers looking to improve. The main theme centers around resilience, adaptability, and finding fulfillment on and off the course. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or just love a good story, this episode delivers heartfelt insights and inspiration.

Friends of Off the Deck

• TRUE Linkswear - Save 15% with promo code "OfftheDeck"

Interested in sponsoring Off the Deck? Email info@bestball.com.

Off the Deck is a member of the BestBall podcast family.