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The Origin Story of pathpal Golf

The Origin Story

From Weekend Warrior to Accidental Inventor: My Quest for a Better Swing

(and More Practice Time!)

Hey there, fellow golfers!

Picture this: You're a 6-handicap trying to squeeze in practice between diaper changes and bedtime stories. Your slice is getting worse, your range time is nonexistent, and your instructor's homework feels impossible to complete.

Sound familiar? That was me three years ago.

The Perfect Storm

Like many of you, juggling work, family, and a love for this frustratingly wonderful game is challenging.

A few years back, I was cruising at a respectable 6 handicap, finding fairways more often than not. Then came the game-changers:

My toddler son

(who treats our living room like the 18th at Augusta)

My daughter

(our newest addition to the chaos)

6

Original Handicap

Finding fairways, living the dream

8

Reality Check

The slice is back with a vengeance

The Practice Paradox

I did what any determined golfer would do: I took lessons. My instructor quickly diagnosed the issue—my swing was too steep with an out-to-in swing path. The fix involved using alignment sticks for specific drills.

Here was the snag:

My home course, Rivermont Golf Club, uses mats on the driving range for a good chunk of the year. And fun fact: you can't stick an alignment stick into artificial turf.

I felt stuck, unable to practice how I needed to practice.

The Lightbulb Moment

That's when my day job suddenly became relevant. As a business consultant who helps companies solve operational and strategic headaches, I had a realization:

Why not apply this same problem-solving approach to my golf game?

The Three Must-Haves

1

Work Anywhere

Must function on any surface—grass, mats, you name it. No more excuses!

2

Quick & Portable

Set up in seconds and easy to transport. Because who has time for complicated gear?

3

Proven Methods

Enhance the drills instructors already teach. No gimmicks, just results.

Putting It to the Test

The lightbulb moment wasn't just about solving my own practice dilemma. I started thinking bigger: Could I create something that would help golfers everywhere practice the fundamental, proven drills that actually work?

The Instructor Challenge

Armed with a prototype and a healthy dose of hope and determination, I decided to test this idea. I met with 10 of the most respected and top-ranked golf instructors here in the Atlanta area—the kind of teachers you find at prestigious clubs and top-tier academies.

Meticulously evaluated the design against proven drills

Actively suggested refinements and improvements

Confirmed effectiveness with their students

Gave their stamp of approval

The Verdict:

Their collective expertise transformed my good idea into something exceptional. This wasn't just encouraging—it was essential validation that this training aid could genuinely help golfers improve.

Proudly Made in America

Veteran-Owned Manufacturing Partner

Quality You Can Trust

For production, I was adamant about keeping it American-made. I partnered with an outstanding veteran-owned manufacturing company right here in the USA.

Meticulous attention to detail

Commitment to excellence

Every unit meets instructor-approved standards

A Note on ROI (Return on Investment)

And hey, on a completely unrelated note, every purchase directly subsidizes Luke and Liv's daycare fund! 🎨

That's right—your improved golf swing is simultaneously funding finger painting, naptime, and hopefully, my children's first golf lessons. Consider it an investment in both your game and my family's future (and my wife's and my mental health)!

*Results may vary. Your handicap may improve faster than my kids learn to share their toys.

That's My Story

From fighting a slice to creating a solution that will help your game too.

Ready to take your practice to the next level?

Start Your Journey

Happy Golfing,

Steve

Weekend Warrior • Accidental Inventor • Proud Dad • pathpal Creator

P.S. If you see me at Rivermont Golf Club and my handicap is back to a 6 (or better!), you'll know the pathpal system works. If it's still at an 8... well, blame the kids. 😉