Opinion & Analysis

Back9Network seeks cash infusion, potential buyer

Published

11 years ago

Jan 29, 2015

The Hartford Business Journal has reported that the Back9Network is actively and aggressively seeking to raise a “significant” amount of capital through new investors or a potential buyout in an attempt to keep the network operational.

Any potential deal could result in changes to the golf lifestyle network’s ownership.

What isn’t clear is just how much money Back9Network needs to keep the network afloat at this point or how soon it needs it. According to the HBJ report, Back9Network has already scaled back productions at its Hartford studio in an effort to save on costs.

The network, which recently announced a restructuring plan including layoffs to 41 percent of its full-time staff, has been on the air via DirecTV since last September. The news comes on the heels of a report that Back9Network missed a payroll

The layoffs follow a report last week from GolfNewsNet that the network missed a Jan. 9th payroll for non-hourly employees. The employees were reportedly paid a week later.

In December, Back9Network filed a lawsuit against Jamie Bosworth, the company’s former CEO and co-founder who abruptly resigned last July, alleging that Bosworth – despite a separation agreement he signed when he left Back9 – has continued to make derogatory comments about the network in addition to sharing proprietary company information with third parties.

The network has received $5 million in state loans from the Department of Economic and Community Development plus a $100,000 grant.

Editor’s Note: GolfWRX Contributor John Lahtinen was a contractor for the Back9Network, working as a website contributor and editor from October 2012 to April 2013.

Opinion & Analysis

AVL: My U.S. Amateur local qualifying experience

Published

6 days ago

Jun 5, 2026

Andrew Von Lossow

This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.

I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx)

Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.

With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.

Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!

Club Junkie

Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast

Published

7 days ago

Jun 4, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.

Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.

If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.

Follow Club Junkie:
Instagram: @clubjunkiepod
TikTok: @clubjunkiepod
Threads: @clubjunkiepod
X: @ClubJunkiePod

Club Junkie

Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie

Published

2 weeks ago

May 28, 2026

Brian Knudson

On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.

I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.