Zero Torque, Global Growth & the Future of Bettinardi

Season 2, Episode 4 – In this episode of The Hill Unscripted, Bob Kitchen welcomes Sam Bettinardi, President of Bettinardi Golf, for a deep dive into one of golf’s most respected family-run brands, and where it’s headed next.

Following last season’s conversation with founder Bob Bettinardi, this episode shifts to the next generation. Sam shares how he went from growing up around the shop to leading a company that has expanded from 15 employees to 95, now operating in 45 countries with over 100,000 square feet of space.

The conversation covers:

• The rise of the Antidote Zero Torque putter — now Bettinardi’s top-selling line
• What makes their zero torque design different from competitors
• How tour players like Matt Kuchar, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Fred Couples influence product design
• Why Sam spends an hour every morning inspecting quality himself
• The real reason putter fitting matters more than most golfers realize
• The story behind the Queen Bee line and its global impact
• Bettinardi’s expansion into wedges, irons, and AI-driven innovation

Sam also shares personal stories — including winning the Butler National Club Championship four times — and explains why even he chooses performance over preference when it comes to what’s in the bag.

From craftsmanship to culture, from tour feedback to global expansion, this episode pulls back the curtain on how Bettinardi plans to become not just a premium putter company, but a household name in golf.