Episode 33

What Happens When McLaren Engineers Design Golf Clubs? McLaren Golf, CEO Neil Howie

Instagram - @bothsidesofpar

What happens when one of the world's most recognisable names in Formula One and automotive engineering decides to enter the golf industry?

In this special episode of Both Sides of Par, Ross sits down with Neil Howie, CEO of McLaren Golf, to discover the story behind the brand's arrival in golf and its ambitions to challenge conventional thinking in golf club design.

After 27 years at Callaway, including more than two decades leading its international business, Neil thought retirement was calling. Then McLaren came knocking, offering an opportunity too interesting to turn down.

From the involvement of Justin Rose and Ian Poulter to the engineering expertise of McLaren's Formula One operation, Neil takes us behind the scenes of a fascinating new chapter in golf equipment.

We explore:

  • Neil's journey from aspiring amateur golfer to senior leadership roles at some of golf's biggest equipment brands.
  • Why McLaren decided to enter golf and what convinced Neil to come out of retirement.
  • How McLaren's Formula One engineers are challenging traditional golf club design, including the question: does a golf shaft actually need to be round?
  • The technology behind McLaren's new irons and the role Justin Rose has played in their development.
  • McLaren's ambition to build a complete 14-club offering, including wedges and metalwoods.
  • Why premium custom fitting and a concierge-style experience are central to the brand's strategy.
  • The challenges of launching a new golf equipment company in a market dominated by established manufacturers.
  • What's next for McLaren Golf as the brand expands its product range and international presence.

Neil also shares some fascinating insights from his years in the golf industry, including why a famous brand name alone isn't enough to succeed and why McLaren is prepared to take its time getting things right.

A fascinating conversation for anyone interested in golf equipment, technology, business or the people shaping the future of the game.

Two golfers. Two handicaps. One obsession.

Follow the hosts:

Ross – @theshedisback

Colin – @mcgraygolf

Follow the podcast: @bothsidesofpar

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or visit bothpar.com.

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About the Podcast

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Both Sides of Par: Golf Podcast for Every Handicap
2 Golfers, 2 Handicaps, 1 Obsession

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About your host

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Colin Gray

Colin is a podcaster, international speaker, PhD and founder of The Podcast Host and Alitu: The Podcast Maker. Colin started out in Astrophysics, before realising, to his dismay, how much maths you had to do. Podcasting has less maths, but just as many puzzles, and fun ones at that.

He started ThePodcastHost.com in 2011, and it's now one of the biggest and oldest Podcasting blogs on the web, dedicated to helping you create a successful show.

He went on to found Alitu.com in 2018 to help podcasters create their shows more easily. It's a web app that takes care of the tech, by polishing, branding & publishing for you. It offers a custom set of tools for building and editing epic podcasts.