Ep. 58 | Live from Augusta: What is UGP Tour? How UGP Ended Up at the Olympics & Ryder Cup

What is UGP Tour? 

In this special episode recorded at Augusta National during Masters week, UGP COO, Leo Rooney, and UGP Tour Trainer, Rian Chab, pull back the curtain on one of golf's most innovative performance teams.

From humble beginnings in a tiny Los Angeles fitness space to supporting major champions on the game's biggest stages, Rian shares the remarkable evolution of UGP's tour division. You'll discover how their team of "black shirt ninjas" (as Xander Schauffele calls them) provides integrated fitness and recovery services to elite players like World #4 Collin Morikawa and Min Woo Lee.

The conversation explores fascinating aspects of Augusta National's mystique – from its underground tunnel network to its strict protocols – while explaining the complex logistics of supporting tour players across a global schedule. Rian reveals the stark differences between training amateurs versus professionals, noting how tour players' extreme sensitivity to performance impacts creates unique challenges.

You'll gain insights into team dynamics at the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Olympics, plus hear candid reflections on what it's like building relationships with the world's best golfers. Whether you're curious about career paths in golf performance, interested in the inner workings of professional tournaments, or simply want to understand what those uniformed staff members do for players, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a rarely discussed aspect of the professional game.

CONNECT WITH US

Mac Todd: @mactoddlife
Leo Rooney: @leo_ugp
UGP: @urbangolfperformance