Rocklin, CA – The Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) is delighted to announce the latest episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, featuring Steve Risler, Senior Manager of Golf Retail at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, and recipient of the 2026 AGM Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category award. As the leader of one of golf’s most iconic destinations, Steve shares the strategies, philosophies, and partnerships that have helped establish Whistling Straits as a benchmark for excellence in golf retail.
Steve has built a retail program centered on a “prestige-first” philosophy, combining curated assortments, limited-edition product capsules, and intentional visual merchandising to create a shopping experience that reflects the reputation of the resort. Through thoughtful planning, strong vendor relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement, he has successfully balanced exclusivity with profitability while delivering exceptional experiences for guests from around the world.
In this episode, Steve shares the principles behind Whistling Straits’ retail success, discusses the importance of strategic product curation and visual presentation, and offers insight into managing high-volume resort retail while maintaining a premium brand experience. He also explores the value of vendor partnerships, independent benchmarking, and creating memorable guest interactions that extend beyond the golf shop. Throughout the conversation, Steve provides practical takeaways for merchandisers and retail leaders looking to elevate their operations and build a lasting culture of retail excellence.
This episode is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and the AGM website.
The Fairway to Retail Success: An AGM Podcast is the premier platform for golf retail professionals, showcasing the visionary voices shaping the industry today. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge merchandising strategies, innovative marketing ideas, or proven operational best practices, this podcast delivers expert insights to help you elevate your retail game. Designed to unite the AGM community, it highlights the breakthroughs and leadership driving golf retail forward, celebrating both seasoned experts and emerging innovators.
To learn more about the AGM and access tools to support your retail journey, visit the AGM website.
About the Association of Golf Merchandisers
The Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM), a leading global professional organization, boasts over 900 buyers and 200 vendors committed to advancing the golf merchandising industry. Recognized for excellence, AGM aims to elevate retail standards, enhance industry relationships, and deliver continuous education. Our focus lies on key metrics, visual merchandising, promotions, and buying strategies, fostering profitable collaborations between golf retail buyers and vendors.
For more information, visit https://agmgolf.org/membership-2/
Media Contact:
For media inquiries, contact: Megan Fidler, AGM Director of Marketing – megan@agmgolf.org – 916-717-4138.
