Six Questions For... Jonathon Pawlowski of St. André Golf

Continuing our series of interviews with leaders, executives, entrepreneurs and influencers from across the golf industry, today we speak to Jonathon Pawlowski of comedy troupe St. André Golf.

About Jonathon Pawlowski

Jonathon Pawlowski is one of the main cast members of the comedy group St. André Golf, named partly after the Home of Golf and partly after Atlanta rap legend André 3000. St. André Golf’s content can be found on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Outside of the golf space, Jonathon is an actor, a filmmaker and one of the lead singers and founder of Pimp Trizkit, a Limp Bizkit tribute band. You can find him on Instagram here.

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Six Questions For... Jonathon Pawlowski of St. André Golf

Shane Breslin: What do you think is the biggest barrier to getting people interested in golf to actually participate in golf?

Jonathon Pawlowski: From my perspective, one of the biggest barriers to getting people interested in golf to actually participate is the assumed culture around it. I used to view golf as a “boys club” or elitist sport. For the longest time, I pictured gated facilities and rich white men in polos walking around country clubs smoking cigars and having hearty belly laughs about how they’ve escaped their wives to play golf.

But since working with St. André, I’ve realized I’m quite wrong in that assessment. Sure there are many incredibly expensive courses out there that maintain a buttoned up culture and high price tag, but there are so many more that are affordable and less strict on attire. I think people don’t realize that it’s a fantastic opportunity to be outside with your friends and challenge yourself.

SB: What business decision in your career initially seemed wrong but proved to be right?

JP: In 2015 I gave up a comfortable salaried job as a video editor to act in an independent feature film, and I had no plan for when that finished! I was able to parlay that acting gig into an editing gig on the film, which kept me busy for a few months … but then I had nothing to do for about a year. I picked up shifts as a dishwasher at a restaurant and took entry level commercial production jobs to afford my daily peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Through copious ups and downs, I became able to support myself as an actor and pursue comedy. During that time I met Aaron Chewning (St. André founder), became friends and developed a working relationship with him.

I’m very fortunate to have my past lead me to working my favorite job I’ve ever had.

SB: What was your first job in golf and how does it influence your current perspective on the industry?

JP: My first job in the golf industry is working with St. André. I’ve been able to meet “golfluencers”, pros, entrepreneurs and what I’ve seen is an overwhelming love for the game and experience.

The golf world is far more diverse than I expected and my perspective has changed completely. I view it now as an accessible sport that you can play alone or with your friends, and in many different ways.

Whether it’s miniature golf at Pop Stroke, a simulator, a range or out on the course, there are so many ways that you can do it. There aren’t too many popular professional sports that you can play as an amateur and I think that’s one of the reasons golf is cool.

SB: What are you working on now that you're excited to see in 12 months’ time?

JP: We’re often discussing ways of expanding St. André. We’re cooking up things that can help us grow our audience and have more fun times with each other that fit within our brand. I can’t say a lot more than that except “watch this space!”, but I’m excited to see where we take our longform ideas — scripted and unscripted — in the next 12 months.

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Side-note! You might also enjoy this piece featuring another of the St. André crew, Hannah Aslesen, and her recent work with the DP World Tour in Dubai.

Okay, right back to the rest of “Six Questions For… Jonathon Pawlowski”

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SB: How do you see the demographics of golf changing in the next decade?

JP: I’m seeing so many people from all walks of life getting into golf. I think golf comedy and “golfluencers” from different backgrounds permeating through social media has had a massive effect on the industry.

Audiences can see people that look like them, with widely varying levels of skill and capabilities, and they’re inviting them into the culture. The game is feeling more accessible than ever and I believe the casual nature in which social media has presented it is a big reason for that.

SB: How has running a golf business changed your relationship with the game?

JP: Since working with St. André, I’m playing a lot more golf. I know my place in St. André — I’m the worst golfer in the team, and I’m okay with that!

But I’m having a blast playing. I get a little bit better every time I’m out there and I’m approaching the point where (a) I’m good enough to play with decent people, but (b) I’m not good enough to get mad at myself for bad shots. Because honestly, I don’t really know what I’m doing out there … and I’m fine with that.

And the truth is that every time I leave the golf course I’ve got myself a few more ideas for St. André golf content!

Check out St. André Golf on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

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You might also enjoy…

This story featuring another of the St. André crew, Hannah Aslesen, and her recent work with the DP World Tour in Dubai.