Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Hackenberg.
Hi Jim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in North Dakota with dreams of playing on the PGA Tour. While I didn’t end up competing full-time at that level, my path kept me close to the game through teaching and caddying, which gave me an incredible opportunity to study some of the best swings in the world up close. Watching players like Geoff Ogilvy (2006 US Open Champion), I became fascinated by how effortless great rhythm and tempo looked—and how difficult it was for most golfers to replicate.
As a teaching professional, I saw firsthand how many players struggled with timing. I started experimenting with homemade training aids, using things like fishing rods and weighted objects, to help my students feel how speed should build naturally through the swing. The early versions weren’t pretty, but they worked, and students kept asking if they could buy one.
That’s when I realized this passion project could become something more. I refined the design, introduced the Orange Whip Trainer at the 2008 PGA Merchandise Show, and things took off from there. What started as a teaching tool became a business that has sold hundreds of thousands of units worldwide and completely changed how people practice their golf swings.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. Getting the Orange Whip just right took years of trial and error—finding the correct balance of shaft flex, counterweight, and head weight was critical. Turning a handmade prototype into a consistent, high-quality product that could be manufactured at scale was a major challenge. Developing the manufacturing of a product that requires multiple parts from different sources caused some struggles along the way, but we persevered and have found multiple great partners to work with for many years. We have learned a lot along the way, but it has been a great journey.
Another hurdle was credibility. Early on, I had to earn trust, both from golfers and from the industry. Adoption by Tour players happened organically, through word of mouth and range conversations, but that took time. As demand grew, scaling the business while maintaining quality and staying true to the original purpose required careful, disciplined growth.
Moving from teaching and competing into entrepreneurship came with real risk, but I believed in the product and in the idea that golfers deserved tools that truly helped them improve, not gimmicks.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jimmy Hack Golf DBA Orange Whip Golf?
The Orange Whip Trainer became a business when I moved to Easley, SC and got a business license for my company, Jimmy Hack Golf, LLC. After working with a friend on a business plan, I did my best to follow that concept and focus on the key essentials: 1. Manufacturing a product that I could replicate over and over. 2. Organize my parts and supplies to easily track volume. 3. Develop wholesale and retail pricing. 4. Participate in Golf Shows and Seminars to get the concept to the golfers. 5. Network with my PGA golf professional friends all over the USA to assist with the introduction of the Orange Whip. 6. Learn how to collect payment, pay bills, organize our taxes, and be fiscally responsible. My brother is a CPA, so that was helpful!
I would say I am known for a passion in the Rhythm and Balance of a consistent golf swing, this is what led to the development of the original Orange Whip and what has become our bread and butter in the golf industry. I specialize in providing insight into how all golfers can achieve this level of consistency with improved rhythm and balance. I developed the Orange Whip, but everyone knows me as the guy who wears Orange pants to all my events; I am easy to spot in a crowd. I am most proud that the Orange Whip brand is a staple in a golfer’s golf bag and utilized every time before they play or practice. I receive compliments from long time users of the Whip whenever I meet them; that makes me feel that I have accomplished something that so many golfers appreciate! The thing I want readers to know is that all of the Orange Whip products are handmade in Easley, SC with parts from other small American businesses! Our quality is top notch, and the people who own one will agree. Also, the Orange Whips are so durable, it is difficult to wear one out, but if there is ever an issue, we take care of it right away.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would define success as taking an idea conceived to help a golfer improve the key elements of a consistent golf swing, and seeing that idea provide satisfaction to each individual player. With the development of the Orange Whip over 18 years ago, and as we continue to see growth and satisfaction, this is how I would define success.
Orange Whip Golf is built around the idea that a great golf swing starts with rhythm, balance, and an athletic motion. We’re best known for the Orange Whip Trainer, but over the years we’ve expanded into a full lineup of training aids for the full swing, short game, and fitness.
What sets us apart is authenticity. Every product we make comes from real teaching experience and is designed to help golfers actually feel the correct motion. Our products are used by hundreds of PGA Tour players, including Major champions, but they’re just as effective for everyday golfers trying to enjoy the game more.
What I’m most proud of is staying true to our roots – US-manufactured, simple design, and a genuine passion for the game. Whether it’s helping serious players fine-tune their swings or introducing new golfers through approachable formats like Chappie Golf, everything we do is about making golf more accessible and enjoyable.
Pricing:
- Orange Whip Trainer $119
- Chappie Golf Set $99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.OrangeWhipGolf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangewhipgolf
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=orange%20whip%20golf%20%26%20fitness
- Twitter: https://x.com/orangewhipgolf
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/orangewhipgolf
- Other: https://www.ChappieGolf.com
