Hally Leadbetter Launches BUNCHIES, A New Snack for the Modern Golfer

LOS ANGELES, CA – January 13, 2026 – Golf media personality and entrepreneur Hally Leadbetter today announced the launch of BUNCHIES, the first product from her new wellness and lifestyle brand, Happy Golfer. Developed in partnership with consumer packaged goods (CPG) incubator The Lasagna Box, BUNCHIES are vegan, gluten-free energy balls specifically formulated to meet the nutritional demands of a round of golf, signaling a new, targeted approach to on-course fueling.

The new snack, available in Chocolate, Maple Peanut Butter, and Vanilla Almond, aims to fill a long-standing gap in the golf market. While players have traditionally relied on generic options like bananas, jerky, or sugar-laden granola bars, Happy Golfer introduces a product designed from the ground up with the golfer's performance and well-being in mind. The launch marks a significant entry into the niche but growing golf wellness space, combining Leadbetter’s deep industry insight with formidable CPG expertise.

Redefining On-Course Nutrition

For decades, the question of what to eat on the golf course has been answered with a patchwork of convenient but often nutritionally incomplete options. Happy Golfer aims to change that conversation with BUNCHIES. Developed with an expert nutritionist, each bite-sized ball is crafted from premium, whole-food ingredients like nut butter, oats, dates, and hemp hearts.

This formulation is no accident. The combination of complex carbohydrates from oats, natural sugars from dates, and healthy fats and protein from nut butter and hemp hearts is designed to deliver steady, sustained energy. Unlike sugary snacks that can cause a performance-killing energy crash on the back nine, BUNCHIES are formulated to provide balanced macronutrients that support endurance and focus throughout all 18 holes. Each bite contains three grams of protein, supporting muscle function during a long walk on the links.

"Spending most of my life on golf courses, I realized there wasn't a single snack made with health-conscious golfers in mind," said Hally Leadbetter, founder of Happy Golfer. "Most options are either packed with sugar or leave you feeling heavy. With BUNCHIES, we set out to create something delicious, clean, and functional — something you can eat quickly between shots and rely on for steady fuel during a long round."

The brand's attention to the golfer's experience extends to its packaging. BUNCHIES are sold in a clever package designed to fit perfectly into a standard golf-ball sleeve, allowing for seamless storage in any golf bag. This practical innovation underscores the brand's core philosophy: creating products that integrate effortlessly into a golfer's routine.

A Mission-Driven Founder

The authenticity of Happy Golfer is deeply rooted in the personal and professional journey of its founder. Hally Leadbetter, daughter of legendary golf instructor David Leadbetter, has built a prominent career in golf media, serving as a host and producer for outlets like Golf Digest and CBS Sports Network. Her work has given her a unique vantage point on the sport's culture and the evolving needs of its players.

Her transition from media personality to CPG founder is driven by a personal mission that extends beyond nutrition. Leadbetter has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness for years, often drawing from her own experiences to destigmatize the conversation within the often-traditional world of golf. This advocacy is not just a footnote for her new brand; it is a foundational pillar.

Happy Golfer has committed to donating a portion of profits from all BUNCHIES sales to support mental health resources. This give-back component transforms the brand from a simple CPG play into a mission-driven enterprise. By linking physical fuel with mental well-being, Leadbetter is building a brand that holistically addresses what it means to be a "happy golfer."

"It's a versatile, golfer-designed option that supports your energy, focus, and feeling your best on and off the course," Leadbetter stated, emphasizing the brand's comprehensive approach to wellness.

The Powerhouse Team Behind the Brand

While Leadbetter provides the vision and industry authenticity, the operational and strategic muscle behind Happy Golfer comes from a carefully assembled team of CPG and golf industry veterans. The partnership with The Lasagna Box, a food and beverage consultancy, is particularly noteworthy. Founded by brothers Alex and Zak Thompson with Matt Stargel, the firm has a proven history of scaling CPG brands from concept to national retail success. Their portfolio includes growing brands like Patti's Good Life from $500,000 to $180 million and securing national placement with giants like Walmart, Kroger, and Target. This track record provides Happy Golfer with invaluable expertise in manufacturing, retail strategy, and supply chain management.

Further bolstering the brand's strategic position is a high-profile advisory board. The board includes:
* Jared Solomon, CEO and co-founder of the popular indoor golf and entertainment venue Five Iron Golf, bringing insights into the modern golfer's lifestyle and potential alternative distribution channels.
* Amanda Balionis, a leading CBS Sports broadcaster and a familiar face to millions of golf fans, offering unmatched expertise in brand messaging and media strategy within the golf ecosystem.
* John Sherwin, co-founder and former CEO of the successful hydration company Hydrant, providing direct experience in building a wellness-focused CPG brand from the ground up.

This combination of a credible founder, a proven CPG incubator, and a strategic advisory board positions Happy Golfer not as a hopeful startup, but as a serious contender poised to disrupt the on-course snacking market.

BUNCHIES are now available for purchase online at Eatbunchies.com, with plans to showcase the product at the upcoming 2026 PGA Show. With its clean ingredients, thoughtful design, and authentic mission, Happy Golfer is teeing up to redefine what it means to fuel both the body and the game.