Jeff Ma, a member of the MIT blackjack team, recently joined GOLF’s Subpar podcast to discuss his experiences playing blackjack in Las Vegas and the book and movie that were inspired by his story. Ma is currently the chief digital officer for Troon Golf, the world’s largest golf management company, where he runs their new loyalty program, Troon Digital. While Ma has had various jobs over the years, it was his time at MIT that made him famous, as he was part of a team that used card counting to win big at casinos in Las Vegas. The MIT crew’s experiences were chronicled in the book “Bringing Down the House” and the movie “21”, which was based on Ma’s experiences. The book was a bestseller and the movie was a box office success, making over $160 million.
During his time on the Subpar podcast, Ma discussed his introduction to golf and his current role at Troon, but the conversation primarily focused on his time at MIT and the accuracy of the movie “21” in depicting their story. It was revealed that the MIT team had their fair share of big wins and losses, with their biggest weekend bringing in over half a million dollars, while their biggest loss was a couple of hundred. Ma’s insights into the world of blackjack and his experiences in Las Vegas make for an intriguing listen, especially for fans of the book and movie inspired by his story.
As the managing editor of GOLF.com, Josh Berhow oversees the day-to-day operations of one of the most popular golf news and service websites. With a background in journalism, Berhow spends his time writing, editing, and planning content for the site. Prior to joining GOLF.com, he worked at newspapers in Minnesota and Iowa, honing his skills as a writer and editor. A graduate of Minnesota State University, Berhow resides in the Twin Cities with his family. His passion for golf and storytelling shines through in his work at GOLF.com, where he strives to provide readers with engaging and informative content.
Ma’s journey from MIT student to blackjack pro to chief digital officer at Troon Golf is a unique and fascinating story that captivates audiences. His experiences with the MIT blackjack team, where they used card counting to beat the odds in Las Vegas, have inspired both a bestselling book and a successful movie. Ma’s willingness to share his story on platforms like the Subpar podcast provides listeners with an inside look at the world of blackjack and the thrill of playing in high-stakes casinos. His insights into the accuracy of the movie “21” and the real-life experiences of the MIT team add depth to the narrative, making it a must-listen for fans of the book and film.
By discussing his time at MIT and the impact it had on his life, Ma gives listeners a glimpse into the world of professional gambling and the risks and rewards that come with it. His transition from blackjack player to golf enthusiast and digital officer at Troon Golf showcases his versatility and adaptability in different professional settings. Ma’s ability to combine his love for golf with his background in card counting demonstrates his passion for both industries and his willingness to share his knowledge and experiences with others. As a guest on the Subpar podcast, Ma provides valuable insights into his past and present, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.
Overall, Jeff Ma’s appearance on the Subpar podcast offers listeners a unique perspective on the world of professional gambling, golf, and digital management. His experiences with the MIT blackjack team and the success of the book and movie inspired by their story add depth and intrigue to the conversation. Ma’s role as chief digital officer at Troon Golf demonstrates his ability to succeed in diverse industries and his passion for innovation and growth. As a storyteller and a professional, Ma’s insights into his past and present give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his life and career, making for a compelling and engaging podcast episode.
