Our Story

Many years ago, before the formation of the company, the competitive juices flowed for owner Jonathan Ruggiero. From baseball to weight lifting, competition was always a driving force. As the years passed, father time caught up with everyone, but the itch to compete never faded. One day, that itch was scratched when Jonathan was invited to play a round of golf with the boys. It didn't go so well, to say the least. With an engrained inside-out baseball swing he sliced balls all over the track. But then, it happened—one good shot was produced—and he was hooked.

From that moment, Jonathan's passion for golf grew. He started to immerse himself in the sport, learning its nuances and seeking ways to improve his game. It was during one particularly cold offseason round, with frozen tee boxes and unaccommodating mats, that inspiration struck. Having just cracked open a beer, he used the bottle cap as an impromptu tee. It worked perfectly and the idea for the Bottle Cap Tee was born.

As he navigated the rocky paths of his local public course, spilling his drink with every bump, Jonathan's vision became clear. He saw the need for practical and fun golfing accessories that enhanced the overall experience. The reusable Bottle Cap Tee wasn't just a novelty; it was a solution to common problems golfers faced. Driven by this inspiration, Stroke & Distance was founded with a mission to design innovative golf accessories for all golfers. The Bottle Cap Tee, our flagship product, embodies the spirit of our company—combining functionality, creativity, and a bit of fun. Whether you're on the green, at the beach, or at a party, our products are designed to enhance your enjoyment and convenience.

But you might ask, why name the company Stroke & Distance after a USGA rule associated with hitting the ball out of play? And why choose a sasquatch as the company mascot? Well, it's a funny story. Six years ago, Jonathan became a member at a very difficult course in Pine Hill, NJ. Round after round, he and his boys navigated the daunting track, losing balls left and right. In the woods was out-of-bounds at his home course, so finding the ball was paramount to stay in the hole. One friend of his, no matter where the ball was hit, would always find his ball. It was a golf miracle as no one else on earth had his luck. It was as if he was getting help in the woods from someone like, say, a Sasquatch. The idea was hilarious and stuck in Jonathan’s head. Every time he saw his buddy in the woods, all he could see was a Sasquatch navigating the trails like it was his home. To be fair, it was because he was in there more than the fairway! So, when the time for a mascot came, the answer was simple—a Sasquatch!

From those humble beginnings, Stroke & Distance has grown, but our commitment to quality and innovation remains the same. Jonathan's competitive spirit and passion for golf continue to drive us forward, ensuring that every golfer can drink and drive in style, cap-tee-vating their game one shot at a time.

  • Our Mission

    At Stroke & Distance, we design innovative golf accessories that elevate every golfer's experience on and off the course. Our patented products, like the versatile Bottle Cap Tee, are crafted to enhance convenience, performance, and enjoyment, whether you're hitting the green, enjoying a beach day, or celebrating with friends. We strive to bring creativity, practicality, and a touch of fun to every round. Cap-Tee-Vate your game with us today!

  • Our Vision

    To be the leading innovator in the golfing industry, enhancing every golfer’s experience through creative, practical, and fun products. We envision a future where our unique designs not only elevate performance on the green but also bring convenience and joy to all aspects of leisure and recreation. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and a touch of whimsy, we aim to cap-tee-vate the hearts and games of golfers worldwide.

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About the Founder

Jonathan Ruggiero Founder & Visionary of Stroke & Distance LLC

Born on November 17, 1985, in Southern New Jersey, Jonathan Ruggiero’s life has always been fueled by passion and competition. A standout baseball player and dedicated weightlifter since age 14, he thrives on challenges. Now a proud father of three—Isabella, Sofia, and Brayden—Jonathan balances running two family businesses with an innovative spirit, holding three patents to date.

An avid golfer, Jonathan hits the green at least twice a week, sharing his love for the game with his daughter Isabella, a two-time Junior Club Champion. His passion for golf led to the founding of Stroke & Distance LLC, where he combines creativity and practicality to enhance the golfing experience.

The idea for the Bottle Cap Tee was born during a frigid offseason round when frozen tee boxes and bumpy cart paths sparked inspiration. Using a beer bottle cap as an impromptu tee, Jonathan discovered the perfect solution for cold weather play. This moment of ingenuity grew into a mission: to create unique, functional golf accessories that bring convenience and fun to the game.

Under Jonathan’s leadership, Stroke & Distance is redefining the golfing experience with innovative products designed for golfers of all levels.

Our Values

Innovation

We continuously strive to bring fresh, creative solutions to the golfing industry. This value drives our product development, ensuring that each design, like the Bottle Cap Tee, adds unique functionality and convenience for our customers.

Quality

We are committed to providing high-quality products that stand the test of time. Our attention to detail ensures that every product we create meets rigorous standards of durability and performance.

Customer-Centricity

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We aim to exceed their expectations by understanding their needs and delivering exceptional service and support.

Community and Connection

We believe in fostering strong relationships within the golfing community and beyond. Our products are designed to bring people together and create memorable experiences.

Sustainability

We are committed to sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices. Our goal is to minimize our environmental footprint while creating products that golfers love.