Golf isn't just a game for me; it's a family legacy, a passion passed down through generations. From the moment I could pick up a club, the greens and fairways were ingrained into my DNA. You see, my old man was more than just a salesman; he was a golf aficionado, traversing the country with a trunk full of golf gear, peddling everything from clubs to clothing. Back in the day, he even had the honor of repping for Fairway Blues and La Mode during the Phil Mickelson era. And let me tell you, being inside the ropes at the 1998 PGA Championship with Bones and Phil was a childhood highlight I'll never forget. I even hitched a ride on Bones' shoulders when my little legs couldn't keep up with the pros.
But the next step of my dad's golf career is the tale of how he stumbled upon a little putter line called Odyssey. When Callaway Golf acquired Odyssey, my dad became the go-to guy for golf gear in the Pacific Northwest, representing both powerhouses. And that's where my journey truly began. From assisting my dad at "demo days" to my gig as a tech rep for Callaway, I was immersed in the world of golf before I could even swing a club properly.
Thanks to my dad's connections and my own dedication, I've been lucky enough to tee off at some of the finest courses across the nation. However, there's a slight hitch – I don't remember half of them! My folks are always reminiscing about the times I played Kapalua in Hawaii, but my response is usually a blank stare.
As I matured, I started forging my own golfing memories. One such unforgettable experience was my pilgrimage to Bandon Dunes when they only had two courses at the time. Since then, I've made it an annual tradition to return to this golfer's paradise on the Oregon Coast. Trust me, if you haven't witnessed the breathtaking beauty of Bandon, you're missing out on a slice of golfing heaven.
Like any golf nut worth their weight in birdies, I'm all about ticking off the top courses on my bucket list whenever I hit the road. It's a golfing rite of passage, a way to strut your stuff and swap stories of epic rounds while you have a drink at the 19th hole.
Let me walk you through some of my most epic golf adventures:
Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Spanish Bay, and Pasatiempo
Picture this: Pebble Beach with the missus, Spyglass and Pasatiempo with the old man. Tough to beat, right? Pebble Beach is the stuff of dreams, but there's a unique challenge to Spyglass and charm to Pasatiempo that's hard to resist. And let's not forget the allure of Carmel-by-the-Sea and its iconic 17-mile drive. As for Cypress Point... well, maybe one day a golfer can dream, can't he?
Pinehurst for The Barstool Classic Championship
My buddy and I snagged a spot at The Barstool Classic Championship after a stellar round at Chambers Bay. Pinehurst, with its Southern charm and endless courses, didn't disappoint. We played through courses 1-4 and 8, soaking up every moment of Barstool's epic tournament. Trust me; the hospitality down South is as warm as the weather.
Whistling Straits and Erin Hills
Thanks to another stroke of luck at Chambers Bay, we found ourselves competing in the NextGen City Tour. Whistling Straits and Erin Hills left us speechless with their challenging layouts and breathtaking views. And playing The Straits course just weeks before the Ryder Cup? Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
The Home of Golf, St. Andrews, Scotland
Ah, Scotland, where the game we love was born. My wife and I jetted off after a work conference in London for a pilgrimage to St. Andrews. Playing The Old Course not once but twice was a dream come true, but it was on The New Course where lightning struck – my FIRST HOLE-IN-ONE on hole 13. A flushed gap wedge, one hop, and in... I'll be reliving that moment for years to come.
But my golfing journey is far from over. There are still countless courses waiting to be conquered, memories waiting to be made with loved ones by my side. And with the launch of Rota Golf, I'm on a mission to share the joy of golfing adventures with fellow links enthusiasts.
So, stay tuned for more tales from our personal Rota, and don't be shy to share your own stories from the 19th hole. After all, in the world of golf, every swing tells a story, and every round is an adventure waiting to unfold.