The Passion for the Game

[JB]

I didn't play a lot of golf as a kid. I picked it up as a teenager, dumped it after school to focus on my career and then picked it up again in my early 30s. As I get older, I appreciate the game even more than I ever have. I love the architecture more. I love the nuances more. I love meeting others that share the same passion and discussing the game that I love.

I love the equipment in every shape and size. I love that technology continues to push the envelope in all areas. I love that trying out new things is almost as much fun as the game itself.

There is something about this game that keeps giving and the passion grows with every chance I get to play, test and talk about it. Am I the anomaly or am I a THPer?

 

[Dartgod]

I didn't play a lot of golf as a kid. I picked it up as a teenager, dumped it after school to focus on my career and then picked it up again in my early 30s. As I get older, I appreciate the game even more than I ever have. I love the architecture more. I love the nuances more. I love meeting others that share the same passion and discussing the game that I love.

I love the equipment in every shape and size. I love that technology continues to push the envelope in all areas. I love that trying out new things is almost as much fun as the game itself.

There is something about this game that keeps giving and the passion grows with every chance I get to play, test and talk about it. Am I the anomaly or am I a THPer?

I'm not as into the equipment as much as many on here. Mostly because I've yet to develop my game to the point where I can tell a lot of difference between clubs, balls, putters, etc. I also don't watch golf on TV much, outside of the Majors.

But I love the game. I love getting outdoors. I love meeting new people (not many of my friends play regularly, so I often join another group as a single or play alone). I love the challenge of hitting the perfect shot that so often eludes me.

Yes, I have a lot of passion for the game of golf.

 

[mikeg_74]

My passion just comes from all the intangibles golf provides. Right now it’s the connection it’s giving me and my youngest daughter.

Out if the blue she comes up to me and says “dad, next time you play I want to go”. It’s hard to explain how this made me felt, but I’m running with it because I don’t know how fleeting this moment is, but I’m taking advantage of it.

I’m excited and love all things golf. From courses/architecture, gear, clothes, accessories, etc... but the relationships it allows you to forge are at the top of the list of why I’m so passionate about this game.

 

[golfinnut]

I didn't play a lot of golf as a kid. I picked it up as a teenager, dumped it after school to focus on my career and then picked it up again in my early 30s. As I get older, I appreciate the game even more than I ever have. I love the architecture more. I love the nuances more. I love meeting others that share the same passion and discussing the game that I love.

I love the equipment in every shape and size. I love that technology continues to push the envelope in all areas. I love that trying out new things is almost as much fun as the game itself.

There is something about this game that keeps giving and the passion grows with every chance I get to play, test and talk about it. Am I the anomaly or am I a THPer?

Some of us envy you for the position that you are in. To see & play so many different beautiful golf courses all across the country, to meet so many fascinating people in the industry, to hear about the latest & greatest equipment coming out (& doing so well at keeping it to yourself), etc. I know I would fail at that part miserably. Being able to sit and discuss all aspects of the game on a daily basis. Some of us just wish to have just a glimpse of what you see & do on a routine basis. Your passion is felt thru THP & we are all grateful for it.

The game has hooked me from the very early ages playing with my father. Having played for over 40+ years, I've seen the game change dramatically. But it always brings me back, no matter how well or how bad I play. I didn't care that I got made fun of by the football jocks & my brothers in high school for playing "that p**** sport." I watched as my father played until his mid-70's ... loving the game each & every time we teed it up together. I hope to make it that long.

I think we all have a passion for the game. No matter how much we put into it, it always brings us back no matter what.

 

[KEV]

As I've gotten older I've fallen way more in love with things like the equipment and course architecture way more than golf itself. I still love playing the game but it seems like these days I'm more excited to get out and try new equipment and see what it does or play a new, beautiful course with my friends or family than I am on how well I'll play.

Equipment wise what other sport is there where the equipment changes so much year after year and can significantly impact a persons game? The better part is even when half of the country is frozen during the winter you can still test that equipment in simulators and see what the new stuff can do.

 

[OITW]

I think you're the epitome of a THPer.

The majority of my rounds this year are as a single and early. The peace/quiet and feeling of the early outdoors is my favorite part of golf right now.

 

[JB]

Some of us envy you for the position that you are in. To see & play so many different beautiful golf courses all across the country, to meet so many fascinating people in the industry, to hear about the latest & greatest equipment coming out (& doing so well at keeping it to yourself), etc. I know I would fail at that part miserably. Being able to sit and discuss all aspects of the game on a daily basis. Some of us just wish to have just a glimpse of what you see & do on a routine basis. Your passion is felt thru THP & we are all grateful for it.

The game has hooked me from the very early ages playing with my father. Having played for over 40+ years, I've seen the game change dramatically. But it always brings me back, no matter how well or how bad I play. I didn't care that I got made fun of by the football jocks & my brothers in high school for playing "that p**** sport." I watched as my father played until his mid-70's ... loving the game each & every time we teed it up together. I hope to make it that long.

I think we all have a passion for the game. No matter how much we put into it, it always brings us back no matter what.

Thank you sir. It's my job and it has its ups and downs and it has good decisions and mistakes, but you are right, my passion is there and it doesn't waiver much.

 

[kevin81002]

I didn't play a lot of golf as a kid. I picked it up as a teenager, dumped it after school to focus on my career and then picked it up again in my early 30s. As I get older, I appreciate the game even more than I ever have. I love the architecture more. I love the nuances more. I love meeting others that share the same passion and discussing the game that I love.

I love the equipment in every shape and size. I love that technology continues to push the envelope in all areas. I love that trying out new things is almost as much fun as the game itself.

There is something about this game that keeps giving and the passion grows with every chance I get to play, test and talk about it. Am I the anomaly or am I a THPer?

Golf sucks!!

Nah I appreciate everything about the game more the older I get. Much of that comes from the interaction and experiences from this forum, for sure.

 

[IceyShanks]

Am I the anomaly or am I a THPer?

Of course you're a THPer, you're the OG THPer.

I didn't play growing up either, picked it up in college, but I love golf, ever aspect, equipment, networking, fun, drinks, food, etc. It's a game for everyone.

P.S. That's always why I love your quote in my signature!!!

 

[olperfesser]

JB, you are the epitome of a THPer. You have the best job a golf aficionado could have. I can understand the love for what you do. I worked in IT for 35 years, mainframes to PCs to phones. Getting to play with and experiment with it all as IT progressed. Now that I don't have to work, I'm developing a similar passion for golf. Unfortunately, I don't have the skill set at my age to be as good at it as I was at IT. But I enjoy the game, enjoy making friends, and enjoy the equipment and the wonderful places to play. Keep up the good work you have done here, and maybe someday we can meet.

 

[Danimal]

I didn't play a lot of golf as a kid. I picked it up as a teenager, dumped it after school to focus on my career and then picked it up again in my early 30s. As I get older, I appreciate the game even more than I ever have. I love the architecture more. I love the nuances more. I love meeting others that share the same passion and discussing the game that I love.

I love the equipment in every shape and size. I love that technology continues to push the envelope in all areas. I love that trying out new things is almost as much fun as the game itself.

There is something about this game that keeps giving and the passion grows with every chance I get to play, test and talk about it. Am I the anomaly or am I a THPer?

My story resembles yours. I didn’t pick up a golf club until I was about 20 when I was in The Marines. I played here and there and picked it up more in college. I quit until my mid 30’s and have slowly built myself into a full fledged golf addict. I think a lot of guys here have different routes, but we all end up in a great place like THP and learn and feed of each other’s passions. You guys have built a great outlet for this to happen.

 

[darthweasel]

for me the real enjoyment of the game started as something to do that was low impact on days I was not playing racquetball, tennis, biking or softball but could still exercise. Then, when I wanted to play a respectable game with the job I am now at, I started taking lessons and got fitted for clubs.


Now I love getting on a beautiful course and hitting some good shots, hitting some bad shots, and just enjoying the day. I can enjoy it so many different ways....there are times me, my bag, some music, a mountain dew and a milky way and just hacking my way around the course alone. There are times it is me, my partner who HATES music on the course with a passion so no music, just us trading barbs and insults...a drive down the middle might be met by "phshaw, is that the best you have?" or on a well struck ball, "I hate you Barton". Or with him and the two other guys with whom I have hacked for nearly 20 years that we have been together when one found out his Dad died...been there to support one another in family struggles and kids getting married and aging into "old age injuries". When we play our scrambles, sometimes there is some pretty bad golf played...but the camaraderie and a few good shots make it memorable. The rules are sometimes an afterthought.

I also sometimes play in a foursome with a +1.2, a 6.7, a 10.4 and myself where the golf is, apart from me, pretty high level, the betting is sometimes above my comfort level, but the good time golfing nice courses with quality golfers. They do tend to drink a LOT of Titos, crank the music, hit shots I cannot even conceive of...and it is a fun way to play. The rules are ironclad and adhered to other than "gimmes".

I also enjoy when the wife and I travel and I meet random people, many who take the game less seriously, many who take it more seriously than me, and just play a fun round. Great seeing other people's approach to the game and learning all sorts of interesting facts. I can play with the guy who takes 3 off the tee 4 or 5 times, re-hits the duff, drops by the white stake and manages to shoot a lower score than me...and with the guy who if he is at address and the ball moves, counts that shot.

I even enjoy tournaments and have at least twice had people shooting sub-optimal scores say something along the lines of, "that is the most fun I have ever had shooting that badly". That makes me feel bad...that they shot poorly...but good in that they enjoyed the round.

For me, now, golf is really about getting out and getting some exercise, hopefully hitting a couple good shots and just enjoying whatever it is for whatever it is.

 

[Just_Brad]

I have let the equipment side pass me by, to be honest. I just can't keep up with the new gear, as much as I try. not being able to see in hand probably 75% of it plays a part in it.

The part that keeps me coming back, is the drive to improve. Shooting a good score one night, then one not as good..... it makes me want to be better. Nothing better than a well struck ball, a center of the fairway tee shot, or a drained putt.

I love those 2-4 hours on the course when it is quiet in the morning. The conversations are often hilarious, and never about work (which is super important).

 

[Lions81]

I didn't play a lot of golf as a kid. I picked it up as a teenager, dumped it after school to focus on my career and then picked it up again in my early 30s. As I get older, I appreciate the game even more than I ever have. I love the architecture more. I love the nuances more. I love meeting others that share the same passion and discussing the game that I love.

I love the equipment in every shape and size. I love that technology continues to push the envelope in all areas. I love that trying out new things is almost as much fun as the game itself.

There is something about this game that keeps giving and the passion grows with every chance I get to play, test and talk about it. Am I the anomaly or am I a THPer?

It shows every day with this place and everything you do for it.

 

[Badger_Golfer]

Youre not alone. I feel like I appreciate the game now that Im almost 40 than I ever have. Im kind of like you in that Ive learned to appreciate all the aspects of the game, not just what score I shoot.

 

[JB]

It shows every day with this place and everything you do for it.

Thanks brother man. Loved that round we played together at Mission Inn.

 

[Snickerdog]

I have to say I have only been to one THP event with you, it was raining and you still made sure we had an awesome time!!! I would say your love for the game and what you do is unsurpassed IMO. Can't wait to see you again in December for the adventure of a lifetime.

 

[dacatalyst41]

My passion for the game started when connecting with my father in law after a heart attack. He needed something that let him feel some level of success since he couldn't be as athletic as he once was. After joining THP, my passion (and spending) skyrocketed. I'd say the passion here has been contagious, even to the point of friends around me taking up the game I've grown to absolutely love! It's a great point of connection.

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[Parrot]

I didn't play a lot of golf as a kid. I picked it up as a teenager, dumped it after school to focus on my career and then picked it up again in my early 30s. As I get older, I appreciate the game even more than I ever have. I love the architecture more. I love the nuances more. I love meeting others that share the same passion and discussing the game that I love.

I love the equipment in every shape and size. I love that technology continues to push the envelope in all areas. I love that trying out new things is almost as much fun as the game itself.

There is something about this game that keeps giving and the passion grows with every chance I get to play, test and talk about it. Am I the anomaly or am I a THPer?

I didn't play as a kid either. I watched golf on TV as a kid. The singular nature of the game fascinated me then and now. I loved Nicklaus and Weiskopf. My introduction to playing was hitting a few balls with friends in college. I didn't take up the game until I finished law school. I loved it and played every chance I could. Circumstances and other of life's trials caused my participation to ebb and flow but my love for the game never wavered. After back surgery, playing golf (without pain) was what I wanted to do. My wife said I had it bad. She just thought I had it bad until I found THP. I really have it bad now! I love playing the game. I love trying to get better. I love all the discussions about courses, equipment, clothes, etc. After a brief look at my email, THP is the first thing I look at online in the morning. I love reading about everyone trying to get better and the excitement that they have in describing their milestones.

Most of all, I love the experiences with the people I've met through golf. I share at least a piece of everything everyone else has described. That's the beauty of the game. We all share a little bit of the same thing, no matter how much better at it someone might be than another.

The first time my grandson told me he wanted to play golf I was elated. When he is at our house, we'll go out on the putting green. I'll putt balls toward him and he puts them in the hole. That's golf to him now but he's beginning to pick up his toy clubs and trying to hit the ball. It's the best.

Obviously, I don't know what all goes on behind the scenes with THP. But I can't think of a thing that would cause me to change my belief that you have the best job in the world. Watching you in person and from afar, it's your calling. It's plain to see that you love what you do. The joy you must have watching all of us at an event. My best golf experience is the Odyssey Experience. Take away all the swag (please don't) and it still would be by a long shot. The people and the experience were beyond anything I imagined. Your passion gave that to me. I want to experience that again and again. Many thanks to you and GG for this place and all you y'all do for us.

 

[DataDude]

It's an amazing game. It's also a great metaphor for life.

 

[Ottawaclo]

It shows every day with this place and everything you do for it.

this +1


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[wubears71]

I started to play golf around 10 and played casually all through high school and college - probably a 5-8 rounds/year type of player. I loved golf but never could really afford the equipment i really wanted or courses I really wanted to play. After college, I played a lot more when I was working 2nd shift in towns I knew no-one in but once I moved back to St. Louis my golf game was limited to the occasional scramble. It's beas en about the last 7 years that I really started getting back into it. Coincidentally about the same time I stopped visiting local casinos .

For me, golf defines me. It gives me the same rush gambling - looking for that perfect couple of shots that keeps me coming back just like I'm looking for the perfect blackjack shoe that keeps me coming back to the tables (only in Vegas now). My wardrobe is defined by what clothes I can wear casually, working and can also wear golfing. I am always browsing equipment and having dreams of owning the newest, shiniest club. I LOVE being on the course and I LOVE the outdoors - at least on several acres of perfectly manicured grass hitting a little ball all over the place trying to get it in a little hole. I watch the golf channel and either have SiriusXM Golf Radio or Howard Stern on in the truck any time I'm in there. My social circle revolves around golf and my home course jokes that i'm there more than most employees. So, yes, I have a strong passion for the game.

 

[TRA024]

Never played as a kid (tennis was my sport growing up and I played alooooot), only picked up the game when we moved to the US. Originally it was to get some exercise in (I alway walk, even today at 90F+....) and I had a buddy here who played who encouraged me. 4+ years into it and at age 40 I love it even more and all different aspects of it. The gear, the courses, the people I meet, the walk, the grind, the ups, the downs. A huge part of my golf addiction is hanging out at THP and checking the discussions multiple times per day, I was even lucky enough to participate in one event (hope to get in more).

I really appreciate all that JB and THP do to offer us this platform that allows us to nerd out on all things golf but also offer a space to make connections that go beyond golf.

 

[Campbell Toe]

The Passion for the Game

I picked up the game seriously about 12 years ago and haven’t looked back. I tend to teeter back and forth in areas of my game that will improve and then subside. I don’t fish or bowl. I can’t play basketball like I used to, so this is my hobby and really 2nd love. I sometimes get bored playing the usual course all the time(we just don’t have very many good courses in my neck of the woods)but the love for the game keeps me coming back. Having THP around just helps to strengthen that love. It’s nice knowing there are others out there like me. Having a forum to voice a question or concern and get legitimate feedback is just awesome.


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[Stemmy66]

Honestly, I don't remember when I really started to pick up golf.... I remember the first set of clubs I bought, but not really anything memorable about playing, probably because I didn't play that often until about 18 years ago when I started to play a bit more often (coincides with moving to CA from PA) . Prior to about 12 years ago Golf was something that I did as a fill in for basketball leagues, baseball & softball leagues, kids etc., when friends would ask to go out and play or to do something out of the norm. Then golf became a yearly outing with some extended family members where we'd get together to play 3-4 rounds in 4-5 days....I'd need to hit the range, play a few times to 'prepare' not to be horrible.... the annual was to have a good time, play cards, bbq and do guy stuff. It became a bit more ever since my brother convinced / conned me to join THP that I really started to get into the technology, the course architecture and its nuances, but I've always loved what golf represented to me, a chance to meet with family & friends (old and new) and catch up. That is still my motivation now and I try to take advantage as often as I can....