Monday evening we kick off the 2024 SkyTrak Experience where two teams battle it out at beautiful Victoria National Golf Club. Playing alongside the team from SkyTrak, THPers are ready to share the entire experience with you.

The Prize
Just because you are not at Victoria National with us does not mean you can’t win from the 2024 SkyTrak Experience. The lucky prediction winner will receive a Mystery Box of golf equipment. You do not know what is coming, but it is 100% awesome. This is one contest you will want to enter and follow along to see how you did.
The Contest
Pick which team you think will win and post it below.
Then you can follow along in this thread for the action and experience kicking off Monday evening. Entries must be in by end of Monday night. If you are an Albatross Club Member, also do not forget to hit the THP Sportsbook to wager your Albatross Coins on your prediction as well as taking part in a few of the prop bets.
Teams
Team JB
@JB (9.1)
@wadesworld (13.7)
@93civiccpe (13.3)
@cringjr (20.7)
Team Koske
@Koske (8.6)
Desmond from SkyTrak (21)
@AuzzieMatt (12.7)
@odom730 (13)

Itinerary for the 2024 SkyTrak Experience
May 20th: Meet and Greet Private Dinner and SWAG Party
May 21st: Breakfast at Course then off for 18 Holes of Shamble at Victoria National.
May 21st: Lunch at the course and then 9 Holes of Alternate Shot
May 21st: Group Dinner and discussion around SkyTrak and Software
May 22nd: 18 Holes of Singles at Victoria National followed by lunch at the club.
Then Depart
This live thread will kick off on Monday evening and will be filled with tons of information. If you have questions you want answered directly from the source, ask them below. Remember, every participant in this event is receiving a brand new SkyTrak+ launch monitor and will be reviewing it on the THP Forum, post event in this thread.
Matchups
Round 1 – Shamble 70% Handicaps
JB and @wadesworld vs Desmond and @AuzzieMatt
@Koske and @odom730 vs @93civiccpe and @cringjr
Round 2 – Alternate Shot 50% Handicaps
@JB and @93civiccpe vs Desmond and @odom730
@cringjr and @wadesworld vs @Koske and @AuzzieMatt
Round 3 – Singles 100% Handicaps
@JB vs @Koske
@cringjr vs @odom730
@wadesworld vs Desmond
@93civiccpe vs @AuzzieMatt

Do not forget to make your pick of which team wins the 2024 SkyTrak Experience and then follow along to see how it all goes down over the course of the next few days and you could win an amazing prize.
If you are an Albatross Club Member, also do not forget to hit the THP Sportsbook to wager your Albatross Coins on your prediction as well as taking part in a few of the prop bets.
For more information on any of the products SkyTrak makes, check out their website at www.skytrakgolf.com.




[QUOTE=”Koske, post: 12372516, member: 51106″]
The day after a THP event is always a great day for reflection. It always makes me so grateful for the career path I chose and reminds me how lucky I am to work in an industry with such amazing partners and passionate golfers. The passion I see from THPers specifically, makes the hard days that much easier. What [USER=3]@JB[/USER] and you all have created with this community is truly unmatched and I’m lucky to be a part of it. To all of you on the trip and all of you following along, thank you so much for letting me be a part of all of this.
[/QUOTE]
It’s awesome to have SkyTrak be invested in THP as well. Thank you for the awesome event. Looking forward to this one being a regular!
[QUOTE=”Koske, post: 12372516, member: 51106″]
The day after a THP event is always a great day for reflection. It always makes me so grateful for the career path I chose and reminds me how lucky I am to work in an industry with such amazing partners and passionate golfers. The passion I see from THPers specifically, makes the hard days that much easier. What [USER=3]@JB[/USER] and you all have created with this community is truly unmatched and I’m lucky to be a part of it. To all of you on the trip and all of you following along, thank you so much for letting me be a part of all of this.
[/QUOTE]
Your gratitude and giving to THPer’s is unmatched! Appreciate you sharing visions of the future and addressing questions as they come up from all of us!!! Thank you!!! I apologize as the THP cooler for picking Team Koske…?
[QUOTE=”Koske, post: 12372516, member: 51106″]
The day after a THP event is always a great day for reflection. It always makes me so grateful for the career path I chose and reminds me how lucky I am to work in an industry with such amazing partners and passionate golfers. The passion I see from THPers specifically, makes the hard days that much easier. What [USER=3]@JB[/USER] and you all have created with this community is truly unmatched and I’m lucky to be a part of it. To all of you on the trip and all of you following along, thank you so much for letting me be a part of all of this.
[/QUOTE]
[IMG alt=”Thanks Thank You GIF by BLKBOK”]https://media0.giphy.com/media/sjkl9MJD57BWersvzJ/200.gif[/IMG]
[QUOTE=”jayronmillz10, post: 12373311, member: 77566″]
Is a gaming pc required for skytrak
[/QUOTE]
I don’t think so but you do need enough memory and processing power. I believe you can use a tablet also. I’ve seen the requirements on the website but can’t remember off the top of my head. I’ll have to check
[QUOTE=”jayronmillz10, post: 12373311, member: 77566″]
Is a gaming pc required for skytrak?
[/QUOTE]
This is for skytrak+
[ATTACH type=”full”]9269286[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”cringjr, post: 12373391, member: 70243″]
I don’t think so but you do need enough memory and processing power. I believe you can use a tablet also. I’ve seen the requirements on the website but can’t remember off the top of my head. I’ll have to check
[/QUOTE]
I can check it out too! Just figured I’d ask! Thanks man
[QUOTE=”cringjr, post: 12373397, member: 70243″]
This is for skytrak+
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”17AD2696-37F4-49FB-A002-2C12ACA466EB.png”]9269286[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Haha I seee this after I responded to the other one. Appreciate it man!
Over 30 hours after event finished, finally got caught up. Life is too busy. Great event all round, congrats to everyone, was a great success.
@jayronmillz10 I’m sure those are the specs just for the SkyTrak app. If you want to run TGC2019 or E6 or one of the other third-party simulator packages, I would highly recommend 16GB of RAM as a minimum. However, if I were buying today (and I probably will be), I don’t see any reason to not get 32GB of RAM. The RAM requirements for these programs are only going to increase in the coming years and the cost difference to go from 16 to 32 is usually pretty low. If nothing else, just make sure the system you buy is capable of being upgraded to 32 if you want to start with 16.
This was a great follow, and I’ve been checking out the SkyTrak website since it started. Getting data while testing equipment and starting sharp during the long gray Ohio winters would be a welcome relief. I appreciate all the THPers bringing us along, asking questions, and for [USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] and [USER=75759]@nugs303[/USER] answering them. This was a fun follow, and everyone involved made it a blast for the forum!
[QUOTE=”Parrot, post: 12372719, member: 48815″]
Life intervened but this is more SkyTrak badassery. Wish I had a spot for it.
[/QUOTE]
If you win one, you find/make a spot for it! I know I will!
[QUOTE=”wadesworld, post: 12373825, member: 13304″]
[USER=77566]@jayronmillz10[/USER] I’m sure those are the specs just for the SkyTrak app. If you want to run TGC2019 or E6 or one of the other third-party simulator packages, I would highly recommend 16GB of RAM as a minimum. However, if I were buying today (and I probably will be), I don’t see any reason to not get 32GB of RAM. The RAM requirements for these programs are only going to increase in the coming years and the cost difference to go from 16 to 32 is usually pretty low. If nothing else, just make sure the system you buy is capable of being upgraded to 32 if you want to start with 16.
[/QUOTE]
Those specs are easy to meet and I agree, you should exceed since the cost difference us minimal at this point.
[QUOTE=”jayronmillz10, post: 12373311, member: 77566″]
Is a gaming pc required for skytrak?
[/QUOTE]
I just setup mine with an iPad mini, 5th generation and it’s running fine. It won’t be my permanent setup, but I just couldn’t wait to try it.
And it also ran on my Galaxy S24.
[QUOTE=”wadesworld, post: 12373825, member: 13304″]
[USER=77566]@jayronmillz10[/USER] I’m sure those are the specs just for the SkyTrak app. If you want to run TGC2019 or E6 or one of the other third-party simulator packages, I would highly recommend 16GB of RAM as a minimum. However, if I were buying today (and I probably will be), I don’t see any reason to not get 32GB of RAM. The RAM requirements for these programs are only going to increase in the coming years and the cost difference to go from 16 to 32 is usually pretty low. If nothing else, just make sure the system you buy is capable of being upgraded to 32 if you want to start with 16.
[/QUOTE]
For sure, I’ve seen a lot of guys run GS pro as well and nobody regrets having good hardware
I believe that the need for a more powerful computer is determined by whether you go the sim route and the requirements of the sim software.
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 12372749, member: 22002″]
If only 90 people a day would stop moving to the Nashville Metropolitan Area.
[/QUOTE]
good luck with that..it’s overflowing in the suburbs too
[MEDIA=instagram]C7SPwgdP-Us[/MEDIA]
[QUOTE=”93civiccpe, post: 12373915, member: 41068″]
I believe that the need for a more powerful computer is determined by whether you go the sim route and the requirements of the sim software.
[/QUOTE]
Awesome, hope you see how you have set up your skytrak once you get to it!
ok, I’ve caught up somewhat on work and mainly sleep. I’ll finish going through this thread today and will be gathering thoughts to post some recaps by this afternoon. Stay tuned THP!!
[QUOTE=”Wonger, post: 12370119, member: 74038″]
Singles day!!!
One simple goal would be to lose less balls to the water monsters than you did yesterday. Make it a great day!
[/QUOTE]
What’s funny about this comment is that I’m sure I only lost one of my 13 to water. The rest were in the weeds and just impossible to find.
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 12369570, member: 63219″]
General space requirements is one question
Another is can i use a net and a tv mounted outside the swing/net area and get data or simulation views or is a screen and protector required?
[/QUOTE]
Yes of course you can. That’s my setup currently and while I’d love a screen and projector, if you’re on a budget, a net and tv or even a laptop off to the side will do everything you need.
Hey [USER=13304]@wadesworld[/USER] [USER=70243]@cringjr[/USER] [USER=41068]@93civiccpe[/USER] [USER=75759]@nugs303[/USER] [USER=54652]@AuzzieMatt[/USER] [USER=46310]@odom730[/USER] do any of you recall if there is a solution for playing with both right handed and left handed people?
Sorry if this has been mentioned and I missed it.
[QUOTE=”jayronmillz10, post: 12374727, member: 77566″]
Hey [USER=13304]@wadesworld[/USER] [USER=70243]@cringjr[/USER] [USER=41068]@93civiccpe[/USER] [USER=75759]@nugs303[/USER] [USER=54652]@AuzzieMatt[/USER] [USER=46310]@odom730[/USER] do any of you recall if there is a solution for playing with both right handed and left handed people?
Sorry if this has been mentioned and I missed it.
[/QUOTE]
No, we did not talk about that. With any camera-based system you’re going to have to physically move the unit to the other side. The SkyTrak app uses profiles to track your swings so I imagine you’d just put in a profile for your buddy to get his settings in correct, and then swap profiles while the other person is physically moving the unit. I don’t think it would be too bad for range sessions where one of you may hit for 10 minutes while the other sits and chats and then switch.
For sims it probably would be slightly more annoying with a camera-based system than a radar-based as you’d constantly have to be moving the unit every shot or nearly so. That said, it doesn’t seem like a deal-breaker. You’re not looking for pin-point accuracy. Videos I’ve watched of people doing it seem pretty simple. They just move it, setup and go. The bigger concern is whether your space can handle it. It takes a lot of horizontal space to have enough room for both left and right handers to swing. With all that said, it’s not something I’ve tried yet, so perhaps someone who has can comment.
[QUOTE=”wadesworld, post: 12374952, member: 13304″]
No, we did not talk about that. With any camera-based system you’re going to have to physically move the unit to the other side. The SkyTrak app uses profiles to track your swings so I imagine you’d just put in a profile for your buddy to get his settings in correct, and then swap profiles while the other person is physically moving the unit. I don’t think it would be too bad for range sessions where one of you may hit for 10 minutes while the other sits and chats and then switch.
For sims it probably would be slightly more annoying with a camera-based system than a radar-based as you’d constantly have to be moving the unit every shot or nearly so. That said, it doesn’t seem like a deal-breaker. You’re not looking for pin-point accuracy. Videos I’ve watched of people doing it seem pretty simple. They just move it, setup and go. The bigger concern is whether your space can handle it. It takes a lot of horizontal space to have enough room for both left and right handers to swing. With all that said, it’s not something I’ve tried yet, so perhaps someone who has can comment.
[/QUOTE]
For sure I could totally see that. I have a friend that played in a winter league with skytrak and they made him play his whole 9 before the other 3 guys. I didn’t know if they would have some sort of style coming out similar to how trackman does from behind the ball.
I also have 2 sons who are lefties and I’m a righty lol might have to just make them righty’s for the sake of the sim. They are still young enough haha
[QUOTE=”jayronmillz10, post: 12374976, member: 77566″]
For sure I could totally see that. I have a friend that played in a winter league with skytrak and they made him play his whole 9 before the other 3 guys. I didn’t know if they would have some sort of style coming out similar to how trackman does from behind the ball.
I also have 2 sons who are lefties and I’m a righty lol might have to just make them righty’s for the sake of the sim. They are still young enough haha
[/QUOTE]
Radar is behind the ball. Camera is either next to or overhead.
Depending on who you ask, Camera is far superior indoors.
[QUOTE=”jayronmillz10, post: 12374976, member: 77566″]
For sure I could totally see that. I have a friend that played in a winter league with skytrak and they made him play his whole 9 before the other 3 guys. I didn’t know if they would have some sort of style coming out similar to how trackman does from behind the ball.
I also have 2 sons who are lefties and I’m a righty lol might have to just make them righty’s for the sake of the sim. They are still young enough haha
[/QUOTE]
While radar-based units have the advantage of not having to move the unit for different handed golfers, they have the disadvantage of requiring a LOT more depth to the room, and also can suffer some accuracy problems indoors (which they try to make up for with calculations).
The perfect answer would be a launch monitor with two cameras, one for each side and a radar unit/camera behind where it figures out automatically which camera to use. Obviously that would be price prohibitive for all but the 1% and professionals.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12374988, member: 3″]
Radar is behind the ball. Camera is either next to or overhead.
Depending on who you ask, Camera is far superior indoors.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks JB
[QUOTE=”wadesworld, post: 12374991, member: 13304″]
While radar-based units have the advantage of not having to move the unit for different handed golfers, they have the disadvantage of requiring a LOT more depth to the room, and also can suffer some accuracy problems indoors (which they try to make up for with calculations).
The perfect answer would be a launch monitor with two cameras, one for each side and a radar unit/camera behind where it figures out automatically which camera to use. Obviously that would be price prohibitive for all but the 1% and professionals.
[/QUOTE]
Thank you and I appreciate your feedback [USER=13304]@wadesworld[/USER] !
Recap and thoughts.
It’s exciting and humbling to be selected for a THP event. It’s even better when it completes your goal of having an at home golf simulator. This experience was always at the top of my list and I still can’t believe I got to be a part of it. Everything about this was top notch and amazing. From pre-experience and pre-round golf getting to know the guys to the post-event lunch and departure. I know it will also continue with our sim journeys and golf game improvement.
Victoria National is the nicest course I’ve ever played. The fairways look like greens and the rough will grab your club head and not let go. (And the rough was cut down!) The course is difficult, but not ridiculously so. There’s room to stay in play and make shots. Except during the Gauntlet. That’s a tough stretch of golf holes. The views are spectacular and the amenities are world class. Everyone that works there goes above and beyond to make your time there memorable.
Playing for Team Koske was so much fun. I don’t play competitive golf. My rounds are always against myself, and usually by myself. I was fortunate enough to be playing with [USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] during shamble and it’s no coincidence that’s the only point I put up during the event. He’s a great golfer. I was so happy to be there, I forgot we were competing. When Koske told me JB clinched his point, I was in such a good mood that all I could say was “Nice”. He responded with “Not for Team Koske.” Oops. :ROFLMAO: I don’t think it made him too mad.
Alt Shot sucks. It’s so stressful. But [USER=75759]@nugs303[/USER] and I put up a good fight and almost took it to the last. I can’t ask for anymore. And you can’t be in a bad mood around nugs. Such a good dude.
Bonus golf is some of the most fun golf you can play. The course is open and you just attack and see what happens. I hit some of the best drives I’ve ever hit during bonus golf. Birdied one of the Gauntlet holes too. Night putting was great. It’s laid back and everyone gets time to chill and bs. It’s also when it hits you that time moves too fast on the Dormie Network.
Singles day was great. [USER=70243]@cringjr[/USER] brought more than I did that round and got the point. (With [USER=3]@JB[/USER] telling me the whole time Team JB just needed 1 point to retain. :ROFLMAO: He loves to trash-talk.) You can’t be upset at these events and I did my best to soak it in. It was a pleasure to watch [USER=3]@JB[/USER] and [USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] playing some amazing golf.
The other portions of the experience lived up to everything you’d expect. Food was beyond delicious. The cottage is otherworldly. It had a hallway so long it needed a bar to break up the walk! I did a little damage in the pro shop but didn’t go crazy. Had to grab a true bucket hat right before I left.
[USER=3]@JB[/USER] – Thank you for all you do for us on THP. You give us a chance to play courses and use equipment that we might not otherwise get to. My knowledge of golf and my ability has improved dramatically because of THP.
[USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] – What a cool dude. Your passion for golfers and their improvement is impressive. I was lucky enough to be on the course with you for almost the entire event. I loved hearing stories from your career, the golf industry, and getting to know you. Thank you for all you do for THP. It is beyond kind.
[USER=75759]@nugs303[/USER] – Smiling constantly from the second we walked in the cottage. Awesome partner for the hell of alt shot and had an absolute blast playing bonus golf. Great to get to know you and thank you for the work you do. The Puttskee win was huge!
[USER=41068]@93civiccpe[/USER] – Loved talking with you during night putting and was happy we got to play together on the course so much. Tons of knowledge and the most helpful person I’ve interacted with on THP. Always encouraging on the course. Great putt on 7 and I love your putter.
[USER=54652]@AuzzieMatt[/USER] – Always keeping it loose and busting chops. The only thing bigger than your personality are your shirts. Thanks for your help leading up to the experience. I followed your sim build and stole a lot of your ideas.
[USER=70243]@cringjr[/USER] – My Dude! An 8 hour car ride is a long time with a stranger and it could go bad. Instead we’re making plans for a tee time and already have the course picked out. Nothing but fist bumps and cheering for each other from the moment we stepped on the course. Good win in singles. The ride home was constant golf talk. Very happy we met and we’ll be playing soon.
[USER=13304]@wadesworld[/USER] – Such a nice guy. You killed it on the course during the event. There’s no way you weren’t the MVP with hitting the pin 4 times! I love your approach to the game and look forward to following along with you sim journey.
I setup the SkyTrak+ last night and got to use it for a short time. It’s SO impressive. I’m looking forward to the wedge matrix and the shot randomizer. SkyTrak lays out a pathway for your golf game to improve that is second to none. I will share my journey and do my best to answer any questions people might have. Thank you again to THP and SkyTrak for giving me this oppurtunity.
[QUOTE=”odom730, post: 12375141, member: 46310″]
Recap and thoughts.
It’s exciting and humbling to be selected for a THP event. It’s even better when it completes your goal of having an at home golf simulator. This experience was always at the top of my list and I still can’t believe I got to be a part of it. Everything about this was top notch and amazing. From pre-experience and pre-round golf getting to know the guys to the post-event lunch and departure. I know it will also continue with our sim journeys and golf game improvement.
Victoria National is the nicest course I’ve ever played. The fairways look like greens and the rough will grab your club head and not let go. (And the rough was cut down!) The course is difficult, but not ridiculously so. There’s room to stay in play and make shots. Except during the Gauntlet. That’s a tough stretch of golf holes. The views are spectacular and the amenities are world class. Everyone that works there goes above and beyond to make your time there memorable.
Playing for Team Koske was so much fun. I don’t play competitive golf. My rounds are always against myself, and usually by myself. I was fortunate enough to be playing with [USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] during shamble and it’s no coincidence that’s the only point I put up during the event. He’s a great golfer. I was so happy to be there, I forgot we were competing. When Koske told me JB clinched his point, I was in such a good mood that all I could say was “Nice”. He responded with “Not for Team Koske.” Oops. :ROFLMAO: I don’t think it made him too mad.
Alt Shot sucks. It’s so stressful. But [USER=75759]@nugs303[/USER] and I put up a good fight and almost took it to the last. I can’t ask for anymore. And you can’t be in a bad mood around nugs. Such a good dude.
Bonus golf is some of the most fun golf you can play. The course is open and you just attack and see what happens. I hit some of the best drives I’ve ever hit during bonus golf. Birdied one of the Gauntlet holes too. Night putting was great. It’s laid back and everyone gets time to chill and bs. It’s also when it hits you that time moves too fast on the Dormie Network.
Singles day was great. [USER=70243]@cringjr[/USER] brought more than I did that round and got the point. (With [USER=3]@JB[/USER] telling me the whole time Team JB just needed 1 point to retain. :ROFLMAO: He loves to trash-talk.) You can’t be upset at these events and I did my best to soak it in. It was a pleasure to watch [USER=3]@JB[/USER] and [USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] playing some amazing golf.
The other portions of the experience lived up to everything you’d expect. Food was beyond delicious. The cottage is otherworldly. It had a hallway so long it needed a bar to break up the walk! I did a little damage in the pro shop but didn’t go crazy. Had to grab a true bucket hat right before I left.
[USER=3]@JB[/USER] – Thank you for all you do for us on THP. You give us a chance to play courses and use equipment that we might not otherwise get to. My knowledge of golf and my ability has improved dramatically because of THP.
[USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] – What a cool dude. Your passion for golfers and their improvement is impressive. I was lucky enough to be on the course with you for almost the entire event. I loved hearing stories from your career, the golf industry, and getting to know you. Thank you for all you do for THP. It is beyond kind.
[USER=75759]@nugs303[/USER] – Smiling constantly from the second we walked in the cottage. Awesome partner for the hell of alt shot and had an absolute blast playing bonus golf. Great to get to know you and thank you for the work you do. The Puttskee win was huge!
[USER=41068]@93civiccpe[/USER] – Loved talking with you during night putting and was happy we got to play together on the course so much. Tons of knowledge and the most helpful person I’ve interacted with on THP. Always encouraging on the course. Great putt on 7 and I love your putter.
[USER=54652]@AuzzieMatt[/USER] – Always keeping it loose and busting chops. The only thing bigger than your personality are your shirts. Thanks for your help leading up to the experience. I followed your sim build and stole a lot of your ideas.
[USER=70243]@cringjr[/USER] – My Dude! An 8 hour car ride is a long time with a stranger and it could go bad. Instead we’re making plans for a tee time and already have the course picked out. Nothing but fist bumps and cheering for each other from the moment we stepped on the course. Good win in singles. The ride home was constant golf talk. Very happy we met and we’ll be playing soon.
[USER=13304]@wadesworld[/USER] – Such a nice guy. You killed it on the course during the event. There’s no way you weren’t the MVP with hitting the pin 4 times! I love your approach to the game and look forward to following along with you sim journey.
I setup the SkyTrak+ last night and got to use it for a short time. It’s SO impressive. I’m looking forward to the wedge matrix and the shot randomizer. SkyTrak lays out a pathway for your golf game to improve that is second to none. I will share my journey and do my best to answer any questions people might have. Thank you again to THP and SkyTrak for giving me this oppurtunity.
[/QUOTE]
Remember that conversation we had outside? Take a few months…
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12375149, member: 3″]
Remember that conversation we had outside? Take a few months…
[/QUOTE]
Will do. I appreciate that.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12370266, member: 62865″]
This match will be a fascinating case study on the proper brekakfast choices at experiences
[/QUOTE]
Now we know how it turns out… ?
Recap of my first THP event: Part 1
General Comments on Participating in a THP Experience
I have been a member of THP for just over 2 years. In that time, I have been more of a "lurker" than an active member. I have always followed all experiences closely and have used this forum as a source of information on all things that interest me in golf and would post when I had questions or thought I could add to the conversation. Since being selected, I have been posting more often and try to stay more engaged in all that is going on. And I will be posting about Skytrak+ a whole heck of a lot going forward.
I was well aware of how awesome the people and experiences are, but once you get lucky enough to participate you get to see it first-hand. It is hard to put it into words, but this week was unreal and not something "normal" people should never get to do. To play at a world class facility and to have the access to industry insiders is just amazing.
I was fully immersed in this experience the moment it started on Monday. I know the forum jokes about the "cone of silence" during the match, but I gave the outside world a true "cone of silence" treatment for 48 hours. I was 100% off the grid for anything and anyone outside of THP universe from the moment we arrived at Victoria National up until I pulled out of the gate on Wednesday afternoon. I have read about the post event hangover and was not sure what it meant. To me, it stems from the fact that you have completely and fully committed yourself to golf for at least 48 hours. Nothing else matters. And it’s not enough. You are left wanting more when it’s over. More golf, more time with other THPers, more time learning about the industry and more time doing things normal golfers rarely get to do. I have never been more excited about golf and everything about it than I am now.
This event and this course have been on my radar since it was announced. I love hard golf courses that allow you to play each hole a different way and Victoria National does that. Over the last year, I have committed to getting better (for the first time in my golfing life) and the Skytrak device is going to be a huge part of that.
Recap of my first THP event: Part 2
[B]The Golf:[/B]
I have never been this nervous on a golf course before. I don’t play a lot of competitive golf and it showed. But, the guys were all great and had my back the entire time regardless of what team they were on. In Shamble, [USER=41068]@93civiccpe[/USER] was great. He kept me calm and helped me settle my nerves. We hung around as long as we could, but [USER=46310]@odom730[/USER] drove a dagger in our hearts with a huge birdie on #9 to stay 1up on us, and then he and [USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] beat us into submission on holes 10-15.
In Alt Shot I was a nervous wreck. I think it was hole #7 when I asked JB if I was supposed to be this nervous and if it ever wears off. [USER=13304]@wadesworld[/USER] had to carry the load as the only tee shot I hit that was usable was on #2. I was dead off the tee on #’s 4, 6 and 8 putting him in the junk having to recover, or in most cases hitting the third shot from the tee box. I am still not sure how we managed to pull of a point as that entire nine was a blur.
By #5 in the singles match if finally collected myself, and somehow made it to the turn 1 up after being 2 down through 2 holes. [USER=46310]@odom730[/USER] had to fade 10 pops and I felt like if I could make it to the gauntlet, I had a chance. When we arrived at 16, I was 2 up and knew if I did not seal the deal there, in most likelihood he would win #’s 17 and 18 and pull off half a point. My driver was not cooperating and I was hitting 5 or 6 irons off the tee unless driver was the only play. Holes 17 and 18 required the big dog and I would have most likely been in the water on those 2. On 16 I hit 7i and chunked it. Somehow it stayed short of the creek and I was able to close it out with a 5 net 4.
There was a thread asking if you ever root against your opponent in a match. I can say this never happened at Victoria National. There were high fives, slaps on the back and people picking each other up regardless of what team they were on. It was just great to see.
If you could only play one hole at Vic again which would it be?
15
It’s a tough par 5. Requires 3 great shots to have a chance. I didn’t play it well. Should have left driver in the bag and played it safe off the tee. I’d like another run at it.
Edit: I’d like another chance to play 15 so I could play it properly. But my favorite hole on the course is 16 by far. A beautiful par 3 that can kick your butt if you aren’t careful.
[QUOTE=”odom730, post: 12375341, member: 46310″]
15
It’s a tough par 5. Requires 3 great shots to have a chance. I didn’t play it well. Should have left driver in the bag and played it safe off the tee. I’d like another run at it.
[/QUOTE]
Hole from the gauntlet! I like it. That hole sucked the life out of me.
Recap of my first THP event: Part 3
The People:
@JB and @GolferGal thanks for all you do. This was just a great event from start to finish. JB likes to talk trash but he also makes you feel at ease and part of the gang. He is so welcoming and honest and it is truly appreciated.
@Koske thanks for all your time and openness on everything the Skytrak and GolfTec teams are working on. It was awesome. I spent a lot of time on the course with you and it was a blast. Thanks, and I can’t wait for all there is to come.
@nugs303 we did not spend a lot of time on the course together, but off the course we did. I don’t think a smile ever left your face. Thanks for all the questions you answered and for sharing your knowledge with a bunch of internet golfers
To @wadesworld you are the man. Thanks for carrying me through alt shot and for all the great conversation on and off the course
To @AuzzieMatt never change man. You are a lot of fun and I had a great time hanging out between rounds. Thanks for the ball marker mate!!
To @93civiccpe thanks for being so supportive and for the pointers on how to navigate my first THP experience
To @odom730 I had a blast. You are such a good dude. 16 hours in a car, splitting a hotel room on Sunday and basically played every hole of the week together (with the exception of holes 1-3 in Alt Shot). We threw stranger danger caution to the wind and took a blind leap of faith that we would get along, and man did we get along. You are only a few hours away and there will definitely be more golf together in the future.
As a newb and experience rookie, I could have not asked for a better group of guys. I can’t wait to see all of you again and to keep up with you on the forum.
Thanks everyone!!!!
You crushed it [USER=70243]@cringjr[/USER] Loved following along and you knocked everything out of the park!
[QUOTE=”MarMill, post: 12375335, member: 51186″]
If you could only play one hole at Vic again which would it be?
[/QUOTE]
I would like another shot at #6 and #15 as I never played them well in any of the rounds, but my answer is #16. I loved that hole.
[QUOTE=”cringjr, post: 12375345, member: 70243″]
Recap of my first THP event: Part 3
[B]The People:[/B]
[USER=3]@JB[/USER] and [USER=7]@GolferGal[/USER] thanks for all you do. This was just a great event from start to finish. JB likes to talk trash but he also makes you feel at ease and part of the gang. He is so welcoming and honest and it is truly appreciated.
[USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] thanks for all your time and openness on everything the Skytrak and GolfTec teams are working on. It was awesome. I spent a lot of time on the course with you and it was a blast. Thanks, and I can’t wait for all there is to come.
[USER=75759]@nugs303[/USER] we did not spend a lot of time on the course together, but off the course we did. I don’t think a smile ever left your face. Thanks for all the questions you answered and for sharing your knowledge with a bunch of internet golfers
To [USER=13304]@wadesworld[/USER] you are the man. Thanks for carrying me through alt shot and for all the great conversation on and off the course
To [USER=54652]@AuzzieMatt[/USER] never change man. You are a lot of fun and I had a great time hanging out between rounds. Thanks for the ball marker mate!!
To [USER=41068]@93civiccpe[/USER] thanks for being so supportive and for the pointers on how to navigate my first THP experience
To [USER=46310]@odom730[/USER] I had a blast. You are such a good dude. 16 hours in a car, splitting a hotel room on Sunday and basically played every hole of the week together (with the exception of holes 1-3 in Alt Shot). We threw stranger danger caution to the wind and took a blind leap of faith that we would get along, and man did we get along. You are only a few hours away and there will definitely be more golf together in the future.
As a newb and experience rookie, I could have not asked for a better group of guys. I can’t wait to see all of you again and to keep up with you on the forum.
Thanks everyone!!!!
[/QUOTE]
Well done [USER=70243]@cringjr[/USER] it was awesome to see you just dive head on in for this experience!
[QUOTE=”AuzzieMatt, post: 12375314, member: 54652″]
Now we know how it turns out… ?
[/QUOTE]
Looks to me like you won twice!
[QUOTE=”cringjr, post: 12375322, member: 70243″]
Recap of my first THP event: Part 2
[B]The Golf:[/B]
I have never been this nervous on a golf course before. I don’t play a lot of competitive golf and it showed. But, the guys were all great and had my back the entire time regardless of what team they were on. In Shamble, [USER=41068]@93civiccpe[/USER] was great. He kept me calm and helped me settle my nerves. We hung around as long as we could, but [USER=46310]@odom730[/USER] drove a dagger in our hearts with a huge birdie on #9 to stay 1up on us, and then he and [USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] beat us into submission on holes 10-15.
In Alt Shot I was a nervous wreck. I think it was hole #7 when I asked JB if I was supposed to be this nervous and if it ever wears off. [USER=13304]@wadesworld[/USER] had to carry the load as the only tee shot I hit that was usable was on #2. I was dead off the tee on #’s 4, 6 and 8 putting him in the junk having to recover, or in most cases hitting the third shot from the tee box. I am still not sure how we managed to pull of a point as that entire nine was a blur.
By #5 in the singles match if finally collected myself, and somehow made it to the turn 1 up after being 2 down through 2 holes. [USER=46310]@odom730[/USER] had to fade 10 pops and I felt like if I could make it to the gauntlet, I had a chance. When we arrived at 16, I was 2 up and knew if I did not seal the deal there, in most likelihood he would win #’s 17 and 18 and pull off half a point. My driver was not cooperating and I was hitting 5 or 6 irons off the tee unless driver was the only play. Holes 17 and 18 required the big dog and I would have most likely been in the water on those 2. On 16 I hit 7i and chunked it. Somehow it stayed short of the creek and I was able to close it out with a 5 net 4.
There was a thread asking if you ever root against your opponent in a match. I can say this never happened at Victoria National. There were high fives, slaps on the back and people picking each other up regardless of what team they were on. It was just great to see.
[/QUOTE]
Great recaps ???
Well done [USER=70243]@cringjr[/USER] !
It’s time for my thoughts.
First, let me say this right at the start: if you are considering any sort of launch monitor, you owe it to yourself to strongly consider the SkyTrak+. The unit has everything us amateur golfers need and for a price that is a great value when considering the whole gambit of launch monitors. I’m sitting looking at my screen and every number I need is there. The only gap (which is just a want) is face impact location, and SkyTrak told us during the event that is coming just as soon as they can deliver it up to their standards of quality.
More importantly, the team at SkyTrak is committed to making the best consumer launch monitor on the market. They are really energized to lead the market and their acquisition by GolfTec opens up all sorts of interesting features which no other launch monitor is likely to have. They’ve also staffed up on the software development side as a result.
I sheepishly admit when I first started learning about launch monitors several years ago, I kind of thought of SkyTrak as a no-frills option. But as I researched the market more leading up to this event, I really have become convinced for 98% of amateur golfers, there likely is no better value unit for use at home.
Onto the participants:
@JB I believe the last time I saw Josh at an event was at the Gauntlet at Cog Hill in 2016-ish? It was good to see him again and I was REALLY glad his elbow held up. I know it’s his job, but it’s hard to express how much we should appreciate the amount of work he puts into these events. On the road for 28 (29 due to Nashville traffic?) straight days in order to do back-to-back-to-back events is not something to be taken lightly. It was good to be partnered with @JB and talk a little more about life and such than we have previously. It was also fun to witness @JB‘s trash talk game firsthand and certainly fun that we got in a groove and won our match.
@GolferGal was not a participant, but she deserves thanks as well. It was her coordinating a LOT behind the scenes and to do that long away from @JB I’m sure was a sacrifice for her too.
@Koske It was my first time meeting Chris, and you could not find a cooler guy on the planet. He’s really passionate about helping golfers get better and trying to drive his company to be #1. He’s also a heck of a stick of a golfer and just the kind of dude you want to have a beer with. I definitely want him to hit me up any time he’s in Nashville.
@nugs303 I got to spend a lot of time with Desmond and he was so much fun. He’s mega athletic and you can tell his scores are going to start dropping fast as he gets to play more. He puts a great move on the ball and when he gets ahold of one, bombs it. He was always smiling and looked like he was enjoying himself just as much as us. He also has the same passion as @Koske and I’m sure is really going to take their analytics to the next level.
@odom730 My one regret was I didn’t get to spend as much time with Adam as I would have liked. It certainly wasn’t intentional, it just worked out that way in the pairings. He’s a super-great and chill dude and also absolutely murders the ball. Definitely want to spend more time with him at a future event. Also wins the award for best hair.
@AuzzieMatt What can you say about the legend that is Matt? As fun a guy as you’ll even meet and would literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was the world’s best sport taking all of JB’s crap, and gave plenty back himself. JB told me he’s perfectly capable of dishing it out toe-to-toe with him, so I hope I get to be witness to that in the future. I cannot imagine the sarcasm level. Matt’s had a little bit of a Jekyll and Hyde game, but when Dr Jekyll was hitting, he was on fire.
@93civiccpe Shaun is a fantastic guy as well. Extremely outgoing and enthusiastic and a leader of the fun. I really enjoyed riding with him during the singles matches and watching him just soak it in and enjoy the experience even though he didn’t play like he wanted.
@cringjr This was Charlie’s first THP event and he slid in just like a veteran. He said he was nervous, but you couldn’t tell. He kept having fun no matter what the score. Really enjoyed partnering with during our alt-shot match and while he did struggle off the tee, he came up clutch on numerous shots and made up for me when I failed to help us out. Absolutely could not have won that match without his clutch shots. I hope to see Charlie at many more events.
The course and hospitality:
I won’t try to recap everything because it’s all already been said, but it’s simply top-notch. From the cart guys grabbing your luggage the moment you pull up to the incredible food and drinks, to the incredible lodging, to the helpfulness and politeness of the staff. Oh, and it’s a world-class course which most of us would NEVER have the chance to play it weren’t for THP.
I absolutely loved the entire experience and hope THP keeps giving us these incredible and normally unobtainable experiences, but honestly, it’s more about the community. They can hold the next one at a 1-star muni and I’ll still be there with a smile on my face and excitement overflowing because hanging with THP folks is just that much fun.
[QUOTE=”wadesworld, post: 12375495, member: 13304″]
It’s time for my thoughts.
First, let me say this right at the start: if you are considering any sort of launch monitor, you owe it to yourself to strongly consider the SkyTrak+. The unit has everything us amateur golfers need and for a price that is a great value when considering the whole gambit of launch monitors. I’m sitting looking at my screen and every number I need is there. The only gap (which is just a want) is face impact location, and SkyTrak told us during the event that is coming just as soon as they can deliver it up to their standards of quality.
More importantly, the team at SkyTrak is committed to making the best consumer launch monitor on the market. They are really energized to lead the market and their acquisition by GolfTec opens up all sorts of interesting features which no other launch monitor is likely to have. They’ve also staffed up on the software development side as a result.
I sheepishly admit when I first started learning about launch monitors several years ago, I kind of thought of SkyTrak as a no-frills option. But as I researched the market more leading up to this event, I really have become convinced for 98% of amateur golfers, there likely is no better value unit for use at home.
Onto the participants:
[USER=3]@JB[/USER] I believe the last time I saw Josh at an event was at the Gauntlet at Cog Hill in 2016-ish? It was good to see him again and I was REALLY glad his elbow held up. I know it’s his job, but it’s hard to express how much we should appreciate the amount of work he puts into these events. On the road for 28 (29 due to Nashville traffic?) straight days in order to do back-to-back-to-back events is not something to be taken lightly. It was good to be partnered with [USER=3]@JB[/USER] and talk a little more about life and such than we have previously. It was also fun to witness [USER=3]@JB[/USER]’s trash talk game firsthand and certainly fun that we got in a groove and won our match.
[USER=7]@GolferGal[/USER] was not a participant, but she deserves thanks as well. It was her coordinating a LOT behind the scenes and to do that long away from [USER=3]@JB[/USER] I’m sure was a sacrifice for her too.
[USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] It was my first time meeting Chris, and you could not find a cooler guy on the planet. He’s really passionate about helping golfers get better and trying to drive his company to be #1. He’s also a heck of a stick of a golfer and just the kind of dude you want to have a beer with. I definitely want him to hit me up any time he’s in Nashville.
[USER=75759]@nugs303[/USER] I got to spend a lot of time with Desmond and he was so much fun. He’s mega athletic and you can tell his scores are going to start dropping fast as he gets to play more. He puts a great move on the ball and when he gets ahold of one, bombs it. He was always smiling and looked like he was enjoying himself just as much as us. He also has the same passion as [USER=51106]@Koske[/USER] and I’m sure is really going to take their analytics to the next level.
[USER=46310]@odom730[/USER] My one regret was I didn’t get to spend as much time with Adam as I would have liked. It certainly wasn’t intentional, it just worked out that way in the pairings. He’s a super-great and chill dude and also absolutely murders the ball. Definitely want to spend more time with him at a future event. Also wins the award for best hair.
[USER=54652]@AuzzieMatt[/USER] What can you say about the legend that is Matt? As fun a guy as you’ll even meet and would literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was the world’s best sport taking all of JB’s crap, and gave plenty back himself. JB told me he’s perfectly capable of dishing it out toe-to-toe with him, so I hope I get to be witness to that in the future. I cannot imagine the sarcasm level. Matt’s had a little bit of a Jekyll and Hyde game, but when Dr Jekyll was hitting, he was on fire.
[USER=41068]@93civiccpe[/USER] Shaun is a fantastic guy as well. Extremely outgoing and enthusiastic and a leader of the fun. I really enjoyed riding with him during the singles matches and watching him just soak it in and enjoy the experience even though he didn’t play like he wanted.
[USER=70243]@cringjr[/USER] This was Charlie’s first THP event and he slid in just like a veteran. He said he was nervous, but you couldn’t tell. He kept having fun no matter what the score. Really enjoyed partnering with during our alt-shot match and while he did struggle off the tee, he came up clutch on numerous shots and made up for me when I failed to help us out. Absolutely could not have won that match without his clutch shots. I hope to see Charlie at many more events.
The course and hospitality:
I won’t try to recap everything because it’s all already been said, but it’s simply top-notch. From the cart guys grabbing your luggage the moment you pull up to the incredible food and drinks, to the incredible lodging, to the helpfulness and politeness of the staff. Oh, and it’s a world-class course which most of us would NEVER have the chance to play it weren’t for THP.
I absolutely loved the entire experience and hope THP keeps giving us these incredible and normally unobtainable experiences, but honestly, it’s more about the community. They can hold the next one at a 1-star muni and I’ll still be there with a smile on my face and excitement overflowing because hanging with THP folks is just that much fun.
[IMG alt=”Drop The Mic GIF by In Real Life”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/xT9IgfNPRprdidd3Bm/200.gif[/IMG]
[/QUOTE]
[IMG alt=”Lin Manuel Miranda Love GIF by Tony Awards”]https://media4.giphy.com/media/PypcG4qBuMqDOny5vp/200.gif[/IMG]
You brought it Wade!!! Glad you were able to experience this!!!
[QUOTE=”wadesworld, post: 12375495, member: 13304″]
It’s time for my thoughts.
First, let me say this right at the start: if you are considering any sort of launch monitor, you owe it to yourself to strongly consider the SkyTrak+. The unit has everything us amateur golfers need and for a price that is a great value when considering the whole gambit of launch monitors. I’m sitting looking at my screen and every number I need is there. The only gap (which is just a want) is face impact location, and SkyTrak told us during the event that is coming just as soon as they can deliver it up to their standards of quality.
More importantly, the team at SkyTrak is committed to making the best consumer launch monitor on the market. They are really energized to lead the market and their acquisition by GolfTec opens up all sorts of interesting features which no other launch monitor is likely to have. They’ve also staffed up on the software development side as a result.
I sheepishly admit when I first started learning about launch monitors several years ago, I kind of thought of SkyTrak as a no-frills option. But as I researched the market more leading up to this event, I really have become convinced for 98% of amateur golfers, there likely is no better value unit for use at home.
[/QUOTE]
This seems like a perfect summary of why this is a perfect unit for us normal golfers trying to get better. Thank you.
Was there talk by the SkyTrak folks about upcoming hardware or software releases coming out this year? I heard they were focusing more on software but not positive.
[QUOTE=”sabig27, post: 12376075, member: 16375″]
Was there talk by the SkyTrak folks about upcoming hardware or software releases coming out this year? I heard they were focusing more on software but not positive.
[/QUOTE]
No specifics. They don’t want to release anything until it’s ready.
[QUOTE=”MarMill, post: 12375335, member: 51186″]
If you could only play one hole at Vic again which would it be?
[/QUOTE]
18.. didn’t play it well but it’s a gorgeous hole. Close second would be 5 or 16.. two of the best par 3s I’ve seen