I recently had the honor of being accepted to be part of an innovative new group of competitive golfers, the Silver Club Golfing Society.

It’s an invitation-only, national golf society for people who are passionate about the game and seek the competitive challenge at every turn. With a membership that draws from across the United States and internationally, Silver Club Golfing Society’s mission is to cultivate a thriving golf society that signifies the very best in the game — where the competition is compelling, the camaraderie is vibrant, and the experience is memorable. Above all else, SCGS is intended to provide its members the opportunity to relax and spend quality time with one another in a spirited, stroke-free tournament setting.

Doesn’t that sound amazing in every way? It sure does to me. Competition is an important part of the game of golf. However, competition is a lot more fun when you’re competing against like minded and skilled players.

SCGS was founded by Steve Scott, current PGA Professional and former #1 amateur golfer in the world. You may remember him from his epic duel with Tiger Woods in the 1996 US Amateur. Having a guy like Steve in charge of this society is amazing. He’s played the top courses and experienced the best of golf. Now he’s using that experience to get a group of like-minded men and women together and share his knowledge of what makes golf great.

Most importantly to me is the belief of SCGS that golf needs to be fun. Of course it’s fun to compete, but it’s more fun to be around golfers who love and respect the game and want to enjoy a wonderful day on the course with other golfers. That’s 4 hours well spent and I’m looking forward to competing this year.

I’ll share my experiences at the events here on the site, so stay tuned!

Los Angeles hosts a lot of great golf events, but none can come close to the Walker Cup at LACC.

I have had the pleasure of going to a lot of great golf tournaments in my day. Most years I go to Riviera for the Genesis Open. One year I even volunteered and walked inside the ropes with a group while carrying the scoring placard.

I was at Torrey Pines for the 2008 US Open when Tiger Woods won his last major.

I’ve been to Jack’s event at Muirfield and seen the pros struggle to get around that brutally difficult track.

But no event has been as memorable as attending the 2018 Walker Cup at the Los Angeles Country Club. Talk about golf as it was meant to be played. Watching those young men compete at the absolute highest level on one of the world’s premiere courses was incredible. Even more than though was the way the event is conducted. You can walk right with the groups. There are no ropes or stands, just hundreds of hard-core golf fans following some of the best amateurs in the world and admiring their talents.

I have never been to a better event. First, the golf is at such a high level it’s hard to believe. Cameron Champ hit a drive on number one I will never forget. I had never heard of him, but when I heard the ball come off his club face I was blown away. I have seen all the longest hitters in the game (DJ, Tiger, Koepka), but Cameron Champ is another thing all together.

For those of you who have been to professional events and heard the sound of the ball coming off a pro’s club face you know it sounds like a rocket taking off. Those guys hit the ball with incredible force. The sound that Champ’s ball makes is indescribable. He hits the ball so hard I thought he was going to break a club. I’m not being hyperbolic. The kid averages 321 yards of carry! It’s unreal.

But you know what’s really crazy? At the Walker Cup it hardly mattered. Of course he was way past everyone he was playing with, but the competitors were undeterred. They just played their game and competed with him. It was awesome to watch because it reminds you that you’ve got to play your game. Those guys were not intimidated because they are confident in their own game. Guess what? Champ lost a few matches. He’s not invincible despite that power.

The hospitality of the Walker Cup was amazing too. All the members at LACC are, of course, a who’s who of Los Angeles, but they could not have been more welcoming and accommodating. They were proud to show off the course and quick to help with anything that a guest could need. I even got to meet the GM who personally took me to his office to get some of my gear as a volunteer. He was kind and pleasant and it just reminds you that the game is best when it’s enjoyed with people who appreciate the game and fellow golf lovers.

If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend attending a Walker Cup and walking with the best players in the world. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. And if that’s not enough of a reason then maybe getting to see Seminole (2021) and Cypress Point (2025) would be excuse enough. I know I’ll be there.

Have you been to any Walker Cups? If so, leave a note in the comments. I’d love to hear your experience. Are there any other events that compare? If so, tell me about them so I can put them on my list. Thanks y’all!

There is no place that embodies the ethos of this site more than Bandon Dunes. If Father John Mountain is lucky enough to go to golf heaven when he dies, it will undoubtedly look like Bandon Dunes.

I spent a week at Bandon Dunes in June 2018 and it reinvigorated my love of the game.

Bandon Dunes is built around the three pillars of this site, fast, fun, friendly golf.

Friendly

Bandon Dunes has a friendly vibe everywhere. The people who work there genuinely seem to enjoy being a part of the team. Everyone I met from the tram drivers, to the housekeepers, to the caddies, to the golf shop attendants had a smile on their face and a story to tell about the property. Being around that positive energy all day made every moment on property fun.

Fast

Groups play fast at Bandon Dunes, even while soaking in the experience. There are a few reasons for this. One, Bandon Dunes does not tolerate slow play. There is an expected pace of play and the golfers there respect that. This is enforced formally and informally. However, in the entire week I was there we never had a ranger tell us to move on down the road or waited any length of time at all for the group in front of us to play. Some of that likely has to do with the fact there are 85 holes of amazing golf on property. That means no one hole gets too backed up.

I’ll also let you in on a secret. Everyone plays fast at Bandon Dunes because everyone walks!

Fun

Playing at Bandon Dunes, with caddies, in all kinds of conditions is just plain fun! For example, we played in at least a 40 mph wind one day at the Preserve and I’ve never had more fun on a course. Throwing a shot out 40 yards left on a 100 yard hold is inexplicably fun.

Most of all it’s fun because it’s all about golf. No pretense. Just golf. That’s the most fun of all.

I love great style on the course. Justin Thomas, Adam Scott and others just look awesome when they play. It’s not as easy as it should be for those pros to look good either. You’d think with all the money and help they have everyone one of those players would have dialed in outfits. You’d think wrong. There are SO MANY boring styles out there.

That’s why I love when a brand comes along and spices things up and perhaps no brand has done that more recently than G/Fore. They started out simply making Pray for Birdies, and its newest creation Born to Bogey. These hats are anything but traditional, but that’s the whole point. Golf should be fun and a little color and flair make a round fun.

So next time you’re playing that nemesis of yours at the club put on your red G/Fore glove, pull the Respect My Ball Flight cap down over your eyes and pipe one down the middle. You’ll instantly win the mind game, which is half the battle.

What fashion styles and brands do you guys love? I’m always on the lookout for the best new styles. Let me know in the comments.