Clubs Without Courses: How Some Golf Clubs Thrive Without a Home Track
When Sean Ogle abandoned the life of a financial analyst and began writing the blog “Breaking 80,” he never imagined how many fellow golfers would reach out and invite him to play golf at their home courses. Realizing he had formed an impressive network of “golf geeks,” Ogle decided there must be a better way […]
I Was There for Van de Velde’s 1999 Open Championship Crash
By Dave Seanor Redemption or ignominy. That’s what hung in the balance as Jean Van de Velde stalked a six-foot putt for triple bogey at the 72nd hole of the 128th Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links. Van de Velde needed to hole the putt to join Justin Leonard and Paul Lawrie in a […]
100 Years of Pebble Beach: New Reasons to Stay
By James A. Frank In 2019, Pebble Beach Golf Links will celebrate its 100th birthday and host its sixth U.S. Open. To commemorate these milestones, each issue of LINKS Magazine and LINKSdigital between now and then will tell the unique story that is Pebble Beach. Those articles will also be shared here on our website. […]
Building a Mixed Iron Set
Ten years ago, just before heading off to college, I saved some money and purchased a set of Mizuno blades. At the time, I proudly played off a two handicap and thought, “If anyone can play these butter knives, it’s me.” When the irons arrived I played a round with my best golf buddy, a plus […]
Dallas: A New Home for the PGA of America?
The PGA of America soon may be sending out a change of address notification. As first reported by Golf.com, the PGA is expected to announce it will relocate its headquarters from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., to Frisco, Texas, about 30 miles north of Dallas. Multiple sources have confirmed to LINKS that the PGA is eyeing […]
Characters: Mary Lopuszynski
Once a year, the U.S. Golf Association erects a pop-up superstore on the grounds of the U.S. Open. This year, the 37,000-square-foot luxury tent is just downhill from the iconic clubhouse at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, N.Y. In its 11 days of operation, the Merchandise Pavilion will process more transactions, 140,000, and sell more individual […]
Beau Welling: Person of Interest
For years, the unofficial title of “golf’s most interesting man” has belonged to Miguel Angel Jimenez. But let us make the case for Beau Welling. Consider the course designer’s extensive range of interests and accomplishments. He is a great fan of the arts and sits on the board of the Carolina Ballet Theatre. During the […]
PXG Golf Clubs – What’s the Big Deal?
By Erik Matuszewski Bob Parsons is a larger-than-life character in commercials for PXG’s high-end golf clubs. In real life, well, he’s the same way… only without saying, “Ka-boom, baby!” Sitting across a table in one of the luxurious villas at his Scottsdale National Golf Club, Parsons fixes his gaze on me and, in his […]
Yes, You Can Win the U.S. Open
I have this recurring dream. It’s the eve of the final round of the U.S. Open, and I’m in the lead. For three days, I’ve played unconscionably flawless golf (this is a dream, after all) and now, with 18 holes to go, the National Championship is within my reach. Then, unlike Kafka’s Gregor Samsa—who awoke one morning to […]
A Favorable Lie: Courses with Rooms
Terry Lundgren, retired Executive Chairman of Macy’s Inc., estimates he has stayed in the Ben Hogan Room at Riviera Country Club about 60 times. A member of the Pacific Palisades, Calif., club for 10 years, the former executive has roots in Southern California and used to visit Los Angeles regularly on business. Instead of staying […]