Welcome back, Weekend Warriors!

This week, I’ll be bringing to you guys an extensive course review of two South Florida staples, Emerald Hills and The Biltmore. I also had the opportunity to interview The Connected Golfer, and our conversation was full of golf tips, life advice, and pure inspiration. That will be coming soon, but next Tuesday will see the release of my interview with Kevin Kim! We don’t rush things out here at WW if we don’t have to, quality is our game.

I hope you enjoy!

Tour Roundup

This past weekend saw the first Tour event in Utah in over 60 years, and what a tournament it was! The course was insane, the bright green fairways sticking out like a desert oasis, and with the 18 holes laid out through countless miles of dark rocky structures, it’s obvious to see how Black Desert Resort got it’s name. It looked like immaculate conditions too, and it seemed to be an event that was enjoyed by players and fans alike. Matt McCarty won the event in only his 3rd PGA Tour start, just after winning his Tour Card through the Korn Ferry Tour this past season. Guy is a stud golfer and definitely has a huge ceiling, one to keep your eye on for legacy and for betting. Today marks the start of the Shriners Children’s Open, with Tom Kim being the pre-tournament favorite, which would mark a three peat for the kid. Here at Weekenders Weekly we say “go Kurt Kitayama!”

Biltmore

As promised, the Weekenders Weekly write up on the Biltmore is here. I wanted to be able to present the course in a way that everyone could feel its legacy and get an idea of the feelings it evokes. More detailed pieces on the layout and the operation of the course are soon to come. Today, check out my in depth love letter to the course here.

Emerald Hills

One of the three courses I played while in Miami, this track was a breath of fresh air, and not just because it is the longest course in Florida. The people were so nice, the course itself had some really inventive holes, and we had some great views of the Guitar Hotel. Very underrated course, and I will be giving you all detailed look as to why, coming soon.

Deering Bay

What this course does not have in public access it makes up for in its unbelievably pristine conditions, world class hospitality for their patrons, and its beautiful Arnold Palmer designed course. There’s almost more water on this course than grass, and putting surfaces like glass, so if you can’t keep the ball in bounds, you will play like ass. This is a top course in Miami and I am privileged to be able to give you guys an inside look soon, not just writing wise, in some awesome on course content as well.

Malbon x Keith Haring

Keith Haring is an artist you may not know by name, but his work you have definitely seen. It is so ubiquitous and unique that it is now catalogued as an international visual language. Malbon Golf is paying homage to his legacy with a 30 piece collection all featuring designs of the late artist. It’s a perfect mix of artsy design and modern look and functionality, and anything Jesper Parnavik is a win in my book. Check out the collection here.

Weekly Advisors

I spent my three day Florida swing playing some very eh golf, unfortunately. While my mental game kept me grounded and having fun the entire time, I also attribute it to the fact I did not score a lot of doubles. It was few bogey filled Florida rounds. But, after the fact, I can look back and realize that there was something missing that really did impact my scores; my pre shot routine. You hear the importance of it all the time, but it really is true, having that same consistent warm up before a shot can do wonders for your swing. Physically, it connects you back to the feeling you had before every other swing, making it familiar and a place your body recognizes. The same goes for your mind, having similar thoughts or just being present while you go through the routine every time will relax you and get you into a much more comfortable headspace.

Course of the Week

Pebble Beach: 6,972 yards. TPC Sawgrass: 7,275. Whistling Straits: 7,790. Emerald Hills Golf Cub: 7,800?? Yes, this quaint yet beautiful golf club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is the longest course in the state. With 7 tee box options, they let you decide how much of a challenge you want, but even from the closer tees, expect a lot of dog leg holes in both ways, guarded greens, and water playing left right and center.

Stories from the Sticks

The story this week comes to you from my new friend Leopoldo Herrera, aka The Connected Golfer. While the full interview is coming soon, similar to Kevin, I want to give you guys a quote to take with you through this week and into your next round. When I asked him if he felt natural in a coaching position, something kind of new to him, he answered by telling me how it came natural to him because he was always his own coach, and he is just imparting the lessons he knows into his students. It made me think a lot about how I talk to myself on the course, and how that would affect my game. And in turn, how would the way I talk to myself and assess my own playing affect how I talk to my playing partners, especially if we are playing some sort of scramble or team event. It also makes you think about how to share knowledge and the importance of making sure that what you are telling and teaching to people in any capacity is not just beneficial, but something that you support wholly. It goes to show just how much his mission means to The Connected Golfer as well. And of course, these lessons are applicable to so much more beyond golf.

Stupid Golf Story of the Week

This week’s story goes to my friend who asked to not be named, for good reason. Playing a house lined Florida par 4, my friend sliced his driver so far to the right that the odds of not hitting a house were lower than the flip side. We waited as the ball sailed through the air for the famous donk a golf ball makes when it hits a roof. Well, not only did we hear that beautiful noise, but we got to watch his ball sail straight back into the middle of the fairway. Gotta love the game.

I hope you enjoyed this Miami edition of Weekenders Weekly! Expect to see the course articles coming soon, as well as lots of on course content! Interviews are being edited as I type this, the information I’m bringing to you guys with these chats isn’t just entertaining, but some of the best golf advice you can receive. Promise. Be on the lookout for new giveaways and new Fit of the Week awards being given out soon! Go play some golf!