Page 150 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2019

SPORTS & OUTDOORS coast golf update
TEE-OFF
wi Tommy
ON THE ROAD WITH GOLF BUDDIES
Since 2003, my golf group the DogPound and I have teed off at
some of the greatest courses and venues in the U.S., and every trip has generated priceless laughter, triumphs, friendships and memories, not to mention inflated handicaps and golf games that don’t travel. With kidding aside, buddy trips just cannot be beat.
I’ve loaded up scratch golfers, hackers and couples into golf carts and organized trips for almost 50 years, and I can honestly say that whether the trips were for men only, couples who play together or duos with only one playing golf, the excursions to fabulous golf courses have never disappointed the masses. Golfers who have not taken part in friendly adventures are missing pleasurable tee times and delightful nightlife.
Scott Jackson recently decided that he wanted to start traveling and playing golf at the nation’s top venues, and
the first two ventures “have been extraordinary.” He and his golfing aficionados landed in Los Angeles
and played the historic Riviera CC before heading back to plan the next big buddy thing. “I saw where Acadia
story by Tommy Snell
Bluffs was Michigan’s number one golf
course, so a few of us decided to go,” said the Nevada Bob’s owner. “We all agreed that it was the best trip so far.” These trips originate in every club. Five years ago, Sunkist’s Larry Henson and three other couples decided to drive their golf carts out of town. They visited Phoenix last month and played TPC Scottsdale. Jerry Weeks and David Rimes of Hattiesburg CC created the Perdido Invitational and invited all their friends to Lost Key Golf Club in April. Stan Gill and Pass Christian’s Dirty Dozen drove their golf carts to Gulf Shores CC. Everyone has a group.
During my 1970’s professional days, I began taking couples to the Texas State Open Pro-Am the day before I would compete, and those early days of planning have led to almost 50 years of reminiscences and celebratory recollections. This escalated to buddy trips during my Director of Golf days in Arlington, Texas and has continued throughout my career.
The DogPound has been to TPC Sawgrass two days after the Players Championship, The Homestead where Thomas Jefferson and 22 presidents
have stayed and The Greenbrier
where we visited the underground bunker that was meant to serve as an emergency shelter for the U.S. Congress during the Cold War. Twenty-six presidents and the DogPound have reserved rooms at The Greenbrier. Bobby Mahoney took his picture with Colin Powell as we were checking out. Mahoney claims that Powell demanded a picture with the restauranteur.
If you’re not a part of the group or don’t have a buddy who likes to plan, start one yourself. Like a 7-iron in the sweet spot or a downwind golf hole, these trips deliver 300-yard smiles.
150 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • June 2019
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Tommy’s
RULES FOR BUDDY TRIPS
1. Grumblers not allowed.
2. Couples? Make sure there is a pool and shopping.
3. Handicaps by committee of one; net prizes only.