I watched golf on TV as a kid and finally convinced my Uncle Nick, who lived next door to us to take me along one Sunday morning, that was 34 years ago.

No one truly introduced me to golf. When it came to sports, my family only had interest in baseball and basketball. My dad coached baseball and my uncle was a prominent basketball coach from my home town. Golf was always considered something you played in addition to other sports. Golf was never the main focus. Needless to say, I purchased my first set of clubs from a second hand sports store and tried it out on my own. I fell in love with the game and I continue to have a passion and drive for it to this day.

My grandfather introduced me to golf in his front yard which lead to 15 summers filled with golf. Memories I’ll cherish forever!

Started as a way to cut class once a week with a high school friend turned into a life long passion

My Uncle and Godfather Harry introduced me to the game of golf! He was sponsored by Wilson but always played Titleist! I remember asking him when I was four and he only told me I had to, so I still do! He was a golf pro at Country Clubs in the Philadelphia area. I still have a brochure from one where he was on the cover with his plaid pants and wide collared shirt. Unfortunately, he was taken from us way too early. I was only 16! His passing motivated me to start a golf business that was a great success! I know he is with me with every stroke!

Introduced to the game by coworker in the mid 90's. Been in love with the game ever since!

My father after he caught me hitting rocks with his 4 wood.

My father and Pa when I was 3 I’m now just about to turn 8.

My older cousin let me tag along with some of his spare clubs at Port Kent Golf Club in Northern New York. It was a small tight 9 hole course and if Mr. Harmon was not there you paid thru the honor system. So much fun playing until sunset...then maybe a quick trip to Carrols for a burger and shake!

In reality........Bruce Crampton. Aussie golfer from the 60's and 70's. The first golfer I saw on Shell's Wonderful World of Golf, or similar show on Sunday mornings back then. Loved watching it and would race home from church to watch every Sunday. That led to foraging through my grandparents garage loft, finding some very old hickory shafted clubs, finding golf balls while doing my paper route which went along a golf course, and using upside down Dixie cups for tees, and burying a Green Giant Niblets corn can in the ground for a cup. Got to actually use "real" golf clubs a year later when a friends grandfather opened up a 9 hole par 3 course and on a hot summer day we had nothing to do so off we went with his parents and sisters clubs. Hooked. Bad. That was 50 years ago this year. Still addicted, bad!

My father although he turned out not to be my best partner. My mother was the golfer, her best round, 83, was the day before cancer surgery. Grew up with a course within walking distance. The club had a good junior program and we would loop all day on Mondays, minimum of 36, with Coke floats in between. Ended up working in the shop and playing one club until we couldn't see the ball. Those were the days!

I was a casual couple times a year player. A round of golf at Golden Horseshoe, Williamsburg Va. was a sales meeting social event option. I played with my co-workers several were very good players who encouraged me.
The combination of Golden Horseshoe GC, the game and good friends sent my right down the fairway.

I’d have to say my son did!
I played a little when I was in my Teens, but hadn’t had any clubs for many years.
When he was 3 Ben developed severe epilepsy, which although treated, left him with severe dyspraxia. His occupational therapist encouraged him to try anything to develop his motor skills and hand eye coordination...
He desperately wanted to try golf, so for his 10th birthday, we got him a 7 iron and a putter and headed off to the local pitch and putt. He loved it!
At age 12 he said he wanted to be a professional and was laughed at bu his peers, but true to his word, he’s overcome his tough start in life and fulfilled his dream!
He’s now fully qualified and loves his job! I’ve lived his journey and am really proud of his accomplishments...

A co-worker circa 1985. Got my first clubs as hand-me-downs from my cousin .... a ratty old tartan print bag with Wilson 'Sam Snead Signature' blades, I think. Man were they hard to hit. lol.

In 2000 a buddy from work took me to a children’s Par 3. He was not very good and I was worse , we had a blast. After that first time I raced to that par 3 everyday after work for weeks (sporting a very fine and very new Titleist hat).
My boss talked us into joining our work league. First time I played a regular course was the first round of league.
I shot a 75........in 9 holes (sporting an even newer and finer Titleist hat)
20 years later I still race to the golf course and I still sport a very fine Titleist Hat......Thanks Shannon I owe ya-