Drifting Around
Drifting Around
Some photos that showcase my summer so far.
Every once in a while, it’s good to change things up. My last post was my longest of the summer, so for this one, here are seven photos I’ve taken on my search for the heart of golf and the brief context behind them.
One might even call this a photo story:
I had no intention of visiting the World Golf Hall Fame until I discovered it was at the same exit as the Buc-ee’s I had been pining for. This was special, my official search for the heart of golf unintentionally starting at the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Masters’ exhibit was especially sentimental, as my Dad, through the Masters, got me into golf and on this journey; and the display featured a uniform worn by one of the most famous Masters caddies of all time: Carl Jackson.
My first two weeks carrying Alyaa Abdulghany’s bag took place in Florida. I immediately loved the process of professional golf. The preparation, the practice, and then the big event. It’s a never-ending cycle as these athletes work towards success. Even after a round finishes late the night before a tiring final day, there will always be something to work on and a thought to tinker with. This process has been applicable for me this summer, as I look to consistently improve my caddying and writing. I’m using it in my daily life as well. No matter what, better is always around the corner.
Time off from the Epson Tour allowed me to visit the Congaree Global Golf Initiative. Here, Morgan Rodriguez visualizes a putt on the 18th hole before lining up. This picture emphasizes the focus and determination needed for anyone to be successful in golf and in life. A deep breath always helps.
Being on the road has certainly made me miss my family. It’s a different sort of emotion then when I’m Chapel Hill, where I still miss them but I’m in a set place surrounded by terrific people. I’m not saying that I haven’t met terrific people in my travels (because there are more than I can count), but living out of my suitcase does make me really relish the moments that I do get to spend with them. My sister Jenna’s graduation was a terrific celebration, and I’m glad I got to share this special moment with the people I love the most.
I’ve been going to sleep and waking up earlier than I ever have because of my work this summer. I love it. I feel more refreshed with this early morning schedule and believe that I’m much more productive throughout the day, even when I shut things down at 9:45 pm. Plus, it’s allowed me to see some really cool views, like this sunrise through the clouds in the Centennial State.
In each place I visit, I do whatever I can to get a full experience of the local culture. In Green Bay, that meant taking a tour of Lambeau Field and eating at the Drift Inn, a local watering hole. The fried cheese curds and chili were stupendous, and the culture of the restaurant was outstanding. After I ate, I struck up a conversation with two gentlemen while paying at the bar and ended up spending over an hour talking to them before I headed back to the airport to wait for Alyaa’s flight. I may never be back to the Drift Inn but I’ll remember it forever.
I spent a couple days in Colorado before flying to Denver. My new friends Russ and Sabrina allowed me to crash at their apartment. My friend from my Outward Bound course two years ago, Jimmy, showed me around Denver and took me to Red Rocks Park for the sunset. It was appropriate, considering it was the end of the first half of my summer.
That leaves me here
Typing these words in Harris, Michigan at the Island Resort Hotel and Casino.
Alyaa is paired with Gigi Stoll and Becca Huffer for the first two rounds of the Island Resort Championship. We’ll be teeing off at 8:36 am ET today and at 1:56 pm ET tomorrow.
As always, here’s a link to the live leaderboard: Island Resort Championship Leaderboard.
And, this week, the Epson Tour will be piloting a tournament livestream in partnership with GKLive.TV. Coverage will be on Saturday and Sunday from 2-5 pm ET, and can be found at this link: Island Resort Championship Livestream.
After leaving Michigan, I will be in Hendersonville for about 72 hours before flying to Scotland for a couple of weeks. This quick turnaround means there may or may not be a blog post next week. We shall see.
Questions, comments, ideas, and feedback can be directed to jpatterson@unc.edu. You can find me on Twitter @JakeWPatt or my Instagram @Loopers_Line. If you really want to get to know me, check out my LinkedIn.
Special thanks to Bethany Phillis for serving as my creative project mentor. Additional thanks to Caroline Maness for designing Looper’s Line’s logo and to Ashlyn Rhyne for photo curation assistance.
What a tour! Great pics and reflections. Also that outro got professional!!! Next thing I know I’ll be scheduling breakfast with you through your assistant