2024 Golf Year in Review: Triumphs and Adventures

Golf Fever: A Year of Triumphs, Trials, and Course Adventures

As we wave goodbye to 2024, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic—especially for the golfing highlights that came with this year. For one lucky golfer, 2024 was filled with numerous achievements on the greens, even hitting the wave-your-golf-clubs-in-the-air milestone of playing over 600 golf courses. Yes, you heard that right! The calendar year closed with almost 700 courses under the belt, with hopes of kicking off 2025 at the first new course this January.

A Year Full of Lessons

Through this golfing journey, our golf enthusiast discovered a valuable lesson: bigger does not always mean better. After spending time on courses like Pinehurst No. 3 and Sedge Valley—both clocking in at under 6,000 yards—the notion became a firm belief. Golf can be invigorating when it’s quicker, quirkier, and free from the pretension that often accompanies larger, sprawling courses. After all, who wouldn’t love a round that feels more like a charming adventure rather than a daunting trek?

Tax-Free Memories

Florida added a spice of excitement this year too, with trips to witness golf in its live and unfiltered glory. Peter Malnati’s triumphant win at the Valspar was emotional and thrilling, and following it up with a round at Innisbrook’s Copperhead course only ramped up the excitement. The beauty of the course and its challenge stood as a testament to the vibrant golf scene in the Sunshine State.

Year-End Roundup

By the end of 2024, our golfer had played a whopping 96 rounds, including 87 regular 18-hole rounds. A staggering 79 different courses were explored, of which 54 were completely new. Among the most memorable moments was a jaw-dropping low score of 55 at Mountain Shadows—but let’s be real, that was a par-3 course! The highlight rounds included 67 and 68 at Sand Valley’s original course and County Louth Golf Club, respectively, where sleep-deprived and fresh off the plane, the magical swing was just right. Who knew sleepwalking could reap such rewards on the golf course?

The Ups and Downs

Of course, not every round came with a smile. A dismal score of 81 at Sandridge after a busy week of travel served as a a tough reminder: even seasoned golfers have off days. But resilience is key, right? By the year’s end, the golf handicap index stood at a respectable +1.1.

Course Highlights

As for course highlights, the standout for many enthusiasts this year was The Lido at Sand Valley. Rich in unique design elements, this course secured a spot on the top ten wish list—setting the stage for potential grand slam moments in the future!

International Adventures

The exploration didn’t stop at American borders. The golfer managed to fit in a trip to Northern Ireland, where a match play battle between Royal County Down and Royal Portrush tipped in favor of the latter—much to the delight of our traveler. Meanwhile, back in the US, revitalized courses like Old Fort Golf Club and Talking Stick Golf Club provided their own thrilling experiences, showcasing the majestic landscape of the Southwest.

Food, Drinks, and Golf

No golfing adventure is complete without some hearty meals and refreshing drinks! From the top-notch offerings at PGA National Resort’s Sushi by Bou to the casual indulgence of a classic burger at Kopp’s, the culinary side enriched the golfing rendezvous. And, let’s not forget the nostalgic sip of Magner’s hard cider during rounds in Ireland—nothing like a cold drink to kick back after a day on the course!

Looking Ahead

As this golfing year comes to an end, it leaves a lingering excitement for what’s to come in 2025. A new quest awaits to qualify for the 2026 United States Mid-Amateur, and the golfer’s eyes are set on even more unforgettable greens across the country and beyond.

Cheers to another extraordinary year in golf, and here’s to making even more memories in the upcoming year. Let’s hit the greens!