Reflecting on a Memorable Year of Golf in Florida

Bright Sunsets and Golf Courses: A Year to Remember in the Sunshine State

As we bid farewell to 2024, there’s a lot to reflect on, especially for those of us who spent a considerable portion of the year teeing off across the green landscapes of America, particularly here in sunny Florida. The big takeaway? The more courses you play, the clearer it becomes—sometimes, smaller is just better!

The Year of Courses

Picture this: kicking off the year with a newly discovered golf course in January that will mark your *662nd* game overall. Quite the achievement, right? It’s been a fantastic year on the greens, wrapping up 2024 with a staggering total of *96 rounds of golf*. That’s not just about number crunching, it also means *87* full 18-hole rounds plus a few extra shorter loop-de-loops and one rainy day washout. And guess what? That’s the most I’ve played since before the pandemic and becoming a dad!

Among the highlights, I played *54* new-to-me courses, with the standout being The Lido at Sand Valley. It exceeded all expectations! It’s quirky, it’s charming, and it’s just downright fun—exactly what golf should be about. Those who are a fan of golf architecture need to put this on their must-visit list!

The Great Adventure

This year was filled with incredible travels, not only around the U.S. but also a little jaunt over to Northern Ireland. The adventure included visits to iconic courses like Royal County Down and Royal Portrush, each bringing its unique flair to my golf journey. I mean, how can you not be in awe when the Mountains of Mourne are providing a stunning backdrop for your game?

Florida offered its own share of excitement, including the always-challenging Copperhead course at Innisbrook, where I got to play right after experiencing Peter Malnati’s emotional win at the Valspar Championship. So much excitement packed into one event—it’s no wonder the memories of 2024 are hitting hard as we close out the year!

Scoring Records and Personal Bests

Now, let’s talk *scores*. I had an impressive low score of *55* at a par-3 course in Scottsdale, and to sweeten the deal, my best rounds came from fresh-off-the-plane moments where I played *67* and *68*, respectively, in two jaw-dropping settings. And while there were some moments where I went a bit off course, like my *81* at Sandridge, they only made the highlights shine even brighter.

Golf and Family

Trust me when I say that golf and family have created some of the best experiences this year! From family vacations in the South Carolina Lowcountry that included golfing at Ocean Point Golf Links (after finding some beautiful shells), to enjoying dinner with my loved ones at PGA National Resort & Spa’s Sushi by Bou. You can bet I’ll be dreaming of those flavors long after the last roll is eaten!

Looking Ahead

As we step into 2025, I can’t help but feel giddy about the potential that lies ahead. The quest for qualifying for the 2026 United States Mid-Amateur adds to the thrill, while dreams of reaching the 700-course mark dance in my mind. Here’s to an even more enriching year of golf and travel experiences!

Cheers to a *successful 2024*, and here’s hoping for more memorable moments, thrilling games, and unforgettable friendships developed over a shared love of golf. Remember, nothing beats a warm sun setting over a rolling green, making every swing worthwhile.*