After waiting 365 days since the 2015 Golf Digest Think Young Play Hard (TYPHI) Invitational, the time was finally here to return to Las Vegas for more lessons in golf, life, and gambling. We packed our golf costumes, boarded the plane, and arrived just in time for a warmup round at Southern Highlands. Our time at Southern Highlands was spectacular and involved hooking a drive into Floyd Mayweather's backyard. We then hustled off to the Think Young Play Hard kickoff party. After chipping balls onto floating greens and eating approximately 15-30 chicken tenders, I became aware that an ill advised bet had been established between several of the revelers. The bet was that it was not possible to jump onto one of these floating greens. This party had officially been kicked off.
The par 5 9th at Southern Highlands.
With the opening ceremonies in our rear view mirror, it was time to focus on serious golfing business. I was fortunate enough to be paired up with World Series Champion, Cody Ross. We decided it would be proper to plan our parade route and place all of our prize winnings on black in advance of actually winning the tournament. Sound strategy.
Power foursome makes the turn at Royal Links on Day 1.
One of the best parts of the tournament is that there are activities on many of the holes. There was a $50k hole in one opportunity on the 3rd hole. Unfortunately, Matt Lemman of Jones Golf Bags would slam dunk an ace on the 14th hole. There are also plenty of long drive and closest to the pin competitions and a chance to win a GoPro by hitting an actual GoPro out of the bunker to within a circle. That's an inch from GoPro glory. I blame the wind.
Next up was the winner take all no limit poker tournament with a $12,000 watch up for grabs, Naturally, our entire crew busted out early and decided to distract Instagram sensation, Paige Spiranac from her Puttskee session. I would then attempt to show Paige how to properly model for Golf Digest cover shoots.
Ross Photo Bomb #1
Ross Photo Bomb #2
Unfortunately, our team would come in second place in a sudden death playoff and the winners would be the ones that would be jumping into the pond on the par 3 9th hole. Congratulations to the champs!
“I never learned anything from a match I won.”
With the 2016 Think Young Play Hard tournament behind us, it was time to focus on the post tournament bonus round. Here are your 2016 participants, folks.
Penalty hat for 3 putts.
T Rex hates bogies so much.
LittleBallBigBall of Instagram joined us and paid the price.
Although Golf Digest's Carley Strauss had never heard of Blue Steel, she appears to be a natural in the modeling game.
After a solid round of even par in some tough winds at Royal Links, Cody and I were near the top of the leaderboard and poised to make a serious run for the title. More importantly the fine folks over at GolfBoard provided us the opportunity to hang ten on the golf course.
Cody and I demonstrate Tony Hawk type prowess on the GolfBoard
"I am pretty good at golf, I am really good at skee-ball, but I am absolutely awful at Puttskee" - Four time National Skee-Ball Champion, one time TYPHI Champion, Joey The Cat.
The final round of the tournament was hosted at Bali Hai Golf Course and would feature me ruining all of Cody's photos. Cody would not be distracted as he led our team's charge to the top of the leaderboard with an eagle on 15. I added in a couple of birdies and we found ourselves tied for the lead at -3 at the end of regulation.
Golf Digest's Ashley Mayo would get into the Sunblock, the SPF 5000 sunblock, for those that live directly on the sun.
Good times at the Champions Celebration.
Even though Sarah Moodie (Smooderoo) weighs about 85 pounds, she actually drove this one over the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
T Rex rolls one in for par.
Thanks to all of the wonderful people at Golf Digest for putting on a fantastic tournament. Thanks to the friends that made the trip and thanks to the sponsors who made the 2016 Think Young Play Hard weekend great. Until next time!
Whether it's for bogie or birdie, 1st or 2nd place, remember to celebrate like hell and #ThinkYoungPlayHard Photo by Jeremy Lusk.