“When you dedicate an entire year of your life to a solitary mission, the kickoff must kick hard.” - Probably Confucius
With these ancient words of wisdom, my quest to set a world record and play 500 different golf courses in a single year was set into motion. Let it be etched into the scrolls of golf history that on January 3rd at approximately 11am, I struck the very first tee shot of The RGV Tour 2.0. Immediately afterwards I was struck by roughly 25 water balloons. This was secondary to the $1500 we raised for the Southern California PGA Foundation at the Monarch Beach Golf Links kickoff event.
The kickoff crew, Stephanie helps to proudly display my official shoe partner, ECCO. Get some kicks today.
With so much planning and preparation for RGV 2.0, it had finally begun… and in just 365 days it will end. I am certain that the time will fly by, but as I stood on the 2nd tee box at Monarch Beach it felt like there was a lifetime of golf ahead of me. After about 30 minutes of sunshine and 2.5 hours of rain, the very first golf course had been played. I need just 449 more to set the world record and 499 to achieve my own personal goal. What the hell have I gotten myself into.
If I learned anything on my first recreational golf vehicle tour it is that people matter the most. This is where the energy comes from and it is what will keep me going. Below is the official list of those who showed up to support my dream. Words cannot express my gratitude.
Official Roster Charter Member RGV Tour 2.0
Joey The Cat - Lover of all things fun. Started a business that deals in fun. A favorite to all.
Joe in SM - Joe in Santa Monica. Santa Monica is better with Joe in it.
Kenzie O’Connell - Co worker in golf crime. Won award for best toilet model on RGV Tour 1.0.
Stephanie Gibri - Stephanie has launched her own line of golf scented candles. Smells like golf.
Ben Garrett - RGV Tour 1.0 VIP and 4x Sahalee Club Champion. Sends it.
Evan Johnsen - First Tee Seattle Director of Programs & Development. Only ace on RGV Tour 1.0.
Mikko Manerus - Inspirational leader and big picture expert. Golf GameBook CEO.
Teemu - RGV Tour Co creator and global golf inspiration.
Phil & Carol Koenig - Best 2 parents that a kid could ask for.
John Kennelly - Best Man and the “official first golfer” on the RGV Tour 2.0
John Kennelly Sr. - Always seems to get invited to these things.
Jill Koenig - #1 Sister and Golf Scribe in all of the land.
Hayden Sylte - Elite golf model and Parfumer.
Sean Ogle - Runs Breaking Eighty and managed to escape Disney Land with the in-laws for this.
Rachel Alcone - #1 supportive girlfriend and hottest woman west of the Mississippi.
Taylor Cole - Catch her on the golf course and on the Hallmark Channel.
Timmy Metzger - For a good time call Tim…. and invite this guy to Whistling Straits if you wanna golf party.
Geena Money Martinez - Kind of like Floyd Money Mayweather, but with a better left hook.
Matt Schreiber - Last second savior, club head speed in the 120’s.
As I sit down to write this I am 13 days into the tour with 21 courses down and I finally have some time to breathe in between 36. Here are some of my early thoughts.
We have already raised over $4000 for First Tee and local golf charities. This blows me away. You can donate here.
There have been many repairs on the RGV and something new breaks every day. It is a brand new vehicle.
There has been 1 eagle (Ben Garrett) and I have broken 70.
Playing just 18 holes in one day makes me feel like a slacker.
I am currently on pace to play 589.61 golf courses. Coming out of the gates hot.
My secret weapon has arrived and it is glorious.
Line on the number of ECCO shoes that I run through is at 6 pairs.
The requests and invitations to be a part of the tour have been overwhelming and spectacular. Thank you for your support.
This year is going to be glorious.
