Shot of the Year!

I was in San Francisco to celebrate the New Year and naturally our crew was going to play one last round of golf before 2015 was officially done.

We selected San Geronimo as the site for the final round of 2015.  Our foursome decided to play a two man best ball match on a $15 Nassau.  After suffering a loss on the front nine, we arrived on the 18th hole 1 up on the back nine and 1 down in the overall match.

The 18th hole is a "bite off as much as you feel comfortable" scenario with a carry over the lake, with my partner in the drink, I decided to get aggressive and I hit a big drive over the pond leaving me only a 30 yard pitch into the green.  The comeback effort was only a pitch and a putt away... or so we thought.

The finishing 18th at San Geronimo Golf Club

Team "Fortunate Bounces" consisting of Paul Gilmore and Joe Garvey both were about 130 out in the middle of the fairway.  Hailing from the beautiful country of Ireland, Paul was up 1st.  My teammate John and I looked on as Paul's ball flew threw the air towards the green.  "Oh shit, that looks really good, I mean really good."  Moments later the ball would strike the flag stick on the fly, bounce an inch away from the hole, and land in the cup for an eagle 2!!  

The crowd erupted with screams and Joe and Paul hugged each other like a couple of giddy school boys.  Even a nearby fisherman turned around to see what had just happened.  The comeback bid had been thwarted in dramatic and epic fashion.  A walk off home run for Mr Gilmore!  It is with great pleasure that I award the "Shot of the Year" to Mr. Paul Gilmore.  What a glorious way to strike your last golf shot of 2015.  Congratulations!

Paul poses for the cameras as he celebrates his final victory of 2015.

Like a true gentleman, Paul bought us drinks after his shot on 18.

The Final Countdown (2015)

We have reached the time of year when people look back on the past 365 days and do some reflection.  I always like to take this opportunity to summarize my year in golf.  In review, I have been lucky enough to play some truly outstanding golf courses this year.  2015 was probably the most adventurous golfing year of my life.  I played golf in 3 countries and I am currently at 145 rounds and counting.  I met numerous new friends, shared hundreds of laughs, and 3 putted way too many times.  

In typical New Year's fashion, I have decided to count down this year's greatest hits.  I have selected the top 5 favorite golf courses that I have played in 2015.  Each day as we count down to New Year's Eve, I will reveal  another member of my top 5.  The suspense is sure to be obscenely great as the courses are slowly revealed.

#5 - Erin Hills - Erin, WI

Starting our list off in style is Erin Hills.  The course will host the 2017 US Open and I had an absolute blast approving the course for Open Play.  Erin Hills pulled off a squeaker with so many hot tracks in the running for the 5 slot.

In the end, the variety and interest from tee to green pushed it over the edge.  The course challenged just about every aspect of my game and there wasn't a single hole that didn't reach out and grab my attention.  "Oh man, this shot is going to be fun" was a common phrase.

#4 -  The Golf Club at Black Rock - Coeur D'Alene, ID

The Golf Club at Black Rock roars into the 4th position as we continue the countdown to 2016.  Designed by Jim Engh in 2003, the course sits next to the beautiful Lake Coeur D'Alene.

Black Rock is a course that has about 5 signature holes and some of the most unique approach shots that I have ever played.  The 11th hole pictured on the right features an uphill approach over several waterfalls.  The 13th features more waterfalls and is immediately followed by another great par 3 over a canyon with a rocky backdrop that can generated some interesting bounces.

Although many of the features are clearly man made, Black Rock quickly grabs your attention and does not let go until you finish up on 18.  

#3 - Chambers Bay - University Place, WA 

The home town favorite comes into our countdown at #3.  The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and opened for play in 2007.  A mere 8 years later it would host the US Open.

Chambers Bay was heavily criticized for the consistency of its greens and it's appearance on television during the US Open.  While, the color of the course and the greens where not as perfect as tour players are used too, Chambers Bay is a first rate golf course and experience.  Each green complexes provides the player with a lot of options for creativity and unique short game options.  Chambers Bay never lets me down!

#2 - Cabot Cliffs, Nova Scotia

While Cabot Cliffs will open for general play in 2016, I was able to get a sneak preview in 2015!  Golf Digest's Ashley Mayo did a great job of setting up the fantastic trip.

Cabot Cliffs has already earned high praise as the Best New Course of 2015 and it certainly did not disappoint.  The course starts out strong and features plenty of oceanside golf early.  By the time you get to 15, you are already having the time of your life.  Things go into overdrive as Cabot Cliffs delivers 4 of the best finishing golf holes that I have ever seen.  If you can make it out to Cabot Links/Cliffs you will be very glad you did.

Pjkoenig counts down his top 5 favorite courses played in 2015!

#1 - Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, WI

Winning a squeaker over Cabot Cliffs, Whistling Straits is my favorite course played in 2015!  Designed by Pete Dye, Whistling Straits is a bonafide championship venue, most recently playing host to the 2015 PGA Championship.  I would take on the course only a couple of weeks after Jason Day's recording setting victory.

Whistling straits was a thrill from the beginning to the end, there was not a hole that I wasn't thrilled to play.  The course makes excellent use of it's lakeside property with 8 holes directly on Lake Michigan.  Whistling Straits provides plenty of challenge while still allowing the golfer to make some creative and fun recovery shots.  This course is one of the best in the country.

Happy 2016 from the 3rd hole at Whistling Straits

Pebble with Paige

Several months ago, the fine folks over at gottaGolf came up with the fantastic idea to run a promotion where the winners would get to play a round of golf with aspiring LPGA star, Paige Spiranac, at Pebble Beach.  A former gymnast turned golfer, Paige has recently wrapped up a successful collegiate career at SDSU.  Over the past 6 months, Paige has also captured the heart of just about every male golfer with an internet connection via her prolific social media presence.  gottaGolf Founder Clint Jarvis says "Paige moves the needle."  Good for us, she can also move the golf ball.  I was just fortunate enough to be the one taking pictures.

As I sat quietly playing Words with Friends on the seating area overlooking the first tee at Pebble Beach, an incoming text notified me that our group was on their way back from the practice tee.  Moments later, I noticed a tuft of blonde hair amongst the departing golf carts and I recognized Paige from her wildly popular Instagram account.  I made my way over to introduce myself to her and the rest of the fortunate winners of the contest.

Paige hits her 2nd into the par 5 2nd hole.

Paige says hello and we chat briefly about her upcoming invitation to play in her first LPGA event, the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.  Paige appears excited and nervous about the opportunity to play in Dubai.  I lean over and ask her, "How about your nerves out here on the first tee at Pebble Beach?"  "I always get nervous on the first tee."  she lets me know.  I also learn that this will be Paige's first round of golf at Pebble Beach.  This is sure to be a lot of fun.

Whatever nervous energy Paige has built up over the past 15 minutes appears to immediately leave her body as she steps up onto the first tee and rips one right down the middle. 

The Approach on #4

The group has decided to do a 2 person best ball match.  It's the guys vs the girls.  Girls Team:  Lisa & Paige.  Boys Team: Greg and Justin.  Our group is off and the competition is underway.

After a birdie on #3 by Justin, we reached the 4th hole and the first meeting of the Pacific Ocean and Pebble Beach.  The 4th hole is also the site of Paige's first birdie on Pebble Beach property.  She calmly rolls in a 10 footer and boards the birdie train with poise.

Paige would go on to make a birdie on the 6th and 7th holes as well.  Her shot in the video ends up at about 5 feet from the cup.  What can be a notoriously difficult golf hole in the wind is calm today and we take advantage as Greg rolls in a birdie to match Paige's.  Its her 3rd of the day after 7 holes.

Paige climbs the hill on #6 with a smile.  She would go on to make an easy birdie after almost reaching the green.in 2.

Paige Quick Facts:

• Outside of golf, Paige is a hockey fan, in particular a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey fan.
• Paige has tiny feet.  While raking a bunker, I exclaimed "Hey look a tiny baby with tiny baby feet was in this bunker!"  Nope, just Paige.
• Paige has turned down movie roles in order to focus on golf.
• Squirrels are Paige's biggest fear as she was attacked by one when she was young...  A convenient excuse for not driving it into the woods.
• Paige describes herself as socially awkward as she was home schooled until she left for college.  Luckily for us, she is not social media awkward.
• She has a working theory on how her putter has been blessed by Zac Efron
• As a child, Paige wanted to be a Bigfoot Hunter.  She wrote an essay on the topic.  "Sasquatch Exists" say's Paige
• As a kid, Paige was responsible for breaking a boy's shin while playing football.  He mistakenly told Paige that she "hit like a girl" on the previous play.
• Paige is an accomplished baker in the kitchen,  "I make some bomb ass cookies"
• She only uses quarters as ball markers and they must be face up.

Uploaded by Patrick Koenig on 2015-12-02.

Holes 4-10 at Pebble Beach are arguably the best 7 consecutive holes in the golfing world and even though several golf balls have nearly found the ocean, all members of our party are accounted for and are thoroughly enjoying themselves.  On hole #9, we roll the Pebble cam and Paige politely reminds Justin that his team is currently 2 down.

As our group makes the turn back to the clubhouse, the weather starts to get a little colder and the competition starts to heat up.

As Paige narrowly misses a make-able putt on 13, a deep grimace crosses her face.  Throughout the round, I have noticed just how much Paige does not like to miss putts that she believes she can make. A quality often found in the world's best, her disdain for bogies and missed putts will serve her well on her journey to the LPGA tour.

The match has been pretty close with the girls team up 1 through 15.  As the competition reaches the 16th hole, Paige has a birdie putt to put the girls team 2 up with 2 to play.  It is a pressure packed and intense moment.... wait for the leg kick...

When you're from Arizona and you think anything under 70 is cold haha. Thanks @PatrickjKoenig for the picture! pic.twitter.com/SpDsnzEF4g

— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) November 27, 2015

After a half on the 17th hole, the girls claim a hard fought 2 and 1 victory.  Only one thing left to do... Host an impromptu photo shoot on one of the most famous tee boxes in all of golf.  

Our group jumped onto the 18th tee box and took to the camera like a moth to a flame.  The electricity flew back and forth between my lens and the faces of our energetic golfers.  On this fine day in November, glory was ours!

After the brief, yet intense photo shoot, the 2 non golfing participants of our group, myself and GottaGolf founder Clint, were given an opportunity to rip a drive down Pebble Beach's famous 18th fairway.  

I did a quick 5 pushups to get warm and proceeded to hit one down the middle.  Prompting a "Hey, the camera guy can play," from our caddie.  Score one for the camera guy!  Next up on the 18th tee was Clint.  Clint hit a high deep fade that headed right toward the expensive houses lining Pebble's 18th fairway.  A hush fell over our group as we braced ourselves for impact.  BLAMMO!  The sound of golfball on roof rang out into the crisp afternoon air.  "No worries," our caddie Matt assured us.  He explained that the homeowner is a "total sweetheart" and is far more likely to bring out milk and cookies than file a complaint.  In hindsight, skipping the pushups may have been Clint's downfall.

Reading putts at Pebble Beach is fun.

After missing a good look at birdie on #18, Paige tapped in for par and a nice round of 71.  "Hey, I think Steph Curry shot 70 on his first round at Pebble Beach."  That comment was greeted with an evil stare.  Confirmation that the competitive fire burns deep within Ms. Spiranac.  Paige will take that competitive fire to the big stage this December and we wish her the best of luck... even though she won't need it.

Head on over to gottaGolf to view all of the photos and videos from the day at Pebble Beach.  Be sure to download the Gotta Golf app as well to discover and share the best golf content from around the world.

Golfoween

Several days before Halloween the wife and I were driving to the store and I was still without a costume.  Like good Seattle locals we were driving around listening to Soundgarden's "Spoonman."  "What are you going to be for Halloween?"  My wife asks.  For a second I paused, "I could be spoon man for Halloween!"

Just like that the costume was decided.  We headed to Target, picked up a hot glue gun, some thread, and 260 plastic spoons.  I spent the next 3 hours hot gluing spoons to a thread and then gluing the thread to an old pair of my wife's yoga pants.  It was important for me to do it this way to allow the spoons to swing freely.

After fashioning a rather elaborate spoon hat and spoon gloves, the costume was ready to go.  As spoon man, what should be my first Halloween mission?!  Head down to Pike Place and make some music?  Scare some trick or treaters?  No, my first mission would be to head down to The Links at Interbay for some golf.

Please enjoy this fine clip of Spoonman in the sand set to Soundgarden's  "Spoonman."

Golf Unicorn

Recently, I went to Portland under the guise of a golf unicorn. This particular unicorn lived to play the game of golf.  Here is a quick compilation of the golf unicorn's weekend.

First things first:  Golf Unicorn played the short parking lot par 3 at Dante's.

After the quick warm up at Dante's, golf unicorn demanded to be taken to his favorite local course, Langdon Farms.

Golf unicorn ran into some troubles on the par 3 17th hole at Langdon Farms.  His #AceCam attempt came up well short and slightly off line.  The best thing about Golf Unicorns though....  they are incredibly resilient, Golf Unicorn would get that ball up and down for par. What a boss.
 

On a side note: Ace cam is a personal attempt to capture my very 1st hole in one on amateur video.  So far, the only interesting ones have been the really bad shots.  The #AceCam hunt must go on.

Next up for Golf Unicorn... barn modeling.  Golf Unicorns love to barn model.

Golf Unicorn got in 36 holes.  79, 75.  Not bad for a unicorn.

Hello Wisconsin!

In town for a wedding on Lake Geneva, I seized the opportunity to play some of the best golf courses that Wisconsin has to offer.  A fantastic lineup of Erin Hills, Black Wolf Run, and both courses at Whistling Straits were on the agenda.    

After dropping off the wife and some friends after the wedding, I drove the hour or so to Erin Hills for my first Wisconsin golfing experience.  I was fortunate enough to join a great group of guys who were on the tail end of their 27th consecutive annual golf buddies trip.  Read the full review on Erin Hills and see all the pictures here.

The very cool par 3, 9th hole at Erin Hills.

The early morning view on the range at Erin Hills

Erin Hills will host the 2017 U.S. Open.  This will be an excellent new course for the Open and I am excited to watch the action.

Next up on the agenda was the Irish course at Whistling Straits.  Living in the shadow of it's next door neighbor, the Irish course does a great job of holding it's own.  

The course has a cool American links feel to it and served as a great warm up for it's big brother.  Read the full write up on the Irish course here.

the 16th hole at Erin Hills figures to be a pivotal hole in the 2017 U.S. Open.

Plenty of tall fescue to hunt down wayward teeshots on Whistling Straits' Irish course.

The opening hole on the Irish sets a great pace for the round.

One of the most scenic par 3's on the Irish course is the 6th hole.

The difficult 17th hole.  The superintendent cut us some slack with that pin position.

 Whistling Straits was easily the most fun I had photographing a golf course.  With all of the huge sand dunes, there are tons of places to get unique vantage shots of the course.  It was hard to narrow down the shots for the gallery.

I got up on some of the partially taken down grandstands to get this one of the 15th hole.

John Daly fired 3 balls into the lake here on the 7th and then threw his club in after it during the 2015 PGA.  A kid in a boat would later retrieve it.

Next up was the Straits course at Whistling Straits.  Playing host to the 2015 PGA Championship just weeks prior, they were still taking down some of the final grandstands.  I managed to sneak an official program from the rubble beforehand, so I was ready to go.

There are no carts allowed on the Straits course and caddies are required.  Which means none of those cart path bounces or scuffed balls.  Although that won't save you from finding Lake Michigan on the course's 8 lakeside holes.  

The difficult par 4 8th hole.  I almost hit it in the lake and made a great par save from the beach.

The par 3 3rd hole is the 1st in a series of 4 jaw dropping waterfront par 3's.

One of my favorite moments in the 2015 PGA was when Jason Day flat out chunked one 20 yards short of the green with a wedge.  Unfazed, he got up and down for par and went on to win the tournament with a record -20.  What a stud

Out of all the courses I have played Whistling Straits might just be my favorite.  It's a close call with Pebble Beach for the top spot.  Be sure to check out the full review and writeup here.

Here is the finishing 18th hole.  A great spot to watch the action.

For the final round of my Wisconsin trip, I was greeted by these swans at Black Wolf Run.  After 3 days of taking on Pete Dye designs would I finally get the best of Pete?  Be sure to read the full review here.

Black Wolf Run is a must play for any golfer visiting the Kohler area.  The course features two 18 hole tracks, the River and the Meadow Valley course.  I played the River which is the more popular option. 

A big thanks to everyone that I played with and to the courses for being such tremendous hosts.

Plenty of risk reward options at Black Wolf Run

The tough 11th hole at Black Wolf Run

The view from the tee box on the par 4, 5th hole at Black Wolf Run.  Oh yeah.

Playing Through Nick Faldo

I tell hilarious golf jokes, Nick Faldo laughs with appreciation.  Photo by Sarah Moodie

After meeting Nick, we headed out on the course to take on the Wilderness Club.  After a successful front nine, we approached the tenth tee.  We found that a foursome had jumped out in front of us.  We quickly realized that it was Nick Faldo, so we didn't put up much of a fight.

On the 12th hole and playing only as a twosome, Nick and his group waived us through from the fairway.  It was time to play through Nick Faldo.  The 12th hole is the best looking par 5 on the course and a great risk reward opportunity.  I stepped up and piped one right down the middle, just a little past Nick's ball.  My playing partner, Sarah Moodie, also knocked one down the middle.

Recently I had the privilege of meeting Nick Faldo at the Wildnerness Club in Montana.  Sir Nick was in town vacationing and spending some time at the fantastic course he created in Eureka, Montana.  What does one do when they meet Nick Faldo?  They arm wrestle Nick Faldo, of course.  It was unclear who the winner was in this contest of strength.  But since the tiebreaker was who had more major championships, he escaped with a win.  Nick Faldo: 6 major championships.  Patrick Koenig: 0 major championships.

Photo by:  Sarah Moodie

Nick Faldo checks his yardages as the Patrick Koenig Sarah Moodie twosome play through.

I would replay the Wilderness Club later that day.  On my second attempt, I flushed a 2 iron to 15 feet and made birdie.  Like they say, everything is easier when Nick Faldo isn't watching with his arms folded.

Be sure to check out the full gallery of pictures from my round at the Wilderness Club here!

Facing 230 yards to the pin while Nick Faldo looked on, I decided to go for it and show Nick Faldo my prowess as a tenacious golfer.  I probably would even earn an automatic spot on the Ryder Cup after he sees me stuff this shot, I thought to myself.  Even though my lie was questionable, I pulled out my 3 iron and took dead aim.  

I pulled back and hit one of the worst chunks right into the middle of the pond.  I chunked it big time right in front of Sir Nick.  Arguably the greatest failure of my amateur career.  It was glorious.

In an interview in 2005, Curtis Strange said: "Nick Faldo stared a lot of guys down. He had a way of folding his arms and looking at you as though he knew you were going to make a mistake."

 I thanked Nick for letting us play through as Sarah made a solid par.  I should have blamed my poor performance on our arm wrestling match earlier.  I will just have to wait until the next time that I play through a 6 time major champ to get my shot as an automatic selection on that Ryder Cup team.