PGA Championships: When Sunday Funday & Fairway Fanboys Collide

This weekend marks one of the most anticipated events in the golfing world and in the Tully household – the PGA Championship.

The tournament is one of the four major tournaments in professional golf and the second Major on the golfing calendar this year. It was first played in 1916, making it one of the oldest tournaments in the world, and has been the stage for some of golf’s most memorable moments. Over the years, this tournament has seen countless legendary players tee off, showcasing their extraordinary talents and making history. It’s also responsible for the evolution of what I like to call “Fairway Fanboys” endearingly, of course.

PGA Championship & My Relationship with Golf

My first-ever professional golf tournament happened to be the 2018 PGA Championship held at Bellerive Country Club here in St. Louis. Thanks to my then-employer, Moneta, I was able to attend every single day of the tournament – in a suite. It’s safe to say I have been ruined by the convenience experienced not having to wait in line for anything! Personally, I was at a pivotal point in my relationship with golf where it would either consume my life forever or I would never ever golf again. Either option seemed fine. The entire atmosphere was charged with an infectious energy, a sporting fervor that I’d never witnessed before. This electricity did something in my soul. I fell in love with the game.

Fairway Fanboys

I’d never seen anything like the anarchy that was grown adults climbing trees for a better view, nor the shouting nonsense after each drive thing. The excitement was palpable and my second-hand embarrassment for the feverish behavior of adults running hole to hole, also palpable. I still, to this day, do not know what “Light the Candle” means.

The event also marked to first of only two other times to date that I would see Colin’s eyes glaze over into a fan boy trance. The first instance occurred when he saw Tiger Woods in person. The next when meeting Penny Hardaway at the inaugural Jayson Tatum Golf Tournament.

Who I Hope Wins

Michael Block already won.

Why Michael?

The wholesomeness + moments like this! Love it!

Who is Most Likely to Win?

Brooks Koepka’s wife, ultimately.

Making this a Sunday Funday for the Books

As the final day of PGA Championship unfolds today, I believe it’s the perfect time to reflect on the parallels between the world of golf and our own lives. Just as a round of golf unfolds, so does life, business, and leadership – full of challenges, surprises, and opportunities for growth. I’ve put together an exercise for anyone who wants to use today (or any day) to reflect. Common situations that may arise during a round of golf have been paired with actions for self-exploration. Check it out here: Reflection exercise just for funzies!

The next Sunday Funday Majors Blog Series post will cover the U.S. Open to be held June 15th – June 18th at Los Angeles Country Club.

In the mean time, #TeeTimeTuesdays have resumed now now that I am post-surgery. An update post will be available this Tuesday, May 23rd, for those following along. 🙂

Until then!