Those of you that have followed our Tas-Tee story know that I became captivated with the great game of golf when I was a young man attending my first golf tournament. My dad took me to The British Open at St. Andrews and once I saw John Daly hit a golf ball, I knew my life had to involve this great game.
John Daly landed in Scotland in 1995, a figure that was bigger than life to me as a young man growing up abroad. He had blonde hair and a huge swing. He had baggy clothes and cigarettes. He had an "intoxicating" swagger and nonchalance that I picked up on, even having never before seen anything like it in person.
His confidence was evident with every swing, even his wayward ones. In his practice round on Wednesday, my dad and I positioned ourselves so far down the fairway on the par 5 14th that we could barely make out the shapes of people on the tee box. The first shape wasted little time teeing up his ball and laying into it with every ounce of energy. I eagerly watched the fairway awaiting the ball's landing, still not knowing who could've hit it. Two people to our left stepped back at the same time and it caught my eye, a ball bouncing through the rough right at my dad and me. As if plucked from a fairy tale, the ball quickly lost momentum and came to a stop by my dad's left foot. We both looked down to see a maroon razorback logo looking right back at us and I'll never forget my dad saying, "it's his!"
The next 10 minutes were a blur to me, I recall him walking over, shaking hands and pulling a club that could reach the green but I think I was just in shock. What kind of game allows its' players to be accessed so closely and why did these professionals feel the need to engage with the crowd?
Over the next 5 days I learned that golf was different than any other sport experience I'd known. I watched Jack tee off on a par 3, then throw me his half-tee. I saw Freddie toss a ball to a kid that would never lose it. This game is different and in so many ways, better. I was hooked.
I attribute my love of the game to that British Open at St. Andrews (who could've asked for more) and the two men that made that memory a lasting one for me, my dad and John Daly. While I have had several conversations with my dad about how much that time meant to me, I have never had the pleasure of meeting John Daly and telling him how he changed my perception of golf, and in doing so, my life. That conversation is a life goal that I am currently pursuing.
Having said all of that, happy 53rd birthday to a man so great, he couldn't possibly fathom the positive impact he's made on some of us. Thanks John!
holy hell, I’ve got an entity actually taking issue with the google image I put on this tiny blog years ago. I’ve removed the picture in this blog so the powers that he can proceed to make their rightful money. So sorry.
Our Tas-Tee Team is always looking to improve our products. Whether it's Tas-Tee's flavor delivery, marketing strategies, shipping hacks, or better packaging, we strive to make our customer's experiences better every day. Over the past year, this little business has grown to be a presence in the online and local community.
We have delivered over 2000 smiles to our fellow golfers and we think we can do even better. We are currently formulating our next flavor and will soon introduce it to our email subscribers. It is because of this rapid growth that we are excited to release our newest online and retail packaging. It is more durable than our previous retail boxes and should be easier to ship.
Thank you to all our customers that have supported us and given valuable feedback. We look forward to creating an even better Tas-Tee experience for all of you!
Words cannot describe the sense of accomplishment that Tiger must've felt tapping in his final putt on the 18th green at Augusta National. 11 years since he'd won a major and 14 years since his last win at this special venue, you could see the triumph and relief that climaxed on that last holed putt.
For years we lamented the media as they continually hyped anything Tiger. Whether it was hitting hydrants or hitting golf balls, we were convinced the youth of the game was given enough time to rise to Woods' level of golf.. we were wrong
For all the young talent on the PGA Tour, all the equipment improvements, and the numerous changes to courses over the past decade, Tiger has returned in terrific form to steal the show once again. Golf is better because of it and we are happy to see the game in a better place than ever before. Now that Tiger has regained his winning ways, Tiger is the guy to beat again. The wide array of young talents on Tour have a rabbit to chase (as if they could catch it) and we are all on the edge of our seats to see what level this new-look PGA Tour can achieve. We can't wait!
We arrived bright and early on Monday and were pleased with the size and buzz of the crowd. There's no mistaking the atmosphere of a PGA major, it's palpable from the moment you step on the course grounds.The buzz was especially loud around #10 where many of the golfers were starting their practice rounds. Our Team made our way to the practice green and spotted some familiar faces.
While Team Reed was looking all business Patrick did sign about 500 autographs on both the practice rounds I walked with him. Even reconnected Pat with a big fan, who really enjoyed the meet up and signature selfie w the Masters Champion and Captain America.
Most eyes were on Tiger Woods who was in great form throughout the week. The crowds following Tiger's group during the practice rounds were as big as I've ever seen. Our team had to divide and conquer to get a good glimpse of Tiger, JB Holmes, Justin Thomas and eventual winner Brooks Koepka but it was Sooooo worth it.
Here's a video of Tiger and Brooks teeing off 18 w an enormous gallery, some of which had no idea who Brooks Koepka is.. i know
The sound that Koepka's golf ball makes is unlike any other I've heard. People were flabbergasted by the penetrating ball flight and carry, especially after they applauded Tiger's two attempts.
Our team was on site through Friday's round and while some of our picks didn't make the cut at the year's final major, we were extremely happy to see Brooks Koepka pick up the Wannamaker at the end of play. Congratulations to the Koepka team and good luck in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Tas-Tee will be there!
