As I sit here in Bandon, Oregon, I finally have some time to write down my thoughts on the beginning of the RGV Tour. With only just one minor issue with the driver's side rear view mirror, this party is off and rocking. Right now it feels a little like some sort of weird golf trip. But I am definitely not turning this thing around and heading home. The podcast is up and running, the profiles are proliferating, and the donations are coming in.
After dreaming of January 28th for about a decade, the day was finally here and I kicked it off with Motley Crue. As an 8 year old, I attended my first Motley Crue concert, it was fitting that I would kick off my first golf tour to Motley Crue as well.
The Kickoff event took place at one of my favorite golf courses, Chambers Bay in Tacoma, WA. We had 6 groups of golfers and they golfed their hearts out. Each golfer at the kickoff is a charter member of the RGV Tour. Pretty much like getting your PGA Tour card, but with way less golfing skill involved.
The group was also very generous and they started the tour off with over $1,000 towards the $10,000 goal. We are gonna murder that goal. I fully intend on raising more money for The First Tee than I actually earn. Just click here if you want to be a part of the effort.
The most anticipated hole of the Kickoff was the stunning 15th. Chambers Bay had donated a Taylor Made M2 for a closest to the pin competition. With a handful of golf studs in the lineup, the competition was fierce. In the end it was Liam Kendregan who stuffed one in there to 3 feet. The best part about the whole thing was that Liam donated the driver right back to the First Tee, what a charity stud!!
I have never golfed this hole and not taken a picture
After the kickoff event concluded, It was time to head on over to Fox's Q it up Sports with Aaron Levine in Seattle. This would be my television debut and I was looking forward to not making a fool of myself. My copilot for the first leg of the trip was Ashlee Bradshaw and she captured some pretty intense behind the scenes shots. In the end, I managed to hold it together with no outbursts.
On the Q13 Fox Set
And we are live in 3,2,1.
The entire experience was a blast and you can view the full piece here. Up next on the journey is Oregon, and the ever exciting Bandon Dunes.