Who Are You Guys(revisited)?

[Ken Kearney]

Name: Ken Kearney

Age: 41

Reside: Roscommon, Ireland

Family: married to Sinead and we have two girls... Ella (9) and Isa (5)

Education: Banking and Finance... and Golf Course Architecture, Edinburgh College of Art 

Profession: Golf course designer ... previously worked in banking and finance (commercial).

Work: self employed golf architect... but not looking good right now !!! may have to pack bags and look elsewhere... that doesn't bother me though...

Golf experience: I have played golf all of my life, my dad was a decent player. I have represented Ireland at Junior and senior level and have represented GB and I and Europe at various stages. I have played many of the great courses all over the world but as a competitor I didn't appreciate what I was doing !!!

Introduction to gca: I lived in Rosses Point, Sligo, for 10 years and developed a great interest in Colt, who was involved at Rosses Point... hooked immediately...

GCA... I love the site and while I dont get to post much as I am usually catching up and too late to contribute at the right time... I love the honest contributions and of course the attitudes of golfers to gca throghout the world.
 
I wish I could meet some of you guys... please call if you are coming to Ireland...I would describe myself as a lover of the game of golf and gca... and a traditionalist... handicap +1.


KK       
 

[Ken Kearney]

Wife has just clipped me across the back of the head.... I'm 42...
You're only as old as the woman you feel....


KK

[Tim Leahy]

delete

[Sean Leary]

Been on here a few years and don't think I've ever put my information in:

Scott Szabo
Age 41
Owner of a small CPA firm in Sterling, Colorado.
Married with two kids - 12 year old daughter and 7 year old son.
Started playing golf when I was 15 thanks to my grandfather who was patient enough to take me out one day.  Hard to think what I would have missed out on all these years if he hadn't let me tag along one summer day.
Handicap: finally going back down - currently 1.6.
Member of the Sterling Country Club for 15 years before it went public a year ago due to declining membership and changing demographics.  Nothing to note of much architecturally but it was home for a number of us.  Sad to see it end like it did.
I have enjoyed my few years here on GCA and am fortunate to have met a few of you.

Are you the same Scott Szabo that played for the Reds? If so, your World Series team was amazing and killed my A's. Would love to talk baseball some time with you on the golf course. If you ever get out to NoCal let me know.

Umm, I think that was Chris Sabo...Close though

[JLahrman]

Been on here a few years and don't think I've ever put my information in:

Scott Szabo
Age 41
Owner of a small CPA firm in Sterling, Colorado.
Married with two kids - 12 year old daughter and 7 year old son.
Started playing golf when I was 15 thanks to my grandfather who was patient enough to take me out one day.  Hard to think what I would have missed out on all these years if he hadn't let me tag along one summer day.
Handicap: finally going back down - currently 1.6.
Member of the Sterling Country Club for 15 years before it went public a year ago due to declining membership and changing demographics.  Nothing to note of much architecturally but it was home for a number of us.  Sad to see it end like it did.
I have enjoyed my few years here on GCA and am fortunate to have met a few of you.

Are you the same Scott Szabo that played for the Reds? If so, your World Series team was amazing and killed my A's. Would love to talk baseball some time with you on the golf course. If you ever get out to NoCal let me know.

Umm, I think that was Chris Sabo...Close though

Chris Sabo was indeed the Reds' third baseman, and he's actually a fairly decent amateur golfer.  He plays a lot of local amateur events around Cincinnati.  I believe he plays out of Kenwood Country Club.

[astavrides]

Been on here a few years and don't think I've ever put my information in:

Scott Szabo
Age 41
Owner of a small CPA firm in Sterling, Colorado.
Married with two kids - 12 year old daughter and 7 year old son.
Started playing golf when I was 15 thanks to my grandfather who was patient enough to take me out one day.  Hard to think what I would have missed out on all these years if he hadn't let me tag along one summer day.
Handicap: finally going back down - currently 1.6.
Member of the Sterling Country Club for 15 years before it went public a year ago due to declining membership and changing demographics.  Nothing to note of much architecturally but it was home for a number of us.  Sad to see it end like it did.
I have enjoyed my few years here on GCA and am fortunate to have met a few of you.

Are you the same Scott Szabo that played for the Reds? If so, your World Series team was amazing and killed my A's. Would love to talk baseball some time with you on the golf course. If you ever get out to NoCal let me know.

Umm, I think that was Chris Sabo...Close though

Chris Sabo was indeed the Reds' third baseman, and he's actually a fairly avid amateur golfer himself.  He plays a lot of local amateur events around Cincinnati.  I believe he plays out of Kenwood Country Club.

Does he wear his RecSpecs when he plays golf?

[Carl Nichols]

Been on here a few years and don't think I've ever put my information in:

Scott Szabo
Age 41
Owner of a small CPA firm in Sterling, Colorado.
Married with two kids - 12 year old daughter and 7 year old son.
Started playing golf when I was 15 thanks to my grandfather who was patient enough to take me out one day.  Hard to think what I would have missed out on all these years if he hadn't let me tag along one summer day.
Handicap: finally going back down - currently 1.6.
Member of the Sterling Country Club for 15 years before it went public a year ago due to declining membership and changing demographics.  Nothing to note of much architecturally but it was home for a number of us.  Sad to see it end like it did.
I have enjoyed my few years here on GCA and am fortunate to have met a few of you.

Are you the same Scott Szabo that played for the Reds? If so, your World Series team was amazing and killed my A's. Would love to talk baseball some time with you on the golf course. If you ever get out to NoCal let me know.

Umm, I think that was Chris Sabo...Close though

Chris Sabo was indeed the Reds' third baseman, and he's actually a fairly avid amateur golfer himself.  He plays a lot of local amateur events around Cincinnati.  I believe he plays out of Kenwood Country Club.

Does he wear his RecSpecs when he plays golf?

That was my first thought too

[JLahrman]

I do not believe Chris Sabo wears his specs when he plays golf, but we can dream.  From pictures I've seen he doesn't look much different now compared to his playing days (flat top is not quite so militarily correct, but still seems to be the basis of the haircut).

[Scott Szabo]

Been on here a few years and don't think I've ever put my information in:

Scott Szabo
Age 41
Owner of a small CPA firm in Sterling, Colorado.
Married with two kids - 12 year old daughter and 7 year old son.
Started playing golf when I was 15 thanks to my grandfather who was patient enough to take me out one day.  Hard to think what I would have missed out on all these years if he hadn't let me tag along one summer day.
Handicap: finally going back down - currently 1.6.
Member of the Sterling Country Club for 15 years before it went public a year ago due to declining membership and changing demographics.  Nothing to note of much architecturally but it was home for a number of us.  Sad to see it end like it did.
I have enjoyed my few years here on GCA and am fortunate to have met a few of you.

Are you the same Scott Szabo that played for the Reds? If so, your World Series team was amazing and killed my A's. Would love to talk baseball some time with you on the golf course. If you ever get out to NoCal let me know.

Umm, I think that was Chris Sabo...Close though

We can still get together for golf the next time I come to California if you'd like

Sadly, I am no one famous.  Only in the eyes of my kids, but that's good enough for me....

[Tim Leahy]

Been on here a few years and don't think I've ever put my information in:

Scott Szabo
Age 41
Owner of a small CPA firm in Sterling, Colorado.
Married with two kids - 12 year old daughter and 7 year old son.
Started playing golf when I was 15 thanks to my grandfather who was patient enough to take me out one day.  Hard to think what I would have missed out on all these years if he hadn't let me tag along one summer day.
Handicap: finally going back down - currently 1.6.
Member of the Sterling Country Club for 15 years before it went public a year ago due to declining membership and changing demographics.  Nothing to note of much architecturally but it was home for a number of us.  Sad to see it end like it did.
I have enjoyed my few years here on GCA and am fortunate to have met a few of you.

Are you the same Scott Szabo that played for the Reds? If so, your World Series team was amazing and killed my A's. Would love to talk baseball some time with you on the golf course. If you ever get out to NoCal let me know.

Umm, I think that was Chris Sabo...Close though

We can still get together for golf the next time I come to California if you'd like

Sadly, I am no one famous.  Only in the eyes of my kids, but that's good enough for me....

yea I figured that out, just after posting, so I deleted it. But, still would love to play golf if you get out here!

[Greg Taylor]

Hi, feel like I should introduce myself....

Greg Taylor, lives in Warwick, UK.
Middle manager in a large automotive company

Member at Sutton Coldfield GC, North Birmingham. An Alister Mackenzie design and host to the 2010 English Amateur Champ.

Have been fortunate to play some great courses... Kiawah, Crystal Downs, Pinehurst #2, Lahinch, Ballybunion, North Berwick along with my favourites Muirfield, TOC, Whistling Straits and left of field I know but Tobacco Road and Calendonia too.

Biggest disappoitment? Alton Towes (ha ha)... Carnoustie I thought was disjointed and tough to love. That all said it's still golf so I  can't/won't compain.

Thanks for the welcome emails and messages of other UK based GCAers...!

Greg

[Bill_McBride]

Hi, feel like I should introduce myself....

Greg Taylor, lives in Warwick, UK.
Middle manager in a large automotive company

Member at Sutton Coldfield GC, North Birmingham. An Alister Mackenzie design and host to the 2010 English Amateur Champ.

Have been fortunate to play some great courses... Kiawah, Crystal Downs, Pinehurst #2, Lahinch, Ballybunion, North Berwick along with my favourites Muirfield, TOC, Whistling Straits and left of field I know but Tobacco Road and Calendonia too.

Biggest disappoitment? Alton Towes (ha ha)... Carnoustie I thought was disjointed and tough to love. That all said it's still golf so I  can't/won't compain.

Thanks for the welcome emails and messages of other UK based GCAers...!

Greg

Greg, did you play Crystal Downs in the Mackenzie Cup?  Does Sutton Coldfield send a team?  I have friends who are members of the Valley Club in Santa Barbara.  They have hosted and gone to play at other Mac Cup venues.  It's a great event.

Come down south of London and join us at the Buda Cup in September, we can chat about the front nine vs. back nine at Crystal Downs!

[Greg Taylor]

Greg, did you play Crystal Downs in the Mackenzie Cup?  Does Sutton Coldfield send a team?  I have friends who are members of the Valley Club in Santa Barbara.  They have hosted and gone to play at other Mac Cup venues.  It's a great event.

Come down south of London and join us at the Buda Cup in September, we can chat about the front nine vs. back nine at Crystal Downs!

Hi...!

No, I played via friends in the US of A.

Sutton does particpate in the Mac Cup but every time I ask I seem to get brushed off... Think it's the senior members or committee only.

Crystal... front 9 is the best it can get, the back 9... from the 12th to the 16th can be a little less excellent but all the same very, very good. The greens were as fast as I have ever played as well. Lest I create the wrong impression though it's awesome.

I'll do a search on Buda Cup...?!

Thanks, Greg

[Clyde Johnson]

Hi Guys, about time for an intro, been registered for a few weeks…

Name: Clyde Johnson
Age: 22
Occupation: Student/Unemployed/Freelance Author (Currently compiling a book/my opinions on GCA and the courses I played last year)
Location: Kendal, Cumbria, England (‘The Lakes’ or an hour from Silloth if any ones struggling)
Home Course: Kendal, Handicap 6
Favourite Course(s): North Berwick, Royal Dornoch, RCD (too many…)

2011: - Hoping to head across the pond to study a Masters in Landscape Architecture…Might as well take advantage of the recession to pursue my dream/only career as a GCA 
- A study tour of the heathlands, and possibly a cheeky add on to the SE links - June
- A week’s work experience with European Golf Design - Jeremy Slessor has kindly agreed to host me

Been reading the site for months and particularly enjoy the course profiles, and discussions on the state of GCA today. Anyway, I look forward to contributing and hopefully meeting some of the UK GCAers soon…

Cheers, Clyde

[Bill_McBride]

Greg, the 2011 Buda Cup details are on pg 2 or 3. Usually about 12 UK vs 12 US GcAers, good courses, good company.

[Mark McKeever]

I have been on here for a little while now and it's probably past due to post some information.

Name: Mark McKeever
Age: 24
Occupation: Engineer, Air Products and Chemicals
Location: Allentown, PA
Home Course: Schuylkill Country Club (Park/Ross 1921), Handicap 5
Favourite Courses: Pine Valley, Merion, Lancaster, Saucon Valley, Philadelphia Cricket

2011: - Hoping to play at some new places and meet some new faces!  I am a big fan of classic architecture and I also enjoy collecting Scotty Cameron putters.  I also play golf with a big smurf blue towel draped over/around my golf bag.  It is used for cleaning clubs, sitting and sunbathing when waiting for a green to clear, or as an umbrella if needed.  If you are ever looking for me, look for the towel.

I started reading the course profiles a number of years ago and never knew a discussion group existed on GCA!  Then I had Joe Bausch teach me organic chemistry at Villanova and was introduced to the treehouse.  Its been great and I have learned a lot.  

Mark

[Wayne Freeman]

Don't know why I didn't get in on this before, but here goes.

           Wayne Freeman

                age:  61
                index:  1-2
                home course:  Old Ranch CC in Seal Beach, Calif.

          Have been very fortunate to play every U.S. Open course,  including the new ones, Chambers Bay, and Erin Hills,
            as well as the pieces of those Open courses no longer in existence. 
          I"m up to 91 of the top 100 U.S. courses on the Golf Mag list.
          I love golf course history and architecture and have made so many great friends thru this site.

          Two biggest thrills in golf:   my son and I (when he was 10) both got a hole in one on the same weekend,
                  and I got to play a round of golf at Bay Hill with Arnold Palmer                           

[Jim Franklin]

Don't know why I didn't get in on this before, but here goes.

           Wayne Freeman

                age:  61
                index:  1-2
                home course:  Old Ranch CC in Seal Beach, Calif.

          Have been very fortunate to play every U.S. Open course,  including the new ones, Chambers Bay, and Erin Hills,
            as well as the pieces of those Open courses no longer in existence. 
          I"m up to 91 of the top 100 U.S. courses on the Golf Mag list.
          I love golf course history and architecture and have made so many great friends thru this site.

          Two biggest thrills in golf:   my son and I (when he was 10) both got a hole in one on the same weekend,
                  and I got to play a round of golf at Bay Hill with Arnold Palmer                           

I thought you said playing a round with me in the rain was more fun...

[Troy Alderson]

Hello golf wackos,

My name is Troy Alderson and I am the golf course superintendent (head greenkeeper) at Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort and Casino in Central Oregon.  I am a golf fanatic.  I love the game, the classic golf courses, and how the classics were maintained in the old days.  I am 37 with an old golfing soul.  I am also rather overeducated too, Washington State U. (BS), Rutgers U. (Turf Mgt), and Marylhurst U. (MBA) in that order.  The future holds for me, my own golf course somewhere, I just need to find it.

I ran across this site while looking for golf course pictures and started reading the interviews and opinions.  Great stuff.  I am a 13 handicap and supervise a golf course designed by William P. Bell and Sons (front nine) and Gene "Bunny" Mason (back nine) in the early 1970s.  The golf course is the oldest Indian owned and operated golf course in the country, unless someone can prove otherwise.

I look forward to contributing to the group.

FOOUURR!

Troy Alderson

To update who I am...

Now an Assistant Superintendent at Reames G&CC in Klamath Falls, Oregon.  Left Kah-Nee-Ta Resort to pursue golf equipment sales which did not work out.  Landed the Reames position through my connection with the GM/Pro.  I have become even more confident in my abilities to maintain a golf course in the PNW to the style of an Australia/UK course.  My wife and I are looking to move to the Portland, Oregon area when I can land a Superintendent position there.

Reames has fast and firm conditions, below average budget for a country club, consistent greens running 10 to 11, narrow 30 yard tree lined fairways, and 9 holes irrigated by quick coupler impacts.

[Ryan Taylor]

Name: Ryan Taylor
Age: 32
Personal e-mail: rytaylor33@yahoo.com
Occupation: Product Manager
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Home Course: Sewickley Heights Golf Club, Handicap 7
Favourite Course(s): RCD, Portrush, Oakmont

I found GCA while researching Colt for a recent trip to N. Ireland. I've been a GCA poster for nearly a year. I met a handful of Cleveland CGA members this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. (Manakiki and Sleepy Hollow)

I recently relocated to Pittsburgh and look forward to playing new courses and meeting good people. If you're in Pittsburgh or ever around the city, send me an e-mail and we'll tee it up.

[Garland Bayley]

Ryan,

Your assignment should you choose to accept it, is to get fellow Pittsburghian George Pazin as in Raisin out for some golf.

[Ryan Taylor]

Garland,

I accept. Let this serve as an open invite to you and George.

Ryan

[Kin Britton]

Name: Kin Britton
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Occupation: Banker & Unofficial Travel Agent for Group Golf Trips
Member:  CC of Spartanburg- reputed to have nine holes designed by Donald Ross...never proven.  Recently renovated by Kris Spence.  Also a member of St Andrews Golf Club
Handicap: 0
Age: 47
Married to a wonderful wife who tolerates my golf passion.  Two girls, 13 and 15.

Favorite Courses:
TOC
ANGC
Pebble Beach
Royal Aberdeen
North Berwick
Royal Dornoch

I had lurked on the board as a guest for some time.  I originally found it while looking for reviews on Scottish courses.  I emailed Ran earlier this month and he was kind enough to allow me to join.

I started playing golf as a teen and then played on the first team my high school fielded after surviving a strenuous try-out..."You have your own clubs?  OK, you're on the team, know anybody else with clubs?"  Have played some amateur events but realize my game is better suited to Saturday morning Nassau games.

Most effort ever put forth to play a course:  When I turned 40, I realized drastic action was required to play Augusta National.  Through a friend got introduced to the caddie program.  Spent a season as a part time caddie using vacation time and weekends...had a very understanding wife and boss.  Got to play on Caddie Day in 2004...45 holes and 7 of 9 holes on the Par 3 course.  Played 36 from the Championship tees and 9 from the Member tees.  Still one of the best days of my life.  Shot 76 from the tips during the morning round...won't discuss afternoon round.

Four years ago, I made my first trip to Scotland.  We have now made a total of three trips and played 25 courses during our travels.  Have played courses from Turnberry to Muirfield to Brora in the north.  Probably only person on the board to have played the 12 hole course at Goggarburn (beats sitting in a hotel room waiting on the last twopeople to arrive...barely).  Worst moment in three trips was leaving Dornoch to head home.  Best moment was a hole-in-one on 17 at Royal Aberdeen to square our trip long match.

Had always thought there were things I liked about certain styles but could not describe it.  Have started making an effort to learn more about the design field.  I do know I like the "old style" which allows recovery options as my game needs it.  After Scotland, I certainly realized how special links golf is.  Time and money permitting, our trip to the UK is an annual event (neither time nor money allow a trip in 2011).  In 2012, we will visit England to check out the courses in the Liverpool area.

I look forward to participating in the discussion

[Bruce Wellmon]

Name: Kin Britton
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Occupation: Banker & Unofficial Travel Agent for Group Golf Trips
Member:  CC of Spartanburg- reputed to have nine holes designed by Donald Ross...never proven.  Recently renovated by Kris Spence.  Also a member of St Andrews Golf Club
Handicap: 0
Age: 47
Married to a wonderful wife who tolerates my golf passion.  Two girls, 13 and 15.

Favorite Courses:
TOC
ANGC
Pebble Beach
Royal Aberdeen
North Berwick
Royal Dornoch

I had lurked on the board as a guest for some time.  I originally found it while looking for reviews on Scottish courses.  I emailed Ran earlier this month and he was kind enough to allow me to join.

I started playing golf as a teen and then played on the first team my high school fielded after surviving a strenuous try-out..."You have your own clubs?  OK, you're on the team, know anybody else with clubs?"  Have played some amateur events but realize my game is better suited to Saturday morning Nassau games.

Most effort ever put forth to play a course:  When I turned 40, I realized drastic action was required to play Augusta National.  Through a friend got introduced to the caddie program.  Spent a season as a part time caddie using vacation time and weekends...had a very understanding wife and boss.  Got to play on Caddie Day in 2004...45 holes and 7 of 9 holes on the Par 3 course.  Played 36 from the Championship tees and 9 from the Member tees.  Still one of the best days of my life.  Shot 76 from the tips during the morning round...won't discuss afternoon round.

Four years ago, I made my first trip to Scotland.  We have now made a total of three trips and played 25 courses during our travels.  Have played courses from Turnberry to Muirfield to Brora in the north.  Probably only person on the board to have played the 12 hole course at Goggarburn (beats sitting in a hotel room waiting on the last twopeople to arrive...barely).  Worst moment in three trips was leaving Dornoch to head home.  Best moment was a hole-in-one on 17 at Royal Aberdeen to square our trip long match.

Had always thought there were things I liked about certain styles but could not describe it.  Have started making an effort to learn more about the design field.  I do know I like the "old style" which allows recovery options as my game needs it.  After Scotland, I certainly realized how special links golf is.  Time and money permitting, our trip to the UK is an annual event (neither time nor money allow a trip in 2011).  In 2012, we will visit England to check out the courses in the Liverpool area.

I look forward to participating in the discussion

To a fellow CC Spartanburg member, Welcome.
Bruce

[Joe Fairey]

Welcome aboard my friend....Caddie Day 2004 was indeed a good one.....you will certainly enjoy
this group....the hardest part will be finding enough time .....