09/02/2026
Since my stroke, golf has become much more than a game. It's been one of the tools I've used to rebuild my physical dexterity, sharpen my mental focus, soak up some much-needed Vitamin D, and continue the journey of reclaiming what I lost.
As many of you know, I've always loved the game of golf. At one point, I was a pretty good player. What has always drawn me to the game is that it's just you and the golf course. Golf demands patience, mental discipline, and a constant commitment to improving.
One of the goals I wrote on my whiteboard in January 2026 was to establish an official USGA handicap. Arizona winter green fees are no joke, so from 2022 through 2025 I mostly practiced, only playing a handful of rounds each year while working to regain the fundamentals.
This summer, when rates dropped, I went all in. Instead of spending time on the driving range, I focused on playing rounds to establish my handicap. (For those who don't know, the USGA Handicap Index is based on your best 8 scores out of your most recent 20 rounds.)
Along the way, I've had the opportunity to play some incredible Arizona courses, including Wigwam Gold, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, Verrado, Moon Valley, Mirabel, Wickenburg Ranch, TPC Champions, Quintero, We-Ko-Pa, The Boulders, Longbow, and Desert Highlands.
Five years ago, I could barely hit a 5-iron 100 yards—and I definitely couldn't tell you where it was going! Today, after a lot of hard work, persistence, and determination, I've broken 80 several times this summer, including rounds of 70, 73, and 75, along with a few in the low 80s.
I'm proud to say I feel like I've worked my way back to playing the game at the level I always hoped I could again.
Recovery isn't about one big breakthrough. It's about showing up, putting in the work, trusting the process, and celebrating the progress along the way.
Here's to setting goals, staying persistent, and never giving up.
