Midwest: MN, WI, MI, IL, IN, OH, WV

[RocketRobertson]

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score?

Got serious about golf about 8 years ago while stationed in Guam, The Air Force Base had an amazing course on the cliffs of the pacific, you paid based on rank (lower rank, cheaper golf) and me and my buddies would go play 18 w/ a cart for $18.

What do you love about golf?

The Challenge, the camaraderie, the discipline.

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?

came on to try to be selected as a tester (fingers crossed)

Where are you from? What is your home course?

Minneapolis, MN. Im a member of a program called the Public Country club which costs a monthly fee but allows for free or significantly reduced green fees at over 100 local courses. I probably play Columbia, Links at Northfork, and Meadowbrook most often

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

Very accessible public golf scene in Minnesota. Winter sucks.

What do you do for a living?

Recently retired, worked as an accountant before getting my doctor wife pregnant so now I'm home raising our two girls and working on our golf game.

How’d you pick your user name?

its my name. 

[BLD7]

Welcome Tim and Rob to MGS! It is a great forum with tons of wonderful information. A whole bunch of camaraderie on here as well. Hang out, peruse, and jump in on any of the threads you like. You can kill a lot of time on here - and that isn't a bad thing!!

[clinder34]

Hey all! Been a long time stalker of mygolfspy and just recently trying to get more engaged in the discussions! 

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score?

I started playing golf 27 years ago, when i was 3 years old. My pops would take me out and drop a ball and i would basically play hockey with it until it went in the hole. Now fluctuate between a 4-7 handicap. 

What do you love about golf?

I love getting outside. I love that you compete not just with the people around you but with yourself. 

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?

I dont know many spies, but i have been following MGS for a long time, looking at their recommendations and notes pretty frequently. 

Where are you from? What is your home course?

I live on the westside of cleveland and have a home course of Oberlin Golf Course

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

Best thing: its a pretty close nit group - lots of great people playing golf in cleveland. The worst part is the winter. 6 months of terrible weather. 

 

[CudaKota66]

5 hours ago, clinder34 said:

I live on the westside of cleveland and have a home course of Oberlin Golf Course 

 

I have a unique connection with Cleveland - my grandmother lived in Parma & my dad caddied at Ridgewood as a teen (he's 85 now).

Thanks for introducing yourself! Get some rounds in before the next squall sweeps in off Lake Erie

 

Joe

[pete1276]

Hi, everyone, I'm new to the forum and I'm located in the Minneapolis, MN area.  I've been playing golf for about 20 years, but I've only been taking it seriously for the past 10 years or so.  Much like most people in this forum, I got the bug, and I decided to dedicate myself to getting better.  For the most part is has, over time.

I currently am a 6.7 handicap, but it fluctuates anywhere between 3 and 7 depending on how I'm playing, and I play a lot of golf.  My home course is Baker National Golf Course in Medina, MN.  I have a season pass there and I play almost daily, dependent on weather.  

I've only created my forum account today, but I've been an avid reader of MGS reviews.  I especially enjoy the ball and driver reviews.  I've become a bit of a gear head over the years and I enjoy sharing technical information with others.

The best thing about playing golf in our region is the variety and availability of courses, and that we do get nice weather for 6-8 months of the year. There are a couple of sketchy months in the spring and fall, and the worst part is taking the long 3-4 month winter off.  I am still able to get some simulator practice in, but it's just not the same.

As for work, I am in Cyber Security.  I enjoy what I do, it's challenging and constantly changing.  

My username is not a very exciting story, it's one that was assigned to me when I was in college.  I've used it since, and it was fortunately available when I signed up for MGS. 

[Roachinante]

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score?
I started golfing around 20 years ago, but only really picked it up more seriously in the past 5 years. I don't have an official handicap, but I usually shoot between 100-115 for a full round of 18.

What do you love about golf?
I love the versatility and variety golf can provide. You can golf in tournaments or placing bets with friends, but you can also have a nice, quiet round by yourself. There are also so many courses across an entire range of difficulty.

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?
I'm here to communicate with others who share a common interest and can provide some tips or insight.  I also enjoy seeing equipment reviews from peers rather than only professional reviewers.

Where are you from? What is your home course?
I am from Minneapolis, more specifically the northern suburbs. I am starting a new league this year at Victory Link Golf Course in Blaine, at the National Sports Center. Excited for a new experience after less-than-stellar conditions and service in my previous league.

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?
The worst thing about golf in the north is the limited season. We get 6-7 months with the courses open, and about 5 months of that with actually decent weather. The best is that, despite the limited season, there are a ton of courses around and what I would consider a very lively golfing community.

What do you do for a living?
I do Quality Assurance for a pasta manufacturer.

How’d you pick your user name?
My username is a combination of my name, Geralt the Witcher's horse "Roach", and Don Quixote's horse "Rocinante"

[mynerds]

8 hours ago, pete1276 said:

Hi, everyone, I'm new to the forum and I'm located in the Minneapolis, MN area.  I've been playing golf for about 20 years, but I've only been taking it seriously for the past 10 years or so.  Much like most people in this forum, I got the bug, and I decided to dedicate myself to getting better.  For the most part is has, over time.

I currently am a 6.7 handicap, but it fluctuates anywhere between 3 and 7 depending on how I'm playing, and I play a lot of golf.  My home course is Baker National Golf Course in Medina, MN.  I have a season pass there and I play almost daily, dependent on weather.  

I've only created my forum account today, but I've been an avid reader of MGS reviews.  I especially enjoy the ball and driver reviews.  I've become a bit of a gear head over the years and I enjoy sharing technical information with others.

The best thing about playing golf in our region is the variety and availability of courses, and that we do get nice weather for 6-8 months of the year. There are a couple of sketchy months in the spring and fall, and the worst part is taking the long 3-4 month winter off.  I am still able to get some simulator practice in, but it's just not the same.

As for work, I am in Cyber Security.  I enjoy what I do, it's challenging and constantly changing.  

My username is not a very exciting story, it's one that was assigned to me when I was in college.  I've used it since, and it was fortunately available when I signed up for MGS. 

Welcome from a fellow security nerd! I've wondered if my love of puzzles and patterns which connects so clearly to cybersecurity also drives my interests in golf. I'm curious if you see any connection between the two on your end.

Welcome again!

[TrentMSU55]

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score?

I've been playing golf (seriously) since I was 23, so about 7 years. Didn’t begin to establish a handicap until Summer ‘23 and I’m currently sitting at 16.0. I hope to shave that down to 10-12 by the end of this summer. My goal is to break 90 every time out currently but typically shoot in the mid 90s.

What do you love about golf?

Golf is the great equalizer. Anyone and everyone can participate. People from all walks of life sharing a common bond. I love the camaraderie with the boys and with co-workers alike. Plus it’s a great way to spend time outside in nature and enjoy the beautiful scenario and passion shared by likeminded folks.  

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?

I don't know any other Spies but have been “lurking” articles the past few years to learn more about the game and thoroughly enjoy the “best of’s”, reviews and Q & A’s. Most importantly is the date behind all of the testing that I thoroughly enjoy. 

Where are you from? What is your home course?

I live in the downriver community of Michigan. Trenton to be more precise. Having moved here from Port Huron, I currently do not have a home course but will find one soon!

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

Best: Michigan is a hidden gem for golf. Every year my friends and I will have multiple trips up north to check out new courses and resorts and are never left feeling unsatisfied. 
Worst: the unpredictable seasons. Either short or little to no springs and the inconsistencies or fall. Plus, it’s really hard to pull me away from an NFL Sunday AND try and tell the wife that I will also be golfing all day Saturday.

What do you do for a living?

I am a Senior Account Manager for a Vending/MicroMarket and Office Coffee company. I get to meet lots of great people and work with awesome coworkers. 

How’d you pick your user name?

Took my name, added in my college and my sports number. Also the Titleist ProV1 Play# ball I’ll use when I can find them. 

Edited April 16 by TrentMSU55

[pete1276]

4 hours ago, mynerds said:

Welcome from a fellow security nerd! I've wondered if my love of puzzles and patterns which connects so clearly to cybersecurity also drives my interests in golf. I'm curious if you see any connection between the two on your end.

Welcome again!

Hello! Thank you, I'm looking forward to swapping stories with the rest of the community.  I have noticed that there seems to be an inordinate amount of IT geeks that play golf.  It's rather curious, there must be something about golf that sucks us in.  I do enjoy the analytics involved with golf stats.  I've always been a numbers guy, and it's helped me in my professional life as well.  

[Dweed]

@TrentMSU55 and @pete1276 welcome to the forum gents. Hope you enjoy as much as I do. Oh, by the way Trent... GO BLUE!

[jtowns43]

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score? Started playing when I was a kid and stopped due to injuries. Recently picked back up around covid. Handicap is 14.

What do you love about golf? Being outside, competitiveness, always room to improve, social.

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies? Have been on for awhile and love the content

Where are you from? What is your home course? Madison, WI area.  Do not have a "home" course. Play all over

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region? Great golf courses but shortened golf season.

What do you do for a living? Sales

How’d you pick your user name? Off my name

[Rondozase]

About Me

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score?

I think of my golf “career” as two stages.  Stage 1 began when I was around 20 and ran for about 30 years.  I took a break after kids and new career arrived and recently (2022) began stage 2.  At the moment I’m a 10.7 handicap. 

What do you love about golf?  

The feel of a well struck golf shot that does exactly what I planned on it doing.  Playing in a beautiful, natural, and peaceful space that is relaxing.  Playing with like-minded (regarding golf) family and friends where we can be mildly competitive. It’s challenging and there’s always room for improvement.  I can play golf well into old age.    

What brings you to My Golf Spy? Do you already know any other Spies?

The product reviews are great and the articles are interesting.  Also, the discounts on equipment/merchandise are excellent. I’ve just recently joined the forum and its great seeing other avid golfers thoughts on the game.  I don’t know any other spies.

Where are you from? What is your home course?

I’m from the Detroit area.  I have a season pass to a local municipal course, Riverview Highlands.  

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

Best:  Lots of courses in my area with pretty good greens fee rates.

Worst:  Winter

What do you do for a living?

Retired, but formerly I was a marriage counselor.

How’d you pick your user name?

NIckname given me by my wife with the first two initials of my sons first names tacked on the end. 

 

[Ikethegreatbambi]

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score? I've played for about 25 years, but have been playing more than 5 times a year since 2020. My 18 birdies app has me at a 13 handicap, but I don't think that's accurate, 15 is probably too generous, so undetermined. I suck at putting.

What do you love about golf? It's challenging, fun, and one good shot has me coming back for more.

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies? I've enjoyed reading some of the testing that has been published in the last couple of years, i.e. ball and driver, and I am getting more interested in golfing. I don't know that I know any other Spies.

Where are you from? What is your home course? Twin Cities, MN. Usually Highland 9 hole or highland national, but this year I'll be at Inver Wood.

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region? In a typical year we can only golf for 5.5 months. Brainerd lakes area is awesome.

What do you do for a living? Bean counter

How’d you pick your user name? Sandlot

[toodles_of_tol]

How long have you been playing golf?

Been playing golf since I was 8 yrs old so for 31 years. Always played other sports my whole life primarily baseball (softball in my latter years) and football. Quit playing softball about 6 years ago to focus on improving further with golf (has not worked)

What’s your handicap or normal score?

Stopped formally tracking handicap and focus on just making good shots during the round. Could shoot anywhere from 82-95 in a round depending on multiple circumstances 

What do you love about golf?

The outdoors, the health benefits, and the time spend with family and friends  

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?

Have been following on social media for a while now. This site has always been my go to for trusted reviews of gear. Don’t know another spies I believe but figured I would be more active from a forum perspective here.

Where are you from? What is your home course?

Toledo, OH. South Toledo is the league course and the one I grew up on but Valleywood is probably my favorite 

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

Best: So many new golfers to the game now and we have a LOT of courses in the area some good some bad 

Worst: Sooooo many new golfers. Seen more cutoff shirts than I care to on a golf course last year and got hit by 5 balls on the courses last year. 

What do you do for a living?

Manager of Network Engineering teams

How’d you pick your user name?

Name is Todd, some people used to call me Toodles and I live in Toledo

[MScbus1991]

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score? 

I’ve been playing golf casually my whole life (I’m 32 now) but not competitive (played baseball in high school so I have a nice slice I’m trying to get rid of). I usually shoot high 80s or something like a 14-16 handicap. 

What do you love about golf?

I love that virtually anyone can play golf and can play for almost their entire life. I also love that you play against yourself trying to beat your best score and you can play with others of all skill levels without a problem.

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?

I don’t know any other spies, but I have used these forums on many occasions for golf tips and tricks and club advice.

Where are you from? What is your home course?

I’m from Columbus, Ohio and I play several courses but would say Raymond Memorial and Rolling Meadows are my home courses.

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

There are so many courses to choose from and they are pretty affordable too! But, the weather doesn’t always play nice.

What do you do for a living?

I’m an Engineer for a robotics company.

How’d you pick your user name?

I wish I was more creative, but it is just a combination of initials, location, and numbers. I’ll see if I can think of something more creative to change to in the future.

[zrxgothmog]

Just stopping by to introduce myself.  I'm a professional firefighter, nearing retirement.  Got started playing waaay too late in life, just 2 years ago.  Wish I had started sooner.  I typically shoot low 90s, hoping to consistently break 90 this year. 

[zrxgothmog]

We have an abundance of decent to good courses around here, N. KY, SW Ohio and SE Indiana.  Bad thing is winters!!  Wish I could play year round.  My name came from an old bike club, type of bike, and the name of one of the only two of the nazgul named in the lord of the rings books.

[Dweed]

4 hours ago, zrxgothmog said:

Just stopping by to introduce myself.  I'm a professional firefighter, nearing retirement.  Got started playing waaay too late in life, just 2 years ago.  Wish I had started sooner.  I typically shoot low 90s, hoping to consistently break 90 this year. 

Welcome brother.

11 hours ago, MScbus1991 said:

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score? 

I’ve been playing golf casually my whole life (I’m 32 now) but not competitive (played baseball in high school so I have a nice slice I’m trying to get rid of). I usually shoot high 80s or something like a 14-16 handicap. 

What do you love about golf?

I love that virtually anyone can play golf and can play for almost their entire life. I also love that you play against yourself trying to beat your best score and you can play with others of all skill levels without a problem.

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?

I don’t know any other spies, but I have used these forums on many occasions for golf tips and tricks and club advice.

Where are you from? What is your home course?

I’m from Columbus, Ohio and I play several courses but would say Raymond Memorial and Rolling Meadows are my home courses.

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

There are so many courses to choose from and they are pretty affordable too! But, the weather doesn’t always play nice.

What do you do for a living?

I’m an Engineer for a robotics company.

How’d you pick your user name?

I wish I was more creative, but it is just a combination of initials, location, and numbers. I’ll see if I can think of something more creative to change to in the future.

Welcome to the forums.