A new friend who is a long-time client of my store asked me on the golf course this morning, “What is your favorite part of your job?” Almost immediately, I replied that it is when I get to build a custom club for a client from a fitting we have done. The satisfaction of knowing that we have put the time into deciphering the perfect combination of head, shaft, length, lie, flex, weight, and more, and now have the means to produce that exact product, is exciting to me. To be able to hand someone a bespoke item that will enhance their game and their fun is the best part of my job. Seeing the smile on their face as they hold the new club or clubs for the first time is invigorating and keeps me motivated for the future.

But there is also a longer answer. The one that was brewing under the surface while I gave him my stock answer, which, though mostly true, is really only half of it.

I love my job! There I said it! And honestly, I love pretty much all of it. And on any given day, one part might stand out more, but really it’s all good. And what I attribute that to is the fact that for me, the joy of the job is the work. The actual labor, or the work, whatever you choose to call it, is the job. Without the work, there is nothing. And while some people complain about work or having to work, I honestly would rather be working each day than just about anything else.

I love the numbers behind the math and science of golf and the products. Like understanding how launch and spin work together to create distance and accuracy. I love the relationships I have with customers, vendors, other business owners in the community and with staff at local golf courses. Those relationships exist because we all love the game of golf, and I built my business for that close tie. I love that every day is golf-related, but also every day is unique and different. I love working with my hands to build or repair golf clubs. And I even love playing the game of golf when there is time.

And that’s what I had the opportunity to do this beautiful morning. Golf with two clients whom I can now claim as friends. Golf is where the fun and the conversation far outweigh the birdies or lack thereof. Golf for sport, but not competition.

The best part about my job is having a place where I can be a part of making all of that happen for myself and for all the other golfers who visit from Bay County, Walton County, and beyond.