Despite the intensity with which it’s often played, golf is an expansive game. It’s played out in the open, on long fairways, with walking (or golf carting) between shots. These built-in breaks in the action make it ideal for business networking, friendly chatter, and, as it turns out, many other things—some of which make for good stories.
Here we’ve collected some great anecdotes from local golfers and businesspeople. They’ve told us about embarrassing situations, encounters with creatures, terrific golfers they’ve seen play, brushes with greatness, and more. The Minnesota season on the links may be shortened, but it still provides storytelling for the whole year.
—Compiled by Dee Forsberg, Gerald McCullagh, and Mary Connor
Lucky Lily Pad
A (tall?) tale about legend Bobby Jones’ 1930 U.S. Open win at Interlachen Country Club in Edina.
Should’ve Worn a Chin Strap
They say the laughter could be heard all the way back to the clubhouse.
A Masterful Start
At the 1997 Masters Tournament, Bill Monn's run-in with a Stanford University kid who recently turned pro.
Dressed to Distress
Peter Vogt's apparel did not impress the Everglades Club.
Scoreboard Strategy
The first Gophers' NCAA title in school history.
Neck and Neck
Anne Zahn and Jo-Ann Lindsay battle for the 2005 Minnesota Senior Women's Championship.
