3 Things we are talking about:
1. A Crappy Situation
Bizarre rulings are commonplace in our beloved sport of golf. Just when you think you've seen them all, a new one drops from the heavens right in your line. Padraig Harrington nursed a one-shot lead at the Senior PGA Championship in late May. He stuck the green on the pivotal par 4 14th hole, leaving himself 30-footer for birdie. However, it was another birdie that made the putt difficult leaving a large "dropping" square in Padraig's line.
Mr. Harrington, a rules aficionado and an authority on excrement called a rules official to declare the dropping a "loose impediment." The ruling was successful, and Padraig drilled his birdie putt, albeit after a messy "scraping" process to clear his line. Unfortunately, Padraig collapsed down the stretch, missing out on playoff by 1 stroke. One could say he had a "loose impediment" down his leg after giving up his two-shot lead with 4 to play.
2. A New Era of Dominance?
Scottie Scheffler didn't have his best stuff, but it was enough to win the 2025 PGA Championship, his third major title. It is starting to feel like the old days when you'd take "Tiger or the field," but with Mr. Scheffler in place of Eldrick Woods. Fun fact, for Scottie to match Tiger's win rate in his first 250 starts he'd need to win 56 out of his next 110 starts. Scheffler is on fire and has put together an amazing 24 month run. That said, it doesn't yet hold a candle to what Tiger did early in his career...at least not yet.
3. Midwest Blessed
Golf Digest once again released their coveted list of "America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses." Remember the days when folks from the Midwest would need to travel south or to the coasts to find great golf? Those days are long gone.
I counted 38 courses that are Midwest based out of the top 100. A couple of my favorites: #92 Blackwolf Run (Wisconsin), #84 Wild Horse (Nebraska), #81 Paynes Valley (Missouri), #80 Maddens (Minnesota), #65 Whistling Straits (Irish) (Wisconsin), #49 SentryWorld (Wisconsin), #36 Prairie Club (Dunes) (Nebraska), #25 Sand Valley (Wisconsin), #24 Landmand (Nebraska), #10 Erin Hills (Wisconsin), #4 Whistling Straits (Straits) (Wisconsin). We've got great golf in our backyard - go play!
Landmand Golf Course
2 Things You Need To Know:
1. Deals are Plentiful Once More
One positive byproduct of market uncertainty is that inventory gets front loaded (meaning more inventories brought in early). While golf continues to be historically popular, vendors don't want to be stuck with product when the snow flies. To that end we are seeing/offering great deals to our customers. Callaway is offering a 50% trade boost on top of 10% off select new product. Taylormade Distance balls are priced at 2 dozen for $35. Bushnell has promos on almost all product! Srixon is offering buy 2 get one FREE. What a time to be alive (and a golfer)!
2. The People Demand Sims!
We are seeing historic demand for in-home golf simulators due to three factors:
- The prices have come WAY down
- The technology has gotten WAY better and
- The physical space required has become WAY more flexible. Why not play Pebble Beach from you garage, basement or out building? Curious if this could work for you?
Book a FREE simulator consultation with our Austad's Simulator Expert. You could be playing each of those Top 100 courses year-round and just steps away from your fridge.
1 Mission Moment
We love this business for a myriad of reasons. Number 1 on my list is the people. Working with our customers and our staff who all share a passion for the game gets me up and energized every day. The last day of May we celebrated our long-time store Manager Nick Wimer's retirement. Nick has led our Fargo market for 15 years with integrity, enthusiasm and a passion for truly helping the good folks of the great white north play their best golf.
While it is always hard to say goodbye to someone you work closely with, we are excited for Nick's next chapter (likely filled with many more rounds of golf). A retirement party was hosted at the Austad's in Fargo in late May - it was amazing to hear about Nick's impact from the MANY folks who showed up to share their appreciation for Nick. Happy retirement, Nick. Thanks for all you've done for the Austad family and our many valued customers in North Dakota/Minnesota!
