I turned 30 in 12/2023 and decided when I moved to Cleveland that fall ('23) that I would pick up golf to meet people, get to know the in-laws, and get out since changing to a remote job. I've golfed twice before moving in 2 scrambles and hardly ever used anything outside one of my lucky putts. Come to 2024, I've been getting out with friends and family as many times as I can. Including the 2 scrambles, I've played 15 times - [12] 18 holes, [1] 9 holes and the two scrambles. I've been getting into the 80s recently but usually 90-100 if I'm safe. I'll tell you the biggest tip - buy NICE balls. You then care a lot more when swinging so you can find your money.

Fast forward to today 8/26/24, I parred my first ever hole #1 at 6:50AM (TT) - well before I normally wake up. Thought it was going to be a great day. Went downhill FAST. Got to the turn, food wasnt open yet, was slowly dying. Come around to the next par 3 (hole 12 at Sleepy Hollow in Brecksville) and I see the 2 before me land it on the green in my group of 4 so I said I just wanna smack it right at the pin. Got up - didn't think - just swung a 7 iron at the 140yd par 3. It hit slightly left on a slight downhill towards to pin and after about 1sec of watching it roll, it dropped in and we went ecstatic.

For being so new, I never expected anything like this to happen so soon. I was using free clubs my buddy found (Hogans), a free bag my buddy who owns a driving range gave me, and Titleist TruFeels because something just feels right about them. I can't drive, I get pretty lucky chipping and I'm an OK putter, but this 7 off the blue tees (when I'd rather play white) was just top-of-the-world feeling. I was grateful to have 3 buddies there to witness. The pro-shop at Sleepy Hollow was also awesome to give me some items and a discount on a flag.

I will be chasing this high for years to come.