Golf, Business Make Good Partners
by September 19, 2011 12:00 am 1,005 views
Golf seems to be the perfect game for businessmen.
Whether it’s used as a time to build better relationships or as part of the art of sealing a deal, golf often is an indispensable business tool.
Other times, it simply provides another venue in which to compete and be better than the other guy. Sometimes, it might even be a friendly way for business associates to unwind and take their minds off the everyday grind.
Whatever the reason, hordes of local businessmen gladly trade in their smartphones for rangefinders and retreat to the golf course as often as their busy schedules allow. The ones surveyed in this issue also have a knack for displaying just as much skill on the course as they do at work.
Our aim here is not to identify and rank the absolute best businessmen/golfers on a comprehensive Northwest Arkansas leaderboard. We’d need at least 18 holes to do that. Instead, we’ve chosen to highlight some of the best.
We feel like we’ve done that, as you’ll notice by their current GHIN handicaps, but the process was no gimme. Numerous people were contacted for their insights on golf and business, and the result is the group of 10 individuals featured in this issue.
There undoubtedly are many others who could have been included. Some even were contacted, only to politely decline participation.
We weren’t altogether surprised. The thinking, of course, is the publicity of discussing their golf achievements might imply they spend too much time on the golf course rather than behind a desk working.
Now, however, it’s time to let those who did want to participate explain how they got their start in the sport and offer their insights on other golf-related topics.
All of them are passionate not just about playing the game, but using it as part of their business lives.
Michael Chaney
Senior Merchandise Director,
Sam’s Club
Age: 38
GHIN Handicap*: +0.4
How old were you and why did you pick up the game of golf?
I was 3. My whole family spent the summer at the golf course because that’s all my dad wanted to do. Didn’t hurt that my parents were both teachers and had the summers off.
How often do you get to play?
I play 70 rounds a year. Practice probably 70 other days a year.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
Not an official one. We play enough tournaments every year that taking a buddies golf trip might be pushing it.
What courses do you play the most?
Lost Springs, Springdale Country Club and Hardscrabble in Fort Smith.
What’s the best course you’ve ever played and how’d you play?
Tie between Hazeltine National in Minnesota and Fox Run in St. Louis. Not well.
What is the one toughest hole in Northwest Arkansas?
No. 11 at The Blessings.
Career holes-in-one and where?
Three. Fox Creek in Edwardsville, Ill., Lost Springs and somewhere in Los Angeles.
Tiger or ABT (Anybody But Tiger)? No comment.
Favorite golf memory?
Anytime I am with my dad at a golf course.
If you could choose one amateur partner for a best-ball round, who would it be? And yes it’s a money game.
My partner is Steven Dixon. We have been playing together for almost eight years now. And we wouldn’t have the money-game part any other way.
How about a dream foursome?
Having my dad out there with me is the best part of any golf event. After that, any combination of Mike Pine, L.D. Viehl, Steven Dixon, Chris Collins, Bill Ayers, Aaron Tunnell, Todd Volz, Kirk Viehl, Lendell Phelps will do just fine.
Best round in competition?
Best score is a 64 at an easy course named Sandoval in southern Illinois. Best round is a 65 at Illini Country Club in Springfield, Ill.
Why is golf such a popular sport among businessmen?
If you pay attention, you can learn more about a person in 18 holes of golf than you can in 18 hours worth of meetings.
What’s the time management secret for working when it’s time to work and paying enough attention to your golf game?
Keep them as separated as possible. Be passionate about your work and focus on what is important when you are working. This discipline will allow you to be focused on your golf game when you want to. Having a very understanding family and a nearby lighted driving range doesn’t hurt, either.
What’s in the bag?
TaylorMade R11 TP driver and a 3-wood with a X-Aldila RIP 60g Alpha shaft, TaylorMade 18-degree hybrid, TaylorMade R98 T irons with KBS Tour shafts, TaylorMade wedges [53, 58], TaylorMade 41- inch mid-length Spider putter.
What’s your best swing tip? Everybody needs a trusted friend to look at their swing sometimes to get back on track.
Who has the best 19th Hole in Northwest Arkansas?
I’m too old to know that kind of stuff anymore. I need to go home and rest so I can play the next day if necessary.
You can win either the Masters or U.S. Open. Which one would you prefer and why?
Neither. You can’t dream of results in golf. You have to be committed to getting better. Winning things is a product of staying committed to your game.
If the Business Journal wanted to rank the top business executive golfers in Northwest Arkansas, who would be No. 1?
That could change summer to summer. Being a great golfer depends a lot on what is going on in your life at the time and how much time you have to play. Northwest Arkansas has lots of great golfers and any one of them could be the best in a certain time period.
Chris Collins
Sales Director, APEC-Central Inc.
Age: 39
GHIN Handicap: +1.8
How old were you and why did you start playing golf?
I was 3 years old. My father was the head golf professional at Elk River Country Club in Noel, Mo. Growing up, my father stayed in the business and eventually both of my brothers were in the business.
Golf has always been a part of my life and it has done wonderful things for my career and me.
How often do you get to play?
My season starts in March, weather permitting. And I try to play a couple times a week. The summer is more hectic, as I play in a lot of tournaments – both stroke play and 4-ball. It ends in October and I don’t touch a club for the rest of the fall/winter.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
Yes, every March there is a group of us that goes to Hot Springs for three days. We play golf and go to Oaklawn.
What courses do you play the most?
Springdale Country Club and Paradise Valley Golf & Athletic Club.
What’s the best course you’ve ever played and how’d you play?
Oh, wow … I’ve been very fortunate to play a lot of them. My best round was a 67 at Torrey Pines, so that would be my favorite.
Probably the most incredible course from tee to green and how it was manicured would be Muirfield Village in Columbus, Ohio, where they play The Memorial.
What is the one toughest hole in Northwest Arkansas?
Probably No. 11 at the Blessings. Not a long par 4, but very narrow with a straight uphill shot on your second. If you don’t get your distance right, the ball can roll 100 yards down the hill back at you and you get to start over.
Career holes-in-one and where?
Three. My first was at Cedar Creek Country Club No. 6 in Shell Knob, Mo., second was at Cassville Golf Club No. 17, and my third was at the Grand Bear Golf Course No. 16 in Biloxi, Miss.
Tiger or ABT (Anybody But Tiger)?
Anybody but Tiger! He has done amazing things for the game, no question, and golf wouldn’t be where it’s at today [without him]. With that being said, there are a lot of amazing players that don’t get any coverage. I also am not a supporter of his “scandal.”
Favorite golf memory?
2001 Masters. Wednesday practice round … no, I wasn’t playing.
If you could choose one amateur partner for a best-ball round, who would it be? And yes it’s a money game.
Oh that’s a tough one. Since it’s a money game, I would have to go with Steve Dixon.
How about a dream foursome?
Payne Stewart, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and myself.
Best round in competition?
63
Why is golf such a popular sport among businessmen?
For me it’s the amount of time you can actually spend with the customer or potential customer. When you visit them at their office, the phones are ringing, etc., and if you take them to lunch you only have an hour or so. On the golf course, you have at least three to four hours of their undivided attention.
What’s the time management secret for working when it’s time to work and paying enough attention to your golf game?
It’s really not that difficult because I play or practice in the evenings and also play on the weekends.
What’s in the bag?
Titleist AP2 Irons and Vokey Wedges, Titleist driver and Titleist Scotty Cameron Putter
What’s your best swing tip?
See the club hit the ball.
Who has the best 19th Hole in Northwest Arkansas?
Springdale Country Club.
You can win either the Masters or U.S. Open. Which one would you prefer?
U.S. Open. It’s our national championship and that’s what every kid dreams of growing up playing the game. You can actually try to qualify for the U.S. Open and compete, where the Masters is by invitation only.
If the Business Journal wanted to rank the top business executive golfers in Northwest Arkansas, who would be No. 1?
There are so many good golfers in Northwest Arkansas I can’t choose. Great idea for a golf tournament, though. Sign me up!
Steven Dixon
Director of Sales,
BioBased Technologies
Age: 31
GHIN Handicap: +1.4
How old were you and why did you pick up the game of golf?
12 years old. My dad was the reason I became interested in the game. I wanted to be able to play with him.
How often do you get to play?
During the summer I get out most weekends and as much as I can after we have daylight until 8 or 9 o’clock. When we have that occasional 50-degree Saturday or Sunday during the winter I’ll get out, but for the most part the sticks remain in the garage.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
No, at least not in recent years.
What courses do you play the most?
I’m a member at Springdale Country Club, so naturally most of my playing occurs there, but I enjoy playing most all the other courses in Northwest Arkansas as much as I can.
What’s the best course you’ve ever played and how’d you play?
I really can’t narrow this one down. Over the last 10 years and throughout college, I’ve been fortunate enough to play many great courses all across the country.
What is the one toughest hole in Northwest Arkansas?
Either No. 8 or No. 11 at The Blessings from the back tees.
Career holes-in-one and where?
I’ve had three. One at Springdale Country Club when I was in high school. One at Silo Ridge in Bolivar, Mo., my freshman year in college and one at Lost Springs in Rogers during the club championship when I was a member there a few years ago.
Tiger or ABT (Anybody But Tiger)?
ABT.
Favorite golf memory?
Either making a hole-in-one during the club championship at Lost Springs or making a big putt on the 18th hole of the Lindsey Cup in front of my teammates and the opponent’s team to clinch the point that wins the cup. What made the hole-in-one memorable is the person [Jack Myers] who hit right after me hit it to about one inch. We almost had two [aces] in our foursome.
If you could choose one amateur partner for a best-ball round, who would it be? And yes it’s a money game.
Michael Chaney or Chris Collins. Michael has been my staple partner for years now in tournaments all over the state, so we know each other’s game and play well together. Chris and I have just started playing together recently and I wouldn’t hesitate to take him as a partner any time.
How about a dream foursome?
My dad, brother and grandfather [who passed away several years ago] at Augusta National.
Best round in competition?
66
Why is golf such a popular sport among businessmen?
There are many reasons. The majority of businessmen are very driven, competitive individuals. Golf is a sport that businessmen can play that doesn’t require incessant practice or great physical condition that fulfills that need for competition. Because there are so many businessmen who do play golf, it is also a great way to network. But the reason may be as simple as it’s a great way to get away for a round with the boys and get your mind off work.
What’s the time management secret for working when it’s time to work and paying enough attention to your golf game?
This one’s simple for me. I can’t play when there is important work to be done. Without my career, I couldn’t afford to support my family or play golf. While I love the game, my family is my priority and I can’t take care of them without working.
What’s in the bag?
Titleist AP2 irons, Cleveland wedges, Titleist driver, 3-wood and hybrid, and a TaylorMade Ghost putter.
What’s your best swing tip?
Quit thinking, be an athlete and hit the ball! I used to overthink everything and all that did was cause me to play slow and not enjoy the round.
Who has the best 19th Hole in Northwest Arkansas? No one course stands out to me but Springdale, Pinnacle and The Blessings all have a great clubhouse atmosphere to relax and banter with the boys after the round.
You can win either the Masters or U.S. Open. Which one would you prefer and why?
They’re both such prestigious majors it’s hard to pick, but I would have to go with the Masters, mainly because that would allow me to play Augusta for the rest of my life.
If the Business Journal wanted to rank the top business executive golfers in Northwest Arkansas, who would be No. 1?
This is a hard one but I’m going to have to give it to David Dyer. David is now an amateur but was once a touring pro. Had a pretty successful career until he suffered a back injury. He’s still capable of shooting 62 every time he steps on the course. I think a great idea would be to have an Northwest Arkansas Championship tournament every year.
David Dyer
Insurance Agent,
Sims & Renner Insurance LLC
Age: 40
GHIN Handicap: +4.5
How old were you and why did you pick up the game of golf?
I started the game when I was 8, but started seriously playing around 12. My parents introduced me to the game.
How often do you get to play?
When the weather warms, I’ll play just about every weekend in a team four-ball or member/guest of some kind. I’m lucky that I get quite a few calls for those events.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
Not yet. Hopefully in the future to somewhere like Scottsdale or Brandon Dunes.
What courses do you play the most?
I play mainly at Paradise Valley but play Springdale Country Club some, too.
What’s the best course you’ve ever played and how’d you play?
Hard to answer that one. Southern Hills in Tulsa would have to rank up there at the top. It was a cold and windy February day and I think I shot 73. TPC Sawgrass stadium course is right there, too. I played in the U.S. Amateur there in 1994. Yeaman’s Hall in Charleston, S.C., is great, too. I love Seth Raynor golf courses.
What is the one toughest hole in Northwest Arkansas?
Probably No. 14 at Blessings from the back tees. It’s a tough tee shot, but hitting a mid-long iron into that green requires extreme precision, especially for certain pin positions.
Career holes-in-one and where?
Seven. My favorite was a hole-in-one in competition at an NGA/Hooters Tour event only because it meant money in my pocket. Best one was probably the hole-in-one on a par 4 at Springdale CC.
Tiger or ABT (Anybody But Tiger)?
Tons of respect for Tiger’s game. I hope he gets some form back because he’s good for the growth of the game, although I don’t think he’ll dominate anymore.
Favorite golf memory?
Probably the way I played to make it to the final stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School. Winning the Arkansas state amateur is a close second.
If you could choose one amateur partner for a best-ball round, who would it be? And yes it’s a money game.
Tough one. If it’s a money game, I’d probably have to take my friend Alex Neal. He’s a good partner to have.
How about a dream foursome?
My dad, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan and me.
Best round in competition?
63 in competition. I’ve shot 61 three times just playing casually.
Why is golf such a popular sport among businessmen?
It’s something that everyone can play and enjoy until late in life and the competitive nature of it is what has always captured me.
What’s the time management secret for working when it’s time to work and paying enough attention to your golf game?
Golf requires so much time to play at a very high level that most people don’t have that kind of time, myself included. I’d suggest maybe a quick putting session at lunch. That would do you as much good as anything else.
What’s in the bag?
Titleist driver, Ping Eye 3+ blades, Cleveland wedges and SeeMore putter.
What’s your best swing tip?
An old Ben Hogan saying. Go hit 10,000 balls and find the answer in the dirt.
Who has the best 19th Hole in Northwest Arkansas?
I enjoy Springdale Country Club and the patio view of the 9th hole.
You can win either the Masters or U.S. Open. Which one would you prefer?
Definitely the Masters for me. I was fortunate enough to get to go to the tournament a few years back and who wouldn’t fall in love with Augusta National?
If the Business Journal wanted to rank the top business executive golfers in Northwest Arkansas, who would be No. 1?
I’ll exclude myself, of course, and I’d say it would be tough to beat Alex Neal on a consistent basis.
Brent Henry
Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch
Age: 43
GHIN Handicap: +1.1
How old were you and why did you pick up the game of golf?
At 8 years old my mother asked me to play for one summer with her. She taught me the proper basics. We had a lot of fun crossing [Lake Kegonsa] by boat to play at Stoughton Country Club [Wisconsin]. After that summer, I didn’t play much until my senior year in college at the UA.
How often do you get to play?
I play about one round per week. But I love to practice, so I’m always hitting balls, chipping and putting four or five days a week. Occasionally my boys join me; we play games to challenge each other.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
Yes, as a panelist with Golf Digest I get plenty of opportunities to find golf trips during a year.
What courses do you play the most?
Pinnacle Country Club and The Blessings Golf Club.
What’s the best course you’ve ever played and how’d you play?
Augusta National Golf Club. I bogeyed 18 to shoot 70.
What is the one toughest hole in Northwest Arkansas?
No. 6 at The Blessings.
Career holes-in-one and where?
One. No. 16 at Paradise Valley in Fayetteville. 243 yards; one-hopped a 3-wood into the hole.
Tiger or ABT (Anybody But Tiger)?
Tiger.
Favorite golf memory?
Playing 18 holes with Adam Scott at The Skins Game over Thanksgiving. Most importantly, how nice Adam was to my wife and kids the entire weekend.
If you could choose one amateur partner for a best-ball round, who would it be? And yes it’s a money game.
Dr. David Duke. He hates to lose.
How about a dream foursome?
Bobby Jones, Allister Mackenzie, C.B. McDonald and me.
Best round in competition?
My best round is not my best score. The final round of the 2009 Blessings club championship. Maybe the toughest course setup I’ve ever played produced my best effort.
Why is golf such a popular sport among businessmen?
Three reasons come to mind. It takes both dedication and commitment to be successful at both. A total escape from one when doing the other. During the course of four hours, you can learn a great deal about a person’s character on the course.
What’s the time management secret for working when it’s time to work and paying enough attention to your golf game?
For me, it’s Tom Jones, the director of golf at The Blessings. I use Tom how a college student might use a tutor. With Tom guiding a practice, it’s far more productive with much faster improvement.
What’s in the bag?
All Titleist. AP2 irons, especially my trusty 3-wood given to me by good friend Allan Davis.
What’s your best swing tip?
From Tom Jones, “Understand your tendencies and learn how to deal with them.”
Who has the best 19th Hole in Northwest Arkansas?
The Blessings men’s room.
You can win either the Masters or U.S. Open. Which one would you prefer and why?
Masters hands down. The place is like heaven on earth for a golfer. The tournament represents class and I’m a huge fan of Bobby Jones.
If the Business Journal wanted to rank the top business executive golfers in Northwest Arkansas, who would be No. 1?
Luke Knox. I have learned a lot playing with him. He’s won both the Blessings and Pinnacle club championships multiple times over the years and he’s as steady as they come. I respect his game.
John David Lindsey
Principal Broker,
Lindsey & Associates Inc.
Age: 40
GHIN Handicap: +0.4
How old were you and why did you pick up the game of golf?
I started playing when I was 11 years old. My dad bought Paradise Valley Athletic Club in Fayetteville with two investors.
How often do you get to play?
Two times a week from April through September.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
No.
What courses do you play the most?
Paradise Valley in Fayetteville.
What’s the best course you’ve ever played and how’d you play?
Augusta National and I shot 76.
What is the one toughest hole in Northwest Arkansas?
No. 11 at the Blessings.
Career holes-in-one and where?
I’ve made three. No. 11 at Bella Vista Country Club, No. 11 at Springdale Country Club and No. 12 at Fayetteville Country Club.
Tiger or ABT (Anybody But Tiger)?
Tiger’s OK.
Favorite golf memory?
Getting to meet and have a picture taken with Jack Nicklaus on the practice tee at The Masters.
If you could choose one amateur partner for a best-ball round, who would it be? And yes it’s a money game.
I’m not sure. I don’t play for much money anymore.
How about a dream foursome?
Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, my brother and me.
Best round in competition?
I shot 68 in the first stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School in 1994.
Why is golf such a popular sport among businessmen?
It allows for competition and it’s social.
What’s the time management secret for working when it’s time to work and paying enough attention to your golf game?
Just get your work done first, then practice a couple evenings during the week.
What’s in the bag?
I’ve got a Titleist driver and 3-wood, Titleist irons and wedges and a Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter.
What’s your best swing tip?
Keep your head still.
Who has the best 19th Hole in Northwest Arkansas?
Not sure.
You can win either the Masters or U.S. Open. Which one would you prefer and why?
The Masters. Winning that gets you an annual exemption until you’re 65.
If the Business Journal wanted to rank the top business executive golfers in Northwest Arkansas, who would be No. 1?
David Dyer.
Conner McNair
Attorney,
Friday, Eldredge & Clark LLP
Age: 28
GHIN Handicap: 0.0
How old were you and why did you pick up the game of golf?
I was around 6 years old when I got my first set of clubs.
How often do you get to play?
It varies depending on the month and other activities I have going on. For instance, this July I got to play a lot because I played in a few tournaments, but in the fall I usually hang the clubs up for football season and duck hunting. On average, I probably play 3-6 times a month if you spread out all my rounds over the entire year.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
Not a formal one yet. I always try to play if I’m on vacation, but I don’t have a set trip every year that is specifically for golf.
What courses do you play the most?
Fayetteville Country Club, mainly.
What’s the best course you’ve ever played and how’d you play?
The Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado. I was there for my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary. I played OK [I was pretty young] but I remember riding with my uncle, who gave me a lot of tips on various aspects of the game. I also remember my grandfather making about a 100-foot putt on a hole. At the time he would only play a few holes as he was getting older, but he was still a great putter.
What is the one toughest hole in Northwest Arkansas?
Any par-3 you are playing when you have a lead.
Career holes-in-one and where?
None! Had some on the lip, but never made one. Frustrating.
Tiger or ABT (Anybody But Tiger)?
Tiger, without question.
Favorite golf memory?
I had a great foursome in college with some very good friends of mine and we’d play about four or five times a week at different courses in the area. One was from Rogers, so we’d play at Pinnacle and Lost Springs. I am from Fayetteville, so we’d go to Fayetteville Country Club a lot, and one of the others worked at Stonebridge Meadows, so we’d go out there some as well.
We had a great team game and the golf was very fun because we were all about the same level and playing a lot. My favorite memory of the foursome was that, despite consistently shooting under par, none of us had ever made a hole-in-one. We’d always talk about it on every par 3 and inevitably one person would hit one pretty close and get everyone excited.
If you could choose one amateur partner for a best-ball round, who would it be? And yes it’s a money game.
Ryan Green.
How about a dream foursome?
I’ve got two fivesomes. Me, my dad, grandfather, uncle and great uncle. All in their prime at Fayetteville Country Club. Or, me, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Warren Buffett and a 12-year-old kid who had no idea who the celebrities were at Augusta National.
Best round in competition?
5-under.
Why is golf such a popular sport among businessmen?
Because there is no other activity, whether business or leisure, where you can spend four hours with someone in a completely relaxed environment.
What’s the time management secret for working when it’s time to work and paying enough attention to your golf game?
Although not necessarily related to my golf, my time management secret is to do what you can (or want) during the day and stay up late and attend to what you need to at night. I find that my phone doesn’t ring, no emails come in, it’s totally quiet and I can get a lot done late at night. Although not directly related to golf, I think keeping up enables me to play golf when I want to.
What’s in the bag?
Cobra S9-1 Pro Driver, Mizuno T-Zoid Forged 3-Wood, MP-29 2-iron, Mizuno MP-33 3-PW, Mizuno wedges (56, 60), Cleveland wedge (64), Scotty Cameron Studio Design No. 2 putter (with a touch of rust and lead tape).
What’s your best swing tip?
Keep your head still.
Who has the best 19th Hole in Northwest Arkansas?
Fayetteville Country Club.
You can win either the Masters or U.S. Open. Which one would you prefer and why?
I’d prefer to win the Masters because [a] I could play in it the rest of my life, and [b] the history behind the tournament, the club and its members.
If the Business Journal wanted to rank the top business executive golfers in Northwest Arkansas, who would be No. 1?
Frank Broyles.
Matt Nelson
Co-Owner,
Pinnacle Claims Service
Age: 38
GHIN Handicap: 0.2
How old were you and why did you pick up the game of golf?
I played all sports growing up. I played golf a couple times every summer when I was a kid. Didn’t really start playing until my senior year of college. I knew I really liked the competition [from playing college baseball] and knew it was a great sport to help develop and grow a business.
How often do you get to play?
Not as much as I would like! I have only played about 10 times this summer. Summers in the past, probably three or four days a week. The business is winning this summer.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
Yes, usually a couple. Play with some friends from Birmingham once a year in “The Clubthrowers Cup” and usually with a group from Pinnacle Country Club.
What courses do you play the most?
Pinnacle C.C. and The Blessings.
What’s the best course you’ve ever played and how’d you play?
Augusta National, Butler National and Brandon Dunes are my favorites I have played.
What is the one toughest hole in Northwest Arkansas?
It’s a tie between No. 4 at Pinnacle Country Club and No. 2 at The Blessings. No. 18 at The Blessings is my favorite.
Career holes-in-one and where?
None. But had two albatross. No. 18 at Flint Hills in Wichita and No. 7 at Pinnacle in back-to-back months.
Tiger or ABT (Anybody But Tiger)?
Anybody but Tiger. I love Dustin Johnson. He is a tall guy like me. But I got a couple pounds on him.
Favorite golf memory?
Caddying for Chris Devlin in the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Tiger won the tourney, but I had the most fun. Got to meet Chris Berman, Tiger and Phil Mickelson. Player practice rounds with Boo Weekley and Padraig Harrington and took cash off of Robert Karlsson [outdrove him on No. 13 in a practice round].
If you could choose one amateur partner for a best-ball round, who would it be? And yes it’s a money game.
My boy Super Dave Tennent. We play in a couple of four-ball tourneys throughout the state. He has a fabulous short game and is the purest putter I have ever seen, including all the guys on Tour.
How about a dream foursome?
Got to talk some Hog football, so Bobby Petrino. My favorite Cardinals baseball player is Albert Pujols, and I’d throw Natalie Gulbis in for good looks.
Best round in competition?
Tough to say. I play a lot of four-balls. Shot a 68 in the Country Club of Little Rock four-ball earlier this year. 72 in the club championship.
Why is golf such a popular sport among businessmen?
It’s a great way to decompress from the office. People let their guard down, which is good, but can also sometimes be bad if you see someone’s true colors.
What’s the time management secret for working when it’s time to work and paying enough attention to your golf game?
That’s the toughest thing to manage on the golf course, especially if you have a business crisis while on the course. I always try to get up early enough to handle the things I need to at work. You’ve got to have priorities!
What’s in the bag?
TaylorMade R9 driver, 3-wood and rescue, Callaway X20 forged irons, Cleveland wedges (got a great deal on those) and just went to the Rife belly putter.
What’s your best swing tip?
Smooth at the top. I remind myself every swing. Doesn’t always happen.
Who has the best 19th Hole in Northwest Arkansas?
The Blessings has the best room/view, but the card room at Pinnacle is where I like to hang with my buddies – J.J., Chewbacca, Johnny Mac, The White Rhino, Hank and Joe Joe.
You can win either the Masters or U.S. Open. Which one would you prefer and why?
It’s close, but it’d have to be the Masters. The course is amazing and you get an invitation to play for a week the rest of your life.
If the Business Journal wanted to rank the top business executive golfers in Northwest Arkansas, who would be No. 1?
Brent Henry. He has the hardware. Won The Blessings club championship in 2010 and Pinnacle club championship in 2011.
Keith Westmoreland
Sr. Financial Consultant,
Stephens Inc.
Age: 33
GHIN Handicap: 2.1
How old were you and why did you pick up the game of golf?
I was roughly 10 years old. I started to get serious about it around 12 or 13, when our family moved to Pinnacle, which was Champions at the time.
How often do you get to play?
If we are talking about actual rounds, four or five times a month, weather permitting. I try to practice at least a couple times a week, sometimes for two hours and sometimes for 30 minutes. With two little kids now, it’s much harder to find time and I like being home to help put them to bed. Luckily, I have a wonderful wife who is very flexible.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
Yes and no. I do have an annual Vegas trip, but unfortunately there are only a couple of us who play golf. I know some guys who do a Brandon Dunes trip that I really need to go on. I’d really love to play some true links golf. It rewards ball shaping and creativity, not just the guy who hits it the farthest.
What courses do you play the most?
Pinnacle Country Club. I’ll play some of the other local courses (Stonebridge, Shadow Valley, Lost Springs, Fayetteville Country Club) for tournaments, but 90 percent of the time I’m at Pinnacle.
What’s the best course you’ve ever played and how’d you play?
The Alotian Club [in Little Rock], without a doubt. There’s a reason Golf Digest rated it the 14th-best course in the country. Plus, I love Tom Fazio-designed courses. If I remember correctly, I double-bogeyed No. 18 to shoot a 77.
What is the one toughest hole in Northwest Arkansas?
In Northwest Arkansas, the wind is such a factor, especially in the late spring/early summer. So if we have the prevailing south wind blowing at about 20-25 miles per hour, I’ll go with No. 5 at Stonebridge Meadows. It’s not overly long, but with the wind blowing in your face, it’s a beast.
Career holes-in-one and where?
Just one, and as I like to remind my father on occasion, it’s one more than he has. It was No. 3 at Pinnacle, about 185 yards with a 6-iron. I did it during one of our Arkansas Cup qualifiers a couple of years ago, which means there were a lot of people playing that day. Needless to say, the bar tab was not small.
Tiger or ABT (Anybody But Tiger)?
Tiger’s time has come and gone. My position has been and will continue to be that he never wins another major. He’s a victim of his own success, and all these young guys [Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Luke Donald, Webb Simpson] that are dominating the tour right now are the Tiger Generation kids. They grew up watching and wanting to not only be him, but beat him. They have no fear of him, which at his peak, was one of his biggest weapons. When he got on the leaderboard, guys wilted and those days are over. Long term, though, there’s zero doubt that he has affected the game of golf in a hugely positive way.
Favorite golf memory?
Winning my first Pinnacle Club Championship. I came back from six shots down with 11 holes left and it validated my belief that I could play good golf under those circumstances. It also gave me some vindication that all the hard work I had put in on my game had paid off. The year before that, I was an 8 handicap that struggled to break 80.
If you could choose one amateur partner for a best-ball round, who would it be? And yes it’s a money game.
Mr. Warren Stephens, who else?
How about a dream foursome?
Wow, that’s a tough one. I’m going to cheat and say that we’re playing in April while fivesomes are still allowed.
Bobby Jones, the father of amateur golf and, arguably, American golf. It’s amazing to think that by the time he was the age I am now [33], he had won 13 major championships, retired from competitive golf and built Augusta National, all while being a practicing lawyer.
Ronald Reagan, the greatest leader of this generation. This country could sure use a dose of the “Great Communicator.”
Red Hudson. When I hear the phrase “A True Southern Gentleman,” Mr. Hudson is who I think of. I was fortunate enough to play some wonderful places as a kid because of him and his generosity.
My father. He doesn’t really play much anymore, but you can’t exclude the guy who first put a club in your hands.
Best round in competition?
65. Unfortunately that was at War Memorial in Little Rock [Par 65]. I’ve shot a bunch of one- and two-under par rounds, but nothing super low.
Why is golf such a popular sport among businessmen?
One, it’s hard to have a business conversation playing pickup basketball or even tennis. Two, I think it’s a good stress manager or a place you can go to decompress, at least that’s the case for me.
What’s the time management secret for working when it’s time to work and paying enough attention to your golf game?
Well, it’s certainly much easier to do when it’s 30 degrees outside. Luckily the days are longer in the summer, so you can put in a full day at the office and still have an hour or so to practice after work. It’s the hardest in the spring when daylight savings hasn’t started yet, it’s 70 degrees outside and you have cabin fever from the winter. But, you just do what you have to do.
What’s in the bag?
Nike VR Pro Driver, Ping i15 3wood, 19-degree Titleist hybrid, Bridgestone J36 combos 4-PW, Eidolon wedges [51,55,59], Yes! Tiffany putter.
What’s your best swing tip?
If you want a swing tip from me, you’re probably better off buying a tennis racket.
My advice is for every hour you spend banging range balls, spend two on your short game.
Who has the best 19th Hole in Northwest Arkansas?
Pinnacle. Amber as your waitress, Boulevard Wheat on tap and chicken wings in the kitchen. Not to mention the two flat screens. Doesn’t get any better.
You can win either the Masters or U.S. Open. Which one would you prefer and why?
The Masters, without a doubt. There’s something mystical about the tournament, the history and the fact that it’s the only major contested on the same golf course every year. As a winner of a green jacket, you always have a place at Augusta National.
If the Business Journal wanted to rank the top business executive golfers in Northwest Arkansas, who is No. 1?
If we’re being strict in our definition of “executive,” I’ll go with Terry Matthews of J.B. Hunt, who is about to become president of their Intermodal Division. He’s had some hip issues slow him down a bit recently, but is still a very good player and a great competitor.
Jon Williams
President,
Loyal and Royal Army Inc./Morning Host, 104.9 the X
Age: 40
GHIN Handicap: 7
How old were you and why did you pick up the game of golf?
My dad and older brother infected me with this game before I was 5.
How often do you get to play?
A lot less now as a business owner. But once I get the show cooking by next spring, I want to play at least once a week.
Do you take an annual buddies trip?
My friends in Colorado have a golf week, where we play a course a day for four or five days in Vail, Breckenridge, stuff like that, where you play 36 holes a day and do a shot on the first tee. Usually by the end of the trip, you wonder why they are your buddies.
What courses do you play the most?
Shadow Valley, Springdale, and The Creeks now that John Burgin’s the guy out there. What an underrated place that’s turned into. Fayetteville Country Club is great with Bill Agler, too.
What’s the best course you’ve ever played and how’d you play?
Cherry Hills in Denver (home of the 1960 U.S. Open) in high school from the tips and shot 83. It was heroic.
What is the one toughest hole in Northwest Arkansas?
No. 12 at Fayetteville Country Club owns me. Also No. 4 at Stonebridge is satanic.
Career holes-in-one and where?
Never. Like 7 or 8 chip-in eagles from over 100 yards, but only close calls on the ol’ hole-in-one.
Tiger or ABT (Anybody But Tiger)?
Tiger. Really hope he gets his mojo back.
Favorite golf memory?
I beat my dad when I was 9 at Fox Hill Country Club in Longmont, Colo. I shot a 41 and he shot a 43.
If you could choose one amateur partner for a best-ball round, who would it be? And yes it’s a money game.
I’ll take my friend Rob Craig, who has won tourneys at Fayetteville Country Club or former Razorback marketing director Matt Shanklin, who was unbeatable at FCC.
How about a dream foursome?
My dad, my grandpa, Jack Nicklaus and me.
Best round in competition?
I shot a 68 at Twin Peaks Golf Club [during] varsity qualifying my junior year.
Why is golf such a popular sport among businessmen?
Because it allows them to leave work, get sun, usually drink, smoke a cigar and flirt with beer cart chicks, all under the guise of “talking business.” I mean, hello.
What’s the time management secret for working when it’s time to work and paying enough attention to your golf game?
Leave the cell phone in the car. Period. I’ve had playing partners want to put a 7-iron in my skull from texting and not playing ready golf.
What’s in the bag?
Ping G2 black dot irons, Callaway FT-5 driver with 8.5-degree loft and an Odyssey putter.
What’s your best swing tip?
Head down, left arm straight, take dead aim.
Who has the best 19th Hole in Northwest Arkansas?
Pinnacle for sure, but Springdale is great, too.
You can win either the Masters or U.S. Open. Which one would you prefer?
Masters. It’s a (cue sappy piano music) tradition unlike any other.
If the Business Journal wanted to rank the top business executive golfers in Northwest Arkansas, who is No. 1?
Jeff Schomburger is really good, maybe No. 1.