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Alex Elias  Could you share the story behind founding Good Boy Originals—what inspired it and how it came about? I’m what you might call the opposite of a hoarder—I literally throw out everything and despise clutter. But when it comes to matchbooks and golf items like pencils, scorecards, and tees, I’ve always saved them. I just turned 40 and still have cards from when I was 13 or 14. I blame my Dad for that. We used to go through the dozens of early '70s Bethpage Black scorecards he stashed in his drawer, which fascinated me. I started Good Boy Originals as a passion project to showcase the items I felt most connected to. I had no idea if anyone else would care, but they did immediately. I printed and framed a photo of a few matchbooks and sent it to a friend who had hosted me at their club as a thank-you. That was the moment it shifted from a hobby into an official side project. How do you see fine art and golf intersecting? To me, they are closely connected. Both are beautiful, subjective, frustrating, and addictive. The reason I’m drawn to both is because of the people who influenced me. My Dad and uncle taught my brother and me to golf by hopping the fence to a local public course when we were about 12. There was something rebellious about that, and we didn’t waste a second because we knew if a ranger came by, he would kick us out. The first lessons they taught us were proper etiquette and the importance of trying different shots—to be creative and have as much fun as possible. Art entered my life a little later and was heavily influenced by colleagues I worked with professionally. One of the first things I shot was a copy of Golf Dreams (Top 25 course pencils in the U.S.). I remember telling my colleague Chris at the time that I wanted to do it, and he gave me a puzzled look. While we were reviewing the photo selects afterward, he said, “Yo, this is art.” How would you describe your passion, and what drives or motivates you to keep going? My top passions—and values—are relationship-driven and rooted in hospitality. From a business perspective, what motivates me most is exceeding expectations: providing someone with something so unexpected and thoughtful that it genuinely impresses them. That reaction alone is all the motivation I need. I get genuinely excited when I’m wrapping up a finished piece, thinking about the emotions it will bring. I love the joy it creates. One reason I’ve always loved golf is the attention to detail—custom signs, signature drinks, unique tees, and other thoughtful touches that make each club special. What makes each project unique? Every project is unique. I included “Originals” in the name because I wanted people to instantly sense those qualities. When I frame something, it is always one-of-one. Even if it’s an existing design—say, a Bethpage matchbook—I never use the same paper, matting, or frame combination twice. On top of that, I personalize the recipient’s name on the back and include a handwritten note with every order. It is my way of ensuring the recipient is completely impressed. I now have several of your prints, and I value them not just for their detail, but because each one brings back memories of a specific round with family or friends. Honestly, that’s the name of the game. I create pieces that spark joy, memories, and conversation. There’s no way I could manage a side project of this size if it weren’t fueled by pure passion. The energy, technique, and care I put into every piece, I hope, are evident each time someone receives a package stamped with Good Boy Originals. Many golfers purchase your work as gifts for holidays, Members/Guests, and other occasions. What does the support of the golf community mean to you? I am profoundly grateful for every single order. That’s why I’ve never shipped anything—whether an 8x10 print or a 40x60 framed piece—without including a handwritten thank-you card, which also serves as a bonus print. Whether an order is $70 or $7,000, I am thankful—especially since all marketing has been word-of-mouth. I have probably spent a total of $100 on marketing since I started in late 2017. My clientele has grown beyond golf, although golf still represents about 75% of my market. Each year, more non-golfers request custom work, which is exciting for Good Boy Originals. Golf remains the heart and soul of everything I do. Click HERE to order a print from Good Boy Originals.
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Alex Elias  Courtesy of Jeff Marsh The Acorn Invitational, held annually at Meadow Brook Golf Course (Richmond, RI), was where Adam Gingras first recognized the significance of a trophy. Yet, he often found himself disappointed with the vendors he encountered.
“We felt that our inquiries weren’t being taken as seriously as we had hoped,” said Gingras. “Ultimately, that experience drove me to design my own trophies.” Leaning on his dad—an engineer and avid woodworker—for guidance, Gingras started with small projects. Soon after, he created his first trophy for a private club: Plymouth Country Club (Plymouth, MA). Four years later, with a portfolio that now includes prominent clubs like Essex County Club (Manchester, MA), Aronimink Golf Club (Newtown Square, PA), and Essex County Country Club (West Orange, NJ), Gingras reflected, “I never imagined it would grow to the quality and volume it has.” Though The Golfer’s Woodshop began with handcrafted trophies—a cornerstone of the business—it has since expanded to custom signage, including the entrance sign at the newly opened The Tree Farm, staff signs, and various on-course products. Despite this growth, Gingras emphasizes that no two pieces are ever alike. “While I have a website, I take pride in the fact that I don’t have a catalogue,” said Gingras. “Each club is unique, and that’s why I take the time to understand and collaborate with them, ensuring their vision is perfectly represented.” This philosophy is evident in his work at The Tree Farm, where Gingras designed an entrance sign that captures the South Carolina course’s character. “In my opinion, Zac [Blair] has mastered the art of capturing a club’s vibe,” said Gingras. “Every detail at The Tree Farm—from the tee markers to the pins—serves a purpose, so it was my job to design something that added to that identity.” Over the past four years, Gingras has seen the business flourish while developing a deeper appreciation for the golf community. “Being ingrained in the golf community has really opened my eyes to the incredible people within it,” said Gingras. “It's a component I never anticipated, but I’m truly grateful for the support I've received from the Head Golf Professionals and the golf community as a whole. It’s what drives me to keep going year after year.” Alex Elias  As Head Golf Professional at Cherry Valley Club for the past two years, what was your first impression of the course, and what aspects have you come to appreciate most? When I first played the course in August 2022 during my playing interview, I was pleasantly surprised by the views for a links-style course. When you reach the middle of the fairway on No. 2, you can see all the way to the other end of the course by No. 16. It’s almost always a little breezy, so I’ve come to really enjoy the challenging shot-making required to navigate the course. The approaches to the greens are mowed at .3", allowing golfers to hit lower shots into them—a great feature for a course with thick rough throughout the year. Designed by Devereux Emmet, Cherry Valley Club is known for its distinctive bunkering. How would you describe Emmet's bunkering? The course appears wide open, but it’s really not because of the bunkers. It’s not very uniform bunkering, and because of that, the different shapes and sizes pose a different challenge each hole and round. I can’t think of many other courses where the shapes and sizes of the bunkers vary as much as they do here. What are a few notable examples of the distinctive bunkering at Cherry Valley Club? No. 3 has a huge cross-bunker that hides the fairway and runs in a diagonal line towards the hole. The fairway is pretty wide, but that bunker does an excellent job of forcing golfers left and making the second shot longer. No. 8 has a unique bunker that runs up the left side of the hole starting at about 260 yards from the green. It’s not visible from the tee—or even from the fairway—but it’s extremely penalizing because of how narrow it is. Since Stephen Kay began renovating Cherry Valley Club in 1998 and has continued his work over the years, how would you describe the changes? Stephen Kay has done a great job making the course more challenging for better players, while also making it more forgiving for those trying to break a hundred. For example, high-handicaps typically struggle to hit the ball high in the air and hold greens, and with Kay’s work, they can now run the ball up towards the front edge.
Cherry Valley Club has two logos — what is the story behind each one?
In 2019, Lee Wybranski was hired to redesign the club's logo, and it became an overnight hit with the membership. Rockaway Avenue was lined with cherry trees in the early 1900s, and the entrance to the club is still framed by cherry trees that blossom for a few weeks each spring. The logo is distinctive and is quickly becoming well-recognized throughout the Northeast golfing region. The secondary logo is the club’s flag. It represents both golf and tennis, with green for the fairways and white for the tennis attire traditionally worn by members. How does having a secondary logo enhance creativity in the Pro Shop? Every club is different, and you can use that to your advantage. You have to lean into what makes your club unique. Some clubs have cool signage or a signature drink they feature on hats and headcovers. At Cherry Valley, we’re fortunate to use both of our logos and our centennial clock. What recent trends have you noticed in golf merchandise? Hoodies have been around for a few years now, but cashmere hoodies are a more recent trend. Holderness & Bourne, Peter Millar, and Greyson all make tailored cashmere hoodies that are so sharp they almost look like sweaters when worn over a polo. Another growing trend is patterns. Patterns are essentially the new solids. At Cherry Valley, we’re seeing prints, stripes, and solids—but solids are definitely a distant third. Alex Elias  Every golfer experiences periods when their swing feels off. For me, it’s coming over the top in the downswing—something many golfers can relate to. Although many golfers are aware of their over-the-top move, Matt Benton, Head Golf Professional at Old Marsh Golf Club, said, “You can’t just know that you’re coming over the top. You have to understand what’s causing it.”
Once the issue is identified, the swing change can begin—but not without understanding that change doesn’t happen overnight. “The speed at which golfers abandon change is crazy. In order to make a change, you have to understand the feel,” said Benton. “To best understand the feel, the swing must be exaggerated,” said Benton. “Swing changes are often minimal but feel drastic. To achieve your goal at full swing speed, you need to repeatedly exaggerate the new feeling in slow motion first.” Even when rehearsed and practiced properly, many golfers abandon change—often during the transition from the range to the course. “If you’re making a swing change and doing it well on the range, that doesn’t guarantee you’ll do it well on the course. In fact, chances are it won’t go well, but that doesn’t mean you need to start diagnosing something else,” said Benton. “You have to stick with the change and recognize when a shot is the result of the new swing versus the old swing. That’s how you’ll successfully make the change and eventually see positive results.” Alex Elias Why do you think golfers, myself included, have such a fascination with logos?
Logos give people something to talk about and connect over. I hear stories all the time of someone a thousand miles from their home club—when another person recognizes the logo they’re wearing, an instant connection forms that might never have happened otherwise. As someone who loves logos, I think it’s fun to talk about them, rank your Top-5 with friends, and collect merchandise you can’t get anywhere else. What brands do you enjoy working with most? Men: Holderness & Bourne and B. Draddy Women: Renwick, Smith & Quinn, Fairway & Greene As patterned polos are becoming just as popular as solids and stripes, have you noticed golfers embracing more creativity in their style choices? I think golfers have become much more creative! Women’s golf, in particular, has grown tremendously in recent years, and I like to think the expanded apparel options have played a role. I always tell people to wear what makes them feel comfortable—so they can enjoy the game and focus less on their score. I grew up playing golf in my older brother’s polos and sneakers, and I wish I’d had bright pink shoes to rock! Overall, it’s had a positive effect on golf, especially women’s golf. What other recent trends have you noticed? Hoodies, hoodies, and more hoodies. My experience is somewhat skewed since the clubs I’ve worked at tend to be more conservative, but I do see golfers experimenting and showing more personality. At the same time, there’s a shift back to the classics, with more knit tops, crew-neck sweaters, and traditional leather saddle shoes. As someone who most often wears Holderness & Bourne, I greatly appreciate how I can wear H&B on the course, in the office, or at dinner. Have you noticed members gravitating toward products with versatility? Yes! I’m frequently asked for sweaters and trousers that can be worn on and off the course. People especially like tonal logos that blend into the sweater—it’s subtle but still visible. For women, it’s more about athleisure—sweaters or dresses that can be worn on and off the course. Alex Elias  Courtesy of Jon Cavalier (@LinksGems) How has your background influenced your perspective on the value of networking and mentorship?
I graduated from the PGA Professional Golf Management Program at Penn State University, where networking and mentorship were emphasized from day one. There was a strong focus on connecting with alumni, and I quickly realized how critical those relationships are—not just for landing a job but also for learning from experienced Head Golf Professionals. Reflecting on your time at various clubs, who is one mentor that stands out to you and why? Pat Gunning has been an incredible mentor. I’ve always admired how he connects with members. I remember asking him, “How are you so good at talking with members?” and he replied, “You should always go up to every member and treat them as the most important part of your day.” That advice has stayed with me. Taking the time to stop by the range or stand on the first tee and ask members how their families are doing makes a big difference. What is one key lesson from a mentor that you apply to your daily routine? There are many, but one that stands out relates to teaching. Early on, I thought lessons were all about X’s and O’s—club path, face angle, swing mechanics. Over time, by observing different Head Professionals, I’ve learned that not everyone responds the same way. A big part of teaching is reading and interacting with members to understand how they learn best. What is one piece of advice you would offer to current PGA Professional Golf Management Program students? I have a few pieces of advice. First, when looking for an internship, seek out clubs with Head Professionals who have strong reputations—you want mentors you can learn from. Second, during each internship, reflect on what you enjoy and what you might want to implement in your own career, as well as what you might not. Finally, stay in touch with people you meet; even someone you met briefly five years ago could open a door for you down the road. Alex Elias  Courtesy of Jon Cavalier (@LinksGems) With spring just around the corner, but temperatures still in the 20s in the Northeast, what advice would you give golfers looking to work on their game now?
Rick Hartmann: This is the time to work on your game—not during the summer. The more you practice in the winter, the better off you’ll be. It allows you to focus on the fundamentals rather than the ball flight. By summer, you’re simply maintaining your swing—you can play without breaking it down. Corey Layton: There are very few simulators here in Bridgehampton, New York, but in New York City, they’re everywhere. If you have access to a simulator, now is the perfect time to work on your game. By summer, you want to be ready to play—you don’t want to have to backtrack six months. To what extent is success in golf influenced by one's mindset? Rick Hartmann: Golf is all about mindset—it’s the number one differentiator. The more positive you can be, the better off you are. You can’t expect to make a putt if you’re thinking, “I can’t make this putt.” Our members tend to focus on the positive, and that’s a lesson every golfer can learn. Corey Layton: Mindset has a powerful influence on outcomes. If you’re worrying about the future instead of playing in the present, it can hurt your game. Some of our members pull off unbelievable shots, and that’s a testament to the strength of their mentality—it’s truly unique. While a positive mindset can greatly benefit every golfer, why is it important to distinguish between positivity and unrealistic expectations? Rick Hartmann: As a golfer, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. If a high handicapper faces a flop shot—downwind, over a bunker, out of the fescue, with the pin cut tight—they might be better off aiming for the center of the green. Playing smart and understanding the risk-reward of each shot leads to better results. Corey Layton: Golfers can sometimes be a bit delusional. Maybe one in a hundred times they’ll pull off a tough shot, but that doesn’t mean it will happen consistently. How can adopting a stronger mindset help golfers make more progress on the range? Rick Hartmann: Amateurs often expect immediate results, but it isn’t that simple. Changing your golf muscles takes time and practice. A swing change requires more than one lesson—it can take an entire season, and golfers need to trust the process. Corey Layton: Are they taking a lesson once a week and playing the other days, or are they truly dedicated to practicing? Practice can’t be like a haircut or a nail appointment—it can’t happen just once a week. You have to practice in between lessons. For many amateurs, it’s hard to hear that a swing change takes time. Realistically, you might get worse before you get better, and it may take months before you see real improvement. Alex Elias  Courtesy of Evan Schiller (@evan_schiller_photography) Managing expectations is one of golf’s greatest challenges.
“I believe there’s a common misconception among amateur golfers about what constitutes realistic goals for their game. Too often, amateurs set their sights on the best possible outcome, which isn’t realistic for any player,” said Lucas Spahl, First Assistant Golf Professional at The Creek (Locust Valley, NY) and Assistant Golf Professional at McArthur Golf Club (Hobe Sound, FL). When golfers set unrealistic goals—whether it’s hitting more fairways and greens or posting lower scores—Spahl emphasized the mental strain: “When your goals are too difficult to achieve, it can become incredibly draining.” That mental strain can quickly snowball. “You can lose confidence, get down on yourself, and let negative thoughts take over,” said Spahl. “From personal experience, I’ve had rounds that started poorly, and it’s very difficult to recover or get off the ‘bogey train.’” How to manage expectations: “To reset expectations, amateurs first need a clear understanding of what an average round looks like for them,” said Spahl. “Too often, they focus on the best possible outcome rather than a result that realistically aligns with their handicap. Once they recognize that, they can set achievable goals and tailor their practice to improve more effectively.” Alex Elias  South Carolina Junior All-American Louise Rydqvist earned a Sponsor Exemption into The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican following South Carolina’s win at the 2023 ANNIKA Intercollegiate presented by 3M. Reflecting on her LPGA Tour debut, Rydqvist said, “I’ve been dreaming about making my LPGA debut for a long time, and to do it at Annika’s event was incredibly special. Annika and her husband welcomed me with open arms, and I cannot thank them and the Annika Foundation enough for providing the exemption.” Born in Jönköping, Sweden, Rydqvist has admired fellow Swede Annika Sörenstam. “Annika has always been a role model for me. I’ve now played in her events at every level—starting with the Annika Cup and the Annika Invitational Europe in Sweden, then the Annika Intercollegiate, and now The ANNIKA LPGA. I remember being at the Annika Cup at 14, and she told us, ‘Control the things you can control, and let the other things go,’ which has stayed with me ever since. Last week, she said, ‘You’ve done the work; now you just have to trust it and stay confident in your process,’ and I carried that advice with me all week,” said Rydqvist. Despite a field that included eight of the Top 10 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and 15 winners from this season—including all four major champions—Rydqvist remained unfazed by the pressure.
“Golf is all about staying in the moment—not getting ahead of yourself or dwelling on the past. I work closely with my mental coach, and we’ve developed strategies to help me stay present. Last week, my boyfriend was on the bag, and he kept reminding me to enjoy the moment, which helped immensely,” said Rydqvist. After making the cut, posting a Round 3 65, and finishing T46, Rydqvist reflected, “I’d say my game tee-to-green was solid all week. More importantly, I’m most proud of how I handled the pressure and kept my head up throughout the week.” Alex Elias  After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2019, Ben Griffin joined PGA Tour Canada and quickly earned Korn Ferry Tour status the following season. Less than two years later, however, Griffin made the difficult decision to step away from the game due to financial challenges. If not for Doug Sieg, Managing Partner of Jersey City-based investment firm Lord Abbett, who offered financial support, Griffin might never have had the chance to pursue his PGA Tour dream. While Griffin’s eventual success is inspiring, his earlier decision underscores the harsh reality that for many, the path to the PGA Tour is both long and costly.
Driven by a desire to address that challenge, Donnie Dotson founded Carry in 2021. “There are many golfers with the talent who have had to walk away from the game due to financial reasons,” said Dotson. “Additionally, countless players currently navigating the grind are saddled with credit card debt and don’t know how they’ll pay next month’s rent or afford a course to practice at.” As Carry raises money from “Fan Investors,” Dotson emphasized that it’s paramount these investors are fans first: “You have to love golf first and foremost. Even if all ten players go on to win, and it’s financially lucrative, you won’t get the most out of it.” With “Fan Investors” providing financial security, Dotson explained, “Players can be more aggressive. If they have a tough week or miss a cut, it isn’t the end of their season or career.” Beyond financial support, Dotson said the backing of “Fan Investors” offers something even more valuable—a community. “These players now have someone to talk with,” said Dotson. Ultimately, the hope is this leads to better play. “The biggest difference between a player playing well or not is confidence. Confidence comes from many areas, including knowing you have the finances to compete or that someone is celebrating your wins and there for you when you’re struggling,” said Dotson. |
