Upon meeting each of you, we’ve come to see your passion for the game of golf and have developed an understanding as to how it has played a key part in each of your lives. From one group of golfers to another, it is safe to say that each member on staff shares that same passion for golf as you do.
As you’ve shown us who you are when it comes to golf, we’d like to do the same by sharing a little bit about why we love the game and our opinions about it.
Listed below will be three Q&A’s from some of our staff members: Nicole Bird, Nicole Rutledge and Elle McCord. Hopefully, you get a taste of what drives us each day to do what we do in an industry we love!
NICOLE BIRD—MANAGER OF RULES AND COMPETITONS
1. What is your favorite golf tournament to watch on television? Why?
The Masters – it’s very entertaining and anything can happen
2. What brand of golf clubs do you like playing? Why?
Cobra – I played them in college and am ordering new ones this spring
3. Favorite course you have played? No. 1 course you want to play?
Probably Shady Oaks in Fort Worth, Texas because of its history (home of Ben Hogan). I really want to play all the courses I’ve coached/recruited on because there are some top ones, and I can’t just pick one: Mission Hills, Torrey Pines, Pinehurst, etc.). I’ve walked them all but haven’t played them yet.! That’s my retirement bucket list.
4. Flagstick left in the hole or pulled when putting?
Depends on the length & break of the putt but mostly out
5. Top snacks that are essential for every round?
Trail mix – I have a special mix I make that my team called Bird Food
6. Greatest golfing accomplishment?
Coaching my team to 10 tournament titles – especially the Mountain West Conference championship as an assistant
7. Brooks Koepka or Bryson DeChambeau? Why?
Neither! My favorite is Matt Kuchar – the other two are too much in the media
8. Best golf movie of all time?
Probably Happy Gilmore – I’m not that into golf movies
9. Do you have any superstitions when it comes to your golf game?
So so so many! Most of them were related to coaching, not so much playing. I was probably the most superstitious coach in history. But, I have to mark my ball, which has to be a 1 or 4, with a certain ball marker
10. If you could play a round of golf with any three golfers, who would they be?
My husband, Steve, Jack Nicklaus and Kathy Whitworth
11. What would be the one rule of golf that you would change? Why?
After taking the USGA Rules of Golf Exam, there’s about 50 I’d change to make the test easier! Not just one in particular.
12. Favorite club in the bag? Why?
My putter – at least I have somewhat of an idea where it’s going!
13. What direction is the game of golf going? Good or bad?
I think the game of golf is going in an upward trajectory because courses are always full, which is good, unless you don’t have a tee time because then you can’t get one! I think it’s great there are new and inventive ways of getting people involved like Top Golf and ways to play other than just the traditional game.
14. Why do you love golf?
I love it because it’s always a different challenge. Every course is different. Every shot is different. It always makes you think!
15. When was the first time you remember playing golf? Who got you started?
I started playing when I was a sophomore in high school when my stepdad got me playing. I don’t remember my first round, but I remember my first tournament. I think I shot 115, and I’m sure there were some more penalty strokes I didn’t know I needed to count!
NICOLE RUTLEDGE—MANAGER OF COURSE RATING AND FINANCE
1. What is your favorite golf tournament to watch on television? Why?
The Master's. I used to watch it with my family growing up.
2. What brand of golf clubs do you like playing? Why?
Titleist. I've always played them, and I struggle with changing golf equipment.
3. Favorite course you have played? No. 1 course you want to play?
Favorite course I have played is Tributary in Driggs, Idaho. The course that I want to play the most is Pebble Beach.
4. Flagstick left in the hole or pulled when putting?
I prefer the flagstick pulled when putting.
5. Top snacks that are essential for every round?
Jerky and Snickers are my go-to snacks when I golf.
6. Greatest golfing accomplishment?
I made a hole-in-one when I was 14 at Jerome CC.
7. Brooks Koepka or Bryson DeChambeau? Why?
I would have to say, Brooks Kopek. I like watching him play.
8. Best golf movie of all time?
Caddy Shack
9. Do you have any superstitions when it comes to your golf game?
I don’t like to play with odd-numbered golf balls.
10. If you could play a round of golf with any three golfers, who would they be?
Tiger Woods, Ian Poulter and Phil Mickelson
11. What would be the one rule of golf that you would change? Why?
I don't know of a rule that I would change.
12. Favorite club in the bag? Why?
56 degree. I feel most comfortable with this club, and it's generally the most accurate.
13. What direction is the game of golf going? Good or bad?
I think the direction golf is going is good. There seems to be more and more people getting involved.
14. Why do you love golf?
I love golf because you can play it your entire life.
15. When was the first time you remember playing golf? Who got you started?
My dad had me start playing golf when I was two years old. I remember spending many summer evenings growing up at the golf course with him and my siblings.
ELLE McCORD—USGA P.J. BOATWRIGHT INTERN
1. What is your favorite golf tournament to watch on television? Why?
I love watching the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup because of the excitement. The way all the countries show support is awesome.
2. What brand of golf clubs do you like playing? Why?
Titleist or PXG are the clubs that I stick to. They are brands that I feel good about supporting and are comfortable to hit..
3. Favorite course you have played? No. 1 course you want to play?
My favorite course is Wolf Creek in Mesquite, Nevada. My bucket list golf course is the Old Course at St. Andrews or Pebble Beach.
4. Flagstick left in the hole or pulled when putting?
Flagstick left in the hole when putting.
5. Top snacks that are essential for every round?
My go-to snack is an Uncrustable or Cliff Bar.
6. Greatest golfing accomplishment?
My greatest golfing accomplishment is winning state at the 5A level my junior year of high school.
7. Brooks Koepka or Bryson DeChambeau? Why?
Bryson DeChambeau because he has brought a different perspective to the game that is exciting.
8. Best golf movie of all time?
Happy Gilmore
9. Do you have any superstitions when it comes to your golf game?
I do not.
10. If you could play a round of golf with any three golfers, who would they be?
I would want to play with Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth
11. What would be the one rule of golf that you would change? Why?
I would change the rule that you have to play your ball if it lands in a divot. This usually happens when you hit the fairway, so having to hit out of a divot next is not ideal.
12. Favorite club in the bag? Why?
My favorite club is my putter. It is the most important club, in my opinion, and can save you when you are down.
13. What direction is the game of golf going? Good or bad?
I would say that the game of golf is headed in a good direction! There are more juniors and women that are starting to play, which is growing the game.
14. Why do you love golf?
I love golf because it is something I have always gotten to do with my family and that time together is important to me. Golf is the only sport I have played that constantly changes and keeps you on your toes. Because of this, you are always craving to get better and better.
15. When was the first time you remember playing golf? Who got you started?
The first round of golf I can remember playing was when I was about 10 years old. We were vacationing in Cancun, Mexico, and there was a lot of different wildlife and scenery on the course we played. I have great memories from that round of golf.
My parents are the ones who started me in golf at a young age. I am very grateful that I started so young, but I took it for granted until I was 14 years old. When that point came, my dad became the one to help me accomplish my goals of competing.
The Q&A’s for the remaining staff members, or part two, will be shared at a later date!