Grass Ranges: Native Carolinians will take it for granted, but here’s one for those from more northern climates. I moved here after 2 years of year-round mat life in Washington, D.C. and still remember the feeling of showing up to Leatherman’s or Sifford to find a few blades of grass between the divots. Regularly hitting balls off real turf has made a big impact on both the quality and enjoyment of my practice time.

Proximity to Pinehurst: Being able to hop in the car for a daytrip to Pinehurst is awesome - straight up. I somehow grew up 90 miles from the Home of American Golf and didn’t make my first trip until after college, but I’m not making that mistake anymore.

The City Am: I love this tournament. It’s well run, goes to the best courses in town, and is extremely competitive. I don’t think many city tournaments host 80-player qualifiers every year to fill out the field - a testament to the volume of golf talent in town. Shoutout to Braxton McClennan and everyone else involved - thank you for making the City Am what it is.

Carolina Golf Manufacturing: I’m just happy places like this still exist in Charlotte. The old school, no frills club repair shop on Central Avenue is something to be treasured. Great prices and great people.

Donald Ross: I’ve had a chance to see a bunch of new Ross courses since moving to Charlotte in 2018. For someone interested in golf course architecture, having access to a dense supply of courses by a single architect has been a great way to better understand his work. His courses consistently deliver - great routing, interesting greens, and walkable, playable golf.