sports
Tom Coyne on becoming an "accidental" golf course owner
Tom Coyne has one of those jobs most would envy. As a bestselling author and editor of The Golfer's Journal, he gets to travel to and play some of the most exclusive courses in the world. "It's not a bad perk of the job, Lee, I'm not gonna lie to you!" he said.
TL;DR
- Tom Coyne, known for his golf writing and travel to exclusive courses, took on the challenge of revitalizing the Sullivan County Golf Club.
- The rural 9-hole course, established in 1925, faced decline due to lack of tourism and relied on locals for maintenance.
- Coyne and greenskeeper Shaun Smith, bonded by shared experiences, decided to run and potentially buy the course, aiming to make it accessible and preserve its character.
- They implemented changes including re-routing holes, adding a putting course and driving range, and keeping prices affordable.
- Partnerships with Bill Murray and Jason Kelce helped attract members, supporting golfers who might not otherwise have access to a course.
- Coyne views the experience as a gift, emphasizing the importance of community and teamwork in golf.