So please tell me how you pronounce your name!

Your’is Vorn.

How long have you been a DJ?

I have been a DJ for about fourteen years now.

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

In 2003 I had a chance to survive making and playing music instead of working at my day job as an architectural designer. From there it was over. I was meant to be a DJ.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

Form anything; could be a sample, could be a synth sound, my mood, a movie clip…

Where are you originally from?

I am from Moergestel, which is a small village in the Dutch coutryside.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you go?

I like Amsterdam; where I’m now, but I’d love to try out New York, Tokyo or Hong Kong for a while.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever performed for?

That must have been Sensation. It was held in Amsterdam in a football arena for 40,000 people or so.

The smallest?

I’ve done some home parties for a few people when I just started playing, which was just as much fun as playing for thousands of people now.

Are you excited about Electric Zoo coming up this September?

Of course, I heard many good things about it, and as I said, “I LOVE NEW YORK!”

Do you play a lot of festivals like that?

Very many, especially during summer, countless actually.

I really like your MySpace design. Who did that?

Thanks! My brother Christoph designed it, with a little bit of my help. It brought him a career as MySpace designer. (Laughs)

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

It’s over its peak. Facebook is much nicer and more personal.

Are you on Twitter?

My Facebook page is linked to Twitter; that’s all.

If you could be any cartoon character which one would you be and why?

Dexter (not the killer but the scientist).

Has your music really been featured in all of those films listed on your website?

I wish. Where does it say my music is listed in those films?

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

I have to dig deeeep into my memory for that, but to keep it simple I saw Prince in France and that was deffinately something very special.

Tell me a little bit about Balance.

My second mix DJ mix CD, a cross boundary a musical adventure that represents everything I love about music.

So you are a producer as well. Do you like production more than performing?

I love both, but making music is where my heart lies most. Very amazing is to play my own productions for the first time and see how the crowd reacts. I couldnt be a DJ without playing my own tracks also.

How many stamps do you currently have on your passport?

I have a business passport with double amount of pages from December 2006 and it’s almost full!

What is your favorite city to visit?

Tokyo or Hong Kong.

Describe your genre in one word.

Crossgenreelectronicmusic.

What does a typical Friday night look like for you?

Normally flying to my destination, having dinner if there’s time and then sweating the night away in a dark club behind the mixer.

You seem like a pretty stylish guy. Where do you buy most of your clothes?

Same three cities; New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Although Paris is good for shopping too, and Amsterdam’s not bad either.

Tell me about working with Ultimate DJ Gear.

My Ultimate DJ Gear is Traktor DJ software from Native Instruments.

So if someone has never seen you perform before, what can he or she expect from a live show?

A great amount of groovy high quality dance music that doesn’t stick to one sound.

What was the last movie you saw?

L’été Meurtrier, a freaky French thriller from 1983.

Did you like it?

I loved it!

What are you drinking up there on stage?

Champagne is my drink of coice. Not too much beer, as the bathroom is usually too far away to take a break in the middle of a set.

Does it ever get lonely on stage?

I like having people around on stage making a party. Sometimes you can be very lonely playing on a huge stage for a huge crowd that’s too far away.

What would you be doing if you were not performing?

Answering interview questions like this!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?

I’ve had many sound issues with my laptop last year, hard to describe the feeling when the music stops and everyone is looking at you and you don’t know what went wrong.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully still coming to New York once in a while, maybe even for Electric Zoo!

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

By someone who made one or two unforgettable pieces of music, that would be nice.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

It’s hot here in my studio, and I think I need to take a break… See you at the Zoo!

What is it like being considered one of the biggest and best DJs on the planet?

(Laughs) What is it like? Pretty normal actually. I think the best part about it is that you are famous for only five minutes. Then you go home and everything is normal. It’s just a dose of fame when you first walk into the club or festival. You are quickly brought back down when you get back home and step off the plane.

Do you like living in London?

I really like it here. The weather is nice today. We don’t get too many decent summers and this summer has been really great. It makes a mass of difference when the weather is nice. London is such a cultural hub.

The name Above & Beyond came from a poster you had hanging on the wall if I am not mistaken. Do you still have that poster?

That’s right. I don’t. I don’t know what happened to it. It’s a part of history now I guess. It’s probably sitting in some closet somewhere or something. I don’t know; wish I still had it.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

In 2007 on New Year’s Eve we played to a million in Brazil. I think that is the biggest gig we have done. You don’t really realize how many people you are paying to. It was a big crowd going down the beach. It didn’t feel that much bigger than any other gig really. We just did EDC in LA. I don’t know the numbers but I think the event had over 100,000 estimated to appear and in the main stadium (where we played) I think there were 50-60 thousand.

You guys looking forward to Electric Zoo this September?

Definitely. To be honest, all the gigs we do in North America are always fantastic. Things like satellite radio help our scene. Dance stations are always being played and people are really starting to get educated about this stuff. The scene is bigger in other places like London and Amsterdam, but America has a great scene thanks to the satellite radio. The radio has actually gone less dance over here than anything. It is good for the scene here, as it has made it more underground.

At the same tine, the gigs where we play to 100 people on a Monday are really important to us. If you can do that it is important to make use of those nights. I would much rather be doing a gig than sitting in a hotel room. Those gigs don’t make us a lot of money, but they are a great way to spread the Above and Beyond name. We are just playing to more people that way. We are giving people a chance who wouldn’t normally get to see it on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday night. We save the weekends for bigger cities. Like I said, we would much rather be working.

Tell me a little bit about your new disc.

I think it’s more progressive than some of the other ones. It’s reflective of some more of the music we are getting into at the moment. Perhaps a little bit more groove laden and with a little more classic trance. We have some mixes on the disc that are more techno and funk. It covers the middle of that range I guess. I hope it’s a journey for some people.

You guys are also known as Rollerball and Tongue of God. Any reason behind those other names?

You are digging deep there. Years ago producers would work under different names so they could put our more material. The scene has changed and now it makes DJs put everything out under one name. These different names would produce slightly different sounds. Above and Beyond was for the lyrical stuff. The Ocean Lab stuff was specific to tracks and what not. Some of them were for even instrumental tracks.

What advice do you give someone thinking about a career as a DJ?

I think to learn off other people and copy other sounds. Learn the craft of producing. Listen and learn and then copy it. The most important thing is to always make sure there is an original edge to a track. We get sent stuff that sounds like Deadmous5, even though its good, it’s still a direct copy of that sound. Try to be original. You don’t have to be 100% original, use idea from other tracks, but if you copy a complete track and do everything the same, it will sound just like everything else. Take a bit of the Deadmous5 sound, then a bit of trace, then some house, then you have something original. There isn’t anything truly original, and it is all relative to something. This year we have had a guy called Archie, from Russia; he has done just that. He has taken some classic trance and has mixed it and it s a new sound that hasn’t been heard before.

You are good friends with Armin van Buuren. What’s he like?

(Laughs) We have known each other for ten years. We had dinner with him a few times but have never worked together. He is really professional at what he does. He knows exactly what he wants. He knows how to bring the scene together and sort of bridges all the genres of trace together. He is a very good leader.

Where are you originally from?

I am from the southwest of England. But I now live in London.

How do you usually prepare for a show?

It used to be a case of vodka and tonic. These days I hardly drink at gigs. I do sometimes, but in terms of the music we do a lot of preparation. We want to have an idea of which tracks we are playing. We know which of the big tracks we want to use. We leave some room to play what we want, but we try to prepare this stuff in the studio before hand. Some of the tracks might go on too long or we have even added drums to track when it didn’t sound right in the club. We add some more percussion to beef it up, we can do bootlegs, and we just make it fit the club and make those adjustments. We have even done stuff by remote desktop. Say we are in New York, get to the hotel, and go, “Oh god, the bass isn’t right.” The changes are something small, a little tweak here or there, and we will remote home, login and rebounce it.

Tell me why there are three of you.

It was just something we decided on; we just ended up working together. With any kind of band, unless you are missing a member of the band, you need a drummer in a there. What happened was I was working at university on my degree, and that is how we all met. Meanwhile Tony’s brother got in with him and introduced us. I used to work for Yamaha, and I made a sample CD that wasn’t too readily available. His brother bought the CD and we got talking and he gave it to Tony who was working at a record label at the time. He was at Warner Music. We ended up going out to listen to the music all together and they asked us to do a remix. We did a remix and Tony got offered a remix from Warner and that was the first we did together. That is how we started. It wasn’t a coincidence; it was just made sense. It makes us a bit different as opposed to what you are used to. Normally it’s always ones or two DJs. That gives us an edge in the studio as well.

Do you have a favorite club you like to perform in more than another?

It’s about the crowd. That said it is more than the club. Overall it’s about the crowd. One really club is Government in Toronto. The crowd is what makes it incredible. I like Decision in Chicago. Most of the gigs we do in the states are fantastic these days. Going back to the point about satellite radio, they hear it, know the songs, and are hyped up when they come. You don’t get that too much where they don’t have radio. In Poland and Russia you get that. They have a lot of radio support as well. With the Internet and radio, you will have a good night.

You have remixed tracks for Madonna, Britney Spears, Dido, and more. Do you get to meet these artists when working on their music?

Generally no, we don’t get to meet the artists. You get sent a link online, all the vocals are there, and then you put the remix together. They say yes or no, change this, and so forth. Can you just change this, or change that, and it is a very interesting musical cycle. Then finally its finished. They do make some really good changes to some things. The artist maybe you pump into them at an industry party. But not usually. It depends on the artist, really. If a small artist the chances are better.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

In five years (laughs). Funny, I will probably be doing fewer gigs and do less work in the studio but to be honest I will be doing just that in five years. I want to take more time with the music and develop the stuff more. You find that you are very tired when you return from a tour. It takes sometime to get back into it.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

I am not sure if there is one thing. I will be happy being remembered for the fact that some people used our tracks at weddings. A few people have gotten married to Skies Fall Down. That I find touching. It doesn’t seem like the obvious choice for a wedding. It is nice to get into that area for people’s lives. Fans that send us letters are also really sweet. There was one guy who I met in Australia and he was having some medical treatments. He said that our music helped him recover from cancer. What can you say to something like that? You can just stay humble music helped him stay positive in more than one-way. You are not thinking about these when you are making these tracks. To have these tracks have that effect is kind of freaky, amazing, and all sorts of emotions are spent.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Thank you for supporting our music. We try to think about the fans in the things that we do, as a company as Anjunabeats and as a band and I hope you continue to enjoy what we are doing and if not, I hope that you enjoy what we are doing!

Where did this all start? Not the wine or social media stuff, I mean you. Where did the personality of Gary Vaynerchuk come from?

I would say if you look way back, I am no different now than I was when I was at baseball card shows at fourteen years old. I have always had confidence and some brashness. I always felt I was capable. There was no shot I wouldn’t do it. No shot I couldn’t do it. It was what I did well. I very much feel like all that is going on now is a replication of my DNA. This is what I am good at. This is what I do. It has been a journey of my DNA. Any new genre, the Internet, ecommerce, wine library; it has always been the same game.

I am going through the HubSpot Inbound Marketing University. You are one of the instructors in this webinar series. Do you suggest it and have you been certified yourself?

I do suggest, of course. But no, I have not been certified with HubSpot. It is great though. I love it any time I get the chance to educate. For someone who was such a terrible student it is amazing how much I enjoy teaching. That has been a lot of fun. Getting asked to be a part of the Inbound Marketing University was a great experience.

Tell me about your obsession with the New York Jets.

It’s one of the first things I remember about America. It holds a deeper meaning because of that. It means more to me than you could ever know. I have watched every game since. It’s pretty intense. I am a BIG fan. (Laughs) It’s what I want to accomplish professionally. I want to own them. It’s something I think about and I absolutely focus on.

Have you seen the trailer for The Social Network?

Yes, I have seen them all. I don’t go to a lot of movies, but I will go see that. It’s our world.

If someone were only going to use one tool, only one social network, which one would you recommend?

I would say Facebook. A Facebook fan page (business page) is the most important place to be.

If you could only drink one wine for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?

Probably Salon Champagne. It is great stuff.

It has been said that you are notorious for returning every email you get. Is that true?

Yes I do. Although I am very behind on them right now, but I try to return them all. I am flying to Utah soon and I am excited to answer a couple hundred emails.

Do you fly first class when you fly or are you okay sitting in coach?

When I fly,  I do both. I end up traveling a lot of times with business so much is taken care of with the people I am doing the business with. It is funny; I almost never wanted to sit first class. I didn’t want to seem like a sell out. Just take care of yourself when you travel. I don’t think one way or the other is good or bad.

When should we expect the new book?

The next book is coming out in February. It is called The Thank You Economy. It talks about the return on investment (ROI) of social media and manners in marketing.

Please tell me you are carrying an iPhone 4.

No, not yet. It was crazy busy when it came out, and with the antenna thing happened I wanted to wait to see how it flushes out. I hate AT&T already with the number of issues they have. I didn’t need another one!

How cool is it being a New York Times best selling author with your first book?

Pretty intense. It is so humbling and awesome. I was a terrible English student and I could just laugh at thinking what my teachers think about it now!

You have been on a ton of television shows. Does any one appearance mean more than another?

I would say the first Conan appearance. It was my coming out party.

Is there such a thing as a social media expert?

I think it’s abused and that’s terrible. Every subject matter has people that are more knowledge about it than others. I do think superlatives are being thrown around too much. Things like expert, life changer, stuff like that. The truth is undefeated. I think anyone who is getting paid that doesn’t deserve to get paid will ultimately not get paid. The ones that suck and are cheesy will chance the next trend, and I think the people who have chops will work around the new marketplace.

What do I have to do to get a guest spot on Wine Library TV? If not a guest spot, at least a follow Friday on Twitter or something!

I stopped doing guests. I am going back to basics. I want it to just be the bottles, the camera and me. You have to patient first and foremost. Secondly, I think you are in the running. I appreciate your patience for this interview. You have been beyond gracious, that alone give you a shot!

Do you play golf?

Never. I want to. It’s so funny you brought that up. I better start learning now. Most people learned much younger, so if I don’t start soon I won’t be very good. I might never do it if I don’t start soon.

Explain a typical Friday night for you.

Spending time with Lizzie. You will find us doing things like seeing a movie or having dinner, that kind if stuff. It’s all about family time now. It has been that way for the last eighteen months. Prior to that it was heavy email work.

Not all press that you receive is positive. How do you handle the folks that have negative things to say about you and what you are trying to do?

I think by ratio it has been more positive than negative. That is good! But I would say I respect it and that I listen to it. Then I try to figure out why people feel that way. I understand I am over the top, high energy, and I respect their opinions. More than anything else actually. I try to wrap my head around why people feel that way. I hope I get the chance to meet them again and make them realize who I really am. I hope that if I get my head down and work I will win. Anyone that thinks I don’t have depth will be wrong, and if I don’t, then I won’t win. It’s not too difficult . You are good, or you are bad. You win or lose. I don’t spend my time trying to convince people I am winning player, I go out and let the chips fall.

What was it like being on College Humor with Jake and Amir.

I love those guys. They are crazy talented. I am a big fan of their work

Why do you always say, “sniffy sniff” when you smell a glass of wine?

Not really even sure. You know what, I have no idea how it started. I just started saying it one day. I think that is why it works. It came from a natural place. It wasn’t researched or anything, I just did it.

Do you ever go back to your hometown and visit?

No, because it is really a mess of a place. It still has a dictator. It doesn’t allow me to go back and experience it. I was three when I came to the USA and I have not been back since.

What is the Vook platform all about?

Vook is awesome. It is like having a Kindle or an iPad, but with videos thrown in through out. It is really cool. I am a big fan of it.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I don’t. I don’t think about it that way. I am not very focused on that short term. I think about being happy along the way and I think about buying the New York Jets, and that is kind of where that ends.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

That nobody wanted to work harder and to do better and to care more than I did. I want to be known for all of my crazy DNA. That I was a good guy. I always say that there are two ways to be the biggest building. One is to tear down the other buildings. Or two, just build the biggest building. I just want to build the biggest building. I want every other building to be big, just slightly smaller than mine.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Love your family because no matter what you accomplish financially, nothing tastes better than having love from your family. When you are 90 years old that is the thing you will wish you did more of.

I ended up playing quite well through my years in high school, and when it came time to choose a college, I picked based on golf. I went to Marian College, now Marian University, and hated every second of it. Sure, I had some good memories there, met some good people and made some lifelong friends. But I hated the golf program. I hated the way the coach handled practice sessions, and basically ended up hating the entire way collegiate golf was run.

I left Marian and went to IUPUI to study engineering at the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology\. I tried to walk onto the team at IUPUI, but after about a half an hour of watching these guys hit balls I knew that college golf was not for me. I accepted this decision, quit the team, and ended up working at a practice facility for the next two years, working on my game the entire time.

I actually got down to a 1 handicap. For those of you who do not know what a handicap is in golf, or how one is calculated, basically I mean that I average one strike over par on any given course on any given day. To show you the different between me, and say Tiger Woods, he caries a +6 handicap on average. That means he shoots six shots under par every time he tees it up. That is a huge difference when you are talking strokes. Especially considering the courses he plays.

Playing golf has taught me a ton about patience. From missed shots off the tee to missed greens from the fairway or rough, golf can be a very aggravating sport. Some people play golf to relax and get out of the house. And while it does that for me too, it can still be quite the nerve-wracking experience.

Part of what makes my golf game so consistent is my preshot routine. Every player on tour, even amateur players, will tell you that this is the most important part of your golf game. Having a solid preshot routine will allow you something to focus on, something to back off and get your head on straight when flustered, and something to keep you sane when  you’re having a bad golf day.

My preshot routine started when I was in high school.  I played for years without one and then one day, while watching the Golf Channel, I saw a special about them. I decided to go out into the yard right then and there, and develop a preshot routine.

Driver

My preshot routine is different for nearly every club in my bag. Allow me to break this down into my driver, my irons, my wedges, and my putter. Let’s start with the driver.

When I grab the big dog out of the bag and stand on the tee looking at my shot, I usually am looking right down the middle. I have the tendency to hit the ball very straight from the tee. Don’t ask me why, but I hit the ball straight. Now, I never said I hit it far. if you look at guys on the PGA Tour, they are hitting the ball three hundred yards or more off the tee time and time again. I might hit the ball two hundred and eighty or ninety on a good day. But again, I am hitting fairways. I actually, through my four years of school, led the team in fairways hit and greens hit in regulation. Apparently, hitting the fairway means you hit a lot of greens.

With the driver in my hand, I look down the middle of the fairway and picture the drive in my head. I see the ball leaving the tee box and I see where it lands, how it bounces, and where it ends up. With that in mind, I look left and right and decide where, if I mis-hit it, where I want it to go. Recently I played a golf course up in Roscommon, Michigan. I had no choice. Hit it in the fairway or chop out of the trees. It was a very tight and strict golf course.

After picturing the ball flight, I take two smooth and full swings parallel to the ball. Not sure why I do it this way, but I just want to get a feel for my swing. I check where my hands are and where I am leading with my hips. Then I step up to the ball. I actually stand behind it to get a good placement in my stance. Once I do that, I grab the club and line it up on the line I had just envisioned in my head.

Then, I take a couple of waggles, look down the line, repeat, and am ready to swing. Once I take the club back, a million things run through my head. I worry about not making contact, about hitting it right, about hitting it left, or missing the ball all together. Lucky enough for me, I usually hit it. Not always in the fairway, but I always hit it.

Irons

Long irons are the same as my mid and short irons, and it is a similar pattern as on the tee. Let’s say that I hit the ball down the middle and I have about one hundred and sixty yards into the green. I grab my seven iron. I do the same by taking the two smooth and consistent swings, then I think out loud where the ball will go. I say, “Left to right ten yards.” I say that, spin the club in my hands, and repeat the same pattern of ball positioning and line of sight. I take only one look now, and focus on making solid contact and taking a heavy and solid divot.

After I hit my irons, I worry more about my follow-through than anything. I have to make sure I get through the ball, that I make solid contact with the ball and the ground, and that I picked the right club. You might hear me yell, “Be the right club…” or “Get down ball, get down!”

Wedges

Anytime I have a wedge in my hand, it means I missed the green. Or, I have hit a huge tee ball. But most of the time, it is because I missed the green. So, on the way to the hole (I always walk, I hate to ride) I am thinking about the green, the way the green slopes, and the possible position my ball is in. With golf, a lot of things can come into play. You can have greens sloping away from you, tons of green to work with, or no green to work with at all. It all depends on where you miss.

Now, I said earlier that I think about where my miss will come while on the tee. I hardly ever think about that with my second shot. I guess I just assume that I am going to hit the green. But when I don’t, that leaves it in the hands of my fifty-six degree wedge, or my sixty degree sand wedge. More than likely I will hit the fifty-six, but that is just a personal choice.

I will take an almost immediate stance, because I have been thinking about this show all the way to the ball. When I think about it, I just want to see what happens next. So I step up, stand behind the ball, and take three practice swings exactly the power and speed I want to hit the shot. If I can perfect that one of the three times, making perfect contact with the ground and the grass, then chances are I will hit a decent shot from the rough or the fringe.

Once I hit the shot, I watch and hope for it to check, to roll out, or to just go in the hole. I have been known for having pretty soft hands around the greens. That means that I have a lot of touch and can hit a ton of great short shots close.

Putter

Oh boy, the putter. This is the worst club in my bag. I wish I could make putts. I have incredible judge of speed, don’t get me wrong. I can get the ball there, and get it close, but it rarely goes in. Even when I was paying with the head professional up at Forest Dunes Golf Club in Michigan, he nearly raved on my speed. I had never played the course before, and I didn’t even get the chance to make some putts on the practice green before we went out and played. The first putt, a thirty-five footer, I left within inches. I didn’t make a birdie all day.

When I have a putt, whether short or long, I walk around it. I look at all the options and take in all the chances of where it might break. Depending on fast the greens are, and how smooth they are, I will stand behind it and line it up from the stereotypical catcher’s position behind the ball. Then I bring out the plum bob. Yep, I use the age-old technique of the plumb bob. The concept behind this is to stand half of the distance back behind the ball as it is to the hole. You then hold the putter up at eye level, leaving the tip of the putter on the top of the ball. Then, close your dominant eye. This shows you the break of the green from left to right. Does it work? Who knows? Must not, given the way I putt.

As you can see, a lot goes into making a single swing on the golf course. This does not take into consideration balance, swing speed, wind, hip rotations, or any one of the other million thoughts going through my head on the golf course. They say golf is easy, just put a little ball in the hole. I dare you try it and tell me its easy. It might be the hardest sport in the world to learn how to play by the rules and to be competitive in. I have been playing my whole life, and there are tons of guys out there better than me.

Golf is a game that we can play forever. Some of the best golfers in the world are older and retired. It is a great way to get some exercise, and there are literally courses everywhere. From the hills of northern Michigan to the deserts of Arizona, there are courses around every corner. I just hope this gives you a better idea on implementing a preshot routine and shows you a little bit more about my swing. Golf is tough, there’s no doubt about it. Fore!

How long have you been playing golf?

I have been playing golf for about twenty years.

What is your first memory of the game?

The first birdie I ever made.  It was on the first hole of a par 3 golf course with my father and I played a lot while growing up.  I hit a shot that barely made it off the ground but rolled 140 yards or so to the edge of the green.  There, I was able to roll in a putt of 75 feet or so. Pretty cool stuff!  After that I was hooked!

What is your current handicap?

I am currently playing to zero (scratch).  I have been trying to compete in as many events that my schedule allows me to but with the knee injury and the demands of teaching the game I am not quite where I need to be in order to compete full time.  The short-term goal is to get to a plus 1 or 2 by the end of the fall.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I was involved with a lot sports while growing up including basketball, soccer, and baseball.  Golf was something I did with my father to spend time together.  It did not take long to fall in love with the game, abandon all other sports, and begin my travels on a road to professional golf.

Tell me about the “Think Tank” that you are associated with.

The “Think Tank” is my personal home teaching studio.  With the help, and permission, of my wife Meredith I was able to transform our garage into a home teaching studio. Being from the northeast it is somewhat difficult to keep my game in shape during the off-season.  My studio allows me to not only give lessons during the winter but to also work on my game and keep my tools sharp too!

Do you like working at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club of Weston?

I love it!  The Aspetuck Valley Country Club of Weston gave me my first official start into the golf business and I owe a lot to many individuals who have come and gone through the years.  The AVCC family is a big part of my life and I will always hold a special place in my heart for their kindness, generosity and most importantly their friendship.

You give a lot of lessons. I miss a lot of putts on the low side of the cup. Can you provide me, and the other readers out there who suffer the same things, any advice for making more putts?

We have all heard that putting is more than 50% of the game.  This is a proven fact.  I feel that golfers who miss putts on the low side are not hitting the ball hard enough.  100% of all putts that are short never go in.  Practice your speed by looking at the hole while putting.  Take the emphasis off of the line and practice by “feeling” a good solid stroke.  Players who concentrate on the line too much usually leave the ball short or miss on the low side of the cup.  A great drill that you can do is to place a tee in the back-side of the cup.  Hit a lot of straight five footers while looking at the tee.  Resist the temptation of watching the ball while you make your stroke.  Putting is all about feel!  Feel what it is like to make a stroke and you will be well on your way to holing more putts.

Have you ever had a hole in one?

No holes-in-one but I have had a double-eagle. (Note that a double-eagle is a two on a part five.) Some say this is more rare than hole-in-one.  It was kind of cool!  Foggy day, downhill 5-par…driver, 5-wood nothing but net baby!

What is the lowest round you have ever shot?

67…Don’t really remember it too much, I just remember having a lot of fun doing it!  Hopefully there are a lot of low rounds left in my golfing career…maybe even one that starts with a 5?

The highest?

110…in my first big event as an amateur.  Counted every stroke and posted my score.  That’s the way it should be done.  These guys who no-card or withdraw from an event because they are embarrassed with their score should be shot!  If you tee it up you post your score!  No excuses!

Thanks to you I am now reading Global Golf Post almost everyday. What is your affiliation with them?

The Global Golf Post is one of the most informative pieces of golf news that I know of…it is free and it is web-based which means no more piles of magazines cluttering up my home!  Everything you need, as far as golf news is concerned, can be found by accessing your inbox.  Global Golf Post will email you a link to the latest issue on a weekly basis, usually first thing Monday mornings after the completion of most major touring events.  Simple, clean, quick info at the click of a mouse, how easy is that?

Speaking of affiliations, whom else are you working with right now?

Callaway, Eyeline Golf, PGA of America, US Kids Golf, Titleist Performance Institute, Sport & Orthopedic Physical Therapy to name a few.

I’m not sure we can be friends anymore. You are a Boston Red Sox fan.

Yankee fan Ricky?  See you in the playoffs baby!

But then again, you also use Apple products.

Best technology on the planet in my opinion!  iMac, Macbook, iPhone…come on dude!  How can you go wrong!

What’s in your golf bag?

• Callaway 10.5 Degree FT-iZ I-Mix Driver
• Callaway Diablo 4-Wood
• Callaway Diablo 3-Hybrid
• Callaway Diablo Forged Irons 4-PW
• Callaway Jaws Wedge System 52,56,60 Degree
• Taylor-Made Monza Spider Putter

What is your passion when it comes to your fashion? What sort of statement are you trying to make?

I love color, plain and simple!  People, from time to time, comment on the outfits that I wear.  I sometimes hear “boy I wish I could pull that outfit off” or “Wow, are you trying to blind someone with those colors?”  Why should I dress like everyone else?  I am who I am and there is no changing that…I know what I like and I will never let anyone else determine what I do, say, or wear!

You have an insane playing schedule this year. How do you find time to play that much, practice to stay on the top of your game, and still work?

Playing and practicing has been a struggle thus far.  I have been concentrating on getting healthy since March and I still have a long way to go.  The tournament schedule that I put together in the beginning of the 2010 season was a best-case scenario.  Unfortunately, my game has slipped a little due to my injuries and a somewhat over-loaded work schedule.  I have been in the process of putting together a winter playing schedule.  This should give me ample time to prepare for some events in the West Palm Beach area of Florida during the winter months.

What is the one golf course that you have always wanted to play but never had the chance to get on?

St. Andrew’s; the home of golf.  Need I say more?  But someday my friend, someday!

You play a lot on the east coast. Ever make it to the west coast to play?

Not yet, although I am planning on making a trip out there really soon.  Maybe with my wife, maybe with the fellas.  I am not quite sure when and where but I know that I will get there soon!

Do you prefer to walk or ride when playing casually?

I love to walk when I play whether it be in a tournament or during a casual round.  Unfortunately, due to the two surgical procedures that I had done to my left knee over the past few years , it has been difficult to do so.  I am trying to get back into shape and build some strength back into my legs.  Hopefully with the help of my friend and physical therapist, Paddy Jarit, I will be able to walk the links on a full time basis really soon.

You put a lot of focus on goal setting in your teaching. What are some current goals of your own?

Becoming the best person and player I can possibly be, plain and simple.

What is the Branded Academy?

In November of 2009 I partnered with Interactive Frontiers, makers of the #1 rated Digital Coaching Software in the country.  Together, we developed a branded golf academy tailored specifically for my students and gman-golf.com.  I feel that video feedback is imperative in the development of any player and the GMan-Golf Branded Academy provides an online storage “locker” for my students to access their own video lessons from any computer or smart phone in the world.

Tell me about your experience at Methodist University.

What a place!  What an experience!  Methodist University allowed me to grow as a person as well as a golfer.  Best five years, yes five, of my life!  When not in class I played golf four-five days per week, mostly in the neighboring hills of Pinehurst, North Carolina.  Tough life huh?  The Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program at Methodist was, and still is, on of the best training grounds for young people who are interested in pursuing a membership into the PGA of America.

So on a typical Sunday afternoon where can I find you?

You can find me teaching at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club in Weston, Connecticut.

What do you drink out on the course to stay hydrated?

Lots of water mixed with Amino Vital.  This product really helps me to stay focused and energized during a round of golf.  I have been using this product for about two years and I have definitely seen a difference in my play, especially coming down the stretch of the back nine.

How important is a golfer’s fitness in today’s game?

Well, since golf is one of the worst sports for your body I would have to say that fitness is extremely important for any caliber of golfer.  From touring professional to the weekend player, it is a proven fact that having a sound golf-specific regimen will allow you to play longer in life with less potential for injury.  A fit golfer will have a better chance to shoot lower scores…what are you waiting for?  Seek out a local fitness professional, preferably TPI Certified, and have them develop a program that is in line with your golfing goals.

Explain your typical workout routine.

Cardiovascular, abdominal work, golf-specific stretching followed by weight training.  Stretching is the key, stretch as much as possible to keep your muscles loose and limber.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Playing the best golf of my life.  I will let you figure out the details.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

As a person who put his best foot forward in order to accomplish his goals.

I always let the bands that I interview get the last word. Why not you? Go.

Protect your dreams!

So how do you pronounce your last name?

It is pronounced, “Floor-een.”

How long have you been performing?

I have been a performer for the last thirteen years, starting when I was only ten years old.  I began as an actor, and picked up music along the way.  I have been performing my music professionally for the past four years.

Tell me your first memory of the guitar.

I remember the first time I got blisters on my fingers, and wondering what the heck I was doing wrong.  I was playing on a cheap acoustic I had bought off a friend for $80, and the action on it was ridiculously high.  I had no idea what I was doing, so figured all guitars were like this.  It ended up being a great tool, however, because then when I played on a quality guitar, I was able to appreciate it a lot more.

Do you have a job outside of music?

I am an actor as well as a musician, so I flip back and forth between the two to make money.  Currently, I am living in Iowa City, working with the Riverside Shakespeare Festival on the shows, Love’s Labour’s Lost and Romeo and Juliet.

Where are you originally from?

I am from Palatine, Illinois.

So are you a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan?

I am a Sox fan.

Do you have a favorite venue?

Goose Island in Chicago has been one of my favorites lately; coincidentally, the city is tearing it down and building a strip mall in place of it.  Way to go Chicago!

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

4,500 in WCA conference in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The smallest?

(Laughs) Definitely have played to an empty house, unless you want to count bar tenders.

Tell me about the Illinois Shakespeare Festival.

I played for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival two years ago after writing some music for a Shakespeare play I was in.  The first gig with them was a troubadour job, walking around the festival yard playing Shakespeare songs that I wrote to a folk/pop/rock style.  I really enjoyed my time at the festival, so the next year I auditioned for them, and ended up landing an acting job with them.  I am playing there again this year, doing my own show of Shakespeare music on July 18^th.

You toured in eight countries over seas. Tell me about that experience.

Europe was a trip, to say the least.  The traveling was not intended to be a tour, but I ended up playing everywhere I went.  I did a lot of busking, and played in some coffeehouses, bars, even at an Irish birthday party.  It was a real adventure, and I plan on heading over again within the next year.

What is your favorite city to visit?

In the states, I love Table Rock Lake, Missouri in the Ozarks.  This is my favorite city to visit, aside from touring.  Overseas, I really enjoyed Palermo, Italy.  It is the most beautiful city I have ever been to.

If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you go?

This answer changes every day, but right now I would love to go stay in Ireland for a period of time.

I see you played a show with a good friend of mine, Fred Shafer. What was that like? And how sick is he live?

Fred is a wonderful soul.  We met five years ago at a campsite in Indiana; he was on tour at the time, and I was out to see Dave Matthews with my girlfriend at the time, and her family.  We hung out the next night after his show, and we played together around the fire.  So intimate, but a wonderful experience; he has a great heart, and it shows in every note his sings.

Since that time, I’ve only been able to meet up with Fred a handful of times; life as an artist is very touch and go, and so even though he will always be a brother, we do not see each other often.  He is actually a huge influence for me in my music, and really helped me to initially get off the ground, and on the road.

Do you have a band or is it just you?

I have musicians in Chicago and Bloomington, Illinois that play my music, but I wouldn’t say that I have a band.  I am a bit of a loner, and don’t think I’m ready to give up my solo touring just yet.  Eventually, I will have a stabilized band, but for this upcoming tour I will be solo, using my loopers and multi-instrument show to create a full sound.

So I see you are on Facebook. Are you also on Twitter?

I am. Are you going to follow me?

You play a lot in Wisconsin and Illinois. What do I have to do to get you to Indianapolis?

I actually have played in Indianapolis a few times, at a few coffeehouses, Rock Lobster, and Birdy’s Bar & Grill.  I am still searching for my ideal venue…Any ideas?

How did you react to the passing of Michael Jackson?

I was upset when I heard Michael died; he is certainly the biggest influence on the pop scene during my generation, and really inspired me with his sense of grandeur.  He knew how to dream, and how to make his dreams a reality, which is very inspiring.

Do you write all of your own lyrics?

I do write my own lyrics.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Inspiration comes from all over, as long as I keep my eyes open.  Relationships and nature seem to be the biggest influences.

That’s a pretty cool picture on your MySpace page. Where was that taken?

Thanks so much!  It was taken at a CNGM fundraiser; CNGM is a film company that used my single, Romina, in one of their feature films, and I played for them at their annual celebration.

Describe your genre in one word.

Evolving.

Why do you play so many college gigs?

I love colleges because the students are the best audience for my music.  They listen so well, which is essential for my songs because I lace the verses with slam poetry.  What’s more, I feel college students are some of the most active and malleable, with the biggest potential to change the world.  This is the audience I want to play for, because this is the audience I want to inspire.

What are you drinking on stage?

Depends on the show, but usually lots and lots of water.  I turn into a fish on stage…literally!  Come check out a show!

Looks like you got a hair cut recently. What prompted that?

(Laughs) My hair is not my own anymore.  Depending on what shows I am doing (acting wise), I am under contract with my hair.  Many shows lately have had me growing it out, as it makes me look younger (or so I am told).  When I finish a show, I like to cut it because the long hair is so hard to manage.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in music?

The same advice I would give anyone interested in doing any form of art for a profession: you have to need this.  This road is not for the weak of heart, because; it requires everything.  That being said, if one is willing to sacrifice it all, one simply needs to believe in him/herself, and all the world will open up..

How cool was it hearing our music on the radio for the first time?

I actually am yet to hear my music in my car, as I don’t listen to radio while I’m driving.  This would be a pretty cool sensation, I would imagine.  I have heard my music online before, and have come across it in random places, which is always a bit sublime.  I feel honored and blessed every time I do.

Tell me a little bit more about your new EP.

This EP is a precursor to the full length I am working on now.  The songs all have so much of my heart in them, and I am very proud of how the project turned out.  This being said, I am excited to see how the LP ends up, coming from a slightly different perspective and writing style.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Currently, I am listening to a lot of Ray LaMontagne, Jackson 5, and Sleeping at Last.  A weird combination, but I love the soul of Ray, the energy of the Jackson’s, and the lyrics and drive of Sleeping at Last.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I can’t picture myself three months from now, let alone five years.  I am learning peace in presence, and so I am trying to take one day at a time, one breath in every step.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

I want to be remembered for the love I put into the world.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Life is meant to be an adventure; if you are bored it is time for a change.  Keep breathing!

There are so many great hotels out there. You have the big, expensive hotels like the Bellagio, and then more affordable hotels like Circus Circus Hotel & Casino. I have stayed in both of these hotels, and when you are in Vegas, as long as there is a bed for you to fall asleep in and a shower to refresh yourself, that is all you need.

One thing that you might not know about Las Vegas hotels and casinos is that hotel management groups own them. For instance, Harrah’s Entertainment owns some of the most well known hotels out there. Below, I’ll introduce you to all of the hotels in Las Vegas that are owned by the Harrah’s Entertainment group. You might be surprised what you find.

Bally’s Las Vegas

The first time I was in Las Vegas we stayed at Bally’s. It is located right next door to Paris Las Vegas, and is a very nice hotel. The entrance to the hotel is cool, and the rooms are quite nice. You get a good view of the strip as well. A lot of bigger hotels, the affordable ones at least, are nowhere near the strip.

There are over 2,800 rooms in this hotel. That might seem like a lot, but some of the hotels I talk about here today will have almost twice that number. One thing I like about this hotel is that not only do they give you a place to stay, but they also operate the Rio Secca Golf Club and Cascata golf courses. They also have the largest tennis complex on the strip. The golf courses are not on the property, but the tennis complex is.

I enjoyed my stay here, and I will stay there again in the future I am sure. The location is just so hard to beat. Too bad I don’t play tennis!

Caesars Palace

Remember when I said that some of these hotels would have more rooms? This is one of them. This hotel has over 4,000 rooms and is located in the heart of Las Vegas. I say that loosely, as it is just down the street from Bally’s. But this hotel is known for more than just awesome rooms and incredible view. This hotel also has a variety of world-renowned spas and salons, and some of the best nightclubs in Las Vegas.

I have never stayed here, mainly because of how much rooms cost per night, but I have visited this hotel more than once. There are some great clubs and some really nice shopping here. The views from the entrance to the hotel are also nice, and you might just see a celebrity walking around somewhere if you are lucky. I hear Lindsey Lohan likes to stay here.

Flamingo Las Vegas

This hotel is old, rustic, and exactly what you expect to find on the Las Vegas strip. I like this place because of the history it has in Las Vegas, and also because it is close to O’Sheas’s, one of my favorite casinos in Las Vegas.

This hotel has over 3,600 rooms and has been in business since 1946. It sits in the center of the Las Vegas strip and is known as one of the original four Las Vegas casinos. There are tons of bars in this hotel, and you can actually get lost walking around the casino. I sometimes like to play poker here if I can find a spot at a table. It is always packed. And you can’t walk in and not smell the smoke. The ventilation is terrible. But that’s okay, you are in Vegas; you expect that.

Harrah’s Las Vegas

That makes sense, huh? Harrah’s Entertainment owns Harrah’s Las Vegas . Located, again, right in the middle of the strip, is Harrah’s. They have 2,500 rooms, and while that is not the most of the bunch, they are all basically brand new. They just went through a huge renovation a few years ago. If you stay here, you can swim in one of their pools, grab a drink in one of their many bars, or just use it as a place to crash after a long night on the strip.

I have never stayed here, but I have walked through it a time or two. The hotel is nice, don’t get me wrong, but based on the list of hotels they own, it is not the most scenic. Nothing really special here, if you ask me, and based on what they charge for a room, I would rather stay somewhere else.

Imperial Palace

This hotel has over 2,500 rooms as well and has all of the things you need to experience Las Vegas in one shot. Attractions include a shopping mall, nightclubs, tons of restaurants, and a few spas. There is also an antique car collection here, with over $100 million in automobiles on display or visitors and guests.

I almost stayed here on my last trip to Las Vegas, but ended up getting a room elsewhere. This place is nice, but again, nothing too fancy. I have had dinner in one of their restaurants before as well. But the highlight of this place is the car collection. There are some pretty cool looking rides here. And if you ask around on the strip, I am sure you can get some comped passes to the gallery.

Paris Las Vegas

This is my far my favorite hotel in Las Vegas. I have only stayed here once, but the atmosphere, the replica to scale Eifel Tower out front, and the decorations this place has inside make it a perfect fit for me. I love the city of Paris, and to be able to stay in Paris, yet not leave the United States, is okay with me.

This hotel has almost 3,000 rooms and is always booked. It sits next to Bally’s and gives you a great view of the outside. One of my favorite places to eat in Las Vegas is here as well, and you can sit outside enjoying the weather and the people watching while having a meal.

This hotel also has two pools on the top of the building. They are called roof-top pools (go figure) and they are open to guests staying in the hotel. They are pretty cool, and if you have never taken a dive in a rooftop pool before, you need to; it is an epic feeling to swim on the top of a building. Especially Paris in Las Vegas.

Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

This place is cool for a couple of reasons. First, they have some pretty solid nightclubs and some incredible spas on property. But the coolest thing about this place is the lagoon.

The hotel also has over 2,500 rooms and on the 60^th floor you can take in the views from VooDoo Lounge. This is a fun place to go, but with $9 bottles of beer, you won’t be staying long. It is worth it, though, to grab a drink and stare out at the night life happening in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With these seven hotels under their belt, some of them being the nicest places to stay in Vegas, Harrah’s are doing all right for themselves. Considering that these hotels are pretty much booked every night of the week all year round, someone is raking in the dough. The next time you are in Las Vegas, grab a room at one of the Harrah’s Entertainment group hotels. You wont regret it. (If I were you, I would stay at Paris Las Vegas. But that’s just me!)

When Lady Gaga headed out on the road this tour, she grabbed some fairly unknown names to go with her. I’m not sure whom she should take really; her sound is just so unique. But after taking just one listen to Semi Precious Weapons, you’ll understand why she picked them. If I was the one choosing whom she toured with, I would pick Adam Lambert, but that’s just me. I would love to see the two of them on the same bill. And speaking of Adam Lambert, he is actually coming to town soon. He will be in Indianapolis on Tuesday, August 31st. He will be performing at Clowes Memorial Hall on the Butler University campus. This tour is said to be his most intimate and will include a lot of new material as well as some of his hits from his first studio album, For Your Entertainment. But if you don’t already have your ticket, that’s too bad. The show is sold out.

Let’s get back to Lady Gaga for a second. She has been making waves lately, having become the most watched artist on YouTube. Not long ago she hit a billion views on the popular video sharing site. She also has been collecting followers on Twitter and has appeared on nearly every talk show you can think of. She has turned her music into a brand that is selling out arenas all across the country. It seems like every song she releases is a hit.

When she got into town on Thursday morning, Dave Smiley from WZPL grabbed her for an interview. She was not in the studio; she had just landed from another show, but took a few minutes with Dave and company on the phone. He asked her about traveling, performing for thousands of screaming fans every night, and her plans for an after party after the show.

That is where I stated to get excited. You see Lady Gaga was given a budget for each show. That budget has to cover the travel, food, and accommodations for everyone on the tour. However, she likes to spend money. She has consistently been spending more than she was given on nearly every show. When asked about it, she said that all she was doing was guaranteeing her fans have a great night, and an unforgettable experience. But that money she is spending, well, they have to make up for it somewhere. So to combat that, every city she plays in she does an after party. They charge $10-$15 to get in, a few acts spin records all night, and she comes out and does an entire set for these small crowds.

One of the bars having an after party was The Pub. Granted, it’s the closest bar to Conseco Fieldhouse, where the concert took place, but is not very big and just doesn’t seem like a place she would hang out. Of course, this particular after party was titled Show Me Your Teeth, which I am sure packed a few crazies in. Another downtown bar, Blu, was having an after party as well. Blu is a somewhat fitting scene for her to appear, but it’s almost too obvious. It’s nice, but when a bar charges $6 for a PBR, they can lose business fast. At least my business.

There was an after party going on at Metro Nightclub, a gay bar located downtown. There was one going on at Ten Bar, another downtown gay bar. Metro Nightclub is more known for appealing to men while Ten Bar is more known for appealing to women.  But with all the rumors floating around, Sheryl and I decided to go to the only official after party, being held at Talbott Street. Talbott is actually known as one of the best clubs in Indianapolis (my favorite dance club for sure) and has the capacity to hold an after party like this.

Tickets to this event were $15, the highest of any after party being advertised. Plus, all of the acts opening for Lady Gaga were appearing for a DJ set. And after a little digging on Google and Twitter, it made sense that she would be there. As a matter of fact, one of the opening acts, Lady Starlight, tweeted the night before, from Cleveland, about them being together at the after party. So we figured, if nothing else, we’d get to see a handful of solid entertainment.

On the morning of the show, and after Dave Smiley made mention to Talbott Street more than once during their interview, Facebook and Twitter began to light up with questions about the after party. However, tickets had to be purchased through the Talbott Street box office, and doors didn’t open until 8:00 PM that night. So in an effort to miss the crowd, we got to Talbott around 8:15. We missed the crowd, that’s for sure. When we walked in, there were only a handful of people sitting down. There were more bartenders than there were people! Through the night the crowd picked up, but I am not sure it was ever sold out. The one good thing about getting somewhere like this early is you get prime seating!

One of the reasons why Sheryl and I like going to places like Talbott Street is because they always have drink specials. Sure, the club is not located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of Conseco, but that makes it even better. Places off the beaten path, places with a solid reputation for great dance music, they just make more sense. Where else can you get a $5 Ketel One or a $3.50 domestic beer on a Thursday night?

As the dance floor was starting to get full, the DJ started spinning a ton of Lady Gaga songs and that got me thinking. The fact there were tons of staff walking around, and a few cops parked outside made it even more clear to me Gaga might be coming. By the time it got to be around 11:00 more folks started pouring in. Of course, SPW did not even start until 12:30 or so. But again, this is the official after party. Why wouldn’t she come to the official after party? If she wasn’t coming here, she wasn’t going anywhere.

Around 11:00, Lady Starlight took the stage. At first, I was excited to see her perform. But one 80′s song turned to another and they never stopped. After a handful of tracks I felt I was at the Vogue Theater on a Wednesday night for Retro Rewind. It was maybe the worst set I have ever seen. It almost felt like they were filling space and killing time. If this is the set she played opening for Gaga, I hope she was booed off the stage.

By the time Semi Precious Weapons came on, I was almost ready to go. I was so bored with Lady Starlight I could cry. And Isha Drake, a friend of ours who joined us later in the evening, thought she might! But I was ready for SPW.

I have been a fan of theirs for a long time. They are what I like to call, “over the top”. They are loud, extremely flamboyant, and just a hoot to watch perform. They truly are a great fit for Gaga. But as bad as Lady Starlight was (note that I have never seen her work) there was no way it could be any worse. And while they weren’t worse, they started off with rap. Their first track was a hit from Jay Z. It just didn’t make sense. I get it they are a rock band, but their original music is so much better than covers. They did end up playing a couple of their original tracks, but it was mainly cover songs. They were more popular tracks than what Lady Starlight played, but still. I wanted to hear their original music.

After hearing them spin for an hour or so, we were ready to go. I headed to the bar to close my tab. And when I closed my tab I was happy to see that all the drinks I ordered were on special. I had ordered a couple bottles of Blue Moon and a few Coors Light and the tab was under $20. As a matter of fact, it was $20 after tip. That would be only a couple of drinks at any of the other spots that had a Gaga after party.

I guess my biggest issue with the event is it was not what I had expected. It is not what Sheryl expected either. I don’t blame Talbott Street; I just wish I had known it was just going to be treated like any other night. I figured an “official” after party would be a little more organized. Also, there is no moving air in this place. It gets very hot in there. It’s a good thing the people-watching was enough to keep us entertained. Half shirts and feathered vests, that’s all I’ll say.

It was around 2:30 when we took off. I had already closed my tab, and we were sweating our butts off. That, and there was no sign of Lady Gaga anywhere. She claims that every city she visits has one. And she even claims to perform at one in nearly every city she visits. And sure, we were at an after party. The official after party at that. Yet we saw no Gaga. All night, we checked Twitter to see where she was, and nothing. Of course, we have to remember that this is Indiana. We are not New York or LA. Lady Gaga has played three times here in the last year, but still. As good as Sheryl and I are about always finding random celebrities, even when we plan it, still nothing.

But again, this has nothing to do with Talbott Street what so ever. I love the club, I go there two or three times a month, and have always been impressed with their service and their sound system. I will go back, no question there. I will just treat this as a lesson not to plan meeting celebrities. If you have not seen a show here, I suggest coming in sometime soon. If not for the live music, you can catch the drag show with the Ladies of Legends. They are a real treat and with names like Rubi Santana and Asia La Bouche you know you are in for a treat. As they say, Talbott Street is where culture and diversity meet.

Where did you guys come up with that name?

(Dan) ALPHA PREVAIL is a mantra that our former lead guitarist Brandon and I came up with. As a group, our belief is that a perpetually positive and self-confident attitude combined with hard work and dedication will inevitably lead a person to success in whatever goal they’re trying to achieve.

How long have you been performing?

(Steve) In terms of performances, we’re still pretty “wet behind the ears” but definitely feel that we’re beginning to form our particular stage identities individually as well as collectively.

(Dan) Our first performance was at the San Clemente Fiesta Festival last summer where we humbly entertained the set-up crew and some friends and family. It was a great experience though and we’re definitely looking forward to performing again at this year’s in the afternoon.

Where did you all meet?

(Andy) Steve, our bassist, and I are cousins and pretty much grew up together like brothers, so we’ve known each other our entire lives. We met Dan while attending Laguna Hills High School. Actually, Dan was the first person I met my freshman year. We jammed in garages throughout high school, but officially came together as a group after completing higher education.

(Chris) I came along later after the departure of the original lead guitarist. Andy lives down the street from me and we met through a mutual friend.

So I hear you have a new album. A debut album at that. Tell me a little bit more about the disc.

(Steve) We devoted most of our energy/time to our self-titled debut album for the first year or so. We’re extremely fortunate to have a man of Dan’s talents and skills in the band. He recorded, produced, mixed and mastered the record in the studio.  Well, not really a studio. It was his bedroom.

(Andy) We’re very proud of the album and feel that we developed our signature sound, which evolved throughout the writing and recording process, and continues to do so today.

Where can I get a copy?

(Steve) You can get your hands on the tangible disc at any one of our shows. The album is available for  purchase on iTunes as well, but you should take us up on our free offer on our website.

You guys have a very distinct style. Did the style come before or after the music?

(Chris) Fashion before function baby!

(Andy) NO!

(Steve) Being from Orange County, I’d say that our “style” is pretty tame and low-key to be honest. I think most people are genuinely pretty surprised when they find out we’re musicians and “in a band” because we don’t exactly wear the typical “uniform” of tattoos, piercings and what not. We’re a pretty clean cut dudes with the exception of Andy’s impressive “Man-Mane” he’s been growing. Our personal styles are definitely reflections of our individual personalities and orange county roots.

(Dan) Let me put it to you this way. “I can’t pay my rent, but I’m ******* gorgeous,” as made famous by Semi Precious Weapons.

So I understand that Alpha Prevail is not a band, it’s a way of life. Elaborate on that if you would.

(Steve) What a good-looking question…In a single phrase, ALPHA PREVAIL can be defined as Self-Actualization; the achievement of one’s full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a grasp of the real world.  Regardless of what your passion is, ALPHA PREVAIL is the harnessing of that emotion, the recognition of the talents you possess, and the channeling of the two to achieve your goals and dreams.  Simply put, it’s about being the best you can be.  This particular mindset is the “prevailing” (see what I did there) theme to our music and is the core belief that we strive toward on a daily basis. I hope that gives you a little better insight as to what exactly we mean by that.

Who write all of the lyrics?

(Chris) When it comes to our lyrics, Dan is the man. He writes all the lyrics and does an awesome job in my eyes.

Where do you guys practice?

(Steve) Andy’s father is extremely generous in allowing us to set up shop in the loft area of his sticker business in Huntington Beach. It’s actually a pretty sweet set-up for a makeshift rehearsal space and we’re extremely grateful to be able to use it. If you or any readers ever need any stickers made, you should begin and end your search with Stickers by Sandstone.

What are you drinking on stage?

(Andy) Jack Daniel’s and Diet Coke or a Red Bull and vodka if I need a little added inspiration just before the show. Usually a beer during.

(Steve) While we don’t all share Chris’s love for the Miller High Life, but we definitely like to indulge in a few adult beverages when we perform just to stay loose. I personally like to have a beer or two with me on stage but definitely always have a bottle of water with me as well. I’m a pretty big “beer-guy” and can pretty much get on board with any particular style. I’m also a big fan of whiskey as well but usually stick with a beer on stage.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

(Dan) We just performed for a few hundred people at a student-run charity organization called Up ‘Til Dawn at California State University Long Beach benefiting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. However, this year’s Fiesta Festival in San Clemente should easily outdo that as it typically attracts around 25,000 people throughout the course of the day.

The smallest?

(Steve) Ironically enough it was another charity show we performed at. This was a little acoustic show to benefit the Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets at Envy Lounge in Fullerton.  It was a really intimate show and I personally had a blast breaking out the acoustics and stripping our songs down.

(Chris) That was our first acoustic show, and probably my favorite.

Who designed your album cover?

(Andy) Dan did all the artwork for the album and came up with the ALPHA PREVAIL strike through script logo as well. As stated before, he’s an incredibly talented dude and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to work with him.

That is also your MySpace background. Speaking of MySpace, what are your thoughts on the service?

(Steve) MySpace…well it’s definitely a tool that we use.  Having graduated from San Diego State with a degree in business marketing, I understand the value in being involved in as many social networks as possible. That being said, I’m not the biggest fan of MySpace. I used to be all about it, sending out friend requests as well as managing our account. As of late, though, the activity is lacking, as well as the honest connection we used to feel with our friends/fans on there. I feel like almost every other message or comment we receive is just some kind of spam; it’s exhausting. Granted, there are still plenty of real fans out there on it and we greatly appreciate those individuals and their feedback and support. Personally, I feel that that it’s gone a bit stagnant in favor of other sites like Facebook and Twitter. MySpace used to be our home-base, but now, the goal with all our online media is to steer people to our website. Anybody can create a music profile, I believe there are over five million but it takes an investment of time and money to have your own website. We’re proud of that and feel that it’s something that helps separate us from the “noise floor” and many other bands at the same stage in their careers.

Are you guys on Twitter?

(Steve) Yeah, I’m pretty active on the band’s Twitter account and tweet, though I still hate that term, on a daily basis…come follow us @alphaprevail. Initially I was a little unsure as to the value that it had to offer to the band, but after going to a seminar presented by the Orange County Register and learning some tips, I started using it much more effectively. I personally love it and it has definitely helped open quite a few doors and presented us with some really cool opportunities.  I mean, that’s how you contacted us.

Where are you guys originally from?

(Dan) We’re all from south Orange County; the Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo area to be a bit more specific.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you go?

(Steve) I suppose I’d have to move back down to Pacific Beach, San Diego, where I lived while I went to school at San Diego State University.  I’ve had some of the best times of my life down there and would love to be able to relive some of those experiences with my band mates.

(Andy) We live in the best area in the entire world as far as I’m concerned. I’d just take a new house on the beach right here in Orange County.

(Dan) I’ll get back to you after the ALPHA PREVAIL world tour.

(Chris) Why limit us to the world, there’s a whole universe out there?

If you could meet anyone alive or dead, whom would you choose and why?

(Steve)  Wow, that’s a really tough question…I’d really love to meet Zig Ziglar. If you really have to ask why then I would simply suggest you search, on YouTube, Prime The Pump. That will certainly explain why more than I ever could.

(Andy) One of my idols recently passed way before his time. The Rev of Avenged Sevenfold was an amazing influence on my play and view of drumming/music in general. I could pick that guys brain for ages about gear, set-up, composing, performing.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

(Andy) As I said, The Rev is one of my favorites. My progression of drum heroes is as follows: Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Dave Lombardo of Slayer, Chris Adler of Lamb of God, and Nicholas Barker formerly of Dimmu Borgir.

(Steve) Quite the laundry list Andy, got any more? My biggest influence as a bassist easily would be Scott Shiflett of Face to Face…the dude’s awesome. Some others that I love are Eddie Breckenridge of Thrice, Paolo Gregoletto of Trivium and of course Flea of The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

(Steve) Yeah we all have jobs outside of the band…for now.  I work part-time as a server to make ends as well as promote the band to my customers and co-workers.

Describe your genre in one word.

(Steve) Universal.

(Dan) Dynamic

How did you react to the passing of Michael Jackson?

(Steve) I was definitely surprised and think everyone in the world was saddened by his passing. It’s a trip to think that he was perhaps the single most famous person on the planet and is now no longer among us.  I think what I’ll remember the most are his epic music videos like Thriller, Beat It and my all-time personal favorite, Smooth Criminal.

Are you guys using a PC or a Mac?

(Steve) I’m Steve and I’m a PC…(Laughs) Sorry, I’m a marketing dude so I pay attention to commercials.

(Andy) We all use PC’s except for Dan. His Mac Book is apparently the best way to run ProTools.

Did you guys celebrate Earth Day this year?

(Chris) Yes, I was living the High Life in honor.

(Steve)  Can’t say that I did…besides, what exactly does an Earth Day celebration entail anyway?

(Andy) Yes, how does one celebrate the Earth?

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?

(Dan) Pretty easy to get embarrassed when you’re singing…anything can happen.

(Andy) Every time I drop a stick, I die a little inside.

(Steve) Definitely messing up the last note of the song One Lie at Chain Reaction in Anaheim…where the song ends with just me playing along with Dan’s vocals.  Rookie mistake to say the least…

Do you ever forget the words to your own songs?

(Steve)  Luckily my vocal parts are fairly small and in a backing style so remembering the words is not all too mentally strenuous.  Dan on the other hand might have a tale or two though however.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

(Steve)  Returning to Orange County after headlining a national tour in support of our platinum-selling 3^rd album and absolutely dominating two sold out nights of shows at the House of Blues in Anaheim.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

(Steve)  That we did it “right”…Ideally, I’d like people to look to ALPHA PREVAIL as the consummate example of how you’re supposed to go about this whole business of being a band.

(Andy) The group that inspired you to pursue your dreams.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

(Steve)  Perpetual.

That addiction has carried over into an absolute love for the game and a passion for playing as many courses as I can. Similar to how I dislike drinking the same bottle of wine twice, I hate playing the same golf course twice. I want to get out there, experience as much as I can, and play as many tracks as possible. Not to mention the places I get to see and the cities I get to visit along the way. The travel portion of a golf trip is just about as exciting as playing.

This summer I decided to take a trip north. We went way north, all the way to Roscommon, Michigan. From Indianapolis it was about a seven hour drive. And trust me, it was a boring seven hours. Through Indiana you get pretty much cornfields and gas stations. When you hit Michigan, the terrain gets a little nicer, but rather than cornfields you get forests and lakes. Still a pretty boring drive. And we made most of ours at night, so it didn’t really matter much anyway.

When we got to Roscommon, and lost cell phone service for the next four days, I knew we were in the middle of nowhere. Upon our extremely late arrival, I was forced to pick up a late check-in package at the clubhouse. Sheryl Hugill and I were at Forest Dunes Golf Club. Here we would spend the next four days relaxing, playing golf, drinking various microbrews in the clubhouse bar, and chatting with two people who would soon become good friends of ours. Welcome to Forest Dunes.

Where is Forest Dunes?

Forest Dunes Golf Club is located in northern Michigan in the small town of Roscommon. Here in Roscommon there is not much to do. Well, besides golf. But in Roscommon you are reminded of the great American Midwest town. There are a handful of stores, most of them locally owned, a few gas stations, and a bunch of hole-in-the-wall bars and restaurants.

One day, looking for a place to grab some lunch, we did manage to make it into town to experience one of these holes in the wall. We ended up at Fred’s of Roscommon. This place was neat, actually, as it was a restaurant, bar, and bowling alley all wrapped into one. After ordering a couple lunch specials, we took some time to pet the huge buffalo head hanging on the wall and grab a view of the parade going on outside. It was the 4^th of July weekend after all.

If you are coming from the south, prepare for a long and boring ride. You can take interstate 69 all the way up until you reach 127, which will take you pretty much into Roscommon. It’s not that the city is hard to find necessarily, it’s just literally in the middle of nowhere. When we left 3G cell phone service, I got scared. But when we lost cell phone service all together I was even more frightened. We ended up going three days straight with no cell phone service. The only thing that kept us sane was the Wi-Fi offered in the clubhouse.

What is Forest Dunes?

A great experience, that is what Forest Dunes is. Imagine looking from an aerial view of the Huron National Forest. Look down, and all you see is trees, trees, and more trees. Now imagine that a golf course was just picked out of the middle of the forest. There you have Forest Dunes.

The highlight of Forest Dunes is the golf course. The course was designed by Tom Weiskopf. Tom used to play on the PGA Tour, but has made quite a name for himself designing golf courses. Forest Dunes is said to be one of his best designs yet.

Accommodations

If you are planning on staying at Forest Dunes, prepare to be impressed. There is not a hotel there. There is actually not a hotel anywhere near Forest Dunes. But that’s okay. You can just stay in one of the many homes located on the property. While there we stayed at the Buck, one of the homes sitting right on the water. No, not the ocean, but a manmade lake. There are actually a few manmade lakes at Forest Dunes, some just for looks, some meant for fishing (ice fishing in the winter) and others meant for boating and swimming. We didn’t get in the water while we were, but we sat out on the beach and read a few nights.

The house we were in had two double beds in one bedroom, a two-car garage, a king size bed in the master suite, a full kitchen, a view of the water, and much more. It literally was a house. I told Sheryl when we got there, “Pretty nice hotel room, don’t you think?”

One thing about Forest Dunes, besides its utter beauty and location, is how safe it is. I was a little worried when we got there, as the doors were all open and the lights were all on. But after asking Jennifer Middleton—the membership director at Forest Dunes—about the safety, she assured me we would be fun. She said that she hasn’t even locked her doors in six years! Refreshing as how I lock my doors when I run to get something from my car!

Amenities

Do you like the outdoors? I hope, because that is where you will spend most of your time here. If you like to fish, grab your pole and head over to Lake AuSable. They keep this lake stocked full of fish for that reason and you can fish all year round. Donny Fisher—the head pro at Forest Dunes—said that every winter you can find just as many people ice fishing as you can during the summer when the weather is nice!

If fishing is not your thing, then jump in one of the many random canoes just lying on the beach. They are sort of a first-come, first-serve kind of a thing, but that doesn’t stop people from taking a spin around the lake. Be careful though, the lake gets quite deep, and from the beach it tends to slope off quite quickly as well.

Don’t like splashing in the water? Then why don’t we go for a bike ride? There are trails everywhere at Forest Dunes. There are also volleyball courts, horseshoes, and more. There is always something going on, even when there is nothing going on.

Need to relax? Well, let’s just head over to the spa shall we? The spa has only been around for a little over a year, but you can get the true VIP treatment here. From a simple massage to hand and foot therapy, the Forest Dunes spa is ready for you to spend a relaxing day letting go. The spa is only open for reservations, so make sure you make an appointment soon.

If you are in need of some exercise, then head over to the fitness center. Located on the second floor of the clubhouse, you will find a huge workout facility offering yoga classes, fitness equipment, treadmills, and more. Of course, while we were there we decided against working out. There were just too many other things to do! This is a great benefit to the members though, and one that is used by a lot of folks.

If you are like me, and just have to have the Internet at your fingertips, then take advantage of their full service business center. The clubhouse also has free Wi-Fi for members and guests and allows you to stay in touch with folks back home or to check your email while on the road. Note that the homes do not have Wi-Fi, or cell phone service for that matter, so make sure to take advantage of the Wi-Fi offered here. I spoke with Donny about that actually, and he said they are in the process of getting Wi-Fi to the homes. (They do have satellite television in the homes though!)

If none of that suits your fancy, and you are still looking for something to do, you can jump in the car and find a wide range of other activities nearby.  Like to gamble? Then head to a casino. You can also go horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and more. Again, there is always something to do here at Forest Dunes, no matter how secluded it might be.

Golf Course

Oh boy, here we go. This is the main reason why I came to Forest Dunes. The golf course at Forest Dunes is the main reason most people come here. Well, that and the view.

When we first arrived to Forest Dunes, it was after midnight and all I could see were the lights around the clubhouse. I stopped in, grabbed our late check-in package, and headed to the house. We did see a deer when we were pulling out of the parking lot. But needless to say, we didn’t get a good view of the golf course. I wouldn’t get the chance to see the golf course until Saturday morning. Donny and I had an early tee time.

When the sun came up the next day, I awoke excited to get on the golf course. Being a Troon course, I knew it would be in great shape, but I was not ready for what was in store for me. When I first pulled up, there were only a few cars in the parking lot. I would later learn that is pretty typical as the course only gets around 10,000 a year.

I had not met Donny until that morning, but had seen pictures of him on Facebook. So, after saying hello to the greeters, I headed into the clubhouse to just kill some time. I was about a half an hour early, so I figured why not. As soon as I walked into the clubhouse, Donny walked out of his office to introduce himself. From there, it was off to the practice facility.

Most Troon courses I have played, if not all Troon courses I have played, have immaculate practice facilities. From the multiple targets on the driving range to the undulating practice greens, these facilities are usually taken care of just like the golf course itself. Forest Dunes was no different. When we got to the range, sitting to the left hand side of the massive clubhouse, I was in awe of the view from here as well. Behind you was the golf course, in front of you the practice range. This range is neat because you can hit balls from either side.

Donny said that both sides of this driving range offer unique shots to work on. From where we were hitting, there were about five pins in reach. I hit my usual wedges to start, then a few seven irons, a handful of three iron shots, and back to the wedges. One of the greens that was out in the distance was guarded by a bunker and an overhanging tree. Donny explained to me that hitting shots that you might actually see on the course makes all the difference.

We didn’t get a chance to putt before our round; it was off to the first tee. I had not hit a driver on the range either so I was a little nervous I might yank it into the high grass. But I didn’t. I placed the ball right down the middle. I caught it a little thin, but the ball ran for quite a while on the hard, yet smooth fairways. It left me with a seven iron onto the green. I yanked it, again blaming it on the tense muscles, into a greenside bunker. From there I would hit out to about ten foot, two putts, and happily walk to the net hole with a bogey.

I actually didn’t mind starting off with a bogey. I was just happy to be there, playing golf, and being able to take in all the sights and sounds of Forest Dunes. From there, I would bogey the next, then the next, and then hit a streak of pars.

On hole two, before I get too far into the round, we saw some wild turkeys just off the side of the fairway. I had seen a turkey before, sure, but not on the golf course. Never mind the deer that would later run right beside the fairway on hole sixteen. Donny said the later in the season it gets, the more wildlife you see. They even have guys hunting out here in the fall and winter.

The front nine was fun. Hole eight had to have been my favorite on the front side. It had a great view for your second shot. It went downhill, toward a lake, and had the clubhouse in the background on the left with trees and forest on the right. From there, hole nine would have you hitting over that same lake to a small green to finish with a par three. Donny said no matter what the distance says, hit a club, if not two clubs extra. There was wind over that lake that you just didn’t feel from the tee box. (Playing with someone that had the local knowledge like Donny did made my day even that more enjoyable. Better yet, I was playing with a guy who had local knowledge and was a professional. It couldn’t get any better.)

By the time we hit the back nine, I was ready to make some birdies. That sadly never happened, but I did start hitting some better shots on the back. The back actually starts off with a short, almost reachable par four. However, there is trouble right, trouble left, and with a split fairway you almost want to hit an iron off the tee. Of course, I took out a driver and ripped it into the junk on the right. I did manage to get out and up and down for a par.

The back nine is nothing like the front. On the front side trees and tight fairways surround you. And while there are a couple of tight fairways on the back side, it is a lot more wide open. The backside, just as pretty as the front, proved to be the easier of the two sides for me. Maybe I was starting to putt well, I don’t know. But by the time we got to hole sixteen, I was just so overcome by the golf course all I wanted to do was camp out on one of the tee boxes.

We got to the last hole, I ripped a driver left, and ended up finishing with a bogey six. But not really. Here at Forest Dunes, you have one more hole to play after you finish your eighteen. Most golf courses consider the bar inside the clubhouse to be the nineteenth hole. But not here. Here you play one more. The hole, titled the Bye Hole, is setup to settle bets. So if you are done and tied, well, no more.

This hole is pretty cool. Water comes into play, as does a bunker. But this bunker is not your typical bunker. This bunker is in the center of the green! You might have seen this a few times on the PGA Tour as they have some holes with a bunker in the middle of the green. But it is a sight to see from the tee box.

When the round was over, we all shook hands (Donny’s apprentice joined us on the back side) and headed into the bar for a bite to eat and an ice-cold microbrew. I ordered a wedge salad, a club sandwich, and a blackberry stout to drink. It was the perfect end to a perfect round of golf. I ended up shooting 82 that day, and while I would have liked to be lower (excluding that nine I had on the front side), I will take it. And apparently I beat Donny. But I think he let me win.

Restaurant

As if the golf course was not enough. They had to go and throw a restaurant into the mix. And you all know how much I like to eat. So after our round, I had my first chance to see the restaurant and to take a gander at the menu. When I sat down, I was handed an over sized menu on card stock. I was a little surprised the menu was not a tad bit nicer than this. Especially considering where we were. But I quickly saw past that and started reading the menu. I was immediately turned to the wedge salad.

I ordered that, and while Donny decided what he wanted for lunch, I also snagged a club sandwich. Based on Donny’s recommendation, I thought I would give it a shot. Oh yeah, and the blackberry stout. Imagine taking Guinness and mixing in a handful of blackberries just to give it that added kick of flavor. Yeah, they have that…on tap. I also had another beer that I had never heard of, but nothing could top the blackberry beer.

When the salad arrived I was ready to dig in. I poured my bleu cheese dressing all over it and went to town. And it was delicious. If you have never had a wedge salad, I must suggest you drop what you are doing and go get one. Right now! They are that good. And by the time the club sandwich came, I was ready for another beer. And I finished the club, don’t you worry. It was equally delicious. I would later learn that they had a new food and beverage director and he is bringing in a lot of ideas for the menu. I must say, if this is what is to expect from the new menu, appearing in early August, then you are in for a treat.

By the time we got to dinner a few hours and a nap later, I was hungry again! I was looking over the entrees and had no idea what to order. They had some interesting menu items on their dinner menu, including roasted duck in a chocolate chili glaze. That is what I ended up getting, and it was the tenderest duck I have ever eaten. It was just enough to satisfy. I had another one of those beers, and sat back after dinner satisfied. Of course, Sheryl ordered dessert.

She ordered a slice of cheesecake, one of her favorites. Donny and Jennifer also ordered dessert. I had another beer. I am telling you, this blackberry stout is really that good! By the time we were done eating, I think everyone was ready to just enjoy a nice Saturday night in. Sheryl and I headed back to the house to read on the beach by the water. It was a great way to end a perfect day of golf, food, and friends.

Surrounding Area

I wish I could tell you there is a lot of stuff to do around Roscommon, but I can’t. That’s because there isn’t. But for someone like me, who just wants a place to relax, lie on the beach, and get in a few rounds of golf, it is a perfect destination. Sure, there are a few shops here and there in downtown Roscommon, but nothing worth getting excited about. We did walk through one of the local grocery stores, and had lunch in one of the local hangout spots, but again, it is a small town, with nice people all around, and not much to do besides relax.

There are some bigger cities nearby. When I say nearby, remember we are about five miles from cell phone service here. A good hour, hour and a half drive will have you in a number of casinos. You can even head over to Traverse City, about an hour and a half from Roscommon, to visit the cherry capital of the world. While we were in town they were having the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Sheryl tried to go on Saturday, while I was playing golf, and ended up coming back because traffic was so bad. But according to Donny, Traverse City is a great town. He compared it to Scottsdale, Arizona, only in Michigan.

If you come to Michigan, or to Forest Dunes for that matter, just bring some good books, a board game or two, maybe a DVD, and an open mind. This truly is a place where you can leave your doors unlocked at night.

Press Coverage & Awards

Forest Dunes is not as secluded as you might think. They have been recognized by various magazines and media outlets for the facility, the golf course, and more. Below you will find a list of just a handful of the media coverage Forest Dunes has had recently:

2010

• Golf Week Magazine: Best Residential Courses in (America) – #30 Forest Dunes
• Golf Week Magazine: Best Modern Courses in (America) – #90 Forest Dunes
• Best Courses you can play (Michigan) – #3 Forest Dunes

2009

• Golf World Magazine: Readers’ Choice Awards (America) – #1 Forest Dunes
• Golf Week Magazine: Best Modern Courses in (America) (1960 – Present) – #82 Forest Dunes
• Best Courses you can play (Michigan) – #2 Forest Dunes
• Best Residential Courses (America) – # 24 Forest Dunes
• Golf Digest: 2009/2010 America’s Greatest Public Courses – #18 Forest Dunes
• 2009/2010 America’s Greatest Courses Overall (Michigan) – #6 Forest Dunes
• 2008/2009 Best Places to Play – 4 1/2 Stars

As you can see, some of these publications are serious business. From being featured on the front cover of Great Lakes Midwest Golf Life to having an all out featured article in Golfweek’s Definitive Guide to The Golf Life, this club means business. How cool would it be to work at a place that has been recognized by Golf World Magazine as the #1 Reader’s Choice Award?

Faculty & Staff

Nice would not even begin to describe the people at Forest Dunes. I had first been introduced to Forest Dunes through my work, but had no idea it would turn into friendships and a chance to visit the property. I had been in contact with Jennifer, the membership director, for a few months before I headed north. I had chatted with Donny here and there, and we were Facebook friends, but never had communicated as much as we did during our stay.

When I got out of my car on Saturday, my first chance to meet anyone from the club, I was greeted with a friendly hello and was offered assistance with my golf bag. I felt like royalty or something. It seemed that even the guys handling the carts had a genuine interest in my enjoyment at the club. Not to mention the guys working in the pro shop and the ladies tending the bar – even the servers, for that matter. Everyone was just so darn nice.

Donny and I had the chance to play on Saturday, so we got to know each other quite well during my trip. He and his wife even invited Sheryl and me to watch the fireworks with them on Sunday evening. He said he knew just the spot to take us and would pick us up around 9:00 PM. Long story short, he did know a great place. Good thing he had four wheel drive. We ended up literally on the top of a mountain. Now, granted it was only a few thousand feet high, but we ended up watching fireworks displays from about the best spot possible. We saw roughly six or seven different fireworks displays that night. We could see that far. It was a great way to spend the holiday, that’s for sure.

The moral of the story is, the people at Forest Dunes are not just nice, they are genuine. They care about their job, they care about the people who play the course and that eat at the restaurant, and they truly cherish the relationships they build. I am happy to have met the people that I did and I look forward to growing better friends in the future with all of them.

Do you like to play golf? Maybe you just like good food and enjoy being treated like a king or queen. Or perhaps you just like to relax, read a good book, and go for a quick swim right off your back deck. Whatever the case may be, go to Forest Dunes. This place is hidden, in the middle of nowhere, and lacks the luxuries like cell phone service and Wi-Fi that you get at home. But that is just part of it and even adds to the enjoyment of spending a weekend away. I will be back, rest assured, and I will be taking friends with me when I go. I want as many people to experience Forest Dunes as they can. Thank you to Donny, Jennifer, and the rest of the Forest Dunes staff for providing me with a unique and nearly perfect weekend. Fore!