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It's true - writing about golf is a dream job.
We're fortunate to travel to interesting places, play exotic courses, get a feel for the local golf culture and report back to you.
We also dabble in coverage of, for lack of a better term, the "stuff of golf" - equipment, apparel, accessories. We've been at this a long time; we've seen brands and fads crop up and fade away. We know what golf products are worth your money, and which ones are better left on the shelf or outside your online shopping cart. These stories are a great deal of fun to research and write.
We write a lot in a given year, and it can be hard to narrow down our favorites. But here is our best shot at five each, in 2024's final edition of Punch Shots.
Tim Gavrich's favorite stories of 2024
Club-throwing: why it needs to be banned from golf and how it almost killed one golfer
For hundreds of years, decorum and etiquette have helped set golf apart from other sports. There's no shortage of passion among golfers - nor should there be - but after spending a few hours with Guy Donatiello, I can say unequivocally that there is nothing funny about, and no excuse whatsoever for throwing golf clubs.
New course review: Sedge Valley
One-off reviews of golf courses are my favorite types of article to write, and Sedge Valley's intriguing design, in addition to a concept I believe will be crucial for the future of the game, made it my favorite new course of 2024.
Sweating and saving
Having lived in Florida for a decade, I'm no stranger to oppressive summer heat. But I had always been curious how Arizona's brand of dry heat compared. I got my answer this year and was able to make a travel-advice piece out of it.
Ireland's 'Grand Slam'
From Darren Clarke to Shane Lowry to Rory McIlroy, Ireland's four directional amateur championships have storied histories. Best of all, they're held on courses you can - and absolutely should - play.
A Yankee in Georgia
Thanks to a tip from my dad, I learned that one of baseball's beloved and, ultimately, tragic figures found solace late in life at a quiet but publicly-accessible golf course in the South.
Jason Scott Deegan's favorite stories of 2024
How golf helped a young boy recover
As a parent of two children I'm always worrying about, this story hit me in the feels. Rory McIlroy once again proved what a stand-up guy he is in meeting this young boy who seems to have overcome a near-tragedy.
Driving Range Wars
This look at the future of the driving range was fascinating to research and write. It's more proof that tech is taking over golf.
Top 100 Tournament Courses You Can Play
I love the new Top 100 lists we put out every summer. They're creative, research-oriented and one-of-a-kind in the golf publication realm.
Looking back at 25 years in the business
I wasn't planning on getting all sentimental this year and writing about 25 years worth of courses and experiences. I'm glad several colleagues nudged me into it. It felt like I was writing my golf diary.
Best Golf Courses Near St. Andrews, Scotland
I couldn't call myself a golf writer without having spent some quality time in the Home of Golf. That finally happened this summer, staying at the two premier properties in town - the Old Course Hotel and Rusacks - and playing almost all of its great links.
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