Conquering the Land of 10,000 Lakes

November 6, 2013

GolfNow golfers are always coming up with new ways to get into the game. Minnesota golfer, Nate Trunnell, has taken on a challenge we couldn’t help but admire. Nate is setting out to play a round in every county in Minnesota that has a golf course.

With 59 out of 86 counties already under his belt, we chatted with Nate about his experience and how GolfNow has helped him along the way.

Q: Tell me about your goal and why you decided to take on the challenge.

A: My goal is to golf in every county in Minnesota that has a golf course. I started this just as a way to try new golf courses. It has turned out to be a great way to keep in contact with old friends around the state, too.

Q: How far are you from reaching your goal?

A: Minnesota has 87 counties. Eighty-six of those counties have golf courses, and I have currently golfed in 59 of them.

Q: How has GolfNow helped you along the way?

A: GolfNow has helped me get to several of those counties. GolfNow also has the course that I am most excited to golf – Superior National at Lutsen, and the course where I will finish my goal, Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort. More than anything, GolfNow has introduced me to courses that I may otherwise not have known about, and saved me a ton of money during my quest. It has also given me the opportunity to golf with people that I wouldn’t have otherwise met.

Q: How were you introduced to GolfNow?

A: I was introduced to GolfNow by a friend that used it regularly in Tucson, Ariz., and now in Hawaii. Since finding out about it I have told as many people about it as possible. It is a magnificent way to save money and play more golf.

Q: What has been your favorite GolfNow course so far?

A: My favorite current GolfNow courses are Blueberry Pines, Minnesota National, and Geneva & Hardwood Hills.

Q: Have you had any unique experiences or memorable moments on the course?

A: As far as unique experiences go, I would say that meeting Jack Nicklaus at a father-son Pro Am stands out. It was a two-day event, and on the first day I followed him around and took some pictures.

One of the pictures was from his second hole where there was a long carry over a water hazard to a landing area. He hit his first drive and turned and asked the crowd if we minded if he hit another. Everyone chuckled and he teed off again. I moved in behind him and got a really nice panoramic picture of his shot. I got the pictures developed later that day. The next day there was a quick meet-and-greet session. I brought the picture with me and asked for an autograph.

He looked at the picture for a second and asked “Was this the first or the second?” I said “Well sir it was your second hole but you started on the back side so really it was hole 11.” He smiled and laughed a bit and said, “No kid, I know what hole it was, but was it my first shot or second?”

I nervously replied that it was his second shot and he said “Good. I hit that one much better.” Most people talk about meeting an icon and having it be a disappointing experience. Not so with Jack. He was a truly nice guy and an all-around class-act.

Nate plans to work towards his goal slowly but surely, and just enjoy the journey -and we can’t wait to see where it takes him. Golf on, Nate!