I watched the US Open from Pinehurst, North Carolina this past week with great excitement. Bryson DeChambeau outplayed Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, and Tony Finau to win his second major championship. As many of my readers know, I’m a huge golf fan and especially love watching the US Open, which annually finishes on Father’s Day Sunday. I’ve actually written some previous posts about Pinehurst before.
I’ve been a spectator at a few US Opens in person; Oakland Hills in 1996, Congressional in 1997, and Oakmont in 2016. I have also been lucky enough to play six courses that have hosted the tournament in years past; Scioto CC (1926), Pebble Beach (1972, ’82, ’92, 2000, 2010, 2019), Torrey Pines (2008, 2021), Oakland Hills (1924, ’37, ’51, ’61, ’85, and ’96), Hazeltine (1970, ’91) and Pinehurst #2 (1999, 2004, 2014, & now 2024).
All week, I’ve been texting my buddies with whom I played Pinehurst, reminiscing about our rounds at #2 and reliving some of our great shots and laughed about many of our miscues on holes that the pros seem to make look easy.
I’ve also relived some great memories from a few years ago when I met my daughter Riley in Pinehurst for a special weekend getaway for her birthday during her senior year at South Carolina.
It’s a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst – #IABDIP
That’s their tagline and it applies regardless of the weather. There’s just something special about this small little village in the sand hills of Southern North Carolina.
I remember arriving early and seeing the classic Rolex Clock overlooking the property.
Warming up on the driving range with an eager anticipation of the round ahead.
The nervous excitement as you make your way past the venerable clubhouse on your way to the first tee.
Navigating your way around the natural areas surrounding the sandy fairways, undulating greens and tall pine trees that bookend every fairway.
Walking down the 3rd hole and seeing the former home of course designer Donald Ross just off the fairway.
Hearing the bells chime from the Village Chapel just steps away from the entrance to the resort.
Having a drink on the veranda overlooking the famous 18th hole, where the statue of Payne Stewart brings memories of his famous US Open win in 1999.
What Are the Memories You Have Saved Up?
Do you remember your first closing?
How about a successful Open House when you converted a few visitors into clients? A random phone call that came in one day “on duty” that you turned into a closing?
What about that time you received that call that was a random, unexpected referral from someone you know? Who was your first repeat client?
When was the last time you drove by a house you remember showing to clients a few years ago?
Have you had an old script of dialogue roll of the tip of your tongue that you haven’t used it years, but the memory of it was there just waiting to be recalled?
Can you recall a moment when you overcame a difficult objection or was able to save a tough deal from falling apart?
Do you remember that shining moment where everything seemed to be going your way?
Much like I will always have when it comes to Pinehurst, keep those awesome memories alive from your past experiences for whenever you need them. They might serve as a reminder, a lesson, or an inspiration.
Keep them stored away for the next time you’re struggling or need something to look forward to. It’s really cool when those memories you have saved up come back to repay you in the future…and often they might just have a little interest added on top.
