How did you get started playing woods?

I've always liked the more traditional golf clubs, even in high school when I was refinishing woods. I played persimmon woods all the way up to the mid 90s, which most people in the mid 80s switched over to titanium. So I've always played the old stuff and I just miss the days when you get on the first tee box, everybody compares their drivers (the grain, the stain). You know, now it's whatever the greatest, latest titanium monstrosity is... I just miss those days of real golf clubs, real club making. It's been lost in the game but I'm hoping to bring that back.

So you're back playing tournaments now, using persimmons. Tell us about that.

For qualifying I played a persimmon 5 wood and putter. I hope to play a driver, to get it on PGA Tour driver list. That's my plan.

A lot of people wonder what I'm doing. People that enjoy persimmons definitely understand the sound, the feel. Just the whole look, sound, feel just makes the game funner for me. The big heads, the titanium drivers just take some of the joy away from the game for me. There are other people like me that feel the same way, that either like to reintroduce or introduce it to people because it really makes the game better.

What do you think about the Goat Hill Park?

I'm always looking for a place like it and I can't find it, certainly not in Florida. Just the whole atmosphere, everybody's welcome and of course it's a spectacular place here in Oceanside. I wish I had a place like it where I live. Geoff and John have done an incredible job making this place.

The whole, just the feeling you get out of the parking lot, everybody. It's really replaced and casual not the stuffing feeling some of these country clubs have. You know everybody's welcome. I'm a huge fan of golf courses that anybody can play, it's just a testament to Linksoul, John and Geoff they have it figured out, and I always enjoy coming back here.

What makes you a Linksouldier?

I've always loved Linksoul, just the whole vibe is exactly the way I kind of live and see things. It's really a good fit.

I'm stoked about the opportunity to make persimmon woods for Linksoul, it's what I'm out here for and I've always admired what Linksoul has done and what it is and I couldn't ask for anything more. I couldn't be happier to be here and starting something pretty cool here. Can't wait. The key is collaboration, to be part of that with Geoff...it's pretty exciting.