The Journey to St. Andrews

Elliott Hall

In August 2024, I’m getting the opportunity to play golf at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland. My goal is to drop my handicap 15 strokes so I can try to break 85 when I’m there (that’s the hard goal, but it’s really about The Journey). I’ve been a casual golfer off and on for years and love the game. However, I took several years off to start a couple of businesses, including a brewery in GA. I’ve always been a high handicap golfer, so this year is also about just improving my game in general. It wasn’t until the summer of 2023 that I broke 100 for the first time ever. So this podcast is about my journey to learn more, play more, & hopefully improve my handicap to reach my St. Andrews goal. I don’t know exactly where this will go but expect a lot about golf and maybe a bit about business & life. Because golf is a lot like both… you can always improve, you can take risks, and it always helps to get some lucky breaks! Beyond excited to play where Bobby Jones won the Open Championship nearly 100 years ago and to share The Journey with y’all. read less
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Episodes

Episode 22 - The Journey ...to St. Andrews (Valhalla PGA Championship Trip - 2 of 2)
3d ago
Episode 22 - The Journey ...to St. Andrews (Valhalla PGA Championship Trip - 2 of 2)
Hey y'all, I'm Elliott Hall. Join me in another installment of "The Journey to St. Andrews." This episode is part two of our adventure to Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky, for the PGA Championship. Be sure to catch the first part for the full story from the previous episode (#21)  We pick back up by talking about our very challenging round at Hurstbourne Country Club, one of Kentucky’s premier courses. I’ll walk you through the tough roughs and plentiful bunkers that brought my score up to well above my normal range (that's golf sometimes). Despite the high score, it was a great learning experience and a reminder of the value in playing diverse courses. Next, we dive into the Sunday afternoon climax of the PGA Championship. My friends and I were at the Troll Pub when we witnessed a thrilling face-off between Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, and Bryson DeChambeau. The tension was high as Bryson tied the championship record, but it was Xander who stole the show with a decisive birdie on the final hole. On our drive back, my buddy Kevin and I made a spontaneous stop at Moccasin Bend Golf Course in Chattanooga, TN. The episode closes with my thoughts on the stark contrasts between a high-end course and a simple municipal course, each presenting its own set of challenges and delights. And remember, if you're enjoying the show, hit like, follow, and subscribe for more from "The Journey to St. Andrews." You can also follow me on socials @elliottphall
Episode 21 - The Journey ...to St. Andrews (Valhalla PGA Championship Trip - 1 of 2)
May 25 2024
Episode 21 - The Journey ...to St. Andrews (Valhalla PGA Championship Trip - 1 of 2)
Hey y'all, I'm Elliott Hall. In this episode of "The Journey to St. Andrews." We've got a special extended episode this time, coming to you from our golf-packed adventure at the PGA Championship in Valhalla, Louisville, Kentucky. Due to a family vacation coming up, I'm splitting this episode into two parts, so let’s dive into part one. The next episode will be released next week.  Last week was jam-packed as I squeezed in lots of golf before heading off on my family vacation. I won’t be playing for the next two weeks, but there's plenty to share about my trip to Valhalla for the PGA Championship. From a new driver that sadly didn’t make its debut, to a fun distributor golf retreat where we played a tight four-ball tournament, ending just a point short at 208 to 209. The retreat was topped off with a trip to Fairway Social in Alpharetta, Georgia, for some simulator fun. Then, my dad, a couple of buddies, and I hit up Louisville for the PGA Championship. We had a blast, especially thanks to the hospitality from the PGA crew. Friday brought us to the greens of Valhalla. Despite a bit of rain, we saw golf greats like Rory and Tiger battle to make the cut, all amidst the fantastic course layout and vibrant atmosphere. On Saturday, we took a detour along the Bourbon Trail, hitting up distilleries like Wild Turkey, Four Roses, Buffalo Trace, and Bulleit. If you're ever in the area don't miss the Bourbon Trail tons of history and good drinks.  That wraps up this episode, but stay tuned for the continuation of our adventures in part two. Please like follow and subscribe. You can also follow me on socials @elliottphall