Khaki pants, tucked in polos, and $1,000 bets may not be for everyone.
Many golf tournaments can be stressful affairs that make it more difficult than fun. Linksoul, an apparel- and lifestyle brand founded in John Ashworth is trying to create a tournament series that is more about a shared passion for the game and a sense of community.
Six events are part of the LS2MAN series. They take place in places like California, Oregon, Ireland and California. The tournament combines tranquil surroundings with enough competitive golf to keep it low-key, but still interesting.
I was able to play in the Linksoul LS2MAN event in Oceanside, California. Instead of khakis or polos, I saw boardshorts, T-shirts, and streetwear-styled looks. You can think of surfer-casual mixed with golf and The Dude in “The Big Lebowski”.
Ah, it’s funny how Ashworth reminds me of Jeff Bridges from that movie.
Goat Hill Park is an Oceanside public course that Ashworth owns. It is filled with blind shots and high elevation changes. It is a popular destination for West Coast players. The motto of Goat Hill Park, which is owned by Ashworth, is written into the pencils that you use to record your scores: “World Class, Work Class.”
Kelly Slater ( left ) was one of the participants in the Linksoul LS2MAN Oceanside at Goat Hill Park. (Linksoul/ Lauren Miller)
The tournament organizers banned fairway woods and drivers from the back tees at a distance of just 4,582 yards. Persimmon clubs were proudly brought by several golfers to the course each day. The average muscular gymrat would be disappointed to find that their driver couldn’t grip or rip them all day. (Cough cough, me.) This was your chance to unleash your Tiger Woods-ness and get the ball around the bunker or in the trees.
Linksoul LS2MAN Oceanside event hosted at Goat Hill Park. It features a dog riding in a golf car. (Linksoul/ Lauren Miller)
The air around the first Tee smelled like a campfire, and dogs were welcomed to add to the atmosphere. It was clear that it was going be a great day when Mulligan, a dog named Mulligan, ran up to me and leapt excitedly.
This tournament draws out all kinds of golfers and looks like “ Happy Gilmore“span style=”font weight: 400 ;”>.” There were players who wanted to win, and those who had been under the influence of mushrooms the night before. Nearly every cart had a speaker.
The two guys who played on the first day were late arriving and running to meet us at the 5th hole. After the 9th, they got their cart. They were not able to reach their goal of a step within the first few holes. The Mizuno musclesback blades were used by the better of them. They also kept playing Loverboy’s “Everybody’s Working For The Weekend” as they scored a birdie when the song played on their speakers.
The pressures of playing competitive golf in college really took a toll on my love of the sport and me. My muscles tensed under the pressure to perform and win made me crazier, my thoughts ran wild, and my scores rose. This is a common feeling for many golfers, and it led me to lose my love for tournament golf.
I was inspired by the LS2MAN to play tournaments again. It was liberating to be able hold my own against a field of men. It reminded me of the fact that I don’t have to worry about what I can control.
I was fortunate to be a part of the LS2MAN series, and I look forward to being involved in the future. Learn more about the 2023 LS2MAN series and sign up to receive updates.
