In this Episode of Sticks Together, we start by talking about a moment many couples experience in golf: when one partner joins the other's regular group. Stacey shares what it felt like to play with Slade's longtime friends—both single-digit handicaps—highlighting the nerves, the intimidation, and ultimately, the joy of stepping into a higher-level golf environment with confidence.

We explore how golf is a game built for mixed skill levels. That realization led us to talk about how far each of us hits our driver and how it should influence where we tee off from. The Longleaf Tee System enters the conversation here—a USGA-backed system that uses TrackMan data to match driver and 7-iron distances with the ideal course length. We discuss how this system can make the game more enjoyable, especially for those who may feel stuck on tees that don’t suit their ability. At our home club, we’ve implemented something similar called the Wildcat tees, and while not without flaws, the idea is solid: make golf more accessible and fun by playing from the right place.

But there’s more to it than yardages. Stacey reflects on how ego and old assumptions—like calling the forward tees "ladies tees"—need to be set aside. We also critique how some resources frame the pace of play issue, particularly when they target women and juniors unfairly. (Stacey has big feelings about this.) Personal experiences at tournaments illustrate how slow play is not about gender, it’s about behavior.

We round out the episode with a travel story: our trip to the Boulders Resort in Arizona. Slade planned the entire getaway following a work event, and it turned into a memorable golf vacation. The course itself—set in a desert landscape filled with massive boulders, cacti, and unexpected wildlife—offered both fun and challenge. Stacey played some of her best golf there, shooting an 88 and winning their match play on day one. We also enjoyed connecting with two different couples during our rounds—Dom and JC from New Jersey, and Lincoln and Angie from Michigan. The experience reminded us how couples golf isn’t just about who you play with—it’s about being open to the game’s social side, the shared experience, and the lifelong learning that golf offers.

We close with a look ahead to more travel, more episodes, and possibly even a group podcast with friends (just don't tell them yet).

Links:

Longleaf Tee System: https://longleafteesystem.com

Boulders Resort: https://www.theboulders.com

The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Sticks Together, we dive into fall golf: from etiquette dilemmas to the critical debate over what color ball works best when the leaves start falling.

We kick things off with an update on our personal games. Stacey’s settling in with her new clubs and enjoying her ladies’ league, where the games creatively keep everyone engaged—like a recent round where only the odd holes counted. Slade’s feeling solid about his game, and even our son is getting more and more hooked on the sport.

Then we get into one of the most relatable and frustrating aspects of golf etiquette: what happens when someone hits into your group. Stacey shares a story from a crowded course in Boone, NC where she actually confronted a group after getting hit into twice in four holes.

We discuss the nerves that come with confrontation and how most golfers aren’t trying to be jerks—they’re just unaware or impatient. You'll hear how Stacey's interaction turned out.

As we lean into fall golf, we talk about how changing weather affects visibility and gear. Should you switch to a yellow or colored ball to help spot it among the leaves? Slade prefers white for putting, but Stacey is loyal to her blue speckled Callaway SuperSofts. Some golfers go even further, matching their golf balls to their shoes—or even to their outfits for the day. And yes, disco balls are apparently a thing.

The episode ends with a bit of frustration over women’s golf fashion. Stacey shares how hard it’s been to find golf clothes that are age-appropriate, flattering, and available in brick-and-mortar stores. She's had more luck with brands like JoFit, EPNY, and Zero Restriction, but still finds options limited. We talk about tailoring as a possible solution and agree that the industry has room to grow, especially for women in their 40s and 50s who actually want to spend money on the game.

We finish on a lighter note: leaf blowers on the course, fall layering struggles, and the dangers of bubbly beverages in a podcast studio.

The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Sticks Together, we dive into our first big couples golf getaway with three other couples — a total of eight people heading to the mountains of western North Carolina for a weekend of golf, laughs, and a bit of "dancing" — the one, two, cha cha cha. We start by explaining why we picked this spot: beautiful scenery, cooler temps, and a region still recovering from storm damage that could use the tourism boost. We remind everyone to check local conditions if they plan a similar trip.

We break down how we organized the group: four couples with different golf skill levels, so choosing the right courses was key to making everyone comfortable. We stayed together at the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club, taking advantage of their golf packages and included breakfasts — much nicer than a standard buffet. Stacey handled the travel planning, booking rooms, tee times, and managing the group’s payments to keep it simple. The only hiccup came when dinner reservations proved tricky in a small town for a group of eight, but we found great food and the best rosemary fries we’ve ever had at the Red Fox.

On Friday, a few of us snuck in an extra round at Springdale Resort, a charming course tucked into the mountains. We loved its combo tees, friendly staff, and quirky local touch — it’s the home of “The Spasm,” a hole tough enough to give you either a back or brain spasm. We dodged a quick rain shower, spotted wild turkeys, and settled into the weekend vibe.

Saturday’s main round at Waynesville was all about our unique competition format: the Cha Cha Cha. Slade, as commissioner of the competition committee, explained how it works — every three holes, the number of scores counted goes up: one, then two, then three, then repeat. To make it fun, we added a twist — a “free kick” where each player could kick their ball once to improve a lie. We learned what counts as a drop kick versus a punt, and we all bent the rules for laughs. Everyone’s scores counted at some point, which kept newer golfers engaged without too much pressure.

Saturday night, we wrapped up with a putting contest on Waynesville’s huge practice green — drinks in hand and a hilarious playoff finish. Sunday’s round switched up the teams: spouses paired up with the format calling for one male and one female score per hole, plus a mulligan that your partner had to hit for you. It kept the competition light and the jokes rolling. We made sure to adjust our official scores for the fun rules, staying true to proper handicap etiquette.

Along the way, we explored downtown Waynesville, caught the local Pride Parade, browsed shops, and even played some party games back at the inn — even if Slade still can’t quite wrap his head around the point of that one word game.

Our biggest takeaway? Traveling with other couples for golf is a blast when you communicate openly, have one person handle logistics, and plan formats that make everyone feel included. We came home feeling closer than when we left, with great stories and even better memories. If you’re thinking about trying it, we say take the shot. It’s probably more fun than you think — a true one, two, cha cha cha.

The Sticks Together Podcast is edited by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.