It’s fitting that my first post about golf in the Canadian Rockies is about Banff Springs Golf Club. Why? Because for most people that aren’t from Alberta, this is the course that’s going to most likely get them to come in the first place. Banff Springs is a 1928 Stanley Thompson design, and it’s one of the most famous courses in Canada. It’s home to one of the most famous holes in golf, the par 3, 4th hole – dubbed the Devil’s Cauldron. To put it simply, Banff Springs is the single most spectacular setting for golf I’ve ever played. More than…
Author: Sean Ogle
Sean Ogle
As the Founder of Breaking Eighty Sean has spent the last 10+ years reviewing the best golf products and golf courses in the world. He prides himself on only writing about products and courses he's experienced first hand, and helping others find exactly what they need to enhance their enjoyment of the game we all love so much.
For my first visit to Shanghai, I knew I wanted to stay someplace special. We were going to be there for 4 nights, so figured we’d stay at 2 different places to have a couple unique experiences while in the City. For our first two nights we opted for the Banyan Tree Shanghai, or the “Banyan Tree on the Bund” as they call it. I’d never actually stayed at a Banyan Tree before, but after seeing photos of their “Bund Oasis” rooms with a pool in the room, I was immediately intrigued. When I booked they didn’t have any available during the…
When you walk into the Scoring Room at Baltusrol Golf Club, you immediately understand the gravity of the history that has taken place on these grounds. 7 US Opens, 2 PGA Championships, 2 Women’s US Opens, 4 US Amateurs – the list goes on. Jack Nicklaus’ winning scorecard from the 1967 open – signed by Arnold Palmer. The US Open trophy perched right next to the PGA Championship trophy. There are very few golf clubs in the world that rival the tournament pedigree and history of Baltusrol Golf Club. I mean how many golf clubs are actually listed on the…
Updated August 2022 to include the Five-O shorts, and notes about hoodie sizing. I hate to admit this, but in 2021 I didn’t play nearly as much golf as I normally do. For years I was at 100+ rounds a year. In 2021, I think I might have hit 35. Something about a pandemic, 3 businesses, and most significantly, a new baby will do that to you. Why tell you this now? Because where historically I’d be wearing 3-4 golf polos a week and constantly on the hunt for the best golf pants, this past year I’ve been needing a little more…
My first experience at a Shangri-La hotel was, well, a little over the top. We went to the Shangri-La Villingili for our honeymoon in the Maldives. It was hands down the bougiest (is that a word?) week of my life, and I felt much cooler than I really am while staying at the resort. I first heard about the Shard while doing yoga in the Maldives with a guest instructor who owned Yogasphere. She mentioned that she teaches “Yoga at the Shard” and said it as though I should know what that meant. Upon further inquiries, she explained she teaches yoga…
At this point, I’ve reviewed and worn about half a dozen different pairs of shoes from True Linkswear. I continue to be surprised by just how many variations one brand can create of a spikeless golf shoe. I mean this as a compliment. While some True golf shoes are more stable than others, none would be considered a “Tour Shoe” with traditional spikes. And yet, with every new pair I check out – I’m finding distinct differences that set it apart from other shoes in their lineup. This is exactly what happened with the most recent shoes I tested out:…
shI was sitting at the bar with my friend Dan at Aerie at Grand Traverse Resort the night before our round, and the guy next to me said, “so which course are you playing tomorrow?” I told him The Bear. “Good God, are you crazy? Bring an extra box of balls. They told me if I wanted to enjoy my round to play Wolverine…” And that’s what I had to prepare myself for when we descended upon Traverse City, Michigan to tackle the #16 most difficult course in the country and the #72 Top Public Course. First off, as I’ll…
I’ve been to Coeur d’Alene, a handful of times and every time I’d leave with one big regret: I never played Circling Raven Golf Club. I’ve known about the course for years, and have heard nothing but good things – but I was never able to work it into the schedule. Well, now I know how much of a mistake that was. This past weekend my buddy Jeff and I drove over to Idaho for a handful of rounds including 2 at Circling Raven, and 3 nights at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort – and it was the perfect getaway…
When it comes to golf in the Northeast, Massachusetts certainly holds it own when compared to power house states like New York and New Jersey. You could easily walk into any clubhouse in the country and argue that it has the best courses compared to the other 5 New England states and get little disagreement. It also has a vast amount of variety, from sea-side courses to mountain courses and everything in between. Regardless of where you find yourself in the state, there is great golf to be had. From Cape Cod to to the South and North Shore of…
When it comes to luxury golf resorts, there aren’t many as well regarded as the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. You’ve got incredible views, two fantastic golf courses, and relatively easy access to the Bay Area airports. But what’s the experience actually like when you arrive at the Half Moon Bay Resort? Is it a proper five-star, Ritz Carlton experience? Or does it get watered down to cater to a broader golf or convention market, rather than the luxury traveler? I’ve got good news: it’s phenomenal. Why? Read on to find out. First Impressions of Half Moon Bay Golf Links…