b'plan is to pick a new central area within the state, and play Drawing Usall nearby courses. Choosing somewhere with great golf, but nothing too extravagant. Somewhere familiar but still unique. A place full of opportunity but still feasible. Home Looking back on that first year, John recalled his decision to kick things off in Bozeman, a town that made the most Each summer, longtimesense, considering everyones desire to return to where it all began. A gorgeous and growing college town, it was here friends reconnect at an annualthat so many had met, and so many had since moved away golf reunion in Montana from. Everyone agreed this would be the perfect reminiscent experience, where a lot of friends picked up a club for the first by Sydney Jones time and learned to play the game. After booking tee times at Bridger Creek Golf Course, W hile enduring another cold Montana winter, John TaylorLivingston Golf and Country Club, and Cottonwood Hills Golf watched as many of his friends packed up their lives andClub, the first weekend was all set. A few cheap flights or moved away towards new adventures. Although he was happyshort car rides later and all 10 of the initial crew trickled into for them, each goodbye resulted in a growing desperation totheir respective homes, from rentals to friends houses or maintain a connection with these lifelong friends.childhood homes.Despite the ever-growing distance between them all, heWhile fun times and great golf were had, mostly everyone hoped to find a bond that wouldnt be lost over any stretchlooked forward to reconnecting with old friends while making of time, no matter the changes. And so he began to plan annew memories with those who might not know one another annual event, one forged as a recognition of connectivity.as well. What they seem to remember most fondly are the Knowing that from here on out, this newly formed gatheringmemories in between the shots. The announcement of a new had to last long enough to catch up on milestones and makepregnancy, the excitement of a new career, the consolation new memories, yet remain short enough to leave everyoneneeded at the end of a relationship, all ready to be shared. wanting more; one that encouraged all friends to come backImportant milestones that are often easier to discuss in year after year, no matter the trek.person, especially while walking on a freshly-cut fairway, with He found the ideal solution in the love they all share for thea soft breeze and a cold beer. game of golf. This all began five years ago, and in the time since the The summers in Montana are short, but when planningannual golf gathering has lived on. Some years have been where the inaugural location would take place, the answerstronger than others, but it has continued all the same. One was simple: bring everyone back home. And so, each year theyear, held over a long weekend, 14 hardy souls showed. Some 32 PACIFIC NORTHWEST GOLFER|JUN 2025'