Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, CA was the site for a bit of an unusual tournament. The Barstool Classic was in town for fun, shenanigans, friendship, and rest assured, golf. This stop was one of the qualifying 16 events leading to the finale this November at the famed Pinehurst #2 in North Carolina. Golfers from all over the country traveled far and wide to attend and compete in the only Southern California stop, and it was clear from the get-go that while the impetus is to have fun, some serious competitive golf was to take place. For those of you who are not familiar with Barstool (well, you must not be a sports fan…), let us give you a primer. Barstool Sports is an irreverent online platform where sports and culture collide with unexpected results. It is an unapologetic point of view that generates many opinions. More than anything, it is a way to poke fun at an industry that sometimes takes itself a bit too seriously. However, please make no mistake about it, these people are serious sports fans, with an albeit skewed perspective.
Back to golf. The tournament features teams of two playing at 50% handicap in the four-ball, stroke play format. Tee times start in groups of four of the 1st and 10th tees. The top 6 net scores from each qualifier advance to Pinehurst. So, while the modus operandi is to enjoy oneself, the competitive juices make this a can’t miss event.
In this challenging climate, new rules have been put in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Masks were worn, and social distancing was carefully maintained. Monarch Beach Golf Links and its splendid staff, led by General Manager Eric Lohman, PGA, took great care of all the guests who raved about the superb course conditions, friendly atmosphere, and overall welcoming experience.
The golf was spectacular, and the twosome of Kolin Ozonian and Tyler Smith were the winners with a combined score of -14, a comfortable five shots margin over the second-place team of Ethan Hunt (no relation to the Mission Impossible super agent…) and Ian Meyer. This traveling circus is now en route to its next event taking place at the Arrowhead Golf Course in Colorado. The road to Pinehurst continues.
This event couldn’t take place without a bevy of sponsors, including its presenting sponsor, Truly Hard Seltzer.
We can’t wait for the Barstool crew to come back to Southern California next year!
For more information click here or visit barstoolclassic.com