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The Concession: Where Sportsmanship Meets Strategy
There are few golf clubs where the name tells a story as powerful as the place itself. The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, was inspired by one of golf’s greatest moments of sportsmanship — when Jack Nicklaus famously conceded a short putt to Tony Jacklin in the 1969 Ryder Cup, ending the match in a tie and helping usher in a new era of respect and camaraderie between the U.S. and Europe. That single gesture became known simply as The Concession.
Years later, Nicklaus and Jacklin partnered to co-design this championship layout — their only collaboration. Opened in 2006, The Concession was envisioned as a modern classic: a pure golf experience tucked away from the bustle of coastal Florida.
The course delivers on that vision. Routed through natural wetlands and pine scrub, it’s as strategic as it is scenic. The greens are bold and undulating, demanding precision and imagination. The bunkering is deep and deliberate. And the variety? Outstanding. No two holes feel alike, yet the course flows with a rhythm that’s both challenging and fair.
The clubhouse, meanwhile, is a statement all its own — elegant, welcoming, and perfectly scaled to the property. It has the feel of a grand Southern estate, sitting confidently among the palms and pines.
I had an unforgettable experience photographing The Concession. I caught one of those rare Florida afternoons when the light was golden and the sky exploded with late-day clouds — big, billowing forms that gave each frame a sense of drama and depth. The shadows were long, the fairways glowed, and every click of the shutter felt like a gift.
The Concession is a reminder that golf is more than just a test of skill. It’s a reflection of character — and in the right setting, it becomes something truly memorable.
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Each week, we share a stunning golf image and a heartfelt, hilarious, or inspiring story. While they may not always align, both aim to elevate the game and uplift those who love it. These images aren’t for sale—they’re simply here to be enjoyed, just as the stories are meant to inspire, entertain, and celebrate the spirit of golf.
After nearly 23 hours of travel, I arrived in Gabon, Africa, exhausted but intrigued. I stepped out of the small, non-air-conditioned airport and was greeted by my hosts. Following a few minutes of warm introductions, one of them suddenly asked, “What’s your shoe size?”
Caught off guard, I asked why he needed to know. His reply? “We need to get you snake boots for our site visit tomorrow.”
Now, I don’t mind snakes—but standing in the heart of Africa, I figured I should probably ask what kind of snakes we might encounter. The answer was… comprehensive: King Cobra, Black Mamba, Green Mamba, Gaboon Viper, Puff Adder, and Pythons—just to name a few.
From that moment on, each site visit involved donning knee-high snake boots and being accompanied by locals who walked ahead, spraying snake repellent into the brush as we moved through the terrain, laying out golf holes. We never had a close encounter, but we did see a few snakes slither off into the dense jungle vegetation.
It was one of those experiences that sticks with you—a potent reminder that site work in remote areas requires more than just vision and design sense. It requires preparation, respect for the environment, and sometimes, a good pair of boots.
To be able to contribute to the game by leaving a legacy through the courses I’ve helped create is both humbling and rewarding. I feel incredibly blessed to have spent my life doing what I love.
Thank you, golf—for the journey, the friendships, the adventures, and the opportunity to shape a little piece of the world, one fairway at a time.
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