You may not be familiar with golf photographer and writer Robert Kaufman, but if you love golf, chances are you’ve seen his photography or read his stories about the game and its destinations over the course of his award-winning 30-year career. On this episode of the “Talking GolfGetaways” podcast (sponsored by our underwear-mastermind friends at 2UNDR.com, promo code GNN20), Robert joins co-hosts Mitch Laurance and Darin Bunch to discuss his latest adventure — the unique (and extreme) “Hell 2 Heaven Golf Challenge.”
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Find out how a hiking trip to California’s Mt. Whitney led to the creation of one of the most unusual golf getaways ever — and how walking Sierra Star in Mammoth Lakes, the highest golf course in California at more than 8,000 feet in elevation, prompted the idea to play both the highest-elevation course and lowest-elevation course (Furnace Creek in Death Valley at 214 feet below sea level) in one day. You'll learn about Robert’s first experience achieving the feat, which ultimately became the foundation for the inaugural “Hell 2 Heaven Golf Challenge” event to be held June 20-22, 2018.
You’ll hear the details of this bucket-list golf adventure, in which 36 two-person teams will play both Furnace Creek and Sierra Star on the longest day of 2018, the Summer Solstice on June 21. And you’ll find out about the logistics of transportation (motor coach) and lodging (The Ranch at Furnace Creek and The Lodge at Mammoth Lakes), and of beginning the Challenge in Las Vegas on June 20. Robert discusses the qualities that make both Furnace Creek and Sierra Star two of the more interesting and challenging tracks he’s played, and why playing both in one day is a truly mind-boggling experience.
Finally, Robert discusses the charitable elements of “Hell 2 Heaven” — the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Southern California Golf Association Junior Program, both of which will benefit from the event. He reiterates the itinerary and gives pricing information for the Challenge, which will include transportation, food, two nights’ lodging and two rounds of golf for $1,900 per two-person team (with an “Early Bird SignUp” by March 1 that saves a few extra bucks). And he also talks about the event’s luxury grand prize — a three-night, two-day golf getaways for four at the Boulders Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is a most unusual event, created and organized by a most unusual, creative and prolific member of our golf community. For more information about signing up for the 2018 “Hell 2 Heaven Golf Challenge,” visit the event website.
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“Talking GolfGetaways with Mitch Laurance & Darin Bunch” is sponsored by 2UNDR.com (#AssetManagement) and can be found on GolfNewsNet.com and across the Golf News Net platform. New episodes post semi-regularly (for the most part, except when we’re traveling or golfing or generally having other kinds of fun). “Talking GolfGetaways” is also available on audioBoom, iTunes and Stitcher.
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