Rise of the Action Guy Golfer
Hey everyone, I’m Bobby Holland, founder of Hoolie (our favorite golf brand), retired Navy SEAL, and diehard golfer. Welcome to our “Diehard Golfer” series, where we’ll cover a variety of topics relevant to you diehard golfers out there—and yes, that includes diehards in training.
First, what is a diehard? Diehard golfers are those truly obsessed with the game. They can be high, mid, or low-handicappers with an insatiable desire to play more, practice more, and continually improve.
Am I a scratch golfer? No, I’m not (far from it), though I hope to get there one day. Because of that, I’ll focus on best practices for playing, training, and improving, leaving the technical swing insights and tips to the pros.
If you’re a driven, type-A, go-getter who’s really into golf (or just discovering it), this series is for you. Shall we get to it?
An Unlikely Obsession: Why Golf Speaks to Action Guys
We are cut from a different cloth. We rise before dawn, thrive under pressure, and see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities. We are action-oriented, driven by self-improvement, and are fiercely competitive. Whether we’re leading teams, setting personal records, or simply striving to be better than we were yesterday, we relentlessly pursue excellence - we are golf’s proverbial "Action Guys".
And while golf may not seem like an obvious sport for us action guys, it’s actually the perfect match; golf is a game that tests mental toughness, physical endurance, and the ability to adapt to our ever-changing environment and circumstances.
The Proving Ground
Golf is not for the faint of heart. It’s a game that demands more than physical skill; it requires mental fortitude, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. The fact that golf is so hard is the primary reason we are so passionate about it; competition is in our DNA. It’s not just about winning either; it’s about the process of becoming better. Every time we hit the range or the course is a chance to improve. We thrive on pressure and love the intensity of trying to blast driver on a narrow fairway or sinking that long birdie putt. In these moments our true character is revealed.
The Mental Challenge
The mental aspect of golf is what separates it from so many other sports. Every shot is an intense test of focus, patience, and resilience. No matter the circumstances of the round, competition or not, you’re always battling yourself and the course. You’re facing tough shots, bad lies and bad breaks. You’re constantly facing adversity and tackling self-doubt and attempting to synchronize mind and body with short flashes of brilliance. We’ve faced high-stakes situations over the course of our lives and golf is a microcosm of sorts which presents us with high-stakes moments which challenge us to the core. Golf is a game that rewards preparation and punishes complacency, making it the perfect sport for those who want to enter the arena.
The Physical Mastery
We know what it means to push our physical limits; most of us grew up playing sports and working demanding jobs. We have endured grueling physical training programs and love the challenge of pushing ourselves in and out of the gym. Golf is not physical in the same sense; however, golf presents a different kind of physical challenge. Golf is about control, balance, and finesse - not about raw strength alone.
The golf swing involves a split-second mastery in biomechanics. It requires a combination of power and precision, timing and technique. Mastering golf is impossible but our pursuit to get better takes countless hours of practice, careful analysis, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. For action guys like us, this process is deeply satisfying.
Many of us “other-sport” athletes underestimated the challenge of the game when we were younger and saw it as a sport for those who didn’t place a high value on fitness. As Tiger took center stage in the early 2000s, the “Power era” emerged and slowly golfers became more fitness oriented. Now, fitness is a huge part of competitive golf and is emerging in the recreational golf scene where golfers like you are prioritizing strength, mobility and speed - the era of the golf-athlete is upon us.
The Golf Course
The golf course is, in and of itself, another character in this game we call golf. Some golf courses offer a flat reprieve while others undulating terrain. Some have low cropped turf while others present overgrown and challenging rough. Some are more susceptible to the wrath of mother nature’s cold, wind and rain while others are joyfully aloof. Some have trees, and plentiful ponds we call hazards and some are flat, dry and boring. No matter the golf course, each has its own unique personality and set of challenges.
If we are to play well on these golf courses, we need not only focus on mastery of the golf swing but we will need to think and act strategically and to work with whatever mother nature throws at us.
This battle with the golf course and the elements is one of the compelling aspects of golf. It’s a reminder that no matter how prepared we are, the golf course and mother nature are a force to be reckoned with. We aren’t frustrated by this uncontrolled element of the game rather it’s a call to action and opportunity to rise to the occasion and embrace the challenge.
The Brotherhood
While golf is often seen as an individual sport, it’s also a deeply communal experience. The camaraderie of the game is one of its greatest strengths, and for us, it’s an essential part of the appeal. The golf course is a place where relationships are built and where competition and connection go hand in hand.
Playing a round of golf with friends is more than just a game; it’s a shared experience. It’s a chance to engage in a mutual combat of sorts, where we battle the golf course together. Where we revel in each other’s successes and failures with equal joy. Golf is challenging, but it’s also really fun and best when enjoyed with others.
The Hoolie Way
Golf is not just a game; it’s a journey. It’s a test of character, a challenge that demands our best, and an experience that brings people together. For many of us, golf provides an outlet that reaches beyond the confines of a typical hobby. Some call it an obsession, others an addiction. Whatever it is, golf lives rent free in our heads and we are all for it.
Hoolie is for those who demand the best from themselves and their gear. Our products are designed to reflect your values, your mindset, and your relentless pursuit of excellence.
We don’t cater to stereotypes and know many of you don’t fit the mold of the traditional golfer - that’s exactly why we exist. Hoolie is here to challenge the status quo, to redefine what it means to be a golfer, and to create gear that speaks to action guys like yourself who demand quality golfwear that speaks to them.
Our men’s golf polos, golf hats, and American made hoodies aren’t just clothing; they’re a reflection of who you are and what you stand for. Hoolie’s golf apparel is built to perform, endure, and inspire. Whether you’re on the course, in the gym, or out in the world, Hoolie golf is here to remind you of what you’re capable of.
Hoolie Up and let’s roll!
Founded by UCLA Anderson EMBA ’22 alumni Bobby Holland and Kevin Lee, Hoolie Golf is more than just another golf apparel company, it’s a brand built for action guys like you who demand something bold and uniquely badass. Whether you’re looking for cool golf shirts, performance golf polos or unique golf hats, we’ve got you covered. Our mission is simple: to unite a community of action-oriented passionate golfers who share an unwavering love for the game and a commitment to living life to the fullest.
