(Also posted in the Facebook TT Community with pics and video)
Wow… what a day!
First off, thanks to Schaffer’s Mill and all the members for hosting. I didn’t realize they also hosted the Monday Qualifier for the Barracuda Championship the day before.
BIG kudos to Josh Talge, JD, Allan Blocker, Lisa Maybruch and other Titleist Staff for planning and executing such a special event. I even caught AB contemplating his best launches ever and putting this one right up there… maybe #1 
♂️.
Now on to the action. All of us were split into either ‘fitting then playing’ or ‘playing then fitting’. I had an 11am fitting but couldn’t get to the course early enough. Schaffer’s Mill is a golfer’s paradise. Spectacular facilities, big grass range, chipping/bunker area and expansive putting green. Add in - members weren’t arriving until the afternoon, so we had the place to ourselves. Knowing TT members were already out playing 9 holes with a Titleist Pro only added to the exclusive feel.
After morning activities and before lunch we had time with Rafa Cabrera-Bello. The smooth swinging Spaniard put on a ‘Show’. Not only is his swing perfect but he was very fun and candid about his game, preferences and recent switch to GT3. The slightly more muted sound was his most notable difference from TSR3. Pretty sure all of us saw ball speed gains with GT and can’t wait to game them.
My afternoon was spent with fellow TT member Barry Hershman, Schaffer’s Mill member Tony, and Titleist Pro Tyson Alexander. The scramble format was so fun since we were slightly spent from our GT fittings and got to watch Tyson do his thing. Highlight for our team - on the 330yrd “driveable” Par 4 2nd hole, Tyson put it to 10ft!!! We had Titleist staff videoing, so there’s evidence out there somewhere. As a member, Tony knew the break and canned the eagle putt. After birdie on the 1st and now eagle on the 2nd - we were off to the races. We managed birdies on the next 4 holes with everyone contributing. Unfortunately we hit a wall and parred the remaining 3 holes to finish at 7 under for 9. Heard a team got it to 9 under - so kudos to them for setting the bar high.
Tony and I played the remaining 9 holes as a twosome. So thankful he stayed to play even though it was his birthday. Most believed the back 9 was the more scenic side but it still helped to have course knowledge. A birdie on the Par 5 18th capped off what was an extremely memorable experience in a part of the world that holds a special place in my soul - Lake Tahoe!
Thanks again to Schaffer’s Mill, Titleist, Team Titleist Staff, and other Team Titleist Members - like Barry, Frank Messina, Ben Elie Aslan, Dan Newguyin, Brian Watts and more - for making the trip. Reminder: while golf is great, people make it special.
Until the next one. Enjoy the journey!