KemperSports Salutes Frequent Fairways Program Finishers
KemperSports Frequent Fairways, a loyalty program designed to reward golfers for playing more golf at our properties in Chicagoland, New Jersey, the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, is back again this year. The concept is simple. With each participating course you play, you’ll earn increasing rewards like ProV1 golf balls, a golf cart reward and a custom-logoed hat. Reach the needed course threshold in your region and you can receive this year’s top reward, a brand new Vokey SM10 wedge courtesy of our friends at Titleist.
We’re excited to congratulate and celebrate the golfers below, who have all made their way through the entire program in their respective region to earn themselves a new Vokey SM10 wedge. We invite you to learn more about them and their experience in this year’s program below, and if you haven’t already done so, join the Frequent Fairways program in your region to start earning rewards today.
- KemperSports Frequent Fairways Chicagoland (IL)
- KemperSports Frequent Fairways Mid-Atlantic (MD, VA, DE)
- KemperSports Tour of the Turnpike (NJ & NY)
- KemperSports Tour of Texas
Mike Winters
Frequent Fairways Chicagoland
How did you first hear about the Frequent Fairways program?
Cantigny’s (home course) Head Golf Professional Matt Tullar first mentioned the program to me and in 2022 I signed up.
Why did you decide to participate again this year after participating in 2022?
I had so much fun in 2022, but unfortunately missed out doing it in 2023. This year, I felt it would be similar or even better in 2024. The new Vokey wedge certainly was this year’s main selling point.
What have you enjoyed most about the Frequent Fairways program?
It’s so much fun playing different courses. For me, it’s like a scavenger hunt looking for a new gem or looking forward to playing a course for the second time.
Did you know about all the participating courses before joining the program?
Yes, I did and it was my mission to play them all. I’m an avid golfer and take my son with me all the time. For us, it’s a father-son Frequent Fairways day. I definitely would have never visited or played some of the great courses like Deerpath or Winnetka had it not been for this program, and I’m really glad I did.
Matt Baugh
Frequent Fairways Chicagoland
How did you first get into golf?
My Uncle Ed bought me a set of clubs and would take me to the driving range and the course when I was getting started. The following year, I participated in summer camps as a middle schooler, which I continued. I’ve played casually ever since.
How did you first hear about the Frequent Fairways Chicagoland program?
I was signed up to receive marketing emails from Titleist, and they sent out a communication detailing the program for Chicagoland.
What excited you most about the program?
I was most excited to have an excuse to get out and play some new courses that I had not played before, but the rewards were what pushed me over the edge to fully engage in the program.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Finding courses other than those I usually play and now knowing that I can now take friends and family to when they visit.
Who is in your dream foursome?
Me, Max Homa, Scottie Scheffler and my buddy Erich.
Paul Barry
Frequent Fairways Mid-Atlantic
How did you first get into golf?
My dad introduced me to it when I was a kid. We lived on a golf course, so I could go practice at the driving range and putting green whenever I wanted to, which was great!
How did you first hear about the Frequent Fairways Mid-Atlantic program?
I took my son to play at Timbers at Troy and we saw the sign about the program there. We thought it would be a great way to get out and play some different courses and we had a great time doing it.
What excited you most about the program?
My son is getting into golf now as a kid just as I did, so this gave us a great opportunity to get out and play together while discovering some new courses.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
The courses that we played as part of the program were nice and in great shape. The staff we interacted with at the courses were also very welcoming and helpful.
Who is in your dream foursome?
It would be with my son and our two favorite players, Tiger and Jordan Spieth.
Chris Zonghetti
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you first get into golf?
I first got into golf by playing with my father-in-law and my brother-in-law. I had played a few times before ever meeting them and playing with them. I started picking it up in my downtime during the pandemic, however, I really give them the credit for truly getting me into the game, teaching me, practicing with me, and watching it regularly. Now I have the bug and try to play anywhere and everywhere when given the opportunity!
How did you first hear about the Tour of the Turnpike program?
I first heard about the Tour of the Turnpike through my local course (Skyway in Jersey City, NJ). They were promoting the program and provided me with more info about the challenge. At the time, I only had one wedge in my bag and thought this would be a good opportunity to not only play different courses throughout New Jersey but also add another needed club to my bag!
What excited you most about the program?
What excited me most about the program was the ability to go and play other courses I had never even heard of in addition to being able to travel the state and go to places I’ve never been to previously. I was able to meet and play against a lot of good golfers by playing in the program.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
What I have enjoyed the most from the program has been playing a mix of courses. The courses offered in the program ranged in difficulty and tested my ability to consistently play good golf.
Who is in your dream foursome?
Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and myself!
James Paduano
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you first get into golf?
I first got into golf at a young age through my father. Growing up in New York on Long Island, he would bring me to the practice greens when playing the local public courses. I would observe, learn and develop my short game with him. Even now, it’s one of the strongest aspects of my game. There was a hiatus in my teens and early twenties, since my schools didn’t have a golf team and I played other varsity sports to stay active. After a stint in the hospitality industry, I joined a sales organization in the Wine and Spirits business. It was there I rediscovered my love for golf. Hosting outings, entertaining clients and enjoying the weekends further developing my skills. It was a great escape from the high pace and pressure of sales, both mentally and physically. I am truly thankful for my father’s introduction to such a wonderful sport, even if it was an excuse to play every weekend while watching me. I plan to implement similar strategies with our first!
How did you first hear about the Tour of the Turnpike program?
I learned of the Tour of the Turnpike program through (General Manager) Stephen Mills at Skyway Golf Course prior to the program launching. Skyway is a second home living in Hudson County. It’s a beautiful yet challenging track, nestled in the urban environment of Jersey City, New Jersey.
What excited you most about the program?
As someone who doesn’t have a country club membership, it was a unique opportunity to experience playing public courses that are not only of high quality, but also earn rewards for playing the game that I love. These rewards were very generous and with a grand prize like a new Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge, it really motivated me to take the Tour.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I really enjoyed the exploration aspect of the program, getting to experience courses that I may not have played due to the comfortability of the normal rotation. I discovered new favorites, met some fantastic people on staff and playing partners, and appreciated the sense of achievement as I collected the stamps to fill my card.
Who is in your dream foursome?
I hate to be cliche but I would have to start with Tiger Woods since I grew up watching him transform the game and gain widespread popularity. Seve Ballesteros holds a special place in my heart. A truly amazing gentleman, beloved golfer and prime example of exceptional bunker play… I do my best to emulate it with mixed results… since I am there pretty often. Bobby Jones, as one of the greats in the early days and one of the masterminds behind Augusta National. What an opportunity to hear his stories and thank him for a great start to April every year!
Todd Thurston
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you first get into golf?
I was introduced to golf by my brother-in-law, maybe 25 years ago, so I started quite late in my 40s. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing the first few times out, but I was able to keep up, and fell in love with the game right away.
How did you first hear about the Tour of the Turnpike program?
I’ve played a KemperSports course in New Jersey several times (Skyway), so I guess they had my email address. I got a random email from them in April, and thought it looked interesting enough to give it a go.
What excited you most about the program?
I was intrigued by the courses on the list, only one of which I had ever played (again, Skyway), but all of which were relatively close to home. Of course, having the chance to earn a beautiful wedge at the end was fairly motivating, along with the other swag… love the hat!
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
The courses turned out to be very enjoyable to play, all very well managed, and each one quite unique from the others. Most are courses I would probably never have gotten to without the impetus of the Tour.
Who is in your dream foursome?
Well, I have to say my two regular playing partners, friends for 40+ years, along with any fourth who is no better at golf than me, and who plays for the fun of the game.
Will Tatum
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you get into golf?
Like so many of us, I got into golf playing with my father. I started playing when I was 15 years old and it has taken me 40 years to get this bad at golf!
How did you hear about Tour of the Turnpike?
I first heard about Tour of the Turnpike by email.
What excited you most about the program?
What doesn’t excite me? Do I need an excuse to play more golf and new courses? Prizes?!?! For playing golf?!?!?!
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Honestly, I played all six courses with one of my best friends. Golf is great, prizes are great, but spending time with people you love is something money cannot buy. I think that is the thing people who do not play golf don’t understand.
Who is in your dream foursome?
I am most curious about famous people who have discovered golf and are hooked. First choice would be me joined by Justin Timberlake. Steph Curry and Samuel L. Jackson. Katt Williams would be my alternate. If it were professional golfers, I would want to play with Tommy Fleetwood, Kevin Kisner and Viktor Hovland.
Tony Kochnitcharski
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you get into golf?
I picked up golf as something to do under lockdown for COVID during 2020. A couple close friends and I decided to try it out and we immediately fell in love with it. We started our golf journeys together and now live in separate states, so it’s fun to get together over golf trips and see how each other’s game has progressed.
How did you hear about Tour of the Turnpike?
I heard it from a friend of mine as we were playing Skyway Golf Course in New Jersey. He saw the advertisement in the clubhouse and brought it up to me. I immediately signed up and tried to complete it as fast as possible since I am in need of a new wedge.
What excited you most about the program?
The new wedge for completion was the initial draw of the program for me but I quickly noticed that Ireally enjoyed venturing out and playing courses that I normally would not have played otherwise.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Similar to above, I enjoyed traveling around upper New Jersey and playing new courses that I normally would not have done. The various rewards that were spread out were the cherry on top.
Who is in your dream foursome?
This is a tough question as there are many people that come to mind. I think Tiger Woods, Charles Barkley, and Travis Kelce would be my finalists. A good mix of talent and fun.
Daniel Lee
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you get into golf?
I first got into it casually two years ago when I was introduced by a few friends. At first, I thought it was not that exciting but simply went to hang out with friends. Now I am hooked and try to play every week.
How did you hear about Tour of the Turnpike?
I first heard about the program from my local course and I had already visited half of the participating courses before so it seemed like a nice extra bonus.
What excited you most about the program?
What excited me most about the program was the ability to try new courses and who doesn’t like free stuff!
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I really enjoyed Heron Golf Course. It’s actually now my new favorite course! I got my first eagle there so I will always have a special memory there.
Who is in your dream foursome?
Dream foursome would be Tiger Woods (G.O.A.T.), Nelly Korda (most beautiful swing) and Roger Federer!
Joe Boselli
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you get into golf?
Masters weekend 1997. My dad sat me down and said, “You need to watch this Tiger Woods guy. He’s gonna be huge for the sport.” Even since then I have been hooked.
How did I hear about Tour of the Turnpike?
An email from KemperSports.
What excited you most about the program?
I loved trying to go to all the KemperSports properties in the area. I played multiple courses that I had never been to before.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
My dad and I got paired with someone who plays regularly at Shady Rest. Awesome guy. On the seventh hole, he hits a shot that drops just past the hill on this par 3 (can’t see the green). We look around where we think his ball went, and then I casually walk by the hole and boom. Ball in hole. It was his first hole in one, and we were celebrating like we were best friends for years. It was such a cool moment that I got to share with someone who was once a stranger!
Who is in your dream foursome?
Me, my dad, Tiger and Charlie at Augusta (they would have to give us so many strokes!).
Vania Lara
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you get into golf?
My husband and I first got into golf about 10 years ago while we were living in Mexico. It was something new for us and a fun way to spend time together. We’ve really enjoyed playing ever since!
How did you hear about Tour of the Turnpike?
We moved to New Jersey almost five years ago and got back into golf last season. When we were exploring new courses in the area, we came across the Tour of the Turnpike program. It sounded like a great way to experience different courses.
What excited you most about the program?
The program offered a fun and challenging way to get to know new courses in the area. We were excited by the variety and the competitive aspect, which made every round more engaging.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
We’ve really enjoyed the sense of discovery—finding new courses and testing ourselves on different layouts. It’s made our return to golf even more enjoyable and added an extra layer of excitement to our weekends.
Who is in your dream foursome?
Our dream foursome would include Nelly Korda and Scottie Scheffler. They’re both such talented players, and it would be incredible to learn from them while having fun out on the course!
Andrew Moskowitz
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you get into golf?
I think I took my first lesson like 20 years ago when I was on vacation with my parents. I played casually with my dad at the time, but then took a bunch of years off after moving across the country. When I moved back to Jersey in 2020, I picked it up again and haven’t been able to get enough!
How did you hear about Tour of the Turnpike?
I saw a flier at Skyway (one of the Tour’s six participating courses) earlier this season.
What excited you most about the program?
It was really cool getting to check out courses that I hadn’t played before, or even heard of. A Vokey wedge doesn’t hurt either
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Just getting to play all these different courses. I’m really close to Skyway so I’m there all the time. It was nice being ‘forced’ out to different courses and getting to play shots that I might not normally get to when playing the same track a million times.
Who is in your dream foursome?
Dream foursome would be me, my dad, my grandfather (who I never had a chance to play with), and Tiger. Also, as long as this is my dream, I’ll take Augusta National as the course.
Nick Kellinger
Frequent Fairways Mid-Atlantic
How did you get into golf?
I grew up playing golf with my dad and my brother but took a 10 year hiatus from age 25-35. About two years ago I decided to stop at a driving range on my way home from work and got hooked. I’ve been playing avidly ever since.
How did you hear about Tour of the Turnpike?
My good friend Joe and I play Timbers at Troy and Waverly Woods fairly regularly and I saw the sign in the pro shop. It seemed too good to be true!
What excited you most about the program?
I was very excited about the rewards, as well as the opportunity to play a few new courses. We had been planning to get to Blue Mash, but we never would have played Reston National or Heritage Shores if not for Frequent Fairways.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
It’s always a pleasure to play Whiskey Creek, but I enjoyed Heritage Shores the most. It was our sixth and final course so we earned the wedge and I also shot my personal best round!
Who is in your dream foursome?
My friend Joe (because we always play together), Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell. I can only imagine how funny those two would be on the course.
Kristoffer Jude Cecilio
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you get into golf?
I first got into golf during the pandemic, much like many other folks. After spending time strictly playing mini golf or the driving range growing up, I reconnected with a friend in the same boat who started encouraging me to do the real thing. The rest, as they say, is history!
How did you hear about Tour of the Turnpike?
I played a round this summer with an old college buddy who mentioned the Tour of the Turnpike program. Not only did this intrigue me, but I was able to share this new hobby with old friends.
What excited you most about the program?
The incentives that the Tour offered made it fun to check off each course.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I enjoyed exploring courses I haven’t played yet or do not play frequently. Living in North Jersey, Heron Glen in particular was a nice course I would have not played otherwise.
Who is in your dream foursome?
Collin Morikawa, Fat Perez and Tiger Woods
Jim Molinelli
Frequent Fairways Mid-Atlantic
How did you get into golf?
I started playing golf at college since my friends were golfers. I used an older set of my father’s clubs until I was able to get my own set. Thankfully, two of the people I played with and learned from were single-digit players and they instilled some good habits into my game.
How did you hear about Tour of the Turnpike?
I received an email about it and was intrigued, especially by the Vokey wedge prize, and signed up. I live near and play three of the courses featured in the program already, and it was a good opportunity to sample a few other courses too. I treated an out of town friend to two rounds at Timbers at Troy and Whiskey Creek to get going!
What excited you most about the program?
Playing four premium courses in excellent condition, especially Whiskey Creek! was a treat in itself. But being rewarded with a new Vokey Wedge for playing them and two more local courses was a wonderful deal.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I had recently taken five years off playing golf with back issues. Having come back last season with a renewed passion was great. This year, being able to get a new premium wedge as a reward for playing some of my favorite courses was awesome. And the four local tracks (Timbers, Waverly Woods, Whiskey Creek and Blue Mash) were in fantastic condition.
Who is in your dream foursome?
I would enjoy watching and listening to the stories while playing with Lee Trevino, John Daly and Bubba Watson!
Steph Terrone
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you get into golf?
When my son was in sixth grade, he showed an interest in playing golf. He and I took lessons together. I wanted him to have the basics, and I needed to learn everything. I haven’t turned back yet, and my son and I play golf every Mother’s Day and on each of our birthdays.
How did you hear about Tour of the Turnpike?
I read about it at Galloping Hill Golf Courses and thought it was such a great idea.
What excited you most about the program?
I loved all the giveaways at each course and am hoping to win the private round foursome. I was most excited about getting a new Vokey wedge!
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
It brought me back to Heron Glen Golf Course, and I love that course and will frequent it again.
Who is in your dream foursome?
Nelly Korda, Nancy Lopez and Phil Mickelson.
Edward Sim
Frequent Fairways Chicagoland
How did you first get into golf?
I started just going to the driving range with a few friends to hang out after work and then started playing courses. I have been hooked since.
How did you first hear about Frequent Fairways Chicagoland?
I saw a flyer for it playing at The Glen Club early in the season.
What excited you most about the program?
Earning my way to a Vokey wedge!
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Playing courses in the area I haven’t been to, including Bolingbrook. It’s always cool to play a track that pros play on.
Who is in your dream foursome?
Tiger, Scheffler, Morikawa, and me, of course.
Trey Coleman
Tour of Texas
How did you first get into golf?
I first got into golf by playing some rounds with my Dad taking us out to the course with him. It didn’t always go well, but there was a base to work from. I really got into golf in the last two years after hanging up my cleats in other adult sports, and golf filled the void of a challenge to get better at something athletically.
How did you first hear about the Tour of Texas program?
We went to play a round at The Wilderness Course in Lake Jackson and I saw the flyer at the desk.
What excited you most about the program?
I knew I was in a position to knock out playing all the courses within the next several months and the motivation of the wedge at the end was the cherry on top.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
One of the rounds I got to play with my brother-in-law and had my personal best score of an 85. It was a great round and fun to be able to do it with my family. Then the final round was awesome as they were waiting on me to arrive that morning and I got to play with a course employee who was really fun to play with.
Who is in your dream foursome?
My uncle (who cannot play anymore), my dad, my brother and my brother-in law. I realize that is corny, but I would likely get waxed playing along with three pros. This round would be fun.
Nick Stuercke
Frequent Fairways Chicagoland
How did you first get into golf?
I took lessons as a kid and played in a 9-hole youth league for a few summers but then focused on other sports until after college. Now golf is my go-to sport.
How did you first hear about the program?
I believe I saw an ad somewhere for a free trip to Streamsong and ended up joining the KemperSports email database where I received an email about Frequent Fairways at the beginning of the golf season this year.
What excited you most about the program?
I love the lineup of KemperSports courses in the Chicagoland area. Cantigny and The Glen Club are two of my favorite courses. Being able to play these and also some new ones in the pursuit of a brand new Vokey wedge was a no brainer.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
The program was a great additional incentive to make the most of golf season in the Chicagoland area. Being able to play golf and collect prizes along the way was a fun adventure. I love rocking the free Titleist hat and can’t wait to get the SM10 Vokey wedge too.
Who is in your dream foursome?
I don’t know if I have a specific dream foursome but enjoy playing with my dad and my buddies the most. Although, playing with Tiger would be pretty cool too…
Scott Thode
Tour of the Turnpike
How did you first get into golf?
Both my parents played a little when I was growing up, but it was only once in a while on weekends that I would play once a year, if at all, for a good part of my life. Then five years ago a friend of mine that I’ve known for over 40 years from graduate school said he liked to play golf and another friend who was at the same graduate school that also liked to play. We set up a tee time and have been playing pretty much once a week since then. Friends of 40 years loving to play golf.
How did you first hear about the program?
One of my golfing partners saw it and thought it would be fun and a good opportunity to try some new courses. We both live in Manhattan so we’re always heading out of the city to play.
What excited you most about the program?
The chance to try out new courses.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Meeting other golfers to fill out our twosome. I find it a great way to meet new people who have a shared purpose of playing golf and enjoying being outdoors and having some fun. There’s also that shared frustration that is inherent in golf.
Who is in your dream foursome?
My dream foursome would be Rory Mcllroy, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Wyndham Clark.
Wilson Manos
Frequent Fairways Mid-Atlantic
How did you first get into golf?
Growing up on Timbers at Troy, I was always around golf, playing with my dad or my grandfather occasionally, but I really started playing in 2020 walking Timbers when it was closed! Now it’s great to still play something competitive and spend time with great people on great properties.
How did you first hear about the program?
I first heard about the program up at the Timbers pro shop thanks to the great staff.
What excited you most about the program?
Great prizes, especially the chance to walk away with a top-class wedge.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Playing new properties that I had no idea KemperSports managed as well as visiting some old favorites. Heritage Shores was a great new discovery while Blue Mash and Whiskey Creek were top-notch classics.
Who is in your dream foursome?
My dream foursome is a mixed bag. I would love to play with Nick Dunlap (guy is a beast), Sepp Straka because his caddie has the best calves in the world, and finally my buddy Ian “BFBB” Byrne. He hits a mile-long banana peeler off the tee. Would make for a fantastic day.
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