I have long believed that the game of golf is the greatest game out there.  

This sentiment could be made for all sports.  However, what isn’t up for debate is how much golf is part of the Brittain family’s DNA.

​Meet the Brittain’s…Scott, Will (Scott’s son) and James (Will’s son).  The common denominator amongst these three — other than their shared last name — is their shared love of the game of golf.

​While sitting in Scott’s living room to discuss his joy of the game, many memories fondly surfaced.  

“When we were growing up, we used to be able to play at Havana Hills for only five dollars per day on specific weekdays,” Will said.  “We would bring a sandwich, put it in the fridge at the course and eat at some point throughout the day.”  

The course was like a home away from home, quite literally for Will.  Scott’s dad, Bob, managed Havana Hills for roughly a decade while Will was growing up which led to it feeling like an extension of home.  

“I also had club storage out at Brooktree that I would utilize if I was not playing with my dad and grandpa,” Will said.

​Will, still an avid golfer today, shared how his love of the game has evolved over the decades.  

“I have become more mature on the course,” Will said.  “We are not professionals which means we can go out to the range and grind, play with friends or family as a way to hang out or play competitively.”

​The Brittain’s golf as much as time allows, especially throughout the summer months.  Scott and James typically connect for a round at least once per week and they go more frequently as time permits.  In his rounds with James, Scott mentioned how there may be some root beer and treats involved.  However, he also shared some reflection on what it is like playing with his grandson.  “My dad never told me that it was this much fun and now I am really appreciating it,” Scott shared.

​James started playing this remarkable game at the age of four.  He began with hitting whiffle balls in the backyard and this has quickly evolved into many rounds at Havana Hills and Brooktree primarily.  In their first summer living on Brooktree, Will explained how after putting James’ two brothers to bed, they would load up on the cart and play as many holes as daylight would allow.  

James shared with a smile how his favorite part about golf is “just having fun and the family part.”  In addition to rounds of practice, James has progressively played more tournaments as he continues growing up with a slate of approximately 10-12 on the calendar for this summer.  

These days, Scott and Will take the loop for approximately four tournaments each with some family friends potentially helping for the rest.  The Minnesota Golf Association has a Mini Tour and Prep Tour, and James will play a combination of tournaments throughout the summer.  Will also pointed out while he and James made eye contact about how beneficial these rounds and tournaments are as James learns to navigate life, on and off the course.  

“We enjoy the quality time,” Will said.  “Golf helps you learn how to deal with adversity, frustration and sheer happiness as well.”

​When Will was growing up, Scott was there for him similarly to the Will/James relationship currently.  As time has elapsed, father time typically wins out.  As golfers age, the most common thing to fade is distance and the body simply not being able to do what it once did.  However, Scott referenced how there has also been a role shift specifically referencing he and Will.  “He [Will] is teaching his kids and also helping dad which helps,” Scott added.

​After talking about golf for nearly 40 minutes with the Brittains, the love of the game of golf was ever present.  As each one talked about enjoying this great game, the reverence for it was seeping out of their pores.  By the sounds of it, James’ younger brothers may be the next up to continue carrying the Brittain golf torch.​

Until next month, hit ‘em long and straight – and most of all have fun!