By Nick Ward

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Ty and I (BTW did I mention that I’m the inaugural O.B.I Champion) have known each other for 21 years. Meeting at the base of the Flatirons in Boulder Colorado at the glorious University of Colorado’s College Inn (August 2022). Some call this the best day of Ty’s life as it set him on a path leading to a coveted O.B.I. invitation.

The first thing and most important thing to know is he is a Loud Obnoxious Ginger – Everyone has one of these in their life and if you don’t, you do now. As an only child - there is the easy way and then there is Ty’s way. Luckily, he has evolved from those early years to the golf sicko he is today.

So why is he here….. Upon finding out about Brett Erwin’s exit to the controversial new Rival Tour via the OBI blog he immediately started greasing the wheels with multiple calls from his representatives to the OBI Board, jockeying for an invite via media interviews and social media posts, pleading his case for consideration on the NUL Podcast discussing how he has dreamt of competing at the O.B.I. Where he stated his desire to join the Old Bros “is mostly because if Nick has won it Ty has a burning desire for it”. This obsession started two decades ago in college chasing skirts at the bars on Pearl Street and continues to this day chasing O.B.I. Trophies. Outside of the OBI the only other thing he thinks about is the Rado Cup.   

Throughout the years Tyler has been a dependable friend (just like the Subaru Forester he owned) always looking for a good time. While there are many stories that should never be published to the inter web, there are a few good ones that you will have to ask about, there might have been an alleged stolen car, made some questionable decisions in Las Vegas one Spring Break (I may still have the photos) and again post College in L.A (reverse motorboat). He was with me when I met my wife and was the best man at my wedding.

Throughout college he was my personal editor – basically re-wrote all of my college papers so that they were actual coherent thoughts some say I would not be where I am today without him. This Blog would be much better if he was able to clean it up before publication, but I am getting off topic.

Tyler’s Path to the O.B.I (Tyler’s Evolution)Ty has had many phases since I have known him, here's his chronology:

Holed up in Brooklyn with his wife, 2 kids and a dog. He is a true golf Sicko one of us if you will. His dedication to the game is strong, most people moving to the big apple with a young family would hang up the clubs and let the handicap slide. Ty has done the opposite, he found the closest place to swing a club and spends his free time grinding on an indoor Sim, playing the weekly sim league to keep the skills Sharpe and get a taste of competition.

Ty is a competitor, needs action to get the blood pumping. Ask him about golf betting strategies, he typically sprays a few wagers every week and something must be working as he picked Brian Harman to win the Open Championship. I will be playing a dangerous game of trying to poke the bear which typically results in Ty’s threating to punch me (this might be the year that either Ty or Larry who I also like to Razz, will actually punch me). Only time will tell. He is the ultimate Hype man, will bring the energy in team matches, just make sure you remind him to apply 50 spf every 3 to 4 holes.  

Tyler is an Across Enthusiast, but while he was late to the Across game he is the only one I know currently utilizing the system. Pouring over the troves of data looking to pick up shots on the field. Side note, Cruz how do we get strokes gained data for the O.B.I? 

What’s in the Bag: 

 In his words he’s a “Callaway Dick Rider” He worked there for 4 months ten years ago but that was enough time for him to drink the Kool aid. 

• Driver – Mavirk Subzero w/ Mitsu Tensei White Tx
• 3W – Epic Flash Subzero
• 3H – Apex Pro 21
• Irons (4 – AW) – Apex Pro 21 w/ KBS Tour C-tapes
• Wedges (54 & 58) Jaws 4
• Putter – Odyssey Ten 2-Ball
• Ball – Titleist ProV1 
• Bag - Titleist  

However, based on him hounding me for Club Champion referral discount codes I have a feeling there may be some new weapons in the bag come time to tee it up. 

In parting, LFG this will be a trip for the ages….. 

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