Advice from past champions, on what it takes to put on the prestigious Puka shell necklace.
The puka shell necklace. This 90's fashion relic has made a recent comeback. Scholars maintain that the comeback is quite possibly related, perhaps even caused by the OBI and its use of the Puka shell necklace as the winners ultimate prize. Since the tournaments inception, each winner has taken home the coveted shells, and worn them proudly during our Saturday night Champions Dinner and celebrations. Sports historians have compared the necklace ceremony to the green jacket presentation, a victory walk across Swilcan Bridge, and lifting the Stanley Cup. The attainment of it is as individual as the winners who describe their experiences below.
The past 3 winners tell you in their own words how they put on the choker and what it meant.
2019 Winner - Nick Ward
How he did it
"It’s not about playing against the field, it’s you vs your best self. It can get dark and lonely on the Journey but to prevail you must be of sound mind. You also need to have a mind body connection. Listen to your body. Right before I won in 19' I was diagnosed with "the gout", triggered by barley and hops. For the week I switched to vodka and whisky, and that can't be understated as a part of my victory.
What it meant
"Having kids is cool and all, but I've got 3 of those. I've only got one set of shells. I love my kids, but three was enough of those, so i got snipped. But I can tell you I wont be snipping my golf game anytime soon, and I plan to have way more shells than I do kids. "
2020 Winner - Larry Duncan
How he did it
A man of few words, Larry only had one thing to say. “Don’t warm up and Drink more, think less”
What it meant
"I won in the peak year of covid. It was a tumultuous time. I feel fortunate that we were able to have the tournament at all. Camera crews weren't even allowed on site to document or televise the event. But getting to have another man put a necklace on me reminded me that there are brighter days ahead. So beyond the necklace, I played for that."
2021 Winner - Jon Starek
How he did it
"Listen to your stoned caddie for all golf advice, but don’t accept any weed when he offers you at the turn. And the saying drive for show putt for dough is wrong. All you need to do to beat these guys is hit a 270 yard fade in the fairway and then just grind out the rest of your game."
What it meant
"I was fortunate to win at Pinehurst, the American "home of golf" I've ridden that wave of confidence in my ability to drive the ball all the way into this season. I now know that if I play my game, lay off the weed (till later) then I've got what it takes to win."
