Leading the Way

Nestled  in Upstate New York is an emerging golf brand fueled by the vision and craftsmanship of a humble entrepreneur. Justin, the man behind Hazy Golf, has built a mom-and-pop shop that has captivated the attention of golfers and clubs around the world. Hazy Golf proudly offers custom wooden alignment sticks expertly sourced and handcrafted in the USA. Each stick that leaves his workshop bears the personalized touch from Justin’s unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.

Hazy Golf started in the dog days of the COVID shut down when Justin was searching for a source of revenue. As a high school physical education teacher, he candidly admitted he was looking for a way to fund his golf game. His first project was flipping Scottie Camerons– buying, refurbishing, and selling used Scotties. The flipping business eventually fizzled out as Justin began experimenting with carpentry. Justin took a chance, ordered 50 wooden dowel rods and got to work. With support from friends and family, a laser engraver, and instagram, Hazy Golf has grown more popular than Justin said he could have ever imagined. 

With orders flooding in every single day Justin now faces a dilemma, expand to meet demand or keep the shop intimate within the walls of his garage? Perhaps for some it's a no brainer– expand, outsource production, rent out a warehouse, and ramp up advertising. For Justin, it is a different story. He shared how sudden expansion could compromise the standard of quality and the personal touch he leaves on every piece. Justin knows that growth will need to come; however, I sensed his approach will be deliberate and calculated. He emphasized the importance of being adaptable while preserving the qualities that make Hazy Golf exceptional. 

You see, this is what sets Hazy Golf, and Justin, apart from many emerging golf brands in the space. With surging demand, it is easy for creators to lose sight of their “why” behind their brand. Founders are rushing into large warehouse spaces, outsourcing production, and chasing wholesale deals to maximize revenue. I am all for capitalism, but in a world saturated with quick fashion and disposable products I firmly believe as creators in our little corner of the golf world we can commit to creating high quality goods that tell a story. Maybe I am a sucker for nostalgia, but why shouldn't we create and buy products like our grandfathers did. Research a product, save up the cash, purchase it, care for it, and eventually pass it down to the next generation. That’s why I can get behind brands like Hazy Golf, because I know what they stand for.

As the golf market continues to be bullish, I was curious to get Justin’s take on how he would like to see the game grow. He touched on how it’s trending in the right direction with a lot of exciting developments around the game. As a high school golf coach, Justin is directly shaping the next generation to learn the game they will play for the rest of his life. His approach is simple, “grow the game responsibly”. For myself, I believe we share a responsibility as stewards of the game to cultivate an appreciation and respect for golf. As the game continues to grow, it is our responsibility to welcome newcomers and guide them along the way. Lead by example; Teach others, show them how to respect the course, play fast, respect others, and enjoy the game. Everyone’s golf story will be different, but at the end of the day we share the responsibility to uphold the core principles of the game.

I titled this story Leading the Way because the way I see it,  Justin and Hazy Golf embody leadership in our game. In his professional life, Justin teaches and coaches kids daily the importance of teamwork, hard work, respect, and a joy for the game. “You, not me.” he tells his players– a selfless mantra that drives his students and players to get better everyday. I know he brings that same humble and selfless spirit home to his family. Hazy Golf mirrors Justin’s authentic personality and steadfast commitment to being true to who he is. He was adamant on keeping all Hazy Golf Sticks sourced in the USA– a simple promise that speaks volumes to who he is and how Hazy Golf operates. Authentic, committed, and one of a kind.

Though Hazy Golf occupies a niche spot in the golf world, I believe it resembles something much far bigger. A brand committed to storytelling, handcrafting excellence, and growing the game responsibility. Cheers Justin, for building something truly special. 

If you want that final touch to your bag, a thoughtful gift or just need some extra style points, go check out Hazy Golf. 

Until next time, 

Dan Ferrier

Editor-in-Chief

The Hickory Locker