Almost twenty years ago, we founded the Two Man Links Championship at Bandon Dunes. We haven't missed a year since, watching the resort go from rising star to the top golf destination in the United States.

Over the years, we've had many teams come back, some of them having played as many as 15 of the 18 events we've held. (We've never missed a year, even during the Great Recession.) I noticed some of them bring their sons a few years back, and the trend has grown so much that we've decided to add a father/son division. Think of it as a tournament within a tournament.



Every father/son team will still be eligible for the title of the division they play in, but simultaneously they will compete for gross and net father/son team awards. In addition, the low gross and net teams this year will have the chance to be the first names etched on a perpetual trophy named in honor of longtime players George Stevens Jr., and his son Michael.

The elder Stevens, son of legendary filmmaker George Stevens and a motion picture industry legend in his own right, was lured to Bandon Dunes by his son Michael to play the tournament in 2005. The team placed a very respectable 5th place that first year and were hooked. They found their stride several years later, picking up team titles in both 2008 (against our biggest net field ever of almost 20 teams) and 2010.

It's not surprising that the Stevens paired well together on the course; the two co-produced the Kennedy Center Honors for many years, earning them several Emmys. (Michael Stevens is also known for being associate producer of the critically-acclaimed 1998 war epic "The Thin Red Line.") The duo last paired at Bandon in 2013, shortly after Michael was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He passed away in 2015.

Long time tournament players will no doubt remember the Stevens. They genuinely loved the resort. The Stevens really participated in the tournament and its surrounding events -- I can't remember them ever missing a tournament dinner. They loved teaming up with their caddie, asking for the same one months in advance, year after year.

George, who is now 87 years old, when asked for permission, was sure that Michael would be pleased with the trophy being named in their honor.

"We loved our time with you and the others at Bandon Dunes," said Stevens. "It provided some of our richest father/son moments."

The same is true for some of the other father/son teams like Charles and Mason Mazzola, and Simon and Andrew Zacks. Both teams will return this year, along with first time player Lawson Wlodkowski, (who will be paired with the writer) a college freshman just discovering a love of golf after spending most of his high school years playing baseball.

The golf course is one of the best places to spend family time. And playing competitive golf at a world class resort like Bandon Dunes takes the bonding experience to another level entirely.

With six amazing courses (counting Sheep Ranch, which is set to open June 1) the resort has gone from a bucket list destination to a staple on the golf "buddy trip" calendar. All the while, Bandon Dunes and its founder Mike Keiser have given back to the game by hosting state, collegiate, USGA, and international team competitions (The Curtis Cup).

Somehow, Bandon Dunes has been able to crack all the top 100 lists, host top-drawer events, and attract golfers from around the world without taking on the elitist feel that keeps many people away from ever trying golf.

I could list all the things I love about Bandon Dunes, but beyond the world-class links golf it's the shared vibe of everyone there that really makes the place. From staff, to guests, it just seems like everyone is in it for the right reasons. It's a bit of a journey for many people to even get to Bandon Dunes, but once they arrive you can see that something about that journey makes them feel like they've won something before they ever put a peg in the ground.

HOW TO REGISTER

Register your team prior to December 31 to save $200 per player on the posted entry fees. Simply put down a $50 deposit for each player, and the balance will be billed to your card (with the $200 savings applied) just after the first of the year. Information and registration links can be found below.

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