Current Weather

Currently on MIX 106.5

MIX 106.5
Live Event

CURRENTLY ON KiX 100.3

You Should Probably Leave
Chris Stapleton

[EXCLUSIVE] Fifty days of golf in as many states; Idaho golfer pursues college dream at FarmLinks

SHARE NOW

FAYETTEVILLE, Ala. – Fifty golf courses in 50 states in 50 consecutive days at the age of 50. To many, this may sound like an unfathomable dream. But to one man, it is very much a reality.

Soren Jacobsen from Boise, Idaho, had a dream since his early college days to tour the country playing golf at the one of the top courses in every state in the nation. He admitted he never thought he would live it out.

Thirty years later, he is living that dream.

His journey started on April 21 on a course in Oregon. Since then, he traveled south through California and east making his way through the southern states. On Thursday, May 4, he stopped at his 13th course in small town Fayetteville to play FarmLinks, which is ranked seventh nationally by Golf Advisor.

The process of selecting which course to play is not as hard as one may think. Jacobsen said, like most, he used the internet to see how courses were rated and ranked and then made his final decision.

He said he was very impressed with the course at Pursell Farms. “It played just like it was rated online. This was a highly rated course, and I can see why after playing here today,” said Jacobsen.

Jacobsen said he made certain courses a priority. FarmLinks was one of those courses.

He loved the enthusiasm of the staff when he spoke to them about his trip and commended Pursell Farms for its overall hospitality.

Mark Fraser, general manger of Pursell Farms, was very excited about Jacobsen choosing FarmLinks course over the many great courses in the state of Alabama. “We are very honored to have him playing on our course today,” Fraser stated. “When he called and said he would like to consider FarmLinks, I told him he has to play FarmLinks because there is no better place to play in the state of Alabama. Our goal was to make him feel like family, and we feel like we accomplished that.”

On this journey, Jacobsen is joined by his wife, Melanie, who has given him her full support. “I’m just here for taking pictures,” she jokingly said. Melanie’s role on this trip far surpasses playing the role of photographer. She helped plan this trip which has been in the works for nearly two years. She is there for moral support, too.

FarmLinks/Pursell Farms, Sylacauga, Ala.

Most of the trip may seem like fun and games, but 50 straight days of golf can take a toll on the body, not to mention all of the travel.

Jacobsen said the only effects he feels from the trip so far is the lack of sleep. Many of his days consist of nine-to-ten hour car trips followed by a round of golf. He said he is playing with a torn meniscus in his right knee which he believes could become a problem in the future but has not been an issue so far.

The golfing enthusiast will end his tour on June 9. However, he has already dropped a mulligan. Due to inclement weather, he will have to play two courses in one day when he makes his way through the mid-west.

But how does a man get 50 consecutive days off from work to play golf? That’s every guy’s dream, right?

Jacobsen saved vacation days for multiple years to be able to go on this trip. In his blog, Fairways and Freeways, he writes his bosses with the State of Idaho, along with co-workers and family, support him 100%. After the trip ends, he plans to write two books about his journey — one for adults, and one for children.

The Jacobsens’ journey will continue tomorrow, May 5, in Florida before culminating in Hawaii. His trip to Hawaii will also serve as a “real” vacation where Soren and Melanie will be able to slow down and relax for several days after the last round of golf.

Jeremy Law for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2017, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.


Click here to e-mail the reporter.© 2016-2023, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC/RadioAlabama. All Rights Reserved. RadioAlabama’s network -- MIX 106.5 (& 98.3 HD2), WSGN, KiX 100.3 (& 1290 AM), 105.1 WRFS, KiX 96.3 (& 1050 AM), RadioAlabama Sports, and RA Digital -- along with SylacaugaNews.com reports local news around the clock and will keep you up-to-date during breaking news and weather. For real-time alerts from SylacaugaNews.com, text NEWS to 59925. Standard text message rates may apply. By signing up, you agree to receive ongoing text message alerts from RadioAlabama. Consent not required for purchase. Up to eight messages per month. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for help. Message & Data rates may apply. Terms and Conditions/Privacy Policy @ www.optspot.com/tnc.