VINTAGE TROUTS - Chris Flynn on What's In The Bag

We're deep into the school golf season here with our son and I thought it would be fun to dive into Chris Flynn's custom made MacKenzie Golf Bag with Vintage Trouts dancing trout logos on it.  It's neat to see "What's in the Bag" and I also like Chris's take on golf, which mirrors my own in a lot of ways. 

I've had my Retro Fly MacKenzie Golf Bag for a year now and I couldn't be happier with it.  It's fun to see what others in the fly fishing space are doing to make their own walking bag special.

Chris wrote...  "I started playing golf when I was three years old, swinging plastic clubs in the backyard or tagging along with my father to the driving range. By the time I was five, my grandfather had cut down a few old clubs to fit my size—a 7-iron, a wooden driver, and a putter. I loved playing with my dad. Whether we were fishing or golfing, those are the memories I hold closest.

I played golf through high school, though I never considered myself a great competitor. My handicap has floated between a 4 and an 8 for most of my life, but I’ve always wrestled with the yips, especially on the greens. By 2016, the putting had gotten so bad I gave up the game entirely. That’s when I discovered fly fishing. The clubs went into a corner, and I didn’t miss them.

But in the last couple of years, I’ve found my way back. I’ve started playing again—and to my surprise, I’m enjoying it more than ever. I think fishing gave me something golf never had: the acceptance that things might not go your way, and that’s okay. The missed putts and skunked days don’t sting as much now. What matters is being outside, breathing the air, and enjoying the walk. If I three-putt or lose a fish, it’s all part of the game."

We'll start with the custom waxed canvas golf bag with Vintage Trouts logos by MacKenzie.

Titleist Oil Hardened Persimmon Driver with a custom Fore Ewe headcover.

Titleist 913F 3-Wood

A set of Titleist AP2 712 irons from 4-Iron through Pitching Wedge.

Vokey SM6 Wedges in 52, 56, and 60 degrees.

Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport+ putter.

Green and white striped Bubba Whips hickory alignment sticks.

A stash of Titleist Pro V1x golf balls.

I found this vintage canvas shag bag on eBay last year.  It's great for keeping the inside of my bag in order.

Dimple & Divot Hickory Golf Brush.

Trader Joe's Protein Bars and a Nalgene water bottle since it's important to have a snack and stay hydrated on walks.

My lucky ball mark, a Hobo Coin.

This Pinehurst Bag Tag is always in or on my bag. It was by far my favorite round of golf with my Dad. 

When we were walking up 18, the caddie said something to us that I will never forget.  We had both hit the green and the caddie said "There's no better feeling than approaching the green with your putter in your hand, and walking next to your father".

Sharon Country Club Leather Scorecard Holder.  It was gifted to me at the age of 15 by a close family friend.

Made by Vintage Trouts Vintage Majors Patch Boat and Tote.  This is great for when you get the invite to the club.  It's a great conversation piece.

What's in your bag?  If you'd like to share, send an email to get the conversation started.

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