Welcome to The World Unfolding

Welcome to Fairways & Mindfulness

This newsletter is all about the things I’m passionate about: golf course design, yoga, mindfulness, discovering cool coffee shops, travel, and more. It’s a mix of insights, stories, and reflections on how these pieces come together to create a more intentional, balanced life. If you’re into travel, sports, and living mindfully this is for you.

Golf, Family, and Staying Present in Carmel: A Weekend to Remember

This past weekend, I spent some quality time in Carmel, CA—a place that’s become a bit of a personal haven for me. Not just for its world-class golf courses, but also for its simplicity, beauty, and the slower pace of life that lets you appreciate every little moment.

My wife and I visited her aunt and uncle, staying with them for the weekend. As a bonus, my in-laws happened to be there too, which turned into a memorable family gathering.

Why San Francisco + Carmel is a Top 5 Golf Destination—Hands Down

If you’re a golfer, or even just a fan of great course design, you know this area is special. The San Francisco and Carmel golf scene, including the private courses, is easily top 5 in the world. The mix of accessibility, affordability, and remarkable architecture makes it a dream destination.

This trip started at Poppy Hills, playing through familiar fog and firm conditions. It’s a course that challenges you to think. Having played it before, I was reminded that the more you experience a course, the more you uncover its subtleties.

But the real standout was Pebble Beach. Walking the course—not playing—gave me a whole new appreciation. Here’s the trick: you don’t need to pay $550 and book a two-night stay. You can walk it for free, as long as you stay ahead of the golfers and stick to the cart paths.

What sets me apart from most is that I don’t need to play a course to evaluate its architecture. I believe you need to play a course 10 times to really understand it, but even walking Pebble without the pressure of a scorecard let me study the design. Pebble Beach could be a top 5 course globally with a proper restoration by someone like Gil Hanse.

As for Cypress Point, I tried to walk it, but no luck this time. Driving past a few holes was as close as I got. The architecture speaks for itself. Meanwhile, The Hay looked cool, but $75 to play felt a bit much, especially since I’m not a huge fan of the designer. The putting course was nice but didn’t match the scale of something like the Punchbowl at Bandon Dunes.

Golf As Mindfulness: Walking the Course, Not Playing It

Walking Pebble without my phone was one of the best decisions I made. Instead of trying to document the experience, I was fully present. I had a great conversation with a Pebble greenskeeper on hole 7 (the famous 1-shotter). We talked about how the green has shrunk over time, a small but fascinating detail.

This is why I love studying golf courses—it demands that I stay in the moment. You focus on the landscape, the contours, the way a green slopes. When you’re truly present, you catch the things most people overlook.

That mindfulness extended beyond the course. Hiking with my wife’s uncle and dad, walking around Carmel’s charming town, and grabbing coffee at local spots gave me time to slow down. We even ended the weekend with a handcar tour in Fort Ord State Park and caught the last few minutes of OSU vs. Oregon. No phones, no distractions, just time with family and nature.

Beyond Golf: Carmel's Charm and Being Present

Golf was a highlight of the trip, but it wasn’t everything. Carmel is full of great coffee shops, local restaurants, and scenic walks that make you want to unplug and be present. My wife and I explored the town and took in the simple beauty that Carmel offers.

Being off my phone during these moments made the experience richer. The conversations with family, the sights and sounds around town—it’s the kind of presence that feels increasingly rare these days. Carmel is more than just a golf destination; it’s a place where mindfulness comes naturally.

The Key Takeaway: Presence Makes Everything Better

This trip reminded me that the best experiences come when you’re fully engaged with what’s around you. Whether walking a legendary golf course or spending time with family, being present makes every moment more meaningful.

So if you ever find yourself in Carmel or San Francisco, take the time to explore the courses—play if you can, but even if you don’t, walking them is an experience in itself. And when you’re done, grab a coffee, take a walk, and enjoy the richness that comes from being fully present.

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