Interview with a Maker - Shawn Gillespie of Decks 2 Divots

When you look at social media, and it’s impact, both positively and negatively on society, it seems that depending on your age, a lot of what you get back relates to how much you put it in. As in, a lot of times, to get more out of your social media experience, you need to put a bit more in to social media. By that I mean, if you interact with the folks making the content, they often will interact back with you.

Liking a message is one way, but engaging in their content, asking or answering questions, and going beyond just consuming, gives the opportunity for interaction. Some people enjoy the interaction, some people troll. I’d like to think of myself as the former, and someone who enjoys asking questions to learn more.

When it comes to woodworking, rod building, fly tying, or honestly, any of the things I call hobbies, I’ll often watch something multiple times. When I happened to see Shawn’s account come across my feed, the colors in the wood in his projects, and the overlaid golf theme, caught my eye and I dove in to his feed on Instagram.

Before I knew it, we were exchanging messages about different projects, woodworking techniques, and different ways of doing the same things. We even realized we both had a passion for fly fishing and hockey.

I thought I’d try and use this platform to introduce you to Shawn, and talk a bit more about him and what he’s doing. Here’s a short interview he was kind enough to provide. Thanks Shawn!

Can you please introduce yourself? Shawn Gillespie. I run Decks 2 Divots, a brand based around one of a kind golf tools created from broken skateboards.

I know we both enjoy golfing with our wives, but how does the rest of the family feel about the game? I’ve gotten my youngest into it a little bit. She only lasts about six or seven holes before she is done. But she does have fun though. 

How long have you been playing golf? I started golfing when I was 4. I tried to play as much as I could between playing hockey and baseball. 

What got you get in to golf? My Papa got me into it when I was 4. He would always take me to his local club whenever he could. He taught me everything and I still think of him while out playing to this day. 

Not just golf, but I know you’re in to fly fishing and fly tying as well.  How often are you able to get out these days?  Not as much as I want to. I have two spring fed ponds in the back yard that are stocked with bass and perch. Always take a rod out when I collect golf balls and see what biting. 

How did you get in to fly fishing? My buddy Adam was into it back in the day and would go up to Pulaski, NY. He helped develop my interest. We’d also go chase small mouth and stripe bass off the shore in NJ. 

Where are you located, and what types of fly fishing do you like to do? Located in Pipersville, PA, about 45 minutes west of Philly. These days we do small ponds or when my buddy wants to take his boat out and hit the back bay of Jersey Shore. 

We met through Insta via your handle @Decks 2 Divots.  Tell me a bit about what you’re doing over there. I recycle skate decks into golf tools. Ball markers, divot tools, golf trophies, wood valet trays, tees and more. Recently, I’ve also started making putters and displays for tools and clubs. 

How did you get in to taking skateboards and turning them in to golf related items? Started 3 years ago for the golf league I’m in. Wanted to make some divot tools for the guys as an appreciation for letting me in. 

How much woodworking experience did you have prior to starting D2D? Not much at all and still learning every day. Have a great core of people I lean on that give me tips and advice. 

Any chance we’ll see a fly tying bench?  Have the pieces cut and need to get it done soon. Hoping (to have it done soon). 

What are your “standard” products? Ball markers,Divot tools, tees and displays. 

Where do you get your inspiration for new products? Mostly get asked to make custom pieces. From there I try to go off that for others and 1/1’s.

How often are you asked to make a new product?  Want to say at least once a week. 

How do you source your decks and raw materials? Have a local skateboard shop that donates the boards. Also have a few friends that skate and ship them to me. Regular wood I get from a local lumber mill that has them kiln dried. 

I see the putters coming out of your shop, tell me a bit about the process you’ve got to go through to make one of those?  They take some time for sure. I cut a few different colors from boards. Glue them up and shape them with a dremel and band saw. I add lead weight to get them to a standard 350-375 grams. Add some copper to the bottom and hand stamp them. 

What’s your workshop situation?  You’re in a garage like me, right? I have taken over an old part of a garage that was once a slaughter house to the old farm we live on. I ended up insulating it and even put pallets and flooring down to get me off the old concrete. 

Where can people buy your stuff?  Can always check instagram or a few pieces on my website that needs to be updated this winter. Decks2Divots.com

How can folks connect for custom work? Can always hit me up on Instagram or send me an email to Decks2Divots@gmail.com

Where do you see all this going in the long run?  Have any particular goals you’re shooting for? Would love to make more custom work for individuals and maybe even some golf courses. Always shooting for more fun projects that test my skills and learn how to make them better. 

A huge thanks to Shawn for taking the time to respond to my questions, and thanks for making it this far. Be sure to go check out his IG @decks_2_divots, and for sure go buy a tool, tray or marker!

Chit Show 6 - White Eagle Fesitivities

On the Wednesday before Chit Show, as everyone is traveling in from all over the world, finding a central meeting point can be a challenge. Do we wait to connect at the hotel? Or should we just get right to it, and get the golf going?

In what’s become a tradition, Mark Cabrera opened up his club, White Eagle in Naperville, IL, to all those that could attend. It’s a great 27 hole complex, that can be set up to be quite the challenge. The team at the club are always great, both those inside the club, and the grounds crew. Never not in tip top condition, and always a great place to play.

Last year I had the opportunity to join the crew with my camera instead of my clubs, and really enjoyed myself. So again this year, instead of losing a half dozen -ProV’s, I figured I’d cruise around in a cart and snap photos of all the degenerates I’ve come to love and appreciate.

A huge thanks to Mark and the White Eagle team for putting up with us, and all the things that happen along the way. It’s truly a great facility, and we feel blessed to have the chance to get out there.

Chit Show 5 - Morris Country Club

For a while they were my “internet friends”. After Chit Show 3, they were my “online golf buddies”. After Chit Show 4, they were the “Lamb guys”. With each Chit Show, and each year of texting and messaging, I can honestly say, this is a special group of men and women, with a bond that’s hard to describe.

For the last three years, it’s a date on the calendar that I wait for with great anticipation. Two or three days of fun, focused around golf and friendships. Folks travel from around the country to celebrate Tyson Lamb and Lamb Crafted, the brand he’s created. With a running chat group to keep many of us connected, though we may not get to see each other’s faces as often as we’d like, for these few special days, we’re all able to pick up right where we left off the last time we were together.

Kyle White started Chit Show back in 2018, and it’s since blossomed with the help of guys like Tim Eaker, Mark Cabrera, and others. This year, they turned the keys over to Lamb Crafted, to be run by Tana, Addason and Tyson. It was the first year that we had two full days of golf, and the first year I crashed at the hotel with everyone, and it didn’t disappoint. The midnight Taco Bell run that started by myself, and ended with seven guys piled in the car before we made it out of the drive thru lane, was something I’ll never forget. I can still picture the look on the cashiers face when the “walking” party suddenly had a ride - “Oh, so you’re the guy that picked them up...”

For Chit Show 5, we were lucky enough to have an entire club close down a course for us, Morris Country Club, and their sister club Nettle Creek. Nettle hosted us last year, so adding Morris this year was an added bonus. To have a club close access to it’s membership on our behalf is something special. Big thanks goes out to all the MCC members that helped make that happen - Kyle, Tim, Matt Painter, Beau Kuipers and any others I missed.

I planned to limit the number of photos I was going to take, and really focus on golf, but do find it hard to put down sometimes. Though distracting, I do enjoy snapping photos and finding new angles.

We had a couple of great days of golf, and some amazing weather. I lucked out and had some amazing partners in Brent Paske, Chandler Blake, and Rob Thompson. We battled hard, but I failed to carry my weight, and my approach game was embarrassing. Brent, Chandler and Rob, did all the heavy lifting, and got us close, but not quite close enough.

One of the highlights of the event was definitely when our Captain, Chandler, sunk a curling putt to win a new Bridgeport - stamped Steel Wool. I’m confident that it’ll patina ever some beautifully. And I won a nice little prize in the F Bomb, given away for longest drive. As the saying goes, every blind squirrel is bound to find a nut on occasion.

I’ll spare you all the daily play by play, and allow the photos to tell the story.

For those of you that haven’t taken in a Lamb event, I can’t recommend it enough. Just a few years ago I felt like there was no way this group would ever accept me, and that it was a clique only a few select folks could be a part of. Looking back a few years later, and I’m so glad to have put off the anxiety of meeting new people, and worrying I wouldn’t be accepted. This group is about the people, and we are truly family. To watch each other celebrate milestones in life, congratulate each other on small accomplishments, or even bust the balls of those of us without a Hole in One. These guys are the brothers I never had, and the fraternity I never knew I needed to belong to.

Tana, Addason, Tyson, Shelby, Kyle, Tim, and all the Morris CC staff - ya’ll rock, and I’m already getting pumped up for Chit Show 6. See you guys next year!

 

Chit Show 2022 Eve - "The Bird"

Some people are Christmas people.  Some people are Thanksgiving people.  And some people, well they like the day before the holidays.  There’s anticipation of the following days events.  It’s the time to prepare to ensure things go well.  And it’s normally the calm before the storm, when you can take a deep breath, knowing things are about to get nuts.  I’m that guy.

In the year’s I’ve been able to attend Chit Show, Mark Cabrera has generously offered to host us at his club, White Eagle CC, Wednesday afternoon, the day before all the events go down.  The Wednesday of Chit Show week I have always played 36, and arranged a few morning tee times at a club close to “The Bird” to give some of the folks traveling in some extra golf.  This year due to work, I wasn’t able to able to make either happen as a player.  Leading up, I was due to be in meetings all day, but a last second change, left my afternoon free, and a desire to play hooky.  

Mark was on board with me coming to hang out, and I thought I’d bring out the camera and do some shooting.

I had a blast jetting around the course and getting to hang with each of the groups.  Chatting, drinking and watching the merriment was a joy.  So many bonds have been formed over the years, and over the millions of FB messenger texts.  What these events have become is quite amazing, and always an abundance of fun.  

Thanks to Mark for hosting this group of degenerates, and I look forward to getting to play it again next year!  

Field Day Social - Persimmon 2 Man

I first heard about the event a little over a year ago. Just a couple of weeks before they held Classic Number Six actually.

A day of golf and festivities at Morris Country Club, celebrating the tools of golf that predate the 460cc behemoths common in today’s golf bags around the country - specifically the persimmon wood. Inspired by equipment, but developed and perfected by Patrick and the team over at Field Day Sporting Co., a day of persimmon drivers and woods and enjoying golf the way it used to be.

Unable to attend, I threw it on the bucket list and started checking eBay for a set of persimmon woods.

Jump forward twelve months and Matt Painter and I were ready to take on the world.

The festivities kicked off with an event at the shop, bringing together competitors and local buddies alike. It was a great opportunity to reconnect and spend some time with my buddies Beau and Matt and meet a bunch of new friends. It’s always fun to meet new folks over good beer and golf conversation. Stories flowed like the beer from the taps - recollections of courses we’ve all played, golf trip memories retold from different perspectives and highlights of previous Persimmon 2 Man events.

Being inside the Field Day Social, their brick and mortar store there in Morris, we were able to peruse the shop, do some shopping and wander with an adult beverage. I do love Patrick’s shop, and it rekindles memories of days running around Eaton’s Junior Gentlemen, a shop run by my Grandparents and then Uncle, back when I was a kid.

We drank and enjoyed each other’s company until closing time, and went our own ways to prepare for a day of golf and merriment.

That eBay habit paid off, and I landed a beautiful set of Titleist woods earlier this summer, original grips and all. I managed to sneak in a few range sessions and had been hitting them fairly well off the grass. I was feeling excited and confident with the possibilities.

With an afternoon tee time, we opted to sneak in a morning round at Nettle Creek, to help work on getting familiar with the Persimmons. Matt’s always got solid game, and we both played decent, leaving us excited for the afternoon round.

Matt played well all day and set us up for success. I on the other hand, didn’t play up to my handicap, but I truly had a blast. The low point of my day was an 18” putt, pushed and left short. I did hit some good shots, and we went down fighting. When the wheels come off, they definitely come off, and Matt did all he could to keep us in it. We finished 5th in our minds, but not really sure how was fared against the field. But I can honestly say, I think Matt and I took home the title for most laughs and best day had. We both went home with some prizes, hit some phenomenal shots and added some great memories.

To say I’m looking forward to the Persimmon 2 Man 8.0, is an understatement. Patrick, consider this my registration for 2023!








Field Day Social Visit

Whenever I hear someone locally is serving Pimento Cheese Sandwiches, it brings about a nervous excitement. It can normally only mean one thing - it’s Masters week.

I’ve always wanted to Augusta, Georgia, so when I can get a hint of Augusta without having to leave home, I’m more than willing to go out of my way. One such place happens to be down in Morris, IL, a quant town not too far from Chicago, that also happens to be the host for ChitShow 5, for those Lambers out there.

Patrick Keegan took his years of experience, with some of the top fashion and golf fashion brands in the world, and has brought to life a brand that combines style and comfort you can take to the course, the office, or a nice dinner. From Tux fittings to an in house barber by appointment, Patrick has quickly developed a place the community can not only come to look good, but with a tap and bar, also created a fun place the community can come together.

For the Masters this year, the team at Field Day Social, went all out. They worked with local catering company Nan’s Catering, to bring box lunches based on the concession stands in Augusta - Pimento Cheese sandwiches, Egg salad sandwiches, fruit cup, chips and a cookie. At the bar, local tappers of different brews, and the Azalea, the legendary Augusta National Clubhouse beverage.

The store looked amazing and was abuzz with people putting on Big Moss practice putting greens, rolling local putter company Bettinardi putters, and enjoying a great kick off to the weekend. With TV’s everywhere you turned, to the famous gnomes, sold only at the Masters, on different display tables, it was hard to mistake what was going on.

If you’re local and looking for a place to hang to watch the final round today, I’d definitely recommend dropping by. If you’re outside of the area, take a look at their webstore and buy yourself a t-shirt. You won’t be disappointed. Shopping local is always more fun, and places like Field Day Social, are perfect examples of what makes shopping within the community, so much fun.

Find Field Day Social online here: fielddaysportingco.com

I snapped a few pics while I was there, but can tell you, they don’t do the store justice. The place was jumping, and I didn’t want to get in the way, but hope you can get a feel for why the shop is so special.

Refilling the tank

It’s been on the calendar but weather and/or life got in the way.

Ya’ll talked about it, and almost confirmed it, but it’s just turned in to meeting for beers instead.

Flies have been tied, boxes filled, gear cleaned - and you end up watching fifteen year old fly fishing movies in standard definition.

I feel like this story plays out for the weekend fisherman, on the regular. We want to make it out, but priorities get in the way, or reality sets in that fishing in 6* weather just may not be THAT much fun.

When things break and we might have the chance to find a window and make the most of it, it’s hard not to ask the Mrs. for a day pass. I’m blessed she understands the need to get away and tickle our passions.

Here, Rob and I enjoyed an overly sunny day, up on a common spot up in the Driftless. We each hooked a few fish and enjoyed some time basking in the sun. Capped the day with a beer, Old Dutch potato chips, and some good conversation.

Overall, just an amazing time refilling the tank. It’s always great to see the valleys and vistas that make up the Driftless, taste the cheese curds and dried meats, and nab a box of donut from the Kwik Trip for the kiddos.

Hope ya’ll find the time to refill your tanks and get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Fly Fishing and Live Music @ Pollyanna Brewing

FUN EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Next Thursday night, February 24th, Phil Wingo from Sandhill Coffee and Stan from DuPage Fly Fishing Outfitters will be over at Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles, IL., sitting down with the boys from Remote. No Pressure. to discuss some of the more “forgotten” species of the Midwest. They’ll sprinkle in some live music and awesome brew. Head on out and give them your support!

For tickets and more information:

www.remotenopressure.com/products/fly-fishing-beer-and-live-music


From Remote. No Pressure. site:

Join us for a night of fly fishing, beer, and live music. Dupage Fly Fishing Outfitters' very own Austin Beaulieu will be talking about fishing the wetlands of the Midwest for snakehead, pike, and other often unappreciated species. Follow the night up with a live set from Jeff Troutman and the Parachute Adams Band. Ticket price includes on draft beer from Pollyanna.



Sugarloaf Social Club Rod Build

When it comes to rod building, normally my only customer is myself. I’ve made lots of rods and given them away, or traded favors, but never built with the idea of making a profit. Profit means expectations, and I find it’s easier to build when I only need to meet my expectations.

In hindsight, I’m not sure why I agreed to build Harrison a rod. But I’m glad I did - it was an incredibly fun project. He was the perfect customer - allowed me to build at my own speed, and he was happy to weigh in on build ideas. We had some great chats about anything from classic fly rods, to things like cork and rattan grips, cigar vs reverse wells, hook keepers and lots more.

Harrison wanted a fast action, fiberglass rod, suited to the smaller streams of Appalachia. The first rod that came mind was a rod similar to one I’ve been casting lately from Ben’s Rods over in Holland. I just completed building one of his 7’ 3wt rods and was really enjoying fishing it through the late fall and winter. Harrison loved the idea and we ordered one up. Ben was great in helping me source some additional rod components and got it all in the mail the next day. Unfortunately, this is where the waiting game started, and the US Customs office brought this project to a halt.

One month went by. Two months went by. As we were entering the end of the third month Ben kindly offered to refund my money for rod. We were out of options, and the rod seemed to be destined to be lost forever.

As I explained my issue to Zeb from Snowman Custom Rod Works, he told me he had designed a new taper for the exact fishing scenarios that Harrison encountered regularly. Zeb offered to include some custom ferrule rings, and it was a perfect match. It was a perfect solution to a problem we were powerless to solve. He shipped it quick, and our project was back on track.

For the color scheme, I was inspired by the custom Sugarloaf Social Club colors, with a garnet colored agate stripping guide, similar colored garnet thread with dark blue tips. We discussed other rod components we talked about ways we could combine golf and fly fishing within the rod, and the idea of adding the Sugarloaf Social Club BB&F ferrule to the rod came to life. We both thought it would be a fun way to dress up the rod.

I went through the normal, uneventful, build process. Wrapping and rewrapping each guide, trying to make sure they were as flawless as possible. A delicate process of consuming just the right number of IPA’s and watching NoLayingUp episodes and West Coast hockey games. Once done, I was able to add the script, and hit it with a few coats of epoxy.

It was a fun build that ended up being a much longer process than expected, but I am very happy with how the rod came out. The blank was amazingly responsive and I enjoyed lawn casting it. Zeb did a great job designing the blank and overall, I was confident Harrison would enjoy fishing it.

And wouldn’t you know it, the day I put the first wrap of thread on a guide, a huge package arrived on my doorstep, precisely the size of a new fly rod and travel tube. The package from Ben’s Rod’s finally made it’s way through customs, and showed up without warning. I sent Ben a note, repaid for the rod, and we both had a chuckle. It seems to have been destiny, that SSC #2 would be born. Another golf rod will be brought to life soon!

New Friends and New Waters

When I hear about folks looking to learn more about fly fishing, or fly tying, I’m always happy to help within my means. And as I lean more in to the golf world, I’ve been amazed at how many people find passion in both, or are just beginning their journey in one or the other sport.

I first connected with Harrison and Ian through social media. I happened to see Ian’s post about their journey in to chasing trout on the fly, and though I can’t recall exactly what led to the call, he looped in his buddy Harrison, and the three of us chatted about golf, fishing and life, and found we had tons in common. They were both excited to begin their journey, but Harrison really seemed to have been bitten by the fly fishing bug. At the end of the call, I asked for their address, and offered to send along a care package to help get them started.

I bounced out to the garage and knocked the dust off a couple of rods that weren’t being used as much as they should, and the next day I had a Lamiglass three weight, and a TFO four weight with some flies and tackle in the mail.

We started talking occasionally, and sending DM’s and shortly after receiving my care package, they asked if I’d build a couple of rods for them. Always open to a project, I was happy to accept. After sharing some ideas, I think we came up with an awesome build. (We’ll highlight the build in a later post.)

Being out East, Harrison has an amazing fishery at his fingertips, and plenty of places to go to experience different types of fishing. I’d fished the Appalachia area one time before, but not anything like what Harrison has access to within a few hours drive.

The more we talked, the more I wanted the chance to get out and spend some time, not only on the water with Harrison, but bouldering and pool hopping our way up mountain streams. As Harrison asked questions, and we did research on the different fisheries in his area, flies that historically produce fish and the best types of rods and gear to match, when he asked if I’d be interested in coming to visit, I jumped at the chance.

For someone who’d only been fishing on the fly for a couple of years, Harrison casted well, knew his flies, and knew his way around all the streams we fished. I brought out a full quiver of fiberglass rods, from 6’6” to 8’, three, four and five weights. We fished them all and had a blast.

Harrison brought me to five different streams. From high mountain streams flowing down from pool to pool of different sizes, to Driftless like spring creeks, blown out and running high. We bouldered our way up, finding wild brookies, hungry for a dry fly. And stripped streamers off the banks, through chocolate milk. Pretty sure Harrison out fished me two to one, but I’m confident I had just as much fun, or more, just enjoying the company and focusing on the sounds of the streams.

We found a variety of fish, catching both stocked and wild Rainbow and Brook Trout all day the first day, and found wild Brown Trout the following morning. It may not have been on the same day, but we definitely wrapped up the Virginia Trout Slam in a 24 hour period. Recognized or not, it was fun to land all three types of fish, three different ways - dry, nymph and streamer.

Moments before my camera went for it’s first and only swim. The last of the A7rii.

Off the water, we enjoyed good food, and I was finally able to learn what Ted Lasso was all about, as we binge watched Season One while slamming down some of the best fried chicken and mashed potatoes I’ve ever had. We hit up a couple of local breweries, even took a trip along the Blue Ridge Highway for some spectacular views.

Our conversation flowed, and I appreciated the insight he provided both personally and professionally. I enjoyed learning more about his background in politics, all kinds of golf and the golf industry, and how Sugarloaf Social Club came to life.

Harrison was an amazing host, even through my bouts of car sickness. I geeked out a bit at the small museum of SSC gear throughout his house. He was gracious in answering my questions and learning how far they’ve come, how much he and Ian and team have invested in to making it successful, was fun, especially as someone who’s got a growing collection. From sourcing to designing and development, it’s truly amazing what goes in to getting the gear in to your hands and in your golf bag.

The three days went fast, and seemed a blur. It’s a trip I’d take again in a heartbeat, and hope maybe he’ll consider a home/home series, where we add a trip to the Driftless, along with another trip to Appalachia, but only time will tell.