Competing in golf is tough enough. Add a camera crew, and the pressure multiplies. I recently had the chance to test myself at the Golf Digest Open, playing alongside YouTube sensation Remec Carlson—better known as the "CEO of Golf." Here are six key lessons I took away from the experience.
First, a bit of background. The Golf Digest Open is a series of eight two-person qualifiers held across the country. The top three teams in both gross and net divisions advance to a national championship, set for November at McLemore Resort. It's serious tournament golf, but the best-ball format offers a welcome safety net. Plus, participants get breakfast, lunch, and plenty of swag. For me, it was the perfect way to ease into competition while pursuing my year-long goal of improving through daily practice.
I had May 11 circled on my calendar for months—the date of the first 2026 qualifier at Dutchman's Pipe Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The exclusive Jack Nicklaus signature course delivered on every level. But the real highlight was learning I'd be paired with Remec Carlson. Known for his instructional content and massive following, the "CEO of Golf" brought a unique mindset to the course. Here's what I picked up from him.
1. Warm up with purpose, not perfection. While I focused on the practice green, Remec kept his warm-up simple. He didn't hit a ton of shots, but he used a variety of clubs. When I asked about his approach, he explained that tournament warm-ups are about getting your body ready—not grinding through a full practice session. The Palm Beach heat and humidity made that even more important.
2. Own your game. Remec's nickname isn't just for show. He approaches every shot with confidence and ownership. He doesn't blame conditions or bad breaks. Instead, he focuses on what he can control: his preparation, his mindset, and his next move. That's a lesson every golfer can apply, whether you're playing a casual round or a championship.
3. Embrace the pressure. With cameras rolling, it's easy to tighten up. But Remec treats the spotlight as part of the game. He stays present, trusts his routine, and doesn't let the moment get too big. That mental toughness is something I'm working to build into my own game.
4. Use the format to your advantage. Best-ball golf lets you take more risks. If your partner is in a good spot, you can go for a hero shot. Remec knows how to read the situation and adjust his strategy accordingly. It's a smart way to balance aggression with smart play.
5. Stay loose, but focused. Between shots, Remec keeps the energy light. He jokes, chats, and stays relaxed. But when it's time to hit, he locks in completely. That balance is key for maintaining stamina over 18 holes.
6. Learn from every round. After the round, Remec reviewed his shots—not to dwell on mistakes, but to understand what worked and what didn't. That reflective habit is something I'm adding to my routine. Every round is a chance to get better.
Competing—especially with a camera rolling—is tougher than it looks. But playing alongside someone like Remec Carlson showed me that the right mindset can make all the difference. Whether you're chasing a handicap goal or just trying to enjoy the game more, taking ownership of your approach is the first step.