Golf has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was fortunate to play competitively in college, and while my scorecard may not always look the same as it once did, the game continues to shape how I think—particularly about discipline, patience, and long-term outcomes. Many of the same traits that make someone a thoughtful golfer also translate directly into thoughtful planning.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to play some exceptional courses that have left a lasting impression.
Biltmore Forest Country Club stands out not only for its classic design but also for how it rewards strategic decision-making over brute strength. It’s a course that asks you to think your way around the property. A reminder that good outcomes often come from measured choices, not just power.
Teeth of the Dog offers a very different experience. Built along the rugged coastline of the Dominican Republic, it’s visually stunning and relentlessly challenging. Ocean winds and forced carries make every hole memorable. It’s the kind of course that demands respect for risk. Misjudge the conditions, and the penalty is immediate.
Laurel Valley Golf Club also holds a special place, steeped in tradition and championship history. Its rolling terrain and thoughtful routing show how timeless design can remain relevant across generations. When something is fundamentally well built, it tends to endure.
While I’ve been lucky to play remarkable courses, many remain firmly on my bucket list—Cypress Point Club, Royal Melbourne Golf Club, and Pine Valley Golf Club, to name a few. Each is revered not for exclusivity but for architectural excellence, balance, and purity of experience.
That distinction matters, and I often think about it in the context of investing.
In golf, a private club doesn’t automatically mean a better course. Some of the most enjoyable, well-designed rounds come from unexpected places.
Similarly, in investing, private investments* can be compelling, but they aren’t inherently superior just because they’re less accessible. What matters is structure, alignment, and long-term fundamentals, not the label.
Golf emphasizes patience, discipline, and understanding risk; qualities that apply to many long-term decisions.
Both require a long-term perspective, thoughtful decisions, and the ability to stay focused amid changing conditions.
Not necessarily. As with golf courses, quality, structure, and alignment often matter more than exclusivity alone.
Golf, like investing, rewards patience, humility, and preparation. You learn to respect the process, manage risk, and stay focused on the long game. Those lessons have stayed with me long after the fairways, and they continue to guide how I approach helping clients think through complex financial decisions.
With spring underway, and many golfers returning to the course, there’s something to be said for the rhythm of the game. Whether it’s an early-morning nine, a weekend round with friends, or a long-anticipated golf trip, it’s a chance to slow down, stay present, and appreciate the process.
If you ever find yourself thinking about the long game—on the course or beyond—it’s worth stepping back to ensure your decisions reflect what matters most to you.
Photos courtesy of Jordan Bilodeau, CFP ®
*Private investments (including private placements and other non-publicly traded offerings) involve significant risks and are not suitable for all investors. Such investments may be illiquid, have limited transferability, lack a public market, and may require a long-term commitment. Investors may lose all or a substantial portion of their investment. Private offerings often involve higher fees and expenses and may use leverage, which can increase volatility and losses. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any investment should be made only after reviewing the applicable offering documents and consulting with your tax and legal advisors.
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Jordan Bilodeau, CFP®, is a Partner and the Director of Planning & Strategy at Spaugh Dameron Tenny, where he leads firmwide planning initiatives and helps clients navigate complex financial decisions. With experience in portfolio design, tax strategies, and business succession planning, Jordan works with executives, physicians, dentists, and successful retirees to coordinate every aspect of their financial lives. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation and has a Master’s degree in Wealth and Trust Management, providing tailored guidance for clients.
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