​Another Raymo Cup is in the books, and I’m happy to report that the tradition is still going strong. This was our 24th year of getting the guys together to golf, catch up, and just enjoy being family. Between my brothers Jim and Greg, our sons, the grandsons—including my grandson Zane—and a few brave in-laws and cousins once in a while, we usually have a pretty big crowd. We’ve had up to 14 guys out there before, but this year was one of our smallest groups. Turns out, trying to find a free summer weekend that works for three generations of Raymos is a full-time logistical nightmare!

​We take turns hosting every year so we can sample different golf courses across the state. Now, let’s be entirely honest here: none of us are on the PGA Tour. Only a handful of the guys actually golf regularly. The rest of us just share a mutual love for the sport—and an even greater love for a weekend away with the guys.

​Every single year we walk away with stories that get retold year after year. A few memories from this year that are going to stick with me:

• ​The Highway Hand-Delivery: My nephew Nicholas has a young neighbor girl in Worthington who made us custom, handmade bracelets that say Raymo Cup on them. Her mom actually drove her out to the golf course, spotted us playing alongside the highway, pulled over, and the little girl ran right up to Nicholas to give them to us! I thought that was just about the coolest thing ever.
• ​Eating Like Raymos: Saturday night is always our legendary steak feast. We hit up the local Hy-Vee for some top-tier steaks and salads, took them back to Nicholas’s place, and let him work his magic with the smoker and gas grill. We grilled them to perfection and ate exactly like Raymos do—which is to say, we ate way too much and loved every second of it.
• ​Heckled by the Gallery: On Sunday, it was great to see some of the Raymo women show up at hole 18 to cheer us on. They even brought the official Raymo Cup banner and flag! I was about 100 yards out from the green, took a beautiful swing, and watched my ball smack directly into a tree. My nieces and sister in law immediately started giggling and laughing. I had to look over and yell, “No laughing from the gallery!” Then more laughing! It was wonderful to have them there, even if they enjoyed my misfortune a little too much.
• ​The Prodigy: Getting to spend Sunday golfing 12 holes with my grandson Zane was a true highlight for me. I also discovered that while he’s still working on his swing, like grandpa is, the kid is an incredibly talented golf cart driver. I have been with some terrible golf cart drivers before and I complimented Zane on his driving. He also won two par 3 holes and hauled in some money for that.

​At almost 70 years old, I’ll admit it’s getting a little harder to keep pace with the young guys all weekend. My actual golf game was nothing to write home about, but when you’re out there with family, the final score doesn’t matter one bit.

​I’m already looking forward to next year in the Willmar/New London-Spicer area. Until then, I’ll be practicing how to avoid the trees!