The Landmand Golf Club in rural Nebraska has become the toughest place to book a tee time in the U.S., attracting golfers worldwide. Josh Gardner and Jared Stiver, two regular guys from Wyoming, got a rare opportunity to play this course in the inaugural The Heartbeat tournament. The course, carved out of the treeless Loess Hills, is nearly 600 acres, with fairways as wide as football fields and greens that can be four to six times larger than typical American greens. The challenge is further amplified by the course's location, with winds that can be so ferocious and unpredictable that they have two handicaps dedicated to them on the scorecard. Despite their initial awe and the difficulty of the course, Gardner and Stiver managed to finish in 19th place out of 52 teams. The experience was not just about the golf; it was also about the people they met, like owner Will Andersen, who was gracious and remembered their names. The duo presented Andersen with a spur with hearts cut into it made by renowned Sheridan craftsman Tom Balding and a copper shot glass from their hometown Mint Bar. The event was exceptional, and the experience was better than what they expected. However, they are now nursing the bruises to their golf egos and are certain their links version of PTSD will subside. They are enjoying their few minutes of golf-envy fame back home, but a torn rotator cuff has sidelined Gardner from playing every Wyoming course over the next few summers. They advise their golfing buddies to experience the course, as it's not about being a good golfer but about the experience itself.
