Why Storm King?
My introduction to golf wasn’t through country clubs or competitive tournaments. It started quietly — at the corner of a small neighborhood course where I had bought a home. I’d sneak in holes during the last light of the evening or the first light of morning. The quiet, the challenge, and the feeling of walking away from the world for a few hours were something special.
Over the years, I enjoyed playing different courses, and what stayed with me wasn’t my score — it was the beauty of the walk, the architecture, and the people I played with. For us, Golf is about the experience, more than the competition.
Like many people, I stepped away from the game for a time — in my case, during the years I was part of building AOL. I returned to golf when we started Brightspot, and this time, I wasn’t alone.
Our son Matthew, born with Down Syndrome, had a smooth, joyful swing and a huge smile by the time he was eight. That year, he got to walk 18 holes with Tiger Woods at Sherwood Country Club in California during a pro-am. That day was magical for so many reasons — not the least of which was Tiger’s warmth, generosity, and the sense that he had welcomed Matthew not just for a moment, but into his world. They walked stride by stride together, often with Matthew picking the club to hit or making a putt.
That day sparked something greater. We began working to bring more Special Olympics athletes into pro-am events with the Tiger Woods Foundation — at Congressional, Riviera, Albany, and TPC Potomac. Eventually, that effort grew into 50+ spots in the Monday pro-am at the AT&T National in DC. We included First Tee junior golfers and wounded veterans. It became one of the earliest Unified Sports events in golf — pairing adaptive players with rising young players on the same tee sheet over the course of 4 days and two different golf courses, based at our home course, Creighton Farms in Aldie, VA.
Matthew Gang hits from the tee at Bayonne Golf Club, New Jersey
Over the past 15 years, Matthew and I have found something rare and lasting in this game — something beyond the swing. We’ve built friendships as we created inclusive experiences, and shared the game with people from every walk of life.
As maligned as golf and it’s country club culture can sometimes be, what we love about it is simple: when you step up to the first tee, everyone’s equal. From there, it’s the stories, the smiles, and the struggles that make it beautiful — whether you’re a professional, a kid with a dream, or someone navigating the world a little differently than most people.
Golf, at its best, is about joy, challenge, and belonging. One great shot. One difficult hole. Your best score. Most importantly, a lifetime of shared stories and friends.
Today's Storm King was born from that belief.
It’s a course built on architectural beauty, inclusive design, and the idea that golf should be for everyone — not just on a scorecard, but in spirit.
This is Golf Re-imagined™.
It’s our honor to share this, and we will do so through regular programming that includes adaptive golfers, youth, first responders, and veterans throughout the year.
