It's time once again for another Team Titleist member spotlight, and in our latest profile, we're proud to shine the light on Les Wdowik (Les W on the forums), an avid golfer and member of Team Titleist going back to 2011.
Les is also a longtime member of famed Medinah Country Club, in Medinah, Illinois, where he has been an integral part of several major golf tournaments, including the 1988 U.S. Senior Open, the 1990 U.S. Open, the 1999 and 2006 PGA Championships and the 2012 Ryder Cup.
We first met Les in the fall of 2014, when he took part in one of our first Team Titleist Invitationals. We held three regional Invitationals that year and Les was one of 24 players who joined us at the midwest get-together at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, IL. The success of those events, and the valuable feedback that Les and other TT members provided, has allowed us to grow the Invitational on a national scale. The Invitational is now a marquee event on the Team Titleist calendar and something we look forward to with great anticipation each year.
It's hard to believe, but the last time we saw Les at Cantigny Golf, he was excited at the prospect of putting new 915 metals in the bag. Let's find out what new Titleist gear he's gaming now and share a little more about a true gentleman in the TT community.
•••
How did you get started in golf?
My older cousin invited me to play when I was 18. From there I got hooked.
What's your best score and where did you shoot it?
Three-under par 32 for 9 holes at a course now called Makray Memorial in Barrington, IL.
Can you recall the best shot you've ever hit?
In 1987 I had four eagle 2s on four different courses - none before and none since.
What's the most special moment you've ever had on the golf course?
Also in 1987, winning my first tournament at my club. It was a member-member.
•••
Les (right) as Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III signs his Ryder Cup souvenir staff bag. Les keeps the bag in his exercise room, along with his back-up set of clubs.
You've served on numerous committees when Medinah Country Club has hosted major championships. Does any particular event stand out for you?
The 2012 Ryder Cup. I was elected to serve on a special committee that allowed me to walk inside the ropes. That's as good as it gets for a lover of this wonderful game. Being involved with the Ryder Cup, behind the ropes, has been the ultimate golf experience for me.
If you had to play one golf course every day for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
Peachtree Golf Club in Atlanta, GA. It's Bobby Jones all the way. In my opinion he was the GOAT.
How did you hear about Team Titleist? What are some of your favorite features of the community?
Through some great friends of mine. Most of these friends had great careers playing on college golf teams and competing in National and British Open and Amateur tournaments.
I enjoy keeping up with the latest technology and Team Titleist gives me advanced information on current and cutting-edge golf products, which provides me with an incredible golfing advantage.
I started buying Titleist products beginning with the 905 Driver and the 690 CB irons. I believe in changing equipment every year because of technology. Whenever Titleist introduces new metal woods, I upgrade. And then on the odd years, I upgrade to the latest Titleist irons. I get something new every year.
•••
What Titleist golf ball model do play and why?
Pro V1x. I custom order them with a number 14 play number (my membership number). I put a red dot on each side of the Titleist script and I mark the sidestamp in blue.
What's your favorite Titleist club in the bag?
Year in and year out, it always has been my Driver.
Have any on-course superstitions, rituals?
I always mark my ball with a Titleist marker.
Favorite golf book?
Ben Hogan's Five Lessons.
Favorite golf movie?
The Greatest Game Ever Played.
Favorite 19th hole meal?
What else? Burger and beer.
•••
WHAT’S IN LES WDOWIK’S BAG
Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1, custom play number 14
Driver: Titleist TS2 109.5° w/ Kuro Kage Black Dual Core 50 shaft, A-flex, B•2 SureFit hosel setting
Fairway: Titleist TS3 15° w/ Kuro Kage Black Dual Core 55 shaft, A-flex, A•3 SureFit hosel setting and TS3 18° w/ Kuro Kage Black Dual Core 55 shaft, A-flex, C•3 SureFit hosel setting
Hybrid: Titleist 816 H1 (21°) w/ Diamana Red 60 shaft, regular flex
Irons: Titleist 718 AP3 (4-W) w/ Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Red AMC shafts, A-flex
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM6 54.08 M-grind and 58.08 M-grind
Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Select Newport 2
•••
Thank you, Les!
#TeamTitleist