I recently had the opportunity to interview PGA Tour golfer Wyndham Clark, who shared insights about his career, his passion for whiskey, and an exciting sweepstakes that offers a lucky winner a chance to hit the golf course with him.

Clark and Blade and Bow Bourbon have teamed up for a unique sweepstakes, inviting one winner and three friends to join him for an 18-hole round at a premier golf destination in the U.S. This collaboration celebrates the long-standing tradition of enjoying a drink—often whiskey—after a round of golf, which has roots dating back to the game’s origins in Scotland.

During our conversation, Clark reflected on his career and his relationship with whiskey—a journey that began during a memorable fishing trip with friends in college, where enjoying whiskey became a bonding activity. Over time, he developed a keen appreciation for bourbon, developing a collection that he describes as a bit on the snobbier side.

The sweepstakes is set to run until June 15, 2025, culminating in a summer golf adventure. Clark emphasized the connection between golf and whiskey, highlighting how drinking bourbon post-round has been a part of golfing culture for ages. The winner can expect to learn from Clark, gain valuable swing insights, and hear stories that reveal his personality beyond the professional setting.

Clark reminisced about early lessons in his golfing career, such as a pivotal moment with a coach that taught him the importance of hitting a cut rather than a draw—a technique he’s since mastered. He noted that both golf and bourbon reward patience and precision, qualities he values in both his craft and his choice of drink.

Looking ahead, Clark is eager about the upcoming Major tournaments and is hopeful about making the Ryder Cup team. He also expressed a desire to engage more with fishing, a hobby that has taken a backseat to his busy golf schedule.

For those inspired by Clark’s journey and wanting a chance to connect with him on the golf course, the sweepstakes is a perfect opportunity. The details can be found at bladeandbowwhiskey.com/sweepstakes.

This unique connection between golf and whiskey highlights the camaraderie that the two traditions foster, making it a memorable experience for all involved.

Dolph Lundgren, known for his role as Ivan Drago in "Rocky," has ventured into the world of vodka production with his new brand, Hard Cut Vodka. The actor, who studied chemical engineering before his acting career, was spurred into this business after a date night with his fiancée, Emma Krokdal. While trying various vodkas in Santa Barbara, Lundgren found none to his liking, leading Krokdal to challenge him to create his own.

Lundgren took this to heart, deciding that the vodka market seemed less exciting compared to other spirits like tequila and whiskey. He and Krokdal focused on sourcing ingredients from Idaho, using local russet potatoes and water from the Rocky Mountains to achieve a distinct taste. Their efforts paid off, as Hard Cut Vodka won a Double Gold award at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, recognized for its smooth flavor complemented by bright notes of green apple and butterscotch.

Lundgren also emphasized the importance of American production, especially amidst ongoing trade challenges. He became an American citizen in 2024, sharing this journey with Krokdal, who is originally from Norway. He expressed pride in his new citizenship, noting that America has played a significant role in his life and career.

Reflecting on his career, Lundgren recalled the transformative moment of attending the premiere of "Rocky IV," where he felt an immediate rush of fame. While he navigated the complexities of celebrity life, he established lasting friendships, particularly with Sylvester Stallone, whom he has worked with for over 40 years.

Overall, Lundgren’s journey from a Swedish immigrant to an American citizen and entrepreneur exemplifies his deep connection to the United States, where he has built a successful career and now aims to contribute to its vibrancy through his vodka brand.

Whiskey and golf have a historical connection that dates back to the sport’s origins, with both often celebrated together at the "19th hole." This tradition has been embraced in a new way through a partnership between PGA Tour player Wyndham Clark and Blade and Bow Bourbon, which features a sweepstakes granting one winner and three friends the opportunity to play a round of golf with Clark at a premier U.S. golf location.

In a recent conversation, Clark shared insights about his career, his growing appreciation for whiskey, and the details of the sweepstakes. He recounted how his love for bourbon began during a fishing trip with friends, blending these experiences into a deep connection with whiskey.

The collaboration with Blade and Bow is particularly special for Clark, as he recognizes the long-standing relationship between whiskey and golf. The sweepstakes not only offers the chance to play golf with a professional but also enjoy great bourbon and hear authentic stories from the course. Clark emphasized the unique experiences that come from spending time with a Tour Pro outside of the competitive and media-driven golf environment.

Reflecting on his journey, Clark highlighted the significance of patience and precision in both golf and whiskey. He considers the time and dedication he invests in his golfing craft deserving of a drink that reflects the same level of quality. His favorite drink on the course, the “Kentucky Caddie” cocktail, showcases his fondness for Blade and Bow’s elevated bourbon.

Looking ahead, Clark is excited about the upcoming golf season and hopes to participate in the Ryder Cup in New York, aiming for success in major tournaments. He also expressed a desire to return to fishing, an activity he genuinely enjoys but has had little time for recently.

As Clark continues to grow as a golfer and individual, he hopes to impart valuable lessons to aspiring players—chiefly, that success is possible regardless of your environment and that having a greater impact can extend beyond just excelling in sports.

The sweepstakes runs until June 15, 2025, and to enter, participants must be at least 25 years old. More details can be found through the official sweepstakes site: bladeandbowwhiskey.com/sweepstakes.

The creator of the popular whiskey social media brand Brewzle, TJ Gamble, is embarking on a new venture by opening a distillery named Oak Bowery in Opelika. The Opelika City Council has approved tax abatements and exemptions for this project, allowing construction to commence.

Gamble, who has grown the Brewzle brand to over 1.5 million followers across various platforms, expressed his passion for Opelika, where he has lived for over a decade. He highlighted the town’s delightful mix of small-town charm and modern infrastructure as key reasons for choosing it as the location for his distillery.

The distillery will be situated at 1200 1st Ave., offering 4,500 square feet of production space and room for expansion, including a tasting room and barrel storage. The total investment for the Oak Bowery project exceeds $1.14 million, and it is expected to create around 20 jobs in its first four years.

Gamble’s vision for Oak Bowery aligns with Opelika’s vibrant culture and economic growth. Mayor Gary Fuller welcomed the project, emphasizing its potential to enhance local tourism and create jobs. City’s Economic Development Director John Sweatman noted that supporting this initiative through tax incentives was a straightforward decision, reflecting the kind of sustainable development they encourage in Opelika.

The distillery is scheduled to be completed by January 1, 2027. Gamble, originally from Tallapoosa County and an alumnus of Auburn University, previously founded an e-commerce agency focused on marketing for businesses. The Brewzle brand took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming from a personal TikTok account with 50,000 followers to a diverse community of whiskey aficionados across multiple platforms.

Gamble envisions Oak Bowery not just as a distillery but also as a central hub where the Brewzle community can gather and share their love for whiskey responsibly.

It’s officially Metallica week in Syracuse, as the legendary metal band is set to perform at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, April 19. With over 46,000 tickets already sold, the concert is shaping up to be one of the largest events ever held at this venue, which was formerly known as the Carrier Dome. A limited number of tickets, including newly released options, can be found on platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Vivid Seats.

Whether or not fans attend the concert, numerous activities are planned around Syracuse for Metallica enthusiasts. On Friday, April 18, the band’s new documentary, “Metallica Saved My Life,” will have its premiere at Regal Destiny USA with two showings at 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. While the first screening is sold out, some seats remain for the second showing.

Additionally, a Metallica pop-up shop will open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Westcott Theater, offering exclusive merchandise such as concert posters, event tees, a skateboard, and a special orange-and-blue splatter vinyl pressing of their latest album, “72 Seasons.” Fans can also participate in a contest for a chance to win prizes, including “Snake Pit” passes for the concert.

In conjunction with the festivities, master distiller Rob Dietrich will host a meet-and-greet at the TisMart Cigar Shop and Lounge on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., celebrating the band’s Blackened American Whiskey.

Moreover, the “Syracuse Takeover” event includes blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross on Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., where donors will receive a free Metallica shirt. An All Within My Hands volunteer opportunity is also scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Food Bank of Central New York.

This concert will mark Metallica’s first in Syracuse in nearly three decades and their first performance at the JMA Dome, making it a significant stop on their M72 world tour. The band, featuring members James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Robert Trujillo, and Kirk Hammett, is renowned for its substantial impact on the heavy metal genre and its extensive catalog, which includes iconic songs such as “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Master of Puppets.”