It is the season to eat turkey.
And filling and pumpkin pie. It’s a lovely meal from sun to sunset. Throw in football and a good nap and what better day of the year than Thanksgiving? We don’t think so.
Thanksgiving is a traditional holiday, so we asked 10 PGA Tour professionals at the RSM Classic in Sea Island, Georgia what their favorite holiday traditions are and how they typically spend the day.
Most of them are preparing to head into town with turkey, dressing, a variety of pies, and fat pants all weekend, but we had a few runaways planning on smoking brisket.
Whatever your tradition, we wish you a festive day and a safe and happy Black Friday.
Matt Kuchar
Matt Kuchar with sons Carson, Cameron and wife Sybi at the Sony Open. Photo by Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
“At some point everyone at the table says two things for which they are grateful. It’s one of those simple, good things to do every year. I think it’s what Thanksgiving is supposed to be. I think that makes it a great vacation: being grateful, being grateful for some things. “
Scott Stallings
Scott Stallings meets his wife Jennifer and son Finn on the 18th hole after winning the 2016 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South.
“I was made for Thanksgiving. I may not take part as much as I used to, I still know all about it.
“I’m trying to change it. I’m trying to get beef for Thanksgiving. We make turkey and stuff, but I’m going to make some short ribs this year too and try to change it up a bit. I’ll likely be crucified for this – I think Thanksgiving food is a little overrated overall. That’s a strong statement. I think almost everything is a lot of fun, but there are a lot of other things I want to add to Thanksgiving that I think include the things my family enjoys. “
Bill Haas
Jay Haas and Bill Haas pose with the Presidents Cup trophy after their victory over the international team in South Korea in 2015. Photo by Chris Condon / PGA Tour
The story goes on
“My mom makes an incredible spread. It’s all really good, but the filling stands out as it’s the only time of the year that I eat it. My uncle, (former tour pro and later a rules officer) Dillard Pruitt, he usually does the turkeys. We used to have turkey games for all the kids and we went to my parents’ beach house a bit, but with the kids getting older it’s difficult to get everyone together. On Friday we go to my wife’s family and go to their farm, sit by the fire and watch college football and all. “
Zach Johnson
Zach Johnson tosses his ball into the gallery after pocketing his eagle putt on the 18th green in the second round of the RSM Classic. Photo by John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
“We currently have a Thanksgiving soccer game. My wife makes t-shirts and it’s kind of fun. I like the food even better. I am an eater. As a child, my mother’s first cousin always brought some crafts and we made Christmas decorations, and my mother’s uncle brought home-made ice cream. It was a great tradition. Looking back, I would like to go back to those days. My childhood was anything but rough. “
Sebastian Munoz
Sebastian Munoz poses with his caddy Matco Gomez and the trophy after winning the 2019 Sanderson Farms Championship. Photo by Sam Greenwood / Getty Images
“Since we’re from Colombia, we’re not really celebrating it, but this year I have a lot of my high school friends visiting because it’s our 10 year reunion and I invited them and organized a friends-giving.”
Talor Gooch
Talor Gooch celebrates winning the RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club with his wife Ally and their daughter Collins. Photo by John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
“Mother’s side they make these special buns, like these red buns, and I’ll eat like eight of them. You are my favorites. I also load desserts. Just the food and the football for me. “
Tyler McCumber
The RSM classic 2021
Tyler McCumber reacts after finishing his final round on a 60 at the RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club. Photo by John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
“It’s another excuse to get together and hang out. I think we’ll meet in St. Augustine. Usually we all cook, and it’s really not that different from any other night in the McCumber household. But I think we will get it this year. So that could be a new tradition. “
Brandt Snedeker
Brandt Snedeker with wife Mandy and son Austin in the Par 3 contest at the Masters 2019. Photo by Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
“I’m a great pen. I have to have homemade filling. This is the best. And you always notice that after I’ve eaten it because I look stuffed.
“The greatest thing for us is to get everyone under one roof. We’re going to have a big festival, hunt together, fish some, set up the rackets for 3-4 days and bring the kids together and drive them crazy. Everyone is busy these days and these times together are rare. “
Seamus power
Seamus power
Seamus Power holds the trophy after winning the Barbasol Championship in 2021. Photo by Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
“I love Thanksgiving. I didn’t really know much about going to the US, but one of my early memories was that I had friends in southeast Louisiana, some of my college teammates, we went to Louisiana, and I ate something I’d never heard of would have. it was turduckin.
“I’ve loved Thanksgiving ever since. It is great. Every time you bring family and friends together I think it will be a good thing. Life is pretty hectic these days and people kind of miss it, so I love that everyone can take a few days off and enjoy each other’s company.
“I have a cousin in Las Vegas and I would say he and his wife are the host and hostess of the year so hopefully you can help a little and yes, have a good time.”
Webb Simpson
Webb Simpson with son James and wife Dowd during par 3 competition at Augusta National. Photo from USA TODAY spots
“We go to Pinehurst for Thanksgiving every year. I have a house there and my mother will rent one near us.
“We always go on the big fox hunt. The dogs go out, ride horses and there are probably 300-400 people who get up early at 7:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, watch for an hour and when they go we go home and start cooking. “
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