We're kicking off a new series called, "WGT 19th Hole," focused on featuring the players, personalities and country clubs that make up the global WGT community.
IOBannon - They Call Him "The Streak"
According to IOBannon (aka Isaac O'Bannon), his morning ritual looks something like this: grab bite to eat, check work email, and play round of golf on WGT.
The Norman, Oklahoma-based website content editor and technology PR consultant is currently on a streak of more than 589 consecutive days played, and even though he says he loves the game, it hasn't always been easy to squeeze the rounds in.
"My job includes occasional travel to conferences and other events. So over the year and a half that I've been on this consecutive day streak, I've played on work trips to several states, including Texas, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, Florida and Illinois. I've also managed to keep playing while on vacations that took me through another half dozen states, a trip to Puerto Rico, and even on a Caribbean cruise." (He did note that on some of those days, he was only able to play and finish a closest-to-the-hole game, but that was enough to maintain the "consecutive days played" streak.)
A WGT player since June 2013, Isaac says he quickly advanced to higher tiers (now a Tour Legend) by playing frequently and joining a WGT Country Club that included a few people he knew in real life, as well as players from around the world.
"The friendly competitiveness of the game is exciting, and there's nothing like coming from behind to beat your buds. Joining a Country Club is a great way to learn valuable tips from players who've been on WGT for years. From putting skills and advice, to club selection and tournaments for only members of your club, they help make the game more of a community of friends."
Why is the Consecutive Days Played streak important to you?
IOBannon: It's partially about bragging rights and being able to tell people that I've played this game so many consecutive days, even while doing real-life things, like taking my fiancé on a cruise, or to visit my family on the other side of the country. It also helps my country club, since it lets me contribute 880 XP points to the club every day (plus bonus XP).
What are the most important tips you'd give new players?
IOBannon: Join a country club that is right for you. There are thousands of them, so if you don't like the first one you join, look around. You'll meet people from around the world who enjoy the game and can give you great tips. Also, whether you buy credits or earn them, use them wisely – WGT has some really great balls that offer good spin and more distance.
What would you tell new players NOT to do?
IOBannon: Don't quit a multi-player game (on purpose) by just closing the game on your computer or device. Wait until your turn and select forfeit from the menu. Just quitting abruptly is rude, because it makes the others wait a couple minutes to see if you're coming back. It also hurts your reliability ranking color when playing future games, and denies the other players of some XP points. Just keep playing through bad rounds. That's the meaning behind the name of our Country Club, Seeing it Through.
Any last words of advice?
IOBannon: Enjoy the game and all of the variations, from playing a solo game, a live multi-player round, one of the WGT stroke play tournaments or the tournaments in your Country Club. The more you play, the more you'll love WGT. Keep and eye on your average, and save.
If you want us to feature you or someone you know in a future "19th Hole" profile, send us an email at: players[at]wgt.com
COMMUNITY SHOUT-OUTS
Interested in sponsoring a WGT weekly or Monthly tournament? Just contact our Customer Support team at members[at]worldgolftour.com.
And be sure to check out our two clubs who are sponsoring this week: Bridgestone and Trophy Run.