In 2006 the original BnL boys Joseph “Ricky” Marshall, Mike “Cuz” O’Meara, Tony “Freddy” Vaughn and Christopher “Chrissy” Graham took part in a 3-day golf outing over the Memorial Day weekend with eight other participants at the beautiful Savannah Lakes Golf Club at Clarks Hill Lake. The first golf-till-you-drop event kicked off with a moment of silence to honor a couple of dear friends (Dave Bainey), in the final stages of battling terminal cancer, and the other (Dave Dahlenburg – big man in blue-jeans photo and one of my dearest and closest friends) who had tragically taken his own life after losing a long battle with depression. The qualities these two brothers shared were an insatiable appetite for the game of golf, always greeting you with a handshake and a smile, being remembered as absolute gentlemen (most of the time on, but) always off the golf course, and always having time to ask “how ya doin?” It is these values that are the driving principles expected of BIG members to remain in good standing.

The weather could not have been scripted to be any better that year, and a great time was had by all. Much discussion was had regarding the Dave n Dave concept, and what a great idea it would be to make the time to do something like this every year. Simply, an annual outing with special friends, great food, exquisite cocktails, and golf from sunup to sundown. Plans were formulated and the infamous BIG Golf Outing came to fruition in 2007. Through the years via careful fostering, selective scrutinization, and internal vetting of invitees (newbies) to ensure they exhibited the values mentioned above before being invited back as members, the BIG slowly evolved into what it is today, the ultimate golf brotherhood!

Our unstated mission is simply this: take a break from the rigors of daily life, enjoy a long weekend of sharing-caring-togetherness with special friends, enjoy your passion for the game of golf, and most importantly, try to leave the bull sh*t at home please. It is under this pretense that we, the former BnL and current BIG charter members – Rickster-CUZ-TV-Crissy – welcome you to our BIG site. I am sure we will continue down the path of making many more fond memories than can be remembered…but just in case, I’ve created this website in an attempt to capture some key highlights of each annual gathering before they become fleeting memories!

Oh, and by the way, for those with inquiring minds that want to know, I believe Rick Marshall was -16 on his points in 2006 and would have won the inaugural $1 Dead President Game in the Toilet Award (if there had been one and I had not made this part up!). But know this, I’m sure if Rick had indeed finished last – in typical Marshall fashion, he would have earned that last place title with nothing but class, dignity, style…and a few Jack Daniels and cokes!

We are all very proud of what the BIG has become, so salute and cheers to all who have made it what it is. Welcome and please enjoy our site!