What People Are Saying
“Paul's writing has done more than cover golf in Tennessee—it has elevated it. His storytelling consistently shines a light on our courses, players, and programs in a way that grows appreciation for the game and strengthens golf’s place across the state.”
— Whit Turnbow, current President of the Tennessee Golf Foundation, accomplished amateur golfer and former men’s golf coach and athletic director at Middle Tennessee State University.“Paul Payne consistently produces high-quality articles, particularly those focused on golf and golf course design. His writing is well researched, informative, and presented in an educational style. His knowledge of the subject allows him to convey ideas with clarity making his articles both engaging and easy to read.”
— Rees Jones, legendary golf architect who has designed or renovated more than 300 golf courses in his career. Jones has earned the moniker “The Open Doctor” for his work in preparation for numerous major championships that includes seven U.S. Open venues, nine PGA Championship courses, six Ryder Cup and two Walker Cup sites as well as three Presidents Cup venues.“Paul has been a true breath of fresh air, bringing new life to the game of golf in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas, much like the old days. He writes not for financial gain, but purely for the love of the game and the way it brings people together. His contributions over the past few years have been tremendous and deeply appreciated by all of us at The Honors Course.”
— Henrik Simonsen, Director of Golf and COO at The Honors Course.“I have said for years the CBS Sunday Morning show should hire Paul! They always do such an amazing job of capturing the heartfelt moments of the story on air. No one does a better job of capturing it on paper better than Paul Payne. His stories are like watching a short film in your mind of the moment.”
— Kip Henley, 21-year veteran caddie on the PGA Tour, long time club professional in Tennessee who was a two-time Tennessee State Open champion and winner of Golf Channel’s “Big Break II.” “Paul Payne is a wonderful independent golf writer. I had the pleasure of working with him on a great piece on the great Betty ‘Sparky’ Probasco. Paul did a wonderful job capturing her spirit as a mother, wife and champion golfer for decades. I look forward to his new website to find more great stories that he has written.”
— Bob Ford, considered one of the preeminent club professionals in American golf having served at two of the most prestigious clubs in the country, Oakmont Country Club (1979 – 2016) and Seminole Golf Club (1999 – 2021). “I first met Paul a few weeks into my job as Head Men's Golf Coach when I started four years ago. It has evolved into more of a friendship than a working relationship largely in part by Paul's caring and genuine nature. You can always tell Paul's articles are a result of effort, professionalism, and emotion. He does a fantastic job reengaging with a younger generation that has moved away from reading articles digitally. That's why I think so many of his articles have been impactful to the golf community here in Chattanooga. I'm very thankful for the impact he has had on our athletic department, our golf program, and my family just through telling our stories.”
— Blaine Woodruff, current men’s head golf coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga who previously helped guide Pepperdine University to the NCAA golf championship while serving as an assistant coach.“Golf enthusiasts have their favorites in the media world—Dan Jenkins, Herbert Warren Wind, Jim Nantz—loved for their unique insight, storytelling, and their heartfelt dedication to the game and its people. Paul Payne is 'one of us' and his website will be one you will enjoy each and every time it’s published. Paul is no stranger as a guest and contributing writer to many of golf’s elite publications, and now we can all look forward to reading his regular stories on his own website.”
— Dick Horton, Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame inductee who led golf initiatives in Tennessee from 1973 to 2018. During these 45 years he served as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Section PGA and Tennessee Golf Association (1973-2007), as well as President of the Tennessee Golf Foundation (1990-2018).“It is refreshing in today’s times to be able to go to one source and get complete golf content. From results to human interest stories, and everything in between. I look forward to Paul’s website!”
— Tim Jackson, record-setting 27-time Tennessee Golf Association champion, Masters, U.S. Open and Walker Cup participant, and a member of the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame.