Armando Dawdy
Armando Dawdy was born on November 16, 1962 in Houston Texas. Armando Dawdy has been married to Francesca Avonda Dawdy since June 6, 2002. Together they have two sons, Liam and Connor. Armando graduated from the University of Houston in 1986. Armando Dawdy is currently a Wine Director at Brenner’s on the Bayou since August of 2009 to present. Armando was formally a general manager at the Pesce Restaurant, a Wine Director at Tony’s Restaurant and a Bar and Grill Manager at the Ritz-Carlton.
What is your hobby?
For the longest time my favorite hobby has been golf
How did you get started with this hobby?
I learned to play in my senior year of college with some of my college buddies, that was about 26 years ago and to this day I’m still hitting the course during my free time.
Tell us what you love about your hobby.
I love the challenges that it presents every day and that it’s like a new puzzle in the sense that you have good days and bad days. It’s kind of like life. Some days you’re the dog, and some days you’re the fire hydrant. Make the best out of the bad days.
What types of things/equipment have you spent money on for your hobby?
I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on irons, drivers, and bags. I also go on vacation, I think this is important. I go on vacation every year to the California peninsula called Pebble Beach, and I get to play one of the most exclusive courses in the United States called Cypress Point. It’s in Northern California. Pebble Beach is in Carmel, but it’s one of the most exclusive resorts anywhere in the United States. Tt’s a great golf destination and I’m so fortunate that I get to go once a year.
What are some of your favorite places to shop for your hobby?
The two main place that I like to shop a lot are Golf Galaxy and Edwin Watts. They both have a wide selection available, basically anything I need for my trips I can find.
How much money have you invested into this? How much would a beginner have to invest to get started?
I have invested more than $100,000 over the 25 years. But you could just invest that $100 to get a set of clubs to begin with, no reason to go overboard when your first starting.
Are there any good books for beginners?
Yes. So there’s one there called Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book. The author is Harvey Penick, and it’s just known as Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book, It’s a classic in playing golf. There are a few others I would recommend, this includes: Ben Hogan’s Seven Steps to Golf, and Jack Nicklaus’ Golf My Way.
Are there any online videos you recommend to help beginners?
There are so many on YouTube. Phil Mickelson has a channel that’s very popular that I like. And Bobby Jones is good as well, his videos are very educational.
How has your hobby changed your life?
It has introduced me to many fascinating people, and I’ve got to travel to many outstanding places. It’s allowed me solace in my life, something that I really enjoy, someplace that makes me very happy.
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
That golf is a very hard game and not to give up. Some days you have good days, and some days you have bad days. But a bad day on the golf course is much better than a good day at work.