2025 Love of the Game Challenge Winner – Bobby Collins
Congratulations to our back-to-back winner, Bobby Collins, on completing the 2025 Love of the Game Challenge in just 20 days!
You can still participate in this 2025 Love of the Game Challenge and receive 2100 points when completed in 2025. Once you play all 21 courses email membership@foundersgolf.com.
How many courses have you played?
Back-to-Back Champion: Collins Completes ‘Love of the Game’ Challenge
21 Courses, 20 Days, 1 Champion: Collins Defends His Crown
Founders Group International, Myrtle Beach’s largest golf course ownership group, held its second annual “Love of the Game” challenge, and a familiar winner emerged.
For the second consecutive year, Bobby Collins was the first golfer to play all 21 FGI courses, beginning with a 36-hole day at Myrtle Beach National (King’s North/SouthCreek) and concluding with a round at Pine Lakes on January 21.
“I love the game, and it’s a challenge,” Collins said of his accomplishment.
This year’s challenge came with even greater obstacles, with the January weather being worse than anyone could recall, but cold temperatures were of little deterrence to Collins, who regularly braved frigid weather to play when he lived in the Northeast.
“I played some cold, windy days around 35 degrees when it felt like about 25 out there,” he said of the conditions, but never considered quitting. “When you’re by yourself, you can play fast, move along, and stay warm. I just wanted to get it done.”
Collins played 21 courses in just 20 days, as his schedule was compressed by a snowstorm that hit Myrtle Beach in late January. He played three 36-hole days to stay on track, with back-to-back rounds at Myrtlewood’s PineHills and Palmetto courses, and Aberdeen and Long Bay, in addition to his daily double at Myrtle Beach National.
While Collins cruised to victory in the contest – earning a free Honors Club membership for the year – he received a scare during his round on January 4 at Burning Ridge.
“A guy pulls up in an electric vehicle, carrying his bag, and tells the starter he’s trying to get three rounds in that day. I’m thinking, ‘Oh my God, there’s no way I can beat this guy,’” Collins said.
It wasn’t until later that he learned the man was Dan Liu, the owner of Founders Group International. “For 10 minutes, we just stood there talking about the courses, his vision, and upcoming renovations. He didn’t have a care in the world—it just felt good,” a relieved Collins recalled with a smile.
His best round of the challenge was a 90, and his handicap, which ranges from 18-20 depending on how he is playing, held steady. When asked about his favorite course, he didn’t hesitate: “TPC, without a doubt. It’s always in perfect condition, and I love playing there.”
With the “Love of the Game” challenge over, Collins plans to slow down, playing “only” two or three rounds a week. But will he go a three-peat in 2026?
“I don’t know. I said that last year—if the body holds up,” said Collins who has battled a bad back.
If 2025 is any indication, Collins will be hard to beat.