David Holowchak shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi David, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately it’s been being able to actually be outside as it’s not always beautiful here in the northern Midwest so sunshine and water has been great.
Also playing a lot of golf always gives me joy; the never ending hunt to be better than the last time never gets old. There’s always something you could have done better or an approach you could have taken differently that keeps your mind occupied and focused.
Also watching my children grow up and becoming their own person is enjoyable. They’re funny and inquisitive and beautiful so it’s a really good time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dave, and I’m the founder of Golf Nomad, a small-batch golf brand rooted in exploration, storytelling, and the rituals that define the game. Golf Nomad is inspired by the rhythm of personality, early morning tee times, and the balance between personal clarity and competitive edge. It’s not just about gear—it’s about how we experience golf as a lifestyle.
What makes Golf Nomad unique is our focus on meaningful design. Whether we’re developing embroidery-friendly logos for Northern Michigan golf outings or visualizing zero torque putter heads that challenge convention, everything we create is deliberate, original, and grounded in respect for both tradition and innovation. Our brand draws from retro design aesthetics as well as modern aspects, symbolism, and even a little heavy metal flair at times—because golf doesn’t have to be beige.
We’re currently working on expanding our digital presence and product line, focusing on pieces that resonate with golfers who see the game as both an escape and a pursuit. Golf Nomad is for those who value precision, legacy, and the occasional renegade spirit on the fairway.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
That’s a beautifully introspective question, and I love how it invites reflection.
If I were to interpret it through the lens of Golf Nomad—or even just personal growth—it might be the part that believed we had to conform to the mainstream to be taken seriously. That version served a purpose: learning the rules, earning credibility, building a foundation. But now, it’s time to release it in favor of bold originality, unorthodox design, and the kind of storytelling that makes heads turn and souls nod.
If this is about you personally, I’d imagine it might be the over-responsible, always-strategizing part—essential for stability and legacy, but maybe ready to hand off the wheel so the creative explorer can drive for a bit.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of failure is probably the biggest setback for me personally, maybe for almost everyone, but especially when you relate it to trying something new or starting something that you basically have no clue if it will work. Being afraid to go against the grain or stand up as an individual, or create something that not everyone will like can really be frightening. But know that you’re not alone and that there are a lot of people who will encourage you, have your back, and support you along your journey can help to ease that fear.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
In the golf gear and branding space, a few persistent myths tend to echo louder than they should:
1. “Premium Price Means Peak Performance”
Many brands chase luxury pricing to signal quality, when the actual innovation or material difference is negligible. Often, it’s just well-crafted marketing, not well-crafted gear.
2. “Tradition Must Be Preserved at All Costs”
There’s a reverence for legacy in golf—but sometimes it stifles creativity. Brands avoid bold design or unconventional storytelling because they fear alienating purists, even when those purists are craving something fresh.
3. “Being Aspirational Means Being Unapproachable”
Instead of leaning into accessibility, some brands build elite façades to seem aspirational. But this often detaches them from the ritualistic and communal magic that makes golf meaningful for most people.
4. “Logos Need to Look a Certain Way to Feel ‘Golf’”
There’s an unspoken formula: script fonts, crossed clubs, heritage crests. It’s almost comical how safe and samey many designs are. Originality gets sacrificed for what’s market-tested.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Pretending I had more time. Change my mindset to take action today rather than tomorrow. Quit putting off maybe a new design or creating something that would leave a legacy or a mark on the world with my name on it so that it goes remembered after me. I think we get so caught up in a feeling of immortality that doesn’t actually exist, which is both scary and yet prods you to move, now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.golfnomad.net
- Instagram: @golfnomad
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/golfnomad
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/golfnomad
