As Lifestyle Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’m always on the lookout for stories that transcend the fairways and really speak to the heart of what it means to live a life fueled by passion. We often hear about the well-trodden paths in golf – the junior circuits, college programs, the methodical ascent to professional play. And while I deeply admire that dedication, there’s something truly inspiring about those who dare to write their own rules, especially when it comes to their career.
That’s why Mike Koprowski’s journey into golf course architecture caught my eye. It’s a powerful reminder that life doesn’t always have to follow a linear trajectory, and sometimes, the most fulfilling detours lead to the most breathtaking destinations. His story isn’t just about building a golf course; it’s about building a life on your own terms, pursuing a dream, and finding joy in the pursuit.
From Boardroom to Broomsedge: Betting on Your Passion
Mike Koprowski’s background reads like a resume designed for stability and success in the corporate and public sectors: Notre Dame ROTC, Air Force intelligence, degrees from Duke and Harvard, and a career in public policy and education. By all accounts, he was on a clear, well-regarded path. Yet, quietly, in the back of his mind, a fascination with golf course architecture was brewing.
I’ve met so many golfers who, deep down, harbor a secret dream related to the game – whether it’s opening a golf-themed cafe, designing custom clubs, or even, like Mike, dreaming of shaping the land. The human element here is universal: that moment when a quiet fascination starts to whisper louder than the demands of a traditional career. For Mike, that whisper became a roar, leading him to pivot dramatically from the “Beltway stability” to an apprenticeship in the Sandhills.
“Though Koprowski played golf in high school, he never considered the game as a career. At the University of Notre Dame, he enrolled in ROTC and, after graduation, served as an Air Force intelligence officer overseas. He went on to stack degrees from Duke and Harvard and built a résumé in public policy and education. Golf architecture filled a quieter corner of his mind: a fascination, not a plan, and certainly not a way to make a living.”
This leap of faith – cold-emailing architect Kyle Franz, learning the craft “from the dirt up,” and then, extraordinarily, buying land to build his own course, Broomsedge – is a testament to the power of self-belief. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most incredible achievements come from embracing what feels “equal parts reckless and inevitable.”
The Real Rewards: Fulfillment Over Fortune (Mostly!)
Mike’s story highlights a profound truth I often discuss with golfers: the ultimate rewards are rarely purely financial. While building Broomsedge certainly required a significant investment and, as he admitted, led to “bleak” bank balances at times, the vision held. The “improbable achievement” of Broomsedge isn’t just a physical course; it’s a monument to his unwavering artistic and entrepreneurial spirit.
Now, with Broomsedge garnering “rave reviews” and opening doors to new opportunities like the Candyroot project, Mike finds himself in a rather delightful predicament.
“I have a really hard time knowing what I should charge, because I’m having so much fun, I’d probably do it for free,” he says.
Isn’t that the dream? To love what you do so much that the work itself is its own reward? This sentiment resonates deeply with me. It’s the kind of fulfillment that transcends job titles and salary numbers, making you pinch yourself because you get to live your passion every day.
Your Life, Your Course: Actionable Takeaways for Everyday Golfers
So, what can we, as everyday golfers and enthusiasts, take from Mike Koprowski’s remarkable journey? While most of us won’t be buying 197 acres to design our own course, the principles behind his success are incredibly powerful and entirely applicable to our own lives, both on and off the course:
- Cultivate Your “Quiet Fascination”: What intrigues you? What do you find yourself constantly thinking about, even if it feels unrelated to your current path? Whether it’s perfecting your short game, learning golf history, or exploring new wellness routines, let that curiosity guide you. It could be the seed of your next great adventure.
- Embrace the Learning Curve: Mike learned “from the dirt up.” Are you willing to be a beginner again? To get your hands dirty, figuratively speaking, to pursue what you love? Whether it’s trying a new swing philosophy, taking cooking classes, or learning a new skill, growth often happens outside our comfort zones.
- Bet on Yourself: There will be moments of doubt, financially or otherwise. Mike faced “bleak” bank balances. But he held onto his vision. What’s one small step you can take today to move closer to a personal goal, even if it feels a little “reckless”? Trust your instincts.
- Seek Mentorship (Even if it’s a Cold Email): Mike’s cold email to Kyle Franz was a pivotal moment. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire, whether for advice, collaboration, or simply to learn. The golf world, and life, is full of generous spirits.
- “Throw Caution to the Wind”: This is Koprowski’s disarmingly simple advice to aspiring architects, and it applies far beyond. Life isn’t a practice round; it’s the main event. What’s one thing you’ve been holding back from doing because of fear or uncertainty? Go for it!
As for advice to aspiring architects? It’s disarmingly simple. Read books on design. Travel to see as many great courses as you can. Study the ground. And then, he says, offering counsel that applies well beyond golf, “throw caution to the wind.”
Mike Koprowski’s story is a powerful testament to the idea that our passions, even those that start as quiet fascinations, can lead us down the most extraordinary and rewarding paths. It reminds us that life, much like a twilight golf round, is meant to be savored and played with intention. You only go around once, so why not make it a course of your own design?
