Infectiously Energetic With Cody Hyatt
Cody Hyatt
Groundskeeper, Volcano Golf Course
Volcano, Hawaii
Q: At what age did you start playing golf and what drew you to the sport?
A: I started playing golf around age 12 but never took it seriously until about age 32. Always played for fun and never took score when I was younger but fundamentally took up the game much later because of parenting. Once my daughter was 5 years old, I was able to bring her to the course and get back into the game.
Q: What is one life lesson you have learned from the game?
A: Biggest life lesson I have learned is patience. The game isn’t a sport you can master right away but rather a long painful journey through the ups and downs. And that journey usually follows the same ups and downs of life just in golf form. Patience and joy are my main takeaways.
Q: Tell us about how you got your family into the sport and why do you like to play together as a family?
A: I got my family into the game right after my daughter turned 5. We entered her in the Drive Chip and Putt competition and she made it all the way to the semifinals in Scottsdale, Arizona. Had an amazing experience watching her compete and learn the same ups and downs that golf gives to everyone. My son is slowly working his way into the game as well but we don’t want to force it upon them. My wife, Kellie, and I have been golfing since we got together about 18 years ago. It’s the perfect blend of nature and competition in the family.
Q: Is there anything you notice about your kids (playing as a family) or learn from them while you play together?
A: Biggest lesson I have learned from watching my kids play is not to be too hard on myself when a bad shot comes about, when they hit a bad shot they don’t complain and just brush it off because it’s just golf. It is just golf could be that lesson as well. Watching them grow into their talent is a treat to watch as well
Q: When you’re not working or playing as a family, what do you like to do?
A: As a family we love to go to the beach and hikes in the national parks. Camping in all elevations is a must as well. I am an avid Lego collector and hope to one day help open a new/reuse Lego store in Hilo. We are big time movie watchers as well.
Q: Where is your favorite spot on the Big Island to enjoy all of its beauty?
A: A few of our places we love for the beauty are Mauna Loa road in the Koa wood forest section and another spot that we don’t get to as much as we like is Kalopa Park up the Hamakua coast. That area reminds us of the Pacific Northwest where Kellie and I grew up. The Volcano area is a very similar setting as well.
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