GolfGrinders was founded in December 2023 by 3 U.S. Army veterans - Nate Hicks, Rick Dickson, and Lee Vampola.
Sitting at Southern Pines Golf Club after finishing a round they realized that they too often played alone. In Pinehurst, NC, the home of American golf, there is no shortage of golfers, they just needed a way to connect. GolfGrinders was born from this idea of connection with others and since then has expanded to over 300 golfers in 6 different states, with hundreds of rounds played, often with people meeting on the course for the very first time.
The mission of GolfGrinders remains the same as it did back then - never play alone. Through connections made in GolfGrinders, you’ll be able to post and join tee times, compete in exciting events, join us on golf trips to incredible courses, and make life-long friends.
Keep grinding!
Rick is an active-duty Army officer living in the Pinehurst area with his wife and their combined 6 children. His love for golf began at age 12, and he has continued to play avidly ever since. A graduate of Arizona State University, he is an avid Sun Devils fan as well as a Chicago Bears fan, and enjoys cooking, meeting new people, and helping connect others through the game of golf.
Lee served in the Army on active duty for over 18 years. An elite operator in Special Operations, Lee still made time to get out on the golf course with his friends as much as possible. Lee tragically passed away on February 15, 2024, at the age of 39. We continue the GolfGrinder mission that he started.
Nate is an active-duty Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army. He is married with 3 children. Nate is also an avid Chicago Bears and Ohio State Buckeye fan. He regularly golfs at Mid Pines, Southern Pines, and Pine Needles, among others in the area, and is the lead event coordinator for GolfGrinders.