Golf Ambassador: Dallas Goedert
Playing in his sixth season for the reigning NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles, six-foot-five tight end Dallas Goedert has enjoyed success in the league and has learned to value his downtime. Part of making the most out of his leisure days now involves the SkyTrak simulator installation Goedert installed last year. He and his friends fine tune their swings and play competitive simulated rounds on some of their favorite courses. Now that football season is back in full swing, Goedert will undoubtedly be looking for ways to unwind between weeks of hard work on the gridiron.
We caught up with the NFL veteran and former South Dakota State standout recently to talk about his career, his passion for golf and what he loves about his SkyTrak simulator room:
At this stage in your football career, would you say you feel like a veteran who's comfortable in the league and like a mentor to younger players?
Going into my 6th year in the NFL, I’ve taken on more of a leadership role on the team and especially with the tight end room. During the incredible season we had last year, everyone in the tight end room clicked. We all have the same goal and want the best for each other. Grant Calcaterra and I are a part of the same agency, so it’s been great playing with him and seeing how he has developed.
Is there anything that compares to the excitement of playing in the Super Bowl? Could you name one thing that even comes close?
It was an honor to be able to play in the Super Bowl. It’s what you dream about growing up as a kid, playing in the backyard with your family and friends. It was a surreal experience that I will surely remember for the rest of my life. Looking forward to getting back there again this season.
How has getting that far, with high expectations, motivated you to spend this off season?
It has motivated me to work even harder. Thankfully I have an awesome offseason training team that I’ve worked with since the draft process. It’s been great to come back to a familiar environment but with even more of a desire to continue evolving my game.
Speaking of down time and the off-season, when you're using your simulator space, what's the greatest joy, thing you find most fun to do in that space?
After a long day of practice my favorite thing about my simulator space is being able to unplug and relax within the comfort of my home.
When you're home, how many days a week do you get to use the simulator?
At least once a week, Tuesdays are our off days so that’s when I’m able to hit the links. I’m a competitor so it’s fun to have some of the boys over and go head-to-head.
What's your philosophy, is your SkyTrak set up your place to play, your place to seriously work on your game, or a little bit of both?
It’s a little bit of both, I enjoy the various modes the help work on my game before I hit an actual golf course, however, I still enjoy messing around playing with my buddies.
What's it like when you have friends or family over to use the space? What's the scene like? Does it get loud and fun?
I’m a natural competitor, so it’s fun to have some of the boys over and go head-to-head. Sometimes it gets a little heated, but it’s all healthy competition.
What simulated golf courses do you enjoy playing the most on SkyTrak?
I train in Orange County during the offseason, so I’ve played Pelican Hill in-person. It’s cool to have it with me out in Philly.
How long have you been playing golf and who got you into the game?
I picked up the game of golf once I entered the league and started traveling more especially during the offseason. My teammates would play for fun and before I knew it, I got the itch too.
On what (real) golf course do you go play golf the most?
I play Pitman Golf Course which is a public course right by my in-season place.
Where was your last great golf trip or vacation?
I love playing Pelican Hill. I train with a lot of my friends and teammates in Southern California and it’s always fun to get together.
What golf destination is on your bucket list?
Augusta. Speaks for itself.
What is your golf handicap index and what is your best 18-hole score ever?
My golf handicap is 13.3. My best 18-hole score ever was a 77.
What was it like working with the Indoor Golf Shop to build out your sim space?
I can’t speak highly enough about the people over at the Indoor Golf Shop. They were very helpful spec’ing out my simulator room. Any questions I had about the process, they were very informative and easy to reach. The product is the best on the market and I’m super grateful for the opportunity to work with top experts in the golf space to help me improve my game.
If someone asks, what would you say to encourage them to consider working with The Indoor Golf Shop on a similar project?
I would say if you are going to set up a golf simulator in your home you’re going to want to do it the right way with the right people. Between the excellent customer service and wide variety of state-of-the-art simulators to choose from, there is no better one-stop shop then the Indoor Golf Shop.
If you could change anything about your sim space, what would it be?
Given that I have a lot of people come over and use the space with me, I would like to add more seating and maybe a couple of TVs to watch games while we play.
What's the most fun part about playing in the NFL?
The brotherhood. The memories you make with your teammates, coaches, and team staff. You spend so much time in the facility. Some of my favorite moments are those that are off the field and that I know I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
What's the most REWARDING part about playing in the NFL?
Winning and playing at the highest level. You grow up dreaming about playing on that stage in front of your friends and family who have supported you the whole way. It makes it even more worthwhile.
If you had it to do over again, would you try to be a pro golfer or a pro football player?
As much as I love golf, I have always grown up wanting to play in the NFL. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Maybe it’s in the cards post-retirement.
