A story about an airline losing golf clubs as golfers head overseas for the Open Championship is just as much a tradition as taking a picture crossing the Swilcan Bridge. But for one man, “Golf Twitter” came together to not only find his clubs but have them delivered.
The man in question is none other than Golf Channel contributor Shane Bacon, who on June 10th arrived in Scotland but reported to his 109K Twitter followers that unfortunately, his clubs did not. With golf booked during the “work trip” (no not jealous at all) it became a mad race to locate the lost gear and get it to St. Andrews.
A little PSA for those headed across the pond – SHIP THOSE CLUBS. Use @ShipSticks or someone that’ll get your clubs here without having to use the airlines. Hearing HORROR stories of people going weeks without seeing their clubs again. Mine didn’t make it last night. Ship ‘em.
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) July 10, 2022
With no clubs available for Shane’s first round at North Berwick that afternoon, it was back to Twitter in hopes of finding a set of left-handed clubs — lucky for Shane a set was found quickly.
If anyone has a set of left-handed clubs and lives near North Berwick, I will pay to use them for 18 holes. I will autograph any of your children if you’d like and take selfies with grandparents. Thanks.
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) July 10, 2022
The next day with hope in his heart, Shane returned to the Edinburgh airport bright and early in an attempt to find the lost clubs, but after some time spent searching, it was back to work at St Andrews empty-handed.
Update on lost clubs; went to the Edinburgh airport last night. There are golf bags now outside security with nobody guarding them. A nice club glove bag was unzipped and looked to have been picked from. Not great!
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) July 11, 2022
But with hope fading a sharp-eyed Twitter follower of Shane’s spotted a bag that — conveniently enough, had both his former podcast logo and name on the side. (You can also find Shane’s new podcast here: Get a Grip with Shane Bacon)
MY CLUBS! THERE THEY ARE!! WHERE IS THIS?!! https://t.co/hSnNlP9E6X
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) July 12, 2022
This is where the real action begins. With the clubs located in one of the baggage claim areas it became a game of “how do I get them to St. Andrews?”
If anyone is coming through the Edinburgh airport today/tonight on the way to St. Andrews and wouldn’t mind snagging my clubs I will pay upwards of (checks work contract) $200 for a safe return of this bag! Maybe $220. And I’ll give you a lot of tees. And a koozie. And a hug. pic.twitter.com/bNsfcuF6vn
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) July 12, 2022
With the momentum of the story on “Golf Twitter” reaching far and wide, it didn’t take long for one user Steff to reach out to Shane to let him know that they not only picked up his clubs but were headed in his direction!
I've got them. Picked up at arrivals at Edinburgh Airport a couple of hours ago. Have messaged you on insta – we are close to St Andrews
— Steff (@stffph) July 12, 2022
Now for the happy conclusion. Just two days after the clubs were lost, and only 4 hours after they were found and picked up at the airport – they were reunited with their rightful, and extremely happy owner. Now in case you were wondering about any reward for the good deed, apparently, after much bargaining Steff refused and Shane made a donation to a charity instead- how’s that for a win-win.
Since @stffph wouldn’t take any money for her troubles I asked her what charity was on her mind lately. She mentioned the Disasters Emergency Committee so I’ll be donating the “reward” money there.
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) July 12, 2022
Link below if you want to toss a pound or two their wayhttps://t.co/YaUaVZkwyE
We all know social media can be a bit overwhelming, but Shane’s story just goes to show that there are enough good people looking out for each other that when we come together, great things can happen.
