I met Tiger Hood on one of my many super-long hikes around Manhattan, during which I scoured the city for written messages hiding in plain sight. On this day, I discovered Tiger Hood posted beside his bike, selling his photography. My favorite shot, which I later bought, was a chicken eating a KFC bucket. It made me laugh. If you want to see it, shoot me a message.
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His love for photography, nurtured since childhood, revealed a desire to capture the essence of life around him, a photojournalist’s instinct in a man who found beauty in the everyday. But though I love his photographic eye, he is way more known for his interpretation of golf.
There’s something undeniably special about being cool with someone who carves their own path through life. Tiger Hood, the man who transformed New York City streets into his personal golf course, is just such a person. His journey to street golf began with a stroke of fate – a discarded golf club in a trash. Soon after, milk cartons became his signature balls, proving his ability to see opportunities where most wouldn’t.
His philosophy resonated deeply – a simple appreciation for the normalcy surrounding us and a keen awareness of one’s environment. It’s a reminder that joy can be found in the most unexpected places if only we open our eyes. This philosophy translated beautifully into his approach to street golf. Safety and respect were important, shaping his interactions with the community and the police. His “game” was clearly about more than just hitting makeshift balls; it was about building connections and encouraging a sense of shared space.
The most profound takeaway was this: Tiger Hood’s street golf isn’t just a sport; it’s an artistic expression, a vibrant reflection of the city itself. As I walked away from our conversation, the echo of his swing on the concrete lingered, a reminder to embrace the unconventional and find my unique way to play the game of life.
This short reflection on my conversation with Tiger Hood offers a glimpse of his story. However, for the full spectrum experience, try scrolling back up and listening to the entire conversation to unlock the complete story.
