Makers Mark at the 19th Hole, The Ocean Course, Kiawah

This painting in my bourbon series features Makers Mark Kentucky Straight bourbon whisky, a Titleist logo golf ball from The Ocean Course on Kiawah, a custom made cherry putter by Louisville Golf, and a plate by Limoges of France.

In an interesting twist of fate, the artist, a Kentucky native, purchased the golf ball about 25 years ago during a round he played at The Ocean Course. Little did the artist know then that he would return to Kiawah in 2019 as a professional fine artist to be represented by the prestigious Wells Gallery in the Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island, SC.  The artist now resides in Seabrook, South Carolina, about 20 miles west of Beaufort, SC.

The custom made putter also owned by the artist, holds special memories as well. Louisville Golf made the putter out of cherry in 2003. Prior to focusing exclusively on his fine art career, the artist was a Certified Public Accountant for KPMG Peat Marwick in Louisville, KY until 1992 when he left to work for a health care company in a variety of senior leadership roles. Louisville Golf was a client of the firm and the artist during his time at the firm working as an Audit Manager.  

Elmore Just founded Louisville Golf in 1974. His brothers – Ron, Mike, Robert, and Gerard – joined him in the business and the Kentucky-based company quickly became a leader in the design and production of steel and graphite-shafted persimmon headed woods and custom wood putters.

A 1984 book by Elmore Just, called The Persimmon Story, details the company’s efforts to produce fine persimmon headed golf clubs. In the 1980s, such companies as Hogan, Wilson, Spalding, Tommy Armour, and Ram purchased their work. 

Still life scene uniquely created and painted from life by the artist, 

Michael Reibel  www.mreibelpaintings.com