Welcome to the Buster Bowl

 

    It is August 4^th, 2026, which means the fifth annual Buster Bowl is just around the corner. What began as an 18-hole scramble between 12 washed up NAIA baseball players has quickly evolved into a 16-man Ryder Cup style event spread out across 4 days. Although it is still in its infancy, the Buster Bowl has already produced a multitude of core memories. No one, not even those who were too inebriated to say the alphabet forwards, will forget Brandon Bush blowing match-deciding putts on back-to-back days. Nor will we forget the time Eric Bradberry got on his hands and knees and begged the wait staff of The Dock at Bay View to serve him his pizza at a discounted rate (be sure to check out Brandon Bush’s one-star review). Alongside these memories, numerous players have produced historical performances, both good and bad. Despite numerous claims of him of being overrated, Eric Bradberry boasts the best individual record out of any player in the Buster Bowl: a perfect 7 wins and 0 losses. While others are without losses, such as Gabe Zeiger (3-0) and Bryan “The Stick” (1-0), it is hard to outdo Bradberry’s performance. Conversely, it is hard to compete with performances from Brandon Bush and Caleb Ryan. While the latter of the two has a better overall record (4-3 vs 0-5-2), both players are one bad round away from having their invitations to this prestigious event rescinded. Many have referred to Caleb as “an absolute liability on the golf course” (ouch) due to his complete incompetence with his driver. This statement was substantiated at a recent golf outing where Chandler McKinney, Jason Gross, and Dan Abbgy took ZERO drives from Caleb. Depending on who you ask, Caleb’s drives freed up the rest of the group. Regardless, Caleb will be spending more time at the driving range over the next two months than Dan Abbgy spends completing his pre-shot waggles.

Regarding Brandon Bush (alleged distant relative of George W.), it is hard to find a bigger headcase from the group. Bush was selected relatively early by Clayton Coatney in last year’s virtual draft with the expectations of being a mid-to-low 90s golfer. Instead, he forgot how to swing a golf club and shot a 120. The good news is Bush seems to have rediscovered his golf swing and has since set his 18-hole round line at 97.5 strokes (HAMMER THE OVER). However, don’t rule out the sudden onset of the yips. If that happens, be sure to bring your bib because it will get messy.

But enough of the past, let’s dive into this year’s Buster Bowl. Even though we are just over two months away from the first groups teeing off for their exhibition rounds on October 8th, the tension and buzz surrounding this event are palpable. Like your favorite bourbon, the Buster Bowl has gotten better as it ages. Indeed, this event continues to rapidly transform into an event of great extravagance with new wrinkles being added in attempts of outperforming the golf outing from years prior. One such change is the inclusion of an in-person draft. Taking place immediately following the exhibition rounds on October 8^th, this is sure to be described as “absolute cinema”. Friendships will be tested. Emotions will run high. Players will slide (Collin Young was drafted after Caleb Ryan last year). Fireworks will go off. And of course, drinks will be crushed. What better way to kick off the fifth annual Buster Bowl? It will be up the two captains, Dustin Debeau and Brandon Bush, to deliver a draft of epic proportions. Bring your popcorn, folks.

After the draft, teams will compete against one another across three days. While golf is the priority, competition will extend beyond the course. Look for plenty of events to take place at various venues, such as the Airbnb and the casino. While competition will surely be fierce, this group of guys will be sure to have a great time. Whether that is on the course, at the tables, in the sportsbook, or around the fireplace, vibes will be at an all-time high, and I cannot wait to partake. Until then, stay classy and be sure to thank someone for their service. Report back to the group on August 8th with who you thanked and how you thanked them.