Father’s Clever Strategy to Play Golf Alone Without Son Noticing (Exclusive)
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Conor Havstad, a devoted father from Morgan Hill, Calif., has a shared passion for golf with his 3-year-old son, Theo. The toddler has been accompanying his father to the golf course for the past two years, equipped with his own set of left-handed clubs. However, despite their shared love for the game, there are instances when Conor wishes to have some solo time on the green.
Conor, aged 31, values the special moments spent bonding with Theo on the golf course. Still, to enjoy a round of golf alone or with friends without a tiny companion following him around, Conor devised a clever plan. To avoid Theo’s potential meltdowns when left behind, Conor began hiding his golf attire under regular clothing, pretending to head off to work instead of hitting the golf course.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Conor shared, “I know how much he loves the game, and he just wants to play along, but I have to keep working on my game so he doesn’t beat me one day.” Despite his deep affection for golf, Conor can only manage to play a full 18-hole round approximately twice a month due to his hectic schedule.
While he typically brings Theo along with him “99% of the time,” there are moments when Conor craves some solitary moments. That led him to come up with a small fib to secure some time for himself. The ingenious idea started during a trip to Nashville in May 2025 when Conor and his wife, Emma Havstad, had to find a creative way to sneak away for a game of golf without upsetting Theo.
During a particularly extended game, Emma and her mother had to retrieve Theo from the golf course, which left the little boy heartbroken and in tears at having to leave prematurely. Determined not to face a similar situation again, on their subsequent visit to the zoo, Conor and Emma concocted a plan to disguise their golf outing by leaving Theo out of the loop.
Before their Nashville trip, the Havstads had never felt the need to come up with elaborate cover stories for their golf outings since they both enjoy having Theo around. However, witnessing the success of their white lie, they decided to maintain the charade. Emma even shared a TikTok video of Conor layered in his work attire over a golf outfit, which quickly went viral, resonating with numerous parents who empathized with their predicament.
Acknowledging the challenges of parenting, Emma highlighted the importance of occasional solitude, saying, “Even when you feel guilty, remember you deserve it. We work hard raising our kids and we deserve to have some moments alone from time to time.” Conor echoed her sentiments, underlining the significance of indulging in hobbies that bring joy and relaxation, especially amidst the demands of parenting.
Conor’s unwavering support for Emma’s pursuits, including managing their family winery, EmmaLily, illuminates the couple’s mutual respect for each other’s interests. Emma, who is no stranger to the golf course herself, exemplifies the balancing act between family commitments and personal passions. She acknowledges Conor’s constant encouragement and assistance, emphasizing the importance of reciprocating support in their relationship.
Despite their familial love for golf, Emma playfully notes her competitive spirit, admitting, “I also golf — I do love to go along as well and beat my husband.” The dynamic between Conor, Emma, and Theo reflects a harmonious blend of shared experiences and individual pursuits, illustrating the essence of balance and mutual understanding in family life.
In navigating the intricacies of parenthood, Conor and Emma’s inventive solution serves as a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity required in managing familial dynamics. Their story resonates with countless parents striving to find moments of respite amid the responsibilities of raising children. The Havstads’ journey underscores the significance of nurturing individual interests while fostering familial bonds, creating a heartwarming tale of love, dedication, and ingenuity.