A Cultural Odyssey through Marvelous Cuisine, Décor, and Hospitality

“The heart is cooking a pot of food for you. Be patient until it is cooked.”

– Rumi

I write with my heart as with my pen, motivated not by rewards but by the inspiration that stirs my soul. Sometimes, the ambiance of a restaurant or other surroundings can ignite my creativity and lead me to write from a deeper place. These everyday experiences can be transformative, and I am grateful for the opportunity to express myself and connect with others through my writing.

While exploring diverse culinary experiences, Hamilton, Ontario, did not disappoint us. Tucked away in this vibrant Canadian city is a hidden gem called Avesta, a Kurdish restaurant that captures the essence of Kurdish culture through its delectable cuisine and exquisite décor. With its warm ambiance, friendly staff, and unique decorative elements, Avesta promises an unforgettable dining experience that will transport you to the heart of Kurdistan.

At Avesta, the true star of the show is the extraordinary Kurdish cuisine. When you enter this charming restaurant, the aroma of rich spices and freshly baked bread envelops you, arousing your senses and setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. From traditional stews and hearty kebabs to mouthwatering mezes and freshly brewed Kurdish tea, Avesta offers an extensive menu catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

One of the stand-out dishes at Avesta is kebap, both beef and chicken. Avesta’s Kurdish-style pizza and great brown rice base add a unique taste to the table. Bursting with flavors of cumin, coriander, and other aromatic spices, the hearty dishes are a true delight for meat enthusiasts. For those seeking vegetarian options, dolma, a delicious Kurdish dish, is a must-try. With its harmonious blend of lentils, vegetables, and fragrant herbs, dolma showcases the vegetarian side of Kurdish cuisine.

The attention to detail in the décor is truly commendable. Tanbur and daphli are two astonishing musical instruments that are frequently used in traditional Kurdish music. The richness and diversity of Kurdish music go back thousands of years, which are clearly reflected through these musical instruments. The tanbur is a stringed instrument similar to a long-necked lute. It has a deep, soulful sound and is often made from mulberry or walnut wood. The daf is a frame drum popular in several countries and is often played alongside other percussion or string instruments. Now, these instruments are being used more as decorative pieces rather than a medium of sound. They are often found in restaurants, homes, and hotels for such purposes.

The use of tanbur and daphli as decoration pieces is a great way to preserve the traditional values and heritage of Kurdish culture. While the instruments themselves are already a great source of fascination and beauty, their decorative use adds an extra layer of elegance and wonder. Not only do they attract the attention of diners, but they also invoke a sense of respect and acknowledgment toward the centuries-old musical traditions and culture of Kurdish people. Their presence in fine-dining venues is almost symbolic of the rich culinary heritage of Kurdish cuisine as well, further adding to the overall ambiance of the place, giving diners a unique and immersive experience. Thus, the use of tanbur and daphli as decoration pieces adds a touch of cultural authenticity and traditional aesthetic to any given space.

The interior of Avesta is an enchanting fusion of rustic and contemporary elements that transports you to the heart of Kurdistan. The restaurant’s décor showcases an impressive collection of lanterns and woodwork, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a Kurdish village. The soft glow of the lanterns casts a warm and inviting light, while the wooden furnishings exude a sense of authenticity and tradition. A lantern and pieces of woodwork have been carefully chosen and placed to create a harmonious and visually stunning atmosphere. From the intricately pared wooden panels to the beautiful lantern adorning the walls, Avesta’s décor creates a captivating setting that enhances the overall dining experience.

Apart from the delectable cuisine and captivating décor, what truly sets Avesta apart is its exceptional staff. The moment you step through the door, you are greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. The staff at Avesta goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcome and comfortable.

The wait staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are more than happy to offer recommendations based on your preferences. They are attentive to your needs and strive to provide a memorable dining experience. Whether you have questions about the cuisine or simply want to engage in friendly conversation, the staff at Avesta are always ready to make you feel at home.

Avesta, the Kurdish restaurant nestled in the heart of Hamilton, Ontario, offers much more than just a culinary experience. It invites you on a cultural journey through its delightful dishes, captivating décor, and genuine hospitality. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to the vibrant streets of Kurdistan, where the aroma of flavorful spices and the warmth of Kurdish hospitality fill the air.

If you find yourself in Hamilton and are craving an extraordinary dining experience, Avesta is the place to be. Whether you are a food enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply someone seeking a memorable meal, Avesta promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving for more, so come and indulge in the rich flavors of Kurdish cuisine, immerse yourself in the captivating décor, and let the friendly staff at Avesta make your visit truly exceptional.

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Google

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Grammarly

Avesta

By

Ahsan Jamil

Golfer, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Author, Poet, Wanderer, Photographer, Rebel.

Email: Golfaij@gmail.com

Website: Golfaij.com

YouTube: Morning with Golf

The Dance of Petals: Embracing Cherry Blossoms’ Delicate Symphony

In the realm of nature’s delicate embrace,

Where spring whispers secrets with gentle grace,

A spectacle unfolds, ephemeral and grand,

The cherry blossom’s dance across the land.

Awakening from winter’s tranquil sleep,

The cherry blossom blooms, a treasure to keep,

Its branches adorned with petals pure,

Painting the world with beauty so sure.

Like fleeting dreams on a gentle breeze,

Cherry blossoms flutter, their essence to appease,

Delicate petals, porcelain and fine,

Carry tales of life’s transience, divine.

Underneath a sky of blushing hue,

Cherry blossoms breathe life anew,

Their pink cascades in a symphony grand,

As nature’s maestro orchestrates by hand.

With every delicate step upon the earth,

Cherry blossoms remind us of life’s worth,

For though their beauty may wane and fade,

In memories, their essence forever cascades.

So let us cherish this gift from above,

These blossoms of love, a symbol thereof,

For beauty lies not solely in what we see,

But in the emotions they stir within, so free.

In the realm of cherry blossoms’ grand design,

A poignant reminder of life’s fleeting line,

Let us dance with petals, embrace the sublime,

And find solace in nature’s ephemeral rhyme.

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Pinterest 

Google

ChatGPT

By

Ahsan Jamil 

Golfer, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Author, Poet, Wanderer, Photographer, Rebel. 

Email: Golfaij@gmail.com

Website: Golfaij.com

YouTube: Morning with Golf

Hometown Friends

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”

Rumi

Playing golf is always an entertaining and revitalizing way to spend time with friends. Recently, I had the pleasure of playing with my hometown buddies, Dr. Bhati came from Texas and Dr. Masood from Michigan, at the beautiful Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. It was a perfect day to hit the green with the sunshine and a light breeze.

The course itself was stunning, with its lush and vibrant green and challenging holes that required precision and patience. We played a round of nine holes with playful banter and friendly jabs thrown around. Our game was competitive and engaging, making every victory and loss that much sweeter.

As we had traveled from different cities to meet up at the course, our reunion was all the more special. We spent the day reminiscing and catching up on one another’s lives, filling in the gaps since the last time we gathered together.

As we progressed through the course, we realized how much we missed this game. Each swing of the club was a unique effort to get closer to the final goal – sinking the ball into the hole. However, the game of golf is not just about hitting the ball but the company you keep, and playing with friends adds more fun and enjoyment to it.

Our day wrapped up with a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, discussing our game, exchanging golf stories and sharing a lot of laughs too. It was a day well spent, with memories that will last a lifetime.

In conclusion, playing golf with your hometown buddies at an exquisite course like Glen Abbey is an incredible experience. It combines both sport and companionship, making it the perfect way to spend time together. If you are looking for a unique way to build lifetime bonds with friends in a beautiful natural setting, go ahead and plan the next golf session with your buddies.

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Glen Abbey Golf Club

Google

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By

Ahsan Jamil 

Golfer, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Author, Poet, Wanderer, Photographer, and Rebel. 

Email: Golfaij@gmail.com

Website: Golfaij.com

YouTube: Morning with Golf

Love

“Only from the heart can you touch the sky?”

Rumi

Love, the most beautiful feeling in the world, can make you do things you never could. It can make you feel like you are on top of the world like you have found the missing piece of yourself that you never knew existed.

Love can be many things – it can be comforting, it can be electrifying, it can be wild and passionate, and it can be soft and tender. Whatever form it takes, there is no denying that love is a force to be reckoned with.

Perhaps one of the most incredible things about love is the way it inspires us. It encourages us to be brave, take risks, and open ourselves to vulnerability. It can make us feel alive like nothing else can.

Don’t take my word for it; throughout history, poets and writers have tried to capture the essence of love in words. Here are a few of my favorite romantic quotes and references:

“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” – Aristotle

“In vain have I struggled? It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

“To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.” – Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights

With words like these, it’s clear that love is a powerful emotion that has inspired some of the most beautiful literature in the world.

When you’re in love, it’s easy to get swept away in the romance. You may find yourself daydreaming about your loved one, reliving happy memories, and planning for your future together. It’s a heady feeling that can bring enormous joy and fulfillment.

But love isn’t just about the happy moments – it’s also about navigating the more challenging times together. Whether you’re dealing with a disagreement, a setback, or a significant life change, love can help you weather the storm. It reminds you that you’re not alone in the world and have someone who has your back no matter what.

Ultimately, though, the most romantic thing about love is its ability to transform us. It makes us better people, compassionate, understanding, and forgiving. It brings out the best in us and helps us to see the world in a new way.

So whoever you are, wherever you are, if you’re lucky enough to have found love, cherish it. Treat it with care, and nurture it as if it were the most precious thing in the world. Because, in many ways, it is.

“Open your hands if you want to be held.”

Rumi

Credits

Google

AI Chat

Grammarly 

By

Ahsan Jamil 

Golfer, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Author, Poet, Wanderer, Photographer, Rebel. 

Email: Golfaij@gmail.com

Website: Golfaij.com

YouTube: Morning with Golf

Chip Shot

Patience is not sitting and waiting, it is foreseeing. It is looking at the thorn and seeing rose, looking at the nightand seeing the day. Lovers are patient and know that the moon needs time to become full.

Shams Tabrisi

Golf is a sport that requires precision, accuracy, and a whole lot of patience. One of the most important shots in golf is the chip shot, which is used to get the ball close to the hole when you are near the green. A chip shot is a short shot that is played with a lofted club, such as a wedge or a 9-iron. In this blog, we will discuss the basics of playing a chip shot in golf.

The first step in playing a chip shot is to select the right club. The most commonly used clubs for chip shots are the sand wedge, pitching wedge, and 9-iron. It’s important to choose a club that will allow you to get the ball in the air and land it softly on the green.

Once you have selected the right club, the next step is to set up your stance. Position your feet close together and slightly open to the target. The ball should be positioned in the middle of your stance, and your weight should be shifted slightly towards your front foot.

When addressing the ball, your hands should be slightly ahead of the ball, which will help you to create a descending strike. This is important because it will allow you to get the ball in the air and land it softly on the green.

When you are ready to take your shot, use a short backswing and a firm but controlled forward swing. Remember to keep your hands ahead of the ball throughout the swing, and to keep your wrists firm. This will help you to create a clean strike and get the ball in the air.

As you swing through the ball, focus on making a smooth and controlled motion. Avoid hitting the ball too hard or too soft, as this can cause the ball to either fly too far or not far enough.

Once you have made contact with the ball, follow through with your swing and hold your finish. This will help you to maintain your balance and ensure that you have hit the ball cleanly.

When playing a chip shot, it’s important to keep in mind the slope and conditions of the green. If the green is sloping away from you, you will need to hit the ball harder and allow it to roll towards the hole. If the green is sloping towards you, you will need to hit the ball softer and allow it to come to a stop quickly.

In addition, you should also consider the condition of the grass. If the grass is wet or thick, you may need to hit the ball harder to get it through the grass and onto the green.

In conclusion, playing a chip shot in golf requires skill, precision, and practice. By selecting the right club, setting up your stance correctly, and focusing on a smooth and controlled swing, you can master this important shot and improve your overall game. Remember to take into account the slope and conditions of the green, and to keep practicing until you feel confident in your ability to make a clean and accurate chip shot.

“You are a chip shot away from everything you’ve ever wanted.”

Robert G.Allen

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This blog was mostly written by AI.

Presented & Decorated by

Ahsan Jamil 

Images: Ahsan Jamil 

Golfer, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Author, Poet, Wanderer, Photographer, Rebel. 

Email: Golfaij@gmail.com

Website: Golfaij.com

YouTube: Morning with Golf

Hope

“As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears.”

— Rumi

Very often, people give up just a few turns short of the destination, although they have already covered the more complex parts of the journey. That’s called quitting. As Vince Lombardi put it,

“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.”

Walking on the fairway, there will come times when continuing seems impossible. Some days, or I should say some rounds, begin with shank and never return to the ranks.

We struggle every step of the way to no avail.

I have seen golfers yelling at themselves, throw their clubs, vowing to stop golfing, etc. in dire frustration. Some don’t return to the course; others work harder on the next short. Some leave it for the next day.

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On some days, we play so well. The same person who was frustrated the day before begins to brag about his skill. A long putt can change the entire scenario. One small sign or one bit of performance can restore the real golfer within the frustrated one. So it goes with life. In deep despair, one inspiring sentence or instance can turn the tables around. Most importantly, we should remain in the game and never leave the arena.

Consistency and continuity always breed chances. All you have to accomplish is to be there when it occurs.

What keeps us going? Hope. Hope is the only thing that bridges most gaps. It traverses most rivers. It makes us climb mountains. Hope makes you work hard and hard work is the door to success.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

— Walt Disney

By

Ahsan Jamil 

Golfer, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Author, Poet, Wanderer, Photographer, Rebel. 

Email: Golfaij@gmail.com

Website: Golfaij.com

YouTube: Morning with Golf

Surfing

“There is no need to control your mind. Your mind needs liberation.”

Sadhguru

Surfing through Facebook today, I came across this photo by Shahzeb Photography.

It reminded me of a song by Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven.

“And as we wind on down the road

Our shadows taller than our soul

There walks a lady we all know

Who shines white light and wants to show

How everything still turns to gold

And if you listen very hard

The tune will come to you at last

When all are one and one is all

To be a rock and not to roll.

And she is buying a stairway to heaven.”

Led Zeppelin 

It is all a reflection of the photographer’s fantasy and the poet’s imagination, and a rather beautiful one.

I am myself a daydreamer. I like to fantasize. Of course, many a time imagination is much prettier than reality. Especially in golf. An anticipated golf shot is always better than the one in execution.

The other day, while driving on a scenic road, I asked my son why his generation was glued to their phones. Why were they ignoring the beautiful landscape out there?

He answered, “We are surfing through the same area on the ’Net. It’s more informative and pretty online.”

I realized that it is not just kids who rely more on the ’Net. We grown-ups also depend heavily on the Internet in our offices and spend a considerable time on social media at home.Online surfing has become an integral part of our day.

Wow! What can I say? I wonder what the actual surfing on the tide is like. I know nothing about it.

It was amazing to read about it. Had my age and health supported me, I would definitely have adopted it as a sport.

“Surfing feels good. There’s no denying that. Time slows down when you’re riding a wave, you don’t really think about anything and the rest of the world just vanishes. You are in awe. You are in the flow.”

Antonio Lennert

They say it is a game of hormones and enzymes in the brain. Catching a wave itself is a great thrill and riding one must be something else.

While researching on surfing, I came across the subjects of physics, chemistry, karma, fantasy, nirvana, and the phrases, “Only a surfer knows the feeling” and “There’s no greater high.”

It’s amazing to read and watch surfing 🏄‍♀️ on TV.

Surfing is not new to human beings, although our surfing on tides, our voyager surfing in space, and online wandering are quite recent. Human beings have been surfing since the beginning of time. Our ancestors were surfing across flora to select the edible. They were running around the fauna to fear and tame them. Their surfing through the weather made them develop clothing and dwelling. The evolution and revolution all came through surfing. Only the nature of surfing changed.

“Humans think in stories, and we try to make sense of the world by telling stories.”

Yuval Noah Harari

Of course, the imaginary world is prettier. As Yvonne Evans’s tweet on Twitter repeats a quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau,

“The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.”

Going through life itself is one kind of surfing, perhaps so will be dying.

Let’s keep on surfing through anything we can to achieve peace, prosperity, and protection around the globe. Let’s learn how to surf together.

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Google 

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Antonio Lennert

Twitter 

Images:

 Pinterest

Twitter

Shahzad photography

By

Ahsan Jamil 

Golfer, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Author, Poet, Wanderer, Photographer, Rebel. 

Email: Golfaij@gmail.com

Website: Golfaij.com

YouTube: Morning with Golf

Wandering in Wayne

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

J. R. R. Tolkien

Wind gusts were blowing at 26 mph. The temperature was 41°F. It was partly cloudy. The sun played hide and seek. There were no placards on the tee boxes. Nothing was clear, neither the weather nor the path. We had to guess everything.

I was playing at the Preakness Valley Golf Course for the first time. It had two 18-hole golf courses: the East course and the West course. The west course was closed for the winter.

Course conditions were good apart from the missing placards. If you are a regular winter golf player on the East Coast, you can move around the course without signs. Yet no golf course is ever without the specific character of “Golf Path Only.”

I was wondering whether playing without the signs and the placards was like living without literacy. I realized how difficult it is for an illiterate to move around the world today.

Computer-driven life and chip-led days operate almost automatically. Today most of us are leading our lives on a digital and binary basis. And thanks to Golfshot, we are guided through signless courses.

On my trip to China, I had feelings of being illiterate. Most of your education evaporates once you are among people who speak a different language.

When we don’t know how to express our feelings in their language, our feelings become meaningless to them. A word in an unknown language is nothing more than a tongue twist or a mark of designer ink. Only dictionaries help, and Google is the best one.

Language is one of the most important skills that humans have developed after the knowledge of edibles.

Language alone is not enough – the content of what you say is what matters the most. A lie is a lie in any language but the truth needs no translation. Sometimes the truth can be conveyed without uttering a word.

“Not the ones speaking the same language, but the ones sharing the same feeling understand each other.”

Rumi

Golf has its own language which is very codified. Since you are playing this game against yourself, whenever you lie or cheat in this game, you do it against your own self. As a matter of fact, whenever we think we are cheating others, we are basically cheating ourselves. Honesty is the best policy both in golf and in life.

Credits

Google

Preakness Golf Club 

Images

Scott Miller

By

Ahsan Jamil 

Golfer, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Author, Poet, Wanderer, Photographer, Rebel. 

Email: Golfaij@gmail.com

Website: Golfaij.com

YouTube: Morning with Golf

Health is wealth

It was a great get-together at his house that evening. All his family and close friends were attending this party. Everyone was enjoying Kamran’s company. He was a dashing performer and amazing conversationalist. His entire family were around him. He was sharply dressed, and his hair was shimmering in gel. He was the center of attention.

Kamran had been a brilliant student, created an exemplary start-up. Now he was a big story himself in his trade.

He was then married to a fairy-like girl. They were the most enviable couple in town. They had adorable kids. They were living in a manor in a very expensive neighborhood. They drove dream cars and lived a life of luxury. Kamran was a busy man at the office and a fulfilled person at home.

The party was in full swing when butlers announced dinner. Wow! What an amazing arrangement. You name it, they have it on the table.

While the people were feasting, Kamran sat in a corner with some salad on his plate.

They were so involved in their dinner that no one paid any attention to Kamran and his plate. I quickly grabbed a chair and sat next to him. I asked him why he was not eating regular food. He told me he had diabetes. OMG! At this age? He was barely 37.

What is wealth worth if you don’t get to enjoy it? What is life worth when you’re not healthy?

There’s an old saying that health is wealth. I refrained from speaking more on the subject since I have been ill myself in the past decade.

Just to remind us that our grandparents’ folk stories, our school books, and our Physical Education teachers have been telling us that health is the first priority. But we forget it in our pursuit of good careers.

Following is a copy paste from a 3 minute speech on “Health is wealth”, from a children’s course book. Year 5-12

Short Speech on Health is Wealth

Health is the biggest wealth for a human being in his/her entire lifetime. One can survive without excess money but can’t survive without good health. Health is something that we can’t buy with money but we can take care of it and we can cure it when needed with the help of the money. If a person is not having good health, he will not be able to enjoy his/her life to the fullest. Money doesn’t make a person rich and happy but good health does. Moreover, a person can’t feel complete and happy without good health. I came back from a young entrepreneur’s party with a heavy heart. On my way I decided I would do my part to reeducate the young about their health.

Speech on health is wealth

Good health is one of the main elements of happiness that a person needs in his/her life. We can see various people around us that are happy without having a lot of money. However, they are happy because they have good health and they enjoy their lives. We can also see many people that are having a lot of money and are rich enough to buy anything they want but still, they are not totally happy. Moreover, they are not satisfied with their lives. The reason behind the sadness of the rich people is mostly that they don’t have good health and they worry about this thing a lot. However, they can’t buy good health with their money.

How to get a Healthy Life?

If someone wants perfect health then, first of all, he/she has to improve the quality of the thoughts that generate and occur in their minds. When a person thinks positively then he\she improves his\her chemistry from within. For a healthy lifestyle, one should follow many rules and should also sacrifice many things in their daily routines. On the other hand, if a person spends half an hour on exercise daily then he/she will be able to eliminate the toxicity from the body.

Simple Ways for a Healthy Lifestyle

First of all, wake up early in the morning and do at least half an hour of physical and mental exercise of any type, whichever suits you the best.

Avoid or try to reduce the amount of intake of highly processed or toxic foods per day.

The easiest way is, increase water consumption on a daily basis.

Avoid soda drinks or drinks with artificial sugar content.

Also, it decreases the amount of consuming meat.

Start eating fish and vegetables as much as you can.

Avoid dairy products and alcohol as well.

Don’t eat fried foods or fast foods daily in excess quantity.

Spend some alone time and think positively about your future and present life. This brings positive vibes that boost up your positive energy.

Generally, a healthy lifestyle is the highest blessing that we should not take for granted. It is the main source of all the happiness in someone’s life. Money can help you in buying all the luxuries in this world but it cannot buy you good health. A person is totally responsible for his\her health and he\she has to take care of his\her health in all the possible ways by avoiding a few things and by adopting some new and good habits that lead to a healthy life. So, for well-being and happiness, it is important to switch to a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Finally, we all are aware that our health is the most important wealth that we have. We know that we can earn money if we lose it once, but we can’t get back our good health easily if we lose it due to carelessness. Health is the only wealth we are born with and we even die with our health. So make a healthy lifestyle a priority.

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Topper

Google

By

Ahsan Jamil 

Golfer, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Author, Poet, Wanderer, Photographer, Rebel. 

Email: Golfaij@gmail.com

Website: Golfaij.com

YouTube: Morning with Golf