Built by golfers.
Run by the community.
TWILIGHT SOCIAL CLUB — THE TEAM
Two guys who got tired of golf feeling exclusive and decided to do something about it.
FOUNDER
DEREK THOMAS
Monterey, CA
Bio: Golf was always around growing up but I wanted nothing to do with it. I was a baseball player. That was my thing. Golf was dead last.
Then my college baseball career ended with an injury and I found myself lost. No scoreboard. No competition. No outlet. Golf filled that void in a way I never expected.
My crew was a bunch of ex-athletes — mostly college baseball guys. We all got obsessed at the same time. Sports ended, we were competitive as hell, and we needed bragging rights over each other. We were 22, 23 years old. I'm 38 now. We haven't looked back.
In 2021 my wife and I moved to Monterey. I only knew it through golf day trips. When she suggested it I didn't hesitate — moving to the West Coast golf mecca? Done. But I didn't know anyone here. So I played solo everywhere I went. In August of 2023 I started making golf content as a creative outlet and within six months, Twilight Social Club was born.
Our first event was May 2024. I had no idea if 10 people would show or 100. I was terrified. Then 3pm rolled around and nearly 60 people showed up. People were meeting each other, laughing, connecting — exactly what I wanted, happening completely on its own. That's when I knew this could work.
The one rule — no assholes — isn't a gimmick. In a world that feels more divided every day I wanted to build a place where anyone can show up and feel welcome. Beginners, women, solo players — everyone. We've actually removed people who didn't embody that. The rule is real.
I'll be honest — this still scares me. Launching the membership makes it all real and that's terrifying. What if people don't see the vision? I feel that every day. And I work hard every day to make sure it doesn't come true.
The short version: Husband. Soon-to-be dad. Marketing agency owner. Golf sicko. Building something real.
COMMISIONER + NASHVILLE CHAPTER LEAD
Chapin leatherwood
Nashville, TN
Bio: Contrary to popular belief, Derek and I are different people.
Golf wasn’t part of my life growing up. I was a lacrosse and hockey guy from Vermont — all I wanted to do was compete and hit people.
I struggled with drugs and alcohol early on and realized pretty quickly I was different and needed to make a change. I got sober at 22, and that’s when golf found me. It gave me structure, something to chase, and a way to rebuild my life. But don’t get it twisted, I’m still the first person encourage some bridie juice, but I’m here for you if you need it.
When I moved to Nashville, I saw how many great people were here, but also how hard it was to actually find a group to play with. Public access is tough, tee times are limited, and if you don’t already have your crew, you’re on your own.
I randomly met Derek at a charity tournament in 2025. I loved the vibe, and loved the Twilight culture. When I started making Middle Tennessee golf content, it became clear there were a lot of people here looking for the same thing.
So instead of trying to recreate it, we brought Twilight to Nashville.
It took off quickly. From the first events, people were meeting, connecting, and building something real.
The one rule “no assholes” is everything.
It’s not a gimmick. It’s the standard. Respect the course, respect the people, and actually care about the group you’re part of.
Yeah I want to hear the stories of the first time you broke 80, but that’s not what I really care about. I care about the story of how you met your partner, when you had your first child, worked your ass off for a promotion. I just prefer to talk about it on the 13th hole. The people are what makes Twilight special.
And in Middle Tennessee, the right people have found it.
That’s how I know it’s going to be special.
The short version: Sober, still crazy, realtor, I play more golf than anyone else.
