Faren "Punky" Gainous

Welcome to Play Like a Punk! I’m Faren—though those close to me know me as ‘Punky.’ Golf has been a passion of mine since I was five (maybe even earlier if I had a better memory) when my Pap first put a club in my hands and took me to the course every week. From those early swings, I found myself captivated by the challenge, the humor, and the joy of this sport especially bringing people together. 
My journey took me from junior tournaments to high school competitions, and then on to collegiate play at Napa Valley College and CSU Monterey Bay, ranking among the top players.

After stepping away for a few years, I’m now returning to the game with renewed passion and a fresh goal—to become a certified LPGA instructor. Play Like a Punk is my space to share the fun, the grit, and the journey with you. Here, you’ll find tips, inspiration, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of laughs as I embark on this exciting new chapter. Let’s rock the fairways together!