Meet Ky Nguyen | Founder of Tee Time Leather & Golf Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ky Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ky, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind creating Tee Time Leather was to combine my passion for golf with my love for crafting high-quality leather goods. I wanted to create products that resonate with golfers—something both functional and stylish—that could stand out whether being used by individuals, given as tournament prizes, or even featured in corporate settings. For me, it’s all about blending craftsmanship with purpose, focusing on quality materials and designs that reflect both luxury and personalization.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what truly sets me apart is my authenticity and genuine love for the game of golf and leather work. I strive to be myself, letting my personality and interests shine through in every design. I’m a husband and father, and I’m passionate about sneakers, golf, watches, and leather working. I make it a point to incorporate those passions into everything I create, and I like to think that I’m the best at being me.

The journey to where I am today—both professionally and creatively—has been anything but easy. By training, I’m a radiology technologist, and I still work full-time in that field. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: I was a wedding videographer, partnering with my wife, who was a photographer. Together, we opened a restaurant and helped grow our family business in 2018. Things were going well as we juggled multiple ventures, but the pandemic brought unique challenges that tested us in ways we never anticipated. After five years, we came to realize the restaurant business wasn’t where our true passions lay, so we decided to step away.

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but couldn’t figure out what that would look like—until I discovered golf. As a new golfer, I experienced the challenges of learning the game while staying organized, and that inspired me to create a product using the leather working skills I had cultivated over more than a decade as a hobby. That was my “aha” moment, and I realized I was on to something special.

Today, I feel incredibly blessed to combine my love for golf with my passion for leather working and the skills I’ve gained as a small business owner. My goal is to craft goods that are not only functional and durable but also meaningful—pieces that can last a lifetime and perhaps even become heirlooms. Working with leather excites me because it develops a beautiful patina over time, with every mark and scratch telling its own story. I want the world to see my passion for golf and crafting quality leather goods and to share in that story through the products I create.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m not from San Diego, but whenever my wife and I visit, we make the most of it by exploring the best the city has to offer. A week-long trip would definitely include a mix of relaxation, family fun, and amazing food.

We’d start at Balboa Park for a relaxing picnic amidst the beautiful gardens and architecture—it’s the perfect way to soak in the San Diego vibe. For family-friendly outings, we’d take the kids to the Mission Beach Boardwalk, where they can enjoy the ocean air and we can stroll by the shops and rides. A trip to the Birch Aquarium is a must for little ones (and adults too) to marvel at the marine life, and the La Jolla Tide Pools are a fun and interactive way to experience nature up close.

Food is always a highlight of our trips. We can’t resist visiting Liberty Public Market for its variety of food and local vendors—it’s a great spot to graze and explore. For fresh seafood lovers, we always make a stop at Hawaiian Fresh Seafood for some of the best poke we’ve ever had. And no trip is complete without spending time in Little Italy—it’s a fantastic spot for dining, shopping, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

San Diego always feels like the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement, and it’s a place we love visiting for its family-friendly attractions, amazing food, and stunning coastal beauty.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to all the incredible people and supporters I’ve met on this journey of golf and leather crafting. The game of golf has introduced me to a truly inspiring community of like-minded individuals, and I’m especially grateful for the connections I’ve built with fellow entrepreneurs like Nathaniel @kickscovers, Dane @matchstickgolf, Dom @kingsmengolf, Dustin @theparpartner, Noly @happyhourgolfclub, Michael @legendsgolfclub, and Kristjan @deuxros_. Their collaboration, support, and shared passion have been instrumental in shaping my story, and I’m honored to be part of such a vibrant network.

Most importantly, I want to give the biggest shoutout to my wife, Duyen. She has been my rock through every step of this journey, standing by me through every venture and challenge. Now, she’s the amazing mother of our two kids and the anchor of our family as a stay-at-home mom. Her love, strength, and unwavering encouragement are the reasons I’m able to pursue my dreams, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her.

Website: https://www.teetimeleather.com

Instagram: TeeTimeLeather