Conversations with Nick Fazekas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Fazekas.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a former pro basketball player and spent 17 years competing at the highest level, so that competitive drive has always been part of who I am. PinHigh started as a simple idea—just 8 guys who wanted to bring that same energy to the golf course. I stepped in to build something that wasn’t just about playing golf, but about competing and connecting. Since then, we’ve hosted 6 events and now have a community of over 100 golfers in our network. We’re just getting started and looking to take these games to the next level.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t exactly been smooth—it’s definitely been a grind, but it’s been fun. PinHigh is still very much in its early stages, and one of the biggest challenges has been simply finding players and building out the network. Growing the rolodex has taken time and effort. I spent the last 12 years living in Tokyo, and I’ve only been back in the States for about a year. Scottsdale isn’t my hometown, so starting this from scratch here meant I was on my own in the beginning. But I leaned into it—networking, showing up, and trying to connect with as many golfers in the area as possible. It’s still a challenge, but honestly, it’s one I enjoy. I’ve met a ton of great people through this process, and that’s been one of the most rewarding parts.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work was a Professional Basketball Player. I played 17 years. Started in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks and then played for the Los Angeles Clippers. I then went overseas and was in Belgium and France. Dealt with some injuries after that and thought I was going to retire at 28. Never gave up and then took a job in the Philippines. That ultimately led me to Japan where I played for the same team for 12 years. I am most proud that I have 3 jerseys hanging in 3 different gyms. One is my High School, the next is University of Nevada-Reno where I went to school and finally Todoroki Arena where I played 12 years in Japan. I believe what sets me apart is my inability to quit and I have a drive to accomplish anything I feel like I can set my. mind too. Maybe one other thing I feel I am good at but maybe known for would be my ability to communicate and connect with people. Standing at 6’11 I feel most people want to approach me and I really do enjoy talking to people and getting to know their stories.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I think what matters most to me is working hard. I feel like out working others is something I always hung my hat on. It was late nights in the gym and just always trying to carry that mindset of if I can work harder when other may not be I could accomplish my dreams. There really is no substitute for working hard and sort of being that go getter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pinhigh22.com
• Instagram: pin.high22