Clemson student Joe Phelan, a junior history major, has launched his own brand to house his golfing expeditions and hot dog taste tests.

Phelan launched the brand, named “Turndawgz,” earlier this year on May 5. The brand was initially launched on Instagram, as Phelan reviewed hot dogs from each golf course he played. Now, he continues to review hot dogs from golf courses, as well as hot dog stands and places that have a reputation for having great hot dogs. He’s recently expanded his brand to cover his golfing trips and invites his followers to play a hole with him.

Phelan says that he always knew that he wanted to start a brand. Initially, Turndawgz was something that Phelan “knew would make (him) laugh.” As he continued his growth, he found that lots of people enjoyed his content, and he knew that was an opportunity.

First, he developed the logo, then a slogan, and now he has his own clothing line so that everyone can represent Turndawgz. On the Turndawgz website, people can purchase t-shirts and hats.

Since the initial launch, Phelan has tasted hot dogs across the Southeast and even one in London, England.

His most recent review covered a loaded hot dog from The Depot Dog, located in Central, South Carolina. Phelan said a great hot dog has hot, flavorful, perfectly proportioned chili. Maybe most importantly, he says, is the bun.

“A warmed bun is an under-appreciated part of a good hotdog,” Phelan said.

The best hot dog Phelan has encountered at a golf course was from River Club in Litchfield, South Carolina. He rated it at an 8.7 and says it’s one of the best he’s had. From a hot dog stand, he says the best was at Fatty’s in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The chili was homemade, and everything else followed suit for a 9.1 hot dog.

Next for Turndawgz is continuing to build the brand. Phelan said he has some interviews lined up in the next few weeks, and he’s hoping to travel more to review more hot dogs and play more golf.

He also added that he is looking into launching some winter apparel, which he believes should have his supporters interested.

Those interested in Phelan’s brand can shop Turndawgz at https://turndawgz.shop/ and visit the Instagram page @turndawgz.