Junior Golf: Hide It, Keep It-Show It, Sell It

   That's kind of an odd title, isn't it? Before I began teaching and when I retired from teaching and began my writing career, I was a salesman and sold office equipment and wholesale food products to grocery stores. I had a sales manager share with me a very good idea as I was learning the sales industry. The saying was very profound and I will share it with you:  Show it, sell it--Hide it keep it.  After thinking about how we promote junior golf and even bringing kids into the game that is kind of what we are doing, aren't we.  We just are not giving junior golf the exposure that it should be getting as far as getting kids into the game.

      As I travel around town, I see all kinds of signs up (I live in Merced, California).  Signs such as "Atwater Little League Sign Ups" or "Merced Girl's League Softball Leagues Now Forming.  Sign up At...On Saturday March 4" or "Atwater Strikers Soccer League-signups October 4th". Sign like these are all over the place as I am sure they are in your town.  During the fall you see signs announcing sign ups for soccer leagues and basketball leagues as well as youth football. Signs for Little League and softball leagues are visible during the early spring. Most of these signs are put up around schools in order to get as many kids into the particular sports to sign up as they can.  I ask you though, Where are the signs announcing youth golf programs and signups for those programs?
      I can answer that question quite easily.  There are no signs that are put up.  One of the reasons is that golf programs for youth are not promoted except in the golf community.  Another reason is that there are not that many organized youth golf programs as you see in other sports.  I think that is a shame.  Why aren't there any programs out there?  How come we hide such programs as "First Tee" and "Golf Kids"?  Are we embarrassed?  Do we think that kids are not interested in golf?
     We need to be a bit more aggressive in bringing kids into the game of golf.  Yes, kids are coming to the game of golf.  We can just look at the growth in participation rates in youth golf tournaments and see that it is growing, but probably not as quickly or as much as it should be growing.  Let's take a hard look at what needs to be done to change this.
      I understand many of the challenges that are faced when you try to develop a youth golf program.  A major consideration is who is going to run the program.  Most golf facilities and their staff are totally overburdened with the tasks that are required to run their golf courses, let alone establishing a quality youth golf program.  It is hard to put together a youth program and takes a lot of resources in time and money.  In most cases, the courses and pros don't have that time and money to devote to a quality program.  I understand their logic and concerns that a youth program is another huge investment in the course's time and limited resources.  The decision is a tough one to make, even though the time and money spent is an investment in the future and many of these youth players turn into paying customers.
     Perhaps what is needed is for the men and women of golf look to the future and volunteer to supervise golf programs as in other sports. We need to establish more programs and advertise those programs.  The word needs to get out.  There are golf programs and many other programs can be created. We must go on the offensive and let communities know that these programs exist.  Let's get kids playing golf. Let's show parents and kids the wonderful benefits of the game of golf and how you can play golf for a lifetime.  Let's show it and not keep it.

On Life As A Golf Ball

   We all make sacrifices in our lives.  Some sacrifices are bigger than others and have a more dramatic effect on our lives. What about golf?  What can we say about sacrifices in the game of golf?  Who is it that pays the biggest price in sacrifices for the game of golf?  Have you ever taken a good look at the golf ball? That little dimpled orb pays the greatest price and in some cases gives up it's life so that we may enjoy the game we all love.

      Think about it for a moment.  The ball is created in a nice, growing environment--the golf ball factory. There they are coddled and inspected.  Remember, not all of them make it out of the factory to play on the first team.  Some are rejected and for the most minute of imperfection.  It is a brand of shame to have the Titlist brand--OK, I'm partial to Titlists although I can't always afford them and I don't play ProV's because I'm cheap--painted onto you and then not pass inspection for something as little as a spec.  Then you have to suffer the indignity of either having the word "PRACTICE" stamped on you or even worse the mark of the X painted on you.  This means you are not good enough and have been rejected. You don't even get a trophy for participating.
       Should you make the cut and pass inspection you get put into a paper sleeve with two other perfect dimpled orbs then grouped with three other paper sleeves to make a box of a dozen and sent out to do your job.  By the way, my wife bought an eighteen pack of Top Flites the other day and the balls were not placed in sleeves. That has nothing to do with where I am going with this post, I just though I would throw that in. They were Top Flites after all.  She likes Top Flites but now plays yellow PXG's and I am not going to argue with her, especially if I want to stay out of the dog house and sleep with Fido. Fido has it pretty comfortable in his dog house but when I have to sleep in there with him, he gets the doggy bed and I have to sleep on the hard floor. Back to the Titlists. So the balls go out to the place where they are going to be sold, unaware of the fate that  is to befall on them.
      Joe Average buys the dozen at a totally over inflated price.  I won't say where because I have too many golf pro friends and I don't want to offend anyone. By the way, there is a great sale going on over at Dick's right now on Top Flites and Maxfli's. Sorry, I got off the subject again. So, Joe Average takes the ProV's he paid too much for and and heads for the course.  He reaches into his bag and gets out a tee as well as a sleeve of the new ProV's.
       That wonderful ball is going to be smacked around many times by a stick.  It has to hurt.  Can you imagine the pain that ball has to endure?  How about the blow to the ball's pride. Does it really have to be this way?  You darn right it has to be this way.
      Joe Average is playing golf now.  He tees up the ball on a long par four with water to the right. The ball will be violently struck and fly down the middle of the fairway, missing the deep water hazard on the right hand side of the fairway. Joe must avoid that water at all costs.
      Joe takes a mighty swing with the stick and THWACK, hits the ball. It was a pretty ugly swing at that because Jack doesn't like to take lessons. If you want to improve your game, see your local pro for a lesson please. (That was for all my golf teaching buddies out there.) Guess where that poor ball flies because of Joe's wonderful swing.  Yes, it sadly flies into the middle of the water and hits a ten pound bass squarely on the head. That poor, brand new ball has sacrificed it's life so that others may have enjoyment in their lives.  I'm not too sure how happy the bass was either. Actually, I'm not sure how much enjoyment because Jack is back at the tee yelling words you wouldn't want your preacher or priest or rabbi to hear. I can't speak for a Budhist Monk or a Muslim Imam because I haven't met an Imam or a Monk.    
        Let's have a moment of silence for that new Titlist.  Let's not forget the sacrifices that golf balls all over the world are making, even now.  By the way, how many balls did you put into the lake today? Why don't they give golf balls swimming lessons before they go out to be sold?  

Water, Water everywhere. Why does it always have to be in front of me?

You're In The Jailhouse-Uh, Doghouse-Now

      So, what did I do wrong now?  Why is my wife mad at me?  If you are married or have been married, or have dealt with the female members of the human species you know what I am talking about.  I'm sorry but we males are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to goofing--I use goofing because I am a church going man and can't use the "F" word--up with your favorite female and not knowing why.  Guys, you know what I'm talking about don't you?

     I got up this morning in a pretty good mood.  The dishwasher needed to be emptied and dirty dishes needed to be put in the dishwasher.  The kitchen needed to be cleaned up, so I started it and took a bit of a coffee break, fully intending to get back and finish the job.
     My wife got up and went into the kitchen.  It was clearly apparent to me something was a bit amiss as her normally bubbly champagne personality was not that but could best be described as more of a rotten chardonnay. I had a decision to make, probably wrong but the incident needed a definite course of action.  Hmmm...do I take the coward's way out and go to the gym to work out for say eight hours, or ride out the storm at the house and try to make the situation better. I decided to take the courageous route and stay, after all maybe I could garnish some brownie points and help make the situation better. I can honestly say that was the wrong decision.
     Yes I stayed, silly me.  I like describing things with weather metaphors so here goes.  Her "partly cloudy with showers" disposition when she woke up quickly changed into category five hurricane Julia--the name has been changed as her name isn't Julia to protect the innocent, namely me.  Into the kitchen she went huffing and puffing.  No dishes were thrown, but there was a lot of dish noise and a "See this dishcloth?  Its red where you have spilled punch in the refrigerator." comment.  I know I have been had when the refrigerator comment comes out. I haven't spilled red punch in the refrigerator for a long time so I knew that wasn't it.
     I knew she was mad at something, basically mad at me in general. Stupid me, I asked the question, "Honey, are you mad at me?"  There was no answer, just a sort of audio sound of disdain. This is the upsetting "huf" that is sort of like the fingernails on a chalk board in its effect.
     What happened next is a mistake all of us guys make and I tried to stop it but it just came out.  Out of my mouth blurted, "What did I do wrong?"  After that came automatically out of my mouth I instantly heard The Death March--dum, dum, da dum, dum, da dum da dum da dum.
      "You know what you did." she answered.
    "Whatever I did wrong, I'm sorry for doing, but I really don't know exactly what I did wrong."  I said honestly.  At this point I was beginning to feel like a whipped cocker spaniel who had just chewed up their master's prized house slippers.
     "If you don't know what you did, I shouldn't have to tell you." she responded back.
     At that point, I went down my list in my head.  I took out the trash.  No, that isn't it.  I put the dishes away, including the silverware. That isn't it. I hung up my clothes.  No, that can't be it. Hey, I even wiped off the toilet seat and put the lid down.  I even sprayed air freshener.  I give up!  What is it?
     "Besides, if I had to tell you what you did wrong you don't love me."
     That's it, I quit. The battle has been lost.  Where are my car keys?  I'm off to the gym or at least to higher ground to let hurricane Julia pass.  I'll be back in about eight hours.

All I have to do is add electricity, heating and air conditioning.

I'm sorry that this post doesn't have to do with golf, but I thought I would give you a good laugh. We did just get home from golf and I am about to go out and grill some hamburgers.  Wish me luck.

 

 

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Which Golf Ball Should I play?

 

Which golf ball should I be playing is a question that I get quite often. My wife asks me this almost every time we play golf. There are a couple of important factors that come into this when I attempt to answer that question. It is not a "one size fits all" response.  

One of the first questions we need to explore is where are you in your journey with the game of golf?  Are you new to the game-we call this a newby-or are you a seasoned veteran? Do you fall somewhere in between these two categories. What is your swing like? Do you hit the ball straight and a country mile or do you struggle to get the ball airborne? Do you lose a lot of balls when you play golf?  I would add that if you were new to the game, but I know a lot of seasoned golfers who lose a lot of balls as well. 

You don't want the cost of a dozen golf balls to send you to the poor house if your balls disappear quite readily. Sometimes they do that on purpose, so you might consider using a less expensive ball and maybe ProV's don't fit your budgetary constraints. There are a good number of economically priced golf balls out there .  I would strongly recommend these less expensive, non-budgetary breaking balls for the newer golfer. There are still balls out there for under $20 a dozen and some even are 18 packs. Believe it or not, most of them are not that bad. I won't recommend a brand here, because there are so many, from Nitro (yuck) to Srixon, Callaway and Titleist. I am kind of partial to Dick's Sporting Goods as they have the Top Flite line and the Maxli line as well. 

OK boys and girls, are you ready for a bedtime story?  Well, it's really not a bedtime story and I am going to tell it to you anyway. How many of you have heard of the Precept ball?  Bridgestone Tire and Rubber Company wanted to get into the golf ball manufacturing business but didn't want to use Bridgestone for the name on their ball because they didn't want people to think that their ball was just a small tire. They came up with the name Precept, and it was a very good ball.

The rulers at Bridgestone/Precept wanted to offer women a lady's ball so they came out with what they called The Lady Precept. It was an exceptional ball and actually out performed their flagship ball. It went further and was very responsive around the greens. You could tell it was a lady's ball because the writing on it was a hot pink and it was sold in a pink box and the sleeves were pink.  After all, it was a lady's ball. 

An odd thing happened to the Lady Precept. Men discovered the ball and were buying it.  However, there was a bit of a thing in that men didn't want to be seen buying and playing a lady's ball. Sales of the ball went through the roof and it wasn't just women who were buying the ball. After a while, the ball became known as the "paper bag ball" because men would buy the ball and would insist that the ball be placed in a brown paper bag so that it would not be discovered that a guy was playing a lady's ball-after all, that could prove to be embarrassing to the average macho guy. 

So, what did Bridgestone/Precept do?  The solution was pretty simple.  They knew they had a great ball on their hands but had to come up with a creative solution to get the ball into the hands of guys and take away the stigma of playing a lady's ball. They changed the packaging and the name of the ball from "Lady Precept" to "Precept Laddie". They still made the Lady Precept and packaged it in its pink box with pink lettering, but the new "men's" ball, The Laddie, would be packaged in a new silver and green box and sleeves.  The printing on the ball was black and "Laddie" would be printed on the ball itself. This move was brilliant in that the ball was the same but now men were not hesitant to buy the ball. I used to play "The Laddie"  almost exclusively and it was a great ball.  They still make it, but I have switched to a different ball manufacturer because as Bridgestone transitioned to the Bridgestone name on its balls, they phased out the "Precept" name.

Let's move on here and talk about the seasoned player.  What ball should the experienced golfer play?  My answer to this is it depends o the individual golfer and what they like.  Let's not forget that golf balls are subject to the regulations of The USGA and Royal and Ancient Golf Association as far as the specifications of golf balls. Golf balls have to conform to the regulations set forth by these two organizations as far as ball statistics and performance. I can't hit their balls because of their Bridgestone logo on the balls.

There is not a whole lot of difference between premium balls. A ProV has certain subtle differences than say a Callaway or other premium ball but they all have to conform to golf ball specifications as set forth by the ruling bodies. The "Feel" of the ball is what most golfers go by.  How do you like the feel of the ball? Does it feel hard or does it compress and have a soft feel coming off the club?  How does it perform around the green?  What is the ball flight of a particular ball?  How does it feel coming off an iron shot?  Most golfers have personal preferences and choose a ball based upon those questions. 

Keep in mind that golf ball manufacturers spend a lot of money on the promotion of their golf balls. How much do you think they spend on sponsorships as far as the golf playing professional? What does Callaway pay Xander to endorse their balls? What about TV advertising. I would like to have 1000th of the money Titleist spends promoting ProVs.  It is a probably the finest ball out there and I have played the ball, but I cringe at the fact that I have to shell out over $50 for a dozen balls. Do I really have to help pay for Jordan to fill up his jet?  I have problem scraping up the cost of a fill up on my Hyundai Venue.

As I said, I don't play ProVs because of the price.  I also must admit that I am a bit of a golf ball prude.  When Nike came out with their ball, and it was a good ball, I couldn't play it because of the logo on the ball.  The same is true with Calaway balls.  I can't play Callaways and I have tried.  My eye just hates looking at that Callaway logo and how it is placed on the ball.  They make a great ball, I just can't hit it with that huge logo. I have the same problem as far as the logo on the ball as Taylormade and I have already mentioned Bridgestone. I have played Srixon, and I am not impressed as far as my game is concerned. All these brand name balls are great balls, I just don't like the looks of them as far as how  they set up for my eye.

Do I avoid Titleists? Actually, I don't.  Every now and then I will change up my routine and buy a dozen True Speed Titleists.  I was part of the developement program when Titleist brought out the prototypes and I was one of the first to buy one of those unmarked white boxes. I liked them and they performed well for me.  The feel was a little bit softer than a ProV and they did well around the greens in my short game. I do like ProV's as well, but at their price point I only buy them when I win on a huge lottery ticket or when I win big at the casino.

OK, it's time to do the great reveal.  What ball do I prefer to play?  I have always been a Maxfli man.  I played the ball that had the red dot on it and was a wound ball-I wonder how man of you know what I am talking about when I say wound ball? There is a history around Maxfli where Taylormade bought it and made it their low-end line and the balls didn't sell. The Maxfli line was sold off to Dick's Sporting Goods-as was Top Flite-and rescaled the ball to become an excellent high end, the Maxfli Tour X ball line that was economical and would compare quite closely to the ProV.  Testing has shown that the performance of the Maxfli Tour line can stand up to the ProV line.

PXG has entered the golf ball market.  I tried the original PXG ball and loved it.  The ball stops on a dime when hit on the green. I found that it was just a bit hard for my tastes and was not that much better than my Maxfli Tours.  I stayed with the Maxflis, although I played a couple of dozen PXGs. 

PXG has come out with a new ball, the PXG Tour X.  I fell in love with the ball immediately after hitting it. The ball was a noted improvement over the original PXG ball and the performance is a step above my Maxflis.  I will be playing this ball for a long time, but I still have a couple of dozen Maxflis to fall back on.

What is my advice as to which ball to play?  Try as many as you can and find one that fits your game and you like. 

 

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It Is The Game of Golf-Darn

 Yes, golf is a game that can humble the heart.  It is also a game that can take you to new heights.  In my case, it can also take you to new lows as well.  These things are very true, especially if you have experienced "the wheels coming off" in a round.  We all know that golf is a game of a collection of shots and sometimes those shots are not our best.  We love the game, it is a challenge and is never the same each time we go out. No matter how great we play or on the other hand how bad we play, we always ask that age old question after our round, When is our next tee time.

I don't know how many of you experienced watching the end of the 2024 Byron Nelson Golf Classic?  It was certainly an exciting finish between the two top competitors in the tournament.  Tyler Pendraith won by one shot over Ben Knowles.  There are a couple of things I have to say about the finish of this tournament. 

First off, congratulations to Tyler Pendraith for winning what I believe was his first PGA tournament. This player from Canada was solid throughout the tournament.  However, I don't know at the end of the day that he didn't win the tournament so much as Knowles lost the tournament on the last hole.  Let me explain. 

Two questions have to be answered. The first question is why did Knowles try to go for the green with a hybrid on hole number 18 which is a short par 5 and supposedly the easiest hole on the course?  Why did you do that when you are leading the tournament by a stroke and all you had to do is lay up, take an easy pitch shot from off the green, make the putt for birdie and walk away with the trophy and  $1.7?  

And that my friend is not the end of it.  How could you chunk a wedge out of that thick rough? All he had to do is get the ball on the green and two putt for at least a par and a share of the lead leading to at least a playoff.  He could have put that wedge shot for a makeable birdie and a win.  For pitty sake, I could have taken out my 60 degree and blasted it out of that rough. I realize that the pressure was on, but come on. Such is the game of golf, I guess.  Disaster was snatched from the jaws of victory.  

I don't feel sorry for Ben Knowles.  That little missed pitch from out of the rough by the green cost him about $700,000.  Oh well, he still pocketed over a cool $1000000 so I don't feel sorry for him.  I have to publish a lot of blog posts and book for a million dollars.  One thing he did prove though.  It is truly a difficult and humbling game. But, we golfers already know that.       

  

Ryder Cup Thoughts--Part 2

     Again, I will be honest with you.  I have not been following the Ryder Cup matches that closely. The conclusion that I think I am coming to is that the Europeans are handing the Americans another bitter defeat. This seems to be the rule these days in Ryder Cup competition.
    Last night I turned on the Golf Channel to see just what the score was and it wasn't pretty.  I didn't catch the score but what I did catch was that The Americans had to win 8 out of 12 matches in today's single matches. I must say that it is not impossible, but a miracle at best. I hate to be a skeptic, but that is WIN 8 matches.  A halve won't help. I do wish the American team luck and have them start thinking about two years from now when the Ryder Cup Matches return to the U.S.
     I do remember the time when we dominated the Europeans. Our string of Ryder Cup victories was long but so was the America's Cup string of victories which of course was broken. Dominance in sports, any sports is hard to achieve in our times. Eventually, the competition will swing the other way and we Americans will be enjoying a string of Ryder Cup victories.  If not a string of victories then at least achieve a balance of wins between The United States and The European Team.
     Got to run to church now. So, hit 'em long and straight. Don't leave that birdie putt short.

Go out and play golf today.  Good luck USA in the Ryder Cup.

Coke v. Pepsi...The Controversy of the Ages

     As you know, it is always my intention to stay on the cusp of controversy. Today is no different. I am compelled to comment on the Coke vs. Pepsi wars which are dividing our country and the world today. This is serious stuff folks. Families have been torn apart by this war, all because of a couple of stupid soft drinks.
     By the way, to add fuel to the fire, let's get our terminology straight and correct.  It is not soda, soda pop pop or even tonic.  The correct terminology is soft drink, and if you really want to get technical the generic term is flavored non-alcoholic carbonated beverage.  So please, if you are going to join this discussion use the correct term of either soft drink or flavored non-alcoholic carbonated beverage.
     I will go on record here saying that I prefer Coke, and prefer Coke Zero over the sugar of regular Coke. There can be a controversy over that as well as my wife prefers Diet Coke over Coke Zero.  I think that she's wrong, but that is between us and I would never tell her that as I don't want to anger her. She's still wrong though. I will leave the Coke Zero-Diet Coke controversy alone for the time being.
     Coke has the better flavor.  It is not quite as sweet and the carbonation doesn't hide the flavor of the non-alcoholic beverage.  To me, Pepsi's flavor is not based on the recipe of the syrup, but on the amount of sugar and carbonation that is put into the soft drink. Don't get me wrong, if I were stranded on a desert island and the only thing I had to drink would be an endless supply of Pepsi, I would drink it.  I don't think I would bathe in it though.  That would depend if I was the only one on the island or if Denise were along.  Come to think of it, she would have to drink Pepsi as well. Whether or not she would bathe in it, I will just have to ask her.
     I'm not a big cola drinker anyway.  If I am drinking a caffeinated flavored non-alcoholic carbonated beverage, I prefer Dr. Pepper.  I guess Dr.  Pepper is now owned by the 7-up company, which is the old Royal Crown Cola Company. Sorry, I didn't mean to confuse the issue but facts are facts. As a matter of fact, I think I prefer Royal Crown to Coke, but it is almost impossible to get Royal Crown anywhere but a small liquor store in remote Manitoba, Canada.  I guess Coke and Pepsi had a hand in that, and that is too bad. R.C. was one of the first casualties of the cola wars. RIP Royal Crown.
     I have a confession to make.  I really don't drink that many flavored non-alcoholic carbonated beverages, especially after my last surgery. I had a bad case of acid reflux, so I had my DES valve repaired in my stomach.  I don't get the heartburn anymore, but the surgery has caused some unexpected consequences.  If I have gas, that gas has to go somewhere and not up through the esophagus. It goes out the back in the form of a "fart".  Yes, I use the word "fart" even though the correct medical term is flatulence. I thought that I would just give it to you as it is and not pull any punches. Not being able to use the word "fart" really stinks.
The bottom line is, I drink a lot of Crystal Light Fruit Punch now. Denise really appreciates that.
     So, for me it is Coke by a safety--two points.  Excuse me now, I just made a new pitcher of Crystal Light Fruit Punch.

Fruit is better for you than Coke or Pepsi

I have another confession to make.  I posted this to the wrong blog.  This was supposed to go to my DavidRallisWrites blog, but what the heck.













  

All This, and She Plays Golf Too...Wow!

     To many, this may be a touchy subject, but I am going to explore it anyway.  Does your wife, girlfriend or significant other play golf? My wife plays, and I am very happy about that.
     Before I get run out of town on a rail by a lot of women who play golf out there, let me explain.  Most male and female golfers know what I am talking about and understand what I am trying to say, but some don't.  Some will take offense to even asking the question, but I will suck it up and summon the courage to ask the question. Once again does your, girlfriend or significant other play golf? Do you enjoy playing golf together?
     I enjoy playing golf together with my wife.  I also enjoy playing without her as well. The same can be said for her.  Her and I don't always have to play together in order to enjoy the experience of a good, or bad, round of golf.  We do enjoy each other very much and I enjoy watching just how much she gets into the game.  For me, that adds to the fun of it. But, we don't always have to be together to play golf.
     There are times when she wants to play with her friends in a women only outing. I respect that, just as she respects when I go out with my buddies. The bottom line is that we both love the game of golf. Being able to play together and enjoy the game even more is a plus. She's good, too.  I know because I have lost a lot of bets with her. Its still a lot of fun and I don't mind a bit.
     Some men feel that it is an infringement on their space when their wife or significant other wants to come along on the golf outing.  To a certain extent, this may be true but I think that it depends on the context of the situation. A guy, or gal, needs their space.  If that means letting him, or her, off by themselves to go play with their friends so be it. It works both ways.
     Golf is a game that can be played by almost everyone, male or female. Spending time together with your wife, girlfriend or significant other is important as is personal space.  Try playing golf together.  It doesn't have to be all the time or exclusively, but you are spending some quality time together. Its a lot of fun too.

I'm ready for this.  Let's get going!

Yes!  Sunk that birdie putt.

That drive was BIG! It went 20 yards past you, Dave.

 

Courses: Love Hate Relationship

     There are a few courses that we all play that strike fear in our hearts.  We play them only because someone has invited us to play there or our stubborn self says we should so that we can conquer that particular link.  Sometimes it happens, most often we finish our round on that particular course and say, "Why did we do that again.  I know how much I hate that course." We are creatures of habit I guess. I have a couple of courses that fit that criteria for me.  At some time, I will reveal that list, but not today.
    There are a couple of courses that I have said that I didn't like, but have changed my mind after playing them and not giving up on them.  Two come to mind and they are in the Monterey Bay area. One is Bayonet of Bayonet/Blackhorse and the other is DeLaveaga located in the hills above Santa Cruz.
     Both courses at the Bayonet/Blackhorse facility have been redesigned.  Before the redesign I played both courses and I hated Bayonet but kept playing it.  It is very hilly and I even walked it several times. I remember thinking each time walking up the 18th fairway why did I put myself through this misery again? That also goes to my stable set of mind in that if I kept having such a bad experience there each time I played         there, why did I keep playing there?  I have been told that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. I preferred Blackhorse as it was what I thought a fairer layout. Both courses were redesigned, though slightly just a few years ago. Now, I think they did an outstanding job on Bayonet but liking Blackhorse is taking a bit of getting used to.
     Bayonet was the tougher of the two courses.  It is well known that the designer of Bayonet was the commanding general of the old Fort Ord and Bayonet/Blackhorse is located on the former army base. The general was left handed and had a viscious left-hand slice.  All the doglegs go at a severe angle to the left so that his slice wouldn't hurt him.  It is certainly pure hell for the right handed player because you run out of fairway on the right and you wind up with a wicked shot our of tall cypress trees lining the fairways.
     All that has been change.  The greens are still tough to putt but the doglegs have been softened.  Don't get me wrong, the course is still a challenge, but it is a reasonable challenge. Blackhorse, on the other hand is a different story.  They made it tougher by adding traps and redesigning the greens, which are undulating.  I hated the course changes at first, but I am beginning to like the course. I used to prefer Blackhorse, but now I like Bayonet.

     I highly suggest you play both courses.  Both courses are impeccably maintained and the greens, although difficult, putt fast and true.  The views from the course are magnificent because the courses are built in the hills above Monterey.  I will say that both courses are demanding and you will be exhausted after you finish your round, but the courses and the views are well worth it. Oh, and stop by the restaurant after your round for drinks or a meal.  The food is very good and the staff is very friendly.  What a great place to soothe your scars, but I must say you will feel satisfied but tired after playing the courses.
 

Dear Johnny Miller

Dear Mr. Miller
     Thank you for providing some of the best moments in golf history, both on the course and in the broadcast booth.  I admire you very much. You are a man of many talents, including designing golf courses.
     I have had the pleasure of playing two of the golf courses that you have designed.  First, I have played your course at what used to be called Brighton Crest, now Eagle Springs, in Friant California.  I live in Fresno, which is close to Friant and get to play the course often. I have also played Eagle Ridge in Gilroy California. Both courses are very beautiful in their settings, but difficult to play for the average golfer.
     As I played the courses, many questions cropped up in my head.  First, what is the foundation for your love of boulders and where they are placed on the course?  Next, it has been said that your putting skills were not as good as they probably could be.  I don't fault you for this, my putting skills are not that good as well.  However, in many cases the greens on the courses you design are undulating and almost impossible to putt.  Is this in retribution and meant as a slap in the face of the golf gods?
    I am going to cut to the bottom line here.  Keep in mind that I have met you a couple of times and have talked to you.  I very much enjoyed those brief talks, even though your end of the conversation most of the time was "I don't have time for you now." You are a multimillionaire with successes in the golf business, including the design of many courses.  I am just a poor, starving writer that plays golf. You have earned the right to design golf courses, even though my opinion is not that high of them. They are in beautiful settings, and it doesn't mean a thing that I never play them well. My opinion of them doesn't count much and is not going to contribute to the  outbreak of  the "Great Apocalypse", otherwise known as the end of the world. Peace in the world is not going to break out, given my opinions on how you design a golf course. I just don't play them well, and truth is I don't care for them much. I still play Eagle Springs occasionally.
     Mr. Miller, I truly admire you.  I still hate number nine at Eagle Springs.  What were you thinking when you designed that hole?

Yours
Dave

This is a real level green.

Number 18 at Eagle Springs.  This green has more ups and downs than the wooden roller coaster at Santa  Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

Nice hole and I don't have a criticism of it other than the green is a bit  large and  can be tricky.

I actually liked this hole which is very pretty. I wasn't exactly  happy about the placement of the second shot and the narrow slot of trees to go through to get to your approach shot.

   

Get Fit And Play Better Golf--Part 3

     I just got back from the gym a few minutes ago and am now enjoying my first cup of coffee of the day.  I feel great and I have lost four pounds since Monday.  I know the weight loss is prob ably just water, but it feels good.  My blood pressure is also down and I haven't taken my medications this morning.  That will come later after breakfast. Life is good and the quality of my life is getting better. My game should improve.
     My workout routing as I said before includes cardio, a stretching routine which includes loosening my bad back, crunches and leg lifts with the whole thing finishing up with a circuit training weight lifting component. Later, to reward myself for the work that I am doing I will spend some time in the sauna and the jacuzzi. This works very well for me, and the key is being consistent.  I loose weight quickly.  The funny thing is that when I work out, I'm not as hungry either, so I do shed the pounds.
     How does all of this effect my game. I know what the experts would say, but I want to tell it from my point of view but the experts are very much right.  My game improves when I work out.
     In my case, I see a marked improvement in my game in four areas.  Today I will talk briefly about two of those areas.  Remember now, this is a sharing of my experience although I am sure that others have had similar results.  I can generate more club speed and have more strength. These two are related in that I can hit the ball farther. I can also say that my stamina improves and my attitude becomes more positive which I will talk about in a later blog.
     I can tell that I am becoming a bit more flexible.  This translates to swinging the club with more speed without exerting more energy.  As my weight goes down and my muscles tone, I don't have as much bulk to move. The energy that I am expending is more efficient and translates into moving the club, not excess weight. Believe me, taking away thirty pounds of  "dead weight" fat and replacing it with muscle creates a definitely more powerful swing. The ball goes farther because the club is traveling faster with the energy of the swing being more efficient to the task at hand, that of striking the ball, not clumsily moving dead weight in order to swing the club.
     With the toning of muscles comes added strength. The mere fact that you are able to do more because your muscles are working better is very important. You become stronger because you are working your muscles, not sitting at a computer writing a blog or a book all day. I picked up at least 15 yards on my drives and about one club distance in my game after I started working out. You become stronger and the club becomes easier to swing and feels lighter. Since you are stronger and a bit lighter, you can control the club much better. Simple, isn't it?
     In Part 4 I will cover the other two aspects of my quest for conditioning. In the meantime, don't forget to visit the sites of my sponsors, they are all good people. GolfSmith has some great deals going on now and you can't go wrong using TripAdvisor. I you could also click on my website http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com, there is a lot going on there too. I am including one of my videos here http://youtu.be/_Kx3Qrv18IE about Stevinson Ranch in Stevinson, California. It is about the tournament I played in using the TaylorMade 15 inch cups. So, hit 'em long and straight.  Remember that it is embarrassing to leave a perfectly good birdie putt short.  I have on many occasions.

Weight loss, strength and greater flexibility would allow me to have a better follow through and weight transfer to my front foot. Hey, I'm working on it.

Get Fit and Play Better Golf--Part 2

     In yesterday's blog I talked about the importance of improved fitness and how that is important to your golf game.  At this point, I want to make it clear that you don't have to become an Olympic athlete, just take steps to improve your health and physical well being.  As I said before, this is important.  I have taken those steps and even though yesterday was my second workout, I feel great.  Yes, a little sore, but it's a good sore.
     Right now, my game probably won't show signs of improvement because of my working out.  Besides, I'm not playing that much right now, about once or twice a month.  Yes, I know that is not enough golf and especially for a guy that is so involved in golf. I should be out playing, but I'm not. At any rate, back to conditioning in golf and what I did.
     As I said earlier, I lost 60 pounds.  Most of this was done by working out three times a week on a program of stretching, cardio and circuit training.  The great part of this was that I did this gradually and my exercise routine caused me a minimum of sore muscles. The goals I set for myself were tone, flexibility and weight loss. During this time I pretty much ate what I wanted and when I wanted but cut down on the amounts.  I controlled my portions and consciously left food on my plate. I did change my food choices adding more fruits and vegetables.  Sugar was not forbidden, but I made the concerted effort to just not eat sweets and cut down on sugar.
     Diet sodas are a waste to me. I eliminated them for one very important practical reason.  They just didn't quench my thirst.  I would drink one or have a glass of soda, and I was still thirsty. What I would do is make a pitcher of  water and add some crystal light to it.  I know Crystal Light has Asparatame in it as do diet sodas, but I was told that was ok and I also increased my intake of plain water as well--with lemon juice of course.  
    How did all of this and the weight loss change my game.  I will talk about this in my next blog.
Take some time to look at the sponsors I have on this blog. I am really impressed with Luggage Forward. Wouldn't it be great to have your luggage and precious golf clubs delivered directly to your hotel or cabin door wherever you are traveling?  Luggage Forward will do that for you. Take a look at their service as well as the other services.
    That's it for now.  Hit 'em long and straight...don't leave that birdie putt short.

I the short good looking guy on the right, sixty pounds heavier of course.

Get Fit and Play Better Golf

     I know that I am the last person to preach fitness and its importance in golf.  It's really funny though that I don't take my own advice. You have to tune up your body in order to play good golf.  It is just that simple.  Do I do this, no. I have decided that it is time to return to the gym and work out, not only for my golf game but for my overall health.
     Three years ago I took up the banner and ran with it. It was time to loose weight and get more fit.  Not literally, I am allergic to running and always have been. I'm not built for speed, being a plow horse not a race horse.  My PE coach used to time me with a calendar in the mile. I am bulky and built low to the ground. I don't run. However, I don't mind walking on a treadmill for thirty or forty minutes. As a result of going to the gym and taking care of myself, I lost 60 pounds.
     I'll have more of this story in my next post. In the meantime, don't forget to go to my website at http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com and check out the site.  I am going to be playing Catalina Golf Course on Tuesday of next week and will have a video of it up for you to look at the following week. I am excited about playing there, as you know.
     That's it for today.  Remember, hit 'em long and straight. Please don't leave that birdie putt short.

Me at 300 pounds before I lost the 60 pounds. I felt great after the weight loss.

CATALINA!

  It is official! 

Twenty- six miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me
Santa Catalina, the island of romance, romance, romance, romance

Actually, romance isn't waiting for me there and it is only 22 miles, but golf is waiting. I am finally going to play Catalina Golf Course.  Thank you Mark!
     You probably didn't know that Catalina Island had a golf course.  It does, and a good one at that.  It is a 9 hole track, 18 from a second set of tees, set in the canyons above Avalon the main town on Catalina. I have been told that it is the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River that has been in continuous operation since it was opened as a three hole course.  I don't want to totally get into the history of the course, but I do want to let you know that I have been invited to play the course and do a You-Tube video and feature it on my website.  I will also let you know what the course was like here on my blog. 
     Catalina and I go back about 18 years to the first Carnival Cruise I took there in 1996 with my family.  Each time I have been there it has been on a cruise ship as a port of call. I have been there several times and have yet to totally explore the island. I'm told that there is a lot to see, especially the buffalo.  That's another story. Let's face it folks, I am a golfer, not a naturalist.  I tend to focus in on what golf options there are in a location. On this trip we took a golf cart tour and it stopped at the course. at the time I didn't stop in, but I did say, hmmm--I have to play this course some day. 
     I have been to the course several time and have chatted in depth with Mark the pro there.  He is a great guy to talk to. You can tell he really knows his course taking the time to talk about it at great leangth. Every time I go up there, he remembers me and always cordially invites me to experience his course. To this point I have been unable to play the course for a number of reasons while I'm there. I have decided it is time and so in a couple of weeks, again on a cruise I am going to play the course and take pictures.  I only hope that what I produce is as good as it can be. 
    I have some other stories that I will share with you as the time gets closer about my visits to Catalina Golf Course.  I have to run now.  Don't forget to visit my website, http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com.  If you would also be so kind to take a look at my new video about The Golf Course Travel Bag and myself on You Tube, I would truly appreciate it.  don't make me beg. Here is the URL http://youtu.be/2VSgOYis-M8
 and I hope you will enjoy it as well as my other videos you can find on my website.  Just remember to hit 'em long and straight...don't leave that birdie putt short.  One last thing, it's only 22 miles.

Yes Virgina, there really is a golf course on Catalina Island. Move your finger when you take the picture, will you.  Sorry, I'm not used to taking pictures with a phone.  Isn't that what a camera is for?

New High Tech Clubs

     I finally gave in to the high tech club craze. The last time I played my old clubs, I knew it was time to change to something a little more modern that truly fit my game given my age and strength.  The search was on.
    I visited a lot of golf stores wanting to find the sticks that fit properly. All the well known brands were in the mix, Taylor Made, Callaway, Nike, Mizuno and I really liked the Adams clubs.  What I chose was the most high tech I could get.
    These clubs had some very interesting characteristics. They were made out of a new material that is beginning to show up in golf, a polymer that is supposed to help your game.  The price was right as well as they didn't cost an arm and a leg, $3.99 at Wal-mart including three brand new balls. Such a deal!  These clubs should really improve my game.
     I am thinking very seriously of putting together a group of golfers to play together on a trip to a location somewhere in California.  I haven't quite come up with the location, and wanted to get some input from you. It will probably happen sometime in the spring of 2015 and will be from three to five days. If you could give me some ideas of where we should go, that would be great.
    In the meantime, don't forget to visit my website http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com and take a look at some great instructional videos as well as some videos of a few outstanding golf courses. Hit 'em long and straight--don't leave that birdie putt short.

The new sticks. They should slash strokes off my game.

 

Ten Reasons I Play Golf

     I was listening to a radio broadcast last night on my way home from a trip, and the subject was how this generation of children growing up never suffer from boredom.  With all digital virtual world that our children live in, there is very little time to just sit there and be bored. There is no "down time" for the brain, and creativity is not given time to grow because their brain is always on. It's an interesting idea, and I don't want to discuss or debate the full intricacies of the argument but the idea has merit.  The bottom line was the speakers son took up golf and loved it because it was natural and creative.
     This got me thinking. Why do I love golf so much?  Here are ten reasons:

1. Golf is natural. You are playing it and it is unfolding as you play. You are not playing a microchip, but experiencing a game that is real, not created in cyberspace. Besides, there is nothing like the natural sound of a club, any club, striking the ball on a good shot. One of the best natural sounds in the world is that of a golf ball dropping into the cup for a birdie. That lake is real, not cyberwater.

2.  Golf exercises your creativity and imagination, and in a real way. How do I hit that shot around the tree and get the ball to the green? Believe me, I have had to do that on several occasions. Do I carry out the shot every time, no.  I still have to create the shot in my mind. Whether I pull it off may be fantasy, but I still have to think it up.  Again, this is all real, not cyberspace.

3.  Golf is good exercise. Whether you walk and carry, walk and pull a cart or ride in a golf cart, golf is exercise.  There is a lot of physical activity involved in swinging that club. You still have to swing a club and hit a ball. Even if you ride a cart, you still have to get out of the cart and hit the ball and do't forget walking from the cart to the tee, or the cart up to the green and depending on some greens keepers and where they put the cart signs, that can be quite a hike.

4.   Golf is played in the real outdoors on some very beautiful pieces of land. This is true wherever the course is. The worst "goat track" still is much prettier than a city alley. It is real as opposed to created in cyberspace. If you have played The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch, Stevinson Ranch, DeLaveaga or Coronado, you know what I mean. Go to my You Tube Video page on my website http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com and see what I mean. These are real sights, sounds and smells.

5.  Staying along with #4 I give you this reason.  Golf courses are located in some very beautiful places.  Have you ever played Trump National Los Angeles or Pacific Grove Muni? You almost can forget your game and slip into the trance of the surroundings. All this beautiful scenery, and a golf course too. Life doesn't get any better.

6.  You can travel to the places where the golf courses are located. Yes, you can play your wonderful local golf course or you can go to other  places.  I can drive to Monterey and play a course there. Not only do I get to play golf, but I get to enjoy what the city of Monterey, or wherever has to offer.  How about a box of carmel corn from the pier or a seafood dinner with some exceptional clam chowder.  What does cyberchowder taste like anyway?

7.  You use real strategy when you play golf. You don't use a controller to hit the ball, you use a real stick to hit a real ball.  You get the true feeling of a stick impacting the ball. You get the true emotion of hitting a real shot, not a cyber shot. In this, it takes real skill to hit the ball where you want it to go. It takes real skill to drive, hit an iron, chip and putt. With this real skill comes the real emotion of playing the game that is real. What do I do to keep the ball out of the lake?  How do I shape the shot to go around the dog leg?  You get real feedback from the real world that is not possible in the cyber world.

8.  There is more to golf than just hitting a ball and putting in in the hole. There is the "emotion" of golf.  How do you feel after you hit a great shot?  What do you you do when you hit a bad shot? This emotion is real, not created in a cyber world. How many of you have lost a $5 ProV1 in a water hazzard because you shanked a shot?  You know what I'm talking about.

9.  You can get away from the world in a real way for five hours. There are no computers except GPS devices out here. The main computer is left in the pro shop. By the way, turn your cell phones off, please.
Golf can be a refuge from our busy digital world. That is one of the reasons that I think golf will come back. People are tired of the digital world and are searching for a real world.  Golf can provide that real world.

10.  Golf is meant to be played with friends. What did the first players do when they played?  The took a fifth of whiskey and shared it. That is where we get 18 holes, the time a fifth would last share among four golfers. There is nothing like sharing a round with a friend or even making new friends on the course. What about the 19th hole where you swap stories about the round?  "Tis a wonderful thing, laddie.

     That's about it. I guess that I didn't share how I like that golf is also mano-y-mano as well.  You are not playing against someone, you are playing the course.  After all this, I think it boils down to one thing as far as why I enjoy golf so much. It is a heck of a lot of fun.
     Don't forget to stop by my website http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com and check out the videos. There will be more soon. In the meantime, hit 'em long and straight, don't leave that birdie putt short.

Need I say anything more?

        

     

Money, Money Money Part 4

    Are you ready for the solution to the decline in golf?  I have already talked about courses closing and the supply shrinking. Remember, water seeks its own level. That is a good thing for the sport, to a point. What that equalization point in, I don't know.  The point where the demand for play is stabilized with the number of golf courses to play on will be reached, although I don't know what that point is. I hope it goes slightly in favor of golfers so as to keep green fees down. When there are too many courses, you have a lot of competition for that golfing dollar.
     As I have mentioned before in other posts, some private courses have opened their doors to public play.  Their membership is dwindling or they are in a cash flow crunch and need the play.  I applaud this decision. The Club At Crazy Horse Ranch, formerly Salinas Country Club, has followed this route.  I applaud them for that.  It is a great course and I hope they keep sharing the course with we in the general public. You can get a taste of Crazy Horse Ranch by watching my video of the course on my website http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com or by going directly to http://youtu.be/ZAF3Ve9VH_A.  Madera Country Club has followed the same path.
     I want to talk briefly here about the high cost of equipment.  You have to ask yourself, do I really need that $300 driver or putter.  Will the ProV1 really improve my game. Don't take me wrong, I love it when I come across a ProV1.  It probably is one of the finest balls in the game today. I'm sorry, but I just can't afford the $50 price tag for the dozen. I will play a less expensive ball that I like. Same thing with equipment. I will stay with that Nike Sasquatch that I won in a tournament. It works, and for me it's the swing and skill not the club. I don't want to pay the advertising budget of Nike or Taylor Made, and even though I love Phil I don't want to pay his salary or Calaway's advertising budget.
     Let's talk about the great big elephant in the room, shall we?  Green fees have got to come down.  I don't know how that will happen, but it must. The average person at present rates cannot afford to play as many rounds as they used too because it is getting too expensive--period.
     Thank God for on-line tee time services such as Tee-Off.com and Golf Now.  They started a trend to bring lower cost golf to the public. Courses had unsold times and these companies spotlighted those times and at a discounted rate to the public. That is a great thing. In most cases, you can find a discounted tee time on just about any course you want and save a lot of money.
     I am seeing special on tee times. One of my favorite courses in the Monterey area whose rack rate is $120 for eighteen holes and cart during the week is offering specials at $559.  I would think twice about paying $120, but for that course $59 is well worth it.
      For the longest time, special rates on green fees were almost taboo in the golf industry. That mindset is changing as the industry comes into this time of marketing. Slow dime or fast nickle, that's what it's all about.  Do you want to turn dollars and get people on your course to play it, or do you want the course sitting and rotting, not generating revenue in order to pay the bills.  Basically, that is what the question is today. Courses have to have cash flow and the way you do that is by reduced green fees to get people on to your course to play it. As far as I am concerned, end of story.
     It's Saturday today and I have some things to do so I will end this. Don't forget to check out my website http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com. I have some great courses featured on the You-Tube page so take a look.  In the meantime, hit 'em long and straight...don't leave that birdie putt short.

We play some beautiful courses in this game. It is worth the cost.

  

Money, Money, Money--Part 1

     Why the unusual title for this post you may ask?  The reason is simple.  Golf is on the decline as far is play and there are several reasons as I have talked about before. One of the main reasons for this decline is the cost of participating in the sport. Is golf pricing itself out of the market? I kind of think so.
     Golf, as in other things in this world has pretty much forgotten basic economics.  What comes into play here is the basic law of supply and demand. As golfers we would like to think that generally the law of supply and demand do not apply to golf, but it does. When the supply of a product goes up and the demand for that product goes down, what do you do to that product. That product has costs associated with it which must be covered, but the product is not being sold. What you do is to lower the cost to the consumer for that product to stimulate purchase or usage of the product or service. It's just that simple. Sorry I'm bothering you with this.  I'm into this, I used to teach history.
     I used to be in sales. If we had something that wasn't selling, what would we do. Yes, we made a lot of money when we sold a high ticket item with a steep price, but those sales were few and far between. Dollars were not changing hands and we still had the investment of the high priced item. A business is based on cash flow.
     We would call this, "slow dime, fast nickel". What this means is you are making a lot of profit on the expensive item, but unless it sells it is a liability. Something that has less profit built into it makes you less money, but your money is being turned.  You are generating fast revenue or profit. In other words, you don't make money unless it sells. When something wouldn't sell or was priced to high, we would lower the price or put it on what? ON SALE! Stay with me on this one, there will be a prize at the end.
     How does this relate to golf? I will get into that tomorrow. Don't forget to check out my website at http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com. Hit 'em long and straight, don't leave that birdie putt short.

The first tee at Bayonet. This is a great course in the Monterey area and right now are offering some great specials on green fees. 

         

Goodbye Riverbend. I'm Glad I knew You

     I am in mourning today.  I didn't loose a close friend or relative, but I did loose something that was very special in my life for a very long time. Riverbend Golf Course has been sold and they have changed her name. She is no longer Riverbend but Dragonfly, and it is time to say goodbye to a good friend.  With that said I say goodbye Riverbend and may you prosper in your new life as Dragonfly. What more can I say?

Goodbye my friend.  I will miss you.

   

Ten Things I Like In Golf

     I thought about something to write about today in my blog and It was very hard to come up with a subject. I thought and I thought--which as you know if you read my other blog is a very hard thing for me--an mind was blank.  Many of you think this is a common occurrence for me, but actually it isn't.  In fact my mind races all the time.  The problem is I have to focus all those thoughts. Maybe it is time to return to the subject at hand and that is golf. Needless to say, I was having a hard time coming up with something.
    I love the game of golf. What do I like, or should I say love, about the game. If I were to boil it down to ten things I love about the game, what would they be? There are so many things I love about the game, why just ten? I have decided on ten today, because I like that number and I only have limited time and space here to share these with you. In the coming months, you may see more posts about the things I love in golf but today it will be just ten. These are not in any particular order, either and here we go.

1.  I enjoy meeting new people. Many times I will go to the golf course by myself and take pot luck as far as getting up a game. On the first tee, generally I have never met the people I would be playing with. By about the third hole, it is like we have been friends forever. Yes, you do get some guys and galls who are not friendly and don't interact, but generally a good conversation strikes up during the round and by the 18th hole it is like you have known the people you are playing with forever. I like that and golf is the common denominator.

2.  Of course I would have to say the 19th hole. What a lot of people who don't play golf don't understand is that golf is a social game.  Yes, it is fun to play the game but it is also a lot of fun to interact with the people you have played with.  It is fun to hash out the round and to tell some tall golf tales over a soda or lunch at the coffee shop or bar after the round.

3. The sound of a club hitting the ball. There is nothing like it in any other sport.  Baseball has the crack of the bat, but golf has the clunk of the ball hitting the club. That sound, whether it is a good hit or bad miss is still one of the greatest sounds in sport.  It has changed over the years, especially with the woods no longer being made of wood but the sound is still music to my ears.

4.  Sinking a fifty footer on the putting green can make your heart sing. It doesn't matter if it is for birdie or triple bogey, it still is a thrill when it goes in from the cheap seats.

5.  How about taking out a new dozen golf balls and playing them.  It doesn't matter what brand they are and yes I do prefer Titleist but it doesn't matter the brand. When you take that dozen out and open the first sleeve, the newest of the balls and how shiny they are brings a warm and fuzzy feeling. It is too bad they won't stay new for long.

6.  I would have to say that if I did have a most favorite thing, and my mind would change often, is that my wife plays golf.  She is very competitive as well.  Plus, she knows how to play the game. I don't have to baby her around the course, and I wouldn't want too.  She played basketball, volleyball and softball in college as well as almost going pro in softball.  She know her way around sports.  I very much enjoy the time we spend together on the course.

7.  Along those same lines, I am glad that I have two of my children who play golf.  On is actually starting to give lessons and she is going to get her Class A pro degree.  My son plays as well and loves the game.

8.  I like to hit the green in regulation.  I don't very often right now because I am not playing as much.  When I have that six footer for birdie, which I used to make with regularity but since I don't play much I don't, makes me feel giddy.

9.  Which brings me to the next thing, which goes along with number eight. Believe me it is doesn't happen very often, especially now.  That is sinking that putt for birdie. YES!

10.  Taking pictures of golf courses. I really enjoy sharing those courses I have played in pictures and in words. There is nothing like the feeling of setting up a shot--picture--of a green when the sun is low in the sky. The lighting itself makes it all worth the while.

     That's about it for now. Don't forget to check out my website at http://the-golf-course-travel-bag.com.  Remember to hit 'em long and straight.  Don't hit that birdie putt short.

What a great game!