Back9Booking Helps You Find a Chicagoland Tee Time... For Free
Finding a tee time in the Chicagoland area has never been more easy following the establishment of many different online databases, many of which charging a small fee to use their booking services. While this fee is usually minimal, nobody likes to shell out a few extra bucks just to book a tee time for their favorite course. Luckily, the folks over at Back9Booking have developed a fitting, cost-free alternative. Back9Booking, the Chicago startup that allows golfers to search, compare and book golf tee times for free online, today announced the launch of its service in Chicago – just in time for golf season. Users can now book tee times for free at over 40 of Chicago’s best public golf courses.
The easy to use service allows for convenient online booking and saves golfers time from calling multiple courses to find a suitable tee time. Users visit the site, select criteria (date, time, number of holes, area and distance from a zip code) from pull down menus, and then select an option. The entire online booking process can be done in minutes.
“Golfers spend too much time calling multiple courses for a suitable tee time. Now users can visit our site, select a date and time, and choose from a number of available courses to instantly make a reservation,” said Brent Robertson, CEO of Back9Booking. “We saw tremendous response while demonstrating at the Chicago Golf Show. We are thrilled to have 40 Chicago-area courses on board with many more in the works.”
Back9Booking has partnered with six Chicago Park District golf courses as well as popular links like Traditions at Chevy Chase, Prairie Landing, Highland Park, Bridges of Poplar Creek, George W. Dunne and Lake Bluff. Partnering golf courses allow Back9Booking to incorporate its tee-reservation system with golf course back-end software so reservations are always made in real time. Golf course operators win by exposing their courses to golfers who had not initially considered their respective courses.
The company has plans to expand throughout the US and is looking to secure additional funding.
Back9Booking is a private, Chicago-based company founded by three brothers in 2009. The company provides an interactive website that allows customers to search, compare and book golf tee times for free. Back9Booking focuses on ease of use, presenting customers with a clear list of booking options. For more information, please visit www.back9booking.com.
Michelob Ultra 19th Hole Tea & Lemonade
Who says running your own golf blog doesn't have its perks?
This weekend the good folks over at Michelob sent me a sample of their new golf-themed malt beverage, Ultra 19th Hole Light, for me to try in the name of... um... journalistic integrity. After watching a few hours of the Masters with a couple 16oz. cans of the tea and lemonade mix, I couldn't possibly think of a better way to spend an afternoon.
Ultra 19th Hole Light Tea & Lemonade is inspired by a drink golfers know very well - the Arnold Palmer. Of course, with a 4.0% alcohol by volume rating, this ain't your grandma's summer drink.
"Over the years, blended tea and lemonade drinks have grown from a golf course specialty to a summertime staple, and Ultra 19th Hole takes the popular concept to the next level," said Ryan Moore, Vice President, premium lights. "We've seen a growing demand for lighter, sweeter beverages, and we believe Ultra 19th Hole offers the right combination of refreshment and flavor. And just like the classic, it's also great over ice."
Personally, the drink was a bit too sweet for my taste, but I'm not the biggest fan of sugary alcoholic beverages. Regardless, I very much enjoyed the refreshing nature of the beverage, and it was certainly very tasty for a "companion drink" while watching golf on a warm day. I did not try Ultra 19th Hole over ice as Moore suggests, but I will certainly do so in the near future.
Ultra 19th Hole is available in single-serve and four-packs of 16oz. cans and can be purchased at convenience stores, select golf courses, and bars & restaurants. It is brewed at Anheuser-Busch's Baldwinsville, New York brewery. For more information, visit www.MichelobULTRA.com or www.Facebook.com/michelobultra.
2012 Ryder Cup Illinois License Plates
GLENVIEW, Ill. (March 27, 2012) – The Illinois PGA Foundation in conjunction with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office is releasing a limited-run special event license plate to celebrate the 39th Ryder Cup taking place Sept. 25-30, 2012, at historic Medinah (Ill.) Country Club near Chicago. The Ryder Cup is the most prestigious competition in professional golf and one of the most beloved sporting events in the world.
The commemorative Ryder Cup plate will be valid for Illinois drivers from August 2-September 30, 2012. Out-of-state golf enthusiasts may order a plate as a souvenir, which will be shipped following the conclusion of the event. Proceeds from sales of the plate will benefit the Illinois PGA Foundation’s youth golf initiatives.
“The Illinois PGA Foundation is very excited to be able to offer a 2012 Ryder Cup special event license plate with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office,” said Trey VanDyke, Illinois PGA Foundation President. “The plate provides a great way for Illinois golf fans to display their Ryder Cup spirit and is also a unique collector’s item for Ryder Cup fans everywhere. Most importantly, sales of the plate will help fund the Illinois PGA Foundation’s charitable work and programs, with a strong focus on helping young people who are interested in the great game of golf.”
Fans should visit www.ipga.com to view the 2012 Ryder Cup plate design and to download the application for purchase. The plate is available for $80, with a reduced price of $40 being offered to Illinois drivers who own a vehicle currently registered with the Support Youth Golf License Plate. The plate will be offered for FREE to Illinois residents who purchase their permanent Support Youth Golf license plate in conjunction with this offer.
The Illinois PGA Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the Illinois Section PGA, one of the 41 geographical regions that comprise the PGA of America. It focuses on promoting the goodwill and growth of the game in Illinois with an emphasis on activities that benefit youth. Foundation initiatives include GolfWorks Illinois, an internship program providing employment and educational opportunities for young people through the Illinois golf industry, a youth-based scholarship and grants programs and support of The First Tee program.
Order your plates today and support youth golf in Illinois by visiting www.ipga.com.
Tinley Park Golf Expo
Over the weekend a friend and I hit up the Tinley Park Golf Expo in the hopes of scoring some free swag and trying out a few new products. Held at the huge Tinley Park Convention Center just a mile or two off of Interstate 80, the Expo seemed to be more geared toward golf courses and vacation giveaways than new product demonstrations.
One of the more impressive booths of the day was that of Mistwood Golf Course, located in Romeoville, Illinois. While it was merely another booth inviting visitors to "come out and play", my brief conversation with "Dan" was quite informative in regard to the course redesign. The changes on the course (which I haven't been to in probably 10 years) look amazing, especially with the addition of new hazards and hole layouts on most of the acerage. Most of the major changes were completed in 2011, so I hope to make my way out to Mistwood in the next few months to try out the new look.
I also had the opportunity to hit the new Tour Edge XCG5 driver, albeit against a net in the back of the convention center. Regardless, I can already tell that this was an extremely solid club in both feel and appearance. The red and white coloring makes the club pleasing to the eye at address, and the unique sound the ball makes when leaving the clubface make the latest offering by Tour Edge that much more attractive. $329 is a lot of cash for a man of my ilk, however, so I may have to search for a deal if I plan on putting a XCG5 in my bag anytime soon.
All-in-all the convention was somewhat entertaining. Lessons were available for a modest price of $30, and even the limited number of putting and chipping contests helped pass the time in what appeared to be a rather small expo (in relation to the size of the building, at least). I also was able to pick up a Golf World magazine subscription included in my $10 admission fee, so I'll consider that a win.
A Quick Note on Sexism in Golf
Having worked in the golf industry for over 10 years earlier in my life - and now as a golf writer/blogger - I have had the opportunity to witness the various behaviors and candid whisperings from country club members from an outsider's perspective. As a bag room employee at my local club in Illinois growing up, I would routinely assist members with preparing for their rounds, cleaning their clubs, and organizing golf outings for our membership.
When working with the club's female members, a few characteristics were commonplace. Many of our female members had either just recently picked up the game or would seldom come out to the course to practice, which did lead to some longer rounds of golf. On average, this specific country club's female demographic was also a bit older than the much larger male membership count (our Ladies' Club Champion was in her 60s for most of my time there). There were also a few ladies who seemed to be a bit more "demanding" in their customer service requests in comparison to others, but nothing out of the ordinary. Every so often a "Mrs. Havercamp" joke would be exchanged among the male members, but for the most part everyone got along quite nicely.
Our male membership exuded more... interesting qualities rather frequently, which included:
- Excessive swearing and shouting, even while in the presence of junior golfers
- Displays of public drunkenness that would sometimes result in my having to retrieve a golf cart from a creek
- Overly-aggressive hacks at a missed putt on a green out of anger that often resulted in gaping divots taken from the putting surface
- Incessant chauvinistic comments and gestures towards female waitresses, employees, and lifeguards that went above and beyond sexual harassment
- Failure to maintain even the most fundamental etiquette while on the course, such as replacing a divot or repairing a ball mark
- and, to top it all off, issuing constant complaints to the Pro Shop about the female golfers "playing too slow"
Try as we might to promote equality within our private memberships and premium tee-times, a few misinformed loudmouths continue to cast stones in the direction of female golfers for simply trying to enjoy perhaps the greatest game in the world. In most cases, these same individuals could learn a lesson or two from our female counterparts about how to respect the game.
(The above article was originally posted by the author for Waggleroom.com)
The Dumbest Video Game Idea, Ever
This week on Friday Fun I am going to reserve an entire segment to a man who usually gets a lot of attention anyway: Tiger Woods. More specifically, this week's post focuses on what EA Sports has done to earn - at least in my mind - the designation as the video game developer who has the WORST idea in the history of gaming: playing golf as Tiger Woods... as a child. Seriously. I'm not making this up.
EA Sports' Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 13 is going to feature a game mode in which you can literally relive the childhood years of Tiger's golf life. I'm not just talking about his triumphs at the US Amateur or college. No no... I'm talking about the "Tiger chipping balls into kiddie pools as a child" years.
One can only hope that later installments in the popular video game series will include Tiger Woods Knee Operation Mode, Tiger Woods Leisure Suit Larry Mode, and of course, Tiger Woods Driveway Racing Mode.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/327580/videogame-trailers-tiger-woods-pga-tour-13-legacy-trailer
DuPage Expo Center Golf Show
Every so often a golf expo sale or convention will pop up around me locally, so I try to take the initiative and head out to see what deals I can squander up before the next golf season. The DuPage Expo Center in St. Charles, Illinois welcomed such a golf show this weekend, so my wife and I piled into our car and headed out for some deal hunting. The Expo Center recently went over some major renovations (according to the center's website), and this would be our first visit to the building since our time living in the county. Located just off of Route 64, the center appeared to be about the size of a WalMart and was tucked away by a hotel on the north side of the highway. We could already see the line of bored weekend hacks standing out the doorway and into the parking lot, which was filled to the brim and forced us to park by the neighboring hotel some 500 yards away.
Funny thing about golf expo shows that I somehow seem to forget every time: everyone is there looking for a massive deal on newer clubs, and no vendors are willing to offer that sort of deal. After paying the $9 admission fee to the center (without being handed any type of door gift, which I thought was poor taste), my wife and I entered a medium-sized convention floor that was packed with the same hackers we saw lined up outside. Most visitors were surrounding the new club offerings from NIKE, TaylorMade, and others (presumably looking for that big deal that wouldn't be found). Since I was looking for a new 60-degree wedge and she for golf balls, we headed towards a less-populated section of the floor in search of our targets.
All-in-all, the convention was mild at best. I was able to find a new wedge for a mere $25 in addition to a dozen golf balls for her, and many of the vendors were open to bartering. However, the selection was somewhat limited in quality as opposed to quantity. There were many new club offerings at somewhat discounted prices, but the majority of items were slightly-to-overly used and barely worth their low prices.
Early Years of Royal Melbourne Golf Club
(The following was originally published by the author on WaggleRoom.com)
The 2011 President's Cup matches will be held November 17-20 at a course that also hosted the Cup in 1998, when it took place outside of the United States for the first time: Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia. A beautiful track of land, Royal Melbourne is considered to be the oldest remaining golf club in Australia with ties back to the late 19th century.
Golf has always played a major part in nobility recreation in Australia during the 1800's, with golf clubs sprouting up in Tasmania in the 1820s, Melbourne in 1847 and Sydney in 1882. However, the passage of time would eventually see many smaller golf clubs close due to poor funding, wartimes, and other factors. Nevertheless, plans had been laid out later that century to establish a club in Melbourne that would not only face the tests of time, but also serve as a championship course for area tournaments and royality.
According to Royal Melbourne's official website, there had been numerous attempts to establish such a golf club in Melbourne prior to 1891, however Royal Melbourne is the only club that survived the turn of the century and continues to this day. Various accounts suggest that the golf course and club were contrived by a small group of Scottish settlers via informal meetings - mainly at Scott's Hotel on Collins Street - of which no public records exist in present day. It is also suggested that these meetings formatted the early membership requirements for Royal Melbourne, which included a minimum membership requirement of 100 and a membership fee of 15 guineas. These original 100 members would ultimately be remembered as the Founders of Melbourne Golf Club.
The original course was located at Caulfield on a stretch of land that included the Caufield Railway Station and the grounds that would ultimately become Central Park in present-day Melbourne. The original course was laid out by Thomas Finlay and David Conacher - childhood friends from St. Andrews, Scotland - and totaled roughly 4700 yards for eighteen holes. The course officially opened on July 4, 1891 as a men's-only club (women were allowed to join as associates in September, 1892).
As membership grew at Royal Melbourne, club officials sought a new location for the club in response to membership overcrowding. In 1898, land was purchased in Sandringham and would eventually open as the club's second home in 1901. According to the website, the financing of the purchase "was achieved by members taking up shares, with a limited liability of £10, in The Royal Melbourne Golf Company Limited. This company leased the land to the Club at five per cent per annum of the land's purchase price."
The years following would include further expansion on the club in terms of membership and acerage. Over time, however, plans were draw-up to move the course one more time to nearby Black Rock, where the rich soils east of the newly-designed clubhouse could be taken advantage of properly. On December 10, 1926, plans were finalized for Royal Melbourne's third and final location at Black Rock. In 1929 additional land was purchased by the membership to allow for a second course to be constructed, giving the golf club an East and West option.
Britain & Ireland Capture Walker Cup
On a day where many Americans remembered their fallen (or worried about their fantasy football teams, depending on your priorities), the Walker Cup final came to an exciting end as the team of Britain and Ireland defeated the US team 14-12. The Brits & Irish squad captured the Cup for the first time since 2003 thanks to a successful round in single competition. Hosted in Aberdeen, Scotland, the B&I team only needed 13 1/2 points to win the cup. In an impressive display of up-and-coming talent, 17-year old Rhys Pugh defeated US Amateur Champion Kelly Kraft 2 & 1 to give his team what would prove to be an insurmountable lead on Sunday.
Britain & Ireland team member, Jordan Spieth, on winning the Walker Cup while representing his country against many of the game's best amateurs:
"Any time you can represent your country, for me, it's the biggest honor I've ever had," Spieth said. "Being on this team is the biggest honor I've ever had playing golf. ... The crowds, the emotions are higher. The format is different. Peter and I both hope that we can play on a Ryder Cup some day or multiple. I think it's a great step towards it." (Associated Press).
Many Thanks For The Support!
Well, voting has closed for the CBS Chicago "Most Valuable Blogger" contest. I would like to thank everyone for your generous support (and votes!) over the past two weeks. Final results of the contest will be announced on the contest's main website on September 16th. Stay tuned for more information, and once again, I have the best readers in the world.
Now go and enjoy some NFL Football!
Breaking Bad Habits for Better Golf
However, are these examples still relevant to today's game as it applies to anger and emotion?
According to the NY Times' Bill Pennington, the amateur player can still offer a window to his or her personality while playing a round of golf. In fact, professional TOUR players have also noticed interesting behaviors from their amateur playing partners during Pro-Ams. Just ask Luke Donald.
"I've seen guys lose it in pro-ams," said Donald, the world's top-ranked golfer, when asked about how recreational golfers comport themselves. "Guys throwing clubs, slamming clubs, screaming obscenities. Sure, I have. Haven't we all seen that?"
While losing one's cool during a pro-am seems a bit over-the-top for me, I will not argue with Mr. Donald by suggesting this type of behavior never occurs in those events. However, is golf still the best way for others to learn about another's character? If someone gets angry at an errant tee-shot, does that necessarily mean that person is automatically labeled as having anger management issues?
According to one mental coach, the nature of anger is to fixate our attention on what we do not want. In other words, most amateurs hold on to the fear of potentially driving a golf ball into the woods as opposed to focusing on club position, follow-through, or any other quality that would ultimately prevent our fear from occurring in the first place. The result? More often than you would suspect, that ball is forest-bound.
The good news is that these behaviors or lack of focus are completely avoidable. The bad news, of course, is that many golfers fail to realize exactly how much control they have over their thoughts while "in the moment". The same phenomenon is seen whenever a golfer steps up to the first tee after a successful driving range session and tops the ball on his first swing. As soon as the swing "counts", the player's focus becomes blurred.
Golf is a funny game in that the only adversity during the course of a "game" - or round - is one's own self. That much is obvious. However, this should not imply that athletic anger is only reserved for an individually-based sport like golf. The individual emotions of athletes can also come into play (literally) during a basketball game, soccer match, or any other team sport. Fortunately these athletes have their teammates to fall back on when the going gets tough; golfers aren't as fortune.
Combating anger or a lack of focus while on the course is as simple as envisioning a feeling or emotion that you would prefer to feel at that moment, and then making this a habit in your day to day life. We design a new behavior that more appropriately reflects what we want to experience. So instead of throwing your clubs or cursing after a bad shot, laughing at yourself or stating that your next shot will be more impressive could be a way to spin the situation in a more positive light. Just as with misery, negativity loves company and can carry over into other thought areas outside the golf course.
Breaking habits are not easy, especially when playing golf; however, it is certainly possible to achieve. Allowing your partners to hit first off the tee when you would normally race to play your shot before anyone else is one example of a subtle yet highly-effective habit-breaking practice. You can also change the type of golf ball you play, the pocket you carry your tees in during the round, or even what side of the tee-box you begin each hole. The key is to mix-up your simple habits first before moving on to the tougher anger-related responses. Once you become comfortable with these smaller changes, implementing a different emotional response to a bad golf shot will be much easier.
"The Bag Room" - My New Book Has Been Published!
After about 4 months of planning and writing, my first book, The Bag Room, is now available for purchase via Lulu.com!
"Written in the style of Caddyshack, The Bag Room is a first-hand account of life as a country club employee including some secrets that many members don't want you to know."
This first edition is published as an eBook and can be downloaded as a PDF or ePUB file and is on sale for $8.99.
You can find a link to the purchase site by clicking on the Buy Now link on the right side of this blog's homepage or by clicking: http://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=11135250
(Note: You may need to download Adobe Digital Editions to read the book. Get a free download of this program here: http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/)
US Hole-In-One Insures Your Ace
Most of us have played in a golf tournament, charity event, or corporate scramble once or twice in our lives where a spectacular prize is offered on select holes to anyone who can score a hole-in-one. This idea is pretty straight-forward for those of us competing in the event; however, how do tournament coordinators actually pay for those grand prizes? Furthermore, how can you be certain you will actually receive the prize as-advertised?
In a recent interview with Waggleroom.com, Nicholas Letier answers those questions and more.
Adam: Having worked at a golf course most of my childhood, I am pretty familiar with the concept of a third-party service handling tournament Hole-In-One contests. In a few words, how does US Hole in One insurance work and how does your service benefit tournament organizer? Nicholas: If a tournament organizer wants to give away a large prize for a successful hole in one (example: $10,000 Cash), then the event planner can purchase a contest coverage package from US Hole In One.
By purchasing this coverage, if a golfer successfully hits a hole in one, then US Hole In One writes the check for $10,000 to the tournament organizer so that they can then cut a check to their winner for $10,000. The event organizer's major benefit is that they are only responsible for the original coverage fee. It's a small price to pay to have the ability to give away a large prize. I'll ask the obvious question right away, Nicholas. Roughly how many aces does your company cover in a fiscal year? I would imagine that the number would have to be rather low to return a profit for US Hole in One?
US Hole In One pays out approximately 150 hole in one winners each year which amounts to about $350,000 in paid claims per year. On any given year we end up giving away prizes that range from small items such as televisions, golf clubs and cruises to large prizes like cars, boats and $100,000 cash. The bottom line is that holes in one do happen more often than most people think.
According to your company website, www.HoleInOneInsurance.com, your list of recent clients includes major companies like Nissan Motors, US Bank, and even Playboy Golf. Are your services limited to courses in the United States or do you also have an international presence?
US Hole In One currently covers events in the United States and Canada but it is possible that we may offer coverage outside of North American in the future.
In addition to providing hole-in-one coverage for the tournament organizers, your service also offers a free golf club to tournament participants. What are the options available for this impressive added benefit?
Every hole in one package comes with additional bonus hole in one prizes for the other par 3 holes on the course. These bonus prizes are included in the package so that if someone hits a hole in one on a different par 3 during the tournament then they at least win a prize. Free signs displaying what the prize is for all of the par 3's are also included.
Our bonus prizes are:
Sharp LCD Flat-Screen Television
Set of Callaway Diablo Irons (3-PW)
Two Roundtrip Domestic Airline Tickets
We have also recently partnered with Golfsmith to provide each tournament director with a $10 off coupon from Golfsmith for every golfer in their event. Tournament directors typically hand those out at the registration table or put them in the golfer's goodie bags.
I have actually played in a tournament that featured a hole-in-one contest on the club's driving range. Does US Hole in One offer coverage for this type of arrangement? No, we only cover tournaments that are on an actual golf course.
Your website is incredibly user-friendly, includes live chat with a customer service representative and offers a wealth of information to prospective clients. Are your services reserved for major company outings or can my group of friends contact you to insure a hole for our smaller-scale event?
We work with a wide range of clients, from small charity golf outings to large corporate events and even some PGA Tournaments.
In regards to the website, we also offer an Instant Price Quote feature where users can easily obtain a quote online and then choose to purchase coverage through the website.
Last question Nicholas, and thanks again for your time today. How does your company protect against witness fraud? Is this an issue you see frequently with your contests?
We do not actually run into that problem very often. We do a pretty good job of asking the right questions and investigating all the witnesses and the club pro to determine whether a hole in one was legitimate or not.
Also, any prizes of $100,000 or greater require an unedited video of the successful attempt to be considered valid so that helps further protect us from any fraud on a large claim.
Life is Grand Charity Golf Tournament
Hello again, ChicagoDuffer.com faithful. I'm back from a much-needed vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC, which luckily missed the wrath of hurricane Irene over the past few days. During my trip I had the opportunity to play golf at Indian Wells Golf Club (not the one of Big Break fame; that one is in Palm Springs) and met two of the more interesting people in my life. On Wednesday I was paired with Jason Bentley and his eight-year-old son, Brandon. Throughout the round Jason and I shared stories of our hometowns and offered encouragement to his son who "really wanted to use Dad's clubs" on each hole. Needless to say, we had a lot of time to become acquainted during a 5-hour round.
This is how I learned about the Life is Grand Charity Golf Tournament, which Jason and his family have coordinated and hosted for the last five years. The back story and driving force behind this charity is one that unfortunately far too many people in this world experience on an annual basis: the horrors of drunk driving and the loss of a loved one.
According to the foundation's website, Tyler Bentley - Jason's brother - passed away on Thanksgiving Day 2005 as a result of a drunk driver. Tyler was 18 years old at the time of his death and was attending NOVA with hopes to transfer to Radford University to study Criminal Justice. Tyler B's Life is Grand foundation primary goal is to directly disperse monies to The Johns Hopkins University Hospital Brady Urological Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. As a child Tyler was treated at Johns Hopkins to correct some birth defects. Through his treatment and care at Johns Hopkins, Tyler became an active participant in multiple sports, including golf.
The foundation raises charitable donations through various sources. Donations are received from golfers participating in the golf outing, as well as non-golfers who wish contribute directly to the foundation with a monetary donation. The foundation also receives donations from local and out of town businesses and individuals who make a contribution by sponsoring holes at the outing. On the day of the outing, additional donations are raised from the purchase of mulligans, raffle tickets, and auction that is held at the conclusion of the outing. All proceeds from the outing will be donated directly to the Brady Urological Institute, to be used for research and the purchase of new medical equipment.
The annual event takes place at Westfields Golf Club in Clifton, VA on Saturday, September 17th 2011.
For more information on how you can become part of the event or make a donation to the charity, please visit the golf registration form or website home page today.
Chicago Legends Golf Classic
The Chicago Legends Golf Classic is taking place on Monday, September 19, 2011 at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, IL. You will have the opportunity to golf with a Chicago Legend, including Bo Jackson, Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael, Kevin Butler, Bob Love, Jim Cornelison, Tom Dreesen, Kevin Matthews, Johnny B, Larry Wert, Brian Noonan, Steve Trout, Mike Adamle and many more!
Two of the charities that will benefit from the Classic include the Dr. Jeff Foundation and Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.
The Dr. Jeff Foundation is devoted to helping parents with critically ill children working with Normal Moments and The Saint Iakovos Retreat Center. Normal Moments, Inc. is devoted to supporting parents with critically ill children in the home, in the hospital, and via web resources so that they can spend as much time as possible sharing the most normal moments possible with their children.
The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund’s mission is to assist retired NFL players who are in dire health and financial distress. In addition to financial support, Gridiron Greats also assists with the coordination and resourcing of other types of assistance that may be available through a variety of different agencies and social services.
For more information on this great Chicagoland golf event, including package pricing and corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact either of the following tournament organizers:
Kristina Wert 708.431.5777 Kristina.wert@illinoisback.com
Or
Betsy Shepherd 312-266-4880 or 312-307-3958 Betsy.Shepherd@Gmail.com
REVIEW: FindAGolfer.com
FindAGolfer.com could be the answer.
Designed in the spirit of other social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, this website allows players from across the globe to connect, book, and schedule tee times together at local golf courses. The number of features available on the website are astounding - to say the least - which includes an upcoming Amateur Golf Tour in which players of any calibar can participate.
In addition, FindAGolfer.com also allows members the opportunity to review courses across the globe on a clean and easy-to-use intergrated dashboard on the website. Ever wonder how difficult that new course down the street plays? Visit the Course Review portion of FindAGolfer.com to see what other players think. After playing the course, you can even submit your own personal review for other golfers to read and comment on.
Recently I was able to speak with Rick Scherer, Managing Partner and Founder of FindAGolfer.com.
What originally sparked the idea or concept of FindAGolfer.com?
The original concept came from the frustration I had trying to get a group together to play golf. I originally started it as a place for me to find some other golfing friends. After only 30 days, we had over 100 members and it was at that time that I realized there were a lot of golfers out there like me and I could make this into a business.
In an era where people are more connected than ever before via social sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, there is no doubt that FindAGolfer.com fits within the niche of likeminded people enjoying a similar interest with one another. Where do you see your website five years from now, and are there any plans to integrate with other social media outlets?
We want to create our website into an awesome social networking website, but more importantly, our concept is to help connect golfers together through events and tournaments. One thing I realized over the past year and a half is that golfers will not go out of their way to meet other golfers. There are several other golf buddy websites out there, but they lack in the platform that helps golfers connect. We organize events and tournaments for the sole purpose of giving every golfer a place to play on a regular basis along with helping to introduce them to other golfers, but in a group setting. Although we sell individual rounds of golf on the website, our main focus is the organization of events. We are currently in Charlotte and Raleigh and have plans to expand to Florida and Texas within the next 2 years.
With FindAGolfer.com's "Find A Game" feature, golfers are able to add a game listing to the site and then find additional players to participate in the game. Are there plans to move this feature into a mobile application for smartphones?
This is something we talked about, but again, kind of takes us away from our ultimate goal. We’ve had this feature on our website before and it was hardly ever used. My experience shows that a VERY small percentage of golfers will actually go meet a total stranger to play golf. We’ve created a buddy list on our website and are integrating the "Find A Game Feature" into that. This way golfers will be inviting only players they know and hopefully will find players for a group. Again, this is an added feature for our members, but not really in the overall goal of our site.
You also offer a sign-up for an Amateur Golf Tour on the website. What are some of the details for this Tour, such as cost, locations available, and handicap level?
The Amateur Golf Tour is now being called the Carolinas Golf Tour. We are currently making some changes on the Tour side of things to get sponsorships and more coverage. I will have more information on this in the next few months.
On the FindAGolfer.com website, members are able to rate courses across the country for the benefit of others to read. How has this feature been embraced by your membership? Are there any additional features that we should keep our eyes out for in the future?
The Golf Course information side of the website is something we plan to expand and grow. As a social networking site, we need members commenting on golf course experiences. We are now offering 50 Golfer Points to any member for reviewing a Golf Course. Golfer Points are an award based program that can be used on the website for additional discount. I am re-designing our website, will be completed by the end of next week. The new website will also include a Fantasy Golf Challenge that will be open to all members. It will be a Golfer Point program with prizes awarded in Golfer Points.
Be sure to visit FindAGolfer.com to learn more about how you can receive $5 off USGA Handicaps and 250 Golfer Points for signing up as a new member.
Michael Jordan, Tony Romo at American Century Championship
Michael Jordan played a practice round at the American Century Championship on Wednesday with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Jordan spoke about his golf game, Tiger Woods and Romo's golf game. The American Century Championship airs live on VERSUS on Friday, July 15 from 4-7 pm (ET) and live on NBC Sports on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 from 3-6 pm (ET). [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBw7RXXTKXo]
Book Review: "ESPN: Those Guys Have All The Fun"
The new book from James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales, ESPN: Those Guys Have All The Fun, is an interesting romp through the history of the worldwide leader in sports and where the network could perceivably move to in the future. While I found most of the early chapters rather strenuous and downright tasking to get through (thanks to vividly remembered meeting conversations from a bunch of men I had never heard of before), my interest was piqued as familiar names like Dan Patrick, Keith Olbermann, and others enter the storyline towards the middle of the work. The result of the author's efforts - and hours upon hours of interviews - is a thorough retelling of the birth of a media and cultural juggernaut.
Every sports fan - young and old - knows the name of "ESPN". However, not every sports fan is aware of this network's origins and how close the idea of ESPN (once simply known as "ESN") almost came to a screeching halt. What started as a mere $9,000 investment in the late 1970's would ultimately rise to a multi-billion dollar enterprise that continues to grow on a daily basis. As the book details quite thoroughly in its 700+ pages is what could only be described as a perfect storm of luck, betrayal, and risk coming together and actually "working out".
While the book itself barely touches on the topic of golf - which would make some sense being reviewed on this blog - many of the storylines found within its pages can translate over into any sport or any area of life, both professional and personal. In my opinion, many of the interviews could have been shortened considerably (if not left out of the book altogether) and the story would not have suffered one bit. Make no mistakes about it, however; Those Guys is meant for the historian and serious sports geek and less for the casual fan.
Some highlights in the book include the hijinks and legal mishaps experienced by many of the networks employees throughout the years, especially those best discussed on a tabloid. The inner conflicts between ownership past and present are also expressed in great detail, often to the point where the reader can become bored with an argument that took place decades earlier. What is somewhat humorous, however, is the way many current ESPN employees spoke candidly about ex-coworkers. For example, when discussion the mean-spirited departure of Olbermann in 1997 from the network, long-time anchor Bob Ley stated: "We felt not so much relief when Keith left as unrestrained [expletive] joy".
To suggest that the early years of ESPN was nothing more than a "glorified frat party" would be an understatement. Producers and executives were all in the early-to-mid twenties, drank a ton of alcohol, smoked a lot of dope, and basically tried to sleep with every female in sight. As the book's subjects recall, this hectic lifestyle was the direct result of long work hours, testosterone-fueled excitement, and a sincere sense that nobody knew what the hell they were doing.
So is the basis of Miller and Shales massive biography. Present the reader with word-for-word accounts of the inner-workings of ESPN, both good and bad, without any regard for who might be caught in the crossfire. In some instances this approach makes for incredibly entertaining reading; in others, I often found myself embarrassed for the subjects being discussed.
Those Guys Have All The Fun: The Inside World Of ESPN By James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales ISBN: 978-0-316-04300-7 $27.99 763 pages (8 pages of black and white photos)
GOLFNOW.com Contests in Chicagoland Area
Dan Bury over at GOLFNOW.com - and friend to ChicagoDuffer.com - informed me of a few interesting events going on this weekend to coincide with the PGA TOUR's John Deere Classic in Silvis, IL. Beginning on July 7th, you can participate in events at two area golf courses: Wedgewood Golf Course and Inwood Golf Course, both in Joliet, Illinois.
On July 8th the action shifts to two other golf facilities in the area: Oak Meadows Golf Club in Addison and Top Golf over in Wood Dale.
Next, you can participate at two locations on Saturday, July 9th at TopGolf or Mackray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington:
Finally, you can visit Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood on Sunday, July 10th for the final event location, which will include a driving range chipping contest. You can also watch the action live from the John Deere Classic on televisions at Wedgewood Golf Course throughout the week:
For more information on these events - inlcuding directions to each facility as well as other offers from GOLFNOW.com - vist the following website: http://www.golfnow.com/chicago-events
European Tour Logo to Honor Seve Ballesteros
(Note: The following article was originally published by the author for The Golf Writers.) Last Saturday the golfing world lost an icon as Seve Ballesteros — one of the most famous and talented professional European golfers of all time — succombed to his battle with brain cancer. While multiple professionals, organizations, and the PGA Tour have offered their own tributes to this golfing legend, the European Tour will now honor Seve by designing a new logo commemorating his career.
According to a recent article by Bernie Maguire for the Scotsman, the European Tour’s logo was already recently changed in 2009 to commemorate the life and career of another great — Harry Vardon — and to coincide with the Race to Dubai series of that season. The proposed photo that will eventually become the European Tour’s new logo is that of Seve Ballesteros pumping his fist towards the sky after winning the Open Championship at St. Andrews in 1984.
Many professionals are voicing their opinions and support for this proposed logo change, including Paul Lawrie, another former Open winner.
“I absolutely support the idea (of changing it],” the Scot told reporters yesterday. “Seve is the reason why we are playing on the European Tour, and everyone would have that opinion, so I fully agree with that. Of course, it’s not for me to tell the Tour what to do. The current logo is a nice logo and it’s been very well done.
“But everyone knows and agrees that Seve was the player that really started it all for the European Tour. He was the difference. We shouldn’t be changing the logo just because he’s gone but that’s always been the case so maybe it could have been a Seve logo from the word go.”
The original “muse” for the current European Tour logo, Harry Vardon is also commemorated by having his name attached to the Open Championship trophy, which Vardon himself won last in 1914. Supporters of the proposed change to have Seve replace Vardon’s image also suggest that Ballesteros should have been the original choice all along dating from his retirement. The obivous counter arguement is that the Vardon image depicts golfing greatness from as early a time period as possible, whereas Seve is certainly more recent. However, this argument could stretch back even further to Old Tom Morris, should one feel so inclined.
Timelines for the proposed logo change to an image of Seve remain up in the air as of the time of this writing.
