Archive for October, 2008

How To Get Inside The Ropes At A Major

The coveted abc sports armband - my ticket to inside the ropes at the 1992 Open Championship. All I have to do is to keep one shot ahead and try not to get caught up in the gallery when going from green to tee. I manage to do this by walking as closely behind the players as I can. Faldo is mostly steaming because his driver is working and his irons and putter are flat. His opponent, Steve "The Volcano" Pate isn't saying much of anything because he can't find a fairway and he knows his miracle up-and-downs can't last forever.

One Nervous TV Golf Spotter Takes To Muirfield's Fairways

I can close my eyes and see it all unfold again, just like it was yesterday - East Lothian, Scotland, Sunday July 22nd, 1992 - Final round of the 121st Open Championship at Muirfield Golf Club - Home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. Nick Faldo and Steve Pate are the final twosome to tee off on that strip of narrow fairway that defines the 1st hole, a par 4, a fairway that was only hit by a few players the whole day. I am the gentleman standing in the rough just off the 1st fairway, headset on, red abc sports armband around the sleeve of my green John Jacobs Golf School jacket. I am listening to the steady voice of one of abc sports lead producers who is telling me to relax, speak clearly and keep ahead of the action.

Anyone Who Loves Golf Can Be A TV Spotter

How did I get to be an on-course spotter, inside the ropes of the British Open Championship or the "Open" as it is referred to there, having the time of my life? Someday I will give you all my secrets but if you are a golfer, in fairly good shape and your schedule is somewhat flexible I have the contacts to make it happen for you. Just email us with your interests by commenting to this blog. (more…)

TV Golf Credentials To Remember Them By

These are just a few of the many events I have been lucky to be a part of as an on-course TV Golf spotter during a long love affair with the game of golf, both as a regular player (strictly amateur now with a 12 hndcp) who loves to travel the world in pursuit of a good course and as a spectator at PGA Tour events. I have been fortunate to have attended all of golf's major championships and to have worked as an on-course spotter for all but one of them (The Masters Tournament - where Chuck Will of CBS had me at the top of his list until Lance Barrow overthrew the "Ayatollah" of CBS, Frank Chirkinian).

It Helps To Work In The Golf Business

Over the last 20 years between my regular jobs in golf travel and hospitality in Arizona. I have walked (and ran) inside the ropes at both regular PGA Tour events and what they used to call "silly"-season events like the Skins Game (1st one, Desert Highlands, 1983), Desert Scramble (to promote the opening of Desert Mountain Golf Club in N. Scottsdale, Diners Club Matches at PGA West and the first two Anderson Consulting events played in my hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona at the Grayhawk Golf Club. (more…)

Real Fame Is For Guys Like Joe The Plumber

In the literal world there would be little doubt that, while pretty cool, this little piece of personal golf history would not count as my fifteen minutes of fame, something Andy Warhol predicted we would all experience at some point in our lives. But forgive me if I don't pay much attention to attaining real fame for myself, I could care less about that, having no desire to someday, out of the blue, gain instant celebrity - like what happened with Joe The Plumber. (as of this writing we are only 15 days from the 2008 presidential election between Senator John McCain(Rep) and his rival Senator Barrack Obama(Dem) who was responsible for the Joe The Plumber media frenzy. One of my best buddies is a plumber but geez, enough already.

British Open Championship Here I Come

This particular golf experience that I am about to tell you about had the potential of attaining a perfect 10 on Golftrekker's golf trip meter from the moment I stepped off the plane in Edinburgh, Scotland. After all, I was there not only to play the Old Course at St. Andrews for the first time, but to also work as an on-course spotter for abc sports for all four rounds of the 121st Open Championship at Muirfield. At the time I was working for the world-famous John Jacobs' Golf Schools and I had scheduled a round of golf and lunch with the legendary superstar teacher John Jacobs himself. From there on it totally blew away everything I had ever accomplished in my life (to that point) as a golfer. It was to become THE golf experience in a life of nearly 35 years in golf. (more…)

Is An Invitation To Dine At The Royal & Ancient Clubhouse in St. Andrews, Scotland

There is an aura and presence about the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse, just behind and to the right of the first tee of the Old Course (as a former alter boy I had to restrain myself from genuflecting upon seeing it for the first time). The way to get in is find a member, buy him a pint and get invited to dine there. Bring your navy blazer and club tie!

Finding A Professional Golf Vacation Company You Can Trust Is Like Money In The Bank

Why spend a lot of hours of your own time researching travel on the web just to find what you think is a good deal but really have no way of knowing for sure? Find a good enough travel professional and they will not only make comparisons for you but will also have inside information that you never would have found on your own. This information saves you both time and money.Think of your own business, your own customer It is well known among cruise vendors, tour operators, hotels, resorts, golf courses, major airlines and others in the business of travel that Arizona Trails is a major player in the travel industry. And believe me, my fellow traveling golfers, it is a huge favor I do for you by sharing my secret to booking a successful golf package - risking my reputation - and naming names - but only doing so in the interests of golfers and travelers who want things done right by people who know their destinations first-hand. Talk to the professionals at Arizona Trails. I guarantee you that you will be 100% satisfied with their fast and friendly service - the only company that I am confident will exceed your expectations when it comes to your vacation. You will want to tell your friends about them and that's the best testimonial there is. (more…)

Broaden Your Search For Golf Destinations

How many times over the years did I answer the international golf "hotline" at John Jacobs Travel where a foursome was inquiring about golf in Scotland? They wanted our help in planning a trip to Scotland to play the "name" courses, The Old Course At St. Andrews topping their wish list. After all isn't a visit to that hallowed ground on every golfer's must play list? But for every course as famous as St. Andrews there are 50 others almost as good - at half the price.

The Quest To Find A Scotland Golf Packager With Connections

Back when I started out in arranging international golf tours there were no computers with complex reservation systems, no email confirmations and no Links Trust, St. Andrews to administer tee times (what other course in the world has a lottery to determine who can play it?) We did everything with a phone and fax machine and I was always worried something would go wrong. (Isn't it said that Mr. Murphy carries a 0 handicap?) So, being the lazy and cheap person that I am I decided not to try and re-create the wheel by attempting to negotiate my own agreements in Scotland for accommodations and golf via long-distance telephone. I needed an experienced outfit stateside and set out to find one. (more…)

When is Golf Like A Valuable Gem?

When It's considered by golfers to be a "Diamond In The Rough" - meaning a real "gem" of a course but with an unknown name to most golfers. On my trips overseas in search of great courses to play, I would search for Golf's "Hidden Gems" not the famous names we all recognize. I quickly learned that, especially among the Scots, Irish, and British, is that - (and this doesn't apply to you and me, it's those other guys who are giving us a bad name). If you act like an "Ugly" American, you will be treated like one. And if you carry that behavior to the golf course you may find yourself playing in a "one-ball." Golf in these countries is looked at much differently by their golf enthusiasts. It is a game that is used for recreation but also to teach valuable lessons in life, honesty and character are valued and not to be taken lightly. They take their golf seriously and are appalled at the sluggishness of the American golfer. Six hour rounds! Good Heavens, old sot, that will never do!

Just What Is An Ugly American Golfer

Get a Golf Game With The Locals

The last thing I want to do while traveling in search of a Golftrekker kind of course - is pair up with American golfers. It's not that I don't like them (I am one) but I can go to the local muny at home for that. Playing with local golfers when you travel is a real treat, they not only know the course but are willing to share their knowledge of the area, best restaurants, pubs, etc. And if you respect the rules of golf (and can play fast) they will practically adopt you. There is no greater feeling than to be invited to join a four-ball made up of club members in an exotic golf destination - except for maybe that pint with them after the round at the 19th hole!

The Doris Day - Stella Stevens Golf Package

I became especially fond of the excellent conditions found at Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, particularly their smooth, true and not-too-fast greens, (I guess partly because only my putter showed up for the round - 26 putts and 0 three putts!). I also enjoyed the carefully maintained fairways and impeccable tee boxes. And if the truth be known I am a celebrity watcher as much as anyone and was delighted when, playing the 18th hole, I was greeted by a cheerful Doris Day who was out walking her dogs!

Now this was some time ago, long before Arizona Trails offered golf packages to Quail Lodge Resort and when it was known as Carmel Valley Ranch. At the time I was so bedazzled by her (Doris's appearance) and celebrity factor (baby boomer here) and the fact that she could have been the lady next door with a totally open and friendly manner that I completely missed the scene that was unfolding in front of me. Stella Stevens, sex symbol of the 60's, and a celebrity due in large part to her perfect breasts - a true Hollywood goddess that I drooled over for many years, was setting up to hit my ball! She was garbed in all white, floppy hat, white gloves and long white pants. Kind of weird. Granted, my ball was in her fairway but still…hey STELLA!

Golf Destinations For The Been There - Done That Golfer

Play The Old Course At St. Andrews Before You Turn In Your Earth Clubs To St. Peter

Not that there is anything wrong with famous name golf courses like, The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. It is on Golftrekker's list of the ten courses you must play before you check your earthly clubs with St. Peter at Heavens Gate while you are fitted for the ones you get to play with in heaven. Every shot is flushed on the sweet spot of those clubs - a feeling and a sound that a golfer never gets tired of hearing -truly Heavenly! 

"It's My Favorite Course In The World." - Tiger Woods

Playing the Old Course for the first time is awe-inspiring and really should be played a few times just to get over that look of a "deer in the headlights."  It is a special place and a bit intimidating to the first-timer. When given an opportunity to play golf there most golfers would consider that experience as one of those once-in-a-lifetime golf things. After you have had the opportunity to walk in the footprints of Old Tom Morris, guided around 18 of the most famous holes in golf by a Scottish caddy (who will have you clubbed after the first hole for each shot after!) you start to appreciate the reverence in which it is held. And on Sundays when the course turns into a park you can join the people of St. Andrews and just stroll this fabulous place by the North Sea and the Firth of Forth. 

Playing The Old Course At St. Andrews Is Magical Golf

In fact, it's a lot like playing golf while dreaming. You can hardly believe you are actually playing at the Home Of Golf. I played St. Andrews for the first time in 1992 and I was very lucky to have been invited to join a threesome of St. Andrews members. I don't think I have ever had more fun playing golf even though the conditions were less than perfect by my fair weather standards, but hey, I was there in early October and I told myself I would gladly except what I got. Windy and cold most of the day with scattered rain showers - perfect conditions for most Scots but I was spraying it around pretty good and spending too much time in the rough.

A Golf Course Where Golfers Marshal Themselves

The thing that I remember most about that day was what was said by one of the members as we approached the 5th green - "we need to pick up the pace a bit gents." There was no one in front of us and no one immediately behind us, no marshal telling us we are out of position, our time was policed by the players! Imagine that happening in the US? Ha! It's generally considered to be "bad form, old twit" if you can't play their courses, while walking (there are very few golf carts over here that have more than two wheels) in under four hours.

Discovering Golf Gems Off The Beaten Path

I have played many of the more famous courses located within the British Isles, Carnoustie, Old Head, Lahinch, Turnberry and Royal Troon, just to name a few but many more whose names I forgot that were just as good. I only bring up the likes of St. Andrews to make a point. Golfers can be terrible name droppers when it comes to golf travel, thereby missing out on some of the greatest courses they never played. For instance, in great golf destinations like Scotland, Ireland and especially New Zealand, most regular golfers are members of a private club, playable by arrangement of a connected tour operator. (If truth be told they might even wish us Yanks never found them - Americans play waaay too slow for them!)  But because of their hospitable nature they still roll out the welcome mat when we manage to discover them.

Consult A Golf Travel Specialist

Tee times, especially for the Old Course are hard to get, so it's best to consult a proessional travel consultant that specializes in Scotland Golf Packages that will include other great courses to play there - of which there are many. Would you believe there are 25 links-style courses between Turnberry and Carnoustie? All of them a challenge to playand when you do, ask them about the courses no one hears about that are just as good if not better than the name courses.

Golf Courses - A Good Walk Not Spoiled

Scenery is a big factor with me when I play golf now. When I was a lot younger I could play any goat ranch that would accept my money.  Now, I can sense the playability of a golf course simply by driving into the parking lot. I find myself to be a golf snob now and will spend my money only when the course is worthy. Hence, I was able to appreciate the challenging layout at Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, Carmel, CA offered by Arizona Trails without getting too upset about wayward shots the day I played there. (there were too many to count). Unlike the clockwork precision of a Myrtle Beach starter, you will find a more relaxing pace here. I even had lunch on the patio between nine's and never lost my position!