Archive for October, 2008

How To Get Inside The Ropes At A Golf Major

The coveted abc sports armband – my ticket to inside the ropes at the 1992 Open Championship at Muirfield Golf Links. 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 but 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 golf courses strip of narrow fairway that defines the 1st hole, a par 4, a fairway that was only hit by a few players all 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 golf 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 run) 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 during the Obama, McCain presidential election of 2008. (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, show him you can play (quickly), buy him a pint and hope for an invitation to dine there. Bring your navy blazer and club tie! The Old Course at St. Andrews provides the background for this once in a lifetime golf experience.

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…)