Time To Play Hooky
March 12th, 2010
We all work hard right?
As a life long sales guy and now the owner of a golf tournament company I work non-stop but love to tee it up whenever I can. The problem in the past was taking advantage of the opportunity without letting things slip.
If your a sales guy here are a few tips to work in some more golf. If you are a manager hovering over sales reports you can stop reading and get back to figuring out another way to get in your guys way.
First things first, be prepared. Always have your sticks in the car after all how can you say yes to a last minute invite when you have to sneak into the garage like a ninja to grab them without the boss on the home front putting the kabosh on your “meeting”. Keeping a white shirt in the car at all times helps too. It won’t fade from the sun all spring and summer hanging in the car and it matches everything.
You have to schedule properly. Meeting near a driving range before or after lunch are always a plus. Don’t book that big appointment on Friday afternoon because when you do you’re sure to get a call to play that track you always wanted to. You can’t move that meeting because if you screw it up how are you going to pay for your golf. this is good stuff, I hope you’re taking copious notes.
Always call into your weekly sales meeting call from a busy parking lot or grocery store so when you are on the way to the course and changing in the parking lot it sounds the same as every other call you are on.
***Warning, avoidit or be sure the course doesn’t bellow out the group on the box next over an P.A. system. If so, you heard it here first, you will have a one on one scheduled with your boss with in 48 hours.
Cell phones, return all your calls while at the turn and via email on your blackberry because after all you are working. When the deal starts blowing up on #3 and you have to handle it, then handle it. Skip the hole handle your business and do not bug the other 3 guys that took care of their stuff before getting out.
Summer travel: I always bring my sticks because sitting in the Marriott bar is more expensive then finding the local muni for a twilight round. Use google maps to locate courses and driving ranges near your hotel.
Experience it all. Try different tracks off the beaten path. The local $20 course is sometimes a hidden gem and there are always a few good characters that you hook up with.
Finally, work your butt off the rest of the time. If you want the flexibility to play hooky you need to earn it. The guys with the good tan and low handicap are guys that work as hard as they play. Make more calls than the next guy. The fact is more calls doesn’t take more time it just means making use of every waking minute. taking 45 minutes for lunch at the range is always better than a 1 hour plus lunch with the guys at the office spewing about everything they don’t like.
The one bush league thing that will tick any sales guy off is a Friday afternoon conference call with the sales manager. So, here is a word of advice….don’t take that job and work for a tool like that.
In conclusion, work your butt off, be prepared for all sales calls, be prepared to accept the golfing opportunities presented to you and use your head. Oh yeah, I work for myself now and can blow off any day I want to but I don’t. I work hard, schedule my hooky accordingly and I know that at the end of every week I am putting in more time than the competition and playing more golf!
Wow, this was a very liberating post…..Play On American Sales Guy, Play On!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tags: eastern golf tv, golf, golf resorts
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Honda Classic The Other Champions
March 7th, 2010
The Honda Classic and the formitable Bear Trap was again another great PGA Tour Event. Carmilo Villegas carded a 5 shot victory over Anthony Kim and played great despite a few wobbles on the backside in the final round.
I can pontificate all day about the whata coulda’s of the event but I’ll save that for the guys who actually make a living recanting the tournament. There are some great story lines that had signifucant meaning to those inside the ropes but the true champions were not seen this weekend.
Last Saturday at PGA National on the Champion’s course 31 players warmed up the course for the PGA Tour. The FORE! Jack & Jill Golf Marathon benefiting the Jack & JIll Late Stage Cancer Foundation took place.
The golf marathon was something any die hard golfer would love. Having inside the ropes access to the the Honda Classic Tournament course, they were charged with a special mission.
Playing from sun up to sun down, being backed up by pledges from family and friends they headed out at 7:30 a.m. in atypical 40 degree south Florida weather. They played for others that need a break from the rigors of late stage terminal cancer. Mom’s & Dad’s who are on the clock of life leaving behind children. The funds raised go to provide the WOW! Experiences for these families to go on a trip of a lifetime as a family to build one last memorable experience as a family.
A total of 1287 holes were played by the 31 golfers and they raised in excess of $36,000. The golf was great but their efforts were priceless.
It never gets old hearing them finish their day and talk about the fun they had and the impact of their mission. They all left inspired to comeback next year to tackle the Bear Trap again and raise even more funds for the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation.
Brian Russo and Keith Kebe were the ironmen of the day playing 80 holes each. Kebe carded the low gross of the day for his best 18 hole score on each hole with a stellar 68. Sophie Louis a 5 year old little girl with the heart the size of Texas asked to tee it up and she herself raised $600 and played 21 holes. Not bad for a pint sized girl who never played more than 9 holes on an executive course.
The true spirit of the game is not only great golf but the ability to give back to others. Our game of golf is like no other and the Millions of Dollars raised each year for others is humbling to be a part of. I am blessed beyond measure to use the skills given to me to organize events and change lives everyday.
For more information on the FORE! Jack & Jill Golf Marathon Series and their event schedule visit www.back9promotions.com
Tags: east coast golf, eastern golf tv, PGA TOUR
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Tiger Woods Statement Transcript
February 19th, 2010
Good morning, and thank you for joining me. Many of you in this room are my friends. Many of you in this room know me. Many of you have cheered for me or you’ve worked with me or you’ve supported me.
Now every one of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each of you, simply and directly, I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in.
I know people want to find out how I could be so selfish and so foolish. People want to know how I could have done these things to my wife Elin and to my children. And while I have always tried to be a private person, there are some things I want to say.
Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words; it will come from my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss; however, what we say to each other will remain between the two of us.
I am also aware of the pain my behavior has caused to those of you in this room. I have let you down, and I have let down my fans. For many of you, especially my friends, my behavior has been a personal disappointment. To those of you who work for me, I have let you down personally and professionally. My behavior has caused considerable worry to my business partners.
To everyone involved in my foundation, including my staff, board of directors, sponsors, and most importantly, the young students we reach, our work is more important than ever. Thirteen years ago, my dad and I envisioned helping young people achieve their dreams through education. This work remains unchanged and will continue to grow. From the Learning Center students in Southern California to the Earl Woods scholars in Washington, D.C., millions of kids have changed their lives, and I am dedicated to making sure that continues.
But still, I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you. I have made you question who I am and how I could have done the things I did. I am embarrassed that I have put you in this position.
For all that I have done, I am so sorry.
I have a lot to atone for, but there is one issue I really want to discuss. Some people have speculated that Elin somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night. It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that. Elin never hit me that night or any other night. There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage, ever. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame.
The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior. I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did is not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame.
I stopped living by the core values that I was taught to believe in. I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn’t apply. I never thought about who I was hurting. Instead, I thought only about myself. I ran straight through the boundaries that a married couple should live by. I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them.
I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules. The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to me. I brought this shame on myself. I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife’s family, my friends, my foundation, and kids all around the world who admired me.
I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I’ve done. My failures have made me look at myself in a way I never wanted to before. It’s now up to me to make amends, and that starts by never repeating the mistakes I’ve made. It’s up to me to start living a life of integrity.
I once heard, and I believe it’s true, it’s not what you achieve in life that matters; it’s what you overcome. Achievements on the golf course are only part of setting an example. Character and decency are what really count.
Parents used to point to me as a role model for their kids. I owe all those families a special apology. I want to say to them that I am truly sorry.
It’s hard to admit that I need help, but I do. For 45 days from the end of December to early February, I was in inpatient therapy receiving guidance for the issues I’m facing. I have a long way to go. But I’ve taken my first steps in the right direction.
As I proceed, I understand people have questions. I understand the press wants to ask me for the details and the times I was unfaithful. I understand people want to know whether Elin and I will remain together. Please know that as far as I’m concerned, every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me. These are issues between a husband and a wife.
Some people have made up things that never happened. They said I used performance enhancing drugs. This is completely and utterly false. Some have written things about my family. Despite the damage I have done, I still believe it is right to shield my family from the public spotlight. They did not do these things; I did.
I have always tried to maintain a private space for my wife and children. They have been kept separate from my sponsors, my commercial endorsements. When my children were born, we only released photographs so that the paparazzi could not chase them. However, my behavior doesn’t make it right for the media to follow my two and a half year old daughter to school and report the school’s location. They staked out my wife and they pursued my mom. Whatever my wrongdoings, for the sake of my family, please leave my wife and kids alone.
I recognize I have brought this on myself, and I know above all I am the one who needs to change. I owe it to my family to become a better person. I owe it to those closest to me to become a better man. That’s where my focus will be.
I have a lot of work to do, and I intend to dedicate myself to doing it. Part of following this path for me is Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age. People probably don’t realize it, but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood until I drifted away from it in recent years. Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously I lost track of what I was taught.
As I move forward, I will continue to receive help because I’ve learned that’s how people really do change. Starting tomorrow, I will leave for more treatment and more therapy. I would like to thank my friends at Accenture and the players in the field this week for understanding why I’m making these remarks today.
In therapy I’ve learned the importance of looking at my spiritual life and keeping in balance with my professional life. I need to regain my balance and be centered so I can save the things that are most important to me, my marriage and my children.
That also means relying on others for help. I’ve learned to seek support from my peers in therapy, and I hope someday to return that support to others who are seeking help. I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don’t know when that day will be.
I don’t rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game. In recent weeks I have received many thousands of emails, letters and phone calls from people expressing good wishes. To everyone who has reached out to me and my family, thank you. Your encouragement means the world to Elin and me.
I want to thank the PGA TOUR, Commissioner Finchem, and the players for their patience and understanding while I work on my private life. I look forward to seeing my fellow players on the course.
Finally, there are many people in this room, and there are many people at home who believed in me. Today I want to ask for your help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again.
Thank you.
Tags: eastern golf tv, PGA TOUR, Tiger Woods
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2010 Twitter Open Goes To Speed Raser
February 7th, 2010
Social media meets competitive golf in Orlando, Florida. LPGA star and US Solhiem Cup team member Christina Kim took on Egolf Tour golfer John Raser in a match where the loser would loop for the winner out on tour this year.
What started as a challenge by John Raser to Christina two weeks ago at the PGA Merchandise show quickly took on a life of its own. They broadcast the event live via U-Stream and twitter updates throughout the round from their I-Phones. It was a relaxed, up close look at two new friends trying to beat each other in front of their virtual followers.
I tuned in to check it out and soon became enthralled and couldn’t walk away. They had poll questions for viewers to vote on during the round and interacted constantly with their followers. From the following it received I would not be surprised to see a rematch broadcast live over the internet.
John Raser, who is an accomplished player in his own right, played for both TCU and The University of Alabama, took an early 4 up lead. By the time they finished the front side Christina Kim drew upon her Solhiem Cup experience and squared the match. The golf was great but the interaction with fans was truly a refreshing thing to be a part of.
All square coming into 18, they both banged drives into the sugar and decided to poll the followers to see if they should re-tee. With an overwhelming response they teed it up again and by the time the last putt fell the upstart John Raser claimed victory in the inaugural Twitter Open.
What a boost, for the up and coming mini tour player, John Raser. John will be chronicling his chase for a PGA Tour card this year on his website and blog www.gospeedraser.com. The fact that he is a 26 year old player with many accolades is testament to how hard it is to make the PGA Tour. The life of a mini tour player on the Egolf Tour is not Ritz Carlton’s and courtesy cars but long drives in the car from tournament to tournament and hopping over to a Monday qualifier for a chance to get into a Nationwide or PGA Tour event.
To the spoils go the victor, they say and John will have a seasoned veteran of the LPGA on his bag for one tournament this year out on the Egolf Tour. How refreshing it will be for Christina Kim to see how the other half lives with a spattering of fans in the gallery and IHOP for breakfast when they depart the Motel 6.
I hope a trend has started for true champions of the game to share their passion with others who are trying to make their way up the rungs of the Professional golf ladder.
Tags: eastern golf tv, golf courses, PGA TOUR, Twitter
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Pavin Announces 2010 US Ryder Cup Assistants
February 3rd, 2010
U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin announced his Co-Captains who will be leaned upon to mold the US team as they prepare for the 2010 Ryder Cup in Wales at Celtic Manor. Captain Pavin was as relaxed as one could be with his 2 yr. old daughter, Alexis, on his lap with her USA teddy bear named “Ryder” as he read off the names.
First, he credited the true assistant of any Ryder Cup Captain, his wife Lisa, dubbed the Captainess. She has been by his side since the announcement if his captaincy and carries the Twitter handle @RC_Captainess and tweets often of their work together.
Pavin chose to go with a 4 man team of Co-Captains in an effort to have full coverage of the Friday & Saturday matches so each match will be accompanied by a Co-Captain.
Tom Lehman- 2006 US Ryder Cup Captain, member of 3 Ryder Cup teams and a major championship winner.
Jeff Sluman- 3 time Assistant Captain to Jack Nicklaus in the Presidents Cup and a PGA Championship winner.
Davis Love- 6 time Ryder Cup team member, PGA Championship winner and a sure to be future Ryder Cup Captain.
Paul Goydos- Multiple PGA Tour winner and PGA Tour journeyman who will be relied upon to give clear and unfiltered opinion.
A diverse group of guys each with their own strengths and talents. It is early in the process to identify a team but Pavin has assembled a quality group of assistants that will no doubt lend experience, intellect, a keen eye to what is going on weekly on tour and above all each respected by the players at large.
Tags: eastern golf tv, golf courses, PGA TOUR, ryder cup
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Happy 70th Birthday Golden Bear
January 19th, 2010
January 21, 1940 was probably just like any other day in Columbus, OH with another routine baby delivery for the small town doctor. Little did that doctor know at the time, he was handing over the future Golden Bear to new parents Helen & Charlie Nicklaus.
Jackie William Nicklaus grew up into a great athlete that played football, baseball, basketball and golf as a youngster. By the time he was 8 years old, he followed his dad’s lead and took up the game of golf. I am certain that the first day he gripped a club and struck a ball both heaven and earth smiled.
Jack Nicklaus, as we all know, is and will always be the greatest golfer in the game since a young Bobby Jones put golf on the map in America. He did it by winning on every stage from 5 Ohio State Junior Championships, 2 US Amateur Championships, winning 74 PGA Tour events, 4 US Open Championships, 5 PGA Championships, 3 British Open Titles and 6 Masters Titles. He then took all the Senior accolades by winning its major championships and continues to do so as recently as this very weekend winning the 2010 Champions Tour Skins game with partner Tom Watson.
For me Jack Nicklaus represents class and a relentless persuit for winning. He has not only owned the title of the greatest on the course but also one of the greatest golf course architects of modern day. From his first design collarboration with Pete Dye on Harbor Town in Hilton Head, SC to his solo design career he has again taken the lead as one of the best at what wraps his hands around.
Jack is cut from a mold that isn’t often seen today. Every time I have seen him in person on the golf course he makes eye contact with you as if he remebers you from the last time you saw him and we know deep down he doesn’t but you walk away feeling like he does. He has a gift to make you feel apart of his legacy and like Arnold Palmer gives back to the game in a special way by connecting with you as a fan.
Every year when I go to Augusta for the Masters I seek him out and follow him as I would a friend who comes to town. His legendary record is one that nobody has surpassed and I know, if and when it happens he will be humble in his admiration for the man that does.
When he slipped on his last green jacket in 1986 it was again another amazing feat for a 46 year old that most thought was beyond his prime. The fact that it he is 24 years removed from his major championship run there is a piece of all of us that wishes to see him do it one more time.
Today he turns 70 years old and I not only want to wish the legend a very happy birthday but I want to say thank you for all that he has done and stands for. The athlete of today is so often looked up to by young kids as a role model only to be dissapointed by a transgration or two, that leaves us with doubt, but Jack Nicklaus is and will always be the standard and high water mark for all.
Happy Birthday Golden Bear and thanks for what you do!
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Tags: eastern golf tv, Jack Nicklaus, PGA TOUR
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Callaway Golf: Tour IZ Ball
“Eastern Golf TV – BEST OF” – Ball for 2010
Callaway Golf: Tour IZ Ball
Overview – Callaway Golf Tour IZ Ball – Ball Speed with Control
Love this ball… stated several Eastern Golf Research Team Members… Excellent feel off the irons and outstanding distance from the driver. This is the total all inclusive golf ball… does it come with drinks?
This four piece golf ball with its advanced golf ball technology renders itself to the mid handicap and better player. New grooves or not… this ball will definitely stop on the dime for you with any shortgame situation.
A new, refined HEX Aerodynamics pattern with 6 Sub-HEX geometries increases distance by reducing drag and cutting through the wind with a stronger, more penetrating ball flight.
Eastern Golf TV Translation – Longer distance and Better Accuracy
Faster Ball Speed The higher-resiliency 2nd Generation Dual Core Construction increases ball speed for a wide range of swing speeds.
Control and Spin the soft urethane cover uses a new proprietary blend that plays softer, lasts longer and generates Tour-level greenside spin.
Tags: callaway golf, eastern golf tv, golf balls, golf equipment
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Callaway Golf: Tour IS Ball
“Eastern Golf TV – BEST OF” – Ball for 2010
Callaway Golf: Tour IS Ball
Overview – Callaway Golf Tour IS Ball – An answer to the USGA groove question.
No question about it in 2010 you must spin the ball more around the greens. This is the ball that will help achieve this without sacrificing distance. Golf Ball technology has improved dramatically over the past 5 years and Callaway has made significant investments to improve their golf ball brand. The Tour IS golf ball has outstanding feel around the greens all the while producing a robust ball flight. Callaway enhanced the already successful HEX Aerodynamic dimple pattern.
Inside the Ball:
The Hyper-Urethane™ cover improves spin off wedges and shorter clubs. Maximum spin around the greens allows for total control with Tour-level distance. Maximum Greenside Spin and Control
The 2nd Generation Dual Core construction has a lower compression, creating a ball that feels and plays softer than any other tour-caliber ball Callaway has ever designed. Soft Feel, Better Durability
A new, refined HEX Aerodynamics with six Sub-HEX geometries increases distance by reducing drag and cutting through the wind with a stronger, more penetrating ball flight. Longer Distance and Greater Accuracy
Tags: callaway golf, eastern golf tv, golf balls, golf equipment
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TOP FLITE Golf: The Gamer
“Eastern Golf TV – BEST OF” – Ball for 2010
TOP FLITE Golf: The Gamer
Overview –Top Flight – The Gamer, The Best Ball in Golf for Most Golfers!
This golf ball’s name has changed over the years… first it was the XL2000, then XL3000 which most golfers chided away from because they equated it to a rock… Finally they found a name that market… because it is as far from a rock or an old Top Flite as anything out on the market… If you want VALUE and PERFORMANCE we highly recommend this golf ball… In our tests with the Eastern Golf Research Team our group of golfers found this golf as good as anything that is on the market… yet for significant less. It is an outstanding golf ball with soft feel for slower clubhead speeds and excellent distance for your higher speeds. Try a sleeve and see if you don’t fall in love with this ball.
Inside the Ball
Dimple in Dimple® Aerodynamics Unique aerodynamic surface maintains spin longer throughout flight, increasing aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag to maximize distance for a wide range of swing speeds.
Eastern Golf TV Translation – Excellent dimple design which translates into superior performance
Soft, Thin, More Durable Cover Provides superior short-game spin and feel for great control around the greens with better durability.
High-Resiliency Core with Better Feel Generates outstanding distance and reduces spin off the driver while maintaining soft feel.
DuPont™ HPF™ Mantle Layer Increases ball speed to maximize distance.
Tags: callaway golf, eastern golf tv, golf balls, golf equipment
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ROMO ADVANCES TO SECTIONALS
May 21, 2010 ROMO ADVANCES TO SECTIONALS
Kudos to Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo for advancing to the sectional round of the U.S. Open. His chances of making it past the 36-hole sectional are slim, but let’s not diminish what is already a significant achievement. The odds are stacked against you in a U.S. Open Qualifier with very few spots available to a large number of players. Romo shot a 2-under 69 and then grabbed the final spot from his local qualifier by winning a playoff.
It’s pretty amazing for a guy to be good enough to play quarterback for one of the marquee franchises in the NFL and play well enough to be one step away from a berth in the U.S. Open.
I’m rooting for Romo to grab one of the 90 spots given to sectional qualifiers at Pebble Beach.
Tags: eastern golf tv, golf, PGA TOUR, us open, usga
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