Calling All Gearheads

Today is the start of the annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida.  Well actually today is Demo Day at the range at Orange County National.  For guys who like to test clubs this is like Nirvana.  Think of all the club manufacturers (big and small) in one location.  Then throw in some of the soft goods (gloves , shoes, and etc.) and you get the idea.  I was lucky enough to be at one years ago and it is a blast.

The actual trade show starts tomorrow at the Orange County Convention  Center and covers about a million square feet of floor space.  It is impossible to cover in one day if you're really interested in seeing everything.  The real interesting part for me was talking to some of the small exhibitors.  Those guys will take the time to talk since they are trying to break in.  The big guys pretty much book appointments and are only interested in the big operators and pros like Brad.  But you can still see the new equipment for the season.  Plus all the clothing manufacturers,  misc. equipment, cart manufacturers are there too.  If you can swing a buyers badge you can buy from a lot the exhibitors for your own personal use.  I won't need to buy sunglasses for a few more years.

Since the show is not open to the general public you really have to have a connection to get an admission ticket.  But, The Golf Channel now devotes their Morning Drive show (starting Wednesday at 8:30 am) to the show for the next three days.  Certainly not as good as being there, but worth watching.  I saw a demo of the golf board (think wheeled surf board) that replaces the push cart.  Pretty cool.

Lunch last Thursday was well attended.  I think we had 11 present.  As always a lot of lively conversation.  Someone always has some info the rest of us have not heard.  This time we found out Dave S (former member) was having serious (and I mean serious) health issues in South Carolina.  Check with JJ for details, but keep him in your prayers.

Later,

CC

Lots of Advice

One thing you can always count on is a lot of advice from your JR/SR friends.  Such was the case yesterday at lunch when I received about 200 suggestions on how to deal with my mailbox problems.  Being the good listener I am I filed it all away in my memory bank for later retrieval.  Unfortunately I now can't remember the file name.  Maybe it'll come to me one day.   So far the temporary repairs are holding.

Too bad none of us won the Power Ball.  It looks like there are at least three happy winners out there.  One interesting fact is they all reside in states that don't tax lottery winnings.   If there is another big pot we may vote to invest the SOTD money in tickets.  Probably wouldn't win anything, but it would add a little interest to the drawing.

Be safe,

CC

The First Snow

Well we had the first real snow of the year.  It was the kind that's a pain in the arse, but lets you know it's still January.  Of course the snowplow was out and keeping our road passable.  Mind you we had less than 2 inches.  But that was enough to take out the mailbox on his first run, and our neighbors (as well as a number of others also).  I've lost count, but this is at least the fourth time in the last 15 months.   The clerk at the hardware store thinks I'm into something kinky because of all the duct tape I'm buying.  I'm not sure how long this repair job will last.  The force of the plowed snow almost pulled the concrete out of the ground besides separating the box from the post. If nothing else the cheap resin boxes are almost indestructible.   However, I did fare slightly better than our neighbor.  Their box was in pieces with the post broken off.  This totally out of control,  but you know the Township won't take any responsibility.  Still though I think I'll file a complaint.

We had a great time at lunch Thursday.  About 10 of us showed up.  Surprisingly the waitresses remembered us.  I think they even missed us a little. It was probably just the tips we leave.  Anyway everyone seemed to be having a good time.  Bob D. got so excited he spilled his drink all over his food. 

Talk at you later.  I've got to go draft a nasty letter.

CC

Gone!!

I have it on good authority the big oak tree on the left side of #14 (at the creek)  is now gone,  We all know is was dead and going to have to come out someday.  But, I don't think we were expecting it to be gone this quickly.  Now I expect most of you will think the hole will be easier, but keep your powder dry until play the hole.  Remember that tree was only part of the problem.  The green hasn't changed and most of us can't hit the tee shot far enough to make a real difference.  Plus I'm lead to believe the willow on the other side is starting to grow again.  Besides who knows what the Green Comm. has up their sleeve.

See ya at lunch tomorrow.

CC

The New Year

Well we're off to a fast start to the new year without much changing.  The news is still the same or maybe worse.  We have an important national election ahead of us and I'm already tired of hearing about it.  Primary season is upon us and will occupy everything for the next several months.  The one bright spot is that the PGA season kicks off in full force this week with the event in Hawaii at Kapalua.  One of my favorite tournaments and the best part it will be televised over the national news hour giving us a respite from the politics of the day.

Hard to believe it's the 4th of January already.  Looking at my personal calendar I;m busy for the next two weeks.  But, I'm sure I'll fit in lunch with the gang at the casino.  Too bad they won't let us have the SOTD.

I met with the Pilot's family yesterday to discuss the trophy we're going to have to memorialize the tournament we held in his honor this past season with the the college women golfers.  We decided to use one the pilots favorite clubs mounted on walnut from his wood inventory.  Al P and I will be working on a design, construction and etc., and expect to have it completed by the opening of the JR/SR golf season.  Also we need to decide what we are going to do with our memorial bench.  Probably a lunch discussion topic.

Time to pay some bills.

CC 

Happy New Year!!!

What a great way to start 2016.  The Buckeyes came through with a big win over the Fighting Irish.  We watched the game at LTG's and hoped we didn't have to send the Nurse home.  She has been know to be a bad luck charm for big games.  Personally I don't believe in such things, but when you throw in Leprechauns I'm not about to tempt fate.  For once the stars aligned and victory was in the air.  Hats off to the team up North for a good win against an SEC team.  Too bad about Sparty.  I knew it was it was going to be along night when they didn't score at the end of the first half.

If you missed the New Year's celebration at the club you missed a really fine meal.  Plus It was nice to see such a large crowd.  Remember this is the first week we will be having lunch at the casino.  No SOTD but plenty slots available for your gambling pleasure.

See ya,

CC