I have a new favorite commercial. You have to hand it to Heineken; despite not being a particular fan of their product (I’m more of a Belgian beer guy), they have some great advertisements.
The most recent series of ads (featuring a couple of guys in their 30’s who win the lotto and move to a retirement community in Florida to live the “easy life”) are, in my opinion, the best commercials out there now (I will literally stop fast-forwarding the DVR and rewind to the beginning of the spot so I can watch the full 30 seconds).
The latest in the ad series has the guys on the golf course, teeing-off with their new retiree pals. The opening line: “Wanna learn how to play golf? Play with old guys. These raisins put it down the middle every time” is not as much a slam on old guys as it is showing them respect. Mr. 30-something explains that since one of his new geriatric buddies (a former WWII sniper) slowed down his swing, he’s adjusted to a “more mature game.”
He effortlessly smacks one down the fairway. Another retiree uses his range-finder to gauge the distance – he enthusiastically announces, “156!” It’s at this point when I begin chuckling uncontrollably – much to the chagrin of my wife, who is next to me on the couch. “I don’t get it.” she says. I try to explain how older-types hit it short but straight and how that usually bests the younger guns, who typically spray it like they’re dousing the rough with DDT (of course, I first have to explain to her that 156 yards is not very far for a tee-shot).
Being a non-golfer, my wife still finds it humorless. But this is what I love about that commercial – it’s not just an ad that features golf, but an ad geared toward golfers – anyone who doesn’t play doesn’t get it.
I’ve posted previously about my great uncle (coincidentally, also a WWII vet) who would usually beat me despite my ability to out-drive him by 60 yards or more. No matter how addicted we are to distance, a slower swing usually results in more consistent scores.
So here’s to all the golfers out there with senior-flex shafts and a more “mature” game – I’ll meet you on the green…right after I walk through poison ivy, shank one off a tree trunk and check myself for ticks.
Interesting blog. There’s a cool golf event coming up in NJ on 9/21 at Ramblewood Country Club- Jon Runyan’s Score for the Cure to battle prostate cancer. You should check it out if you’re in the area.