GolfStinks

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Golf Spam

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Is it just me, or do all of us golfers get all kinds of ridiculous golf spam email?  I’m sure that it can’t be just me.  It’s not constant – I can go a few days without getting a single email at all, spam or otherwise.  However, when I get ’em, I get ’em – to the tune of twelve to fifteen per day!  Now I just scroll through and delete these emails.  But as I’m doing this, I wonder a couple of things.  Firstly, how many of us golfers are clicking on these emails and following through so that these companies continue to think spam emails work.  And secondly, how on earth do they come up with what they think I would be interested in just by knowing I’m into golf?

So let’s start with the first question.  How many of you have received some golf spam, was actually interested in what you saw, and decided to follow through in the email?  I, for one, have never done this.  Am I missing something?  I fear that the moment I do open one of these up and click whatever link is presented to me, one of two things is going to happen.  Either my computer will self-destruct or I will instantly be hit with dozens more spam emails which will continue to fill my inbox everyday for the next several years.  Neither of those is an option I’m prepared to deal with.

As for the second option – how do they come up with what they choose to send me?  See, I understand some of the spam I get.  Betting websites, golf equipment and apparel stores, golf lessons and things like that.  But what about the rest?  Why do I get emails about weight loss programs and supplements?  How do they know I could afford to lose 25-30 pounds?  Are they going under the assumption that most of us golfers are out of shape?

OK, but what about those Rolex emails?  Do they assume that because I’m a golfer, I’m rich and I can afford to wear whatever I want?  Boy, these people have a lot to learn about me personally.  However, it does seem they are trying to help – I have been offered my Ph.D. via email.  So maybe they’re at least trying to help me get a better paying job.

I guess it’s probably the same with anyone’s email.  No matter what you do, some type of spam is going to sneak through.  It’s just funny to see the type of email I get through an email account associated with golf vs. a personal email account I may have.  As I mentioned, some of the spam I get, I understand.  But some of it is completely out of leftfield and useless.  But…it is always nice to be reminded once in a while that “Hot Russian women want you.”  Am I right?

Swing ’til you’re happy!

Finally…A Birdie Hits The Golf Links

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Really?  Is that all it takes to become an internet sensation?  Is this all I would have to do to go from a relative nobody to getting a story on ESPN?  I’ve flipped the bird to many people on many occasions, so why not me?  Oooohhh…I have to do it on a golf course, during a tournament, I guess.  D.H. Lee must have just beaten me to the punch.

So it finally happened in golf.  A pro finally had enough of a heckler in the gallery and sent a message.  And I’m not talking one of those flipping out about a camera click messages.  I’m talking the “We’re #1!” message.  The old one-gun salute.  We’ve seen it in other sports – remember Jack McDowell?  We’ve even seen baseball and basketball players run up into the crowd to go after fans (Ron Artest and Chad Kreuter come to mind).  But this is new to golf.  If a camera doesn’t click or someone doesn’t whisper during a swing, then there is almost no interaction with the gallery, either positively or negatively, whatsoever.  So what is the PGA to do with this?  Do they suspend him?  Do they fine him?  You know the PGA can’t have any of their players disrespecting their fans like that.  Or…can they?

I can’t be the only one who thinks golf could use a bad boy, right?  And I don’t mean a bad boy off-the-course such as a Tiger Woods or John Daly.  I mean an on-the-course bad guy that you want to hate, but at the same time you kind of root for because he’s different than every other boring face in the crowd.  Now I also don’t mean the PGA should encourage this kind of behavior, because it can get old fast, especially if too many players are getting in on it.  But if they take a guy like Lee, maybe pull him to the side and tell him something to the effect of:

“Pssst…hey, D.H.  That little act you pulled last weekend sure brought us a little more attention than usual.  I’m not telling you to do it again.  But…I’m also not telling you not to do it again either.  Maybe not the finger next time, but a little something else, ya know?  I promise we’ll make it worth your while.”

Want to get people to tune into an event that normally doesn’t quite get the ratings?  Want to make people interested in the highlights from a smaller tournament that normally just kind of slips under the radar?  D.H. Lee could be your guy!

Swing ’til you’re happy!

Who Should Teach The Rules Of Golf Etiquette?

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Last week I asked what was more important, golf etiquette or the rules of the game.  I mentioned that I don’t care if someone bends the rules a bit, but how I would rather they show a little respect for the game as well as its other players.  But that only led me to another question – who should teach the rules of etiquette to new golfers?

Personally, it was my friends who taught them to me as they taught me the game itself.  Some they would tell me ahead of time.  Others they would correct as I was making the mistake.  Let’s face it, there are an awful lot of etiquette rules.  But if you really think about it, they all kind of come down to common sense, keeping up with the pace of play and respect for others on the course.  If you know the basics of the game, then the etiquette part should come much easier.

But again, who should be teaching these rules?  Is it the responsibility of the player?  Should they be researching these rules themselves?  What do they do, get a copy of this?  Or maybe spend a few bucks extra to get this instead? Well, I guess if that’s what it takes.

Seriously though, should it be the responsibility of each individual course to explain the rules of etiquette?  Should the pro-shop attendants or the course pro be there to explain the rules.  Or maybe something as simple as a handout along with the scorecard before you leave the pro shop?  Not every course has ranger, a pro, or much of a staff for that matter.  So they simply don’t have the ability or resources to try to enforce the etiquette rules.  So who then is responsible?  Well, quite simply.., we are.

We can’t expect the courses to take on the responsibility of teaching the unwritten rules of the game…or even the written rules for that matter.  And we sure can’t count on people buying books.  So the responsibility falls on us as golfers.  If we are teaching the game to newbies, it’s our job to explain these unwritten rules.  If we’re playing with someone who is unclear, it’s our job to fix that.  If we don’t do it, then who will?  And we can’t just assume people already know.  And we can’t release them onto a course without anyone having confirmed they know said rules or is there to assist them along the way.

But to put it simply, I just don’t want to be stuck behind a group like the one described in my last round.

Swing ’til you’re happy!

The Fashion Runway Leads To The Golf Links

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I remember when I first started playing golf – I’d just throw on any pair of pants or shorts, pull the first polo I saw out of the closet and off I went.  No real regard for anything other than to at least not look like I got dressed in the dark.  But sometime between then and now, things have changed in the golf world.  Technology seemed to become incorporated into golf apparel rather than just the equipment.  This was soon followed by new looks and colors.  Before you knew it, something fresh came to the world of the everyday golfer…updated style.

Gone are the days of the silly outfits of Al Czervik (unless you’re John Daly of course) and mono-tone look of Judge Smails.  Replacing these looks are vibrant, bold colors, oversized logos, graphic fronts and mesh backs.  And remember wearing your cotton polo on a hot day?  By the end of the round it looked like you spilled your drink on your chest, back and armpits.  So replacing the standard cottons are moisture-wicking and dry technology.  No more sweat marks like you just lost a water-balloon fight.  Heck, we’ve come so far that some of these shirts and outerwear make it feel like you’re not even wearing anything!

But outside of seeing the pros on TV, especially the younger ones, many of us can only see a small sampling of these new styles and advancements in the golf apparel industry by visiting our local shops and sporting goods stores.  Enter Onlygolfapparel.com.

Now I’ve said before that I’m not a big fan of purchasing golf equipment on-line, but golf apparel is a different story.  And for those of us who are either limited to big box stores or don’t necessarily have a close-by choice with good variety, www.onlygolfapparel.com is a fantastic option!  The variety they have for all things golf apparel is quite impressive.  From big names in the industry to some smaller up-and-comers, they leave little to be desired.

But you’re not just looking at pictures and purchasing based on the look.  There’s plenty to learn about the brand as well as each individual style.  You can find information on the cut, the material, the blend and, on several items, even the weight!  But this information isn’t available only on the shirts and pants.  You can find it on everything – shoes, hats, bags…even socks!  It’s a treasure trove of info!

So the good people over at Only Golf Apparel sent us a sample of their inventory to try out – a new Nike Tour Performance Dri-Fit polo.  But being that the temps here have yet to crack the 50 degree mark so far this year, I haven’t had a chance to give it a try out on the course.  However I did make it to the range, and I have to say…this is the best golf shirt I have tried so far.  It’s light, easy to move in and fits well.  All around, it barely feels as if I’m even wearing a shirt at all.

Now these same generous folks were kind enough to offer a second shirt for us to give away to one lucky person.  After all, we shouldn’t be the only ones to get the good stuff.  So as always, all you have to do is head over to our Facebook page and like this post.  We’ll choose one random winner next week.

Swing ’til you’re happy!

From Pool Halls To Golf Courses.

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golf ball moneyIt’s not often I associate the act of hustling someone out of their money with golf. When I think of hustling and as the title implies, I imagine a pool hall (sorry for stereotyping) with Fast Eddie and Vince (The Color of Money) type characters scheming on their next mark. Don’t get me wrong, I know there is a good amount of gambling done on the course amongst golfers, but how often do we consider it hustling?

I was reading an older article from a famous cigar magazine geared towards…uhhh…aficionados and the story told of an anonymous hustler, “Leon”, that took millions of dollars from other golfers. His victims ranged from oil tycoons to touring pro’s. You know, I’m not 100% sure if this story was glamorized or not but there were definitely some interesting points made.

A good rule of thumb I learned that applies to most situations involving making a deal, bet or whatever, is to take a good look around and spot the sucker. If you don’t see one then guess what…it’s probably you. With that in mind, I had a better understanding of Leon’s strategy.

His multifaceted plan to hustle people on the golf course is quite impressive. In fact it probably would be a great strategy for businesses. The key here was he wouldn’t play unless he knew he had the advantage. Secondly, he was a great match maker. He would put together matches that seemed fair but obviously he had the leg up.

One thing to mention is he never faked he couldn’t play. That’s just a slime ball move very easily detected. All of his opponents did know he was a good golfer but insisted they could still beat him. Another significant strength for Leon was the ability to play under pressure when big money was on the line. He pointed out that most people (including pros) would crumble when their money was at stake. Go figure…

It’s pretty interesting to know there are golf sharks out there. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but it sure adds a layer of character to the game. So remember to keep this story in mind next time someone asks, “Do you want to make this round more interesting?”

Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!

P.S. Almost forgot…you can view the story here.

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