Sunday, July 31, 2005

Sage Valley - July 30, 2005

There are some who like the golf course ("I love all Fazio courses," said one person I was with last week); there are others who love the food ("The cake they serve there," says Rick Hall, "is the best in golf"). I have said myself that I think it may be the best conditioned golf course I've ever played.

I'm referring, of course, to Sage Valley, just outside Aiken, SC (and near Augusta, GA).

Betty and I visited for a round of golf with my good friend and SV member Darryl Leech and his wife Katy on Saturday, July 30.

There's obviously a lot to like at Sage Valley, but what I like most is that everything there - from the practice facility to the limited number of entrees on the lunch menu - everything is built around or to support the golf experience.

For instance, check out this setting. I'm no photographer, but what I see in the frame is a beautifully squared-off tee box, a simple, yet inviting bench, enough greenery to give the roving eye a lot to look over - what I see, overall, is a near-perfect golf setting.

Sage Valley isn't for everyone. It's a bit ego-driven; they may, perhaps, overdo it with the entrance and the security and that kind of stuff. But this part of it is pretty cool. In fact, aren't the best things about golf actually outdoors ... uh, on the golf course?

Golf Channel Viewer's Cup - July 2005

I was fortunate to be invited to attend a pre-event and the opening ceremonies for the second annual (?) Golf Channel Viewer's Cup, for the second year held at Pinehurst Resort. I looked forward to many things about this event, including

- It would be an opportunity for me to play Pinehurst No. 2 within weeks of the 2005 U.S. Open. I played No. 2 weeks before (you can read about that here)
- I wanted to experience first hand how Golf Channel viewers interact with the brand they are so fanatical about
- I looked forward to catching up with some of my friends at The Golf Channel who would be attending

Here's Kenny Booth, for instance, posing with a couple of his more-difficult-to-get-excited customers:

The event didn't disappoint. Pinehurst No. 2, which we played on Wednesday, July 27, was exceptional. The fairways were still at U.S. Open width (though the rough was, thankfully, a bit shorter), the greens quick and (for No. 2) true. John Donnelly, The Golf Channel bigwig in our group, insisted we play from the U.S. Open tees, a suggestion I couldn't resist (though JD is at least 50 yards longer than I off the tee). It was a good round (82, thank you), as was our round on No. 4 the next day (76, thank you), so the golf, certainly, was top drawer.

But the golf was only a part of the week. The Golf Channel knows how to entertain, whether it's a customer or a viewer in their midst. The food, the events, the booty - I've never seen so much stuff given away - all were absolutely first class.

By the time the viewers swarmed into the real event's kick-off, a Thursday night reception, it was clear that our customer group was just the warm-up; the show this week was the Viewer's Cup. From the videos presented that night to the banter from the hosts - Kelly Tilghman and Vince Cellini - the evening catered to those who paid almost $3,000 to be near the TV channel they love most.

The rabidity of The Golf Channel audience is fascinating, and if I were a sociologist, I'm sure I could wax pedantic on brand association or transference as a phenomenon in today's media culture blah blah blah. I will say this, however: try as The Golf Channel management does to downplay the "junkie" label as a fit description for their viewers, they are - many of them, anyway - junkies. Andy Finn, Pinehurst's SVP of sales, hilariously described himself as a GCJ ("Golf Channel Junkie") in his opening remarks at the reception. This is a brand that has so much potential, so much room for further exploitation, one of the most critical things I can say is that it is - at this point, at least - underachieving.

Finally, I've been critical at times of customer service practices in general, of the sometimes lackluster performance of Pinehurst in particular. But not this week. Our group stayed at the Holly Inn ... excellent. I managed to make time to visit the Spa at Pinehurst for the first time ... exceptional. The banquet food we had - in a small (50) and large (250) group ... imaginative and tasty. (I've already mentioned the golf.) And this time - really - the service was attentive and helpful. Maybe it was the singular focus of the event: The Golf Channel had practically taken over the entire resort. Or maybe it was the fact that this event came at what is usually a slower time for Pinehurst (summer in Pinehurst isn't exactly prime time). Whatever the reason, this trip to Pinehurst was first rate in virtually every way.

Monday, July 25, 2005

Scotland Trip - Wrap-up

For a little more than a week I've been meaning to write and post a brief wrap-up of the Blue Elephants trip to Royal Troon and other spots nearby. Here it is, divided into three simple topic areas.

PHOTOS
I'm certainly not a professional; I tend to use my digital camera to capture reference photos, and most of the shots I use on my blogs aren't much better than that. You can review all the shots I took by going to my Flickr site.

GAMES
I've already reported how the match went, the Blues squeaking out a victory over the Pinkies. But in addition we had a cumulative game going throughout the week, a modified stableford that Brother Blair won overall, one that featured - at one time or another - everyone winning something.

The game I put together I learned on the golf trips I take with my brother Brad. We subtract one's handicap (no "abouts") from 36, and that becomes the target score he must make. We award one point for bogey, two for par, four for birdie, six for eagle. Therefore, "par" turns out to be the player's target score. For instance, Blair Leburn, a 4 handicap, needs to make 32 points.

It turns out that Blair was the week's winner, falling 8 points short of his cumulative goal for the week. In other words, in every 18 hole round Blair needed to make 32 points. For the week - over a total of six rounds - Blair was -8.

Here's the final tally:
Blair Leburn -8
Mark Burris -17 (obviously a distant second)
Rick Hall -27
Nick Green -30
Michael Scott -31
Tony Orfanos -32
Peter Joos -35
Neil MacKenzie -42

Neil's finish doesn't quite capture his valiant, remarkable 76 during the match at Royal Troon. Unfortunately for him, his best round didn't count in our cumulative match. But it was on his birthday (!), in the native land of his grandfather - what a day! Here's Neil posing in front of the starter's shack at Turnberry Ailsa.



GOLF COURSES
We played relatively few, but some wonderful golf courses. We opened on Western Gailes, a short, delightful test of true links golf. We played Royal Troon twice, on Saturday at noon and again on Sunday afternoon. On Sunday morning we played a new Loch Lomond course called "Dundonald."

All of these were within minutes of our hotel, a marvelous concept.

On Monday we made the 30-minute drive to Turnberry. In the morning on Kintyre - at Nick's suggestion, I think - we played an alternate shot format. Great fun, and a wonderful way to play what's really an average resort course. Playing Kintyre in the morning in "Foursomes" allowed us to look forward and enjoy much more the treat that is Ailsa in the afternoon.

It was a great trip, full of laughs, pints, warm weather and all the chemistry you hope from a group traveling together for the first time.

Speaking of laughs, I'll remember one scene for the rest of my life. It's Saturday morning, about 10a, and we're gathering in the Trophy Room at Royal Troon. Two of our group are late getting there: Rick and Tony stayed up a bit later than the rest of us, and they took a bit more time to get ready and make the 200-yard walk from the Marine Hotel to the Troon clubhouse. When they arrive, we're meeting the club's Secretary, a paid staffer, but in private club circles over there, the Secretary is a powerful influence.

Tony comes into the room, bedecked in his jacket and Blue Elephants tie, a bit of sweat on the forehead and upper lip (it's warm, and, besides, there's all that vodka from the night before trying to find a way out). He comes up behind the Secretary, mistaking him for one of our group (we all just met the day before), slaps him on the back, and says, "Hey, buddy! How you doin' this morning?"

The look on the Secretary's face was priceless. Surely no one - certainly not a club visitor - had ever draped an arm over his shoulder and called him "buddy." But, hey, that's Tony.

Here's a shot of Tony and Rick that evening. A long, but successful day for both.
DSCN0270

Monday, July 18, 2005

Cliffs at Glassy - July 14, 2005

Having returned from links golf in Scotland, I didn't quite prepare myself for golf in the good ol' USA. And I certainly wasn't prepared for golf in the mountains, wet weather or rye grass roughs.

Did I say wet weather?
Fog at Glassy

I played in a Member Guest event at The Cliffs at Glassy, part of a huge residential development just above Spartanburg, SC. The course itself isn't terribly long, and the fairways, though not generous, they are certainly ample, even for my driver. But undulating greens, rainy conditions (and no roll) - this was as foreign to my recent golf experience as it could be.

Jeff Rubin invited me months ago as his guest for this match play format event. It was great fun, with all the accoutrements of a first class Member Guest (I'm referring to great food and plenty of refreshment, unique tee gifts, etc.). We didn't do particularly well - losing our first match 7-2, then winning 6-3, before closing out 5-4, 5-4, 5-4. (So it's likely to be once and done for yours truly.)

The key to my experience, however, was the amazing change in "golfography." From parched links turf to soaked rye grass; from no grass with which to take a divot to huge pelts, replaced and then sanded; from long, straight putts from as far as 30 yards off the green to wild, slick, 15 footers with five feet of break.... Believe me, I was reminded how diverse golf yards can be.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Scotland Trip - On travel in general

Our trip was marked by special favors and exceptional New England weather. No rain for five days, and some of the boys suffered some mild sunburn.

As for the "special favors," we were quite fortunate in that regard, and much of the credit goes to one of our hosts, Blair Leburn.

I'll explain.

Most golf trips to the UK find groups of four, eight, twelve or sixteen guys going from transport to golf course to hotel. With each new day, a new golf course and a new hotel. It's wonderful, but tiring, and two wishes set in:

(1) You long to have a chance to play a course more than once. "Just give me one more chance." You just know that with one round's worth of experience, your knowledge will help you play it better a second time. But, no, you're already on to another.

(2) You'd like to stop living out of your suitcase. Believe me, even if your wardrobe is limited to golf shirts and slacks, it's tough to keep pulling out clean clothes and putting back dirty ones.

The very nature of our journey was different. Our raison d'etre in Scotland was to play a match with the Pink Elephants, so we were assured a simpler, more stable schedule. We played Royal Troon twice, both times with a group of members. Our round at Turnberry's Kintyre we decided to make alternate shot, or foursomes, so not knowing the course wasn't as important as playing safe, strategic ("You hit the ball where?") kinds of shots. And at Turnberry's Ailsa, well, I'd played that before, so it was a return trip I looked forward to.

Even more settling was the fact that we stayed in one hotel the entire trip. So on the first evening I was able to unpack and put away the suitcases. You learn who to tip for services rendered rather than those hoped for. And you just, generally, better know your way around.

One other thing: it's indescribable how pleasant it is to be able to enjoy an evening away from hotels and restaurants. Our cocktails and dinner at Blair Leburn's sister's - Lindy's - home was terrific. All eight of us, many of our day's competitors, plus other extended family members ... it was a long wonderful evening.

Here's Lindy:
Lindy, Blair's sister

And here's a shot of Blair's mum, Celia, and me:
Blair's mum

If you ever - or the next time you - go over, make sure you book several of the courses to play more than once. Avoid the "I-have-a-week-and-I-want-to-see-as-much-of-the-country-and-golf-courses-as-possible" trap. Settle down and get to know a little bit of Scotland a lot better. And go more often.

Monday, July 11, 2005

Scotland Trip - PEGS vs. BEGS

The highlight of the golf on this trip was our Saturday match, the Pink Elephants Golf Society (PEGS) vs. us, the boys from across the pond, the Blue Elephant Golf Society (BEGS).

Captains Leburn - Blair and his father John - determined the pairings and the line-ups. Here are Michael Johnston (PEGS), Blair and Nick Green (both BEGS) going over the order of play.
The pairings

There was time also for a bit of a reunion among the Leburns playing in the matches. Here are Blair, "Lord" John Leburn and Kevin Leburn.
Leburns trois
Note the smashing jacket Blair's and Kevin's father is wearing. He forgot his and had to borrow the jacket of the Secretary. (More on the Secretary later.)

We had balls in the air (BIA) at 12:04p, just after a few pints during a learn-to-love-your-opponents mixer.

The first match
The first match pitted Peter Joos (a 16 handicap) and me (4) against Mark Curley (17) and Michael Johnston (4). Then there were three other matches to follow.

On the outward nine our match went back and forth, but when I birdied #7 from two feet, then #8, the famed "Postage Stamp," from about 6 feet behind the hole to go up two, things looked pretty good for us.

Not for long, however. Mark Curley made a natural birdie - with a shot - at #9, so we began in the inward nine only one up. And Curley was just getting started. His 17 handicap earned him strokes at the rest of Royal Troon's version of Amen Corner. On #10 and #11 - with strokes - Mark made natural pars. Before Peter and I could do anything about it, we were three down with only five to go. And just as quickly I missed a very makeable birdie to win #14, then again - from even closer - on #15 as Mark rolled in a 20 footer for par - with a stroke - and a 4-up-with-3-to-go victory.

It was a good match, they were thrilled to drive back the visitors, and I feared if our lead match was any indication, the Blue Elephants were doomed.

But, apparently, we were not to be denied. I don't know the details of the other matches - being first has its advantages: a few pints before the others can finish help make details difficult to remember. But all in all the visitors came through 2.5 points to 1.5 points, winning two matches and halving another in addition to Peter's and my defeat.

Here's what victory looks like:
Blue Elephants, champions
(Click on any photo for a larger view.)

I understand a formal protest has been filed, that some sort of dispute is in motion, but it'll come to nothing without a rematch.

Scotland Trip - July 11, 2005

Today will be our final day of golf - 36 holes at Turnberry's Kintyre and Ailsa courses. This is my first post from Scotland this week, due largely to a busy golf schedule and relatively slow internet access.

Regardless of the troubles, however, I wanted to report that even though we have spent a considerable amount of time on the courses, we've also managed to have a bit of food and drink. Last night's repast was a local affair for sure, fish and chips in a decidedly iffy part of Troon.

The Barassie Chippy ran out of haddock with our fourth order, so those of us near the back of the line substituted chicken. It's a fried food delight, so some say, but I'm suffering a bit this morning. Here's Nick Green, the "English Bastard, as Blair calls him, the first to be served the haddock, and Neil MacKenzie, still waiting to be called:
Barassie Chippy, Troon

We took our eight bags of fish (or chicken) and chips, gathered 'round a picnic table overlooking the public beach just 100 or so yards away, and fought over napkins to clean our greasy fingers.

It's pretty interesting, actually: you come over here for the golf - and there's plenty of it, most of it marvelous. But some of what you remember most are the other things: the tiny rooms in the Marine Hotel; the hilarious one-liners or escapades of your travel partners ... and yourself; the extremely long days (the sun's up this time of year by 4a, and each night, it seems, we're asleep before it's dark); the pint after pint you drink before and after the rounds; the culinary excursions ... and what you're willing to eat in the interest of "local flavor."

I'll go back and fill in many of the blanks of the trip in coming posts, but this one I didn't want to get by.

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Scotland Trip - Getting Started

It's never easy, flying overseas. (Heck, it's never easy "flying." Enough said.)

I had a 3:45p departure planned for today, Charleston to Philadelphia, connecting at 8:30p for Philadelphia to Glasgow. The weather, the heightened security because of the bombings in London, the G8 conference at Gleneagles - all combined to advise a prudent traveler (actually, the prudent travel advisor, Cathy Farmer) to have me depart on an earlier flight out of Charleston.

So I have six - not three - hours to kill in the PHL airport.

I'm in the Envoy Lounge, the upscale part of the US Air Club. On this side of the club, reserved, I guess, for the platinum-level guys and gals and those of us with first class tickets - on this side of the club the air is cleaner, quieter and - ta da! - the booze is free.

When Neil MacKenzie, who is also among us on this Blue Elephant trip - arrived from Greensboro, I invited him to be my guest here in the club, but, "Nooooo!" No guests in the Envoy Lounge. (I'm reminded of Chris Rock's sthtick a few years ago about the "Champagne Room." Go here.) I tried to slip Neil a free beer, but, again, "Nooooo!" No alcohol or food from the Envoy Lounge is allowed in the regular US Air Club.

Remember the line in "Chinatown" when the guy tells Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson), "Jake, come on, it's Chinatown," as though that would explain anything that didn't make sense? Well, it's US Air, I said to myself, as though that explained the illogical distinction between the Envoy and the "regular" US Air Club.

In about twelve hours none of it matters anyway. We'll be standing on the first tee at Western Gailes in Scotland, eight Blue Elephants, commencing our golf trip with a warm-up round before heading to Troon on Saturday.

No bombs in London, no politicians at Gleneagles, no tropical storm remains - nothing will stop us from having BIA ("balls in air") at 3p London time on Friday.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

On handicaps, indexes and having a good bet

As the Blue Elephants prepare for our Scotland departure (see this post), I'm reminded of a comment I made several months ago, something like, "There ain't no 'about' when referring to your handicap."

We've all heard it. When asked, "What's your handicap," too often the answer is, "Uh, it's about 8."

I'm putting together a game or two for our guys when we're not playing our matches against the Pink Elephants at Royal Troon. So I solicited from the seven of my fellow "Blues" their current handicap indexes. Six of them came back, all with a decimal point in place. (The seventh, Peter Joos, reported he doesn't have an index, but he told me his Stableford goal during the last several rounds he's played, which tells me what I need to know.)

When four of the "Pinkies" came over to play Bulls Bay in early April (read about this here), there was some controversy about theiir handicaps. Seems their "sponsor," Brother Blair Leburn, inflated their handicaps a bit in order to make them more competitive on this side of the pond.

We'll have none of that this week. Just as "there's no crying in baseball," there are no "abouts" in handicaps. I have all eight of ours, decimal points on seven of them. We may not be competitive - we may even get "slaughtered" - but we'll be playing off our July 1 indexes.

Indeed.

Saturday, July 02, 2005

Off to Scotland

The Blue Elephants - at least eight of us calling ourselves "Blue Elephants" - head to Scotland this week to play the Pink Elephants at Royal Troon.

Most of us depart on Thursday, July 7, arriving in the morning on July 8. Our first of two matches against the "Pinkies" will be on Saturday at noon. Needless to say, we're excited.

Royal Troon was the site of The Open Championship last year. But that's not why we're excited. We have a great group of guys going: Blair Leburn and Rick Hall from Golf Digest; my good friend Peter Joos, who's now living in London; Michael Scott and Nick Green, the partners in MacDuff Golf; Rick's and Michael's friend, Tony Orfanos; and Neil MacKenzie (good Scottish name) and me from BURRIS. Great group.

I'll be keeping up with things for this ol' golfography blog. And/or you can check the Royal Troon web cam on Saturday or Sunday, about mid-day here in the states. We'll be coming into 18 with either thumbs up or cries for another pint!

Here's the Royal Troon web address:http://www.royaltroon.com/
Go to "Courses," then click on the webcam. Maybe we'll see you.
Royal Troon Clubhouse