E9golf

JustGolfBags.com for Sale!

I haven't been posting much lately and quite candidly, a great deal has changed in my life.  About a year ago I took a dream job to go to work for the PGA TOUR.  I also got married...  Oh yeah, we moved too!

My wife has been wonderful, she quit her job so that we could move to San Antonio and for the last year has been operating our eCommerce site, JustGolfBags.com

While owning and operating a golf retail site might have been my idea of fun, I candidly think she does it simply because she loves me.  So, it's time to let go!

I posted the site on eBay in our store, here's the link: 

If you have any questions or would like to take a peek at some of the key stats just drop me a line.

It's the kind of site that has a tremendous amount of potential and at one time was a full time occupation for two  people.  Now it's been scaled back to only a few hours per day, simply drop shipping order from the main manufacturers of Club Glove, Sun Mountain, Ogio and Cargo Golf. 

I am also including other Domains in the sale, like JustGolfGear.com and JustGolfTravel.com 

The site is perfect for someone who owns a golf retail store and is looking to add another couple of hundred thousand to their revenue without adding a tremendous amount of work...

Top Flite Viral Campaign Reaks of Desparation

But it is one funny ass video...  Where do you go when your brand no longer commands a seat on the Callaway Corporate Jet because you got squeezed by Odyssey and Hogan?  How about going after the 20 and 30-somethings who eschew the traditionally boring brands like Titleist and big brother Callaway?

I commend Top Flite for the viral campaign and the sheer genius of going after a targeted demographic using a medium that might actually reach them.  If only the Kenny Mayne spots were quite so funny...

TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company Unveils 2008 Golf Bag Collection

Innovative TaylorMade Cart and Stand Bags Offer Consumers Unprecedented Design and Functionality; adidas Golf Makes Entrance into the Market with New Line of Athletic Performance Bags

TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company today unveiled its 2008 golf bag offerings, including new TaylorMade cart and stand bags as well as a never-seen-before collection from adidas Golf.  Both new bag lines will be available at retail locations on October 15.

TaylorMade Golf, makers of the number one driver on the PGA Tour, introduced four exciting new bags, including the Burner stand bag, the latest edition to the company's "Burner family franchise."  The "Monza" and "Tourino" round out the collection of stand bags, while the company will also introduce one cart bag: "The GTR Cart Bag."

In an effort to create the best performing bags on the market, TaylorMade sought extensive feedback from its Home Pro Staff to improve aesthetics and overall functionality of the bags.

One of the biggest improvements to this year's line is an integrated stand and kickplate system, specifically designed to improve functionality and durability.

Simultaneous to the release of the TaylorMade bags, adidas Golf, an industry leader in apparel and footwear, brings its unparalleled innovation and performance into four stylish and athletic bags: "Rival," "Velocity ST," "Phase ST," and "Ascend."

The adidas Golf family of bags has utilized many of the fabrics seen in the footwear line to give the bags a distinct adidas Golf look and feel, plus incorporate all the necessary features and functionality expected in traditional golf bags.

All bags will be offered in single or double straps.

Complete list of golf bags include:

TaylorMade® Monza® Stand Bag (MSRP $169.99)

    * Satin finished polyester
    * Dual color seven-way fused nylon top with full-length dividers
    * Velour lined valuables pocket
    * Integrated stand system
    * Satin finished metal TaylorMade icon zipper pulls
    * Insulated water bottle pocket
    * EVA molded backside paneling
    * Six pockets
    * Offered in five stylish colorways: White/Fire Red; Jet Black/White; Green White; Midnight/White; Fire Red/White

    TaylorMade® Monza® Stand Bag (MSRP $169.99)

TaylorMade Burner® Stand Bag (MSRP $149.99)

    * Satin finished polyester with 420 propex accents
    * Five pockets with integrated valuables pocket
    * Tri-color seven-way fused nylon top with full-length dividers
    * Integrated stand system
    * Gunmetal finished TaylorMade zipper pulls
    * Water bottle holder
    * Black bag with Burner logo "emblazoned" on the side of the bag

    TaylorMade Burner® Stand Bag (MSRP $149.99)

TaylorMade Tourino Stand Bag (MSRP $129.99)

    * Satin finished polyester
    * Seven-way micro mesh color top with full length dividers
    * Three pockets with integrated velour valuables pocket
    * Integrated stand system
    * Water bottle holder
    * TPR rubber logoed zipper pulls
    * EVA molded backside paneling
    * Six pockets
    * Offered in five stylish colorways: Green/White; Blue/White; Jet Black/Titanium; Fire Red/White; Sky Blue White (Ladies)

    TaylorMade Tourino Stand Bag (MSRP $129.99)

TaylorMade GTR Cart Bag (MSRP $199.99)

    * 14-way fused nylon divider system
    * TPR rubber molded side venting
    * Nine zippered pockets for maximum storage
    * Velour-lined valuables pocket
    * TM gunmetal icon zipper pulls
    * TM gunmetal carabiner clip
    * Offered in three colorways: Jet Black/Jet Black; Fire Red/Jet Black; White/Jet Black

    TaylorMade GTR Cart Bag (MSRP $199.99)

adidas Golf Rival Cart Bag (MSRP $169.99)

    * Micro-perforated PU side panel accents
    * Two velour-lined valuables pockets
    * Brushed metal adidas brandmark zipper pulls
    * 14-way fused nylon top
    * All nine pockets accessible when on cart
    * Offered in three colors: Black/White; Navy/White; Red/White

    adidas Golf Rival Cart Bag (MSRP $169.99)

adidas Golf Velocity ST Stand Bag (MSRP $169.99)

    * Athletic poly mesh with fused nylon
    * 14-way fused nylon top
    * Five pockets with outside mesh storage pocket
    * Insulated water bottle holder
    * Integrated kickstand system
    * Brushed metal adidas brandmark zipper pulls
    * Offered in five colors: Black/White; White/Navy; Red/White; Sky Blue/White; Green/Black

    adidas Golf Velocity ST Stand Bag (MSRP $169.99)

adidas Golf Phase ST Stand Bag (MSRP $129.99)

    * Athletic poly mesh with fused nylon
    * Water bottle holder
    * Five full-sized pockets
    * Velour lined valuables pocket
    * Four-way fused nylon top
    * Offered in four colors: Black; Green/White; Red/White; Navy/White

    adidas Golf Phase ST Stand Bag (MSRP $129.99)

adidas Golf Ascend Stand Bag (MSRP $129.99)

    * Five full-sized pockets
    * Insulated water bottle holder
    * Velour-lined valuables pocket
    * Six-way air mesh top
    * Integrated kickstand
    * Offered in five colors: Black/White; Green/White; Navy/White; Purple/Silver; Red/White

    adidas Golf Ascend Stand Bag (MSRP $129.99)

Early AM Golf, National Cheerleading Event or Solheim Cup?

I woke up really early this morning (not on purpose of course, who gets up at 3 am on a Saturday?) and really couldn't get back to sleep.  So instead of tossing and turning and ruining my wife's slumber I decided to get up and see if I could find something to put me back to sleep on the idiot box.

What did I find?  The National Cheerleading competition in their full glory, faces painted, names on their hair ribbons, matching outfits...

But wait, when did Cheerleading competitions involve caddies?  Is that Paula Creamer?  I thought she skipped college...

No, it's the playing of the bi-annual competition called the Solheim Cup and man did it look cold there.  I guess it looked a little strange (other than the face painting of course) to see LPGA players in anything other than shorts.  In fact, I don't recall the last time I watched women's golf  when they weren't playing in anything but perfect weather.  But then, I don't recall the last time I watched women's golf.

One thing is apparent, the women don't get the credit for being the solid ball strikers that they truly deserve.  Hitting greens when the wind was blowing for 35 to 40 mph requires a solid strike and there was a bunch of good shots.  It was compelling golf to say the least (although I did finally fall back asleep, but in all fairness I do that while watching the men as well).

Which leads me to the point of the post, what can the LPGA do to foster more interest in their sport?  The Solheim Cup, while an obvious knock-off of the Ryder Cup, is a treat to watch.  Every other week (including the so-called majors) not so much.  To me the LPGA needs to continue to promote themselves as an international tour, showcasing their skills throughout the world and fostering growth along the way.  Leverage the skill set of the Lorena Ochoa's, any player with the last name of Kim, and the fine Swedes.

I did hear the Deputy Commissioner claim that they were looking into a President's Cup type format to involve the rest of the world.  The idea has merit, but let's look at other options.  How about the America's versus the rest of the world?  Do it annually and dump this us versus everyone else mentality...  At least we'd get Lorena Ochoa on our team.  Do you think the Mexico flag would look good on her left cheek?

Fedex Cup-The True Financial Opportunity for Players Explained

Here's a great post that summarizes the Fedex Cup point system and the financial benefit that lies ahead for the players...

The Fedex Cup:  Where Birdies become Annuities by SportsAgentBlog.com

Callaway Golf Fusion FT-i

Peter Jacobson gets clubs stolen, then returned

An interesting twist in a stolen club case...

Thieves end up with an unplayable lie

PGA TOUR Players wear Blue Gator Belts for Good Cause

Nearly 30 of the players in this weeks Barclay's Tournament are wearing Blue Genuine Alligator belts with a very cool buckle to support Ian's Friends Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to raising funds to support pediatric brain tumor research.

Here's the article on PGATOUR.com or watch the video

It's nice to see the players getting involved and doing something that will certainly raise awareness over the weekend and hopefully throughout the Fedex Cup playoffs. 

It's also interesting to see that something like an accessory can be legitimate real estate for endorsement opportunity, yet these players have hopefully spent the $1000 to purchase their own belts and spread the word.

The belts were made by House of Fleming and are a very cool Royal Blue Color.

More Links:

Ian's Friend Foundation

Belt for a Cure

House of Fleming

Bill Murray: Drunken driving in a golf cart?

Definitely a 19th hole article...  After reading this article it wasn't difficult to invision this happening.  I don't think Carl Spackler realized the drunk driving laws were so strick in Sweden.

Bill Murray: Drunken driving in a golf cart?

by golf.com

The Six Hole Golf Course-It's time has come

While I can't prove it, I recall Jack Nicklaus once talking about the merits of a six-hole golf facility.  Regardless of whether or not the Greatest Player of All Time (at least for the time being) endorses it or not, I truly believe the time has come for the six-hole golf course concept to be developed.

In fact, I'll go as far as saying that it will save the golf business. 

As a lifetime employee in the golf biz I find myself concerned about the aging population.  Sure, we are going to see a surge over the next decade or so as the Baby Boomers retire and head to the links, buy their vacation homes on golf developments, and travel to the golf destinations they have been dreaming about for the past 40 years.  But what happens when they get to the point that they stop traveling, start downsizing, and slowly begin to play less and less rounds?

I am part of the next generation, the one that grew up on television, video games, fast food and as a result has the attention span of a 5 year old without his riddilin.  I work a lot of hours, spend as much time with my wife as I can, and as a result play very little golf anymore.  It's really a shame, but the only time I play these days is with clients.  Truth be told, my wife enjoys golf and will gladly hit balls with me or practice whenever I mention it.  We'll sneak out on occasion and walk the local muni in the evenings when we aren't in anyone's way (she's still getting her game back after a long layoff). 

The challenge for me is, I really dislike the service, conditions and environment at the courses that offer convenient golf in our neighborhood.  This is a shame because I have 45 holes of crappy city-owned golf within 10 minutes of my doorstep.  I'm not trying to be a golf snob, but after 20+ years in the golf biz I expect a basic level of competency and unfortunately it's not available.  I suspect this is the case in many cities across the US.

My solution?  Someone take these money-losing city owned dumps (yes, the golf courses and some land-fills), and convert them into wonderful, six-hole layouts that take 75 to 90 minutes to play.  Take the remaining land and build a great practice facility.  Turn the old clubhouses into a local pub or sportsbar.  Nothing too fancy, just a place inviting enough to maybe grab a sandwich and a cold beer after sneaking out for 6 holes on a Tuesday evening.  Maybe even put in a pool, offer a small membership program.  How about some meeting space in case you wanted to do a meeting plus golf?

Start a great Player Development Program.  Give the local First Tee organization office space.

With enough land you could build three six-hole tracks so someone could get in 18 in if they wanted.

To me this certainly seems like a project that any organization that was interested in growing the game of golf (PGA of America, PGA TOUR, USGA, etc.) would jump all over.  Maybe even equipment manufacturers should fund this project.  Just so that 20 years from now they actually have someone avid enough about golf to sell their clubs to.

Someone please tell me I'm crazy and why this model wouldn't work.  I know it won't replace the classic courses of our world or the desire to spend 4 hours outdoors with your golf pals.  But if you want to grow the number of participants, let's break this incredibly time consuming, intimidating, expensive sport into little pieces and grow it up from there.

Additional Resource:  An article I found that is doing this concept in London