It’s time for my annual plea

Admittedly, I’m a huge fan and believer in junior golf and must give some props where props are due. First, thanks to the Myrtle Beach area golf courses that provide juniors free golf. I introduced my grandson to golf when he was 8. I would have been hard pressed to keep him in the game, if not for many area courses. Thank you! Also, thanks to the First Tee program. With major supporters like “Hootie & the Blowfish Day After the Masters Tournament” many kids are getting their first taste of this great game.

Starting about this time of year about a dozen kids from Middle/Senior High Schools everywhere are rushing to change clothes and get to golf practice. They come from different social-economic backgrounds. Few will go on to enjoy college golf scholarships. Today, they’re going to practice golf, but also learn valuable life lessons; self control, honesty, humbleness and integrity.

Here’s my plea to you. Unfortunately, it’s getting harder and harder for school districts to support a non-revenue producing sport. If you truly love this sport, get involved. Call the golf coach and find out what balls the kids are using and go purchase a dozen or two. A couple dozen balls with the school logo will be valued. Write a check to the schools booster club and designate the amount as matching funds for any golf team merchandise. Better yet get your regular foursome or league to make the donation. Most importantly go see a high school (boys or girls) golf match. Applause for the good shots from both teams is appreciated.

Golf’s paparazzi

Local PGA tour player Dustin Johnson had more than his share of headlines this past month. There was the Natalie Gulbis, we’re dating followed by Johnson’s, and we’re just friend’s reply. Next he pulled out of the Sony for “personal reasons.” Just a week ago there was the plea of reckless driving to the DUI charge. Thursday was the late for a tee time penalty at Riviera.

Call me a “homer,” but I still really like this guy. I’m happy for what he’s accomplished and disappointed for what sometimes appears to be a lack of judgment. I do not know Johnson personally, but wish him well.

However, there is one part of golf I don’t like and regular readers probably already know. I believe the majority of golf writers and reporters are simply getting in the way. Until this week I was neutral towards the Golf Channel’s Jim Gray. However, waiting on the 14^th tee and trying to interview Johnson about the 2-stroke penalty is simply inexcusable.

Really Jim give us a break. Do you really think Johnson’s going to give you any in-depth thoughts about the incident? You know he’ll talk to you after the round. Witness his patience with the media last year at the PGA Championship on the club-grounding penalty. For goodness sake Gray, the man is working here.

To the golf Channel’s credit, they pulled Gray from Riviera for the balance of the tournament. What I’d like to understand is how he got to the 14^th with his intent to interview? Did his producer have no idea what was going on? This whole thing has the feel of a supermarket tabloid cover.

It's getting warmer

Just returned from three days at the Philadelphia Golf Show. Attendance was fantastic, most likely spurred by some unseasonably warm weather in eastern PA. Those folks have some pent-up demand for golf. On the other hand they must have the patience of Job.

Plenty of attendees were walking around with a new club, or two knowing they’re not going to hit that purchase for another 2-4 weeks. That’s when they need to be thinking about Myrtle Beach. With high temperatures exceeding 57 degrees every day this week, I’m glad to be home.

So, if you have some pent-up demand to just hit some balls, come on down. Even if it’s a last minute trip, check with our golf directors and let them know what you need. They’ll find the tee times and accommodations that are sure to please both your need for some golf and your wallet.

Hey Joe, make it real

February 2, 2011 – Today I received the GOLF.com Trips eNewsletter with a feature by “Travelin Joe” Passov, Senior Editor (Course Rankings). The publication assures us he has “spent a lot of time in Myrtle Beach.” Obviously, he hasn’t been here lately.

The article is dated May 10, 2010 and reports under “What’s New” on the re-opening of Pine Lakes Country Club in March 2009, Founders Club in 2008 and Ocean Ridge Plantation’s Leopard Chase in 2007.

He goes on to give other area courses their props and we certainly cannot argue with his choices. Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Caledonia, Tidewater Golf Club and Rivers Edge Golf Club are all worthy of recognition and it’s appreciated.

But, really Joe, if you’re going to give the Myrtle Beach Area some ink at least make it fresh. Don’t simply copy and paste an old posting. Your copy and paste desperately needed some editing and updating.

Frankly Joe I’m wondering if you really have “spent a lot of time in Myrtle Beach.” My guess is that most of these readers have more Myrtle Beach playing time than you.