SO YOU WANT TO PLAY PEBBLE?
By John Craig

OK, so I won’t be invited to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – the former Bing Crosby Clambake. But that’s OK, I go to check off Pebble Beach Golf Links from my “Bucket List” in 2010, just two and a half weeks before the U.S. Open when I played a round by myself, had a seagull steal my banana and was applauded on the 18th green.

Here’s the story, as I recalled it shortly after that great day on June 1, 2010. I’ve also added some photos and then summed up my scorecard. Take a few minutes and enjoy and I hope you get to go to Pebble one day. By the way, I played it from as far back as the tees would allow, under USGA conditions, and shot a 112. I’ll take that but still, won’t be asked to play with Phil or Tiger or even Kyle Stanley any time soon.

MY DAY AT PEBBLE

Pebble Beach Golf Links was the host for the 110th U.S. Open in 2010.

“It’s coming fast and furious,” said Paul Spengler, Executive Vice President of Pebble Beach Company since 2004. He’s been there 20 years. “It’s going great. All of the facilities set up is ahead of schedule. The golf course is ready.”

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PEBBLE BEACH SCORECARD: June 1, 2010

Hole #1: Par-4, 380 yards.

USGA: Priority is to keep the ball in the fairway to allow a clear approach to a very narrow green. Left greenside bunker runs length of green that has been enlarged by 700 sq. ft. Right bunker split in two.
Craig: Hit tee shot into right thick rough, second shot blasted out of long grass, left it short. Third shot over back. Fourth ran back to front of green. Three-putt. Score: 7

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Click here to see my pictures from Pebble Beach Golf Links.

NOW LET’S GO PLAY

Nearly 1,000 companies and brands gathered for the 59th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FL including some Capital Area representatives. At the Orange County Convention Center, more than 42,000 PGA Professionals, buyers and industry leaders from nearly 80 countries came for the latest in golf equipment, apparel, accessories and services.

Check out a special, one-hour PGA Merchandise Highlight Show on Golf Channel tonight, Monday, January 30, at 8:00 p.m.

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PGA SECRETARY AS SEASON BEGINS

Derek Sprague, the Head Golf Professional at Malone Golf Club, part of the NENY PGA and from the Capital Area, is also the Secretary of the PGA of America. He has been in Florida as the 59th Annual PGA Merchandise Show gets started in Orlando.

But before that, he took part in several meetings with the PGA of America to work on growing the game, which has seen a decline in participation and new players in recent years, due in large part to the economic downturn.

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NICKLAUS, GOLF 2.0, 1,000+ COMPANIES

Despite the fact that the 59th annual PGA Merchandise Show is not open to the public, here’s a preview and a link to get you closer to what’s going on in Orlando, Florida. It’s being held in the Orange County Convention Center from now through Saturday. There’s also an official webcast.

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MARKING 10 YEARS OF OUTDOOR DEMOS

The 10th anniversary of the PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day was also its largest and, perhaps, best-ever on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden, FL.

Thousands of PGA Professionals, retailers and golf-industry leaders tested the latest products from 100-plus golf equipment, training aids, performance wear and golf accessory companies to officially open Show Week 2012 on a warm, idyllic day, according to a PGA of America release.

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NYSGA OFFERS 2012 INTERNSHIP

The New York State Golf Association is offering a paid internship – the Frederick W. Box Communications Internship – to a qualified candidate to gain experience in journalism and sports information services.

This internship allows NYSGA staff and volunteers to focus on tournament administration while increasing the NYSGA’s exposure through the creation of event specific media guides, championship press releases and bi-annual newsletters.

Application Deadline: March 1, 2012

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OUR FANTASY GUY FANTASIZES
By Timothy S. Wyld

Steve Stricker started this season as the USA’s highest-ranked player and solidified that standing with his season opening victory at Kapalua. Speaking of World Rankings, does anyone believe Martin Kaymer deserves to be ahead of Stricker? Perhaps that will change soon. Stricker has won seven PGA Tour events since 2009, more than any other PGA Tour member.

Prediction #1: Stricker wins multiple events in 2012 and Martin Kaymer falls from the top-five in the World Golf Rankings.

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FIVE HOLE ANNUAL EVENT IN FEBRUARY

The 2nd Annual Fire & Ice Golf Tournament takes place Saturday, February 11 from noon to 4:00PM at The Tupper Lake Municipal Park. Wander through the park, share drinks, dress like the abominable snowman (maybe) and the Chamber of Commerce invites you to laugh over “spectacularly bad shots!”

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