In the Rough Monday, August 4, 2008

By Fish Club on August 4, 2008 10:23 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Time flies, is flying and may be flown.....

No kidding, tell me about it. We're on the cusp of August and summer will be over before you know it and I haven't even started my summer golf program yet. I was supposed to play more golf, (haven't). Was supposed to incorporate a new swing.(haven't). Stack and Tilt was going to resussciate my putrid iron play. My short game was going to improve dramatically with my plan to only chip and putt when I played twilight golf with my boys who are 9 and 12. (Hasn't). 
 
Apparently, golf is only a blip on my boys' radar.  My 12-year-old loves baseball and currently hates golf. However my curve ball is breaking 3 feet with all of the pitching we have been doing. My 9-year-old decided he likes golf but loves the instant gratification related to video games more. Especially after his last 3 hole mini-round which included a 16 on a par four, a 7 on a par 3 and a 6 on a par five (go figure?). He decided his expertise at all things electronic are easier on his psyche than Mike Strantz's massive waste areas on the second hole at True Blue where the 16 was made. I'll have to give the kid credit, he wouldn't pick up and he actually 2 putted once he got on the green.
 
I don't think I could have been prouder of the tenacious little guy.....Now if he would only apply some of that moxie  to cleaning his room. The good folks who invented the Stick-up should use his room as a test lab.........
 
Time is flying but hasn't left the coop yet....there is still 5 weeks until Labor Day give or take a long day or two, the Stack and Tilt doesn't seem too complicated, the 9-year-old mentioned something about playing golf, and even the 12-year-old baseball freak didn't say that golf was stupid the other day when a family golf outing was mentioned.  Who knows, maybe this summer can be saved afterall....
 
If you want to save your summer, come to Myrtle Beach now, I know it's hot but is it any hotter were you are? I doubt it. True Blue and Caledonia are in fantastic shape and the summer pricing is affordable for everyone in the family, including the baseball fanactics in your household. Give us a call or book online and as always thanks for allowing me to share this space with you!
 
Always at your service,
 
Bob Seganti, PGA
 
True Blue Golf Plantation

In The Rough, July 10

By Fish Club on July 10, 2008 4:38 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dearest of readers,

I'm not feeling it today.........

How many times have you said that on the golf course, at work, etc.?  Look for a lot of etc's in this blog. Like I said I'm not feeling "it"....
 
What is "it" and how come I'm not feeling "it" as much as I used to? On the golf course, the only feeling I've been sure about lately is the feeling that I'm not going to have "it" today. Do you feel me? Why do we lose our "feeling?"  Is it the lack of physical preparation causing me to doubt my mental ability or is it the other way around?
 
What if I've lost my physical and mental ability forever? I know I've gotten older and more out of shape but shouldn't I find ways to sharpen my game in other areas.... afterall those dudes on the Champions Tour are better than they ever were  Even though 50 is the new 35, they ain't no spring chickens and I'm only 41 which means according to the math, I should be playing like a 30-year-old, which was the last time I was really good. They say you can't argue with the math. I'm screwed.....
 
I must admit I think I know what the problem is and I've been in denial for several years now. I'm not in love anymore. Not what you think, people. I love my wife, my children, my life, the town I live in and still after a 7-year itch, I still love my job at True Blue. What I don't love anymore is playing golf. There I said it! Blasphemy you say. I say relief. I will love golf again when I have the time to focus on the game and start to live, breathe, dream and live for golf. I will commit financially to a club and join a men's group and compete on Thursdays and Sundays and sometimes Mondays and most Saturdays. I will make excuses to play golf instead of making them to not play, like I do now. Golf was something I couldn't wait to do , a release, an escape, a way to focus my then endless energy for 4 or 5 hours and compete like a maniac. In match play, I used to be tougher to subdue than a crackhead on meth. Now I roll over on the golf course like a puppy at a sorority house, think about it...
 
Following the first bad swing, three putt or chunked chip, I'm cracking like a snitch on the witness stand. Back in the day, those were opportunities for a "world class birdie or par." Now they end up as shameful bogeys or what is becoming increasingly more common on my card...the dreaded "other"
 
So the feeling I've lost is love for the playing of the game, but not all my love is lost for golf. I love my job in golf, I love the time spent on the course with good friends. I love watching golf on tv, I love my golf talk radio show on ESPN. I love my annual trip to The Masters. I love looking at a well-maintained golf course. I love a cold beer on the golf course and most of all these days I love the last hole. If I play well, I can say I still have a little game and if I don't, I won't know when the next round I will play will be and it won't bother me a bit........
 
Enough of that, and  thanks for reading, I must say I feel better now that I've recognized what my problem is and I think I might know how to get started on my road to recovery......I'm thinking a 3-day out-of-towner to Shallotte and Cherry Grove with some good friends, who like to drink beer, eat good food and most importantly play match play where the pressure to post a score is off.....
 
Don't forget to plan your next out-of-towner to Myrtle Beach by visiting www.Golf Holiday.com
or calling us here at True Blue on any of the contact numbers on the main page. We are still offering sizzlin summer specials all the way thru the end of August. Say yes to lower green fees and to hell with high gas prices!
 
Don't forget to tune into ESPN Radio for The Michelob Light Golf Guys every Saturday from 8am to 10am on 93.7 1050am 93.9 with yours truly and The Legendary Matt Lincoln
 
At your service,
 
Bob Seganti
PGA Member
Head Golf Professional

In The Rough, June 23, 2008

By Fish Club on June 23, 2008 4:12 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Golf mirrors life..........
 
The high of the thrilling U.S. Open between Tiger and Rocco.......The low of Tiger's announcement regarding his knee/ leg injury.......The sounds...."thud", "screech"....... The sights of  "velcro ripping"
 
"Thud"- The sound Tim Finchem's jaw made as it hit the floor at PGA headquarters last Tuesday.
 
"Screech" - The sound of golf's prime time success hitting the brakes to avoid the sudden impact of Tiger's injury announcement.
 
"Velcro ripping"- The sight of Tim Finchem struggling against his restraints as he placed on a suicide watch following Tiger's injury announcement.
 
Golf fans take solace; golf-like life will go on in 2008.
 
 As many of our loyal readers know, I have the propensity to get a little excited about certain topics.....The more involved I am with different forms of media; this blog, a radio show and some public announcement work that I do, my appreciation grows for the people who work professionally in the industry. People trust me, it is not as easy at it looks, sounds and reads. I may be a golf professional who occasionally breaks par but in the media business I am a struggling 20-handicapper, who some say” has some promise but really needs to work on my game". Sound familiar fellow choppers?
 
My point, we all criticize TV or radio announcers for being unoriginal, lacking personality, stating the obvious, using to many clichés and the always popular "I could do a better job than that idiot Gary McCord.”
 
However, when an announcer tries to inject a little personality or humor into his announcing we kill them for it. I am a Johnny Miller fan. He may not be the smoothest guy in the booth, but he "keeps it real" as the kids like to say, and he sure as heck knows what he's talking about when it comes to golf.

This whole flap over his comments regarding Rocco Mediate and cleaning Tiger's pool is completely out of hand. Italian-Americans called for this firing. Why? I am part-Italian and that thought never came to my mind that he was insulting my ethnicity. I took the reference as a tour journeyman with limited success knocking off the sports royalty, not as an ethnic slur.

Besides what's wrong with cleaning pools? It’s an honest living and I know a pool cleaner who is very successful and has several people working for him, unfortunately none of them are Italian so I couldn't get an insider's opinion. However, I did get some advice on surfing, living in your your parents’ basement,  and an address to score some righteous weed if I was in the market. But, I’m not.
 
Think about the pool cleaning industry and its many benefits:
 
No nights
Plenty of sunshine
Bored housewives, girlfriends, housekeepers.......Bada Bing!
 
People, let’s not be so sensitive.  Be like Buttermaker, the coach of The Bad News Bears and the most famous pool cleaner of all, have a drink and relax!  I wonder if Buttermaker is short for Buttermakeroprano, I'll have to check that out.
 
From the fashion file.....It's hot outside, but that doesn't mean it’s ok to wear your bathing suit to the golf course. For that matter, please no coaches shorts, sweatpant shorts or cut-offs and leave your "nice" denim shorts at home. Most courses will not let you play in those and don't even ask me if it’s okay to take your shirt off once you are out of sight of the clubhouse. A little dignity please!
 
Fast fix........
 
If your golf ball is moving from left to right at contact, you are cutting, fading or slicing depending on the degree of ball movement. To help stop this, move your right hand on top of the club, where you can see at least 2 knuckles of the right hand if you are looking straight down at your grip.
 
Come play True Blue or Caledonia! Our June aerification is over and the golf courses are returning to their normal excellent condition. Visit our special page on this website for great summer golf rates for you and the kids.
 
Don't forget to tune into ESPN Radio at 93.7fm, 1050am or 93.9 fm on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. when you are in Myrtle Beach. You may have a chance to win green fees to True Blue and Caledonia. Call in and talk some golf with yours truly, and the Legendary Matt Lincoln on The Michelob Light Golf Guys.
 
Don't forget your sunscreen!
 
Bob Seganti
Head Golf Professional
True Blue Golf Plantation
 

Diary of a Club Pro in Myrtle Beach

By Fish Club on June 4, 2008 3:30 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 

I have changed the names of the people in this story because most of us need this job. I have been a member of the Professional Golf Association of America since August of 2000 and am currently the head golf professional of a Golf Digest “America’s Top 100 Public Golf Course.” I am also the clubhouse manager of this particular facility which essentially means that anyone who has a complaint or wants to lodge a beef to be shouted from the heavens in language reserved for shanked wedges and 3 putts is referred to me as quickly as possible by every staff member in the joint... I am also the first guy to be notified when the toilets are backed up and the dumpster is overflowing. When the staff is busy with customers, guess who is plunging away and dumpster diving? If I had a dollar for every dry-cleaned pair of pants I have stained showing some 18-year-old kid who thinks he can play on TOUR how to strategically place a trash bag in a dumpster, I could start my own TOUR and tell that silver-spooned kid to kiss my grease-stained back nine.
 
Enough with the sour grapes, I actually chose this profession and although it is often less than I thought it would be, it is actually more than I ever could imagine. After all, if it wasn’t for guys or gals like me, golf would really be more like a trip to the supermarket.
 
I’ll explain. The supermarket I go to doesn’t give a hoot about me or my preferences. It just wants to get my money and get me out the door. “Please no checks and bag your own groceries.” Who do you think you are - Tiger Woods? Does anyone who plays golf think that a guy like Tiger is going to sell them a shirt or make them dinner reservations or pretend to listen with interest while they describe their latest escapade with the putter or the myriad of physical problems that prevent them from making a good backswing? Of course not, it’s your local PGA professional who is going to do all that and make you believe he or she would almost rather be fitting you for clubs than playing in the upcoming U.S Open at Torrey Pines.
 
We generally like all of our customers, except for the cell phone happy guy or gal. By the way, if you are one of those people, we in the business think you are annoying. Between phone calls from the golf course regarding pace of play other strange behavior in the pro shop, grillroom, driving range etc., I can say that I have pretty much seen it all. Think about the cell phone abuse a minute. I wouldn’t walk into your office at Smith, Smith and Smith and start talking about how drunk I got the night before while you are on a conference call. The pro shop is my office, a little respect please. Don’t get me started on the clowns (males only unfortunately) who try on shirts in the middle of the pro shop when a perfectly-useful dressing room is just steps away. It’s rare to see bodies in that bad a condition outside of the demolition derby at The Myrtle Beach Speedway.
 
Regarding pace of play, do any of you think we like it? After all, it keeps us here longer, increases our operating expenses and upsets our customers. I know, I know. If it were up to you, you and your gun could solve the problem, haven’t heard that one before… Is a murder beef really worth having a extra fifteen minutes to drink beer and flirt with the grill staff before you have to go home and act like a responsible husband and parent? Be patient, go with the flow and know that we are doing our best to keep things moving.
Place the blame where it really belongs on the PGA TOUR and by all of the “chops,” I mean our valued customers who emulate them. Enough said. Have to go, a 50-year-old CEO of a multi-national corporation decided to change his pants in the dining room.
 
Bob Seganti
Head Golf Professional
Check out our Sizzlin' Summer Specials on the website,
 

In The Rough, May 22, 2008

By Fish Club on May 22, 2008 2:03 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 

Readers, another revelation has come to fruition...
 
It is true, time really flies by the older you get. Summer is right around the corner here in Myrtle Beach. My oldest child will be 12 in June and Annika will eligible to for Social Security this year.....
 
Stop the presses! a golfer retires from golf, what the *&^%$ does that mean and am I the only one that is irritated by this whole deal?  First of all, Annika is only 37; second of all, she only "works" 25 weeks out of the year and lastly, no one that I ever knew retired from professional golf. The only professional golfers that left the game were those that were not good enough to make cuts and keep their card. With 3 wins in 9 events this year, Annika is still moving her old decrepit body around the golf course fairly well and is keeping up with those pesky whippersnappers in their short shorts and halter tops. 
 
What is she going to do now? Take a job in an office working 48 hours a week like most of us? For cryin' out loud, she's already had her retirement in the first part of her life. So she wants to start a family, I can dig that as I'm a family guy. But, my wife worked until she was in her seventh month of pregnancy with all of our kids and she didn't need to retire.  I heard they get pretty good medical benefits on the LPGA TOUR and the daycare is second to none. I was really looking forward to Annika and Lorena Ochoa going head to head for a couple of years and creating some much needed excitement in women's golf. Oh well, better enjoy Lorena while you can because I heard she's moving to Miami in 2 years and taking early Social Security so she can join her condo HOA board and head up the social committee. For fans looking for autograph opportunities, make sure to stop by the local Applebee's at the 4:15 for the start of the early bird special and see Lorena in the corner booth.
 
It's starting to heat up everywhere! Best equipment advice I can give is microfiber is now king or queen depending on your circumstance. From socks,shorts, shirts and hats, why be uncomfortable when you don't have to be? Let the moisture wick away from your body and feel fresh the entire round.
 
Come visit us in Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island as the the summer golf season is kicking into action with longer days and lower rates - perfect for family golf or quick getaways with the group. The off-course action is great in the summertime with the beach, bars, fishing and the new Hard Rock Park. There is always something to do at the beach. Don't forget the sunscreen!
 
Unlike Annika I have to get back to work. Remember, establish a personal par and play from the proper set of tees relative to your average driving distance (be honest) and you will have a lot more fun playing golf!
 
Don't forget to listen to the "Michelob Light Golf Guys" on Saturday mornings from 8am to 10am on 93.7 FM, 1050AM and 93.0 FM ESPN Radio The Team with yours truly, Bob Seganti, and the Legendary Matt Lincoln.
 
Go Play Golf!
 
Bob Seganti
PGA Member
Head Golf Professional

In The Rough, April 22, 2008

By Fish Club on May 6, 2008 10:35 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Readers...............

It must be true if I can write a column anyone can.........happened to be in Augusta, Georgia for that little "toon-a-mint" they have up there called The Masters and much to my surprise as I opened the complimentary issue of The Augusta Chronicle at the $325 a night Comfort Inn I was staying in, Boo Weekley is a columnist. Say what? You heard me...the new people's choice for replacing the fading John Daly presence on tour as a newspaper columnist for a respectable, ahem, newspaper. Now I know it is a fluff piece they are publishing and I know that Boo's popularity got him the gig, but I wonder why he is so popular, let's investigate.
 
Top Ten Reasons Fans Like Boo
 
1. Most folk likes either huntin' or fishin' sometimes both
2. Cammo just ain't for huntin', fishin' or dances
3. Boo reminds em of that nice boy who aint' to smart but is good people
4. Aint stuffy like them other golfers who thinks they knows everythang
5. For xamples who cares Boo aint' known that #15 at Augusta is a 5 par not a durn four par
6. Don't everybody have a young un and a baby's momma?
7. He been chewin/ since he was little, its just the way he was razed
8. Has a bo named Bubba
9. Thinks Jack, Gary and Arnie are also just real good people, regular folk if you will
10. Likes that plaid jacket they gives out at Harbourtown goes real good with just bout anythang.
 
 In all seriousness, congratulations to Boo Weekley for winning back to back years at The Verizon Classic in of all places the great state of South Carolina. Heads up golf fans, Boo fever is spreading like heat rash on a hound dog.
 
Back to Myrtle Beach.........
 
The spring golf season is in full bloom, however there always one or two open times available, so give us a call at 1-888-483-6801 or book online on this website and come down and see what all the excitement is about at True Blue Golf Plantation and Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
 
Fashion File......No joke this time!
 
The two most important accessories on the golf course are a hat and sunscreen, does anyone know an avid golfer who hasn't had some skin cut off their body? Play it smart people!
 
Special shout out to one of our readers who happens to be in town, The legendary Jamie from Green Bay, Wisconsin who is playing golf at True Blue this week. It was nice to meet a True Blue fan and Ground Under Repair reader. Hope you had a great trip Jamie! 
 
Don't forget to listen to The Michelob Light Golf Guys when your in town every Saturday form 8am to 10am on ESPN radio 93.7 93.9 and 1050am. featuring your's truly and the legendary Matt Lincoln. Any golf related topic can be and usually is covered.
 
Go Play Golf !
 
Bob Seganti
PGA Member
Head Golf Professional

Spring is here

By Fish Club on April 16, 2008 10:55 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

April 14, 2008

 

Spring is here. The azaleas are blooming, the golf course is starting to reach its spring condition and that means my golf is on a temporary hold. The funny thing about being in the golf business is that you learn real fast that it is a business. Believe it or not, ownership expects me to actually manage the clubhouse, the golf staff and make them a profit. Whatever happened to hanging around the range in the morning, playing golf in the afternoon and closing the bar down at night? Man, those golf pro's back in the day had it made.  See what happens when you don't have the right stuff to play for a living.......

 

Tiger didn't win the Masters.............again. I just doubled my anti-anxiety prescription. The more I study the greatest golfer of all time, and eventual winner of more majors than the legendary Jack Nicklaus, I'm starting to think that Tiger will win more British Opens than Masters tournaments. Here's why...

 

The British Open venues allow you to play the golf course in a variety of ways and the green speeds are always relatively slow, allowing aggressive putting which Tiger excels at.........

 

The Masters, with crazy green speeds and undulation, only allows you to play the golf course generally one way....  forcing iron shots into areas so small that you have to be spot on with your iron play to have reasonable putts or you have to be exceptional with your chipping and putting. If you are just average in those two phases you have no chance. Tiger is the only player in the field who can contend with his "C" game as he has proven the last two years by finishing second with what everyone would agree is less than his best effort.

 

By the way, I hope I'm not the only one who misses the old Augusta National where bone chilling roars could be heard every half hour on the hour. The golf course has gotten too long and difficult for the field to generate sustained excitement, no the only sounds you here are groans over missed up and down par chances.

 

Back to the Myrtle Beach Scene.........................

 

It's Monday after The Masters Celebrity Golf Tournament and Rock Concert at The House of Blues

 

An annual event taking place Monday, April 14 (duh) at Barefoot Resort featuring lots of celebrities from the music world, sports, golf and entertainment. Big time event hosted by the boys from Hootie and The Blowfish. 

 

Its always a lot of fun guessing how many beers John Daly can drink and still manage to sing "Knockin' on Heavens Door" with Hootie and the Blowfish tonight. I was a little low with 20 beers last year so I'm going with 25 this year, since I figure John has been in serious training lately.

 

In all seriousness, I've always been a John Daly fan and I wish he would turn his life around and give up the booze, but as we all know only he can make that decision.

 

Well, back to work the shop is full with golfers from around the world having a great time in Myrtle Beach.... visit GolfHoliday.com to come see what everyone is talking about!

 

When you're in town ,don't forget to tune into ESPN Radio 93.7 FM, 1050am and 93.9 FM  for The Michelob Light Guys from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. featuring Matt Lincoln and yours truly, Bob Seganti, talking about anything and everything in the world of golf.

 

Go Play Golf!

 

Bob Seganti

PGA Member

True Blue Golf Plantation

 

 

 

Archives