Below is most of the transcript - there is a gap in the middle (not sure how long) where I had to take a phone call. Thanks Roach for allowing this post.
Regards and happy holidays to all,
Scott Mathews
Enjoy! Busy hours are in the evening.
Art> Glad to be on and visit, it has been a busy past 90 days.
Art> Thanks for having me Mike
longshaft> I bet it has
serial_ball_killer> Hey Art, just want to say that I love the double elimination in the districts. Great move - don't change it!
Art> We are excited about the PEDC show this Sunday and then Remax the following Sunday
longshaft> I think it is good also
Simons_Dad> That ball should have rolled out.
Art> Double Elimination in the districts was a big change and very positive. It produced a top-shelf field at RE/MAX
serial_ball_killer> Any Canadian TV dates yet for the WLDC?
Roach> is there anything we can do to "encourage" our local cable channels to air it outside of the usa
Art> David, that ball did weird things, nothing bounces like a ball.
DT-Thunder> evening Russ
Art> I should have canada airings shortly. We confirmed all the french speaking regions on RDS last week. I expect several on TSN
Kenny> Welcome Russ
Art> Our other international airings are big this year. China, Japan, Korea, Australia, Middle East, South Africa and some in Europe
russ_pate> Good evening, everyone.
Roach> evening russ!
Roach> how is the registration coming along for the casha blanca event
nyleater> Art, hope all is well, tell us some of the things we can expect as far as an lda tour goes.
Art> Mike, you can email the programming departments at TSN and tell them you want to see the show. With Jason winning it won't be hard.
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Goingdeep> how are sign up going for mesquite art
Art> Cashablanca is going ok. the lda doesn't own the scramble tourney. our deal is to help fill that field and then we will have a nice purse event for the lda hitters.
gringo> Art any rule changes in the upcoming year
bwolverine> Art, I've heard that there will be few districts next year with more qualifiers from each district - can you comment? Thanks
Art> Nyleater, we are working very hard on events for 07. This is our #1 goal.
Art> Rule changes in what regards?
gringo> any either equipment or player
nyleater> thanks, good news
longshaft> Longer shafts?
Kenny> Art, When will the lda have another ranking system
Art> We are going to eliminate 3 US districts from what I was told by lda GM Mike Ambriz. We want bigger fields at these districts, the number of spots won't change. There will be several spots in Mesquite in February. They will have the best odds
Art> Kenny, We can't rank when we don't have events.
Art> Equipment rules will stay the same, 50 inch vertical, and USGA lda Conforming lists. We like the situation with equipment.
serial_ball_killer> Why not make the odds even for those that can't travel all over earth to try to qualify?
Goingdeep> what are chances for more events
indy2> more people less districts-same number of spots tho?
Art> We are looking at an older age division beyond super seniors
stroz> Art is that fair to guys/gals in cold weather climate,that more spots will be given away in feb?
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Art> People that would have went to these smaller districts go to bigger ones and we will apply those spots
Bango> which districts are going to be eliminated...either PA or NJ is obvious
bwolverine> Thanks - I'm certainly in favor of fewer districts with same number of spots at Worlds.
Art> I think Minnesota and one in the northeast. We will announce after the new year.
Kenny> Geriatric division
indy2> pa is good district
indy2> big annd well run
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longshaft> watch it kenny
Art> We are stuck with these dates in Mesquite. I hope the guys up north can bang some inside.
Bango> i know a lot of people travel to new england from canada
serial_ball_killer> Fewer districts is fine but if one district takes a 1 in 10 ration and another takes 1 in 15, it is a bit unfair. Especially if you do not know in advance which districts will have better odds.
snip> Will districts formats change for open divisions since most districts took well over 7 1/2hours to complete
bwolverine> Art, from the super seniors, It would be nice to know how many spots at each district before the event (district event that is). Tks.
Art> Same number of spots in the worlds. All ratios are the same nationwide
Kenny> PEDC pinnacle events still a go for next year ?
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Art> Kenny, The EDC will definitely go on. pinnacle is no longer the title sponsor
indy2> alot of exemptions to be given out this year?
serial_ball_killer> You just said Mesquite in Feb will have better odds?
Art> We will try to have those Super Senior numbers.
Simons_Dad> There was a rumor of the grid in Mesquite being moved to make way for houses on the current grid.
Bango> what kind of feedback have you received with the match play in the worlds and will it continue
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Art> That is for the diamond in the desert Classic. We look at this a little different than a district. It will have a different format as well. People don't get as many entries as a normal local Art> That is for the diamond in the desert Classic. We look at this a little different than a district. It will have a different format as well. People don't get as many entries as a normal local
Art> The Match play feedback was incredible. ESPN loved it. I have seen the footage and it is awesome. I wish we would have done this a few years ago
stroz> what has the office heard from the players about the major changes made at worlds this year? Fomat,Food, Driving range,vip,ect.?
serial_ball_killer> OK
Bango> i bet it will look great on televison...i can't wait to see it
Art> The grid in mesquite will stay thru 2007. They are working on a permanent facility that will include soccor and a park. I hope it happens
toddo77> Art --sorry just jumped in not sure if its been asked yet--what sort of feedback and #'s do ya have getting registered for those events so far?
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toddo77> FEB --diamond and desert launch..
Art> Glen, We have received good feedback. I think the food for our sponsors was not very good and Casablanca recognizes that
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stroz> I was wondering about the players no longer getting meals through out the week as well?
Art> Jim Thompson who owns Cashablanca has said the calls are good. I think it is the best opportunity we have extended long drivers to make money if they can get a team
toddo77> Yes thats a great set up --if ya have a team for the pro am event as well
Art> Players don't pay the $100 entry fee. We took good care of the players on their tourney day and at the welcome reception. It was a nightmare to have buffets all the time. Food is not expensive in mesquite. I don't see the issue
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longshaft> It just gave us a place to gather
Art> For a long driver to have 7 nights free room, a chance in the calcutta and day money. No onsite qualifying for the tour event and $350- off their entry is a nice deal
Art> I understand. We had 300 sponsor representatives. With 272 finalists and a guest that is a tent for 900. We just can't do it anymore with those numbers.
toddo77> yeah super deal and set up for the pro in that situation
Simons_Dad> Will the PEDC become the HEDC?
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Art> David, I don't know that. I hope it does. We do not have a title sponsor yet. I love the EDC event, it gives everyone a chance to hit in a driving contest. I expect over 10,000 entries this year
Danny> Art Is it confirmed that 100K will be the purse for PEDC next year
stroz> art problem was if you were watching people hit to eat you had to drive to town.which ment you could not sit and talk to vip or other longdrivers is why I'm saying something.
Simons_Dad> It would be great to see Honda go deeper in both events.
Art> We are working every day traveling to potential partners. We mailed over 300 copies of the PEDC to prospects in the past two weeks.
Art> Honda gets so much already. The problem is they wouldn't get that much more as title sponsor. They are great partner. That partner came from a cold call and visit. I am proud the lda attracted such a great name
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Art> I thought we had a nice area in the EXPO tent. It had a flat screen tv and sat about 50 people. They had food in there as well. Glen this is the best we can do. Casablanca can cater 2700 meals a day anymore
snip> Personally, I think strong player interaction with the sponsers and the vip help to promote the sport. By having a tent with meals allows people to intermingle. This in turn allows your players to socialize with one another and sponsors.
Art> They don't have the resources, the costs are out of control. We did good to feed 300 meals per day to staff and volunteers
Roach> any thoughts on having/allowing sponsor equipment co's setting up tents at the practice range?
bwolverine> Art, I'm with longshaft on the meals and tent. To me it is part of the experience to be "inside the ropes" at the worlds. In 2005, the tent did not seem that busy to me - at least early in the week.
Art> I agree with this to a point. We unfortuntately get feedback that players use this for self promotion. We feel players can intermingle with them at the course during pro-ams and when they are not hitting. Our sponsors show up for two nights of hitting
Art> Bwolverine. In 2005 I paid over 110,000$ for food for the week, and it wasn't busy. You have to guarantee these amounts, pay labor and rent everything. We can't do it.
Ace2007> What if there was an entry fee to help with the cost of a players tent?
Art> Mike, There is simply no room on the range. We have sold sponsorships to equipment companies as exclusives over the years. We allow company representatives on the range from other companies.
longshaft> Art JUst hoping that maybe you would open up the grandstands behind the hitting area to people during the semi finals saturday afternoon those great seats went to waste in the afternoon
Art> The entry fee would have to be 300 per person. We don't want to do it.
snip> Shouldn't the sponsors look at us as being an athlete. Not us wondering who to thank for the sponsorship. I am thankful. I would like to have medium to do such.
serial_ball_killer> Then why not pre-sell "meal tickets" in the registration process to hitters (like universities do) and base your numbers on that? Those that want to be there will then pay.
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Art> Longshaft, we have an issue with the boxes and we are addressing it. We want the fans back behind the players and we are working on a solution. Great suggestion and we see that
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indy2> alot of exemptions this yearr?
longshaft> thank you
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Art> We have looked at the meal situation, I am honestly telling you that the hotels can't even do it. They don't have the labor force and can't make it cost effective. They have to rent grills, warmers, ice trucks. It is a mess
Art> Indy 2 please explain
Kenny> Art, Did you keep the shaft breaking over dougs back in the footage
DT-Thunder> Any chance the Super Senior division will be expanded soon?
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indy2> maybe a clubbuilding and burger stand?
Art> DT Thunder we are working on that.
indy2> last year there were alot of exemptions given-just wondering more or less?
Art> Love that shaft breaking, it will be on the show. ESPN has more say so than you might think. They liked it alot
Kenny> lmao
Art> I expect the same amount. Which division are you referring to
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indy2> seniors and all really
serial_ball_killer> Any plans to revisit drug testing?
Art> We have our past 5 champions, previous years final 8, Hall of Fame and one sponsor exemption and one lda exemption
RAlminas> Art, how were the # of local qualifier entries this year vs. last year?
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stroz> Any chance that the fees for locals will go back down Art? So that maybe a guy or gal that might not compete might give it a try and get hooked.
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Art> Local qualifiers are flat from 05.
indy2> just wondering if the "team 'guys will take up district spots?
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Art> Glen, we are keeping fees the same. We gave site directors like yourself a bigger piece of the pie and also bonus money of $500 per event for over 66 attempts.
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Art> Indy 2 please explain team?
MikeB> What plans do you have to grow the sport?
indy2> cobra team guys-
TheDoctor> who is the sponser exemption
stroz> I understand. And thank you for that.
Art> Drug testing is very difficult. We don't have 17 sundays like the NFL or 162 games like MLB or 82 hockey or NBA games. We have one.
indy2> special exemptions
Art> cobra team "Guys" are not treated any different than others
indy2> not if your qualifying! lol
iwillflyu> Some events in the Eastern part of the country would be great...also, you do a great job...thanks for your hard work
Simons_Dad> The trip to Iraq was very cool Art, well done to you and Brian Pavlet.
serial_ball_killer> Will you make an adjustment to Canadian local entry fees to offset the strong dollar? All things being equal, we paid more last year tha our US counterparts.
Art> Indy 2 You sound upset, have your opionions based on fact please, it makes for better conversation
Art> Serial Ball Killer (i don't know your name) thanks for mentioning that, I will look at that
indy2> not upset just asking
Art> David, What we did in Iraq was amazing. It was the highlight of my career.
gringo> ditto
toddo77> THX SBK for all us Canuks in canada
Art> Indy 2, I am telling you I don't care what team anyone is on, we don't grant things like this to them.
Art> For the record, I am no longer on the "Cobra Team"
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toddo77> Looked like it was well received ARt well done to u and Brian for thinkin that one thru!
indy2> just think if they are to be given exemptions -give them-not take others spots
DT-Thunder> hey Chris
Kenny> Speaking of cobra ..... I imagine they are pretty happy right now
TheDoctor> I'm happy right now
Bango> a little off topic but what do you think of the golf mojo, i think you represent them.
Art> Toddo 77 Thanks, I appreciate that. Brian and I were called by the gentleman that put the operation together. He had seen us perform in Baltimore and asked us to go
Kenny> lol Doc ......You and Slupski dont count
Art> Indy2, they are not given exemptions. Members are for hosting events.
DT-Thunder> multiple Texas events this year?
toddo77> Good show then and always nice to do somthin back!
Danny> Art having fans in the stands get on the tee to shoot for cobra clubs was a great idea at the nationals. Any chance of doing the same in the worlds?
Art> DT Thunder We are working on events. Would you guys like events where we did not put 60 percent above your entry back in the pot?
snip> Entree fees for tour events are they going up?
Art> SLow down a little , let me catch up
Art> Kenny, cobra was so happy they dropped their sponsorship at both REMAX and PEDC
Kenny> ohhhh
TheDoctor> what
Art> For Desert Lauch they are $600- If we fill the 32 team field it will be our biggest tour event purse
toddo77> Whats the Feild at now ?
Roach> cobra dropped their sponsorship?
longshaft> sorry to hear that.
Art> Danny, No Cobra Clubs to hit for.
snip> What do you attribute this significant loss of this sponsor too?
Art> Roach, yes they did sir
toddo77> err Field
Art> Snip, I think they tasted amazing tour success
Roach> (there goes their logo from this site
)
Art> Great
iwillflyu> was it on bad terms?
Art> We delivered an amazing amount to cobra
Danny> Well then any good prize I like the idea of the fans hitting on the platform to warm up the event.
snip> Excellent for them. Where does that leave you?
mightymouse> if there is no "P" in PEDC, and no COBRA, what ball will we be hitting in 2007?
Art> Guys I'm telling you to take a hard look at the Cashablanca and desert launch, it is the only way to get a huge purse
cmccurdy> Art, any other manufacturers to come on board?
Art> pinnacle will be the official ball of all lda events, just not our title for the EDC
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Art> Chris, we are talking to several manufacturers now, this is the best exclusive sponsorship we have.
cmccurdy> thanks
Art> Danny I agree. We have to cut the time at remax on saturday night. We will look at that
Bango> ]) nobody hit cobra anyways ])
cmccurdy> Are cashablanca and desert launch tied together?
Danny> Art Is there incentive to help bring big sponsers to the sport?
TheDoctor> no
Art> Wow, everyone thought I owned Cobra, hell, I am not even on their team anymore.
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Art> Danny, this is on a case by case basis that should be discussed on the phone
Simons_Dad> Keep their van Art.
cmccurdy> lol
Art> Chris, they are. Bring a team to cashablanca and your are in desert launch without qualifying. Your entry fee is $250 instead of $600 and your room is free for the week
Kenny> Art, Is the Cobra team still together
Danny> Is there a change in the purse for EDC next year?
cmccurdy> I just had toe surgery, so I am iffy, but like the idea
Art> David, Sorry no cobra van at either event. we will allow our new partner that we hopefully get to have that spot. They want no part of it. I can't explain it
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Art> Danny, PEDC is 100k first place. Winner take all. The others that finish in the top 16 will keep amateur status and earn gift certificates.
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Art> bango, sorry I missed your comment. please explain that one?
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Danny> VERY COOL
Ace2007> Will there be any lda tour events in Texas this year?
Kenny> Art, Is the Cobra team still together
Art> Chime in, do you guys want us to run events where you hit for you money plus 10%.
Danny> I would love to see a sponsership offered too
bwolverine> Art, this chat stuff has to be difficult from your end - thanks for taking the time and making the effort.
toddo77> OR canada for an lda stop once agin soon?
TheDoctor> i second that bwolverine
Bango> if you are referring to my cobra comment, i was saying to hell with them, hitters are using different equipment anyways
Art> Ace2007 we want to have one. Golfweek pulled their event from Dallas, that hurt us. Dallas is our home, the grid is good and now the airfare is super low with Southwest changing the law
Danny> Yes 10% more if poss.
iwillflyu> what do you mean...$ plus 10%
Bango> i personally can't stand looking at their heads
toddo77> YUP! THX ART and ROACH for setting this up
Art> Bwolverine, glad to do it. I have traveled 76 of the last 90 days it has been difficult.
Art> OK, bango, but they work.
longshaft> they are good
DT-Thunder> Art, you are asking if we would get into events with one third less money, right?
Art> If we have 48 open and 24 seniors at $600- per man. That is about43K, we would add another 5k to the pot. Would everyone hit at the event.
TheDoctor> yes
Kenny> Art .... Is the Cobra team still togther
Bango> there are so many to choose from and most clubs do work if you like what you're looking at
cmccurdy> yes
Danny> yes
iwillflyu> definitely
LongBamBam> yes
TheDoctor> Good question kenny
Art> DT We have basically doubled your entry fee at our events over the years. We are finding it difficult to get partners without tv so the money is not there.
longshaft> Nope super senior here
toddo77> BACK in canada again --ILl see ya there
bubbamaker> I would. Thanks Art.
Art> I agree you have to like the clubhead, they have a new one coming out in May.
Kenny> Bammm Bammm ... Congratulations to you and the wife .. Hope the new baby is well
Art> To answer your question, I think Cobra kept most of its players.
LongBamBam> thanks
Simons_Dad> Maybe winner takes all events would be worth a try?
Art> Kenny, I know Pavlet, Nash, Moulton, Wilson, Zuback, Lastowka
DT-Thunder> I would not be interested in paying 600 dollars knowing I would have to make finals to break even or make a check
snip> Personally, 600 hundred is alot. By the time you include airfare car and hotel you have well over 12oo per event. I think you are starting to price yourself out. More events you have the less people will show up at the later ones.
Bango> any thoughts of trying to get some long PGA pros at the worlds to try to expand long drive more mainstream?
Danny> Art what about fox sports
longshaft> I think the money has to be spread out a little more than one spot
Bango> imagine Tiger showing up getting outdriven by 50 yards lol
Art> Snip, we have been $500- for 6 years. It all goes to the pot. We are not keeping a cent
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TheDoctor> wouldn't happen bango
Art> bango, he won't get outdriven by 50
Danny> 600 would keep players more local
Art> Please tell me you are kidding.
Art> Danny we will see how the Launch goes. WE have others in the works
Bango> you are right...i bet he could compete, i played with him in the u.s. junior back in '91 and he was long then
Art> Longshaft, what are you referring to
serial_ball_killer> Thanks for taking the time Art. Looking forward to 2007! Happy Holidays everyone.
Kenny> No one thinks 50 ... but you have to admit there fairways roll better than our grids
snip> I thought 5 was expensive. 6 seems high.
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stroz> Art if the numbers have been flat at the local level why was there a price increase?
gringo> pay deeper
Bango> bring nike on as title sponsor and maybe he might actually show
Art> Danny, Fox sports wants production money like all of them.
LongBamBam> Art, any chance of getting tv more interested (ESPN, golf channel, FOX sports, etc) on tour events
longshaft> just saying that the events need to pay more than one spot
Bango> long drive would be right up their alley, no?
stroz> wouldn't that driver away the grass root guys then?
TheDoctor> Top Lders would outdrive Tiger by 15-20 yards
stroz> gringo that would be a good idea
Art> Glen, we feel locals will remain flat. People have knowledge of the competition at this event. It is not for the 300 yard driver anymore. We also had to pay the site director more.
longshaft> thanks gringo
DT-Thunder> Art, I know more seniors would get in , if more spots were paid
Art> The Doctor, well said, we don't know what he would do with a 48
BigDuck> Art, any new marketing schemes in effort to grow the sport for 2007
TheDoctor> Schemes?
toddo77> IM out n off too --take care and BEST TO U AND YERS through the holidays! THX again Art n Mr Roach
Danny> That would draw more TV companys
Art> Which events, lda Tour? We pay 25% of the field, always have
toddo77> off to watch my bears WIN another!
indy2> thanxs Art
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SOme missing - sorry had to take a phone call...
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Simons_Dad> Keep the lda alive and well. Happy holidays from AZ.
Luke425> Thank you Art
snip> Thanks Art and the lda for providing an excellent platform for longdrive. Wish all a happy and safe holiday!
Cleverdon> Evg all. Hi Art
Art> David, I am trying everyday to do this. I have committed 100% of my time, energy and capital to do so. I am not finished just yet.
Danny> Art anyway to get more space in some of the bigger publications for LD
Art> Snip, thanks, I want to say that we appreciate lda member support and hope this will continue. We feel the package is worthy.
Danny> I would like to see a section just for LD in Golf mag or Golf Digest
Art> Danny, I think we have done quite well. Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, I have never seen more respect for the athletes. I can't remember the last negative article.
stroz> Art Thanks for giving us a place to showcase are talents at this time.
russ pate> I can.
Danny> I mean a place for LDers to go for more info and tips
Art> Glen, We are working hard. very proud to have 49 participating countries at REMAX. We will have at least 550K in purse this year as well and 50 hours plus tv for REMAX and PEDC worldwide
Art> Danny I here you
TheDoctor> How about the Nyleater's 380 late in the competition this year. Congrats nyleater!
stroz> And thanks for all that hard work.
Danny> I like Roach for his site here and what Longdrive.com offers
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Art> Guys for now I ask you to take a hard look at the February events. There is a great opportunity and huge dough if we can fill the field. Please call lda if you have further questions
nyleater> thanks doc, and thanks for not mentioning the ob later in the competition
Danny> Im talking to golf today to see if they can put in a section for longdrive for the local areas
Art> We will make a final decision on Jan 5 on this event.
MikeB> Art, Any thought of making the districts more of an event? Small payout, A title like a title like"Northeast regional champion" I jus think with the qualifier number flat, you would want to bring more people into the fold.
TheDoctor> lol, congrats again
Art> Danny, I like it.
Art> Mike, we just have to find the money. We committed 2-3 staff members per event, we went to double elimination. This is the foundation, now we need some cash. I promise you we are looking at it.
MikeB> Would you be opposed to adding local sponsors to a district final?
Art> Guys, it may not look like it but I think the sport sits poised to go in the next 12-18 months. The credibility factor is at its hightest. I can go on with so many examples of players doing very high visible events, articles ect.. Something will pop.
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Art> Mike, this is a case by case basis, we have done this before as long as they don't conflict. if someone wants to get a pot of cash we would probably welcome it.
BigBo> Art how about two districts in Texas , it is to big and it is 14 hours to another?
Art> Guys I will stay for 20 more minutes.
Danny> Thanks for your time Art. You are doing a great job Happy Holidays everyone
MikeB> Your have benn more than generous with your time - thanks
Art> Big Bo, we figure Texas, phoenix, LV and Denver cover the area. Southwest flights around texas are less than gas money
Art> I haven't typed this fast in a while.
BigBo> thanks Art time is the problem for most of us.
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Cleverdon> Hi Art what are the plans for events next year? Is there anything planned besides Feb?
Art> This is honestly easy after what I saw two weeks ago n Iraq.
nyleater> Art, we know you are not typing. You've got Marie or Terri doing it.
Art> Brett, We are working, will have announcements after the first of the year.
Art> I am typing away at my house. No Terrie or Marie
Cleverdon> OK thanks Art. How crazy was iraq?
nyleater>
Art> Iraq was an amazing experience. The troops were awesome. The PGA Tour Players were great. We were happy to spend time and show them some ball flight in unique places.
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Art> The troops have seen RE/MAX Long Drive. They were pretty familiar with our sport.
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Cleverdon> That was a very brave thing you and Pav did to go over there. I have alot of respect for you guys that you did that
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Art> Thanks, I assure you they protected us like we were the president. We did not move without a soldier with an M16. ALl the flying got our attention. We took 18 take off and landings with Kuwait and Iraq.
gringo> I love BlackHawks
Art> Yes you do, with the doors open at 200 ft firing rounds and swerving. I liked it also.
gringo> The bases are all very secure and we pretty much never left the bases
Art> Just pinnacles left the bases.
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LongDownunder> hey hey
DT-Thunder> Bloke!!!!
gringo> Yes they did
LongDownunder> you better believe it.....
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LongDownunder> you didnt think i'd miss a gathering, or a chance to allow the bullsh!t to flow
DT-Thunder> Art, what time is the ribbon cutting?
Art> Guys, there are many players using LD as a platform to make a living. More than 10 times the amount from 6 years ago. I think when someone gets any opportunity we should all support it and be thankful it is a player with an LD Backround.
Art> Ribbon Cutting is at 10AM. Out in Roanoke we are not expecting to set up the bleachers. Just a few dignitaries and we are have a big sale in the new shop.
LongDownunder> exactly....any time LD can go public with the right people its needs to be made huge
gringo> It was amazing that there were 0 egos on the trip we all got along great and it was a very busy schedule
Art> I agree. I unfortunately hear a great deal of the opposite, people feel slighted. I wish that would change.
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nyleater> I wish I would of got into Long Drive 10 years ago, it would have saved me a lot of money battleing it out on the mini tours.
LongDownunder> I have pushed the corporate side hard here, 05 was wonderful for me and it covered all my expenses for 06. This year though the money just isnt here
Art> Gringo man, There were no egos in Iraq. Big time perspective on life and our little ball-smashing sport
Cleverdon> You would have been alot younger to Nyle.
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nyleater> Thanks clev
gringo> That's the truth
Art> Guys, please give me some thoughts on the juniors. What do you hear from kids, do they want to hit.
Cleverdon> lol that's what I'm here from
gringo> mine do
Goingdeep> my kid loved it
BigBo> My Grandsons love to hit
Goingdeep> got him in the open field this year
stroz> Only a few in this area that i have heard are interrested. And I tried to do a junior clinic on it this summer
Art> We took away qualifying for the kids and gave them their own stage. It was a great event. We only got 75 kids. What do we have to do. We lost our ass on the event but I just can't let it go. We lit up the hole and had a great crowd.
stroz> Lots of kids didn't know about it art or when it was
gringo> have IN-AND-OUT there
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Art> It is a big committment, and they see the top kids killing it. I mean the 12 year old hit it over 3 bills. The see Jamie and say "No chance" Glad he is now an adult hitter.
Art> OK, IN-AND-OUT Coming up. We had a nice event for lda members that brought a kid, I would love to know how many would support it.
gringo> the kid that took 2nd killed it too. how far did he hit it
Goingdeep> what about justin won when he was 15 never hit juniors again
Cleverdon> Speaking from a Canadian Standpoint Art, because of the airfare alot of families can't afford to go to Dallas for something like that
Danny> Art How bout mixing the juniors with the nationals
Goingdeep> justin beat cj in the junior district 440 to 406
nyleater> Jamie is an amazing hitter -- incredibly fast hands.
Cleverdon> I know boatloads of juniors that can kill it. Heck I teach a 10 year olf girl that hits it 240
Cleverdon> 600 bucks for a flight to Dallas out of Toronto makes it tough for alot of families
gringo> give a XBOX or a PS3 as a prize
nyleater> ...thats 15 yards past you
gringo> move out of canada
Cleverdon> I'm not sure what the answer is to that but..
Art> Danny, we have trouble during school #1, #2 time is not available for them to hit more than 2 rounds with single elimination. A long way to go for 6 rocks. We gave them a big stage this year, minimum 18 balls.
Cleverdon> Pav I'm going to stay here forever just for you
Cleverdon> I'll make sure to call the jr's I teach and tell them they should all move. lol
Art> Brett, I agree, maybe canada has a separate deal. We are searching. It is expensive, we are not making the cash, the airlines, hotels are making it.
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Cleverdon> Thanks Nyle. I deserved that one
Cleverdon> I understand that Art, wasn't implying that it was the lda's fault at all. Just the way it is unfort.
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Art> Brett, I don't take it that way, I just want to keep it going but we need 150 families to enter to make it work.
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Cleverdon> I agree I think it's a great event for the kids for sure
Art> Gringo, we had Xbox in their player tent, we couldn't get them to the tee. Oh, that was your kids!
Cleverdon> i've tried to get alot of jr's to go but haven't been able to get anyone to go yet
gringo> I know
gringo> You did raffle one off also ?
LongDownunder> the juniors here were great this year, a couple flew in
russ_pate> Mike Roach, thanks for all the help. Great graphics, by the way. Art, thanks for the evening. DT-Thunder and Nyle, hope to see you on Thursday at SPG opening. Wishing all Merry Christmas. Hope to see you in February in Mesquite.
LongDownunder> we finished up with 6 or 7 guys that were 17years old hit it 310ish, all carry in the cold
stroz> Happy Holidays Russ.
Cleverdon> Merry Christmas Russ
Art> Guys, thanks for the visit, I appreciate the support and feedback, I hope to see you guys in Mesquite in February. Keep the feedback coming and thanks for the help in the field. Happy Holidays from me and my team at lda. Enjoy the show on the 24th.
