France LD Championship - Saturday 10th May - Shared Travelling

[Viper]

[psg8802]

Ivan,

With the prospect of no Order of Merit points, zero prize money and the decreasing value of the pound against the euro, it is difficult to see many people travelling to any of the tour events this year. The only exception is Janos's event, where competitors are always treated so royally and there's the added bonus of a bit of cash to be won.

Cheers,

PG

[Viper]

Hello Paul,

First, let me sincerely congratulate you on your recent success in Amsterdam. Well done! I saw a video of your performance somewhere and note that you won with your very last ball. It takes a special person to do that.

Our sport in Europe faces many challenges and perhaps the greatest is to market it so that grass roots golfers in their numbers are brought into the sport. It is such a GREAT sport that we all need to do our best to be positive and promote it and encourage it to flourish and grow.  How many sports afford someone in their 60s the opportunity to become a World Champion?!

You 'Open' guys  can occasionally make a few bucks (I know that rarely are expenses covered) and always have someone to compete against. At least that is a start. Competition for the Seniors and Ladies is often thin or non-existant in  national championships within Europe, and there is invariably no chance of recouping expenses. Yet, when I write about Long Drive (eg. at Virtual Golf Society - where incidentally I have plugged your web site) I invariably find others interested in our sport and enquiring about local LD competitions. Those guys need harvesting into our sport.

I remain a baby in the sport and am not even aware of who owns LD Europe, whether it be King Arthur or a franchisee?  Obviously I know who runs the tour. Whoever owns the tour may perhaps seek players' consultation and input, as any grievances or suggestions should be healthily aired. Everything in life is capable of improvement and growth, and consultation is a normal management tool.

Anyway, I understand that you are intending to visit Whittlebury Park next week and wish you every success there. Hang on in there Paul. Our sport needs you. (See you next week).

Ivan

[The_Power]

[Viper]

The Power,

Thanks.  What kind comments. Is that you Phil? Your photo (or I think the computer whizz kids call them 'avatars') has disappeared on my screen. Only a small red 'X' appears there.

Please do not remind me of the horrors of finding the Calais Eurotunnel entrance last year! I did the giant loop at least four times, repeatedly passing the entrance, and I took up my full four hour allowance  between event finishing and departure. I used 3/4s a tank of petrol in Calais which was expensive as I took my big overnight 'sleep in the back' 4WD vehicle. I pulled out my hair in despair, and it now refuses to grow back. Could I sue anyone? I thought that I had it bad, but running out of petrol takes the biscuit!

I need a navigator, essentially for that, but company is always good. I'll take a few wet towels this year, just in case.

There are hundreds of golfers fascinated by our sport, and who would like to compete. But, do not wish to be skinned by big hitting experts on their first trip out. Everyone needs the chance of winning on a level right for them. Elitism is fine, but to be healthy it must have 'grass roots' foundations.  As it presently stands in Europe one needs to either crush the ball or walk. That's sad.  I dream of the day when at least we have the equivalent of USA's Local Championships.  Additionally, having met several wide-eyed youths who dream of competing, I would like to see them also enjoying our sport.  As adults, our true status is - in part - linked to how we nourture our young people. 

Sorry to get on my beginner's soap box but I feel passionately about our sport and it's future!

Viper


 

 

[The_Power]

For sure we need more participants in our sport. Ben Tetz should be an inspiration for any newcomer thinking of teeing it up in Europe this season.

Here is a guy who had only been swinging a golf club for a year, enters a major longdrive event and with no experience and under immense pressure, still is plenty good enough to defeat the self-proclaimed king of longdrive 

You gotta luv that 

[Viper]

Phil,

I have already offered Ben free accommodation, car, new set of clothes, raw steak for breakfast,   and $10,000. spending money (well almost) : to attend the UK Champs. but he's busy with year 2 school work.    (I remain one of his fans though). So, I'm now trying to seduce some other big overseas hitter to visit our little blob in the ocean. We need a few of guys like Ben to shake us up in Europe. See why I ain't popular?

Who is the self-proclaimed 'King of Long Drive?' Are there politics in our sport? Please reveal all as I have much to learn.