Golf Digest Rates Pinecrest Public Golf Course

Every once and a while, something comes along that reminds you of your youth. Sometimes it is even good. I got my August issue of Golf Digest yesterday and as I read the article about the top public courses that opened my gate to memory lane. Pinecrest Golf Course in Idaho Falls, Idaho was ranked the best muny in Idaho and the 8th best bargain in Public Golf in the US! Not bad for a 72 year old course near downtown.

While I took up golf seriously only about three years ago, as a kid I would golf on this course with my father, brother, uncle and grandfather. My brother and I would caddie for one of them and search for unbroken tees and balls. For a few years, we worked for the pro, Mike Taylor at the tournaments for $10 a day. Lots of money for a 10 year old in 1978.

A beautiful, tree-lined course, I have wanted to go back and play many times but now rarely get up to Idaho Falls...and when I do, don't seem to have enough time for golf. I need to make sure to get there, and soon.

Fred Ball...Speaks on TowCaddy

Transcript from KSL/Zions Bank Speaking on Business; June 4th, 2009:

Click here to listen to the spot.

This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

When Howard Fullmer took up golf a little more than three years ago, he couldn't have known the changes it would create in his life.

Howard only lives four miles away from the Hobble Creek Golf Course in Springville. He enjoyed being so close to the course but hated having to load his clubs into his car and drive such a short distance, especially with high gas prices. He figured there had to be a more economical way to transport his clubs.

One day, as Howard was looking around his garage, his eye fell on the trailer that could be attached to a bike to transport a child. This gave Howard the idea to create a device similar to the trailer that could be used for hauling his golf clubs. After several months of experimentation, Howard created the TowCaddy.

Like a trailer, the TowCaddy is designed to attach to a bike for transport and then detaches so it can be pushed or pulled around the golf course. With rugged all-aluminum construction for strength and large diameter wheels for easy rolling over potholes and speed bumps, the TowCaddy is ready for the challenges of the road. It's also light enough to pull smoothly as golfers walk along the fairway. Once a golfer returns home, the TowCaddy folds up so it stores easily.

Howard tells me the TowCaddy has been warmly received since its release in January 2009 at the PGA show in Orlando, Fla. He is already developing a number of alterations and attachments to make the product more versatile so it can be used to haul anything from groceries to books to musical instruments. The TowCaddy is even safe for children to use when going to and from the golf course.

TowCaddy is headquartered in Springville, and Howard says the product is manufactured right here in Utah. His company is the only one he knows of that allows its customers to safely ride a bike to the golf course instead of driving.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

TowCaddy LLC 928 N. 700 East Springville, UT 84663 801-822-7799 www.towcaddy.com email: info@towcaddy.com

The Long Ride to the Long Day

We're back from the Long Ride to the Golf Wasatch Long Day Challenge. It was a great trip and tournament (though a little wet on Saturday). At 7120ft (2170m), climbing Parley's Summit was the high point of the trip (pun intended)! The ride from Uinta Golf to Mountain Dell was a nice hour and a half. I had assumed with the climb, it would take longer. It was a little overcast and cool as the rain flirted with falling for most of the ride. Thanks to Mike Brinley, the Pro at Mountain Dell for letting us play. Next time, we will need to bring more TowCaddys as there was an opportunity to sell some of them photos of Mountain Dell soon.

Day two started us off at Park City TV with on air personality Scot before heading over to Park City Golf Course where we averaged 11 minutes a hole on the back nine. Craig Sanchez is the pro there and the municiple golf course is really well kept. You can check out PCTV's YouTube video of the golf online or attached to the blog. The golf was a lot of fun and afterward, we had a lot of people looking at the TowCaddy, wanting to know more and wanting to demo it. There were a couple of kids who rode up on thier bikes, bags on their shoulders. It could have been better had we planned it as their clubs feel out of their bags while they tried to get off their bikes. Then, as they were trying to keep their clubs from falling, they got tangled up in their bikes and began to tip over. Next time I see them, I will have to slip them some cash for the advertising.

After the golf we ate at the great Flippin' Burgers while watching the US Open. Then it was back into our biking gear for the trip to Midway for the next day's Golf Wasatch Long Day Challenge. The 17 mile ride to Zermatt resort took just an hour and a half. Not bad for towing a bag full of clubs and balls. There we met our families, got set up for the tournament and relaxed a bit. Special thanks go to James Brown and Zermatt Resort for setting up our stay! It is a little slice of Europe and the perfect place for a family! If you travel to Utah any time soon (or later) or if you are heading out here to ski, avoid staying at Park City and visit Zermatt. You will only be 20 minutes or so from the backside lift at Deer Valley and you will be staying in a much better location.

Some special thanks go out to Mizuno for the Aerolite bags that save a lot of weight climbing those mountain passes. Also, Alpine Innovations for the CaddyCloth golf towel. These towels fit into at small neoprene bag so that they didn't flap in the wind as we rode. Dixon Earth Balls let us use their 100% recycled golf balls for the trip. They are a great ball with a nice, soft feel. I give them all the credit for the 35 foot par 3 birdie put I made at on the Wasatch Mountain Course. In fact, Golf Mesquite's team also used the same ball. Finally, Delta 7 bikes were the perfect ride for the trip. Light and responsive, and cool as anything you have ever seen, we love riding them.

From Uinta Golf to Zermatt Resort

We are prepping for our ride to the Golf Wasatch Long Day Challenge. In the mean time, we thought we would fill you in on our plans. They are ambitious but we have the legs for it. We will launch our ride Thursday, June 18th at Uinta Golf, 560 E 2100 S in Salt Lake City Utah. Uinta will be stocking TowCaddy at all their stores soon so start asking for them.









We will ride up Parley's Canyon, then on to Park City before finishing up at Friday evening at Zermatt Resort in Midway for reception and check-in for Saturdays Long Day Challenge. The ride: 40+ miles total (uphill – hauling clubs)! Sounds tough but along the way, we will be golfing at Mountain Dell Golf Course in Parley's (not sure if we're on the Canyon or the Lake course yet) and Park City Golf Course (and you thought all they do in Park City is ski). None of us have golfed these courses (or Soldier Hollow, Wasatch or Homestead for that matter) before so we'll give you the low down on them soon. I have visited each course though and if scenery is a benchmark, they are tough to beat.

I have stayed at Zermatt Resort though. Several times before with my family. One word...gelato (Try the blood orange if they still have it, the only other place that compares is this great little place in Sienna, Italy.) Of course, everything else there is amazing too! They have a real carousel for kids, great atmosphere, authentic Barvarian and Swiss food at the restaurant, swimming, tennis, biking and golf. And that is just during the summer.


Also check us out on Park City TV Friday morning. We will be with in studio with Host, Jen Hardman of the Mountain Morning Show (M - Su, 7-9am, re-aired at 9am) and then we are taking her riding and golfing!

Long Ride to the Long Day

TowCaddy is going to go on a long ride to the Long Day! The Golf Wasatch Long Day Challenge is held June 20th, the Saturday before the Summer Solstice (longest day of the year) and TowCaddy is going along for the ride (and the golf)! The tournament is a top notch 4 man scramble that covers three championship courses in Heber Valley. 18 holes each at Wasatch Mountain, Soldier Hollow (biatholon location of the 2002 winter olympics) and a nine hole playoff at the Homestead Resort.

We'll ride all the way to the tournament. Beginning our ride in Salt Lake City, 40 miles away and wrapping it up at the opening reception for the tournament. Along the way we will golf then ride up Parley's Canyon, visit Park City TV and take Jen Hardman golfing, and maybe even pull our carts alongside those Tour of Utah Riders who will be racing in Heber Valley on Saturday. We will be posting a map and a detainled schedule in the next few days.

This year we are setting the standard but for all of you bikers/golfers out there, we are throwing out our own challenge. Next year, TowCaddy will be riding our bikes to the Golf Wasatch Long Day Challenge. If you can do a longer bicycle ride to the Long Day Challenge then we do (pulling your golf clubs), we'll pay part of your tournament registration fee. (We'll figure out the official details later and post those on our towcaddy.com.)

In the mean time take a look at these photos of some of the most spectacular environments for golf that you could hope for.

TowCaddy and Southern California Jr PGA

We've joined up with the Southern California PGA Jr. Tour! This is an region that is perfect for the TowCaddy (though we like to think everywhere is), state that is green, likes their golf and is warm...mmmm warmth. Our partnership with the SCPGA is centered on trying to player development, getting more kids on the course and contributing to the bigger picture.

I wasn't a very good golfer as a kid, mostly because with two parents who worked, it was tough to get to the course, much less pay when I got there. But I had good grades and wanted to go to college. In the spirit of this, we have worked with the SCPGA to create an Annual Scholarship which takes into consideration financial need and grades as the only qualifying criteria. So play hard and study even harder! Grades are so important to us (let's face it, there are more scholarships in academics than golf) that we've committed to give discounts on TowCaddys based on GPA. Buy a cart online then send us a copy of your receipt and transcript, signed by your counselor, and you will get back a buck for every 10th of a grade point, translation: 4.0 gpa = $40 rebate, 3.2 gpa = $32 rebate. Under 2.0 is full price, but your receipt is good for one year. Raise your grades and get the rebate when you do! Email us at: info@towcaddy.com to learn more.

TowCaddy spot from NBC Sports

It is finally here for all you unbelievers (and you believers who trust me when I tell you these things). TowCaddy was featured on NBC at the Accenture Match Play Championships! Jimmy Roberts made all the arrangements and Holly took care of all the logistics! Thanks guys!

Here is the video of it all! Enjoy! Then feel free to pick one up at TowCaddy.com and be a little more green! (I know, isn't that tacky to schlock product so shamelessly?!)

TowCaddy visits SoCal!

So TowCaddy was in Los Angeles last week. One stop was the Wilshire Country Club where we had a chance to visit with Dave Menke the PGA Pro. What a beautiful setting for a golf course. It is this amazing hamlet surrounded by the craziness that is Los Angeles. Built in 1919 the course is in the midst of some improvements, though I have to say it is hard to imagine that they could improve a course that is so stunning. While there we met about the Southern California Jr. PGA of which Dave is involved and we are looking forward to becoming a sponsor. It looks like a great program and we hope we can contribute in some way.

Of course golf is always on the agenda whenever we roll into a town. In this case, one of the courses played was also right in the midst of Los Angeles, just a few minutes off west Wilshire, near Brentwood. We played a tiny (and I mean tiny) par 3 course on the VA grounds, it couldn't have been more different than Wilshire. But for what is was, nestled in the midst of everything, it was a pleasant surprise. For $12 you can play all day long. Between narrow fairways and no scratch golfers I have never heard "fore" so many times in my life! But a lot of people were there enjoying the game. And that is what it is all about.

Here is a map

More Love for TowCaddy

Here is a nice bit about TowCaddy from GolfBlogger.com. I am particularly excited to read the comments. Glad to see we have people talking. Thanks to Golf Blogger for the notice. Go to their site and read more.

Just wrapping up some travel to Los Angeles. I will be writing more about what happened tomorrow. But I visited two courses that couldn't be more different yet in someways were very similar. Both the Wilshire Country Club (est 1919) and the Veterans Administration course are real havens. Treasures of peace and seclusion amidst the municipal equivalent to Red Bull.

I will write more about them and post photos!

TowCaddy to be featured on NBC Sports!

So catch Jimmy Roberts this Saturday (February 27th) on NBC's coverage of the Accenture Match Play competition at Dove Mountain GC, Marana, AZ (just outside of Tucson). The 13 time Sports Emmy Award winner called us outof-the-blue just over a week ago to about featuring the TowCaddy as one of the years great golf products.

We said yes.

Less than a month ago, we introduced the TowCaddy at the PGA and Golf Industry Shows. Now we are getting national press coverage during what is argueably the most looked at golf tournament of the year. (perhaps because it was Tiger Woods return to golf. Too bad he got knocked out.)

We haven't seen it yet, and don't even know if the NBC network producers broadcast it, but things look promising. We didn't even dare tell too many people about it until the filming actually happened (look at the photos for proof!) for fear that it might not happen. Now it is crazy because we have very little time to get the word out.

A quick thanks to Jimmy Roberts, Holly McClure and the camera and production crew at NBC for their kindness. Also Doug, Ken, Kent and WORX (whose product keeps me out of the rough) for adjusting schedules. And particularly to the Tucson McMullins for lunch and entertainment.

So watch it tomorrow! Record it if you can and watch it over and over and over!

TowCaddy to be interviewed by NBC Sports Today!

We're in Tucson for the Accenture Match Play Championship. Tiger is here for his first tournament since his injury/surgery. We are being interviewed by NBC Sports. Photos and more information to come!

GolfTECHS Blog likes the TowCaddy

So here is a blog that featured photos (photos 28/29)of the TowCaddy from the Golf Industry Show. The cool thing about this is GolfTECHS is all about technology in golf. You know, the newest mechanical stuff, the coolest gadgets. So to have TowCaddy, a decidedly low-tech product get noticed is a pretty nice feather in our cap!

Thanks GolfTECHS!

Enjoy Jay Drowns photography of the TowCaddy launch

I am going to let the photos speak for themselves! If you want great photos (from a guy who shoots the Superbowl, World Series and everything else sports related) get in touch with him at photojay@earthlink.net or 360-204-9840. He is in the Seattle area, but as you can see from the photos, he will travel.

Great Write up on TowCaddy in Golf Course Management Blog

Just thought I would put up a link to this article on TowCaddy that just went up on the Golf Course Management Magazine Blog. It's a great article and a lot of fun to read.

It was written by Seth Jones, Senior Assoc. Editor, Golf Course Management Magazine (the official magazine of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Nice writing Seth!

Now the question is, does it make sense if you are a superintendent to send some of your crew out pulling things by cart on bicycles. Certainly there are big jobs that require a vehicle, but if it were the small, simple day to day jobs, the gas and vehicle maintenance savings would more than pay for it. And would it save on vehicle, liability and health insurance premiums? That is the question. I am glad we went to the GIS if for no other reason than this additional perspective (but there are a lot of reasons).

The Shows are over. Now the work begins

Well, the PGA and GIS are over and we learned a lot. But before covering all of that, I thought I would refer everyone to the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America. Seth, the Senior Associate Editor put TowCaddy out on twitter! Twice! So here is one of the links. I am not sure how long they stay up so if it doesn't work, blame Twitter. In the mean time, be sure to follow thier blog.

It is nice to get the press and the notice! Speaking of which check out this blog from The Militant Mechanic who gave us a little love!

Anyway. The two shows were very successful. Not knowing what to expect, but having market research, I was optimistic going into the shows. Then as things continued to progress, I became very hopeful, then more and more people came by and I started to panic. In a good way. Jim Jurgens commented that we may have a tiger by the tail.

It was interesting, the two shows couldn't be more different. Or at least, the attendees couldn't be. There seemed to be two totally different audiences with completely different purposes. But both ended up being excellent for us. The PGA seemed more geared toward the consumer, the GIS to management. I was excited by the public reaction at the PGA and the overwhelming support from the European market. I learned a lot and gained a lot of ideas for the TowCaddy and its uses from the GIS and it seemed the concept of our product was one that was well accepted. We are looking forward to working with the attendees, thier courses and their Jr. Golf Programs.

Now though, it is time to get to work and follow, follow and follow up! By the way, Nathan, it was great to meet you! Keep in touch! Jay, thanks for the photos!

The Oldest Course in Mississippi

Built in 1908, the Great Southern Course is the oldest golf course in Mississippi. Its 101 years nearly equal my golf score...on the front nine. It is a grand old course that hugs the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the trees are so enormous, they must have been planted when the course opened, about the same time as the old southern mansions that border the course were built.

The course really took a hit when Katrina came through but under the watchful eye of Henry Robinson, (the 60 year old course boss whose drive off the first tee put us all to shame) it is on its way back to glory! Green fees are just $25 M-Th and $30 F-Su and holidays. The course opens up for walkers after 2:00. Just the perfect time for kids to take their TowCaddys for a few holes.

Great Southern is on hwy 90 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Across the highway from the Gulf Of Mexico. The view, looking over the gulf from hole #4 rivals the 5th hole at Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho. I have golfed both and like Great Southern better. Green fees are about a quarter of Coeur d’Alene, and Henry is such a great guy, he makes the view that much nicer. Go by the course. After the tragedy of Katrina, we should support them. This course really should be a historic landmark.

Photos:
#1 This turtle may need it shell for more than predators (see below).
#2 Brad Mertz' drive hits a tee box marker and bounces back about 50 yards.
#3 The view of the Gulf coast off the 4th tee.
#4 One of the trees that seemed to move to block my shot.
#5 I can't believe the view!
#6 No. Cooper wasn't looking for my ball.
#7 Lots of interest in the TowCaddy (or Mike Macfarlane).
#8 Darren Chamberlain wearing his Sunday socks.

TowCaddy hits the links at Azalea City

The Green to Green tour rolled into Mobile Alabama yesterday and played at Azalea City Golf Course. What a great course! Huge trees lined the courses framing every shot. I am not sure of the magnetic quality of trees on rubber but I am sure there is a connection as a number of shots seemed to be attracted to that area.

We had a bit of a break in the middle of the golf game because the windows of heaven opened up on us. But other than the brief rain, it was a great day of golf in Mobile. After golf we ate at Mobile's "Big Time Diner" where I had turnip greens for the first time in my life and Mike Macfarlane poured strawberry shake all over Brad Mertz. Then it was off to Gulf Port.

Kids can golf 18 holes at Azalea for just $8. The green fees are affordable for everyone and the location is gorgeous with huge pine cones littering the ground under 50' tall trees. You can go to the link or call 251.342.4221 for a tee time. The address is 1000 Gaillard Dr. Mobile AL 36608. Our thanks goes out to Azalea City Golf Course for welcoming us!

Photos:
1. It's a coincidence that these resemble our logo.
2. Les Prall hitting in the rain.
3. Cooper assures us this counts for PE homework.
4. Getting ready for tomorrows trip to Gulf Port.

Photos from the PGA Show!

We are all sitting in a Mobile Alabama Hotel room right now. Everyone caught the Superbowl, and I am frantically trying to get everything put together for the next few days Green to Green tour that ends up in New Orleans.

However, like I promised, I have a few photos to put up for everyone to see. Take a look! The show was outstanding! We were optimistic before the show began. Then as everyone was stopping at the booth that optimism changed to excitement. Then, on the second day, as more and more people stopped to see us, that excitement changed to panic with the thought that maybe we had a tiger by the tail! But that panic didn't last long.

TowCaddy rolls into PGA

We made it to the PGA Show and the booth is set up. The booth looks great. It is only 10X10 but it seems that, when it relates to trade show show booths, size doesn't matter. What matters is having a great product and TowCaddy does. We'll be posting more photos tomorrow so look us up. Lots of people are stopping and we are getting a great deal of press approaching us, including a bunch of interest from Europe. Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow. We'll post more photos tomorrow!

Special thanks goes to Enoch, Eric, Jurgen and the guys at Scenic Solutions for the booth construction and everything else! We will tell you more about everything they are doing for us later. Suffice it to say, they are an outstanding company to work with! Give them a call for your booths and any other scenery work you may need.

Come see us at the PGA and GIS shows!

Come visit us at the PGA and GIS Shows. We are easy to find. Look for the gridwork that sticks out like a driver in a bag of 9 irons.

The TowCaddy location at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando: Jan 29-31, booth #3415

Following the Green to Green Tour, you'll find us at the Golf Industry Show in New Orleans: Feb 5-7, booth #6842.

Now I know there are a lot of cool things to see at both of those shows, especially if you are a golfer, so after you have come and spent some time with us, we encourage you to go look at those other booths. Knock yourself out! Have a good time! Then come hang out with us some more. We are a pretty laid back crowd and we might even have healthy snacks! (Nobody gives out stuff like that at trade shows do they. Its always candy!)

What kind of crazy kid pulls clubs this way?

<<< How does he signal for turns?

Webster's dictionary update!

Two weeks from today, TowCaddy will officially change "Golf Green" to a verb as we begin our launch at the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida! There is a lot to do between now and when we wrap up the launch at the Golf Industry Show in New Orleans. Who knew revolutionizing the golf world would be so much work. ( I know, that sounds pretty arrogant but we hope you will indulge us, just this once. )