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.