Back to the 50’s

It’s over for another year but what a great weekend.  Nearly 12,000 hot rods, street machines, rat rods, customs and stock vehicles all of which had to be born in 1964 or earlier showed up for our annual Back to the 50’s car show.  Held every year at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, this even attracts over 250,000 people and is the second largest car show in America.  Of course if you don’t like cars, the smell of real gas and rubber, sunshine, foot long hot dogs and maybe even a beer or four, this is not for you.  Call me crazy but I arrive around 7 am in my ‘37 Chevy 2 door sedan and except for leaving the grounds for a non-hot dog meal around 6-7, I am there till 10pm.  It’s truly car guys’ heaven.  Click on the pictures below to get a larger image.

U.S. Open Photo Alert!

Accuform Squeegee's being put to work

No way I can resist calling attention to the first photo that appeared on the U.S. Open website today (6/18/2009).  Sort of proves the old adage that one person’s loss is another’s gain.  The U.S. Open players and spectators are enduring a rain delay in today’s opening round . . . but Par Aide products are hard at work!!  These four workers are pushing Par Aide Accuform Squeegee Rollers!

Tiger admiring the squeegee work

More Squeegee's at work

A little water to move

Golf Course Wildlife

All over the country we have different types of animals and birds that are indigenous to certain areas and can be seen walking/flying/swimming about golf courses.  It’s really quite amazing.  For example, here in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul, we commonly see Baltimore Orioles, Bald Eagles, Palliated Woodpeckers, raccoons, skunks, wild turkeys, deer, rabbits, squirrels, hummingbirds, and many other assorted birds that I haven’t a clue as to their names that come walking through our yard.  And we technically live in the city or at least a first ring suburb.  The golf courses in our area are habitat for a myriad of other wildlife and one local golf club even has a board for their members to write in what wildlife was spotted on any particular day.

So, what are some of the most interesting sightings/wildlife stories you have seen on your golf course?  Leave a comment, we would love to hear about them.

Have a photo?  Send it our way and we will post it on this blog along with your story on the sighting!  Photos can be sent to info@paraide.com.

Nothing better than a great car

Okay, I admit, motor sport is my passion.  By that I mean anything on 4 wheels that competes, in particular NASCAR and NHRA. (Well, I might exclude “drifting” as I really don’t understand it!)  My passion also includes hot rods, muscle cars and yes even exotics.

I think that a large number of folks in our industry are “motor heads” as well, by virtue of the conversations I have been in with Superintendents and industry folks in general.  It is an addictive hobby and one we love to share.

As I travel, so many times I wish I had a like minded person who I could contact as to car shows or events that might be taking place while I am in the area.  Car guys generally like to know car guys and so I would love it if any of you who are passionate, like I am, to let me know.

Likewise, I welcome any of you to contact me, should you be in the Twin Cities (why, I don’t know!) and are looking for the same.  We have one of the largest, if not largest, car show in the country.  In late June “Back to the 50’s” takes over the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.  There are over 11,500 vehicles, all of  them are 1964 or older vintage.  It’s a great weekend gathering, as well as sensory overload.  We also host a national NHRA event in Brainerd in late August.  And of course, there are the local dirt tracks, drag races and demolition derby’s on a weekly basis.

I would like to hear about your involvement in the hobby – collector of die casts or the real things, racer or spectator, muscle or hot rod, buyer or seller.  I can almost smell the rubber and fuel now.

Succeeding in a Tough Market

Not long ago I took in a day of discussion about the golf industry, as a whole, and these are some things I took home from it.

2009 will end up being the 4th straight year in which facility closings will outpace openings.  Estimates are 180 closings, 60 openings.  This is on the heels of 2008 numbers of 106/72, these numbers are according to the NGF.  It is anticipated that there will be an annual net attrition of approximately 100-200 courses a year for the next few years.

It is anticipated that fewer rounds will be played in 2009, and the golfers who do play will be looking for a lower cost per round.  There is not wide scale abandonment of the game but rather a slow leak in both rounds played and the number of golfers.  Both golfers and Superintendents/Facilities are reacting to their level of confidence in the economy which is driving the numbers and means a reduction in large equipment purchases (in 2008 and) likely in 2009.

However, not all is doom and gloom, a reduction in courses means increased revenue at those remaining.  The facilities that can figure a way to attract and capture core golfers, by providing a better value or better experience will fare the best.  Another area of opportunity exists for those courses that can attract women golfers perhaps by providing unlimited practice balls, a short course, or even just a couple of practice holes.  The perception of intimidating, cigar chomping, foul mouthed, middle aged white men continues to put off women who would be interested in playing or learning to play.

Bottom line is that the successful courses will be those that are creative in finding ways to attract and retain customers.