Retired Coach

Retired Coach Radio Show Resumes

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:45:00 +0000

We will be back on the air starting Wednesday, January 12, 2011 with special author, John Hagen. We will be discussing his latest book, “Play Away Please” : The Tale of the Sales of Golf’s Greatest Icon; the St Andrews Old Course Starter’s Box. You will not want to miss this kick off show for the new year.

We produced 33 shows in 2010 and are grateful to boxgroove.com for being our sponsor.These shows are available on ITUnes for free and you may also visit the show page for The Retired Coach Radio Show to revisit these previously recorded shows. In the meantime, have a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year, 2011.

Stay thirsty, my friends.
Bill

Retired Coach Radio Show on Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:10:00 +0000


Where is the coach this week?

The Retired Coach Radio show will be taking a short hiatus until after Labor Day. Taking the time to retool the radio show, book future guests, and also get in some serious practice time for the my club championship tournament. In the mean time, if any of you are jonesin' for the ole coach, I have cued up some past shows for your listening pleasure for you to re-visit and enjoy until my return on September 8th.

Improve Your Game with Custom Made Golf Clubs

Meet Clint Moody, The Pro Who Shot a 59!

Is it Possible to Brand a Pro Golfer Successfully?

The Little Linkster Golf Program

Enjoy these archived shows. The live show will resume on Wednesday, September 8th with special guest, Mary Hafeman, who will be sharing her "Golf Get Ready" program. See you then.

SHE IS Jennifer Maurer, Social Networking Professional Extraordinaire

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:28:00 +0000

Say hello to Jennifer Maurer.

Join me as I welcome Jennifer Maurer of the Brandinghouse, a creative design and marketing/public relations firm that provides branding support for golf companies. She will be the featured guest on my radio show Wednesday, August 25 at 10 AM. Jennifer will be discussing the social networking ways and means for you to market yourself, your business or your favorite causes. Nobody is better at this than Jennifer. N-O-B-O-D-Y. Did I mention nobuddie?

Listen in to discover the proper building blocks and verified techniques for developing rewarding and profitable social networking followers on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Tune in live or circle back for the podcast. Find both here on the Retired Coach Radio Show

She is ready to share some terrific information with you.

She is well equipped to stand on her own and tell it like it is.

She is brilliant and engaging.

Pretty amazing person with a super message to share with you. Jennifer is social networking rock star.

Do not miss this broadcast.

Retired Coach Radio Show

Wednesday, August 25

10:00 AM ET

How to Play Golf in the ZONE

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:35:00 +0000

A great interview today with author, Roy Palmer. His latest book, Golf Sense [Practical Tips On How To Play Golf In The Zone] was the topic of our discussion. His book covers a wide variety of mental and physical exercises designed to put you in “the zone” – a sublime state where life and sport do not seem quite so complicated.

Most of us get it by mistake and then do not know how to get it back. I have also witnessed it. Several years ago I was caddying in a pro-am for my good friend Bill Ward. His front 9 was off the chart and we stopped counting after 7 holes. On the back 9 he found his way into the zone and shot a natural 36 and tied pro D.A. Weibring on the backside. Nothing to it! Still smile when I think about that day. What a magical moment.

Interview comments from Roy on how to get into The Zone:

• Be in the moment by focusing on the activity in hand, whether you are walking, standing, going into your stance, or preparing to take your shot
•    Be detached from the outcome
•   Keep your jaw, neck, and shoulders relaxed
•   Sense the ground under your feet
•   Prevent your habitual reactions from taking over
•   Enjoy the moment and let nature take its course

You may listen to the entire 15 minute interview here on The Retired Coach Radio Show

This was also a milestone interview for me by having Roy Palmer as our first international guest speaking with us from Bedford, England.

For more information on this author and book go here

Clint Moody Comes Home for the Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:08:00 +0000

Portsmouth, VA - Professional golfer, Clint Moody, has won professional golf tournaments, set scoring records and holds the Montana state scoring record of an amazing 13 under par 59. He has been featured across the country in national publications, talk shows, golf blogs and radio. Clint is becoming a household name in the golf social networking world. If you ask him to share his greatest accomplishments he simply responds, "Never forgetting where I came from and giving back." Currently attracting a lot of attention as a premier up and coming golf star he also has found time to support a project close and dear to his heart.
Clint Moody will be calling upon his sponsors, friends, and fans to support his latest endeavor, The Urban Outreach Center. This is a division of Sanctuary of Hope in his hometown, Portsmouth, VA. This charity is supported entirely by donations. It counsels and encourages high risk kids toward a better future. "This is my hometown. These kids are me, 25 years ago. We have to step up and make them realize dreams do come true. We are never destined to become what we are expected to be. These young folks need a breath of confidence and someone who believes in them. I am here to share a story, and hopefully motivate some to chase their dreams." he recently stated.

Moody will be visiting the center July 9th to deliver a motivational message, sign autographs, and present a check on behalf of all the friends and fans of clintmoody.com. His visit will be preceded by a fundraiser/auction to be held in Portsmouth on July 8th. The public is welcome to attend and participate in both events. Clint will be available to meet and greet everyone. For more information, please contact Clint at info@clintmoodygolf.com. You may also contact, Cristina Widener of the Urban Outreach Center at 703-393-0664.

Clint is definitely setting the standard for professional athletes. Perhaps other local athletes and celebrities will take notice. Being a role model is not a choice; it is a responsibility. The city of Portsmouth is very proud of this young man and the Moody family. The will to succeed will always win out.

Why True Love is Recession Proof

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:53:00 +0000

Talk about your unintended outcomes.

A little over a year and a half ago, our son, Tucker, was laid off from his position as an equity trader for a Swiss company. He, like millions of others in the financial markets, was out of work and unemployed. I am just sayin' what happened next though is what this story is all about.

Instead of jumping back into the job search full time he decided on another course. Yes, he did continue to look for his next job, but without fear or need to do so in an all encompassing and time consuming manner. He prioritized his goals and set off to get in the best physical shape possible. Add to this a commitment to nutrition and eating healthy foods. In just 6 weeks he transformed himself into the best physical and mental shape of his life. What a noticeable difference! Others noticed as well.

Unemployed yes, but healthier, and more grounded than ever, he found Jessica. Or perhaps they found each other. Does not matter, you see, because the point of all this is they never would have met had he not been laid off from his job. Would their paths have crossed if he was not effected by the recession? You see, Tucker managed the desk that traded on the Asian markets and he worked from 6 pm to 4 am. Not much room for a social life, let alone a romance with that schedule.
(Photo by Ava)

A lot has happened since they found each other. They decided to move in together, Tucker was called back to work for the Swiss company mentioned earlier, and the biggest news of all is they are now engaged! Wow, what an outcome of this recession.

Let's see . . .it was 1979, another recession I recall when this photo was taken. Looks like we both survived. Life goes on, recession or not. We welcome Jessica to our family and wish her and Tucker a life of love, respect and happiness.

Meet Tiger's New Coach

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:04:00 +0000

Is there anyone out there who does not realize the wheels have completely come off Tiger's life on and off the golf course? Add to this, the departure of his recent swing coach, Hank Haney, and it is easy to see the train wreck his life has become. Where does this once invincible golf superstar go to put his game back in order? It has been said your true personality comes out on the golf course. Tiger's game will settle down once he resolves his off course issues. Tiger's life and swing are so filled and riddled with technical overload it is no wonder he has back pain.

What about his next coach? He needs someone to guide him back to his winning ways. Someone to guide him on a new and refreshing path. He needs Eben Dennis, the golf coach who stabilized Nick Faldo's game and resurrected him from the technical overload that was suffocating his game. Eben learned the game from observing Hogan, Demaret and Burke. He is a teacher of the game with respect for the past and with an eye on the holistic approach. Vision, feel, & trust are just a few building blocks he emphasizes. He got Faldo back on track and Tiger needs Eben Dennis now.

I should know, he is my golf coach. You see, he was a guest on my radio show last week and we just sort of hit it off. You can listen to that show here and discover for yourself why he is the perfect fit for Tiger. Eben was kind enough to offer to help me with my game. I emailed him a problem I was having with bunker shots. He called me and guided me through an easy to understand path to correct this problem. Never once did he suggest a technical approach. Keys were feel. vision and going shallow.

Learn more about Eben Dennis by visiting his website Power Feel Golf and you will see why he is the golf coach who can put Tiger back together again.

Stop Searching for a Quick Fix and Discover Your Game

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 04 May 2010 22:13:00 +0000

Join me this Wednesday at 10 am on my radio show as I welcome special guest and world renowned golf teacher and coach, Eben Dennis. Eben learned the game through the tutelage of greats such as Ben Hogan, Jimmy Demaret, and Jackie Burke and now shares his insights in his special book, "Power Feel Golf." A golf swing takes about 2 seconds, and the club goes from a dead stop up to 100 miles per hour. As Eben is fond of saying, "Do you really think you can control that?" Meet Eben Dennis here and learn how you may improve your score and start having fun again on the golf course.

Here is a sample of the questions I will be asking Eben:

1. Why do people say golf is so difficult and unnatural?

2. Why do you place so much emphasis on golf vision?

3. Tell us why Hogan's grip was wrong.

Be part of the show . . .The Retired Coach Radio Show

Tune in live this Wednesday at 10 am EDT and call in to the show at (646) 727-2456 to speak with us or return later for the podcast. All regular golfers are cordially invited to attend and participate.

Details of Golf Course Architecture

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:12:00 +0000

You are invited to join me this week on The Retired Coach Radio Show as I welcome golf course architect, Ken Gibson.
Great golf course architecture lies in the details. What places the few, truly great golf course architects in the upper echelon of this type of design is their understanding of this, and their ability to implement these details seamlessly. Learn more about this intensive process and why it requires a hands-on approach to design in the field. Ken Gibson Golf is committed to great architecture in the spirit of the old game.

Here are a few of the discussion questions I will be asking Ken:

1. What are your thoughts regarding "green" design and how it relates to the golf industry?

2. Share some positive signs and trends in course design and development you have witnessed in the last 5 years.

3. Do golf course architects intentionally aim tees at hazards and out of bounds?

Be part of the show . . . The Retired Coach Radio Show

Tune in live this Wednesday at 10 am EDT and call in to the show at (646) 727-2456 to speak with us or return later for the podcast. All regular golfers are cordially invited to attend and participate.

Getting and Staying Connected with Golf

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:28:00 +0000

My radio show this week will feature former LPGA and Curtis Cup star, Mary Hafeman. She is the president and owner of Fore in One Golf Services, and is a highly regarded, accomplished player, instructor and operations specialist within the golf industry.

In 2009 she created the Mary Hafeman Golf Experience, a web-based community to fit the needs of a growing network of people interested in all facets of the game. Mary Hafeman Golf Experience provides a realm of experiences, from exceptional golf instruction, inclusive player development programs, customized travel, tournaments and outing series, to social networking opportunities for players of all levels.

A former player on the LPGA Tour, one of the game’s “Top 50 Teachers” according to Golf for Women magazine and recognized as a ”Top Teacher” by region by Golf Magazine.

Improve your game with custom made golf clubs.

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:26:00 +0000

My radio show this week will feature Jay Turner, owner of RedBird Sports. Their pursuit of crafting and fitting the finest custom made golf clubs for enthusiasts of all shapes, sizes and abilities remains the same and originates from this simple thought — "You didn't come off an assembly line. Why settle for clubs that do?" They are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.

Jay and Fred Couples grew up together in the same Seattle neighborhood and relished their competitive rounds at Jefferson Park. Jay currently maintains a 2.9 handicap index. Wow, a great golfer making golf clubs. What a combination: a master craftsman with a passion for the game. Hard to beat, wouldn't you say? Discover why custom fitting is so beneficial and how your game will improve when you play with clubs made just for you.

BTW. Two shows ago, my golfing bud, Cliff, called into the show. Later that day he made a hole in one witnessed by me. Last week, my guest, Heather Jones of Real Women Golf, witnessed an ACE by her friend two days after the show. Coincidence or not? They say things happen in 3's.
Stay tuned . . . .

Be part of the show . . . The Retired Coach Radio Show

Tune in live and call in to the show at (646) 727-2456 to speak with us and visit with Jay or return later for the podcast. All regular golfers are cordially invited to attend and participate.

Real Women Golf : A Refreshing Look at the Game

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

On my radio show this week I welcome Heather Jones, author of the very popular Real Women Golf blog. A former competitive figure skater turned golf-obsessed mom, Heather shares tales from the course with humor and honesty that both women and men can relate to like her "Golf Girls Gone Wild" and "Let the Boys Play Through" posts. Heather created the Real Women Golf blog two years ago and has quickly become one of the most popular golf blogs. She has also written for several online golf publications.

She started a quest last year to become a single-index handicap and hopes to reach that goal this season. If the weather ever decides to cooperate. Previously Heather was a Washington, D.C. editor for a variety of agribusiness publications and an agricultural lobbyist. So glad she escaped the muck and mire inside of the beltway and now all golf benefits from her charming and entertaining contributions.

Tune in to hear more from this talented, charming, super competitive, and always entertaining social media sensation.

Be part of the show . . . .The Retired Coach Radio Show

Tune in live and call in to the show at (646) 727-2456 to speak with us and visit with Heather or return later for the podcast. All regular golfers are cordially invited to attend and participate.

Rodney Would Have Been Proud of Golf Stinks!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:14:00 +0000

Well, I must admit to being lax about regular additions to this blog. No excuses. Did you miss my posts? Did anyone? Actually my time away from here was spent learning how to produce, promote and deliver a weekly radio show by the same name as this blog. Audio blog maybe. Actually have produced and conducted 3 shows already and will do show #4 this Wednesday, March 24th at 10 am.

Greg D'Andrea, co-founder of Golf Stinks will be my guest. His social media site caters to average regular guy/girl golfers. You will remember Rodney Dangerfield (left photo) in Easy Money, the movie where he introduced the world to the "regular guy" look and apparel. Social media and golf. How lucky can we be? Golfstinks' job is to help you get the most fun out of this great game as you possibly can. Period. And they are about to produce a pilot for TV as well. Rodney would be proud of Greg and his team for sure.

Be part of the show . . . .The Retired Coach Radio Show

Tune in live and call in (646) 727-2456 to speak with us and ask Greg a question or return later for the podcast. All regular golfers are cordially invited to attend and participate.

WTF is Golf Etiquette?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:43:00 +0000

Simply put, golf etiquette has to do with manners or knowing how to act. It is through good manners we confirm to other golfers that we convey our respect for them and display how important we think they are. Golf requires a lot of focus. If you are ready to putt or place a tee shot over a water hazard, it will be way more difficult if someone is talking, laughing, rattling coins, and tees in their pocket, or placing their shadow in your line of sight.

Greg D'Andrea, of From the Rough blog left this comment on a previous post of mine:
: "You know, for new players, I think the idea of teaching etiquette before teaching all the rules is a good start. Explain to them about "ready golf" before you teach them they have to walk back to re-tee if they hit one OB. If they end up liking golf, they will learn the other rules on their own, but first and foremost should be etiquette. Of course, the teachers may be slow pokes themselves, in which case you're screwed" Well said, don't your think?
I guess it could boil down to 2 areas: Golfers who honestly do not know the expected behaviors and golfers who know the etiquette principals and still commit these egregious faux pas just to get under your skin or make us miss a shot. There is no room for these folks in my foursome. What are some of the etiquette violations that bother you the most? Leave your answers in the comment section below.

Your Cheatin' Heart Will Make You Weep

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:03:00 +0000

No, this is not about Tiger or those who stray from the nest. It is about golfers who do not play by the rules. The ones who cheat. The ones who see no fault in improving their lie or score. This sort of thing irritates the hell out me.

My bite is worse than my bark. That is, when I encounter someone cheating the game of golf while playing with me. Now, do not get me wrong, there is a place for a mulligan in a friendly, no wager, no score golf outing. Just not when playing in club tournaments or even a $5 Nassau. Actually, it should never be permitted or tolerated. In a tournament or a round with a wager, I do call out someone who improves their position or score by being less than honest. Tough to do, but for the golfer who plays the game the honorable way, it is a must. If not, we enable the cheater to disregard us and the game.

Usually a friendly, cordial, and non threatening reminder will re-focus someone to their correct score. No problem with these types. It's the repeat offenders that get me going. The ones who must win at all costs. No room for them with me, and excluded from any type of wagering with me. A lot of golf friendships have been ruined or terminated when the go-by-the-rules player calls out another golfer for certain misdeeds and rules infractions.

Two of my favorite all time golfers are my son, Tucker (left), and my son-in-law, Billy. Both whom have broken 100 just once. They count every stroke, relish every par, respect the game, and it's legacy. No one was more excited than me, when they shared their record breaking scores. I just knew in my heart these benchmark scores were valid and helped make golf the special game it is. Milestone scores can only be celebrated by those who play the right way.

So, I ask, which is more meaningful: Someone who shoots 79 including a couple of foot wedges, or the golfer who breaks 100 for the first time and counts all the strokes, including whiffs? Give me the whiffer who counts them all.

Please comment on how you handle the cheatin' wannabe golfers you face from time to time.

Golfer's Number One MELTDOWN

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:47:00 +0000

Let me spit it out right now. S-L-O-W play is the number one reason golfers go ballistic and meltdown on the course. At least, according to a discussion group I initiated and moderated on LinkedIn last fall. Hundreds of golfers worldwide opined on the reasons and remedies.

Here are the top four reasons this nasty behavior manifests on some of the most beautiful places on the planet:

1) Slow play 2) Cheating 3) Lack of etiquette 4) Getting hit into

Slow play accounted for 51% of all votes. The other three pulled about equal respones, each accounting for another 15-18% of the responses. Clearly, slow play was the biggest winner, or should I say biggest looser. I will comment further on the last 3 in future posts. But for now, here are some of the offered remedies from the study:
**********************************************************************************
Understand how to play ready golf. Each player needs to be responsible for getting to their ball and ready to execute their shot, even if it's not their turn. If you are ready to hit your ball, go ahead. As long as no one is in front of you, grip it and rip it.

Pick up you ball when your score on any hole is becoming embarrassing. It is good for clearing your mind and provides you with a fresh start.

In match play, when you are hopelessly out of the hole, take the high road and concede the hole.

Give up the "Pro Golfer" approach to reading putts by looking at it from five angles.

Add your score on the NEXT TEE, not the green just finished.

Upon reaching the green, position your cart or golf bag in the walk off area toward the next tee. Never go backwards to get your cart or bag.

Here is one I contributed: When playing with your little and inexperienced youngsters, have them tee off from 50 -100 yards off the green, instead of the tee. This way you do not hold up players behind you waiting for your youngster to chase their ball down the fairway. The kids like this too and they do not have to compete with your tee shot.

A sage course marshal told me the first 6 holes of every course set the tone for pace of play for the remaining 12 holes. If the course is clogged on these holes, it is going to be a very long day. Be ready to play at a good pace on your first 6 holes to keep it all moving.

I am sure you also have some valuable advice on how to ameliorate slow play. Please offer your remedies for slow play by adding your comments to this post.

Thanks for playing your round in no more than 4:10.

He Shoots. He Scores, He is . . Even Par Every Day.

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Isn't it funny, perhaps even curious, how some things just happen? A while back, on board a westbound 757 out of Chicago heading for Albuquerque, I had the most memorable encounter, even for me.

Soon after takeoff I reached for my copy of Ben Hogan's "Five Lessons" with plans to re-read it for the 5th time. Yes, the 5th time. You see, the first lesson, "The Grip" is 18 pages long and must be mastered before moving to the second lesson.

No sooner do I open the book when the passenger next to me says, "That sure is a great book." I nod and continue reading without commenting. "What do you shoot?" he asked next. "Low to mid 80's" was my reply. I am not anti-social, but I make it a practice of not engaging in small talk with strangers while flying. His next comment really caught my attention when he mentioned he "shoots par every day." The way he said it intrigued me. "You mean you have shot par or occasionally shoot par.", I replied. "No, I shoot par every time I play."

I soon discovered my fellow passenger, a professor from Cornell, played his campus course every day after his classes and did indeed shoot par every single time he teed it up. The imaginative and beautiful way he achieved this was pure and simple: he stopped playing, quit his round, and walked off after completing 72 strokes!!!. He shared his goal each time out was to go as far as possible in 72 strokes. Instead of concentrating on swing tips and other mind sapping golf instructions, he only thought about getting as far as possible around the course in 72 strokes. His game improved dramatically with this approach. He repurposed his goals. Why couldn't I do that myself?

Well, I have never forgotten this tale and utilize it today with a slight modification: I do finish my round and post my actual score. I make a mental note, and also one on my scorecard, of exactly where I finished my 72nd stroke. My goal is keep it moving closer and closer to the 18th green. Nothing in my head except going as far and deep into the course as possible. I know if I make it past the 15th hole I have a chance for a good score; past the 16th, a very good score; past the 17th and I am at the gates of a very low round, and even par maybe. Broke 80 three times last year with this approach.

Kind of gives a new meaning to "going deep" doesn't it?

Rob Pritts, Renaissance Man For Sure

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:34:00 +0000

This is a reprint of my blog I posted earlier this year on Rob Pritts. It is well worth re-visiting again. Rob is my featured guest. this week on The Retired Coach Radio Show

Tune in live this Wednesday at 10:00 am or circle back later at your leisure for the podcast.

This is a remarkable story. See if you agree.

Last week, while on a golf related assignment, I had the opportunity to visit with Rob Pritts, CEO of Back 9 Promotions, on the phone from his Atlanta office. During our 45 minute conversation, he shared his journey with me. It will restore your faith in mankind.

A successful banker with 15 years of financial success at the corporate level with a major lender became yet another laid off, downsized professional looking for work. While figuring out his next employment step, he became aware of a neighbor with stage 4 lung cancer in need of financial assistance. The neighbor, a single dad raising two children and unemployed himself due to his never ending medical appointments, was in dire straits. Mr. Pritts understood the suffering this family was experiencing and wanted to do something to alleviate their pain. At the time, he was not financially able to aid his neighbor, so he did the next best thing. He figured out what he could do was raise money for his neighbor's cause. After all, Rob was a banker, with immense fiscal knowledge and deep connections to his community. This led him to initiate a group effort for a golf marathon in hopes of raising $500 to help his neighbor. What followed was certainly an unintended outcome of being unemployed.

In less than 2 weeks, his group raised $8,000 and Rob envisioned golf events being able to provide financial support to others needing assistance. Out of the vision, Back 9 Promotions was born.

Rob now runs golf fundraisers nationwide. In fact, I have already volunteered to work at his August event in Richmond, VA. Back9Promotions is about helping others in the back 9 of life that need a mulligan. Those who need a good bounce of the ball and a sense of hope in a sometimes hopeless situation is what Back 9 Promotions is all about. Their admirable goal is to assist charitable organizations raise funds via golf to enhance the lives of others who face overpowering challenges in their lives.

For more information on this great man and company, take the time to visit his web page Back 9 Promotions and discover how you may join his cause and help raise funds for those less fortunate.

Oh, What A Night!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:06:00 +0000

Last Monday I traveled to Charlottesville, VA (some 80 miles) to take in the Maryland vs. Virginia women's basketball game. As a season ticket holder this was nothing exceptional on my part. Plus I was in need of a break from my golf social media assignments. This promised to be a close encounter with both teams sporting very young lineups. It was. UVA shot 31% from the floor and Maryland had 28 turnovers but the Terrapins still won by a single point. The night belonged to Virginia fourth year superstar, Monica Wright, who set the Virginia total scoring record and surpassed Dawn Staley's long standing milestone. Staley is now the head coach at South Carolina.

The game was on ESPN and I had the opportunity to meet and visit with two of the folks I follow on Twitter. Having lived in Connecticut for many years I naturally became a fan of the UCONN women's highly successful basketball team. The first recognizable star and ambassador of this program was Rebecca Lobo who was serving as the sideline reporter for this game as well as tweeting updates on the contest. We chatted for a few minutes after the game and I shared with her I was one of her 12,394 followers. Hey, how many of them actually met her, like me? I congratulated her on her recently announced induction into the collegiate basketball hall of fame and mentioned how much I enjoy her commentary.

Also spent some time with Carolyn Peck, ESPN analyst. As one of her 1,927 followers, I mentioned how much I enjoy her tweets, especially her trials and tribulations traveling to all her games. Peck, a former coach, led the Purdue Boilermakers to the 1999 women's national championship.

These two gracious women were kind enough to spend a few minutes with me before they headed off to their next assignment. Exciting for me; most likely not a big deal for them. Perhaps this was a social media encounter of unintended outcomes. Just a few enjoyable minutes with 2 of the 1,624 people I have been following from my desktop.

Tiger Could Use the Green Weenie

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:24:00 +0000

The Pittsburgh Pirates, back in the days when they were competitive, were like all baseball teams a superstitious bunch. To prove the point they would aim a green weenie like sponge at the opposing team to help them achieve results and win some games. The original green weenie was a sponge that covered the top of a crutch used by an injured Pirate. It soon became a promotional item of epic proportion. Tri-state businesses sponsored Green Weenie give-aways and fans were asked to point the weenie at the opposing batter or pitcher. I was there for one of the original promotions and cherished my prize from that moment on. Always with me and on display in the various offices I occupied over the years to ward off slumping sales or office idiots. Use to take it with me to all of my kids athletic contests to keep their opponents at bay. I believed in the magic, but soon learned a valuable lesson in this type of hocus-pocus Sometimes it can backfire. Like the time I was aiming it at the opposing hockey goalie when my son, Tucker, skated past the goalie and unexplainably, fell to the ice with an injury. Lesson learned. After that, I put it away, only to be discovered many years later by my seven year old granddaughter, Ava. Needless to say, she was fascinated by the tale.

This past Christmas I presented my classic, original green weenie to her, along with instructions on how best to use it. Ava is now the keeper of this family sports heirloom. She has the perfect make-up to manage this artifact: curiosity and spunk. After all, who really chases sea gulls at the beach besides Ava? She put it use immediately.Took it with her to her first Globetrotter's basketball game and pointed it at their opponent, the Washington Generals. She called me right after the game to let me know the Original Green Weenie was working very well. It's in her hands now. It will be just fine.

May I Suggest a New Year's Resolution?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:50:00 +0000

Happy New Year, 2010. If you are like me, most of you in the next day or so will have a stream of consciousness about resolving to do something toward self improvement in the year ahead. Let me share my all time favorite book, Golf in the Kingdom, with you, and recommend you add this to your must read list for the New Year. This masterpiece by Michael Murphy will captivate golfers and non-players as well. Not a book to improve your score; but a mystical story designed to transform your perspective on life. Yes it will. It did for me.

Several years ago while on a business trip to Richmond, VA I was given this book by Mr. Bernard Savage, a prominent Realtor and golfer extraordinaire. As well as a true Virginia gentleman. I read the book on my return flight to Connecticut. The next week I read it again on a flight to California and re-read it again on the return flight. What an impact it had on me. After this I could not wait to give this book to friends and clients who loved golf. These books were presented with just one instruction: Enjoy and pass it on to another golfer.Who knows, some of these may still be traveling along to more golfers. I have enjoyed this wonderful story at least a dozen more times since it first came to me. This is clearly the best expression of the relative elation and charm of the game that has ever been recorded. Filled with instructions that are obvious as well as understated about life lessons discovered in a single round of golf.
Golf in the Kingdom repositions the spotlight back on the personal and sacred behaviors of the game; something we must all re-visit from time to time. Find or buy a copy. Read, pass it on, and let me know what you thought about this journey as well as my suggestion to experience it first hand.
Bet you will read it more than once.

Roberto Clemente was simply the best ever . . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:53:00 +0000

New Year's Eve is just a few nights away and thoughts of 2009 will give way to resolutions for 2010. The end of the year for the last 37 years has always been a moment for me to reflect upon the greatest baseball player I ever saw: Roberto Clemente. He met his untimely death on December 31, 1972 in a plane crash while taking supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims. He was more than a Hall of Fame baseball player and never forgot his native Puerto Rican heritage. Best arm ever to play right field. He routinely would throw out a batter who just singled to right and took a big turn toward second base. BTW, he would pick them off with an underhanded throw, like a softball pitcher. He could throw a ball on the fly from the warning track in Forbes Field directly to the waiting catcher crouched behind the plate with the ball never touching the ground. Bob Prince, fabled Pirate broadcaster, described this type of throw as a "frozen rope." It sure was. I once introduced Roberto to my BFF, Tom Murray, while we were waiting outside the ball park. #21 was a complete gentleman and never once let on he did not know me from the man in the moon. Take a few moments to learn more about this great man go here .
Happy New Year!

Three Amigos: Tiger, Charles, and Michael

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Vegas, high stakes gambling, women, power, etc. You get the picture. If Tiger was rolling with Charles and Michael, how was this kept on the down low? What did Tiger do differently to expose his transgressions? He differentiated himself from these two when he voiced his vows to Elin. If Tiger was single, this hurricane would have been long gone. For now, there does not seem to be an end in sight.

Would Divorce Give Tiger a Mulligan?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Perhaps, a clean break is what is needed here to get all concerned parties back on track. Elin has been rumored to be in negotiations with Reebok for a shoe deal. Why not? Good for her. Take all the money you can garner and move on. Same for Tiger. The sooner it is decided, the better for them both, as well as the entire golfing world.
Who among us has never benefited from a mulligan?

For the latest on the divorce Go here . . . .

You Voted. And the Winners Are . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sferro) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Thanks to all of my social networks for offering their favorite golf gift suggestions. Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIN, have all weighed in how to spend a total of $100 on 3 golf gifts. I was overwhelmed by the response and most grateful for everybody taking the time to do so. The analytical decision was very clear for two great gifts and most clouded about a third choice due to hundreds of single items recommended. Thus, no consensus for third gift. I must admit I am partial to sustainable things and like our two winners for just that. They will last you longer than the expensive golf shirt you bought and, after washing just once, now looks like the tee shirt your uncle wears to mow the lawn. Or the dozen golf balls long gone to their great reward. Something reusable, long lasting, and endurable is what we need here.

And here they are . . .

First gift creating the most buzz on social media networks for golf Christmas gifts:

Should you have a golfer in your life that loves to play private courses but does not want to join any of them, this is the ideal gift. Do they want to play that private course down the road but don't know a member? Now there's a way to test drive private courses across the country without risking the trespassing charge. A new online service called Boxgroove.com provides access to tee times at private clubs. Boxgroove with over 70 participating courses and over 650 members, some of whom hold memberships at private clubs and may be willing to host other Boxgroove.com members. The company plans to be in 30 states by summer 2010 and eventually to take the service international. A sustainable gift that keeps on giving. Just click on the banner below for more information regarding the extra awards you receive with a gift subscription.
A true value for $49.

Second gift making the most buzz on social media networks for Christmas gifts:

Another sustainable gift whose creation has been long overdue. A neat, tidy way to recognize your ball. Everyone must be able to identify their ball. Right? The Tin Cup lets you personalize your golf ball with a bunch of different stock symbols, characters and icons or you can customize your Tin Cup with your name or just about any other logo that will fit. Dogs, sharks, martini glasses, crosses, or anything else you can think of can be on your Tin Cup. If you believe simple items are the best, this is it. Hey, and no batteries required. Just fit the cup over your ball, fill in the stencil with a sharpie, and you've got a perfect mark on your ball every Here is another reusable, long lasting, and endurable golf gift.

Just $17.95 each! Go here to check this out

So there you have it. Two great, sustainable gifts recommended, without reservation, by the grand social network channels mentioned above.

Happy Holidays.