NICE COMPLIMENT... Thank You!

When you don't see someone for a long while, it is easier to notice any changes. Take me for instance, if you had not seen me in 2 years, you'd say, "hey, you've put some weight, haven't you?" I would have to admit, "yes".

Well, our good friend and former "Gallupian", Dominic Ferrari, a very avid golfer who not only plays the game as often as 5 times a week, but makes it easy for others to do so as well as enjoy the participation in well funded events (Dominic is the former sponsor of the "Holman's Cup" - a Ryder Cup type match against Grants- and the "Holman's Diamond in the Rough"-a ladies invitational), came to play our course with best friend and local golfer, Rick Heisch. Though neither had frequented our place for a while, both had played the Elks event in October 20th, a day in which no one could enjoy or appreciate any course, when high winds made our course play so difficult that it was called a "survival" day.

Knowing that he usually plays at really nice places in Scottsdale, I did not expect him to initiate a conversation about our conditions or notice some of the changes at our course, particularly after a week that saw us aerify and top-dress the greens.

What a difference a year makes! Whether you lose or gain twenty pounds, or whether your course conditions improve or go south, someone will notice right away. Dominic did, and as usual, the former NM State Representative and business owner was sincere in expressing his views about our conditions by saying, "Alex, the course is looking pretty nice. Even from the one time I played last month and once this summer, I see the difference. A little more here and a little more there, and you guys will have a nice place again. I know you did (aerify) the greens this week, but they still look very nice. Is Richard (Gomez) still around? My compliments to your new superintendent and all his crew."

Dominic, thank you for the compliment, but more than anything, thank you for reminding everyone that there is always more than one way of seeing things. Everyone needs to acknowledge the efforts and go forward. For those who know him, know that if he noticed, the compliment was sincere and accurate....