LEAVING 2006 - COMING TO 2007

Hello! Here we are, almost ready for the 2007 golf season in Gallup. It's been since late November of 2006 since we last saw a customer at the golf course... and then the snow came and it blanketed the golf course with bright white. It's time to unpack your clubs, clean them and begin some light swinging... then, as the weather improves... HIT THE RANGE!! We are still covered with snow and have no idea how far away is our first golfing day. But, we have not been idle by any means. As you first come to the golf course, you will find some surprises! Here is what's going on:

1. Remodeling Pro-Shop: It started with complying with ADA standards in our bathrooms; you know, new specs for door and toliet access. Then... as our expert building crew (Robert, Mark & Ben) led by Darryl Schmaltz, begun tearing things down and Larry Binkley begun seeing a "bare pro-shop", he decided we needed a "face lift" as well. And there we went, new carpet, some construction, paint, counters, layout and even a new TV to watch the "Golf Channel" while you wait for your tee time. I hope all of this also comes with a new swing, at least for me! (so many of you had a coke on me last year!).
2. On the golf course: Robert Weekes has not limited himself to allow the pure acid snow to "wash off the greens" and rest at his desk with a heater at his feet. Among other things, he and his crew (Richard, Jimmy, Preston, Darryl, Dennis), have been busy doing some construction whenever the weather has allowed them to do so: repairing golf carts and equipment, redone course signs, fixed some carts paths, and added "turn-arounds" for the carts in front of some of the teeing areas.
3. New Golf Course Name: As of now, there is a contest in order to rename the golf course. Entry deadline is February 21, 2:00 p.m. (entries must be received by then). There is a $500.00 prize for the person who submits the chosen name and another $500.00 for the person who matches the name with a new logo. For more details, see the City Clerk or call 863-1255. This should be interesting and fun.
4. Tournament Schedule: We have a full tournament schedule, but as always, those golfers who are not in the tournament, will be able to use the golf course during most tournaments. Only during three of the largest (AC Houston, RMCH Charity Invitational and Paul Hanson Memorial), non participants will have to wait until the afternoon. For available tee times, call the pro-shop at 863-9224.
5. Your comments are appreciated: Give us your input. We will post comments as long as they are not personal attacks, nor will we publish profane language. This is intended to be a service.Let's keep it informative, helpful and fun. You can also wrtite to us to: golfingallup@hotmail.com
6. Golf is Just a Game column will continue: Our season's column will continue in The Independent. First one will appear the second week of February (usually on Thursdays).

Thank you and "Golfingly" Yours, Alex Alvarez, your local PGA Professional.

Quote of the Month: "If you have to tell everyone how good you are, you are not that good" (Chad Campbell, PGA Tour Player).