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GINGER HOWARD – January 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Ginger HowardGINGER HOWARD

Blog: January 2012

Hey Everyone!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 3rd stage of Qualifying school didn’t go very much as planned. I finished tied for 41st with rounds of 70-79-71-76-74 (+10) which gave me category A-3(1) for the LPGA Symetra Tour (formerly known as the LPGA Future’s Tour) starting in March.

My plans are to get 3-4 Sponsors exemptions on the LPGA tour, a few exemptions on the Asian & LET tours too. So, I’m looking at competing in approximately 20-22 events this year and you all know the financial challenges this will have.

If you would like to help support my dream on the LPGA tour please visit my website at www.gingerthoward.com and click on the donate button! 🙂

I’m excited to get started in a few months on the LPGA Tour and hope that all of you continue to follow me. When you get a moment “Like” me on my Official Facebook Fan Page and follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward & @mygolfinggirls to get up to date information.

I’ve been working very hard on my conditioning with my personal trainer at IMG Trevor Anderson and also my dad who works out pretty intensely himself! I’ve had the chance of playing a few rounds of golf with former PGA Golf Professional Jimmy Wright at The Concession Golf Club.

In next months blog I’ll have a more definitive tour schedule ready for everyone to see!

Have a great start to the new year and God Bless!

Also remember, I have more exciting news! I just created my very own account on Twitter! Follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward for the latest personal updates about my golf and such. And on Facebook at the link below!

twitterGingerHoward_golf-copyfacebookGOLF

Thank you all for the support!

Ginger Howard
Professional Golfer

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GINGER HOWARD – February 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Ginger HowardGINGER HOWARD

Blog: February 2012

Hello Everyone! The start of the new year is going very well overall. I played in a SunCoast Series event (January 17-19) in Orlando, FL at MetroWest Golf Club. I shot 74-72-74 to finish 11th out of 30 women.

What was exciting was going to the PGA Merchandise Show for the first time! Meeting and talking with tons of companies and potential sponsors was a great experience for me! I’m looking forward to hearing back from them. What my Dad and I did was to make a video of me talking about the year 2012 and my goals. It also includes me practicing at Concession. Check it out on YouTube!

While at the Show, I met with AJ Ali, founder of ‘Marathon of Miracles’ and I’m proud to say that I’m now part of his journey, golfing to end cancer! What inspired me to do this is that Mr. Ali’s wife is a Cancer survivor and so is my Mom! She was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer back in September 2011 and with the grace of God she is now back to living happy and healthy with the rest of the Howard family.

Also, while staying in Orlando for the PGA Show, I had my first club fitting with my new sponsor Callaway Golf!! I’m super excited and looking forward to this great opportunity they’ve given me. Hopefully more sponsors to come!

Have a great February guys & I’ll see ya next month!

Also remember, I have more exciting news! I just created my very own account on Twitter! Follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward for the latest personal updates about my golf and such. And on Facebook at the link below!

twitterGingerHoward_golf-copyfacebookGOLF

Thank you all for the support!

Ginger Howard
Professional Golfer

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GINGER HOWARD – March 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Ginger HowardGINGER HOWARD

Blog: March 2012

Hello again to those that are reading! And to the old and new, thank you all for the wonderful support. I appreciate every ounce of it! The month of February was very busy but that’s always a good problem to have when it involves golfing. 🙂

First off I played in a Ladies SunCoast Series Event in ClearMount, FL (Feb. 21-23). I shot 66-66-73 (-8) to win by 2 strokes! It felt great to have a win going into Friday morning featuring on the Golf Channel’s Morning Drive! I was invited to be a guest on the show, and it was pretty surreal getting to meet the whole cast including Erik Kuselias, Gary Williams and Holly Sonders in person! If you didn’t get a chance to watch, go to golfchannel.com to see.

I was also invited to play in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Golf Invitational at Bay Hill! Meeting and getting to play with some very-known stars was exciting and really fun! Also playing in a charity event as a celebrity for the first time was a great experience and I hope to play in more in the near future. My teammate, Matt Scovel and I shot 66 to win the event! I also played with Johnny Damen in my four sum! We played in the same group just on different teams.

After all the craziness with the host of the event, Anthony Anderson, my sister and I had an interview with Golfweek. That will be published at the end of March so look out for it! With all the momentum going into the month of March I can tell you it’s going to be a fantastic experience and I’m looking forward to starting the Symetra Tour season!

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Facebook! I’m trying to get more followers! Help me out? 🙂 @GingerTHoward
Also if you can find it in your hearts to help me out with my dream, go to my website: gingerthoward.com and click the ‘Donate’ button. Every little bit counts!

I’ll see ya next month!

Also remember, I have more exciting news! I just created my very own account on Twitter! Follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward for the latest personal updates about my golf and such. And on Facebook at the link below!

twitterGingerHoward_golf-copyfacebookGOLF

Thank you all for the support!

Ginger Howard
Professional Golfer

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GINGER HOWARD – April 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Ginger HowardGINGER HOWARD

Blog: April 2012

Hello everyone! The month of March went by pretty quickly but it was very fun! First I celebrated my birthday on March 15th by watching the first day of the PGA Tour Transitions tournament held at Innisbrook. I was also surprised with a party that Robbi (my sister) had planned for me!

Next I participated in my first Symetra Tour event which was also the first tournament of the season. Located in Winter Haven, FL at Lake Region GCC. I shot 71-77-70 to finish T23 out of 144 women. I had a fun time because I got to participate in a few clinics about 5 days prior to the first day of the event.

It was a blast being able to talk to some kids of Girls Inc. that was located about an hour away from the course. A great experience I’ll never forget and hopefully be able to do tons more of those functions soon because I really did enjoy it! I played a SunCoast Series event at the end of March in Harmony, FL. I shot 72-69-72 for a respectable 3rd place finish. My next event will be held at Sara Bay Golf and Country Club in Sarasota, FL–the 2nd event of the Symetra Tour Season.

Wish me luck!

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Facebook! I’m trying to get more followers! Help me out? 🙂 @GingerTHoward
Also if you can find it in your hearts to help me out with my dream, go to my website: gingerthoward.com and click the ‘Donate’ button. Every little bit counts!

I’ll see ya next month!

Also remember, I have more exciting news! I just created my very own account on Twitter! Follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward for the latest personal updates about my golf and such. And on Facebook at the link below!

twitterGingerHoward_golf-copyfacebookGOLF

Thank you all for the support!

Ginger Howard
Professional Golfer

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GINGER HOWARD – May 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Ginger HowardGINGER HOWARD

Blog: May 2012

Hey!

I hope you all are doing well. April is now over, which means Summer is basically right around the corner! Also, I’m graduating in mid-May so I’m excited for that too!

The 2nd event on the Symetra Tour was in Sarasota, FL at Sara Bay Country Club. Unfortunately I missed the 36-hole cut by one stroke that Saturday. Instead of being down about it, I took the opportunity to spend time with my family that Sunday since I’d be leaving bright and early for Mexico the next morning. That’s where the 3rd event was held, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! It was my first time there and I’m glad I got to share that experience with my Dad with me each step of the way–believe me, he didn’t leave my side once! But all jokes aside, I would have never traveled by myself in the first place, even if I wanted to! 🙂

The weather was quite the same, except for the food and obviously the language! I caught on to some words quickly but other than that, “Hola” & “No habla Español” was pretty much all I said in Spanish.

The course had a Zoo right by it filled with deer, flamingos and rosters. They also had beautiful tigers that you could see at the main entrance; hence the courses name, “El Tigre.” It was a par 73 and I shot 72-72-69 (-6) to tie for 2nd. It sure felt great to bounce back from a “Missed-Cut” finish in the tournament before! That will always be very memorable to me. I kept reminding myself that there’s nothing I can do to change about the past; all I could do was forget about it. “The greatest players have the shortest memories.”

My next Symetra Tour event will be on May 28th in Marion, IA but I’ll be sure to play in a SunCoast series tournament or two in preparation for it.

I enjoy reading the fan mail some of you guys have sent to me but be sure to follow me on Twitter so I can respond to you!! Thanks for the support and have a great month!

I’ll see ya next month!

Also remember, I have more exciting news! I just created my very own account on Twitter! Follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward for the latest personal updates about my golf and such. And on Facebook at the link below!

twitterGingerHoward_golf-copyfacebookGOLF

Thank you all for the support!

Ginger Howard
Professional Golfer

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GINGER HOWARD – June 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Ginger HowardGINGER HOWARD

Blog: June 2012

Hello!

It’s June and Summer is finally here! Boy, I’m excited for all the tournaments lined up this month and so on. June is an exciting and special month for me because just last year I won my first debut tournament as a professional! Remember that?

symetraTourThis Summer will be packed with a bunch of events on the Symetra Tour from Indiana, Iowa, Illinois and Michigan. After that I’ll have a bit of a break then I’ll be back to the consecutive tournaments until September!

I enjoy it though. Getting to travel around the world with my dad makes this whole experience a lot more worth while because it’s great to have a bit of family still with me! Although I’ve obviously been keeping in touch with the rest of the crew in Florida. Robbi and I have been using FaceTime and have been texting 24/7 so it kind of feels like she’s still with me. 🙂

gingerhoward6Right now I am currently ranked 8th on the Symetra Tour money list for the “Race To The Card” and there are 11 events left for the season. I’ll let you know how I finish up in this stretch! Thank you for all the support!

May God Bless!

I’ll see ya next month!

Also remember, I have more exciting news! I just created my very own account on Twitter! Follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward for the latest personal updates about my golf and such. And on Facebook at the link below!

twitterGingerHoward_golf-copyfacebookGOLF

Thank you all for the support!

Ginger Howard
Professional Golfer

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GINGER HOWARD – June-November 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Ginger HowardGINGER HOWARD

Blog: June-November 2012

Hello!

It’s June and Summer is finally here! Boy, I’m excited for all the tournaments lined up this month and so on. June is an exciting and special month for me because just last year I won my first debut tournament as a professional! Remember that?

symetraTourThis Summer will be packed with a bunch of events on the Symetra Tour from Indiana, Iowa, Illinois and Michigan. After that I’ll have a bit of a break then I’ll be back to the consecutive tournaments until September!

I enjoy it though. Getting to travel around the world with my dad makes this whole experience a lot more worth while because it’s great to have a bit of family still with me! Although I’ve obviously been keeping in touch with the rest of the crew in Florida. Robbi and I have been using FaceTime and have been texting 24/7 so it kind of feels like she’s still with me. 🙂

gingerhoward6Right now I am currently ranked 8th on the Symetra Tour money list for the “Race To The Card” and there are 11 events left for the season. I’ll let you know how I finish up in this stretch! Thank you for all the support!

May God Bless!

I’ll see ya next month!

Also remember, I have more exciting news! I just created my very own account on Twitter! Follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward for the latest personal updates about my golf and such. And on Facebook at the link below!

twitterGingerHoward_golf-copyfacebookGOLF

Thank you all for the support!

Ginger Howard
Professional Golfer

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VERN BURNS – August-October 2011

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

vernburnsVERN BURNS
Former Mini-Tour Player
reporting from Afghanistan
in the middle of a war zone

Blog: August-October 2011

Coach Says, “You’re Ready to Compete.”

I had worked feverishly to learn every aspect of the golf game–thousands of practice balls on the range, countless hours of pitching, chipping and putting drills had left me with an eagerness to start competing.

After practice on a Friday night, I asked my coach, Herb Triplett, “Where do I start?” He suggested that I join a mini-tour in order to hone my skills and “See what you got!”

I searched the local Florida rags (newspapers/ magazines) for a place to play. I thought, “Hey, I’m better than many guys around here and I’ve worked hard. Why not?”

I found The Cadillac Classic Series Tour out of Texas. I began the contact ritual for an event in New Orleans by making calls to the tour administration for the official schedule, practice round schedule, course location, airlines, hotels and car rentals.

I was just as ‘green’ as I could be, but excited like my first day of elementary school! I was also concerned about getting time off from work; because I had already exhausted my sick days, vacation days, killed two uncles (figuratively speaking), an aunt (again, figuratively) and, an imaginary brother, all in my quest to continue practicing and playing rounds with friends in other states.

So I thought, if I can ‘sneak out’ of the office on next Tuesday morning, jump on a plane, play a practice round late Tuesday afternoon, and an early one on Wednesday, I would be familiar with the course.
–I, of course, would have to find a ‘sick’ relative in order to miss work for the rest of the week, but pro golf was calling. I HAD to go.

Off I went to New Orleans, confident, eager and excited. I arrived only to find that my clubs hadn’t. I didn’t worry too much; the airlines said they should arrive in an hour on another flight. It’s getting late–but hey, I’ll just skip a few holes and get to those tomorrow. Finally, the clubs showed up and I had wisely used the hour to get my rental car. Nevertheless, I was a little less excited, because I had “Murphy’s Law” on my mind now.

Off to the hotel I drove, with perfect directions and on a beautiful afternoon. At the hotel, I gave my reservation number and asked could I just leave my bags for someone to place in my room because I needed to get to the course. The receptionist asked, “Are you one of the pro golfers?” My chest expanded ever so slightly, and I said, “Yes,” with a smile.

What excitement the airlines whittled, I was back and I knew I had picked the right profession for myself. I was off to my practice round, just a few miles away. I didn’t know any of the other pro’s playing practice rounds, but I just got out there and watched and learned. –Did I tell you this was my first-ever ‘practice round’ for a tournament?

Certainly one guy sensed it and asked, “Come on, go around with me.” He was a tall African American man with a bit of a gut. I thought, hey I can take this guy!! (Did I tell you it was a practice round?) He complimented me on my swing a few times and made a few suggestions, as well.

I watched how he mapped the greens and played additional shots. After about 5 holes he says to me, “My name is Bobby Stroble.” I squinted a bit and said, “I’m Vern Burns.” I walked to the next tee thinking, I heard that name somewhere…. Oh well, I said to myself, as I struck my tee shot. He looked at me and said, “I have things to do and I’ll see you later.” Perplexed this time, I thought, I stroked the shot down the middle what’s wrong with him!!! As he drove off in his cart I had this feeling like, there’s something I should be doing to prepare, but what?

I played the remaining holes by myself and headed back to the hotel. Upon arrival, I notice my bags were still at the front desk. The shift had changed and there wasn’t anyone there from earlier in the day. I asked, “I’d like to pick up my room key, this is my luggage I left earlier.” The new agent looked at me with the coldest face and said–with an Indian accent– “There’s no room for you!!” I knew she didn’t mean it like I was begging to “squat”, or did she?

After much broken English, I find that my room was given away. Well, a convention was in town and I got bumped. Yes, even with a reservation. The conventioneers were paying twice my room rate and the hotel was accommodating them.

Back to the car I went, luggage in tow, looking for a room. I drove around New Orleans for 3 hours with no luck. I decided to pull into a hospital parking structure. I parked on an upper level in the corner and fell asleep. At 3:00 a.m., a guard tapped on the window and said, “You can’t sleep here.” I told him, “I have a family member in intensive care. I want to wait here.” (Another relative I’ve doomed.) He said fine.

At sunrise, I was back at the course for a quick shower in the locker room and a practice round. Then, back to the hospital parking structure after dinner for some sleep.

When I arrived at the course for my tee time, there on the range was my name on a sign in the grass, a fresh pyramid of balls and spectators in the stands facing the range. All of a sudden it hit me “Vern, are you really ready for this!” Doubt had arrived–not a good thing. A fan said, “Hey Vern, go get ‘em.” I didn’t know this guy from Adam, but tipped my hat and went to my spot on the range.

My coaches’ voices were all over the place in my head and I simply tried not to let the party in my head show on the outside. Earl Woods and Herb Triplett was all I could hear, now.

I took a minute, rumbled through my bag, and settled down–so I thought. I picked up a 9 iron to hit a few balls and get loose. I shanked the first one straight right! “What???” I said. I shanked the second one, and the third, and the fourth. Frantic, embarrassed and confused, I put the club down and called my coach Herby on my cell phone right there and frantically told him the problem, where I was and who was watching.

He said, “Put the phone on speaker and sit it near your ball and hit 3 shots.” I did just that, and picked up the phone, Herby then said to me, “Your hands are too fast and you are too nervous. Calm down. It’s just a game.” After his voice and advice, I began to strike the ball like I belonged. Off to the first tee. It’s time!

My name was called, a few claps ensued and I nervously hit a good tee shot. A decent approach left me with a 12 footer for birdie. I hit the putt and it went 8 feet by the hole….Wait, wait! These aren’t the same greens I practiced on for the last two days, I said quietly.

The greens had gone from about a 7 to an 11 on the stamp meter overnight! By the 7th hole, I was afraid to pull the trigger. By the end of the round I had carded an 86…. I was crushed. I called Herby from the car (the Chevrolet Inn) and told him the greens turned to ice! His only reply was, “Welcome to pro golf!” I dreaded the round the next day. As always, the next day came and I shot 42 on the front. I thought, “I need a bigger boat.” I made the turn and on hole #10 I decided, “Let’s just get this over with. I ‘wanna go home!!! I felt like I had a knife in a gun fight!

Then something interesting happened. Not caring and just wanting to go home, I hit fairways and greens at will. No fear of putting and I didn’t care what people thought. I finished my final 9 at 1 under. I didn’t have to call Herby this time, heck the scores were on the Internet! He called me and said, “You have no idea what you’ve done Big Man”. I said to him “Yes I do, I missed the cut!” He said NO, you just learned out how to play competitive golf.”

Below, some photos from my recent album.

vernburns_kuwait3vernburns_kuwait1vernburns_kuwait4vernburns_kuwait2

All the best,
Vern Burns

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VERN BURNS – December 2011

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

vernburnsVERN BURNS
Former Mini-Tour Player
reporting from Afghanistan
in the middle of a war zone

Blog: December 2011

‘Tis The Season!

2011, an amazing year winding down and I for one am extremely grateful to have life. For me, and many others, the simple yet powerful feeling of gratitude is enough.

vern4Having the opportunity to play golf, myself and with many readers, is such a privilege that during this time I can only give thought to those who have not the means (or ability) to explore, play and be a part of this wonderful game. Having said that, I will share my gratitude with you in hopes that we remain humble and grateful for this time, and for the lives lived before, and after us, in this great game of golf.

To the Peete Browns, Bill Spillers, Ted Rhodes, Calvin Peetes, Charlie Siffords, William ‘Bill’ Powells, Jim Thorps, Chuck Thorpes, Jim Dents, Bobby Strobles, Ben Davis’, and my main man Wiley Williams, I’m truly grateful.

To all the numerous individuals over the years who told me I couldn’t play at a higher level! I’m grateful!

To the tens of golfers who helped me when I didn’t know how to hold a club at 37-years old. Thank you so very much!

To the private and semi- private golf courses that turned me away—green fees in hand, from playing a round of golf. I truly thank you.

To the people that promised me sponsorship, and after I beat their prized pupil denied me, and asked that I empty my brain and teach their protégé how to play, I thank you always.

To the people that drove past me on the street when I had to walk home from the course. Because I had no car and golf was more important than driving…I wave thank you.

VernBurnsblogNov2011P1000403To the Mr. Nicklaus’, Palmers, Floyds, Couples’, Trevinos, DiMarcos, Singhs, Loves, Thorpes, Jansens, Dailys, Irwins, and Sorenstams; I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I watched and studied you all. I learned from a far. I took what I could execute and mimicked your actions. I traveled to play the same grounds and dreamed as I walked through the halls to feel a piece of what it was like. I took you all with me to the range every night and day and you were teaching me.

To the beautiful souls who allowed me to play for free the countless rounds of golf because, they saw my determination and they truly wanted me to succeed, my deepest love goes out to you.

To all the men who hustled me and handed me my lumps while early on in the game, Thanks goe out to you.

To those men and women who invited me to play in their group on the many occasions when I went to play alone, you were more than gracious and I applaud you.

To the salesmen and women who gave so much above, and beyond what I paid for to simply encourage me to keep going when I couldn’t afford better equipment, you are wonderful human beings. And I cannot thank you enough.

To Scott Kawagucchi at Cleveland Golf, you are an incredible human being and I thank you.

To Club Glove, Descente Clothing, and Whole 9 Golf. I tip my hat and bow to your loyalty….Much gratitude to you all.

vernburnsblogdec2011_Ahiranna3 vernburnsblogdec2011dTo my daughters Ahrianna (far left) and Jessica (right) and my adopted daughter Kearra, give thanks this season, for next year we will be even better. More love, communication and special times for us all. I love you ladies for your good hearts and consistent efforts in life.

And to God and the Universe during this Holiday Season may we all be grateful and thankful to the powers that guide us and provide for us.

To Ragi, thank you for the quote; no matter how long you can stretch a dog’s tail, it will always have a bend in it….Thank you my Hindi friend, much love to you.

Enjoy your celebrations, eat well, play golf and love hard. Please find more than one thing to be thankful for.

vernburnsblogdec2011avernburnsblogdec2011bvernburnsblogdec2011c

 

 

 

As I watch the eclipse of the moon from my tent, I am truly grateful to share with you my thoughts and my experiences. And I’m grateful that you take the time to read my Blogs.

To my readers:

Be good to you!!!

All the best,

Vern Burns

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Below, some photos from my recent album.

vernburns_kuwait3vernburns_kuwait1vernburns_kuwait4vernburns_kuwait2

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VERN BURNS – January-June 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

vernburnsVERN BURNS
Former Mini-Tour Player
reporting from Afghanistan
in the middle of a war zone

Blog: January-June 2012

Was It Worth It?

With only a couple weeks left in Afghanistan I have to ask myself; Was it worth it?

vernburnsblogjan2012_AI have shared with you about the people of the Middle East, from Saudi, Kuwait, Dubai, and Afghanistan—Their culture, religion, simplicity of life and opulence of the oil rich country. To experience war in a land with a people that have fought for years, declaring religious rights, moral rights, territorial rights and the rights of the extreme has been priceless.

vernburnsblogjan2012_BDeveloping an understanding, first hand, of a people, whose rivers of passion far exceeds that which I’m accustomed to. With western civilization ingrained I attempted to only “wet my feet” yet, I found the impossible. I didn’t speak the language of Farsi. I don’t look Middle Eastern. I only held a golf club and a golf ball and nothing else mattered.

Communicating was simple (and I was not considered different). They wanted to learn golf, pure and simple. No concern about the right clothes, the right shoes or where we were. “Try, Try,” they would say to me. With that unmistakable passion, loud, almost shouting and seemingly demanding, “Try, Try!!!” They are human beings born in a third world country not exemplary of the media’s portrayal.

vernburnsblogjan2012_CThis is behind the scenes, the regular Afghani who simply wants to work and not fight. Not extremists by a long shot. These are the people we are fighting for and believe me, they are genuine, good hearted people. They are men who work for 5 to 10 dollars a day and their eyes were filled with the joy of something new. Never mind the unthinkable, yet real happenings, that if they are caught at the end of the work day by extremists outside the gates, they lose their lives by the act of beheading.

vernburnsblogjan2012_DI have had the unique opportunity to interact, teach and look into the eyes of a man that, for his family, physically runs out at a certain time to avoid capture. To change, to affect a moment in these men’s lives with a golf club and a golf ball is PRICELESS! So was it worth it? Bet on it! Every second! A resounding YES!!

vernburnsblogjan2012_EA few of them had unbelievable adaptability to the game of golf, and a hand-eye coordination that was jaw dropping. My eyes welled as I watched and instructed. I was moved by their efforts and relentlessly pursuit of striking the golf ball. “Again, Again,” they told me, in order to keep going until it was right. And when they felt the soft power of a good shot; WOW…. We afterwards would run to gather up the golf balls for the next try and some more instruction.
All the men did not return the next day. We only speculate as to why.

I personally hope to see them again and find that they are alive. You could simplify the time and call it “bonding”. Oh, but it was so much more. I for one never thought the game of golf would transcend war. Language yes, race ultimately. Yes, physical and mental challenges, certainly. To reveal and connect the values, the most important values of being human, to me, for you, I can now say “YES”.

vernburnsblogjan2012_FSoon I’m headed to Peru and Colombia. Golf is certainly there and well alive. With Farsi being a difficult language for me, Latin American Spanish—with a little Portuguese thrown in, will be a welcome change.

Years ago, I frequented the home of Topper and Alice Carew in California. Alice has since passed, however, around her home she had taken and framed the most wonderful pictures of Lima, Peru. Every day I would admire her enlarged photographs and say, “One day I will see that place!” Topper, during those days was busy with his job as the creator of the very popular “Martin” television show. I never hinted that I wanted to see Peru, even after all the conversations with Topper and Alice. The interesting point here is that I had just begun to play golf; well, I was one week into the game (smile).

vernburnsblogjan2012_GI purchased a 9 iron, 3 wood and a putter, from a mixed barrel of clubs and they were in the back seat of my Volkswagen. I didn’t have enough money for anything else, but I was sure that I would somehow get all the equipment I needed. Leaving the Carew house after working on their phones, I noticed a dumpster out front that contained the old drywall, roofing shingles and trash from remodeling that was being done on their home.

I was rushing to go practice with my 3 clubs and while driving away, I noticed a golf bag in the dumpster. I never knew Tooper or Alice played golf! I was ashamed to go inside and ask, for fear of my financial position; but I thought, “Hell they know I’m broke!” So, I went back, rang the doorbell and when Topper answered I used everything I had to get over my humility and ask, “Topper, can I have that golf bag in your dumpster?” When Topper said “Sure,” I climbed up in that dumpster, over all of the trash and dirt, grabbed that golf bag and cherished it!

On the way to the practice range I let the tears roll down my face, and didn’t care who saw me. I had a wire hanger rigged to my gas pedal (because the cable was broken) so I couldn’t give the car gas with the foot pedal. That newly claimed golf bag sat in the passenger seat like it was my afternoon date. At stop lights I would use my hand to wipe some of the dirt and trash off MY very own golf bag. Ultimately I used the t-shirt covering the seat— which was holding the stuffing and springs in the seat. “I don’t care,” I thought, I’ll get another t-shirt from somewhere.

As I write to you now, with tears in my eyes, that fateful day, I learned what being grateful was all about…. I WAS TRULY GRATEFUL!!! Thank you Topper Carew, wherever you are, you never knew, or maybe you did….
So for those who read my blog, keep giving. You never know!

I am truly grateful to share with you my thoughts and my experiences. And I’m grateful that you take the time to read my Blogs.

To my readers:

Be good to you!!!

All the best,

Vern Burns

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Below, some photos from my recent album.

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VERN BURNS – July 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

vernburnsVERN BURNS
Former Mini-Tour Player
reporting from Afghanistan
in the middle of a war zone

Blog: July 2012

Integrity

The game of golf should always be synonymous with the word Integrity. The rules and exceptions are in place to maintain this Integrity to keep the game fair as it pertains to its participants. Now the course itself will seem unfair in many cases. Especially when YOU make an error in judgment or miscue a shot.

integrityMany players look around immediately after an errant shot or look at the club to place blame on something other than themselves, their lack of practice, lack of focus, lack of lessons, someone made a noise, someone moved, or perhaps the beer ingested during the round. Of course there are those golfers who simply expect high scores and horrible results and use the excuse “I don’t do this for a living”….

I truly wish that golfers would stop trying to change the integrity of this wonderful game by changing the rules! We have all encountered and personally know these players. Many of you are who I am about to speak of.

The Man or Woman who tees their ball up in front of the markers breaks a rule. STOP IT!!! It’s a rule. It levels the playing field by making the course consistent in length for every player.

golfballsandThe Man/Woman who hits a good drive down the middle of the fairway yet has this unbreakable habit of ‘Rolling the ball’ for a better lie.
STOP IT!!!

It’s a rule. Many claim that the course isn’t in great shape and we should be able to roll the ball if you hit the fairway. A sort of ‘reward’ for a good shot, the so called player will say. No, No, No–you play a ball where it lies!!

If it rolls into a divot repaired with sand PLAY IT!! If you don’t know how to hit the shot, go and get some practice. Those of you out there who place a coin to the side of your ball, when marking your ball on the green, then when it’s your play you place the ball in front of your marker? That is an infraction of the rules!!!

golfballmarkWhen marking the ball you must place the ball in the exact place from where it was lifted. Many of you actually gain a little more confidence by, depending on the size of the marker, moving the ball an inch closer to the hole before putting, being “SLICK” actually CHEATING!!!

Those of you who tee up a Top Flight and when you get to the green place down a Titleist because it’s better for you to putt with. STOP IT!!! Play one ball from the tee until the ball is holed.

lostgolfballAll of us know the player that ‘NEVER’ LOSES A BALL!!!– You strike the ball into the trees and all the other players, stop helping you look for it. And then you yell, “Here it is!!!”. STOP IT!!

Sew up the hole in your pocket (from where you dropped another ball) or acquire some kind of decorum and integrity about YOURSELF!!!

I have seen men strike a ball out of bounds; I watched the ball bounce down a road on the other side of a fence and as we approach the area the man yells, “Here it is!! It must have hit the fence and bounced back in.” This person will then stand there and argue adamantly with you in order not to take a penalty stroke, STOP IT!!!

I personally handle this type of situation by NEVER playing with that individual again!! It’s a shame that we have golfers who will bend the rules, make up their own rules, and move a ball when no one is looking. It’s bad for our youth when learning the game and it’s pitiful for a grown man or woman to approach a game in this manner when your true opponent is the actual course. And it is tragic that anyone will LIE TO THEMSELVES while playing a game of golf!!

Golf has always had the element of gambling. A friendly two dollar bet at the country club or “muni” will always be. It is imperative that integrity is placed on this area. When a golfer gambles the “Gentleman’s/Woman’s Game” has now placed character in the bowl with integrity, fairness and honor.

golfgamblingI’ve seen bets in the thousands of dollars. I’ve seen all the situations mentioned in this blog amplified.

I’ve seen a man go into his golf bag, remove a gun and threaten the life of another golfer for not paying a wager. I’ve also seen grown men run to the parking lot so fast after losing a bet that they left their golf clubs behind.

I’ve seen men physical fight because their egos and pride had gotten the best of them and, like children, they couldn’t see any aspect of reason.

The Game, The Rules, Your Integrity….

Why do we change the rules to favor a situation? Is it because we want to win at any cost? Is it because we’ve always changed games in life, i.e. Dominoes, Bid Whist, Monopoly, Gin Rummy…. When you visit someone’s home and a game is at hand there is always some “TWIST”!! And someone always yells out “WELL THAT’S THE WAY WE PLAY!!!” and the look on their face says if you don’t like it, don’t play!!!

Or, is it society that has conditioned us to read between the lines and find the loopholes or use any means to gain an advantage. Certainly this does not apply to all people; however, when it comes to golf I truly hope that YOU maintain YOUR INTEGRITY!!!

I am truly grateful to share with you my thoughts and my experiences. And I’m grateful that you take the time to read my Blogs.

To my readers:

Be good to you!!!

All the best,

Vern Burns

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DARA BROADUS – March 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Dara-Broadus_2DARA BROADUS

Blog: March 2012

Have you noticed? I’ve been a tad out of touch lately (a few years, to be more accurate). I did not intend to venture off for so long—and perhaps didn’t venture off at all, depending on who you ask. But there’s something quite special about a ‘return.’

daralogoIf we are just meeting for the first time, I’m Dara Broadus, a professional golfer and beloved instructor with a penchant for everything great— I have taken on hot yoga over the last few years, and it’s great for me; Family and business have been the impetus behind recent travels to Toronto, and that’s great; I enjoy golf, travel, chatting with close friends, redecorating my new house, and so many other hobbies and joys too numerous to list—all great.

My attention draws near my celebrity golf tournament during this time of year—the 6th Annual Impact Celebrity Golf Weekend will be contested June 9-11 in Atlanta. Already Ame & Lulu, Sabona, Leo Marshall, Mulholland, and Girls Golf have joined me again along with about 50 others, helping make the silent auction an annual success.

I’m also collaborating with writer Jim Williams on a children’s book that will be released in July 4, 2012. This is a project near and dear to me, and one both children and adults will find delightful.

Working closely with the wonderful ladies of the Executive Womens’ Golf Association has been wonderful this Winter. I have watched them evolve into more confidence golfers. And my junior academy is continuing strategic partnerships with other youth-based organizations like Sporty Girls, Big Brother, Big Sisters, and the YMCA to provide young people with year-round enrichment and access to golf and valuable learning resources.

These are truly exciting times for me and my staff and I look forward to keeping you updated each month!

Dara Broadus
DaraBroadusGolf.com
or friend me on Facebook

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