Bobby Wilson Update #6
Happy Thanksgiving.
We are moving bases today to visit more troops. Again, our location is classified and must be kept secret.
We are trying to get to see as many troops as possible. We will be breaking bread with them on this special day. I will probably eat a lot of turkey, so I’d better pace myself (haha).
We have already been to the Victory over America Palace and the Victory over Iran Palace. One of the ballrooms had the exact measurements of a football field. Saddam did not have a victory in either of these, but he had the palaces built to fool his people.
I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and love on your family, and also love the freedom you have to do so daily.
Bobby’s trivia question #4: Corey Pavin has played in three Ryder Cups. In what year was Raymond Floyd his partner and how old was Raymond at that time?
Answer to Bobby’s trivia question #3: Tim Simpson has 66 top tens on the PGA Tour.
Bobby Wilson Update #5
Today started with a Commander’s call. The briefing was about the U.S. mission in Iraq and the importance of finishing this mission.
Please continue our support here by being a loud voice in your realm of influence. The soldiers know passionately why they are here. They embrace the mission like a long driver embraces a tailwind blowing straight down the grid.
Tom, Corey and Tim gave lessons today while Dan and I hit drivers and trick shots. The troops were able to hit a few balls also. Morale was up!
I prayed with a soldier today and afterward he gave me a coin that he has carried with him for the past three years. Imagine my emotions after that!
The men and women of our armed forces give it all 24/7. I’ll leave this blog at that.
Bobby’s trivia question #3: How many top 10 finishes does Tim Simpson have on the PGA Tour? (Hint: The number is between 60 and 70.)
Answer to Bobby’s trivia question #2: Corey Pavin was a 19-year-old amateur when he qualified for the 1979 LA Open at Riviera.
Bobby Wilson Update #4
We flew into Baghdad and immediately witnessed all the evidence of the war. Plus Saddam’ Hussein’s palaces show what a narcissistic tyrant he was.
Our group had two meet-and-greets at camps that, because of security restrictions, I’m not allowed to name. We had a big, enthusiastic turnout each time.
Tom Watson helped with the golf clinic this evening and did his impersonations of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. They were right on the mark. He does Jack and Arnie better than they do themselves.
The troops we have met tell us we’re making a huge sacrifice by being over here, and yet they put their lives on the line daily.
We had dinner tonight with high-ranking officers and every conversation about what we have done in Iraq was positive. I am proud to be an American; you should be, too!
I can tell you this — I sleep well at night, knowing who is fighting for us.
Bobby Wilson Update #3
I just found out this morning I’m a grandfather again. My daughter, Baylie, has a new daughter, Isabella Grace Wilson. Isabella was 8 pounds, 6 ounces at birth and measured 21 inches.
I’m happy to report mother and daughter are doing great.
But now home seems so far away. I can empathize with our troops, who miss big days with their families because of their duties. God bless them all!
Bobby’s trivia question #2: At what age did Corey Pavin play in his first PGA Tour event and what tournament was it?
Answer to Bobby’s trivia question #1: Tom Watson won the 1982 U.S. Open playing a Golden Ram ball.
Bobby Wilson Update #2
We arrived at Camp Arifjan, slept a little, then went to visit Camp Salem and Camp Buehring. Both of these camps prep soldiers for going into Iraq.
We hit a few balls at Camp Salem on a makeshift range with 5 mats and 4 yardage signs, the longest being 250 yards. It has a no-brainer to hit it out of the park, deep into the desert.
At Camp Buehring, we were able to experience training called HEAT, an exercise on how to escape a Humvee after a rollover. Dan Boever got a little nervous, while Corey Pavin and I wanted to do it again.
Later, Matt Snook put on a concert and Tom Watson and Tim Simpson joined him onstage for “I’ve Got Friends in Low Places.”
The commanding officer told us that by being here we raise morale. I am grateful for these soldiers and the paths they have chosen.
Bobby Wilson: Man on a Goodwill Mission
(Note: Long drive champions Bobby Wilson and Dan Boever are on a goodwill mission to visit troops stationed in the Persian Gulf. Bobby will provide updates on their travels).
Day One
Today Dan Boever and I met our companions for the trip: Tom Watson, Corey Pavin, Matt Snook, Tim Simpson and Rick Kell, the goodwill tour organizer with Troops First Foundation.
Our group conducted a golf clinic outside Walter Reed Hospital. Then we gave lessons to approximately 14 wounded soldiers, most of whom were missing at least one limb.
We also visited with soldiers who are recuperating in the hospital wards at Walter Reed. They are recovering from serious battlefield injury and trauma.
All the troops we met expressed a strong desire to get back to their friends on the line. Their commitment to duty is amazing. I was honored and humbled to be in their presence.
Bobby’s trivia question #1: What brand of golf ball did Tom Watson play when he won the 1982 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach?
Art Sellinger’s RE/MAX WLDC Report #7
October 28, 2009
Suffice it to say that yesterday was one of the toughest days in RE/MAX WLDC history. The fierce wind storm that blew through Mesquite threatened the safety of players and fans, not to mention LDA staff and volunteers.
We had no alternative but to suspend Open Division play after only two groups had completed rounds one through four.
On the other side of the coin, we put together a schedule to get everything back on track by Thursday evening, barring no further interruptions like the two we’ve had already this week.
Last night’s welcome reception erased some of the disappointment that we didn’t get in more hitting yesterday. It was a fantastic evening at CasaBlanca Events Center, with more than 900 people in attendance.
Watching the 15th Anniversary tribute video brought back so many special memories to me. It’s hard to believe it has been 15 years. It seems like a blur.
The evening culminated with Brian Pavlet’s induction into the LDA Hall of Fame. Brian has been an icon in long drive for nearly 20 years. He is richly deserving of this tremendous accolade.
This morning we began the pro-am, and this afternoon we have on tap the Military Long Drive Championship Presented by 7UP.
Twenty champions of life — U.S. military personnel — take the tee at Mesquite Sports and Event Complex and make a memory to last a lifetime.
I hope everyone comes out for the finals, which begin at 4 pm and which will be hosted by my great friend David Feherty of CBS Sports.
Art Sellinger’s RE/MAX WLDC Report #6
Monday, October 26
By necessity, this update will be brief. We’re anticipating bad, possibly severe, weather in Mesquite tomorrow.
We have been busy notifying competitors that Tuesday’s start time has been moved up to 8 a.m., one hour earlier than scheduled. We are also taking every precaution to ensure the venue is safe and secure.
It’s unfortunate that conditions will not be like they were today. Senior Division competitors took advantage of the ideal conditions to post impressive numbers; some approached four bills (400 yards).
A blue-chip group advanced to Friday morning’s Round 8 on the winner’s side of the bracket: Pat Dempsey, 2009 European champion Johan Tumba, Bobby Wilson, Tom Celone, Stew Kirkland, Greg Walker, Doug Penneman and Gerry James.
Still alive in the loser’s bracket are imposing names like Sean Fister, Mike Gorton, Mike Barbarossa and the defending senior world champion, Dan Boever.
Tomorrow night we will host the welcome reception, highlighted by the presentation of 2008 RE/MAX championship rings and the induction of Brian Pavlet into LDA’s Hall of Fame.
I look forward to seeing everyone there.
Art Sellinger’s RE/MAX WLDC Report #5
Sunday, October 25
We were greeted at the RE/MAX championship venue this morning with brutal conditions. In the interest of the players, as well as for safety concerns, Mike Ambriz and I decided to postpone the start of play until mid-afternoon.
Temperatures warmed, but the strong headwind out of the north never did quiet down. Consequently, conditions made today a day for controlling ball flight and taking spin off the ball.
Given the conditions, anything over 300 yards was a great ball.
I was on the microphone for some of the Super Senior Division play, and I enjoyed watching long drive veterans like Don Wilburn, Marty Joyce, Dr. Bill Droege and others who have been such a big part of this championship through the years.
The Super Senior Division is fun to watch. The hitters have tremendous camaraderie among themselves.
I also had the chance to study tomorrow’s pairings for the Senior Division. Believe me, the talent is deeper than it’s ever been. The division has really come into its own, and I’m eager to see the seniors go at it.
Unfortunately, they are likely to face similar conditions tomorrow. A pretty strong and steady headwind is forecast.
Again, that will put a premium on making solid contact and reducing spin. Hitting a golf shot, in other words.
The other major news item to report is that LDA staff is continuing its CT testing of drivers. We are active and adamant about protecting the field for all competitors.
To recap, today was a day that required a lot of juggling for LDA staff and volunteers and a lot of patience on the part of competitors. Chances are, we’ll encounter more of this before the week is over. But we will adjust, adapt and move forward.
Finally, congratulations to Mike Gorton, Pat Dempsey, Pete DeBoer and Bobby Wilson, who advanced to Friday night’s match-play rounds.
Great job.
