Fashion in Vegas and sneak peak at Payne Stewart Golf Club

A fabulous week ... first I had the pleasure of viewing all of the outstanding fashion at the great PGA Fall Expo in Vegas followed by four fabulous days during the 9-hole opening of the FANTASTIC Payne Stewart Golf Club in Branson, Mo.  

I was truly touched and honored when I was invited to be the very first to tee off, with the first official group on the first tee early Friday. I felt Payne's spirit when I striped it down the middle with a gentle draw, just like Payne would have.

I can't say enough about the hospitality extended to me by iconic Bob Allen who embodies the spirit of Payne Stewart in such a caring and loving way. I stayed at the infamous birdhouse where we had a great party on Friday night. The Silver Oak, which was Payne's favorite wine flowed freely and I want to thank Gary Fultz for cooking great steak on the grill and Mark Elgin for being a fabulous host! 

I met Tony the new assistant pro and his wife Shawna and they are going to LOVE it in Branson. I played 27 holes on Sunday and let me tell you when this course opens in its full glory in May 2009 it will be a Tour caliber venue. I played it from the tips and it is ALL any touring professional will be able to handle! It is my sincere wish that the powers to be in Ponte Vedra will consider the Payne Stewart Golf Club for a Tour event. 

The clubhouse is spectacular with pictures, trophies and memorabilia of Payne's life. The pro shop has a plethora of great brands in men's and women's fashion and of course a nice selection of Payne's trademark...plus fours! You will even see Payne's own Fore ltd shoes displayed....talk about an infusion of spirit!

People get ready...you HAVE to make a trip either now or when the entire 18 holes open in May 2009 and tell Bob Allen and his dynamite shop manager Heather Holmes I sent you!

In Payne's spirit,

Auke