Traveling again

I am currently in one of the most populated cities in the world, Mexico City. In fact it is the 8th most populated city in the world. I can't wait to share my experiences with you upon my return.

Always fashionable

Auke

The Fashion world is taking notice of Golf and vice-versa!

Two recent Golf/Fashion happenings are indications that finally the worlds of golf and fashion are merging on a domestic and global scale. Wilhelmina Artist Management signed the W7, a sign that German Fashion Impresario Dieter Esch realizes that in order to expand his global modeling agency, golf gives him uncharted waters to sail! See www.styledtoatee.com for a comprehensive report on the W7. (related article in LA Times)

The second Golf/Fashion happening was Golf For Women's first ever Style issue ... a reminder again that when it comes to fashion ... the ladies are SO far ahead of us men! Although I was employed by the "competition" I want to commend Golf For Women and The Golf Digest Company for this comprehensive effort. If there only would be a comparable men's golf publication that would have the sartorial moxie to undertake such a fashionable effort.

So, with the absence of Tiger for the next year (don't expect Tiger back before The Masters 2009) having dominated the golf news and the delightful disposition of Rocco Mediate becoming a great story, maybe fashion can claim it's rightful place in Golf!

If a global modeling agency and the No. 1 women's golf publication think enough of Fashion to make it their focus, who should follow? How about the networks dedicating more time and an expert to fashion features at the big tournaments. This way we can avoid the uninformed "side" comments of broadcasters, that know a lot about golf, but little about style & fashion. Fashion is a visual exercise and The Golf Channel has done very little with their resident expert Marty Hackel that takes on the fashion issue seriously!

Let me close with my prediction of the most Fashionable Golf organization of 2008 ... The LPGA ... they are starting to understand that fashion brands and luxury companies can be an integral part of the sponsorship pool. Once again we are being outsmarted by the smarter gender on the fashion front. Maybe it's time for the PGA Tour to hire a fashion expert to raise the fashion awareness and fashion brand sponsor involvement on the PGA Tour.

Auke

Southern California calls me ... so does home!

Southern California ... the land of celebrity, the Lakers, U.S. Open and amazing weather ... and the great experience of EURO 2008.

My sincere apologies for the delay on this report, but between the constant celebrity sightings, The Lakers NBA Final run, The U.S. Open at Torrey Pines and EURO 2008, where do I find the time? On my unexpected extended stay in Southern California I run into William Baldwin - with whom I share a birthday - frequently at the Beverly Hills Starbucks, run into Kelsy Grammer - with whom I share a birthday - at Tra di Noi in Malibu and see Jack Nicholson, Kimora Lee Simmons among others ... that's Tinseltown for you!

The city of Los Angeles has been swept away by the Lakers run and the Gold and Purple is everywhere. Although I have a tie with the Celtics, since Doc Rivers makes his home in my former place of residence Winter Park.

Oh golf ... well, enough said about Tiger's incredible U.S. Open victory ... just world class all the way. I had a hunch that we would see very little of Tiger the rest of the year and I was right. Reports today confirm that Tiger has shut it down for the rest of the season. But in the process Rocco Mediate won the heart of every golf fan and inspired every aging player to take on the young guns anytime! Little to report on the Fashion front except the stupid comment by Johnny Miller referring to Fashion plate Camilo Villegas' outfit as the viewer expecting him to show up to paint your house ... Keep it to the golf Johnny!

Okay ... I confess to the real reason for the delay ... My Dutch heritage has been swept up in EURO 2008, the European soccer championship where the "Brilliant Orange" have been dominating opponents like Italy, France and Romania. It is truly hard to convey what soccer means back home ... how about 50,000 Dutch supporters traveling to Bern to watch the game on a big screen in a CITY SQUARE just to be part of the jubilant festivities. I guess I'll get back to golf the first week of July?

As for SoCal ... very cool place with SO much to do, the question is how to"fit" it all in!

Auke

Sublime Trump National in Rancho Palos Verdes

It is not often that we get a chance to play a golf course where the entire course offers a vista of the grand Pacific Ocean. I was fortunate enough to play in the 2nd Annual Salvation Army Celebrity Golf Classic last Thursday at Trump National and it was a day to remember. Once you pass the Los Angeles harbor off the 110 it is just a few winding miles to Rancho Palos Verdes.

The golf course is situated on four different plateaus directly on the ocean. The views are just spectacular and the golf course is doing its reputation justice ... amazing!!! I suggest you bring your A-Game or a couple of extra sleeves of balls, if you have a chance to play this rather unforgiving gem, with waterfalls on three holes and penal rough!

I had the honor of playing with one of the most talented juniors in the country, 12-year-old Jonah Texeira from San Diego ... we had a fabulous time and turned in a 9-under for our shamble only 14 shots out of first place!

Plenty of celebrities in trendy threads were on hand for pictures and a great dinner with a Salvation Army presentation was inspiring. It's a good feeling to be able to contribute to a great charity and create relationships with like-minded golfers from different locales.

The "goody" bag had a very cool Fidra shirt as one of the gifts and what I will remember most is the camaraderie among our group and the great 12-year-old talent out driving me on just about every hole!

Full report on my pilgrimage to the Payne Stewart Golf Club in Branson Missouri

Upon my arrival in Springfield my great friend Bob Allen picked me up at the airport and we went straight to the Payne Stewart Golf Club in Branson, hopped on a turbo charged construction proof golf cart and toured the golf course ... WOW... where to begin.

The elevation from the first tee down to the fairway gets your attention right away, this is a beautiful and very solid opening hole. The front nine meanders through the hilly terrain of the Ozark plateau with nine being a very tough par four with a made for precision only second shot. Payne Stewart was a shot maker of the finest kind and expect to have to shape your ball here in order to score. Bobby Clampett and his team have done an admirable job of variety of shot selection, length and my favorite, they demand creativity around the greens.

The back nine starts out with a power fader's dream of a hole and by the time you get to the 15th hole you may choose between four different clubs on your approach, depending where the flag is on this long and narrow green.

There have been some creative names coined for certain stretches of holes, so what to call the closing 3 hole stretch at the Payne Stewart Golf Club ... Payne's World? You do need laser like long iron approaches, straight driving and a great short game, so that's my suggestion and I am sticking to it!

The 16th is a long par 3. .. all carry over water and if the pin is in the back right, I suggest NOT to shoot at it. The 17th is a tough par four that requires pin point precision ... from the TEE! A demanding second shot hopefully ends up ON the green ... par is a heck of a score! Eighteen is a slight dogleg left ... ALL the way uphill, hope you carry the hill, which leaves an approach that needs all your attention ... those bunkers are NOT green side, they are about 50 yards short, don't tell me I didn't warn you!

Measuring 7,400 yards from the tips the Payne Stewart Golf Club will instantaneously become a Tour level golf course. No matter what great events will be hosted at this special place ... the most special aspect is ... Payne Stewart's spirit is everywhere ... from his childhood friend Bob Allen to the wardrobe and trophy's displayed in the magnificent clubhouse to the special product - including the largest selection of plus fours in the country - you will come away in awe ... there is no place like it.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the entire team Bob, Gary, Mark, Steve, Heather, Jennifer, Jeanine, Daniel, Jeremy, Chuck, Jason and Sandy for making me feel like family in Branson, Missouri and show this worldly guest what a fantastic place they have chosen to reside.

The Pro-shop and Clubhouse will open June 21st. The first nine holes will open in September and the Grand Opening is scheduled two weeks before the Masters in April 2009. If you are ANY kind of golfer anywhere in the world ... you have to experience this very special golf course in a very special place.

With heartfelt thanks in Payne's spirit,

Auke Hempenius

My pilgrimage to the Payne Stewart Golf Club in Branson Missouri

There is only one way to feel the spirit of the Payne Stewart Golf Club ... experience it in person.

A week so special, it will remain with me for the rest of my life.

I am on my way to the airport of Springfield Missouri after a very special week in Branson Missouri visiting the Payne Stewart Golf Club. I will give you all the details later this week of what has been a fabulous week in a wondrous location at a spectacular property. I want to take this opportunity to thank my great friend Bob Allen for unrivaled hospitality and introducing to me to the great team that will be responsible for this very special golf property.

For a look at the club and the golf course www.paynestewartgolfclub.com.

Shivas Irons Society Florida Chapter launches with gathering at The PGA Golf Club

On April 26, The Florida Chapter of the Shivas Irons Society kicked off its activities with a day of camaraderie and golf at The PGA Golf Club in Port St Lucie. After an introduction of the Society by Florida organizers Bob Sabin and Auke Hempenius and a few Shivas inspired tips by PGA Golf Club GM Bob Baldassari, the group enjoyed 18 holes on the Pete Dye course.

Given the links type lay-out, the Dye course was a very appropriate venue for the SIS Florida Chapter Charter event. Afterwards the group visited the Historical museum for some Chivas Regal and expertly prepared hors d'oeuvres. The entire group received the Shivas Journal, the highly acclaimed periodical published by the Society.

The Florida chapter will host several events throughout the year and is in discussion with LPGA International for a Shivas Irons women's event and Sugerloaf Mountain for a Central Florida Shivas Irons event.

For information and dates of upcoming SIS events in Florida and nationwide please visit www.shivas.org