Greg Norman transcends what is a game into what is life!

I was planning to feature a company in this week's Aukesphere's blog, but then Greg Norman decided to turn us from realists into dreamers...

The most telling quote after the British open was: " If you want something, go get it, chase your dream at any age" and for that I thank Greg. I had the pleasure of interviewing Greg after his final round at the Father and Son tournament in 2007 and came away impressed.

In his earlier days Greg was not very well liked on Tour … he was considered rather aloof and selfish ... but this was 20 years ago! Greg is in the best place of his life, because he is fulfilled in his personal life. His aggressive playing style that used to pulverize golf courses is still embedded in the body of this 53-year young Australian Golf icon. Ask any of the 20-plus Australians on Tour and they will answer en masse ... Greg Norman was their inspiration when they grew up.

On the Fashion front, it was a "regular" cap that topped the graying locks of Norman, due to the constant gale at Royal Birkdale. But with his physique in the best shape of ANY athlete at this tender age obviously the Greg Norman Collection gained tremendous exposure last week.

In the afore mentioned interview Greg mentioned the Greg Norman brand had 22 consecutive growing quarters! Hopefully the brand takes advantage with some congratulatory ads in the Golf media. I for one will get in touch with the PR person Nikki di Gennario and personally extend my congratulations.

Not often it is that a sport in this case Golf enters mainstream conscience ... Greg's story was one that inspired, delighted and instilled hope to chase the dream ... whatever that may be ... for that ... Greg, thank you for the inspiration to millions!

See you on the Senior Tour in March 2011!

Auke

Absence makes the heart ...for the game ... grow fonder

Coming back from a week in Mexico without golf due to rain, it made me realize how the game affects my life. Playing the game gives me not only a creative outlet, but also is such a great way to get to know people. Having enjoyed the culture, people and traditions of Mexico in Tijuana, Mexico City and Cuernavaca, it feels good to be back in the good old US of A. My decision to extend my stay in California is sinking in and in the next eight months I will be reporting from the West Coast.

On the Fashion front LA is a hip place and I am looking forward to play the great courses and reporting on the threads of California. I will also be visiting with some California based companies like adidas and Ashworth. If anyone has any great tips, let me know. I will be in the Thousand Oaks/LA area. I have played Trump National and Lost Canyons and will be playing Bel-Air Country Club soon.

On Tour it looks like Anthony Kim will be a spirited addition to the Ryder Cup team. His belt buckle is certainly getting the attention from the Fashion cognoscenti … belt buckles on both Tours are making a splash … Rocco Mediate, Annika Sorenstam, Suzann Pettersen and Lorena Ochoa are all sporting very cool buckles custom made per their instructions.

Starting next week I will be doing in-depth features on various Fashion companies.
Stay tuned and remember … the player that is dressed to kill always has the advantage … and always will.

JOIN THE CLUB: Better Golf for Women

I had the distinct privilege to appear in a fashion segment on the PGA Web site. Each week they do a spot called Better Golf for Women presented by Kohler and this week's feature is on fashion. Check it out on the PGA Web site. It's under the Join the Club section.
Join the Club
Your golf game can vary from time to time, but you can always look good on the course.

Remember, a well-dressed golfer always has an advantage and always will ... when they are dressed to kill.

Auke

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!