Style and Substance.

I have to confess... I'm kind of reeled in by the basketball playoffs! Close games ... spirited discussions in the press ... superstar rivalries and ... huge involvement of fans!

 

So what can Golf learn from this? The product is getting a little stale ... Tiger doesn't play a lot. His challengers show up inconsistently (My prayers are with Phil and Amy in this very tough time) and to be honest with you .... the media coverage is a little stale as well. Also the ball players are serious fashion branding vehicles with their very trendy attire at the press conferences ... although Lamar Odom was rightfully made fun off by Charles Barkley after showing up in a Red leather vest that was a little over the top.

 

One kudo mention for the CBS coverage for including a little Fashion segment in the telecast on Saturday. Narrated by Jim Nantz it was a better than average attempt, to inform the viewer of the growing influence of attire and player's brands ... Ian Poulter got a nice little plug! It would be nice for CBS to consider having a Style/Fashion expert doing the segment.

 

I am getting ready for the big Game 4 tonight Orlando-Cleveland and if the Magic make it to the finals, we will dedicate a window at Cavallini to the Blue and White ... IGNITE theme!!!!! Should be fun...especially if they play the Lakers! We may become the Magic headquarters in enemy territory!

When opportunity knocks.......you open the door!

I have made my way back to LA to create a one of a kind Golf retail experience ... Cavallini Golf.

The Golf Cognoscente Consortium has been percolating and will now have it's own retail concept in Beverly Hills. Yes, I was set on being in Florida, but this opportunity was something that combined my love for clothing and my passion for the game of Golf.

All our marketing members HONMA equipment. Antas custom slacks, Marbas Italian knit wear, Martin Dingman leather goods, MacKenzie Golf bags and La Scala hats are on board for the launch on June 21st.

I will keep you posted on developments on a regular basis.

Auke

So tired of non-informed poor apparel choices on the PGA Tour!!!!!!!

Here is a post from Styled To A Tee by Robert Lohrer that I posted my comments after.

PHIL SAY IT AIN'T SEW
It's with mixed emotions that I report that Phil Mickelson has no interest in making a commercial go of his own signature apparel line. I say this because Phil himself is very much sending mixed signals.

It's come to this: Phil the Thrill's daily fashion choices are now eagerly awaited, at least by those who have nothing better to do a small community of golf-style bloggers.

There he was again Thursday in Charlotte, brandishing his super-stylish short game and a forest-green polo with four-button placket and distinctive button-under collar; the custom-made too-short sleeves with a pair of amply cut white -- linen, perhaps? -- trousers that were a perfect fit for the humiture of Charlotte. (Of course, playing partner Davis Love III -- hereafter "Dapper Davis" -- had a slight edge from the waist down by pairing his Polo pants with classic saddle shoes while Phil went with all-white shoes. I think some of these things come naturally to Davis, he of the long and stylish swing and a closet crowded with Polo classics.)

But back to Phil. Camp Mickelson sent word directly to Styled to a Tee a few weeks back that Phil has no interest in affixing his name to his own golf sportswear line, even as he seems intent -- let's face it, aggressively so -- on sporting an altogether different look from his peers.

Regardless of his (lack of) commercial ambitions, his dress has never been more analyzed and scrutinized. The Wall Street Journal even took note of Phil's repeated flirtation with "The Full Cleveland," the white shoes/white belt pairing that is now commonplace among the Tour's younger set. The Golf Girl, Dogs That Chase Cars, the Khaki Crusader, and even the redoubtable Geoff Shackelford have fanned the flames surrounding Phil's fashion choices. Hey, here's an idea: Bring Phil to New York for an appearance on Project Runway. The challenge for the designers: Create a golf wardrobe that's stylish and distinctive but doesn't veer off the road into John Daly-esque clownishness.

Maybe the exposure will be the trigger that flips Phil's switch. Why should golf sportswear labels -- Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson, among them -- belong primarily to the deceased and superannuated?

Experimentation is Phil's modus operandi, be it with wedges, drivers, recovery shots or strategy off the tee on the 72nd hole of a U.S. Open. It's golf, the guy has a resume that's second to one, and more in the bank than most public companies. Why shouldn't Phil be synonymous with some fairway flair? -- Robert Lohrer

Phil needs some SERIOUS help! Quite a few years ago I suggested for the world top players to add a wardrobe consultant/stylist to their considerable posse......well.....it's time! EVERYTHING Phil "wears" accentuates his physical shortcomings! He needs a GENEROUS fitting shirt in a tiny pique weave, to hide his oft discussed "chest"! They need to be elbow length sleeves, to create proper proportion! He needs a ONE pleat pant with a fuller leg! He needs Brown or Black golf shoes with MATCHING belt and MATCH his hat to his attire instead of the good 'ol white! The ONLY thing I like is the collar on his shirt, it's creative and "suits" him well. I am available for a considerable fee to give Phil a most needed make-over, the timing is good....his game is "rounding" into shape, so should his wardrobe!!!!!
The Golf Cognoscente.
Posted by: Auke Hempenius | May 02, 2009 at 12:24 PM

Golf Cognoscente Consortium pavilion in Vegas? Golf as Art?

Will the PGA Merchandise Show in Las Vegas see the first Golf Cognoscente Consortium pavilion? Is the world ready for Golf as Art?

After being back in Sarasota for a little more than a month, here's an update on Golf Cognoscente developments. We are working on a Golf Cognoscente Consortium pavilion for the PGA Show in Las Vegas. The final proposal will go out to all the marketing members by the end of next week. With the PGA Show coinciding with Fashion Week, this would a FABULOUS way to launch our Consortium on a national level.

Golf as Art ...

After great deliberation and consulting with some people in my inner circle ... you heard it here first ... Golf as Art will be a paradigm shifting teaching facility in Sarasota ... that's all I can say right now. Stay tuned....

Auke

A return to my American roots in Sarasota, Fla.

It's been a few weeks since my last report of Style & Fashion in Golf. Reason being, my return to the first place I settled in America in 1984 ... Sarasota. I felt I needed a place where I could manifest my creativity and for that to happen, water has to be a part of the equation. Sarasota has very special meaning to me and the fondest of memories. I lived here from 1984 till 1995 and have to say ... it has always been, is, and always will be a special place of residence for me. The aesthetic beauty, the unrivaled beaches, the balmy weather and the amazing cultural options are second to none.

Sarasota's greatest claim to fame is as the winter home of the Ringling Barnum & Bailey Circus. Golf plays a big role in this cosmopolitan Florida Gulf Coast retreat. The historic Bobby Jones course was the site of a memorable Bobby Jones exhibition and a Paul Azinger City Championship some years ago. Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones dueled on the classic Sara Bay links. The LPGA played 17 years at Bent Tree Country Club and the Senior version of the Ryder Cup was hosted by the TPC of Prestancia during the late '80s and early '90s.

Recent Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger resides in Bradenton just to the north where David Leadbetter's Junior Academy is located. The Concession is a recent Jack Nicklaus/Tony Jacklin addition and Tom Fazio sculpted a beauty of a course for the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. I am sure you didn't know a few or all of these "local" facts.

This will be my place of residence for now and forever ... it is just THAT good. If you have any plans to visit call my new 941-320-2291 number and I'll be delighted to host you. Of course I'd had to be reconnected to the clothing industry and am delighted to report that my dear friend Hank Battie with his one-of-a-kind custom haberdashery Cravats' is my new sartorial abode. Check out www.CravatsCustomClothier.com for the unique offerings of a man I have called my friend for almost 20 years. In the near future we will be making announcements of which role the Golf Cognoscente Consortium will play at Cravats'.

For now ... balmy greetings from Sarasota ... lush fairways, perfect greens and only One putts!

Ciao...

Auke

Marbas to provide wardrobe for SyberVision

Marbas, a founding member of the Golf Cognoscente consortium, will provide elegant, embroidered shirts for the new SyberVision DVD featuring PGA golfer and CBS commentator, Bobby Clampett.

SyberVision, one of the most successful golf training DVDs of all time, was first developed by Steve DeVore in the 1980s with swings and drills featuring Al “Mr. 59″ Geiberger - pro emeritus at Stone Eagle, another Golf Cognoscente partner. Its success and popularity, coupled with new developments in both neuroscience and camera technology, made now the right time to release a new version.

“Marbas makes world class apparel and we are thrilled to have their gracious support,” said Scott Clark, partner in Golf Cognoscente and owner of Lostball Studios, which will produce the new DVD. “With over 1 million copies sold of the original SyberVision, Marbas is sure to see widespread value and recognition. This is not your average training DVD and Marbas is not your average apparel company.”

SyberVision will be filmed March 8-9 at the beautiful Quail Lodge golf course in Monterey, Calif. The DVD will be released later in 2009.

Joseph Puskarich' dream soars like an eagle on to the Golf course ... Antas Apparel!

Dreams are a plan with a time line ... The Eagle has landed on the finest fairways on the links all over the United States ... Antas ready-made and custom slacks redefine an entire Golf classification!

A 20-year clothing veteran with an 11-year tenure at venerable Italian trouser powerhouse Zanella Joe Puskarich knows pants ... like the back of his pocket. The game of Golf has had its share of great dressers like Walter Hagen, Sam Snead and Ben Hogan. What do these three Golf icon's have in common ... they showed a great appreciation for their attire ... especially their trousers. Today's global superstar touring pro's are endorsed by multinational Golf conglomerates, but these players choose to have their trousers custom tailored. Nothing compares to a fine Italian super 130s wool custom pant. The Antas drape, fit, comfort and style are unrivaled.

Antas is a member marketing partner of Golf Cognoscente which identifies best in market products in the world of Golf. At the recent PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando the best-dressed teaching professional and buyers made their way to the Antas booth to be impressed by the fabulous collection of slacks, shorts in an amazing array of solids and patterns.

With a ready-made stock program and the custom made feature Antas will become the brand of choice for the well-dressed amateur, teaching professional and touring professional. With artisan tailors painstakingly creating Antas works of Art one at the time, you owe it to your self to take a look at www.antasapparel.com where you will find all the information you need to dress your best.

The player that is dressed to kill, always has the advantage ... and always will.

Golf Cognoscente makes debut at PGA Merchandise Show

With boxes of the Golf Cognoscente magazine fresh from the printer in Commerce, Calif. arriving on the exact day of the HONMA Sake party, it was a back breaking pace for me at the PGA Merchandise Show. We were fortunate enough to have the GolfChannel Web site doing an on-camera interview, which we will see soon on www.golfchannel.com.

The Sake tasted great and I needed it! Traversing the Show floor several times gave me the opportunity to see our current marketing partners Antas, Dorfman-Pacific, Walter Genuin and Marbas. I had some great conversation with potential future marketing partners like the Golf Bar 1st and 10th Tee, Winston Golf Company, Tifosi sunglasses, Ahead, Nespresso, Malcolm de Mille etc.......

The print piece came out looking beautiful and the feedback was just great. It was good to reconnect with a lot of people and to show our new luxury Golf Cognoscente platform. I spent the evening with the Walter Genuin crew at Corona, the amazing cigar boutique on Sand Lake Road and have to confess....the beer tasted great!

The second day we had a Champagne party at Antas and a busy day circulating the magazine to make our presence known. I was honored to be invited to the HONMA dinner at Ming Court with the entire delegation from Japan. The new HONMA product looks absolutely fabulous and we are truly proud to have the Rolls Royce of golf clubs as our exclusive golf equipment marketing partner.

The third day is traditionally a little lighter in attendance, but I had the chance to finalize a lot of things, including a meeting with our potential British partner Fairway to Green. A lot of exciting opportunities will come out of this show, because we offer a niche print, Web, HD Video and event platform in the luxury golf market.

I am now settled in the Palm Beach area and invite everybody to become involved in our efforts to create a Consortium of luxury Golf brands that will execute at a world class level. We will soon announce our first event...stay tuned....

Ciao...

Auke.

The Aukesphere merges with www.golfcognoscente.com

Let me first wish all our Fashionable golf aficionado's a blessed Holiday season. I hope 2009 brings you health, prosperity and most importantly unprecedented Style!

I am stoked to announce that the Aukesphere will merge with our brand spanking new effort www.golfcognoscente.com , the multimedia platform, which we expect will be the benchmark for visceral execution in Golf photography and High Definition Video.

The logo you see on the right is created from our photo shoot at incredible Stone Eagle and will become our calling card. The Golf Cognoscente Consortium will lead the way in luxury golf brand marketing and will become the most fashionable address for all your Stylish Golf wardrobe, - accessories and equipment needs!

In 2009 look for in-depth features of all member brands and a killer introduction at the PGA Show with a sake hour at HONMA and a Chivas tasting at Antas. We will inform you of the GCC tapings and events ... you have to be there, to experience the finest in Golf & Style!!!!

I will see you at www.golfcognoscente.com and around the country at fabulous Golf venues.

Respectfully and always in Golf Cognoscente Style,

Auke.

A sneak peak at the photographic images of Golf Cognoscente.

For our loyal readers/viewers we would like to give you a little preview of the fantastic photographs of our Golf Cognoscente shoot at the visually dramatic Stone Eagle Golf Club in Palm Desert(photos).

We are currently in the editing process of our premier issue and it is a pretty cool experience to work on what promises to be quite the launch at the PGA Merchandise Show.

The high definition footage will be converted in a fabulous marketing tool for all our marketing partners to be shown off at the show. As soon as we have a sneak peak ready we will post it for you.

In closing a tidbit of news ... the brand spanking new www.golfcognoscente.com Web site will launch Jan. 1 with a photographic gallery and HD video, which will redefine the golf multimedia platform as we know it.

I wish all of you a joyous Holiday season and a prosperous 2009 in good health ... Auke.

Golf Cognoscente shoot at Stone Eagle in Palm Desert turns out simply ... SPREZZATURA

When five months of work culminate in one big day there is a lot on the line... We as the entire crew of Golf Cognoscente were so fortunate and blessed with all components coming together like MAGIC! It was simply ... Sprezzatura (effortless genius)!

The weather was Desert Supreme on Friday Dec. 5 .... clear and sunny mid-70s. We all arrived a day early on Thursday to scout the Awesome Stone Eagle property in haze and clouds. I had tried to add an automotive component to the shoot but to no avail ... well when we were getting ready to make the hike up to the golf course at 1100 feet of elevation, from the pro-shop this retro sounding car pulled up ... a mint condition Champagne 1940 Packard convertible owned by Stone Eagle member Robert MacLochlen. We found a way to get it ON the driving range by way of gravel path and security gate and it was the perfect Gatsby era prop to our shoot.

We combined an HD Video DVD shoot and photo shoot all in one day and ended up with 3.5 hours of High Definition Video content and 680 photographic images. Our Golf Iconoclasts were Stone Eagle Pro Emeritus Al Geiberger, Ashworth principal partner and creative Director John Ashworth and Renaissance Golf Course Architect Tom Doak.

The format is truly one of a kind. Play golf with our feature subjects of Golf Cognoscente Magazine at a spectacular venue and record it photographically and on HD video to create an authentic and visually compelling new multimedia platform in Golf. Scott Clark played a few holes with Tom Doak, yours truly played a few holes with John Ashworth and Tom Doak and John Ashworth played a few holes with John Ashorth draining a 25 footer on the 18th for a natural birdie! The Fashion shoot took place with the Packard on the range and on 18 and 19! My great friend Al Geiberger was our host and instructed both Tom Doak and myself. He also explained the single pivot technique and put some HONMA equipment to the test.

Over the next couple of weeks I will chronicle the entire shoot, but for now I want to thank my business partner Scott Clark, our videographer Whitey Wilson and our photographer Erika Seress for a Fabulous job pulling this all together. Our Golf Cognoscente marketing partners Antas Golf, Marbas, HONMA, Martin Dingman, Walter Genuin, Esquivel, Dorfman-Pacific, Jox Sox, MacKenzie golf bags and E-motion are true visionary companies for coming on board and sharing our vision.

I would like to thank John Fitzpatrick and Ted Lannon of Stone Eagle for allowing us to shoot at Stone Eagle, which Tom Doak calls his most visually dramatic project above Cape Kidnappers and Pacific Dunes ( I have proof ). It was a fantastic experience to shoot our premier issue at such an AWESOME and unique venue. From the pro-shop staff, to the golf pro, to the food & beverage staff ... the treatment was world-class!

Auke

Golf Cognoscente photo/HD Video DVD shoot set for Stone Eagle

What do you get when you put together like minded luxury Golf companies like HONMA golf equipment, Marbas Italian golf apparel, Martin Dingman leathergoods for life, Antas Golf hand tailored luxury in custom Golf slacks, Walter Genuin golf shoes, Esquivel custom shoes, E-motion sensor controlled electronic caddy, Mackenzie golf bags and Jox Sox ... Golf Cognoscente!

It almost looked like it was not going to happen, let's not pull the wool over the golf ball here ... times are tough these days. But here is proof that execution at a world class level will attract the right marketing partners.

I am delighted to report that John Ashworth will be there to shed his unique perspective on the world of authentic Style in Golf. The hottest Golf course designer on the planet, Tom Doak will "show" us the nuances and intricacies of Stone Eagle ... his gem in Palm Desert. My dear friend Al Geiberger will show us where to hit it at Stone Eagle and will uncover the secrets of the single pivot technique.

Golf Cognoscente will be launched in print at the PGA Merchandise Show with a launch party at HONMA during their first annual Sake-hour the first day of the Show and a cocktail hour at Antas Golf on the second day of the Show. Golf Cognoscente will only be available through our marketing partners and during the PGA Shows in Orlando and Las Vegas.

The shoot will be this Friday and we will share images and footage with our audience soon thereafter.

Stoked.......from Beverly Hills....Auke.

What do exotic cars and golf have in common?

I was wondering what my subject should be, when I reminded myself that our evening in Italy party at Cavallini actually had a link to golf! Let's talk about fabulous cars and the golfers that love them.

Let's start with No 1 him self Sir Tiger. With his well publicized sponsor relationship with Buick, the real cognoscenti know that Tiger LOVES his Porsche(s) ... Mr. Appleby can be seen parking his yellow Lamborghini in the Bay Hill parking lot every March.

But who among pro golfers is the most prolific car aficionado? There is no contest here ... Darren Clark is well known for his passion of fast and exotic wheels. Well there you have it... last Wednesday at Cavallini in Beverly Hills we organized a client appreciation event with Ferrari race car driver Costantino Bertuzzi ... if only Darren could have been there. We will draw a race experience with "Costa" during the Cavallini Holiday party on Dec.11, so for all you golfers in the SoCal area, come on over!

Golf Cognoscente taking shape beautifully in tough times

I am delighted to report that the premier issue of Golf Cognoscente is taking shape beautifully. We are receiving a tremendous amount of support in these tough times, due to the fact that we are creating a luxury lifestyle Golf magazine/HD video DVD property unlike any other.

The support from our publishing partner Beverly Hills Report is amazing and the content will be focusing in-depth on Couture and Golf. We will be shooting at Stone Eagle in Palm Desert on Dec. 5 and our major marketing partners HONMA equipment, Blue Star Jets private planes, Antas custom Golf slacks and Walter Genuin Golf shoes will be showcasing their product.

We can't wait to launch the premier issue at the PGA Show in Orlando and share our passion with 50,000 global attendees. I will keep you posted on developments closer to the publishing date.

Ciao....Auke.

Severiano Ballesteros the virtuoso is in my prayers

The latest news is that Severiano is stabilizing after three brain surgeries. I hope and pray he makes it through the toughest challenge of his life and will be able to enjoy health and prosperity in his later years. Having read most or all of the news articles during these trying times for "Seve", something was amiss.

Yes, a reference to the European Arnold Palmer was nice, but here is my contention. Where are the personalities today? Some cognoscente in the fine arts state that supreme talent only arrives once a century, well I guess we'll have to wait maybe 10, 20 or 50 years? What about Tiger Woods? With all due respect to Tiger and his phenomenal record ... a lot of what made Seve truly Seve was his swashbuckling personality in his prime.

Let me go back a little further in time in the American Golf history books and give you my equivalent of Seve on this side of the pond ... Walter Hagen. A self made swing and a short game that would put the scare in every player that walked up to the first tee to face him! In today's global commercial sports world a kid with that much talent would be "robotted" by age 12.

I am reminded of Payne Stewart's dad to his new high school coach....."You can teach him to be on time and behave, but don't change his swing". When I used to watch the Chrysler Cup in Sarasota in the early '90s, I was always mesmerized by Chi Chi Rodriguez' incredible talent and individualism. Will we see another Walter Hagen, Chi Chi Rodriguez or Seve Ballesteros among the crop of current or up and coming Tour players? Will we be impressed by low scores and long drives for the sake of the game or are there others yearning to have virtuosity and individualism sprinkled in among this great game's most important ingredients?

Seve you are an original ... may you fully recover to enjoy the golden years of a life that has given so much joy to golf aficionado's the world over.

In creative spirit

Auke

Interview with 'Golf in the Kingdom' Producer Mindy Affrime

Recently I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Golf in the Kingdom Producer Mindy Affrime, about the history of the movie.

"When I was working at Warner Brothers I got pitched on Golf in the Kingdom. I read the book and it really spoke to the way I played golf. I used to play on late Friday afternoons in Mill Valley by myself and experienced the sublime qualities that golf offers, like merging with nature, opportunity for reflection and quieting the mind. I loved the book and through a friend at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, I called Michael Murphy the author. We had a great conversation ... back in 1989.

We met in Saucilito, hit it off, came back to Hollywood and wrote him a check. Clint Eastwood got word of the movie project and wanted to meet with us. After a meeting with Michael, myself and Clint, Michael said:"I can't think of anybody better to make Golf in the Kingdom."

Clint has been a great supporter of the GITK project and calls it his golf "bible."

A few years ago Clint relinquished his rights to the movie, for Michael and myself to independently create a movie that reflects the authenticity and integrity of the greatest Golf novel ever written."

Tune in next week to see how next year on the 20th anniversary of that fateful first conversation Golf in the Kingdom will become a reality in 2009!

In Shivas' spirit,

Auke

'Golf in The Kingdom' pre-production set

The pre-production for the movie Golf in the Kingdom is set for Nov. 15 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon. Stay tuned for my next blog, where I will be posting my interview with Mindy Affrime, the movie's producer. For more information on Golf in the Kingdom go to www.findshivas.com.

Always fashionable
Auke

adidas group acquires Ashworth Inc.

In a development rumored in the golf business over the last couple of weeks, adidas group has acquired all outstanding Ashworth shares for $ 1.90 a share equaling 72.8 million in cash. The acquisition will give Ashworth the global clout of a power house of an athletic brand and the resources to accomplish what Ashworth could not accomplish on it's own ... deep penetration in all golf channels globally!

With John Ashworth's return to his namesake brand last year, insiders expected a quick turn around from the dismal developments in the last decade. It wasn't that easy.....distribution mistakes and lack of creativity in design left deeper scars than expected. Now with the new owners, who know a thing or two about global domination and fierce competition, I have a feeling we will see the Ashworth Eddie Fadel imagined when he returned to Ashworth.

John Ashworth at the helm creatively with unrivaled designs and a return to the glory days of the early 90s! Let's hope that the adidas group respects the talents of Eddie Fadel and John Ashworth and let's this dynamic duo run Ashworth the way it should have been run for the last 10 years.

This also signifies the recognition of a smart global business entity that a Golf apparel company should be run by knowledgeable insiders, instead of by a board made up of hedge fund financial "experts", who don't have a clue about the Golf business!

Golf Cognoscente to launch at PGA Show in Orlando

How does it feel to go against the grain of gloom and doom ... I am happy to say ... FABULOUS!!!!

Who in the right mind would think of launching a new multimedia project in Golf right now? I'll go with the words of Joe Puskarich of Foundation Golf custom slacks...."You are considered a renegade in the Golf business." ... I'll take that quote any day and proudly wear the title of renegade.

When a labor of love comes to fruition, it seems like it has a self propelling energy ... like-minded people create this "fraternity" and it grows from there. I have to say a large part of the mind boggling progress of Golf Cognoscente is word of mouth -- six degrees of separation? Try one degree of separation ... everybody involved in our project seems to know just the right people!

From our visit to other worldly Stone Eagle in Palm Desert or as I like to say "On top of the world" with my dear friend Al Geiberger, to a conversation with Todd Rohrer of MacKenzie Golf Bags saying: " I don't know what I can contribute financially, but I want to be a part of this." ... to Eddie Fadel, president of Ashworth giving us the supreme compliment:" Having John Ashworth on the cover is a BIG deal!"

Let me not omit my good friend and net worker extraordinaire Scott Clark, president of Lost Ball Productions in San Francisco, who at 32? ... has the art of networking down like nobodies business! Scott from me to you, it is a privilege to work with you!

Ooohhh ... how about The Shivas Irons Society and it's fearless leader Steve Cohen? Let me tell you, if you are a Golf Aficionado you just HAVE to join. Visit www.shivas.org and give them some money for a membership ... it will be the best money you spend in 2008!

I guess it is apparent by now, that we LOVE what we do and we just can't wait to have everybody share in what we believe will redefine the Golf publishing and HD/video business as we know it. Golf Cognoscente -- the authority on the luxury lifestyle of Golf!

What a Scottish affair in Beverly Hills!

Monday night was transformed into a premier movie kind of night with the entire cast of Golf in the Kingdom present at the Glenfiddich tasting at Cavallini! Everyone had a great time tasting the Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch, the gourmet cheeses from the Cheese Impresario and enjoying the fabulous products of Cavallini Italian Clothier and Leon's jewelry of Beverly Hills.

If the atmosphere was any indication, the shooting of the movie in Bandon Dunes will be a well-oiled affair. David O'Hara was the perfect example of a Scottish "gentle" man, making those smooth Glenfiddich shots disappear in the blink of an eye. With the entire creative team present, Cavallini was transformed in Golf Movie Central, with networking between movie moguls and L.A. executives.

Stay tuned to the Aukesphere for the latest news on the production of what promises to be a Golf movie classic with the best dressed golfers of all time ... Golf in the Kingdom!