For most golfers, winning a trophy at a golf tournament is hard. The lucky draw prizes are something that they look forward to. So place emphasis on this to avoid causing a riot!
BY PATRICK HO SENG
Pro golfers that you see on TV make the game look easy.
The images of stars like Tiger Woods inspire golfers to work harder on their game at the practice range... all in the quest to win a trophy or two of their own.
But, the reality is that most of us are bogged down by work and family commitments.
Going for lessons, practicing and playing golf has become a luxury to say the least.
Playing in an amateur tournament is a big deal for the majority.
Some even have sleepless nights thinking of the course layout and where to land the ball!
But in fair truthfulness, most would not have a chance of making it into the top 10 of the gross category if they have not been practicing and playing regularly.
A trophy has eluded thousands who try, and try again.
So why waste time playing in a golf tournament when you don't have a chance, the wife may ask?
Camaraderie is sacred in golf, that's why we participate.
It's not just about winning prizes.
For starters, people play the game because there is always hope in golf.
Hope in hitting the longest drive in your life...
Hope in making five birdies over 18 holes...
Hope of finally winning at least one trophy before you die.
But for many, the one thing that they look forward to (or have any winning chance!) is the lucky draw category.
Who doesn't love the feeling of winning something like an expensive watch, a free holiday trip to Bali, or even the latest mobile phone.
However, there have been some tournaments that have broken hearts, demoralized the strongest of men.
Over the years of my short golf career, members of golf clubs have shared tragic stories with me about some lucky draw prizes they received.
Some were petty complaints but most sounded like a huge travesty of the essence of the game.
So, here's a list of what NOT to give as a lucky draw prize:
1. Golf Ball Retriever: This is a classic insult, an "adding salt to wound" piece of junk to give any golfer, of any level. I have never owned one and I am totally against it. I know people who actually slow up play using this 'THING' to fish their own balls, and others', just to "save" money (Sell your BMW lah!).
2. Shaver (Men/Women): No, no, no... If a lady golfer just played the worst 18 holes of her life and you give her a shaver to shave her legs..., RUN! Yes, this is a classic of all classics folks. A few tournaments have been so bright that they thought that a shaver would be a great gift. *facepalm*
3. Umbrella: Don't get me wrong... an umbrella is a necessity to protect golfers from the sun. But if you had to give one, please give it as a door gift. Would you feel lucky winning an umbrella when you already have a few?
4. Golf Equipment: "Why would I want to win another piece of equipment or brand that I don't like, or already have in the bag?". Most golfers own at least 3 sets in the storeroom and their wives are planning to get rid of them!
5. Cap: Seriously..........
6. Socks: "Do I look like I cannot afford socks?"
7. Welding Machine: Yes, many years ago, a tournament gave one away. A true story.
8. Golf Bag Trolley: A great lucky draw gift..., only if your club allow golfers to pull one. But generally, a wrong item to give.
9. Golf polo: "It wasn't even my size or colour!!!"
10. Discount vouchers: These belong in goodie bags and not as lucky draw prizes. PRIZES people, not something that a golfer has to add payment to own.
So there you have it.
These are but some of the worst lucky draw prizes ever presented to mankind.
If you have some horror stories of your own, do share them in the comments section.
Fairways and greens.
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