Imprelis facts website launched

In a letter to customers sent out on Wednesday, Michael McDermott, global business leader for DuPont products, announced the company was launching www.imprelis-facts.com to "carry the latest information about Imprelis and make it easier for you to report problems."

McDermott also says that the company has hired 20 independent arborist companies to look into claims that Imprelis has caused tree damage on Norway spruce and white pine trees. The letter states that the area is concentrated in a band that includes Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Wisconsin.

McDermott also says the company will be launching a toll-free number that will go live on Monday, Aug. 1st.

To visit the site, click here.

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 30 -- Tiger the Comic

There are a few things I never got into growing up: the first being video games, believe it or not I have never owned a gaming console; it’s just never been my thing. I would rather be outside.

The other is comic books. I just never understood the draw to reading cartoons about fictional characters. No disrespect intended to our esteemed Mr. Jones, who I know owns a comic book or two!

But for all you attendees of the nerdfest known as Comic-Con, pay attention: Bluewater Productions has introduced a new biography comic book about one Mr. Tiger Woods titled “Fame: Tiger Woods.” The comic book is available on Amazon.com for $3.99.

I think the idea of a comic book about the life of Tiger Woods is a joke. Who is going to waste $3.99 on a comic book filled with the same information available on TMZ? Like I said, I’m not into comic books but would rather read about The Flash, Superman or The Thing than Tiger Woods.

I really do understand the draw of Tiger. It’s not lost on me. At one time he was THE dominant golfer in the world, I get it. But he hasn’t really even played golf in the last few years. I guess I don’t understand why people are so infatuated with him. Why not follow the newer up-and-coming golfers on tour?

Do you think the comic book will include a drawing of a smashed up Escalade, Tiger getting thumped in the head with a 9-iron or Tiger throwing clubs during a tantrum? I doubt it. I am sure it is about how he became “The most famous golfer of all time,” a real feel-good comic book.

Seriously, who thinks this is a good idea? Is anyone going to purchase this comic book besides Seth?

-- Matt Hendren

Jacobsen named 2012 Old Tom Morris Award winner

From GCSAA's press release:

Multiple PGA TOUR winner and renowned golf course designer Peter Jacobsen has been selected to receive the 2012 Old Tom Morris Award by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

The award will be presented at the 2012 GIS in Las Vegas.

"Peter has done much for the game of golf, and he has been an advocate for golf course superintendents," GCSAA President Robert M. Randquist, CGCS, said. "He has also been quite giving of himself for charitable events. He is a perfect fit for the Old Tom Morris Award, and we look forward to recognizing him at the GCSAA Education Conference."

GCSAA's most prestigious honor, the Old Tom Morris Award, is presented each year to an individual who "through a continuing lifetime commitment to the game of golf has helped to mold the welfare of the game in a manner and style exemplified by Old Tom Morris." Morris (1821-1908) was greenkeeper and golf professional at the St. Andrews Links Trust Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland; a four-time winner of the British Open (1861, '62, '64 and '67); and ranked as one of the top links designers of the 19th century.

Jacobsen has won seven times on the PGA TOUR and two Champions Tour majors, the 2004 U.S. Senior Open and the 2005 Senior Players Championship. He played for the U.S. Ryder Cup teams in 1985 and 1995. Jacobsen has finished in the top 11 of all four majors, including third place finishes at both the 1983 and 1986 PGA Championships. He reached as high as seventh place in the end-of-season money list in 1995, and earned the 2003 PGA TOUR Comeback Player of the Year after winning the Greater Hartford Open that year at the age of 49.

Kauff talks PGA

Nice interview with our friend Kasey Kauff about the PGA Champioship in the Winston-Salem Journal.

The PGA Championship is going to be here before we know it. It already feels like the right weather for it!

Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe

Here's a shot of one of the many great looking holes at the course.

Love that rock in the fairway. I aimed at it and missed it by 60 yards, naturally.

Look what I found

In the pro shop!

Popped in at the Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego to see what was going on. Got a great tour of the course from superintendent Chris Erickson. Then, you know, I had to play nine holes... (birdied my final hole. I think I'll get rid of my regular clubs and just play loaners from now on!)

But the biggest thrill I had was when I hit the pro shop and saw this exact scene next to the two lounge chairs. I had to take a photo. Erickson laughed and said, "I swear that was not set-up."

Great trip today, thanks so much Chris! I'll post photos of the course soon!

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 29 -- Americans Represent!

Hello?

Tap-tap-tap

Is this blog on? Testing one, testing one, two, three! HELLO?!

Wow! No response to my last post on Flogton? Not one comment? Really? I guess that is what I get when I try to compete with Women’s soccer. Women’s soccer is apparently all the rage? It’s not my deal but who am I to say what sucks and what doesn’t? I guess my blog entries suck because I CAN’T EVEN GET ONE COMMENT ON SOMETHING AS RIDCULOUS AS FLOGTON!

All joking aside I know all too well how this time of year is not the best to spend time in your office reading blogs! Don’t worry; fall is right around the corner!

Congratulations to Putt For Dough for winning the inaugural edition of the British Open Golfdom Hackoff! Coming in second, by just two points, was L-Town Fun Police and Turfdoug finished in third. Make sure to send Mr. Jones (sjones@questex.com) your contact info so he can get you your awesome prizes!

Congrats to Darren Clarke for winning the 140th Open Championship at Royal St. George’s. Clarke won by three strokes with a final score of five under. I’ll be honest, I don’t know that much about Darren but anyone who is at the presser for his first major win, brings a pint of Guinness with him, and tells the media to excuse him while he takes a drink, is OK in my book.

I'm not trying to take anything away from Mr. Clarke but in my opinion it wasn’t Clarke’s victory that was the most exciting part of the weekend. For my money the best part was that Anthony Kim, Rickie Fowler and Chad Campbell all tied for fifth with a score of even par for the tournament and Dustin Johnson tied for second with Phillyum. We need the young American golfers, the next “big things,” to show up week-in and week-out, especially at Major Tournaments if we want to grow golf in America into the super sport we all know it is!

I almost forgot to mention that Tiger’s World Golf Ranking has now dropped to 20th! Keep it up Tiger, keep snapping that left knee at impact and before you know it you will be 40 and dropped out of the top 100. It’s just a matter of time and I will be here enjoying every minute!

If you have time, scroll down just a bit and read last week’s post on Flogton. I promise you will not be disappointed!

-- Matt Hendren

Meet the grounds crew, people with... dreams?

Saw this via my Facebook friend Poa Annua...

Meet the grounds crew, people with dreams and passions as big as yours via Golf.com.

The issue that Poa and friends of Poa were having with this story was... the story is a little patronizing... as in, "Who in their right mind would do this work?"

I can't stand being patronized. It's one of the very few things that can set me off.

I see where the author was trying to go with the story. He was trying to introduce the reader to a group he believes most are unfamiliar with. Hence the, "Ed Juba is not an assistant superintendent. He's a symphony orchestra conductor."

But, being familiar with the work, with the people who make it happen.... well, let me ask you: what do you think?

Condescending toward the industry? Or complimentary? Check out the story and then vote in the poll above!

The Jones family loses its last Grandpa

This has nothing to do with the world of Golf maintenance. I don't think my Grandpa ever once set foot on a golf course.

But Grandpa Nick passed away last week. I was one of his pallbearers. Grandpa was a good guy. While not as big a part of my life as my dad (who died of brain cancer at age 62 two years ago) or my mom, he was an important part of my life.

This is the tribute I wrote to my Grandpa last week... my cousin was kind enough to read it at his service. I thought I'd post it here, because even though Grandpa didn't golf, he still helped me get where I am today.

******

Sad news. Grandpa Nick passed away last night. He was 84. A long life. These last few years had been hard on him, so it's a relief that Grandpa is no longer suffering from his many ailments he was stricken with in his last years.

Grandpa was a first-generation Mexican-American, a WW II vet, a 40-year Boeing employee, a member of a biker gang, a Jayhawk fan and most important to me, my friend. He absolutely loved Evey and my wife.

Grandpa didn't talk much. He was a quiet, stoic guy. He worked on his yard a lot. Watched a lot of car racing, football (hated the Cowboys), college basketball, boxing, a little pro wrestling on occasion. He was the first guy I knew to buy one of those giant satellites they sold in the 1980s -- you know the ones that were like 15-feet wide? We about spun that thing off it's pole trying to get Wrestlemania 2. It's still in Grandma's back yard.

The place you'd see Grandpa most often, especially from about 1982 to 1994, was sitting on the back deck right next to the sliding glass door in a dilapidated lawn chair, no shirt, old blue jeans, Mickey's in his hand. He had just finished working in the yard. And you could sit there and chat with him if you wanted. But he probably liked it better if you just sat there in silence with him and watched the grass grow.

When Grandpa did laugh, he laughed hard, and his entire bald head shook.

The thing I think defines Nick Gomez, the thing I would want people to know about him, is that, if not for him, there would be generations of Mexicans, young and old, full-blooded, half-blooded, practically gringo -- who would have never made it in Wichita. He was the trailblazer. He got a job at Boeing and he stuck it out. He knew what work meant. He had three kids, and those kids had kids -- some more than others. Some of those kids needed help -- some more than others. And whenever they came to Grandpa, he helped them out. He helped his friends out. Grandpa didn't say much, and that included the word "no." You needed help? He helped. You needed work on your car? He worked on your car. You need to buy a car? Let's see how we can buy a car.

I don't know how often the favor was returned for Grandpa. The last time I saw him... hell, the last five times I saw him, I thought that would be the last time I ever saw him. But this last time, I was pretty sure. So I told him as I shook his hand, "Grandpa, I want you to know I love you, and my family loves you. I'm proud of you. And most of all, thank you for everything you've done for this family. There are a lot of people who wouldn't be where they are now if it wasn't for you."

Grandpa just nodded as he got ready to go back to sleep.

Grandpa never talked much.

Is that gas I smell?

Now there's a new blog to help you with that question. It's called "Ask Dave."

Here's the story:

Industrial Scientific today launched a new interactive blog entitled, “Ask Dave,” authored by Dave Wagner, director of product knowledge at Industrial Scientific.

“Ask Dave” originally started as an email question and answer feature on the Industrial Scientific website. The new blog format brings Dave’s extensive knowledge about gas detection to more end users, safety professionals and to those who are interested in learning more about gas detection. In addition to posting engaging topics relevant to Industrial Scientific’s vision of eliminating death in the workplace, visitors can ask Dave nearly any question related to gas detection. Many of the responses will be posted to the blog, which visitors can comment on and discuss.

“The blog provides our customers and visitors to our website an opportunity to open up a worldwide dialogue on gas detection,” says Dave. “We’ll cover what’s new, the latest trends, best practices and hopefully open up some interesting debates on topics that benefit all end users. I am excited to have this new opportunity for communication within our industry.”

Dave has more than 20 years experience in the development and application of portable gas monitoring instruments and systems. His formal training and broad experience give him insight few others have in the industry. Dave excels at simplifying the sometimes complex world of gas detection. You can also follow Dave on Twitter @indSci_AskDave.

“Ask Dave” is available at www.askdaveblog.com.

Gregg Breningmeyer talks about John Daly and hosting supers at JD Classic

In case you missed it in last week's Golfdom Insider, here is the interview I did with Gregg Breningmeyer, John Deere's global director of marketing and sales for turf.

Quick funny story about Gregg. I'm having dinner with Gregg that same evening, and as you can tell from the interview, Gregg has a great sense of humor. We were talking about social media. Gregg was talking about how he won't join Facebook, and even LinkedIn drives him crazy.

"The thing is, these people want to connect with me," he says to me. "Apparently, the thing they don't realize... is that I'm not a very nice guy!"

Cracked me up.

OK, this will round out my coverage of the JD Classic on the Golfdom Daily. My column in the new issue of Golfdom also covers the Classic. And then I'm done! I don't want to make the guys in red and orange green with envy.

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 28 -- Are You Flogging Kidding Me?

A few weeks back I wrote about a book written by James Pomerantz titled Tough Guys Always Play From The Tips: A Unisex Guide to Golf, Tough Guys and the Neutered Weenie Fraternity Created By Such an Insane Game. Well, hold on to your manly hat Mr. Pomerantz because I have found something way worse than golf to blame the wussification of America on.

Has anyone heard of Flogton? I didn’t think so. Flogton, (“not golf” spelled backward) according to the AGA, or Alternative Golf Association, is all the rage! Flogton is a version of “golf” (I use the term golf loosely) for candyasses who can’t hack it playing by the rules everyone else plays by so they have to invent their own game so everyone can excel. What a load of B.S. The fact that everyone can’t be awesome at golf it what makes it so attractive to me! If everyone could play like the pros I wouldn’t play! I would go bowl or play some other lame “sport.”

Check out the rules for basic Flogton…… apparently there are new rules the better you get. After you conquer one level, or shoot a score acceptable by the AGA, the rules get a little stiffer. If you get too good at Flogton you might not be able to use a tee from anywhere on the course and penalty strokes might start counting and you might not be allowed to pick up your ball and throw it! Watch out!
------

Rules for Flogton Basic

Use these rules for the first three levels of Flogton

• Move up: Start a par-3 hole 50 yards closer to the green, a par-4 hole 100 yards closer to the green, and a par-5 hole 150 yards closer to the green.
• Don’t dawdle: No more than one practice swing per shot permitted. Violating this rule results in a penalty stroke. (If your real swing misses the ball, however, don’t count that.)
• Tee it up: Use a tee on any shot.
• Bump it: Improve your lie by one club length anywhere but on the green.
• Toss it: Once per hole you can use your hands to toss a “stroke.” (Try it from a bunker!)
• No penalties: Hit it OB or into a hazard? Lose a ball? Either reload or drop near the point where the ball disappeared.
• Putting particulars: Leave the flagstick in – and if you hit it, consider your ball in the hole! Don’t mark the ball – and when it’s your turn, putt until you’re in the hole or have taken two strokes, whatever is sooner. Flogton Basic has a three-putt maximum.
-----

What a joke. If you suck at golf bad enough to make up your own game just stick to something you are good at, like Halo! Seriously, when I read about Flogton it got me fired up. How are we going to grow the best sport on earth if tomorrow's golfers are too busy playing freakin' Flogton to learn the game of golf?

What are your thoughts on Flogton? Go to the official Flogton website and let me know what you think.

Oh yeah! I almost forgot because I am so fired up about this dumbass Flogton! This week is the British Open and with a major comes another edition of The Golfdom Hackoff! In case you are not aware The Golfdom Hackof is a fantasy golf league Golfdom hosts during every major. It is a lot of fun and best of all it is free! Here’s how to sign up….

The Hackoff is going to be at http://golf.fantasysports.yahoo.com/golf just like in the past. Click on "Sign up now!" for "Tee it Up!" fantasy golf (it's the only fantasy golf game they have.) Once you create your team, click "join a group." The group ID is 17466 and the group name is The Great Golfdom Hackoff (Yes I know 'hackoff' is spelled hack-off but I was limited in spaces to enter a name and I had to have the name be The Great Golfdom Hackoff!)



You will need a password to join the group. The password is golfdom123.



If you have signed up in the past just sign in and make your picks for this weekend. If not, what are you waiting for? You could win a number of great prizes! Jones scored some sweet Spy sunglasses for the winner of the U.S. Open, maybe he'll come up with something cool again for the British Open! All you have to do is sign up for your chance to win some great prizes and go down in history as the first British Open edition Hackoff Champion! (We really need to get a trophy with the winner's names engraved on them... I'll have Jones work on that!)

Until next week!

-- Matt Hendren

Polo over golf in China

That's what they're saying in this article on CNN.

What's the matter with golf?

"Playing golf, no one sees you," says one source.

For some of us, that's one of the best things about the game!

We'll keep an eye on this and see if chasing around a ball on horseback really is hurting our preferred sport, chasing around a ball on foot.

Interview with Paul Grogan, CGCS, host super of John Deere Classic

In case you missed this in last Friday's "Golfdom Insider" email newsletter, here's the interview I did with Paul Grogan, who is the superintendent at TPC Deere Run.

Some equipment greeting guests at the JD Classic

This is only half of it! Behind me was the other half!

I heard that a pro was trying to wrangle the kid's Gator (bottom of the photo) for free from one of the John Deere people. After every few holes, he'd repeat the question: How much does that cost again? Are you sure?

Ah, just win the tournament, dude! You get a free Z-track! And then you can afford the kid's car, too!

Patriotic Gators

This was the scene at the TPC Deere Run maintenance facility on the 4th of July -- all the equipment was adorned with a U.S. flag.

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 27 -- Family Togetherness

Welcome back to another riveting edition of Hendren’s Hyperbole! I hope everyone had a great 4th of July holiday weekend. I spent the weekend at the lake on my boat just hanging with my family. Anyways, enough with the pleasantries, let’s get to it.

Does anyone feel that golf is kind of their time away from the family, four hours to just hang out with friends and do something you love? I do, most of the time. I am not going to lie to you and tell you I've never played golf with my wife because I have, a few times. I actually had a pretty good time playing a round with her but it is not the same as playing with friends. There was very little beer drinking going on and absolutely no cigar smoking and how many time can you feel good about out-driving your wife? The answer is never, if you were wondering.

The following press release is what brought this topic up…..

• Kiawah Island’s “Family Tee” program – Developed as a way for beginner golfers to get out and learn the game of golf, it is also a great way to encourage family togetherness. The program runs all summer long (May 30 – Sept. 4) on Osprey Point, Turtle Point, Cougar Point and Oak Point golf courses. Starting times are in 15-minute intervals from 6pm and 7:30pm. Everyone is required to play from the family tees (ranging for 100 to 200 yards per hole) allowing the whole family the fun of playing together. An adult must accompany children and visa versa. Adults pay $45 per round, children under 17 play free of charge.

I understand needing to come up with new and inventive ways to encourage play at your course; I really do, but encouraging family togetherness!?! I think the line has been crossed! Families are great, I think mine is the best but my golf time is sacred to me. After all, we're only talking about four hours to yourself every once in a while! I just think that a guy's time on the course and his time in the restroom are two areas that should be free from mandatory family togetherness!

Fire me a comment and let me know what you think!

-- Matt Hendren

Hanging at the John Deere Classic

Myself, TPC Deere Run first assistant Dustin Peterson, and director of maintenance and operations Paul Grogan, enjoying a quiet moment on the 4th of July before the action really heats up at the John Deere Classic.

John Deere HQ

Happy 4th of July!

You're probably enjoying a backyard barbecue or at the lake today, and I would be doing the same, but Golfdom takes no holidays!!! Especially when there is an invitation to attend a golf event!

I'm in Moline, Ill., site of the John Deere Classic. Last night we had a reception at JD headquarters (pictured) that included a Q&A with a few of the industry's big-wigs. I'll post some photos and some sound bites soon.

Right now, I'm off to TPC Deere Run. I'll check in from there soon.

Again, happy 4th! Be careful with those explosives!