I started playing golf a scant 6 years ago when my best friend called me up & said he had gotten engaged. I knew from prior discussions that his bachelor party would entail a group golf trip, so the next day I took up the greatest game, even though I really couldn't afford it, time or $$ wise.
A few years later, I developed an interest in golf course architecture, primarily through reading the various rankings in the big rags & wondering what made one course better than another. (See, the rankings CAN serve a positive purpose!)
After returning from a trip to North Carolina, having sought out Tobacco Road when it was named one of the top 10 new places you can play back in early 2000, I searched online for more info on Mike Strantz. This led me to the feature interview on this site, which led to more feature interviews, course profiles, & eventually, to the discussion group.
Much to the chagrin of my archnemesis Rich Goodale
, I became hopelessly addicted. (I tease Rich because he & I are often on the opposite sides of many issues, yet I know that if he & I were to sit down over a beer or three, we would certainly agree on far more than we could ever disagree on - something to keep in mind next time you think someone is not showing you the proper respect on one of your posts!! )
I offered Ran, in my capacity as a tee shirt printer, my services in coming up with a tee befitting the many members & contributors to this wonderful site. Two years & umpteen emails later, we settled on a design, & about two weeks ago I actually stayed till 1:30 one night printing my favorite tee shirts up. After some discussion with Ran, he requested that I handle the distribution of said tees, so, with no further delay, here is the deal:
You send me a check for $20 ($15 if you have already contributed money to the site) & you will receive the world's coolest golf tee. I will be taking out a small amount to cover my printing & mailing expenses & the balance will be remitted to Ran, in an effort to help defray some of the many expenses of the site. I am anticipating sending Ran approximately $12 per tee sold.
I am emailing Evan Fleisher a graphic of the design to post - I really think you would like it, but you can decide that for yourself.
Additionally, if you have resisted contributing to the site because you would like to charge your contribution to a credit card, well, this is your chance to do the right thing. I will process your transaction through my business merchant accout - should you wish to donate an additional amount to Ran, simply add it on & I will remit the donation to Ran. You can send your credit card info (#, type & expiration date) to me via snail mail, email or a phone call, if you prefer.
Here is the ordering info:
1) Makes checks payable to me, George Pazin.
2) My mailing address: 337 Rochester Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
3) My email:
sunflowr@usaor.net or
geoplaten@yahoo.com4) My phone number: (412) 369-7769.
5) Please indicate your size preference: M, L, XL or XXL. By way of comparison, I'm pretty average sized - maybe 5'9", 170 lbs. (almost 11 stone, I think
) - & I wear a size L if I want to tee to fit properly. M if I want to show off to the ladies, XL if I'm carrying a little extra water weight.
Also, obviously I need contact info for you as well. Don't worry, I won't be calling you up asking to play at your club.
I guess that about covers it, other than to say, thank you again to Ran & John, our founders, benefactors & beloved leaders. This site has taught me much & provided me with countless hours of enjoyment, as well as an opportunity to meet many terrific people.
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As one last little aside, if you think, for some reason, that I am doing this for some kind of ulterior motive, please email me or message me privately & do not waste space on this site - I will glad rebutt every argument you care to make.