A Busy 2013 - Part 2

As if the first half of 2013 wasn't busy enough, the second half was a whirlwind.

July

It started out July 4 with a FAM golf trip to Hilton Head where I was able to play Harbour Town Golf Links.

A great time in Hilton Head was followed with news that the USTA women's 25K Pro Circuit Event I run the media for would move from Troy, Alabama to Macon, GA along with my friend Eric Hayes, who is the new men's and women's tennis coach at Mercer University.

We would have to put together an event that usually takes 10 months, in 2 months. So long to Troy, a very coll college town with a sports-minded University in Troy University- but hello to a great tennis town in Macon.

Another golf FAM trip to Mississippi as I was able to stay and play at Dancing Rabbit, but also was invited to play the Pro-AM at the Sanderson Farms Championship - PGA Event. Got to play wil a great young player and UGA grad in Brendon Todd.

That brings us to the summer of tennis and Atlanta's stop on the ATP World Tour- the BB&T Atlanta Open.

My AJC "Go Guide" preview piece on the BB&T was a win/win for all involved in this event.

John Isner was crowned this year's champ.

Following the BB&T, it was off to cover the Atlanta Grand Prix international track and field meet where I was able to have a word and an exclusive with Lolo Jones.

CBS Better Mornings Atlanta invited me on to talk about some new Back to School gadgets.

August

More tennis in August at the Western & Southern Open in Mason, OH.

August ended and Sept. began with a golf FAM trip to Destin, FL and Sandestin.

September

Another golf FAM trip to start September to an unlikely place in Sylacauga, Alabama.  Sylacauga is home to the research and development golf course- FarmLinks. Run by the ultra-friendly Pursell Family, FarmLinks and Pursell Farms is growing and I can't wait for my next visit.

Mid September also found me at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Wolfdancer G.C. in Austin, TX for a great trip to a world class resort.

October

October was busy, busy, busy.

From getting ready for the 25K in Macon, the ButlerCars.com Tennis Classic of Macon, to PR clients and finishing my first book of the year.

Then it was off to the exciting Bassmasters Championship in Ridgeland, MS to cover this great event.

Plus an unexpected surprise in being awarded the key to the city of Ridgeland, MS by the honorable Mayor Gene McGee.

Part 3 still to come

A Busy 2013 - Part 1

Before I focus on what is already going to be a busy 2014, I have to reflect on what a busy 2013 was.

Not only with events, travel, and writing over 800 pieces, but also meeting some great new friends, collegues, PR people and even co-authoring a top-selling book on Amazon.  Oh, I also won a couple awards- not sure how that happened.

2013

January:

The annual trip to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando with Courtney Capps and Brian Katrek.

Exclusive interview with John O'Hurley - better known as J. Peterman from Seinfeld at the PGA Show.

Starting doing the "Tech Tuesday" gadget/tech segment on Sirisu/XM PGA Tour Radio.

February:

U.S. National Indoors in Memphis - ATP World Tour 500 event and WTA International Event

March/April:

College hoops with the Final Four in Atlanta and the SEC Women's Tournament at the Gwinnett Arena.

Special access from the NCAA - tons of interviews and features.  Most memorable: talking with Coach Bob Huggins as he participated in a pizza cooking contest.

My Atlanta Journal Constitiution women's running safety article was a rousing success and picked up by almost 60 newspapers around the country. 

Also the PGA Champion's Tour returned to the Atlanta area with the Greater Gwinneet Championship with Bernhard Langer taking the title.  This event will get bigger and better.

May/June

May was busy with product reviews, college tennis, and my first appearance on NBC 11 Alive's Sport Extra with my good friend Sam Crenshow talking about sports gadgets for Mother's Day.

Also the 2013 U.S. Open National Playoffs began in Atlanta.

And the NCAA Men's Golf Championships were played at Capital City Club - Crabapple Coure in Roswell.

I was back on 11 Alive's "Sports Extra" with Sam Crenshaw for Father's Day gift ideas for the sports-minded Dad.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

My Appearance on "Sports Extra" with Sam Crenshaw 12/22/13

My last TV appearance of the year as I join Sam Crenshaw on 11 Alive's "Sports Extra" to talk last minute sports items that would be perfect Christmas gifts.

I feature Samsung Galaxy Gear, the new Prince Graphite Classic 107 tennis racquet, the Kenny Giannini putter, the ActivMotion bar and high tech golf shirts from Tommy Hilfiger, Devereaux, and Antiqua.

Mary Kay Turns 50 This Week

Mark Kay is one of the great companies in America.

They celebrate their 50th anniversary this week.

See my piece on how they have embraced technology---

Link:

http://www.examiner.com/article/mary-kay-celebrates-50-years-as-they-change-with-the-times