Par for the Course …

Glass TEXpo™ ’08 is taking place in San Antonio at the end of this week—April 10-12, as a matter of fact—and the fact that this regional trade show is quickly approaching has led me to ponder once more a question that has long been on my mind: why is there always a golf tournament?

Seriously, folks. I’ve attended a fair number of conferences and written even more show previews, and it has never ceased to amaze me that there is almost always a golf outing on the agenda. For instance, the Texas Glass Association is hosting its four-person scramble on April 10 at the Pecan Valley Golf Club. (CLICK HERE for more information about the tournament.) This event seems to be a much-anticipated part of any conference and I’ll admit that perhaps some of my curiosity stems from the fact that I’ve only ever set foot on a golf course once.

… Ah yes, I remember the course well, with its lovely view of the Newport News landfill, the cement putting greens that made the ball bounce wildly, its complete and utter emptiness. If you’d ever seen my golf swing—which you probably won’t—you’d understand why it’s important that there’s no one around to witness it …

Anyway, since even with numerous trips to the range my golf game doesn’t seem to be much improving, I’ll just throw this wild suggestion out there: Putt Putt tournament anyone? In my experience, a couple of folks in business suits striving for the best angle to get their purple ball past the waterfall only gets giggles from a small number of passersby. Actually, only one individual so far has ever dared take me up on the challenge while on the road, my good friend and golf guru, Patrick … I don’t know, maybe there’s something I’m missing on this whole golf thing, but I still think Putt Putt is the way to go.

Hopefully some of you reading will make it to TEXpo this week. I’m sorry to say that I personally won’t be there. I don’t know that I’ve seen a lovelier sight than the San Antonio Riverwalk in April, and TEXpo is always a fun event. If you do make it, shoot me an email with your thoughts—I’d love to hear how it’s going.