Daytona & World Golf Hall of Fame January 2011

Before I go into Daytona let me just mention “Tweetup” during GIS. This was organised by John Kaminski of Penn State The idea came about for those who are on the social media platform (namely twitter) to meet up in person. It was sponsored by Aquatrols this year and I think it will be an annual event. John is a great believer as I am (after following John on Twitter and the insights I gained for our industry from him and others) in social media and how it can benefit not just ourselves but also our industry. I met quite a few people who I follow on twitter in person from supers to distributors to pathologists. So thank you to all the poeple I ment over thereand I hope to see you in Vegas in 2012.

 

Reading this blog I thank you for it and it maybe be your first dip in the social media arena. For those who want to look at Twitter my page is www.twitter.com/campbellturf

 

Daytona

Well the last part of my turf trip (I did have an extra week looking at cherry and apple orchards for our hort division) took in the world famous Daytona Speedway. Others went to New York I went to Daytona. Being only a 1 hour drive away it was most convenient.

 

I went to watch the Bud Shootout on the Saturday night (7 days before the main race). This race is a exhibition race with 24 cars able to take part. I wont bore you with the details but to say if you ever get the opportunity to visit Daytona to see a race do it. Its amazing how close and how fast they can race and how big the place is.

 

One great thing is that I was able to walk onto the track before the race start to experience how steep the banking is.  It takes quite a bit of effort to walk up it as they say the TV does not do it justice.

 

 

As well you see the turf all striped up thinking its the cut but its actually 2 types of turf. Not 100% sure but there was a strip of rye followed by possibly Kentucky Blue Grass (poa breed) which gives a great visual look as you can see:

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly I also got to see the garages and had put this pic in of Aussie Marcos Ambrose’s car getting worked on. Unfortunately he did not race in the shoot out as he was not eligible.

 

 

Lastly just a quick shot of Dayotna beach. Yes you can actually drive on it just have to get a daily pass. Lucky it was winter, driving in summer is very busy.

 

 

 

World Golf Hall of Fame

The next day after the race I headed about hour up the road near St Augustine to visit the World Golf Hall of Fame website here

 

This is a place where they show you the history of golf with regards to the US PGA and the famous courses, a tribute to Bob Hope (a big supporter of golf) and plenty of memorabilia. Australia is well represented including Greg Norman, Kel Nagle, Peter Thompson, Walter Travis and Karrie Webb. The trohpy cabinet is a outstanding with major tournamnets represented. This is a must for any golf fan if you are ever in the area. The museum is only one part as there is a golf course, a 18 hole putt putt course with grass greens, Imax theatre, the biggest golf store I’ve ever seen and a wise range of accommodation options.

 

First type of golf ball used

Old clubs

The museum itself

PGA golf shop just a small sample

Hole in one comp- I actually hit the green

Greg Norman’s clubs and replica locker

Well I hope you enjoyed this little diversion from the tech stuff.

Cheers

Nadeem Zreikat