#TaylorMadeTuesday at The Kingdom, Feb 26-28, 2017 (pics added pg1,16,19 & 20)

[DavePelz4]

Rowdy bunch here. I think TM may have made a mistake with their selections.

 

 

 

Looking like beverages are needed...

[Waterboy]

Look what I found!

 

 

 

Those are all unopened. It's 3pm there

 

What are you waiting for?

Thankfully as a veteran of the Cally trip you are able to share your personal insights on how to maximize the benefits of this trip. You are an amazingly considerate guy MJ.

 

You wouldn't be saying those things after you met him DP

[GC70]

Rowdy bunch here. I think TM may have made a mistake with their selections.

 

 

 

Looking like beverages are needed...

Right!

[hankmoody]

Okay, I'm jealous.

 

Have fun guys!!!

[Sean2]

So, my current situation doesn't suck. Great room, great view, good burger. Exactly the start I was hoping for on this trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That is one heck of a hamburger!

[TheMoneyShot]

I hope you guys get to meet Perry at TM. Great guy who knows how to have lots of fun....

[knudson81]

Dinner with a couple TaylorMade guys! Some really awesome conversations going on! And some good calamari!

 

 

[cbbaron]

Very envious have a great time guys. Looks like your staying at Aviara

[Big Fudge]

Looks pretty awesome so far. In n Out always solid. Have fun!

[robrey85]

Look what I found!

 

 

 

Sculpin! ? Where's the Watermelon Dorado!? I could use some desert after the Pizza Rock I just ate!

[GC70]

Here's a little cliffhanger for you guys!

 

Something in the works for this fall. I'll ask tomorrow if I can spill the beans.

 

 

 

[Schnee]

I'll try to keep it fairly short tonight, since I'm at almost 24hrs being awake, and kind of fried. It'll probably wind up being a long write up. Oh well.

 

Travel day went as good as could be expected save for a minor hiccup forcing a flight change. Arrived all well and good. Grabbed some In-N-Out for lunch? Roughly 6pm Eastern which didn't disappoint.

 

Met up with all the guys at the hotel and immediately we hit it off. Great group of guys. Called for some Uber's and headed down to Chandler's Restaurant and Lounge down by the ocean for some cocktails and dinner. We were joined by Jory Mendes, Communications Manager at Taylormade, and Ryan Lauder, Director of Consumer Engagement at TMAG.

 

Immediately we all broke out into conversations about Taylormade products, Tour players, the culture at Taylormade, and golf in general. You can tell these guys LOVE golf and are passionate about what they do. We ordered some appetizers, namely fried calamari and Lobster and Shrimp Nachos and continued the great conversation. It was honestly like hanging out with your golf buddies, discussing favorite tour players, favorite courses, etc. and they were candid and open.

 

We topped off the night with a delicious dinner, ranging from what I had, the teriyaki chicken with coconut sticky rice, to ribeye steaks, lobster and shrimp tacos, and fresh fish. All was complemented by tasty craft beers.

 

Jory and Ryan reiterated to us that they want us to ask lots of questions tomorrow. They want us to be really engaged and take the conversation where we see fit. They're being extremely gracious hosts, and you can tell they want to give us an unfiltered look into the Taylormade organization.

 

Time for some well-needed rest, and a once in a lifetime opportunity tomorrow.

I'm extremely excited but will be even more so after some sleep.

 

-Schnee

 

 

Some food and other pics for you diehards. BCUlaw has some great pictures of the sunset that I'm sure he'll share.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some WRX goodies

 

 

[drewtaylor21]

I was the last to arrive at the resort, but got there just in time for a little bit of sunshine peeking through the clouds. This place is incredible! TaylorMade and WRX are sparing no expense to make this an amazing trip!

 

 

 

View from my balcony. Not bad! Except for that guy with the receding hairline...

 

 

Lobster and shrimp nachos!

 

 

 

Beef tenderloin with roasted garlic mashed potato, bacon wrapped asparagus, carmelized shallot, pesto, red wine reduction. Sublime

 

 

Great group of guys! Already having a blast talking all things golf! Also, it's been definitively decided, a four handicap could NOT beat an LPGA tour pro! Jory from TaylorMade had some strong words about this LOL!

 

 

We spent quite a bit of time talking to Jory and Ryan at dinner. They were both very open and spoke freely about TaylorMade, some of the history behind how certain clubs came about (JDay's putter, for one), some of the areas in which they feel they are lacking, and some cool insights into various Tour players. Like Schnee said, it really felt like shooting the breeze with your golf buddies, except if your buddies were regularly hanging out with the best players in the world!

 

I know I'm not alone here, but I'm absolutely PUMPED for tomorrow! Jory explained that we have 3-4 hours with our fitters (we each have a fitter who's been assigned to us), and it's our time to spend however we want. They want us testing as much equipment as we personally feel like testing, and while they hope TM fits us the best, they also want us to be honest. If something in our bag is better than what they have, they're not going to try to change our minds. I'm praying the weather holds up, because this should be amazing...

 

They seem very proud of their TP5 ball, so I'm really looking forward to testing that out with a critical eye. Also, we are getting to do a putter fitting using their new camera/laser-based putter fitting system that Jory said is really state of the art. Very much looking forward to that!

 

Finally, we are playing Aviara on Tuesday morning, and the Kia Classic is being held there in a few weeks, so it's going to be fun to see how our games hold up on an LPGA set up....Excited that we get to play such a nice course in prime shape!

[CSagan]

Have fun guys! (you will)

 

Don't eat too much! haha

 

Looking forward to reading tomorrow's posts.

[BCULAW]

Just wanted to wind up a great first day by saying that the guys from WRX (Zak and Brian) and the guys from TM (Jory and Ryan) put on a great start to the trip! Great company and fantastic conversation - a real insider's peak into both the business and the game of golf. I'm really looking forward to spending more time picking these guys' brains over the next two days!

 

Our WRX community is well represented by the group I got to meet today. George, Chris, Darrin, and Andrew are great guys with a real passion for the game. Golf binds us all and it couldn't be easier slipping into conversation with these guys as though I've known them for years!

 

A couple of bits of cool insight from the evening relating to the TM staff players:

 

- Tiger goes about his business with military precision - down to the minute. Word that he was joining the team didn't break internally until a few days before the PGA show.

 

- Sergio is an OEM's dream in terms of getting new clubs into play. He has an uncanny knowledge of what he wants from a club and can tell from ball flight and feel exactly what he is getting in terms of numbers - especially from the irons. You can tell that he is well-respected as a person and a player around these parts.

 

- DJ is the same way, but with the driver. He KNOWS what is working and what isn't when the big stick is in his hands. I've always viewed him as a guy that is supremely talented (which he obviously is), but he is apparently very detail oriented in his preparation and selection of equipment. Just don't ask him to wear orange or red! Sounds like some college allegiances (or rivalries) may play into some apparel preferences. Again, a lot of love for this guy around here.

 

- JDay found the inspiration for his putter from a species of spider and went through a number of prototypes getting the color and shape just the way he wanted it. And the red putter is definitely getting a lot of attention from other pros in and out of the TM family.

 

- JRose is a rockstar because he is the anti-rockstar! I've noticed that a lot of big time celebs tend to gravitate to him (Rockstar) and it seems that it is because he is genuinely engaging personality and takes a real interest in helping them improve their games (anti-rockstar).

 

- I get the sense there is a HUGE amount of excitement over Jon Rahm.

 

All in all, it was a great day, but the sun has set and it is time to rest up for what is sure to be an awesome day tomorrow!

 

 

[GC70]

This rain needs to stop!

[DNice26]

Well, I was almost the first WRX attendee to die on one of these excursions. My flight coming into San Diego airport wasn't the way I was hoping to kick off the trip. On the first attempt to land the plane, the rear wheels touched down and the front wheel nearly took hold when the pilot punched it and we went soaring straight back up into the sky. My stomach dropped and the adrenalin was pumping. Only feedback we received was that something popped up in the runway. Right....anyway, the second attempt wasn't much better, but I survived...so that is over with thankfully.

 

Grabbed an Uber (sad to admit it is the first time I've used it) to the hotel. The Aviara hotel is beautiful. Check pics from the others. We met at 4 in the lobby to get a chance to meet each other (see BCULAWs pic above). I'm the guy second from the left. Everyone got on very well, as we chatted and waited to head off to dinner. First impression tells me all of these guys are passionate about the game and WRX. All extremely thankful for the opportunity and excited for what the trip will bring.

 

We met Jory and Ryan of TaylorMade (see Schnee's post for titles) for dinner at Chandler's Restaurant and Lounge. Yet another beautiful place in this trip. What can I say about these two guys...they are both so engaging. Hospitable and fun to chat life and golf with. There were various somewhat random conversations being had, but everyone was having a blast getting to meet one another.

 

I'm posting this at 4:30am local time, as my body is still used to its normal schedule. I can see the weather isn't looking good for the day ahead, but I'm sure we will make the absolute best of it!!!! First day was excellent, more to come!!!!!!

[Warrick]

Well, I was almost the first WRX attendee to die on one of these excursions. My flight coming into San Diego airport wasn't the way I was hoping to kick off the trip. On the first attempt to land the plane, the rear wheels touched down and the front wheel nearly took hold when the pilot punched it and we went soaring straight back up into the sky. My stomach dropped and the adrenalin was pumping. Only feedback we received was that something popped up in the runway. Right....anyway, the second attempt wasn't much better, but I survived...so that is over with thankfully.

 

Grabbed an Uber (sad to admit it is the first time I've used it) to the hotel. The Aviara hotel is beautiful. Check pics from the others. We met at 4 in the lobby to get a chance to meet each other (see BCULAWs pic above). I'm the guy second from the left. Everyone got on very well, as we chatted and waited to head off to dinner. First impression tells me all of these guys are passionate about the game and WRX. All extremely thankful for the opportunity and excited for what the trip will bring.

 

We met Jory and Ryan of TaylorMade (see Schnee's post for titles) for dinner at Chandler's Restaurant and Lounge. Yet another beautiful place in this trip. What can I say about these two guys...they are both so engaging. Hospitable and fun to chat life and golf with. There were various somewhat random conversations being had, but everyone was having a blast getting to meet one another.

 

I'm posting this at 4:30am local time, as my body is still used to its normal schedule. I can see the weather isn't looking good for the day ahead, but I'm sure we will make the absolute best of it!!!! First day was excellent, more to come!!!!!!

 

 

Glad you are still with us man....

 

I will do a sun dance for ya, see if that helps out. Hope you guys have a great day.

[dpb5031]

I'm looking forward to living vicariously through all of you! Keep the updates coming. Food & accommodations first rate so far!

 

I'm particularly interested in your experience as I'll be going to TMAG's Georgia Kingdom location at Reynold's Plantation in April. My daughter has a full bag fitting there in preparation for her first year of college golf.

 

Hoping you guys will tell us what to expect and what gear to be sure we check out!

[CheckJV]

Thanks for all the posts so far. I'm glued to the thread.

 

Be sure to ask about the 2017 line of TM ball retrievers.

[Warrick]

did my sun dance work?

 

I would be sitting their licking my chops to hit those new irons off turf.

 

Aren't the 750's a bit more expensive? Are those an option, or 770's only? I know you can't answer yet.

 

At least I have something to follow today. Thanks guys.

[GC70]

[Brizam]

sunny San Diego

[GC70]

Having a great time! Great group of guys on this trip, I'm very thankful and honored to be out here with this group. Jory and Ryan, two passionate down to earth guys! Great stories! Ryan's been with TM for 18 years, I think Chris was still in diapers. Not much more to add at this moment, I'd just be tell you what the other guys already stated.

 

 

 

 

[robrey85]

Well, I was almost the first WRX attendee to die on one of these excursions. My flight coming into San Diego airport wasn't the way I was hoping to kick off the trip. On the first attempt to land the plane, the rear wheels touched down and the front wheel nearly took hold when the pilot punched it and we went soaring straight back up into the sky. My stomach dropped and the adrenalin was pumping. Only feedback we received was that something popped up in the runway. Right....anyway, the second attempt wasn't much better, but I survived...so that is over with thankfully.

 

Grabbed an Uber (sad to admit it is the first time I've used it) to the hotel. The Aviara hotel is beautiful. Check pics from the others. We met at 4 in the lobby to get a chance to meet each other (see BCULAWs pic above). I'm the guy second from the left. Everyone got on very well, as we chatted and waited to head off to dinner. First impression tells me all of these guys are passionate about the game and WRX. All extremely thankful for the opportunity and excited for what the trip will bring.

 

We met Jory and Ryan of TaylorMade (see Schnee's post for titles) for dinner at Chandler's Restaurant and Lounge. Yet another beautiful place in this trip. What can I say about these two guys...they are both so engaging. Hospitable and fun to chat life and golf with. There were various somewhat random conversations being had, but everyone was having a blast getting to meet one another.

 

I'm posting this at 4:30am local time, as my body is still used to its normal schedule. I can see the weather isn't looking good for the day ahead, but I'm sure we will make the absolute best of it!!!! First day was excellent, more to come!!!!!!

 

Oh man, that's like one of my worst nightmares. The wife and I go on trips at least twice a year and every time, I have to either pop a xanax or valium and follow it down with some alcohol, lol. I'm a bad flier and the worst one we've had was coming back from DR. The wind was up to 70MPH gust and we circled for about 45 minutes X feet before we could land. When we finally did, just above the ground our plane tilts from riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight back to straight and we land. Me and the dude next to me looked at each other and were like, "oh s***, this is it.", all while my wife practically fell asleep, lol. She's a champ.

 

Gladly everything turned out well man. I wish all you guy safe travels going forward!

 

 

 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[robrey85]

Having a great time! Great group of guys on this trip, I'm very thankful and honored to be out here with this group. Jory and Ryan, two passionate down to earth guys! Great stories! Ryan's been with TM for 18 years, I think Chris was still in diapers. Not much more to add at this moment, I'd just be tell you what the other guys already stated.

 

TIP!

 

Going forward, use landscope mode if you use your smart phone to take a pic or it'll come out sideways like above. If you have to take it portrait, use a photo editor to export to a PNG and it'll save the photos orientation and upload it as is. For whatever reason, WRX defaults to landscope mode with smartphone photos, but not regular photos taken with a DSLR.

[QMany]

 

Beef tenderloin with roasted garlic mashed potato, bacon wrapped asparagus, carmelized shallot, pesto, red wine reduction. Sublime

 

 

 

We stayed at the hotel attached to Chandlers and ate there twice. I ordered exactly that! Smart man. :D

[QMany]

- DJ is the same way, but with the driver. He KNOWS what is working and what isn't when the big stick is in his hands. I've always viewed him as a guy that is supremely talented (which he obviously is), but he is apparently very detail oriented in his preparation and selection of equipment. Just don't ask him to wear orange or red! Sounds like some college allegiances (or rivalries) may play into some apparel preferences. Again, a lot of love for this guy around here.

 

 

DJ is a Coastal Carolina Chanticleer and USC Gamecock fan, I believe. So Oranges (Clemson) are a no-no.

 

I remember a few years ago (R1?), he didn't want to use the White/Orange TM staff bag.

http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golftalkcentral/go-sc-dj-says-no-clemson-colors-his-bag/

[MtlJeff]

The calamari is great there too, I know because I ate all of Matt's

[Sean2]

I hope you gentlemen have a great time! Soak it all in. The visit to Callaway was the first golf trip I was ever on. I am still wondering if it was all a dream or it actually happened.

 

We had a great group of guys. They even put up with a guy in his 60s. :-)