Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Forest Oaks Golf Course for Sale

"The company that owns Forest Oaks Country Club is considering selling the private golf club and has asked members if they are interested in becoming its new owners.
An official with Nisshin Corp., the Japanese company that owns Forest Oaks, spoke with club officials on Thursday, asking them what interest -- if any -- members might have in buying the club, according to Greg Smith, chairman of Forest Oaks' board of directors.

Smith declined to elaborate. Tadashi Hattori, vice president of Nisshin Corp., did not return phone calls for comment Monday night."

This excerpt is from the article entitled 'For sale' sign going up at Forest Oaks
By Robert Bell. To read the entire article go to the following link.

http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/01/27/article/aposfor_sale_sign_going_up_at_forest_oaks

What's on ebay? 1981 GGO Decanter



"RARE 10" HIGH GREATER GREENSBORO OPEN 1981 DECANTER
Item number: 250363292169

For sale ---- Super nice and Rare Greater Greensboro Open Decanter with sticker from Old Hickory Bourbon on the side.Bottom has embossed "Medley Distilling Company 1981"It is in Excellent condition and would make an excellent addition to Golf or Decanter collection.Nice colorful front-Gold Tee.Lid is like a golf ball.Cork is intact.Part of Hickory sticker label is off.Other than that it is in Excellent condition.It measures approx.10" High by 5" Wide.Really nice piece."

Monday, January 26, 2009

1976 GGO-James Garner


This photo of James Garner was taken at the Greater Greensboro Open on March 31, 1976. The photo was taken by Jim Stratford. You will remember James Garner as the star of "The Rockford Files". Check out the GGO hat Garner is wearing.

Friday, January 23, 2009

What's on eBay? 1968 GGO Plate



"1968 City of Greensboro N.C. Tag Greater GGO Golf Tournament
Item number: 250361749845

Here is a tag that the cities put out to place on the front of your car. Sorry for the picture, but I had to turn off the flash of the camera so the tag would appear as it actually is. This one is dated 1968 and is for the City Of Greensboro North Carolina. This tag makes mention of the “Home of the GGO” which was the Greater Greensboro Open golf tournament. Has some rust in a couple of places, but as you can see from the picture it is in pretty good shape. Thanks for looking, good luck and happy bidding. Payment within 10 days please and can be made via PayPal, money order or check."

Open Letter from Barbara Esquibel on Her Inauguration Experience


"Good Morning!

I have had so many people ask about my inauguration experience that I thought I would send it out as another DC update. I only wish I had the words to describe my experience yesterday. I know it would be hard for people to believe, but for the first time in my life, I was left speechless.

For those who don't know, I signed up to volunteer for the inauguration. I wasn't sure the assignment I would get, and shortly after Christmas I was informed that I was escorting Anthony McGill. I said the same thing you all are saying right now...."who?" So I quickly "Googled" him and found out that he was a famous clarinetist and he would be performing with Yo-Yo Ma, Izhak Perlman and Gabriela Montero in a composition written by John Williams (you know, "Star Wars" theme, "Jaws" theme song). I was so excited! Being the "theater" geek that I am, I was all about this assignment. So I participated in meetings, and walk thrus to prepare for the big day.

Knowing that the bridges would be closing as of 4:00 a.m on the 20th, and considering I live across the Potomac, I had to make alternative arrangements for housing for Monday night. Lucky for me, on of the attorneys I work with lives on Capitol Hill, and she offered her basement "apartment" to me for the night. She lives about 4 blocks from Capitol Hill, and would be the best option. So I drove into DC on Monday night, and stayed at Dawn's house that night. Sleeping was difficult, because I felt like a young kid waiting for Christmas morning. I kept waking up every couple of hours. Finally I got up at 5:30 and was walking to the check in office at 6:30. I couldn't believe the number of people who were out and about at 6:30 that morning. There were hundreds (maybe even thousands) of people walking the streets. All were happy and friendly. No one pushed or shoved their way around. Not like DC at all!

I checked in by 7:00 and got my updates on my assignment (which included a room change), and then headed to the Capitol to take my place and wait for the performers to arrive. I took some time to head out to the West Terrace of the Capitol to see what was going on, and I was amazed that by 8:00 the Mall was almost completely filled. There were people everywhere! It was breathtaking! I was on a team with some fun people, so we just hung out until about 8:30 when the performers were to arrive. We were a little concerned because the volunteer escort for Yo-Yo Ma wasn't there yet. So when we checked in at our spot to greet them, we informed the staff that we were missing an escort. They quickly told us that Yo-Yo Ma was already there, and was with an escort. We panicked for a minute, but then realized that since our room had changed in the updates, the other person must have not seen the change and took them to the original room. We sent someone to get them, and before you knew it, here they come. Actually, 3 of the musicians arrived together, so they were all in the wrong room. We took Yo-Yo Ma, Anthony McGill and Gabriela Montero to the room, and started introductions so they knew we were there to help them, and get them ready for the performance. We became a little concerned because Izhak Perlman wasn't there yet, but knew it was a little early. However, by 9:30 we became a little worried, and started to alert the Inauguration staff. While talking about the concerns, the most surreal thing happened. Yo-Yo Ma reached for his I-phone, and quickly called Mr. Perlman (on speed dial) and asked where he was. It went something like this "Hi. Izhak. This is Yo-Yo. Where are you?" I thought "Are you kidding?" They have each other on speed dial!!! Of course, why wouldn't they??? We found out that Mr. Perman's car didn't have the correct credentia ls and they wouldn't let his car thru. After some scrambling they got credentials down to his car, and he finally arrived. He was a little "hot" about it, but soon cooled off.

The next hour was an amazing experience. They practiced the composition in the room. They talked and joked with us and each other. I was surprised that they were all such nice people. Yo-Yo Ma (do you call him Mr. Ma?) was so sweet and gentlemanly. He was funny and polite, and always interested in finding out about everyone else. Mr. Perlman has a great sense of humor, and was cracking jokes all morning. Ms. Montero was so beautiful and kind. She was truly enjoying the experience. Mr. McGill was so honored to be there, and was just as nice as he could be. I worried that they would be "celebrities" and would barely speak to us, but it was just the opposite. They posed for pictures with us, and at the end of the day gave autographs to us (I didn't get Mr. Perlman's because he was with his family at the end).

So, the time came for us to lead them to the platform. We took them to their spot, told them that we would see them at the end of the ceremony, and I then went to take my seat in the bleachers. By that time (a little before 11:00) the Mall and reserved seat/standing areas) were completely filled. I have never seen so many people. They went on forever! Many people have asked where my seats were, and if you are on Facebook, you can see my vantage point (if not, let me know and I can send a few photos (I took over 70!) Words cannot describe my feelings of being there and the sights that I was seeing. To look out and see millions of people braving the cold to witness this moment was amazing. To see the motorcade coming down Pennsylvania Avenue. To hear the cheers that rolled thru the crowd when they saw Obama arrive at the Capitol. To see the wave of hundreds of thousands of flags that looked like one rippling flag was inspiring. To see all the flashbulbs going off looked like thousands of stars in the sky. To know that I was witnessing history brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. To witness our country's democracy in action was something I will never forget. I have never been so inspired and honored to be there. Hopefully you saw the ceremony on tv, so I won't describe it. All I can say is that no matter how cold it was at that moment, I was so warm with hope and a sense of renewal as to what this country is about.

After the ceremony we led the group back to the room, and they warmed up a little (they performed without coats!), and we said our good-byes with hugs and cheek kisses. And it was time for me to leave. I had lunch with a friend (after we tried for an hour to find a place that wasn't packed). I headed back to Arlington (on the one bridge that was open), and I sat and watched the replays on tv to catch all the moments I couldn't see. I went to bed again with tears in my eyes for what I had experience and with a sense of overwhelming gratitude that I live in this country!

Guess that's all I can put down into words. Not bad for being speechless. I just don't think any words will do the experience justice.

Love
Barbara"

(Barbara Esquibel was the 2001 President of the Greensboro Jaycees.)

Thursday, January 22, 2009

2009 Greensboro Jaycee Inaugual Celebration



1966 Greensboro Jaycee President Richard C. Forman with Wyndham Championship Tournament Director Mark Brazil and 1999 Greensboro Jaycee President Kevin von der Lippe

Wyndham Championship Tournament Director Mark Brazil with 2009 Greensboro Jaycee President Jennifer E.Salmon.


2009 Greensboro Jaycee Vice President Kelly Eakes Harris with Keith A Holliday.


Guilford County Commissioner Melvin "Skip" Alston, 1990 KGGO General Chairman Keith A. Holiday with 2004 Greensboro Jaycee President Gerald Joyce.

Monday, January 19, 2009

What's on eBay? 1977 GGO Decanter



"RARE 1977 GOLF DECANTER GREATER GREENSBORO OPEN 40TH. Item number: 250359957619
For sale ---- Rare Whiskey Decanter from 1977 "Greater Greensboro Open 40th Anniversary in VG condition.Ezra Brooks 101 Kentucky Bourbon.Forest Oaks Course in Greensboro,NC.Measures approx.9 " Tall---7" Wide at the base.Lid is taped on with original tape.Did not want to remove for fear of marking decanter.Genuine Heritage China.Super piece to add to decanter or Golf collection."

(The ggoblogger is not sure that something made 6,000 times can be called "rare", but it is 32 years old and the tournament is not played at Forest Oaks any more so that's worth something.)

Saturday, January 17, 2009

What's on eBay?-1981 GGO "Programme"



The ggoblogger ran across this 1981 GGO program on eBay. It's a long way from home- Stirling, United Kingdom to be precise.

"Greater Greensboro Open 1981 Official Programme
Item number: 230319756993

Greater Greensboro Open
March 30 - April 5, 1981
Official Programme for the Greater Greensboro tournament played at the Forest Oaks Country Club.
Programme is in excellent condition having been protected by it's own folder which also contains a Greensboro City map.
120 pages
Measures ~21.5cm x 28cm."

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Note from Amy Collins Moore




"Christopher, MacKenzie and I would like to introduce Amelie Christine. She was born at 7:48 am...weighs 8 lbs., 13 oz. and is 20 1/4 inches. She is healthy and absolutely beautiful. We both did great!

This day carries special memories as on this day 7 years ago – my father Coy Collins passed away. We are so thankful for our sweet blessing from above. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!
Amy, Christopher and MacKenzie Moore"

(Amy Collins Moore was the 1996 President of the Greensboro Jaycees.)

Friday, January 09, 2009

Wyndham Championship Will Continue Relationship with WilsonMcguire Creative

The Wyndham Championship has retained WilsonMcGuire Creative to continue its role as the advertising agency of record for the official PGA TOUR event, it was announced on 1/7/09.

WilsonMcGuire has represented the Wyndham Championship since 2007 and has assisted the tournament in establishing the Wyndham Championship brand while updating the theme of the event. Wilson McGuire will continue to create all newspaper, magazine, internet and billboard advertising, sponsorship materials and other collateral information.

“We are very fortunate to have a company like WilsonMcGuire Creative assisting us with the Wyndham Championship,” tournament director Mark Brazil said. “They have a vast knowledge of golf, especially with their relationships with the USGA and Pinehurst Resort. They did a fantastic job for us last year with our move back to Sedgefield Country Club so the decision to continue our partnership with them was an easy one."

“The Wyndham Championship is the Piedmont Triad’s only major-league sports event, and golf is a large part of what we do,” WilsonMcGuire Creative president and creative director LeAnn Wilson McGuire said.

2009 Greensboro Jaycee Board of Directors Plan Inaugural Celebration

The 2009 Greensboro Jaycee Board of Directors has announced that they will be having an "Inaugural Celebration" on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 6:30pm. The event will be held at the Carolina Theatre located at 310 South Greene Street and heavy appetizers, beer and wine will be served. The ggoblogger has also been told that 1990 KGGO General Chairman Keith Holliday will be on hand to take part in the celebration.

Friday, January 02, 2009

Jim Garner at the 1976 GGO



The ggoblogger found this photo of Jim Garner taken by Jim Stratford on eBay. It is stamped March 31, 1976 and has a hand written note on the back of it. The note reads, "Jim Garner chips up after fans threw ball out of stands at #18."

It's a cool photo. You can see the ball on the far right and Garner is wearing a GGO logo on his hat.