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In this issue:

* From Dan's Desk
* Quote of the Month
* Article, "Golf Equipment Theft Exploding"
* Calendar
* Current Giveaways
* New/Updated Listings
* Subscribe/Unsubscribe Info

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* From Dan's Desk
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Toucan Golf (http://www.toucangolf.com)is offering a free American flag bag tag to anyone who would like one, while supplies last. All you have to pay for is shipping ($1 or less). I've received mine (one for me and my wife), and they're great. For a picture of the tag, and more information, please visit:
http://www.toucangolf.com/american.html

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* Quote of the Month
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"There is no other game that strips the soul so naked."

H. G. Hutchinson

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* Article, "Golf Equipment Theft Exploding"
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Lock up your Berthas!

The days of leaving your golf bag unattended at the golf course are becoming a distant memory. Golf equipment theft has become a real problem for both golfers and pro shops. With the value of clubs now easily exceeding $2000.00 per set and in many cases $500.00 for a driver, it has simply become much too tempting for thieves to resist.

Golf courses across the country, both public and private, are issuing warnings to their members not to leave their clubs unattended. According to a recent estimate from Claim Card Inc., an insurance replacement service, golf club theft has exceeded $100 million annually.

Edwin Watts Golf Shops, the largest golf equipment retailer in the country, have been the victim of numerous smash and grabs. Their response has been a $100,000 reward for evidence leading to the conviction of thieves who have knocked them off. They have gone so far as to lock their expensive inventory in a vault each night and take it back out in the morning.

Golf courses have been negatively impacted by this growing theft trend because golfers (rightly or wrongly), expect the club to protect their equipment. When it gets stolen, the first thing they do is go to the pro or the club manager and demand that their equipment be replaced. A course in New York was reportedly held liable for such an occurrence and there have been numerous "out of court" settlements reported in both the U.S. and Canada.

Clubs are taking steps to counter the problem, but it is difficult. The golf club environment is built on trust and respect, which yields a perfect situation for thieves to take advantage of. Thieves simply walk on the course dressed in golf attire, choose the equipment they want to steal, and walk off without being bothered. It is much easier than stealing a car stereo, a bicycle (most of which are locked) or breaking into a house. And simply putting your clubs in your car after a round is no longer a safe solution either, especially with the proliferation of mini vans and SUV’s that have windows and no trunks. Thieves can simply smash the window and walk off with your clubs. Oddly enough, when cars are stolen, the owner may get his car back, but his clubs won’t be in it.

What is driving this upswing in theft? Obviously, the increasing value of clubs is a major cause, but the game is now attracting a wider demographic than ever before, which has meant a larger black market for stolen clubs. In addition, golf clubs can be easily fenced on the Internet or to an unsuspecting or unsavory reseller within 48 hours. There is no shortage of people who are looking for a deal on expensive clubs.

At least one golf company has introduced a new line of golf bags to prevent thieves from stealing your bag or clubs. The new golf bags from Eos Sports features a security system that locks the clubs in the bag so that they can’t be removed and incorporates a retractable steel cable that secures the bag to a fixed object like the bag rack, a golf cart, a tree or pole. The flexible security system can also be engaged in your home, your car or during air travel. These bags are priced competitively with other golf bags that don’t feature security at about $169.00, and were voted the Golf Product of the year in Scotland by Scottish Golf Magazine.

If you want to hang on to your clubs, we suggest you don’t leave them unattended at the course when you check in or go in for a drink or a snack at the turn. Leaving them outside while you have a drink with your friends after a round is just inviting heart ache. Have someone watch your clubs or put them in your trunk after your round. If you don’t want to be bothered walking all the way out to the parking lot, then consider buying a locking golf bag and put your mind at rest. Your equipment took some time to get use to and probably cost you a good chunk of change. Take the necessary precautions so you can enjoy your game and know your equipment is secure.

By John Goetz
President & CEO Eos Sports Inc.
Website: www.eos-sports.com

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* Calendar
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December 3-4, 2001
MGCOA Annual Conference 2001 "The Business of Golf in Michigan"
Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Contact: Kate Moore 517-482-4312

December 4-6, 2001
Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) 35th Annual Conference & Show
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH
Phone: 888-683-3445

December 5-8, 2001
International Golf Travel Market
Sun City, South Africa
Phone: 011-44-20-8910-7785
Web: http://travel.reedexpo.co.uk

December 7, 2001
CGSA's Canadian Seminar Series
Renaissance Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver, BC
Phone: (800) 387-1056 ext. 226

December 8-9, 2001
Florida First Coast Golf Show-Fort Lauderdale
Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Phone: 904-223-0498
Web: http://www.innovativeexpos.com/

December 11-12, 2001
EIGCA Conference: Golf, Housing and the Environment
Queens College, Cambridge, U.K.
Phone: Int +44 (0)1483 884036
Fax: Int +44 (0)1483 884037
Web: http://www.eigca.org/

December 14-16, 2001
Cincinnati North Coast Golf Show
Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington, KY
Phone: 800.939.0040
Web: http://www.northcoastgolfshows.com/

January 4-6, 2002
Great American Golf Show, Kentucky
Kentucky Fair & Expo. Ctr., West Hall, Louisville, KY
Phone: 800-968-5531

The latest edition of GCSAA NewsWeekly is available on GCSAA Online each Thursday. Subscribers receive an email synopsis of the news with links to the NewsWeekly Web site.

What is the Ruling?!
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763.263.5100
What is the Ruling?! presents a Decision on the Rules of Golf each day of the year.

WetGrips
http://www.wetgrips.com/
800.586.3845
Unique golf gloves are designed to absorb water - not repel it.

Buzzard Linkswear
http://www.buzzardlinkswear.com/
204.781.5628
Golf apparel and accessories celebrating the dreaded "Other",....the Buzzard!

Eclipse Trophy
800.343.0710
http://www.eclipsetrophy.com/
We offer both the traditional and also exciting new ideas, including pewter, silverplate, crystal, tankards, glassware,plaques, clocks, and acrylic.

Golf Course News
http://www.golfcoursenews.com/
industry magazine

Custom Golf Sales
http://www.customgolfsales.com/
Club components

Golf Exchange
910.754.4529
http://www.golfxchange.com/
Golf Exchange matches buyers, sellers, investors, lessors, managers and joint venture partners for golf facilities in the USA and Eastern Canada.

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