There are two Scots - Neil Howitt from Nairn and Stirling's Graeme Robertson - in the Davis & Elgins golf squad at Elkins, West Virginia. A Nairn reader informs us that Neil Howitt is NOT in the above picture. What about Graeme? If you know if he is in the picture or not, let me know at colin@scottishgolfview.com. Click on the image to enlarge it.

Here's a message to his squad from the golf coach at an American college, which gives a fascinating, behind-the-scenes insight of the regime and how things work for student golfers in the States.

A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES AT HOW ONE

AMERICAN COLLEGE CRANKS UP FOR

THE SECOND HALF OF GOLF SEASON

By SCOTT D GODDARD
Golf Coach, Davis & Elkins College, West Virginia
I hope everyone is surviving the up and down temperatures and getting the second semester off on the right foot. That being said, we really need to start focusing on the spring run of tournaments and prepare accordingly.

Due to the weather we won’t be able to head out to the course on a regular basis quite yet (it’s pretty soggy out there). We will need to get into the fitness center to do some “weight work” and also do some “cardio work” by either running or swimming. Please e-mail me your class schedules so we can get moving in the right direction.

We will also start having sessions in the Memorial Gym hitting into the nets. Speaking of which, here’s a “simulator update.” I had no idea that these units were going to be so expensive:
Full Swing Golf: http://www.fullswinggolf.com/ Top of the line simulator, new they retail in the $50,000 range. A used one can be purchased around $25,000 from the company. There is actually a used one for sale in Buckhannon, WV at Jerry's Sporting Goods.

Jerry says he has $51,000 in his unit and would be willing to sell it for $35,000. Does anyone know Jerry? Would it be worth a shot to see if he would donate it to the College for tax relief?
Par T Golf: http://www.partgolf.com/ Top of the line simulator, this company would love to work with us. I’ve talked with them the most. New systems are $35,000. Tom Bowerman with the company has a “like new” unit that he is willing to sell for $25,000 with a five-year warranty.
EBay: A used Par T system is currently on there for $11,500.
Sport Netting: http://www.sportnetting.com/simulator.htm?src=adwords&gclid=CJ_B35OFsJECFQKHPAodZifXgQ The most cost effective/basic simulator it comes in at $2,390 and then we would need to round up a computer and a projector both of which can be easily found. That being said I think it might meet our needs. Please review.
Please remember that with our championship season moving to the fall the NCAA mandates that we have 24 practices/competitions in a 45 consecutive day window in the spring. Thus we need to be smart about our “official” practice schedule. You are always welcome to go on your own to the gym, fitness center, range, course, etc.
Please find our spring run of activities/tournaments once again here:
Spring Season:
3/13/2008 Glenville State College Spring Invitational (Belpre, OH, Oxbow Golf and Country Club)
3/14/2008 Glenville State College Spring Invitational (Belpre, OH, Oxbow Golf and Country Club)
3/15/08-3/21/08 Spring Break Golf Trip to Pinehurst, NC-Travel Party will consist of Cory Dillinger, Scott Goddard, Neil Howitt, and Graeme Robertson.
Saturday, March 15, 2008-Travel day, arrive at the Radisson in Research Triangle Park, NC for “D&E Live” in The Triangle
Sunday, March 16, 2008-Play 18 holes either in the Research Triangle Park area or Pinehurst/Southern Pines area
Monday, March 17, 2008-Play 18 holes at Mid Pines (Tee time 1:50 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008-Play 18 holes at Pine Needles (Tee time 1:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008-Play 36 holes at the Pinehurst Resort
Thursday, March 20, 2008-Play 18 holes at the Pinehurst Resort
Friday, March 21, 2008- Travel day, arrive in Elkins, WV late afternoon-early evening
This trip will be $500 per person. Like in years past. the fee for the trip can be charged to your student account. We can look at fund=raising options to help offset the cost of the trip if you wish. I would be open to doing another golf-a-thon this spring. Paul Stirrup and Tim Geier would you please give me a call?

I have a few thoughts/questions concerning “D&E Live” in The Triangle and spring break in Pinehurst, NC to run by the two of you.

4/6/2008 W.V.I.A.C. Northern Tournament (Wheeling, WV, Oglebay S.P., - http://www.oglebay-resort.com/golf/speidel.cfm)
4/7/2008 W.V.I.A.C. Northern Tournament (Wheeling, WV, Oglebay S.P.)
4/11/2008 W.V. Wesleyan College Invitational (Clarksburg, WV, Bel Meadow, - http://www.belmeadow.com/enter.html)
4/12/2008 W.V. Wesleyan College Invitational (Clarksburg, WV (Bel Meadow)
4/21/2008 W.V.I.A.C. Invitational (Berkeley Springs, WV, Cacapon S.P., - http://www.cacaponresort.com/golf.htm)
4/22/2008 W.V.I.A.C. Invitational (Berkeley Springs, WV, Cacapon S.P.)

Time management will be import this semester so please get organised in your classes and don’t fall behind. We will be missing a number of class days in April due to the tournament schedule. Please stay on top of things.

Special thanks to Greg Lecker for his support of the Golf Program. Greg has graciously outfitted the team in Ralph Lauren Golf polos. Greg your support is truly appreciated! Greg, please drop me a line to discuss the Ping bag idea when you have a spare second.

Just F.Y.I., Amy, Ellyse, and I will be going to visit my parents in Cape Coral, Florida from Sunday, February 17, 2008-Saturday, February 23, 2008. Thus I will be out of the office/off campus for a few days.

In closing, please let me know what time will work for you as far as work-outs are concerned. I hope to hear from you soon, please contact me by the means below if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Scott D. Goddard

Assistant Dean of Students & Golf Coach
Davis & Elkins College (http://www.davisandelkins.edu/)
100 Campus Drive
Elkins, WV 26241

3/13/2008 Glenville State College Spring Invitational (Belpre, OH, Oxbow Golf and Country Club)
3/14/2008 Glenville State College Spring Invitational (Belpre, OH, Oxbow Golf and Country Club)

3/15/08-3/21/08 Spring Break Golf Trip to Pinehurst, NC-Travel Party will consist of Cory Dillinger, Scott Goddard, Neil Howitt, and Graeme Robertson
Saturday, March 15, 2008-Travel day, arrive at the Radisson in Research Triangle Park, NC for “D&E Live” in The Triangle
Sunday, March 16, 2008-Play 18 holes either in the Research Triangle Park area or Pinehurst/Southern Pines area
Monday, March 17, 2008-Play 18 holes at Mid Pines (Tee time 1:50 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008-Play 18 holes at Pine Needles (Tee time 1:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008-Play 36 holes at the Pinehurst Resort
Thursday, March 20, 2008-Play 18 holes at the Pinehurst Resort
Friday, March 21, 2008- Travel day, arrive in Elkins, WV late afternoon-early evening

This trip will be $500 per person. Like in year’s past the fee for the trip can be charged to your student account. We can look at fundraising options to help offset the cost of the trip if you wish. I would be open to doing another golf-a-thon this spring. Paul Stirrup and Tim Geier would you please give me a call? I have a few thoughts/questions concerning “D&E Live” in The Triangle and spring break in Pinehurst, NC to run by the two of you.

4/6/2008 W.V.I.A.C. Northern Tournament (Wheeling, WV, Oglebay S.P., - http://www.oglebay-resort.com/golf/speidel.cfm)
4/7/2008 W.V.I.A.C. Northern Tournament (Wheeling, WV, Oglebay S.P.)
4/11/2008 W.V. Wesleyan College Invitational (Clarksburg, WV, Bel Meadow, - http://www.belmeadow.com/enter.html)
4/12/2008 W.V. Wesleyan College Invitational (Clarksburg, WV (Bel Meadow)
4/21/2008 W.V.I.A.C. Invitational (Berkeley Springs, WV, Cacapon S.P., - http://www.cacaponresort.com/golf.htm)
4/22/2008 W.V.I.A.C. Invitational (Berkeley Springs, WV, Cacapon S.P.)

Time management will be import this semester so please get organized in your classes and don’t fall behind. We will be missing a number of class days in April due to the tournament schedule. Please stay on top of things.

Special thanks to Greg Lecker for his support of the Golf Program. Greg has graciously outfitted the team in Ralph Lauren Golf polos. See the pictures attached. Greg your support is truly appreciated! Greg, please drop me a line to discuss the Ping bag idea when you have a spare second.

Just F.Y.I., Amy, Ellyse, and I will be going to visit my parents in Cape Coral, Florida from Sunday, February 17, 2008-Saturday, February 23, 2008. Thus I will be out of the office/off campus for a few days.

In closing, please let me know what time will work for you as far as workouts are concerned. I hope to hear from you soon, please contact me by the means below if you have any questions or concerns.