LPGA Young Guns #GolfChat

Second Hour of #GolfChat Coming on Tuesday, March 1 at Noon PST.

This is our last Tuesday with just one #GolfChat.  Starting next week we will have a #GolfChat at Noon PST and again at 5pm PST every Tuesday.  Can’t wait for a 2nd hour of #GolfChat

 

Golf Industry Show

As you all know, I attended the Golf Industry Show representing REALiTEE Golf.  The experience was awesome as I witnessed first-hand the unveiling of this new golf concept which generated a lot of excitement during the week.  Including connecting with Darius Rucker, aka “Hootie” and the Robert Trent Jones II team, along with interest in securing several locations across the globe to be the first to build a REALiTEE Golf venue.

Another amazing thing that happened during the week was running into many #GolfChatters at the event itself.  I got a chance to connect with @socialputts, @seanmrivers, @socalgolfblog, @apittle, and @greenskeeperorg.  All in all, it was a great week in San Diego.

Also this week I was finally able to send out the #GolfChat Awards to our #GolfChat Award winners and we’ve got the tweets to prove it.


#GolfChat Questions

#Q1 submitted by @tonyjdear: Which player living or dead would you most like to have caddied for (no pay)? #GolfChat

#Q2 submitted by @brewcee: Do you prefer to cart or walk when you golf? #GolfChat

#Q3 submitted by @aclevergirl: Do you take your glove off to putt, or leave it on? #GolfChat

#Q4 submitted by @TheGratefulGolf: Are the LPGA young guns as exciting to watch as the PGA players? #GolfChat

#Q5 submitted by @MikeintheCouv:  For winter/sloppy golf, what is your bottom layering? Rainpants, shorts, jeans, thermals, etc? #GolfChat

#Q6 submitted by @golfizit: Ideal temp for GBs is 70-80 deg so how much distance do you lose when the ball and outside temperature is 50 deg or less? #GolfChat

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Golf Instruction: #GolfChat Theme Week | @socialputts

#GolfChat Theme Week:

Golf Instruction Proposed by @jagolfer323

This weeks theme for #GolfChat is Golf Instruction.  Please click on the link below to submit your Golf Instruction Questions for tomorrow’s #GolfChat.

GolfChat Question About Golf Instruction

Our #GolfChat Questions will go live on our NEW #GolfChat website tonight at midnight, so make sure you submit your #GolfChat Questions on golf instruction.

www.GolfChat.org

 

Congratulations to Our #GolfChat Award Winners

The winners of the first ever #GolfChat Awards will each receive a dozen Bridgestone Golf Balls.

@Front9Back9, the winner of the MVP #GolfChat Award will also win this from @McTwentyTwo

Most Valuable #GolfChatter:

@Front9Back9

Favorite #GolfChatter:

@aspittle

Funniest #GolfChatter:

@connectgolf

Growing Golf Award:

@bridgestonegolf

Best Playing Partner:

@regripped

Most Active #GolfChatter:

@Front9Back9

Best #GolfChat Bio:

@bndwgnrsgd2golf

Best #GolfChat Instructor:

@todd_fitness

Best #GolfChat Blog:

@36aday

Best #GolfChat Questions:

@Front9Back9

Best #GolfChat Podcast:

@GolfUnfiltered

Golf Chatter Bio: @socialputts


Real Name: Art Faccone
Location: Round Rock, TX, USA

What Do You Order from the #GolfChat Bar?

I usually stick with wine (Cabs or Chardonnay) for #golfchat since it’s around dinner time for me. I’ll mix in a hoppy IPA once in a while. Favorite cocktails are Jack on the rocks or a martini, up with olives.

How Did You Get Into Golf?

When I was a boy our family would a take a one week vacation to a resort in the mountains with another family every August. The resort had a 9 hole course that we played every morning and putting tournaments for all ages throughout the week. I spent countless hours putting, trying to win a gift certificate to the snack bar. Since that time, golf has always been a way for me to detach from the day to day noise and spend quality time with friends and family.

What Are You Doing in Golf and Why?

I started SocialPutts to give golfers more opportunities to play golf and to help courses to grow the game. We started with a basic social network and we’ve grown to include golfer matching, invitations, score tracking, and public and private groups. We have 15,000+ online course communities, 400+ golfer groups and we’re growing every day.
Courses providing a Best Price Guarantee on their course website can market for free on SocialPutts. We also provide other for fee data and social media services that are directly aligned with the NGCOA’s Guidelines for Tee Time Distribution.  

Favorite #GolfChat Topics?

I get fired up by the so called ‘protectors of the game’ that believe that the only way to play golf is in proper golf attire and strictly adhering to the Rules of Golf. There will always be a place for that, but that’s not the future of golf. There are dozens of way to play golf, and everyone should be free to play golf their way. Golf must be accessible to the masses and, above all, it must be fun.

Favorite Golf Quote?

If you drink, don’t drive. Don’t even putt. – Dean Martin 

Favorite Golf Destination and Why?

I love playing the Blue Monster at Doral. I love the climate in S. Florida and the challenge of the wind. Plus there’s great fishing, the beach, fantastic restaurants and family and friends who live nearby.

How Do You View the State of the Game of Golf?

Golf definitely needs help. Rounds are down, there are fewer golfers, revenue is down and courses are closing. The Baby Boomers didn’t provide the jump in rounds many had hoped for, and now the Boomers are getting older and playing less golf. To grow the game we need to reach all golfers and give them more opportunities to play golf their way. Courses need to regain control of their pricing and drive golfers to their own website rather than a 3rd party’s tee time booking site. SocialPutts helps courses to reach these goals.

Who Are Your Favorite #GolfChatters and Why?

I love anyone with punny or sarcastic comments, which often come from the usual suspects: Zeb (@ZebWelborn), Amy Spittle (@aspittle), @beercartgolf, @connectgolf and @CenCalHack. #rake

Favorite Golfers and Why?

Jordan Spieth. As much as I like to see Bubba and DJ hit bombs off the tee, I love Spieth’s demeanor and his overall game. I’m also curious to see how good he can be and for how long. He seems to be grounded and he’s got a great support structure in place. If he keeps this support structure and avoids 9 irons on Thanksgiving the sky’s the limit.  

 

Weekly Reminders

Do you have updates to share with the #GolfChat community.  Email me with the cool things you’ve been up to and I’ll be sure to share those with our #GolfChat members!

Comment below if you have any comments, questions, or ideas as it pertains to #GolfChat.

Learn more about some of my Top 82 Golf Twitter Accounts to follow in 2015 – http://19thholemedia.com/top-82-golf-twitter-accounts-follow-2015/

Want to get more involved with #GolfChat and be notified via email about upcoming #GolfChat’s and opportunities.  Sign up for the #GolfChat newsletter!  – https://welborn.leadpages.net/golfchat/

Do You Have Any Suggestions for #GolfChat Questions?  Share Them With Us!

Join us weekly for #GolfChat, every Tuesday at 5pm PST!

For more information about how to participate in #GolfChat, please check out this article – How to Participate in #GolfChat Twitter Chat – http://19thholemedia.com/how-to-participate-in-the-golfchat-twitter-chat/

New #GolfChat Calendar:

1st #GolfChat of the Month = Surprise #GolfChat
2nd, 4th and 5th #GolfChat of the Month = Regular #GolfChat
3rd #GolfChat of the Month = Themed #GolfChat

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2015 #GolfChat Awards | @ZebWelborn

The winners of the first ever #GolfChat awards will be announced live during #GolfChat on January 12, 2016.  Fifty of you voted for the #GolfChatters you felt were the most worthy of the awards.

Below is a list of the award categories and the #GolfChatters who received the most votes in those categories.

And the nominees are:

Looking forward to your acceptance speeches.

The #GolfChat Awards will be donated by @BridgestoneGolf (Picture Coming Soon). The winner of the Most Valuable #GolfChatter Award will also receive this shirt from @McTwentyTwo (Check Out the Knuckles)

#GolfChat Questions

#Q1: What was the most interesting thing to happen in golf this week? #GolfChat#Q2 submitted by @1beardedgolfer: When playing a “big name” or destination golf course, has it lived up to your expectations or been a disappointment? #GolfChat

#Q3 submitted by @SuzyfromFlorida: If you bought a brand new Pro V-1 today and took it out of the box in 10 years from now, would it go just as far? #GolfChat

#Q4 submitted by @troyal88: What do you think of the USGA’s decision to make posting solo rounds unacceptable? #Golfchat

#Q5 submitted by @TheGratefulGolf: Do you waggle your driver before you hit the ball? #GolfChat

#Q6 submitted by @bndwgnrsgd2golf: What kind of music do you listen to on the Driving Range? #GolfChat

Golf Chatter Bio: @ZebWelborn

 


Real Name: Zeb Welborn
Location: Chino Hills, CA

What Do You Order from the #GolfChat Bar?

Coke. I quit drinking about five years ago. 

How Did You Get Into Golf?

My family has a long history in golf.

My Great Grandfather, on my Mom’s side, moved to the United States and the only thing he had with him, other than his suitcase was a letter of recommendation from James Braid.  He designed a few golf courses and was the head golf club designer for MacGregor.  He taught my Grandmother how to play and my Grandmother taught my Mom.

My Grandfather was the Men’s Club President at the local private golf course in my area, Western Hills, and he taught my Dad who has written for numerous golf magazines over the years.

My Dad bought me my first set of clubs at 11 years old and I slowly got more and more chances to play.  Eventually, I started working at Western Hills as a cart attendant and then got a job at the local public course Los Serranos Country Club.

What Are You Doing in Golf and Why?

I worked at Los Serranos for 7 years, working my way up to the Assistant Golf Professional while going to school to become a High School History teacher.  I left golf to pursue my teaching career which lasted 4 years.

I loved teaching High School History, but realized it wasn’t the career for me so I left teaching figuring I’d fall into something else.  Unfortunately, I made this decision as the recession hit and no one was hiring for jobs anywhere.  I fell back to one-on-one tutoring and my one student soon turned into a business where I learned how to market my business using the internet.

My tutoring business took off and I had numerous business owners of the kids I was tutoring reach out to me to ask me if I could do some of the same work for them and my internet marketing business was born.  I reached out to the course I worked at for 7 years, Los Serranos Country Club to see if they’d be interested in bringing me on board and I landed my first golf course client.

We were so successful at Los Serranos Country Club that I eventually wrote a book, The Social Golf Course which spoke to the importance of social media for golf courses.  I currently handle the social media and digital marketing for about ten golf courses and am looking to help grow the golf industry by managing the social presence of golf courses across the United States.

One of the biggest struggles I’ve had trying to grow 19th Hole Media was demonstrating the return on investment social media brings to golf courses, but recently I’ve created a way to do just that.  I’m looking forward to showing golf courses the potential for growth using social media in 2016.

Favorite #GolfChat Topics?

My favorite #GolfChat topics are the ones that #GolfChatters have a very strong opinion on.  I also love to see #GolfChat topics that create solutions for growing the game.

In my book, we have a chapter on St. Andrews and how the growth of anything really comes down to people.  The citizens of St. Andrews took it upon themselves to “grow golf” (@connectgolf says this terminology is cliche) and I look at #GolfChatters as a fresher version of the St. Andrews of old.

Favorite Golf Quote?

“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.”
– Bobby Jones

Favorite Golf Destination and Why?

It’s not so much a golf destination, but who I’m playing golf with.  Every Summer, my Dad, brother and I have a Father-Son Golf Trip to a golf course between 2 and 8 hours away.  It’s a weekend full of golf, billiards, cards, jacuzzis, competition, fun, and quality father-son time.

How Do You View the State of the Game of Golf?

Golf has so much potential.  The industries that are thriving today are the ones who fill peoples social news feeds with content they’re looking for.  The more a person sees their family and friends enjoying something, the more inclined they will be to take part in those activities.

Every golf course is ingrained in a community and these golf courses all have the opportunity to think more socially and get more community involvement from their local community.

Unfortunately, many local golf courses are dropping the ball.  It’s rare to see a golf course with an active social media presence and it’s even rarer to see one with an effective social media presence.

The potential is there for a revitalization of golf and it’s at our fingertips.  I only hope more golf courses begin to think more socially to get more golfers to the golf course.

Who Are Your Favorite #GolfChatters and Why?

Since starting #GolfChat we’ve had 385 people chime in at one time or another.  Asking me to choose my favorite #GolfChatters is like asking a mother to choose her favorite child.  But, I’d make a terrible mother so my favorite golfer is . . . you . . . Shh. Don’t tell everyone else.

Favorite Golfers and Why?

My cousin, Ryan Welborn played in the 1999 U.S. Open so I’m going to have to go with him because he’s my favorite.

Weekly Reminders

Do you have updates to share with the #GolfChat community.  Email me with the cool things you’ve been up to and I’ll be sure to share those with our #GolfChat members!

Comment below if you have any comments, questions, or ideas as it pertains to #GolfChat.

Learn more about some of my Top 82 Golf Twitter Accounts to follow in 2015 – http://19thholemedia.com/top-82-golf-twitter-accounts-follow-2015/

Want to get more involved with #GolfChat and be notified via email about upcoming #GolfChat’s and opportunities.  Sign up for the #GolfChat newsletter!  – https://welborn.leadpages.net/golfchat/

Do You Have Any Suggestions for #GolfChat Questions?  Share Them With Us!

Join us weekly for #GolfChat, every Tuesday at 5pm PST!

For more information about how to participate in #GolfChat, please check out this article – How to Participate in #GolfChat Twitter Chat – http://19thholemedia.com/how-to-participate-in-the-golfchat-twitter-chat/

New #GolfChat Calendar:

1st #GolfChat of the Month = Surprise #GolfChat
2nd, 4th and 5th #GolfChat of the Month = Regular #GolfChat
3rd #GolfChat of the Month = Themed #GolfChat

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2015 #GolfChat Award Nominations

Thank you to everyone who took the #GolfChat survey last week.

Forty-three of you filled out the #GolfChat survey and came up with some great ideas which we’ll be unveiling in the upcoming weeks.

Thank you to everyone who nominated #GolfChatters for our first ever #GolfChat Awards.

To choose the winner in each category, I’ve created this quick multiple choice survey to select our winners.  To qualify, you must have participated in #GolfChat in 2015 and your name must not be Zeb Welborn.

The #GolfChatter with the most votes in each category will win the respective #GolfChat Awards.  All ties will be broken by Zeb Welborn.

Campaigning is completely acceptable.  May the best #GolfChatter win!

 

2015 #GolfChat Award Nominations

Choose 2015 #GolfChat Award Winners

#GolfChat Mentions:

 

Surprise #GolfChat Questions Week

This week our #GolfChat questions will come from Periscope.  Follow @ZebWelborn on Periscope on Tuesday around 4:30pm to submit your #GolfChat questions to be used in this weeks #GolfChat.  The best six questions, as determined by me will be used in #GolfChat at 5pm PST.

 

Golf Chatter Bio: @tywebbrules

 


Real Name: David Guziak
Location: Bakersfield, CA- USA

What Do You Order from the #GolfChat Bar?

Miller Lite, Coors Light or a Rum and Coke

How Did You Get Into Golf?

My dad. He caddied at a really nice club as a kid and teenager just out of Pittsburgh. When I was 9 he really got into golf and we took lessons together at a local driving range. Next thing I know we are joining a country club and from there golf became a huge part of my life. I played junior golf in Southern Cali and Palm Springs from ages 9-17. My son is almost 13 and he and I play every weekend. 

What Are You Doing in Golf and Why?

Playing and watching as much as I can. Passing on the great game and sportsmanship to my son. 

Favorite #GolfChat Topics?

So far for me the variety overall makes #golfchat a fun hour. I like topics on instruction, equipment and also current events. I like to laugh and yes surprise, can be sarcastic but all in fun- I am pretty open and like that the format lends to comedy and true opinion. 

Favorite Golf Quote?

Caddyshack is my favorite movie of all time so pretty much the whole movie is quoteable and I feel timeless. “Don’t sell yourself short judge, your a tremendous slouch”. One of many…

Favorite Golf Destination and Why?

My dad took me to Scotland for my 30 birthday- pretty much the coolest dad ever! We had a great time, played St Andrews, Turnberry, Western Gailes and many more. Carnoustie was by far the toughest and we played in August 1999 a month after Jean Van De Velde got famous for all the wrong reasons! The Greenbrier lives up,to the hype big time. Love Spyglass and Pebble Beach as well. My dad and I want to play Pasatiempo next on our play bucket list.

How Do You View the State of the Game of Golf?

I think it is as good as his has been in a long time. Rory, Speith, Day, Bubba, the list goes on of players in their prime that could and are ripping off multiple majors. 

Who Are Your Favorite #GolfChatters and Why?

The more the merrier- new blood, veterans of #golfchat all make the experience fun and a great time every week.

Favorite Golfers and Why?

Tom Watson is my golfing hero. Jim Furyk and Zach Johnson as well love seeing guys who are not power players still win.

 

Weekly Reminders

Do you have updates to share with the #GolfChat community.  Email me with the cool things you’ve been up to and I’ll be sure to share those with our #GolfChat members!

Comment below if you have any comments, questions, or ideas as it pertains to #GolfChat.

Learn more about some of my Top 82 Golf Twitter Accounts to follow in 2015 – http://19thholemedia.com/top-82-golf-twitter-accounts-follow-2015/

Want to get more involved with #GolfChat and be notified via email about upcoming #GolfChat’s and opportunities.  Sign up for the #GolfChat newsletter!  – https://welborn.leadpages.net/golfchat/

Do You Have Any Suggestions for #GolfChat Questions?  Share Them With Us!

Join us weekly for #GolfChat, every Tuesday at 5pm PST!

For more information about how to participate in #GolfChat, please check out this article – How to Participate in #GolfChat Twitter Chat – http://19thholemedia.com/how-to-participate-in-the-golfchat-twitter-chat/

New #GolfChat Calendar:

1st #GolfChat of the Month = Surprise #GolfChat
2nd, 4th and 5th #GolfChat of the Month = Regular #GolfChat
3rd #GolfChat of the Month = Themed #GolfChat

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2015 #GolfChat Survey and Awards | @DaveHeald

#GolfChat Survey

Thank you to everyone who participated in #GolfChat this year.  When I started #GolfChat in January, 2015, I had no idea what to expect.  I’ve had a blast running and participating in #GolfChat.

Since #GolfChat questions come from you, I thought it only right to make the direction of #GolfChat up to you too.

I’d love to see #GolfChat expand in 2016 to make an even larger impact in the golf industry and want your ideas on how we can make that happen.  I’d also like to recognize your favorite #GolfChatters with our first ever #GolfChat Awards . . . which I thought would be a fun way to recognize those of you who participate in #GolfChat.

Lastly, I also thought my website might be a good place to build commentary surrounding growing golf and wondered if some of you might want to be contributors to the 19th Hole Media website.

I’ll be looking for contributors in two different areas:

  1. Growing Golf – If you have ideas on how to grow golf we’d love to include you as one of the contributors to the 19th Hole Media website. We are working on a style guide for our contributors page.  We want to make sure the articles related to growing golf are relevant, accurate, well-written and appropriate for our audience. Each article will display the author and a short bio. Please answer yes to our become a 19th Hole Media contributor in our survey and leave your email address if you’re interested.
  2. 19th Hole Media Stories – A 19th Hole Story is a story you like to tell at the 19th hole.  If you have a 19th Hole Story you’d like to share, please answer yes to the question on wanting to share your 19th Hole Story.

Take the survey by clicking on the button below – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MPJiLrMePyTA-bfh2VmKws6b1aQLrWnXUEbmaGXi3Lk/viewform

Answer as many questions as you want.

#GolfChat Survey

Bridgestone Golf

As you all know, the Bridgestone Golf Team has been participating in #GolfChat for the past few months.  I sent them a few copies of my book, The Social Golf Course and in return they asked me to take their golf ball fitting (http://www.bridgestonegolf.com/product/ball-fitting).

After finishing the Bridgestone Golf Ball fitting, they sent me this nice care package in time for the Holidays including my fitted golf ball and a couple of Bridgestone Golf Hats (gave one to my Dad, who told me he only plays Bridgestone by the way).

Thank you to the Bridgestone Golf Team. We’re looking for more opportunities to work together in 2016 for our fellow #GolfChatters.

Golf Unfiltered Podcast

Last week, Adam Fonseca, aka @GolfUnfiltered, invited me on as a guest to his Golf Unfiltered Podcast.  We talked about my involvement in golf, social media and, of course, #GolfChat.

Take a listen – http://golfunfiltered.com/golf-unfiltered-podcast-51-zeb-welborn-2015-12-16

P.S. – ignore the photo @GolfUnfiltered chose of me.  I used that photo to show people what not to do on social media. 😉

#GolfChat Questions

#Q1: What was the most interesting thing to happen in golf this week? #GolfChat

#Q2 submitted by @1bearderdgolfer: Putters excluded, what is your oldest non-souvenir piece of golf equipment or accessory?

#Q3 submitted by @seanmrivers: What’s the best hole you have ever played? #GolfChat

#Q4 submitted by @johnkim: Who will be #PGAShow in January? #Golfchat

#Q5 submitted by @foleysmith555: Should every golfer have a golfing hero? Is it important to have a role model? #GolfChat

#Q6: Did you take the #GolfChat Survey? Yes or No? Any Thoughts? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MPJiLrMePyTA-bfh2VmKws6b1aQLrWnXUEbmaGXi3Lk/viewform #GolfChat

Golf Chatter Bio: @DaveHeald


Real Name: Dave Heald
Location: London, Ontario, Canada

What Do You Order from the #GolfChat Bar?

I enjoy a cold beer in golf season and a Crown Royal on ice in the off season. 

How Did You Get Into Golf?

My Dad used to take me fishing every Sunday morning. The only thing I ever caught was a cold so one day on the way home I asked if we could go golfing instead. I have never picked up a fishing rod since. 

What Are You Doing in Golf and Why?

I am a Certified Professional Golf Instructor through C.G.T.F. and work at East Park Golf Gardens in London, Ontario as their Pro and Clubhouse Manager. For the last 3 years I have also written a weekly column during golf season for a local newspaper, The Londoner” called “Let’s Talk Golf”. Mostly tips and instruction with the odd opinion piece.

Favorite #GolfChat Topics?

Speeding up the Pace of Play. I believe it should be taught to all as a important part of Etiquette. I believe that most people who play too slow are not fully aware of the impact they are having on those who play behind them.

Favorite Golf Quote?

“Swing your Swing” (Arnold Palmer)

Favorite Golf Destination and Why?

In Canada there can be no finer golf experience that the Banff Springs in Alberta. Last spring I also had the pleasure of playing Kauai Lagoons. Very different golf experiences but both breath taking and worth a trip.

How Do You View the State of the Game of Golf?

I know that the catch phrase these days is “Grow the Game” but I can’t help but wonder of we don’t need to pull back a little and consolidate our strong base. Golf grew at unsustainable rates for about 20 years and now we seem desperate to try and maintain that momentum. Golf is a great game and will always be here. I have to admit that I am not a fan of the non traditional offerings we are seeing like Fling Golf and Foot Golf. They look like fun activities but please don’t be fooled into thinking they are golf. In my opinion, they are simply ways for desperate owners to fill tee times.

Who Are Your Favorite #GolfChatters and Why?

I enjoy reading and participating with all who come on Tuesday evenings for #golfchat. 

Favorite Golfers and Why?

I do like a lot about some of the new breed in today’s game like Rory, Jordan and Jason but there is only one and never will there be another Jack Nicklaus.

Weekly Reminders

Do you have updates to share with the #GolfChat community.  Email me with the cool things you’ve been up to and I’ll be sure to share those with our #GolfChat members!

Comment below if you have any comments, questions, or ideas as it pertains to #GolfChat.

Learn more about some of my Top 82 Golf Twitter Accounts to follow in 2015 – http://19thholemedia.com/top-82-golf-twitter-accounts-follow-2015/

Want to get more involved with #GolfChat and be notified via email about upcoming #GolfChat’s and opportunities.  Sign up for the #GolfChat newsletter!  – https://welborn.leadpages.net/golfchat/

Do You Have Any Suggestions for #GolfChat Questions?  Share Them With Us!

Join us weekly for #GolfChat, every Tuesday at 5pm PST!

For more information about how to participate in #GolfChat, please check out this article – How to Participate in #GolfChat Twitter Chat – http://19thholemedia.com/how-to-participate-in-the-golfchat-twitter-chat/

New #GolfChat Calendar:

1st #GolfChat of the Month = Surprise #GolfChat
2nd, 4th and 5th #GolfChat of the Month = Regular #GolfChat
3rd #GolfChat of the Month = Themed #GolfChat

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