Katieshack

Golf and Planes = $$$ and Fun

If I had a fat Prada pocketbook, an American Express Black Card and unlimited funds (wait, living in L.A. and working in golf I’m supposed to, right?) I’ll tell you what golf club I would really join…although, it may not be the easy Riviera or Shady Canyon answer most would give or expect. No, no. How about a little deal called the Excursion Air Golf Club?

As the self-proclaimed first private air charter golf club in Los Angeles, Excursion Air has partnered with a variety of golf courses and literally takes golfers to new heights that most (if any) other golf clubs cannot. Indulge me, if you will, while I illustrate:

Imagine arriving at the Million Air sign at Hawthorne Airport around 8 a.m….after being attended to by the valet staff, depart on a 30-minute flight in your private Raytheon Beechcraft King Air aircraft…greeted as the “golf royalty that you are” upon arrival, relax in the VIP limousine that will escort you to the golf destination of your choosing (Sandpiper, Aviara or even Pebble Beach, perhaps?)…delight in lunch at the turn of your inevitably perfect round (to, of course, match the perfect day it’s already been)…join other elite Excursion Air members for a libation and gourmet dinner before your VIP limo returns to wisk you back to your aircraft…and after another brief flight, and an impressive 12-hour day, you’re back in the Million Air hanger, with a with an extra bounce in your step and a smile on your face.

Ahhhh. Sigh.

No folks, this is not a dream. And it can all be yours for the bargain price of…hmm…unknown. It’s never a good sign when the price is not listed. But who cares! Excursion Air can also take you to such exotic locations as Kapalua on Maui, Spain’s Valderrama Golf Club, or Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. And with four membership options (one individual and three corporate…get the boss to pay for it!), there’s opportunity for everyone to get a piece of the good life.

Here’s my proposal: I don’t REALLY need to pay rent next month, anyone game for a flight and foursome at Bandon Dunes?

Timberlake to host PGA Tour event

For those of you who don’t know me that well, I have a secret that will likely make many people lose a lot of respect for me (as well as have those that do know me roll their eyes, stifle a laugh and nod): I used to be in love with a boy band member.

Before you judge (since we all have our own idiosyncrasies), hear me out. And yes, this is golf related.

I was a young girl when I first laid eyes on Justin Timberlake, dancing and singing his little blond curly head off on Disney’s The New Mickey Mouse Club back in '93. Sigh, those were the days. A few years later, during my freshman year of high school, he resurfaced with four other chaps in the Orlando-based boy band *NSYNC (I had every album. And book. And poster. And even the Valentine’s Day official *NSYNC conversation hearts.). Despite the fact that our relationship was unrequited, I moved on, watched his solo career take off into another stratosphere, and worked on my own career path as well, being the independent woman I am.

And now, turnabout. He has followed me into the golf world.

Timberlake, 26, who recently obtained membership at Los Angeles’ MountainGate Country Club, will become only the 14th celebrity to host an official PGA tournament, when the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open embarks on Las Vegas next year (click here for more). Formerly known as the Frys.com Open from 2006-07 (George McNeill is the defending champion), Timberlake’s involvement in the five-year agreement will include playing in the event’s pro-am, as well as hosting a concert during the tournament week.

That’s my guy.

The avid golfer, who plays to a 6-handicap and is rumored to have been taking lessons to get down to scratch, joins a list of some of the most well-known (and well-liked) celebrities of their times, including Bob Hope (the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, now hosted by Lakeside member and comedian George Lopez), Sammy Davis, Jr. (the Sammy Davis Jr. Greater Hartford Open, now known as the Travelers Championship), and my personal favorite, Ed McMahon(!) (The Ed McMahon-Jaycees Quad Cities Open, now known as the John Deere Classic). See the full list here. He's also participated in the celebrity portions of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Ahh, golf. Rekindling long-lost relationships and bringing people together for the good of life and the game.