Katieshack

Fun fun fun 'til your caddie takes your Segway away

In Katie's Product of the Week feature (you can stop looking for the others, this is the first)...

Imagine this: you're cruising down the fairway of your favorite hole at your favorite course -- wind blowing through your hair (or lack thereof) and the warm Southern California sun shining on your face (remember sunscreen). With your bag stored securely next to you and your scorecard displaying that bogey golf round in front of you (you remind yourself that although your short game does need a little work, golf is more about the camaraderie and experience than the score...right?), you're thinking to yourself, "Yep, life can't get much better than this." And as your buddy pulls up next to you, you pound fists to celebrate another perfect day on the links as you scurry off side by side into the sunset.

This can be reality, folks.

One of my cub reporters tipped me off to what I would consider to be a work of genius for golfers and non-golfers alike: have fun buzzing around town on those cool Segways? Now you can get a golf-specific one for the course.

Named the 2007 New Product of the Year by the Association of Private Clubs and Directors, the Segway x2 Golf (the sister model in a family of four other two-wheelers) provides a fun and effective way to tool around the course for up to 36 holes (or 14 miles) without having to walk or sit in a cart. In addition to all the safety must-haves, like large turf-friendly tires, Segway SmartMotion and LeanSteer (which provides balance and uneven terrain compensation), the Segway also comes with a snazzy golf bag holder, as well as a scorecard display for hands-free storage. If you can shift your weight forward, you've put it in drive, and leaning back sets it into reverse. Optimized maneuverability...it really is that easy.

The practical side of me says that this is a good substitute for the sometimes...ahem...unstylish golf cart. Not all of us are lucky enough have a souped-up club car with a radio or cooler or red velvet-upolstered seats. Forget the superficiality factor for a moment, though: this is also great for those who are physically unable to sit for or walk 18 holes, or maybe don't care for the inhibiting factors a classic cart presents. This gadget could make golf more accessible, which has many positive implications for the future of the game.

But now that all that's out of the way, onto the goods. This puppy gets to speeds of up to 12 miles per hour, has zero turning radius and, according to Segway, is a great way to keep up with your foursome, instead of splitting up into two carts. I don't think I need to explain further what all of this implies, although I will say that I do not and will not suggest, promote or condone Segway racing or tricks on the golf course. I am simply realistic and know that it will inevitably happen.

Add this to your Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day or Grandparents' Day lists, or skip your first car for your 16th birthday or grad gift and pick up one of these instead. At $6,175, it's practically a steal AND you'll be the envy of all those golfers around you. www.segway.com

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?