Time... Clubs... and Ebay

Time is a fairweather friend; inspiration is considerably more flighty...

Lake St. George was good solid fun. It was a crappy rainy morning, so no pictures on this outing. I may get around to rating this golf course, but would like to put in a few more rounds on this 27 hole course before making comments.

The new clubs arrived this week. I was very excited about both, and more so about the Titleist 980 F once I saw it. This 5 wood is spectacular, 19° professional trajectory, steel shaft, in practically mint condition. The face is in great shape; it looks like it has barely been hit. Interesting thing about this club is the bevelled sole, and the club head weight is quite heavy.

The cleveland launcher is 15° 3 wood, with the Fujikira Launcher gold shaft in regular flex. The shaft had some pretty hefty bag dings, but seems alright regardless. The club head is in great condition, and should prove to be a nice addition to the bag.

Now for my rant... Ebay... I will not knock Ebay at all, it is the coolest thing ever, and I am totally addicted. However, there are so many things to look out for, particularly when you buy out of country.

Here is the story of my Cleveland Launcher. Closed the deal on Ebay, wicked deal for the club, about $76 with shipping, from the USA. However, the real fiasco hits when I get the item. UPS is kind enough to slap me with a bill for duty and brokerage for $60!!!!! almost the same I paid for it with shipping!!!

Apparently anything that is valued over $60 is now considered exempt from "gift" status, or I simply got plain old hosed...

Here are a few tips if you are buying golf equipment on Ebay:

- Buy Domestically; the worst that will happen is that you pay tax on your purchase. Or if it is a great deal, prepare for charges when you get your item!

- Contact the buyer to firm up any terms or shipping price before buying, and read the listing thoroughly.

- Carefully read the terms of the auction, including payment terms. I recommend avoiding those sellers that want you to close the deal (pay) outside of Ebay or PayPal, unless they are ranked as a powerseller.

- Always check out the sellers feedback rating, and avoid those sellers that have little selling or buying history. I bought from someone with no rating, and although I got a good deal, it was a real hassle dealing with a new seller. Also, low or no feedback ratings could mean a good old scammer who has taken a new name on.

- Contact the seller and be sure you have all the information on the item you can get. Ask for pictures, and they will email them to you. If the listing mentions some wear or damage, get a good image of it before you bid.

- Always get the tracking information for the item once the seller has sent it.

OK... My rant is done...

This weekend the Shave Five Strokes team is playing Brooklea GCC in beautiful Midland, Ontario. This course is home to 27 holes, and is one of the better public courses in the area.

I havent played this course for a couple of seasons, so this should be an interesting return. I am thoroughly looking forward to tearing up this track, and getting some dirt on my new clubs.

Tell you all about the clubs, and the course on Monday...

May your scorecard be free of snowmen!

Cliff Van Kempen