RON HARDESTY AND CALLAWAY SPONSORSHIP
August 22, 2012
From: Ronald C. Hardesty [mailto:ron@hardestylaw.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 11:11 AM
To: CustomerService
Subject: Mini Sponsorship
Hi,
My name is Ron Hardesty. I’m 63 years old and a 19 handicap. I am heading to Michigan on September 1 to vie in the 22nd annual WACOFF Gentlemen’s Retreat and Invitational Golf Tournament (check us out at www.WACOFF.org - make sure you wait for the music to load ) I play Callaway: FT-i Driver and Squareway 3 wood, 3,4,5 RAZR X hybrids, FT ibrid 6-PW (I love these irons), and use an Odyssey Mini-T putter. I have a Callaway Towel/Club rain cover, I use Callaway balls. I have Callaway golf shirts. I admit I use a Cobra Trusty Rusty, a Ram SW and a Nicklaus LW, but if you sponsor me I’ll put tape over those logos….or replace the wedges with Callaways.
The group I play with is always appreciative of a good gag. Given my handicap I often tell them that Callaway pays me not to endorse their products. But what a hoot it would be to have an official sponsorship this year! I did win our Flight Championship last year, by two strokes, and I have been on the coveted winning WACOFF SCRAMBLE TEAM four times. I figure I am a good advertisement for Callaway Golf, and thought I’d write and see if you have a mini sponsorship you could send my way. Whatever you have in mind I’ll proudly exhibit to the multitudes. And if you do sponsor me, I won’t water it down by wearing other companies’ logos (like Phil does), I’ll be 100% Callaway!
I’m not suggesting a big leather bag with my name on it or anything (though that would be great!). I wear a large size shirt, and still swing stiff clubs. Just a certificate, a letter… I’ll leave it to your imagination.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this. And thanks for providing such an outstanding product for all levels of play, your equipment makes the game more fun.
Ron Hardesty
om: Callaway CustomerService [mailto:CG_CustomerService@callawaygolf.com]
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2012 12:59 PM
To: Ronald C. Hardesty
Subject: RE: Mini Sponsorship
Dear Mr. Hardesty,
Thank you for your recent E-mail. We were pleased to hear of your interest in Callaway, and appreciate you taking the time to contact us with your inquiry.
In response to your inquiry, at this time Callaway does not have any products available for distribution. We apologize that we are not able to accommodate your request, and wish you luck in your upcoming tournament.
If you need any further assistance, please call our Customer Service Department at (800) 588-9836. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Standard Time. The Representative you speak with will be happy to assist you.
Thank you,
Customer Service
1(800)588-9836
From: Ronald C. Hardesty [mailto:ron@hardestylaw.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 12:56 PM
To: 'CustomerService'
Subject: RE: Mini Sponsorship
Dear Mr. Service;
I thought I should write back to tell you that your decision to not offer me a mini-sponsorship has caused me a great deal of anxiety, not to mention the controversy it has caused among the Invitees of our upcoming Tournament. I now question my decision to share your rejection letter with them. I implore you to reconsider, on behalf of your Company, perhaps discuss this with your supervisor. I love my Callaway clubs, and do not want to part with them. But the reprobation I have at the very suggestion that I continue to play Callaway is becoming difficult for me. Is there no small token you can offer? A simple request for me to represent the company would be wonderful. A sleeve of Callaway balls, or a ball marker would seal the deal, and would show my competitors that Callaway stands behind it’s golfing public. (but please see comments below about wedges) I have attached some of the comments I received, as difficult as it is to acknowledge them, so that you can see for yourself what I am going through. Thank you again for your consideration. Please respond as soon as possible (but after careful deliberation) as I must fly to Detroit Friday morning, and will have to pay extra baggage fees for my clubs. I really don’t want to play off brand clubs. It wouldn’t be right.
A proud Callaway diehard,
Ron Hardesty
Joe wrote: “They flat out ##$%^ lied to you. The golf equipment manufacturer has no golf equipment? I'm surprised you don't take their condescending reply as an affront to your manhood.”
Marshall wrote: “I don't see any way you can effectively play with those club in that branded bag ever again. A company that sends your well written request to a lackey who brushes you off without regard to evaluating an opportunity presented to it, probably cuts some corners in acquiring materials, design, and production methods. All your Callaway purchases were probably the result of cheap foreign labor, sweatshop conditions, over hype Madison Avenue influence, and bad karma. Get rid of them, my friend. It will liberate you and free your game from the restraints which will be even more obvious if you continue to carry the badges they made for you, and you so innocently display.”
Dan wrote: “He is so right. Ron needs to be liberated from the tyranny of overreaching golf commercialism. Free Ron!!! He must cast off the shackles of golf oppression. Free Ron!! I only hope he is brave and strong enough to take the first step and throw away those vile implements of corporate greed. C’mon Ron, put ‘em on the curb and just walk away. Natural golf clubs for Ron! No name golf clubs for Ron!”
Marshall answered: “I think it’s clear you need different clubs, umbrellas, and everything else in your bag with the dreaded "C" tag displayed. How can you have any confidence in products marketed by such a company. No, Ron, you have integrity. Callaway doesn’t deserve you. Have they heard your songs? No but they were ready to reject you with their first gatekeepers brush-off. Get rid of those clubs while you can. If you wait too long, they will find them when you discard them, and force you to play with them. Time is short. As a favor, just to show this has no relationship to any concept of me being from some opposing team, I will help you bury these clubs on next Friday night, if you haven't purged the taint of these up till then.”
John wrote: I think Marshal’s right! I’ll bring the DeKam wedge* to help—it’s far better for digging holes than for golf shots. (But, it still might be better for golf than all those Callaways).
* Mike DeKam is the only of our Organization to have passed on, and we ceremoniously toss his wedge at each Invitational event to remember him . While it would be an honor to use Deke’s wedge, I believe Callaway’s wedges would be better. In fact, I would love to play a Forged Callaway Copper Approach Wedge, but I don’t have one.
From: Ron Hardesty [mailto:RattlesnakeRon@rocketmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2013 9:03 AM
To: Jeanne Jackson
Subject: Re: Sponsorship
Hi Jeanne,
Thanks for writing back. The 23rd WACOFF Invitational begins Friday September 6, 2013. We are staying, and playing our first two matches, at
The Otsego Club, 696 M32 East, Gaylord, MI 49734.
The official event begins Friday, September 6, with a rotating two man best ball game at the Otsego Club Tribute Course. (About 3/4 of us will play "The Thursday Game", obviously on Thursday, this year at the Treetops Tradition course.) Our Scramble in on Saturday, also on the Tribute Course at Otsego, and Sunday we have our Flight Championship matches at Treetops Masterpiece (the Trent Jones course).
For 23 years we have outfitted each team with matching golf shirts and hats to wear at the Scramble on Saturday. This year, however, we are supplying the shirts but no hat. (instead we are providing pullover wind shirts with our logo to each player). I realize it is late, you may already have something in mind, and it might be too much to ask, but do you have 20 Callaway hats laying around? I don't know why I didn't think of that before.
Thank you again for your support of the Wednesday Afternoon Cultural Organization for Fun and Fellowship, and our annual Invitational & Gentlemen's Retreat. This has added a new dimension to our gathering! Oh, my GHIN index dropped .6 strokes this week, I seem to be peaking in time for the tournament! I think I'll do Callaway proud.
I hope you get to take some time for yourself this summer.
Happy Trails,
Ron Hardesty
Sent from my iPad
On Aug 16, 2013, at 4:42 PM, Jeanne Jackson <JeanneJ@callawaygolf.com> wrote:
Ron,
I apologize for the delay in responding, but had unexpected business travel and just got back into the office. We should be able to pull off something if time permits. When is the event this year? Is the address below correct?
TREETOPS RESORT
3962 WILKINSON RD
GAYLORD MI 49735
Have a great weekend!
Jeanne
From: Ron Hardesty [mailto:RattlesnakeRon@rocketmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 8:44 PM
To: Jeanne Jackson
Subject: Re: Sponsorship
Good to hear from you, too, Jeanne. To be honest, I didn't think you could pull that off, but you can't fault me for asking! Whatever you can do would be great. Off the top of my head, maybe a dozen HEX CHROME balls with my name on them..... (one of my buddies gets those from Bridgestone each year, he's the GM at our local course, but it would be great to show him up), or a towel or umbrella, ball marker. It doesn't matter really. But I'm thinking whatever it is, if you can send it directly to the Treetops Resort Pro Shop, where our event is happening, maybe with a letter addressed to the WACOFF Committee about your interest in the event, and having me represent Callaway, THAT would be a hoot.
I hope your summer is doing great. Is Phil as nice as he appears? I don't think Callaway could have a better ambassador (except for me). Hey, I know, have Phil fly up to our event! That wouldn't cost the company anything, and the guys would love it!
I can dream.
Happy Trails,
Ron
Sent from my iPad
On Aug 8, 2013, at 5:05 PM, Jeanne Jackson <JeanneJ@callawaygolf.com> wrote:
Ron,
I am glad you are recovering. Phil’s win was a great week here. He stopped by the office on a “surprise” visit!
I don’t think I can pull off a logo’d bag and we have a vendor who does our embroidery now off site. I am open to have some fun with your Invitational if you have some other ideas??
Take care,
Jeanne
From: Ron Hardesty [mailto:RattlesnakeRon@rocketmail.com]
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2013 12:32 PM
To: Jeanne Jackson
Subject: Re: Sponsorship
Hi Jeanne!
Well, our invitational is only a month away and I thought I'd touch base. My game took another turn this year. I had to have meniscus surgery on my knee in May, which set me back a bit. (getting older does have it's challenges) I am on the mend, however, and my game is coming back nicely. I am not as consistent with my RAZR X Black driver as I would like, but my fairways hit percentage is getting better week by week. I can tell you, there is not a better sound on the course than a ball hitting the sweet spot on that club, and when I hit it sweet I am as long or longer than many younger guys I play with. I love it. But the real good news has been in my short game. Getting the 56 and 60 degree "Jaws" wedges was the smartest thing I've done in years. They have given me confidence from inside 100 yds that I didn't have before.
It was great to see Phil tear up the links last month! He represents Callaway with class.
Hope to hear from you.
Happy trails,
Ron
Sent from my iPad
On Apr 11, 2013, at 9:20 AM, Jeanne Jackson <JeanneJ@callawaygolf.com> wrote:
Ron,
Good to hear from you and glad to hear you have recovered. I’ll put on my “thinking cap” and see what we can come up with for this year’s Invitational.
Take care,
Jeanne
From: Ron Hardesty [mailto:RattlesnakeRon@rocketmail.com]
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 12:58 PM
To: Jeanne Jackson
Subject: Sponsorship
Dear Jeanne;
I hope this finds you well. I thought I would update you regarding the 23rd annual WACOFF Invitational and Gentlemen's Retreat, which again will be held at the Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan this coming September. My calf has fully healed since the unfortunate event last year and I am again playing golf here in the Pacific Northwest. We have had our share of rain, but the local courses are in fine shape. My "home" course is Lake Padden in Bellingham, Washington. My course handicap recently went from 18 to 19, but I have been playing fairly well, winning low gross in my division in our "Par 3" tournament in February and taking second low gross in our two man scramble last weekend. (my playing partner also plays Callaway) The season is young and full of promise!
I have finally replaced my old FTi driver with a "new" 2012 RAZR X Black. It is an amazing club! I am waiting for delivery (should be here Monday) of 2 new 2012 X Series Slate CC wedges from your folks in Austin, which will replace my 20 year old Cobra "Trusty Rusty" and Nicklaus Air Bear lob wedge in my bag. Now by Sun Mt. bag holds nothing but Callaway (including my Odyssey putter).
After our little trick last year it will be much harder to fool the boys into thinking I have a real sponsorship from Callaway, so I am renewing my request for an official one. I don't know what you can do, if anything. I know what would convince them....a Callaway golf bag with my name on it! (I use a push cart. I was thinking an Org.14 Xtreem Cart Bag would be perfect!) My course pro (Mel Fish) used to be a Callaway guy. He is the one who got me started with Callaway clubs. (I don't know why, but he has switched to Taylormade. Frankly I hate those white clubs! Don't worry, I'm not switching even if you don't sponsor me.) He still has his beautiful Callaway PGA bag embroidered with his name in the pro shop. If I had one it would be on the course every day getting the attention it deserves!
The way I see it, Callaway already sponsors superstars like Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson, golf pros and upcoming youngsters. But it's the average old guys like me who Callaway needs to carry the banner, because it's the average guys (and girls) like me who buy the product! Am I going to be a tour player? Never. (don't guess I'll be young again, either) I'm a 65 year old hacker who loves the game who plays as much as he can and tries very hard to get better. And that's why I play Callaway. Because Callaway makes equipment that helps me enjoy the game of golf.
I'll keep you posted as things go along, and look forward to hearing from you.
Happy trails,
Ron Hardesty
September 2015
Sep 22, 2015, 12:08 PM
to Jeanne
Dear Jeanne;
Well, our 25th has come and gone. The guys were again amazed and thankful that Callaway was back for it's third year. The Super Soft balls were great! Thank you so much. As we are getting older now, some of our children were also participants in the festivities. 5 Sons of WACOFF competed in the golf games. And my son James, who owns The Green Frog in Bellingham, Washington, travelled to Traverse City in his 1968 GMC pickup truck, picked up a smoker along the way, and prepared Barbecue for us. We were sated with brisket, ribs and pulled pork, jalapeño cheese grits, smoked bacon wrapped poppers; you get the picture. My son doesn't play golf (I know, I'm a bad dad), but he sure can cook! It was special to me to have him experience what we do each year.
My Scramble team played hard and ended up tied with the low score, but lost the scorecard tie-breaker. Unfortunately we bogied the final hole. We enjoyed beautiful fall Michigan weather, with only a tiny bit of rain. The courses were excellent and challenging: The Bear, The Wolverine, The Kingsley Club. To be honest with you, even my superior Callaway Clubs could not save me from myself this year in the flight championships, my game was dismal, I was golfed out, mind and body. But when all is said and done, golf is just the excuse, not the reason we get together each year.
I also was able to play two rounds with my father prior to WACOFF. He is 93. He doesn't shoot his age anymore, but came close with a 102. All and all it was a fantastic time in September, made all the more special by your contribution. Thank you, Jeanne. And thank Callaway, too, for including us in its mission.
Your friend
Ron
August 6, 2019
Dear Jeannie;
Well, I guess I’m losing it in my old age and new retirement. I looked to see what I had written you after our WACOFF outing last September and found that I had not sent you a recap! I am very chagrined about that. We had a great time in Western Michigan, near Saugatuck. We played HawksHead for our Friday game and the Scramble and then moved to the very challenging Ravines course for our Flight Championship, which brought even the best of us down a notch or two. We only ran into rain on Thursday as we gathered prior to our Tee Time, but thanks to Weather Radar Apps we were able to move 20 miles north, find another course, and play in the sunshine! The outing was another huge success, and we thank you for the Chrome Soft balls! I have used the "soccer style" Chrome Softs several times this past year and really like them, too. Great Ball. Thank you so much.
The 29th Annual Invitational and Gentlemen’s Retreat will begin the Thursday after Labor Day in the same venue as last year. We have 24 signed up this year, including several of the original members' kids (how can we be that old? Can I really be 70?). Unfortunately, since we let the kids start playing, they, and their 300 yard drives, started winning. But, as I’m sure you know by now, it isn’t the winning that is important to us.
This has been a good year for me, especially now that I am retired completely. My wife and I are in good health. I get to play 3 or 4 times a week with a great bunch of guys at Bellingham Golf and County Club. I began the year with a 19 handicap, which is now down to a respectable 14. I shot 78 twice this summer, the only sub 80 rounds since two that occurred 3 years ago. My goal is to get into single digits within the next two years. If I am able to do that I will likely be placed in the WACOFF A Division, and will become the only one to have played in all 4 divisions. I am the only player in the group to have won the Flight Championship in 3 divisions. I was able to do a 4 day trip to Bandon Dunes and a three day trip to David Kidd's Gamble Sands course in Eastern Washington this year. Great weather and even better golf.
My bag is still 99% Callaway, including the ball I play. I gave my X Jaws Wedges to my son in law this year . I replaced the lob wedge with a Phil Mickelson Grind 60% Mack Daddy. I was surprised I liked it so much better than the Jaws. I admit I put my old Cobra Trusty Rusty sand wedge back in my bag after diligently sharpening the grooves. If I could find a Callaway I liked better I'd swap in a hard second! I also added the Callaway “15th Club” ball retriever as well. Luckily I don’t have to use it too often. I have the tools, I have the skills, and now I just need better concentration to improve my consistency. Isn't Golf the greatest?
I do want to extend our ongoing thanks to you and to Callaway for the part you have played in our celebration these last 6 years! Most of the guys are still amazed that you are a part of our outing. My hope is that you have continuing interest, and even if you can’t participate this year (though I hope you can) that you will be with us next year for the 30th. I think (though I cannot be sure, as I am not part of the venue Committee) that we may go somewhere special, perhaps Pinehurst. But even if we return to Michigan, the 30th will be quite a milestone for us, and for Callaway. We need to find a way to get the word out to the bigger golf community just how good Callaway has been to us. You really do work for a wonderful company.
I hope this note finds you well, and that hearing about WACOFF somehow brightens your year. “The Boyz” are still amazed that you support us. Thanks again. Hope to hear from you.
Ron Hardesty
March 30, 2020
Hi Jeanne!
It’s Ron. I sent a couple messages regarding last year’s event but didn’t hear back, so I fear my emails were directed to junk…so no WACOFF in the subject line.
I hope you are well and properly isolated during this madness. I am going a bit stir crazy not being able to play my usual 3-4 rounds a week, but at least my family is all healthy.
We have moved our event to October this year due to a couple of the guys being out of the country (at least they had plans to be gone….) We are going back to The Kingsley Club for our first game. It is a fantastic private course, one of the top 100 in the country.
This year is our 30th Anniversary of the tournament. I know there are other groups out there who have similar histories, but I think It remarkable that we continue to capture the spirit and camaraderie each fall, and have now added a few of our sons to the game. My son doesn’t play, but he has been invited back to be our chef. Life is good.
I know that we are small potatoes (maybe eyes on a potato) as far as your business is concerned, but I can’t tell you how much all the guys have appreciated Callaway’s participation with our Invitational Tournament. It makes us feel good to have a bit of support. All were wondering why you weren’t with us last year. The blame falls squarely on my shoulders. I retired last year and maybe didn’t follow up when I didn’t hear from you. I know there were problems with you getting my emails a couple of times in the past.
As a die hard Callaway customer, I added two Phil Mickelson grind Mac Daddy wedges to my bag this year. The 54 degree has helped my sand game immensely, and the 60 has proved to be my favorite around the greens. I gave my FT Optiforce Driver and 3 wood to my brother last year (I got the Epic, and love them) and he liked the Callaway brand so much he bought a set of Apex 19s for himself and another set for his wife! And the beat goes on….
Anyway, I thought I’d write to see if Callaway would like to participate in our 30th, in whatever way possible. If you can’t, I sure understand. But if you can we wlll celebrate Callaway along with our longevity.
Even if you can’t participate, can you send me a reply letting me know you received this, and, hopefully, telling me you are still with the company and doing fine?
Thanks again,
Your pal
Ron