Let the gift-giving begin
THE MASTERS OFFICIALLY GETS A HEALTHY DOSE OF DRAMAAAAA
Full disclosure, this section was less about The Masters and more about finding a chance to remember, appreciate and share the short-lived comedy series from ABC called Happy Endings.
If you have ever chuckled or smirked or dare I say laughed at the jokes found within the now 121!!! issues of Breakfast Balls I've written so far, I promise you that Happy Endings is worth a watch.
It originally aired in 2011 over the summer and out of order, for reasons no one is quite sure, but these TV networks do insane $#&@ with shows they think are going to flop. BUT, despite it all, they ended up shooting 3 seasons of it and it's top notch comedy with killer writing and the cast chemistry is immediate.
Maybe it's my old entertainment side coming out and you couldn't care less, but people should know about it—so go watch over the holiday break.
Okay, back to golf.
The #1 Driver and #1 seasonal content
OLD TIMEY GOOD TIMES
TaylorMade holiday content has set the gold standard for how to maximize the one window of time where all their golf superstars assemble in one place.
Past holiday spreads have included the crew huddled around a flagpole re-enacting the GOAT of all Christmas movies: A Christmas Story. Or the terribly wonderful Christmas holiday card shot of everyone in full length green footy pajamas by the fireplace. Google 'em.
This season, we had the treat of an ole fashioned caroling setup featuring Tiger as conductor (duh), Rory scrambling to find his place in the sheet music (fun), and otherwise it's legit them singing a carol.
It's still mind-boggling to me that they can assemble these kind of squads at HQ or whatever secret bunker they shoot their holiday content—and THEN force them to dress in costumes and f&*# around.
Meanwhile... at Callaway I picture a frigid room with loose floorboards and a drafty fireplace, Phil twiddling his thumbs in a high back leather chair staring into the abyss.
Like a kid on Christmas
GROUND. BROKEN.
Reason #162 why we set up Bad Birdie HQ in Scottsdale.
Earlier this month, shiny shovels were finally plunged into the Arizona earth as construction officially started on TPC Scottsdale's soon to be golf-centered sportsbook sponsored by DraftKings.
While it won't be QUITE ready for this year's festivities, you can safely pencil me in for the outdoor firepit area in 2024—posted up all day for the WM Phoenix Open.
And you KNOW I love a good render.
Loving the firepits, obviously. Loving the multiple TV megaboards surrounding. Nothing hits quite like a rendered palm tree too—IRL they never get that same fluff and tropical cover. Though they do look damn good on a polo...
Like the KC O-Line on Christmas...
THE ULTIMATE MAHOME-Y
Mahomes. All-time good guy.
Classy move earning the top prize for my favorite QB to O-Line gift.
As I'm sure I've mentioned in issues past, this always reminds me of the one of the few bright spots I had during my former life in Los Angeles as a Production Assistant at Two and a Half Men. As insane as it was that I learned production had shut down on a random Monday because Charlie never showed up to set after his now infamous weekend in Vegas (see also "tiger blood" and #winning).
It somehow all became okay when we opened our crew gifts and realized that the cast gave every person on the show a brand new iPad. Sometimes it's the small things... that also cost a lot of money.
And with that as your preamble... Bucket Hat Bill... what'd ya get me!?!?!?!
You: "What did Bill get you?? What did you get us???"
THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT IS ALIVE AND WELL
It's been quite a while since I launched a little surprise giveaway to you faithful readers—so why not bring it back as a pre-holiday treat.
First of all, congrats on making it the final section of another Breakfast Balls issue. I genuinely appreciate and value every one of you that opens, reads, and responds to these. They continue to be an absolute blast to write—and I hope they are at least a semi-blast to read.
Second of all, the giveaway.
I've been cleared to give out some free polos to readers and while I can't make it a first come first serve... as you East Coast readers always get the drop on us late-to-wake West Coast people. I will be sending free polo codes to three randomly drawn people who respond to the following...
Simply answer these three questions in your email response inspired by Christmas Carol (Muppets... if we are being specific).
QUESTION 1: PAST
What was your favorite golfing moment from the past year? Could be from the Tours or better yet, a personal moment of accomplishment!
QUESTION 2: PRESENT
What is your favorite Bad Birdie polo pattern currently hanging in your closet? A festive picture of you wearing always welcomed.
QUESTION 3: FUTURE
Two-parter - Favorite Breakfast Balls content you want to see more of in 2023? New Bad Birdie gear, pattern, or event you'd want to see in 2023?
Entries will close at 5p PST on Wednesday Dec. 28th and I'll let you know if you won on Friday Dec. 30th.
Have a Breakfast Balls-worthy tip? Secrets to teaching an infant to love golf from day one?
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