During these challenging economic times, everyone of us faces various types of stress. Most of us are changing our lifestyles to survive. How about those who are less fortunate? How about those who live on the street?

It is a well-known fact that during the holiday season, stress levels climb. This can be due to financial challenges, illness, or maybe a broken relationship. There is not one of us who is immune to stress during the holidays. Instead of happiness, we feel melancholic. Instead of feeling positive, we may be depressed. If you notice, there is one common thread throughout these types of emotions (I am guilty of this too)…the stress is created by ourselves. It is a “me” centered attitude. Instead of thinking how we can best celebrate the Christmas season by helping others and giving of ourselves, we tend to get wrapped up in our own worlds…our own stress.

Think about this thought. We have well over 300 million people in the United States. What if each person donated $1.00? Just a dollar. Think about what that could do for the “less fortunate” people…how we could help them. How we could give them a great Christmas. What if each of us gave $5.00? That would be $1.5 billion. Most of us spend ten dollars at Starbucks in one day. What if 50 million people went out and served meals to the poor and needy on Christmas? We would make an astounding statement to the whole world. I have found from personal experience that when you give to the less fortunate, your own problems become quite small. You become the biggest winner.

It would be interesting to see what would happen to our economy if we helped the less fortunate in this manner. You might be surprised. It is an empowering concept to ponder!

This spectacular, annual PGA event that raises thousands of dollars for Shriner’s children was blessed with near perfect weather during the entire tournament.

The Las Vegas weather was fantastic. The golf play was superb. There was the usual drama involving players as they attempted to position themselves for the final round on Sunday. The lead changed hands a number of times over the course of the four day event. Some of the more notable names who were in the hunt were Jim Furyk, Chad Campbell, Troy Matteson, Tom Pernice, Jr., George NcNeil, and Matt Kuchar.

On Sunday, things really began to heat up…not just the temperature either, which was in the 90’s. It came down to a double sudden death overtime, as there was a three-way tie for first place at the end of 18 holes of play. Chad Campbell, George McNeil, & Martin Laird.  Martin Laird had never won a PGA event.

They started on the 18th and tied again. So they went back to the 17th. On that hole, Campbell fell out leaving McNeil & Laird. They went to the 18th. On McNeil’s approach, his shot ended up on the hillside almost in the water, while Laird’s shot landed on the green. McNeil had to take off his shoes and socks for this one as he had to get into the water to be able to chip the ball. He managed to chip a great shot considering his lie. But Laird coolly putted out to win his first PGA event by one stroke. congratulations to Martin Laird for a great tournament.

Congratulations and a big thank-you to all the players, the PGA, the TPC Summerlin, and all the volunteers who participated to help the Shriners kids.

Are you a “doer?”  Do you have a charity that you support?   If not…get involved today.  Go to the Shriners website and learn about the amazing things that Shriners do. Plan to come support the JTShrinersopen golf tournament next year and get involved.  Be a “doer”.  It is empowering to say the least and you will be surprised how amazing it feels to involve yourself.

After an enjoyable day with amateurs and celebrities, the PGA pro’s got down to work this morning with the first groups Teeing off at 0710.  The weather was perfect today…sunny with no wind.  The temperature pushed the 90′ mark.  Yesterday we had significant wind and a few light sprinkles.  Today, there was not a cloud in the sky.  The rest of the weekend promises to be more of the same…perfect for golfers.

We have fielded a great group of PGA pros for this tournament.  The winner’s purse is over $750,000.00.  The TPC golf and Country Club in Las Vegas was transformed from a great private country club into a first class venue for this PGA event.  The field includes; Davis Love lll, Rory Sabbatini, Chris DiMarco, David Duval, Chad Campbell, and Chris Riley…to name just a few.

After 18 holes, there is a three-way tie for first place.  It is held by Tom Pernice Jr., Troy Matteson, and Spencer Levin.  They each shot a 62 for the day. But, with three more rounds to go, a lot can change.  We will see.  I will keep you posted…