I am loving this Santee controversy.

It's not just because of all of the readership this fine blog is generating. It's not just because I enjoy watching self righteous, overpaid marketers squirm. And, it's not just because I enjoy calling it like I see it.

This little tiff has actually inspired some solid readers with legitimate
viewpoints to come out and state their case - in some cases dissing
The Rebel. In other cases, it has exposed some frauds in the golf
industry trying to con not only you, but The Rebel as well.

Tom Martin tried his damndest to let you all know his love and affection for Santee, South Carolina. Martin is a the publisher of a New England and Cape Cod print golf publication under the name of Tee Ball Golf. Martin has been publishing golf about New England for as long as the region has had clam chowder. Martin, unfortunately, tried to con all of you while supporting his financial interests in Santee.

In my blog Santee, SC Impersonates a Golf Destionation, Martin rips me a new one, saying "Not all Golfers can nor want to spend all their $ on One Trip. I too spent a few bucks in Santee. However, I came away feeling I got exactly what I paid for. Golf, Lodging, Cart and a Great Breakfast for under $200 for 4 days with no sur charges."

Tom does not mention that Santee Tourism is an advertiser of his publication. Tom sneaks in to do a hit and run on The Rebel by supporting Santee, while failing to disclose his position and business interests. After a few phone calls, I even found out that Martin is a member of The Golf Writers Assocation of America. While conning my readers, Martin did not want to disclose that, either. Martin is indeed a long time golf publisher who has a right to say what he thinks. His publication is filled with PR crap that is basically advertorial copy approved by the golf courses. I have read his stuff many times and it appears the GWAA has no care about his poor journalistic quality. He attempts to pass off editorial under a byline that is nothing more than advertiser copy. His material is nothing more than advertorial with no regard for the truth.

(Truth be told, The GWAA has little regard for its members telling the truth. To join the GWAA, all you have to do is pay a small fee and show a few articles in a print rag. VOILA! You're in.)

Even more amusing is his claim that "I too spent a few bucks in Santee. However, I came away feeling I got exactly what I paid for. " Given that he is a publisher and accepting advertising money from Santee, I would be amazed if he ever paid a dime for a green fee. Santee is quite generous about comping all golf writers. He wanted all of you to believe he is a paying Joe like all of you. Martin never pays for golf - let alone at a destination that is his client.

I am allowed to write this blog, criticize TravelGolf.com whenever I please. TravelGolf.com writers and bloggers hammer me. Martin is bad for golf journalism and The GWAA should get rid of him.

In contrast to Martin, is a man of integrity named Greg Wires, publisher of a golf guide named Golf Minnesota. He disagrees with my viewpoints AND he disclosed that he receives advertising revenue from Santee. Kudos Greg! I need to check out your work in
the future.

Rebel

Checkout:
http://www.travelgolf.com/departments/blogs/rebel.blogger/2005/03/28/new_england_golf_publisher_frauds_our_re