to principals or teachers once a month. Tickets, autographs, cash – almost always these little pieces of paper were enough to fix a problem. One bartender, after witnessing a golfer get rowdy at a clubhouse bar and cause a scene, want- ed a helicopter ride. Never been in one, simply wanted a joy ride. If I remember correctly, we had him up in the skies the following weekend. As you might be wondering, the an- swer is yes, I’ve fulfilled a lot of requests for Masters badges, but getting a person to play Augusta National – sorry, out of my jurisdiction. The real key in all these situations
is the negotiation. Where other agents screw up is they immediately jump to tickets, cash, etc. They have no people skills. What I realised early is whoever I was trying to silence needed to be heard. Whatever gift was coming their way, ultimately, was secondary. I got out of the business some time ago. It was too much of me doing all the hard stuff while other agents got the benefits. Now I mostly consult for events management. But I’m not going to lie, I smile whenever a scandal comes to light because I know if I was still in the business, you wouldn’t know about it. – WITH JOEL BEALL
When the golfer desperately pleaded with the guy to not call the cops, the witness saw dollar signs.
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 9
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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