I can’t tell you how many times someone has asked me if I can “hook them up” with the virtual paper bag hat. I even had one guy offer box seats at a Cubs game if I were to somehow get him the gorilla headwear before his buddies got it.

Come on now. I have morals. I tried to get him it but he never called back.

The point of all of this is that, for many, the clothing they wear is almost as important as what clubs they use. The fact that you can dress your golfer up like a giant disgrace, or play it cool if you so desire, is part of the fun in Golden Tee. This is your virtual freedom and millions of you take full advantage of it.

The process, however, of getting all these wacky clothing items into Golden Tee year after year is a much more complex process than you might think. We have artists at IT that are given this task and it requires months of time and thought. Have you ever thought about where that giant beekeeper headgear actually comes from? Well, I have. And if you haven’t by now than maybe the thought has just crossed your mind. Either that or you are LONG GONE from this blog.

I sat down and chatted with IT artist Mike Sanchez who was given Golden Tee clothing duties for the first time in GT 2011 just to find out much more about a process many of us really know nothing about. Here’s what Mike had to say about the design process, the clothing in GT 2011, and what promo codes you can expect to see in the coming months.

AK: Mike, thanks for taking this moment to fill in the GT public a bit more about the process of getting all the wacky clothing we all know and love into the game. So you are “the guy” when it comes to designing and implementing clothing into the game?

MS: No problem, Adam. Glad to do it. Well, in some ways I guess you could say I am the guy for 2011, but this is an enormous team effort.  The process begins when Brian (Jandula) and Jim (Zielinski) come to our team first with a list of ideas that they’d like to see in the next game. After that they pretty much give us the freedom to research and add some things we’d like to see in the next installment.

AK: For GT 2011, were there any particular ways you’ve decided to go that might be different from past years?

MS: I personally wanted to add in some shirts that kind of match the times. There are some designer tees in there along with some various clothing items that fit what people are wearing. With that being said, there still is a giant focus on adding in plenty of the crazy items people have grown to love over the years. That stuff is fun to make but also can require a lot more work on our end. Still, it’s well worth it.

AK: How long on average would you say it takes you to make a standard virtual shirt?

MS: On a good day, and we certainly have or fair share that don’t work out how we want, creating and getting a shirt ready for Golden Tee can take anywhere from a half-day to an entire day. Hats can take a lot more work, because the geometry usually has to be built into the game if it’s different from anything we’ve done before.

AK: Wow. Well, I’ll appreciate you guys much more when I wear my ridiculous gear now that I know what goes into the process. Speaking of the process, can you give us some more details of some of the ridiculous additions in 2011? What are a few of your favorites?

MS: We’ve added a mummy costume into the game this year which I have no doubt will be an absolute hit. On top of that there is some new hunting-type gear, a bunch of fun random items, and my personal favorite, a shirt with a pocket watch. I guess I’ll leave the rest of it up to the players to earn once the game comes out. We don’t want to spoil all the fun.

AK: The request I get on the Golden Tee Facebook Page more than any other is the clamoring for new giveaway clothing items. We did a handful of items a little while back, including some holiday gear. Please tell me we will be able to get some new items in Golden Tee 2011?

MS: Yes, giveaway clothing items are back in 2011. We’ve created more Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s stuff plus we’ve added Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day also into the mix. This on top of the virtual Salute shirt that is being featured now for those that donate to the PCC.

AK: Mike, thank you so much for the time. Can’t wait for 2011!

On the surface this might look unimpressive, but those who actively post and check the page know how far it has come in less than a year. In fact, it’s become so busy that monitoring and updating this page sometimes takes hours out of my daily routine.

Why Our Page Doesn’t Suck

The interactions on the GT page between fans and from us is unlike any other page on Facebook – seriously, just look at Buffalo Wild Wing’s one random post every few days with little to no contact with its fans. BW3s is doing something right to get the amount of fans they have, but you won’t get any direct contact with them if you happen to post on their page.

Many people might believe that operating this kind of site is a widespread operation. Time consuming, yes. Deep and complicated, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. I do most of the posting and maintenance for GT Facebook although Duffer Dan checks in every now and then. He has his hands full maintaining the Golden Tee Twitter Page.

The privilege and responsibility of maintaining the Facebook page brings an intriguing new way to operate. The response for the Gamer v2 promotion conducted over the past few weeks was so overwhelming that it surprised the marketing crew at IT. For a recap of what we did, you can check it out here.

And yes, we will offer up better questions than whether you like basketball or hockey. P.S. – I’m a football and baseball guy and either hockey or basketball really does it for me.

Ballz, BALLS, Ballllllllls, and more balls

The word “balls” was written well over a thousand times (in all sorts of ways) over the course of a two-week span for our Gamer v2 Facebook contest.

I learned throughout this contest that our GT fans are creative and don’t mind throwing in a testicle joke, or two, or three because well, it’s timely and hilarious. Plus, as a 25-year-old I can honestly declare that saying or hearing “balllllllz” never gets old.

In this two-week span, the Facebook Page literally doubled – something we were all thrilled with. Because of this, every fan was eligible to receive at least 25 free virtual golf balls for joining. This, however, is where things start to get interesting.

After providing the email address for players to submit their personas, the marketing crew received literally hundreds of emails each day from fans claiming their balls. While we plan to have a more efficient system in place in the future, we, and more specifically IT Marketing VP Scott Morrison, spent an entire day organizing all the names and personas into a spreadsheet. Not exactly a giant operation.

It was, and still is interesting to think that many thought of this as a finely oiled machine. There was no way we weren’t living up to our end of the bargain, but on our side you had less than 3 people actually sorting through and dispersing tens of thousands of golf balls.

“Golden Tee Sucks and Where are My &^%$ing Balls!”

Because the Facebook page never closes, players are able to post anything they want into the feed at all times. This is great (or horrible) news for the 3 AM drunken Facebooker who is simply looking for something to do after coming home from a bad night on the trackball.

During the Gamer v2 promotion, we saw a lot of these kinds of rants. Some were directed to difficulty getting the golf balls, some were good ol’ fashion bashings, and some were just absurd.

Here are a few of the good ones. DISCLAIMER: These aren’t necessarily drunk posts and none of the spelling, text, or wording was altered in anyway.

“All I can say about your ball promo is it sucks, you were vague on the way to get the balls and never returned MY E-MAILS THANKS FOR NOTNING<SAT LEAST SAY THANKS FOR THE OVER 4 GRAND I’VE SPENT ON THE GAME IN3 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” -Jean K.

“I used to be a huge fan of golden tee. no more. you people hjad a good thing going, but the courses are unrealistic. you get no more of my money” -Eric C.

“Grow some BALLS GOLDEN TEE!!!!!!!! come on now! Nice empty promises….” -Kyle S.

“Boobies.” -Scott S.

While these are hilarious to read it can also be frustrating at times. It would be easy to say I don’t take these kinds of responses personally, but it still somehow feels that way in the Facebook setting.

With that said, I would never delete a post like this (unless there is mass profanity) because it is your right as a fan to express yourself, whether it’s positive, negative or ridiculous. Active fans of the page can also attest to the fact that I will respond to almost every single thread – even if my head might be ready to explode.

On The Very Bright Side –  This Is Changing Golden Tee

Regardless of the random posts and occasional unhappy camper, the Golden Tee Facebook Page is by far the biggest advancement for the game outside what’s in the cabinet. It also happens to be the most enjoyable part of my day.

I love seeing what people are talking about, which YouTube moment is making noise, and what is the overall vibe from this growing community. You have a voice on the page and what you say can and will be passed along if it makes sense. (Sorry Scott S. – “Boobies doesn’t quite make the cut).

This massive active fan base is unlike anything the game has seen before. While there are message boards and forums, these don’t have the same feel that this page has. I am a Golden Tee Fan Boy at heart, so talking and answering anything people might muster up doesn’t feel much like work.

The page will continue to grow, a select few players will drunkenly post how much they hate us, and thousands of fans will continue to spread the GT love and create an even larger community of talking trackballers. And If you’re going to get hammered and start posting away – don’t drop any F-bombs because I’ll have to probably delete it. Otherwise, the stage is yours.

Can’t wait to see what’s next and if you aren’t in on the action yet – come join us.

In the 21-year history of Golden Tee, the game has gotten tons of press coverage.  Usually from the likes of Sports Illustrated, ESPN or MAXIM.   Hell we’ve gone as far as Penthouse to TIME magazine too.  But traditionally, us and the gamer press do NOT see eye to eye.  There’s a huge disconnect.  In a nut shell, they think we make hokey arcade games for drunk, college frat boys with too much testosterone (partially true…) that are not worthy of respect to the mighty console games.

But as the lines of social gaming continue to blur, we here at the IT marketing department think, “TO HELL WITH THE CLICHES, let’s see if the gamer press is ready to play nice.”  We’re the original social game for crying out loud and gaming is not as black-and-white as it once was.

So on August 4th, I sent the fun, new Golden Tee 2010 trailer to Kotaku – one of the largest gaming blogs in existence.  For whatever reason, Kotaku seems to have a soft spot for us in their heart.  They’ve been cool and ran some other items this year.  But this time – they knew exactly what they were doing.  Senior Editor Michael McWhertor posted our link with a well-written, tongue-and-cheek diatribe he called Golden Tee: The Song is Deadly Ear Poison.

(Sigh, here we go again…)

Michael didn’t tank us.  No.  In fact, his note was clever and funny.  But, like the song says, “He teed it high,” for the blog’s commenters to “…let it fly!”  And on cue, the web-site’s army of geeks began firing nerd bombs across our bow, insinuating – yet again – that Golden Tee isn’t really a game worthy of chatting about on a sophisticated gamer site.  (Oh, we’re sorry we disrupted your anime erotic story that day)    Here are some highlights of the some 50 comments.

PIEMONKEY said, “Well, we all know what game won’t do well.” (Oh, the one that’s earned more coin-in than Pac Man, errr which?)

DEFEATER said, “So what, this game/song/post is designed to make me hate everything about the world?” (No, my friend.  That’s still just you and “your secret”)

KINGDAVID73 said, “I never understood the appeal of golfing arcade games, but I see them in every bar / bar and grill I’ve ever been in. … although, I’ve never seen anyone play them.  (Oh, crap – you’re right?! We forgot to tell our customer that no one P L A Y S the games.  DAMN!)

But I have something to say to these geeks on behalf of the millions of Golden Tee fans in the world.  An open letter from me to you.

I am sorry for breaking your glasses in dodge ball back in P.E..  And yes, that was my touchdown you were writing about for the school paper back then and yes, it was GLORIOUS.  And remember when you were trying to hack into the prom queen’s computer?   I was making out with her. Yes, my friend – I was THAT popular.  And I’m sorry I made fun of your “foam sword fight club” back then – but it was funny.  And truthfully, I never had anything against you, your plastic figurines and your witty t-shirts… Really.

So today, while you’re sitting at home in your underwear massively multiplayering in your “social” network – I’ll be at the bar, hanging out with my friends, living life, playing Golden Tee and loving every damn minute of it.  Oh yeah, me and the 10,000,000 other Golden Tee players to have “viciously attacked the trackball” the past 21-years.

When you’re ready to get over yourself and try something different – we’ll be here, waiting at the bar, with an ice cold beer for you in-hand, ready to chat about our differences.  But until then, THIS YOUTUBE LINK SAYS IT ALL.

- Golden Tee

See Kotaku, we have a sense of humor too!  :D

Good times,

- Duffer Dan

Sobe is my friend.  And as a friend, I am happy for him as I know how badly he’s wanted to work side-by-side his Dad at Backstreet again.  But again, Sobe is my friend and it’s more bitter than sweet for me to see his office desk get cleaned out this week.  And sure, it’s not “good bye” it’s only “so long for now,” but still…

Sobe and I have a storied history and I thought the GTB is the perfect place for this homage to my pal.

The History

Sobe and I started in the same month at IT five-and-a-half years ago.  He was brought on to be “Sobe.”  I was brought on for other reasons – the most unique of which was to be “Duffer Dan” – Sobe’s n00b protege and communicator to the masses of virtual hacks.  Before blogging was blogging, I was blogging in the GT player forums with my supposed-to-be-funny diatribes called The Bronze Tapes: Excerpts from Duffer Dan’s Diary. Clever name, huh? (That’s why I make the big bucks…)

Anyway, “Duffer Dan” was intended to be a voice for average players.  It was my job to leverage learning the game from a GT champion into helpful, fun content for our player community.  Did it work?  Well, you tell me…   The name certainly stuck and the blog made it fourteen posts deep.  I may not have shaved strokes from other n00bs’ games but the Sobe/Duffer experiment was a success.

Classic Video from Houston

Our pairing became less master/protege and more Penn/Teller – sort of a comedic act ingrained in Golden Tee lore.  His matter-of-fact skill and my goofy, antagonistic shtick grew into something special.   We learned that just the tales of Sobe/Duffer are more fun, natural and interesting than anything else we could have done.  Sure, playing Golden Tee was the underlying theme of everything but “living the Golden Tee lifestyle” became the soul of our work.  And I am proud to say whether it’s our countless videos, podcasts or even this very blog post, Steven Sobe helped me forge a persona for Golden Tee and Incredible Technologies and for that, I owe him this tribute.

Well, Boo-Freakin’-Hoo

Yeah, yeah, Sobe is leaving.  And now that you know why I am compelled to write this tribute, it’s time move on and start my roast of this lovable S-O-B, Sobe.  I should add that everyone will be seeing Sobe off clingin’ glasses, sipping imported beer and exchanging hugs at Duffy’s in Palatine, IL on Wednesday 7/29.  Yes, I’ll be there but come on, that lovey-dovey stuff is just too boring for me.  There’s just so much that people need to know about Sobe to gain a full appreciation.  And since only a select few can hang with us at Duffy’s, I’d rather post my roast publicly.

In the IT marketing department we always say, “it ain’t easy bein’ Sobe” – and it’s time I reveal why.  So once again – like the young, wide-eyed Duffer Dan I once was – I will shed my final insight on what it’s like hangin’ with the man, the myth, the blue button, Steven Sobe, in a special piece I call the…

TOP 10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT STEVEN SOBE

2007 Southern Regional: Sobe dominates Duffer with a lefty-righty in the CTTP demo

#10: Sobe is Ambidextrous

Righty, lefty, who gives a rip – Sobe will probably kick your ass either way.  When playing Golden Tee he pulls-back lefty and tees-off righty.  Now, how in the hell are you supposed to teach a n00b how to play with an antic like that?  It’s kind of like a driving instructor teaching you how to gas and brake as he steers the car with his feet!  Come on, Sobe… Yeah, we get it, we’re impressed that you’re equally adept with both L and R appendages but how about putting your talent to better use like juggling chainsaws, playing classical piano, or something?  Dude, it’s just a video game.

#9: Galaga, Pool, Golden Tee

Yes, in that order.  Don’t forget, he grew up in a pool hall and his Dad worked on a amusement game route.  Sobe had lots of time to home his skills.  I learned of these skills in 2004, first it was the Galaga machine at Friday’s Front Row in Orlando, FL.  Sobe said, “give me one quarter.  I’ve played for 4 hours on one quarter before.”  When I made him prove it, 1 quarter in, 60-minutes later – no dead lives – he quit because “the joystick was ‘laggy.’”

Pool?  It was at the X-Games in Los Angeles where Sobe and I were stationed for a week.  We were staying at the same hotel as all the bad-ass, biker, skater dudes.  The hotel bar was packed while the Sobester and I racked up for some R&R.  As Sobe was kicking my teeth in, some tattooed-skater crew threw a line of quarters on the rail to challenge “winner” for the table.  No words were spoken between Sobe and the crew and I watched as Sobe won 8-games in row, giving them maybe 5 shots.  No mercy…  During the ninth game, Sobe scratches on the eight-ball and quietly says, “ahh…  You got it.”  Sheeplishy, skater-dude replies, “Dude.  The table yours, man…”

#8: No, He Aint Good at Everything

For example, Steven Sobe sucks at riding mechanical bulls.  See video.

Sobe shows his boss, Scott, how to eat a dog. Burnt...

#7: The Connoisseur of Mediocrity

I am known as somewhat of a foodie around the office.  I don’t rub it any one’s face – hey, eat what you like – but, yes, I am particular about what I consider great.  Sobe too considers himself a connoisseur.  Though it’s time that he – and the world – know that prowess of his palette ends at the big, bright, neon of the restaurant franchise sign.  If you need advice on the best bacon-loaded-fried-nachos platter, or chicken-fried-grease-marinara pasta bowl, Sobe is your guy.  Though the local Portillo’s will miss his daily investment of “Italian beef w/cheese and bowl of chili no onions.”  (yeah, I know.  And I’m the fat one…)

#6: Ok, He’s Good at Everything

Sobe still thinks he can tame the X Games Big Air Jump

Whether you’re eying down the vertical incline of a 2-story half-pipe or watching a professional pitcher’s 95-mph four-seam fastball, in his quiet southern drawl, Sobe will non-shalantly reply with one of two statements: “That ain’t a big deal, Duff.  I can do that” or “That ain’t a big deal, Duff.  I’ve done that.”  Whether it’s hitting a 7-iron 200-yards, attacking a vert ramp on a skateboard, playing bags, darts, Silver Strike, beer pong, pick-up sticks, whatever – don’t bet against him.  Ever.   You will lose.  He can do it…

#5: “He’s a Hustler Baby and He Want’s You To Know”

Greatest business card ever.

Back in 2004, Sobe and I ventured into a bar in Santa Monica, CA.  Three jabronies were teeing up on some Golden Tee Fore! 2005 talking all sorts of smack with their plus-scores.  Diplomatically, Sobe and I say, “Hey, fellas.  Can we get in on the next game?”  In a drunken stooper, they arrogantly reply, “yeah, sure, man.  But we ONLY play for money.”  ”Yes. YES,” I said under my breath to Sobe.  ”This is finally our day.  Let’s mop up with these ya-hoos – easy pickins, man!”  Sobe queitly digs into his pocket, hands the guys a business card that says, Steven Sobe, 3-Time GT National Champion, and bluntly says, “are you sure?”  Their reaction was priceless.  We ended up teeing-up with the guys for hours and Sobe showed them the ropes.  That’s the type of guy he is.  Classic.

#4: Sobe is Complicated…

…but I imagine Plato confused Aristotle at times too.  To fully take in Sobe’s intense, complex level of understanding of Golden Tee you need to basically forget everything you now about the game, standard vocabulary, physics and geometry.  Inventor (or curator) of such complicated techniques as The Arcade Shot, The Out-and-Out, The Sobe Swerve, The Chush, The Hammer, The Pull-Back-Thumbs, The Softie, The Spinny.  Or his famous, profound expressions like “That was too much funk.” “Hit down on it,” or my personal favorite, “you hit that too good.” Luckily, my secret Sobe decoder ring works pretty well.

Sobe - the consummate slacker

#3: Sobe is a Terrible Roommate

Sobe and I have shared more rooms in the past five-and-a half years than most grown men should ever have too.  And whether it was the finest (or seediest) hotels in Las Vegas, to the sticks of the South, all the way to the modest means of a stateroom aboard a US Navy aircraft carrier – it didn’t matter, he’s always a celebrity at heart and likes it his way.  Heat on in the summer, late for everything, no wake up calls, takes two hours to shave and primp an 1/8th inch hair.  He’ll make you late for airplanes, leaves ESPN blaring at 4:00AM and don’t forget the tobacco “spitoons” on your nightstand.  Sobe, I’ll miss you – but the thought that  I’ll never have to share a room with you ever again is liberating.  Ahhhh….. There.  I said it.

#2: And the Academy Award Doesn’t Go To…

Sobe!  Not counting course reviews, Sobe and I have recorded dozens and dozens of videos.  I’m always the host and he’s always the *ahem* talent.  But it wasn’t until the past few years when we really found our rhythm.  You just have to let Sobe be him – no scripts, no teleprompter.  Make him act and you won’t get Sobe.  Let him be himself and you get Golden Tee video gold.

Check out the attached outtake for instance.  A little known fact is that Sobe was supposed to do these videos solo.  The director threw me in to loosen up the action.  This was our first shot at “Sobe/Duffer” on camera and started what became our series of Odd Couple-eque media.  Ballllllllzzzzz…..

#1: Steven Sobe is a Good Man.

You see celebrity-types on television or in movies and think, “that person does/doesn’t seem nice in real life.”  You see Sobe during every Golden Tee game played and naturally think, “seems like a nice guy,” right?  He is.  The nicest.  Nobody ribs Sobe harder than I do.  I kid, I joke, and have busted his chops daily for five-years as if it were my duty.  But I do it because he is a grade-A, true-blue good person and great friend.  And anyone who works at IT or has met Sobe will agree.  He takes time to listen and cares about your well being.  That’s all I can ask in a friend and what I will miss most after this Friday.

Sobe, we’ve spent countless hours talking during road trips, at airports, in musty motels, afloat at sea, on the golf course, at the bar and mostly behind the trackball, and I’ll always cherish the time.  Thank you for listening, being a great “partner in crime” and of course an outstanding friend.  It’s been a good run so far and as I said at the start, it’s not good bye, it’s only “so long for now.”

Here are a few final parting photos from some of my favorite Sobe/Duffer moments.   Enjoy -

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

But enough with mushy stuff.  Consider this blog entry my declaration, that when you bring back the Mt. Airy Golden Tee Open at Sobe’s Backstreet Pavilion, “Duffer” Dan Schrementi will be the first person on the entry list.  Why?  Not because all your mentoring will carry me to victory.  Or because I really miss “talkin’ shop” with you.  Truly, it’s because I hear Backstreet has “the greatest fried mozzarella sticks in North Carolina.”

Good luck, brother….

- DD

Well, well, well – here at the inner sanctum of the Golden Tee marketing universe – we are hip.  We are with it. And yes, bro – we can hang with you wiki-tubey-tweety hip cats too!  But damn it – we do it with some common sense and style.

Ya know, the Golden Tee marketing team is small, but we are MIGHTY!  And you’ve probably noticed an equal amount of Golden Tee Goodness on and off the game this past year.  We kicked it off with YouTube Great Shot Replays in last year’s 2009 update.  The simple idea of replaying holes-in-one has always been around, but when our team first eyed YouTube the drool starting forming.  It was a way to make everyone happy – YOU, the player, are happy because you can show off your off-the-ubrella-stick-nothin-but-cup.  And I, the marketing geek, am happy because we’ve uploaded 30,000 videos and are approaching 1,000,000 advertisements, errr, views!  User generated content at it’s best, baby.

Here's My Incredible Stat Card, Where's Yours?!

But we didn’t stop there.  And likely by now you’ve seen our killer new Facebook Applications.  The addition of dynamic stats cards for Golden Tee and Silver Strike Bowling, along with our new “Dress Your Golfer” app for Goldentee.com/Facebook – this stuff’s just the tip of your 2.0 iceberg.

Yesterday, we launched a fun  project for those millions of iGoogle users out there – our very first Golden Tee iGoogle theme! (insert applause here)  So whether searching for important items like dogs on skateboards, celebrity smut or, aaaa , “private entertainment” – we here at Golden Tee Central hope you git’r done within your fun Golden Tee frame!

So, are you left wondering, “Duffer, how is this any different than those big-time-poser corporate fat cats you speak of?” Well, my friends, I can proudly say that social media is only as good as the community that’s powering it and YOU GUYS ROCK!  Whether it’s through our presence on Twitter, Facebook or YouTube, you – THOUSANDS OF YOU – were there first and greased the IT social media marketing machine.  We came along merely to add a little more insight and legitimacy into your already existing communities and thanks dudes – we’ve learned a ton along the way.

To end this post, I propose the challenge for you to challenge us…

HOW CAN INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES HELP FURTHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA?

An easy question, with no right or wrong answers.  We’ve already heard many great suggestions like “blog about course creation” or ” exclusive contests for Facebook and Twitter users” – whatever your suggestion is, now is your chance to voice it!  And maybe, just maybe, your suggestion will help shape the future of Golden Tee Golf!  And that, my friends, if anything else, would be an AWESOME acheivment on your ol’ resume…

Good times,

- DD