Golf events, openings include ways to save

Times are tough, no doubt about it. Especially on a reduced income.

Much to my chagrin, when it comes to money, I’ve been described as financially challenged. That translates into stingy, tightwadish and miserly.

Meet Mary Hunt. She’s founder and publisher of the newsletter and blog, The Everyday Cheapskate. She’s been giving tips on saving money since 1992. I read it every day.

We all know entertainment can be expensive. That’s why I have two must-do things for you in the next couple of weeks.

The eight longest drivers are competing for the title of RE/MAX World Long Drive Champion. The finals are to be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, 10325 Nu-Wav Kaiv Blvd. After a grueling three-day elimination competition in late September, the November Eight will laser the night skies with thunderous golf shots.

There are two golfers to watch during the competition.

The favorite is Joe “The Total Package” Miller, at 6 feet, 3 inches and 270 pounds. Joe was the 2010 RE/Max Long Drive Champion and runner-up in 2013. Joe’s from London, England, and is undefeated in 12 long drive events this year, mostly on the European Long Drive Tour. In the qualifying competition this year, Joe whacked one 469 yards. Stats: Club head speed, 150 mph; ball speed, 225 mph.

Right there with Joe is eight-time final qualifier Jamie Sadlowski. Jamie won the championship in 2008 and 2009. He also won the RE/MAX WLDC Junior Championships in 2005 and 2006. Most remarkable is that Jamie stands 5 feet, 11 inches and weighs 165 pounds. With a club head speed of 147 mph and ball speed of 216 mph, Jamie will be fierce competition for Joe.

The tickets are free. Log on to longdrivers.com/remax-wldc, click the “print your tickets” box, and you’re on your way to a world-class sporting event. Make it a buddy night, as stadium food and drink will be available.

Have you ever seen more hype than the recently opened Downtown Summerlin? I would have completely avoided the madhouse if not for the opening of Nevada’s first Golfsmith store. Now I know how my wife felt at the recent openings of Stein Mart and Sprouts stores.

Lucas Hatten is in the field marketing-mountain region for Golfsmith. Golfsmith has more than 100 stores nationwide, but the Downtown Summerlin location is the first in Nevada.

“Why Vegas? It’s one of the best golfing areas in the country. The incidence of dedicated golfers in the area is high, and Las Vegas fits in our market plan perfectly,” says Lucas, a 3-handicapper.

Salesperson Rob Zoine is happy to be at Golfsmith. He spent nine years at Home Depot, where I doubt he got to practice his golf swing. Rob is a 5-handicapper.

Grand openings are great events to search for bargains. And I was not disappointed. Rob is most happy with the golf teaching sysem Golftec. Golftec will provide a personal coach along with the latest golf learning technology for a consistent swing. Golftec claims a 95 percent success rate. It has yet to encounter a left-handed golfer with no discipline. The four-bay setup of interactive golf booths and use of the new Foresight game-changing performance software to enhance your game is impressive.

Customer service is at the heart of the Golfsmith mission. Called the Golfsmith Fair-Way, this service guarantees the lowest prices, the try-it-before-you-buy-it guarantee, an exclusive custom-fit program, and they’ll let you bring it back — even if you played it.

Bargains I found included the Over Run Golf Ball specials: Pro V1s for $35.99; Wilson Staff Duo for $12.99; and Pinnacle Golds for $5.99 a dozen.

Browsing the latest and greatest in golf equipment for a couple of hours — no charge.

Head over to one of the myriad new restaurants, and enjoy a happy hour beverage or two for less than $10.

Mission accomplished, you cheapskate.

John Asay is a longtime golfer and local freelance writer. Contact him at jasay@reviewjournal.com.